CHESTER MAY FESTIVAL
RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2005
THOMAS REFLECTS ON SUCCESSFUL FESTIVAL
As the Chester May Festival draws to a close today, the racecourse’s chief executive Richard Thomas reflected on an excellent week that has seen increased attendances on each of the first two days.
Wednesday’s crowd was 19,005, up 5.5 per cent on the same day 12 months ago, while Thursday attracted 21,726 customers, a rise of 4.5 per cent on 2004.
“So far everything has gone very well. We’ve been very lucky with the weather and there is a dry forecast for today,” said Thomas.
“Crowd-wise we have been up on both days but the real highlight for us has been the quality of the fields - we have had no weak races this week.
“It’s great to have been supported so well by the owners and trainers - we are constantly talking to them and we will keep listening.
“It will be interesting to see what happens in the Derby and we will as ever have a look through the race programme after this week but we’ve been very happy with the fields we have had.”
CROWD
Today’s attendance was 22,536, up 1.6 per cent on the same day at Chester 12 months ago.
The crowds were also up on the first two days and the total attendance for the three-day May Festival was 63,274, up four per cent on the 2004 Festival.
RACE ONE QUOTES
Vcbet Handicap
COMPENSATION FOR NICHOLLS
The David Nicholls-trained two-year-old Strike Up The Band had to settle for second in the opening race of the Chester May Festival on Wednesday, the Joseph Heler Lily Agnes Conditions Stakes, but his older half-brother Fire Up The Band made no mistake winning this afternoon’s VCbet Handicap by half a length from 7/2 favourite Fonthill Road.
Nicholls said: “He had a few difficulties last year and we had to have him gelded. Watching today I don’t know if that was good or bad but he has a bit of improvement left in him and I have always thought a lot of him.
“He might go to York for a five-furlong race. Native Title and Danzig River have run well as well. I think York will suit him.
“We were unlucky with Strike Up The Band the other day, today we are lucky but that’s this track for you - you have to accept it - the same owners have both horses.
“I don’t know what happened to this horse last year but you can’t see inside them all of the time. He was hanging and didn’t seem to be himself. We took him to Sweden last year and he hung all of the way around. We x-rayed him and sent him down to Newmarket to have chips on his knees removed.
“He’s a tough horse as you saw there and looks brand new now.
“A few of my horses have won well first time out which is a bit unusual but I have a new gallop and that may have helped. It helps that he has been around here before and, for horses that act on this track, it is a big advantage.
“I told Adrian to float around and do his best but Adrian [Nicholls, jockey and trainer’s son] said I’m off and rode him positively. He’s made the running twice here and won but I think he is best taking a lead - maybe Adrian has more idea than I have!”
Adrian Nicholls commented: “He has jumped real good and showed a hell of a lot of speed. I thought he might tie up, being his first run of the year, but he likes it around here and is a good horse. He is one of the best horses I have ridden.”
Richard Fahey, trainer of Fonthill Road, said: “Paul [Hanagan, jockey] just felt that we were slightly unlucky in running, and the fear beforehand was that this track might be too sharp and it probably was.
“But I’m over the moon with that run, he’s on top of his job at the moment and he could go for a six-furlong handicap at York next week but wouldn’t go if it was fast ground.”
GOING AFTER THE FIRST
Adrian Nicholls, rider of the winner, described the going as “dead”.
Daryll Holland said “just slow but very patchy, with a lot of sand on the track”.
Frannie Norton described it as “on the slow side. It was quicker going down than it was coming back and is cutting up a lot”.
David Allan also commented on the ground cutting up and added that it was “on the soft side of good”.
Kieren Fallon thought that the track had “dried up since yesterday”.
Jamie Spencer described it as “dead”, while Robert Winston said it was “good to soft”.
Paul Fitzsimons said that it was “good but a bit tacky in places”.
SECOND RACE QUOTES
THE DEE STAKES (SPONSORED BY ABERDEEN MURRAY JOHNSTONE AND HALLIWELLS LLP)
O’BRIEN DEE-LIGHTED BY GYPSY WIN
Gypsy King earned quotes ranging from 3/1 (Cashmans) to 7/1 (totesport) for the Vodafone Derby after an eventful short-head success in the Group Three Dee Stakes sponsored by Aberdeen Murray Johnstone & Halliwells which saw the three-year-old Sadler’s Wells colt come from the rear of the field to fly at the finish and deny 33/1 chance Im Spartacus in a photo.
“I’m actually surprised he won because a lot went wrong,” said winning trainer Aidan O’Brien. “He was slowly away and wil have learned a lot today, it would have taken two months to teach him the same at home. I knew he was going to be green because there’s no good ground we can work on.
“He was working great before he had a big setback when he scoped badly and then the whole place got flooded. We really came here because he needed some respectable ground and had to learn a bit.
“When all the trials are over everyone will talk about Epsom but you can certainly say he’s joined the list of definite possibles after this.”
Jockey Kieren Fallon added: “He had not been showing much at home but felt really good today. He was a different horse going down to the start and will have learned a lot. He’s got everything for Epsom.
“Four out he had to go on a bit and I switched him to the outside where it’s softer but virgin ground. We always used to go round the outside at Chester there when it was soft.”
David Flood, trainer of runner-up Im Sparatacus, said: “Every year you get a classy unfurnished horse like the winner in this and you can sometimes bring a hardened streetfighter like my fellow along to come and nick it. I’m gutted to have been beaten so narrowly - that would have been my first Group winner.”
Athos Christodoulou, owner of third-placed Zalongo, said: “It was a bit of a messy race and the jockey said he would do much better on a galloping track and the King Edward VII Stakes must be a possibility.”
RACE TWO DEE STAKES
MORE WINNING QUOTES
MORE FROM FALLON AND O’BRIEN
Kieren Fallon, the winning jockey on Gypsy King, said: “This is the first time he has raced from stalls, except at home.
“He has run very well but is still very green. They went a nice gallop and there were lovely horses in the race.
“I was delighted with the way mine went down the start - he felt well.
“Things didn’t go my way in the race and at the end I didn’t want to stop him to straighten him - he was going forward so I let go over towards the rails.”
Aidan O’Brien, Ireland’s champion trainer who was enjoying his first Chester winner, said: “Chester is a lovely place with a lovely track and I am delighted to be here.
“It was a real finding-out mission - we haven’t got ground we can do fast work on at home at the moment.
“I thought it was a big, big call for Gypsy King and Kieren gave him a great ride. He’s definitely a possible for Epsom now.”
Third race - Blue Square Ormonde Stakes Quotes
DAY FLIGHT COMPLETES HAT-TRICK
Day Flight survived a steward’s enquiry into possible interference in the final furlong, with the interference considered accidental, to win the Ù75,000 Group Three Blue Square Ormonde Stakes by half a length from Shabernak, completing a seasonal hat-trick in the process and remaining unbeaten this season.
Winning trainer John Gosden said: “Winning the Ormonde with a penalty, I am delighted. He could now go for a Group Two at Baden-Baden, the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot at York or the Gran Premio di Milano at Milan.
“I might not bother with Baden-Baden and go for the Hardwicke as he is a Hardwicke type of horse. If it came up like a road at York, we could switch to the Gran Premio di Milano the following weekend.
“Richard [Hughes, jockey] rode him coolly and very well and full marks to Chester Racecourse as they have put up Ù75,000 for this race and they have been rewarded with horses who finished fourth in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and such like.
“This racecourse really makes an effort, upgrading the racing and they deserve to be rewarded with quality fields like this.
“The horse’s are all going down Kieren’s strip now [referring to the strip of ground that Kieren Fallon took Gypsy King down in the preceding Dee Stakes].”
Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to winning owner Khalid Abdulla, added: “Richard got him nicely balanced and brought him through well.”
Asked if Day Flight was an Irish Leger type of horse, he replied: “We will see - we’ll see if how he goes over a mile and a half and if he can compete at the top level over that distance and if he does, it will be very interesting.
“He has won three nice races now and deserves an upgrade. We’ll see how he goes and then make a decision as to the future.
“I know that Group One horses get no penalty in the Hardwicke but I’m looking forward to it.”
Richard Hughes commented: “He’s done very well - he is a grand horse.
“It was like the Tour de France going round there today - luckily I had plenty of gears. When you have plenty of horse, the gaps usually come.”
FOURTH RACE QUOTES
THE WARWICK INTERNATIONAL HANDICAP
LOCAL WIN FOR SEW’N’SO
Sew’n’so Character, racing for the Aykroyd and Sons clothing company based at Bala in north Wales, was the locally-owned winner of the Warwick Interantional Handicap when beating Chateau Nicol by a neck.
Winning trainer Michael Blanshard said: “The owners have three with me and love having runners here and this is the best thing that could have happened to them.
“He was quick out of the stalls, got a position and did it well. We gelded him over the winter and it’s been the making of him and we’ll keep him at a mile now, he doesn’t want the ground any faster.”
Second-placed Chateau Nicol’s trainer Brendan Powell is at Wincanton and John Liron, travelling head lad to the handler, said: “He’s very consistent and tough but Kieren (Fallon) said he didn’t want to go any more when he hit the front, he’s a little monkey.”
Fifth race - Aktiv Kapital UK Ltd Handicap Stakes Quotes
INTO THE SHADOWS COMES OUT OF THE DARK
Into The Shadows made a mockery of his rating when winning the Aktiv Kapital UK Ltd Handicap by five lengths from Cruise Director..
Fiona Reveley, wife and assistant trainer to Keith Reveley, said: “She did it nicely but I was worried that she had hit the front too soon. She keeps galloping though.
“She has been very consistent and she won over hurdles but the owners prefer the Flat to be honest.
“She might go for a one and a half mile handicap at Newmarket in a couple of weeks time although I can’t say for sure and it’s only a possibility at this stage.
“Our other runner at the Chester Festival on the first day, Tees Components in the totesport Chester Cup, ran very well on his first start for two years and I am very pleased with how the meeting has gone, especially today!”
Court Of Appeal, trying to win this race for the third time in succession, finished fourth - missing out on third by a short-head.
APPEAL GOES FOR HAT-TRICK
The Brian Ellison-trained Court Of Appeal bids to win today’s Aktiv Kapital UK Ltd Handicap for a third successive year but the eight-year-old has to defy top-weight of 9st 8lb.
The Bering gelding was partnered by today’s rider Tom Eaves when coming home two and a half lengths clear of 11 rivals 12 months ago, carrying 9st 7lb to victory.
In 2003, he landed the extended 12-furlong event by a neck under Tony Hamilton when carrying 8st 13lb. There were 13 runners.
Court Of Appeal has run in 42 Flat races on turf, winning four times. He has a 100 per cent record at Chester so far.
BETTING MOVES
David Stevens of Coral reports money in the Dee Stakes (Sponsored by Aberdeen Murray Johnstone and Halliwells LLP) (2pm) for Zalongo - he is 7/2 from 9/2 with the Barking-based firm.
Irish bookmaker Cashmans has also trimmed Zalongo, going 4/1 from 9/2.
The same firm has seen support for Winners Delight in the Aktiv Kapital UK Ltd Handicap (3.35pm). The four-year-old, who is trained by Alan Jarvis, is now 16/1 from 25/1.
totesport has also seen cash for Zalongo - he is 7/2 (from 9/2).
In the Warwick International Handicap (3.00pm), the same firm reports backing for Little Good Bay and Balavista, who are both 10/1 (from 14/1).
Further news from Wigan involves Native Title in the opening VCbet Handicap (1.30pm). John Egan’s mount has been cut to 11/2 (from 7/1).
GOING AND WEATHER AT THE START OF THE DAY
Ed Gretton, Chester’s Clerk of the Course, reports the current going as: “Good To Soft. It might be good in places by the time of racing.”
“Today is forecast to be dry,” he added.
RAIL MOVEMENT
Gretton reports that: “Today we have moved the rail out a further four metres from the six-furlong marker all the way around to the start of the home straight, leaving about a six metre drop-in at the one and a half furlong point.”
NEW HURDLE CONTEST A POSSIBILITY ON THE ROODEE
Chester Racecourse is considering adding a prestigious hurdle race to the currently exclusively-Flat format at the May Festival. It would be run as the final race of the Festival and carry high prize money.
Ed Gretton, Chester’s Clerk of the Course, said today: “Hurdling was last seen on the Roodee well over a hundred years ago.
“The idea is a bit of a whim but it would be a great idea and Chester is no sharper than Fakenham, is it? The whole concept would require consultation with the Jockey Club Inspectorate and obviously the Board of Chester Racecourse would need to give approval as well.
“The new race would be over two and a quarter miles - the same distance as the Chester Cup - and there would be nine hurdles jumped. You would be looking at a safety limit of about 14.”
Asked whether Chester has consulted jump jockeys and trainers over the possibility of this hurdle event, Gretton replied: “Richard (Thomas - Chester’s chief executive) has spoken to the jockeys who are keen - the trainers haven’t been approached yet but we would put up a decent prize.
“As for the earliest opportunity of holding such a race, let’s wait and see.”
Chester’s May Festival back in 1837 was a six-day affair and ended with a new hurdle race (with heats) for amateur riders, with entry costing five sovereigns and 20 sovereigns being added by the citizens of Chester. The horses went twice round the course, jumping six hurdles and the initial winner, listed in the 1837 Racing Calendar, was Mr Tempest’s bay gelding by Blucher.
A book on the history of Chester Racecourse suggests that this hurdle race continued for a number of years but it is not listed in subsequent Racing Calendars.
Sixth race - The Rippleffect Maiden Fillies’ Stakes Quotes
BELLY DANCER SHOWS HER STUFF
The admirably-consistent Belly Dancer, placed on her last six starts, gained a much-deserved victory in fine style by seven lengths from Alexander Capetown.
“She’s alright, isn’t she?” said winning rider Kieren Fallon to winning owner Andy Smith.
The owner said: “I’ve had nothing but seconds all year under my own banner or Team Havana. That is my first winner this year and I have had eight seconds.
“Kieren said he liked her and whenever she got behind horses she found another gear. That was the way to ride her and tuck her in.
“She’s been a long time in winning and she prefers the grass to the all-weather. The plan was to try and win a maiden and her handicap mark might go up a bit after that. I bought her at Doncaster as a yearling.”
TOTE FIGURES
Today’s tote on-course cash turnover was £505,931, compared to £519,233 on the same day 12 months ago.
FIRST RACE RESULT
1.30pm Vcbet HANDICAP
Class 2, £25,000 added. For 4yo+ rated 0-100, 5f 16yds. Weights: highest weight 9st 2lb; minimum weight 8st 2lb. Penalties: after April 23, a winner 6lb. Penalty Values 1st: £15,161.20; 2nd: £5,750.80; 3rd: £2,875.40; 4th: £1,307; 5th: £653.50; 6th: £392.10
1) FIRE UP THE BAND (P Crane, A Barker & S Short) David Nicholls 6-9-00 Adrian Nicholls 14/1
2) FONTHILL ROAD (Una Towell) Richard Fahey 5-8-05 Paul Hanagan 7/2 Fav
3) TALBOT AVENUE (Mrs C S Willson) Mick Mullineaux 7-9-02 Jamie Spencer 10/1
4) DANZIG RIVER (Julia Graves) David Nicholls 4-8-04 Frannie Norton
5) THE LORD (Mrs M S Teversham) Bill Turner 5-8-09 Alan Daly
6) NATIVE TITLE (C McKenna) David Nicholls 7-8-05 John Egan
7) JOHNSTON’S DIAMOND (Mollington Gold Club Boys) Eric Alston 7-8-05 David Allan
8) HIDDEN DRAGON (Jane, Victoria, Aimee & Thelma Whiting) Paul Blockley 6-8-09 Neil Callan
9) CARIBBEAN CORAL (Dawson, Green, Quinn, Roberts) John Quinn 6-8-13 Robert Winston
10) WHISTLER (Raymond Tooth) Milton Bradley p8-8-07 Paul Fitzsimons
11) BO MCGINTY (Paddy McGinty & Bo Turnbull) Richard Fahey p4-8-03 Royston Ffrench
12) MALAPROPISM (Michael Foy) Mick Channon 5-8-07 Tony Culhane
13) BISHOPS COURT (David Brotherton) Lynda Ramsden 11-8-11 Kieren Fallon
14) CAPE ROYAL (Eddie Hayward) Milton Bradley 5-9-01 Daryll Holland
14 ran
Breeder: Miss A J Rawding Breeding: b g Prince Sabo - Green Supreme (Primo Dominie)
Time: 1 min 02.76s Dist: .5, hd, 1, hd, hd, 3, hd, 1.25, sh, 1, nk, 1, 1.75
Tote Win: £17.20 Places: ££4.60; £1.90; £3.10 Exacta: £90.20
Winning trainer:- Name: Nicholls, David Date of birth: 30/4/56 Riding career: Professional - 421 winners Trains at Tall Trees Farm, Sessay, Thirsk, Yorkshire Horses in training (1996-2005): 37:45: 45: 46: 58:78:74:82:82:84 Wins in a season (1993-2004): 0: 21: 26: 30: 44: 50:75: 73:47:65:65:55 Other details: Married to Alex Greaves: two children Major wins: Nunthorpe Stakes (1997 Ya Malak dh with Coastal Bluff, 2004 Bahamian Pirate), Ayr Silver Cup (1998 Royal Result), Ayr Gold Cup (2000 Bahamian Pirate, 2001 Continent, 2002 & 2004 Funfair Wane), Ballyogan Stakes (1999 Proud Native), William Hill Golden Spurs Handicap (1999 Pepperdine), Stewards’ Cup (2000 Tayseer), King George Stakes (1999 Rudi’s Pet), Victoria Cup (2002 Scotty’s Future), Darley July Cup (2002 Continent), Wokingham Stakes (2004 Lafi) Wins This Year: 13
Winning jockey:-Name: Nicholls, Adrian Wins 2000-2004: 39; 23; 24; 32; 23 Born: July 16, 1981 Big Race Wins: Ayr Gold Cup (2000 Bahamian Pirate, 2002 Funfair Wane), Vodafone “Dash” (2002 Rudi’s Pet) Wins This Year: 19
SECOND RACE RESULT
2.00pm DEE STAKES SPONSORED BY ABERDEEN MURRAY JOHNSTONE AND HALLIWELLS LLP
Class 1, Group Three, £65,000 guaranteed. For 3yo colts & geldings, 1m 2f 75yds. Weights: 8st 8lb. Penalties: a winner of a Group Three race of 7f or more 3lb; of a Group Two race of 7f or more 5lb; of a Group One race of 7f or more 7lb. Penalty Values 1st: £37,700; 2nd: £14,300; 3rd: £7,150; 4th: £3,250; 5th: £1,625; 6th: £975
1) GYPSY KING (Sue Magnier) Aidan O’Brien IRE 3-8-08 Kieren Fallon 2/1 Fav
2) IM SPARTACUS (The Regulate Partnership) David Flood 3-8-08 Jamie Spencer 33/1
3) ZALONGO (Athos Christodoulou) Sir Michael Stoute 3-8-08 Robert Winston 7/2
4) FORWARD MOVE (The Queen) Richard Hannon 3-8-08 Richard Hughes
5) MORDOR (Niarchos Family) Sir Michael Stoute 3-8-08 Michael Kinane
6) EXCUSEZ MOI (Sheikh Mohammed Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum) Clive Brittain 3-8-08 Darryll Holland
7) THUNDERWING (Market Avenue Racing Club Ltd) Karl Burke 3-8-08 Darren Williams
8) ZOHAR (E H Jones (Paints) Ltd) Brian Meehan 3-8-08 Jimmy Fortune
9) JACK THE GIANT (Hanbury Syndicate) Barry Hills 3-8-08 Michael Hills
9 ran
Breeder: Premier Bloodstock Breeding: b c Sadler’s Wells (USA) - Love For Ever (IRE) (Darshaan)
Time: 2 min 16.47 sec Dist: sh, 1.25, .5, 2, 8, 2, 6, 3
Tote Win: £2.30 Places: £1.20; £4.60; £1.60 Exacta: £72.70
Winning trainer:-Name: Aidan O’Brien Date of birth: 16/10/69 Previous occupation: Assistant trainer to Jim Bolger and Anne-Marie Crowley O’Brien Date of first licence: 1993 British Classic wins: (10) Vodafone Derby (2001 Galileo, 2002 High Chaparral), 2000 Guineas (1998 King Of Kings, 2002 Rock Of Gibraltar, 2005 Footstepsinthesand), 1000 Guineas (2005 Virginia Waters),Vodafone Oaks (1998 Shahtoush, 2001 Imagine), St Leger (2001 Milan, 2003 Brian Boru) Other major wins include: Irish 1,000 Guineas (1997 Classic Park, 2001 Imagine, 2003 Yesterday), Irish 2,000 Guineas (1997 Desert King, 1999 Saffron Walden, 2001 Black Minnaloushe, 2002 Rock Of Gibraltar), Irish Derby (1997 Desert King, 2001 Galileo, 2002 High Chaparral), French 1,000 Guineas (2001 Rose Gypsy), French 2,000 Guineas (2002 Landseer), Coventry Stakes (1997 Harbour Master), Grand Criterium (1997 Second Empire), Racing Post Trophy (1997 Saratoga Springs, 1999 Aristotle, 2001 High Chaparral, 2002 Brian Boru)), National Stakes (1996 Desert King; 1997 King Of Kings, 2000 Beckett, 2001 Hawk Wing; 2003 One Cool Cat), Dante Stakes (1998 Saratoga Springs), Prix Morny (1998 Orpen, 1999 Fasiliyev, 2001 Johanesburg), Phoenix Stakes (1998 Lavery, 1999 Fasiliyev, 2000 Minardi, 2001 Johanesburg), July Cup (1999 Stravinsky, 2001 Mozart), Nunthorpe Stakes (1999 Stravinsky, 2001 Mozart), Phoenix Stakes (1999 Fasiliyev, 2002 Spartacus, 2003 One Cool Cat), St James Palace Stakes (2000 Giant’s Causeway), Eclipse Stakes (2000 Giant’s Causeway, 2002 Hawk Wing), Sussex Stakes (2000 Giant’s Causeway, 2002 Rock Of Gibraltar), Irish Champion Stakes (2000 Giant’s Causeway, 2003 High Chaparral), Acomb Stakes (2000 Hemingway), Juddmonte International Stakes (2000 Giant’s Causeway), Moyglare Stud Stakes (2000 Sequoyah, 2001 Quarter Moon, 2003 Necklace), Middle Park Stakes (2000 Minardi, 2001 Johannesberg), Grand Criterium (2001 Rock Of Gibralter), Darley Dewhurst Stakes (2001 Rock Of Gibraltar), Futurity Stakes (2002 Van Nistelrooy), Prix du Moulin (2002 Rock Of Gibraltar), Juddmonte Lockinge Stakes (2003 Hawk Wing), Tattersalls Gold Cup (2003 Black Sam Bellamy), Dee Stakes (2005 Gypsy King) Wins in Britain 2000-2004: 10; 20 (champion trainer for win and place prize money); 10 (champion trainer for win and place prize money); 6; 4 Wins in 2005 (In Britain): 3 First Chester winner
Winning jockey:-Name: Fallon, Kieren Francis. Born: County Clare, Ireland, 22/2/65 Apprenticeship: 1983 Kevin Prendergast First winner: Piccadily Lord (Navan, June 18, 1984) Wins (1988-2004): 31,28,39,29,45,60,47,91,136,202*,204*,202*,149, 166*, 149*, 221*, 200* *Champion jockey British Classic wins: (13) 2000 Guineas (2000 King’s Best, 2001 Golan, 2005 Footstepsinthesand), 1000 Guineas (1997 Sleepytime, 1999 Wince, 2003 Russian Rhythm, 2005 Virginia Waters), Vodafone Oaks (1997 Reams Of Verse, 1999 Ramruma, 2004 Ouija Board), Vodafone Derby (1999 Oath, 2003 Kris Kin, 2004 North Light) Other major wins include: St James’s Palace Stakes (1998 Dr Fong), Prince Of Wales’s Stakes (1997 Bosra Sham), Gold Cup (2003 Mr Dinos), Coronation Stakes (2003 Russian Rhythm), King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes (2002 Golan), Sussex Stakes (1997 Ali-Royal);Prince Of Wales’s Stakes (1997 Bosra Sham), Cheveley Park Stakes (1997 Embassy), St James’s Palace Stakes (1998 Dr Fong), Yorkshire Oaks (1998 Catchascatchcan, 1999 Ramruma, 2002 and 2003 Islington), Tattersalls Gold Cup (1999 Shiva); Irish Oaks (1999 Ramruma, 2004 Ouija Board); Vodafone Coronation Cup (2000 Daliapour, 2002 Boreal), Dubai Sheema Classic (2000 Fantastic Light), Queen Anne Stakes (2000 Kalanisi, 2001 Medicean), Masai Mile (2001 Nicobar), Vodafone Nassau Stakes (2002 Islington, 2003 Russian Rhythm, 2004 Favourable Terms), Prix Morny (2002 Elusive City), July Stakes (2003Nevisian Lad), Fillies’ Mile (2003 Red Bloom); Prix d’Ispahan (2003 Falbrav), Dee Stakes (1999 Oath, 2005 Gypsy King) Wins In 2005 (In Britain): 5
THIRD RACE RESULT
2.30pm BLUE SQUARE ORMONDE STAKES
Class 1, Group Three, £75,000 guaranteed. For 4yo+,1m 5f 89yds. Weights: colts & geldings 8st 11lb; filles & mares 8st 8lb. Penalties: after June 1, 2004, a winner of a Group Three race 3lb; of a Group Two race 5lb; of a Group One race 7lb. Penalty Values 1st: £43,500; 2nd: £16,500; 3rd: £8,250; 4th: £3,750; 5th: £1,875; 6th: £1,125
1) DAY FLIGHT (Khalid Abdulla) John Gosden 4-9-00 Richard Hughes 85/40
2) SHABERNAK (Thurloe Thoroughbreds VII) Michael Bell 6-8-11 Jamie Spencer 16/1
3) ACROPOLIS (Michael Tabor & Sue Magnier) Aidan O’Brien IRE 4-8-11 Kieren Fallon 11/10 Fav
4) LOCHBUIE (Mollers Racing) Geoff Wragg 4-8-11 John Egan
5) RED LANCER (Fox & Cub Partnership) Richard Price 4-8-11 Amir Quinn
6) DISTINCTION (Highclere Thoroughbred Racing Ltd) Sir Michael Stoute 6-8-11 Michael Kinane
7) MARGERY DAW (P S J Croft) Phil McEntee 5-8-08 Hayley Turner
8) THREE COUNTIES (Diabloz Owners Group) Nathan Rossiter 4-8-11 Neil Callan
8 ran
Breeder: Juddmonte Farms Breeding: b c Sadler’s Wells (USA) - Bonash (Rainbow Quest (USA))
Time: 2 min 59.70s Dist: .5, 1, 1.25, 4, dist, 1.75, dist
Tote Win: £3.40 Places: £1.30; £3.10; £1.10 Exacta: £52.30
Winning Trainer:-Name: Gosden, John Harry Martin Born:Hove, 30/3/51 Classic Winners: (3) Sagitta 1000 Guineas (2000 Lahan), Vodafone Derby (1997 Benny The Dip), St Leger (1996 Shantou), Wins in a season (1989-2004):28:87:86:113:110:93:86:75:91:77:74:82:55:85:72:66:65 First winner in Europe: Intimidate, Kempton, March 27, 1989 Other major wins include: French 1,000 Guineas (1999 Valentine Waltz, 2002 Zenda), 2000 Irish St Leger (1992 Mashaallah), Prince of Wales’s Stakes (1994 & 1995 Muhtarram, 1997 Shantou), Irish Champion Stakes (1993 Muhtarram), Cheveley Park Stakes (1993 Prophecy), Challenge Stakes (1993 Catrail), Haydock Sprint Cup (1993 Wolfhound), Hungerford Stakes (1994 Pollen Count - dh with Young Ern), Geoffrey Freer Stakes (1995 Presenting), Prix de l’Abbaye (1991Keen Hunter), Grosser Preis Von Baden (1992 Mashaallah), Sun Chariot Stakes (1991 Ristna), Santa Anita Handicap (1983 Bates Motel), Gran Premio di Milano (1997 Shantou), Prix Lupin (1995 Flemensfirth), Prix Jean Prat (1995 Torrential), Prix de la Salamandre (1995 Lord Of Men), Prix Marcel Boussac (1996 Ryafan), Theo Fennell Lennox Stakes (2000 Observatory), Fillies’ Mile (2000 Crystal Music), Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (2000 Observatory), Victor Chandler European Free Handicap (2001 Clearing), Prix Maurice de Gheest (2002 May Ball), Royal Lodge Stakes (1996 Benny The Dip, 2002 Al Jadeed), Middle Park Stakes (2002 Oasis Dream), July Cup (2003 Oasis Dream), Nunthorpe Stakes (2003 Oasis Dream), Lingfiled Derby Trial (2004 Percussionist), Blue Square Ormonde Stakes (2005 Day Flight) Trains at Manton, Marlborough Wiltshire. Previously at Newmarket Wins this Year: 13
Winning jockey:-Name: Hughes, Richard David. Date of birth: 11/1/73 Apprenticeship: With father, Dessie Hughes, in Ireland. First winner: Viking Melody (Roscommon maiden, August 2, 1988) Wins in Britain (1994-2004):19,68,62,33,55,95,102, 90, 126, 122, 73 Major wins include: French 1,000 Guineas (2002 Zenda), French Oaks (2003 Nebraska Tornado), Derby Italiano (1996 Bahamian Knight), King's Stand Stakes (1995 Piccolo), Jersey Stakes (1995 Sergeyev, 1996 Lucayan Prince), Yorkshire Cup (1999 Churlish Charm); Duke Of York Stakes (1999 Sampower Star), Gran Premio d’Italia (1995 Posidonas), Jockey Club Cup (2000 Persian Punch), Craven Stakes (2000 Umistim, 2001 King’s Ironbridge), Lingfield Derby Trial (2001 Perfect Sunday), Prix D’Ispahan (2001 Observatory), Celebration Mile (2002 Tillerman), July Cup (2003 Oasis Dream), Middle Park Stakes (2003 Three Valleys), Nunthorpe Stakes (2003 Oasis Dream), Prix du Moulin de Longchamp (2003 Nebraska Tornado), Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (2003 American Post), Cherry Hinton Stakes (2004 Jewel In The Sand), Blue Square Ormonde Stakes (2005 Day Flight) Other details: Retained jockey to Khalid Abdulla Wins This Year: 19
FOURTH RACE RESULT
3.00pm WARWICK INTERNATIONAL HANDICAP
Class 2, £20,000 added. For 4yo+ rated 0-100, 7f 122yds. Weights: lowest weight 8st 2lb. Penalties: after April 23, a winner 6lb. Penalty Values 1st: £12,374.88; 2nd: £4,693.92; 3rd: £2,346.96; 4th: £1,066.80; 5th: £533.40; 6th: £320.04
1) SEW'N'SO CHARACTER (Aykroyd And Sons Ltd) Michael Blanshard 4-8-07 Paul Hanagan [13] 14/1
2) CHATEAU NICOL (Basingstoke Commercials) Brendan Powell b6-8-07 Kieren Fallon [5] 7/1
3) KAMANDA LAUGH (John Sillett) Barry Hills 4-8-07 Michael Hills [9] 13/2 Jt FavF
4) LITTLE GOOD BAY (Lady Bamford) John Gosden b5-9-01 Jimmy Fortune [10] 11/1
5) SAWWAAH (Fayzad Thoroughbred Ltd) David Nicholls 8-8-05 Frannie Norton [11]
6) GLARAMARA (C M Martin) Alan Bailey 4-8-08 Martin Dwyer [12]
7) ZILCH (Mary Mayall, Linda Redmond, Julie Martin) Michael Bell 7-9-02 Robert Winston [18]
8) CARDINAL VENTURE (Tony Fawcett) Kevin Ryan 7-8-09 Neil Callan [6]
9) EVEREST (I S Sandhu & Partners) Brian Ellison 8-8-02 Royston Ffrench [14]
10) LAKE GARDA (J W Gittins) Nigel Tinkler 4-8-06 Kim Tinkler [7]
11) OASIS STAR (R J Creese) Walter Swinburn 4-8-08 Darryll Holland [1] 13/2 Jt Fav
12) VICIOUS KNIGHT (The McCauley Boys) David Nicholls 7-8-02 Adrian Nicholls [3]
13) LAGO D'ORTA (Chalfont Foodhalls Ltd) David Nicholls 5-9-00 Jamie Spencer [4]
14) DENVER (Gigginstown House Stud) Brian Meehan b4-8-06 Tony Culhane [2]
15) DUE RESPECT (Fieldspring Racing) Dessie Hughes IRE 5-8-11 Richard Hughes [15]
16) BALAVISTA (Khalid Abdulla) Roger Charlton 4-8-05 John Egan [17]
17) MAJORCA (Starks, Seachfield, Jackson & Hinge) Roger Ingram t4-8-05 Adrian McCarthy [16]
18) MRS MOH (Salifix) Tim Easterby 4-8-04 David Allan [8]
18 ran
Breeder: R C Snaith Breeding: b g Imperial Ballet (IRE) - Hope And Glory (USA) (Well Decorated (USA))
Time: 1 min 27.48 sec Dist: nk, .75, .75, sh, 3.5, 1, 6, 1.75, .75, 1.75, 3, .5, 1.25, 1, 6, 7, dist
Tote Win: £19.90 Places: £4.40; £1.90, £1.90; £4.30 Exacta: £142.00
Winning trainer:-Name Blanshard, Michael Thomas William Date of Birth 25/2/54 Date of first trainers licence 1980 Wins in a season (1991-2004): 6:8:6:5:11:12:17:16:11:17:13:15:17:16 Number of horses in training (1980-2005): 17; 23; 18; 26; 32; 38; 40; 41; 23; 20; 18; 22; 22;17:18:18:21:30:30:29:32:40:40:45:38:35 Major wins include: Chester Cup (1992 Welshman), King George Stakes (1996 Rambling Bear), John Porter Stakes (1986 Lemhill), Palace House Stakes (1999 Rambling Bear) Trains at Lethornes Stables, Upper Lambourn Wins this Year: 2
Winning Jockey:-Name: Hanagan, Paul Geoffrey Born: September 8, 1980 Wins 2000-2004: 23, 29, 84, 64 ,101Other Information: Formerly apprenticed to trainer Richard Fahey in Malton - the winner of the Racing Schools Apprentice series in 2000, he earned himself a six-week working holiday with Paddy Rudkin in Dubai. Father, Geoff, had brief flirtation with racing in 1960s working for Jack Waugh in Newmarket for 18 months. Paul began riding out for Warrington-based handler Terry Caldwell before joining Malcolm Jefferson’s yard after coming through British Racing School’s nine-week course. Then teamed up with Fahey. Big Race Wins: William Hill Mile (2003 Lady Bear) Wins This Year: 27
FIFTH RACE RESULT
3.35pm AKTIV KAPITAL UK LTD HANDICAP
Class 4, £14,000 added. For 4yo+ rated 0-85, 1m 4f 66yds. Weights: highest weight 9st 2lb; lowest weight 8st 2lb. Penalties: after April 23, a winner 6lb. Penalty Values 1st: £9,564.10; 2nd: £2,942.80; 3rd: £1,471.40; 4th: £735.70
1) INTO THE SHADOWS (R C Mayall) Keith Reveley 5-8-07 Robert Winston [10] 8/1
2) CRUISE DIRECTOR (K A Cosby) Willie Musson 5-8-13 Tony Culhane [3] 8/1
3) JEEPSTAR (Miss E Jeeps & Partners) Tim Easterby 5-9-01 David Allan [6] 16/1
4) COURT OF APPEAL (Spring Cottage Syndicate No 2) Brian Ellison t8-9-05 Tom Eaves (3) [7]
5) WINNERS DELIGHT (Breckland Bingo) Alan Jarvis 4-8-10 Jamie Spencer [9]
6) ALERON (Grahame Liles) John Quinn p7-8-03 Royston Ffrench [4]
7) BARKING MAD (The Fishermen) Kevin Ryan 7-8-13 Neil Callan [12]
8) HARCOURT (Sir George Meyrick) Paul Cole 5-8-09 Jimmy Fortune [2]
9) INCURSION (Nigel Bunter) Alan King 4-8-12 Darryll Holland [14]
10) JACK OF TRUMPS (Mollers Racing) Geoff Wragg 5-8-11 John Egan [8] 9/4 Fav
11) LEWIS ISLAND (Ashley Carr) Brian Ellison 6-8-03 Frannie Norton [13]
12) ANOTHER CHOICE (A A Goodman) Nick Littmoden t4-9-02 Kieren Fallon [11]
13) SAILOR A'HOY (R Williamson) Mick Mullineaux b9-8-02 Adrian Nicholls [5]
13 ran
Non-Runner: Queens Rhapsody (Vet’s Certificate)
Breeder: Linda Corbett & Mary Mayall
Breeding: ch m Safawan - Shadows Of Silver (Carwhite)
Time: 2 min 46.77 sec Dist: 5, .5, sh, .5, .5, nk ,nk, 4, 1.75, 5, 12, 22
Tote Win: £12.00 Places: £3.60; £3.60; £6.40 Exacta: £112.00
Winning Trainer:-Name: Reveley, Keith Born: April 14, 1963 Based: Groundhill Farm, Saltburn, Cleveland Date of first trainer’s licence: August 28, 2004. Suceeded his mother Mary Horses in Training (2005): 68 Wins This Year: 3
Winning jockey:-Name: Winston, Robert Francis Career: Appointed stable jockey to Jack and Lynda Ramsden on their return to England in 2001. Now freelance. First winner: The Butterwick Kid (Trent Bridge Handicap, April 21, 1997, Nottingham) Big Race Wins include: Stewards’ Cup (1998 Superior Premium), Vodafone Dash Handicap (2004 Caribbean Coral), Lincoln (2004 Stream Of Gold) Wins (1997-2004): 22,39,54,43,62,59,93,114 Wins this Year: 33
SIXTH RACE RESULT
4.10pm RIPPLEFFECT MAIDEN FILLIES’ STAKES
Class 4, £10,500 added. For 3yo, 7f 2yds. Weights: 8st 11lb.Penalty Values 1st: £7,263.75; 2nd: £2,235; 3rd: £1,117.50; 4th: £558.75
1) BELLY DANCER (Andy Smith) Paul Cole 3-8-11 Kieren Fallon [5] 6/5 Fav
2) ALEXANDER CAPETOWN (Miriam O’Callaghan & Mrs C Kennedy) David Nicholls 3-8-11 Adrian Nicholls [2] 10/1
3) PERFECT BLEND (Maktoum Al Maktoum) Barry Hills 3-8-11 Darryll Holland [7] 10/1
4) SILENT SPRING (Sangster Family & Lady Bamford) Barry Hills 3-8-11 Michael Hills [4]
5) ALMOST INNOCENT (Sangster Family) John Gosden 3-8-11 Jimmy Fortune [10]
6) RUBY SUNRISE (J H Chrimes) Brian Baugh 3-8-11 John Egan [6]
7) VICTORIA PEEK (Ambrose Turnball) David Nicholls 3-8-11 Frannie Norton [1]
8) NOORAIN (Gillian Bell) Nigel Tinkler 3-8-11 Kim Tinkler [8]
9) GRAMADA (Pedro Rosas) David Flood 3-8-11 Martin Dwyer [3]
10) LIRAGE (Paul Boyers) Mick Mullineaux 3-8-11 Adrian McCarthy [9]
10 ran
Breeder: William P Fogarty Breeding: gr f Danehill Dancer (IRE) - Persian Mistress (Persian Bold)
Time: 1 min 31.48 sec Dist: 7, nk, nk, 2, 6, .75, 2, 3, 4
Tote Win: £2.00 Places: £1.20; £2.10; £2.40 Exacta: £13.20
Winning trainer:-Name Cole, Paul Frederick Irvine Date of birth: 11/9/41 Date of first licence: 1968 Previous Occupation: Assistant to Richmond Sturdy & George Todd Classic wins: (2) St Leger (1990 Snurge); Vodafone Derby (1991 Generous) Major wins include: Irish Derby (1991 Generous), Dewhurst Stakes (1990 Generous), Italian Derby (1987 Zaizoom, 1994 Time Star), King George VI and the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes (1991 Generous), St Leger (1990 Snurge), Irish Oaks (1990 Knight's Baroness), Italian Oaks (1993 Bright Generation), Queen Mary Stakes (1996 Dance Parade), Vodafone Nassau Stakes (1991 & 1992 Ruby Tiger), Premio Legnano (1993 Ruby Tiger), Coventry Stakes (1991 Dilum), Richmond Stakes (1991 Dilum), Grand Prix de Deauville (1993 Snurge), Irish St Leger (1990 Ibn Bey, 1995 Strategic Choice), Lincoln Handicap (1997 Kuala Lipis, 2000 John Ferneley, 2001 Nimello) Horses in training (1985-2005):84,107,112,120,120 ,117,105,131,136,157,129,140,141,134,118:117:111:114:97:92:83 Wins (1984-2004):61:54:64:55:43:51:53:73:86:67:69:77:74:60:64:76:51:56:61:56:41 Wins this year: 4 Trains at Whatcombe, Wantage, Oxfordshire Other details: Champion trainer 1991
Winning jockey:-Name: Fallon, Kieren Francis. Born: County Clare, Ireland, 22/2/65 Apprenticeship: 1983 Kevin Prendergast First winner: Piccadily Lord (Navan, June 18, 1984) Wins (1988-2004): 31,28,39,29,45,60,47,91,136,202*,204*,202*,149, 166*, 149*, 221*, 200* *Champion jockey British Classic wins: (13) 2000 Guineas (2000 King’s Best, 2001 Golan, 2005 Footstepsinthesand), 1000 Guineas (1997 Sleepytime, 1999 Wince, 2003 Russian Rhythm, 2005 Virginia Waters), Vodafone Oaks (1997 Reams Of Verse, 1999 Ramruma, 2004 Ouija Board), Vodafone Derby (1999 Oath, 2003 Kris Kin, 2004 North Light) Other major wins include: St James’s Palace Stakes (1998 Dr Fong), Prince Of Wales’s Stakes (1997 Bosra Sham), Gold Cup (2003 Mr Dinos), Coronation Stakes (2003 Russian Rhythm), King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes (2002 Golan), Sussex Stakes (1997 Ali-Royal);Prince Of Wales’s Stakes (1997 Bosra Sham), Cheveley Park Stakes (1997 Embassy), St James’s Palace Stakes (1998 Dr Fong), Yorkshire Oaks (1998 Catchascatchcan, 1999 Ramruma, 2002 and 2003 Islington), Tattersalls Gold Cup (1999 Shiva); Irish Oaks (1999 Ramruma, 2004 Ouija Board); Vodafone Coronation Cup (2000 Daliapour, 2002 Boreal), Dubai Sheema Classic (2000 Fantastic Light), Queen Anne Stakes (2000 Kalanisi, 2001 Medicean), Masai Mile (2001 Nicobar), Vodafone Nassau Stakes (2002 Islington, 2003 Russian Rhythm, 2004 Favourable Terms), Prix Morny (2002 Elusive City), July Stakes (2003Nevisian Lad), Fillies’ Mile (2003 Red Bloom); Prix d’Ispahan (2003 Falbrav), Dee Stakes (1999 Oath, 2005 Gypsy King) Wins In 2005 (In Britain): 6
LEADING TRAINERS AT THE END OF THE
2005 CHESTER MAY FESTIVAL
1st 2nd 3rd
Sir Michael Stoute 2 1 1
Michael Jarvis 2 1 -
Barry Hills 2 - 3
Aidan O’Brien IRE 1 2 1
David Nicholls 1 2 -
Mark Johnston 1 1 1
Bill Turner 1 - 1
Michael Blanshard 1 - -
Clive Brittain 1 - -
Mick Channon 1 - -
Paul Cole 1 - -
Vicky Haigh 1 - -
John Gosden 1 - -
Jamie Poulton 1 - -
Keith Reveley 1 - -
Michael Bell - 2 1
Richard Fahey - 2 -
Alan Bailey - 1 -
Ralph Beckett - 1 -
Karl Burke - 1 -
Debbie Evans - 1 -
David Flood - 1 -
Willie Musson - 1 -
Brendan Powell - 1 -
Gerard Butler - - 1
Roger Charlton - - 1
Tim Easterby - - 1
Brian Ellison - - 1
Ed McMahon - - 1
Brian Meehan - - 1
Mick Mullineaux - - 1
Bryan Smart - - 1
Chris Wall - - 1
Geoff Wragg - - 1
LEADING JOCKEYS AT THE END OF THE
2005 CHESTER MAY FESTIVAL
1st 2nd 3rd
Kieren Fallon 3 3 2
John Egan 2 1 -
Philip Robinson 2 1 -
Richard Hughes 2 - -
Adrian Nicholls 1 2 -
Richard Hills 1 1 1
Kevin Darley 1 1 -
Paul Hanagan 1 1 -
Seb Sanders 1 1 -
Michael Hills 1 - 1
Robert Winston 1 - 1
Colin Haddon 1 - -
Sam Hitchcott 1 - -
Jamie Spencer - 2 1
Frankie Dettori - 1 2
Royston Ffrench - 1 1
Tony Culhane - 1 -
Joe Fanning - 1 -
Frannie Norton - 1 -
Darryll Holland - - 2
Eddie Ahern - - 1
David Allan - - 1
George Baker - - 1
Alan Daly - - 1
Jimmy Fortune - - 1
Fergal Lynch - - 1
Johnny Murtagh - - 1
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