Monday, February 10, 2003

LATEST WILLIAM HILL ANTE-POST PRICES

SMURFIT CHAMPION HURDLE: 7-2 Intersky Falcon, 11-2 Rooster Booster, 13-2 Like A Butterfly (from 6-1), 7-1 Rhinestone Cowboy, 9-1 Hors La Loi III, 11-1 Flame Creek (from 10-1), 14-1 Landing Light (from 12-1), 20-1 Marble Arch, 25-1 Copeland, Santenay (from 20-1), 33-1 Adamant Approach, Galileo, Ilnamar, In Contrast, Liss A Paoraigh, Puntal, Scolardy, Scottish Memories, Westender (from 25-1), 40-1 Geos (from 33-1), Laveron (from 33-1), Never, Stage Affair (from 33-1), 50-1 Eternal Spring, Holy Orders, Iberus, Polar Red, Sausalito Bay, Self Defense. (Others Upon Request)

IRISH INDEPENDENT ARKLE TROPHY: 3-1 Azertyuiop, 6-1 Farmer Jack, Impek, 7-1 Adamant Approach, 12-1 Isio, 14-1 Bust Out, Vol Solitaire, 16-1 Got One Too, 20-1 Chicuelo, Le Roi Miguel, 25-1 Copeland, Hand Inn Hand, Stage Affair, The Gatherer, 33-1 Alexander Milenium, Byron Lamb, Golden Alpha, No Need For Alarm, One Night Out, Rule Supreme, Sausalito Bay, Seixo Branco, Stars Out Tonight, Telemoss, Tresor Preziniere. (Others Upon Application)

CHELTENHAM WEDNESDAY 12th MARCH
ROYAL & SUN ALLIANCE CHASE: 7-2 Jair du Cochet, 9-2 Keen Leader, 6-1 It Takes Time, 10-1 Le Coudray, 12-1 Tarxien, 14-1 Barrow Drive, Joss Naylor, 16-1 Farmer Jack, Stormez (from 14-1), 20-1 Eskimo Jack, Irish Hussar, Stars Out Tonight, 25-1 Be My Belle, Chicuelo, Hedgehunter, Iris Royal, Lord Jack, One Knight, Pietro Vannucci, 33-1 Ask Henry, Bold Investor, Hersov (from 25-1), Montreal (from 25-1), Monsignor (from 25-1), Moss Harvey, Scotts Grey (from 25-1), Skippers Cleuch, Sudden Shock, Telemoss, The Premier Cat (from 25-1). (Others Upon Request)

QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE: 3-1 Moscow Flyer, 5-1 Cenkos, Kadaran, 13-2 Flagship Uberalles, 8-1 Edredon Bleu, 10-1 Native Upmanship, Seebald, 14-1 Fondmort, Young Devereaux, 16-1 Lady Cricket, 20-1 Latalomne, Tiutchev, 25-1 Dark'n Sharp, Geos, 33-1 Armaturk, 50-1 Redemption, Turgeonev, Wahiba Sands, 66-1 Killultagh Storm, Logician, Strong Run, 100-1 Macs Gildoran. (Others Upon Request)

CHELTENHAM THURSDAY 13th MARCH
TOTE CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP: 6-4 Best Mate, 7-2 Beef Or Salmon (from 4-1), 10-1 Hussard Collonges, 12-1 Commanche Court, Valley Henry, 14-1 Behrajan, 16-1 Chives, 20-1 First Gold (from 16-1), Marlborough (from 16-1), 25-1 Colonel Braxton, Cyfor Malta, Florida Pearl (doubtful), Harbour Pilot, Truckers Tavern (from 20-1), 33-1 It Takes Time, Joss Naylor, Le Coudray, Rince Ri (from 25-1), 40-1 See More Business, Shotgun Willy, 50-1 Foly Pleasant, Fondmort, Iznogoud, Monsignor, Royal Auclair, Shooting Light, Stormez. (Others Upon Request)

ELITE TRIUMPH HURDLE: 5-1 Don Fernando, Saintsaire, 14-1 East Tycoon, Golden Cross, Moneytrain, 16-1 Mutineer (from 20-1), Red Wine, 20-1 Bal de Nuit, Nas Na Riogh, Old Californian, Smugglers Song, 25-1 Bareme, Kenilworth, Mughas, Party Airs, Spectroscope, 33-1 Far Pavillions (from 25-1), Harchibald, Le Duc, Lewis Island, Lilium de Cotte (from 25-1), Lowlander, Mistanoora, Newlands Gold, Penny Pictures, Saratov, Starzaan (from 33-1), Tanikos. (Others Upon Request)

STAYERS HURDLE: 15-8 Baracouda, 9-4 Limestone Lad, 8-1 Classified, 9-1 Galileo, 12-1 Coolnagorna, 14-1 Ilnamar, 16-1 Native Emperor, 20-1 Brother Joe, Deano's Beeno, It Takes Time, 25-1 Iris's Gift, Laveron, 33-1 Over The Bar, Stromness, Sudden Shock, The Bajan Bandit, 50-1 Chopneyev, Crazy Horse, Eternal Spring, Milligan, 66-1 Rum Pointer, Teaatral. (Others Upon Request)

MARTELL GRAND NATIONAL: 12-1 Ad Hoc, 14-1 Davids Lad, Gunner Welburn, 16-1 Chives, Mini Sensation, 20-1 Bindaree, Carbury Cross, Cyfor Malta, Gingembre, Iris Bleu, Kingsmark, Montys Pass, 25-1 Ardent Scout, Gunther McBride, Hussard Collonges, More Than a Stroll, Rince Ri, Rith Dubh, Shotgun Willy, Southern Star, Stormez, The Bunny Boiler, Youllneverwalkalone, 28-1 Amberleigh House, 33-1 Ballinclay King, Behrajan, Bobby Grant, Bounce Back, First Gold, Foxchapel King, Marlborough, Red Striker. (Others Upon Request)

2003 FLAT SEASON
2003 FLAT JOCKEYS CHAMPIONSHIP: 8-13 K Fallon, 7-2 R Hughes, 11-2 K Darley, 8-1 D Holland, 10-1 S Sanders, 20-1 T Quinn, 25-1 J Spencer, 40-1 Pat Eddery.

LINCOLN: 8-1 Adiemus, Pablo, 16-1 Akshar, Certain Justice, Funfair, 20-1 Dumaran, Golden Chalice, Incline, Island Light, Jabaar, Lingo, Sahaat, Scotty's Future, 25-1 Atlantic Ace, Atlantic Rhapsody, Bourganville, Cape Town, Colisay, Courageous Duke, Gallant Boy, International Guest, Jewel Of India, Nashaab, Norton, Private Ben, Selective, Serieux, Smirk, The Judge, Thihn, Zucchero. (Others Upon Request)

SAGITTA 2000 GUINEAS: 8-1 Hold That Tiger, 12-1 Oasis Dream, Refuse To Bend, Trade Fair, Tomahawk, 14-1 Statue of Liberty, Tout Seul, 16-1 Van Nistelrooy, 20-1 Muqbil, 25-1 Aljadeed, Dalakhani, Desert Star, Governor Brown, Lateen Sails, Maghanim, Rocket Ship, Western Diplomat, (Others Upon Request)

SAGITTA 1000 GUINEAS: 4-1 Soviet Song, Six Perfections, 5-1 Russian Rhythm, 14-1 Intercontinental, 16-1 Echoes in Eternity, Khulood, 20-1 Geminiani, Nayzak, 33-1 Casual Look, Cassis, Hi Dubai, Loving Kindness, Pearl Dance, Reach for the Moon, Spinola, 50-1 Hanami, (Others Upon Request)

VODAFONE DERBY: 7-1 Brian Boru, 14-1 Dalakhani, 16-1 New South Wales, 20-1 Muqbil, Refuse To Bend, 25-1 Alberto Giacometti, Powerscourt, 33-1 Van Nistleroy, 40-1 Love You Always, Persian Majesty, (Others Upon Request)
VODAFONE OAKS: 16-1 Echoes In Eternity, Yesterday, 20-1 Nayzak, 25-1 Elasouna, Hi Dubai, L'Ancresse, Time Honoured, (Others Upon Application)

17 FOR TOTE EIDER

The entries for the marathon handicap chase, backed by the Tote since 1987, are headed by the Martin Pipe-trained Deano's Beeno, winner of the Grade One Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on December 20 last year when he defeated the mighty Baracouda. Also among the possible contenders is the 2000 Scottish Grand National winner Paris Pike, whom trainer Ferdy Murphy recently reported a runner.

Speaking today on behalf of Deano's Beeno's owners Axom, spokesman Matthew Budden said: "No decision has been made yet about whether Deano's Beeno will run in the Tote Eider on Saturday.

"It's obviously a possibility that he could go to Newcastle. He's only had the one race over fences before, which he won [a novice chase at Newbury in February, 2000], so it has always been there as an option to go back over the larger obstacles. His chase rating is a lot lower than his hurdles rating [140 compared to 157].

"He stays extremely well over hurdles and so you would be hopeful that he would get Saturday's trip over fences."

A horse that could attempt to keep the Tote Eider in the North East for the first time since Jelupe was successful in 1990 is Kit Smartie. The 11-year-old won the Tim Molony Memorial Chase over an extended three and a half miles at Haydock on November 30 and was last seen out when fourth in a handicap chase over three miles and a furlong at Cheltenham on December 13.

His trainer Don Forster said today: "Kit Smartie is a probable runner in the Tote Eider."

The County Durham-based permit holder continued: "He's fine at the moment and has had a winter break since finishing fourth at Cheltenham in December, when the trip was probably a bit short for him. He seems to want a longer trip than three miles these days."

Although his chaser has yet to be tested over extreme distances, Forster is reasonably confident that Kit Smartie will last home on Saturday: "Obviously, he's never been over four miles but the way he won over three and a half miles at Haydock - when he fairly sprinted home on soft ground - suggests that he should stay further.

"We wouldn't want heavy ground though - I don't think anybody would on Saturday. If it was desperate ground then we probably wouldn't run. He wants good to soft ground really - good jumping ground."

If Deano's Beeno were to run on Saturday, Kit Smartie would probably have 10st 13lb, about which Forster commented: "We want as light a weight as possible, without being out of the handicap, but I'm not too worried about the weight. He won with 11st 4lb at Haydock and that wasn't a problem. Richard Guest is currently down to ride him and probably will on Saturday."

Andy Clifton, the Tote's PR director, is anticipating an exciting renewal of the Tote Eider: "The Tote Eider is always a thrilling spectacle and there is often a great finish."

Ground conditions are currently heavy at Gosforth Park but Newcastle clerk of the course James Armstrong today reported that a drier week is in prospect.

Armstrong revealed: "We are currently heavy but the forecast for the rest of the week is very positive. We have some rain forecast for tonight (Monday) and then the rest of the week should be dry. A couple of frosts have been forecast which should also help the ground dry out."

THE TOTE EIDER
4m 1f, Newcastle, Saturday, February 15, 2003

Year Winner Ag/Wgt Owner Trainer Jockey SP Ran
2002 THIS IS SERIOUS 8-11-02 Granit City Syndicate Charlie Swan IRE Tony Dobbin 4/1F 15
2001 NARROW WATER 8-11-05 Getjar Limited Ferdy Murphy Adrian Maguire 6/1 12
2000 SCOTTON GREEN 9-10-02 Scotton Developments Ltd Tim Easterby Lorcan Wyer 8/1 16
1999 HOLLYBANK BUCK 9-10-11 Sarah Warner Tony Martin IRE Fran Flood 10/1 15
1998 DOMAINE DE PRON 7-10-00 Lavinia Taylor Lavinia Taylor Robbie Supple 9/2 11
1997 SEVEN TOWERS 8-11-08 Mrs E A Murray Mary Reveley Peter Niven 2/1F 12
1996 KILLESHIN 10-9-11 John Manners John Manners Sean Curran 9/1 15
1995 WILLSFORD 12-10-06 Arnie Kaplan Jenny Pitman Peter Niven 4/1 10
1994 Abandoned due to snow & frost
1993 INTO THE RED 9-10-00 J Huckle John White Norman Williamson 3/1F 14
1992 DAVID'S DUKY 10-9-07 Andrew Reid Andrew Reid Ken Hartnett 16/1 13
1991 Abandoned due to snow
1990 JELUPE 8-10-00 Robin Sandys-Clarke Robin Sandys-Clarke Mr Robin Sandys-Clarke 13/2 13
1989 POLAR NOMAD 8-9-11 James Stoddart Ltd Arthur Stephenson Joe O'Gorman 11/2 10
1988 STAR OF SCREEN 8-10-07 R J McAlpine John Edwards Tom Morgan 5/2F 8
1987 PEATY SANDY 13-11-11 Helen Hamilton Helen Hamilton Mr Sandy Dudgeon 11/4F 9

HISTORY OF THE TOTE EIDER

The race now known as the Tote Eider was first run at Newcastle in 1961. This long-distance handicap chase, staged over 4m 1f at Newcastle on Saturday, February 15, has been supported by the Tote since 1987.

In the first year of Tote sponsorship, Peaty Sandy defied his years to win under 11st 11lb as a 13-year-old. The popular gelding, trained at Innerleithen in Scotland by his owner/trainer/breeder Helen Hamilton, was very much a Newcastle specialist - he won at Gosforth Park 10 times in total.

Star Of Screen triumphed for John Edwards and Tom Morgan in 1988, while in 1989 the late Arthur Stephenson enjoyed Tote Eider success with Polar Nomad. Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, this was the only time that the great trainer won this race.

Locally-based amateur Mr Robin Sandys-Clarke triumphed on his home-bred Jelupe in 1990. Sandys-Clarke also owned and trained the horse, who was named after three of his children - Jessica, Lucy and Peter. He is now a Jockey Club local steward.

Andrew Reid, now better-known as a Flat trainer based in Mill Hill, London, enjoyed a victory with David's Duky in 1992 during his time as a permit holder.

Into The Red was the 1993 victor and went on to win the Tote Becher Chase at Aintree in both 1994 and 1996, while Jenny Pitman's popular veteran Willsford came home 20 lengths in front a year later.

The 1994 Aintree Foxhunters winner Killeshin triumphed for his owner/trainer John Manners in 1996. The 1997 renewal fell to the Mary Reveley-trained Seven Towers, who gave a resolute display to win under 11st 8lb, with Killeshin putting up another good performance to finish third under 11st 11lb.

Lavinia Taylor, now of course associated with the high-class Gingembre, recorded her first major success when Domaine De Pron won in 1998, while Ireland's Tony Martin enjoyed one of his lucrative raids to Britain with Hollybank Buck in 1999.

Scotton Green just managed to get the better of Ackzo in a thrilling finish to the 2000 Tote Eider, holding on by a fast-diminishing neck. Ackzo's trainer Ferdy Murphy would however win the race a year later with Narrow Water, with Scotton Green three and a half lengths back in second.

There was a further Irish success last season when the Charlie Swan-trained This Is Serious justified favouritism to score by a length from Radiation in another good finish.

WALWYN STILL LEADS THE WAY

Even if Walwyn's lead seems unassailable at present, the honour of being the clear second in the list is quite clearly within the grasp of Martin Pipe (currently on 28 winners). One winner at this year's Festival for the Nicholashayne handler would see him overtake training legend Fred Winter (also on 28 winners) on the roll of honour. Last season's three winners for Pipe saw him surpass Tom Dreaper (26 winners).

Although a blank year for the champion trainer is almost inconceivable, it is still within the realms of statistical possibility that Nicky Henderson (currently on 25 winners) could leapfrog into second position, but the Seven Barrows trainer would need at least four successes to do so.

Pipe and Henderson are some way clear of their rivals, with Irish-based Edward O'Grady (16 winners), Toby Balding (10 winners) and Josh Gifford (10 winners) the only other current trainers to have managed double-figure successes at the National Hunt Festival.

THE MOST SUCCESSFUL NATIONAL HUNT FESTIVAL TRAINERS

40 Fulke Walwyn (Winners from 1946-86)
28 Martin Pipe (1981- )
28 Fred Winter (1970-88)
26 Tom Dreaper IRE (1946-71)
25 Nicky Henderson (1985- )
25 Fred Rimell (1948-81)
23 Vincent O'Brien IRE (1948-59)
23 Bob Turnell (1956-80)
22 Ivor Anthony (1930-52)
19 George Beeby (1930-59)
17 David Nicholson (1986-99)
16 Edward O'Grady IRE (1974- )
15 Harry Brown (1920-38)
15 Tom Coulthwaite (1911-36)
15 Tom Rimell (1927-49)
14 Dan Moore IRE (1953-79)
13 Jack Anthony (1929-50)
13 Tim Forster (1963-98)
12 Peter Easterby (1967-86)
12 John Edwards (1969-94)
12 Tom Jones (1965-78)

(Current trainers in bold) (NB Trainers of some of the earliest winners were not recorded)

Edward Gillespie, Cheltenham's Managing Director, commented: "A winner at the National Hunt Festival is a career highlight for all trainers, both large and small. We are very grateful for the tremendous support we receive from the training profession and look forward to seeing both up-and-coming and established faces in the winner's enclosure at Cheltenham this year."

GEORGE RELIEVED TO JOIN NATIONAL HUNT FESTIVAL ROLL OF HONOUR

Tom George gained his first victory at Cheltenham's National Hunt Festival last season when Galileo proved three and a half lengths too strong for his 26 rivals in the Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle.

The Gloucestershire trainer was arguably unlucky not to have had his inaugural Festival winner three years earlier and the importance of Galileo's success was certainly not lost on this up-and-coming handler.

"In 1999 I had a horse called Riot Leader who was beaten a neck at the Cheltenham Festival [by Deejaydee in the National Hunt Chase]," recalled George. "The jockey [Alan Dempsey] dropped his stick and they got caught on the line - that was in my sixth year of training.

"A success at the Festival is what everyone aims for. Everyone has different reasons but my biggest relief was that I didn't want to be labelled as one of those trainers who never seem to have a winner there. I wouldn't want to be one of those people who don't seem to get it right and don't have any luck - fortunately Cheltenham is a lucky place for me."

Galileo has not run since his greatest hour last March and he is due to line up in the Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle on March 13, without a previous outing this term.

"Galileo obviously stands out a long way ahead of the rest of my team. Touch wood he's fine at the moment and progessing very well," reported George. "We've stepped his work up again this week and he's getting pretty fit. We'll give him a couple of trips away to a racecourse before Cheltenham to have him A1 for the day - we'll have to wait and see where as I'm waiting for good ground or he could go down to work on the polytrack at Lingfield."

While a success at the Cheltenham Festival is obviously very welcome, unfortunately it does not make a trainer immune from the trials and tribulations of his or her chosen profession.

George continued: "I've had one of those bloody seasons. To be honest, of the rest of my possibles for Cheltenham, some of them haven't even had a run this season. I've had a lot of coughing and a lot of horses haven't been right.

"I wouldn't even be able to say what is likely to run at the moment. It just depends how things develop over the next couple of weeks. There are a few nice horses that I've got to run but I wouldn't want to say more than that otherwise I'll be shooting myself in the foot."

One horse who George is still hoping will prove good enough to run at Prestbury Park is Kombinacja, who beat Galileo in the Polish St Leger. She could only finish a well-beaten seventh on her hurdling bow in a mares' only maiden hurdle at Newcastle on January 15, despite being a former Triple Crown winner in her native land.

"Kombinacja was a bitter disappointment at Newcastle and I'm hoping it was a combination of the ground, she might not have been in A1 form or she might have been in season," opined the handler.

"I'm hoping that these explanations all put together are the reason why she put in the showing that she did. I want to run her again in the next 10 days or two weeks on better ground and then we'll get a true reading of her - I think that run was too bad to be true really. Obviousl,y she's got a lot of making up to do but I have not totally lost hope in her yet and one of the novice events at the Cheltenham Festival is a possibility.

TOTE CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP RECORDS (SINCE 1983) OF TRAINERS WITH ENTRIES THIS YEAR

(C - carried out, F - fell, PU - pulled up, UR - unseated rider)
Trainer Year Place Horse SP

Peter Beaumont
1993 1 JODAMI 8/1
1994 2 Jodami 6/4F
1995 8 Jodami 7/2

Noel Chance
1997 1 MR MULLIGAN 20/1
2000 1 LOOKS LIKE TROUBLE 9/2
2002 13 Looks Like Trouble 9/2F

Frances Crowley IRE
2002 7 Moscow Express 66/1
2002 F Sackville 33/1

Henry Daly
2002 P Behrajan 11/1

Francois Doumen FR
1988 4 Nupsala 8/1
1991 2 The Fellow 28/1
1992 2 The Fellow 7/2
1993 4 The Fellow 5/4F
1994 1 THE FELLOW 7/1
1995 UR Val D'Alene 10/1
1995 UR Algan 16/1

Tim Easterby
1998 6 Simply Dashing 33/1
1999 6 Simply Dashing 20/1

Nicky Henderson
2002 4 Marlborough 12/1
2002 12 Bacchanal 6/1

Michael Hourigan IRE
1994 8 Deep Bramble 20/1
1997 3 Dorans Pride 10/1
1998 3 Dorans Pride 9/4f
1999 8 Dorans Pride 11/1
2000 6 Dorans Pride 40/1

Henrietta Knight
2002 1 BEST MATE 7/1
2002 10 Lord Noelie 16/1
2002 PU Go Ballistic 66/1

Willie Mullins IRE
1999 3 Florida Pearl 5/2F
2000 2 Florida Pearl 9/2
2002 6 Alexander Banquet 12/1
2002 11 Florida Pearl 10/1

Ferdy Murphy
1993 5 Sibton Abbey 22/1
1999 5 Addington Boy 66/1

Paul Nicholls
1995 PU Deep Bramble 14/1
1998 C See More Business 11/2
1999 1 SEE MORE BUSINESS 16/1
1999 4 Double Thriller 9/1
2000 4 See More Business 9/4F
2002 3 See More Business 40/1
2002 P Shotgun Willy 25/1

Martin Pipe
1988 3 Beau Ranger 33/1
1989 4 Bonanza Boy 15/2
1990 8 Bonanza Boy 15/2
1992 5 Carvill's Hill Evens F
1993 2 Rushing Wild 11/1
1993 8 Run For Free 11/1
1993 11 Chatam 10/1
1994 7 Miinnehoma 11/1
1994 9 Run For Free 11/1
1994 11 Chatam 33/1
1994 PU Capability Brown 200/1
1995 3 Miinnehoma 9/1
1996 PU Lord Relic 100/1
1997 5 Challenger Du Luc 16/1
1997 8 Cyborgo 12/1
1998 7 Challenger Du Luc 20/1
1998 C Indian Tracker 150/1
1998 PU Cyborgo 10/1
1999 PU Unsinkable Boxer 14/1
2000 F Gloria Victis 13/2
2002 8 Cyfor Malta 25/1
2002 PU Shooting Light 10/1

Mark Pitman
2000 PU Ever Blessed 14/1

Ted Walsh IRE
2000 U Rince Ri 33/1
2002 2 Commanche Court 25/1

Venetia Williams
1999 PU Teeton Mill 7/2
2000 5 Lake Kariba 150/1

MOST SUCCESSFUL TRAINERS IN THE TOTE CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP

5 Tom Dreaper IRE (1946 Prince Regent, 1964, 1965 and 1966 Arkle, 1968 Fort Leney)

4 Basil Briscoe (1932, 1933, 1934 and 1935 Golden Miller)
Vincent O'Brien IRE (1948, 1949 and 1950 Cottage Rake, 1953 Knock Hard)
Fulke Walwyn (1952 Mont Tremblant, 1962 Mandarin, 1963 Mill House, 1973 The Dikler)

3 Owen Anthony (1927 Thrown In, 1936 Golden Miller, 1940 Roman Hackle)

2 Ivor Anthony (1938 Morse Code, 1941 Poet Prince)
Jack Anthony (1929 and 1930 Easter Hero)
George Beeby (1939 Brendan's Cottage, 1951 Silver Fame)
Noel Chance (1997 Mr Mulligan, 2000 Looks Like Trouble)
Michael Dickinson (1982 Silver Buck, 1983 Bregawn)
Peter Easterby (1979 Alverton, 1981 Little Owl)
Dan Moore IRE (1970 and 1971 L'Escargot)

MOST SUCCESSFUL TRAINERS IN THE SMURFIT CHAMPION HURDLE

5 Peter Easterby (1967 Saucy Kit, 1976 and 1977 Night Nurse, 1980 and 1981 Sea Pigeon)

4 Vic Smyth (1941 Seneca, 1942 Forestation, 1947 and 1948 National Spirit)
Fred Winter (1971 and 1972 Bula, 1974 Lanzarote, 1988 Celtic Shot)

3 Colin Davies (1968, 1969 and 1970 Persian War)
Nicky Henderson (1985, 1986 and 1987 See You Then)
Aidan O'Brien (1998, 1999 and 2000 Istabraq)
Vincent O'Brien IRE (1949, 1950 and 1951 Hatton's Grace)
Ryan Price (1955 Clair Soleil, 1959 Fare Time, 1961 Eborneezer)
Willie Stephenson (1952, 1953 and 1954 Sir Ken)

MOST SUCCESSFUL TRAINERS IN THE QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE

6 Tom Dreaper IRE (1960 and 1961 Fortria, 1964 Ben Stack, 1966 Flyingbolt, 1969 Muir, 1 970 Straight Fort)

3 Michael Dickinson (1982 Rathgorman, 1983 and 1984 Badsworth Boy)

TRAINERS WHO HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN THE TOTE CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP AND THE SMURFIT CHAMPION HURDLE IN THE SAME YEAR

1930 Jack Anthony (Champion Hurdle - Easter Hero / Brown Tony - Gold Cup)
1932 Basil Briscoe (Golden Miller / Insurance)
1933 Basil Briscoe (Golden Miller / Insurance)
1940 Owen Anthony (Roman Hackle / Solford)
1949 Vincent O'Brien IRE (Cottage Rake / Hatton's Grace)
1950 Vincent O'Brien IRE (Cottage Rake / Hatton's Grace)
1962 Fulke Walwyn (Mandarin / Anzio)
1981 Peter Easterby (Little Owl / Sea Pigeon)
1995 Kim Bailey (Master Oats / Alderbrook)

No trainer has ever won the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup, Smurfit Champion Hurdle and Queen Mother Champion Chase in the same season.

MOST SUCCESSFUL CURRENT TRAINERS AT THE NATIONAL HUNT FESTIVAL
28 Martin Pipe
25 Nicky Henderson
16 Edward O'Grady IRE
10 Toby Balding
10 Josh Gifford
9 David Elsworth
7 Willie Mullins IRE
6 Jimmy FitzGerald
6 Arthur Moore IRE
6 Paddy Mullins IRE
6 Oliver Sherwood
6 Nigel Twiston-Davies
5 Philip Hobbs
5 Henrietta Knight
5 Aidan O'Brien IRE

WINNING RECORD OF SELECTED TRAINERS AT THE NATIONAL HUNT FESTIVAL 1957-2002

ALNER Robert 4 wins.
Walwyn Muir: 1995 Flyer's Nap, 2000 Honey Mount
William Hill: 1997 Flyer's Nap
Tote Gold Cup: 1998 Cool Dawn

BAILEY Caroline 1.
Christies Foxhunter: 1999 Castle Mane

BAILEY Kim 3.
Smurfit Champion: 1995 Alderbrook
Tote Gold Cup: 1995 Master Oats
William Hill: 1999 Betty's Boy

BALDING Toby 10.
Gerrard Supreme: 1990 Forest Sun
NH Chase: 1981 Lucky Vane, 1989 Boraceva
Mildmay: 1961 Malting Barley,1973 Vulgan Town
Royal & SunAlliance C: 1987 Kildimo
Smurfit Champion: 1989 Beech Road, 1991 Morley Street
Tote Gold Cup: 1992 Cool Ground
County: 1987 Neblin

BARBER Richard 4.
Christies Foxhunter: 1992 Rushing Wild, 1995 and 1997 Fantus, 1998 Earthmover

BEAUMONT Peter 2.
Tote Gold Cup: 1993 Jodami
Royal & SunAlliance C: 2002 Hussard Collonges

BILL Tom 2.
NH Chase: 1985 Northern Bay
Royal & SunAlliance C: 1986 Cross Master

BOLGER Enda (IRE) 1.
Christies Foxhunter: 1996 Elegant Lord

BRAMALL Sue (IRE) 1.
William Hill: 1994 Antonin

BREWIS Bobby 2.
Christies Foxhunter: 1958 & 1960 Whinstone Hill

BROCKBANK John 2.
Bonusprint Stayers: 1983 A Kinsman
Royal & SunAlliance C: 1984 A Kinsman

BROOKSHAW Peter 1.
Royal & SunAlliance H: 1984 Fealty

BROWNE Liam (IRE) 1.
Gerrard Supreme: 1980 Slaney Idol

CAMBIDGE Roy 2.
County: 1976 Java Fox
Irish Independent Arkle: 1976 Roaring Wind

CAMPBELL Jean 1.
Christies Foxhunter: 1988 Certain Light

CHANCE Noel 3.
Tote Gold Cup: 1997 Mr Mulligan, 2000 Looks Like Trouble
Royal & SunAlliance C: 1999 Looks Like Trouble

CLAY Bill 1.
Grand Annual: 1994 Snitton Lane

CUNNINGHAM Michael (IRE) 3.
Smurfit Champion: 1982 For Auction
Grand Annual: 1983 Churchfield Boy
Walwyn Muir: 1983 Greasepaint

DALY Henry 1.
NH Chase: 2000 Relaxation

DOUMEN Francois (FR) 3.
Tote Gold Cup: 1994 The Fellow
JCB Triumph: 2000 Snow Drop
Bonusprint Stayers: 2002 Baracouda

DREAPER Jim (IRE) 4.
Royal & SunAlliance C: 1974 Ten Up
Tote Gold Cup: 1975 Ten Up
Bonusprint Stayers: 1975 Brown Lad
Queen Mother: 1975 Lough Inagh

EASTERBY Mick 1.
JCB Triumph: 1976 Peterhof

EASTERBY Tim 1.
Royal & SunAlliance H: 1999 Barton

EGERTON Charles 1.
Gerrard Supreme: 1997 Shadow Leader

ELSWORTH David 9.
JCB Triumph: 1980 Heighlin, 1991 Oh So Risky
Tote Gold Cup: 1989 Desert Orchid
County: 1983 Robin Wonder, 1985 Floyd
Queen Mother: 1989 & 1990 Barnbrook Again
Royal & SunAlliance C: 1981 Lesley-Ann
William Hill: 1993 Givus A Buck

ETHERINGTON Tim 1.
Cathcart: 1992 Repeat The Dose

FANSHAWE James 2.
Smurfit Champion: 1992 Royal Gait, 2002 Hors La Loi III

FITZGERALD Jimmy 6.
Pertemps Final: 1983 Forgive'N Forget
Irish Independent Arkle: 1988 Danish Flight
Tote Gold Cup: 1985 Forgive'N Forget
Royal & SunAlliance C: 1983 Canny Danny
Grand Annual: 1997 Uncle Ernie
Coral Eurobet Cup: 1996 Trainglot

FLOOD Francis (IRE) 2.
Irish Independent Arkle: 1984 Bobsline
Tote Gold Cup: 1972 Glencaraig Lady

FLYNN Pat (IRE) 3.
Bumper: 1992 Montelado
Gerrard Supreme: 1993 Montelado, 1998 French Ballerina

FOLEY Tom (IRE) 1.
Royal & SunAlliance H: 1994 Danoli

GANDOLFO David 3.
Pertemps Final: 1965 Coral Cluster
United Hunts: 1970 Grey Sombrero
Grand Annual: 1982 Reldis

GASELEE Nick 2.
Cathcart: 1988 Private Views
NH Chase: 1994 Christmas Gorse

GEORGE Tom 1.
Royal & SunAlliance H: 2002 Galileo

GERAGHTY Andy (IRE) 2.
Mildmay: 1982 Doubleuagain
Gerrard Supreme: 1991 Destriero

GIFFORD Josh 10.
Walwyn Muir: 1988 Golden Minstrel, 1994 Fighting Words
Pertemps Final: 1988 Pragada
Irish Independent Arkle: 1990 Comandante
Mildmay: 1989 Paddyboro, 1991 Foyle Fisherman
Royal & SunAlliance C: 1989 Envopak Token, 1995 Brief Gale
Grand Annual: 1988 Vodkatini
Queen Mother: 1993 Deep Sensation

GOLLINGS Steve 1.
Walwyn Muir: 1998 In Truth

GRIFFITHS Sirrell 1.
Tote Gold Cup: 1990 Norton's Coin

HAINE Di 1.
NH Chase: 1991 Smooth Escort

HARRINGTON Jessica (IRE) 2.
Grand Annual: 1999 Space Trucker
Irish Independent Arkle: 2002 Moscow Flyer

HASSETT John (IRE) 1.
Pertemps Final: 1999 Generosa

HENDERSON Nicky 25.
JCB Triumph: 1985 First Bout, 1987 Alone Success, 1999 Katarino
Smurfit Champion: 1985, 1986 & 1987 See You Then
Irish Independent Arkle: 1991 Remittance Man, 1993 Travado, 2000 Tiutchev
Queen Mother: 1992 Remittance Man
Gerrard Supreme: 1986 River Ceiriog, 1992 Flown
Cathcart: 1990 Brown Windsor, 1994 Raymylette, 1999 and 2000 Stormyfairweather
Bonusprint Stayers: 1989 Rustle, 2000 Bacchanal
Mildmay: 1985 & 1986 The Tsarevich
Walwyn Muir: 1990 Master Bob, 2002 The Bushkeeper
County: 1993 Thumbs Up, 1997 Barna Boy
William Hill: 2000 Marlborough

HILLS Barry 1.
Bonusprint Stayers: 1992 Nomadic Way

HOBBS Philip 5.
County: 1990 Moody Man, 2002 Rooster Booster
Grand Annual: 1996 Kibreet
Coral Eurobet Cup: 2000 What's Up Boys
Queen Mother: 2002 Flagship Uberalles

HODGES Ron 2.
Pertemps Final: 1984 Canio
Royal & SunAlliance C: 1997 Hanakham

HOLLINSHEAD Reg 1.
NH Juvenile C: 1957 Colonised

HOURIGAN Michael (IRE) 2.
Bonusprint Stayers: 1995 Dorans Pride
NH Chase: 1999 Deejaydee

HUGHES Dessie (IRE) 1.
Gerrard Supreme: 1982 Miller Hill

HUGHES Pat (IRE) 1.
Royal & SunAlliance C: 1985 Antarctic Bay

JAMES Paul 1.
Mildmay: 1990 New Halen

JARVIS Alan 1.
Grand Annual: 1985 Kathies Lad

JEFFERSON Malcolm 2.
Pertemps Final: 1994 Tindari
Bumper: 1995 Dato Star

JOHNSON Howard 1.
NH Chase: 1993 Ushers Island

KIELY Paddy (IRE) 1.
Bonusprint Stayers: 1993 Shuil Ar Aghaidh

KNIGHT Henrietta 5.
Bonusprint Stayers: 1997 Karshi
Grand Annual: 1998 Edredon Bleu
Queen Mother Champion Chase: 2000 Edredon Bleu
Royal & SunAlliance Chase: 2000 Lord Noelie
Tote Gold Cup: 2002 Best Mate

LEE Richard 2.
Grand Annual: 1993 Space Fair
Mildmay: 1998 Super Coin

LUNGO Len 2.
Walwyn Muir: 1999 Celtic Giant
Pertemps Final: 2002 Freetown

MANNERS John 1.
Christies Foxhunter: 2000 Cavalero

McCREERY Peter (IRE) 4.
Walwyn Muir: 1974 Castleruddery
Queen Mother: 1978 & 1979 Hilly Way
Royal & SunAlliance H: 1978 Mr Kildare

McDONOGH Des (IRE) 3.
Smurfit Champion: 1978 & 1979 Monksfield
Gerrard Supreme: 1979 Stranfield

McMAHON Bryan 1.
County: 1988 Cashew King

McNAMARA Andrew (IRE) 1.
Irish Independent Arkle: 1985 Boreen Prince

MEADE Noel (IRE) 1.
Gerrard Supreme: 2000 Sausalito Bay

MELLOR Stan 4.
JCB Triumph: 1979 Pollardstown, 1983 Saxon Farm
NH Chase: 1977 Alpenstock
Bonusprint Stayers: 1991 King's Curate

MOFFATT Dudley 1.
County: 1995 Home Counties

MONTEITH Peter 1.
County: 1994 Dizzy

MOORE Arthur (IRE) 6.
Cathcart: 1993 Second Schedual
Queen Mother: 1981 Drumgora, 1996 Klairon Davis
Irish Independent Arkle: 1982 The Brockshee, 1995 Klairon Davis
Grand Annual: 2002 Fadoudal Du Cochet

MORRIS Mouse (IRE) 4.
Gerrard Supreme: 1983 Buck House
Queen Mother: 1986 Buck House
Christies Foxhunter: 1986 Attitude Adjuster
Bonusprint Stayers: 1990 Trapper John

MORRISON Hughie 1.
William Hill: 2002 Frenchman's Creek

MULHERN John (IRE) 2.
Bonusprint Stayers: 1987 & 1988 Galmoy

MULLINS Paddy (IRE) 6.
NH Chase: 1982 Hazy Dawn,1984 Macks Friendly
Smurfit Champion: 1984 Dawn Run
Tote Gold Cup: 1986 Dawn Run
Royal & SunAlliance H: 1977 Counsel Cottage
Royal & SunAlliance C: 1968 Herring Gull

MULLINS Willie (IRE) 7.
Gerrard Supreme: 1995 Tourist Attraction
Bumper: 1996 Wither Or Which, 1997 Florida Pearl,
1998 Alexander Banquet, 2000 Joe Cullen
Royal & SunAlliance C: 1998 Florida Pearl
JCB Triumph: 2002 Scolardy

MURPHY Ferdy 3.
Walwyn Muir: 1996 Stop The Waller
JCB Triumph: 1996 Paddy's Return
Royal & SunAlliance H: 1998 French Holly

MURRAY SMITH David 1.
William Hill: 1988 Aquilifer

NICHOLLS Paul 3.
Irish Independent Arkle: 1999 Flagship Uberalles
Queen Mother: 1999 Call Equiname
Tote Gold Cup: 1999 See More Business

O'BRIEN Aidan (IRE) 5.
Royal & SunAlliance H: 1996 Urubande, 1997 Istabraq
Smurfit Champion: 1998 Istabraq, 1999 Istabraq, 2000 Istabraq

O'BRIEN Michael (IRE) 1.
JCB Triumph: 1993 Shawiya

O'DONNELL Pat (IRE)1.
Coral Eurobet Cup: 1995 Chance Coffey

O'GRADY Edward (IRE)16.
Royal & SunAlliance H: 1980 Drumlargan, 1982 Mr Donovan
NH Chase: 1974 Mr Midland,1983 Bit Of A Skite, 1996 Loving Around
Walwyn Muir: 1976 Prolan
County: 1981 Staplestown
Cathcart: 1977 Rusty Tears
JCB Triumph: 1984 Northern Game
Bonusprint Stayers: 1978 Flame Gun, 1980 Mountrivers
Gerrard Supreme: 1978 Golden Cygnet
Coral Eurobet Cup: 1994 Time For A Run
Bumper: 1994 Mucklemeg, 2002 Pizarro
Irish Independent Arkle: 1996 Ventana Canyon

O'NEILL Jonjo 4.
Pertemps Final: 1991 Danny Connors
NH Chase: 1995 Front Line, 2002 Rith Dubh
County: 2000 Master Tern

O'SULLIVAN Eugene (IRE)1.
Christies Foxhunter: 1991 Lovely Citizen

OLD Jim 2.
Smurfit Champion: 1996 Collier Bay
County: 1999 Sir Talbot

OSBORNE Paddy (IRE) 1.
Royal & SunAlliance H: 1974 Brown Lad

PARKES John 1.
Christies Foxhunter: 1990 Call Collect

PIPE Martin 28.
Smurfit Champion: 1993 Granville Again, 1997 Make A Stand
Coral Eurobet Cup: 1993 Olympian, 1997 Big Strand, 2002 Ilnamar
Royal & SunAlliance C: 1991 Rolling Ball, 1992 Miinnehoma
Walwyn Muir: 1991 Omerta
Royal & SunAlliance H: 1989 Sayfar's Lad, 1990 Regal Ambition
JCB Triumph: 1981 Baron Blakeney, 1995 Kissair
Gerrard Supreme: 1989 Sondrio, 1999 Hors La Loi III
Cathcart: 1991 Chatam, 1996 Challenger Du Luc, 1998 Cyfor Malta, 2002 Royal Auclair
Bonusprint Stayers: 1994 Balasani, 1996 Cyborgo
Irish Independent Arkle: 1997 Or Royal, 1998 Champleve
Mildmay: 1997 Terao, 1999 Majadou, 2000 Dark Stranger, 2002 Blowing Wind
Pertemps Final: 1998 Unsinkable Boxer
County: 1998 Blowing Wind

PITMAN Mark 2.
Bumper: 1999 Monsignor
Royal & SunAlliance H: 2000 Monsignor

PRICE Richard 1.
Smurfit Champion: 1994 Flakey Dove

RAMSDEN Lynda 1
Coral Eurobet Cup: 1998 Top Cees

ROCHE Christy (IRE) 2.
Coral Eurobet Cup: 1999 Khayrawani
Gerrard Supreme: 2002 Like-A-Butterfly

RYAN Mick 1.
Pertemps Final: 1986 Motivator

SCOTT Andy 1
County: 1984 Hills Guard

SCOTT Homer (IRE) 2.
NH Chase: 1986 Omerta
Bumper: 1993 Rhythm Section

SHERWOOD Oliver 6.
Irish Independent Arkle: 1992 Young Pokey
Grand Annual: 1991 Aldino
Royal & SunAlliance C: 1988 The West Awake
Royal & SunAlliance H: 1987 The West Awake, 1988 Rebel Song
Cathcart: 1995 Coulton

SHERWOOD Simon 2.
JCB Triumph: 1992 Duke Of Monmouth
County: 1992 Dusty Miller

SMITH, Dina 1.
JCB Triumph: 1982 Shiny Copper

STOREY Wilf 1.
Pertemps Final: 1996 Great Easeby

STOUTE Sir Michael 2.
JCB Triumph: 1988 Kribensis
Smurfit Champion: 1990 Kribensis

TATE Robin 1.
Christies Foxhunter: 2002 Last Option

THORNTON Chris 1.
County: 1982 Path Of Peace

TINKLER Nigel 2.
Walwyn Muir: 1987 The Ellier
Mildmay: 1993 Sacre D'Or

TURNELL Andy 4.
William Hill: 1984 Tracys Special
Queen Mother: 1991 Katabatic
Grand Annual: 1990 Katabatic
Mildmay: 1996 Old Bridge

TWISTON-DAVIES Nigel 6.
William Hill: 1992 Tipping Tim
Royal & SunAlliance H: 1993 Gaelstrom
Royal & SunAlliance C: 1993 Young Hustler
Gerrard Supreme: 1994 Arctic Kinsman
JCB Triumph: 1998 Upgrade
Pertemps Final: 2000 Rubhahunish

WALSH Ted (IRE) 1.
JCB Triumph: 1997 Commanche Court

WALTON Frank 1.
NH Chase: 1987 Mighty Mark

WEEDON Colin 1.
Pertemps Final: 1995 Miracle Man

WELD Dermot (IRE) 1.
JCB Triumph: 1990 Rare Holiday

WESTON Martin 1.
NH Chase: 1997 Flimsy Truth

WILKINS Reg 2.
Christies Foxhunter: 1993 & 1994 Double Silk

WILKINSON Mark 1.
Mildmay: 1988 Smart Tar

WILLIAMS Venetia 1.
Grand Annual: 2000 Samakaam

WILSON Jim 1.
Pertemps Final: 1987 Taberna Lord

Key:
Bonusprint Stayers - Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle
Bumper - Weatherbys Champion Bumper
Cathcart - Cathcart Challenge Cup Chase
Christies Foxhunter - Christies Foxhunter Chase Challenge Cup
Coral Eurobet Cup - The Coral Eurobet Cup (Handicap Hurdle)
County - Vincent O'Brien County Handicap Hurdle
JCB Triumph - JCB Triumph Hurdle
Gerrard Supreme - Gerrard Wealth Managment Supreme Novices' Hurdle
Grand Annual - Cheltenham Grand Annual Chase Challenge Cup (Handicap Chase)
Irish Independent Arkle - Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase
Pertemps Final - Pertemps Series Final (Handicap Hurdle)
Mildmay - Mildmay of Flete Challenge Cup (Handicap Chase)
NH Chase - National Hunt Challenge Cup Chase
Queen Mother - Queen Mother Champion Chase
Royal & SunAlliance C - Royal & SunAlliance Chase
Royal & SunAlliance H - Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle
Smurfit Champion - Smurfit Champion Hurdle
Tote Gold Cup - Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase
United Hunts - United Hunts' Challenge Cup (Hunters' Chase)
Walwyn Muir - Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup (Handicap Chase)
William Hill - William Hill National Hunt Handicap Chase

RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING BROUGHT CENTRE STAGE BY BHB

BHB is to appoint a Recruitment and Training Director who will take responsibility, within the Governing Authority, for recruitment and training strategy, the central direction and determination of training requirements and the allocation of funds from industry sources. The Director will chair, and be advised by, a representative and consultative Training Committee of interested parties.

The Director will also have overall responsibility for the BHB and Jockey Club's Human Resource function. The post will be publicly advertised immediately.

BHB's direct assumption of these recruitment and training responsibilities will involve a redefinition of the role of the British Horseracing Training Board (BHTB), which will continue as an independent body whose prime focus will be the awarding of qualifications, advice on training content and quality control and assessment of the training providers. It will also have continuing responsibility for the important and increasingly successful Education Programme.

BHB Chairman Peter Savill said today: "I am delighted that, after a most constructive consultative process, the BHB Board strongly supported the Racing Review Committee's view that, if our Industry is to continue to develop and grow successfully, we must have clear and effective recruitment and training policies in place. Racing and Breeding will only thrive if we have a well-trained workforce, of sufficient size and with the necessary skills, to cope with the increasingly demanding leisure environment. It is furthermore essential that some of the additional revenue coming into Racing is applied for recruitment and training purposes for the benefit of our much-prized workforce. As the Governing Authority, with responsibility for strategic development, BHB must and will play a pivotal role in this key area.

"The BHB Director will work closely with all interested parties, including BHTB, in developing and implementing the strategy and in ensuring that the Industry's recruitment and training requirements are understood and met, and that value for money is secured. Until the new Director is in post, responsibilities will continue to be discharged on the current basis.

"These changes do not reflect in any way on the excellent work of BHTB. This independent body will continue to play a key role in staff training and BHB has every confidence that, given its excellent and much commended track record, BHTB will discharge its redefined role with at least the same degree of efficiency, effectiveness and creativity that it has shown to date."

BHTB Chairman Rhydian Morgan-Jones added: "I fully support the new arrangements and am particularly pleased that BHB itself has again recognised the excellent work which the BHTB team, under Gill Lovell, have done to enhance the Industry's training capability and standards and to promote the rapidly developing Education Programme.

"We look forward to working with the new Director to build on the very firm foundations which the BHTB has established for an activity which is crucial to the future development and growth of our Industry."

IRISH THOROUGHBRED NEWS

Once again he jumped fluently throughout and came from off the pace before going clear on the run-in. Michael Hourigan's seven-year-old is now the clear second favourite, behind Best Mate, in the ante-post betting for the Gold Cup at Cheltenham. This is a remarkable achievement for a horse with only four runs over fences to date.

Hourigan said, "I set out this season with the Gold Cup as his target, and I'm just thrilled that he keeps showing that he's the horse I've always thought he is. This race should have helped him grow, and I cannot wait for March."

Beef Or Salmon was sold in Tattersalls (Ire) at the 1999 August N.H Sale for 5,400gns and at Goffs for IR6,500gns in June 2000.

FIRST GRADE 1 SUCCESS FOR SOLERINA

Solerina continued on her tremendous winning run when capturing the Grade 1 Deloitte and Touche Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown.

She added to previous wins at Grade 2 and Grade 3 level when making all the running to beat Hardy Eustace by two lengths and is expected to run again before taking her chance at Cheltenham.

She will run in the Royal and Sun Alliance Hurdle at the Festival but could be seen in the Johnstown Hurdle at Naas on February 23.

Solerina, a daughter of Toulon, has now won seven of her eight races since she began her hurdling career in October of last year.

MUTINEER MAKES ALL FOR HAT-TRICK

Mutineer, bred in Ireland by Dr A J O'Reilly and Skymarc Farm, completed a hat-trick of wins in the Grade 2 Cashmans Bookmakers Spring Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown.

Under a well judged ride he made all the running in the EUR50,000 event to win from Golden Cross, much to the delight of the Seven To Eleven Syndicate who can now dream of Cheltenham glory.

Trainer Dessie Hughes said, "He has certainly done enough to deserve to take his chance at Cheltenham, and at least his jumping is good, which you really need for a race like the Triumph Hurdle."

DREAM START FOR OWNER KEVIN O'SULLIVAN

Dizzy's Dream, a first runner for owner Kevin O'Sullivan, scored an impressive debut success in the EUR13,000 Frank Ward & Co. Solicitors INH Flat Race at Leopardstown.

Trained by Noel Meade, the son of Shernazar ran out an eight-length winner from the Be My Native gelding Farranfore and has the look of a very useful recruit to the game.

Meade said, "I suppose we will have to think about the Cheltenham Bumper after that performance. He was only broken in August and I thought he might be a bit green. We were looking at him as a horse for the spring. He is obviously very smart."

Owner Kevin O'Sullivan, who has retired to Ireland and is living in Dublin, attended an Open Day for potential owners run by Irish Thoroughbred Marketing at the Curragh in July.

Mr O'Sullivan has taken advantage of the New Owners Promotion run by ITM and has enjoyed a dream introduction to racing in Ireland. The New Owners Promotion scheme is designed to assist new owners with their first venture into ownership.

Dizzy's Dream was purchased for EUR15,000 at the 2002 Goffs June Sale.

HARRINGTON'S LEADER WINS TOTE GOLD TROPHY

The Jessica Harrington-trained Spirit Leader upset race favourite Non So to win the Grade 3 Tote Gold Trophy Handicap hurdle at Newbury.

The daughter of Supreme Leader led early on the run-in and gamely held on to win by a length-and-a-half. Not surprisingly, the winner now heads to Cheltenham where connections will choose between the County Hurdle and the Coral Cup for their highly consistent performer.

Spirit Leader was bought for just IR7,800gns at the Tattersalls (Ireland) August Sale.

AON CHASE SUCCESS FOR VALLEY HENRY

Valley Henry won his tenth race overall and his seventh over fences when landing the Grade 2 Aon chase at Newbury.

A graduate of the Irish point-to-point field, Valley Henry is now among the leading candidates for Cheltenham honours in March and on this evidence could run a very big race in the Gold Cup.

He stayed on well to beat Chives (Good Thyne) to record his fifth Grade 2 success and it is only a matter of time before the son of Step Together wins at the highest level.

KADARANN SO GOOD IN GAME SPIRIT CHASE

The Irish-bred Kadarann secured his seventh chase success and his first at Grade 2 level when winning the Sodexho Prestige Game Spirit Chase at Newbury. The son of Bigstone comprehensively outpointed his stable companion Cenkos to score an eight-length win and now goes for the Champion Chase, for which he is a leading contender at Cheltenham next month.

BEST MATE'S BROTHER MAKES WINNING DEBUT

Cornish Rebel, a brother of Gold Cup winner Best Mate, accounted for seven previous winners when making a successful debut at Newbury.The Irish-bred son of Un Desperado ran out the impressive 11-length winner of the Grade 2 Aon Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race for leading owner Graham Roach.

Bred by Ballysheehan Stud, the winner is sure to improve for the run and not surprisingly he is now ante-post favourite for the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at Cheltenham.

Cornish Rebel was sold at Tattersalls (Ireland) Derby Sale for IR110,000gns two years ago and looks a potential star of the future.

ONLY THE BEST FOR THE ROCK AND GOLAN

Rock Of Gibraltar, the world champion of 2002 in the recently published International Classifications, will cover at least six Group 1 winning mares in his first season at stud.

In addition, the son of Danehill has the dams of eight Group 1 scorers in his first-season book of mares, including Highland Gift, the dam of Golan.

Among the Group 1 winning fillies set to visit Rock Of Gibraltar are Irish 1,000 Guineas winners Marling and Tarascon as well as high-class international performers Borgia and Terre A Terre.

Golan, also retired to Coolmore at the end of last season, will cover Group 1 winning sprinters Imperial Beauty and Pipalong.

Coolmore manager Christy Grassick commented, "We are very fortunate to have the last two 2,000 Guineas winners here for 2003. They both have the looks, pedigrees and race records to make outstanding sires and both are proving very popular with breeders."

CLASSY IRISH-BREDS TOP WEIGHTS FOR NATIONAL

Leading staying chasers Florida Pearl and Marlborough have been handed joint top-weight for the Martell Grand National in April. Of the 149 entries for the race, the pair will shoulder 11st 12lbs each if they are to take their chance in the four-and-a-half mile spectacular over the famous Aintree fences.

In-form Behrajan is next in the weights 2lbs more than the Michael Morris-trained Foxchapel King.

Rince Ri, trained by Ted Walsh and Arthur Moore's More Than A Stroll are other Irish-trained horses towards the top of the handicap, but others will leading chances include former winner of the race Papillon, Takagi, David's Lad and Youlneverwalkalone.

GOFFS FEBRUARY SALE BEGINS TODAY

The February mixed sale at Goffs commences Today and continues until Wednesday the 13th. With 630 lots catalogued including yearlings and mares in foal to leading sires, there is plenty of quality on show. This sale has proved immensely popular with buyers and there is plenty on offer to whet the appetite of would be buyers.

When you purchase at the sales in Ireland ITM will reimburse your flight or ferry ticket up to a maximum amount.

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

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