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The St Leger and Irish Champion Stakes Review 9/10/06 It was a great day's racing in England and Ireland as we saw 2 big races unfold in the space of 10 minutes. In England, it was St Leger day. The English Classic was moved to York this year due to course improvements at Doncaster. However, it was jockey Frankie Dettori who brought home the favorite, Sixties Icon, with a confident ride for trainer Jeremy Noseda. Frankie brought the horse through the field from the back of the pack and when he asked the horse to go, he burst through to win with ease. Just 10 minutes later, it was the turn of another supreme master, Kieren Fallon, to bring Dylan Thomas(13/8 fav.) through to win an exciting Bailey's Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown for trainer Aiden O'Brien. Only 5 horses lined up for this feature race on the World Calendar, however, it was definitely quality not quantity! Dualing fillies, Alexandra Goldrun(3/1) and Ouija Board (11/4) again lined up and many people thought these 2 fine racehorses would fight it out for victory. However, the punters favorite was Irish Derby winner, Dylan Thomas, who was returning to the track after failure in the Juddmonte at York just 2 weeks ago. In addition, there were concerns that the horse was dropping back to 10 furlongs from his favored mile and a half. Those concerns were found to be without justification. O'Brien's stablemate Ace took the field round from the start and as the horses approached the final turn, it was Fallon and Dylan Thomas who set off for home. However, Ouija Board, with Jamie Spencer up, soon joined him and with a furlong and a half to go, they took the lead and looked like they would pull away for victory. Dylan Thomas had left something in the tank though and under Fallon's urging, the horse managed to get back up to beat Ouija Board by a neck at the line. Alexandra Goldrun never really got into the contest and finished 21/2 lengths further back in third. Dylan Thomas's next run will largely be dictated by Hurricane Run. If the ground comes up very fast for the 'Arc, Dylan Thomas will be on stand by. Otherwise, it will be to the Breeders' Cup where he could be pointed for either the Classic or the Turf. Ouija Board is targeted for the Breeders' Cup Fillies and Mares while Alexandra Goldrun looks likely to aim for the Prix de l'Opera at the 'Arc Meeting. We salute Electrocutionist It is with great sadness, we report the death of Electrocutionist. He died of a suspect heart attack on Saturday morning at just 5 years of age. This fine horse had shown tremendous World Class cumulating in his victory in this year's Dubai World Cup even though his two most recent performances had both been second places. The death of the horse again showed how tumultuous the racing business can be and how soon fortunes can swing. For jockey Frankie Dettori, who rode Electrocutionist to victory in Dubai, yesterday was equally so as he had to deal with the horses death then later ride Sixties Icon to victory in the St Leger. Our hearts and prayers go out to the connections of Electrocutionist at this sad time.
ARLINGTON MILLION REVIEW 8/12/06 The Tin Man(5/1) proved Saturday that age is of no consequence to a true champion. The 8 year old gelding, out of the legendary Affirmed, led wire to wire. The horse, trained by Richard Mandella and ridden by Victor Espinoza broke well from post 2 and never looked back as he romped home to a one length lead followed by Cacique(9/2) and Soldier Hollow(15/1). The pace was a bit slow, they ran the first half mile in 50.37 and the entire 1 ¼ mile long race in 2.01.35. It was a beautiful sunny day with temperatures close to 80 F and a firm grass course. The Tin Man, who finished 6th in 2003, was given an easy lead by his competitors who failed to challenge him for the lead through most of the race. Cacique came with a late challenge but was unable to get close to the winner. The victory was Richard Mandella's first in the race. The punters favorite English Channel(2/1) came fourth after failing to break from the pack until late in the race and 2004 Breeder’s Cup Turf winner Better Talk Now could only manage seventh in the ten-horse race. The exciting race once again had a bit of intrigue attached as jockey Kieren Fallon, who rode last years winner Powerscourt, appealed the ban imposed by the Illinois Racing Board. The appeal was denied but not until the day of the race. Arlington Million Preview 8/10/06 Ten horses face off in what should be an exciting Arlington Million on Saturday Aug 12th. Last year's Secretariat second place finisher, English Channel, was entered for the race by trainer Todd Pletcher in preference to the Sword Dancer. Pletcher's other entry, Go Deputy, will miss the race leaving a field of 10 to take part in an extremely competitive race. English Channel and rival Cacique have drawn the posts 11 and 10 respectively. English Channel has the edge over Cacique having taken victory in 2 of the last 3 Grade 1's the horses have competed in.Traditionally, the outside is not the best place to be for the Million but English Channel may have the early speed needed to benefit from the outside gate. Better Talk Now returns again while the Tin Man is the lone California horse entered. We will see 4 European horses contesting this year. Ace, Touch of Land, Soldier Hollow and Phoenix Reach all line up and have received prime inside draws. Phoenix Reach is definitely a top class horse but is returning after a 13 month lay off after disappointing in the 2005 King George VI at Newbury. Cosmonaut and Major Rhythm look like they will have too much to do at this level. With English Channel looking to benefit more from the outside post, I favor him to edge out Cacique with Soldier Hollow having the best chance of causing an upset. King George VI Review 7/30/06 The 'Arc Champion, Hurricane Run (5/6 Fav), added the King George VI to his victory list as he took victory on Saturday 29th July at Ascot. It was the first victory for trainer Andre Fabre in this race and the first victory ever for jockey Christophe Soumillon at Ascot. Hurricane Run overcame some trouble in running to get up late on the inside with a flying late burst to prove that he can handle any type of ground. Here the going was good to firm while the 'Arc was won on good to soft. Cherry Mix took to the front from the start as expected and led the field through to the four furlong mark. Electrocutionist(4/1) came to the front at that stage with Heart's Cry(3/1) close behind holding Hurricane Run in against the inside rail. At the 2 furlong mark, Heart's Cry came through on the outside to take the lead and looked like he was going to take a memorable victory. However, Soumillon had other ideas and when a gap appeared on the inside he charged Hurricane Run through the gap to take victory by just half a length from Electrocutionist who stayed on well to take second. Heart's Cry came in third just a further half a length back. It was a magnificent end to a wonderfully competitive race with all three big guns performing to the best of their ability. Electrocutionist had drifted in the market a little following reports of the horse being a little stiff early on Saturday but the horse perfomed to expectations and connections were delighted with his run. Hopefully we will see Hurricane Run come out for the Breeders' Cup Turf later this year!
King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes Preview 7/28/06 Saturday's big race, the King George VI at Ascot sees an entry of just 6 horses and it looks like the big 3 versus the rest. Hurricane Run, the 'Arc winner from last year will start out as hot favorite and rightly so. If the ground comes up soft, he has to be be the top pick. However, he faces tough opposition from Electrocutionist, this year's Dubai World Cup victor and Heart's Cry, the Dubai Sheema Classic winner. Godolphin have entered Cherry Mix to act as a pace setter for Electrocutionist but we feel this strategy may best suit Hurricane Run who likes to cut through late after a strong early pace has been set. In addition, Electrocutionist may be better suited to a 10 furlong distance. Heart's Cry represents the outsider of the top 3 entries at ~3/1. However, this Japanese entry is no slouch and if you are a regular reader of our site, you will know that the Japanese are really taking the World of racing by storm. The horse was the leading older horse in Japan last year and has won a cool $8 Million already! He was second to Alkaased in last year's Japan Cup and then went on to beat superstar Deep Impact. Ignore him at your peril. We have already mentioned Cherry Mix's role in this race. Maraahel represents the Michael Stoute yard and although he has been performing well and loves the track, he looks like he will fall short of the main contenders. Enforcer brings up the field and looks like he will also fall short. He has a great attitude but never really looks like winning at the highest levels. In conclusion, it looks like Hurricane Run should take the spoils provided the ground doesn't come up too firm. If the anticipated rain doesn't come, the I favor Heart's Cry to pull off a great victory. Fallon to Face Charges Following his great Irish Derby victory, jockey Kieren Fallon was charged on Monday morning, 3rd July with 10 others of conspiring to defraud customers of the betting exchange Betfair . Others charged included jockey's Fergal Lynch and Darren Williams as well as trainer Alan Berry. A number of notables were released without charge including rising jockey Robert Winston and trainer Karl Burke. An investigation into the allegations has been taking place for the last 2 years under the City of London Police. Betfair had approached the Jockey Club after they discovered some irregular betting patterns. This was investigated by the Jockey Club who decided that criminal charges were necessary and brought in the Police. The allegations are that individuals including Fallon agreed not to run their horses "on their merit" and that others then bet on one of the horses, Hillside Girl, to lose the race. All 11 are expected to appear in court on July 17th in London before the case is expected to split into 3 different trials. The trials are not expected to start until Spring 2007. Fallon has had an often controversial career but has long been the darling of the British punters due to his never give up style attitude and brave riding in many big race tight finishes. He has been Champion jockey 6 times since 1997, won the Epsom Derby 3 times and now rides in most of the World's influencial races for John Magnier's Coolmore where he has had many impressive victories including Hurricane Run winning last year's 'Arc. We hope that the truth will come out and would like to remind everyone that people should be considered innocent until proven guilty Budweiser Irish Derby Review 7/4/06 Dylan Thomas(9/2) showed a magnificent turn of foot under master jockey Kieren Fallon to take the 2006 Budweiser Irish Derby. It was yet another Group One victory for the powerful Coolmore group. The victory also completed a noteable double for the O'Brien/Fallon team after they had earlier won the Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks Railway Stakes with Holy Roman Emperor! As the horses broke from the gate, Dylan Thomas took a prominant position behind the pace setter, Heliostatic. However the pack closed in as the horses rounded the final turn, Dylan Thomas got shuffled back in the pack as he was caught short of room on the inside rail. Fallon patiently waited and with 2 furlongs to go, he was rewarded when a gap appeared on the inside. Dylan Thomas shot through the gap and pulled away to win by an extremely easy 3 1/2 lengths. Gentlewave(11/2), the resounding Italian Derby victor, came through late to take second having also being trapped but chose to swing round the outside to get some racing room. Unfortunately the horse, under jockey Johnny Murtagh, had too much to do and could not catch the leader. Connections also felt he would have preferred softer ground. Best Alibi (9/1) from the Michael Stoute yard, was a further length back in third and connections felt the distance was just a little too far though they were delighted with the horses performance. Budweiser Irish Derby Preview 7/1/06 The best of European dreams descend on The Curragh this Sunday for the Budweiser Irish Derby. This race promises to be extremely competitive with horses from French, Italian and English prep races joining the Irish. It is a shame that Sir Percy, the Epsom Derby winner, will not be there to take on this field. However, the Epsom Derby form looks strong with Papal Bull and Sixties Icon having gone on to win at Ascot. Dragon Dancer finished a mighty close second to Sir Percy and Dylan Thomas was tremendous in third. Best Alibi (6th) and Mountain (8th) are two other Derby horses who have credible chances. Best Alibi is likely to prefer the Curragh to Epsom and with expected improvement, could claim the prize. However, Michael Stoute has gone into a mini slump at present and the timing may not be quite right. The French Derby provides us with the Chantilly winner, Darsi, who is likely to go off as favorite. Best Name, a close second in that race, will also make the trip. However, the ground will be a lot faster than for that race. Out of the Italian Derby comes Gentlewave who won thae race in impressive style by 4 lengths. However, does the horse have enough class to get it done in this company? Just for good measure, the Irish circuit provides us with Heliostatic, Monsuieur Henri, Land Before Time and Aiden O'Brien's Puerto Rico. Heliostatic and Puerto Rico both coming in off 10 furlong victories at the Curragh on softer ground. A field of 13 is set to leave the starting gate tomorrow. I expect the winner to come from either Dragon Dancer or Dylan Thomas - the latter is the chosen mount of Kieren Fallon - as they frank the firm ground form of the Epsom Derby over in Ireland.
Royal Ascot Day 5 Review Another day of close finishes, high drama and smattering of long shots finished the 5 day extravaganza at Ascot yesterday. First off in the Chesham, it was Champlain(7/2) who gave trainer Michael Jarvis his first Royal Ascot success. Champlain took the lead 1 furlong out and wnt on to win easily by 2 lengths from Country Song with Middleham stating on for third. Maraahel(9/2) finally lived up to expectations as he took the Hardwicke by a head from stablemate Mountain High in a pulsating finish. Michael Stoute's horses finished 1st and 2nd with Enforcer in third. Trainer Tim Pitt, in his first season as a trainer, took the Golden Jubilee to add to his earlier season Chester Cup victory. Les Arcs(33/1) was a big outsider following his 11th place in the King's Stand Stakes earlier this week. However, he powered past favorite Takeover Target in the closing stages only to be almost caught on the line by Balthazaan's Gift who had to settle for second. Takeover target held on for third. In the Wokingham, Baltic King (10/1) powered through on the stand rails to take victory from favorite Firenze and Bahamian Pirate. Jimmy Fortune gave the horse a great ride in taking victory for trainer Hugh Morrison. George Margarson has been in good form recently and long shot Young Mike (28/1) helped him claim his first Royal Ascot victory. The horse has shown dramatic improvement over the last 6 months and has come all the way from banded company at Wolverhampton and Lingfield all the way through to Royal Ascot glory! Jockey Richard Quinn received bans for both careless riding and excessive use of the whip as he held off favorite Glistening. In the final race of the day, the Queen Alexandra, it was left to Mike Channon's Baddam(11/2) to have the final say as he took a magnificent double by adding victory to his Ascot Stakes victory earlier in the week. Jockey Ian Mongan got up with a late run to steal the race from favorite Cover Up with Vinando finishing well to take third. All in all, it was a tremendous week of racing in a magnificent setting with the wonderful new grandstand in place. Jamie Spencer, James Fanshawe, Mark Johnston and Kevin Darley, in particular, set the stage on fire during the meet. It was fitting that Baddam should end things with a memorable double with both the Ascot and Queen Alexandra Stakes to his name. We look forward to next year with much excitement!! Royal Ascot Day 4 Review Trainer Mark Johnston has been in pretty poor form this year. However, yesterday his stable took 4 victories then followed up with a 466/1 treble today at Royal Ascot in taking the last 3 races of the day! I think that Mark is definitely back to form together with regular "go to" rider Kevin Darley. In today's opener. the Albany, Frankie Dettori finally won his first race of the day on Jeremy Noseda's Sander Camillo (4/1). Silk Blossom was 1.5 lengths back in second with Scarlet Runner third. In the King Edward VII Stakes, Papal Bull (5/4)justified heavy favoritism to take victory for trainer Michael Stoute with Kieren Fallon up. Papal Bull was expected to make up for a terrible run in the Derby and dueled up the stretch to beat Red Rocks by a neck. Sixties Icon took third. The day's feature, the Coronation Stakes, saw Nannina now at full fitness on good to firm ground take the race for John Gosden under Jimmy Fortune. The filly took an easy victory over Flashy Wings who also showed major improvement over the firm ground with Nasheej back in third. The Wolferton marked the start of the Johnston treble. I'm So Lucky (16/1) pulled off a minor surprise with Joe Fanning on board as he lead from start to finish. Johnston had Crosspiece come home third with Wild Savannah taking second. Soapy Danger (4/1) completed a 84/1 double for Johnston in the Queens Vase - this time with Kevin Darley in the irons. Soapy Danger took the lead in the stretch from Galient and beat him home by a length and a quarter. Ermine Sea took third. In the final race of the day, the King George V Stakes, it was Johnston and Darley again who took easy victory with Linas Selection (9/2). Enjoy the Moment and Bandama completed the places to bring to an end another memorable day of racing. Royal Ascot Day 3 Review Dutch Art (11/4) kicked off the day with victory in the Norfolk. It was another key victory for long time specialist 2 yr old trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam with Alan Munro up. Dutch Art managed to hold off the late finishing hot favorite Hoh Mike, who found his gap too late but finished strongly. Longshot Cav Okay took third. In the Ribblesdale, Mont Etoile (25/1) was a surprise winner for part owner Lester Piggott. Jockey Michael Hills came with a late charge on the Haggas trained horse to take victory by a neck from favorite Scottish Stage with Maroussies Wings 3/4 length back in third. The Gold Cup saw trainer Aiden O'Brien produce an epic training feat with Yeats (7/1). The trainer brought one time Derby favorite Yeats back from a 242 day lay off to win by an easy 4 lengths with jockey Kieren Fallon on board. Reefscape was second with Distinction in third. Sir Gerard made it 3 victories this week for the Fanshawe/Spencer combination as a major gamble was landed by the punters. This morning the horse was higher than 10/1 but went off at 9/2. Spencer brought Sir Gerard through to lead in the final furlong then held off a challenge from Easy Air. Upper Hand took third. The last 2 races of the day saw two longshots take victory. Snoqualmie Boy (33/1) created a big shock by storming through on the outside to win for trainer/jockey team David Elsworth and John Egan. Petrovich was second with Hazeymm back in third. It was Uhoomagoo (25/1) who created the upset in the last, the Buckingham Palace Stakes. The horse gave the Ryan/Callan partnership their first Royal Ascot victory as Appalachian Trail (50/1) and Binanti (33/1) completed a 33,400 pound tricast!
Royal Ascot Day 2 Review It was a dream day for Champion jockey Jamie Spencer as he took Ascot by storm with a 213/1 treble Jeremy(9/2) came through the field on a well timed run under Mike Kinane to take the Jersey Stakes for trainer Michael Stoute. He claimed victory from Asset in second by 2 lengths with Kingsgate Prince home in third. In the Windsor Forrest, Jamie Spencer claimed his first victory of the day for long standing superstar, Soviet Song(13/8). Spencer sat at the back of the pack until 2 furlongs out then unleased a tremendous turn of foot to take an easy victory. Echelon stayed on to take second with Royal Alchemist a good third. In the feature, the Prince of Wales Stakes, it was our respected World traveller, Ouija Board(8/1) who pulled off a major upset. Ouija again came from the rear of the field with a wonderful burst of speed to claim victory from Electrocutionist who had lead for most of the way. Manduro took third but heavily backed David Junior could only manage fourth.The Royal Hunt Cup saw Jamie Spencer take his second victory of the day on Cesare(14/1) again for trainer James Fanshawe. John Gosden's Stronghold looked to have secured victory at the furlong pole but Spencer was able to reel him in just 50 yards from the finish for a minor upset. Akona Matata took third place. Gilded(11/2) took an easy victory in the Queen Mary from Simply Perfect and Nina Blini. Trainer Richard Hannon took his fourth victory in this race with jockey Richard Hughes up. The final race of the day, the Sandringham Stakes, saw Spencer complete his treble on Red Evie(5/1) for trainer Michael Bell. Spencer came with a late run on the outside to deny La Mottie victory with Makderah back in third.
Royal Ascot Day 1 Review In the opening Coventry Stakes, it was Hellvelyn(4/1) who took victory for trainer Bryan Smart. He fought off Major Cadeaux by 3/4's of a length with Tariq staying on well for third. Takeover Target(7/1), a 500 Pound Celtic Swing gelding, pulled off a victory for the Aussies in the King's Stand Stakes. Jockey Jay Ford managed to hold for victory by a short head from a fast finishing Benbaun with Pivotal Point a half length back in third. Favorite Araafa(2/1) put in a great performance in the St Jame's Palace Stakes to win by 2 lengths. The race was over with 2 furlongs to go but Stormy River came from the back of the pack to take second with Ivan Denisovich holding on for third. Ad Valorem(13/2) won a controversial victory in the Queen Anne Stakes for jockey trainer combo Fallon/O'Brien. Both second placed Court Masterpiece and highly fancied Peeress were badly impeded as Fallon veered in towards the end of the race. A Steward's Inquiry was held for 15 minutes, Fallon received a 4 day ban but the result stood! What do you need to do to get disqualified here?! Proclamation held on for third. Trainer Mick Channon continued his fine record at the Royal Meet when Baddam(33/1) ran away with the Ascot Stakes by 5 lengths. Runner up was Top the Charts, the favorite, with Shamayoun taking third. In the last race of the day, the Windsor Castle Stakes, it was Elhamri(20/1) who pulled off yet another longshot victory. Conquest tried hard to catch the winner at the end but failed by a neck while The Old Fella stayed on for third. Belmont Review 6/11/06 The Triple Crown for 2006 was brought to an exciting climax as Jazil (6/1) weaved his way from last to first to take the 1.5 mile $1 MM Belmont Stakes by 1 1/4 lengths. It was the first Triple Crown victory for trainer Kieran McLaughlin and jockey Fernando Jara and also for owner Sheikh Hamdan, who took the first prize of $600,000 to match his brother's earlier Preakness win this year! This year's race did not have either the Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro (retired through injury) or Preakness winner Bernardino (resting) in the field. The race took place under blustery but sunny weather over a fast track - the rain had hit the track earlier in the week but did not fall on Saturday and the track dried out quickly under the windy conditions. A crowd of 61,168 gathered to watch the race at Belmont Park, New York. Study of the racing charts showed this race would be extremely competitive and the public could not really split 5 horses: Jazil, Bluegrass Cat, Sunriver, Steppenwolfer and Bob and John all went off between 9/2 and 6/1 with Bob and John (9/2)the favored horse in the field of 12. As they left from the gate, Bob and John took to the lead but Jazil bumped into Bluegrass Cat(5/1) resulting in Jara losing his stirrup. However, the jockey cooly replaced his foot in the iron and dropped his horse in a ground saving position at the back of the pack. At the front, Bob and John took the horses through 8 furlongs and stayed off the rail throughout forcing Deputy Glitters to race still wider with High Finance on his inside. At the mile, Bluegrass Cat came through quickly to challenge for the lead while Jazil, who had been working his way through the pack steadily. came after him. The two horses passed the quarter pole together but soon after entering the stretch, it was Jazil who went to the front and pulled away for victory. Jockey Jara again showed he has the big race temperament and could go on to become one of the great jockey's of our time. At 18 years of age, he represents a considerable talent and has ridden two wonderful races on Jazil in both the Kentucky Derby, where he finished fourth, and in the Belmont. Bluegrass Cat held on for second with Sunriver (6/1) holding on for third a further 2 1/4 lengths back. The 1, 2, 3 represents a reversal of correspondent Randy Chambers expected outcome - hopefully a few of you put them in the trifecta which payed a cool $436! Steppenwolfer (5/1) came from well back with a late run to take fourth but Bob and John tired once he lost the lead and could only manage 8th. Trainer McLaughlin was once an assistant to Wayne Lukas as was his good friend trainer Todd Pletcher. Pletcher managed to get 2nd and 3rd places this year but still failed to break his Triple Crown jinx. Better luck next year Todd - it is only a matter of time! Here are Saturday's Belmont runners:
Epsom Derby and Oaks Review 6/3/06 In one of the most exciting finishes in recent years, Sir Percy(6/1) drilled through a hole against the far rail to get up by a short head to win the 227th Epsom Derby. Longshot Dragon Dancer (66/1) was second with Dylan Thomas(25/1) back in 3rd for trainer Aiden O'Brien. The weather was a beautiful, sunny 73 F and the going was good, good to firm in places. Sir Percy had been unbeaten as a 2 year old and then second in the Two Thousand Guineas to superstar George Washington on his first start back as a 3 year old. This victory made it 5 wins in 6 starts and brought a first Derby victory for jockey Martin Dwyer and trainer Marcus Tregoning. Many people felt Sir Percy would struggle to make the 1.5 mile trip but the horse showed he is a really tough horse with bags of stamina. In similar fashion to this year's Preakness, the race was marred by the breakdown of popular Ballydoyle star, Horatio Nelson, close to the finish of the race. During the warm up to the race, there were concerns from jockey Fallon and trainer O'Brien about how the horse was warming up. After discussion between the above and the Stewards, it was decided that the horse should run in the race. In England on the turf, race horses very rarely break down during racing and based on the evidence before the race, it was difficult to predict that there would be such an horrific outcome. The injury suffered was similar to Barbaro's only much worse and a team of 5 vets felt that the horse must be put down. Again the ebb and flow of fortune in thoroughbred racing was there for all to see. O'Brien and Fallon had 24 hours earlier been on top of the world as Alexandrova had easily won the Oaks. Today the pair were in despair after losing Horatio Nelson. Again, we would like to extend our sympathy to all the connections of this brave and talented horse. From the start of the race, it was Dylan Thomas and Dragon Dancer who took to the front and lead the pack along at a reasonable pace. Dwyer settled in at the back of the pack with Sir Percy and was still well off the pace as Dylan Thomas and Dragon Dancer lead the field down the hill into Tattenham Corner. As the horses entered the stretch, the pack started to close in on the leaders. Hala Bek appeared down the outside of the course with a strong challenge and but for a lung to the right in the final furlong, may have took victory. Instead, he had to settle for fourth, a short head behind Dylan Thomas. Hot favorite, Visindar (2/1), did not have enough speed in the stretch to threaten but managed to stay on for fifth. However, Sir Percy was in no mood to let victory slip away. Dwyer initially brought the horse through the center but when all the gaps closed up, he took his chance on the inside and pushed the horse through against the rail to get up on the line by a short head. The race went to a photograph and many felt that Dragon Dancer had held on for a stunning maiden victory but the photo showed Sir Percy had prevailed. Sir Percy's victory represents a great "rags to riches" story in a similar vain to Funny Cide's Kentucky Derby victory. The horse was bought for just 16,000 pounds (~$28,000) and was expected to make a decent jump racer in time. However, the successful two year old season put the horse on track for Derby stardom. Owners Anthony and Victoria Pakenham have owned shares in various racehorses but Sir Percy represents their first wholly owned horse........ and what a horse to select!
As mentioned above, it was favorite Alexandrova(9/4) who took victory in the Epsom Oaks for jockey Kieren Fallon and trainer Aiden O'Brien on Friday June 2nd. The Sadler's Wells filly came with a stunning stretch run down the outside and pulled clear to win by an easy 6 lengths. Trainer John Best's long shot, Rising Cross (33/1), held on gamely for 2nd with Short Skirt(9/2) a length and a quarter further back in third. One Thousand Guineas winner, Speciosa, could only manage fourth. At the start, it was Speciosa who went to the front as expected. She lead the field along at a gentle pace with Alexandrova back in the pack in around 8th place. The horses largely held their positions around Tattenham Corner and into the stretch but by then, the field started to close in around the leader. Fallon moved Alexandrova to the outside of the field to give her a clear opportunity and the horse just took off. She cleared the field in no time and pulled away with effortless ease. Second placed Rising Cross emerged from the field as they tried to stay with Alexandrova and had a nasty moment at the furlong pole when she stumbled and nearly unseated jockey George Baker. However, he was able to stay on the horse and recover to hold second from Short Skirt who hung left in the final stages. Long term leader Speciosa held on for fourth. The victory was particularly sweet for ownership interest Coolmore stud who will look forward to utilizing her in the breeding shed in later years. More immediate plans are to race in the Irish Oaks in a month's time. Barbaro Update 5/29/06 As you will have all heard, Barbaro came through surgery well and is on the long road to recovery. Although things have gone well so far, everyone needs to be aware that the horse has only a 50% chance of recovery and the rehabilitation and recovery will take many months. The injury to the leg was one of the worst ever seen with four major injuries to the leg. Barbaro had a fracture of the cannon bone, a shattered long pastern bone (into approx. 20 pieces), a fractured sesamoid and a dislocated fetlock joint. The horse was in surgery for approximately 6 hours during which some 27 screws and a locking compression plate were added to the leg. He came through surgery well and got to his feet quickly. Danger still exists from infection at the site of surgery and from laminitis to the opposite foot to the injured one due to the increased weight Barbaro will put on the uninjured leg. However, padding has been applied to this foot to help prevent this. Another fear had been damage to the blood circulation in the area of the injury but throughout, the circulation has been good. Up to now, Barbaro has been on his feet, in good spirits and has a cast applied to his leg which will stay in place to allow the fetlock joint to fuse over the next few months. There is a long way to go but so far, so good! Again, the goal is to ensure he can live a pain free life and for him to live a long and happy life at stud. We wish Barbaro and his courageous connections a speedy and successful recovery. Please find below our belated report on the Singapore International run on 5/14....... Singapore Airlines International Cup Review Japanese horse Cosmo Bulk took the $3 Million Singapore Airlines International Cup on May 14th over 2000m. It was a magnificent win for trainer Kazunori Tabe and jockey Fuyuki Igarashi in front of a 40,000 crowd at Kranji over a truly International field. The race was the highlight of the 2 day race festival in Singapore which is a wonderful spectacle and increasing in world importance every year. The horses set off from the start at a very gentle pace over the heavy track. Vroom Vroom headed to the front with Cosmo Bulk, War Horn and Chiquitin close in contention. Cosmo Bulk ran a very relaxed race without pulling as he usually does. As the horses entered the final stretch, he accelerated quickly and pulled away to win by 1 3/4 lengths from King of King trained by Steven Burridge and ridden by Richard Lim with ever present Bowman's Crossing taking third. The International field consisted of horses from Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Hong Kong, South Africa, UAE and Australia. Godolphin's Valixir, considered by many to be the best horse in the World just over a year ago ran a poor race in the middle of the field and never really fired, eventually coming home last. Chiquitin had been brought in from Saudi Arabia having finished second in a couple of runs in the Dubai World Cup Carnival before losing to Electrocutionist in the World Cup. However, he could only finish 9th. Therefore, victory for Cosmo Bulk represents a significant achievement for yet another Japanese horse on the World stage. The horse had previously placed second in the 2004 Japan Cup and appeared to relish the 2000m distance Preakness Review 5/21/06 Bernardini(12/1) took the Preakness 131 in storming fashion by 5 1/4 lengths from Sweetnorthernsaint (8/1) in a race which was overshadowed by the early injury to Barbaro(1/2 favorite) as the horses passed the finish line for the first time. Bernardini had come into the race off victory in the Withers and was only making his fourth career start. The horse is owned by Sheikh Mohammed, the ruler of Dubai, and trained by Tom Albertini who was the longtime assistant to Bill Mott. It was the first Triple Crown victory for jockey Javier Castellano who is best known for riding the legendary Ghostzapper. The horse took victory in an impressive time of 1 min 54.65 secs over the 1 mile 3/16th distance. Prior to the race, Barbaro had seemed anxious to get out onto the track and get racing. The horses loaded into the stalls but before they were all ready, he broke through the gate. The horse was fine, quickly brought to a stop and re-loaded into the stalls. This time the horses broke well and were lead towards the first turn by Like Now and Sweetnorthernsaint. Suddenly jockey Edgar Prado began to pull Barbaro up due to the horse injuring his rear right leg. The field continued with Bernardini and Brother Derek tucked in behind the 2 leaders as they went up the backside. It looked like Brother Derek would be the major challenge as Bernardini was dropped a little further off the pace and Brother Derek moved up to mount his attack. However as they went into the far turn, Brother Derek started to fade and Bernardini began to accelerate. At the top of the stretch, Bernardini pulled past Sweetnorthernsaint and pulled away to an impressive victory. Longshot Hemingway's Key(29/1) came in 3rd some 6 lengths behind Sweetnorthernsaint in 2nd. Winning jockey Castellano had been unaware Barbaro was pulled up and only realized what had happened as he approached the finish line. For all connections of the winning horse and the record sized 118,402 crowd, the joy of victory was marred by the injury to Barbaro. Jockey Prado heard the ankle break about 100 yards into the race and took swift and expert action to bring the horse to a stop. Early radiographs revealed that the leg had broken above and below the ankle. The injury is described as a "significant" one which will end his racing career but could be potentially life threatening. Barbaro had a Kinsey Splint applied shortly after the accident to provide support then was taken back to the barn in the ambulance for radiograph. He was tranqulized, provided with anti inflammatories and antibiotics and had a bandage applied prior to being sent off to New Bolton Center in Pennsylvania. He arrived at approximately 9 pm last night and surgery is planned this afternoon (Sunday). The major risk at this stage is if there is significant damage to either of the two arteries supplying blood to the lower leg. If damage is limited, the next challenge is keeping the horse off the leg while he recovers. We wish the horse and all the connections all the best through this terrible time. We hope that the nation's hopes and prayers will help you all through this and see Barbaro survive this tragedy. When we saw the horse pull up we were devastated and lost all interest in the race. Race horses are such beautiful animals and it is always very distressing to us when one breaks down. When you have a horse like Barbaro, who has claimed the hearts of the nation after a Derby victory, it really brings it home to everyone. These horses are bred to run and will give everything they have just to run. However they are such powerful, yet fragile creatures.
PP Horse Jockey Trainer Odds
Kentucky Derby Review 5/7/06 In what was supposed to be the most evenly balanced contest in years, Barbaro (6.1/1) stormed to a 6 1/2 length victory from the long dismissed Bluegrass Cat (28/1) in 2nd with Steppenwolfer (15/1) in 3rd to take the lion's share of the $2MM purse. Both first and second had performed impressively in the works this week and Steppenwolfer had been bet down from 30/1 to 15/1 before the race. Barbaro was the one strongly fancied morning line horses to receive a favored draw. West Coast horses did not fair well with Brother Derek doing best with a joint fourth place. Sweetnorthernsaint (5.5/1) went off the favorite in the race but could only manage 7th. From the break, it was Keyed Entry and Sinister Minister who went to the front and dueled through fast early fractions. Barbaro, breaking from Gate 8 partially stumbled but recovered well to settle in behind the leading two. As the horses came around the far turn, Barbaro moved up past the tiring horses and then exploded down the stretch to take victory in 2:01.36. Blugrass Cat held on well for second with Steppenwolfer coming through for third while a fast closing Jazil managed to tie with Brother Derek on the line for fourth. The Michael Matz trained horse provided Edgar Prado with his first victory and provided Matz with victory at the first attempt. This is the fourth consecutive year that a first time trainer has won the race! Barbaro also became the first horse since 1956 to win the Derby from a 5 week layoff having come to victory from the Florida Derby which recently switched to the 5 week pre Derby date. As long as Barbaro comes out of the race in good shape, he will head for the Preakness and ultimately the Triple Crown. Based on this performance and the confidence of Edgar Prado, there is a very strong chance of this happening. Barbaro is the 6th horse to take the Derby undefeated having now won 6 races straight. The owner/breeders of Barbaro, Roy and Gretchen Jackson, had the most perfect of racing day's. Earlier they had watched another of the horses they had bred, George Washington, win the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket. George pulled off a magnificent 2 1/2 length victory for trainer/jockey combo Aiden O'Brien and jockey Kieren Fallon and is felt by connections to be one of the best they have ever seen. The ease with which the horse stormed through to take the lead and pulled away certainly backs this up. The Jackson's day ended in Kentucky receiving the Derby trophy! What a wonderful day to remember!!
The draw for the Kentucky Derby:
Audemars Piguet QE II Cup Review Sha Tin (Hong Kong) 4/23/06 South African trainer Mike De Kock took the Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Sha Tin with filly Irridescence (5/1). She held off Best Gift by a head with a late charging Ouija Board (5/2 fav) a further head back in 3rd. The horses broke slowly from the gate so jockey Weichong Marwing took Irridescence to the lead with Best Gift. The early pace was too swift for Ouija Board who settled in close to the back of the pack under jockey Frankie Dettori. Irridescence went on to almost make wire to wire but was briefly headed by Super Kid in the stretch before ploughing on to victory. Super Kid dropped back to 4th. It was too little too late for Ouija Board who was switched to the outside in the latter stages of the race and came with a flying run but could only manage 3rd. De Kock may now run Irridescence in Europe this summer as the filly is quite temperamental and not suited to extensive world travel. Ouija Board may now switch to 1.5 miles with the Coronation Cup at Epsom a strong possibility. Jockey Hurt at Keenland 4/21/06 John Velazquez, one of the US’s top jockeys was hurt today in a fall at Keenland Race Course. Velazquez had been expected to ride Bluegrass Cat in the Kentucky Derby on May 6th. He had just ridden Up an Octave to win the Forerunner Stakes on Thursday when the horse collapsed and fell, rolling onto the jockey resulting in extensive injuries which include a broken shoulder blade, cracked ribs, and a bruised sternum. The Irish Grand National Review 4/17/06 Point Barrow, a 20/1 outsider trained by Pat Hughes and ridden by 25 yr old Phil Carberry, took the 250,000 pound first prize in the Powers Whiskey Irish Grand National by a length. The horse had failed to impress in his 5 starts this season but was well placed throughout and took to the lead with 4 fences to go. Dessie Hughes's Oulart gave Point Barrow a race all the way to the line to finish second while Michael Hourigan's A New Story came in third after avoiding a fallen horse. Dun Doire, the 9/2 favorite under jockey Mick Fitzgerald could only manage 7th in the 3.5 mile epic. Pat Hughes has had a terrible season having not won a race for 5 and a half months! His horses had just started to return to form and it was a great moment for him as he had won the race in 1986. Jockey Carberry was surprised by the ease of victory. "It was one of the easiest races I have ever won!" he declared. We'll drink to that, Phil!! The Grand National Review 4/9/06 It was the Irish again who took the Aintree Grand National on Saturday! Numbersixvalverde, named after the owners holiday cottage in Portugal, took victory from course specialists (and co-favorites) Hedgehunter and Clan Royal. The soft sticky gound and frantic pace took it's toll on the field. Only 9 of the 40 horses managed to complete the 4.5 mile race. Trainer Martin Brassil was making only his second trip to Aintree having ridden once as an amateur in the 80's while 20 year old jockey Niall Madden took victory at his first attempt around Aintree in the National! The horse was a reasonable bet at 11/1 having won the Irish National last year and been carefully primed for this race. The horse was receiving 18 pounds from Hedgehunter and this together with the slightly tacky ground appeared to make all the difference. From the start, the 40 horses took off and there were many fallers early on. It was Shotgun Willy, Ballycassidy and Puntal who took up the early running on the first circuit as Numbersix was held towards the rear. However, on the second circuit, Madden made his way through the field to draw up behind Hedgehunter and Clan Royal prior to the second last fence. Numbersixvaverde went on to take the lead then pull clear down the run in to take victory by 6 lengths. Hedgehunter held on for second, narrowly failing to take victory for the second year in a row. Clan Royal who made a couple of jumping mistakes fought back after the elbow on the final run in to take third from a plucky Nil Desperandum(33/1) who held on for fouth. If not for the mistakes, it might have been the first elusive victory for trainer Jonjo O'Neill and jockey Tony McCoy. Other horses to finish were Risk Accessor, Puntal, Joes Edge, Inca Trail and Forest Gunner. Amberleigh House, the 14 year old winner of the 2004 race was pulled up on the second circuit. Trainer Ginger McCain announced that the horse would now retire. The horse was in fine shape after the race but no longer had the speed to compete with the younger horses. We wish Amberleigh House a happy retirement and are glad to report all jockeys and horses survived the National and will live to ride another day!
3/25/06 - Dubai World Cup Review It was another great day of racing in Dubai for the 11th running of the World Cup. Godolphin sent out a warning to the world following a lack lustre season last year as Electrocutionist took the title following an earlier easy win with Discreet Cat in the UAE Derby. Electrocutionist overcame the post 1 hoodoo - no horse had previously won from this stall - to take victory going away after an epic stretch dual with top American Brass Hat and the wily Wilko who took 3rd. Electrocutionist did not break well from the stalls. He was slow to get going and jockey Dettori had to get to work even at the half way point of the race. As the horse turned into the stretch, he started to pick up a little having switched to the outside but Brass Hat and Wilko looked like they had the race in their grasp at the 2 furlong post before Electrocutionist came charging down the track for victory. The horse is set for some serious racing in the UK before heading out for the Breeders' Cup in the States at the end of the year! In the UAE Derby, Discreet Cat took an easy victory by 6 lengths for the same connections. He will be seriously considered for the Kentucky Derby and we may see him here in the States for the Bluegrass in Keeneland. Sheikh Mohammed has wanted to claim the Kentucky Derby for many years so it would be no surprise to see the horse take his chance. This horse is a great talent especially for one so inexperienced - this was his 3rd race! He was bought by Godolphin after winning a low level Maiden with a record 2 yr old speed figure at Saratoga last year and now looks sure to return to the States. Ouija Board and Alexandra Goldrun did not have the fire power to stop Japanese trained Heart's Cry in the Sheema Classic on the turf. Christophe Lemaire took Heart's Cry to the front, slowed down the pace then took off at the top of the stretch to take a great victory for Japan. Collier Hill held on for 2nd with Falstaff in 3rd. It was the first of 2 great victories for the Japanese and trainer Kojiro Hashiguchi. Earlier he had secured the Godolphin Mile with Utopia - the first event of the day. The horse, with Yutake Take up, moved swiftly to the lead, set the pace then went for home at the top of the stretch. In second was Win River Win with a late closing Jack Sullivan in 3rd. David Junior landed the sensational $5MM Dubai Duty Free Turf and the only British trained victory of the evening. Trainer Brian Meehan had shown great confidence in his horse and with English Champion Jockey Jamie Spencer in the irons, it proved to be justified with a 3 1/2 length victory from The Tin Man. In the Dubai Golden Shaheen, a 6 furlong race straight dash, it was Proud Tower Too who took victory for trainer Sal Gonzalez with rising jockey, David Cohen. Thor's Echo and Jet West took the places. This racing event is growing in stature every year. More and more of the major world's performers are entering each year and this is the richest day in racing. This event is the shining star of World Racing!
. 3/17/06 - Cheltenham Review Day 4 It was trainer Phillip Hobbs who took the starring role in the first race, the Triumph Hurdle. After a relatively quiet meet, he had the first 2 horses past the post! Fair Along (25/1), the outsider of the two horses, took the field along for almost the entire race only to be passed by the well fancied Detroit City (7/2) after the final fence. As predicted, Blazing Bailey (14/1) produced a great run to take 3rd. Superstar Black Jack Ketchum (Evens) made it six victories in a row as he took the Novices' Hurdle under A.P McCoy for trainer Jonjo O'Neill. The horse was always going well and as the field began to strain, he cruised along into the lead at the second last before pulling away for a 9 length victory up the hill. Powerstation (9/1) was back in 2nd with Travino (6/1) back in 3rd. The Cheltenham Gold Cup, the feature race of the Festival, saw War of Attrition (15/2) claim yet another victory for Ireland after Black Jack Ketchum. Trained by Mouse Morris and ridden by Connor O'Dwyer, the horse was well fancied for victory following his victory over Kicking King, last year's victor, last October. Kicking King was injured prior to this year's race. War of Attrition took to the front at the second last and held off a charge from Hedgehunter (16/1), last year's Grand National winner, in 2nd. Forget the Past (9/1) was 7 lengths back in 3rd. Victory was sweet for owner Michael O'Leary, the Ryanair boss, who has put so much into horseracing. All 3 places were taken by Irish horses! Whyso Mayo (20/1) followed War of Attrition as the 3rd Irish winner of the day. He took the Foxhunter Chase for trainer Ray Hurley with jockey Mr D Murphy having gone to the front as the horses came down the hill towards the final turn. First Down Jets (66/1) and Joe Blake (14/1) came close to victory but managed 2nd and 3rd respectively. The second most emotional moment of the day came in the Johnny Henderson Chase as trainer Nicky Henderson took victory with one of his less well fancied 5 runners. The race was named in honor of Nicky's late father and it was a special moment for this great training hero of British steeplechasing. Irish bred Greenhope (20/1) was always up with the pace under jockey Andy Tinkler and managed to hold off the challenge of Tiger Cry (6/1) and a fast finishing Madison Du Berlais (11/1) for victory. In the last race of the Festival, the Vincent O'Brien County Hurdle, Desert Quest(4/1) eased through to make it 5 Irish victories on the day! Ruby Walsh was up for an easy victory for trainer Paul Nicholls. It was Ruby's 3rd victory of the Festival and earned him the Jockey's Title. Noble Quest (25/1) managed to grab 2nd with Adamant Approach (50/1) in 3rd. It was a marvellous four days of racing heightened in stature through the TVG coverage on TV over the last 3 days. The Irish were dominant with 11 wins, a record number for the Festival. We look forward to next year's event and look forward to seeing some of you there!
3/16/06 - Cheltenham Review Day 3 Hot favorite Reveillez took the opener under Tony McCoy. The JP McManus owned grey was supposedly covered with a huge bet from his owner and was handily placed throughout the race. As they turned for home, McCoy sent him to the front and the horse took off up the hill. Copsale Lad(8/1) fought gallantly for 2nd place and was an indicator of things to come from the Henderson yard. Tumbling Dice(14/1) was well beaten back in 3rd. In the second race, the Ryanair Chase, Fondmont(10/3) took victory for the Henderson/Fitzgerald partnership and go one better than in last year's race. Fondmort, who loves Cheltenham, went to the front as they entered the stretch and had the well fancied Impek(10/3) beaten. However as the horse went up the hill to the finish, he started to tire and was fortunate to hold on from Phillip Hobbs's Lacoudal (20/1). Impek took 3rd. In the feature race, the Ladbroke World Hurdle, it was time for trainer Alan King to pick up his second victory of the week with My Way de Solzen (8/1). After the early leaders had faded, there were a good half a dozen horses in with a chance. Jockeys Richard Thornton on de Solzen and flat race specialist Johnny Murtagh on Golden Cross (5/1) powered away from the field then as de Solzen started to tire, Golden Cross reeled him in and the pair almost collided before My Way de Solzen held on for victory by a head. Mighty Man (4/1 f) took 3rd while top horse Baracouda had looked in with a chance until late in the race and came in 5th. The Racing Post Plate saw the Henderson/Fitzgerald team pick up a well deserved double as Non So (14/1) cruised to victory by 9 lengths from Kelrev and Graphic Approach. Non So tracked stablemate Saintsaire who led until the final fence when he fell. Non So powered away up the hill to win impressively. In the 4 mile + National Hunt Challenge Chase, a race for Amateur riders, it was trainer Ferdy Murphy and jockey Richard Harding who claimed their second victory of the festival. Longshot Hot Weld (33/1) lead the field from start to finish. Another longshot, Beantown (40/1) put a good run in up the hill to claim second from the well fancied Far From Trouble. The last race of the day, The Pertemps Hurdle, saw Kadoun (50/1) seal a bittersweet double for owner JP McManus. In this same race, he saw his well fancied runner, Olaso breakdown then put down. Irish horses took 1st, 2nd , 3rd as Hordago (10/1) and Oodachee (10/1) took the places. It was another exciting day's racing with many partnerships claiming their second victories of the Festival and 2 more longshots hitting the jackpot! The Irish took their victory tally to 9 and will be looking for a clean sweep tomorrow to celebrate St Paddy's Day in style. It was also, sadly, a day where 5 horses had to be put down. Our hearts go out to the owners at this time.
Cheltenham Review Day 2 3/15/06 What a day – What a day!The first race had the Irish cheering as 17/2 shot Nicanor, ridden by jockey Paul Carberry and trained by Noel Meade eased in to win the Royal & SunAlliance Hurdle defeating hot favorite Denman by two and a half lengths. While Jockey Tony McCoy on the mare Refinement, came in six lengths further back to claim third place. In race two it was Barry Geraghty who was the hero aboard Star De Mohaison in the Royal & SunAlliance Novices Chase. The Paul Nicholls trained horse had been overlooked by the punters as his 40/1 early price showed. After being selected by tipsters his price dropped to 14/1 at the start. The race itself was drama filled from the start as Our Ben unseated jockey Ruby Walsh, then 9/2 favorite Commercial Flyer was pulled up before the forth last jump. Ignoring all distractions Star De Mohaison continued steadily onward. There was more carnage as Back In Front, trained by Edward O’Grady made a charge at the second jump from the last only to miscalculate and blunder through the top. A mistake that also impeded Bewleys Berry and caused Bold Bishop to unseat jockey Tony McCoy. When The Listener also crashed out it left the field clear for Star De Mohaison to take first with 33/1 shot Idle Talk coming in second and 11/2 Darkness coming third. Rookie rider Andrew McNamara aboard 16/1 John Joseph Murphy trained Newmill was the surprise winner of the Queen Mother Champion Chase while crowd favorite Moscow Flyer only managed fifth in yet another action packed race in which only 6 of the 13 starters managed to finish the race. The spectacle began when French horse Kario de Sormain lost her rider at the first fence with Kauto Star crashing out only moments later; bringing down Dempsey at the same time and interfering badly with Moscow Flyer. At the end of the race it was announced by trainer Jessica Harrington that 12 year old Moscow Flyer will immediately retire. The horse, a two time winner of the Queen Mother Chase goes out a true champion having won 26 of his 44 starts with prize money totaling more than a million pounds. While we at Horse Racing Around the World will greatly miss seeing the great horse run. We look forward to seeing his offspring in the future. Ireland continued to wave her flag high in the Coral Cup when 11/1 Sky’s The Limit In the Fulke Waywyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap, a race for amateur riders, Your Special trained by Ferdy Murphy and ridden by Richard Harding was a surprise winner at 33/1. Mon Mome tried hard but only managed second three and a half lengths back with Undeniable came third. In the last race of the day – Weatherby’s Champian Bumper, Paul Carberry rode trainer Josphe Crowley’s 33/1 shot Hairy Molly to win by head from trainer Paul Webber’s Pressgang while Kicks For Free took third. The win gave Carberry his 2nd win of the meeting.
3/14/06 - Cheltenham Review Day 1 Day 1 proved to provide all the excitement, thrills and spills we have come to expect at Cheltenham. The traditional rivalry with the Irish was there for all to see as they managed to claim 3 of the 6 races. In the Supreme Novices Hurdle, Straw Bear (11/1)under Tony McCoy was the first to break from the pack after the final fence and looked to have victory sealed until a storming finish by Noland under Ruby Walsh took the race for trainer Paul Nicholls at 6/1. In the Arkle Chase, we were treated to some fluent jumping from Alan King's Voy Por Ustedes (15/2) as he held off Monet Garden(8/1) to take victory. Racing Demon was disappointing and Accordion Etoile fell during the race. For the Champion Hurdle - the feature race of the day, hot favorite, Brave Inca(7/4), took the race under a super ride from Tony McCoy for trainer Colm Murphy. Brave Inca saw off the challenge from two time winner Hardy Eustace (11/2) first then held off a late challenge from Mac's Joy(13/2) who took 2nd. This gave the Irish victory #1. Ruby Walsh then completed a double on well fancied Dun Doire (7/1) for trainer Tony Martin - Irish victory #2 - in the William Hill. At the last fence it looked like there was no way Dun Doire could reach the leaders but the horse ploughed on up to the finish to catch Nicky Henderson's fine pair, Juveigneur (16/1) who held second from Irish Hussar(66/1) in 3rd. In the long, long Sporting Index Chase, Phillip Rothwell's well fancied Native Jack(7/2 jf ) pulled away to victory at the final fence under jockey Davy Russell for Irish victory #3. Enda Bolger's two less well fancied runners came in 2nd and 3rd - Spot the Difference(12/1) and Buailtes and Fadas (6/1) - after top fancied option Good Step had blundered badly. The biggest surprise of the day came in the last, the Fred Winter Juvenile. Paddy Brennan rode to his first Festival victory for trainer Charlie Egerton at 40/1! It was a great turn around in form likely brought about due to the addition of blinkers. The victory put paid to a first day treble for Ruby Walsh on Artists Muse (12/1) who held on to second from Patman Du Charmil (40/1) in 3rd. It was a spectacular day's racing with many of the best Irish and English trainers and jockey's fighting it out for the top prizes. Watch out for tomorrow!
HRAW Allowance at Tampa Bay Downs 2/18/06 HRAW paid a visit to Tampa Bay Downs. As we are based in SE Georgia, this is our local track and we spent many Saturday's last year driving down for a great day's racing! Saturday was Sam F. Davis Stakes Day with the big race featured as race 10 on the card. We were proud to sponsor race 4 on the card, a mile and a quarter Turf Allowance. We were greeted with sunny skies and near perfect temperatures of 80 F for our first venture into race sponsorship! Hospitality at this friendly picturesque track was wonderful and the day could not have been better. Those of you considering getting more involved in racing should definitely consider ownership or race sponsorship - it gives you a real close up view of the racing scene and makes you feel part of the action. We were provided with seats in the excellent 3rd floor Sky Terrace Dining Room and provided with wonderful food and service from the staff. Our sponsorship of race 4 on the card proved even more exciting when the 6 horse, Quite the Guy, managed to overcome hot favorite Starpoleon to land a $98 exacta landed by the HRAW team! Further gambling success was made in the Sam F. Davis when Todd Pletcher's Bluegrass Cat managed to hold off 60/1 shot Deputy Glitters for a $115 exacta also claimed by the HRAW team! Mind you, our team would have been up for a lot more cash if Deputy Glitters had managed to beat off the favorite!! The featured race was preceded by the 26th running of the Suncoast Stakes won by Bill Mott's Crystal Current and the 7th running of the Endeavour breeders' Cup won by My Lordship, another Mott entry! Both horses completed a double for Mott and jockey Cornelio Valasquez. It was a memorable day for our team! From the parking attendants to the restaurant staff to the winning circle personnel, we were treated like Royalty and we shall look forward to our next sponsorship day with passion and excitement!
2005 - The Year in Review 2005 was the second year for Horse Racing Around the World. On this site, we feature all the great races from around the world from the Great Steeplechases to the Breeders' Cup and Triple Crown, some of the World's Greatest flat races and last but not least the World Series of Racing. This year we have been able to offer trips to many of these great races!
HONG KONG CUP REVIEW 12/11/05 Vengeance of Rain, winner of the Hong Kong Derby and Queen Elizabeth II Cup, took the Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin and in the process, became the 2005 World Champion! It was a great victory for trainer David Ferraris and jockey Anthony Delpech who have always believed in this 4 year old gelding. In winning this race, Vengeance of Rain collected another 12 points in the World Championship of Racing to add to the 12 points collected for the Championship's first race of the season, the QE II Cup also ran in Sha Tin. The 24 point total for the season jumped him over Azamour who has 18 points. Vengeance of Rain has shown to be a mighty fine horse with an outstanding 5 wins in 5 starts at Sha Tin. This time victory came by the narrowest of margins over Pride and Maraahel who were finishing late down the outside of the track. From the start, it was Willow O Wisp who took up the running as expected. Vengeance of Rain maintained a stalking position while Pride and Maraahel settled at the back of the field. As the horses came into the stretch, Epalo took up the running but had no answer as Vengeance of Rain stormed to the front with 2 furlongs to go. Both Pride and Maraahel then came storming down the outside. Christophe Soumillon's French Filly Pride, trained by Alain de Royer-Dupre, managed to get within a neck of the winner while Michael Stoute's Maraahel was a further 1.5 lengths back in third. Alexandra Goldrun, last year's winner, just did not fire in the stretch. Approaching the final furlong, she was sandwiched between Russian Pearl and Willow O Wisp but did not have the strength to power through and contend. In a great day of World racing with 4 major stakes making up the Hong Kong International card, Ouija Board returned to form to win the Hong Kong Vase by an easy 2 3/4 lengths, Japan's Hat Trick took the Hong Kong Mile under Olivier Peslier and Hong Kong's own Natural Blitz took home the Sprint title to maintain their domination in this race. JAPAN CUP REVIEW 11/27/05 We stayed up into the early hours of Sunday morning to watch the first live US showing of the Japan Cup. In fact we stayed up for the early running of the Japan Cup Dirt on Saturday morning too and in both cases were not disappointed! TVG, this is definitely the way to go! In the Dirt race, Kane Hekili, the Japan based race favorite, took the race in a 3 horse photo in the most exciting of races. The Japan Cup was an equally outstanding race with Alkaased and Frankie Dettori holding on to the main prize by a whisker from Japanese entry Heart's Cry and last year's winner, favorite Zenno Rob Roy. The race was completed in a new course record of 2min 22.1 s following an electrifying pace for this quality International field. Victory was sweet for trainer Luca Cumani and Yorkshire owner Mike Charlton and provided Dettori with his 3rd Japan Cup at odds of 9/1. It was 2003 winner, Tap Dance City who set off on the suicidal pace. The horse went out to the front and quickly opened up a four length lead. Alkaased dropped in at the back of the field close to the rail and stalked Ouija board and Bago for much of the race. As the horses rounded the final turn, Tap Dance City was still four lengths clear and for a brief moment looked like he may hold on. However, with 2 furlongs left, he started to tire and it was time for Ouija Board to head to the front. The lead was short lived as Alkaased and Zenno Rob Roy went by before Heart's Cry came through with a late charge on the inside rail only to miss by a nose. Ouija Board came in a credible 5th but Bago could only manage 8th. Better Talk Now and King's Drama were disappointing and finished well back. This was a fantastic heart stopping race and we look forward to sending a trip out there next year!
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