2.40pm £25,000 NATIONAL BRITANNIA VETERAN’S HANDICAP 3m 2.5f
GOING: Good to soft
for the best odds go to www.BritOdds.com
BP= the best price at the time of writing
1. 182-P4 Too Forward Carl Llewellyn 12-11-12 Paddy Brennan
Good performer on his day (like many of these) and a Cheltenham specialist. Fair fourth there on January 1 over shorter trip. In deed, though he has won ofover this sort of distance, he has been running over two miles, four furlongs or two miles five furlongs for a fair while now. Has slipped down the ratings a bit but is still above his highest winning mark. BP= 10/1
2. P0-17P Sir Rembrandt Victor Dartnall12-11-10 James White(3)
Fair seventh here behind Denman in Hennessy and jockey can get a good tune out of a horse who seemed to have lost interest in racing early last year. Won on first start for new trainer before than but ran poorly last time. Trainer in fine form but horse can be sulky. BP= 7/1
3. 1P0-22 Tana River Emma Lavelle 12-11-07 Dominic Elsworth
Dual performer who who might have found extended three miles and five furlongs too far last time at Sandown. Previously second over hurdles. Likes to make the running. Almost racing off highest-ever mark. BP= 11/1
4. F002-0 Royal Emperor Sue Smith 12-11-07 Sam Thomas
Grade Two hurdle winner and showed some promise over fences in earlier years. Slightly disappointing on first start for over a year over hurdles at Haydock recently but will do better over fences. Racing off a fair mark. Has a couple of Cheltenham entries. BP= 25/1
5. -84U33 Royal Auclair Paul Nicholls 11-11-07t Harry Skelton(10)
Being aimed at the cross-country chase at Cheltenham, but seemed to enjoy himself in veteran company over shorter trip at Wincanton recently. Jockey won here yesterday and looks good for his 10 pound claim and should not be too far away over trip that suits well. However, he has not won since 2005. BP= 9/2
6. 2/452- Ossmoses Don Forster 11-11-03 Richard McGrath
Quietly fancied for last year’s Grand National before ruled out in March by injury. Definitely has the ability to win a contest like this, but missed intended engagement on good to soft at Haydock recently. Not run since March last year. Prefers heavy ground. BP= 16/1
7. 1659PP Ballycassidy Peter Bowen 12-11-01p Jamie Moore
Still has Grand National ambitions although his record in that race is atrocious. Has shown little form this season but has had a break, not appearing since November. Well treated on best form and will appreciate this ground. Trainer good at getting them fit. BP= 33/1
8. B-4U62 Briery Fox Henry Daly 10-10-11 Mark Bradburne
Second under a patient ride at Kempton recently and only one pound higher now. Has claims if settling well over slightly further distance, but stamina could be a slight worry. BP= 7/1
9. F-U654 Kandjar DìAllier Alan King 10-10-11 Robert Thornton
Showed he retains some appetite for racing with creditable fourth here in January, but not sure that step up in distance will provide enough improvement to take a race as strong as this. He is back on a fair mark. BP= 6/1
10. 334906 Tango Royal David Pipe 12-10-03tv Tom Scudamore
Last behind Royal Auclair at Wincanton on latest outing and probably better on faster ground. Also well beaten the time before. Well treated on some of his form. Fourth behind Kauto Star in last year’s Aon Chase here, but that seems a long time ago now. BP= 14/1
11. 4PP82P Mr Ed Peter Bowen 10-10-01p Seamus Durack
Good second in lesser event here over three miles on soft ground in December, and possible to excuse poor performance in desperate conditions at Warwick on latest start (trainer was also bang out of form). However, still winless since June, 2005, and has few secrets from handicapper. Also inconsistent. BP= 20/1
12. 45673U Mr Fluffy Tony Carroll 11-10-00 Colin Studd (5)
Has consistently struggled at a lower level and looks up against it from out of the handicap. BP= 50/1
13. 5/P324 Hidden Bounty 28 Keith Reveley 12-10-00b1 Felix de Giles (5)
Close fourth despite tiring over four miles on good ground at Doncaster and step down in trip should suit. Trainer does well with staying chasers and first-time blinkers could bring improvement from 12-year-old with good young jockey in saddle. BP= 10/1
SUMMARY
This is a tricky race but there are couple who are such big odds that it is worth backing both - Royal Emperor and Ballycassidy.- who are very talented at best, could return to form and are terrific value.
THE 2008 GODOLPHIN SEVEN STARS COMPETITION
The Godolphin Seven Stars, the greatest free-to-enter competition in the racing world, is now open for entries.
The entry period for the 2008 competition started today, March 1 and closes at 23.59hrs on Friday, March 28 (Dubai time).
With a tremendous first prize of US$50,000 and a luxury holiday for two to the 2009 Dubai World Cup, as well as US$25,000 for the runner-up and US$15,000 for the third plus four individual Challenge prizes of $7,000 each, there is every incentive to enter the 2008 Godolphin Seven Stars.
Following the exciting new format seen last year, entrants have to choose 14 Godolphin horses, seven of whom are active at any one time.
Entrants are able to swap horses within their 14-horse squad during designated “Swap Windows” three times in 2008.
The seven active Godolphin horses earn points according to their performances on racecourses around the globe, while each of the other seven remains dormant until called upon.
The first day for the Godolphin horses selected to earn points is Saturday, March 29, for the Dubai World Cup meeting and final day is Sunday, December 14, 2008.
Changes can be made during any of the three swap windows. The first window opens at 00.00hrs on Sunday, May 25 and closes at 23.59hrs on Saturday, May 31. The second opens at 00.00hrs on Friday, July 25 and closes at 23.59hrs on Thursday, July 31, while the final swap stage commences at 00.00hrs on Wednesday, September 24 and ends at 23.59hrs on Tuesday, September 30 (all times are Dubai time).
Points earned during each of the four Challenge phases are not carried forward to the next Challenge but all points gained contribute to the running total that will determine the overall Godolphin Seven Stars winner plus the second and third.
The first Challenge stage is from Saturday, March 29, to Saturday, May 31. Challenge Two commences on Sunday, June 1, and ends on Thursday, July 31, while Challenge Three runs from Friday, August 1, until Tuesday, September 30. The fourth and final Challenge starts on Wednesday, October 1, and finishes on Sunday, December 14.
Only one list of 14 horses per person can be accepted and, in the event of a tie, the entry which was made first will win the 2008 Godolphin Seven Stars first prize.
Racing novices may wish to make a Lucky Dip entry, where the computer will select 14 Godolphin horses.
Entrants are encouraged to follow the thrilling competition throughout the year on www.godolphin.com, while email alerts will be sent out whenever an active horse is declared to run and when horses gain points.
As befits the most international of all racing stables, the Godolphin Seven Stars appeals to people all around the world, with the first prize going to entrants from Cyprus (2007), Sri Lanka (2006), Uruguay (2005), Britain (2004 and 2000), Dubai (2003), Australia (2002) and France (2001).
There were entries from over 150 countries last year.
2008 IRISH THOROUGHBRED INFORMATION
IT ALL POINTS TO DENMAN FOR GOLD
There has been no better system for picking a Cheltenham Gold Cup winner in recent years than looking for an ex-Irish point-to-pointer. Time and again Ireland’s point-to-points have proved the perfect grounding for top-class staying chasers of the future.
Seven of the last 10 renewals of the Gold Cup have been won by an ex-Irish point-to-pointer, most recently in 2006 by War Of Attrition and notably by three-time winner Best Mate. The former’s trainer, Mouse Morris, believes that point-to-points are a far better preparation for jumping compared to bumpers, while the latter’s trainer, Henrietta Knight, is regularly seen on the Irish point-to-point circuit.
This year another ex-Irish pointer is tipped by many for Gold Cup glory, the brilliant Denman, who has been a revelation since the very first time he appeared in public at Liscarroll on March 20, 2005, his only point-to-point start.
Trained by Adrian Maguire for his Co Cork-based breeder Colman O’Flynn, he won a five-year-old gelding’s maiden by 12 lengths under Colman Sweeney from Just Naturally. The third-placed Snow Tern went on to win a Leopardstown bumper first time out by 20 lengths for Noel Meade which gave early indications this was no average maiden.
Denman was subsequently sold privately to owners Paul Barber and Harry Findlay to join Paul Nicholls, a big fan of Irish point-to-pointers, and has only been beaten once in 13 starts under Rules. His only defeat came when second to Nicanor in the 2006 Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle but other than that he has an unblemished record and has won all his eight starts over fences, including last season’s Grade 1 Royal & SunAlliance Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, this season’s Grade 1 Lexus Chase at Leopardstown and also he carried top weight to win the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at the start of this season.
The strapping son of Presenting, a full-brother to this year’s leading Royal & SunAlliance Chase contender Silverburn, is the most exciting up and coming chaser in many years and his Cheltenham Gold Cup ‘match’ against reigning champion Kauto Star could be the highlight of a generation.
Recent Cheltenham Gold Cup Winners
2008 Denman??? (Pointed in Cork)
2007 Kauto Star
2006 *War Of Attrition (Pointed in Tipperary)
2005 Kicking King (IRE)
2004 *Best Mate (Pointed in Galway & Waterford)
2003 *Best Mate (Pointed in Galway & Waterford)
2002 *Best Mate (Pointed in Galway & Waterford)
2001 No Race
2000 *Looks Like Trouble (Pointed in Cork)
1999 See More Business
1998 *Cool Dawn (Pointed in Limerick, Waterford, Cork & Sligo)
1997 *Mr Mulligan (Pointed in Tipperary, Meath & Kildare)
*None of the above Gold Cup winners listed managed to win a maiden first time out!
For Irish point-to-point form since 2000 and a wealth of other information about the sport, please refer to www.p2p.ie
Liam Burke
Although a decision has yet to be made about whether Thyne Again will line out for The Irish Independent Arkle Chase, trainer Liam Burke will have a couple of other top performer to cheer home at The Festival.
The County Cork man, a well-known producer of top-class Irish point-to-pointers, sold on three of Paul Nicholls’ Cheltenham hopefuls, Breedsbreeze, Mahonia and Gungadu.
“I start most of mine off in point-to-points. It’s a great schooling ground for young horses. Thyne Again didn’t actually point-to-point. He went straight to the track because he always showed us enough not to go that way,” explains Burke.
“At the minute, I’m undecided about bringing him to Cheltenham - it has to rain for him to run. He won well at Naas the last day, but I had a problem with him two years ago and it’s taken that long to get him back right that I don’t want to risk him. He came out of Naas perfect and he’ll probably go to Fairyhouse at Easter if he doesn’t run at Cheltenham.”
A fine run so far this term sees Burke second to his neighbour Jimmy Mangan in the leading handler championship on the Irish point-to-point circuit, while he gained his first Grade One success when Thyne Again landed the Arkle Chase at Leopardstown. Another highlight of the season was former point-to-point winner Sir Frederick’s success in the Galway Plate during the summer.
“It’s been a good season. Three who I used to have - Breedsbreeze, Mahonia and Gungadu - are running at The Festival. It’s great to see them doing well. It would be great also for Irish point-to-points if Denman won the Gold Cup, but it’ll be a tough race.”
Burke’s First Down Jets, runner-up to compatriot Whyso Mayo in the 2006 Christie’s Foxhunters, looks set to return to Prestbury Park for a crack at the BGC Cross-Country Chase. However, the handler is unsure if he’ll get into the race, as he needs six to come out of it at this stage.
Looking towards the future and other possible contenders for Gold Cups in the years to come, Burke highlighted two of his as possible future starts.
“Breedsbreeze and Mahonia are probably the best that I’ve had recently, but Paul Barber has Big Fella Thanks, who will be a good horse over fences next year. Another one called Herecomesthetruth won his last run, but he’s pulled a muscle. He’s a nice horse and should be back again soon.”
Sabrina Harty
Dual purpose trainer Sabrina Harty, who has enjoyed great success from her small string of horses on the Curragh in County Kildare, reports JCB Triumph Hurdle hope Won In The Dark to be in top condition ahead of The Festival.
“Won In The Dark is in great form - very fresh and well in himself. He came out of his last run at Leopardstown fresher than he went in, funnily enough.
“He’ll be my first runner at the actual Festival, so it’s very exciting. It’s amazing to have a horse with a good chance to go to Cheltenham with. He only cost €1,800, so it’s nice to give the ordinary Joe Soap some hope. It’s great also for the owner Ger Crehan.”
Harty picked up the four-year-old outside the ring at the Goffs Horses In-Training Sale in October, 2006. Having travelled to the sales with the Crehans in search of a bumper or event horse, Sabrina went to see the then two-year-old and they ended up buying him, with a view to eventing him in a couple of years.
Her star performer landed the Grade One Durkan New Homes Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas and followed up with a good Grade Two second at that same track on February 10. He chased home Franchoek at Cheltenham in November, while he has also been campaigned on the level since being bought out of Frances Crowley’s yard.
Harty formerly competed at international level in eventing at both Punchestown and Ballindenisk on her cousin’s horse War Paint. Among her opposition on occasions were Crehan’s daughters Pamela and Laura. Although she still has one eventer, she has less time to concentrate on him as her stable of racehorses continues to grow.
A daughter of former jockey and trainer Buster Harty, a career in horses was always on the cards for Sabrina, though things have worked out differently than she initially thought.
“In September 2006, I took out my public licence but I’ve had a restricted licence since 2003. My parents had horses they bred and there was one filly that we wanted to keep, she was practically part of the family, so I took out the permit to train her.
“It just kind of snowballed from there - I just kept getting sent horses. So I made the decision to take out the full licence, reluctantly, because it’s hard to make a living out of it. At the same time, I couldn’t send away horses. I’ve about 16 in now, but some are breakers.”
Her cousin, Eddie Harty, will saddle Captain Cee Bee at The Festival and Sabrina has schooled the Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices’ Hurdle favourite at her Curragh yard.
“I also worked for Dermot Weld for nearly eight years and I’ve ridden both Prince Erik and Siege Of Ennis so, along with my own horse, I’ve ridden three horses entered for a Grade One at The Festival - it’s not too many trainers who can say that!"
IRISH BREDS - SOME KEY FACTS
- At the last six Cheltenham Festivals, 70 of the 131 races (53.4%) were won by Irish-bred horses with 37 of the 60 Grade 1 races (61.7%) falling to Irish-breds in the same period. Last year, 50% of the winners at The Festival were Irish-bred.
- Recent Irish-bred Festival winners include such stars as Best Mate, Kicking King, War Of Attrition, Denman, Katchit, Brave Inca, Hardy Eustace, Moscow Flyer, Newmill, Black Jack Ketchum, Istabraq, Kingscliff, Looks Like Trouble, Florida Pearl, Fundamentalist, Rule Supreme, Back In Front, Total Enjoyment, Like-A-Butterfly, Flagship Uberalles, Monsignor, Pizarro, Spot Thedifference, Ebaziyan, Wichita Lineman, Thisthatandtother, Cork All Star and Massini’s Maguire.
- Leading totesport Gold Cup contender and Irish point-to-point graduate Denman led home an Irish-bred 1-2-3-4-5 in last year’s Grade 1 Royal & SunAlliance Chase.
- This is a golden era for Irish racing and Sizing Europe, along with last year’s winner Sublimity, head the team bidding to land the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle for Ireland for a fifth successive year. No less than 17 of the remaining 29 Champion Hurdle entries are trained in Ireland and include former dual winner Hardy Eustace, Grade 1 winner Silent Oscar, Noel Meade’s trio Harchibald, Aitmatov and Jazz Messenger plus Ebaziyan, winner of last season’s Grade 1 Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
- Cork All Star last year became the 14th Irish-bred winner in 15 runnings of the Weatherbys Champion Bumper. The only exception, Missed That, was a graduate of Irish point-to-points. Winners have included horses who have progressed to perform at the highest level such as Pizarro, Monsignor, Florida Pearl, Alexander Banquet, Montelado and Dato Star.
- In 2006, all three winners of the Festival showpieces - War Of Attrition, Newmill and Brave Inca - were Irish-bred. The trio could have been bought at the sales in Ireland for a combined total of under Ir£27,000. War Of Attrition cost Ir£2,000 as a foal at Tattersalls Ireland, Brave Inca was an Ir1,600gns foal from the same venue, while Newmill was an Ir£24,000 four-year-old from the Goffs Land Rover Sale.
- In Great Britain and Ireland last year, 27 Irish-bred horses won a total of 31 (55.4%) Grade 1 races, while 74 Irish-bred runners landed 78 (50%) Grade 2 and 3 events during the year.
Irish-bred horses have won 9 of the last 10 runnings of the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup and, with former Irish point-to-pointer Denman prominent in the betting for this year’s race along with 2005 winner Kicking King, there is every chance that the total can be added to on Friday, March 14.
IRISH POINT-TO-POINTS - The Best Pointer To The Future
Denman will by no means be the only ex-Irish point-to-pointer on show at the Cheltenham Festival next week. Time and again Ireland’s point-to-points have proved the perfect grounding for top-class staying chasers of the future. In 2007 ex-Irish pointers won over 500 races under Rules for most of Britain and Ireland’s top trainers, yielding more than 4.5 million euros in win prize money alone.
As well as seven of the last 10 totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup winners, other notable point-to-point graduates include 10-time Grade 1 winner Beef Or Salmon, the last two Racing Post Chase winners, Gungadu and Simon, as well as greats such as Florida Pearl and Spot Thedifference.
Amazingly the first four home in last year’s John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree – Silver Birch, Slim Pickings, McKelvey and Philson Run – were all Irish point-to-point graduates. Silver Birch was following in the steps of recent Aintree heroes Monty’s Pass and Bindaree while recent Irish Grand National winners Davids Lad, The Bunny Boiler and Timbera boasted the same grounding.
Looking to Cheltenham this year, former Irish pointers Mossbank and Our Vic head the betting for this year’s Grade 1 Ryanair Chase, while exciting novice hurdlers Trafford Lad and Breedsbreeze are graduates of the Irish point-to-pointing field.
This season’s Grade 2 Letheby & Christopher Chase hero Knowhere, a debut winner in Armagh, is another heading for the Totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup while Kazal, a contender for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle, finished third on his only point-to-point outing.
The highly-touted Apt Approach, trained by Willie Mullins, will bid to continue the outstanding record of ex-Irish pointers in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper as will stablemate Drive On Regardles, the Jessica Harrington-trained Horner Woods and the Paul Nicholls-trained Mahonia, an easy winner at Chepstow, who is set to carry the Best Mate colours of owner Jim Lewis.
Last year’s winner Heads On the Ground and antepost favourite Wonderkid are among the ex-pointers heading for the BGC Chase over Cheltenham’s cross-country course while Drombeag will be bidding for back-to-back victories in the Christie’s Foxhunter Chase in which the improving Agus A Vic looks set to start favourite.
IRISH POINT-TO-POINT FORM OF SOME LEADING CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL CONTENDERS
Agus A Vic (IRE) – Pat Martin
Won a maiden at Kirkistown on November 18, 2006, before going on to land a winners’ event at Maralin the following month. Has since won three hunter chases culminating in a defeat of Climate Control in Leopardstown last month.
Apt Approach (IRE) - Willie Mullins
Fell at the last on his only start when 10 lengths clear in a 4yo maiden at Punchestown on February 18, 2007. Made an impressive winning debut in Bumper in Gowran in February.
Beantown (IRE) - Sean Aherne
Ran three times. Fourth on debut at Kilworth on March 28, 2004 before winning by 15 lengths at Ballindenisk on December 4, 2005. Half-length runner-up in a winners of two at Killeagh on January 15, 2006.
Breedsbreeze (IRE) - Paul Nicholls GB
Finished second on his debut at Dromahane on May 21, 2007, before winning by 12 lengths at that same track on October 22, 2006.
Clarnazar (IRE) - Noel Meade
Pulled up on debut. Scored on his second and final start at Sligo on May 14, 2006.
Denman (IRE) - Paul Nicholls GB
Trained by Adrian Maguire to win by 12 lengths at Liscaroll on March 20, 2005.
Drive On Regardles (IRE) – Willie Mullins
Finished fourth and seventh on only two starts in March, 2007.
Drombeag (IRE) – Jonjo O’Neill GB
Won at Lemonfield under J T McNamara in March, 2002.
Dun Doire (IRE) - Tony Martin
Won one of four starts in 2004, scoring at Oldcastle on March 28 that year.
Enlightenment (IRE) - Evan Williams GB
Runner-up and faller before scoring easily on final start at Horse and Jockey on March 13, 2005.
Forget The Past (GB) - Michael O’Brien
Won at Maralin on May 3, 2003.
Fota Island (IRE) - Mouse Morris
Fell on debut at Kilfeacle in January 20, 2002, before winning by 20 lengths at Nenagh a week later.
Fundamentalist (IRE) - Nigel Twiston-Davies GB
Ran six times in 2003, winning last three starts, finally at Templemore on October 26, 2003.
Glasker Mill (IRE) - Henrietta Knight GB
Won only start by five lengths under Derek O’Connor at Maralin on November 13, 2004.
Gungadu (GB) - Paul Nicholls GB
Ran four times for owner Paul Barber. Finished third first time out at Lemonfield on March 7, 2004, and then went on to score at Athlacca three weeks later. The following season he won by 20 lengths at Dungarvan on January 23, 2005, and by a neck at Kildorrery on February 20, 2005. Colman Sweeney was on board for his three victories.
Heads Onthe Ground (IRE) - Enda Bolger
Impressive winner of his debut in an Open at Ballinrobe on October 8, 2006, before following up in another Open at Loughrea the following week on his only starts.
Hear The Echo (IRE) - Mouse Morris
Easy 4yo maiden winner on only start at Tallow on February 6, 2005.
Hi Cloy (IRE) - Michael Hourigan
Ran three times in 2002, winning at Naas on March 18.
High Chimes (IRE) - Evan Williams GB
Good winner on third and final start at Dromahane on April 18, 2004.
Horner Woods (IRE) – Jessica Harrington
Won only start at Dundrum in March, 2007, in division two of a three-mile maiden. Razor Royale won the first division. He followed up with an easy success in a Bumper in Navan on 17th February.
Idle Talk (IRE) - Donald McCain Jnr GB
Ridden by Colman Sweeney to win at Carrigtwohill on February 1, 2004.
This imposing individual looked a high-class prospect when winning a 4yo winners race at Summerhill by eight lengths on his debut in April, 2005.
Joaaci (IRE) - David Pipe GB
Won at Knockanard on February 13, 2005.
Kazal (FR) - Eoin Griffin
Made an eye-catching debut when finishing third to The Luder in a 4yo maiden in Kilmallock on April 3, 2005.
Knowhere (IRE) - Nigel Twiston-Davies GB
Won only start at Farmaclaffley on February 21, 2004
Leading Attraction (IRE) - Paul Nicholls GB
Beat Jamadiel by two and a half lengths on his only run in a 5yo geldings’ maiden at Wexford on April 23, 2006.
Lord Of Illusion (IRE) - Tom George GB
Finished second to Therealbandit at Lismore on March 3, 2002.
Mahonia (IRE) – Paul Nicholls GB
Second on only start at Dromahane on May 6, 2007.
Mister Top Notch (IRE) - Davy Fitzgerald
Finished second at Dungourney on November 6, 2004
Mossbank (IRE) - Michael Hourigan
Easy debut winner on only start in a 5&6yo geldings’ maiden at Lemonfield on March 6, 2005.
Native Jack (IRE) - Philip Rothwell
Most recent success came in Open at Ballindenisk on December 4, 2005.
Newbay Prop (IRE) - Tony Martin
Debut faller before winning his maiden at Limavady on March 19, 2005. Finished second in the open back at Limavady 12 months later.
Newton Bridge (IRE) - Gordon Elliott
Second on his debut at Castletown-Geoghegan on October 23, 2005, before finishing fifth at Tattersalls Farm on November 20, 2005.
Our Vic (IRE) - David Pipe GB
Won 4yo maiden at Oldcastle on March 24, 2002.
Razor Royale (IRE) – Nigel Twiston-Davies GB
Won maiden at Dundrum on March 25, 2007.
Simon (GB) - John Spearing GB
Won only start by eight lengths at Ballysteen on April 25, 2004.
Scotsirish (IRE) - Willie Mullins
Won only start at Loughbrickland on April 9, 2005.
Snowy Morning (IRE) - Willie Mullins
Three seconds, two wins - at Clonmel (May 8, 2005) and Ballon (January 29, 2006) - and a fall from six outings in point to points.
Spring The Que (IRE) – Robert Tyner
Won at Ballynoe in April, 2004.
Trafford Lad (IRE) - Eamon Sheehy
Unlucky last fence faller when clear on only start at Liscarroll on March 25, 2007.
The Roney Man - Tony Martin
Good winner of a 4yo maiden at Lingstown on November 28, 2004, before following up in a winners’ of two at Tyrella on January 29, 2005, from his only starts.
Wonderkid - Tony Martin
Close second on his debut before scoring 10 days later at Loughanmore on March 29, 2005. Pulled up on his next start that April at Tattersalls Farm in a winners’ race and was carried out before the last when challenging in a winners’ of one at Limavady on March 25, 2006.
BOUGHT IN THE IRISH SALES RING
Many of this year's Festival contenders were sold in the sale ring in Ireland, either at Goffs or Tattersalls Ireland. They include expensive purchases such as Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices’ Hurdle market leader Muirhead, who was bought by owner Joe Sloan for €105,000 at the 2006 Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale, but many of those bidding for top honours, including Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle favourite Sizing Europe (a €9,000 foal), could have been picked up very cheaply.
A bargain price has never proved a barrier to Festival success as seen in 2006 when the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle winner Brave Inca cost just Ir1,600gns as a foal and that year's totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup hero War Of Attrition was sold for only Ir2,000gns at the same age. He is one of six of the last eight totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup winners to have been sold at Irish sales.
Horse
Cost Age Sale
ALBERTAS RUN
€14,000 foal 2001 Tattersalls Ireland November
€20,000 3yo 2004 Tattersalls Ireland Derby
BARKER
€2,539 foal 2001 Tattersalls Ireland November
BILLYVODDAN
€90,000 3yo 2002 Tattersalls Ireland Derby
BLACK JACK KETCHUM
€50,000 3yo 2002 Tattersalls Ireland Derby
Ir21,000gns foal 1999 Tattersalls Ireland November
BREEDSBREEZE
€3,400 foal 2002 Goffs December NH
€8,200 3yo 2005 Tattersalls Ireland November
C'EST CA
€42,000 yearling 2005 Goffs Million
CAPTAIN CEE BEE
Ir£4,400 foal 2001 Goffs December
CHIEF DAN GEORGE
Ir£17,000 yearling 2001 Tattersalls Ireland November
CORNISH REBEL
Ir£110,000 4yo 2001 Tattersalls Ireland Derby
CORSKEAGH ROYALE
€11,000 yearling 2004 Tattersalls Ireland February
FAR FROM TROUBLE
Ir12,000gns foal 1999 Tattersalls Ireland November
FIELD COMMANDER
€15,500 3yo 2005 Tattersalls Ireland August
FIVEFORTHREE
€6,000 foal 2002 Tattersalls Ireland November
FLIGHT LEADER
€31,000 4yo 2004 Tattersalls Ireland Derby
FOTA ISLAND
Ir£38,000 4yo 2000 Tattersalls Ireland Derby
Ir20,000gns 3yo 1999 Tattersalls Ireland Derby
FRENCH ACCORDION
€15,400 foal 2000 Goffs December
GEMINI LUCY
€20,000 3yo 2003 Tattersalls Ireland Derby
GONE TO LUNCH
€14,000 4yo 2004 Tattersalls Ireland Derby
HAIRY MOLLY
€6,200 4yo 2004 Tattersalls Ireland February
HARDY EUSTACE
Ir£21,000 4yo 2001 Goffs Land Rover
HARPER VALLEY
€24,000 yearling 2005 Goffs Million
HI CLOY
Ir14,000gns yearling 1998 Tattersalls Ireland November
JOAACI
Ir£4,400 yearling 2001 Tattersalls Ireland November
JOE LIVELY
€12,000 4yo 2003 Goffs Land Rover
KNOWHERE
Ir£18,500 3yo 2001 Tattersalls Ireland August
LENNON
€12,000 3yo 2003 Goffs Land Rover
LILYWHITEDANCER
€10,000 3yo 2005 Tattersalls Ireland Derby
€40,000 4yo 2006 Tattersalls Ireland Derby
MAJESTIC CONCORDE
€72,000 yearling 2004 Goffs Orby
MISTER TOP NOTCH
€600 4yo 2003 Tattersalls Ireland August
MONET'S GARDEN
Ir£35,000 3yo 2001 Tattersalls Ireland Derby
MON MICHEL
€58,000 yearling 2004 Goffs Orby
MOSSBANK
€5,000 3yo 2003 Goffs December
MUIRHEAD
€12,500 yearling 2004 Goffs February
€105,000 3yo 2006 Tattersalls Ireland Derby
NATIVE JACK
Ir4,200gns yearling 1995 Tattersalls Ireland November
NEWMILL
Ir£24,000 4yo 2002 Goffs Land Rover
O'MUIRCHEARTAIGH
Ir£16,000 yearling 2001 Tattersalls Ireland November
OUR BOB
€11,000 foal 2002 Tattersalls Ireland November
€50,000 yearling 2003 Tattersalls Ireland November
PATCHES
Ir1,200gns foal 1999 Tattersalls Ireland November
RACING DEMON
Ir£8,100 yearling 2001 Tattersalls Ireland November
SCHINDLERS HUNT
€28,000 4yo 2004 Goffs Land Rover Sale
SCOTSIRISH
Ir£15,000 foal 2001 Tattersalls Ireland November
SIZING EUROPE
€9,000 foal 2002 Tattersalls Ireland November
SNAP TIE
€36,000 foal 2002 Tattersalls Ireland November
SNOWY MORNING
€25,000 3yo 2003 Tattersalls Ireland Derby
Ir10,500gns foal 2000 Tattersalls Ireland November
TAZBAR
€7,800 foal 2002 Tattersalls Ireland November
€9,000 yearling 2003 Tattersalls Ireland November
TIDAL BAY
Ir£5,800 foal 2001 Tattersalls Ireland November
TIDAL FURY
€48,000 foal 2002 Tattersalls Ireland November
TOT O'WHISKEY
€13,000 3yo 2004 Tattersalls Ireland Derby
TURPIN GREEN
€35,000 4yo 2004 Tattersalls Ireland Derby
Ir£31,000 yearling 2000 Tattersalls Ireland November
Ir8,500gns foal 1999 Tattersalls Ireland November
WHATUTHINK
€11,500 foal 2002 Tattersalls Ireland November
€40,000 yearling 2003 Tattersalls Ireland November
WON IN THE DARK
€36,000 foal 2004 Goffs November
€65,000 yearling 2005 Goffs Million
ZAARITO
€4,500 foal 2002 Tattersalls Ireland November
€10,000 yearling 2003 Tattersalls Ireland November
€14,000 4yo 2006 Tattersalls Ireland February
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