Wednesday, January 31, 2001

LATEST LADBROKES ANTE-POST PRICES

Odds 1/ 4 a place 1, 2, 3 (0thers on request)


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

Bacchanal 3/1, Sackville 5/1, Behrajan 8/1, Shotgun Willy 8/1, Moral Support 10/1, Ross Moff 14/1, Arctic Copper 16/1, Bindaree 16/1, Hati Roy 16/1, Ilnamar 20/1, Over The Furze 20/1, Broiswink 20/1, Be My Manager 20/1, Ballinclay King 25/1, Cimarrone Cove 25/1, Crocadee 25/1, Enrique 25/1, Frantic Tan 25/1, Take Control 25/1, Heroes Fatal 25/1, Killusty 25/1, Jolly Green Giant 25/1, Errand Boy 33/1, Red Striker 33/1, Wahiba Sands 33/1, Majestic 40/1, Brave Tornado 40/1, Charter Ridge 40/1, Hannigans Lodger 40/1, Knights Of Kerry 40/1, ST Mellon Par 40/1, Lakefield Rambler 40/1, Somemanforoneman 40/1, Buckside 50/1, Ceanna's Mor 50/1.

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


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

Istrabaq 2/5, Geos 8/1, Hitman 14/1, Moscow Flyer 16/1, Stage Affair 16/1, Hors La Loi III 16/1, Barton 20/1, Youreneverwalkalone 20/1, Landing Light 25/1, Grimes 25/1, Mantles Prince 25/1, Mr Cool 25/1, Guns N Roses 25/, Seebald 33/1, Mister Morose 33/1, Bounce Back 33/1, Auetaler 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, Sir Talbot 50/1, The French Furze 50/1, Bring Sweets 66/1, Hide Bound 66/1, His Song 66/1, Lord Brex 66/1, Penny Rich 66/1, Ricardo 66/1, Ulundi 66/1, Greyfield 100/1, Inching Closer 100/1, Life is Life 100/1

Each way 1/ 5 the odds a place 1, 2, 3


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

Flagship Uberalles 7/4, Edredon Bleu 9/2, Function Dream 8/1, Cenkos 10/1, Direct Route 10/1, Tiutchev 10/1, Bellator 16/1, Fadalko 16/1, Native Upmanship 16/1, Grey Shot 20/1, Frozen Groom 33/1, Nordance Prince 33/1, Wahiba Sands 33/1, Aghawadda Gold 40/1, Rathbawn Prince 40/1, The Outback Way 40/1, Celibate 50/1, Davoski 50/1, Get Real 50/1, Puget Blue 66/1, Corniche 100/1, Red Ark 100/1, Reveillon 100/1.

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


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

First Gold 2/1, See More Business 4/1, Marlborough 8/1, Nick Dundee 12/1, Rince Ri 14/1, Beau 14/1, Florida Pearl 14/1, Cyfor Malta 16/1, Legal Right 16/1, Native Upmanship 16/1, Alexander Banquet 25/1, Lord Noellie 25/1, Dorans Pride 25/1, Commanche Court 33/1, Bellator 40/1, Logician 40/1, Mickos Dream 40/1, Upgrade 40/1, 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)

Limestone Lad 5/1, Bannow Bay 6/1, Lady Rebecca 6/1, Youllneverwalkalone 7/1, Anzum 7/1, Deano's Beeno 8/1, Teaatral 10/1, Mister Banjo 10/1, Boss Doyle 20/1, Heros Fatal 20/1, Celtic Native 20/1, Hors La Loi III 20/1, Bounce Back 20/1, Dorans Pride 25/1, Katarino 25/1, Mister Morose 25/1, Sallies Girl 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)

Jair du Cochet 2/1, Bilboa 5/1, Pittsburgh Phil 10/1, Jocko Glasses 14/1, Azertyuiop 16/1, Pedro Pete 16/1, Fruits Defendu 20/1,Kadarran 20/1, Tiger Groom 20/1, Francies Fancy 25/1, Montreal 25/1, Lasting Life 25/1, Major Lando 25/1, Benovia 33/1, Caesars Palace 33/1, Circus Maximus 33/1, Dance Director 33/1, Eternal Spring 33/1, Fait Le Jojo 33/1, Going Global 33/1, Janus Du Cochet 33/1, Jayas 33/1, Riddlesdown 33/1, Environment 40/1, Among Equals 40/1, Anticles 40/1, Deferlant 40/1 Doukash 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, Commanche Court 25/1, Browjoshy 25/1, Mely Moss 25/1, Smarty 25/1, Moral Support 25/1, Alexander Banquet 25/1, Marlborough 25/1, Inn At The Top 33/1, Inch Rose 33/1, Bobbyjo 33/1, Ackzo 33/1, Edmond 33/1, Paddys Return 33/1, Djeddah 33/1, Blowing Wind 50/1, Bosuns Mate 50/1, Dark Stranger 50/1.

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

The Lincoln Handicap (Doncaster, Thursday 24th March 2001)

Hail The Chief 12/1, John Ferneley 12/1 from 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 20/1 (from 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 a place 1, 2, 3, 4 (Others on request)

Tote Gold Trophy (Newbury, Saturday, 10th February 2001)

Landing Light 3/1, Mr Cool 6/1, Grinkov 7/1, Rooster Booster 7/1, Master Tern 8/1, Valiramix 8/1, Milligan 10/1, Masalarian 12/1, Hit and Run 14/1, Hulysse Royal 14/1, Red Guard 14/1, Seebald 16/1, The Gatherer 16/1, Copeland 16/1 La Landiere 16/1, Clifton Fox 20/1 Dhaudeloup 20/1, 25/1 bar.

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

LATEST ACTION FROM ABU DHABI

One Won One had previously finished 12th behind Sunline in the group I Hong Kong Mile at Sha Tin however instead of returning to Ireland, the horse headed to Dubai to be prepared for Dubai World Cup Day.

The horse justified the decision with this strong victory, coming from last to defeat Swiss Law and Sheer Hamas.

The Saeed bin Suroor-trained trio of Pacino, Glad Master and Strahan all finished out of the placings, the former finishing fourth, Glad Master sixth and Strahan last of the eight runners.

The connections of One Won One had to wait for the official result after Willie Ruan, rider of Swiss Law, fired in an objection alleging interference over the final 100m however after a short deliberation, the steward dismissed the protest.

The victory of One Won One was a further boost to champion jockey Kieren Fallon who secured Abu Dhabi's premier thoroughbred event on his first visit to the Capital course.

"He has been here for about a month and has thrived," Morgan said.

"We are absolutely ecstatic about the win."

Earlier in the programme, Michael Hills secured the Group I Purebred Arabian HH The President Cup when he continued a successful association with the top class horse Ezil.

Ezil was making his fourth attempt on HH The President Cup and this victory was his first at Group I level.

Abu Dhabi Results
Wednesday, January 31, 2001

038: Race One: Thoroughbreds, 1,600m. NH 4YOs+ & SH 3YOs+ 00-60.

Prizemoney: Dhs 60,000. 1st: Dhs30,000. 2nd: Dhs14,400. 3rd: Dhs8,400. 4th:
Dhs5,400. 5th: Dhs1,800.

1. WALMOOH (GB) 53.5kg
5 b h In The Wings ­ Walimu (Top Ville)
Owner: Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Breeder: Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Trainer: D Selvaratnam. Jockey: P Smullen.

2. PLUTOCRAT (USA) 62kg
4 ch c Silver Hawk ­ Satin Velvet (El Gran Senor)
Owner: Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum.

Breeder: Darley Stud Management Inc.

Trainer: S Seemar. Jockey: T Durcan.

3. BRIGAND (IRE) 58kg
7 b g Common Grounds ­ Strike It Rich (Rheingold)
Owner: Anthony Manuel Sr.

Breeder: Newtonbarry House Stud.

Trainer: P Rudkin. Jockey: M Hills.

Then came (in order): Fantasy Island (IRE), Desert Shot (GB), Franco Mina
(IRE), Green Laafe (GB), Cadette (GB), Iceband (USA), Vain Edition (NZ),
Ranaan (IRE). N/R Kayf Wa Leish (NZ). 10 ran. Margins: Nose, 2len. Time:
1:36.18.

039: Race Two: Purebred Arabians 1,600m. 4YOs 00-92 & 5YOs+ 00-80.

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

1. AL-BATTAR (US) 55kg
6 ch h By Golly ­ Kitten (Saam)
Owner: Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed Al Maktoum.

Breeder: Darley Stud Management Inc.

Trainer: S Seemar. Jockey: T Durcan.

2. HORKIDEE (FR) 50.5 carr 51.5kg
6 gr m Tidjani ­ Cary De Carrere (Passem)
Owner: Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Breeder: Marie Marchesi.

Trainer: P Rudkin. Jockey: W Supple.

3. DANIDOR (FR) 53 carr 51.5kg
6 ch h Nuits St Georges ­ Valina Des Fabries (Djourman)
Owner: Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Maktoum.

Breeder: J Biraben.

Trainer: E Charpy. Jockey: K Dalgleish.

Then came (in order): Schamgar Correzien (FR), Zefiro De Nulvi (FR), Zai Al
Qamar (FR), Furieux (FR), Path To Glory (PL), Moshakis (FR), Hippone De
Carrere (FR). N?R Hadiya (FR) (Late), WFA Jameal (GB) (Late). 10 ran.

Margins: 2.5len, hd. Time: 1:45.6.

040: Race Three: Purebred Arabians. 1,200m. 4YOs 00-70 & 5YOs+ 00-60.

Prizemoney: Dhs 60,000. 1st: Dhs30,000. 2nd: Dhs14,400. 3rd: Dhs8,400. 4th:
Dhs5,400. 5th: Dhs1,800.

1. KHATEER (US) 50 carr 50.5kg
4 b c Djouras Tu ­ Manoureva (Grabiec)
Owner: Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan.

Breeder: Guy Dell£ova.

Trainer: M Al Kurdi. Jockey: C Avery.

2. MAGREB DE PIBOUL (FR) 54.5kg
4 b h Dormane ­ Magreba de Piboul (Grabiec)
Owner: HH The President.

Breeder: Marie-Louise Flottes.

Trainer: L Y Carter. Jockey: W Ryan.

3. SHEIK TO SHEIK (US) 51 carr 51.5kg
8 ch g Samsheik ­ Molly-O-Tikie.

Owner: L M R M.

Breeder: Trackside Farm.

Trainer: J Wickham. Jockey: W Supple.

Then came (in order): El Hadzin Deleyre (FR), Istoora (FR), Gazeeb (US), A
Royal Streak (US), Abra (FR), Maghroor (FR), Fee Du Cassou (FR), Hispahan De
Bastor (FR), Final Word (US). 12 ran. Margins: 3.25len, nk. Time: 1:18.79.

041: Race Four: Purebred Arabians. HH The President Cup (Group I) 2,200m. SW
& Pens.

Prizemoney: Dhs 250,000. 1st: Dhs150,000. 2nd: Dhs50,000. 3rd: Dhs25,000.

4th: Dhs12,500. 5th: Dhs7,500. 6th: Dhs5,000.

1. EZIL (FR) 55kg
9 b h Djourman ­ Tahya (Dynamite III)
Owner: HH The President.

Breeder: M Xavier Antoine.

Trainer: J Smart. Jockey: M Hills.

2. MANGADORE (FR) 53kg
6 b m Manganate ­ Mandore (Grabiec)
Owner: Sheikh Khalifa bin Mohammed Al Thani.

Breeder: M Jean-March D Watrigant.

Trainer: D Duncan. Jockey: P Smullen.

3. AL NASR (FR) 54kg
5 ch h Way To Go ­ Managalie D£Albret (Manganate)
Owner: Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Breeder: Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan.

Trainer: J Frazier Jr. Jockey: W Supple.

Then came (in order): Falina Des Fabries (FR), Ichara (FR), Al Reef (FR),
Singlet (US). 7 ran. Margins: 3.75len, 4.25len. Time: 2:29.71.

Comment: If ever a win was deserved, this was it. Ezil, after four previous attempts in Group I company, and in two other events that are now Group I, the horse had been denied however this was his moment of glory. In three previous attempts on HH The President Cup Ezil had finished fourth to Alanudd in 1998, second to the same mare in 1999 and second last year, in most unlucky circumstances, behind the Qatari-trained Arc De Ciel. This year there was no such hard luck stories as Ezil was given the perfect ride by Michael Hills, settling third on the inside behind the two leaders Al Reef and Mangadore before coming around them approaching the home turn. From there on it was a matter of how far. Pat Smullen pushed Mangadore along at the top of the straight but as hard as the mare tried, Ezil was coasting on her outside and quickly asserted his superiority. It was a performance of a horse superior to his rivals. The obvious target for trainer Julian Smart is now to try for the Purebred Arabian Triple Crown in the Group II Emirates Championship at Abu Dhabi in April, Ezil having won the opening two legs of the Group II National Day Cup and Group I HH The President Cup. Prior to that it is likely that Ezil will compete in the third and final round of the Al Maktoum Challenge and the Dubai Kahayla Classic, both races on the dirt, a surface he is clearly not at his best. Mangadore did well to finish second while Al Nasr stayed on well in the straight to finish third.

042: Race Five: Thoroughbreds. HH The President Cup (Listed). NH 3YOs+ & SH
4YOs+ 1,400m. SW & Pens.

Prizemoney: Dhs 180,000. 1st: Dhs108,000. 2nd: Dhs36,000. 3rd: Dhs18,000.

4th: Dhs9,000. 5th: Dhs5,400. 6th: Dhs3,600.

1. ONE WON ONE (USA) 57.5kg
7 b g Naevus ­ Havard£s Bay (Halpern Bay)
Owner: The Heavenly Sydnicate.

Breeder: Haras Santa Maria De Araras.

Trainer: J Morgan. Jockey: K Fallon.

2. SWISS LAW (GB) 57kg
7 b g Machiavellian ­ Seductress (Known Fact)
Owner: Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum.

Breeder: J M Greetham.

Trainer: P Brette. Jockey: W Ryan.

3. SHEER HAMAS (IRE) 57kg
4 b c Hamas ­ Kilcoy (Secreto)
Owner: Sheikh Rashid bin Maktoum Al Maktoum.

Breeder: R W Huggins.

Trainer: K McLaughlin. Jockey: W Supple.

Then came (in order): Pacino (GB), Maidaan (GB), Glad Master (GER), Abreeze
(USA), Strahan (IRE). 8 ran. Margins: Hd, .5len. Time: 1:23.5.

Comment: The decision to head to Dubai and continue the international
campaign of Irish horse One Won One proved successful here with his last to first victory in the Listed HH The President Cup. After some drama at the start which saw Strahan break through the barriers and gallop for 200m he was returned and passed fit to run. Strahan jumped straight to the front while One Won One dropped to the rear. Pacino took the lead shortly after settling, trailed by Sheer Hamas and Glad Master. Turning for home Sheer Hamas went to Pacino and got clear however he was soon challenged by Swiss Law and One Won One who was making good ground out wide. One Won One got to the front and while he wanted to get in in the run to the line he finished too strongly to defeat Swiss Law. The rider of Swiss Law, Willie Ryan, lodged an objection against the winner for interference in the final stages
however stewards dismissed it after a short deliberation. Sheer Hamas
battled on well for third while Pacino also stayed on well to finish close up in fourth. Glad Master disappointed after being just behind the leaders until the home turn and he didn£t run up to his first-up victory at Nad Al Sheba while Strahan dropped out to finish last. Maidaan, the winner of last year's HH The President Cup, when prepared by Saeed bin Suroor also ran well and there is a race for him in the near future.

043: Race Six: Purebred Arabians. 1,600m. 4YOs+ Max of two wins. SW.

Prizemoney: Dhs 60,000. 1st: Dhs30,000. 2nd: Dhs14,400. 3rd: Dhs8,400. 4th:
Dhs5,400. 5th: Dhs1,800.

1. NYATIH (FR) 55kg
5 gr h Tidjani ­ Danaide Al Maury (Baroud III)
Owner: Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum.

Breeder: EARL Haras Du Bosquet.

Trainer: S Seemar. Jockey: J Carroll.

2. SABEAR (FR) 56kg
5 ch m Dormane ­ CR Samborsta (Sambor)
Owner: HH The President
Breeder: Ecurie Al Ain.

Trainer: L Y Carter. Jockey: W Ryan.

3. AL ANTER (FR) 55kg
6 ch h Tidjani ­ Princess Bashaun (Roed Banat)
Owner: HH The President.

Breeder: Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Trainer: J Smart. Jockey: D Biggs.

Then came (in order): Tarek (FR), Zeenat Al Zeenat (FR), Al Dirair (FR),
Jawhara (FR), Raddad (FR), Imyari (FR), Arakhan D£Aroco (FR), Ela-Alwadaa
(US). 11 ran. Margins: Hd, 3.25len. Time: 1:46.43.

LOOKING FORWARD TO THE WEIGHTS FOR THE 2001 MARTELL GRAND NATIONAL ON FEBRUARY 6

The Martell Grand National is the one race of the year in which Smith can use his discretion in setting the weights. He has to decide whether to give See More Business more than 12st - the top weight norm for exceptional horses in recent years - and therefore bring a greater number of contenders into the handicap.

If Smith allots See More Business 12st on February 6, when the weights are announced, under 20 horses are likely to be in the handicap proper, compared with a record 66 last year.

The handicapper can also take into account the "Aintree Factor". For example, last year's Martell Grand National hero Papillon would be allotted 10st 2lb if using the official Irish ratings but is very likely to be given more than this. Similarly, Tote Becher Chase victor Young Kenny would have 10st 4lb using the official British ratings but, following his magnificent effort at Aintree in November, is likely to receive a higher weight. This assumes See More Business has 12st.

In the following sections trainer Ferdy Murphy assesses the chances of his three main contenders, Addington Boy, Paddy's Return and Ackzo, as he hopes to win a fourth "National" following his triumphs in the Midlands, Scottish and Kerry versions last year. Dual Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup winning trainer Noel Chance assesses his two entries, Inch Rose and Call It A Day, while Victor Bowens explains that he is hoping for better luck this year with Buck Rogers.

First-season trainer Andrew Parker outlines his plans for Sparky Gayle while Josh Gifford talks below about his plans for Brave Highlander, due to run in his fourth Martell Grand National.

Gifford famously won the 1981 Martell Grand National with Aldaniti and Brave Highlander carries the same silks of Nick Embiricos. The 13-year-old unseated Philip Hide at the Canal Turn when travelling well in 1998, finished sixth to Bobbyjo in 1999 and came fourth to Papillon last year.

The Findon trainer said: "Brave Highlander is very well at the moment and is on course for the Martell Grand National once again. I was delighted with his latest run when he was fourth to Eau De Cologne at Kempton over Christmas.

"He'll certainly have a run - if not two - before Aintree. It depends on the weather really and what racing is actually on! It would be really great if we could pick up a little race at somewhere like Plumpton with him.

"We don't want to fly too high with him before we go to Aintree and we're not getting carried away - he certainly won't be going for any of the big long-distance handicaps."

This year Gifford is also hoping for better luck with Brave Highlander's preparation before Aintree.

"He's always had his problems and it was only in 1998 when he unseated Philip (Hide) that we had a trouble-free preparation."

MURPHY HAS TRIO LINED UP FOR MARTELL GRAND NATIONAL

Murphy said about the 13-year-old Callernish gelding: "He's looking absolutely great at the moment and is in good order. For the last two years he's run an absolute blinder in the Martell Grand Nationals on ground that has been softer than ideal - he's never really had his favoured fast ground at Aintree.

"Before Aintree he will hopefully run in a three-mile chase at Kelso (Friday, March 2), a race in which he finished third last year."

Also on target for a crack at the world's most famous steeplechase is nine-year-old Paddy's Return, who had his first taste of the unique Aintree fences when he was a staying on third behind Young Kenny in the Tote Becher Chase in November.

"I was absolutely thrilled with his run in the Tote Becher Chase, especially as the ground was very soft which he doesn't really like. Adrian (Maguire) was absolutely beaming after riding him that day as he jumped superbly throughout and seemed to really enjoy himself.

"He is a bit of a clever old horse these days but Aintree seemed to bring out the best in him. The Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Chase at the Cheltenham Festival is likely to be his next outing."

Completing Murphy's trio of possible Martell Grand National runners is Ackzo. A thorough stayer, the eight-year-old Ardross gelding was second in the Tote Northern National at Newcastle last season, before going on to success in the Marstons Pedigree Midlands Grand National over 4m 2f at Uttoxeter.

"Ackzo is still a young horse who hopefully has a bright future in front of him. He looks to be an ideal National horse as he stays and jumps well.

"The Singer and Friedlander National Trial at Uttoxeter on Saturday is a possibility for him, as we're desperate to get a run into him, but it depends on the ground really. The William Hill Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival would also be an option."

The progressive Streamstown has also been entered by Murphy but is unlikely to run as he is a seven-year-old.

ALL GUNS BLAZING WITH BUCK ROGERS

Bowens said: "I was not really getting too excited, but Buck Rogers was going well and I was delighted - he ran a good race.

"This year's Martell Grand National is his main target this season. He will not run in too many races and he may not be seen on a racecourse again before Aintree.

"He'll have a few racecourse schooling sessions and that will be it - we're trying to keep him for the Grand National and we're hoping for a good run."

Buck Rogers' mishap was only the second fall of his career. Bowens commented: "He's a sensible horse. I think he'll stay the National trip and cut in the ground is his ground."

CHANCE COULD BE DOUBLE-HANDED IN MARTELL GRAND NATIONAL

The 1998 winner of the Whitbread Gold Cup for trainer David Nicholson, Call It A Day finished third to Bobbyjo in the 1999 Martell Grand National and then came sixth to Papillon when under the care of Alan King last year.

This year the 11-year-old is undertaking a pointing campaign with point-to-point trainer Michael Appleby. At Tweseldown on January 7 Call It A Day's rider was unseated and then at Higham six days later the chaser managed a creditable third behind Evan's Collier Boy in the Men's Open.

Chance explained: "An attempt is being made to qualify Call It A Day for the Foxhunters' at the Cheltenham Festival and then the Martell Grand National is on the agenda.

"He's a proper horse, a real old-fashioned steeplechaser. Having won the Whitbread he's rated around the 130 mark and consequently it is very difficult to find races for him. The handicapper might drop him a little for Aintree, but Call It A Day is still paying the penalty for his Whitbread victory - mind you, it's a penalty that you don't mind paying!"

Chance's other possible for the 2001 Martell Grand National, Inch Rose, ran valiantly in defeat when second to Relaxation in last season's National Hunt Chase, over four miles, at the Cheltenham Festival.

The trainer said: "The 2001 Martell Grand National became the target for Inch Rose after Cheltenham last year. It's a little bit of a wing and a prayer at the moment - she lost a sizable chunk of her knee at Cheltenham and she's very much a day-to-day proposition."

Outlining Inch Rose's engagements prior to Aintree, Chance commented: "She'll be going over hurdles in two to two-and-a-half weeks, she'll then run in one chase and after that it's the Martell Grand National.

"Inch Rose stays all day and four-and-a-half miles is no terror for her, although the fences might be a different ball game! As far as the ground goes, it was quite fast at Cheltenham and good jumping ground would be perfect."

SPARKY GAYLE TO FULFIL WISH

Parker said: "Sparky Gayle has targets all the way through and we are going to take it one step at a time. He'll only run in the Martell Grand National on good ground, but the race is probably the main aim."

Last season Sparky Gayle unseated rider Brian Storey at the second fence. Parker admitted that the stable was disappointed and commented: "Brian got knocked off when another horse crossed over them. Sparky Gayle had Addington Boy a long way behind on their previous run at Kelso and judging from where he finished in the National [5th], even allowing for the fact that he would have come on for the run, Sparky Gayle should certainly have come between third and eighth.

"There's no reason why he shouldn't be suited to the Aintree fences. He's a very good natural jumper and he's been hunting. He has won on heavy ground, but 4m 4f on heavy ground is out of the question.

"It's still to be proven whether Sparky Gayle stays this distance. He was second to Paris Pike at Kelso over 3m 1f last season and he's got the trip better as he gets older."

THE MARTELL GRAND NATIONAL

Form Horse Age Owner Trainer
121P-6P ACKZO 8 Mrs N Spence Ferdy Murphy
4/U035-2 ADDINGTON BOY (IRE) 13 Gott Foods Ltd Ferdy Murphy
44512-3 ALEXANDER BANQUET (IRE) 8 Mrs Noel O'Callaghan Willie Mullins IRE
2P/-4222 ALLER MOOR (IRE) 10 G Keirle Robert Alner
210-155 AMBERLEIGH HOUSE (IRE) 9 Halewood International Ltd Ginger McCain
125-3444 AMBLESIDE (IRE) 10 B M Yin Sarah Williams
31/105/P- AMLAH (USA) 9 Salvo Giannini Philip Hobbs
11F40-1P ANDSUEPHI (IRE) 9 Mrs J Cohen Simon Sherwood
4P1-P23 ANDY'S BIRTHDAY (IRE) 10 John Pointon and Sons Sue Wilton
515-114 ARCTIC CHANTER 9 Exe Valley Racing Philip Hobbs
4-123PP ARDENT SCOUT 9 Alicia Skene & W Skene Sue Smith
F-513PP ART PRINCE (IRE) 11 Terry Neill Martin Pipe
F1-35B1 ATAVISTIC (IRE) 9 Jill Emery, A Staple, E Morris Philip Hobbs
44/21-F3 BANK AVENUE 10 S Hemstock Mark Pitman
121-3P42 BEAU (IRE) 8 Mrs Sylvia Tainton Nigel Twiston-Davies
P0P221 BELUSSAC (FR) 10 D Lassaussaye Thierry Civel FR
106-3031 BLOWING WIND (FR) 8 Peter Deal Martin Pipe
0P-0000 BOBBYJO (IRE) 11 Bobby Burke Tommy Carberry IRE
P23-011 BOLD ACTION (IRE) 10 Sylvia Blakeley Jim Turner
231-FPPF BOSUNS MATE 8 Howard Parker Nigel Twiston-Davies
34U4-5P BOUCHASSON (FR) 8 Allan Stennett Philip Hobbs
P045-P4 BRAVE HIGHLANDER (IRE) 13 Nick Embiricos Josh Gifford
35P-3P1 BROWJOSHY (IRE) 8 B D L Racing Mark Pitman
3160F-5 BUCK ROGERS (IRE) 12 Sheila Bowens Victor Bowens IRE
3/3FP56- CALL IT A DAY (IRE) 11 Jane Lane Noel Chance
66-P4314 CALL ME DARA (IRE) 8 Richard Walshe Robert Tyner IRE
P16-51PP CALLFOURSEASONS (IRE) 9 R Hewitt and C & J Stockton Tom George
1116F/-P CALLING WILD (IRE) 11 Hunt & Co (Bournemouth) Ltd John Ryall
1/F424-3 CAREYSVILLE (IRE) 10 Venetia Williams Venetia Williams
P/211U1- CAVALERO 12 John Manners John Manners
1P1F/3//-P CHOPWELL CURTAINS 11 Lucy Johnson Howard Johnson
32B1-13 COMMANCHE COURT (IRE) 8 Dermot Desmond Ted Walsh IRE
P11F-03P DARK STRANGER (FR) 10 Terry Neill Martin Pipe
U112123 DELGANY ROYAL (IRE) 9 J Hannon Dessie Hughes IRE
1112///3-0 DISCO DES MOTTES (FR) 10 Robert Ogden Philip Hobbs
50-6P04 DJEDDAH (FR) 10 Roger Barby Francois Doumen FR
40/5P0F- DR BONES (IRE) 8 Ann Fortune Len Lungo
112233 EARTHMOVER (IRE) 10 Roger Penny Paul Nicholls
12P-033 EDMOND (FR) 9 Lady Knutsford Henry Daly
31/1P1P- ELTIGRI (FR) 9 Andrew Wates Terry Casey
F22331 EMPEREUR RIVER (FR) 9 Mme G Vuillard Jacques Ortet FR
40FP-P0 ESPRIT DE COTTE (FR) 9 Trevor Hemmings Nicky Henderson
051-263 EXIT SWINGER (FR) 6 Chris Fleet Martin Pipe
2-2610P FOXCHAPEL KING (IRE) 8 Sir Tony O'Reilly Mouse Morris IRE
245-0PP GADZ'ART (FR) 7 Michael Gates Jean-Pierre Totain FR
1/1F60P/- GENERAL WOLFE 12 The Winning Line Venetia Williams
4/P-63545 GLITTER ISLE (IRE) 11 Mrs Timothy Pilkington Josh Gifford
1212-10 GOOD LORD MURPHY (IRE) 9 The Country Side Philip Hobbs
1-UP633P GRASS ISLAND (IRE) 12 B & M McHugh Ltd Civil Engineering Tom McGovern
1-11515 GREY JACK (FR) 9 Mme G Vuillard Jacques Ortet FR
1U31//3/1- HANAKHAM (IRE) 12 Malcolm A Brereton Ginger McCain
135/2-00 HIM OF PRAISE (IRE) 11 Martin St Quinton Oliver Sherwood
550P-06 HOLLYBANK BUCK (IRE) 11 Sarah Warner Tony Martin IRE
2//5-P415U HURDANTE (IRE) 11 TJA Consultants Ltd Eric Alston
2132- INCH ROSE (IRE) 7 E Hunston, P White, Mrs V Griffiths Noel Chance
4-34350 INIS CARA (IRE) 9 Nancy Hogan Syndicate Michael Hourigan IRE
P131-022 INN AT THE TOP 9 Sylvia Blakeley Jim Turner
104-64P KAKI CRAZY (FR) 6 Archie Gooch Martin Pipe
560-006 KENDAL CAVALIER 11 Michael Wingfield Digby Toby Balding
6/1U3/-113 KING ON THE RUN (IRE) 8 Lady Harris Venetia Williams
242-06P KINGS CHERRY (IRE) 13 Martin Lovatt Jim Old
22-11160 KINGSMARK (IRE) 8 Robert Ogden Martin Todhunter
U2-1221 LADY OF GORTMERRON (IRE) 9 Cheltenham Racing Ltd Nigel Twiston-Davies
04F141 LANCE ARMSTRONG (IRE) 11 G Porter Robert Alner
1P6-505 LANTURN (IRE) 11 Mrs B Byrne Paul Nolan IRE
2/212-0P LINDEN'S LOTTO (IRE) 12 Mick Bailey Tony Martin IRE
11/P5PP-0 LISTEN TIMMY (NZ) 12 Sir Stan Clarke Alan King
1121//4P/- LORD GYLLENE (NZ) 13 Sir Stan Clarke Martin Pipe
22300-0 LUCKY TOWN (IRE) 10 Noreen McManus Enda Bolger IRE
P-066P1P LUZCADOU (FR) 8 Andrew Chappell Micky Hammond
026-154 MARKETPLACE (IRE) 10 Katerina Trojackova Pavel Slozil CZE
U1216-1 MARLBOROUGH (IRE) 9 Robert Ogden Nicky Henderson
132//21/2- MELY MOSS (FR) 10 Darren Mercer & Lucille Boden Charles Egerton
30-P13 MENESONIC (IRE) 11 Mrs W Walter Robert Alner
666U-P1 MERRY PEOPLE (IRE) 13 Karl Casey John Queally IRE
F-F43515 MICKO'S DREAM (IRE) 9 SPORT Racing Club Willie Mullins IRE
P33-350 MISTER ONE 10 Colin Tizzard Colin Tizzard
50-5030 MONTROE (IRE) 9 The Montroe Partnership Richard Rowe
110P-0P MOONDIGUA (IRE) 9 Golden Step Racing II Martin Pipe
6-11112 MORAL SUPPORT (IRE) 9 Tom & Evelyn Yates Charlie Mann
1230/1P- MULLIGAN'S BOY (IRE) 9 W Black Howard Johnson
222P3-P NIKI DEE (IRE) 11 George Dilger Peter Beaumont
1322/1-5P NO RETREAT (NZ) 8 M W & A N Harris Steve Brookshaw
24032-16 NOBLE LORD 8 Jeff McCarthy Richard Phillips
11231P NORDIC PRINCE (IRE) 10 Blue Shirts John O'Shea
122-154U NORLANDIC (NZ) 9 The Till House Partnership Philip Hobbs
534011- NORTHERN STARLIGHT 10 Arthur Souch Martin Pipe
0-062546 NOSAM 11 Norman Mason Norman Mason
RP-613P OR ROYAL (FR) 10 Rien Ne Va Plus Richard Lee
133-326 PADDY'S RETURN (IRE) 9 Paddy O'Donnell Ferdy Murphy
54031-12 PAPILLON (IRE) 10 Betty Moran Ted Walsh IRE
45/1-224 PARAHANDY (IRE) 11 G Heard Seamus Mullins
443-PU68 POTENTATE (USA) 10 Jim Weeden Martin Pipe
23/F-36F PROMALEE (IRE) 9 Anne Daly Mouse Morris IRE
313413 PUGET BLUE (IRE) 8 Anne Daly Mouse Morris IRE
1221-U4 RADIATION (IRE) 8 Anne Duchess of Westminster Jonjo O'Neill
21115U RATHBAWN PRINCE (IRE) 9 Tom Culhane Dessie Hughes IRE
2P1420 RED ARK 8 Mrs D Mason Norman Mason
F0-14552 RED MARAUDER 11 Norman Mason Norman Mason
U21-0P0 RELAXATION (IRE) 9 Vicky Wiggin & Sir Philip Payne-Gallwey Henry Daly
1112P/-2 RIOT LEADER (IRE) 11 Tom George Tom George
2202U3 RIVER CORA (IRE) 7 Donal O'Connor Willie Mullins IRE
11FF-2P ROYAL PREDICA (FR) 7 Peter Deal, J Dale & Allan Stennett Martin Pipe
11-P1F0 ROYAL TOMMY (IRE) 9 L Kimber Bob Buckler
113/0-24 SAMUEL WILDERSPIN 9 Stella Barnes Richard Lee
30-2FP5 SCOTTON GREEN 10 The I B & B D F Partnership Tim Easterby
U111/1P- SEE JUST THERE (IRE) 11 Olde Crowbars Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE
1141-151 SEE MORE BUSINESS (IRE) 11 Paul Barber & Robert Ogden Paul Nicholls
5200F-5 SENOR EL BETRUTTI (IRE) 12 Gerard Nock Susan Nock
F-231P2 SHANNON GALE (IRE) 9 J P McManus Christy Roche IRE
642641P SHUIL'S STAR (IRE) 10 Leon Cohen & Rishi Chopra George Prodromou
5-41226 SKILLWISE 9 Chris D Calvert Tim Easterby
P11/-132 SMARTY (IRE) 8 Mrs T Brown Mark Pitman
1-1333F SPANISH MAIN (IRE) 7 C Sanderson Nigel Twiston-Davies
0602U-P SPARKY GAYLE (IRE) 11 Ray & Anita Green Andrew Parker
4F2111 STREAMSTOWN (IRE) 7 Haydock Park National Hunt P'ship Ferdy Murphy
11/11U-0 STRONG TEL (IRE) 11 Terry Neill Martin Pipe
3FP-3163 SUPREME CHARM (IRE) 9 P Vogt Kim Bailey
01-1122 TAKE CONTROL (IRE) 7 David Johnson Martin Pipe
1P0-46U THE LAST FLING (IRE) 11 Trevor Hemmings Sue Smith
43-3236 THE OUTBACK WAY (IRE) 11 Seasons Holidays Venetia Williams
11/1PP1/- THE TOISEACH (IRE) 10 T & J Vestey James Fanshawe
3F-1562 TORDUFF EXPRESS (IRE) 10 Two Plus Two Paul Nicholls
34-P224 TRESOR DE MAI (FR) 7 Joe Moran Martin Pipe
1F-0145 TYNDARIUS (IRE) 10 J M Walker Arthur Moore IRE
11/1F1P/- UNSINKABLE BOXER (IRE) 12 Paul Green Louise Alner
6F0-022 VILLAGE KING (IRE) 8 Bill Edwards-Heathcote Philip Hobbs
03-114U YOU'RE AGOODUN 9 Jeff Lammiman Martin Pipe
F3P-313 YOUNG KENNY 10 Trevor Hemmings Peter Beaumont
133 entries, 24 Irish-trained, 5 French-trained, 1 Czezh-trained.

BREAKDOWN OF ENTRIES BY TRAINERS AND PAST SUCCESSES

WINCANTON HIGHLIGHTS

Last year's renewal was won by the Philip Hobbs-trained Celtic Native, who was completing her sixth straight victory of the season and she went on to compete in the Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival before winning two more races. Hobbs, who trains near Minehead in Somerset, can choose between Haydock winner Black Dante, Thyne Will Tell and Karratha.

Last season Sly Empress finished third in this valuable event for Irish trainer Michael Hourigan and in doing so became the first ever Irish-trained runner in the race. Mr Red Banner, a winner of four races so far this season, could be another Hourigan runner.

The other seven Irish-trained entries are Potoffairies, The Baltimore Man, and A Leaders Wish, who have all previously won this term, while Mr Batim, Regal Native, Totheroadyouvgone and She's A Corker all have plenty of potential.

Ready To Rumble, trained by Noel Chance, is a leading British-based hope. The Phardante gelding has finished runner-up twice this season, most recently when half-a-length behind Gola Cher in a novices' hurdle at Ascot in November.

That is blue-chip form and Ready To Rumble gets in with 10st 9lb, which looks a very handy mark, due to the fact that the weights are framed on the price paid for each horse at public auction.

No contestant in the Dick Reynolds National Hunt' Auction Novices' Hurdle will have cost more than 30,000 guineas (a guinea is £1.05) and the event proves that owners do not have to pay the earth to purchase a high-class horse.

Another to consider is the Henrietta Knight-trained Southern Star who was an easy winner at Wincanton on January 11, while stable companions Whether The Storm and Cruise Leader are also winners. Concert Pianist is after a four-timer following successes at Ascot, Chepstow and Warwick for trainer Peter Winkworth.

Wincanton's programme on Thursday, February 8, also features the £15,000-added RACING IN WESSEX CHASE, over two mile and five furlongs, which is usually a very high-quality event.

Last season the Racing Wessex Chase was won by the Seamus Mullins-trained The Land Agent, who beat Strong Promise in an exciting finish. A month later the runner-up went on to be third to Looks Like Trouble in jump racing's blue riband, the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup, at Cheltenham.

The quality of this race is illustrated by the list of past winners, which reads like a who's who of National Hunt racing and includes such prestigious names as Desert Orchid, Garrison Savannah and Challenger Du Luc.

There are seven races, starting at 1.50pm and ending at 4.50pm.

Ian Renton, Clerk of the Course and General Manager at Wincanton, said: "The season is going well so far, with quality horses and top jockeys in action, and the fixture on Thursday, February 8 will see exciting action, with the Dick Reynolds National Hunt' Auction Novices' Hurdle and the Racing in Wessex Chase being two top contests."

Admission costs are Club Enclosure £15, Tattersalls Enclosure £10 and Course Enclosure £5. Juniors aged 17-22 (ID required) can gain admission to the Club for £7.50, and students (ID required) get into Tattersalls for half price. Accompanied children aged 16 and under gain FREE admission to all enclosures at every fixture. Parking in the main car park is FREE while cars into the Course Enclosure cost £5.

TOWCESTER ON TOMORROW - KELSO INSPECT

Hugo Bevan, Clerk of the Course at the Northamptonshire track stated: "There are no further inspections planned and it is perfectly raceable.

"The forecast is for a dry night although there may be a chance of further rain tomorrow afternoon, which obviously we would prefer not to come."

Meanwhile at Kelso an inspection is due to take place tomorrow morning to see if their meeting can go ahead.

Johnnie Fenwicke-Clennell Clerk of the Course at the Borders course is optimistic about the chances of holding the fixture: "There will be a precautionary inspection at 7.30am because there is frost forecast tonight.

"There is no frost in the ground at the moment and there are no problems.

"We are optimistic of racing, it depends what tonight brings.

"We are forecast to get between -1C and -3C but if we got more it would make us look silly."

TIZNOW SCOOPS ECLIPSE AWARD - KALANISI HONOURED

Sir Michael Stoute's Kalanisi was the only European-trained horse to win an award, with his brilliant win in the Breeders' Cup Turf earning him the accolade of Champion Turf Horse.

The awards took place at the Saenger Hotel in New Orleans last night and the full list of winners is as follows:

HORSE OF THE YEAR & CHAMPION THREE-YEAR-OLD COLT: TIZNOW
Owner: Michael Cooper & Estate of C. Straub-Rubens
Trainer: Jay Robins
Breeder: Celia Straub-Robins

CHAMPION TWO-YEAR-OLD COLT: MACHO UNO
Owner: Stronach Stables
Trainer: Joseph Orseno
Breeder: Adena Springs

CHAMPION TWO-YEAR-OLD FILLY: CARESSING
Owner: Carl Pollard
Trainer: David Vance
Breeder: Brereton Jones

CHAMPION OLDER MALE: LEMON DROP KID
Owner: Jeanne Vance
Trainer: Scotty Schulhofer
Breeder: W S Farish & W S Kilroy

CHAMPION OLDER FEMALE: RIBOLETTA
Owner: Aaron & Marie Jones
Trainer: Eduardo Inda
Breeder: Hara Santa do Rio Grande

CHAMPION THREE-YEAR-OLD FILLY: SURFSIDE
Owner: Overbrook Farm
Trainer: D Wayne Lucas
Breeder: Overbrook Farm

CHAMPION TURF MALE: KALANISI
Owner: H H Aga Khan
Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute
Breeder: H H Aga Khan's Stud

CHAMPON SPRINTER: KONA GOLD
Owner: Headley & Hi Tech Stable & Molaskys
Trainer: Bruce Headley
Breeder: Carlos Perez

CHAMPION TURF FEMALE: PERFECT STING
Owner: Stronach Stables
Trainer: Joseph Orseno
Breeder: Adena Springs

CHAMPION STEEPLECHASER: ALL GOING
Owner: Calvin Houghland
Trainer: Bruce Miller
Breeder: The Kris Syndicate & Kirtlington Stud

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

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