Wednesday, January 7, 2009

KAUTO STAR AIMING FOR REVENGE OVER DENMAN IN totesport CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP - 38 entries for 2009 renewal of chasing’s Blue Riband

After his seven-length defeat to Denman in last year’s race, Kauto Star will be bidding to become the first horse to win non-consecutive renewals of the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup, following his two and a half length success over Exotic Dancer in 2007. The 10-time Grade One winner will be going to Cheltenham on the back of a superb third success in the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day.

Smith commented: “I was ecstatic about his victory at Kempton and it was a brilliant performance. Paul has said that Kauto Star wasn’t quite right in the Betfair Chase and that he probably just had an off day there. That race might have come a bit soon after Down Royal and he might not have enjoyed the dead ground, but he certainly came back to form on his latest start.

“Paul and I decided that he will now go straight to The Festival. He rattled up six victories when he took the totesport Gold Cup in 2007 but he’s got a few more miles on the clock now and he possibly likes to put in a performance a bit less frequently these days.

“We have to make sure that he is spot on for Cheltenham and keeping him fresh for March seems the best way forward. We could have run him in the Grade One Chase at Ascot in mid-February like last year, but that would only leave a four-week gap.

“He also had a foot problem between Ascot and Cheltenham last season and we just want to make sure that if there are any problems between now and The Festival that we give him every chance of lining up in the totesport Gold Cup.

“If we get the right going, then I think we have every chance of beating Denman. I like to think of it as home and away – it was like a home fixture for Denman last season because he got his favoured ground while Kauto Star couldn’t get going in it. That’s not to take anything from Denman because I thought he was superb.”

Besides Kauto Star and Denman, the champion trainer also has last year’s third home, dual Grade One scorer Neptune Collognes, 2006 RSA Chase winner Star De Mohaison and the unexposed Big Buck’s among his eight entries as he bids for a fourth Cheltenham Gold Cup.

After gaining a deserved first Grade One victory in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown in December, Exotic Dancer may bid for victory in a race in which he has finished second and fifth in the past two seasons, while other Grade One winners Air Force One, The Listener and Snoopy Loopy could also try to prevent another year of Nicholls domination.

David Pipe has given an entry to last season’s Ryanair Chase winner Our Vic, who followed up his Cheltenham victory with a nose defeat of Kauto Star in a Grade Two contest at Aintree in April. The master of Pond House also has among his six entries the exciting Or Noir de Somoza, a winner at the highest level over both fences and hurdles in his native France.

Several top second-season chasers have also been entered, headed by Tidal Bay, successful in last season’s The Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase, and 2008 RSA Chase victor Albertas Run, who was second to Kauto Star in the King George VI Chase. Barbers Shop could be a first runner in the totesport Gold Cup for The Queen and the seven-year-old may re-oppose his Paddy Power Gold Cup conqueror Imperial Commander.

The strong Irish challenge of eight includes 2006 totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup hero War Of Attrition, last year’s Grand National third Snowy Morning, from the yard of Willie Mullins and Notre Pere, this season’s Welsh Grand National winner from the stable of Jim Dreaper who was successful with Ten Up back in 1975.

THE FESTIVAL 2009

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, March 10 to 13, 2009

Tuesday, March 10 (Old Course)
Time Race Distance Prize Money
1.30pm Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade One) 2m 110yds £120,000
2.05pm The Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase (Grade One) 2m £170,000
2.40pm William Hill Trophy Handicap Chase (Grade Three) 3m 110yds £90,000
3.20pm Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade One) 2m 110yds £370,000
4.00pm Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase 3m 7f £50,000
4.40pm David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle (Grade Two) 2m 4f £100,000
TOTAL £900,000


Wednesday, March 11 (Old Course)
Time Race Distance Prize Money
1.30pm 139th Year of the National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup 4m £75,000
2.05pm Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle (Grade One) 2m 5f £120,000
2.40pm RSA Chase (Grade One) 3m 110yds £170,000
3.20pm Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade One) 2m £320,000
4.00pm Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (Grade Three) 2m 5f £80,000
4.40pm Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Listed Race) 2m 110yds £80,000
5.15pm Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Grade One) 2m 110yds £60,000
TOTAL £905,000

Thursday, March 12 (New Course)
Time Race Distance Prize Money
1.30pm Jewson Novices’ Handicap Chase (Listed Race) 2m 5f £90,000
2.05pm Pertemps Final (Listed Race) 3m £80,000
2.40pm Ryanair Chase (Grade One) 2m 5f £220,000
3.20pm Ladbrokes World Hurdle (Grade One) 3m £260,000
4.00pm Festival Plate Handicap Chase (Grade Three) 2m 5f £90,000
4.40pm Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase 3m 1f 110yds £60,000
TOTAL £800,000
Friday, March 13 (New Course)
Time Race Distance Prize Money
1.30pm JCB Triumph Hurdle Race (Grade One) 2m 1f £120,000
2.05pm Vincent O’Brien County Handicap Hurdle (Grade Three) 2m 1f £80,000
2.40pm Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Grade One) 3m £100,000
3.20pm totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup (Grade One) 3m 2f 110yds £475,000
4.00pm Christie’s Foxhunter Chase Challenge Cup 3m 2f 110yds £40,000
4.40pm Cheltenham Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle 2m 4f 110yds £50,000
5.15pm Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase (Grade Three) 2m 110yds £90,000
TOTAL £955,000
TOTAL PRIZE MONEY IN 2009 OF £3,560,000
(A 3.8 per cent increase on the 2008 figure of £3,430,000 and making a new average of £136,923 per race)

Nicky Henderson’s 31 Winners at The Festival

JCB Triumph Hurdle: 1985 First Bout, 1987 Alone Success, 1999 Katarino
Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle: 1985, 1986 & 1987 See You Then
The Irish Independent Arkle Chase: 1991 Remittance Man, 1993 Travado, 2000 Tiutchev
Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase: 1992 Remittance Man
Supreme Novices’ Hurdle: 1986 River Ceiriog, 1992 Flown
Cathcart Chase: 1990 Brown Windsor, 1994 Raymylette, 1999 & 2000 Stormyfairweather
Ladbrokes World Hurdle: 1989 Rustle, 2000 Bacchanal
Festival Plate: 1985 & 1986 The Tsarevich, 2005 Liberthine, 2006 Non So
Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Chase: 1990 Master Bob, 2002 The Bushkeeper, 2005 Juveigneur
Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle: 1993 Thumbs Up, 1997 Barna Boy
William Hill Handicap Chase: 2000 Marlborough
RSA Chase: 2005 Trabolgan
Ryanair Chase: 2006 Fondmort
Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase: 2006 Greenhope

Following the retirement of Martin Pipe in 2006, Nicky Henderson is the most successful current trainer at The Festival with 31 victories. He is third on the all-time list behind Fulke Walwyn and Martin Pipe.

Paul Nicholls’ 20 Winners at The Festival

Supreme Novices’ Hurdle: 2006 Noland
The Irish Independent Arkle Trophy: 1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2003 Azertyuiop
RSA Chase: 2006 Star De Mohaison, 2007 Denman
Season’s Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase: 1999 Call Equiname, 2004 Azertyuiop, 2008 Master Minded
totesport Gold Cup: 1999 See More Business, 2007 Kauto Star, 2008 Denman
Christie’s Foxhunter Chase: 2004 Earthmover, 2005 Sleeping Night
Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase: 2004 St Pirran, 2007 Andreas
Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle: 2004 Sporazene, 2006 Desert Quest
Ryanair Chase: 2005 Thisthatandtother, 2007 Taranis
JCB Triumph Hurdle: 2008 Celestial Halo

Paul Nicholls, who became champion trainer for the first time in the 2005/06 season and repeated the feat in both 2006/07 and 2007/08, has trained 20 Festival winners.

THE totesport CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP
Class 1, Grade 1, £475,000 Total Prize Fund. 3.20pm, Cheltenham, Friday, March 13, 2009. For 5yo+ which are allotted a rating of 130 or more by the BHA Head of Handicapping following a review of the horses entered and after taking account of races run up to and including March 6 - horses which are not qualified for a rating in GB, IRE or FR may also be entered & such horses may be eligible providing the Handicapper is satisfied that the horse’s racecourse performances up to and including March 6 would merit a minimum rating of 130 (the decision of the BHA Head of Handicapping shall be final), three miles, two and a half furlongs. Weights: 5yo 11st 8lb, 6yo+ 11st 10lb. Allowances: mares 7lb. Entries closed January 6, entries revealed January 7 (38 entries), forfeit stage February 10, £25,000 supplementary entry stage March 7, six-day confirmation stage March 7. Final 48-hour declaration stage, 10.00am, March 11. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Tuesday, January 6.

Form Horse Age Owner Trainer
511-225 AIR FORCE ONE (GER) 7 Brian Walsh (Co Kildare) Charlie Mann
113-4P2 ALBERTAS RUN (IRE) 8 Trevor Hemmings Jonjo O'Neill
13/P611- AN ACCORDION (IRE) 8 Brian Kilpatrick David Pipe
3/00010- ARTEEA (IRE) 10 Judith & Tina Wilson David Pipe
4121-21 BARBERS SHOP 7 The Queen Nicky Henderson
1301-U1 BIG BUCK'S (FR) 6 The Stewart Family Paul Nicholls
115P/-03 CANE BRAKE (IRE) 10 Mount Temple Racing Sydicate Tom Taaffe IRE
0P/50PP- CERIUM (FR) 8 Judith & Tina Wilson Paul Murphy
11/1111- DENMAN (IRE) 9 Maggie Findlay & Paul Barber Paul Nicholls
353-231 EXOTIC DANCER (FR) 9 Sir Robert Ogden Jonjo O'Neill
2215-12 FINGER ONTHE PULSE (IRE) 8 Conor Clarkson Tom Taaffe IRE
115-3P0 GUNGADU 9 Maggie Findlay & Paul Barber Paul Nicholls
3242-23 HALCON GENELARDAIS (FR) 9 Ian Payne & Kim Franklin Alan King
3/114-16 IMPERIAL COMMANDER (IRE) 8 Our Friends in the North Nigel Twiston-Davies
642-316 JOE LIVELY (IRE) 10 Richard Dimond Colin Tizzard
122-1U1 KAUTO STAR (FR) 9 Clive Smith Paul Nicholls
16UP-10 KNOWHERE (IRE) 11 Raymond Mould Nigel Twiston-Davies
425F-61 MADISON DU BERLAIS (FR) 8 Roger Stanley & Yvonne Reynolds II David Pipe
112P-0U MIKO DE BEAUCHENE (FR) 9 Andrew Wiles Robert & Sally Alner
05/5400- MILAN DEUX MILLE (FR) 7 Judith Wilson David Pipe
41F4-52 MISTER TOP NOTCH (IRE) 10 Marie Cronin Davy Fitzgerald IRE
32023/-5 MY WILL (FR) 9 The Stewart Family Paul Nicholls
1/3131-F NEPTUNE COLLONGES (FR) 8 John Hales Paul Nicholls
63P-411 NOTRE PERE (FR) 8 Mrs P J Conway Jim Dreaper IRE
2112/-U1 NOZIC (FR) 8 Sam Mcvie Paul Nicholls
2112-10 OR NOIR DE SOMOZA (FR) 7 Pegasus Farms Ltd David Pipe
3/2211-P OUR VIC (IRE) 11 David Johnson David Pipe
1225-13 ROLL ALONG (IRE) 9 Bryan & Philippa Burrough Carl Llewellyn
S54-206 SLIM PICKINGS (IRE) 10 Doubtful Five Syndicate Tom Taaffe IRE
331320 SNOOPY LOOPY (IRE) 11 Walters Plant Hire Ltd Egan Waste Ltd Peter Bowen
332-56F SNOWY MORNING (IRE) 9 Quayside Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE
1/11/3-02 STAR DE MOHAISON (FR) 8 Sir Robert Ogden Paul Nicholls
2560-14 STATE OF PLAY 9 Mr & Mrs William Rucker Evan Williams
315-42F THE LISTENER (IRE) 10 Old Moss Farm Nick Mitchell
4142-13 THYNE AGAIN (IRE) 8 Simply The Best Syndicate Liam Burke IRE
211-122 TIDAL BAY (IRE) 8 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
1221/1//-P TRABOLGAN (IRE) 11 Trevor Hemmings Nicky Henderson
23/-1132 WAR OF ATTRITION (IRE) 10 Gigginstown House Stud Mouse Morris IRE

38 Entries
8 Irish-trained

BREAKDOWN OF ENTRIES BY TRAINER WITH PAST SUCCESSES IN THE totesport CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP

8 Entries
Paul Nicholls (1999 See More Business, 2007 Kauto Star, 2008 Denman)

6 Entries
David Pipe

3 Entries
Tom Taaffe IRE (2005 Kicking King)

2 Entries
Nicky Henderson
Jonjo O’Neill
Nigel Twiston-Davies

1 Entry
Robert & Sally Alner (1998 Cool Dawn)
Liam Burke IRE
Peter Bowen
Jim Dreaper (1975 Ten Up)
Davy Fitzgerald IRE
Howard Johnson
Alan King
Carl Llewellyn
Charlie Mann
Nick Mitchell
Mouse Morris IRE (2006 War Of Attrition)
Willie Mullins IRE
Paul Murphy
Colin Tizzard
Evan Williams

totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup – Analysis

This year’s entry of 38 for the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup includes the three previous winners of chasing’s Blue Riband. The 2009 renewal takes place on Friday, March 13 and is worth a record £475,000.

The last two renewals of the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup have gone the way of champion trainer Paul Nicholls with Kauto Star prevailing in 2007 and Denman coming out on top last year, getting the better of Kauto Star by seven lengths. The duo are set for a rematch this season, with Kauto Star fresh from collecting his third King George VI Chase at Kempton last month and Denman set to make his seasonal reappearance in the AON Chase at Newbury on February 7. Nicholls is responsible for eight entries in total, the most of any trainer, and could also be represented by last year’s third Neptune Collonges, Big Buck’s, a winner over hurdles at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day, last season’s Racing Post Chase winner Gungadu, My Will, recent Wetherby scorer Nozic and Star de Mohaison, successful in the 2006 RSA Chase at The Festival.

There have been 20 Irish-trained winners of the extended three and a quarter mile contest, most recently War Of Attrition in 2006. The Mouse Morris-trained 10-year-old is one eight entries trained in Ireland this time around and could be joined by Finger Onthe Pulse, who represents the same combination of owner Conor Clarkson and trainer Tom Taaffe who were successful with Kicking King in 2005. He is already a Festival winner, having taken the Jewson Novices’ Handicap Chase in 2008. Taaffe has also entered Cane Brake, fifth behind Kauto Star in 2007, and Slim Pickings, who has twice been placed in the Grand National. Other Irish-trained contenders are recent Welsh Grand National hero Notre Pere, who could attempt to give trainer Jim Dreaper a second success in the race 34 years after the victory of Ten Up, Snowy Morning, who finished second to Denman in the 2007 RSA Chase, Mister Top Notch and Thyne Again, who finished fourth in The Irish Independent Arkle Trophy at The Festival last year.

Nicky Henderson is enjoying a wonderful season and has two entries for the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup with The Queen’s Barbers Shop, runner-up in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham in November before winning an intermediate chase at Sandown and the 2005 RSA Chase victor Trabolgan, who pulled up on his first appearance for over three years at Ascot last month.

The totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup is just about the only major prize over jumps never to have gone to Pond House. David Pipe will be out to rectify that statistic this year and has half a dozen entries to choose from including last year’s Ryanair Chase victor Our Vic and the exciting Or Noir De Somoza, who has yet to race in Britain but is a triple Grade One in France when he was trained by Arnaud Chaille-Chaille. The Pond House sextet is completed by An Accordion, successful in the William Hill Handicap Chase at The Festival in 2008, Arteea, this season’s Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup victor Madison du Berlais and Milan Deux Mille.

Jonjo O’Neill won the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup as a jockey aboard Alverton in 1979 and most memorably on Dawn Run in 1986. The master of Jackdaws Castle went close to also saddling the winner when Exotic Dancer was second two years ago and that horse, a four-time Cheltenham winner, is a possible starter again this year following his success in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas. He could be joined by stable companion Albertas Run, winner of last season’s RSA Chase at The Festival and second behind Kauto Star in the King George VI Chase at Kempton last month.

Another Festival winner from last season who could bid for further glory is Tidal Bay, trained by Howard Johnson and successful in The Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy in 2008. He chased home Nozic under top weight in the Rowland Meyrick Chase at Wetherby on Boxing Day.

Two winners from The Open among the entries are Paddy Power Gold Cup victor Imperial Commander and Joe Lively, who scored in the Servo Computer Services Trophy.

Other interesting contenders includes Halcon Genelardais, who ran a fine race when fourth behind Denman in 2008 and Knowhere, who took fifth place in the same renewal. Snoopy Loopy has been in tremendous form this season, the highlight being his success in the Betfair Chase at Haydock in November and he currently leads the Order of Merit. Roll Along took second place behind Albertas Run in last season’s RSA Chase. The 2006 Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup victor State Of Play, The Listener, a three-time Grade One winner in Ireland, Air Force One, last season’s Welsh Grand National victor Miko de Beauchene and rank outsider Cerium complete the potential line-up.

totesport CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP FACTS & FIGURES

1. The totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup is the most valuable non-handicap chase in Britain. The total prize money for the 2009 running will be £475,000, up from £450,000 in 2008. The first Cheltenham Gold Cup was a three-mile Flat race in 1819, won by Mr Bodenham’s Spectre. The chase as we now know it was introduced in 1924, and won that year by Red Splash. The winning prize money was £700.

2. 2006 saw the joint biggest Gold Cup field ever, with 22 runners going to post. Since the race was first run in 1924, there has only been one other renewal with more than 20 runners - in 1982 when Silver Buck defeated 21 rivals. The current maximum field is 24.

3. Golden Miller holds the record for the most Gold Cup victories, with five consecutive wins from 1932-36. The race is fiercely competitive - so much so that before Best Mate in 2002, 2003 and 2004, the last horse to win more than once was L’Escargot in 1970 and 1971.

4. Golden Miller’s owner, Dorothy Paget, is also the most successful owner in the race with an amazing seven victories, with Roman Hackle (1940) and Mont Tremblant (1952) adding to Golden Miller’s five wins.

5. The most successful trainer is Tom Dreaper, who won five Gold Cups with three separate horses, namely Prince Regent (1946), Arkle (1964-66) and Fort Leney (1968).

6. Tony McCoy’s Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle/totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup double in 1997 on Make A Stand and Mr Mulligan was the 11th time that the big-race double has been landed by one jockey in the same year. The other jockeys to have achieved the feat were Dick Rees (1929), Tom Cullinan (1930), Ted Leader (1932), Bill Stott (1933), Gerry Wilson (1935), Aubrey Brabazon (1949 and 1950), Tim Molony (1953), Fred Winter (1961) and Norman Williamson (1995).

7. Alderbrook and Master Oats in 1995 enabled Norman Williamson and Kim Bailey to join a very select group of jockey and trainer partnerships who have won both the Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup in the same year. The other partnerships were Tom Cullinan and Jack Anthony in 1930, Ted Leader and Basil Briscoe in 1932, Bill Stott and Basil Briscoe in 1933, and Aubrey Brabazon and Vincent O’Brien in both 1949 and 1950.

8. Dawn Run is the only horse to have won both the Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup. She was successful in 1984 and 1986 respectively.

9. The longest-priced winner of the Gold Cup is Norton’s Coin, who started at 100/1 in 1990, while the shortest-priced winner was Arkle, the 1/10 favourite in 1966.

10. The last grey Gold Cup winner was Desert Orchid in 1989.

11. totesport has sponsored the Cheltenham Gold Cup since 1980.

12. In the Gold Cup's history only six horses have won more than once, and the most recent of them is Best Mate in 2002, 2003 and 2004. The others were L'Escargot (1970/71), Easter Hero (1929/30), Golden Miller (1932/33/34/35/36), Cottage Rake (1948/49/50) and Arkle (1964/65/66). Their successes were all in consecutive years.

13. The last 27 runnings have seen eight 9-year-olds, eight 8-year-olds, five 10-year-olds and six 7-year-olds successful. The last horse over the age of 10 to win was 12-year-old What A Myth in 1969. The last six-year-old to win was Mill House in 1963.

14. Eight of the last 27 favourites have justified the market confidence – Kauto Star in 2007, Kicking King in 2005, Best Mate in 2003 and 2004, Master Oats in 1995, Desert Orchid in 1989, Dawn Run in 1986 and Bregawn in 1983.

15. The four Irish-trained winners in the last 27 runnings were War Of Attrition in 2006, Kicking King in 2005, Imperial Call in 1996 and Dawn Run 10 years before that. Irish-trained horses did better between 1946 and 1977 when 16 successes were achieved. The only French-trained winner was The Fellow in 1994 while there has also been a Welsh-trained victor in Norton’s Coin (1990).

Previous results - totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup

2008- WINNER -DENMAN 8-11-10 Owner-Paul Barber & Maggie Findlay; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Sam Thomas; SP-9/4
2ND-Kauto Star 8-11-10 Owner-Clive Smith; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-10/11F
3RD-Neptune Collonges 7-11-10 Owner-John Hales; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Mick Fitzgerald; SP-25/1
12 ran, Time-6m 47.84s, Dist-7, sh

2007- WINNER -KAUTO STAR 7-11-10 Owner-Clive Smith; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-5/4F
2ND-Exotic Dancer 7-11-10 Owner-Sir Robert Ogden; Trainer-Jonjo O’Neill; Jockey-Tony McCoy; SP-9/2
3RD-Turpin Green 8-11-10 Owner-Trevor Hemmings; Trainer-Nicky Richards; Jockey-Tony Dobbin; SP-40/1
18 ran, Time-6m 40.46s, Dist-2.5, 2.5

2006- WINNER -WAR OF ATTRITION 7-11-10 Owner-Gigginstown House Stud; Trainer-Mouse Morris IRE; Jockey-Conor O’Dwyer; SP-15/2
2ND-Hedgehunter 10-11-10 Owner-Trevor Hemmings; Trainer-Willie Mullins IRE; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-16/1
3RD-Forget The Past 8-11-10 Owner-Sean Mulryan; Trainer-Michael O’Brien IRE; Jockey-Barry Geraghty; SP-9/1
22 ran, Time-6m 31.70s, Dist-2.5, 7 4/1 Fav Beef Or Salmon (11th)

2005- WINNER -KICKING KING 7-11-10 Owner-Conor Clarkson; Trainer-Tom Taaffe IRE; Jockey-Barry Geraghty; SP-4/1F
2ND-Take The Stand 9-11-10 Owner-The Courters; Trainer-Peter Bowen; Jockey-Tony Dobbin; SP-25/1
3RD-Sir Rembrandt 9-11-10 Owner-Alan Hordle; Trainer-Robert Alner; Jockey-Andrew Thornton; SP-12/1
15 ran, Time-6m 42.9s, Dist-5, 8

2004- WINNER -BEST MATE 9-11-10 Owner-Jim Lewis; Trainer-Henrietta Knight; Jockey-Jim Culloty; SP-8/11F
2ND-Sir Rembrandt 8-11-10 Owner-Alan Hordle; Trainer-Robert Alner; Jockey-Andrew Thornton; SP-33/1
3RD-Harbour Pilot 9-11-10 Owner-Kays Syndicate; Trainer-Noel Meade IRE; Jockey-Paul Carberry; SP-20/1
10 ran, Time-6m 42.60s, Dist-.5, 1.25

2003- WINNER - WINNER -BEST MATE 8-12-00 Owner-Jim Lewis; Trainer-Henrietta Knight; Jockey-Jim Culloty; SP-13/8F
2ND-Truckers Tavern 8-12-00 Owner-Margaret & Ray Scholey; Trainer-Ferdy Murphy; Jockey-Davy Russell; SP-33/1
3RD- Harbour Pilot 8-12-00 Owner-Kays Syndicate; Trainer-Noel Meade IRE; Jockey-Paul Carberry; SP-40/1
15 ran, Time-6m 39.00s, Dist-10, 2.5

2002- WINNER -WINNER-BEST MATE 7-12-00 Owner-Jim Lewis; Trainer-Henrietta Knight; Jockey-Jim Culloty; SP-7/1
2ND-Commanche Court 9-12-00 Owner-Dermot Desmond; Trainer-Ted Walsh IRE; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-25/1
3RD-See More Business 12-12-00 Owner-Sir Robert Ogden and Paul Barber; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Joe Tizzard; SP-40/1
18 ran, Time-6m 50.10s, Dist-1.75, 8 9/2 Fav Looks Like Trouble (13th)

2001-Cancelled

2000-WINNER-LOOKS LIKE TROUBLE 8-12-00 Owner-Tim Collins; Trainer-Noel Chance; Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-9/2
2ND-Florida Pearl 8-12-00 Owner-Violet O’Leary; Trainer-Willie Mullins IRE; Jockey-Paul Carberry; SP-9/2
3RD-Strong Promise 9-12-00 Owner-Exors of the Late Geoff Hubbard; Trainer-Chris Kinane; Jockey-Robert Thornton; SP-20/1 12 ran, Time-6m 30.3s, Dist-5, nk 9/4 Fav See More Business (4th)
12 ran, Time-6m 30.3s, Dist-5, nk 9/4 Fav See More Business (4th)

1999-WINNER-SEE MORE BUSINESS 9-12-00 Owner-Paul Barber and John Keighley; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Mick Fitzgerald; SP-16/1
2ND-Go Ballistic 10-12-00 Owner-Sheila Lockhart; Trainer-David Nicholson; Jockey-Tony Dobbin; SP-66/1
3RD-Florida Pearl 7-12-00 Owner-Violet O’Leary; Trainer-Willie Mullins IRE; Jockey-Richard Dunwoody; SP-5/2 Fav
12 ran, Time-6m 41.9s, Dist-1, 17

1998-WINNER-COOL DAWN 10-12-00 Owner-Hon. Dido Harding; Trainer-Robert Alner; Jockey-Andrew Thornton; SP-25/1
2ND-Strong Promise 7-12-00 Owner-Geoff Hubbard; Trainer-Geoff Hubbard; Jockey-Norman Williamson; SP-14/1
3RD-Dorans Pride 9-12-00 Owner-Tom Doran; Trainer-Michael Hourigan IRE; Jockey-Richard Dunwoody; SP-9/4 Fav
17 ran, Time-6m 39.7s, Dist-1.75, hd

1997-WINNER-MR MULLIGAN 9-12-00 Owner-Michael and Gerry Worcester; Trainer-Noel Chance; Jockey-Tony McCoy; SP-20/1
2ND-Barton Bank 11-12-00 Owner-Jenny Mould; Trainer-David Nicholson; Jockey-David Walsh; SP-33/1
3RD-Dorans Pride 8-12-00 Owner-Tom Doran; Trainer-Michael Hourigan IRE; Jockey-Shane Broderick; SP-10/1
14 ran, Time-6m 35.5s, Dist-9, .5 4/1 Fav Imperial Call (pu)

1996-WINNER-IMPERIAL CALL 7-12-00 Owner-Lisselan Farms Ltd; Trainer-Fergie Sutherland IRE; Jockey-Conor O’Dwyer; SP-9/2
2ND-Rough Quest 10-12-00 Owner-Andrew Wates and Lady Wates; Trainer-Terry Casey; Jockey-Mick Fitzgerald; SP-12/1
3RD-Couldnt Be Better 9-12-00 Owner-Dick Whittle; Trainer-Charlie Brooks; Jockey-Graham Bradley; SP-11/1
10 ran, Time-6m 42.5s Dist-4, 19 11/8 Fav One Man (6th)

totesport CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP ROLL OF HONOUR
(totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup since 2004, Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup 1980-2003, Piper Champagne Cheltenham Gold Cup 1975-1979, no sponsor before 1975)
Year Winner Age/Wt Jockey Trainer Owner SP Ran
2008 Denman 8-11-10 Sam Thomas Paul Nicholls Paul Barber & Maggie Findlay 9/4 12
2007 Kauto Star 7-11-10 Ruby Walsh Paul Nicholls Clive Smith 5/4F 18
2006 War Of Attrition 7-11-10 Conor O’Dwyer Mouse Morris IRE Gigginstown House Stud 15/2 22
2005 Kicking King 7-11-10 Barry Geraghty Tom Taaffe IRE Conor Clarkson 4/1F 15
2004 Best Mate 9-12-00 Jim Culloty Henrietta Knight Jim Lewis 8/11F 10
2003 Best Mate 8-12-00 Jim Culloty Henrietta Knight Jim Lewis 13/8F 15
2002 Best Mate 7-12-00 Jim Culloty Henrietta Knight Jim Lewis 7/1 18
2001 No Race (Foot and Mouth)
2000 Looks Like Trouble 8-12-00 Richard Johnson Noel Chance Tim Collins 9/2 12
1999 See More Business 9-12-00 Mick Fitzgerald Paul Nicholls Paul Barber/John Keighley 16/1 12
1998 Cool Dawn 10-12-00 Andrew Thornton Robert Alner Hon. Miss Dido Harding 25/1 17
1997 Mr Mulligan 9-12-00 Tony McCoy Noel Chance Michael & Gerry Worcester 20/1 14
1996 Imperial Call 7-12-00 Conor O’Dwyer Fergie Sutherland IRE Lisselan Farms Ltd 9/2 10
1995 Master Oats 9-12-00 Norman Williamson Kim Bailey Paul Matthews 100/30F 15
1994 The Fellow 9-12-00 Adam Kondrat Francois Doumen FR Marquesa De Moratalla 7/1 15
1993 Jodami 8-12-00 Mark Dwyer Peter Beaumont John Yeadon 8/1 16
1992 Cool Ground 10-12-00 Adrian Maguire Toby Balding Whitcombe Manor Racing Stables 25/1 8
1991 Garrison Savannah 8-12-00 Mark Pitman Jenny Pitman Autofour Engineering 16/1 14
1990 Norton’s Coin 9-12-00 Graham McCourt Sirrell Griffiths Sirrell Griffiths 100/1 12
1989 Desert Orchid 10-12-00 Simon Sherwood David Elsworth Richard Burridge 5/2F 13
1988 Charter Party 10-12-00 Richard Dunwoody David Nicholson Claire Smith & Jenny Mould 10/1 15
1987 The Thinker 9-12-00 Ridley Lamb Arthur Stephenson T P M McDonagh Ltd 13/2 12
1986 Dawn Run 8-11-09 Jonjo O'Neill Paddy Mullins IRE Charmian Hill 15/8F 11
1985 Forgive N' Forget 8-12-00 Mark Dwyer Jimmy FitzGerald T Kilroe and Sons Ltd 7/1 15
1984 Burrough Hill Lad 8-12-00 Phil Tuck Jenny Pitman Stan Riley 7/2 12
1983 Bregawn 9-12-00 Graham Bradley Michael Dickinson James Kennelly 100/30F 11
1982 Silver Buck 10-12-00 Robert Earnshaw Michael Dickinson Christine Feather 8/1 22
1981 Little Owl 7-12-00 Mr Jim Wilson Peter Easterby Robin Wilson 6/1 15
1980 *Master Smudge 8-12-00 Richard Hoare Arthur Barrow Arthur Barrow 14/1 15
1979 Alverton 9-12-00 Jonjo O'Neill Peter Easterby Snailwell Stud Co Ltd 5/1JF 14
1978 Midnight Court 7-12-00 John Francome Fred Winter Olive Jackson 5/2 10
1977 Davy Lad 7-12-00 Dessie Hughes Mick O'Toole IRE Mrs Joe McGowan 14/1 13
1976 Royal Frolic 7-12-00 John Burke Fred Rimell Sir Edward Hanmer 14/1 11
1975 Ten Up 8-12-00 Tommy Carberry Jim Dreaper IRE Anne, Duchess of Westminster 2/1 8
1974 Captain Christy 7-12-00 Bobby Beasley Pat Taaffe IRE Mrs Jane M A Samuel 7/1 7
1973 The Dikler 10-12-00 Ron Barry Fulke Walwyn Mrs D W August 9/1 8
1972 Glencaraig Lady 8-12-00 Frank Berry Francis Flood IRE P Doyle 6/1 12
1971 L'Escargot 8-12-00 Tommy Carberry Dan Moore IRE Raymond Guest 7/2JF 8
1970 L'Escargot 7-12-00 Tommy Carberry Dan Moore IRE Raymond Guest 33/1 12
1969 What A Myth 12-12-00 Paul Kelleway Ryan Price Lady Weir 8/1 11
1968 Fort Leney 10-12-00 Pat Taaffe Tom Dreaper IRE Colonel John Thomson 11/2 5
1967 Woodland Venture 7-12-00 Terry Biddlecombe Fred Rimell Harry Collins 100/8 8
1966 Arkle 9-12-00 Pat Taaffe Tom Dreaper IRE Anne, Duchess of Westminster 1/10F 5
1965 Arkle 8-12-00 Pat Taaffe Tom Dreaper IRE Anne, Duchess of Westminster 3/10F 4
1964 Arkle 7-12-00 Pat Taaffe Tom Dreaper IRE Anne, Duchess of Westminster 7/4 4
1963 Mill House 6-12-00 Willie Robinson Fulke Walwyn Bill Gollings 7/2F 12
1962 Mandarin 11-12-00 Fred Winter Fulke Walwyn Madame Peggy Hennessy 7/2 10
1961 Saffron Tartan 10-12-00 Fred Winter Don Butchers Colonel Guy Westmacott 2/1F 9
1960 Pas Seul 7-12-00 Bill Rees Bob Turnell John Rogerson 6/1 11
1959 Roddy Owen 10-12-00 Bobby Beasley Danny Morgan IRE Lord Fingall 5/1 11
1958 Kerstin 8-12-00 Stan Hayhurst Verly Bewicke George H Moore 7/1 9
1957 Linwell 9-12-00 Michael Scudamore Charlie Mallon David Brown 100/9 13
1956 Limber Hill 9-12-00 Jimmy Power Bill Dutton John Davey 11/8F 11
1955 Gay Donald 9-12-00 Tony Grantham Jim Ford P J Burt 33/1 9
1954 Four Ten 8-12-00 Tommy Cusack John Roberts A Strange 100/6 6
1953 Knock Hard 9-12-00 Tim Molony Vincent O'Brien IRE Mrs Harry Keogh 11/2 12
1952 Mount Tremblant 6-12-00 Dave Dick Fulke Walwyn Dorothy Paget 8/1 13
1951 Silver Fame 12-12-00 Martin Molony George Beeby Lord Bicester 6/4F 6
1950 Cottage Rake 11-12-00 Aubrey Brabazon Vincent O'Brien IRE Frank Vickerman 5/6F 6
1949 Cottage Rake 10-12-00 Aubrey Brabazon Vincent O'Brien IRE Frank Vickerman 4/6F 6
1948 Cottage Rake 9-12-00 Aubrey Brabazon Vincent O'Brien IRE Frank Vickerman 10/1 12
1947 Fortina 6-12-00 Mr Richard Black Hector Christie Lord Grimthorpe 8/1 12
1946 Prince Regent 11-12-00 Tim Hyde Tom Dreaper IRE Jimmy Rank 4/7F 6
1945 Red Rower 11-12-00 Davy Jones Lord Stalbridge Lord Stalbridge 11/4F 16
1943/1944 No race
1942 Medoc II 8-12-00 Frenchie Nicholson Reg Hobbs Lord Sefton 9/2 12
1941 Poet Prince 9-12-00 Roger Burford Ivor Anthony D Sherbrooke 7/2 10
1940 Roman Hackle 7-12-00 Evan Williams Owen Anthony Dorothy Paget Evs 7
1939 Brendans Cottage 9-12-00 George Owen George Beeby Mrs Arthur Smith-Bingham 8/1 5
1938 Morse Code 9-12-00 Danny Morgan Ivor Anthony Lt Col Dealtry Part 13/2 6
1937 No race (flooded)
1936 Golden Miller 9-12-00 Evan Williams Owen Anthony Dorothy Paget 21/20F 6
1935 Golden Miller 8-12-00 Gerry Wilson Basil Briscoe Dorothy Paget 1/2F 5
1934 Golden Miller 7-12-00 Gerry Wilson Basil Briscoe Dorothy Paget 6/5F 7
1933 Golden Miller 6-12-00 Billy Stott Basil Briscoe Dorothy Paget 4/7F 7
1932 Golden Miller 5-11-05 Ted Leader Basil Briscoe Dorothy Paget 13/2 6
1931 No race (frost)
1930 Easter Hero 10-12-00 Tommy Cullinan Jack Anthony John Hay Whitney 8/11F 4
1929 Easter Hero 9-12-00 Dick Rees Jack Anthony John Hay Whitney 7/4F 10
1928 Patron Saint 5-11-05 Dick Rees Stanley Harrison F W Keen 7/2 7
1927 Thrown In 11-12-00 Hon Hugh Grosvenor Owen Anthony Lord Stalbridge 10/1 8
1926 Koko 8-12-00 Tim Hamey Alfred Bickley Frank Barbour 10/1 8
1925 Ballinode 9-12-00 Ted Leader Frank Morgan IRE J C Bentley 3/1 4
1924 Red Splash 5-11-05 Dick Rees Fred Withington Major Everard Wyndham 5/1 9
*Master Smudge finished second to Tied Cottage, who was subsequently disqualified for failing a post-race urine test

2008 totesport CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP RESULT IN DETAIL
3m 2f 110yds, New Course, £472,500 guaranteed For 5yo+ which are allotted a rating of 130 or more by the BHA Head of Handicapping following a review of the horses entered and after taking account of races run up to and including March 7; horses which are not qualified for a rating in GB, Ireland or France may also be entered - such horses may be eligible providing the handicapper is satisfied that the horse’s racecourse performances up to and including March 7 would merit a minimum rating of 130; the decision of the BHA Handicapper is final Weights 5yo 11st 8lb; 6yo+ 11st 10lb Allowances mares 7lb Entries 42 pay £500 1st Forfeit 34 pay £ 2nd Forfeit 1 pay £ Confirmed 20 pay £500 Penalty Value 1st £268,279.10, 2nd 100,639.95, 3rd £50,390.55, 4th £25,124.70, 5th £12,609.40, 6th £6,304.70
1 DENMAN (IRE) (Paul Barber & Maggie Findlay) Paul Nicholls 8-11-10 Sam Thomas 9/4
2 KAUTO STAR (FR) (Clive Smith) Paul Nicholls 8-11-10 Ruby Walsh 10/11 fav
3 NEPTUNE COLLONGES (FR) (John Hales) Paul Nicholls 7-11-10 Mick Fitzgerald 25/1
4 HALCON GENELARDAIS (FR) (Ian Payne & Kim Franklin) Alan King 8-11-10 Robert Thornton 16/1
5 EXOTIC DANCER (FR) (Sir Robert Ogden) Jonjo O'Neill 8-11-10p Tony McCoy 17/2
6 KNOWHERE (IRE) (Raymond Mould) Nigel Twiston-Davies 10-11-10 Paddy Brennan 25/1
7 AFISTFULLOFDOLLARS (IRE) (Eamon McElroy, Linda Shanahan, Sue Magnier) Noel Meade IRE 10-11-10 Paul Carberry 20/1
P IRON MAN (FR) (Roddy Owen & Paul Fullagar) Peter Bowen 7-11-10 Denis O'Regan 100/1
P CELESTIAL GOLD (IRE) (David Johnson) David Pipe 10-11-10 Timmy Murphy 100/1
P AZULEJO (FR) (Judith Wilson & Tina Wilson) Michael Scudamore 10-11-10 Tom Scudamore 200/1
P FUSTRIEN DU PAON (FR) (Fergus Wilson) Richard Chotard FR 12-11-10t Adrian Lecordier 250/1
P CONTRABAND (Fergus Wilson) Paul Murphy 10-11-10 Tom Dreaper 200/1

12 ran
Non-runners: 13 Ollie Magern (vet certificate), 14 Racing Demon (vc), 15 Star De Mohaison (ground)
Distances: 7, sh, 9, 16, 16, dist
Breeder: Colman O’Flynn
Breeding: ch g Presenting - Polly Puttens
Totes: Win: £3.30 Places: £1.30, £1.20, £4.40 Exacta: £4.90

Winning Trainer: PAUL NICHOLLS Date of birth: 17/05/62 Based: Heighes House, Manor Farm Stables, Ditcheat, Shepton Mallet, Somerset Date of first trainer’s licence: 01/11/91 Previous Occupation: Professional jockey 1980-89. Rode 130 winners including Hennessy Gold Cup (1986 & 87), Irish Gold Cup (1988), Welsh Grand National (1987) Aintree Festival Wins include: John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase (1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2002 Armaturk, 2003 Le Roi Miguel, 2007 Twist Magic), John Smith’s Melling Chase (2001 Fadalko), John Smith’s Mildmay Novices’ Chase (2006 Star De Mohaison), Citroen C4 Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Natal), John Smith’s Fox Hunter Chase (2002 Torduff Express), Betfair Bowl (2000 See More Business) Cheltenham Festival Wins (20): JCB Triumph Hurdle (2008 Celestial Halo), Irish Independent Arkle Novices’ Chase (1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2003 Azertyuiop), Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase (1999 Call Equiname, 2004 Azertyuiop, 2008 Master Minded), totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup (1999 See More Business, 2007 Kauto Star, 2008 Denman), Christie’s Foxhunter Chase (2004 Earthmover, 2005 Sleeping Night), Johnny Henderson Grand Annual (2004 St Pirran, 2007 Andreas), County Hurdle (2004 Sporazene, 2006 Desert Quest), Ryanair Chase (2005 Thisthatandtother, 2007 Taranis), Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Noland), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (2006 Star De Mohaison, 2007 Denman) Other big race wins: Aon Chase (2000 See More Business, 2001 Shotgun Willy, 2003 Valley Henry, 2007 Kauto Star, 2008 Denman), Betfair Chase (2006 Kauto Star), Betfred Gold Cup (2001 & 2003 Ad Hoc), Brit Insurance Novices’ Prestige Hurdle (2006 Neptune Collonges), Bula Hurdle (2003 Rigmarole), Challow Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Cornish Rebel, 2006 Denman), Charlie Hall Chase (1999 and 2000 See More Business), totesport Classic Chase (2006 Eurotrek, 2007 Ladalko), Desert Orchid H’cap Chase (2000 Fadalko, 2002 Valley Henry), Feltham Novices’ Chase (1993 See More Indians), Game Spirit Chase (2000 Flagship Uberalles, 2004 & 2005 Azertyuiop, 2008 Master Mided), Greatwood Hurdle (2003 Rigmarole), Independent Newspaper Novices’ Chase (1995 Captain Khedive, 1999 Fadalko, 2002 Azertyuiop, 2003 Thisthatandtother), King George VI Chase (1997 & 1999 See More Business, 2006 & 2007 Kauto Star), Leamington Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Be Be King), Mitsubishi Shogun Ascot Chase (2000 Rockforce), Scottish Champion Hcap Hurdle (1999 Fadalko), Rehearsal Chase (1996 Belmont King, 1997 and 1998 See More Business), Pendil Novices’ Chase (2006 Napolitain, 2007 Natal), Peterborough Chase (2004 Le Roi Miguel), Pillar Chase (1998, 2001 See More Business), Scottish Grand National (1997 Belmont King), Tingle Creek Chase (2005 Kauto Star, 2007 Twist Magic), Tolworth Hurdle (2003 Thisthatandtother, 2006 Noland, 2007 Silverburn), totesport.com becher Chase (2006 Eurotrek), Vodafone Gold Cup (2006 Cornish Sett), Coral Welsh National (2004 Silver Birch, 2005 L’Aventure), William Hill Haldon Gold Cup Chase (1998 Lake Kariba, 1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2004 Azertyuiop), Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase (2007 Gungadu), Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup (2007 Neptune Collognes), Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup (2007 Denman), Lexus Chase (2007 Denman) 1000th Domestic Winner: Noble Action (Bumper, Folkestone, November 15, 2004) First Trainer to Saddle Six Winners on One Card: Saturday, January 21, 2006, at Wincanton Number of Winners (1992/03-2006/07): 20; 29; 28; 53; 56; 82; 110; 71; 83; 136; 152; 127; 152; 148; 124 Wins this Season: 123

Winning Jockey: Sam Thomas Born: June 22, 1984 Background: The son of a maths teacher from Abergavenny, South Wales. Rode in point to points and spent one year with David Evans before moving to Venetia Williams’ stable, where he has been since training at the British Racing School. Joined Paul Nicholls as second jockey in 2003 and took over as number one jockey for two months when Ruby Walsh injured his shoulder in November 2007. He was short-listed as Company magazine’s Bachelor of the Year in 2005. Runner-up in conditional jockey’s championship in both 2003/04 and 2004/05. Cheltenham Festival Wins (1): totesport Gold Cup (2008 Denman) First Cheltenham Festival Winner: Denman, totesport Gold Cup, March 14, 2008 Big Race Wins: Amlin 1965 Chase (2006 Cerium); Paddy Power Amateur Riders Handicap Chase (2003 Its Onlyme - last ride as amateur); Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle (20004 Limerick Boy); Pendil Novices’ Chase (2005 Limerick Boy); Betfair Chase (2007 Kauto Star); Becher Chase (2007 Mr Pointment); Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup (2007 Denman); paddypower.com Tingle Creek Chase (2007 Twist Magic), totescoop6 Heroes Handicap Hurdle (2008 The Tother One), totesport.com Challngers Novices’ Chase (2008 Silverburn), Aon Chase (2008 Denman) First Winner Under Rules: Indian Sun (Western Wines Selling Hurdle, Ludlow, April 2, 2003) First Professional Winner: I Tina (G D Environmental Services Selling Hurdle, Chepstow, November 26, 2003) Wins (2002/03-2006/07): 1; 47; 55; 55; 73 Wins This Season: 75

GOSDEN DOZEN AMONG INCREASED ENTRY FOR TATTERSALLS TIMEFORM MILLION

The Tattersalls Timeform Million and the Tattersalls Timeform Fillies’ 800 on the same day are open to two-year-olds that were catalogued for Book One of the 2008 Tattersalls October Yearling Sale.

The inaugural Tattersalls Timeform Million in 2008 saw the winner and runner-up go on to land prestigious races next time. Donativum, a half-length victory over Crowded House, subsequently scored on the biggest stage in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Santa Anita, for trainer John Gosden.

Crowded House, trained at Manton by Brian Meehan, wrapped up his campaign with an impressive triumph in the Group One Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster and is currently a leading ante-post fancy for this year’s Derby.

Gosden has 12 entries this year as he bids for further success in the lucrative contest. That total is one short of the biggest single entry from a trainer, posted by Aidan O’Brien. The Ballydoyle 13 includes the joint top lot from Book One of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale, the Montjeu colt out of Vanishing Prairie who sold for 650,000 guineas.

The race has also attracted the other joint sale topper. The Montjeu colt out of Danaskaya was knocked down to Abba’s Benny Andersson and is now in training with John Dunlop.

In all, nine of the top 10 lots from the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale are entered for the Tattersalls Timeform Millions races.



There are nine entries from France, with five of those trained by Andre Fabre. These include a Selkirk half-brother to the multiple Group One winners Alborada and Albanova, as well as a Tiger Hill colt out of Group One producer Darara, who sold to Sheikh Mohammed’s advisor John Ferguson for 500,000 guineas. The French contingent also includes the Freddie Head-trained Lataradud, as well as two entries from the John Hammond stable and one trained by Jonathan Pease.

Godolphin has 13 entries, while Sheikh Mohammed himself has 12 two-year-olds engaged. Among the Godolphin contingent is an Oasis Dream half-brother to Stan James 1000 Guineas heroine Finsceal Beo. The bay colt sold for 500,000 guineas to top the opening day of Book One of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale.

TATTERSALLS TIMEFORM FILLIES’ 800

The £800,000 Tattersalls Timeform Fillies’ 800 is also staged over seven furlongs of the NatWest Rowley Mile on October 3, 2009. This year’s race has attracted a 97-strong entry including all of the top 10 highest-priced fillies from Book One of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale.

A total of 49% of lots catalogued at the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale have been entered for the two races, an increase on last year’s 43%.

Michael Jarvis was successful in 2008 with Tiger Eye. The Newmarket trainer has two entries in his bid to repeat that victory – a Dansili filly out of Blaze Of Colour bought for 200,000 guineas and a filly by Danehill Dancer out of Source Of Life, knocked down for 130,000 guineas.

Godolphin’s three entries includes the Pivotal filly out of Zibilene. At 500,000 guineas, she was the highest-priced filly at Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale.

Second-season trainer David Lanigan, formerly assistant trainer to Henry Cecil, dominates the entry with eight two-year-olds entered, three more than Brian Meehan.

German trainer Peter Schiergen has entered two fillies. Basteta is owned by Stall Litex, as is her stablemate, the Montjeu filly out of Aim For The Top who was knocked down for 200,000 guineas. The French entry sees Andre Fabre and Alain de Royer-Dupre with one representative apiece.

Sir Michael Stoute has a trio of entries, two of which are owned by The Queen. Her Majesty’s filly by Galileo out of Dolydille was bought for 290,000 guineas at Tattersalls, while the Danehill Dancer juvenile out of In The Limelight was a 100,000 guineas purchase.

Commenting on the entries for the Tattersalls Timeform Millions races, Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony said: "We could not be more pleased with the entries for the 2009 Tattersalls Timeform Millions. The races have not only attracted a higher percentage of entries than last year, which is remarkable in the current climate, but also horses from all sectors of the market.


"Nine of the top ten highest-priced lots from Book One of the October Yearling sale have been entered, while the number of entries from the middle to lower level of the market is equally encouraging.

"In addition to the feature races, the Million and the Fillies' 800, we introduced the unique Tattersalls Timeform 3YO Trophy two years ago and this year added the six-furlong Tattersalls Timeform Millions Sprint - the two extra races have without doubt widened the appeal of the series. At the same time, we significantly reduced the owners' entry costs and the level of entries suggests that this move has also been extremely well received. Donativum and Crowded House, winner and second in the inaugural Tattersalls Timeform Million, will be hard acts to follow, but it looks good at this early stage."

Newmarket's Director of Racing, Michael Prosser, added: "For their respective inaugural running, both the Tattersalls Timeform Million and the Tattersalls Timeform Fillies' 800 were races of outstanding quality. What was particularly striking was the strength and depth of the Tattersalls Timeform Million, the form of which stands up to the closest scrutiny. We are very pleased with the initial entries for this year's two races and are looking forward to similarly excellent competition in 2009."

Last year, the Tattersalls Timeform Million was the second richest race to be run in Britain, with only the Derby worth more while the Tattersalls Timeform Fillies 800 was the fourth richest race of the entire season in Britain. Both races were also among the 10 richest races to be run in Europe during 2008.

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

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