VODAFONE LADIES DAY, EPSOM DOWNS
RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE
FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2007
GOING CHANGE
Andrew Cooper, Epsom Downs’ Clerk of the Course & Director of Racing, has this evening changed the description of the going to Good to Soft. There has been no rain since 4pm on Wednesday.
This morning the going had been described as Good to Soft, Soft in places.
Showers were forecast for today and the current GoingStick reading is 6.5 after a couple of tests this afternoon.
“Given all of the weather, the track has ridden as well as could have been expected,” said Cooper.
“We were fortunate to have missed the showers over the last couple of days.”
CROWD UP ON FRIDAY, JUNE 1
Today’s crowd came to 23,000 - up 3,000 (15 per cent) on the 2006 figure of 20,000.
Stephen Wallis, Managing Director of Epsom Downs Racecourse, commented: “Vodafone Ladies Day continues to grow in popularity and we are delighted with this increased attendance figure.
“We witnessed some superb racing today and it was a truly historic and emotional moment when Light Shift won the Vodafone Oaks for Henry Cecil.”
EMOTIONAL VODAFONE OAKS SUCCESS FOR HENRY CECIL
THREE CHEERS FOR HENRY
Henry Cecil received a chorus of three cheers as Light Shift returned to the winner's circle after a brave victory in the Vodafone Oaks, scoring a dogged half-length victory over Peeping Fawn.
An emotional Henry Cecil said: "That was fantastic.
"I knew there was not much between my two fillies today (Light Shift and Passage Of Time).
"It is marvellous for Ted (Durcan). He's been a great friend to me.
"Also it is great for the staff - they have been very supportive.
"It's lovely to be back - a fairytale, a dream."
His son Jake added: "This means everything.
"It's incredible - he is back.
"He has worked so hard with both these two fillies.
"He will never give up training - he just loves it too much."
Ted Durcan, the successful jockey, commented: "She was just squeezed out at the halfway point but is very brave.
"I angled up behind the Aga Khan's horse and when she weakened, I thought I might be in front a bit too early.
"I had to go to the inside rail and she picked up really well.
"Henry is a master.
"The only instructions he gave me were not to make early headway up the hill.
"All I really had to do was point her today. My main worry was that I might have got there too early."
Winning owner Maria Niarchos said: "I haven't had a chance to see the finish in detail yet but Light Shift has the heart of a lion."
FANTASTIC LIGHT GIVES CECIL EIGHTH OAKS
Light Shift returned to a heroic reception after landing the Vodafone Oaks as an appreciative crowd celebrated the return to form of trainer Henry Cecil, winning the Classic for a record-equalling eighth time.
Ted Durcan always had the Niarchos family’s filly well positioned and kicked for home two furlongs out to hold off the runner-up Peeping Fawn by half a length.
“I’m very grateful and very embarrassed, thank you all so much,” said Cecil, as he stood on the winner’s podium with son Jake. “It’s lovely to be back and a funny feeling after a few years. I really appreciate the kindness and support I’ve had from the racing public, my staff and my owners, especially Maria (Niarchos-Gouaze) and Prince Khalid Abdulla.
“It has not been an easy warm-up - last week this filly twisted an ankle and was sore for a few days.
“But I came here relaxed because I was sure my two were in the best form they’ve ever been - I was confident as long as I didn’t put the wrong saddles on the horses, which did happen to me once in my drinking days! I was relaxed but was only worried when the crowd got behind me because I didn’t want to let them down.
“I’ve really enjoyed it today and it gives me the incentive to go on. A lot of owner-breeders who had horses with me had cut down or died and I’m not very good at my PR so if it hadn’t been for one or two of my top owners, like Prince Khalid and Maria, I wouldn’t be here now.
“I’ve been struggling for a few years and it’s good to be back. We’re short on three-year-olds but we’ve got some nice two-year-olds so hopefully we can keep building up again.
“When this filly came in as a yearling, Maria said she would win the Oaks and she was right - she always seems to be, I wish I had her crystal ball.
“I think Passage Of Time didn’t stay today. She flattened two out and may not have got the trip, I certainly hope that is the reason. I never favoured her, I thought they both had a great chance and thought they would both be in the first three - you can’t going thinking you’ll have first and second in the Oaks.
“I’m lucky to have such a good jockey in Ted, who is also a good friend. Richard Hughes is retained by Prince Khalid so rides those horses but Ted rides everything else. He’s very under-rated and if I was going to have a stable jockey I’d look no further than this man and I’m not just saying that because of this win. He did everything right today, I couldn’t have ridden it better myself!
“The filly was getting a bit lazy in the end but she went on again when the other one came to her but she stays well. We’ll let Light Shift tell us where she is going to run next.”
Asked if he would fly the flag that traditionally goes up at Warren Place after a Group 1 win, Cecil added: “I’ll try with Jake when we get home to get the flag flying. All eight of my Oaks winners have been very good friends so I wouldn’t want to compare them.”
Durcan added: “She’s not over big but she’s brave. Henry had her spot on and I spoke to him on Wednesday and all he said was not to make headway up the hill.
“I got squeezed out a bit between the mile and five marker, we were all in each other’s way, she’s not over big so I didn’t want to get her pushed around. I fancied Mr Oxx’s and Henry’s other runner and I tracked Mr Oxx’s all the way to the straight when I was left in front a bit early. I know how my filly can pick up, she’s electric. She idled a bit in the straight but when the second came to her she ran on again. But everything went right for me really and she’s a bit special. I was confident I was never going to get beaten.
“It’s an honour to ride for Henry and even more so to be on the Oaks roll of honour for him.”
Maria Niarchos-Gouaze, who was presented with an oak tree as part of her prize, had always hoped Light Shift was a Classic filly. “That was the plan and it actually worked,” she said.
Alan Cooper, racing manager to the Niarchos family, added: “It’s easy to say so afterwards but I was more than hopeful today after the way she won at Chester. I thought she had a very good chance. This has been a wonderful family for us and she’s by Kingmambo, who was a family horse as well.”
PEEPING FAWN RUNNER-UP
While a Henry Cecil-trained Vodafone Oaks winner brought back memories of the glory days at Warren Place, Aidan O’Brien still pulled off a huge training achievement by saddling Peeping Fawn and All My Loving to finish second and third.
O’Brien said: “They both ran great.”
Martin Dwyer, rider of Peeping Fawn, said: “She ran great but I just wish that I had got a clear run. It was a very rough race and I managed to get a good position behind the favourite.
“She was a good filly on the day and I am pleased for Ted [Durcan, winning rider] and Henry.”
Christophe Soumillon, rider of All My Loving, said: “She’s run a great race but she stumbled coming out of the stalls and had to come around everybody.”
Richard Henry, owner of All My Loving, added: “She ran a blinder and Christophe said that she stumbled coming out of the stalls, but she is Classic placed now.
“The Chester form has worked out brilliantly and the winner is smart - it’s great and I am delighted.
“Aidan will decide where she runs next but she’ll probably go for the Irish Oaks.”
John Oxx, trainer of Vodafone Oaks fourth Four Sins, is eyeing the Irish Oaks at the Curragh for the Aga Khan-owned filly.
The Irish handler said: "She ran very well and while the ground didn't beat her, it made it a bigger test of stamina. She just wasn't quite good enough.
"I would think that she'll go for the Irish Oaks now."
The filly, a daughter of Oxx's 2000 Vodafone Derby winner Sinndar, finished nine and a half lengths fourth to Light Shift in the mile and a half classic.
Oxx commented: "She'll improve for better ground so hopefully she'll get that in the Irish Oaks, and if she does, then she might finish a bit closer to them there."
Mick Kinane reported: "She ran alright on ground that was slower than ideal.
"She's not the biggest but she can be better on a better track."
Olivier Peslier, rider of the Ed Dunlop-trained Dalvina said of the 11th placed finisher: "She started well and travelled easily for six furlongs but then she struggled. Her legs could not work on the ground and she did not handle the track."
Richard Hughes, rider of favourite Passage Of Time who finished eighth, said: “She travelled strongly enough and I wouldn’t have swapped her for anything coming around Tattenham Corner, but she stopped quickly.”
Neil Callan, rider of Nell Gwyn, another O’Brien representative who finished 12th, said: “It rode like a rough race. She ran a bit flat and it might have come just a bit quick for her after her last race in the Guineas trial.”
LIGHT SHIFT (USA) - THE WINNER
b f Kingmambo (USA) - Lingerie (Shirley Heights)
Form: 231-111 Owner: Niarchos Family
Trainer: Henry Cecil Breeder: Flaxman Holdings Ltd
Jockey: Ted Durcan
Light Shift
Bred by the Niarchos Family’s Flaxman Holdings, Light Shift ran with great promise to finish placed on her first two starts at Newmarket’s July Course over six and seven furlongs, before getting off the mark on her third outing over Newmarket’s Rowley Mile in September, defeating Sunlight by half a length. Stepping up to 10 furlongs and taking on the colts in a conditions event at Newbury on her reappearance on April 20, Light Shift finished with a flourish down the outside to record a comfortable length and a quarter success over Kid Mambo, who runs in tomorrow’s Vodafone Derby. Another impressive triumph followed at Chester on May 9 in the Listed Weatherbys Bank Cheshire Oaks over an extended 11 furlongs, as Light Shift came from off the pace to show a fine turn of foot and take the prize by three-quarters of a length from All My Loving. She won the Vodafone Oaks in good style.
Niarchos Family
The famous racing colours of Greek shipping magnate Stavros Niarchos, who died aged 87 on April 15, 1996, are continued by his children with daughter Maria Niarchos-Gouaze, a director of Breeders’ Cup Ltd, effectively running the racing operation. Stavros Niarchos, who was married five times, developed one of the world’s largest fleets of tankers and bulk carriers and became a famous art collector. He first became involved in racing in the 1950s but lost interest before returning with a vengeance in the 1970s, campaigning a host of top-class performers, including Nureyev, 1000 Guineas winner Miesque, Machiavellian, Hector Protector, Hernando and Kingmambo. Although he never won the Derby, Niarchos owned the 1985 runner-up Law Society. The Niarchos family, who bred the 2003 Vodafone Derby hero Kris Kin, have continued the tradition of excellence, through the likes of Breeders’ Cup winners Spinning World, Domedriver and Six Perfections, European Classic scorers Dream Well, Sulamani and Divine Proportions as well as Bago, who landed the 2004 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Alan Cooper, whose father Tom bought four Derby winners as yearlings, is the Niarchos racing manager while Tim Richardson, whose brother Chris manages Cheveley Park Stud, is in charge of their breeding operation, based at Haras de Fresnay-Le-Buffard in Normandy and at Oak Tree Farm in Kentucky. The Niarchos family have around 50 horses in training spread between France, Britain and America with a 60-strong broodmare band.
Vodafone Oaks Wins- 2007 LIGHT SHIFT
Henry Cecil
Born in Aberdeen on January 11, 1943, Henry Cecil has achieved just about everything he could have dreamed of in a training career spanning almost 40 years. If Classic success is a measure of achievement on the Flat, the 10-time champion trainer is second to none among current trainers having won every domestic Classic at least twice and amassed a total of 23 in all. The Lord Howard de Walden-owned Slip Anchor, partnered by Steve Cauthen, brought Cecil the first of his four Vodafone Derby triumphs in 1985 with an emphatic victory. Reference Point, also ridden by Cauthen, won the 1987 Derby holding off the challenge of Most Welcome while Commander In Chief, Cecil’s supposedly second string behind Tenby in the 1993 Vodafone Derby, and Oath in 1999 - partnered by Cecil’s then stable jockey Kieren Fallon - provided his third and fourth successes. Cecil has also landed the Vodafone Oaks seven times, the 2000 Guineas twice, the 1000 Guineas six times and the St Leger on four occasions. Having sent out 100 winners during the 1998 season, Cecil’s yearly tally dropped every year until 2006, when his 25 victories included Passage Of Times’ Group One success in the Criterium de Saint Cloud - the stable’s first Group One success since Beat Hollow in the 2000 Grand Prix de Paris. His passion for the turf was nurtured by his stepfather, Sir Cecil Boyd-Rochfort, with whom a young Cecil served as assistant trainer between 1964 and 1968, before taking out his own licence to train in 1969. It was not long before he staked his claim among the ranks of the leading trainers with a victory by Wolver Hollow in the Eclipse Stakes of that year. On the retirement of Sir Noel Murless, father of his first wife Julie, in 1976, Cecil took over Warren Place Stables in Newmarket where he has remained. He has a string of 78 horses in training for 2007 and won the Vodafone Oaks for the eighth time. Vodafone Oaks Wins: 1985 OH SO SHARP, 1988 DIMINUENDO, 1989 SNOW BRIDE, 1996 LADY CARLA, 1997 REAMS OF VERSE, 1999 RAMRUMA, 2000 LOVE DIVINE, 2007 LIGHT SHIFT
Ted Durcan
Born in Co Mayo, Ireland, on February 25, 1973, Ted Durcan hailed from a family of lawyers and went to a boarding school in Naas before becoming apprenticed to Jim Bolger for six years, spending two years as a work rider and sharing a house with Tony McCoy and leading Irish trainer David Wachman. He served the final year of his apprenticeship in Britain with Jack Berry at Cockerham in Lancashire and he has gone on to enjoy considerable success in Dubai where he has been champion jockey six times. He rode for the first time in Dubai in the 1997-98 season, as number two rider behind Paul Eddery at Paddy Rudkin’s stable, and impressed Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, who offered him a retainer for the 1999/2000 season when he became champion rider for the first time with 58 successes, with wins including the Godolphin Mile on Conflict and Dubai Duty Free on Rhythm Band. Durcan, whose wife Sue works for Godolphin, enjoyed his best season in Britain in 2006 with 71 wins. A freelance, he rides for the likes of Godolphin and Mick Channon, who provided him with his first two Royal Ascot wins in 2005 with Flashy Wings and Championship Point, as well as the Group One Prix Morny victor Silca’s Sister. This year he has ridden a significant number of horses trained by Henry Cecil, including Vodafone Oaks contender Light Shift, winner of the Cheshire Oaks. He also won the Group One Sprint Cup at Haydock twice for trainer Tim Easterby - on Pipalong in 2000 and Somnus in 2003. Interviewed in The Independent recently about his two big-race mounts, Dwyer said: “Epsom is something everyone wants to be part of, and to have a pair of rides like these makes the hard work through the rest of the year seem worthwhile. There are 100 other lads that could ride them equally well and I feel very privileged.” He had his biggest win on Light Shift. Vodafone Oaks Wins- 2007 LIGHT SHIFT
Winning trainer:-Name: Cecil, Henry Richard Amherst Born: January 11, 1943, Aberdeen Scotland Trains at Warren Place Stables, Newmarket, Suffolk Date of first licence:1969 First winner: Celestial Cloud (Ripon, May 17, 1969) Previous Occupation: Assistant to stepfather, Sir Cecil Boyd-Rochfort British Classic wins: (24) 1000 Guineas (1979 One In A Million, 1981 Fairy Footsteps, 1985 Oh So Sharp, 1996 Bosra Sham, 1997 Sleepytime, 1999 Wince), 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, 2007 Light Shift), St Leger (1980 Light Cavalry, 1985 Oh So Sharp, 1987 Reference Point, 1989 Michelozzo) Other major wins include: Ascot Gold Cup (1979 and 1980 Le Moss, 1981 and 1982 Ardross, 1987 Paean), Brigadier Gerard Stakes (2000 Shiva), Canadian International (1998 Royal Anthem), Champion Stakes (1988 Indian Skimmer, 1996 Bosra Sham), Coral-Eclipse (1969 Wolver Hollow, 1976 Wollow, 1978 Gunner B), Coronation Stakes (1975 Roussalka, 1979 One In A Million, 1982 Chalon, 1990 Chimes Of Freedom, 1994 Kissing Cousin), Dewhurst Stakes (1975 Wollow, 1982 Diesis), Falmouth Stakes (1982 Chalon, 1990 Chimes Of Freedom), Fillies' Mile (1978 Formulate, 1984 Oh So Sharp, 1987 Diminuendo, 1988 Tessla, 1995 Bosra Sham, 1996 Reams Of Verse), Grand Prix de Paris (2000 Beat Hollow), Irish Oaks (1988 Diminuendo d.h., 1999 Ramruma, 1989 Alydaress), Irish Derby (1989 Old Vic, 1993 Commander In Chief), Irish 1,000 Guineas (1973 Cloonagh), Juddmonte International (1976 Wollow, 1999 Royal Anthem), King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes (1987 Reference Point, 1990 Belmez, 1994 King's Theatre), Middle Park Stakes (1981 Cajun, 1982 Diesis), Prix Royal-Oak (1981 Ardross, 1986 El Cuite), Prix du Jockey-Club (1989 Old Vic), Prix de Diane (1987 Indian Skimmer, 1990 Rafha), Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (1979 Kris), 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), St James's Palace Stakes (1975 Bolkonski, 1979 Kris, 1990 Shavian; 1998 Dr Fong), Sussex Stakes (1975 Bolkonski, 1976 Wollow, 1979 Kris, 1994 Distant View, 1997 Ali-Royal), Tattersalls Gold Cup (1999 Shiva), Yorkshire Oaks (1979 Connaught Bridge, 1988 Diminuendo, 1998 Catchascatchcan, 1999 Ramruna) Wins in a season (1984-2006): 108: 132: 115: 180: 112: 117 : 111: 119: 109: 94: 76: 83: 113: 78: 100: 65: 62: 48: 30: 25: 21: 12; 25 Horses in training (1969-2007): 41; 62; 80; 89; 76; 90; 84; 80; 113; 101; 115; 134; 139; 145; 154; 152; 162; 169; 181; 177; 172; 174 ; 163; 165; 164; 208; 176; 186; 188; 191; 169; 157; 122; 83; 73; 56; 55; 78 Other details: Champion trainer 10 times (1976, 1978, 1979, 1982, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1993) Wins in 2007: 13
Winning jockey:-Name: Durcan, Thomas Edward (Ted) Born: February 25, 1973 Married: to Sue, who works for the Godolphin website Background: Apprenticed to Jack Berry, went to ride work for Paddy Rudkin in Dubai in 1997, having lost claim in England and believing that it would be impossible without the allowance First British Classic win: 2007 Vodafone Oaks (Light Shift) Other details: Champion jockey in Dubai 1999/2000 (58 wins), 2000/2001 (56 wins), 2001/2002 (56 wins), 2003/2004 (39 wins), 2004/2005 (44 wins), 2006/2007 (33 wins) Big Race Wins include: Cheshire Oaks (2004 Hidden Hope, 2007 Light Shift), Dubai Duty Free (Rhythm Band, Nad Al Sheba, March 25, 2000), Godolphin Mile (Conflict, Nad Al Sheba, March 25, 2000), John Smith's Stakes (2006 Pinpoint), Oak Tree Stakes (2005 Majestic Desert), Predominate Stakes (2006 Championship Point), Premio Roma (2003 Imperial Dancer), Prix Morny (2005 Silca's Sister), Rockfel Stakes (2003 Cairns), Stanley Leisure Sprint Cup (2000 Pipalong, 2003 Somnus), St Simon Stakes (2003 Imperial Dancer) Wins in Britain (2000 to 2006): 23, 54, 58, 29, 40, 60, 71 Wins in 2007: 19
JEEP COMPASS FOR WINNER OF STYLE ON THE DOWNS
Millinery, Style and Fashion at Vodafone Ladies Day, Friday, June 1
Vodafone Ladies Day dressed up on Friday, June 1 as the adrenalin and excitement of the action on the course was matched by style and glamour off it. Stylish fashionable racegoers gathered for a Classic days’ racing with the added incentive of driving off in a brand new Jeep Compass.
Once again, leading figures from the world of fashion combed the course as the ‘Style Spotters’ looking for the most stylish person of the day as part of the Style on the Downs competition.
They were focusing in particular on style and originality; attention to detail; appropriateness of outfit to racing; and appreciation of current fashion trends.
Tara O'Callaghan, society milliner, Claire Dwyer, Face of the Festival, and Emma Trayner of Per Una had a tough job but finally chose 10 stunning finalists.
With Matt Baker presenting the final, the judges’ decision was Suzanne Murphy wearing a beautiful Sue Wong dress and a co-ordinating hat created by milliner Edwina Ibbotson.
Second place went to Emily Cowburn, who won £1,000 Per Una vouchers and the third place went to Catherine Gee who received £500 of Per Una Vouchers.
Style and fun are as integral to Vodafone Ladies Day as world-class racing and Style on the Downs is now an established part of the day’s activities.
FIRST RACE NEWS
ECHELON STRIKES AGAIN
Echelon could have earned a tilt at Group One company after taking the Group Three Princess Elizabeth Stakes (sponsored by Vodafone), the opening race on Friday, June 1 at Epsom Downs, for the second year running.
The Sir Michael Stoute-trained mare swept wide and late under Kerrin McEvoy to overhaul the Rae Guest-trained Bahia Breeze close home in the extended mile contest, winning by three quarters of a length.
Having won at odds of 15/8 when rewarding favourite backers 12 months ago, the five-year-old, carrying the colours of Cheveley Park Stud, returned the 7/4 favourite.
Chris Richardson, managing director of Cheveley Park Stud, said: “She showed how gutsy she is. She gives everything and, on ground not really in her favour, she has shown her class again.
“She was a long way back so she has done well to win from where she came from. She is improving.
“She is in the Pretty Polly (at the Curragh) and holds Group One entries which we will have to give serious consideration.”
Third-placed Nannina is also owned by Cheveley Park Stud and Richardson commented: “Nannina ran very well. We knew early on it wasn’t her ground. She’s a different sort on top of the ground.
“She had a buck and a kick on the way to the start so hopefully that has got the freshness out of her.”
Rae Guest, trainer of second-placed Bahia Breeze, said: “She’s run a blinder and the jockey said that although he probably wouldn’t beat the winner, a stronger pace would have helped.
“She’s in at Royal Ascot and we’ll keep out options open. She deserves to run in all the good fillies’ races now. Although she’s not won one of them yet, her time will come - she’s so tough and consistent.”
MORE FIRST RACE NEWS
KERRIN McEVOY OFF TO A FLYER
Kerrin McEvoy, rider of the first winner on Vodafone Ladies Day, Echelon in the Princess Elizabeth Stakes (sponsored by Vodafone) commented: “Coming down the hill I just had to nudge her along to keep her spot.
“I wasn’t sure which side they would come down on the ground.
“She has picked up well and won cosily in the end.
“I am not sure whether she is a Group One filly - maybe we will find out as the season progresses - but she is certainly a top filly in this type of race. Something like the Falmouth Stakes (run over a mile) at Newmarket may be suitable for her as she showed plenty of speed when I picked her up today.”
Commenting on the ground at Epsom Downs today, McEvoy continued: “I would say the going description is absolutely right - it’s just riding on the soft side on good. I’m not sure which side is riding better though.”
“My ride in the Vodafone Oaks, Dance Of Light, only won a maiden last time and this is a big step up but we will give it our best shot.”
GROUND AFTER FIRST RACE
After the opening Princess Elizabeth Stakes (Sponsored by Vodafone), the jockeys reported the ground as:
Kerrin McEvoy, rider of the winner, said: “It’s softer than good but has a good cover of grass.”
Steve Drowne said: “Not too bad - just on the slow side of good.”
Pat Smullen said: “It’s slow but not as bad as I thought. If it continues to dry, it will be gluey tomorrow.”
Seb Sanders and Richard Hughes said: “Slow.”
Chris Catlin said: “Slow side of good. It’s a bit loose on top.”
Christophe Soumillon and Richard Hills said: “Soft.”
Robert Havlin said: “Good to soft, quite slow and riding on the slow side.”
Neil Chalmers said: “Soft - I should have come over to the stands’ side.”
SECOND RACE NEWS ON FRIDAY, JUNE 1
EDDERY FULL OF PRAISE FOR JONES
The eight-year-old Unshakable earned quotes of 25/1 from VCBet and 20/1 from Paddy Power for the Royal Hunt Cup after winning the Vodafone Mile by a length and a quarter from Montpellier.
Tim Law of owners the Unshakable Partnership reported: “He’s a wonderful horse to own and sadly his trainer Bob Jones can’t be here today.
“We’ll think about the Royal Hunt Cup but Ascot is only three weeks away so I’m sure Bob will want to see how he has come out of this race.”
Winning jockey Paul Eddery was full of praise for the gelding’s trainer Bob Jones.
He said: “I can’t really take any of the credit for this. All the credit must go to Bob Jones. I’ve just ridden him.
“He said the horse would need the run at Kempton last time but he was spot on today.
“There was a little bit of doubt about him running today as we thought the ground might be a bit soft for him.
“This horse is genuine, tough and professional - a real cracker.
“It is 10 out of 10 for the trainer - he’s done a fantastic job.
“The ground is a bit dead today, so I would think jockeys will be cutting across to the stands’ side.”
TOP AND TAILS TIME FOR RUNNER-UP
Montpellier was unable to peg back Unshakable in the Vodafone Mile (Handicap) and will now bid to make amends in the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot on June 20.
The runner-up’s trainer Ed Dunlop said: “He has run very well and was sat out the back and some other horses came back on him.
“But he has come off the pace and picked up really well and the next stop hopefully will be the Royal Hunt Cup.”
Hills go 16/1 about Montpellier for the showcase handicap at the Royal fixture, while Blue Square offer 20/1 and Paddy Power were less impressed at 25/1.
Third-placed Ordnance Row will be out even sooner in tomorrow’s Vodafone Diomed Stakes.
“He couldn’t quite get a rhythm down the hill,” said jockey Richard Hughes. “He was a bit tight but has run well and that will put him spot on for tomorrow.”
RACE THREE NEWS - FRIDAY, JUNE 1
POET INSPIRES BRITTAIN JIG
Clive Brittain was in lyrical mood after dancing a jig in the winner’s circle following Lake Poet’s victory in the Vodafone Rose Bowl.
“I’m always accused of tilting at windmills, well today the windmill tilted back,” said the Newmarket maestro.
Lake Poet was registering his second successive handicap triumph at Epsom Downs this season after taking the prestigious Bet@bluesq.com Great Metropolitan Handicap over a mile and a half on April 25.
The Mohammed Rashid-owned four-year-old tracked the pace-setting Wovoka under Seb Sanders in the 10-furlong contest before challenging the long-time leader approaching the final quarter-mile.
Lake Poet, a 6/1 chance, gained the upper hand after a gritty tussle with Martin Dwyer’s mount before drawing clear inside the distance for a length and a quarter verdict that left his trainer smiling.
Brittain commented: “He likes it here and the ground came perfect for him. He has been working very well all year and it was always the plan to go on with him today.
“There was no problem going back to a mile and a quarter from a mile and a half.”
SANDERS PLAN IS POETRY IN MOTION
Seb Sanders, the winning jockey on Lake Poet in the Vodafone Rose Bowl Heritage Handicap, commented: "Being drawn in stall one meant I was in the box seat.
"I've ridden the horse before and knew we could attack from the front.
"I had to give him a reminder two furlongs out to get him to rally, but I always felt confident as this horse is a real battler.
"The camber of the track means that the ground is quicker on the stands' side although I would say it's only marginally slower on the inside.
"Hattan (Sanders' mount in the Vodafone Coronation Cup) hasn't had ground like this since he won the Chester Vase and has been working very well.
"I ride Kayah in the Vodafone Oaks and I respect her trainer Ralph Beckett. He wouldn't have supplemented her if he didn't think she had a chance.
"She stays and should go on this ground."
HADDEN FROST SUSPENDED
Hadden Frost, rider of Plum Pudding in the Vodafone Mile, was found guilty of causing interference to Zato, who subsequently caused further interference to Spanish Don and Montpellier. The stewards held that Frost had caused the interference by careless riding in allowing his mount to drift left. He was suspended for two days (Tuesday, June 12 and Wednesday, June 13).
JOHN SMITH’S CUP NEXT FOR EVERGREEN RESONATE
The nine-year-old Resonate returned from a 181 day lay-off to finish just over three lengths third to Lake Poet in the Vodafone Rose Bowl, to the delight of trainer Tony Newcombe.
“He’s run a blinder once again and it’s amazing that he’s nine now and you can count the number of bad races he has run on one hand,” said Newcombe.
“I don’t know how he keeps improving at this age, he’s 5lb higher than he’s ever been but we thought he’d like the track here and that might compensate for the weight. He’ll be given an entry in the John Smith’s Cup at York now.”
Michael Jarvis, trainer of beaten 11/4 favourite Forroger, who finished seventh, said: “There are no excuses.”
When asked if the horse not settling may have contributed to the defeat, the Newmarket trainer replied: “That had nothing to do with it - he was not good enough.”
VODAFONE CORONATION CUP NEWS
SCORPION BOUNCES BACK WITH VODAFONE CORONATION CUP SUCCESS
Scorpion, winner of the 2005 St Leger, proved he was right back to his best with a length and a quarter success over his stablemate Septimus in the Group One Vodafone Coronation Cup.
The winner took up the running around two furlongs from home and galloped on all the way to the line. Maraahel was third, while both Sir Percy and Sixties Icon proved disappointing.
Aidan O'Brien, the winning trainer, was collecting the prize for the second time having sent out Yeats to success two years ago.
The master of Ballydoyle said: "Scorpion just had a few niggling problems last year.
"I was pleased with his comeback at Chester (second in the Ormonde Stakes to Ask). Mick (Kinane) said he just blew up a bit that day, so we thought there would be a lot of improvement to come from him today.
"This horse is warm-blooded and a free sweater before his races - I would be more worried if he didn't do that."
Winning jockey Mick Kinane added: "We knew he'd come on for his last run. He blew up at Chester and fell in a hole. He was behind in his work but Aidan said to me that the horse had made a lot of progress, so he would like me to ride him today."
Part-owner Michael Tabor (who owns the horse with Sue Magnier and Derrick Smith) commented: "He's in the Ascot Gold Cup. I'd think Yeats would be going there but who knows. He'll be left in but I haven't discussed any future plans with Aidan yet."
BRAVE MARAAHEL HAILED IN DEFEAT
Connections of Maraahel, third to Scorpion in the Group One Vodafone Coronation Cup, paid tribute to the bravery of the Sir Michael Stoute-trained six-year-old.
Jockey Richard Hills said: “He’s a brave horse. He ran a great race but the O’Brien tactics worked.”
Angus Gold, racing manager to owner Hamdan Al Maktoum, commented: “He’s a brave horse and I wish we could have a few more like him.
“The muddling pace wouldn’t have helped. There was a danger of them taking each other on so Richard did the right thing by not getting into a battle with Septimus.
“I’m thrilled with his effort. It’s typical of him as he gives his best every time.”
John Best was delighted with Rising Cross after she finished fourth in the Vodafone Coronation Cup.
The Kent-based trainer said: “She can’t help but run decent races and goes and surprises us every time.
“This was only her second run of the season and she had to come from a long way behind. Ted [Durcan, jockey] gave her a great ride and she’s run really well.
“It is nice to finish fourth in the Vodafone Coronation Cup and I hope that her next race is the Ascot Gold Cup.
“Two and a half miles is a huge step up but she’s run well over two miles - it’s a big ask but it’s not out of the question and I’d like to run her in that if Gary [Tanaka, owner] lets us.”
Vodafone Derby winner Sir Percy finished fifth and jockey Martin Dwyer said: “The ground was against him, he’s too good a mover and couldn’t go on it.”
Sixties Icon, who was sent off 11/8 favourite, finished last and his jockey Frankie Dettori said: “He ran very flat and was not himself today. I went for the race two out but he just collapsed. He was very quiet and is much better than that.”
RACE SIX NEWS - FRIDAY, JUNE 1
ROCK ROYAL ASCOT BOUND AFTER SOLID EFFORT
Solid Rock lived up to his name with a battling effort in the seven-furlong Listed Vodafone Surrey Stakes that saw him finish the three-quarter length runner-up to Howya Now Kid, after attempting to make all.
Trainer Terry Mills said: “He couldn’t get the lead I wanted but he’s a tough, tough horse who doesn’t know how to run bad race.
“He goes to Royal Ascot for the Jersey Stakes and he’ll run well again.”
Kerrin McEvoy was the only rider to opt for the stands side route aboard the William Haggas-trained Whazzis, who was a further three quarters of a length behind the runner-up in third.
McEvoy commented: “She ran really well. I took a chance by asking her to race on her own. William (Haggas) left it up to me but he did say that she’d be tough and would be able to cope with the isolation.
“I rode her before at Newmarket and this was an improvement on that. The ground was good to firm that day and she’d probably enjoy even more cut than she got today.”
Haggas was particularly satisfied with the Bill Gredley-owned filly’s effort, explaining: “She’s very tough, particularly as she ripped off a shoe right in front of me going to the start.
“She’s got a bit of black type, which was the plan, so there are no immediate plans as anything else is a bonus.”
LYONS CONTINUES FINE FORM IN ENGLAND
Ger Lyons saddled a winner with his first runner in England courtesy of City Of Tribes at Chester and he continued the success today when Howya Now Kid scored in the colours of the Glenview House Stud in the Listed Vodafone Surrey Stakes.
Stephen Harris, the stud’s owner, said: “We bought him as a two-year-old off Ger Lyons and he has run 10 times now and been placed nine times.
“He is one of our little superstars and this year we decided to travel our horses.
“Last time six furlongs didn’t suit him at Newbury and he’s better over this seven or a mile - he’ll go into higher company now. I’m not sure where and I’ll talk to the trainer.
“This is the same lucky tie that I wore for Chester when City Of Tribes won. It is very difficult to find opportunities in Ireland and that’s why we came here.
“We had a winner last Saturday at Catterick called The Little Finch and we’ve had three winners from five runners here now.
“City Of Tribes will run over five furlongs at Sandown two weeks tomorrow and we run a two-year-old here tomorrow called Irish Jig. She’s ordinary enough but might do the business.”
RACE SEVEN NEWS - FRIDAY, JUNE 1
VITZNAU TAKES THE LAST
Richard Hannon ended Vodafone Ladies Day with a winner as Vitznau, the 5/2 market leader, took the seven-furlong Vodafone Group Services Handicap under Martin Dwyer.
The three-year-old Val Royal colt picked up well when switched off the rail inside the final quarter mile and drew clear inside the distance for a length victory from Irish raider Little White Lie.
Vitznau had enjoyed a 64-day break since filling the runner-up berth behind Annemasse over the distance at Kempton in March.
Hannon said: “We thought he was probably a six-furlong horse but he got the seven well here and this trip will probably be fine for him at the moment.
“He had a beautiful draw and the luck of the race, and he might even be improving just a little bit.
“He did that nicely enough and we’ll keep handicapping with him.”
DWYER SUSPENDED FOR ONE DAY
Jockey Martin Dwyer was suspended for one day (Tuesday, June 12) for careless riding in the Vodafone Oaks.
The stewards held that Dwyer’s mount Peeping Fawn had interfered with the fourth Four Sins, ridden by Mick Kinane, as he had allowed the filly to drift to the left.
HOLLAND SUSPENDED
The stewards held an enquiry into possible intereference in the concluding Vodafone Group Services Handicap and found jockey Darryll Holland guilty of careless riding after allowing his mount Lunces Lad to drift left.
They suspended Holland for four days from Tuesday, June 12, to Friday, June 15 inclusive.
GOING
Andrew Cooper, Epsom Downs’ Clerk of the Course & Director of Racing, has this morning changed the description of the going to Good to Soft, Soft in places after a dry night. There has been no rain since 4pm on Wednesday.
Overnight the going had been described as Soft,Good to Soft in places.
Showers are forecast for today and the current GoingStick reading is 6.3.
The forecast for tomorrow, Vodafone Derby Day, is dry with temperatures around 22/23 degrees celsius and a nice warm day in prospect.
The far side of the course (the inside of the track) has been dolled out four to five yards from the mile marker to the winning line. This is the first time that it has been done from this position, usually being dolled out from around the six-furlong marker to the finish, but a bit more ground towards the top of the hill has been dolled out this year in view of the softer conditions. This fresh ground will be used tomorrow.
VODAFONE DERBY MINUS ONE RUNNER & MAYBE ANOTHER
Saturday's Vodafone Derby at Epsom has been reduced to 18 runners following the withdrawal of Arabian Gulf, the Press Association reported this morning.
Sir Michael Stoute declared the Sadler's Wells colt a non-runner after he met with a setback.
Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager for Arabian Gulf's owner Khalid Abdulla, said: “He's got an infection in one of his joints and is not going to run.
“It's not serious at all but enough to keep him out of the race - he will be fine in the long term.”
Paul Cole, who struck gold with Generous in 1991, will make a late decision on whether to run Strategic Prince in the Vodafone Derby.
The Whatcombe trainer is worried about the ground being too soft for the Sheikh Ahmad Shah-owned colt, who was eighth to Cockney Rebel in the 2000 Guineas on his reappearance
“The horse is going there on Saturday. I will have a discussion with His Highness and we'll make a decision,” said Cole.
“My gut feeling is that the ground could be a little bit tacky and it is certainly going to be soft despite the drying winds.
“It's not entirely suitable but how many chances do you get to have a runner in the Derby? So you can understand owners wanting to run.
“The horse is absolutely fine. We don't even know he gets the trip and neither does anybody else know about their horses.
“Nothing has gone to plan really because of the going. We've had firm ground for the last month and now we've got soft ground. We'll just have to see what happens.”
The current going at Epsom is good to soft, soft in places.
FRIDAY’S BETTING NEWS
Coral have seen money for both Red Lancer and Forroger in the Vodafone Rose Bowl (Heritage Handicap) (2.45pm). The former is now an 11/2 chance (from 13/2), while Forroger, a Pricewise selection in the Racing Post, is 9/2 (from 5).
In today’s opening Princess Elizabeth Stakes (sponsored by Vodafone) (1.40pm), Stan James have brought Bahia Breeze into 4/1 (from 9/2)
The Vodafone Mile (Handicap) (2.10pm) has been a popular event with the Berkshire firm’s punters with three horses receiving support - Waterside 16/1 (from 20), Future’s Dream 10/1 (from 12) and Rain Stops Play 14/1 (from 25).
Stan James also report cash for Forroger and have trimmed the four-year-old into 4/1 (from 11/2), while in the same race the Clive Brittain-trained Lake Poet is 8/1 (from 12).
Septimus is the one backers have come for in the Vodafone Coronation Cup (3.25pm) - the Sadler’s Wells colt is now 7/2 (from 4). Irish-trained raider All My Loving has been popular in the feature Vodafone Oaks and is 15/2 (from 10).
In the lucky last, the Vodafone Group Services Stakes (Handicap) (5.25pm), Stan James have shortened Lunces Lad into 12/1 (from 16).
In today’s opener Paddy Power have pulled Edaara into 16/1 (from 20), while Sabah and Apply Dapply have both also been supported and are 20/1 (from 33) and 40/1 (from 50) respectively.
The same firm have slashed Rio Riva into 6/1 (from 7) in the second race and in the next have also shortened Forroger into 4/1 (from 5), while Lake Poet is now 8/1 (from 9).
The Irish bookmakers have reduced Sixties Icon into 11/8 (from 6/4) for the Vodafone Coronation Cup, while in the concluding race, Powers have brought Lunces Lad into 11/1 (from 16).
Rio Riva has also been popular with totesport, who go 6/1 (from 7), while in the same contest Ordnance Row is 9/2 (from 5) and Future’s Dream 10/1 (from 12).
Ladbrokes report cash for both Ordnance Row, 9/2 (from 5) and Rain Stops Play, who is 16/1 (from 20). In the concluding event, the ‘Magic Sign’ now go 12/1 (from 16) about Lunces Lad.
William Hill also report cash for Forroger and go 9/2 (from 11/2).
The same firm have slashed Rio Riva into 11/2 (from 7) in the second race, while Rain Stops Play is 14/1 (from 20) in the same event.
All My Loving has again been backed and is 7/1 (from 10), while Hills go 10/1 (from 14) about Lunces Lad in the concluding contest.
VODAFONE DERBY BETTING NEWS
Bookmakers are running scared of the ‘Frankie’ factor in tomorrow’s feature Vodafone Derby with the popular Italian rider, Frankie Dettori, partnering likely odds-on favourite Authorized, who was so impressive when landing the totesport Dante Stakes at York last month.
Coral’s Simon Clare believes that Authorized will “certainly start odds-on” and describes the Barking-based firm’s most popular bet as whether Authorized will win by more or less than two lengths.
A victory of two lengths or less is priced at 11/4, while a success by more than two lengths is 5/2, which according to Clare “everyone has been backing” due to the ground and authority of the favourite. “Given that Galileo and Motivator are the only horses to have won by more than two lengths in the last decade, punters are clearly confident,” he added.
Ladbrokes predict that over £30 million will be gambled on Dettori and his charge as the jockey bids for a first Derby victory after 14 previous unsuccessful attempts - that adds up to over £200,000 a second riding on his back in a race expected to last just over two and a half minutes.
David Williams, spokesman for Ladbrokes, said: “The Epsom Downs will be awash with the blood of bookies if Frankie wins. He is more popular than anyone else in the sport and a Dettori Derby win would send us into meltdown.
“It couldn’t be simpler. If Frankie wins, we take an almighty beating and quite frankly, we’re terrified! If anything else wins, we’ll breathe the most enormous sigh of relief.”
Victor Chandler also fears a Frankie victory and claims that such a success would be the worst result in the 61-year history of the company and cost him in excess of £2m.
The bookmaker remembers well the last time that a horse obliged at odds-on when Shergar justified odds of 10/11.
“Shergar was one of my worst results ever on a racecourse, it cost me several hundred thousand pounds and we never had a hope that day. I sincerely hope that the other runners tomorrow are at least able to give me a glimmer of hope as they come around Tatthenham Corner.”
Chandlers have laid bets of £15,000 each-way at 12/1 Authorized as well as £7,500 each-way at 11/1 and took in more than £100,000 at 2/1 in a five-minute period after his Dante success.
“Authorized would be a very bad result if only for the serious customers I have laid the horse to throughout the winter, but to make matters worse with Frankie Dettori on board the housewive’s money will pour in for the horse on the day, no matter what the odds are. The horse will cost me at least £2m should it win. The nation might be shouting for a fairytale Frankie triumph but I certainly won’t be!”
Betdirect have opened a market as to which of Aidan O’Brien’s eight runners in the Vodafone Derby will be first home at Epsom tomorrow.
Archipenko is their 9/4 favourite with Eagle Mountain and Soldier Of Fortune next best at 7/2 and 9/2 respectively.
“Jockey bookings would suggest Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial winner Archipenko is the O’Brien number one and the winner of that trial has gone on to land five English or Irish Derbys in the last seven years,” said Head of PR Charlie McCann.
“Some of the Ballydoyle declarations appear fanciful but it should be noted that Dylan Thomas was a 20/1 shot when going down by the minimum margin last year when O’Brien saddled four of the 18 runners. Archipenko is also 5/1 second favourite in betdirect’s market without Authorized.”
For old articles (from 1st March 2000) go to the Newslink
Archive
