Monday, January 22, 2001

LATEST LADBROKES ANTE-POST PRICES

Odds 1/ 4 a place 1, 2, 3, 4

The Irish Independent Arkle Chase: (Cheltenham, Tuesday 13th March 2001)

Best Mate 2/1, Knife Edge 5/1, Dusk Duel 8/1, Ilnamar 12/1, Well Ridden 12/1, Exit To Wave 14/1, Wahiba Sands 16/1, Mr Percy 20/1, Ross Moff 20/1, Alcapone 25/1, Ballinclay King 25/1, Corniche 25/1, Gastina 25/1, Nomadic 25/1, Red Striker 25/1, Rodock 25/1, Simply Gifted 25/1, Errand Boy 33/1, Bounce Back 33/1, Iorana 33/1, Moscow Retreat 33/1, Valiramix 33/1, Redemption 33/1, Balla Sola 40/1, Damus 40/1, For More 40/1, Inn Antique 40/1, Seebald 40/1, Tyrolean Dream 40/1, Colins Double 50/1, Fatehalkhair 50/1, Cadougold 50/1, Gigolo Gerry 50/1, Keeping The Faith 50/1, Latalomne 50/1, Magic Combination 50/1, Master Finch 50/1, Sandy Duff 50/1, Bold King 66/1, Frenchman's Creek 66/1, Ichi Beau 66/1, Baccarat 66/1, Kaiserstolz 66/1, Killultagh Storm 66/1, Native Dara 66/1, Saragann 66/1, Big Perks 100/1, Krabloonik 100/1, Pippin's Ford 100/1, Shafi 100/1, Turgeonev 100/1.

Odds 1/ 4 a place 1, 2, 3

The Royal & Sun Alliance Chase: (Cheltenham, Wednesday 14th March 2001)

Bacchanal 3/1, Sackville 6/1, Behrajan 8/1, Shotgun Willy 8/1, Moral Support 10/1, Imperial De Thaix 12/1, Ross Moff 14/1, Arctic Copper 16/1, Bindaree 16/1, Hati Roy 16/1, Ilnamar 20/1, Over The Furze 20/1, Ballinclay King 25/1, Cimarrone Cove 25/1, Crocadee 25/1, Enrique 25/1, Frantic Tan 25/1, Heroes Fatal 25/1, Jolly Green Giant 25/1, Take Control 25/1, Be My Manager 33/1, Errand Boy 33/1, Killusty 33/1, Majestic 33/1, Red Striker 33/1, Wahiba Sands 33/1, Bounce Back 33/1, Brave Tornado 40/1, Broiswink 40/1, Charter Ridge 40/1, Hannigan's Lodger 40/1, Knights Of Kerry 40/1, Lakefield Rambler 40/1, Somemanforoneman 40/1, ST Mellon Par 40/1, Buckside 50/1, Ceanannas Mor 50/1, Champagne Native 50/1, City Hall 50/1, Far Dawn 50/1, Galant Moss 50/1, Halexy 50/1, Iris Bleu 50/1, Killerine 50/1, Kings Valley 50/1, Kit Smartie 50/1, Satshoon 50/1, Yeoman Sailor 50/1, Cadougold 50/1, Soundtrack 50/1, Brush The Flag 66/1, Kabal Of Life 66/1, Monifeth Man 66/1, Scoring Pedigree 66/1, Spanish Main 66/1, Twilight Buck 66/1, Colquhoun 100/1, Latchford 100/1, Wee Annie 100/1, Winston Run 100/1, Aztec Rule 200/1.

Odds 1/ 4 a place 1, 2, 3

Smurfit Champion Hurdle:(Cheltenham, Wednesday 14th March 2001)

Istrabaq 1 /2, Geos 8/1, Barton 10/1, Hitman 14/1, Stage Affair 16/1, Moscow Flyer 16/1, Hors La Loi III 16/1 (from 20/1), Youreneverwalkalone 20/1, Grimes 25/1, Mantles Prince 25/1, Mr Cool 25/1, Happy Change 33/1, Seebald 33/1, Mister Morose 33/1, Landing Light 33/1, Auetaler 40/1, Bounce Back 40/1, Make a Stand 40/1, Theatreworld 40/1, Ben Ewar 50/1, Hit and Run 50/1, Hulysse Royal 50/1, Katarino 50/1, Rodock 50/1, Sir Talbot 50/1, The French Furze 50/1, San Suru 66/1,Bring Sweets 66/1, Hidebound 66/1, His Song 66/1, Lord Brex 66/1, Penny Rich 66/1, Ricardo 66/1, Greyfield 100/1, Guns n Roses 100/1, Inching Closer 100/1, Life is Life 100/1, The Glow Worm 100/1, Ulundi 100/1, Batswing 150/1, Silent Warning 150/1, Maidstone Monument 200/1, All Allone 1000/1, Althrey Ruler 1000/1.

Odds 1/ 5 a place 1, 2, 3

Queen Mother Champion Chase(Cheltenham, Thursday 14th March 2001)

Flagship Uberalles 2/1, Edredon Bleu 9/2, Tiutchev 8/1, Function Dream 8/1, Direct Route 10/1, Cenkos 10/1, Fadalko 16/1, Native Upmanship 16/1, Bellator 16/1, Grey Shot 20/1, The Outback Way 25/1, Call Equiname 25/1, Nordance Prince 33/1, Wahiba Sands 33/1, Aghawadda Gold 40/1, Frozen Groom 40/1, Get Real 40/1, Rathbawn Prince 40/1, Space Trucker 40/1, Red Ark 50/1, Davoski 66/1, Celibate 66/1, Puget Blue 66/1, Corniche 100/1, Reveillon 100/1.

Odds 1/ 4 a place 1, 2, 3, 4 (All quoted)

Tote Cheltenahm Gold Cup(Cheltenham, Thursday 15th March 2001)

First Gold 2/1, See More Business 7/1, Cyfor Malta 7/1, Rince Ri 10/1 (from 8/1), Marlborough 10/1, Beau 11/1, Florida Pearl 14/1, Nick Dundee 14/1, Legal Right 16/1, Native Upmanship 16/1, Alexander Banquet 25/1, Dorans Pride 25/1, Commanche Court 33/1, Ad Hoc 33/1, Bellator 40/1, Kings Road 40/1, Logician 40/1, Lord Noellie 40/1, Mickos Dream 40/1, Upgrade 40/1, Brother of Iris 50/1, Fox Chappel King 50/1, Go Ballistic 50/1, Rathbawn Prince 50/1, Arctic Camper 66/1, Imperial Call 66/1, Moral Support 66/1, Mulligan 66/1,Red Marauder 66/1.

Odds 1/ 4 a place 1, 2, 3 (Others on request)

Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle (Cheltenham, Thursday 15th March 2001)

Baracouda 3/1, Anzum 7/1, Limestone Lad 7/1, Youllneverwalkalone 7/1, Teaatral 8/1, Bannow Bay 9/1 (from 10/1), Deanos Beeno 12/1, Lady Rebecca 12/1, Mister Banjo 16/1, Heroes Fatal 20/1, Boss Doyle 20/1, Celtic Native 20/1, Hors La Loi III 20/1, Dorans Pride 25/1, Katarino 25/1, Mister Morose 25/1, Run for Paddy 25/1, Sallies Girl 25/1, Bounce Back 33/1, Darastan 33/1, Merry Masque 33/1, 40/1 bar.

Odds 1/ 4 a place 1, 2, 3 (Others on request)

Elite Racing Club Triumph Hurdle:(Cheltenham, Thursday 15th March 2001)

Bilboa 8/1, Pedro Pete 8/1, Jait du Cochet 8/1, Pittsburgh Phil 10/1, Jocko Glasses 16/1, Kadarran 20/1, Quality Team 20/1, Fruits Defendu 20/1, Caesars Palace 25/1, Montreal 25/1, Francies Fancy 25/1, Fait Le Jojo 33/1, Sprit of Park 33/1, Albatros 33/1, Billy Bonnie 33/1, Conway Castle 33/1, El Emel 33/1, Gold Street 33/1, Riddlesdown 33/1, Ravenswood 33/1, Belle D'Anjou 33/1, Benovia 33/1, Eternal Spring 40/1, Stormness 40/1, Moon Emperor 40/1, Goss 40/1, Summer Break 40/1, Sunday Rain 40/1.

Odds 1/ 4 a place 1, 2, 3, 4 (Others on request)

Martell Grand National(Aintree, Saturday 7th April 2001)

Noble Lord 14/1, Papillon 16/1, Beau 16/1, Young Kenny 20/1, Micko's Dream 20/1, Niki Dee 25/1, Rince Ri 25/1, Commanche Court 25/1, Browjoshy 25/1, Mely Moss 25/1, Smarty 25/1, Jocks Cross 25/1, Moral Support 25/1, Inch Rose 33/1, Bobbyjo 33/1, Ackzo 33/1, Edmond 33/1, Ardent Scout 33/1, Ad Hoc 33/1, Paddys Return 33/1.

Odds 1/ 4 a place 1, 2, 3, 4 (Others on Request)

The Lincoln handicap (Doncaster, Saturday 24th March 2001)

Hail The Chief 12/1, John Ferneley 16/1, Atlantic Rhapsody 20/1, Captain Scott 20/1, Crimson Tide 20/1, Judicious 20/1, Kirovski 20/1, Man O'Mystery 20/1, Nimello 20/1, Bomb Alaska 25/1, Calcutta 25/1, Creux Noir 25/1, Culzean 25/1, Desaru 25/1, Desert Knight 25/1, Duke of Modena 25/1, Exeat 25/1, Highland Reel 25/1, I Cried For You 25/1, King Priam 25/1, Lucky Gitano 25/1, Mastermind 25/1, Palau Tioman 25/1, Pantar 25/1, Peartree House 25/1, Roman King 25/1, Serra Negra 25/1, Silverware 25/1, Sir Ferbet 25/1, Soviet Flash 25/1, Vintage Premium 25/1, 33/1 bar.

Odds 1 / 4 places 1, 2, 3, 4 (Others on request)

12 ENTERED FOR PILLAR PROPERTY CHASE

Amongst the 12 entries are 1999 Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup hero See More Business, who will be hoping to return to form following his disappointing display in the King George. Cyfor Malta will be returning to the racecourse for the first time in two years - he was last seen out when winning this race in 1999 where he defeated subsequent Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup 1-2 See More Business and Go Ballistic.

Marlborough, so impressive on his seasonal debut at Cheltenham's Tripleprint meeting is also a possible.

The full list is:

Beau (Nigel Twiston-Davies)
Lord Noelie (Henrietta Knight)
See More Business (Paul Nicholls)
Foxchapel King (Mouse Morris IRE)
Lady Cricket (Martin Pipe)
Marlborough (Nicky Henderson)
Stong Tel (Martin Pipe)
Cyfor Malta (Martin Pipe)
Go Ballistic (Richard Phillips)
Listen Timmy (Alan King)
Mulligan (Alan King)
New Rising (Peter Winkworth)

19 FOR BYRNE BROS CLEEVE HURDLE

Richard Phillips' Anzum will be bidding to make his long-awaited return to action ahead of another crack at the Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle - a race he landed in 1999.

Another previous Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle winner who could also return in Saturday's race is the injury-plagued Princeful, now under the care of Ron Hodges.

They are:

Anzum (Richard Phillips)
Audacter (Lawrence Wells)
Barton (Tim Easterby)
Danegold (Richard Phillips)
Deano's Beeno (Martin Pipe)
Grivery (Guillaume Macaire FR)
Heros Fatal (Martin Pipe)
Merry Masquerade (Mary Reveley)
Mister Banjo (Paul Nicholls)
Musardo (Venetia Williams)
Princeful (Ron Hodges)
Run For Paddy (Mark Pitman)
Splendid Thyne (Terry Casey)
Teaatral (Charles Egerton)
The Proms (Nigel Twiston-Davies)
Youlneverwalkalone (Christy Roche IRE)
Flagship Therese (Philip Rothwell IRE)
Lady Rebecca (Venetia Williams)
Rostropovich (Mouse Morris IRE)

REBECCA GOES FOR THIRD CLEEVE HURDLE

Bloodstock agent David Redvers, who bought and part owns the Venetia Williams-trained mare, reports her in fine fettle before Saturday's race.

He said today: "She worked as well as ever on Saturday morning and they were very pleased with her. With any luck she's back to her best and obviously we wouldn't want it to be too heavy. I've already started box-walking and gone off my food!

"She won the race last year first time out so that shouldn't be a problem. A third Cleeve Hurdle has always been a long-held ambition and all we badly want to do is win on Saturday.

"After that we will make a decision on whether she goes for the Bonusprint Stayers Hurdle at the Festival in March. It totally depends on how she performs in the Cleeve Hurdle, if she didn't run well for whatever reason she would go off to stud straight away to be covered."

The Byrne Bros Cleeve Hurdle, run over two miles, five and a half furlongs, forms part of a star-studded seven-race card that has a total of £215,000 in prize money and includes one of the leading Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup trials, the £75,000 Pillar Property Chase.

OUTSTANDING CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL NOVICE CHASES IN PROSPECT

There are 51 entered in The Irish Independent Arkle Chase - a figure bettered only once in the last 11 years - and these include no less than seven trained by Martin Pipe, who won consecutive renewals with Or Royal (1997) and Champleve (1998).

The champion trainer's entry this year comprises Ilnamar, one of the top young French chasers who was recently bought out of Guy Cherel's stable, the progressive hurdler Valiramix, Cadougold, Iorana, Rodock, Seebald and Wahiba Sands.

Last season's Gerrard Supreme Novices' Hurdle runner-up Best Mate is unbeaten in two starts over fences, most recently when seeing off Fatehalkhair at Cheltenham's Open 2000 in November, while Exit To Wave, trained like the 1999 winner Flagship Uberalles by Nicholls, advertised his well-being when, in receipt of 16lb, he defeated Dusk Duel at Ascot on Saturday, January 13. The latter is trained by Nicky Henderson, whose success in last season's The Irish Independent Arkle Chase with Tiutchev was his third in the race.

Ventana Canyon in 1996 was the last winner to take this prize back to Ireland but there are 12 entries from across the Irish Sea this year. Knife Edge, recently bought by J P McManus, has won both his starts over fences - most recently when beating Well Ridden by six lengths at Leopardstown on Boxing Day - while Ross Moff made a successful chasing debut at Leopardstown on January 14. There are two entries from France - Master Finch, trained by Robert de Vink, and the Francois Doumen-trained Bounce Back.

There are 61 engaged in the Royal & SunAlliance Chase, all of whom will be hoping to emulate the 1999 winner Looks Like Trouble, who went on to land last year's Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Bacchanal, winner of the 2000 Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle, is the ante-post favourite after an impressive victory at Kempton on Boxing Day in which Take Control and Shotgun Willy were a distant second and third. Hati Roy, trained like last year's winner Lord Noelie by Henrietta Knight, defeated Behrajan at Cheltenham on December 8.

Martin Pipe boasts two previous wins in this contest with Miinnehoma (1992) and Rolling Ball (1991) and has eight entries. These include the ex-French Imperial De Thaix, impressive winner of his last two starts in Chepstow novice chases, Ilnamar, and Take Control.

There are 11 Irish entries including the Frances Crowley-trained Sackville, winner of a 3m 1f novices' chase at Cheltenham's Open 2000 in November, Ross Moff, and Over The Furze, who completed a hat-trick over fences for trainer John Berry at Leopardstown on New Year's Eve. Bounce Back is one of two French-trained entries in the Royal & SunAlliance Chase, along with Broiswick, trained by Guillaume Macaire.

The French presence at the 2001 National Hunt Festival looks set to be its strongest ever with six different trainers having entered horses in the six races to have closed so far.

Edward Gillespie, Cheltenham's Managing Director, commented: "We were delighted to see Looks Like Trouble, the 1999 Royal & SunAlliance Chase winner, go on to Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup glory last March and this emphasises the race's record for throwing up stars of the future.

"Likewise The Irish Independent Arkle Chase has proved an excellent stepping stone to the Queen Mother Champion Chase and we look forward to seeing many of those entered in the two championship novice chases at many National Hunt Festivals to come.

"One of the stories of the 2001 Festival this year has been the increased entry from France and this will add a further point of interest in March."

ARKLE ENTRIES AND ANALYSIS

THE IRISH INDEPENDENT ARKLE CHALLENGE TROPHY CHASE

Form Horse Age Owner Trainer
5U21FD ALCAPONE (IRE) 7 Castleblake Racing Syndicate Mouse Morris IRE
1230/4-F BACCARAT (IRE) 7 Lady Lloyd Webber Jimmy FitzGerald
1P-4F31 BALLA SOLA (IRE) 6 Top Cat Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE
02-1314 BALLINCLAY KING (IRE) 7 I Guise, B Leatherday & N Spence Ferdy Murphy
1221-11 BEST MATE (IRE) 6 Jim Lewis Henrietta Knight
334//-222 BIG PERKS (IRE) 9 R Perkins Paul Dalton
12-1123 BOLD KING (FR) 6 Gallagher Equine Ltd Neville Callaghan
F-13322 BOUNCE BACK (USA) 5 Wendy Sainer Francois Doumen FR
0222//-1P CADOUGOLD (FR) 10 David Johnson Martin Pipe
45/10-11 COLINS DOUBLE (IRE) 8 Cathal McCarthy Cathal McCarthy IRE
21022U CORNICHE (IRE) 6 John Marks and Hazel Rees Nigel Twiston-Davies
U-13113 DAMUS (GER) 7 The Winning Line Ian Williams
10-3112 DUSK DUEL (USA) 6 Anthony Speelman Nicky Henderson
15-F422 ERRAND BOY 7 Trevor Hemmings Sue Smith
44-P1F1 EXIT TO WAVE (FR) 5 Malcolm Pearce & Gerry Mizel II Paul Nicholls
1F5214 FATEHALKHAIR (IRE) 9 Ray Wagner Brian Ellison
1130-P FOR MORE (FR) 6 Paul Green Henrietta Knight
231-5F2 FRENCHMAN'S CREEK 7 Rory Sweet & Panda Wilson Hughie Morrison
5-10441 GASTINA (FR) 6 Robert Waley-Cohen Nicky Henderson
6233-22 GIGOLO GERRY (IRE) 8 Nicholas Cooper Richard Rowe
04-11F5 ICHI BEAU (IRE) 7 Fiona Butterly Ferdy Murphy
3-P0121 ILNAMAR (FR) 5 Joe Moran Martin Pipe
0P1P INN ANTIQUE (FR) 5 Graham Roach Paul Nicholls
02-1412 IORANA (FR) 5 Alison C Farrant Martin Pipe
1002F5 KAISERSTOLZ (GER) 8 The Winning Line Ian Williams
244-141 KEEPING THE FAITH (IRE) 7 Donkey Limited Tommy Carmody IRE
133320 KILLULTAGH STORM (IRE) 7 Rose Boyd Willie Mullins IRE
536-111 KNIFE EDGE (USA) 6 J P McManus Michael O'Brien IRE
1-53650 KRABLOONIK (FR) 7 Deborah Potter Seamus Mullins
13-01 LATALOMNE (USA) 7 T Alderson Brian Ellison
U1/P10-0 MAGIC COMBINATION (IRE) 8 Richard Gilbert Lenny Lungo
341136 MASTER FINCH 5 Robert J de Vink Robert J de Vink FR
011311 MOSCOW RETREAT (IRE) 8 Lady Virginia Petersham Michael Hourigan IRE
3240-31 MR PERCY (IRE) 10 Felix Rosenstiel's Widow & Son Josh Gifford
26-F154 NATIVE DARA (IRE) 8 Oriel Two Syndicate Noel Meade IRE
15/343-4 NOMADIC 7 Des Sharkey Noel Meade IRE
1-00FFF PIPPIN'S FORD (IRE) 6 Austin Brady Peter McCreery IRE
F12151 RED STRIKER 7 Norman Mason Norman Mason
0F-2FF1 REDEMPTION 6 John Duggan & Michael Purtill Paul Webber
112456- RODOCK (FR) 7 Chris, Basil & Rosie Batterham II Martin Pipe
11311-1 ROSS MOFF (IRE) 8 Seamus Ross Tony Martin IRE
1P-2336 SANDY DUFF 7 Lord Carnarvon Paul Webber
4F4411 SARAGANN (IRE) 6 Jay Dee Bloodstock Limited Philip Hobbs
110-263 SEEBALD (GER) 6 The Macca & Growler Partnership Martin Pipe
2324-12 SHAFI (IRE) 10 Glyn Byard Steve Flook
331315 SIMPLY GIFTED 6 Steve Hammond Tim Easterby
121-31P TURGEONEV (FR) 6 David Sills Micky Hammond
510/024- TYROLEAN DREAM (IRE) 7 Peter Heath Mark Tompkins
1012-11 VALIRAMIX (FR) 5 Jim Weeden Martin Pipe
12U6-P2 WAHIBA SANDS 8 David Johnson Martin Pipe
113-132 WELL RIDDEN 7 Frank Clarke Arthur Moore IRE

51 Entries, 12 Irish-Trained, 2 French-Trained

Analysis

Lambourn trainer Nicky Henderson drew level with retired handler Peter Easterby on three victories in The Irish Independent Arkle Chase when Tiutchev prevailed in last year's renewal of the season's top two-mile novices' event. Henderson's previous successes came with Remittance Man in 1991 and Travado two years later.

This season the Lambourn trainer has entered Dusk Duel and Gastina. The former has won two of his four novice chase starts this term, the first of the victories coming over 2m 5f at Cheltenham in December. Dusk Duel won again on his next outing at Kempton on Boxing Day but then failed to give Exit To Wave 16lb when going down by three lengths at Ascot on January 13. Formerly trained in France, Gastina made a winning debut in this country in a novices' chase at Ludlow in early January.

Another handler with two entries for this season's The Irish Independent Arkle is Paul Nicholls, who won the 1999 running with Flagship Uberalles. Exit To Wave could well be unbeaten in three outings over fences if he had not fallen when holding every chance in the Ludlow contest won by Gastina. Nicholls' other possible is Inn Antique, a chase winner in France, who took a strong hold before being pulled up on his British debut in a novices' chase at Exeter on December 1.

Henrietta Knight, who will be hoping to build on her two successes at last year's National Hunt Festival, has never made any secret of her high regard for Best Mate. Second to Sausalito Bay in last year's Gerrard Supreme Novices' Hurdle, Best Mate has a 100 per cent record over fences this season, including a victory in the Grade 2 November Novices' Chase at Cheltenham. Some pundits thought Dusk Duel may have beaten him that day if he hadn't slipped after jumping the second last, but nevertheless Best Mate has the form in the book and will be a formidable contender in March.

Any entries emerging from Martin Pipe's powerful Nicholashayne training centre have to be respected and last season's champion trainer, who won The 1997 and 1998 Irish Independent Arkles with Or Royal and Champleve respectively, has entered seven entries this time around.

Pipe's septet includes Wahiba Sands, who made his chasing debut in last season's The Irish Independent Arkle finishing a creditable sixth behind Tiutchev, Valiramix, who has yet to jump the larger obstacles but won four of six starts over hurdles in 2000 and Rodock, who has also not jumped a fence in public but had three hurdle successes last season including the Murphys Draughtflow Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham in November 1999. The Pipe contingency are completed by Cadougold, Ilnamar, one of the top young French chasers who recently joined the yard, Iorana and Seebald.

The last Irish-trained winner of The Irish Independent Arkle was 1996 hero Ventana Canyon, who hailed from Edward O'Grady's County Tipperary yard. This year there are 12 Irish-trained entries, including Ross Moff, who made an extremely impressive winning debut over fences in a novices' chase at Leopardstown on January 14.

Arthur Moore has entered Well Ridden, who won his first start over fences at Navan on November 4 beating the Mouse Morris-trained Alcapone by a neck. Upped in class next time in the Grade 1 Pierse Drinmore Novices' Chase at Fairyhouse the following month, Well Ridden finished third to Sackville, having made a bad mistake at the second last. The seven-year-old was then comprehensively beaten in the Grade 1 Denny Gold Medal Novices' Chase at Leopardstown on Boxing Day when second to Knife Edge.

Trained by Michael O'Brien, Knife Edge was recently purchased by J P McManus. He won two Grade 2 hurdles and has already proved a high-class performer over fences, winning a Grade 1 event on only his second start chasing after which his trainer described the race as being just a schooling session for him.

Noel Meade has entered Nomadic, who has yet to run over fences but was good enough to win a Grade 2 race over timber, and Native Dara, who was turned over on his chasing bow at Navan on November 19, but made amends by winning a beginners' chase at Naas just six days later. He has disappointed on his last two starts.

The Willie Mullins-trained pair Balla Sola and Killultagh Storm plus Colins Double, Keeping The Faith, Moscow Retreat and Pippin's Ford make up the dozen Emerald Isle entries.

Bounce Back, trained by Francois Doumen, is one of two French-trained entries. The five-year-old is another who has yet to embark on a chasing career but has won two of eight starts over hurdles, including the Grade 3 Prix Sageris - Prix de Longchamp at Auteuil in May.

Robert de Vink is responsible for the other French entry, Master Finch, who has finished third in Grade 2 and Grade 3 chases at Auteuil.

Malton-based Brian Ellison is represented by Fatehalkhair and Latalomne, two of the leading novice chasers in the north. A Sedgefield specialist, having won three times over fences at the Co Durham course, Fatehalkhair put up his best performance when second to Best Mate in the Grade 2 November Novices' Chase at Cheltenham in November. Latalomne won by a distance on his chasing bow at Musselburgh in a novices' chase on January 12.

Another interesting contender is Mr Percy, trained by Josh Gifford, who made a late start to his chasing career when winning a novices' event at Leicester in early January aged 10.

IRISH-TRAINED ENTRIES FOR THE IRISH INDEPENDENT ARKLE CHALLENGE TROPHY CHASE

1P-4F31 BALLA SOLA (IRE) 6 ch g Simply Great-Dance Alone (Monteverdi)
Owner: Top Cat Syndicate Trainer: Willie Mullins
Balla Sola turned over on his first appearance over fences at Clonmel in November and then finished third, beaten 31 lengths by Knife Edge, in the Grade 1 Denny Gold Medal Novices' Chase at Leopardstown on Boxing Day. This experience in top-class company obviously sharpened the six-year-old up as he won his last outing at Thurles on January 10 by 12 lengths from Political Animal. Balla Sola's greatest success over hurdles came in the Grade 3 Red Mills Trial Hurdle at Gowran Park last February.

45/10-11 COLINS DOUBLE (IRE) 8 ch g Doubletour-Erin Brownie (Blakeney)
Owner: Cathal McCarthy Trainer: Cathal McCarthy IRE
An intriguing entry from Cathal McCarthy is Colins Double, who has won both of his National Hunt starts during the current campaign. After taking a beginners' chase at Punchestown in early May, two weeks later he struck again in a handicap hurdle at Navan. Last season Colins Double only raced twice, but managed to win on his seasonal debut at Galway in July, 1999 in a maiden hurdle and has earlier gained a couple of successes in bumpers at Fairyhouse and Bellewstown in 1998.

244-141 KEEPING THE FAITH (IRE) 7 b m Ajraas-Felicitas (Mr Fluorocarbon)
Owner: Donkey Limited Trainer: Tommy Carmody IRE
Lightly raced over hurdles, Keeping The Faith won one start over timber in five appearances - this victory coming in a juvenile hurdle at Navan in October 1997. Last season the seven-year-old mare was unable to get off the mark over the larger obstacles, but this time around has won a beginners' chase at Navan in May and a handicap chase at Dundalk in September. Although she carried 12st to victory in this handicap, she was only rated 102 at the time of the victory and it seems fair to say that further improvement is required to be competitive here.

133320 KILLULTAGH STORM (IRE) 7 b g Mandalus-Rostrevor Lady (Kemal)
Owner: Rose Boyd Trainer: Willie Mullins IRE
Placed in three beginners' chases since October, Killultagh Storm reverted to hurdles last time when he was always behind in the Pierse Hurdle at Leopardstown on January 14. The seven-year-old has gained four career victories over timber, all in handicaps. The most notable of those successes came in the Grade 2 Powers Gold Label Handicap Hurdle at Fairyhouse in April, when he beat Brigade Charge by a head.

536-111 KNIFE EDGE (USA) 6 b g Kris S-My Turbulent Miss (My Dad George)
Owner: J P McManus Trainer: Michael O'Brien
Knife Edge, trained by Michael O'Brien, is currently unbeaten over fences. He made a winning debut over the larger obstacles at Naas in November easily disposing of Glenelly Gale by 12 lengths in a novices' chase. Upped in class, the six-year-old then won the Grade 1 Denny Gold Medal Novices' Chase at Leopardstown on Boxing Day beating Well Ridden by six lengths. Boasts two Grade 2 hurdle wins and was bought earlier in the season by J P McManus.

011311 MOSCOW RETREAT (IRE) 8 b g Moscow Society-Firing (Tarboosh)
Owner: Lady Virginia Petersham Trainer: Michael Hourigan IRE
The Michael Hourigan-trained Moscow Retreat is having a dream of a season winning four novices' chases, including two events at Galway. His only defeat over fences came at Tralee in August when he finding Brandy Galore and Woodchester too good in a similar contest. Moscow Retreat was a reasonable hurdler, winning two races including a valuable event at Fairyhouse last April, but he really seems to have come to himself over the bigger obstacles.

26-F154 NATIVE DARA (IRE) 8 b g Be My Native-Birchwood (Fordham)
Owner: Oriel Two Syndicate Trainer: Noel Meade
Since gaining his first success over fences in November in a beginners' chase at Naas, Native Dara has been somewhat disappointing. He finished last of five in a Grade 1 chase, the Pierse Drinmore Novices' Chase, at Fairyhouse in early December, then could only manage fourth in a lesser novices' chase at Naas earlier this month behind River Clodagh. A winner of three hurdles over the course of his career, the son of Be My Native was no more than a handicapper over timber.

15/343-4 NOMADIC 7 gr g Kenmare-Legend Of Arabia (Great Nephew)
Owner: Des Sharkey Trainer: Noel Meade IRE
Nomadic has yet to jump a fence in public and has not get his head in front since winning the Grade 3 Red Mills Trial Hurdle at Gowran Park in February 1999, beating the useful Limestone Lad by 1 lengths and prior to that took the Grade 2 Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown in November 1998. Previous visits to the National Hunt Festival have yielded a third to Upgrade in the 1998 Elite Racing Club Triumph Hurdle and a fifth behind Istabraq in the 1999 Smurfit Champion Hurdle.

1-00FFF PIPPIN'S FORD (IRE) 6 b g Shahanndeh-Shakoura (Labus)
Owner: Austin Brady Peter McCreery IRE
The six-year-old has fallen on his last three chase starts and on his only other chasing run was beaten 32 lengths by Well Ridden in a beginners' chase at Navan last November. He is now trained by Peter McCreery having formerly been with Paul Nicholls in Somerset. While trained in England, Pippin's Ford did manage one success over hurdles when beating Heliette by 14 lengths in a novices' contest at Taunton in December 1999.

11311-1 ROSS MOFF (IRE) 8 b g Good Thyne-Miss Kamsy (Kambalda)
Owner: Seamus Ross Trainer: Tony Martin
Trained by Tony Martin, Ross Moff gained a facile victory on his chasing bow in a novice event at Leopardstown on January 14. Describing the feel that the eight-year-old gave him on that occasion, jockey Conor O'Dwyer said: "He was good, but he had little to beat." Ross Moff's last success over hurdles came in the Grade 2 Powers Gold Label Novices' Hurdle in April at Fairyhouse. He appeared at last year's National Hunt Festival, finishing third in the Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle and then made amends for what connections considered to be an unlucky run winning a similar event at Aintree the following month.

113-132 WELL RIDDEN 7 b g Gildoran-Rydewells Daughter (Celtic Cone)
Owner: Frank Clarke Trainer: Arthur Moore
A winner of three novice hurdles, Well Ridden won on his chasing debut at Navan in early November scraping home by a neck from Alcapone. Some considered the six-year-old an unlucky loser when he was upped in class the following month at Fairyhouse in the Grade 1 Pierse Drinmore Novices' Chase. On that outing he made a bad mistake two out, but was still only beaten just over four lengths by Sackville. Most recently the son of Gildoran finished second in another Grade 1 contest, the Denny Gold Medal Novices' Chase, at Leopardstown on Boxing Day beaten six lengths by Knife Edge.

FRENCH-TRAINED ENTRIES IN THE IRISH INDEPENDENT ARKLE CHALLENGE TROPHY CHASE

341136 MASTER FINCH 5 b h Bold Arrangement-Monaneigue Lady (Julio Mariner)
Owner: Robert J de Vink Trainer: Robert J de Vink FR
British-bred by Tony Richards's Ewar Stud Farms, Master Finch has won twice in the latest season and has also put up some impressive performances in defeat including when third in a Grade 3 chase at Auteuil on October 7 and when second to the useful Asador in the Prix Ubu III at Angers in February.

ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE CHASE ENTRIES AND ANALYSIS

Form Horse Age Owner Trainer
2-41123 ARCTIC COPPER (IRE) 7 Grand Alliance Racing Club Noel Meade IRE
03P-022 AZTEC RULE (IRE) 8 Eddie Gloyne Roger Curtis
121-411 BACCHANAL (IRE) 7 Lady Lloyd-Webber Nicky Henderson
02-1314 BALLINCLAY KING (IRE) 7 I Guise, B Leatherday & N L Spence Ferdy Murphy
2143-1 BE MY MANAGER (IRE) 6 The Earl Cadogan Henrietta Knight
113-112 BEHRAJAN (IRE) 6 The Behrajan Partnership Henry Daly
1213U1 BINDAREE (IRE) 7 Raymond Mould Nigel Twiston-Davies
F-13322 BOUNCE BACK (USA) 5 Wendy Sainer Francois Doumen FR
1/404-22 BRAVE TORNADO 10 Bridget Swire Toby Balding
221103 BROISWINK (FR) 6 Mrs P Papot Guillaume Macaire FR
062/-214 BRUSH THE FLAG (IRE) 9 Tony Wyse Edward O'Grady IRE
100/121/- BUCKSIDE (IRE) 9 Queen Elizabeth Nicky Henderson
0222//-1P CADOUGOLD (FR) 10 David Johnson Martin Pipe
033-14 CEANANNAS MOR (IRE) 7 Major Christopher Hanbury Nicky Henderson
26-1323 CHAMPAGNE NATIVE (IRE) 7 Back Street Syndicate Tom Taaffe IRE
P31244 CHARTER RIDGE (IRE) 8 Anne Duchess of Westminster Jonjo O'Neill
P4611F CIMARRONE COVE (IRE) 6 Philip Matton Mark Pitman
32032/-P CITY HALL (IRE) 7 Rosemary Key & Val Ward Val Ward
P5P1P-P COLQUHOUN 7 Brian Kilpatrick Tom George
6-311FU CROCADEE 8 The Winning Line Venetia Williams
13-5211 ENRIQUE (GER) 6 Robert Ogden Philip Hobbs
15-F422 ERRAND BOY 7 Trevor Hemmings Sue Smith
340615/- FAR DAWN (USA) 8 John Marriott Ian Williams
4/D12-U2 FRANTIC TAN (IRE) 9 The Bunkers Hill Mob Nigel Twiston-Davies
01P414 GALANT MOSS (FR) 7 Chris, Basil & Rosie Batterham II Martin Pipe
116-414 HALEXY (FR) 6 Robert Ogden Venetia Williams
42-1212 HANNIGAN'S LODGER (IRE) 7 The Lodgers Nigel Twiston-Davies
100-111 HATI ROY (IRE) 8 Mrs Ann Humphries Henrietta Knight
111600- HEROS FATAL (FR) 7 Frank A Farrant Martin Pipe
3-P0121 ILNAMAR (FR) 5 Joe Moran Martin Pipe
16411 IMPERIAL DE THAIX (FR) 5 Jeff Lammiman Martin Pipe
011-124 IRIS BLEU (FR) 5 David Johnson Martin Pipe
2010-11 JOLLY GREEN GIANT (IRE) 8 Paul Green Paul Webber
16126 KABAL OF LIFE (IRE) 7 Andrew Cohen Alex Hales
P-43211 KILLERINE (FR) 6 Mr & Mrs John Poynton Ian Williams
1121-11 KILLUSTY (IRE) 7 Lady Lloyd-Webber Charles Egerton
4321F1 KINGS VALLEY (IRE) 7 Extra Cool Syndicate Noel Meade IRE
3111//-12 KIT SMARTIE (IRE) 9 Donald Forster Donald Forster
221 KNIGHTS OF KERRY (IRE) 6 Mrs M T Quinn Willie Mullins IRE
41-1315 LAKEFIELD RAMBLER (IRE) 9 A J Powell, Frank Bonsal, J Schlesinger Paul Nicholls
21/P4-0F LATCHFORD (IRE) 9 Ten Strong Racing Ian Williams
111P-11 MAJESTIC (IRE) 6 Pat Kelly Ian Williams
61-P4PF MONIFETH MAN (IRE) 6 David Lloyd Mouse Morris IRE
6-11112 MORAL SUPPORT (IRE) 9 Tom & Evelyn Yates Charlie Mann
62-4111 OVER THE FURZE (IRE) 8 Maeve McMorrow John Berry IRE
F12151 RED STRIKER 7 Norman Mason Norman Mason
11311-1 ROSS MOFF (IRE) 8 Seamus Ross Tony Martin IRE
1-52211 SACKVILLE (IRE) 8 Seamus O'Farrell Frances Crowley IRE
221 SATSHOON (IRE) 8 Mick Coburn Paul Nicholls
2253/-33 SCORING PEDIGREE (IRE) 9 Wilsford Racing Partnership Seamus Mullins

111-113 SHOTGUN WILLY (IRE) 7 Graham Roach Paul Nicholls
3-01123 SOMEMANFORONEMAN (IRE) 7 Bryan & Ann Beacham Charlie Mann
1125-34 SOUNDTRACK (IRE) 8 John Kinnear Venetia Williams
1-1333F SPANISH MAIN (IRE) 7 C B Sanderson Nigel Twiston-Davies
21350-1 ST MELLION PAR (IRE) 7 St Mellion Estates Ltd Philip Hobbs
01-1122 TAKE CONTROL (IRE) 7 David Johnson Martin Pipe
P2F33r TWILIGHT BUCK (IRE) 8 P J W Byrne Pat Fahy IRE
12U6-P2 WAHIBA SANDS 8 David Johnson Martin Pipe
2P3421 WEE ANNIE (IRE) 7 Joe Blevins Wiillie Rock IRE
133/3-35 WINSTON RUN 9 Mr & Mrs John Poynton Ian Williams
64-1132 YEOMAN SAILOR (IRE) 7 Mrs Jill Eynon & Mr Robin Eynon Mark Pitman
61 Entries
11 Irish-Trained
2 French-Trained

THE ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE CHASE - Analysis

Champion trainer Martin Pipe once again has the most entries - eight in total this year. They are Cadougold, Galant Moss, Heros Fatal, Ilnamar, Imperial de Thaix, Iris Bleu, Take Control and Wahiba Sands.

Cadougold was a useful hurdler who has managed one success in a Taunton novice chase while Galant Moss was an impressive winner at Ascot in December. Heros Fatal has yet to appear in public over fences but is a useful performer, having landed last season's Tote Cesarewitch at Newmarket. Ilnamar is a French import who has won twice at Auteuil.

Imperial de Thaix was victorious at Chepstow over Christmas for Guillaume Macaire and has since joined Pipe and won at the same track once again on January 16. Iris Bleu has been a bit disappointing since joining Pipe from France while Take Control was victorious at Exeter and Newton Abbot earlier in the season but has been exposed subsequently when raised in class. The useful Wahiba Sands also holds entries in the Smurfit Champion Hurdle, Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle and The Irish Independent Arkle Trophy.

Five entries hail from the Alvechurch yard of Ian Williams - Far Dawn, Killerine, Latchford, Majestic and Winston Run. Winston Run was third behind Barton in the 1999 Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle while Killerine and Majestic have both scored in novice events this season.

Nigel Twiston-Davies, successful in 1993 with Young Hustler, has four entries in 2001 - Bindaree, Frantic Tan, Hannigan's Lodger and Spanish Main. A useful staying novice hurdler, his leading hope Bindaree has perhaps not been quite as impressive over fences as had been hoped but he put up a decent to display at Ascot on January 13 to defeat Brave Tornado.

Current favourite in the ante-post list is Bacchanal, trained by Nicky Henderson for Lady Lloyd-Webber. The winner of last season's Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle at the Festival, Bacchanal has been victorious in his two outings over fences so far at Newbury and in the Grade 1 Network Design Feltham Novices' Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day. Henderson has also entered Buckside, owned by the Queen Mother, and Ceanannas Mor.

A disappointment at Kempton behind Bacchanal was Shotgun Willy - one of three entries for Paul Nicholls. Previously an impressive winner of the valuable Elizabeth Hitchins Memorial Novices' Chase at Newbury in November, Nicholls has since attributed Shotgun Willy's poor Kempton performance to the course being unsuitable. Nicholls' other two entries include former useful hunter chasers Lakefield Rambler and Satshoon.

Crocadee is one of Venetia Williams' trio of entries. He appeared to be held by Bacchanal when falling two out at Kempton and unseated his rider in the Cantor Index Dipper Novices' Chase at Newcastle on January 13 (which was landed in impressive fashion by Red Striker with Ballinclay King fourth). Williams' other entries are Halexy and Soundtrack.

Mark Pitman has entered the useful Cimarrone Cove who has been impressive in landing his two novices chases at Doncaster (where he defeated Kit Smartie) and at Newbury (where he has Satshoon and Ceanannas Mor behind him). Pitman has also entered Yeoman Sailor, victorious in minor events at Worcester and Folkestone last May.

Henrietta Knight, successful in 2000 with Lord Noelie, has two entries this time around - Be My Manager, winner of his sole start over fences at Taunton last October and Hati Roy who is already twice a winner at Cheltenham this season. The second of his Prestbury Park successes saw him beat Behrajan, who had hitherto been undefeated over fences, in the Ian Williams' Owners Novices' Chase over 3m 1.5f at the Tripleprint Meeting.

Other prominent British challengers include Moral Support, who along with Somemanforoneman comes from the Charlie Mann stable. A half-brother to Dorans Pride, Moral Support has been competing with seasoned handicappers, winning the Tote John Hughes Chase at Chepstow and going on to finish runner up to Jocks Cross in the Coral Eurobet Welsh National.

Like Bacchanal, the Charles Egerton-trained Killusty is owned by Lady Lloyd- Webber. He appears a genuine type who stays well, even if his two novice chase successes have come in minor company at Leicester and Market Rasen.

Of the 11 possible challengers from the Emerald Isle, the pick would appear to be the Frances Crowley-trained Sackville. After finishing runner-up to Arctic Copper and Limestone Lad on his first two outings over fences, he went on to triumph at Cheltenham in the Steel Plate and Sections Novices' Chase over 3m 1f at The Open 2000 (where he had Charter Ridge and Spanish Main behind him). Sackville's latest appearance appeared to show further improvement when he turned the tables on both Arctic Copper and Limestone Lad when victorious in the Grade One Pierse Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse in December.

Ross Moff, trained by Tony Martin, was a very useful hurdler who was third in the Coral Cup at last year's Cheltenham Festival. He made his debut over fences at Leopardstown on January 14 and was a very impressive winner of novice chase over 2m 5f. Over The Furze, handled by John Berry, has been triumphant in three novice chases at Clonmel, Navan and most recently at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting when he landed the William Neville and Sons Novice Chase over 3m.

Francois Doumen's British challengers always deserve consideration and he has one entry in 2001 - Bounce Back. The five-year-old Trempolino gelding has yet to race over fences but is a very useful performer over hurdles. On his latest outing over hurdles he was runner to Caballo Raptor in the Grade 1 Prix Renaud de Vivier over 2m 4.5f at Auteuil in November.

As mentioned earlier, Guillaume Macaire has already made a successful visit to Britain so far this season and he has one entry here - Broiswink - who was successful over 2m 4f at Auteuil in an amateur riders chase last November.

IRISH-TRAINED ENTRIES IN THE ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE CHASE

221 KNIGHTS OF KERRY (IRE) 6 b g Step Together-Tromeup-Sumtin (Ardoon)
Owner: Mrs M T Quinn Trainer: Willie Mullins
Winning point-to-pointer who has only had three runs under Rules, finishing runner-up in bumpers at Thurles and Gowran Park last month before going straight over fences in a three-mile novice chase Thurles on January 10. Looked a very useful recruit on that occasion and despite making a few mistakes he ran out a decisive winner by three lengths from Final Finish.

61-P4PF MONIFETH MAN (IRE) 6 Be My Native-Outdoor Ivy (Deep Run)
Owner: David Lloyd Trainer: Mouse Morris
Has proved a little disappointing with his sole success coming in a novice hurdle at Leopardstown last January. Tried over fences for the first time on his latest outing, he was beaten when falling at the last in a novice chase over 2m 4f at Tramore in November.

62-4111 OVER THE FURZE (IRE) 8 ch g Over The River - Furry Gran (Furry Glen)
Owner: Maeve McMorrow Trainer: John Berry IRE
After Over The Furze had won the Grade 3 William Neville & Sons Novices' Chase at Leopardstown on New Year's Eve, trainer John Berry immediately nominated the final of the EBF Novices' Chase Series at Navan as his next likely target. A fair hurdler winning three contests last season, the eight-year-old has been successful on his last three chasing starts including the Leopardstown victory. His other two wins came in novices' chases at Clonmel in November and Navan the following month.

11311-1 ROSS MOFF (IRE) 8 b g Good Thyne-Miss Kamsy (Kambalda)
Owner: Seamus Ross Trainer: Tony Martin
Trained by Tony Martin, Ross Moff gained a facile victory on his chasing bow in a novice event at Leopardstown on January 14. Describing the feel that the eight-year-old gave him on that occasion, jockey Conor O'Dwyer said: "He was good, but he had little to beat." Ross Moff's last success over hurdles came in the Grade 2 Powers Gold Label Novices' Hurdle in April at Fairyhouse. He appeared at last year's National Hunt Festival finishing third in the Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle and then made amends for what connections considered to be an unlucky run winning a similar event at Aintree the following month. Also in the Irish Independent Arkle Chase.

1-52211 SACKVILLE (IRE) 8 b g Satco-Sackville Street (Ete Indien)
Owner: Seamus O'Farrell Trainer: Frances Crowley IRE
Sackville is currently second favourite for the Royal & SunAlliance Chase. The eight-year-old has won his last two chase starts, including most recently the Grade 1 Pierse Drinmore Novices' Chase at Fairyhouse on December 3. Prior to that he gained a six-length success in a novices' chase at Cheltenham in November. Sackville always looked set to be a high-class chaser, especially after he gained the fifth hurdling success of his career winning a Grade 1 novices' event at Aintree last April.

P2F33R TWILIGHT BUCK (IRE) 8 b g Buckskin-Twilight Gale (Strong Gale)
Owner: P J W Byrne Trainer: Pat Fahy
Three career successes to date in a bumper at Balinrobe in September 1999, a three-mile chase at Cork last May and a 2m 4f chase at Killarney in July. Has been running in handicaps of late, with his best effort coming when third in the Munster National at Cork in October but then ran out in the Cork Grand National in November when looking to have a good chance of success.

2P3421 WEE ANNIE (IRE) 7 b m Classic Memory-Lady Lightly (Nepotism)
Owner: J Blevins Trainer: Willie Rock
Trained by County Antrim-based Willie Rock, this seven-year-old finally broke her duck at Fairyhouse on December 17 in a 2m 5f Novice Chase, where she stayed on gamely in the closing stages. She was a well beaten fourth behind Global Search in a moderate novice chase at Ayr in November.

FRENCH-TRAINED ENTRIES IN THE ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE CHASE

221103 BROISWINK (FR) 6 b g Ambroise-Winkel Princess (Periwinkel)
Owner: Mrs P Papot Trainer: Guillaume Macaire
A useful performer in France, this six-year-old gelding successful in the 100th Prix de France (an amateur riders event where he was ridden by British rider James Ewart) over 2m 4.5f at Auteuil in November when he ran out a decisive winner by six lengths from Baccarat Colonges. Trainer Guillaume Macarie saddled a double at Chepstow over Christmas.

SHOCK-ABSORBING WHIPS ON JOCKEY CLUB MENU

The recommending of these whips is set to be the first step before it is made compulsory for jockeys to carry them as they do not mark horses.

Leading jump jockeys are due to try out a new whip, modified from the revolutionary Aircush whip by Robert Patton of Old Mill Saddlery, Northern Ireland, within the next couple of weeks.

The latest Club move has been brought in without any publicity, but John Maxse, the Jockey Club spokesman, said today: "This is the recognition of the improvements in design of whips which are coming on the market and we would like to see jockeys using them.

"The reason why we are recommending these whips rather than anything else is that they are not yet widely available and they have not yet been subjected to prolonged use on the racecourse.

"We are very encouraged by the design and the progress that has been made and at some later point the instruction may change."

David Muir, the RSPCA equine consultant, is encouraged by the Jockey Club move and the new whip.

He said today: "This is the first time that the Jockey Club has used the term shock absorbing and it means that jockeys will use new technology whips which are designed not to injure.

"The whip developed by Robert Patton is a truly shock absorbing whip. He already makes whips which a vast number of jockeys use.

"I have problems with the word encouragement in racing which in my view should mean promoting the horse forward by threat rather the application of physical pain.

"The new technology whips encompass that. The horse still feels the whip but he is extremely unlikely to suffer wheals or cuts and jockeys still have an item of safety."

Asked whether he would have like shock-absorbing whips be have been made mandatory at this stage - something that was under consideration - Muir replied: "To be perfectly fair to the Jockey Club, I think it has behaved in a progressive and responsible manner.

"What the Jockey Club is really saying to the jockeys is that technology is available for you to be able to accomplish what you need on the racecourse in such a way not to cause injury to your horse.

"It is down to jockeys to evaluate that. If they continue to use some of the whips they have now then they are likely to come under scrutiny from the Jockey Club. If they injure a horse using the present-time whips, I imagine the weight of evidence will be against them.

"I'd would have loved to see something absolutely concrete but the Jockey Club is adopting a suck-it-and-see approach, moving forward slowly because the safety of the jockey and horse has to be taken into consideration. I am 100% behind that."

Muir believes that everybody in racing is in a win-win situation.

"I feel now there is the technology and whip design to accomplish what everybody wants. The whip will be tested by the top jump jockeys shortly and I would like to see the Flat jockeys use it as well.

"Robert Patton has come up with a beautiful whip which does not have stitching at the sides and is made of dense material which absorbs shock and reacts very similar to the Aircush whip. I don't see why anybody should object to this new whip - which provides everything for everybody."

He pointed to a situation the other side of world which could be followed by other countries such as South Africa.

"Shock absorbing whips are now mandatory in India which is the first country in the world to take this quantum leap."

The foam padding on some whips at the moment, particularly those used by jump jockeys, is not considered properly shock absorbing and it has taken the Aircush technology, now licensed by Old Mill Whips, to be adapted before a whip, likely to be acceptable to jockeys, could be introduced with such characteristics.

Patton said: "We have taken on the Aircush whip and developed it into a more user-friendly whip. We are going to be releasing these to jockeys within the next ten days for trials.

"If we can make something that keeps everybody happy which is not cruel to horses but helps make them go forward then that is the point."

Old Mill Whips currently provides whips with padding for 95% of the jump jockeys at present. Flat jockeys do not use whips with padding or shock absorbing characteristics.

Jim Mahon invented the Aircush whip, the first fully shock-absorbing one seen in the world, and launched it in June, 1999, after a long development period. It had the support of Sir Peter O'Sullevan and Lord Oaksey among many others but jockeys felt it was too unwieldy.

Mahon said: "I have no doubt at all that shock-absorbing whips will become mandatory at some point. Robert Patton is making his new whip incorporating Aircush technology on licence and he is doing the marketing now for Aircush. A number of top jump jockeys have said they will be very pleased to use them."

While jockeys do not physically injure horses as much as in the past, because of the Jockey Club whip instructions, runners can still be hurt, with conditional jockey Ron Flavin receiving a 12-day ban from the Jockey Club's Disciplinary Committee in November after his use of the whip left a horse marked and bleeding at Ludlow.

DUBAI WORLD CUP SPONSORSHIP

The US$6million Group I Dubai World Cup, sponsored by Emirates, will be the climax to a night of racing that will once again create horse racing history. With a total of US$15.25million in prizemoney, the programme of events is the richest ever held in horse racing and has set the standard for other international equine events to emulate throughout 2001.

EMIRATES has been the sole title sponsor for the Dubai World Cup since its inception in 1996, becoming partners in an event that boasts a growth rate that is unrivalled in the world of horse racing. The airline's support continues in 2001 with total prizemoney for the Group I race worth US$6million. HE Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Emirates, said: "The Dubai World Cup is an integral part of our year-round global sponsorship programme, which extends to golf, cricket, powerboat racing, Australian Rules football and rugby events around the world. We have always had a close link with racing and are pleased to have been able to provide support to race meetings around the world and to have been instrumental, through our sponsorship, in the introduction of the Emirates World Series Racing Championship, which provides a global focus for the sport."

The 2001 Dubai World Cup will once again be the first race in the Emirates World Series Racing Championship and will link the event to some of the world's premier races such as the Breeders' Cup, the King George VIth and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Ascot and the Hong Kong Cup.

While Emirates' sponsorship programme operates on a global scale as befits an international airline, Sheikh Ahmed emphasises that the promotion of Dubai is an integral part of Emirates' sponsorship policy. "This is only the sixth running of the Dubai World Cup and its incredible growth mirrors the development of Dubai as both a tourist destination and a business centre. Emirates plays a key role in supporting Dubai by providing connections to over 50 destinations around the world," he said.

Further emphasis of the quality of the Dubai World Cup meeting was found in June 2000 when the International Cataloguing Standards Committee (ICSC), recognised the excellence of the programme by elevating five of the races on the card.

The US$2million Dubai Duty Free and Dubai Sheema Classic will now be Group II, rising from Group III, while the Godolphin Mile, Dubai Golden Shaheen, Maktoum Challenge Round III and Dubai City of Gold have all gone from Listed status to Group III.

DUBAI DUTY FREE stands alone in the world of Duty Free excellence and the US$2million Group II Dubai Duty Free is known as a true international equine event. Following a transformation in the race conditions last year and a significant boost in prizemoney, the Dubai Duty Free attracted a field of international quality and that was recognised by the International Cataloguing Standards Committee.

Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, said: "We were particularly pleased with the international representation on show in the Dubai Duty Free in 2000 and especially with the decision made by the International Cataloguing Standards Committee to raise the race to Group II level."

"The Dubai Duty Free stands on its own as a quality international race and we are again delighted to be in partnership with the Dubai World Cup, continuing to play a major part in the promotion of Dubai through the medium of world class sporting events."

JEBEL ALI FREE ZONE AUTHORITY AND DUBAI PORTS AUTHORITY continue their partnership with the Dubai Sheema Classic, having been associated with the Group II US$2million Dubai Sheema Classic since its inception in 1998, the race playing an important part on the international racing calendar and considered on par with all other events around the world over the 2,400m distance.

GULF NEWS (Official English Newspaper), continue their partnership with the group III Dubai Golden Shaheen, a race that also seen its prizemoney doubled to US$2million. The race attracted one of the best international sprint fields seen anywhere in the world in 2000 and that appears certain to be the case again in 2001.

Gulf News will provide extensive editorial coverage and for the third consecutive year will publish the Dubai World Cup Official magazine.

The JEBEL ALI HOTEL & GOLF RESORT (Official Hotel and Caterer), who provide catering services for over 1,500 people on the night will again support the group III Godolphin Mile. The Godolphin Mile, like the Dubai Golden Shaheen has received a further substantial boost in prizemoney and this year's running will be worth US$1million, making it among the richest 1,600m dirt events in the world.

EMAAR first entered a partnership with the Dubai World Cup when they supported the Dubai Arabian Classic in 1999 and that continues this year when they sponsor the same event, the Dubai Kahayla Classic, a Group I event for the Purebred Arabians worth US$250,000.

At the Official Supplier level of sponsorship AFRICAN & EASTERN (Official Beverage Supplier) will work in partnership with all caterers, servicing their requirements and official functions for the 2001 Dubai World Cup. BUDGET (Official Transportation) will provide and co-ordinate the extensive guest transportation requirements. DARLEY will sponsor the provision to guests of an official welcome pack and JAGUAR will be the official car to the 2001 Dubai World Cup.

An increased number of 14 companies will support the Dubai World Cup at the Official Supporter level of sponsorship, many of whom will provide their products or services to contribute to the organisers requirements; AL BAYAN (Official Arabic Newspaper), BOBBIN SPORT (Official Merchandiser), CIRCLE EXHIBITION SERVICES (Official Signage Supplier and Stand Fitter), DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM & COMMERCE MARKETING (Official Press Sponsor), EARTHBEAT MUSIC & SOUND (Official Entertainment), GEARHOUSE (Official Production Company), HIGHLAND SPRING (Official Mineral Water), HITACHI (Official Television and Video), PEPSI (Official Soft Drink), PINCTADA PEARLS (Official Jeweller), TATTERSALLS (Official Best Turned Out Prizes), TNT INTERNATIONAL (Official Courier), VISA (Dubai World Cup prefers VISA), WEATHERBYS (Sponsor of Breakfast with the Stars).

Les Benton, Chairman of the Dubai World Cup Committee, "A major part of the success of any event is the support it receives from its sponsors and we are confident that through an unprecedented number of sponsors this year that the 2001 Dubai World Cup meeting will be the best ever run."

"We welcome back all of our established partners, those that have been with us through the rapid rise of the event and also those new for 2001 We appreciate their support and hope this new partnership forms a long and successful association."

AINTREE PROMISE THE BIGGEST AND BEST NATIONAL EVER

After attracting record attendances on both the Thursday (19,070) and Friday (39,070) of the 2000 meeting, Aintree are confident that these will be broken again in 2001.

Aintree's Managing Director, Charles Barnett said: "Our advanced sales for both badges and corporate hospitality are ahead of last year's figures and we are advising anybody wishing to attend throughout any of the 3 days to pre-purchase their badges. Many of the Grandstand areas, including The Princess Royal and Queen Mother Stands, are already sold out on both Friday and Saturday and with limited availability in other areas, the message is to book now to avoid any disappointment."

Entries for the Martell Grand National itself close on Wednesday, January 24 and a top quality field will again be guaranteed to line up on Saturday, April 7 at 3.45pm.

LATEST ACTION FROM NAD AL SHEBA

The first of his winning double saw him renew the 2000 Guineas winning association with prominent owner Saeed Suhail when Carnival Lad impressively won the Maiden before he combined with Countless to record a narrow verdict over the former Godolphin representative Always Believe.

Carnival Lad races in the same colours as the brilliant Kingıs Best, the horse many expected to blaze through 2000 while Fallon would have been expecting quite a successful year also. Ironically, just under two months later both were on the sidelines, Fallon after a fall at Royal Ascot and Kingıs Best after breaking down in Sinndarıs Irish Derby.

However, Fallonıs efforts on Carnival Lad and Countless showed that any injury concerns are well behind him and the jockey said that he would be at peak fitness for the Flat season in 2001.

"I'm riding work every day and also working out at the gym a few times a week and am very happy with my fitness,² he said, ³The shoulder is no
problems, it is 100%."

Carnival Lad was taken straight to the front by Fallon and despite being challenged at the top of the straight, the horse, under a vigorous ride by Fallon, drew away to win by five lengths over Rose Briar with Pikachu third.

Later in the evening River Times caused a surprise when lowering the colours of Siege in the main thoroughbred event.

With Grazalema missing the start badly in the field of four the first three were headed by Siege in front of Buy Or Sell and then River Times.

However, on the point of the home turn jockey Darren Biggs took off and opened up a winning break on Siege while Grazalema went past the tiring Buy Or Sell to finish third.

NAD AL SHEBA
Sunday, January 21, 2001
Weather: Fine. Sand Track: Fast. Turf Track: Good

149: Race One. Thoroughbreds. 1,700m. NH & SH 3YOs. Maiden. SW. (Dirt).

Prizemoney: Dhs50,000. 1st: Dhs25,000. 2nd: Dhs12,000. 3rd: Dhs7,000. 4th:
Dhs4,500. 5th: Dhs1,500.

1. CARNIVAL LAD (USA) 55kg
3 ch c Caerleon ­ Fun Crowd (Easy Goer)
Owner: Saeed Suhail.

Trainer: A Selvaratnam. Jockey: K Fallon.

2. ROSE BRIAR (AUS) 57kg
3 b g Dance Floor ­ Maybe Yes (Last Tycoon)
Owner: North & South Racing Syndicate.

Trainer: N Robb. Jockey: A Delpech.

3. PIKACHU (AUS) 59kg
3 gr c Select Prince ­ Queen Of The Show (Karaman)
Owner: Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed Al Maktoum.

Trainer: S Seemar. Jockey: T Durcan.

Then came (in order): Irhaabi (NZ), Early Assault (AUS), Al Arz (NZ), Red
Bull (NZ), Alhufhuf (NZ), Dabawi (AUS), Enzed Traveller (NZ), Terminator
(NZ), Butterfree (AUS), Shahab (NZ). N/R Naiyzak, Nar. 13 ran. Margins:
5len, .5len. Time: 1:46.83.

150: Race Two. Thoroughbreds. 1,600m. NH 4YOs+ & SH 3YOs+ 00-70. (Turf).

Prizemoney: Dhs65,000. 1st: Dhs32,500. 2nd: Dhs15,600. 3rd: Dhs9,100. 4th:
Dhs5,850. 5th: Dhs1,950.

1. RIO HONDO (USA) 56kg
4 dk b/br c Storm Cat ­ Amizette (Forty Niner)
Owner: Sheikh Rashid bin Maktoum Al Maktoum.

Trainer: N Robb. Jockey: A Delpech.

2. MASHAB (GB) 56kg
6 b h Pursuit Of Love ­ Kukri (Kris)
Owner: Mr Hassan Al Abbar.

Trainer: E Charpy. Jockey: S Sanders.

3. BOLD WINWOOD (USA) 57.5kg
6 b h Zilzal ­ Boldın Determined (Bold And Brave)
Owner: Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum.

Trainer: R Hackworth Jr. Jockey: N Cordrey.

Then came (in order): Desert Shot (GB), Vitellozzi (GB), Aesops (USA),
Plutocrat (USA), Chivalric (IRE), Desert Gold (NZ). N/R Iceband. 9 ran.

Margins: 2.25len, Nose. Time: 1:41.5.

151: Race Three. Purebred Arabians. 1,800m. 4YOs+ SW. (Dirt).

Prizemoney: Dhs50,000. 1st: Dhs25,000. 2nd: Dhs12,000. 3rd: Dhs7,000. 4th:
Dhs4,500. 5th: Dhs1,500.

1. MAHYOOB (OM) 53 carr 54kg
4 ch c Al Masroor ­ Khalilah (Domosed)
Owner: Mr Mohammed Nayamat
Trainer: S Al Kurdi. Jockey: P Smullen.

2. WATHIK (FR) 53 carr 53.5kg
4 ch c Djel Bon ­ Limekiln Kankan (Silver Scenario)
Owner: Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Trainer: S Al Ketbi. Jockey: R Hills.

3. FEEL FREE (US) 59kg
5 b h ZT Ali Baba ­ Fast Forward (Asjah Ibn Faleh)
Owner: Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum.

Trainer: S Seemar. Jockey: T Durcan.

Then came (in order): Tayar (FR), Al Sayoud (FR), Shidayed (FR), Djhiane
(FR), Verre DıEau (FR), Bucelia Du Cayrou (FR), Jelzid (FR). 10 ran.

Margins: 1.75len, nk. Time: 2:06.7.

152: Race Four. Thoroughbreds. 1,200m. NH 4YOs+ & SH 3YOs+ 00-95. (Dirt)
Prizemoney: Dhs90,000. 1st: Dhs45,000. 2nd: Dhs21,600. 3rd: Dhs12,600. 4th:
Dhs8,100. 5th: Dhs2,700.

1. COUNTLESS (USA) 57kg
5 b g Danzig ­ Priceless Pearl (Alydar)
Owner: H M R M.

Trainer: J Wickham. Jockey: K Fallon.

2. ALWAYS BELIEVE (USA) 59kg
5 b h Carr De Naskra ­ Wonder Mar (Fire Dancer)
Owner: Sheikh Rashid bin Maktoum Al Maktoum.

Trainer: J Sadler. Jockey: G Hall.

3. ABREEZE (USA) 61.5kg
6 b g Danzig ­ Priceless Pearl (Alydar)
Owner: Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed Al Maktoum.

Trainer: S Seemar. Jockey: T Durcan.

Then came (in order): Mitchigan (IRE), Kabalevsky (USA), Proud Irishman
(USA), Caballero (GB). 7 ran. Margins: .5len, 1.25len. Time: 1:11.92.

153: Race Five. Bani Yas (Listed). 1,200m. (Turf)
5YOs & Upwards. SW.

Prizemoney: Dhs120,000. 1st: Dhs60,000. 2nd: Dhs20,000. 3rd: Dhs10,000. 4th:
Dhs5,000. 5th: Dhs3,000. 6th: Dhs2,000.

1. MUSHAAGIB (US) 57kg
7 ch h Magus ­ Ten Cents Akiss (Sambor)
Owner: Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum.

Trainer: S Seemar. Jockey: T Durcan.

2. DJARISA DES FORGES (FR) 55kg
5 b m Samsun ­ Djari Des Forges (Cheri Bibi)
Owner: HH The President.

Trainer: J Smart. Jockey: W Smith.

3. ISKA AL MELS (FR) 57kg
5 ch h Dormane ­ Cindhia (Djenoun)
Owner: Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Trainer: K McLaughlin. Jockey: R Hills.

Then came (in order): Mufaq (FR), Hafid Du Bac (FR), Raheeb (AE). 6 ran.

Margins: .75len, Sht hd. Time: 1:21.38.

Comment: Mushaagib showed in his first season of racing in the Emirates in
1999/2000 that he was not only a horse with a lot of ability but also one
that thrives on racing. A winner of six from eight starts during his first
season he has carried that into his second season and his victory in the
Bani Yas was his third from four starts this term. Recognised now as purely
a sprinter, Mushaagib gives the impression that a trip of around 1,600m
would suit however his three unplaced runs have been over that distance and
further. Again here he settled at the tail of the field as Iska Al Mels and
the newcomer Djarisa Des Forges set the pace and as they kicked away at the
top of the straight Mushaagib did appear to be struggling a little in
bridging the gap. However in the final 100m he kept at his task well to
overhaul the two leaders and win going away. The first-up run of Djarisa Des
Forges was very promising and there is no doubt he will improve. Mufaq again
ran consistently while Raheeb quite clearly needs further.

154: Race Six. Thoroughbreds. 1,700m. NH 4YOs+ & SH 3YOs+ 90-110 (Dirt).

Prizemoney: Dhs120,000. 1st: Dhs60,000. 2nd: Dhs28,800. 3rd: Dhs16,800. 4th:
Dhs10,800. 5th: Dhs3,600.

1. RIVER TIMES (USA) 51kg
5 b h Runaway Groom ­ Miss Riverton (Fred Astaire)
Owner: Mr Malih Lahej Al Basti
Trainer: C Wroe. Jockey: D Biggs.

2. SIEGE (IRE) 58kg
5 br h Indian Ridge ­ Above Water (Reference Point)
Owner: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum
Trainer: S bin Suroor. Jockey: J Carroll.

3. GRAZALEMA (USA) 56.5kg
5 b h Storm Bird ­ Dellagrazia (Trempolino)
Owner: Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed Al Maktoum
Trainer: E Charpy. Jockey: T Durcan.

Then came (in order): Buy Or Sell (IRE). 4 ran. Margins: 5len, 7len. Time:
1:43.87.

155: Race Seven. Thoroughbreds. 2,000m. NH 4YOs+ & SH 3YOs+ 00-40. (Dirt).

Prizemoney: Dhs50,000. 1st: Dhs25,000. 2nd: Dhs12,000. 3rd: Dhs7,000. 4th:
Dhs4,500. 5th: Dhs1,500.

1. MUKADDAR (USA) 57.5kg
7 ch h Elmaamul - Both Sides Now (Topsider)
Owner: Mr Salem Mesfer Ghanim Bulgoaba.

Trainer: K McLaughlin. Jockey: W Supple.

2. ZIGERE (60) 60kg
5 ch g Lycius - Zia (Shareef Dancer)
Owner: Mr Ali Abdullah Al Shafar.

Trainer: K McLaughlin. Jockey: P Smullen.

3. CORELLI (GB) 55.5kg
6 b g Machiavellian - Musical Bliss (The Minstrel)
Owner: Mr Mohammed Yusuf Al Badoor.

Trainer: S Seemar. Jockey: T Durcan.

Then came (in order): Chief's Dream (USA), Gallaash (USA), Overenthuse
(USA), Denizen (IRE), Thames Sword (FR), Hey Stan (NZ), Twilight (USA),
Coronation Gold (USA), Little Father (USA). 12 ran. Margins: len, 1.25len.

Time: 2:06.95.

For old articles (from 1st March 2000) go to the Newslink Archive

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