Thursday, March 6, 2008

COUNTDOWN TO EPSOM IS UNDER WAY

A total of 125 three-year-olds, who were originally entered as yearlings in December, 2006, remain in the 2008 Vodafone Derby including last season’s unbeaten champion two-year-old New Approach.

The Galileo colt, whose juvenile season culminated in a Group One Darley Dewhurst Stakes success, is trained by Jim Bolger and - having been bought in entirety by Sheikh Mohammed - will this year carry the colours of the owner’s wife Princess Haya of Jordan.

Another notable entry is last season’s Group Two Beresford Stakes winner Curtain Call, who has left Jessica Harrington’s yard to join Luca Cumani, successful in the Vodafone Derby in 1988 with Kahyasi and 1998 with High-Rise.

Curtain Call is owned by a partnership including bloodstock agent Patrick Cooper and a number of shares representing a 1/50th interest in the colt have reportedly been for sale for £75,000.

“The intention is to run Curtain Call in the Vodafone Derby,” said Cooper. “We’ve syndicated him but we always intended to keep a large piece of him. Luca’s won the Derby twice before so he was an obvious choice as a trainer.
“He’ll have one run before lining up in the Derby, which will either be the Prix Hocquart at Longchamp (May 5) or the Lingfield Derby Trial (May 10). Both of Luca’s previous Derby winners won at Lingfield beforehand, so he’ll probably go there, although he will have to carry a penalty in the race. It will be the trainer’s call as to where he runs.

“He’s settled in well at Luca’s and has filled out a lot over the winter. He’s never going to be a huge big horse and we think he will handle Epsom and get a mile and a half well.

“He looked a million dollars before finishing fifth in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster, but Fran Berry told us on the way down to the start that he didn’t feel right and he ran flat because he was over the top by then.”
No less than 26 of those remaining in the Vodafone Derby will bid to give trainer Aidan O’Brien a third success in the 12-furlong Classic, which has prize money of £1.25 million. Among them are Washington Irving, a well-regarded three-parts brother to Vodafone Oaks heroine Alexandrova who finished fourth on his only start, Leopardstown Listed winner Alessandro Volta, the Group Two Coventry Stakes hero Henrythenavigator, Navan maiden scorer Kingdom Of Naples, Plan, who ran away with a Leopardstown maiden last season, and Zulu Chief, an unraced half-brother to Hawk Wing.

Although trainer Saeed bin Suroor trained Lammtarra to land the Classic in 1995, the colours of his employer Godolphin have yet to be carried to victory in the Vodafone Derby. There are nine Godolphin-owned entries this year including the Group One Racing Post Trophy hero Ibn Khaldun, Group One Darley Dewhurst Stakes second Fast Company, Listed-placed Fateh Field, and the unraced Meydan City, an $11.7 million purchase who is the second dearest yearling of all time.

There are a total of 42 entries trained in Ireland, 11 based in France and nine who could represent Japanese owner Hidetoshi Yamamoto.

Other Irish-trained entries include Slaney Wave, an unraced full-brother to 2006 champion juvenile Teofilo trained by Jim Bolger and six from John Oxx’s stable including Dundalk maiden winner King Of Queens.

There is a strong entry from France, including seven owned by the Aga Khan with four trained by Alain de Royer Dupre and three with Jean Claude Rouget, and Tamayuz, who is unbeaten in two starts for Freddie Head.

Other entries include five from Sir Michael Stoute’s stable, including Nottingham maiden winner Patkai and the well-regarded French Riviera, and Foolin Myself, who landed a maiden last year for owner Bill Gredley and trainer Barry Hills. First-season trainer David Lanigan could also be represented in the Vodafone Derby via the Gredley-owned Hellzapoppin.

There is a second entry stage for the Vodafone Derby, for those not put in the race as yearlings, on April 8 and several of the leading antepost fancies could be added to the field then.

Henry Cecil’s duo Twice Over and Kandahar Run, Group One Criterium International scorer Thewayyouare, Ascot conditions race winner Confront, who is trained by Sir Michael Stoute for Khalid Abdulla, and Empowered, a half-brother to 2007 Vodafone Derby hero Authorized, are among those currently not in the race.

CAMERON DREAMING OF EPSOM SUCCESS Ian Cameron, father of Conservative Party leader David Cameron, is hoping to be among those represented at Epsom Downs on Saturday, June 7.

The John Dunlop-trained Mountain Pride, winner of a Leicester maiden last season and a son of the 2002 Vodafone Derby hero High Chaparral, could be a first runner in the premier Classic for Cameron, who is no stranger to success as an owner.

“Mountain Pride is the first horse I’ve ever had entered in the Epsom Derby,” said Cameron. “I’ve had a Group One winner in Italy called Hello and Emerging Market, who won the Wokingham at Royal Ascot, but this is the first potential Derby horse. He was one of High Chaparral’s first colts, having been born in January, and one of his two winners in his first season.

“He finished third on his debut at Newmarket before being beaten by three heads and half a length at Newbury on really firm ground. We were pleased with his win at Leicester and he has wintered well.

“We don’t know if he’s good enough to take his chance in the Derby and its depends on how he performs on his first start of the season, which will be sometime in April and probably over 10 furlongs, but it’s up to John Dunlop to decide.”
Cameron is hoping that if Mountain Pride makes it to Epsom his son will be there to cheer the colt on.

“I don’t know if David will come and watch our horse run if he took his chance in the Derby, but I hope he would,” added Cameron. “I used to take the children racing when they were young and so he has been to Epsom many times before. ”

THE 2008 VODAFONE DERBY
Class 1, Group 1, £1,250,000 Total Prize Fund, Epsom Downs, Saturday, June 7, 2008. For three-year-olds only, entire colts & fillies, one mile & four furlongs. Entires closed December 6, 2006, (465 entries). First forfeit stage March 4, 2008 (125 remain),£8,000 second entry stage April 8, 2008, second forfeit stage May 23, 2008, £75,000 supplementary entry stage June 2, 2008. Confirmation stage June 2, 2008, final declaration stage 10am, June 5, 2008. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Monday, March 3, 2008. May not include some overseas form.

Form Horse Owner Trainer
AATHER (IRE) Hamdan Al Maktoum Kevin Prendergast IRE
22122- ACHILL ISLAND (IRE) Sue Magnier Aidan O’Brien IRE
361223- ALAN DEVONSHIRE Russell Trew Ltd Mark Tompkins
ALANDI (IRE) H H Aga Khan John Oxx IRE
31- ALESSANDRO VOLTA Sue Magnier Aidan O’Brien IRE
13645- BARKING WOLF (IRE) Hidetoshi Yamamoto Takayuki Yasuda JPN
34- BASHKIROV Derrick Smith Aidan O’Brien IRE
210- BETTER HAND (IRE) Wood Street Syndicate II Mick Channon
00(0)- BLACK TOR FIGARRO (IRE) Miss A C Telling,Ms R E Tupper,T H Fletcher Brendan Duke
00- BLIMEY O'RILEY (IRE) Trevor Benton Mark Tompkins
043- BOUGUEREAU Andrew Black Peter Chapple-Hyam
1- BRIGHT FALCON Willie McKay Stewart Parr
(0)(1)(1)- BRONZE CANNON (USA) Anthony Oppenheimer John Gosden
45- BY COMMAND Prince A A Faisal John Dunlop
CAPE EXPRESS (IRE) Alan Spence Michael Jarvis
15(4)- CARLIOR (FR) H H Aga Khan Jean Claude Rouget FR
-1 CASINO DRIVE (USA) Hidetoshi Yamamoto Kazuo Fujisawa JPN
42- CATS IN BOOTS (IRE) Hidetoshi Yamamoto Yasutoshi Ikee JPN
3-47 CHAMPAGNE SQUALL (IRE) Hidetoshi Yamamoto Kazuo Fujisawa JPN
CHECKLOW (USA) Susan Roy Jeremy Noseda
460- COFFEE TEA OR ME Double R Stables LLP Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE
21- COLLECTION (IRE) Highclere Thoroughbred Racing (Brunel) William Haggas
62215- CURTAIN CALL (FR) Mrs Patrick Cooper Luca Cumani
DAARTH Briton International Brendan Duke
DAASIJ (IRE) Hamdan Al Maktoum Dermot Weld IRE
DANCERS DILEMMA (IRE) Noel Furlong Trainer unknown
DECREE (IRE) Michael Tabor Aidan O’Brien IRE
DELTA BRAVO (FR) Enrico Ciampi Jean Marie Beguigne FR
47- DIVINE SONG Hidetoshi Yamamoto Kazuo Fujisawa JPN
DUNCAN Normandie Stud Ltd John Dunlop
2103- EMMROOZ Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
EQBAAL Hamdan Al Maktoum John Dunlop
0- ETOSHA (IRE) Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
112- FAST COMPANY (IRE) Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
12- FATEH FIELD (USA) Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
13603- FEARED IN FLIGHT (IRE) Jack Hanson,Cavendish Inv.Ltd,Sandy Patrick Barry Hills
51- FOOLIN MYSELF Bill Gredley Barry Hills
2- FRENCH RIVIERA Sue Magnier Sir Michael Stoute
10- FROZEN FIRE (GER) Derrick Smith Aidan O’Brien IRE
5- GAIA PRINCE (USA) John Connolly Amanda Perrett
GALIYAN H H Aga Khan John Oxx IRE
(6)- GIANT AMONG MEN (USA) Derrick Smith Aidan O’Brien IRE
0100- GIANT LOVE (USA) Sangster Family Mark Johnston
610- GREAT RUMPUSCAT (USA) Michael Tabor Aidan O’Brien IRE
02- HANOVERIAN BARON Anne Coughlan John Oxx IRE
410- HAWAANA (IRE) Hamdan Al Maktoum Barry Hills
0(6)- HAWK FLIGHT (IRE) David & Gwyn Joseph William Muir
00- HELLZAPOPPIN Bill Gredley David Lanigan
1123- HENRYTHENAVIGATOR (USA)Sue Magnier Aidan O’Brien IRE
05- HINDU KUSH (IRE) Sue Magnier Aidan O’Brien IRE
0- HOUGHTON (IRE) Sue Magnier Sir Michael Stoute
41111- IBN KHALDUN (USA) Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
200- INTERNATIONALDEBUT (IRE) Willie McKay Stewart Parr
23- KADABI (IRE) H H Aga Khan Alain de Royer Dupre FR
KALAN (FR) H H Aga Khan Jean Claude Rouget FR
KING O'THE GYPSIES (IRE) Bjorn Nielsen Roger Charlton
(1)- KING OF QUEENS (IRE) Eugene McDermott John Oxx IRE
010- KING OF ROME (IRE) Sue Magnier Aidan O’Brien IRE
525- KING OF WESTPHALIA (USA) Sue Magnier Aidan O’Brien IRE
1- KINGDOM OF NAPLES (USA) Michael Tabor Aidan O’Brien IRE
122- LATIN LAD Noodles Racing Richard Hannon
521200- LUCIFER SAM (USA) Sue Magnier Aidan O’Brien IRE
MAGISTRATE (IRE) Highclere Thoroughbred Racing(Petrushka) Michael Jarvis
36(0)- MAIDSTONE MIXTURE (FR) Fergus Wilson Richard Chotard FR
5- MANYRIVERSTOCROSS (IRE) Mrs M C Sweeney Alan King
MASQOOL (USA) Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
116020- MAZE (IRE) Pinnacle Dr Fong Partnership Bryan Smart
MEYDAN CITY (USA) Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
302(5)- MIKHAIL FOKINE (IRE) Sangster Family Aidan O’Brien IRE
340(1)0(4)- MINNEAPOLIS Michael Tabor Aidan O’Brien IRE
01- MOIQEN (IRE) Hamdan Al Maktoum Kevin Prendergast IRE
MONTEVETRO John Manley Richard Hannon
MONTMARTRE (FR) H H Aga Khan Alain de Royer Dupre FR
351- MOUNTAIN PRIDE (IRE) Ian Cameron John Dunlop
23(1)- MYSTERY STAR (IRE) Mark Tompkins Mark Tompkins
NATIONAL HERITAGE Derrick Smith Aidan O’Brien IRE
NAWAKHIDA (USA) Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum Mark Johnston
32- NEMO SPIRIT (IRE) Monique V Bruce Copp William Muir
11111- NEW APPROACH (IRE) HRH Princess Haya of Jordan Jim Bolger IRE
NISAAL (IRE) Hamdan Al Maktoum John Dunlop
62- NORTH PARADE E H Jones (Paints) Ltd Brian Meehan
U- OMNICAT (USA) Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
OPTIMUS MAXIMUS (IRE) Mrs Stephanie Smith Paul Cole
61- PATKAI (IRE) Ballymacoll Stud Sir Michael Stoute
51- PLAN (USA) Sue Magnier Aidan O’Brien IRE
43- POET Derrick Smith Aidan O’Brien IRE
41- PRIME EXHIBIT Mountgrange Stud Roger Charlton
QANAWAAT Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
-13 RED SHOOTER (IRE) Hidetoshi Yamamoto Kazuo Fujisawa JPN
0(4)61- RESPLENDENT LIGHT Middleham Park Racing XXI William Muir
601140- RIDGE DANCE George Strawbridge John Gosden
2- RIPPLE (FR) H H Aga Khan Jean Claude Rouget FR
4- ROCK PEAK (IRE) Thurloe Finsbury II Hughie Morrison
4364- SAINGLEND J J Byrne Sean Curran
44- SAVARAIN JMC Breed & Race Limited Luca Cumani
SCHOPENHAUER (USA) Earle Mack Luca Cumani
0416- SILVER REGENT (USA) Priscilla Graham Amanda Perrett
2- SINDAJAN (IRE) H H Aga Khan Alain de Royer Dupre FR
SLANEY WAVE (IRE) Jackie Bolger Jim Bolger IRE
5(5)- SLIGO Sue Magnier Aidan O’Brien IRE
(2) SMOOTH SOVEREIGN (IRE) Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum Mark Johnston
22170- SPARK CANDLE (USA) Hidetoshi Yamamoto Kazuo Fujisawa JPN
0- SPECIAL RESERVE (IRE) Mrs J Wood Richard Hannon
0402- ST JEAN CAP FERRAT John Pearce Geoff Wragg
10- TAJAAWEED (USA) Hamdan Al Maktoum Sir Michael Stoute
36- TALE OF TWO CITIES (IRE) Sue Magnier Aidan O’Brien IRE
11- TAMAYUZ Hamdan Al Maktoum Freddie Head FR
2- TARTAN BEARER (IRE) Ballymacoll Stud Sir Michael Stoute
TCHAIKOVSKY (JPN) Hidetoshi Yamamoto Kazuo Fujisawa JPN
610- THE BOGBERRY (USA) Sue Magnier Aidan O’Brien IRE
THE TARTAN ARMY (IRE) Thistle Bloodstock Limited Tracey Collins IRE
THREE ROCKS (IRE) Jackie Bolger Jim Bolger IRE
TILABAY (IRE) H H Aga Khan John Oxx IRE
TIMARI (IRE) H H Aga Khan John Oxx IRE
VASCO MARENGO Malcolm Parrish David Smaga FR
300- VIA GALILEI (IRE) Jackie Bolger Jim Bolger IRE
01- VIVALDI (IRE) Sue Magnier Aidan O’Brien IRE
4- WASHINGTON IRVING (IRE) Michael Tabor Aidan O’Brien IRE
4224- WASSILY KANDINSKY Michael Tabor Aidan O’Brien IRE
341-504 WATER BOYS (USA) Hidetoshi Yamamoto Kazuo Fujisawa JPN
64- WILLIAM HOGARTH Michael Tabor Aidan O’Brien IRE
000- YATHREB (USA) Hamdan Al Maktoum John Dunlop
YELLOW THUNDER (IRE) Luke Comer Luke Comer IRE
22- ZAFRANAGAR (IRE) H H Aga Khan Alain de Royer Dupre FR
ZULU CHIEF (USA) Sue Magnier Aidan O’Brien IRE

125 entries remain after March 4 forfeit
42 Irish-trained
11 French-trained
9 UAE-trained
9 Japanese-trained

Breakdown of Entries by Trainer With Past Successes
26 Entries
Aidan O’Brien IRE (2001 Galileo, 2002 High Chaparral)

9 Entries
Saeed bin Suroor UAE (1995 Lammtarra)

7 Entries
Kazuo Fujisawa JPN

6 Entries
John Dunlop (1978 Shirley Heights, 1994 Erhaab)
John Oxx IRE (2000 Sinndar)

5 Entries
Sir Michael Stoute (1981 Shergar, 1986 Shahrastani, 2003 Kris Kin, 2004 North Light)

4 Entries
Jim Bolger IRE
Alain de Royer Dupre FR

3 Entries
Luca Cumani (1988 Kahyasi, 1998 High-Rise)
Richard Hannon
Barry Hills
Mark Johnston
William Muir
Jean Claude Rouget FR
Mark Tompkins

2 Entries
Roger Charlton (1990 Quest For Fame)
Brendan Duke
John Gosden (1997 Benny The Dip)
Michael Jarvis
Stewart Parr
Amanda Perrett
Kevin Prendergast IRE

1 Entry
Jean Marie Beguigne FR
Mick Channon
Peter Chapple-Hyam (1992 Dr Devious, 2007 Authorized)
Richard Chotard FR
Paul Cole (1991 Generous)
Tracey Collins IRE
Luke Comer IRE
Sean Curran
William Haggas (1996 Shaamit)
Freddie Head FR
Yasutoshi Ikee JPN
Alan King
David Lanigan
Brian Meehan
Hughie Morrison
Willie Mullins IRE
Jeremy Noseda
David Smaga FR
Bryan Smart
Dermot Weld IRE
Geoff Wragg (1983 Teenoso)
Takayuki Yasuda JPN
1 out of training
SIX OF THE BEST

CURTAIN CALL (FR)
c Sadler’s Wells (USA) - Aspara (FR) (Darshaan)
Form: 62215- Owner: Mrs Patrick Cooper
Trainer: Luca Cumani Breeder: Famille Niarchos
Previously trained in Ireland by Jessica Harrington, the 60,000 guineas yearling Curtain Call found only New Approach too good on his third racecourse appearance in the Group Two Futurity Stakes at the Curragh. Despite entering the Group Two Beresford Stakes a month later as a maiden, the son of Sadler’s Wells made every yard of the running to slam his rivals by at least four lengths. After a creditable fifth behind Ibn Khaldun in the Group One Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster, Curtain Call joined Luca Cumani and looks set try and give his new handler a third triumph in the Epsom Classic.

FOOLIN MYSELF (GB)
Montjeu (IRE) - Friendlier (Zafonic (USA))
Form: 51- Owner: Bill Gredley
Trainer: Barry Hills Breeder: Middle Park Stud Ltd
Bill Gredley’s home-bred Foolin Myself, whose dam is a half-sister to the owner’s Oaks and St Leger winner User Friendly, made a promising debut when finishing a staying-on fifth in a competitive seven furlong maiden at Newmarket in October. The son of Monjeu returned to the Suffolk course a month later and registered a comfortable victory over fellow Derby hopeful Tartan Bearer. Regarded by his trainer as a horse who will make a far better three-year-old over middle distances, Foolin Myself could have a similar preparation to last year’s Derby winner Authorized, starting off in the Dante Stakes at York.

IBN KHALDUN (USA)
c Dubai Destination (USA) - Gossamer (Sadler’s Wells (USA)
Form: 4111- Owner: Godolphin
Trainer: Saeed Bin Suroor UAE Breeder: Darley
A colt who has risen through the ranks, losing his maiden tag at the second attempt before winning a nursery and then the seven-furlong Group Three Autumn Stakes at Ascot. Further progress followed two weeks later with a comprehensive victory in the mile Group One Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster, a race previously won in recent years by High Chaparral, Motivator and Authorized en route to Epsom glory.

KINGDOM OF NAPLES (USA)
c Sadler’s Wells (USA) - Inkling (USA) (Seeking The Gold (USA))
Form: 1- Owner: Michael Tabor
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien IRE Breeder: Tower Bloodstock
A son of Sadler’s Wells, responsible for recent Derby winners Galileo and High Chaparral, Kingdom Of Naples could not have been more impressive on his debut in a mile maiden at Navan in October. In a race which boasted some of the top juveniles from the yards of John Oxx, Dermot Weld and Jim Bolger, Kingdom Of Heaven cruised to the lead before posting a convincing three-length victory despite running green.

NEW APPROACH (IRE)
c Galileo (IRE) - Park Express (Ahonoora)
Form: 11111- Owner: HRH Princess Haya Of Jordan
Trainer: Jim Bolger IRE Breeder: Lodge Park Stud
From the same stable as 2006 champion juvenile Teofilo, New Appproach - who cost 430,000 euros as a yearling - has followed an identical career path so far. An unbeaten 2007 campaign culminated in Group One victories over seven furlongs in the National Stakes at the Curragh and the Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket. The brilliant son of Galileo heads the market for both the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket and Vodafone Derby and is now fully owned by Sheikh Mohammed, running in the colours of his wife Princess Haya of Jordan.

WASHINGTON IRVING (IRE)
c Montjeu (IRE) - Shouk (Shirley Heights)
Form : 4- Owner: Derrick Smith, Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor
Trainer Aidan O’Brien IRE Breeder: Quay Bloodstock
A three-parts brother to 2006 Oaks heroine Alexandrova by Montjeu, sire of the 2007 Vodafone Derby winner Authorized, Washington Irving has the pedigree to shine at Epsom Downs. He was touted as a Vodafone Derby candidate even before he made his debut in a seven-furlong maiden at the Curragh in October. He finished a creditable fourth in that race and looks set to be another typical Aidan O’Brien improver as a three-year-old, as the master of Ballydoyle seeks a third victory in the Vodfaone Derby.

NEW APPROACH TO HEAD STRAIGHT TO 200th RUNNING OF STAN JAMES 2000 GUINEAS

New Approach, the sponsor’s 2/1 favourite for the opening Classic of 2008, is scheduled to return to the NatWest Rowley Mile on May 3. Unbeaten in his five career starts and the top-rated juvenile of 2007, the son of Galileo has followed a similar path to that of former stablemate Teofilo, who headed the betting for last year's renewal before being retired through injury. New Approach successfully stepped up to Group One company, winning the Group One National Stakes at the Curragh on September 16, en-route to victory in the Group One Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket on Champions’ Day, October 20. He will carry the colours of HRH Princess Haya of Jordan this year.

New Approach has subsequently wintered well and is currently being prepared to start his season in the year’s opening Classic, worth £375,000.

Co Carlow-based Bolger revealed today: “New Approach is very well and has done exceptionally over the winter.

“He has put on a lot of condition and most of that has now been honed into muscle.

“He looks very well at the moment – a much stronger horse than last year. He has enough racing experience already and will go straight to Newmarket for the Guineas.”

Three Rocks, an unraced son of 2002 Stan James 2000 Guineas winner Rock Of Gibraltar, is an interesting second entry by the master of Glebe House.

Among the 92-strong entry – up from 86 at the same stage in 2007 – who may take on New Approach on the first Saturday in May are Fast Company, Raven’s Pass and Rio De La Plata, the three horses who filled the frame behind him in the Darley Dewhurst Stakes.

John Gosden, trainer of 13/2 second favourite Raven’s Pass, is planning to have another shot at New Approach and may prime his charge with a prep run.

Newmarket-based Gosden said: “He could go for one of the trials - the Craven or the Greenham. Or if the ground isn’t right there is no reason why he couldn’t do a good gallop and go straight into the Guineas. There would be no point in having a trial on soft ground.

“He was a powerful horse anyhow last year but he has done what you would want him to do through the winter. He has grown a little bit, filled out and strengthened through his neck.”

Winker Watson is another likely challenger and his trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam is currently mulling over the possibilities of sending the unbeaten Piccolo colt for a trial ahead of the big race.

Chapple-Hyam, who entered 11 for the Stan James 2000 Guineas, said: “Winker Watson is very well and has lengthened more than he has grown.

“In a couple of weeks’ time we will make a decision as to whether he will head straight to the Guineas or whether he will take in a trial first.

“I think he will need a trial as he has been off the track for such a long time.”

In total, there are 20 Irish-trained entries, 10 of whom hail from Aidan O'Brien's Ballydoyle Stables, while two of the three French-trained challengers are in the care of Jean Claude Rouget.

O'Brien's contingent includes the twice-raced Group Three Killavullan Stakes winner Jupiter Pluvius, Group Two Coventry Stakes winner Henrythenavigator, who was third to New Approach in the Group Two Futurity Stakes at the Curragh on his most recent start, maiden Great Barrier Reef, who was fifth in the Irish National Stakes, along with Group Three Richmond Stakes and Champagne Stakes third One Great Cat and Acomb Stakes runner-up Lucifer Sam.

An interesting entrant from Ballydoyle is Zulu Chief, an unraced half-brother to 2002 Stan James 2000 Guineas second, Hawk Wing.

Owners Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith, who own most of O'Brien's entries between them, are also represented by the Tommy Stack-trained Myboycharlie, who followed up success in the Group One Prix Morny at Longchamp with a good third in the Irish National Stakes on his only defeat.

Another interesting prospect from Ireland is Nownownow, who joined David Wachman after winning the inaugural running of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf at Monmouth Park on October 26. The trainer has also entered Killavullan Stakes fourth Great War Eagle.

The Irish challenge also includes Dermot Weld's Killavullan Stakes runner-up and Irish National Stakes sixth Famous Name, young trainer David Myerscough's Bruges, winner of the Listed Golden Fleece Stakes at Leopardstown in July, and John Oxx's debut maiden winner Red Eye Express.

Jean Claude Rouget's pair is made up of the unbeaten Blue Exit and Yorktown. Meanwhile Freddie Head's sole entrant is the unbeaten Tamayuz.

With a dozen entered, Godolphin’s trainer Saeed bin Suroor has the largest number of entries engaged, headed by Fast Company and Rio De La Plata.

Lightly-raced with only three starts, including success in the Group Three Acomb Stakes after winning his maiden, Fast Company will be making his first start for Godolphin this season, having been acquired since that good second to New Approach in the Darley Dewhurst Stakes.

Meanwhile, Rio De La Plata, fourth at Newmarket, was a convincing winner of the Group One Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere Grand Criterium at Longchamp on October 7, after finishing runner-up to New Approach in the Irish National Stakes.

Group One Racing Post Trophy winner Ibn Khaldun is among Godolphin’s other entries, along with Group Two Champagne Stakes victor McCartney, Gothenburg, Alexandros, Iguazu Falls, Calming Influence and Young Pretender.

Sir Michael Stoute, the most successful current trainer in the race with five successes, has entered three colts, headed by the relatively unknown quantity, Confront. He followed up a second in a maiden with victory over Stimulation in the Hyperion Conditions Stakes at Ascot, a race that has been won in the past by some decent colts.

Stoute's trio of entries is completed by maiden winner Perfect Stride and the maiden Tartan Bearer.

Other notable entries from at home include Kevin Ryan's Champagne Stakes runner-up Alexander Castle, Jeremy Noseda's Richmond Stakes winner Strike The Deal, and Henry Cecil's pair of progressive condition stakes winners Twice Over and Kandahar Run.

Charlie McCann, head of PR for Stan James, said: “This will be the third year that Stan James has sponsored the 2000 Guineas and we are especially proud to be associated with the 200th renewal of the great race.

“Last year, injury prevented trainer Jim Bolger’s Teofilo from having the opportunity to fulfil the potential of an all-conquering two-year-old campaign. Let’s hope New Approach gets to Newmarket in tip-top condition for what promises to be a vintage running of the 2000 Guineas.”

Stan James 2000 Guineas betting: 2 New Approach, 13/2 Raven’s Pass, 7 Fast Company, 8 Ibn Khaldun, 10 Winker Watson, 12 Rio De La Plata, 14 Jupiter Pluvius, 20/1 bar

BREAKDOWN OF ENTRIES BY TRAINER WITH PAST SUCCESSES IN THE STAN JAMES 2000 GUINEAS
12 Entries
Saeed bin Suroor UAE (1996 Mark Of Esteem, 1999 Island Sands)

11 Entries
Peter Chapple-Hyam (1992 Rodrigo De Triano)

10 Entries
Aidan O'Brien IRE (1998 King Of Kings, 2002 Rock Of Gibraltar, 2005 Footstepsinthesand, 2006 George Washington)

5 Entries
Brian Meehan

4 Entries
Paul Cole

3 Entries
Michael Jarvis
Sir Michael Stoute (1985 Shadeed, 1988 Doyoun, 1997 Entrepreneur, 2000 King's Best, 2001 Golan)

2 Entries
Jim Bolger IRE
Clive Brittain (1991 Mystiko)
Henry Cecil (1975 Bolkonski, 1976 Wollow)
David Elsworth
John Gosden
Richard Hannon (1973 Mon Fils, 1987 Don't Forget Me, 1990 Tirol)
Jeremy Noseda
Jean Claude Rouget FR
Marcus Tregoning
David Wachman IRE

1 Entry
Andrew Balding
Ralph Beckett
Karl Burke
Mick Channon
Clive Cox
Richard Fahey
James Fanshawe
William Haggas
Patrick Haslam
Freddie Head FR
Barry Hills (2004 Haafhd)
Reg Hollinshead
Andrew Kinsella IRE
Mikael Magnusson
Terry Mills
Hughie Morrison
John Murphy IRE
David Myerscough IRE
John Oxx IRE
Kevin Ryan
Bryan Smart
Tommy Stack IRE
Dermot Weld IRE (2003 Refuse To Bend)
Geoff Wragg

THE STAN JAMES 2000 GUINEAS
Class 1, Group 1 Race, Total Prize fund £375,000. Newmarket, 3.10pm, Saturday, May 3, 2008, one mile. For three-year-olds only, entire colts and fillies. Entries closed March 4 (92 entries), entries released March 6, weights revealed April 24. Six-day confirmation stage April 28, final declaration stage 10.00am, May 1. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up and including the racing of Monday, March 3, 2008. May not include some overseas form.

Form Horse Owner Trainer
12- ALEXANDER CASTLE (USA) Noel O'Callaghan Kevin Ryan
21113- ALEXANDROS Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
315- ALFATHAA Hamdan Al Maktoum William Haggas
AMAAKIN (USA) Saleh Al Homaizi, Imad Al Sagar Peter Chapple-Hyam
16- ATLANTIC SPORT (USA) Jaber Abdullah Mick Channon
BAHAMIAN KID J D Graham Reg Hollinshead
211- BEACON LODGE (IRE) Mr and Mrs P Hargreaves Clive Cox
11- BLUE EXIT (USA) Joseph Allen Jean Claude Rouget FR
244- BRAVE PROSPECTOR Saleh Al Homaizi, Imad Al Sagar Peter Chapple-Hyam
11- BRUGES (IRE) Hamdan Al Maktoum David Myerscough IRE
1- CALMING INFLUENCE (IRE) Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
21- CAPTAIN BRILLIANCE (USA) Hesmonds Stud Jeremy Noseda
(5)- CHESTERTON (IRE) Mrs J J Murphy John Murphy IRE
131- CHOOSE YOUR MOMENT Mr & Mrs Duncan Davidson Pat Haslam
1212- CITY LEADER (IRE) Sangster Family Brian Meehan
21- CONFRONT Khalid Abdulla Sir Michael Stoute
110226- DECLARATION OF WAR (IRE) Violet Mercer Peter Chapple-Hyam
463316- DREAM EATER (IRE) Jeff Smith Andrew Balding
EMPOWERED (IRE) Cheveley Park Stud Peter Chapple-Hyam
511- EXCLAMATION Raymond Tooth Brian Meehan
162- FAMOUS NAME Khalid Abdulla Dermot Weld IRE
112- FAST COMPANY (IRE) Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
060121- FAT BOY (IRE) Maurice Sines Peter Chapple-Hyam
12- FATEH FIELD (USA) Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
61- FIRESIDE Highclere Thoroughbred Racing (VCI) Peter Chapple-Hyam
1- FR DOMINIC (USA) Richard Pegum Ralph Beckett
1- GENERAL ELIOTT (IRE) Sir George Meyrick Paul Cole
112112- GLADIATORUS (USA) Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
211- GOTHENBURG (UAE) Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
235- GREAT BARRIER REEF (USA) Derrick Smith, Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor Aidan O'Brien IRE
610- GREAT RUMPUSCAT (USA) Michael Tabor, Sue Magnier, Niarchos Family Aidan O'Brien IRE
3(1)4- GREAT WAR EAGLE (USA) Michael Tabor & Sue Magnier David Wachman IRE
00260- GREATWALLOFCHINA (USA) Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor Aidan O'Brien IRE
310- GREEK MYTHOLOGY (USA) Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
1123- HENRYTHENAVIGATOR (USA) Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
12- HURRICANE HYMNBOOK (USA) Bill Hinge & John Searchfield Brian Meehan
41111- IBN KHALDUN (USA) Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
2(1)23- IGUAZU FALLS (USA) Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
616- IL WARRD (IRE) Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum Marcus Tregoning
11- JUPITER PLUVIUS (USA) Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith Aidan O'Brien IRE
211- KANDAHAR RUN Gestut Ammerland Henry Cecil
521200- LUCIFER SAM (USA) Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor, Niarchos Family Aidan O'Brien IRE
1315- LUCK MONEY (IRE) Stephanie Smith Paul Cole
2- MASAALEK Hamdan Al Maktoum Marcus Tregoning
116020- MAZE (IRE) Pinnacle Dr Fong Partnership Bryan Smart
31110- MCCARTNEY (GER) Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
4- MOYENNE CORNICHE John Pearce Geoff Wragg
41- MOYNAHAN (USA) D S Lee Paul Cole
320- MUT'AB (USA) Saeed Manana Clive Brittain
1113- MYBOYCHARLIE (IRE) Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith Tommy Stack IRE
11111- NEW APPROACH (IRE) HRH Princess Haya of Jordan Jim Bolger IRE
(2)(2)(4)121- NOWNOWNOW (USA) Fab Oak Stable David Wachman IRE
3133- ONE GREAT CAT (USA) Michael Tabor & Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
2-(1) ORIENTALIST ART Matthew Green Peter Chapple-Hyam
6- OTAARED Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum Michael Jarvis
2(1)5- PEGASUS AGAIN (USA) Terry Mills Terry Mills
12- PERFECT STRIDE Saeed Suhail Sir Michael Stoute
120(1)4- PHILARIO (IRE) Philip Richards Karl Burke
51- PLAN (USA) Michael Tabor & Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
332001- QUEST FOR SUCCESS (IRE) Rob Lloyd Racing Limited Richard Fahey
1113- RAVEN'S PASS (USA) Stonerside Stable LLC John Gosden
1- RED EYE EXPRESS (IRE) Neil Jones John Oxx IRE
21023- REDOLENT (IRE) De La Warr Racing Richard Hannon
311214- RIO DE LA PLATA (USA) Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
12010- RIVER PROUD (USA) Mrs Michael Spencer Paul Cole
2110- ROCK OF ROCHELLE (USA) Her Diamond Necklace Farms FZE Andrew Kinsella IRE
143231- SCINTILLO White Beech Farm Richard Hannon
31- SHALLAL Ziad Galadari Peter Chapple-Hyam
110- SHARP NEPHEW Saleh Al Homaizi & Imad Al Sagar Brian Meehan
1410- SIR GERRY (USA) Mrs Gerry Galligan James Fanshawe
2- SKADRAK (USA) Iraj Parvizi Brian Meehan
61- SPEEDY DOLLAR (USA) Stephen Dartnell Michael Jarvis
130620- SPIRIT OF SHARJAH (IRE) A Dee Peter Chapple-Hyam
122- STIMULATION (IRE) Michael Kerr-Dineen Hughie Morrison
310224- STRIKE THE DEAL (USA) M Barber Jeremy Noseda
053213- STUBBS ART (IRE) Matthew Green David Elsworth
312233- SWISS FRANC Lordship Stud David Elsworth
11- TAMAYUZ Hamdan Al Maktoum Freddie Head FR
2- TARTAN BEARER (IRE) Ballymacoll Stud Sir Michael Stoute
2- TAWAASH (USA) Hamdan Al Maktoum Michael Jarvis
THREE ROCKS (IRE) Jackie Bolger Jim Bolger IRE
(1) THRONE OF POWER (USA) Eastwind Racing Ltd & Martha Trussell Mikael Magnusson
11- TWICE OVER Khalid Abdulla Henry Cecil
22- VIRTUAL Cheveley Park Stud John Gosden
21- WESTERN ART (USA) Matthew Green & Ben Sangster Peter Chapple-Hyam
1- WINGBEAT (USA) Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
111- WINKER WATSON The Comic Strip Heroes & Joy Trotter Peter Chapple-Hyam
1363-(0)5 YAHRAB (IRE) Saif Ali Clive Brittain
134- YANKADI (USA) Khalid Abdulla Barry Hills
0216- YORKTOWN (FR) Earle Mack Jean Claude Rouget FR
115- YOUNG PRETENDER (FR) Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
ZULU CHIEF (USA) Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE

92 entries
20 Irish-trained
12 UAE-trained
3 French-trained

GOSDEN TARGETING SECOND STAN JAMES 1000 GUINEAS

Gosden, based on the Bury Road in Newmarket, won the race with Lahan in 2000. This year he is intending to send the unbeaten Sense Of Joy, who is among an initial entry of 74 – up from 70 in 2007 – for the £375,000 race, run over the NatWest Rowley Mile.

Sense Of Joy broke her maiden in emphatic fashion by making a winning debut on Newmarket’s July Course and then triumphed in the Group Three Prestige Stakes at Goodwood.

She didn’t appear again in 2007 but her form in those two starts was impressive enough to earn a sponsor’s quote of 16/1 for the Stan James 1000 Guineas – a race which Gosden has confirmed will be her target.

“She’ll be aimed to run here in the Guineas,” said Gosden. “If it suits she can run in a trial but she doesn’t have to.

“When she ran first time out, she was very professional and scooted up. So I don’t feel in any sense that I’ve got to get the Nell Gwyn or Fred Darling into her.

“But if she is well and happy, we’ll do it. If I think she needs another week or 10 days, she’ll get it.”

Gosden also pointed out that Sense Of Joy is a different type of horse to his past Guineas heroine.

“Lahan was a big, powerful and very masculine filly,” he outlined. “This filly is very feminine - a lot more light-framed, a daintier model.”

Last year’s renewal of the Stan James 1000 Guineas was won in impressive fashion by Finsceal Beo, trained by Jim Bolger. The Irishman once again looks to have a very strong hand for the Classic with both Saoirse Abu and the intriguing Lush Lashes among his entry of six.

Saoirse Abu has impeccable credentials, having landed two Group One contests as a juvenile. She won the National Stakes and also the Moyglare Stud Stakes in 2007 and is a 16/1 shot with Stan James.

The unexposed Lush Lashes won a million euros on her only start in the Goffs Fillies Million - and is as short as 14/1 with Stan James for the 1000 Guineas.

Assessing the pair, Bolger said: “Saoirse Abu has wintered well and is well forward. She looks on target for the 1000 Guineas on May 4.

“The 1000 Guineas is also the target for Lush Lashes. She would have a Guineas trial beforehand, although I am not sure where that would be at the moment.

“The ground will determine where we go with her as we would not want it to be too soft. Apart from that we wouldn’t mind.

“She has wintered well and seems a much stronger filly this year – as you would expect.”

The entries include 19 hopefuls from Ireland, eight from France and five from Dubai.

Aidan O’Brien has more contenders entered in the first fillies’ Classic of the season than any other trainer. The Ballydoyle maestro was successful in 2005 with Virginia Waters and he has seven engaged this time, headed by Ascot’s Group One Fillies’ Mile heroine and winter favourite Listen.

The O’Brien contingent includes Newmarket’s Group Two seriousquitters.co.uk Rockfel Stakes winner Kitty Matchem who defeated her once-raced stablemate Psalm at Naas in October. Savethisdanceforme landed a Listed contest at the Curragh in October, having finished fourth in the Group One Prix Marcel Boussac at Longchamp, while Leopardstown maiden winner Halfway To Heaven, a daughter of the top-class mare Cassandra Go, is also a potential contender.

Ger Lyons has entered Group Two Queen Mary Stakes winner Elletelle, while Dermot Weld has engaged Group One Prix Marcel Boussac and Moyglare Stud Stakes third Mad About You as well as Campfire Glow who defeated Listen in the Group Two Ballygallon Stud Debutante Stakes at the Curragh in August.

There is a strong French contingent with Alain de Royer Dupre having entered the unbeaten Zarkava, a brilliant winner of the Group One Prix Marcel Boussac at Longchamp for the Aga Khan.

The Pascal Bary-trained Natagora rattled off four straight wins in France last summer and has already tasted success on the NatWest Rowely Mile, having brilliantly captured the Group One skybet.com Cheveley Park Stakes on October 5.

Jean Claude Rouget is becoming an ever more familiar force in major races and he has engaged five fillies, including Group Three Finnforest Oh So Sharp Stakes runner-up Step Softly.

The home challenge includes the unbeaten James Fanshawe-trained Spacious, who was half a length superior to Kotsi in the Group Two May Hill Stakes at Doncaster in September.

The powerful Godolphin string, which took the prize in 1998 with Cape Verdi and again four years later with Kazzia, has four entries. The pick of trainer Saeed bin Suroor’s quartet is Laureldean Gale, runner-up in the Group Three Prix du Calvados at Deauville in August but no match for Zarkava at Longchamp.

Mick Channon is seeking a first win in the Classic and he has a classy trio entered, comprising of Nijoom Dubai, winner of the Group Three Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot, Group Two Jaguar Cars Lowther Stakes heroine Nahoodh and Group Three C L Weld Park Stakes winner Eva’s Request.

Sir Michael Stoute has taken the prestigious Classic twice, most recently with the brilliant Russian Rhythm, and the master of Freemason Lodge has three entries this year including Visit, winner of the Group Three Princess Margaret Stakes at Ascot.

Trainer John Dunlop and owner Hamdan Al Maktoum teamed up for Stan James 1000 Guineas glory in 1990 and 1991 with Salsabil and Shadayid, respectively. The pair have the unbeaten Listed winner Muthabara, while the owner also has Makaaseb in the care of Michael Jarvis, who won the prize in 2001 with Ameerat.

Clive Brittain knows what it takes to prepare a filly for Stan James 1000 Guineas glory, having saddled Pebbles and Sayyedati to success, and he has entered Group Three skybet.com Sweet Solera Stakes winner Albabilia and Listed UAE Oaks runner-up Love Of Dubai.

Spinning Lucy, winner of the EBF Bosra Sham Stakes at Newmarket in November, York Listed winner Janina and Rockfel Stakes third Royal Confidence could represent Barry Hills, who was successful with Enstone Spark in 1978 and went close with Maids Causeway in 2005.

UAE trainer Erwan Charpy has entered Unilateral, winner of the Group Three Laundry Cottage Stud Firth Of Clyde Stakes at Ayr when trained by Bryan Smart.

Charlie McCann, head of PR for Stan James, said: “In last year’s Stan James 1000 Guineas Finsceal Beo ran The Rowley Mile faster than any filly or colt in the history of either of Newmarket’s two famous Classics. While we are unlikely to get another record-breaking performance on May 4, the 1000 Guineas promises to be another wonderful renewal.”

Stan James 1000 Guineas betting: 6 Listen, 13/2 Spacious, 8 Zarkava, 12 Natagora, 14 Lush Lashes, 16 Saoirse Abu, 16 Laureldean Gale, 16 Sense Of Joy. 20/1 bar

For further information, please contact Tony Rushmer at Newmarket Racecourses on 01638 663482 or 07702 579 382; Email: tony.rushmer@jockeyclubracecourses.com.

or Newmarket’s Director of Racing, Michael Prosser, on 01638 675504 or (m) 07802 844 578. Email: michael.prosser@jockeyclubracecourses.com

BREAKDOWN OF ENTRIES BY TRAINER WITH PAST SUCCESSES IN THE STAN JAMES 1000 GUINEAS

7 Entries
Aidan O’Brien IRE (2005 Virginia Waters)

6 Entries
Jim Bolger IRE (2007 Finsceal Beo)

5 Entries
Jean-Claude Rouget FR

4 Entries
John Gosden (2000 Lahan)
Saeed bin Suroor UAE (1998 Cape Verdi, 2002 Kazzia)

3 Entries
Mick Channon
Barry Hills (1978 Enstone Spark)
Jeremy Noseda
Sir Michael Stoute (1989 Musical Bliss, 2003 Russian Rhythm)
Dermot Weld IRE

2 Entries
Clive Brittain (1984 Pebbles, 1993 Sayyedati)
John Dunlop (1980 Quick As Lightning, 1990 Salsabil, 1991 Shadayid)
Richard Hannon
Michael Jarvis (2001 Ameerat)
Brian Meehan
Marcus Tregoning

1 Entry
Pascal Bary FR
Michael Bell
Paul Blockley
Marco Botti
Peter Chapple-Hyam
Roger Charlton
Erwan Charpy UAE
Clive Cox
Tom Dascombe
Harry Dunlop
Alain de Royer Dupre FR
Richard Fahey
James Fanshawe
Richard Gibson FR
Rae Guest
Ger Lyons IRE
Rod Millmam
John Murphy IRE
Kevin Ryan
Alan Swinbank
David Wachman IRE

THE STAN JAMES 1000 GUINEAS
Class 1, Group One, £375,000 total prize fund, Newmarket, Sunday, May 6, 2008. For three-year-old fillies. Entries closed March 4, entries revealed March 6 ( 74 entries). First forfeit stage noon, April 22. Supplementary entries pay £30,000 by noon, April 28. Final declarations to be made by 10.00am, Friday, May 2. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Wednesday, March 5.

Form Horse Owner Trainer
41140-0 ALBABILIA (IRE) Saif Ali Clive Brittain
122052- ANOSTI Theobalds Stud Kevin Ryan
(2)(1)0- BASTAKIYA (IRE) H R H Princess Haya of Jordan John Gosden
BRAMAPUTRA (IRE) Mette Campbell-Andenaes Rod Millman
124420- BROKEN APPLAUSE (IRE) Rob Lloyd Racing Limited Richard Fahey
5115- CAMPFIRE GLOW (IRE) Dr Ronan Lambe Dermot Weld IRE
1- CAPE AMBER (IRE) Five Horses Ltd Peter Chapple-Hyam
32- CHARLOTTE BRONTE Derrick Smith, Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor David Wachman IRE
1- CHINESE WHITE (IRE) Lady O'Reilly Dermot Weld IRE
11- CLASSIC LEGEND Moira McNamara Brian Meehan
32- DESERT CHILL (USA) Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
1205- DON'T FORGET FAITH (USA) Simon Hope & S Barrow Clive Cox
(1)26- DREAM DAY Robert Barnett Richard Hannon
311336- ELLETELLE (IRE) Jesse Club Syndicate Ger Lyons IRE
(1)(4)5301- EVA'S REQUEST (IRE) Liam Mulryan Mick Channon
615- FESTIVALE (IRE) Prince A A Faisal John Dunlop
10243- FESTOSO (IRE) Prince A A Faisal Harry Dunlop
0451- FRANCESCA D'GORGIO (USA) Sir Robert Ogden Jeremy Noseda
GAUDETE (USA) Jackie Bolger Jim Bolger IRE
1112- GIPSON DESSERT (USA) Ecurie I M Fares Jean Claude Rouget FR
GULCH'S ROSE (USA) Tom Ludt Jeremy Noseda
21- HALFWAY TO HEAVEN (IRE) Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
(5)6- ICE QUEEN (IRE) Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
1- INFALLIBLE Cheveley Park Stud John Gosden
116- JANINA Hamdan Al Maktoum Barry Hills
44011- KITTY MATCHAM (IRE) Diane Nagle & Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
01- LA COVETA (IRE) Wendy English Brian Meehan
(1) LADDIES POKER TWO (IRE) Ladbrokes International Ltd Jeremy Noseda
324121- LADY DEAUVILLE (FR) P J Hughes Developments Ltd Paul Blockley
1- LAUGHTER (IRE) Highclere Thoroughbred Racing(Petrushka) Sir Michael Stoute
120- LAURELDEAN GALE (USA) Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
(2)0(1)- LILLE IDA Mette Campbell-Andenaes Marcus Tregoning
1221- LISTEN (IRE) Derrick Smith, Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor Aidan O'Brien IRE
416-(6)(3)(2) LOVE OF DUBAI (USA) Mohammed Al Shafar Clive Brittain
1- LUSH LASHES Jackie Bolger Jim Bolger IRE
1233- MAD ABOUT YOU (IRE) Moyglare Stud Farms Ltd Dermot Weld IRE
10- MAKAASEB (USA) Hamdan Al Maktoum Michael Jarvis
131- MAX ONE TWO THREE (IRE) Andrew Black Tom Dascombe
4- MELODRAMATIC (IRE) Bjorn Nielsen Roger Charlton
1- MICHITA (USA) Stonerside Stable LLC John Gosden
MISS BROWN TO YOU (IRE) Bill Gredley Michael Bell
16- MISTRESS GREELEY (USA) Renata Jacobs Sir Michael Stoute
11- MUTHABARA (IRE) Hamdan Al Maktoum John Dunlop
000005- MYSTICAL LADY (IRE) Anne-Marie O'Brien Aidan O'Brien IRE
031- NAHOODH (IRE) Jaber Abdullah Mick Channon
111121- NATAGORA (FR) Stefan Friborg Pascal Bary FR
231- NIJOOM DUBAI Jaber Abdullah Mick Channon
5510- PRIMA LUCE (IRE) Jackie Bolger Jim Bolger IRE
2- PSALM (IRE) Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
1331- RAYMI COYA (CAN) Claudio Pizarro Marco Botti
4- RED DUNE (IRE) Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum Michael Jarvis
412- RINTERVAL (IRE) Fergus Jones Richard Hannon
1154- ROSA GRACE E Duggan Rae Guest
521143- ROYAL CONFIDENCE Derek James Barry Hills
14- SALINGERS STAR (IRE) Hokey Cokey Partnership Alan Swinbank
4(1)- SAN SICHARIA (IRE) Marc de Chambure Jean Claude Rouget FR
253113- SAOIRSE ABU (USA) Ennistown Stud Jim Bolger IRE
340(1)41- SAVETHISDANCEFORME (IRE) Derrick Smith, Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor Aidan O'Brien IRE
1- SCREEN STAR (IRE) Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
SEFROUA (USA) Nelson Radwan Jean Claude Rouget FR
11- SENSE OF JOY Khalid Abdulla John Gosden
21- SHABIBA (USA) Hamdan Al Maktoum Marcus Tregoning
0- SIYASA (USA) Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
20(1)650- SOLAS NA GREINE (IRE) Jackie Bolger Jim Bolger IRE
11- SPACIOUS Cheveley Park Stud James Fanshawe
320311- SPINNING LUCY (IRE) Steve Jenkins Barry Hills
1162- STEP SOFTLY Joseph Allen Jean Claude Rouget FR
21- TOIRNEACH (USA) G Seoige Jim Bolger IRE
302233- TUSCAN EVENING (IRE) John Murphy John Murphy IRE
213310- UNILATERAL (IRE) Prime Equestrian Erwan Charpy UAE
13- VERBA (FR) Eduard Mordukhovitch Richard Gibson FR
21D0- VISIT Khalid Abdulla Sir Michael Stoute
1- WEDGE (USA) Ecurie I M Fares Jean Claude Rouget FR
11- ZARKAVA (IRE) H H Aga Khan Alain de Royer Dupre FR

74 Entries
19 Irish-trained
8 French-trained
5 UAE-trained

CHAMPIONS PRINTS ON SALE AT FESTIVAL IN AID OF PETER O'SULLEVAN CHARITABLE TRUST

Peter O’Sullevan’s Charitable Trust provides invaluable support in equal measure to The Blue Cross, The Brooke, Compassion in World Farming, The International League for the Protection of Horses, Racing Welfare and The Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre.

AT THE RACES OPERATIONAL REVIEW FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2007

Highlights

• Increase in turnover from £13.4m to £14.5m
• Gross profits up from £8.8m to £9.6m
• Net operating profit of £348,000, up from a loss in 2006 of £1,656,000
• £8m generated for racecourse partners since June 2004
• Highest ever weekly and monthly audience reach figures of 978,000 and 1.6m different individuals respectively (BARB)
• 978,000 viewers tuned in to the channel during the week of Royal Ascot – a rise of 180,000 (up 22.5%)
• Record international pari-mutuel revenues
• Over 500,000 monthly unique users now regularly recorded on attheraces.com, the UK and Ireland’s number one racing website
• Attheraces.com generated over half a billion page impressions in 2007
• 112% year on year rise in the number of video streams served on attheraces.com to 7.5 million
• Media rights agreements successfully renewed with all Irish racecourses and ICAC (ex-GG Media) racecourses

Commenting on ATR’s performance, Chief Executive, Matthew Imi, said:

“2007 was a landmark year for At The Races as we posted an operating profit for the first time net of substantial payments to our various racecourse partners. We also saw significant increases in the audiences we are attracting not only to our domestic platforms but also from our growing international presence.

“In addition, we were particularly pleased to secure media rights renewals with Horseracing Ireland and the Association of Irish Racecourses for all Irish racing as well as to all fixtures from the ICAC courses.

”Attheraces.com has also continued its rapid growth with a record number of people using the site benefiting from an increasing range of services available. The continued success of our ‘Best Odds’ price comparison site has helped us increase online affiliate revenues by 80% year on year.

“At The Races is well positioned to build on its achievements in 2007 and we anticipate being able to maintain growth across key domestic and international revenues lines. We are confident that we will see further increases in cross platform audience delivery and that we will be able to monetise this effectively not only for the benefit of our shareholders but also for our numerous commercial partners.”

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

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