Friday, May 2, 2003

LADBROKES PRICES FOR NEWMARKET TOMORROW & SUNDAY

QUAZAR JUST PREVAILS IN EMO OIL CHAMPION HURDLE THRILLER

In The Forge made much of the running in the 135,000 euros contest with Back In Front tracking him in second place. Back In Front, who landed the Grade One Evening Herald Champion Novice Hurdle at Punchestown on Tuesday, began to make smooth progress at the third flight from home and took the lead at the final flight.

Quazar had been some way behind the leaders but began to make significant progress before the second last and under strong driving from Tony Dobbin, came to challenge Back In Front at the final hurdle. The 7/2 shot, victorious in the Grade One Event Centre At Punchestown Champion Four Year Old Hurdle at Punchestown 12 months ago, ran on gamely to just prevail.

Winning trainer Jonjo O'Neill commented: "He's a great little horse - tough as old boots. I wasn't confident beforehand but he was in great form. I left it to Tony to decide how to ride him, he likes to pass other horses and when he can do that he runs very well."

Asked whether Quazar could go novice chasing next year, O'Neill said: "He has schooled over fences but I'm in no man's land now - if he'd been beaten today we'd have gone over fences but now he'll probably stay over hurdles next season - at least to start with."

Paying tribute to the runner-up, O'Neill added: "Back In Front is only a novice and he's had two races in quick succession. He's certainly a horse I'd want to avoid next year."

Tony Dobbin, the winning rider, was keen to pay tribute to Quazar's battling qualities: "He (Quazar) has been very good to me. He won big races at Aintree and at this meeting last year. This is one of my biggest successes.

"Barry's horse (In The Forge) set the pace and the pace played into my hands because my horse battles. Back In Front probably didn't run his true race today but don't let that take anything away from my horse."

Edward O'Grady was not disheartened by the performance of Back In Front, saying: "No harm done - we had to give it a try."

KAVANAGH REFLECTS ON GREAT FESTIVAL

Reflecting on the 2003 Irish National Hunt Festival, Brian Kavanagh, Chief Executive of Horseracing Ireland, said: "The meeting has exceeded our expectations with the crowd and the betting figures being up on last year.

"In fact, we set a record on Wednesday for betting turnover with the bumper being only second to the Irish Derby in terms of turnover.

"Given the fact that this place was on its knees six months ago, we're absolutely delighted. We set several objectives, including encouraging British trainers to come across and we are very glad for their support. We also wanted to get the local support back behind the racecourse and that has been reflected at the turnstiles.

"We will have a meeting soon to discuss all aspects of the Festival although I think the race programme has worked very well. People have talked about a five-day Festival which is something that we have to consider although I don't think it's going to become reality immediately.

"Attendances were up 16-20 per cent over the week. Considering the economy is not as strong as it was, the figures are very encouraging and I'm delighted."

The attendance at Punchestown today was 15,600, up from 15,000 a year ago.

57 IN HUNT FOR SCOOP6 BONUS PRIZE FUND

Among the 57 is Ellen Turner from Brighton, in her sixties and dubbed the 'galloping granny' by friends and relations due to her love of the occasional flutter on the horses. A regular £2 Scoop6 player Ellen took a chance and doubled her investment last week in an attempt to beat her record and get past leg four of the bet, a goal she achieved in style.

The only fright for Turner-a former publican and betting shop assistant-was when her selection in leg five Dandoun, chosen because her Grandson is called Dan was declared a non-runner. Fortunately however her ticket was automatically forwarded on to the SP favourite Desert Deer which obliged.

"The money I've landed already will certainly make a difference regardless of whether or not I land some big money on Saturday, and I've already decided to treat myself to a holiday in Spain, a luxury not easily afforded on a pension," said a delighted Ellen.

"However if I do manage to land a big slice of the Bonus Prize fund tomorrow I'll make sure my Grandchildren's education is taken care of, then buy a cottage next to a racecourse."

Saturday's Scoop6 races are:
leg 1 - 1.30 Uttoxeter
leg 2 - 1.45 Newmarket
leg 3 - 2.05 Uttoxeter
leg 4 - 2.20 Newmarket
leg 5 - 2.55 Newmarket
leg 6 - 3.35 Newmarket

BETFAIR IN SPONSORSHIP DEAL WITH RACING CHANNEL ATTHERACES

Tom Earl, attheraces' sponsorship and communications manager said, "Betfair has become a major component of the betting market and we are pleased that the company has chosen to support our revolutionary coverage of horse racing."

Dolphin Television, the Digital Sales Specialists, brokered and managed the six figure deal. Chris Morgan, Business Development chief for Dolphin said, "Betfair and attheraces are two new innovative forces serving the racing fraternity -the partnership makes perfect sense."

Kevin Dale, Betfair's Director of Marketing, said, "With a high crossover between attheraces viewers and Betfair punters the synergy of this deal is compelling. With the ITC ban on sponsorship of live racing, sponsorship of the 'Going Guide' is a unique opportunity to advertise our brand on the UK's most watched racing channel."

FIONA BIRT-LLEWELLIN TO LEAD RACING'S RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING DRIVE

Her responsibilities will include recruitment and training strategy, the central direction and determination of training requirements and the allocation of funds from industry sources. She will chair, and be advised by, a representative and consultative Training Committee of interested parties and will also have overall responsibility for the BHB and Jockey Club Human Resource function.

The BHB Board agreed to a significant enhancement of BHB's commitment to staff training and recruitment in February, following a priority recommendation by the BHB Racing Review Committee.

Fiona Birt-Llewellin said today: "I am absolutely thrilled to have been given this challenge. Racing is a modern sport, increasingly responsive to the needs of its many customer groups. It requires a focused, centrally co-ordinated strategy to ensure that there is a motivated and highly trained workforce of sufficient number. I am greatly looking forward to working with all those in the industry who already play such an important role."

BHB Chief Executive Greg Nichols, to whom the Recruitment and Training Director will report, commented: "Fiona brings an array of skills to this vital new post for Racing and for BHB. Her experience of senior executive responsibility for human resources, recruitment and training strategy and policymaking in complex businesses, allied to her passion for horseracing and horses, made her an outstanding candidate."

SAGITTA GUINEAS FESTIVAL 2003
RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE
NEWMARKET, FRIDAY, MAY 2

“I think it will ride on the better side of good to soft,” said clerk of the course Michael Prosser.

“The forecast suggests that there may be one or two more showers this morning and then it should be dry until about 2pm. There may be a bit more rain later in the afternoon, but though rain is forecast for much of the country, it looks as if it may well skirt Newmarket tomorrow and Sunday, so we could be back to good ground later in the meeting.”




NO CHANGE IN GOING

The going for the second day of the Sagitta Guineas Festival remains

GOOD TO SOFT.

There may be a few showers up until midnight but the forecast is for a dry day tomorrow.

CROWD DOWN BUT BOOKINGS UP


Today’s attendance of 5,290 was down on last year’s crowd of 6,600, but it is felt that the unpleasant and rainy weather this morning was largely responsible.

However, advance bookings for Saturday and Sunday are up by 13% on those of a year ago and Newmarket is looking forward to a very good weekend.

DRAW BIAS SHOULD BE ELIMINATED

The new layout on the Rowley Mile will, it is hoped, eliminate the risk of a draw bias in favour of one side of the track over the other.

Last year it was widely felt that Rock of Gibraltar, who was drawn 22 in the Sagitta 2000 Guineas and raced on the far side, had a vital advantage over his stablemate Hawk Wing, who started from stall ten, and that had the pair been racing together the result might have been different. There was a neck between the two colts

This year, though, the course is not much more than half the width of last year’s as that part of the track which was used for the Craven meeting will not be raced on this week.

“Last year the safety limit for the Craven meeting was 30, so for the Guineas meeting we had to use ground which had been raced on two weeks earlier,” said clerk of the course Michael Prosser.

“But with the BHB instruction to reduce the maximum fields to 20 for all but the very big races, we are able this year to use two-fifths of the track for the Craven and the other three-fifths for the Guineas. We would have taken the same action ourselves had not BHB told us to do so and we thus have a maximum field of 30 for the Guineas meeting and 20 for the Craven

“From my experience here and from walking the course with the new stick for grading the going, I would say that there is no difference in the ground from one side of the Guineas track to the other.”

WINNING QUOTES RACE ONE
PORTLAND LODGE HANDICAP

BAROLO MAKES UP FOR LAST TIME


Barolo, who had no luck in running when favourite for the Rosebery at Kempton last time, made up for that misfortune when just getting the better of Czarina Waltz in the opening Portland Lodge Handicap.

“He never got a run at Kempton and in any case I think that track is plenty sharp enough for him,” said Steve Kalis, travelling head lad to the winner’s trainer Peter Harris.

“The big, wide course here suited him much better,” Kalis went on. “He takes a long time to do anything, but he will do it in the end if you keep at him, so I was praying that Eddie (Ahern) would not give up.”

Ahern may well have been aware of Kalis’ prayers, for he kept persevering on Barolo and forced the lightly-raced four-year-old into the lead 50 yards from home to win by half a length.

Barolo was running for only the sixth time in his career, and gaining his first success, but there is no sinister reason behind this. “He has just been a baby and needed lots of time,” said Kalis.

RACE ONE PORTLAND LODGE HANDICAP
PLACED QUOTES

CZARINA WALTZ FINDS ONE TOO GOOD

Czarina Waltz went down to Barolo by half a length in this afternoon’s opening contest with a further three lengths back to the third King’s Thought.

Despite finding one too good, Czarina Waltz’s trainer Chris Wall said: “I’m still very pleased. She’s grown up from last year and she ran more relaxed.

“I thought that she might want one and a half miles and I wanted to get a run into her. I think that she’s got a nice season ahead of her and she’s always been a nice filly.

“She was a good three-year-old and she’s always been consistent, never out of the money. I think she’ll be a nice fun horse for the owners [Acorn Racing] this season.”

The Emperor Jones filly could be seen at York in a couple of weeks time.

“I don’t have any plans at the moment and I’ll wait and see,” commented the Newmarket trainer. “There’s a handicap at York in a fortnight but there must be a bit of juice in the ground for her.”

Steve Gollings, trainer of King’s Thought, who was said to be unsuited by the fast ground on his last outing at Windsor, told his owners, “The key to him is this softer ground.

“He’s got an extravagant action and comes down hard on the ground.”


RACE TWO LISTED BRAZIL AND PARRY 1089MW NEWMARKET STAKES
WIN QUOTES

DELSARTE REMAINS UNBEATEN

Having won his maiden less than a week ago at Leicester, Delsarte kept his unbeaten record by winning this Listed heat by five lengths from Wilful.

Winning trainer Mark Johnston admitted that he was unsure how the three-year-old Theatrical colt would perform.

“We didn’t know what to expect as he only had his first start six days ago,” he said.

“He only lost two kilos at Leicester unbelievably after being left in the stalls.”

Although the Middleham handler has no firm targets for his charge, he indicated that racegoers would be seeing him in better company later in 2003.

“There are a lot of big races in mid summer. We weren’t sure if he was up to them but now we know. I would think that he might step up in trip,” he continued.

Asked what winning rider Keith Dalgleish had said of Delsarte, Johnston replied: “He said that he was still very green, on and off the bridle. He doesn’t know much about racing.”





PLACED QUOTES RACE TWO
BRAZIL AND PARRY 1089MW NEWMARKET STAKES


NO WINNING START FOR GODOLPHIN


Wilful, the first runner for Godolphin in Europe this year, had to settle for a well beaten second behind Delsarte in the Brazil and Parry 1089MW Newmarket Stakes, being beaten five lengths after having made the running until a furlong and a half from home.

“Frankie (Dettori) felt that the ground was against him,” said their racing manager Simon Crisford. “He has been running well on good, fast ground at Nad Al Sheba in the winter but this was much softer.

“Although many horses by Bering, as he is, go in the soft, he has small feet and maybe that made it difficult for him. But we shall try again with him and see what happens, added Crisford, who confirmed the well being of the Godolphin Guineas contenders.

Splendid Era, one of the two Derby entries in the race, finished third and the other, Hilbre Island, was last of the four. “He just couldn’t quicken in the soft, though he was going on at the end,” said Barry Hills of Splendid Era.

WINNING QUOTES RACE THREE
SAGITTA JOCKEY CLUB STAKES

WARRSAN FOR CORONATION CUP

Warrsan, who gained the best win of his life in the Group Three John Porter Stakes at Newbury last time, found the move up to Group Two company no problem with a tenacious 12-1 defeat of Millenary in the Sagitta Jockey Club Stakes.

“That was good,” said his trainer Clive Brittain. “When he ran at Newbury, he was forced to make the running, but I did not want him to have a hard race and so I said that the idea would be to slow the pace down and then quicken up when it suited him.

“This time I knew there would be a gallop, which meant that Plan B came into operation, to tuck in behind the leader and kick on when he was going well.”

Which is precisely what happened, with Philip Robinson sending Warrsan ahead with more than two furlongs left and the five-year-old galloping on to beat Millenary by a length and a half.

“At the start of the season, we had two possible campaigns for him,” said Brittain. “Either run him in the Yorkshire Cup and then the Gold Cup, or to campaign him at a mile and a half, which is what we have ended up doing.

“His next run will be in a Group One race, maybe the Coronation Cup, and after that we shall look at the King George.

“After all, that he what he is, a racehorse. I have had many of his family and they have all improved with age, and I think this fellow will surprise a few more people before the season is over.”

John Dunlop, trainer of runner-up Millenary, said: “he has run very well, and I am delighted. We’ll think about the Hardwicke. The ground is important and I think the softer ground today helped him”

Godolphin’s Simon Crisford said about the third: “Highest got a bit tired on the ground. We know he is a decent horse and will have a look at the races coming up in a few week’s time. He is the Coronation Cup and that is still a possibility.”


RACE FOUR tote.co.uk HANDICAP
WIN QUOTES

ELITE RACING CLUB INVADES WINNER’S ENCLOSURE

There were a lot of smiling faces of members of the Elite Racing Club in the winner’s enclosure after the club’s Clive Cox-trained New Seeker had beaten Hard Nose by five lengths in the tote.co.uk Handicap, despite veering desperately to the left in the last couple of furlongs. They will be hoping that Soviet Song, who is also owned by the Elite Racing Club, can follow up in Sunday’s Sagitta 1000 Guineas.

Cox said: “He’s a grand horse - he hung left because it’s the first time that he’s seen the screens and all that advertising on the other side spooked him. Also he was in front on his own with no company. He is better than a handicapper but don’t tell anyone else that!

“Sure I was still surprised that he won after hanging like that but I knew he was decent.

“He’s only a baby and I’m taking him along cautiously. We’ll see how he comes out of this before making any plans.

“From the handicapping point of view, we’ll see what happens to him but I’ll have to think about some proper plans now. We’ll see as he was carrying no weight today.

“The Elite Racing Club are really supportive and hopefully this is the start of a good weekend for them. All of my horses are running well and long may it continue.”

Winning jockey Jimmy Quinn was also impressed with New Seeker. “I think that you’ve got a nice horse - I wouldn’t mind riding him again,” he told the club members.

Runner-up Hard Nose has now started favourite in both of his races this year and been beaten on each occasion, though at least this time he managed to finish second.

“I hoped when the winner hung away to the left that he might end up among the bookmakers and then we could have won, but that wasn’t to be,” said Tim Bulwer-Long, racing manager to the colt’s owner Wafic Said.

Jimmy Fortune told trainer John Gosden that Hard Nose could never go the early pace. “I think we will definitely step him up a furlong next time,” said Gosden, “though I fear the handicapper may put him up a 1lb or two as well even though we were beaten five lengths and trying to give the winner 9lb. It’s no good finishing second.”



WINNING QUOTES RACE FIVE
DAHLIA STAKES

OVERSEAS JAUNTS BECKON

“I think that there are more opportunities abroad for fillies like her than there are in England - do any of you speak French or German?” asked Mick Ryan of the members of the Aldora Partnership after their filly had got the better of a sharp tussle with Lady Bear to take the Listed Dahlia Stakes.

And on being told that one of them spoke German, Ryan immediately started thinking of Baden-Baden for the filly, who was well suited by the soft ground.

“She was one of the first of mine to be hit by the equine ‘flu, which happened about three weeks ago,” said Ryan. “She had a bit of a crusty nose and she scoped a bit dirty about a week ago, though she was always well in herself.

“I wanted to run her at Ascot, but that would have been a bit too soon for her. She is very tough, and the bit that really matters is the bit that you cannot see,” the trainer continued.

RACE FIVE LISTED DAHLIA STAKES
PLACED QUOTES

YORK NEXT FOR LADY BEAR

Owner Arthur Campbell thought that the second Lady Bear may have won the Listed Dahlia Stakes if she had been on the same part of the track as winner Aldora.

He said: “If we had tracked the winner, we might have beaten her maybe. We followed Kieren [Fallon, jockey of Mameyuki] who was going so well on the other side and then stopped and our mare was out on her own.

“But the winner is a good horse and mine has run a blinder and done me proud. We were hoping today our mare might have done it - she was placed last year in another Listed race, which was won by Welsh Diva.”

Lady Bear will next be seen at York’s May Meeting.

“She’ll run next in a Listed handicap at York,” continued Campbell. “That should suit her but she wants some cut in the ground which is important. She’s run some good races this year despite the firm ground.”

Third-placed Golden Silca, who is in foal to Selkirk, broke the Ù0.5 million barrier today.

“I’m quite pleased as she’s a little bit short on work,” said Channon. “That is because we’ve put her in foal but we’ve got a few months yet. She came to win the race but got a little bit tired.”

RACE SIX THETFORD MAIDEN FILLIES’ STAKES
WIN QUOTES

PLAY THAT TUNE JUSTIFIES FAVOURITISM

Play That Tune, trained by local handler Henry Cecil, was a popular winner of the maiden fillies’ event as she justified even money favouritism much to the delight of the Newmarket crowd.

Cecil said: “She hasn’t quite come to herself yet and got a bit tired when she went to win the race. I’ve been quite easy on her and she’s not even come in her coat yet. Hopefully she’ll improve.

“She had a little knee trouble after Goodwood last year. I’ve always thought a little bit of her and she goes nicely at home. She needs another two or three weeks really.

“All my horses are running well - they’ve all been in the frame except one.”

While Cecil was unable to say where Play That Tune will appear next, he did have news of recent winner Midsummer. “She will run in the Lingfield Oaks Trial next weekend,” he revealed.

PLACED QUOTES RACE SIX
THETFORD MAIDEN FILLIES’ STAKES

TREGONING VERY PLEASED


Marcus Tregoning declared himself as “very happy with her” after Irtahal had beaten all but hot favourite Play That Tune in the fillies’ maiden.

“She is a nice filly and I have always liked her, but she was too weak and narrow to run last year,” he said. “The winner has some decent form to her name and I think that was a very good start.

“She has an interesting pedigree as she is by Swain and her dam, Elhasna, is a full sister to (champion sprinter) Dayjur. She has no big entries at the moment and we’ll just take it steadily with her.”

Tregoning also reported that stable star Nayef is due back from Dubai, where finished third in the World Cup, on Monday.

“The reports about him are very good and the idea is to go to Epsom first for the Coronation Cup. If he is not ready in time for that we will think about Ascot, but I don’t know whether that would be the Hardwicke or the Prince of Wales’s Stakes.”

RACE SEVEN NEWMARKET CHALLENGE WHIP
PLACED QUOTES

THINGMEBOB NICE TONIC FOR TRAINER’S WIFE

“My dear wife [Angie] has got flu and she’ll be delighted,” enthused trainer Mark Tompkins after Thingmebob, who runs in his wife’s colours, had got the better of Compton Eclipse by 10 lengths in the mile Newmarket Challenge Whip.

“Thingmebob is green and doesn’t know what she is doing - I brought her here for experience,” said the local handler. “She’ll stay 1m 2f and possibly 1m 4f. She’s quite a nice filly and I like her.

“She’s still eligible for a maiden and she’ll go for any 1m 2f maiden - she’ll be alright.”

Winning rider Darryll Holland commented: “She’s so green and still a bit weak.”

Erik Penser, owner of Compton Eclipse, admitted that he had thought his colt was going to win at one stage of the contest.

“There was a second when I thought we might have got you!” he told the winning trainer.

The winning time was 1 minute 43.77 seconds.

LATE MONEY SEES REFUSE TO BEND MOVE TO SECOND FAVOURITE SAY WILLIAM HILL

Dermot Weld's Leopardstown trial winner Refuse to Bend has been promoted to 4-1 second favourite for tomorrow's Sagitta 2000 Guineas, behind long-time market leader Hold That Tiger and pushing Godolphin's charge Lateen Sails out to 9-2. Dewhurst winner Tout Seul and Tomahawk are also notable movers.

There are a host of changes in the fillies’ classic on Sunday, the Sagitta 1000 Guineas, with Six Perfections tightened up as favourite and Gonfilia and Yesterday movers at bigger prices.

SAGITTA 1000 GUINEAS
5-2 Six Perfections (from 11-4), 7-2 Intercontinental, 9-2 Soviet Song, 9-1 Russian Rhythm (from 7-1), 10-1 Mezzo Soprano (from 9-1), 12-1 Hectors Girl (from 14-1), 14-1 Khulood (from 11-1), Tante Rose (from 12-1 ), 16-1 Gonfilia (from 20-1), Yesterday (from 20-1), 33-1 L'Ancresse, 40-1 Hanami, 50-1 Casual Look, Summitville (from 66-1), 80-1 Duty Paid, Spinola, 100-1 Wimple, 125-1 Presto Vento, 150-1 Flashing Blade, 200-1 Lady Mytton, Look Heres Carl. ALL QUOTED. Non runner no bet

SAGITTA 2000 GUINEAS
5-2 Hold That Tiger (from 9-4), 4-1 Refuse To Bend (from 6-1), 9-2 Lateen Sails (from 4-1), 8-1 Tout Seul (from 9-1), 9-1 Muqbil, Tomahawk (from 10-1), 12-1 Songlark (from 10-1), 14-1 Audience (from 12-1), 16-1 Hurricane Alan, 28-1 Indian Haven, 33-1 Zafeen, 40-1 Saturn, 66-1 Lundy's Lane, Mister Links, 80-1 Norse Dancer, 100-1 Checkit, Monsieur Bond, Rockets 'N Rollers, 150-1 Tizzy May, 200-1 Jay Gee's Choice. ALL QUOTED. Non runner no bet.

57 IN HUNT FOR SCOOP6 BONUS PRIZE FUND

All but one of the 58 punters who won last week’s Scoop6 have registered in time to be entitled to a shot at the £210,953 Bonus Prize fund this weekend. The 57 who have registered now need to find the winner of the 2.55pm from Newmarket - the 30-runner Ladbrokes Handicap - in order to further boost the £2,838 they won on the bet last Saturday.

Among the 57 is Ellen Turner from Brighton, in her sixties and dubbed the 'galloping granny' by friends and relations due to her love of the occasional flutter on the horses. A regular £2 Scoop6 player Ellen took a chance and doubled her investment last week in an attempt to beat her record and get past leg four of the bet, a goal she achieved in style.

The only fright for Turner - a former publican and betting shop assistant - was when her selection in leg five Dandoun, chosen because her grandson is called Dan, was declared a non-runner. Fortunately, however, her ticket was automatically forwarded on to the SP favourite Desert Deer which obliged.

"The money I've landed already will certainly make a difference regardless of whether or not I land some big money on Saturday, and I've already decided to treat myself to a holiday in Spain, a luxury not easily afforded on a pension," said a delighted Ellen.

"However, if I do manage to land a big slice of the Bonus Prize fund tomorrow. I'll make sure my grandchildren's education is taken care of, then buy a cottage next to a racecourse."

KEEP UP ON THE PREMIERSHIP TITLE RACE

Those coming to Newmarket for the Sagitta Guineas Meeting and anxious not to miss out on the race for the Premiership title can relax!

Newmarket will have a giant screen behind the stands showing live and uninterrupted coverage of the big matches, Manchester United versus Charlton from 12.30pm on Saturday, May 3, and Arsenal versus Leeds from 4.05pm on Sunday, May 4.

Thus, those who want to see the football can do so and those who don’t will not have their enjoyment of the racing compromised in any way.

“Newmarket racegoers will be able to enjoy the best of both worlds – the season’s first Classics and the decisive Premiership matches over the weekend” commented Lisa Hancock. “The Rowley Mile is the place to be on Saturday and Sunday, May 3 & 4!”

OTHER SATURDAY & SUNDAY ATTRACTIONS
Jazz Band
The Hookey Band

FOR CHILDREN
Creche (for 2 to 8-year-olds)
Multi-skilled Children’s Entertainer (Family Enclosure)
Billy Bandy Legs (Family Enclosure)Bouncy Castle (Family Enclosure)
Punch & Judy (Family Enclosure)
& more

RUINART CHAMPIONS CHALLENGE

Champagne Ruinart is supporting the second Group Race trainers’ championship at Newmarket this year, the Ruinart Champions Challenge. It will be based on a points system – 10 points for winning a Group One race, 6 for a Group Two and 3 for a Group Three – with the leading trainer taking home his weight in champagne.

After the Craven Meeting at Newmarket (April 15-17), John Dunlop has the lead.

LATEST POSITIONS

John Dunlop (Olden Times, Weatherbys Earl of Sefton Stakes G3 & 6 points


Richard Hannon (Hurricane Alan, Macau Jockey Club Craven Stakes G3) 3 points

FIRST RACE RESULT
1.10pm THE PORTLAND LODGE HANDICAP

Class D, £15,000 added. 1m 2f. For 3yo+ rated 0-85. Penalties: after April 19, a winner 6lb. Penalty Values: 1st: £10,790; 2nd: £3,320; 3rd: £1,660; 4th: £830

1 BAROLO (Mrs Karyl Harris) Peter Harris 4-9-05 Eddie Ahern [10] 6/1
2 CZARINA WALTZ (Acorn Racing) Chris Wall 4-9-02 Richie Mullen [4] 33/1
3 KING'S THOUGHT (Mrs E Houlton) Steve Gollings 4-9-12 Darryll Holland [11] 20/1
4 GENTLEMAN VENTURE (Canisbay Bloodstock Ltd) Jon Akehurst 7-9-08 Paul Doe [13] 12/1
5 PAGAN DANCE (The Gap Partnership) Amanda Perrett 4-9-13 Seb Sanders [15] 9/2 Fav
6 TRUE THUNDER (Ms G P O’Reilly and Meddler Racing) Julian Poulton 6-9-05 Gavin Faulkner [2]
7 ABLE BAKER CHARLIE (David Croft & Partners) James Fanshawe 4-9-07 Oscar Urbina [3]
8 PINCHINCHA (T J Wells) Dave Morris 9-9-10 Neil Callan [12]
9 ZERO TOLERANCE (The Hardliners) David Barron 3-8-04 Martin Dwyer [19]
10 MR LEAR (Christine and Laura Townley) David Barron 4-8-00 John Quinn [6]
11 REBATE (R Gander) Richard Hannon 3-8-05 Ryan Moore (3) [14]
12 INVITATION (p) (Woodhaven Racing Syndicate) Tony Charlton 5-9-09 Richard Quinn [17]
13 FANTASY CRUSADER (t) (p) (The Fantasy Fellowship) Jim Gilbert 4-7-09 Fran Ferris (3) [1]
14 SMOOTHIE (Ben Arbib) Paul Cole 5-8-06 Pat Eddery [7]
15 RINGING HILL (Major Michael Wyatt) Henry Candy 4-10-00 Dane O'Neill [9]
16 EZZ ELKHEIL (Camille Cotran) Pip Payne 4-9-13 Simon Whitworth [16]
17 ETTRICK WATER (Mr and Mrs Edmund Vestey) Luca Cumani 4-9-11 Jamie Spencer [5]
18 DENMARK (The Golden Anorak Partnership) Pat Murphy 4-9-03 Steve Drowne [20]
19 ETON (David Metcalf) David Nicholls 7-9-04 Adrian Nicholls [18]

19 ran, Non Runner 18 KIND EMPEROR (Ground)
Distances: 1/2, 3, sh, 3/4, nk, 1/2, 2 1/2, hd, 1, sh, 4, 6, 4, 3/4, 15, 4, 5, 1 3/4 Time: 2m 08.90s
Totes: Win: £5.80; Place: £1.80; £8.00; £5.50; £3.40; Exacta: £226.00
Breeder: Pendley Farm Breeding: b g Danehill (USA) - Lydia Maria (Dancing Brave (USA))

Winning trainer:-Name: Harris, Peter
Date of birth:25/3/34 First trainers licence: 1981 Wins in a season (1987-2002):0:0:2:8:3:13:23:23:-:26:34:37:37:39:40:38:44 Number of horses in training (1987-2003): 30:31:29 :30 :42:44:55:56:66:81:88:83:83:107:120:113:106 Trains at Pendley Farm Racing Stables, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire Major Winners: Masaka Stakes (1997 Calypso Grant), Middle Park Stakes (1999 Primo Valentino), Mill Reef Stakes (1999 Primo Valentino), Cherry Hinton Stakes (2000 Dora Carrington, 2002 Spinola) Wins this season: 4

Winning jockey:-Name: Ahern, Edward Delacy Weight: 7st 12lb First Winner: Ardlea House (Dundalk 1994) Major Achievements: Irish Champion Apprentice in 1997 Major Races Won: Ascot Stakes (1998 San Sebastian), Vodafone Diomed Stakes (2002 Nayyir), Theo Fennell Lennox Stakes (2002 Nayyir), Tote Cambridgeshire (2002 Beauchamp Pilot), Challenge Stakes (2002 Nayyir) Wins in Ireland in 2001: 36 Wins in Britain 2000-2002: 2; 3; 83 Wins this season: 33



SECOND RACE RESULT
2.15pm THE BRAZIL AND PARRY 1089MW NEWMARKET STAKES
Class A, Listed Race, £32,000 Total prize fund. 1m 2f. For 3yo colts. Weights: 8st 8lb. Penalties: a winner of a Listed race of 7f or more 3lb; of a Group 3 of 7f or more 5lb; of a Group 1 or Group 2 race of 7f or more 8lb. Penalty Values: 1st: £19,040; 2nd: £7,040; 3rd: £3,520; 4th: £1,600; 5th: £800

1 DELSARTE (Abdullah Saeed BelHab) Mark Johnston 3-8-08 Keith Dalgleish [2] 4/1
2 WILFUL (Godolphin) Saeed Bin Suroor 3-8-08 Frankie Dettori [4] 6/4 Fav
3 SPLENDID ERA (Maktoum Al Maktoum) Barry Hills 3-8-08 Michael Hills [3]
4 HILBRE ISLAND (E H Jones (Paints) Ltd) Brian Meehan 3-8-08 Pat Eddery [5]

4 ran, Non Runner 2 DUST COVER (Ground)
Distances: 5, 1, 1 Time: 2m 09.12
Totes: Win: £4.90; Exacta: £7.60
Breeder: Gerald W Leigh Breeding: b c Theatrical-Delauncy (Machiavellian (USA))

Winning Trainer:-Name: Johnston, Mark Steven Born:Glasgow, 10/9/59 Date of first licence: January 1987 First winner: Hinari Video (Carlisle, July 1, 1987) Previous Occupation: Qualified as veterinary surgeon at Glasgow University; practiced as vet in Cleveland, Essex and Northern Ireland, spent brief spells with John Winter, Tommy Craig, Charlie Millbank in France and John Russell in USA Classic win: (1) Sagitta 2,000 Guineas (1994 Mister Baileys) Other major wins include: Ascot Gold Cup (1995 Double Trigger, 2001 Royal Rebel), St James’s Palace Stakes (1996 Bijou D'Inde), Sagaro Stakes (1995 & 1996 Double Trigger), Doncaster Cup (1995,1996 & 1998 Double Trigger), Futurity Stakes (1994 Jural), Cornwallis Stakes (1994 Millstream), JP Morgan Private Bank Goodwood Cup (1995, 1997 & 1998 Double Trigger, 2000 Royal Rebel), Princess Margaret Stakes (1992 Marina Park), Champagne Lanson Vintage Stakes (1993 Mister Baileys), Royal Lodge Stakes (1993 Mister Baileys), Princess Of Wales’s Stakes (1998 Fruits Of Love), Dubai Turf Classic (1999 Fruits Of Love), Hardwicke Stakes (1999 and 2000 Fruits of Love), Lingfield Derby Trial (2002 Bandari), Chester Vase (2002 Fight Your Corner), Classic Trial (2002 Simeon), Peugeot Gordon Stakes (2002 Bandari), Credit Suisse Private Banking Pokal (2002 Yavana’s Pace), Great Voltigeur Stakes (2002 Bandari) Wins in a season (1987-2002): 1: 5: 15: 28: 31: 53: 77: 117: 114: 116: 123: 100:113:130:116: 134 (most victories in Britain) Number of horses in training (1987-2003): n/a: 17: 18: 35: 35: 39: 49: 72: 120: 117: 120:130: 147:152:159:178:178 Trains at Kingsley House Racing Stables Middleham, N Yorks Wins this season: 20 Royal Ascot wins: (14) Gold Cup (1995 Double Trigger, 2001 and 2002 Royal Rebel), King George V Handicap (1995 Diaghilef, 2002 Systematic), St James’s Palace Stakes (1996 Bijou D’Inde), Britannia Handicap (1997 Fly To The Stars), Hardwicke Stakes (1999 and 2000 Fruits Of Love, 2002 Zindabad), Chesham Stakes (2000 Celtic Silence, 2002 Helm Bank), Queen’s Vase (2001 And Beyond), Duke of Edinburgh Handicap (2001 Takamaka Bay)

Winning jockey:-Name: Dalgleish, Keith William Born: March 22, 1983 in Scottish borders town of Coldstream Apprenticed: to Mark Johnston First Winner: Shontaine (Apprentice handicap, Southwell, January 10, 2000) Wins 2000-2002: 45; 65 (3rd in apprentice championship); 72 Background: Nicknamed ‘Kenny’ after footballer Kenny Dalglish (no relation - note spelling!) Grew up in Hawick. His father John provided 30 pony racing rides for the youngest of three children, including Debbie (26) and Kevin (24). Spent two weeks one summer holiday riding out for Alec Stewart in Newmarket before doing the same for Johnston the following two years. First grabbed the headlines when riding a 219-1 treble at Musselburgh on the eve of Royal Ascot in 2000 Major Wins Include: Credit Suisse Private Banking Pokal (2002 Yavana’s Pace) First Group One Victory: Credit Suisse Private Banking Pokal (2002 Yavana’s Pace) Wins this season: 19

THIRD RACE RESULT
2.20pm THE SAGITTA JOCKEY CLUB STAKES

Class A, Group 2, £100,000 guaranteed. 1m 4f. For 4yo+. Weights: colts & geldings 8st 9lb; fillies 8st 6lb. Penalties: after June 4, 2002, a winner of a Group 2 race of 1m or over 3lb; of a Group 1 race of 1m or over 5lb. Penalty Values: 1st: £58,000; 2nd: £22,000; 3rd: £11,000; 4th: £5,000; 5th: £2,500; 6th: £1,500

1 WARRSAN (Saeed Manana) Clive Brittain 5-8-09 Philip Robinson [2] 12/1
2 MILLENARY (L Neil Jones) John Dunlop 6-8-12 Pat Eddery [5] 7/2
3 HIGHEST (Godolphin) Saeed Bin Suroor 4-8-09 Frankie Dettori [3]
4 BANDARI (Hamdan Al Maktoum) Mark Johnston 4-8-12 Willie Supple [1] 15/8 Fav
5 BOREAS (Aston House Stud) Luca Cumani 8-8-09 Jamie Spencer [4]
6 BALAKHERI (H H Aga Khan) Sir Michael Stoute 4- 8-12 Johnny Murtagh [6]

All 6 ran
Distances: 1 1/2, 4, 5, 9, 1 1/4 Time: 2m 35.48s
Totes: Win: £11.10; Places: £2.60; £2.30; Exacta: £56.60
Breeder: Saeed Manana Breeding: b h Caerleon (USA) - Lucayan Princess (High Line)

Winning trainer:-Name: Brittain, Clive Edward
Born: Calne, Wiltshire, 15/12/33 Date of first licence: 1972 Previous Occupation: Joined Sir Noel Murless as stable lad in 1949 British Classic wins: (6) Sagitta 1000 Guineas (1984 Pebbles,1993 Sayyedati); Sagitta 2000 Guineas (1991 Mystiko); Vodafone Oaks (1992 User Friendly), St Leger (1978 Julio Mariner, 1992 User Friendly) Other major wins include: German 1,000 Guineas (2000 Crimplene), Irish 1,000 Guineas (2000 Crimplene), Japan Cup (1986 Jupiter Island), Breeders’ Cup Turf (1985 Pebbles), St James’s Palace Stakes (1974 Averof, 1976 Radetzky), Coral-Eclipse Stakes (1985 Pebbles), Sussex Stakes (1995 Sayyedati), Nassau Stakes (2000 Crimplene), Juddmonte International (1991 Terimon), Yorkshire Oaks (1992 User Friendly), Cheveley Park Stakes (1992 Sayyedati), Champion Stakes (1985 Pebbles), Prix Jean Prat (1988 Lapierre), Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (1993 User Friendly), Prix Jacques Le Marois (1993 Sayyedati), Italian Derby (1991 Hailsham, 1995 Luso), Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (1997 Air Express), Hong Kong International Vase (1997 Luso); Nell Gwyn Stakes(1998 Cloud Castle) Meon Valley Stud Fillies Mile (1999 Teggiano) Wins in a season(1983-2002):45:33:51:39:38:40:36:42:53: 63:37 :37:51:35:26: 23:40:27:28:31 Horses in training (1984-2003): 102:88:115:125:130:119:145:176:143:118:124:111:114:75:104:100:77:94:69:67 Wins this season: 18 First Royal Ascot win: Averof (June 6, 1974 - St James’s Palace Stakes) Royal Ascot wins: (14 )St James’s Palace Stakes (1974 Averof, 1976 Radetzky), Queen Anne Stakes (1978 Radetzky, 1991 Sikeston, 1993 Alflora), Queen’s Vase (1982 Evzon), Coronation Stakes (2000 Crimplene), Royal Hunt Cup (1985 Come On The Blues), Hardwicke Stakes (1985 Jupiter Island), Chesham Stakes (1987 Lapierre, 1995 World Premier), Ribblesdale Stakes (1992 Armarama), Britannia Handicap (1992 Efharisto), King Edward VII Stakes (1996 Amfortas)

Winning jockey:-Name: Robinson, Philip Peter. Born: 10/1/61 in Newmarket Apprenticeship: With father, Peter Robinson. First winner: Busting (Yarmouth, June 14, 1978) Classic wins: (6) Sagitta 1,000 Guineas (1984 Pebbles; 2001 Ameerat); St Leger (1993 Bob's Return); German 1,000 Guineas (2000 Crimplene), Irish 1,000 Guineas (2000 Crimplene), French Derby (2000 Holding Court) Other major wins include: Coronation Stakes (1984 Katies, 2000 Crimplene); Nassau Stakes (2000 Crimplene) Great Voltigeur Stakes (1993 Bob’s Return) Wins (1992-2002): 52,52,50,41,31,0,28,53,57,47,55
Wins This Season: 7 Royal Ascot wins: (3) Coronation Stakes (June 20, 1984, Katies and June 23, 2000, Crimplene); Queen Alexandra Stakes (June 22, 2001, Life Is Life) First Royal Ascot winner: Coronation Stakes (June 20, 1984, Katies) Other details: Rode in Hong Kong 1989-91 (leading rider 1989 and 1990) and returned in 1997

FOURTH RACE RESULT
2.55pm THE tote.co.uk STAKES (SHOWCASE HANDICAP)

Class C, Showcase Handicap, £20,000 added. 7f. For 3yo rated 0-100. Penalties: after April 19, a winner 5lb. Penalty Values: 1st: £13,942.50; 2nd: £4,290; 3rd: £2,145; 4th: £1,072.50

1 NEW SEEKER (Elite Racing Club) Clive Cox 3-8-02 Jimmy Quinn [9] 10/1
2 HARD NOSE (Wafic Said) John Gosden 3-8-11 Jimmy Fortune [4] 9/4 Fav
3 TUG OF LOVE (Mrs Denis Haynes) Sir Michael Stoute 3-9-01 Kieren Fallon [11] 13/2
4 RISKA KING (Market Avenue Racing Club) Richard Fahey 3-8-02 Willie Supple [2]
5 COMPTON EMPEROR (Erik Penser) Gerard Butler 3-8-10 Eddie Ahern [8]
6 DARK SHAH (t) (Jeff Smith) Andrew Balding 3-7-13 Chris Catlin [13]
7 INTO THE BREEZE (Eric Whitehouse and Partners) John Hills 3-9-02 Michael Hills [7]
8 BI POLAR (Raymond Tooth) David Elsworth 3-8-09 Dane O'Neill [12]
9 DRURY LANE (Bonnycastle, Hanson, Harrison, Morton) Barry Hills 3-8-09 Philip Robinson [5]
10 SISTER BLUEBIRD (b) (O’Reilly Hyland & Pidgley Partnership) Brian Meehan 3-9-06 Pat Eddery [10]
11 KETAN (Abdullah BuHaleeba) Mark Johnston 3-9-07 Kevin Darley [1]
12 ST PETERSBURG (P Heath) Mark Tompkins 3-7-12 Adrian McCarthy (3) [6]
13 FORT MCHENRY (Michael Tabor) Neville Callaghan 3-8-08 Keith Dalgleish [3]

All 13 ran
Distances: 5, 3/4, 1/2, 1, sh, nk, 1 1/4, hd, nk, 1 1/4, nk, 12 Time: 1m 27.02s
Totes: Win: £8.80; Places: £2.20; £1.40; £2.70; Exacta:£47.10
Breeder: Shadwell Estate Company
Breeding: b c Green Desert (USA) - Ahbab (IRE) (Ajdal (USA))

Winning trainer: Name: Cox, Clive Trains at: Beechdown Farm, Sheepdrove, Lambourn, Berks Born: 14/5/1964 Previously: NH jockey from 1982 to 1992 then assisted Mikey Heaton-Ellis for seven years Wins on Flat in 2002: 11 Wins this season: 4

Winning jockey:-Name: Quinn, James Anthony. Date of birth: 20/5/67 Apprenticeship: Apprentice school in Ireland. Served with John Oxx for a year, and Pat Rohan between 1984-87 First winner: Tarleton (Ayr, March 25, 1984) Major wins include: Lincoln Handicap (1992 High Low) Wins (1987-2002): 14,23,19,31,32,48,73,43,56,73,61,58,77,36,31,101
Wins this season: 27


FIFTH RACE RESULT
3.30pm THE DAHLIA STAKES

Class A, Listed Race, £32,000 Total prize fund. 1m 1f. For 4yo+ fillies & mares which have not won a Group 1 Pattern race after 2001. Weights: 8st 9lb. Penalties: after June 4, 2002, a winner of a Listed race 3lb; of a Group 3 race 5lb; of a Group 2 race 8lb. Penalty Values: 1st: £18,560; 2nd: £7,040; 3rd: £3,520; 4th: £1,600; 5th: £800; 6th: £480

1 ALDORA (The Aldora Partnership) Mick Ryan 4-8-09 Martin Dwyer [1] 100/30
2 LADY BEAR (b) (J A & Kay Campbell) Richard Fahey 5-8-09 Kevin Darley [6] 11/4 Fav
3 GOLDEN SILCA (Aldridge Racing Ltd) Mick Channon 7-8-12 Jamie Spencer [3] 4/1
4 IN LUCK (John W Ford and Peter J Skinner) Clive Brittain 5-8-09 Darryll Holland [5]
5 GRACIA (David Shekells) Stuart Williams 4-8-09 Gary Carter [4]
6 MAMEYUKI (Brian Voak) Clive Brittain 4-8-09 Kieren Fallon [10]
7 SCENTED AIR (Stampede Racing) Julian Czerpak 6-8-09 Shashi Righton [9]
8 WELSH DIVA (Usk Valley Stud) Amanda Perrett 4-9-00 Richard Quinn [2]
9 PRICKLY POPPY (p) (Cliffe Rowlands) Terry Clement 5-8-09 Tom McLaughlin [8]
10 HECTIC TINA (Chris Machin) Jedd O'Keeffe 4-8-09 Jimmy Fortune [7]

All 10 ran
Distances: 3/4, 1, 2 1/2, 2 1/2, 1 3/4, 4, 6, 8, 27 Time: 1m 53.81s
Totes: Win: £4.40; Places: £1.80, £1.40, £2.00; Exacta: £12.90
Breeder: Collectors’ Investments Ltd Breeding: b f Magic Ring (IRE)-Sharp Top (Sharpo)

Winning trainer:-Name: Ryan, Michael John; Date of birth:19/5/41; Date of first licence:1976; Major races won:All Dutch Classics, Irish 1000 Guineas (1984 Katies), Coronation Stakes (1984 Katies);
Wins in a season: (1987-2002): 29 :22 :13:32:23:26:22 :30:25:19:27:26:12:27:10:7
Wins this season 4; Trains at Newmarket, Suffolk
Royal Ascot win: (1) Coronation Stakes (1984 Katies).

Winning Jockey:- Name: Dwyer, Martin Joseph Date of Birth: 28/06/75 Based: Hungerford, Berks Big Race Wins: Princess Elizabeth Stakes (2001 Sheppard’s Watch), Newmarket Stakes (2002 Highdown), Cheshire Oaks (2002 Shadow Dancing), Prix Guillaume d’Ornano (2002 Highdown), Jockey Club Cup (2002 Persian Punch) Wins 1995-02: 6; 36; 57; 46; 36; 61; 65; 104 Other Details: Married to daughter of trainer William Muir Wins this season: 27 Royal Ascot Wins: (1) King’s Stand Stakes (June 18, 2002, Dominica)

SIXTH RACE RESULT
4.05pm THE THETFORD MAIDEN FILLIES’ STAKES

Class D, £10,000 added. 7f. For 3yo maiden fillies. Weights: 8st 11lb. Penalty Values: 1st: £6,873,75; 2nd: £2,115; 3rd: £1,057.50; 4th: £528,75

1 PLAY THAT TUNE (J Shack and G Barnard) Henry Cecil 3-8-11 Richard Quinn [2] Evs Fav
2 IRTAHAL (Hamdan Al Maktoum) Marcus Tregoning 3-8-11 Willie Supple [11] 8/1
3 EL LAOOB (Hamdan Al Maktoum) John Gosden 3-8-11 Frankie Dettori [6] 4/1
4 RED FLAME (Cheveley Park Stud) Ed Dunlop 3-8-11 Seb Sanders [9]
5 LILLI MARLANE (Mrs T A Foreman) George Margarson 3-8-11 Gary Carter [8]
6 AITANA (Marion E Southcott) Stuart Williams 3-8-11 Paul Doe [7]
7 ANGEL ANNIE (Terry Connors) Jim Gilbert 3-8-06 Brian Reilly (5) [13]
8 JEANETTE ROMEE (Carl Leafe) Tony Charlton 3-8-11 Dane O'Neill [10]
9 LADY BETAMBEAU (Easton Park Stud Limited) Luca Cumani 3-8-11 Jamie Spencer [5]
10 QUEEN CHIEF (Jaber Abdullah) John Gosden 3-8-11 Jimmy Fortune [12]
11 SWEET REFLECTION (Saville House Racing) Willie Musson 3-8-06 Lisa Jones (5) [1]
12 TELL HER OFF (Andy Middleton) Christine Dunnett 3-8-11 Gavin Faulkner [4]
13 MON PETIT DIAMANT (Charles Alan McKechnie) Michael Wigham 3-8-04 Saleem Golam (7) [3]

All 13 ran
Distances: 1, 2 1/2, 3, 3 1/2, nk, 1, 3/4, 1 3/4, 3/4, nk, 1 1/4, 7 Time: 1m 28.76s
Totes: Win: £2.10; Places: £1.30; £2.40; £1.70 Exacta: £13.20
Breeder: Raffin Stud Breeding: ch f Zilzal (USA) - Military Tune (IRE) (Nashwan (USA))

Winning trainer:-Name: Cecil, Henry Richard Amherst
Born: Aberdeen Scotland, 11/1/43 Date of first licence:1969 First winner: Celestial Cloud (Ripon, May 17, 1969) Previous Occupation: Assistant to stepfather, Sir Cecil Boyd-Rochfort Classic wins: (23) Sagitta 1000 Guineas (1979 One In A Million, 1981 Fairy Footsteps, 1985 Oh So Sharp, 1996 Bosra Sham, 1997 Sleepytime, 1999 Wince), Sagitta 2000 Guineas (1975 Bolkonski, 1976 Wollow), Vodafone Derby (1985 Slip Anchor, 1987 Reference Point, 1993 Commander In Chief, 1999 Oath), Vodafone Oaks (1985 Oh So Sharp, 1988 Diminuendo, 1989 Snow Bride, 1996 Lady Carla, 1997 Reams Of Verse, 1999 Ramruma, 2000 Love Divine), St Leger (1980 Light Cavalry, 1985 Oh So Sharp, 1987 Reference Point, 1989 Michelozzo) Other major wins include: King George VI and the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes (1987 Reference Point, 1990 Belmez, 1994 King’s Theatre), St James’s Palace Stakes (1975 Bolkonski, 1979 Kris, 1990 Shavian; 1998 Dr Fong), Coronation Stakes (1975 Roussalka, 1979 One In A Million, 1982 Chalon, 1990 Chimes Of Freedom, 1994 Kissing Cousin), Ascot Gold Cup (1979 and 1980 Le Moss, 1981 and 1982 Ardross, 1987 Paean), Coral-Eclipse (1969 Wolver Hollow, 1976 Wollow, 1978 Gunner B), Sussex Stakes (1975 Bolkonski, 1976 Wollow, 1979 Kris, 1994 Distant View, 1997 Ali-Royal), Champion Stakes (1988 Indian Skimmer, 1996 Bosra Sham), Juddmonte International (1976 Wollow, 1999 Royal Anthem), Yorkshire Oaks (1979 Connaught Bridge, 1988 Diminuendo, 1998 Catchascatchcan, 1999 Ramruna), Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (1979 Kris), Fillies’ Mile (1978 Formulate, 1984 Oh So Sharp, 1987 Diminuendo, 1988 Tessla, 1995 Bosra Sham, 1996 Reams Of Verse), Middle Park Stakes (1981 Cajun, 1982 Diesis), Dewhurst Stakes (1975 Wollow, 1982 Diesis), Racing Post Trophy (1969 Approval, 1975 Take Your Place, 1979 Hello Gorgeous, 1982 Dunbeath, 1984 Lanfranco, 1986 Reference Point, 1989 Be My Chief, 1990 Peter Davies, 1992 Armiger, 1993 King’s Theatre), Irish 1,000 Guineas (1973 Cloonagh), Irish Derby (1989 Old Vic, 1993 Commander In Chief), Irish Oaks (1988 Diminuendo d.h., 1999 Ramruma), 1989 Alydaress), Prix du Jockey-Club (1989 Old Vic), Prix de Diane (1987 Indian Skimmer, 1990 Rafha), Prix Royal-Oak (1981 Ardross, 1986 El Cuite), Canadian International (1998 Royal Anthem), Tattersalls Gold Cup (1999 Shiva), Brigadier Gerard Stakes (2000 Shiva), Grand Prix de Paris (2000 Beat Hollow) Wins in a season (1984-2002) 108 :132 :115 :180 :112 :117 :111:119:109:94:76:83:113:78: 100:65:62:48:30 Horses in training (1985-2003):162:169: 181: 177 :172 :174 :163:165:164:208:176:186:188:191:169:157:122:83 Royal Ascot wins: 70 First Royal Ascot winner: Queen Alexandra Stakes (1970 Parthenon). Major Royal Ascot winners: St James’s Palace Stakes (1975 Bolkonski, 1979 Kris, 1990 Shavian, 1998 Dr Fong), Gold Cup (1979 & 1980 Le Moss, 1981 & 1982 Ardross, 1987 Paean), Coronation Stakes (1975 Roussalka, 1979 One In A Million, 1982 Chalon, 1990 Chimes Of Freedom, 1994 Kissing Cousin), Prince of Wales’s Stakes (1977 Lucky Wednesday, 1978 Gunner B, 1992 Perpendicular, 1993 Placerville, 1997 Bosra Sham), Wins this season: 4 Trains at Warren Place Stables, Newmarket, Suffolk Other details: Champion trainer 10 times (1976, 1978, 1979, 1982, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1993)

Winning jockey:-Name: Quinn, Thomas Richard. Born: Stirling, Scotland, 2/12/61 Apprenticeship: With Paul Cole, First winner: Bolivar Baby (Kempton, October 21, 1981) Classic wins: (3) Rothmans Royals St Leger (1990 Snurge, 2000 Millenary), Vodafone Oaks (2000 Love Divine) Other major wins include: Lockinge Stakes (1988 Broken Hearted, 1996 Soviet Line), Fillies Mile’ (1991 Culture Vulture), Irish St Leger (1990 Ibn Bey, 1995 Strategic Choice), Irish Oaks (1990 Knight's Baroness), Yorkshire Oaks (1987 Bint Pasha), Cheveley Park Stakes (1989 Pass The Peace, 1999 Seazun); Dewhurst Stakes (1990 Generous); Poule d’Essai des Poulains (1992 Culture Vulture), Prix Royal Oak (1992 Assessor), Derby Italiano (1987 Zaizoom, 1994 Time Star); Rothmans International (1992 Snurge), Brigadier Gerard Stakes (2000 Shiva), Grand Prix de Paris (2000 Beat Hollow), Lupe Stakes (2000 Love Divine), Fred Darling Stakes (2001 Rolly Polly) , Cherry Hinton Stakes (2000 Dora Carrington,2002Spinola), Betfair.com Molecomb Stakes (1998 Inya Lake), Hungerford Stakes (2002 Reel Buddy) Wins 1984-2002: 62,47,69,55,46,63,90,99,117,123,115,111,149,74,108,151,140,116,104 Wins This Season: 24 Other details: Champion European apprentice 1983, Champion British apprentice 1984, retained rider to Henry Cecil from 2000 Royal Ascot Wins (1984-2002): (21) First Royal Ascot Winner: Royal Hunt Cup, June 18, 1986 (Patriarch)






RUSSIAN RHYTHM RUNS IN STRONG
SAGITTA 1000 GUINEAS ON SUNDAY

The Sir Michael Stoute-trained Russian Rhythm runs in Sunday’s Sagitta 1000 Guineas at Newmarket. This follows various doubts as to whether the Kingmambo filly would participate in the contest after her less-than-sparkling work last weekend and the fact that she is still hanging on to her winter coat.

Last season Russian Rhythm won three races including the Group Two Peugeot Lowther Stakes at York in August. Her one reversal came in the Group One Sky Bet Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket in October, when she found just Airwave one and a half lengths too powerful.

Explaining the decision to compete, Chris Richardson, Managing Director of Cheveley Park Stud, said this morning: “It was a decision that was made between the owner and the trainer following Russian Rhythm’s blow on Thursday.

“To my eyes she went well enough and obviously that led to the decision that she’ll run in the Guineas.

“The cooler temperatures haven’t helped her but she’s coming to herself and she’s a filly of quality. She’s ready to do her best on the day although that may not be a true reflection of her potential eventually.

“She’s fit and well and deserves to take her chance but as Sir Michael has always said she could have done with the race coming a couple of weeks later.”

Russian Rhythm faces strong competition from two French-trained fillies and two fillies from Ireland among the 21 runners. Six Perfections represents trainer Pascal Bary, while Intercontinental will fly the flag for Andre Fabre.

Champion trainer Aidan O’Brien provides both Irish-trained contestants in the form of Yesterday and L’Ancresse.

PREVIEW OF SAGITTA 1,000 GUINEAS

There will be 21 runners in the Sagitta 1,000 Guineas over the Rowley Mile on Sunday, which will be only the third occasion since 1976 that the field for the first fillies’ classic has exceeded 20. In 1980 Quick as Lightning had 22 behind here, and there were 22 runners when Wince was successful on the July Course four years ago.

There is a particularly strong challenge from France, which has not produced a winner since Hatoof was successful in 1992, but this year has major fancies in Six Perfections, who is trained by Pascal Bary, and Intercontinental, who is with Andre Fabre.

Both fillies were among the best of their age and sex last year when Six Perfections ended her season with victory in the Prix Marcel Boussac at Longchamp which vaulted her into favouritism for the Guineas. She resumed this year with a comfortable success in the Prix Imprudence at Maisons-Laffitte last month.

Intercontinental, whose trainer was at one time keen to run her in the Shadwell Stud Nell Gwyn Stakes at the Craven meeting, had an easy win at Maisons-Laffitte 11 days after Six Perfections’ victory. She won her first two juvenile starts before taking on the colts and finishing third to Hold That Tiger in the Grand Criterium.

The Godolphin team, who struck last year with Kazzia, have two challengers this time and Frankie Dettori has chosen to partner Mezzo Soprano, who won the UAE 1,000 Guineas before coming over from Dubai this week with the rest of the Godolphin horses. Their other runner is Gonfilia, the mount of Jamie Spencer.

Sir Michael Stoute, successful with Musical Bliss in 1989, is another with dual representation. Russian Rhythm, who was favourite for the classic until her defeat in the Cheveley Park last season, has been the subject of mixed reports from the gallops this spring, and many will prefer Hector’s Girl, an unlucky third behind Khulood in the Nell Gwyn at the Craven meeting.

There are also two runners from Aidan O’Brien’s stable, with Mick Kinane choosing Yesterday in preference to L’Ancresse, and a big local fancy is Soviet Song, whose three wins last year ended with the Fillies’ Mile at Ascot.

THE SAGITTA 1000 GUINEAS DECLARED RUNNERS

Group One, Class A, Showcase Race, Newmarket, Sunday, May 4, 2003, one mile, total prize fund £320,000. For three-year-old fillies only. Weights: 9st each. Entries closed Wednesday, March 5, 2003 (80 entries), entries released Wednesday, March 19, 2003, forfeit stage (32 remained) Tuesday, April 22, 2003, five-day confirmation stage (28 remained) Monday, April 28, 2003, 48-hour declaration stage 10am, Friday, May 2, 2003 (21 declared)

Form Horse Age Owner Trainer Jockey D
34122- CASUAL LOOK (USA) 3 William Farish III Andrew Balding Martin Dwyer 5
3110- DUTY PAID (IRE) 3 Jeff Smith David Elsworth Richard Quinn 15
00 FLASHING BLADE t 3 R L Bedding Bryan McMahon Seb Sanders 6
11-(2) GONFILIA (GER) 3 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor Jamie Spencer 18
01- HANAMI 3 G B Partnership James Toller Darryll Holland 4
12-3 HECTOR'S GIRL 3 Naz Ahamad Sir Michael Stoute Jimmy Fortune 8
113-1 INTERCONTINENTAL 3 Khalid Abdulla Andre Fabre FR Christophe Soumillon 9
151-1 KHULOOD (USA) 3 Hamdan Al Maktoum John Dunlop Willie Supple 14
15-2 L'ANCRESSE (IRE) 3 Michael Tabor & Sue Magnier Aidan O’Brien IRE Kevin Darley 17
002351-4 LADY MYTTON 3 Gordon Mytton Alan Bailey George Duffield 10
022-23 LOOK HERE'S CAROL (IRE) 3 S L Edwards Bryan McMahon Graham Gibbons 3
1-(1) MEZZO SOPRANO (USA) 3 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor Frankie Dettori 19
016030-0 PRESTO VENTO 3 Ian Wight, Mrs D Wight Richard Hannon Pat Eddery 20
1112- RUSSIAN RHYTHM (USA) 3 Cheveley Park Stud Sir Michael Stoute Kieren Fallon 2
2111-1 SIX PERFECTIONS (FR) 3 Niarchos Family Pascal Bary FR Thierry Thulliez 1
111- SOVIET SONG (IRE) 3 Elite Racing Club James Fanshawe Oscar Urbina 11
3110- SPINOLA (FR) 3 The Winning Set Peter Harris Eddie Ahern 7
1210- SUMMITVILLE 3 Mountain High Partnership James Given Michael Fenton 13
31-1 TANTE ROSE (IRE) 3 Wafic Said Barry Hills Michael Hills 12
12415-(2)0 WIMPLE (USA) 3 Saeed Manana Clive Brittain Philip Robinson 16
012631- YESTERDAY (IRE) 3 Sue Magnier & Roisin Henry Aidan O’Brien IRE Michael Kinane 21

21 declared runners
2 Irish-trained
2 French-trained

The seven not declared
AL IHTITHAR (IRE) 3 Hamdan Al Maktoum Barry Hills
ECHOES IN ETERNITY (IRE) 3 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
HI DUBAI 3 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
IN THE LIMELIGHT (IRE) 3 Diane Nagle & Sue Magnier Aidan O’Brien IRE
LONDONNETDOTCOM (IRE) 3 Derek and Jean Clee Mick Channon
NASIJ (USA) 3 Hamdan Al Maktoum Ed Dunlop
SHANGRI LA (IRE) 3 Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor Aidan O’Brien IRE

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

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