Racing (Horse) General Horse Racing Thread - Page 89

denphone · 21-03-2013, 09:53

Grand National coverage expanded on Channel 4.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/...channel-4.html

denphone · 21-03-2013, 11:56

Snow concern for opening Flat racing meeting.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/horse-racing/21869841

Quote:

Snow could disrupt the start of the British turf Flat racing season.

The campaign, which runs from late March to mid-November, is scheduled to kick off with a two-day meeting starting at Doncaster on Friday.

But clerk of the course Roderick Duncan has admitted concern over both days, including Saturday - which is set to feature the Lincoln Handicap.

denphone · 21-03-2013, 14:10

ROYAL ASCOT PRIZE FUND HITS £5M.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...163;5m&day=Wed

Quote:

The Queen's representative at Ascot has described breaking the £5million prize-money barrier at the Royal meeting for the first time this year as a "real milestone".

Johnny Weatherby, who looks after Her Majesty's interests at the Berkshire course, is thrilled the cash increases to the races has taken the total for the five days past that magic figure.

He said: "We are delighted to be able to announce these prize-money increases and a £5m Royal meeting is a real milestone for the country's flagship Flat race meeting."

Weatherby also announced that The Queen has given permission for the Windsor Forest Stakes to be renamed the Duke Of Cambridge Stakes in honour of her grandson, Prince William.

denphone · 21-03-2013, 19:37

INJURED MCNAMARA STILL 'STABLE'.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...26#39;&day=Thu

Quote:

JT McNamara remains in a stable condition following the serious neck injury he sustained at Cheltenham a week ago.

An update revealed the leading amateur rider has not suffered a brain injury, but his vertebral damage is serious.

The 37-year-old was injured in a first-fence fall from Galaxy Rock in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup and airlifted to hospital after being treated by the on-course medics.

Conscious following the fall according to officials at the track, he was put in an induced coma before his transfer to Frenchay Hospital in Bristol

denphone · 22-03-2013, 04:22

CONTINGENCY PLAN FOR DONCASTER.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...e&sub=&day=Thu

Quote:

Plans have been made to switch the William Hill Lincoln at Doncaster to a week later should Saturday's fixture be lost to the predicted snow.

With severe weather forecast, the track's owner Arena Racing Company has, in consultation with the British Horseracing Authority, made provision to reschedule the day's programme on March 30.

The meeting, which heralds the start of the turf Flat season, includes both the Lincoln and its consolation race, the William Hill Spring Mile.

"Should Saturday's meeting be abandoned, which looks increasingly likely, we will host the meeting a week later on Easter Saturday, March 30," said Jim Allen, ARC's racing director.

denphone · 22-03-2013, 13:04

CAVIAR SERVES UP SPRINT MASTERCLASS.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...=&sub=&day=Fri

Quote:

Black Caviar maintained her unbeaten record with an effortless success in the Group One Hacer Group William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley in Australia.

Sent off at odds of 1-25, with each of her six rivals 33-1 or longer, Luke Nolen had Peter Moody's star mare settled in third in the early stages as stablemate Karuta Queen set the gallop.

DWYER PLANNING BAN APPEAL.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...e&sub=&day=Thu

Quote:

Jockey Martin Dwyer plans to appeal against the near two-month suspension handed to him by the Royal Western India Turf Club.

Dwyer has been banned from April 6 to May 31 following an inquiry into one of his rides at Mahalaxmi racecourse in Mumbai last month, when he finished a narrow third on market leader Ice Age in division one of the Ice Magic Plate, prompting an angry response from racegoers.

A head-on video showed Ice Age appearing to drift towards the rail in the closing stages, bumping the eventual runner-up and causing Dwyer to snatch up his mount. The RWITC stewards called an inquiry and announced the horse was to be deemed a non-starter, with all bets refunded.

denphone · 22-03-2013, 18:17

CURRAGH SET TO WELCOME STAR NAMES.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...=&sub=&day=Fri

Quote:

Aidan O'Brien is set to give some of his best horses their annual workout after racing at the Curragh on Sunday.

The Ballydoyle trainer has taken a big team to the headquarters of Irish racing on the opening day of the Flat season for the last few years.

Last spring, the likes of Camelot, Maybe and Fame And Glory graced the County Kildare venue, and ground permitting, O'Brien is likely to put several talented horses through their paces.

Curragh general manager Paul Hensey said: "At the first meeting of the year, Aidan O'Brien brings all his big guns to the course to do a canter after racing to bring them for a day away.

denphone · 23-03-2013, 05:08

AINTREE BACK ON SPRINTER RADAR.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...=&sub=&day=Fri

Quote:

Sprinter Sacre could step up in trip at Aintree for his next race after routing the opposition in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham.

Trainer Nicky Henderson has revealed connections have discussed the possibility of the John Smith`s Melling Chase on April 5 being the next race for the brilliant two-miler.

The Boylesports.com Champion Chase at Punchestown over two miles on April 23, which was named as his likely next target after his Cheltenham romp, still remains an option, as does the Celebration Chase at Sandown on April 27.

denphone · 23-03-2013, 09:33

Racing at Doncaster and Newbury abandoned after heavy snow.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/horse-racing/21909609

denphone · 23-03-2013, 12:24

DERBY IN FOCUS FOR TELESCOPE.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...=&sub=&day=Sat

Quote:

Leading Epsom Derby contender Telescope is just one of an exciting team of horses that has Highclere Thoroughbred Racing manager Harry Herbert relishing the new Flat season.

With a couple of last year's leading Classic contenders in Bonfire and Vow back for more, joined by a clutch of exciting younger horses, the camp look sure to enjoy another prosperous campaign in 2013.

"We're forever optimistic, as you have to be in this game. Hopefully we have a really nice team of horses and I think in particular we have a nice group of older horses this year," said Herbert.

denphone · 23-03-2013, 15:18

HOOF IT HEADING TO YORK.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...=&sub=&day=Sat

Quote:

Hoof It is to be aimed at the Duke Of York Stakes at York in May after missing the second half of last season with a virus.

The six-year-old sprinter, owned by golf ace Lee Westwood and his agent Chubby Chandler, is reported to be back in fine form by his trainer Mick Easterby.

Hoof It had been tipped for top honours last season after winning the Stewards' Cup at Glorious Goodwood and finishing a close third in Haydock's Betfred Sprint Cup in 2011.

denphone · 24-03-2013, 06:25

DERBY HERO IN CURRAGH SPIN.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...=&sub=&day=Sat

Quote:

Camelot will be among a select team of Aidan O'Brien's string due to gallop after racing at the Curragh on Sunday.

The master of Ballydoyle traditionally uses the first day of the Irish Flat season to give some of his brighter lights an away-day in preparation for the new campaign, and despite the prospect of testing conditions, he will once again be represented.

As well as the 2000 Guineas and Derby hero, high-class juvenile Cristoforo Colombo will also be on the horsebox to the Curragh, along with fellow potential 2000 Guineas aspirants Pedro The Great and George Vancouver.

LONG RUN GIVEN PUNCHESTOWN AIM.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...=&sub=&day=Sat

Quote:

Long Run is set to sign off his season in next month's Punchestown Gold Cup following another fine effort in defeat at Cheltenham last week.

The 2011 Cheltenham Gold Cup hero finished third in the blue riband event for the second successive year, picking up minor honours behind stable companion Bobs Worth and the Willie Mullins-trained Sir Des Champs.

Trainer Nicky Henderson told Channel 4 Racing: "I discussed it with Robert (Waley-Cohen, owner) this morning and, hopefully, he will go to Punchestown."

denphone · 24-03-2013, 11:09

CALLAN FLAT OUT FOR SUCCESS.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...=&sub=&day=Sat

Quote:

Neil Callan expects to work as hard as ever this season as he attempts to consolidate his position as one of the top 10 jockeys in the country.

The jigsaw pieces have been scattered a shade because in 2013 he will have a modified arrangement with trainer Roger Varian's Kremlin House operation and while no longer first jockey there, he will maintain a contact with certain owners and horses at the yard.

BOLGER BIDS FOR THIRD WIN.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...=&sub=&day=Sat

Quote:

Jim Bolger fields Saburo as he goes in search of a third successive victory in the Tally Ho Stud European Breeders Fund Maiden at the Curragh.

Bolger has won the opening event of the Irish Flat season for the last two years, first with Whip Hand in 2011 and then with subsequent champion juvenile Dawn Approach last year.

He relies on the Sheikh Mohammed-owned Saburo this time while Aidan O'Brien fields two as he tries to win the race for the first time since 2004. Stubbs is the second foal of Irish Oaks winner Moonstone while Cougar Mountain is a son of Fastnet Rock, who is having his first northern hemisphere runners in 2013.

denphone · 24-03-2013, 13:25

PRENDERGAST EYEING EXPRESS DELIVERY.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...=&sub=&day=Sat

Quote:

Starbright bids to secure some valuable black type as she takes her chance in Sunday's Lodge Park Stud European Breeders Fund Park Express Stakes at the Curragh.

The three-year-old is one of just five runners in the Group Three contest and arrives with some decent form in the book.

She was a winner at the Curragh last August before finishing a close-up fifth in the Group One Moyglare Stud Stakes last September.

denphone · 24-03-2013, 16:00

SPRINTER TEAM LEAN TOWARDS AINTREE.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...e&sub=&day=Sun

Quote:

Owner Caroline Mould admits it is a "huge possibility" Sprinter Sacre could step up in trip at Aintree for his next run.

Trainer Nicky Henderson revealed earlier this week that connections were considering the two-and-a-half-mile Melling Chase as a serious option for the incredible Queen Mother Champion Chase winner, but no firm decision has been made on whether he will head for Merseyside.

The Boylesports.com Champion Chase at Punchestown over two miles on April 23 and the Celebration Chase at Sandown on April 27 remain the other options.