Monday, January 29, 2001
LATEST WILLIAM HILL ANTE-POST PRICES
TOTE GOLD TROPHY: 7-2 Landing Light, 6-1 Mr Cool, 13-2 Rooster Booster, 8-1 Grinkov, Valiramix, 9-1 Master Tern, 10-1 Milligan, 12-1 Hulysse Royal, Masalarian, 14-1 Copeland, Hit And Run, The Gatherer, La Landiere, 16-1 BAR
THE ARKLE TROPHY: 2-1 Best Mate, 6-1 Knife Edge, 7-1 Dusk Duel, 10-1 Rodock, Wahiba Sands, Well Ridden, 12-1 Exit To Wave, Ilnamar, 16-1 Ross Moff, 20-1 Corniche, Mr Percy, Seebald, Valirimix, 25-1 BAR
2001 SMURFIT CHAMPION HURDLE: 2-5 Istabraq, 6-1 Geos, 10-1 Hitman, 14-1 Barton, 16-1 Hors La Loi, Landing Light, 20-1 Moscow Flyer (from 25), Mr Cool, Stage Affair, 25-1 Mantles Prince, Mr Morose, Youllneverwalkalone, 33-1 Grimes, Seebald, 40-1 Bounce Back, His Song, Theatreworld, 50-1 BAR
2001 QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE: 2-1 Flagship Uberalles, 9-2 Edredon Bleu, 8-1 Function Dream, Tuitchev, 10-1 Cenkos, Direct Route, 14-1 Fadalko, Native Upmanship, 16-1 Bellator, 20-1 Grey Shot, 25-1 Nordance Prince, 33-1 Frozen Groom, Space Trucker, The Outback Way, Wahiba Sands, 40-1 BAR
2000 SUNALLIANCE NOV CHASE: 5-2 Bachannal, 6-1 Sackville, 7-1 Shotgun Willy, 8-1 Behrajan, 12-1 Moral Support, Ross Moff, 16-1 Bindaree, Crocadee, Hati Roy, 20-1 Arctic Copper, Be My Manager, Hero's Fatal, Ilnamar, Imperial de Thaix, Killusty, Over The Furze, Take Control, Wahiba Sands, 25-1 BAR,
2001 ELITE TRIUMPH HURDLE: 9-4 Jair du Cochet, 5-1 Bilboa (from 7), 12-1 Pittsburgh Phil, 14-1 Francies Fancy, Jocko Glasses,16-1 Pedro Pete, 20-1 Azertyuiop, Kadarann, Major Lando, 25-1 Fait Le Jojo, Fruit Defendu, Kadoun, Lasting Life, Montreal, Rostropovich, Tiger Groom, 33-1 BAR
2001 STAYERS HURDLE: 4-1 Limestone Lad, 6-1 Anzum, Lady Rebecca, 7-1 Bannow Bay, 8-1 Deano's Beano, Youlneverwalkalone, 10-1 Le Sauvignon, Mister Banjo, 16-1 Celtic Native, Hors la Loi III, Teaatral, 20-1 Boss Doyle, Dorans Pride, Hero's Fatal, Run For Paddy, 25-1 BAR
2001 TOTE GOLD CUP: 2-1 First Gold, 9-2 See More Business, 8-1 Marlborough, 12-1 Cyfor Malta, Florida Pearl, Rinci Ri, 14-1 Beau, Nick Dundee, 20-1 Alexander Banquet, Legal Right, Native Upmanship, 33-1 Commanche Court, Dorans Pride, Logician, Lord Noelie, 40-1 Papillon, 50-1 BAR
2001 MARTELL GRAND NATIONAL: 16-1 Beau, Noble Lord, Papillon, Young Kenny, 20-1 Smarty, 25-1 Browjoshy, Commanche Court, Inn At The Top, Mely Moss, Moral Support, Streamstown, 33-1 BAR
AMERICAN CHAMPION BIDS TO TRIUMPH AT INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
America's top-rated juvenile hurdler, Segregation Lane, is set to run in the ELITE RACING CLUB TRIUMPH HURDLE at what is already promising to be the most-international ever National Hunt Festival at Cheltenham. Trained at Middleburg, Virginia, by Englishman Neil Morris, he is one of a record 123 entries revealed today for the juvenile hurdling championship run on Thursday, March 15. The 31 Irish-trained and five French-trained entries are also records while additionally there is a challenger from Germany.
Segregation Lane, also a winner over nine furlongs on dirt on the Flat, has won three of his four hurdle starts at Virginia Fall, Great Meadow and Camden, slipping up on the home turn on the only occasion he failed to score.
Morris, who has trained in the United States for eight years, said: "The plan is to run at Cheltenham and he will probably come over in the first week of March but will not race before the Festival. It has been one of my dreams to have a runner at Cheltenham - one doesn't get too many opportunities and I think I have a nice horse. I know he has to be really, really good to go over but he's training super and the race was about to close so we thought we'd nominate him.
"I think he's a pretty useful horse who I'd like to run against his own age group, which he can't do in America. In his favour is that we get started a little earlier with our three-year-olds and he's put everyone to bed in this country - in four starts he's had three wins, two of them in stakes races." Matthew McCarron, who has been riding Segregation Lane in America, will be in the saddle at Cheltenham.
Bilboa, trained like last year's winner Snow Drop by Francois Doumen, and the Guillaume Macaire-trained Jair Du Cochet give the French a strong hand boosted further by Francois Rohaut's Zetho and Robert Collet's multiple winners Lasting Life and Tiger Groom. Ireland has a strong team that includes J P McManus's Pittsburgh Phil, winner of the Grade 2 Denny Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown on Boxing Day, and Noel Meade's impressive Fairyhouse maiden winner Fruit Defendu.
Of the domestic entry, Nicky Henderson's Pedro Pete was due to have faced six rivals, all engaged in the Elite Racing Club Triumph Hurdle, on Saturday at Cheltenham in the Wragge & Co Four Years Old Finesse Hurdle. These included Jair Du Cochet and Janus De Cochet, one of Martin Pipe's 19 entries. High-class Flat stayer Riddlesdown, bought for 230,000gns at Tattersalls in October, is another interesting entry.
There are 139 entered for the Festival opener, the GERRARD SUPREME NOVICES' HURDLE, run on Tuesday, March 13. This record entry includes a highest-ever 44 from Ireland, among them the ante-post favourite Ned Kelly and Pierse Hurdle winner Grinkov, a four-strong French team includes Francois Doumen's Ben Ewar. Those trained in Britain include 16 entries from Martin Pipe, including Iznogoud, while the Malcolm Jefferson-trained Dibea Times is another with good credentials.
There is an unprecedented entry of 160 for the ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE NOVICES' HURDLE, run on Wednesday, March 14. It is one of the four French-trained entries, Baracouda from Francois Doumen's stable, who heads the ante-post betting with John Kiely's Liss A Paoraigh, one of 38 entries from Ireland, also prominent in the bookmakers' lists. Valley Henry, trained by Paul Nicholls, Concert Pianist, from Peter Winkworth's stable, and the Len Lungo-trained Skippers Cleuch are among those who have shown high-class form in Britain.
With many French trainers entering horses at the Festival for the first time, record numbers entered from Ireland, Logician, an Australian-trained challenger in the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup, and several entries from Germany, a truly international National Hunt Festival is in prospect.
Edward Gillespie, Cheltenham's Managing Director, said: "We are delighted that American champion Segregation Lane is coming over to add further spice to an already international Elite Racing Club Triumph Hurdle, which along with the Gerrard Supreme Novices' Hurdle and Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle, has record entries. Ever-increasing competition from Ireland and France is also most encouraging."
THE GERRARD SUPREME NOVICES' HURDLE (CLASS A)
Grade 1, 2pm, Tuesday, March 13, 2001, total prize fund º85,000, two miles about half a furlong, for novice four years old and upwards. Weights 4-y-o 11st, 5-y-o and upwards 11st 8lb, fillies and mares allowance 5lb. Entries closed January 24, 2001 (139 entries), entries released, Monday, January 29, forfeit stage February 20. Form correct up to and including Friday, January 26, 2001.
Form/ Horse/ Age/ Owner/ Trainer
1-P24 ADAMANT APPROACH (IRE) 7 Greenstar Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE
341121 AIR ATTACHE (USA) 6 The Scrubbers Partnership Charlie Mann
0001 ANDROMEDES (USA) 4 Margaret Comer Luke Comer IRE
ARABIAN MOON (IRE) 5 Byerley Bloodstock Simon Dow
ARRIBILO (GER) 7 Graham McCourt Graham McCourt
2-61 ARTIC JACK (FR) 5 Trevor Hemmings Nicky Henderson
1 AZERTYUIOP (FR) 4 John Hales Paul Nicholls
410-1 BALLYAMBER (IRE) 6 Amber Dikel Willie Mullins IRE
0 BARBARESCO (USA) 4 Des Sharkey Noel Meade IRE
5 BEDAWIN (FR) 5 Henri de Pracomtal Francois Doumen FR
1 BEN EWAR 7 Tony Richards Francois Doumen FR
03 BERGAMO 5 Ashley Young Brian Ellison
3/-1210 BILBOQUET (FR) 6 M Cordero Francois Rohaut FR
0 BLUE (IRE) 5 The High Street Racing Syndicate Noel Meade IRE
2-44012 BOB JUSTICE (IRE) 5 Breda Brady Ted Walsh IRE
11-2131 BUST OUT 5 The B B Horse Racing Club Jessica Harrington IRE
F/- CATCH THE DRAGON (IRE) 6 Geraldine Reilly-Maloney Pat Flynn IRE
335 CHANOUD 5 G Gannon Michael Halford IRE
3021/3/-1 CHAPELTOWN (IRE) 9 Newbury Racehorse Owners Group II Nicky Henderson
CHRISTOPHENE (USA) 5 E Hunston Tom McCourt IRE
42 CIRCUS MAXIMUS (USA) 4 Christopher McHale Dermot Weld IRE
162-61 COLONEL BRAXTON (IRE) 6 Sue Magnier Dessie Hughes IRE
COLONEL MUSTARD 5 Jan Hopper James Fanshawe
0 CRYSTAL HEARTED 7 Carolyn Poland Venetia Williams
DARK SHELL (IRE) 6 Lord Weinstock Nicky Henderson
113 DARK'N SHARP (GER) 6 Ascot Five Plus One Richard Phillips
053122- DEOCH AN DORAIS (IRE) 6 Queen Elizabeth Nicky Henderson
111 DIBEA TIMES (FR) 4 Ray & Anita Green Malcolm Jefferson
0B5321 DOONAREE (IRE) 5 John P Lynch Pat Hughes IRE
3-2 DOUKASH (FR) 4 Chris, Basil & Rosie Batterham II Martin Pipe
1 DOWER HOUSE 6 Claire Hollowood Mick Easterby
03 DRAFT OF VINTAGE (IRE) 8 John Mulhern John Mulhern IRE
04 ETERNAL SPRING (IRE) 4 Paul Green James Fanshawe
1130 EYEBALLS OUT 5 Bob Jevon Philip Hobbs
12F FAIT LE JOJO (FR) 4 Jay Dee Bloodstock Limited Philip Hobbs
30-2141 FONDMORT (FR) 5 W J Brown Nicky Henderson
230-452 FORRESTFIELD (IRE) 7 J C Savage John Mulhern IRE
2-02110 FRENCH STYLE (IRE) 5 B P MacMahon Dessie Hughes IRE
GOING GLOBAL (IRE) 4 Mike Charlton and Rodger Sargent Gary Moore
13-23 GOLDEN ROW (IRE) 7 W M Roche Charles Byrnes IRE
GOLOVIN (GER) 4 Mrs Hildegarde Focke Michael Grassick IRE
111P GREEN CARD (USA) 7 Piers Pottinger/N Thomas/Denis Yardy Sean Woods
23-1021 GRINKOV (IRE) 6 Anns Backer Syndicate Pat Hughes IRE
1- HAPPY CHANGE (GER) 7 The Winning Line Mark Johnston
HARAK (FR) 4 Des Sharkey Noel Meade IRE
022-1 HERACLES 5 Mrs D La Trobe Brendan Powell
P-4 HITMAN (IRE) 6 The Paper Boys Mark Pitman
30-4114 HORS LA LOI (FR) 5 The Not So Risky Partnership Ian Williams
1 HUNTERS TWEED 5 Robert Gibbons Peter Beaumont
IAMBE DE LA SEE (FR) 5 Elite Racing Club Nicky Henderson
5-0F213 IBAL (FR) 5 Tony Hayward and Barry Fulton Dina Smith
F2-3P IBIS ROCHELAIS (FR) 5 Andrew Wates Terry Casey
216 ILICO II (FR) 5 Terry Warner Philip Hobbs
2 IMPEK (FR) 5 Jim Lewis Henrietta Knight
4-156 INDUCEMENT 5 J B Dale Amanda Perrett
211 IZNOGOUD (FR) 5 County Stores (Somerset) Holdings Ltd Martin Pipe
2U22 JASEUR (USA) 8 J C Bradbury George Barnett
41 JOCKO GLASSES 4 Million In Mind Partnership (10) Nicky Henderson
11- JOE CULLEN (IRE) 6 Mrs Jackie Mullins Willie Mullins IRE
13 JUST IN TIME 6 B K Peppiatt Philip Hobbs
21 KADOUN (IRE) 4 The Hon Mrs Sarah Lawson Michael O'Brien IRE
KAHTAN 6 Trevor Hemmings Nicky Henderson
02134 KAIKOVRA (IRE) 5 Maxse Family P'ship,P Rowley,D Archard Noel Chance
310310 KAPOK (FR) 5 Mrs Stewart Catherwood Edward O'Grady IRE
105-14 KILCASH CASTLE (IRE) 7 Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
11/-F0P KING OF THE CASTLE (IRE) 6 Robert Hitchins Ron Hodges
KING'S TRAVEL (FR) 5 Graham McCourt Graham McCourt
15-3 LANNKAR (IRE) 5 David Johnson Martin Pipe
10 LIFE IS LIFE (FR) 5 Ray & Anita Green Michael Jarvis
31-1111 LISS A PAORAIGH (IRE) 6 Mrs N Flynn John Kiely IRE
LITTLE PIPPIN 5 Bridget Swire Toby Balding
3-4 LUCKY SINNA (IRE) 5 John Plackett Josh Gifford
212 MACS GILDORAN 7 Margaret McManus Willie Mullins IRE
MAJOR LANDO (GER) 4 The Macca & Growler Partnership Martin Pipe
23 MANE FRAME 6 Zycko Ltd Hughie Morrison
MANTUSIS (IRE) 6 R J B Partners Philip Hobbs
MARAGUN (GER) 5 Stuart M Mercer Martin Pipe
3-53422 MARBLE ARCH 5 M Wilson, R Sweet, Mary Wilson Hughie Morrison
MARDANI (IRE) 6 Roger Brookhouse Roger Brookhouse
MAYO 5 Martyn Burke Mick Easterby
030143 MELODIE D'AVRIL (FR) 4 Chris Fleet Martin Pipe
5-314536 MICHEL DE MOEURS (FR) 6 Derek Millard Paul Nicholls
2125 MISS TANGO 4 Codan Trust Company Limited Martin Pipe
3-212 MONTREAL (FR) 4 David Johnson Martin Pipe
421115 MOON SHOT 5 Pearse Racing Club Michael Cunningham IRE
23 MOSSY GREEN (IRE) 7 Greenstar Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE
4 MOWBRAY (USA) 6 Graham Parker Gary Moore
21-0144 NATALIE KNOW'S (IRE) 5 Mrs A Hughes Emmanuel Hughes IRE
110-111 NED KELLY (IRE) 5 Sue Magnier Edward O'Grady IRE
0 NEVER COMPROMISE (IRE) 6 Dermot Desmond Ted Walsh IRE
6411 NEVER MORE (FR) 5 Mrs W O'Grady Edward O'Grady IRE
3234/-4P NOBLE DEMAND (USA) 6 Mrs E A Haycock Toby Balding
240/D- NUVELLINO 6 The Cockpit Crew Philip Hobbs
OLD MARSH (IRE) 5 Seasons and Paradise Venetia Williams
041124 PALOUSE (IRE) 5 G Kinch Philip Rothwell IRE
13-50 PATRIARCH (IRE) 5 Malcolm C Denmark Mark Pitman
320203 PENNY RICH (IRE) 7 Cormac McGuinness Tom Hogan IRE
PETTICOAT LIL (IRE) 5 Robin Mathew Robin Mathew
121360 PILLAR ROCK (USA) 5 Des Sharkey Noel Meade IRE
2-3 PLACID MAN (IRE) 7 Highclere Thoroughbred Racing Ltd Nicky Henderson
205 POLAR STAR 4 Mr & Mrs Malcolm Jones Martin Pipe
2P PRINCE SLAYER 5 Ahmed Abdel-Khaleq Tom McGovern
1-41403 QUADCO (IRE) 7 John G Doyle Pat Fahy IRE
32P PRAISE A PRINCE (FR) 8 Frank S Chao Sean Woods
RANGE TRADER (NZ) 7 Trevor Hemmings Henry Daly
1-125 RAZER BLADE 6 The Liars Poker Partnership Nicky Henderson
6//40- RED MOROCCO (USA) 7 Jamie Butler Pru Townsley
221 REGAL VENTURE (IRE) 6 Brendan Gallagher Michael O'Brien IRE
131133 REIZIGER (FR) 5 D Jones & B Thomas Philip Hobbs
1-42 RESCATOR (FR) 5 Chris, Basil & Rosie Batterham II Martin Pipe
2-21251 RISK ACCESSOR (IRE) 6 J P McManus Christy Roche IRE
13 ROSTROPOVICH (IRE) 4 Tony Kilduff Mouse Morris IRE
1-42 ROUBLE (IRE) 5 P H Betts Josh Gifford
5311 ROYAL AUCLAIR (FR) 4 Clive D Smith Martin Pipe
331 ROYAL MEASURE 5 The Royal Partnership Rod Millman
F0 SABRINSKY (FR) 5 Des Sharkey Noel Meade IRE
SACHO (IRE) 8 J H Henderson Jimmy Harris
SAGE DANCER (USA) 4 Michael Smurfit Dermot Weld IRE
13-231 SOUTHERN STAR (IRE) 6 Southern Brick & Tile Co Ltd Henrietta Knight
2132-2 SPRINGHILL 6 Richard Hambro Mary Hambro
ST HELENSFIELD 6 Paul Dean Martin Pipe
32112 ST PIRRAN (IRE) 6 Graham Roach Paul Nicholls
SWAN KNIGHT (USA) 5 Mr & Mrs Gary Pinchen Martin Pipe
2-431 SWEET IRON (FR) 5 Tim Hely-Hutchinson Martin Pipe
3154F4 TANGO ROYAL (FR) 5 Brian Kilpatrick Martin Pipe
TELLER OF TALES 5 The Teller Of Tales Partnership Charlie Mann
16F1 THE PRINCE 7 Pat Kelly Ian Williams
211 TIMBER KING (IRE) 5 Sue Magnier Christy Roche IRE
60-4112 TORSO 6 Peter Savill Mary Reveley
4 TRIPLE DASH 5 Derek & Jean Clee Venetia Williams
43-4245 TUESDAY (IRE) 6 Violet O'Leary Willie Mullins IRE
43 TURTLE SOUP (IRE) 5 M K George Lydia Richards
15-11 VALLEY HENRY (IRE) 6 Paul Barber Paul Nicholls
25 VATIRISK (FR) 4 E Wallace Edward O'Grady IRE
WESTENDER (FR) 5 Matt Archer & Jean Broadhurst Martin Pipe
P640 WONDERFUL MAN 5 M K Oldham Bob Woodhouse
YAKAREEM (IRE) 5 Terry & Sarah Amos David Bridgwater
00-11 YANN'S (FR) 5 Darren Bloom & Matthew Miller Richard Phillips
21 ZETHO (FR) 4 M Cordero Francois Rohaut FR
139 entries,
44 Irish-trained,
4 French-trained.
GERRARD SUPREME NOVICES' HURDLE
Analysis
The National Hunt Festival opens on Tuesday, March 13, with the ultra-competitive Gerrard Supreme Novices' Hurdle, run over two miles and about half a furlong. A record 139 entries are engaged in the 2001 renewal, including 44 from Ireland and four from France, both also best-ever figures.
The ante-post betting market suggests that Ned Kelly, trained by Edward O'Grady, is not just the best of the Irish team but also superior to any of the domestic challengers. The half-brother to high-class chaser Nick Dundee is unbeaten in all three starts over hurdles this season, most recently taking the Grade 2 Future Champions Novices' Hurdle at Leopardstown on December 27 by 2.5 lengths from Grinkov with Bust Out a head further back in third, Risk Accessor fifth, Quadco seventh and Penny Rich last of the nine finishers. Indeed Ned Kelly would be unbeaten under Rules except for finishing 12th in last season's Weatherby Champion Bumper when the owner's amateur son Tom Magnier put up 6lb overweight.
Grinkov has gone on to beat experienced rivals in the valuable Pierse Handicap Hurdle on January 14.The Willie Mullins-trained Joe Cullen has not run since his success in last year's Weatherbys Champion Bumper, his stablemate Ballyamber was ninth that day and went on to take a bumper at Punchestown on May 5. Further notable entries from across the Irish Sea include the Dessie Hughes-trained Colonel Braxton, in the same Sue Magnier ownership as Ned Kelly, who beat Doonaree by 13 lengths on his hurdling debut at Naas on January 7 with 23 other rivals further back. Kadoun and Andromedes both advertised their well-being with wins at Down Royal on January 24 while Liss A Paoraigh has won all three starts over hurdles, Timber King -another Magnier entry -made a successful hurdling debut at Leopardstown on December 27.
The quartet from across the Channel includes the Francois Doumen-trained Ben Ewar -Group 2-placed on the Flat and an impressive winning hurdle debutant at Ascot on December 19. His maiden stablemate Bedawin and Francois Rohaut's pair of winners Bilboquet and Zetho complete the Gallic team.
Smurfit Champion Hurdle possible Hitman looks to be one of the leading British-trained entries. A high-class Flat performer for Henry Cecil, he finished an eye-catching fourth behind Geos in the Bonusprint Bula Hurdle at Cheltenham on December 9 after a long lay-off.
Chapeltown is one of ten entries for Nicky Henderson and made a ten-length winning debut over hurdles at Newbury on November 25. The Seven Barrows team also includes Arctic Jack, an 18-length winner at Haydock on January 6, Fondmort, who gave 5lb and a neck beating to Impek at Kempton on Boxing Day, the useful ex-Flat performer Kahtan, and Jocko Glasses, who is more likely to go for the Elite Racing Club Triumph Hurdle.
Martin Pipe's entry numbers 16. These include Iznogoud, who belied his name and 11/1 starting price, to beat the fast-finishing St Pirran by five lengths in the Grade 1 Gerrard Tolworth Hurdle at Ascot on January 13. Reiziger finished third with Razer Blade fifth and Patriarch last of the eight runners. Pipe's team -many of whom have other options at the Festival -include Royal Auclair, a dual winner in France, Sweet Iron, winner of a Taunton maiden hurdle on January 4, St Helensfield and Westender, useful staying Flat handicappers respectively for Mark Johnston and William Haggas, have yet to jump a hurdle in public.
The highly-regarded Dibea Times, trained in Malton by Malcolm Jefferson, won his latest hurdle at Newcastle on January 14 by 21 lengths while the Ascot Gold Cup fifth Life Is Life, who also carries the colours of Ray and Anita Green, returned to the Berkshire course for a successful hurdling debut on November 18 only to blot her copybook when seventh of eight behind Ben Ewar, again at Ascot, a month later.
Valley Henry is rightly regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Paul Nicholls' stable after two impressive wins in novices' hurdles, Dower House was forecast to be 1/10 favourite to beat nine rivals at Catterick recently before the meeting was abandoned. Mick Easterby's charge, with good Flat form for William Jarvis, made a successful debut at Newcastle last month. Sacho, also raced in Group company on the level but he has yet to go hurdling, while Yann's, who had been racing in the French provinces, has won on both his novice hurdle runs for Richard Phillips.
THE ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE NOVICES' HURDLE (CLASS A)
Grade 1, 2pm, Wednesday, March 14, 2001, total prize fund º85,000, two miles about five furlongs, for novice four years old and upwards. Weights 4-y-o 10st 12lb, 5-y-o and upwards 11st 7lb, fillies and mares allowance 5lb. Entries closed January 24, 2001 (160 entries), entries released, Monday, January 29, forfeit stage February 20. Form correct up to and including Friday, January 26, 2001.
Form/ Horse / Age/ Owner/ Trainer
1-P24 ADAMANT APPROACH (IRE) 7 Greenstar Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE
3264-22 ALPHA BLUES 6 Mrs P Conway Jim Dreaper IRE
0-1 ALPHA CENTAURI (IRE) 7 Lady Harris Venetia Williams
3/-5 ANOTHER RALEAGH (IRE) 7 Andrew Wates Terry Casey
ARABIAN MOON (IRE) 5 Byerley Bloodstock Simon Dow
ARMEN (FR) 4 Tim Hely-Hutchinson Martin Pipe
2-61 ARTIC JACK (FR) 5 Trevor Hemmings Nicky Henderson
13 ASSESSED (IRE) 7 Festival Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE
03P-022 AZTEC RULE (IRE) 8 Eddie Gloyne Roger Curtis
410-1 BALLYAMBER (IRE) 6 Amber Dikel Willie Mullins IRE
112211 BARACOUDA (FR) 6 J P McManus Francois Doumen FR
5 BEDAWIN (FR) 5 Henri de Pracomtal Francois Doumen FR
1 BEN EWAR 7 Tony Richards Francois Doumen FR
BIENNALE (IRE) 5 Rita Shah Patrick O'Brady IRE
265/5-35 BILLYWILL (IRE) 7 Cats & Mice Syndicate Christy Roche IRE
1/2/- BLACK SECRET 8 T Hubbard Rodney Baker
321435 BOB WHAT (IRE) 7 Mrs Paddy Mullins Paddy Mullins IRE
11115 CAESAR'S PALACE (GER) 4 Jayne Lewis Martin Pipe
011 CELTIC PRIDE (IRE) 6 Walters Plant Hire Ltd Noel Meade IRE
3/13-4F CHALKIE RUN (IRE) 7 Sir Peter & Lady Gibbings Nicky Henderson
1//3- CHAPARRO AMARGOSO (IRE)8 E Berry Brian Ellison
3021/3/-1 CHAPELTOWN (IRE) 9 Newbury Racehorse Owners Group II Nicky Henderson
CHRISTOPHENE (USA) 5 E Hunston Tom McCourt IRE
42 CIRCUS MAXIMUS (USA) 4 Christopher McHale Dermot Weld IRE
162-61 COLONEL BRAXTON (IRE) 6 Sue Magnier Dessie Hughes IRE
334-111 CONCERT PIANIST 6 Ms J Segal Peter Winkworth
1611P3 COPERNICUS 6 Brian Keogan Pat Hughes IRE
3430 COPPEEN SAM (IRE) 6 The 1st Flemington Partnership Jacquie Doyle
10-1324 CRUISE LEADER (IRE) 6 Trevor Hemmings Henrietta Knight
DAME FONTEYN 4 Frank A Farrant Martin Pipe
11/0-13P DENARIUS (USA) 6 David C Young Bill Haigh
053122- DEOCH AN DORAIS (IRE) 6 Queen Elizabeth Nicky Henderson
2-112 DESERT CAPTAIN (IRE) 5 W Stawell Noel Chance
1 DIRECT ACCESS (IRE) 6 Ashleybank Investments Ltd Len Lungo
0- DON MUFFEL (GER) 6 Stall ZoeZi Christian Von Der Recke GER
0B5321 DOONAREE (IRE) 5 John P Lynch Pat Hughes IRE
3-2 DOUKASH (FR) 4 Chris, Basil & Rosie Batterham II Martin Pipe
1-25 DUNSTER CASTLE 6 Mrs D Whateley Philip Hobbs
04 ETERNAL SPRING (IRE) 4 Paul Green James Fanshawe
1/2-222 FAR HORIZON (IRE) 7 Lady Tennant Nicky Henderson
6 FIRST BALLOT (IRE) 5 Jeff Smith David Elsworth
222 FIRST EMBRACE 5 North Farm Stud Kevin Bell
0 FIRST TOUCH (IRE) 7 Anthony Speelman Nicky Henderson
21112 FNAN 5 Des Sharkey Noel Meade IRE
30-2141 FONDMORT (FR) 5 W J Brown Nicky Henderson
12 FOR PADDY'S DAY 6 Sean Mulryan Christy Roche IRE
2-02110 FRENCH STYLE (IRE) 5 B MacMahon Dessie Hughes IRE
56 FULL AHEAD (IRE) 4 Nigel Bunter Alan King
1-14 GET IT DONE (IRE) 6 J P McManus Edward O'Grady IRE
2 GOLDEN EYE (FR) 5 Darren C Mercer Charles Egerton
3-P1511 GOLDEN ROSE (IRE) 9 Ahmed Abdel-Khaleq Tom McGovern
2U2412 GOOD VINTAGE (IRE) 6 Kieran McGinn Noel Meade IRE
21 GUARD DUTY 4 Neil Edwards and Malcolm Jones Martin Pipe
0-2S115 HARBOUR PILOT (IRE) 6 Kays Syndicate Noel Meade IRE
3-4111F HARVIS (FR) 6 Peter Richardson & J Kinnear Venetia Williams
022-1 HERACLES 5 Mrs D La Trobe Brendan Powell
136-3D1 HINDIANA (FR) 6 Paul Green Ferdy Murphy
3 HISTORIC (IRE) 5 Mrs R Rumboll Tom George
1 HUNTERS TWEED 5 Robert Gibbons Peter Beaumont
F2-3P IBIS ROCHELAIS (FR) 5 Andrew Wates Terry Casey
100-240 ICARE D'OUDAIRIES (FR) 5 Mike Smallman Allan Dickman
IKRENEL ROYAL (FR) 5 Lynn Wilson Nicky Henderson
216 ILICO II (FR) 5 Terry Warner Philip Hobbs
P-022001 IMAGINAIRE (USA) 6 Kinvale Partners Ltd Venetia Williams
IMLIGHT (FR) 5 P Boulard Guillaume Macaire FR
51U1 INDIAN SCOUT (IRE) 6 Indian Scout Partnership Ben De Haan
412 INTERDIT (FR) 5 Robert Ogden Philip Hobbs
32 ISFUL (FR) 5 David Johnson Martin Pipe
26 ISMENE (FR) 5 Alan Parker Venetia Williams
2110-11 IT TAKES TIME (IRE) 7 David Johnson Martin Pipe
530-200 ITSTHEOTHERHORSE (IRE) 7 Young Bucks Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE
211 IZNOGOUD (FR) 5 County Stores (Somerset) Holdings Ltd Martin Pipe
P41111 JOE CRUMP 7 Welbeck Hotel/Pickering Properties Ltd John Mackie
220-04 KATTEGAT 5 Wally Sturt Jim Old
4F0 KEANEO (IRE) 6 Raymond Mould Nigel Twiston-Davies
5P0-06P KELTIC HERITAGE (IRE) 7 Danny O'Sullivan Luke Dace
105-14 KILCASH CASTLE (IRE) 7 Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
0312 KILCOURT LAD (IRE) 7 David Cox Lawrence Wells
///0/-0345 KING COOL (IRE) 10 Joan Martin Jimmy Harris
11/-F0P KING OF THE CASTLE (IRE) 6 Robert Hitchins Ron Hodges
23-1 KINGS RAPID (IRE) 7 Trevor Hemmings Nicky Henderson
15-3 LANNKAR (IRE) 5 David Johnson Martin Pipe
2- LEADING OPTIMIST 6 Martin Pipe Martin Pipe
10 LIFE IS LIFE (FR) 5 Ray and Anita Green Michael Jarvis
31-1111 LISS A PAORAIGH (IRE) 6 Mrs N Flynn John Kiely IRE
0-1 LOOP THE LOUP 5 John and Barbara Cotton Mary Reveley
212 MACS GILDORAN 7 Margaret McManus Willie Mullins IRE
23 MANE FRAME 6 Zycko Ltd Hughie Morrison
MARAGUN (GER) 5 Stuart Mercer Martin Pipe
MARDANI (IRE) 6 Roger Brookhouse Roger Brookhouse
1 MAXIMUS (IRE) 6 Cockerell Cowing Racing Gardie Grissell
030-1 MERIEL'S MISTAKE (IRE) 6 W Packham & S Packham Richard Rowe
213110 MICHAEL MOR (IRE) 7 K L M Syndicate Noel Meade IRE
4523 MISTER BIGTIME (IRE) 7 Jean R Bishop Richard Rowe
MISTER FALCON (FR) 4 Telefocus Limited Martin Pipe
3-212 MONTREAL (FR) 4 David Johnson Martin Pipe
P/-0 MOOR HALL ROCK 6 Roger Brookhouse Roger Brookhouse
23 MOSSY GREEN (IRE) 7 Greenstar Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE
4 MOWBRAY (USA) 6 Graham Parker Gary Moore
312521 NATIVE ENDURANCE (IRE) 5 P J O'Donovan Paddy Mullins IRE
0 NEVER COMPROMISE (IRE) 6 Dermot Desmond Ted Walsh IRE
6411 NEVER MORE (FR) 5 Mrs W O'Grady Edward O'Grady IRE
4/00/-113 NOKIMOVER 7 H G Llewellyn John O'Shea
OCSEOLA BOY (IRE) 7 S McConville Jack Smith
22112 OMNI COSMO TOUCH (USA) 5 It Wasn't Us Oliver Sherwood
165-U PERTEMPS PROFILE 5 Pertemps Group Limited Andy Streeter
13 PHARPOST (IRE) 6 D E Harrison Nicky Henderson
633-401 PILLAR OF FIRE (IRE) 7 Mr & Mrs John Poynton Ian Williams
2-3 PLACID MAN (IRE) 7 Highclere Thoroughbred Racing Ltd Nicky Henderson
1-41403 QUADCO (IRE) 7 John G Doyle Pat Fahy IRE
32P RAISE A PRINCE (FR) 8 Frank Chao Sean Woods
6252-230 RAY SOURCE (IRE) 6 John Poynton Ian Williams
1-125 RAZER BLADE 6 The Liars Poker Partnership Nicky Henderson
203-22 READY TO RUMBLE (IRE) 6 Let's Get Ready To Rumble Partnership Noel Chance
123-111 REGAL HOLLY 6 David Harris & Peter Simpson Charlie Mann
221 REGAL VENTURE (IRE) 6 Brendan Gallagher Michael O'Brien IRE
1-42 RESCATOR (FR) 5 Chris, Basil & Rosie Batterham II Martin Pipe
0/- RICHTER SCALE (IRE) 7 Decoupage Partnership Charles Egerton
2-21251 RISK ACCESSOR (IRE) 6 J P McManus Christy Roche IRE
0/-00 ROCKERTREE 6 Roger Brookhouse Roger Brookhouse
13 ROSTROPOVICH (IRE) 4 Tony Kilduff Mouse Morris IRE
5311 ROYAL AUCLAIR (FR) 4 Clive D Smith Martin Pipe
30-03 ROYAL EMPEROR (IRE) 5 Robert Hitchins Ron Hodges
331 ROYAL MEASURE 5 The Royal Partnership Rod Millman
1r1133 RUA LASS (IRE) 9 Sean Griffin Eoin Griffin IRE
4321 RUM POINTER (IRE) 5 Martyn Burke Tim Easterby
0-31112 RUN FOR PADDY 5 B Perkins Mark Pitman
SEEK 5 Wally Sturt Jim Old
33 SHARAKAPOUR (IRE) 5 Graham Roach Paul Nicholls
30-1113 SHEER GENIUS (IRE) 5 Malcolm Denmark Mark Pitman
11-1111 SKIPPERS CLEUCH (IRE) 7 Ashleybank Investments Limited Len Lungo
60-1123 SOEUR DE SENTIER 7 Ian Hesketh, Tony & Margaret Hall Steve Gollings
00 SOME BUZZ (IRE) 6 Edward Cawley Ted Walsh IRE
SON OF SNURGE (FR) 5 Mohare Racing Tom Tate
13-231 SOUTHERN STAR (IRE) 6 Southern Brick & Tile Co Ltd Henrietta Knight
1-21124 SPARKLING GOLD (IRE) 7 M J Cashman John Kiely IRE
161 SPRING MARGOT (FR) 5 Robert Ogden Venetia Williams
2132-2 SPRINGHILL 6 Richard Hambro Mary Hambro
1/3/F/-301 SPUNKIE 8 Jim Short Fulke Johnson Houghton
ST HELENSFIELD 6 Paul Dean Martin Pipe
061- STRAIN THE REIN 6 Belinda Harvey Ian Williams
52 STROMNESS (USA) 4 Lady Harris Alan King
0/-32 SUNTAS (IRE) 6 Mr & Mrs D A Gamble Tom George
1- SUPREME QUEST (IRE) 5 Robert Hitchins Ron Hodges
4-21 SURPRISING 6 Martin St Quinton Philip Hobbs
0/2-31 TAKAGI (IRE) 6 D Cox Edward O'Grady IRE
3154F4 TANGO ROYAL (FR) 5 Brian Kilpatrick Martin Pipe
3-1323 THE SAWDUST KID 7 Golden Cap Bob Buckler
1-22 THYNE WILL TELL (IRE) 6 R J B Partners Philip Hobbs
211 TIMBER KING (IRE) 5 Sue Magnier Christy Roche IRE
6r142P TREASURE CHEST (IRE) 6 S A Helaissi Martin Pipe
461-154 TRIBAL KING (IRE) 6 Mrs Peter Andrews Henrietta Knight
43-4245 TUESDAY (IRE) 6 Violet O'Leary Willie Mullins IRE
3-411 TURTLE VALLEY (IRE) 5 Cazanove Clear Height Racing Simon Dow
15-11 VALLEY HENRY (IRE) 6 Paul Barber Paul Nicholls
WESTENDER (FR) 5 Matt Archer & Jean Broadhurst Martin Pipe
23 WILD COLONIAL BOY (IRE) 6 The Jack Duggan Trio Gerry Enright
F2146 WISHBONE (IRE) 8 The Big Bone Partnership Nigel Twiston-Davies
00-11 YANN'S (FR) 5 Darren Bloom & Matthew Miller Richard Phillips
260-261 ZAFFRE NOIR (IRE) 5 Mrs D Salmon Mark Pitman
160 entries
38 Irish-trained entries
4 French-trained entries
1 German-trained entry
ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE NOVICES' HURDLE
Analysis
This year there is a record entry of 160 for the Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle, which includes the highest ever number of Irish entries -37 in total. France is also well represented with four entries while there is one raider from Germany.
Once again the trainer with the highest number of entries overall is Martin Pipe, with 19 -his highest ever total. The pick of the champion trainer's entries would appear to be Iznogoud, winner of the rescheduled Grade 1 Gerrard Tolworth Hurdle at Ascot on January 13 where he had Tribal King, Razer Blade and First Ballot trailing behind him.
Nicky Henderson is also well represented with 12 entries. Artic Jack looked to be a useful performer in the making when easily landing a novice hurdle at Haydock in January while Chapeltown was an impressive victor at Newbury on Hennessy Day, despite starting at 25/1. Henderson also holds one entry owned by the Queen Mother -Deoch An Dorais, a well-bred Supreme Leader gelding who was a useful bumper performer in Ireland.
Francois Doumen's Baracouda is more likely to take his chance in this race than the Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle. A highly impressive winner of the Cantor Index Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot before Christmas, Baracouda is currently odds-on favourite for the Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle.
Doumen has also entered Ben Ewar, owned by British owner Tony Richards, who made a winning debut over timber in the Grade 2 Capel Cure Sharp Novices' Hurdle at Ascot on December 19 but he is more likely to go for the shorter Gerrard Supreme Novices' Hurdle. The Doumen trio is completed by Barbaresco, who was a useful performer on the Flat. Another Frenchman, Guillaume Macaire, has come to be respected for his visits to Britain and he could be represented here by the unexposed Imlight.
The strong Irish challenge includes Liss A Paoraigh, trained in County Waterford by John Kiely, and the winner of five of her six starts. The Husyan mare's greatest triumph came at Fairyhouse in December when landing the Grade 1 Boyle Bookmakers Royal Bond Novices' Hurdle over 2m with Rua Lass and Quadco behind.
Master of Ballydoyle Aidan O'Brien has a small but select National Hunt string nowadays and Kilcash Castle looks to be a very decent horse in the making, although he did disappoint at Leopardstown on Sunday, January 21. He also holds entries for the Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle and Gerrard Supreme Novices' Hurdle.
Colonel Braxton, who like Kilcash Castle carries the famous dark blue silks of Sue Magnier, was an impressive winner of a maiden hurdle at Naas over 2m 3f earlier this month. This Buckskin gelding is trained by Dessie Hughes and looks to be a scopey individual.
Scottish-trainer Len Lungo has made an entry for the exciting Skippers Cleuch. Unbeaten in his seven starts so far, he looks an exciting prospect who most recently was a decisive winner of the cantorindex.com Novices' Hurdle at Newcastle, defeating Fred's In The Know by an impressive 18 lengths, despite looking none too fluent at times. Lungo also has an entry for Direct Access, who looked to be a horse with a future when easily landing his only start to date in a 2m 4f novices' hurdle at Ayr last month.
Other interesting contenders include Michael Jarvis' Life Is Life, a very useful stayer on the Flat who made a winning debut over hurdles at Ascot last November, although she did disappoint at the same course behind Ben Ewar next time out. She is also entered for the Smurfit Champion Hurdle and Gerrard Supreme Novices' Hurdle.
Paul Nicholls' two entries include the Paul Barber-owned Valley Henry who improved on his earlier victory at Chepstow with a facile win in a novices' hurdle over 2m 6f at Wincanton in November.
THE ELITE RACING CLUB TRIUMPH HURDLE (CLASS A)
Grade 1, 2pm, Thursday, March 15, 2001, total prize fund º85,000, two miles about one furlong, for novice four years old only. Weights 11st each, fillies allowance 5lb. Entries closed January 24, 2001 (123 entries), entries released, Monday, January 29, forfeit stage February 20. Form correct up to and including Friday, January 26, 2001.
AFTER THE BLUE (IRE) John & Doreen Tubb Charlie Mann
2 AL TOWD (USA) Mandy Hall Simon Dow
01 AMONG EQUALS Ladyswood Stud Martyn Meade
008 ANSARI (IRE) Rita Shah Patrick O'Brady IRE
0 ANTICLES (FR) A & Mrs J M Stennett Ian Williams
ARMEN (FR) Tim Hely-Hutchinson Martin Pipe
1 AZERTYUIOP (FR) John Hales Paul Nicholls
BAHAMAS (IRE) Wally Sturt Jim Old
0334 BALLSBRIDGE (IRE) Luke Comer Luke Comer IRE
0 BARBARESCO (USA) Des Sharkey Noel Meade IRE
43 BARROW (SWI) Janet And Myrtle Ferdy Murphy
111153 BELLE D'ANJOU (FR) Network Training Martin Pipe
151 BENOVIA (IRE) Eight Hills Syndicate Frances Crowley IRE
1212 BILBOA (FR) Jorg Vasicek Francois Doumen FR
11115 CAESAR'S PALACE (GER) Jayne Lewis Martin Pipe
23 CASTLESHANE (IRE) John King, Bill Hobson, Graham King Steve Gollings
00 CIRCUS DANCE Margaret Comer Luke Comer IRE
42 CIRCUS MAXIMUS (USA) Christopher McHale Dermot Weld IRE
321 COLUMBUS (IRE) C E Whiteley Chris Grant
23 CONWY CASTLE John Gosden Paul Webber
23 CYBELE ERIA (FR) The Studwell Partnership Nicky Henderson
3 DAME FONTEYN Frank A Farrant Martin Pipe
DANCE DIRECTOR (IRE) Dr G Madan Mohan Charles Egerton
1231 DEFERLANT (FR) Mrs G McNeela Martin Pipe
2P DOUBLE RED (IRE) J Brown, S Faccenda, S Hughes, R Benton Alan King
3-2 DOUKASH (FR) Chris, Basil & Rosie Batterham II Martin Pipe
DUCHAMP (USA) Robert Hitchins Ian Balding
2114 ENVIRONMENT (IRE) E Keogh Pat Martin IRE
04 ETERNAL SPRING (IRE) Paul Green James Fanshawe
12F FAIT LE JOJO (FR) Jay Dee Bloodstock Limited Philip Hobbs
FANTASY PARK Elizabeth Lewis & McCourt Fine Meats Ltd Graham McCourt
FAST TRACK (IRE) McCourt Fine Meats, D J Rushen, E Lewis Graham McCourt
FLITWICK B Keane Ger Lynch IRE
00412 FRANCIES FANCY (IRE) Mike Futter Peter Henley IRE
1 FRUIT DEFENDU (FR) Monica Hackett Noel Meade IRE
56 FULL AHEAD (IRE) Nigel Bunter Alan King
GOING GLOBAL (IRE) Mike Charlton and Rodger Sargent Gary Moore
23 GOLDSTREET (IRE) Crock of Gold Syndicate Frances Crowley IRE
GOLOVIN (GER) Mrs Hildegarde Focke Michael Grassick IRE
GOT ONE TOO (FR) Sir Eric Parker & Mary Anne Parker Nicky Henderson
21 GUARD DUTY Neil Edwards and Malcolm Jones Martin Pipe
HARAK (FR) Des Sharkey Noel Meade
HIGH TOPPER (FR) Roger Brookhouse Roger Brookhouse
HINT OF MAGIC Jonny Portman Jonny Portman
HOLY ORDERS (IRE) J J Brennan Willie Mullins IRE
HYPOTHESIS (IRE) Michael Tabor Alan Bailey
2 IL CAPITANO Guy Reed Chris Thornton
IMPERIAL ROCKET (USA) The Royal Ascot Racing Club Nicky Henderson
INCHING CLOSER Gallagher Equine Ltd Neville Callaghan
r11121 JAIR DU COCHET (FR) Mrs F Montauban Guillame Macaire FR
121 JANUS DU COCHET (FR) Terry Neill Martin Pipe
021 JAYAS (FR) Clive D Smith Martin Pipe
41 JOCKO GLASSES Million In Mind Partnership (10) Nicky Henderson
4 JOYEUX ROYAL (FR) Barry Fulton, Liam Brady, Tony Hayward Paul Nicholls
121 KADARANN (IRE) Anthony Speelman Nicky Henderson
2 KADOUN (IRE) Hon Mrs Sarah Lawson Michael O'Brien IRE
0 KHAIRAMBAR (IRE) Sean Mulryan Dessie Hughes IRE
KUWAIT MILLENNIUM Greenfield Stud Martin Pipe
LADY LUCHA (USA) Sir Eric Parker Nicky Henderson
03F411 LASTING LIFE (IRE) Richard Strauss Robert Collet FR
62 MAJLIS (IRE) Terry Warner Tom George
MAJOR LANDO (GER) The Macca & Growler Partnership Martin Pipe
MEILLEURE LOI (FR) Kim Bailey Kim Bailey
030143 MELODIE D'AVRIL (FR) Chris Fleet Martin Pipe
00 MICK MY MONGRELLO (IRE) Mrs S C Butler Edward Butler IRE
MISBEHAVE Frank A Farrant Martin Pipe
22 MISS GREINTON (GER) Stall Steigenberger Christian Von Der Recke GER
2125 MISS TANGO Codan Trust Company Limited Martin Pipe
MISTER FALCON (FR) Telefocus Limited Martin Pipe
5F5151 MOMENTOUS JONES Peter Taplin Michael Madgwick
3-212 MONTREAL (FR) David Johnson Martin Pipe
007 MUSICAL CHEER (IRE) Culloville Blues Two Syndicate Patrick O'Brady IRE
NAJJM (USA) Raymond Tooth Nicky Henderson
11 NICIARA (IRE) W P Gaff Michael Chapman
NIGHT SIGHT (USA) David Fravigar Michael Chapman
NIPITINTHEBUD (USA) John Joe Murphy John Joe Murphy IRE
61161 OPEN GROUND (IRE) The Net Partnership Ian Williams
1 PEDRO PETE Thurloe Thoroughbreds VII Nicky Henderson
PERSIAN KING (IRE) Wally Sturt Jim Old
PETEURESQUE (USA) Mrs P J Buckler Bob Buckler
0 PHYSICAL GRAFFITI (USA) Willie Robertson/Nigel Dempster Jim Old
21 PITTSBURGH PHIL (IRE) J P McManus Michael O'Brien IRE
205 POLAR STAR Mr & Mrs Malcolm B Jones Martin Pipe
11 POLISH BARON (IRE) T A Curran Philip Hobbs
F RED SUN Bulls Head Racing Club Andy Streeter
1P5 REMINISCER (IRE) David Magnier Peter Corrigan IRE
RIDDLESDOWN (IRE) Exors of the late Fred Sainsbury Merrita Jones
U00059 ROOFTOP PROTEST (IRE) Phone A Friend Syndicate Ger Lynch IRE
13 ROSTROPOVICH (IRE) Tony Kilduff Mouse Morris IRE
5311 ROYAL AUCLAIR (FR) Clive D Smith Martin Pipe
ROYAL BELUGA (USA) M R C Opperman Tom George
SAGE DANCER (USA) Dr Michael Smurfit Dermot Weld IRE
6 SAMMAGEFROMTENESSE (IRE) Noel Glynn Noel Glynn IRE
SEA SQUIRT (IRE) L Queally Eddie Hales IRE
11S1 SEGREGATION LANE (USA) Kinross Farm Neil R Morris USA
35 SHALBEBLUE (IRE) P M Schofield & S Kimberley Brian Ellison
SHAMSAN (IRE) Jack Joseph Philip Hobbs
SHARP BELLINE (IRE) Townville C C Racing Club Jimmy Harris
SIR HAMELIN (IRE) A S Helaissi Martin Pipe
4 SNOB WELLS (IRE) Des Sharkey Noel Meade IRE
SQUASQUAS (USA) Patrick Delaney Jim Gorman IRE
P STAFFORD KING (IRE) The Stafford Syndicate John O'Shea
STAGE DIRECTION (USA) Jay Dee Bloodstock Limited Kevin Morgan
52 STROMNESS (USA) Lady Harris Alan King
0 SUAVE NATIVE (FR) David Lloyd Edward O'Grady IRE
13 SUMMER BREAK (IRE) K A Cosby Chris Kinane
233 SUNDAY RAIN (USA) Black Sheep Racing Jonjo O'Neill
2 TANTALUS Brian Stewart-Brown Oliver Sherwood
11F46 TATE TIROL (IRE) M A Ryan Charlie Swan IRE
3 THATS ALL FOLKS Arron F A Banks Paul Nicholls
THREE EAGLES (USA) Sandybrow Stables Ltd Alan Bailey
1111 TIGER GROOM Robert Collet Robert Collet
23 TIKRAM Mike Charlton and Rodger Sargent Gary Moore
TYPHOON TILLY Evelyn Hankinson Charles Egerton
155612 TYSOU (FR) Million In Mind Partnership (10) Micky Hammond
UNDER THE SAND (IRE) R Triple H Philip Hobbs
3 UNGARETTI (GER) PEL Project Management Ian Williams
12 VANISHING DANCER (SWI) Mike Smallman Allan Dickman
25 VATIRISK (FR) E Wallace Edward O'Grady IRE
325 WARJAN (FR) Circular Distributors Ltd Richard Phillips
WELCOME O P Dakin David Bridgwater
ZEBRINO (GER) R J Turton Ian Williams
21 ZETHO (FR) M Cordero Francois Rohaut FR
123 entries,
31 Irish-trained,
5 French-trained,
1 German-trained,
1 American-trained
ELITE RACING CLUB TRIUMPH HURDLE
Analysis
An incredible 123 four-year-olds -a modern day record -are entered for the Elite Racing Club Triumph Hurdle, the juvenile hurdling championship which opens the final day of Cheltenham's National Hunt Festival on Thursday, March 15.
French trainer Francois Doumen won last year's renewal with Snow Drop and bookmakers make Bilboa from the same stable one of the ante-post favourites for the 2001 running. But the dual hurdle winner in France found one too good on her first trip to Britain for the Grade 1 Welsh Finale Junior Hurdle at Chepstow on December 27 -her compatriot Jair Du Cochet, trained by Guillame Macaire and due to have run at Cheltenham on January 27. A powerful five-strong French entry is completed by Francois Rohaut's winner Zetho and the multiple scorers Lasting Life and Tiger Groom, who will be trainer Robert Collet's first runners over hurdles in Britain.
There is an American-trained entry, Segregation Lane from Neil Morris's stable, and the German-trained Miss Greinton, who was second last autumn on both her starts over hurdles at Bremen for Christian von der Recke.
Nicky Henderson, who has won the race three times before, looks to have bright prospects of making it four. Pedro Pete, who was bought for 68,000gns out of Mick Channon's stable, was due to have tried to add to his Kempton debut win at Cheltenham on Saturday, while Jocko Glasses has also scored at the Sunbury course this campaign -in his case on December 27. The Lambourn trainer's eight-strong team also includes dual-winner Kadarann, who found Montreal too good at Cheltenham on November 11, and the useful Flat handicappers Imperial Rocket and Got One Too.
Martin Pipe had the first of his 25 Festival successes in the 1981 renewal of this contest thanks to 66/1 chance Baron Blakeney and he accounts for 19 of the 2001 entry. Those to have already scored are the prolific early-season winners Belle D'Anjou and Caesar's Palace, Deferlant, who gave 10lb and a neck beating to Cybele Eria at Newbury on December 20, Taunton selling hurdle victor Guard Duty, Montreal, and the recent recruits from France, Jayas, Janus Du Cochet, Melodie D'Avril and Royal Auclair. Among Pipe's unraced entries is Major Lando, owned by footballers Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman
Azertyuiop is another winner in France, having been bought by One Man's owner John Hales after his Auteuil success in October and sent to Paul Nicholls. Anticles, a winner on the Flat at Chantilly in June, had a big reputation before his hurdling debut for Ian Williams at Kempton on December 27 but finished last of eight behind Jocko Glasses. His continued prominence in the ante-post betting suggests there is better to come.
There is an extremely strong entry, both numerically and on form, from Ireland. The record 31 juveniles include the J P McManus-owned and Michael O'Brien-trained Pittsburgh Phil, winner of the Grade 2 Denny Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown on Boxing Day. Francies Fancy was ten lengths back in second that day, with Circus Maximus fourth, Khairambar eighth and Ansari last of the 11 finishers.
Fruit Defendu, yet another ex-French performer, scored by 11 lengths on his hurdling debut for Noel Meade when seeing off 28 rivals at Fairyhouse on December 13 while Goldstreet, from Frances Crowley's stable, finished second on his only hurdling start at Punchestown on November 18, and his stablemate Benovia, who beat debutant Vatirisk by a length and a half at Leopardstown on December 27.
Kadoun, a stablemate of Pittsburgh Phil, staked his Cheltenham claim with a three-length success in the Grade 3 Juvenile Hurdle at Down Royal on January 24. In third place was Rostropovich, who was bought for 180,000gns to go hurdling in October, Environment was fourth with Reminiscer one place further back, Tate Tirol in sixth, Musical Cheer seventh and Ansari last of the eight runners.
Among those yet to jump a hurdle in public is the high-class Flat stayer Riddlesdown, bought for 230,000gns out of Sean Woods's stable to join Merrita Jones last October, Going Global, who won last season's Group 3 Gartner Derby Trial at Lingfield for Woods and joined Gary Moore at a cost of 58,000gns, and the Ian Balding-trained Duchamp, winner of a 1m 5.5f handicap at Newbury in July.
OPEN DAY AT FERDY MURPHY'S YARD
There will be an open day at the West Witton yard of Ferdy Murphy on Sunday, February 4 at 10am.
Members of the public are most welcome to attend and meet Ferdy and his team. There will also be the opportunity to join the Ferdy Murphy Racing Club.
SINNDAR HEADS IRISH CLASSIFICATIONS
Dual Derby and Arc de Triomphe hero Sinndar was officially the best Irish horse in 2000, heading the Irish Classifications on a mark of 132.
"Iron Horse" Giant's Causeway, winner five Group One events and a gallant second in the Breeders' Cup Classic was second in the classifications with a mark of 127.
The Sir Michael Stoute-trained Petrushka was the highest-rated three-year-old filly on 122, followed by Preseli on 116.
Of the two-year-olds, all ten leading colts are trained by Aidan O'Brien, headed by Minardi on 123. O'Brien is also responsible for the top rated juvenile filly, Sequoyah who achieved a mark of 116.
John Oxx's Namid was the best older horse on 127, followed by Montjeu on 125.
For old articles (from 1st March 2000) go to the Newslink
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