Wednesday, February 25, 2004

EXCITING CHAMPIONS TO DEFEND THEIR TITLES AT CHELTENHAM.....FORFEITS FOR THE NINE CHAMPIONSHIP RACES

Moscow Flyer is trying to win the QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE for the second successive year and is another after a third successive victory at the Festival, having captured The Irish Independent Arkle Chase in 2002. Trained in Ireland by Jessica Harrington, the 10-year-old chaser has 13 potential opponents including four from trainer Paul Nicholls led by Azertyuiop, who took The Irish Independent Arkle Chase last year, with Cenkos, Kadarann and Venn Ottery completing the quartet. Flagship Uberalles, the 2002 Queen Mother Champion Chase victor, and Isio, successful in the Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot earlier this year, are others still engaged.

Baracouda is also going for a Festival hat-trick, having won the bonusprint.com STAYERS' HURDLE for the last two years, and would become the first horse to win the long-distance hurdling championship three times if successful next month. He has 18 possible challengers, notably Iris's Gift, who was runner-up last year and Irish mare Solerina but Rhinestone Cowboy is taken out.

There are supplementary entry stages for the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup, Smurfit Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase and bonusprint.com Stayers' Hurdle five days before each race.

The opening LETHEBY & CHRISTOPHER SUPREME NOVICES' HURDLE has 79 entries going forward, including Lingo, Garde Champetre, Brave Inca and Albuhera, while the ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE NOVICES' HURDLE also includes Brave Inca plus Inglis Drever and Cornish Rebel among the 79 remaining entries.

The JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE still has 92 entries and the Alan King-trained Trouble At Bay is the ante-post favourite for the four-year-old hurdling championship.

THE IRISH INDEPENDENT ARKLE CHASE has 25 left in, headed by the Paul Nicholls-trained Thisthatandtother and Irish raider Kicking King, while 33 go forward for the ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE CHASE including Our Vic, Lord Sam and Pizarro.

Edward Gillespie, Cheltenham's Managing Director, commented: "The four defending champions are very exciting performers and it will be fascinating to see if they can all retain their crowns plus win for the third successive year at The Festival. The novice races have tremendous prospects in them and we are looking forward to a thrilling Festival."

THE TOTE CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP

Class A, Grade One, Total Prize Fund £350,000 Cheltenham, Thursday, March 18, 2004, 3m 2f 110yds. For 5yo & upwards. Weights: 5yo 11st; 6yo & upwards 11st 10lb. Allowances: mares 7lb. Entries closed January 7, entries released January 12 (32 entries), forfeit stage February 24 (20 remain), £17,500 supplementary entry stage March 13, five-day confirmations March 13, overnight declaration stage, 10.15am March 16. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys may not include some overseas racing and are correct up to and including the racing of Monday, February 23, 2004.

Form Horse Age Owner Trainer
316U3/-6042 ALEXANDER BANQUET (IRE) 11 Miriam O'Callaghan Willie Mullins IRE
4PU3/-131 ARTIC JACK (FR) 8 Trevor Hemmings Sue Smith
1F-3113 BEEF OR SALMON (IRE) 8 Joe Craig Michael Hourigan IRE
1/111-21 BEST MATE (IRE) 9 Jim Lewis Henrietta Knight
P/14U-56 CYFOR MALTA (FR) 11 David Johnson Martin Pipe
3P1-153 FIRST GOLD (FR) 11 J P McManus Francois Doumen FR
1/44P0-511 FLORIDA PEARL (IRE) 12 Violet O'Leary Willie Mullins IRE
F022-145 FONDMORT (FR) 8 Bill Brown Nicky Henderson
2/3333-0U HARBOUR PILOT (IRE) 9 Kays Syndicate Noel Meade IRE
1F121-P2 IRISH HUSSAR (IRE) 8 Major Christopher Hanbury Nicky Henderson
U2-211P1 JAIR DU COCHET (FR) 7 Miriam Montauban Guillaume Macaire FR
1115-U13 KEEN LEADER (IRE) 8 Adair Catherwood Jonjo O'Neill
11-112 KINGSCLIFF (IRE) 7 Arnold Sendell Robert Alner
1111-463 LA LANDIERE (FR) 9 Carol Skan Richard Phillips
411-23F223 RINCE RI (IRE) 11 Frank Moriarty Ted Walsh IRE
111P/5P-1 SHOOTING LIGHT (IRE) 11 John Brown & M Blackburn Martin Pipe
1/11-F12P6 SIR REMBRANDT (IRE) 8 A Hordle Robert Alner
111111F THEREALBANDIT (IRE) 7 David Johnson Martin Pipe
221133///- TOTO TOSCATO (FR) 10 Lady Clarke Martin Pipe
132-42FU TRUCKERS TAVERN (IRE) 9 Mrs M B Scholey Ferdy Murphy

20 entries remain
5 Irish-trained
2 French-trained

THE FOLLOWING 12 HORSES WERE TAKEN OUT AT THE FEBRUARY 24 FORFEIT STAGE: BEHRAJAN (IRE), CHIVES (IRE), COMMANCHE COURT (IRE), JENNIFERJO (IRE), MACS GILDORAN, RULE SUPREME (IRE), SHARDAM (IRE), SLEEPING NIGHT (FR), VALLEY HENRY (IRE), VENN OTTERY, WHAT'S UP BOYS (IRE), YOU'RE AGOODUN

THE QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE

Class A, Grade One, Total Prize Fund £250,000 Cheltenham, Wednesday, March 17, 2004, 2m. For 5yo & upwards. Weights: 5yo 11st 6lb; 6yo & upwards 11st 10lb. Allowances: mares 7lb. Entries closed January 7, entries released January 12 (25 entries), forfeit stage February 24 (14 remain), £12,500 supplementary stage March 12, five-day confirmation stage March 12, overnight declaration stage, 10.15am March 15. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to & including the racing of Monday, February 23, 2004.

Form Horse Age Owner Trainer
1111-U221 AZERTYUIOP (FR) 7 John Hales Paul Nicholls
2-16154 CENKOS (FR) 10 Judy Stewart Paul Nicholls
34430024 EI EI 9 Susan Richards Michael Chapman
11P-50P00 ESKLEYBROOK 11 Victor Gethin Victor Gethin
4P5-132 FLAGSHIP UBERALLES (IRE) 10 J P McManus Philip Hobbs
2U10-153 GOT ONE TOO (FR) 7 Sir Eric Parker & Mary Anne Parker Nicky Henderson
1/1113-51 ISIO (FR) 8 Sir Peter And Lady Gibbings Nicky Henderson
313-3214 KADARANN (IRE) 7 Notalotterry Paul Nicholls
11-U111 MOSCOW FLYER (IRE) 10 Brian Kearney Jessica Harrington IRE
120-212412 NATIVE SCOUT (IRE) 8 Noel Glynn Donal Hassett IRE
5121-3513 NATIVE UPMANSHIP (IRE) 11 Sue Magnier Arthur Moore IRE
F21-46U0 SEEBALD (GER) 9 The Macca & Growler Partnership Martin Pipe
1F0-422F TIUTCHEV 11 The Liars Poker Partnership Martin Pipe
P46P401 VENN OTTERY 9 Oliver Carter Paul Nicholls


14 entries remain
3 Irish-trained

THE FOLLOWING 11 HORSES WERE TAKEN OUT AT THE FEBRUARY 24 FORFEIT STAGE: ADAMANT APPROACH (IRE), FARMER JACK, KILLULTAGH STORM (IRE), KNIFE EDGE (USA),LATALOMNE (USA), LE COUDRAY (FR), LE ROI MIGUEL (FR), PALARSHAN (FR), PETERSHAM, REDEMPTION, YOUNG DEVEREAUX (IRE)



THE 2004 SMURFIT CHAMPION HURDLE CHALLENGE TROPHY

Grade 1, Class A, Showcase Race, Tuesday, March 16, 2004, £300,000 total prize fund, two miles and about half a furlong for four-year-olds and upwards. Weights: 4yo: 11st 3lb; 5yo and up: 11st 10lb; fillies and mares allowance 7lb. Entries closed January 14 (48 entries), entries released January 19, forfeit stage February 24 (24 remain), £15,000 supplementary entry stage March 11, five-day confirmation stage March 11, final declaration stage 10.15am, March 14. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Monday, February 23).

Form Horse Age Owner Trainer
1-12215 BACK IN FRONT (IRE) 7 Nelius Hayes Edward O'Grady IRE
111/3-425 DAVENPORT MILENIUM (IRE) 8 Miriam O'Callaghan Willie Mullins IRE
144-51 DEMI BEAU 6 Hugh Villiers Charlie Mann
P-111436 FLAME CREEK (IRE) 8 Martin Wesson Partners Noel Chance
141-1F41 FOREMAN (GER) 6 J P McManus Thierry Doumen FR
211-3F33 FOTA ISLAND (IRE) 8 J P McManus Mouse Morris IRE
12405-21 GEOS (FR) 9 Thurloe Finsbury Nicky Henderson
6213-310 GOLDEN CROSS (IRE) 5 Exors of the late Mrs H Johnson Michael Halford IRE
1215-2022 HARDY EUSTACE (IRE) 7 Laurence Byrne Dessie Hughes IRE
B1-13320 HASTY PRINCE 6 F F Racing Services Partnership III Jonjo O'Neill
3461-3P5 IN CONTRAST (IRE) 8 Tony Staple Philip Hobbs
111 INGLIS DREVER 5 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
115-1312 INTERSKY FALCON 7 Interskyracingcom & Jackie O'Neill Jonjo O'Neill
U161110 ITALIAN COUNSEL (IRE) 7 B V Ward & C Feeney Luke Dace
161-2P1U LIMERICK BOY (GER) 6 Favourites Racing Venetia Williams
50-13423 MONKERHOSTIN (FR) 7 Martin St Quinton Philip Hobbs
1113-161 RHINESTONE COWBOY (IRE) 8 Sue Magnier Jonjo O'Neill
1214111 RIGMAROLE 6 Mr & Mrs Mark Woodhouse Paul Nicholls
112-5212 ROOSTER BOOSTER 10 Terry Warner Philip Hobbs
24P-1240 SELF DEFENSE 7 Fraser Miller Racing Emma Lavelle
11-1123 SPECULAR (AUS) 8 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neill
1511-624 SPIRIT LEADER (IRE) 8 Dil Thompson Jessica Harrington IRE
331-1230 SPORAZENE (IRE) 5 Ged Mason & David Jackson Paul Nicholls
22/323-P6 WESTENDER (FR) 8 Matt Archer & Jean Broadhurst Martin Pipe

24 entries remain
6 Irish-trained
1 French-trained

THE FOLLOWING 24 HORSES WERE TAKEN OUT AT THE FEBRUARY 24 FORFEIT STAGE: ALTAY, BENBYAS, CHIVALRY, CLOONE RIVER (IRE), COPELAND, DEMOPHILOS, EXOTIC DANCER (FR), FLYING WANDA, ITS WALLACE JNR, KHETAAM (IRE), KICKING KING (IRE), LILIUM DE COTTE (FR), MAN O'MYSTERY (USA), MR COOL, PEROUSE, QUAZAR (IRE), RISKY REEF, ROYALEETY (FR), SHAYADI (IRE), SOLERINA (IRE), STAGE AFFAIR (USA), TOM PADDINGTON, ULUNDI, WELL CHIEF (GER)

THE 2004 bonusprint.com STAYERS' HURDLE

Class A, Grade One, Total Prize Fund £140,000, Cheltenham, Thursday, March 18, 2004, three miles. For 4yo & upwards. Weights: 4yo 11st; 5yo & upwards 11st 10lb. Allowances: fillies & mares 5lb. Entries closed January 14, entries revealed January 19 (33 entries), forfeit stage February 24 (19 remain), £7,000 supplementary entry stage March 13, five-day confirmation stage March 13, final declaration stage 10.15am March 16. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Monday, February 23, 2004, and may not include some overseas form.

Form Horse Age Owner Trainer
1/121-111 BARACOUDA (FR) 9 J P McManus Francois Doumen FR
200-111 CALLING BRAVE (IRE) 8 Sir Robert Ogden Nicky Henderson
212-2121 CRYSTAL D'AINAY (FR) 5 Tony Fisher & Jeni Fisher Alan King
111/3-425 DAVENPORT MILENIUM (IRE) 8 Miriam O'Callaghan Willie Mullins IRE
11/06- GALILEO (POL) 8 Sharon Nelson, Allan Stennett, Terry Warner Tom George
102-416 GRALMANO (IRE) 9 Coleorton Moor Racing Kevin Ryan
1215-2022 HARDY EUSTACE (IRE) 7 Laurence Byrne Dessie Hughes IRE
000-100 HOLY ORDERS (IRE) 7 A McLuckie Willie Mullins IRE
111121-2 IRIS'S GIFT 7 Robert Lester Jonjo O'Neill
2-150514 MISTANOORA 5 A M J Duggan Nigel Twiston-Davies
2F-41P111 PIZARRO (IRE) 7 E Wallace Edward O'Grady IRE
F26/-65P332 PRINCE OF TARA (IRE) 7 James J Swan Oliver Brady IRE
UP1F1U5 REDEMPTION 9 John Duggan & Michael Purtill Nigel Twiston-Davies
110-01211 ROSAKER (USA) 7 High Street Ceathar Syndicate Noel Meade IRE
5P-2211 SH BOOM 6 TGK Construction Ltd Jonjo O'Neill
11-31141 SOLERINA (IRE) 7 John P Bowe James Bowe IRE
1222-233 STORMEZ (FR) 7 David Johnson Martin Pipe
21F2-3F40 TARXIEN 10 Brian Kilpatrick Martin Pipe
105-01622 YOGI (IRE) 8 Patrick Delaney Jnr Tom Foley IRE

19 entries remain
8 Irish-trained
1 French-trained

THE FOLLOWING 14 HORSES WERE TAKEN OUT AT THE FEBRUARY 24 FORFEIT STAGE: FOTA ISLAND (IRE), JOLLYOLLY, KADARA (IRE), LIBERMAN (IRE), LIMERICK BOY (GER), NEWLANDS GOLD (IRE), PRINCE MADOC (IRE), RHINESTONE COWBOY (IRE), ROYAL ROSA (FR), SACUNDAI (IRE), SLEEPING NIGHT (FR), THE FRENCH FURZE (IRE), TURTLE SOUP (IRE), XENOPHON (IRE)

THE IRISH INDEPENDENT ARKLE CHALLENGE TROPHY

Class A, Grade One, Total Prize Fund £140,000, Cheltenham, Tuesday, March 16, 2004, two miles. For novice 5yo & upwards. Weights: 5yo 11st 3lb; 6yo & upwards 11st 7lb. Allowances: mares 7lb. Entries closed January 21, entries revealed January 26 (42 entries), forfeit stage February 24 (25 remain), five-day confirmation stage March 11, final declaration stage 10.15am March 15. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Monday, February 23, 2004. May not include some overseas form.

Form Horse Age Owner Trainer
2B1323 ATUM RE (IRE) 7 Paul Green Paul Webber
1F1-2113 BAL DE NUIT (FR) 5 Monica Hackett Paul Nicholls
P-12112 CARACCIOLA (GER) 7 Piers Pottinger Nicky Henderson
32-62112 CENTRAL HOUSE 7 John Kenny Dessie Hughes IRE
1121U23 COLCA CANYON (IRE) 7 Philip Myerscough Jessica Harrington IRE
12B0-332 DON FERNANDO 5 Lucayan Stud Martin Pipe
31-0313242 JAHASH 6 J Hawkins Alan King
560-0FF31 JOHN JAMES (IRE) 8 Mrs M Cogan Homer Scott IRE
1F4-2512 KELTIC BARD 7 M Rowland, M Collins & P Cox Charlie Mann
112-5F11 KICKING KING (IRE) 6 Conor Clarkson Tom Taaffe IRE
2-1F LADALKO (FR) 5 Paul Barber & Margaret Findlay Paul Nicholls
61-14F20 LE DUC (FR) 5 Judy Stewart Paul Nicholls
4-1F6311 MISTER MCGOLDRICK 7 Richard Longley Sue Smith
14/-3 NO SHENANIGANS (IRE) 7 Bridget Hanbury Nicky Henderson
240-112 NON SO (FR) 6 ROA Dawn Run Partnership Nicky Henderson
111121 OUR ARMAGEDDON (NZ) 7 Leslie Garrett Richard Guest
20-1561 PALUA 7 Mark Barrett and Partners Emma Lavelle
P000-211U POLAR RED 7 Lady Clarke Martin Pipe
P-1211415 PUNTAL (FR) 8 Terry Neill Martin Pipe
011510F ROYALEETY (FR) 5 Mr & Mrs John Poynton Ian Williams
4P-222P RYDERS STORM (USA) 5 Ryder Racing Ltd Tom George
2111F1 SANTENAY (FR) 6 The Hon Mrs Townshend Paul Nicholls
52-11121 THISTHATANDTOTHER (IRE) 8 Graham Roach Paul Nicholls
0263//-1221 TIDOUR (FR) 8 Mrs M Fisher Paul Webber
1123-151 WELL CHIEF (GER) 5 David Johnson Martin Pipe

25 entries remain
4 Irish-trained

THE FOLLOWING 17 HORSES WERE TAKEN OUT AT THE FEBRUARY 24 FORFEIT STAGE: BALLYAMBER (IRE), BONEYARROW (IRE), CHAUVINIST (IRE), COMMONCHERO (IRE), DIRECT BEARING (IRE), EMPERORS GUEST, (IRE), GOSS, D'ESTRUVAL (FR), LILIUM DE COTTE (FR), LIRTA (FR), MASTER REX, MOSSY GREEN (IRE), NAS NA RIOGH (IRE), OUR VIC (IRE), TIKRAM, WESTENDER (FR)

THE ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE CHASE

Class A, Grade 1, Wednesday, March 17, 2004, total value £140,000, three miles and about half a furlong, for five-year-olds and upwards. Weights: 5-y-o: 10st 8lb, 6-y-o and up: 11st 4lb: mares allowance 7lb. Entries closed January 21, 2004 (64 entries), entries released, Monday, January 26, forfeit stage February 24 (33 remain). Five-day confirmation stage Friday, March 12, overnight declaration stage Tuesday, March 16. (Form supplied by Weatherbys correct up to Monday, February 23, 2004 although may not include all overseas form).

Form Horse Age Owner Trainer
6301U1 ALPHAZAR (IRE) 9 Sean J Murphy Tony Mullins IRE
132//-03 ARMEN (FR) 7 Tim Hely-Hutchinson Martin Pipe
131112P BALLYCASSIDY (IRE) 8 R Owen & P Fullagar Peter Bowen
134/2F-1142 BONEYARROW (IRE) 8 Joseph Comerford Willie Mullins IRE
200-111 CALLING BRAVE (IRE) 8 Sir Robert Ogden Nicky Henderson
P CLIMATE CONTROL (IRE) 8 Kevin Smith John Brennan IRE
241//-U11 CRUISE LEADER (IRE) 9 Trevor Hemmings Chris Grant
0-351115 D'ARGENT (IRE) 7 Nigel Bunter Alan King
5650/-P21 HISTORIC (IRE) 8 Mrs R E R Rumboll Tom George
01-6011221 JIM (FR) 7 Mrs P J Conway Jim Dreaper IRE
611215- LIBERTHINE (FR) 5 Robert Waley-Cohen Nicky Henderson
2154-12U3 LISCANNOR LAD (IRE) 6 C P O'Brien Dessie Hughes IRE
113-111 LORD SAM (IRE) 8 Plain Peeps Victor Dartnall
3-2P122 MAJOR BENEFIT (IRE) 7 Nick Shutts Karen Marks
U12P//-13F MISTER BANJO (FR) 8 John Hales Paul Nicholls
3P1 MORELUCK (IRE) 8 Graham and Alison Jelley Kim Bailey
2120-1142 MOSSY GREEN (IRE) 10 Greenstar Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE
23P-2212 NATIVE EMPEROR 8 J C, J R and S R Hitchins Jonjo O'Neill
111-211 OUR VIC (IRE) 6 David Johnson Martin Pipe
310-221 PATRICKSNINETEENTH (IRE) 7 The Large G & T Partnership Paul Webber
2F-41P11 PIZARRO (IRE) 7 Edward Wallace Edward O'Grady IRE
P-1211415 PUNTAL (FR) 8 Terry Neill Martin Pipe
230-12212 ROSSLEA (IRE) 6 Jim Lewis Henrietta Knight
122-21F1 ROYAL EMPEROR (IRE) 8 Widdop Wanderers Sue Smith
45-1U1332 RULE SUPREME (IRE) 8 John P Lynch Willie Mullins IRE
P4-31123 RUSSIAN GIGOLO (IRE) 7 Caroline Beresford-Wylie Nigel Twiston-Davies
44-22341F SIMPLY SUPREME (IRE) 7 Trevor Hemmings Sue Smith
103-211 SUPREME PRINCE (IRE) 7 Karola Vann Philip Hobbs
111111F THEREALBANDIT (IRE) 7 David Johnson Martin Pipe
10/-22P2101 TYNEANDTHYNEAGAIN 9 Norman Mason Richard Guest
0-113410 WHEREAREYOUNOW (IRE) 7 Raymond Mould Nigel Twiston-Davies
34 WINDING RIVER (IRE) 7 Elite Racing Club Charles Egerton
1/211-3F35 XENOPHON (IRE) 8 Lane Syndicate Tony Martin IRE

33 entries remain
9 Irish-trained

THE FOLLOWING 32 HORSES WERE TAKEN OUT AT THE FEBRUARY 24 FORFEIT STAGE: ATLASTABOY (IRE), BALLYAMBER (IRE), BEE AN BEE (IRE), BETTER DAYS (IRE), CELESTIAL GOLD (IRE), CHICAGO BULLS (IRE), DOUBLE HONOUR (FR), EMOTIONAL MOMENT (IRE), FORK LIGHTNING (IRE), GOLDEN FLIGHT (FR), GRATTAN LODGE (IRE), GUARD DUTY, INCHING CLOSER, JANUS DU COCHET (FR), JOHN JAMES (IRE), JOUEUR D'ESTRUVAL (FR), KILLERS FURY (IRE), KILLULTAGH THUNDER (IRE), LOOK COLLONGES (FR), LORDS BEST (IRE), MASSAC (FR), MONDIAL JACK (FR), NIL DESPERANDUM (IRE), NONCHALANT (IRE), PAY IT FORWARD, PIETRO VANNUCCI (IRE), RUN OF KINGS (IRE), SILVER KNIGHT, STASHEDAWAY (IRE), TANTERARI (IRE), TELL ME WHY (IRE), DIRECT BEARING (IRE)

THE LETHEBY & CHRISTOPHER SUPREME NOVICES' HURDLE

Grade 1, Tuesday, March 16, 2004, total prize fund £100,000, two miles and about half a furlong, for novice four-year-olds and upwards. Weights 4-y-o 11st, 5-y-o and upwards 11st 7lb, fillies and mares allowance 7lb. Entries closed January 28, 2003 (106 entries), entries released, Monday, February 2, forfeit stage February 24 (79 remain). Five-day confirmation stage Thursday, March 11, overnight declaration stage 10.15am Monday, March 15. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including Monday, February 23, 2004. May not include some overseas form.

Form Horse Age Owner Trainer
22-1115 ACCORDION ETOILE (IRE) 5 Banjo Syndicate Paul Nolan IRE
ADIOS (GER) 5 Ian Dalgleish Peter Niven
1621151 ALBUHERA (IRE) 6 David & F A Jackson Paul Nicholls
52300 ALL ROCK HARD (NZ) 6 Paul Beck Richard Guest
22S-2154 ARCH STANTON (IRE) 6 J J Brennan Willie Mullins IRE
40 ARIMERO (GER) 4 Robert Sinclair Charlie Swan IRE
10- BACK TO BEN ALDER (IRE) 7 Bridget Hanbury Nicky Henderson
(3)0 BELUGA (IRE) 5 Malcolm Denmark Mark Pitman
1123 BIG MOMENT 6 R Doel, A Black,Dr J Howells & D Broad Amanda Perrett
04-21211 BOLD BISHOP (IRE) 7 Gay Smith Jonjo O'Neill
116-1232 BOURBON MANHATTAN 6 A Longman, T Warner, R Devereux & Ptnrs Alan King
0011-111 BRAVE INCA (IRE) 6 Novices Syndicate Colin Murphy IRE
211 CARDENAS (GER) 5 Stall Cohiba-Bar Mario Hofer GER
3-621S4 CASH AND CARRY (IRE) 6 Edward Wallace Edward O'Grady IRE
1-6 CELTIC SON (FR) 5 David Johnson Martin Pipe
311120 CONTRABAND 6 David Johnson Martin Pipe
430121 DAD'S ELECT (GER) 5 A Morton Charlie Mann
00-5110 DEAUVILLE (IRE) 6 Paul McMahon Michael Halford IRE
214 DICTUM (GER) 6 Gerard Nock Susan Nock
52F DILEER (IRE) 5 Court Roof Tiling Ltd David Wintle
115122 EURO LEADER (IRE) 6 John Cox Willie Mullins IRE
FABULOUS JET (FR) 4 Malcolm Edwards Venetia Williams
555-1215 FIRST DIPLOMA (IRE) 7 Samuel Hegarty Noel Meade IRE
131 FLEET STREET 5 Henry Ponsonby Nicky Henderson
4 FLYING WANDA 4 Sir Robert Ogden Paul Nicholls
1 FONTANESI (IRE) 4 David Johnson Martin Pipe
2122 GARDE CHAMPETRE (FR) 5 Million in Mind Partnership Paul Nicholls
612-21 GODS TOKEN 6 The Silver Cod Partnership Venetia Williams
4 GOLDEN REWARD (SAF) 6 Peter Deal Venetia Williams
315 GRANDE JETE (SAF) 7 Lee Westwood, Chubby Chandler, Jeremy Hindley Nicky Henderson
4 GRYFFINDOR 6 Padraic Maloney Pat Flynn IRE
1214 HOWLE HILL (IRE) 4 J Brown, R Benton, R Devereux, R Lucas Alan King
11U500 ISLAND STREAM (IRE) 5 Mark Apps John Jenkins
0/110-51 JOHN OLIVER (IRE) 6 P Lehane Edward O'Grady IRE
1110 KADOUNT (FR) 6 Elite Racing Club Alan King
0-1314U1 KAHUNA (IRE) 7 Roisin Sheehy Eammon Sheehy IRE
P/P0-1 KOCEANE (FR) 6 Martin Pipe Martin Pipe
3-F1 LACDOUDAL (FR) 5 Mrs R Skan Philip Hobbs
42-2112 LE PASSING (FR) 5 Hon Mrs Townshend & J Townshend Paul Nicholls
04-5 LECHE BOTTES (FR) 5 Martin Pipe Martin Pipe
602 LIBERIA (FR) 5 Mrs T Brown Nicky Henderson
121 LINGO (IRE) 5 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neill
66-P LITTLE ENAM (IRE) 8 R K Carvill Charles Egerton
14412 LOCKSMITH 4 David Johnson Martin Pipe
P3 LUSTRAL DU SEUIL (FR) 5 Bill Brown Nicky Henderson
1-211213 MARIAH ROLLINS (IRE) 6 Gone West Racing Syndicate Pat Fahy IRE
211-13 MARK THE MAN (IRE) 7 J P McManus Noel Meade IRE
13-22253 MISTER MUSTARD (IRE) 7 Favourites Racing Ian Williams
53-31151 MON VILLEZ (FR) 5 Million in Mind Partnership Nicky Henderson
112 MY WILL (FR) 4 Judy Stewart Paul Nicholls
211242 NATHOS (GER) 7 John Davies & John Trickett Charlie Mann
543-162 NAWAMEES (IRE) 6 Paul Stamp Gary Moore
F6 NOSTRADAMUS (USA) 5 Joseph Kelly Kahlil Burke IRE
2U22 PAK JACK (FR) 4 Sir Robert Ogden Philip Hobbs
122 PARKNASILLA 4 Lady Bland Mick Easterby
3-350114 PEDINA (IRE) 6 Third Avenue Syndicate Ger Lyons IRE
03011F PERLE DE PUCE (FR) 5 Robert Waley-Cohen Nicky Henderson
1 RAYSHAN (IRE) 4 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
101-21 ROYAL ALPHABET (IRE) 6 Ballylinch Stud Willie Mullins IRE
11 SADLERS WINGS (IRE) 6 J J Brennan Willie Mullins IRE
0-1021131 SALHOOD 5 J B Webb Steve Gollings
2/-62 SCORNED (GER) 9 Kingsclere Stud Andrew Balding
512 SIMOUN (IRE) 6 The Macca & Growler Partnership Martin Pipe
SINDAPOUR (IRE) 6 Mary Burke Martin Pipe
1-11 STEPPES OF GOLD (IRE) 7 Independent Twine Manufacturing Co Ltd Nicky Richards
0 TACITUS (IRE) 4 Nozzie Boys Syndicate Dessie Hughes IRE
123 TAMARINBLEU (FR) 4 The Arthur White Partnership Martin Pipe
111331 THESIS (IRE) 6 The 1961 Partnership Venetia Williams
41111 TROUBLE AT BAY (IRE) 4 Nigel Bunter Alan King
6-11214F TUPPENNY CODY (IRE) 5 Mrs A Mee Tony Mullins IRE
411 TUSK 4 Hogarth Racing Henrietta Knight
20110 WAR OF ATTRITION (IRE) 5 Gigginstown House Stud Mouse Morris IRE
10-22116 WATSON LAKE (IRE) 6 John Corr Noel Meade IRE
3F22 WET LIPS (AUS) 6 Concertina Racing Three Richard Guest
4 WHISPERED SECRET (GER) 5 D Levine Richard Guest
113-10 WIDEMOUTH BAY (IRE) 6 Mrs J Deithrick Philip Hobbs
YAKIMOV (USA) 5 B E T Partnership David Wintle
13454 ZIBELINE (IRE) 7 Ashley Carr Brian Ellison
61-0102 ZUM SEE (IRE) 5 Alex Syndicate Noel Meade IRE

79 entries remain
22 Irish-trained
1 German-trained

THE FOLLOWING 27 HORSES WERE TAKEN OUT AT THE FEBRUARY 24 FORFEIT STAGE: AFISTFULLOFDOLLARS (IRE), CHOCKDEE (FR), CLOUDY GREY (IRE), COOLDINE KING (IRE), DEMOPHILOS, DIZZY'S DREAM (IRE), EASTER PRESENT (IRE), ELECTRIQUE (IRE), EMANIC (FR), EXOTIC DANCER (FR), FOOL ON THE HILL, FOOLS RUSH IN (IRE), GEILL SLI (IRE), GOVAMIX, HASANPOUR (IRE), HUXLEY (IRE), KJETIL (USA), LIBERMAN (IRE), MAN ON THE NILE (IRE), MOROZOV (USA), OUNDLE SCOUNDREL (FR), PADDY THE PIPER (IRE), PAGAN DANCE (IRE), POP ART (FR),SAMANDARA (FR), TRABOLGAN (IRE), VINTAGE PREMIUM

THE ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE NOVICES' HURDLE

Class A, Grade One, Total Prize Fund £100,000, Cheltenham, Wednesday, March 17, 2004. Two Miles, and Five Furlongs. For Novice Four-Year-Olds and upwards. Weights: four-year-olds 10st 13lb; five-year-olds and upwards 11st 7lb. Allowances: fillies & mares 7lb. Entries closed Wednesday, January 28, 2003. Entries revealed Monday, February 2, 2004 (113 entries). Forfeit stage Tuesday, February 24, 2004 (79 remain). Five-day confirmation stage Friday, March 12, 2004. Final declaration stage 10.15am, Tuesday, March 16, 2004. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Monday, February 23, 2004. May not include some overseas form.

Form Horse Age Owner Trainer
32 A GLASS IN THYNE (IRE) 6 J B Dale Ben Pollock
3-31211 ACCIPITER 5 Bridget Swire Toby Balding
432 AMMONIAS (GER) 5 J E Brown & P Randall Charlie Mann
1F3 ATTORNEY GENERAL (IRE) 5 Wally Sturt Jim Old
1123 BIG MOMENT 6 R Doel, A Black, Dr J Howells & D Broad Amanda Perrett
116-1232 BOURBON MANHATTAN 6 A Longman, T Warner, R Devereux & Ptnrs Alan King
0011-111 BRAVE INCA (IRE) 6 Novices Syndicate Colin Murphy IRE
1322-4 BREWSTER (IRE) 7 Mr & Mrs John Poynton Ian Williams
02-53 CAPTAIN FLINDERS (IRE) 7 P M Warren Henrietta Knight
211 CARDENAS (GER) 5 Stall Cohiba-Bar Mario Hofer GER
3-621S4 CASH AND CARRY (IRE) 6 Edward Wallace Edward O'Grady IRE
1-6 CELTIC SON (FR) 5 David Johnson Martin Pipe
1313356 CHAMPAGNE HARRY 6 Gavin MacEchern Nigel Twiston-Davies
451044 CLOUNTIES HILL (IRE) 7 Ilen Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE
01//40-411 COLLIER COUNTY (IRE) 9 Sue Magnier Edward O'Grady IRE
1121 COMPLY OR DIE (IRE) 5 David Johnson Martin Pipe
311120 CONTRABAND 6 David Johnson Martin Pipe
115-1341 CONTROL MAN (IRE) 6 David Johnson Martin Pipe
10-11 CORNISH REBEL (IRE) 7 Graham Roach Paul Nicholls
200F-130 COSMOCRAT 6 Peter J. Douglas Engineering Robert Stronge
22611233 CRIAIRE PRINCESS (IRE) 6 Paul Cleary Eugene Cleary IRE
430121 DAD'S ELECT (GER) 5 Bob Morton Charlie Mann
00-5110 DEAUVILLE (IRE) 6 Paul J McMahon Michael Halford IRE
214 DICTUM (GER) 6 Gerard Nock Susan Nock
52F DILEER (IRE) 5 Court Roof Tiling Ltd David Wintle
60P- EPITRE (FR) 7 Let's Live Racing Milton Harris
15-1132 ERIC'S CHARM (FR) 6 Martin St Quinton & Peter Deal Oliver Sherwood
115122 EURO LEADER (IRE) 6 John Cox Willie Mullins IRE
555-1215 FIRST DIPLOMA (IRE) 7 Samuel John Hegarty Noel Meade IRE
4 FLYING WANDA 4 Sir Robert Ogden Paul Nicholls
1 FONTANESI (IRE) 4 David Johnson Martin Pipe
1 FUNDAMENTALIST (IRE) 6 Nigel Twiston-Davies Nigel Twiston-Davies
0-11311 GREY REPORT (IRE) 7 Mrs D A La Trobe Philip Hobbs
260-1F35 HE'S THE BOSS (IRE) 7 M J Hallett Bob Buckler
451112 INEXORABLE (IRE) 6 Gigginstown House Stud David Wachman IRE
111 INGLIS DREVER 5 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
3/- IT'S JUST HARRY 7 James Blackshaw Charles Egerton
5-0400 IT'S OFFICIAL (IRE) 5 John Joe Murphy John Joe Murphy IRE
15 IT'S SHOWTIME (IRE) 6 Jeremiah King Edward O'Grady IRE
10/-22101 JOES EDGE (IRE) 7 Chemipetro Limited Venetia Williams
1110 KADOUNT (FR) 6 Elite Racing Club Alan King
3122335 KILDARE (IRE) 7 Cathal M Ryan Dessie Hughes IRE
200-3126 KING SOLOMON (FR) 5 Seasons Holidays Venetia Williams
P/P0-1 KOCEANE (FR) 6 Martin Pipe Martin Pipe
04-5 LECHE BOTTES (FR) 5 Martin Pipe Martin Pipe
66-P LITTLE ENAM (IRE) 8 R K Carvill Charles Egerton
MANX ROYAL (FR) 5 James and Antoinette Kennedy Martin Pipe
1-211213 MARIAH ROLLINS (IRE) 6 Gone West Racing Syndicate Pat Fahy IRE
211-13 MARK THE MAN (IRE) 7 J P McManus Noel Meade IRE
3-6211 MEGGIES GAMBLE (IRE) 7 T England Venetia Williams
101 MOBASHER (IRE) 5 The 1961 Partnership Venetia Williams
53-31151 MON VILLEZ (FR) 5 Million in Mind Partnership Nicky Henderson
1121 MONDUL (GER) 4 Let's Live Racing Milton Harris
13P ONE DAY (NZ) 6 Paul Beck Richard Guest
23-1321 OODACHEE 5 Modreeny Syndicate Charlie Swan IRE
2U22 PAK JACK (FR) 4 Sir Robert Ogden Philip Hobbs
03011F PERLE DE PUCE (FR) 5 Robert Waley-Cohen Nicky Henderson
U1U212 PIERCING SUN (IRE) 5 Mrs A F Mee Tony Mullins IRE
15/-1 ROSS RIVER 8 Seamus Ross Philip Hobbs
161-1121 ROYAL ROSA (FR) 5 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
11 SADLERS WINGS (IRE) 6 John Brennan Willie Mullins IRE
2/-62 SCORNED (GER) 9 Kingsclere Stud Andrew Balding
512 SIMOUN (IRE) 6 The Macca & Growler Partnership Martin Pipe
SINDAPOUR (IRE) 6 Mary Burke Martin Pipe
113-14 SIXO (IRE) 7 Matt Archer & Jean Broadhurst Martin Pipe
21211 SPECIAL RATE (IRE) 7 J Brown, Mrs Bunter, M Deeley & Mrs Faccenda Alan King
1 TEAM TASSEL (IRE) 6 Matt Archer & Jean Broadhurst Martin Pipe
13-11 TIGHTEN YOUR BELT (IRE) 7 The MerseyClyde Partnership Venetia Williams
00650 UPTON GEM (IRE) 5 George Ross John Joe Murphy IRE
1-11 VERY OPTIMISTIC (IRE) 6 Gay Smith Jonjo O'Neill
20110 WAR OF ATTRITION (IRE) 5 Gigginstown House Stud Mouse Morris IRE
10-22116 WATSON LAKE (IRE) 6 John Corr Noel Meade IRE
113-10 WIDEMOUTH BAY (IRE) 6 Mrs J F Deithrick Philip Hobbs
2-14F14 WINTERTIDE 8 J E Brown Charlie Mann
10-44251 YARDBIRD (IRE) 5 Gilco Henrietta Knight
1 YOUNG COLLIER 5 Wally Sturt Jim Old
13454 ZIBELINE (IRE) 7 Ashley Carr Brian Ellison
1U ZIGGY ZEN 5 All For One and One For All Partnership Charlie Mann
241 ZIMBABWE 4 Sargent Gillespie Gary Moore

79 entries remain
20 Irish-trained
1 German-trained

THE FOLLOWING 34 HORSES WERE TAKEN OUT AT THE FEBRUARY 24 FORFEIT STAGE: AFISTFULLOFDOLLARS (IRE), ALWAYS, CLASSIC NATIVE (IRE), CLOUDY GREY (IRE), COPSALE LAD, DANTYS HAMPSHIRE (IRE), DEEP RETURN (IRE), DIZZY'S DREAM (IRE), EASTER OGIL (IRE), EASTER PRESENT (IRE), EL VAQUERO (IRE), FIELD MARSHAL (IRE), FORTY LICKS (IRE), GEILL SLI (IRE), GRAPHIC APPROACH (IRE), HARDY DUCKETT (IRE), HASANPOUR (IRE), OLIVER (IRE), KIM FONTAINE (FR), KRACH (FR), LIBERMAN (IRE), MOUNT KARINGA, NARWHAL (IRE), OLD FLAME (IRE), OUNDLE SCOUNDREL (FR), OVERSTRAND (IRE), PADDY THE PIPER (IRE), PARSONS LEGACY (IRE), POP ART (FR), PROGRESSIVE (IRE), THE PARISHIONER (IRE), TRABOLGAN (IRE), VIC VILLE (IRE), WILLIE JOHN DALY (IRE)

THE JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE

Class A, Grade One, Total Prize Fund £100,000, Cheltenham, Thursday, March 18, 2004. Two Miles, One Furlong. For Novice Four-Year-Olds only. Weights: 11st each. Allowances: fillies & mares 5lb. Entries closed Wednesday, January 28, 2004. Entries revealed Monday, February 2, 2004 (125 entries). Forfeit stage Tuesday, February 24, 2004 (92 remain). Five-day confirmation stage Saturday, March 13, 2004. Final declaration stage 10.15am, Wednesday, March 17, 2004. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Monday, February 23, 2004. May not include some overseas form.

Form Horse Age Owner Trainer
2240 A TOI A MOI (FR) 4 T England Venetia Williams
60545 ACCELERATION (IRE) 4 Kim Marshall, Sue Rigby, Susan Warren Dick Allan
31 ADOPTED HERO (IRE) 4 N J Jones, Phil Collins Gary Moore
2142 AFTER EIGHT (GER) 4 Let's Live Racing Milton Harris
112 AL EILE (IRE) 4 M A Ryan John Queally IRE
ALL STAR (GER) 4 Nicky Henderson Nicky Henderson
12 ANALOGY (IRE) 4 Hugh Villiers Charlie Mann
40 ARIMERO (GER) 4 Robert Sinclair Charlie Swan IRE
31PP30 BORDER TALE 4 Chadwick, Dyer & Flynn Colin Weedon
14 CALLOW LAKE (IRE) 4 Coirle Forde David Wachman
CAMILLE PISSARRO (USA) 4 Lavender Hill Stud LLC David Wintle
42 CHERUB (GER) 4 Atlantic Joinery Limited Jonjo O'Neill
12412 CHIEF YEOMAN 4 B Moore & E C Stephens Venetia Williams
5 CHOCKDEE (FR) 4 John & Barbara Cotton Paul Nicholls
224 CROIX DE GUERRE (IRE) 4 Jack Joseph Philip Hobbs
232120 CUPLA CAIRDE 4 Ceathrar Le Ceile Syndicate Dessie Hughes IRE
01 DALARAM (IRE) 4 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
04 DANNY LEAHY (FR) 4 D Green Micky Hammond
DEFINATE SPECTACLE (IRE) 4 Mrs P Sloan Noel Meade IRE
1 DIAMOND MAXINE (IRE) 4 Diamond Racing Ltd John Berry
301 DICKENS (USA) 4 P Ryan Venetia Williams
432 DIEGO GARCIA (IRE) 4 J J Brennan Willie Mullins IRE
250510 DRIFT AWAY (USA) 4 Jim Lambe Jim Lambe IRE
612414 EDMO YEWKAY (IRE) 4 Edmolift UK Ltd Tim Easterby
FAMOUS GROUSE 4 Martin Myers Charlie Mann
3225 FLAKE 4 Keith Nicholson Sue Smith
4 FLYING WANDA 4 Sir Robert Ogden Paul Nicholls
1 FONTANESI (IRE) 4 David Johnson Martin Pipe
00 FRONT RANK (IRE) 4 Off The Bridle Partnership Kim Bailey
2 GLENCOYLE (IRE) 4 Raymond Tooth Nicky Henderson
F62203 GOLDEN TRIANGLE (IRE) 4 Craft Syndicate Patrick Carey IRE
10 HASANPOUR (IRE) 4 Mrs Gay Smith Charlie Swan IRE
2340 HOPE SOUND (IRE) 4 R Wagner Brian Ellison
1214 HOWLE HILL (IRE) 4 J Brown, R Benton, R Devereux, R A Lucas Alan King
022 HUMID CLIMATE 4 J E M Hawkins Ltd Richard Fahey
3111 IMAZULUTOO (IRE) 4 Mark Salmon Jessica Harrington IRE
1111 KING REVO (IRE) 4 Dick Renwick & Mrs C Barclay Patrick Haslam
56 KJETIL (USA) 4 Clive D Smith Paul Nicholls
30U0 KRISTOFFERSEN 4 Sir Clement Freud, Andrew Wright, Charles Wilson Robert Stronge
F55350 LEAP YEAR LASS 4 Dingley Dell Racing Ltd Chris Grant
14412 LOCKSMITH 4 David Johnson Martin Pipe
F423 LORD OF BEAUTY (FR) 4 Warren, Upton & Chenkin & Townson Noel Chance
331 MADE IN JAPAN (JPN) 4 Terry Evans Philip Hobbs
106P MAJOR SPECULATION (IRE) 4 Latona Leisure Limited Martin Pipe
1111FP MANGUIER (FR) 4 R Fougedoire Guillaume Macaire FR
06P MARK OF ZORRO (IRE) 4 The Waney Racing Group Inc. Oliver Sherwood
3404 MIGWELL (FR) 4 DGM Partership David Wintle
41 MILORD LESCRIBAA (FR) 4 Jimmyz Jokers Martin Pipe
2P MIO CARO (FR) 4 Mike Browne Noel Chance
33 MISTER ARJAY (USA) 4 Keith Middleton Brian Ellison
1121 MONDUL (GER) 4 Let's Live Racing Milton Harris
20 MOULIN RICHE (FR) 4 J C Seroul Francois Doumen FR
112 MY WILL (FR) 4 Judy Stewart Paul Nicholls
R NUMITAS (GER) 4 Patricia Thompson Philip Hobbs
1 ONCE SEEN 4 Oliver Sherwood Oliver Sherwood
10 OSCARS VISION (IRE) 4 Brendan W Duke Racing Brendan Duke
2U22 PAK JACK (FR) 4 Sir Robert Ogden Philip Hobbs
122 PARKNASILLA 4 Lady Bland Mick Easterby
0 PARSHAWAR (IRE) 4 Rita Shah Oliver Brady IRE
454P PENRIC 4 P G Horrocks Clive Cox
2354 PILGRIMS PROGRESS (IRE) 4 P A Newey Philip Hobbs
511 POP ART (FR) 4 J L Tepper Christophe Aubert FR
311 POWER ELITE (IRE) 4 Des Sharkey Noel Meade IRE
24-312P PREDESTINE (FR) 4 Dream Makers Partnership Kim Bailey
P PRINCE HOLING 4 FF Racing Services Partnership X Venetia Williams
0 PROMINENT FEATURE (IRE) 4 Michael Smurfit Dermot Weld IRE
QUEEN ASTRID (IRE) 4 Dr R Lambe Dermot Weld IRE
23441 RAIKKONEN (IRE) 4 Austin Fanning Willie Mullins IRE
1 RAYSHAN (IRE) 4 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
25205 REDSPIN (IRE) 4 Fitri Hay Stan Moore
22 ROYAL KATIDOKI (FR) 4 Anthony Speelman Nicky Henderson
54116 SEAFORDE (IRE) 4 Sir Anthony O'Reilly Mouse Morris IRE
3 SHARP RIGGING (IRE) 4 Alex Hales Alex Hales
SHOUETTE (IRE) 4 O Finetto John Joseph Murphy IRE
SIDONIUS (POL) 4 The Pole to Pole Partnership Pru Townsley
21 SILK SCREEN (IRE) 4 J J Brennan Willie Mullins IRE
664 SPY GAME (IRE) 4 Sean Dunne Dessie Hughes IRE
42P160 SUNRAY 4 Mr Rose Mr Hague Mr Spierling Mr Powell Evan Williams
123 TAMARINBLEU (FR) 4 The Arthur White Partnership Martin Pipe
F2F21 TARQUE (IRE) 4 John Nicholls (Banbury) Ltd Venetia Williams
051 THREE MIRRORS 4 Sean J Murphy Tony Mullins IRE
021240 TOP STRATEGY (IRE) 4 W J Kane Ted Walsh IRE
41111 TROUBLE AT BAY (IRE) 4 Nigel Bunter Alan King
411 TUSK 4 Hogarth Racing Henrietta Knight
54 UNICORN REWARD (IRE) 4 Mrs A Kane & Mrs M Crane Micky Hammond
33132 VAL DU DON (FR) 4 J Detre Guillaume Macaire FR
11123 WEB PERCEPTIONS (USA) 4 Let's Live Racing Milton Harris
2 WILD PASSION (GER) 4 Des Sharkey Noel Meade IRE
0 WIZARD OF EDGE 4 Peter Richardson Toby Balding
324135 YOU NEED LUCK (IRE) 4 Liam Brady Jessica Harrington IRE
02150 YOUNGBLOOD (IRE) 4 T Fitzpatrick Harry Rogers IRE
241 ZIMBABWE 4 Sargent Gillespie Gary Moore

92 entries remain
24 Irish-trained
5 French-trained

THE FOLLOWING 33 HORSES WERE TAKEN OUT AT THE FEBRUARY 24 FORFEIT STAGE: AMBER POINT (IRE), AMID THE CHAOS (IRE), ANDREAS (FR), ARCHITECTE (FR), ASTRONOMIC, BARNEY MCALL (IRE), BERNINI (IRE), BLUE CORRIG (IRE), BRUNSTON CASTLE, CORRIB BOY (IRE), EARLSFIELD RAIDER, EIMEAR'S PRIDE (IRE), ELECTRIQUE (IRE), EMANIC (FR), ENGLISHTOWN (FR), EXOTIC DANCER (FR), GOLD RING, GREAT COMPTON, GUILT, KENTUCKY BLUE (IRE), LESATH (USA), MA FURIE (FR), MERYL (FR), NAYODABAYO (IRE), PRINCESSE SONIA (FR), QABAS (USA), QUEL DOUN (FR), ROCKET SHIP (IRE), SAMANDARA (FR), SELVAS (GER), TACITUS (IRE), VERROCCHIO (IRE), ZEROBERTO (IRE)

SEKIGUCHI SENDS US$2.79 MILLION YEARLING TO NEW JAPANESE TRAINER

Sekiguchi, who owned the 2000 Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus, had sent out an unusual proposal to the world in September (see copy of that release below), offering the colt from the last crop of Sunday Silence to any trainer who had the ambition to train him.

This proposal resulted with over 25 responses from trainers all over the world and 30 from inside Japan.

The chosen trainer, Yasutoshi Ikee, 35, is a rookie starting his operation this spring under the Japan Racing Association.

Although he is a newcomer to the training profession, Yasutoshi was previously assistant to his father, Yasuo Ikee, trainer of several Grade One winners including Hong Kong Vase winner Stay Gold, Queen Elizabeth Commemorative Cup winner To The Victory and Japanese 2000 Guineas winner No Reason.

He has also acquired international experience, having for worked for trainers Sir Michael Stoute in England and Neil Drysdale in the USA.

Sekiguchi commented: "This was a difficult process but I have decided to invest my future on this young trainer.

"With his worldwide experience and knowledge, combined with his challenging spirit, I instinctively knew that this was the ingredient to success!"

The Sunday Silence foal was acquired by Sekiguchi in July at the Select Foal Sale in Hokkaido. The sale-topping price of US$2.79 million (330,000,000 yen) was the third highest in Japan's foal sale history, following a US$3 million (350,000,000 yen) colt by Tosho Boy out of Riki Sun Sun and a colt by Sunday Silence out of Dancing Key which marked US$2.8 million (335,000,000 yen).

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

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