Tuesday, June 2, 2009
FANTASTIC FORM AND FAMILY FUN AT SALISBURY RACECOURSE IN JUNE
SPRINTERS ON THE GROUP ONE TRAIL AT SALISBURY
Racegoers have two opportunities to experience the thrill of racing amidst Wiltshire’s rural splendour in the coming fortnight with Salisbury Racecourse staging fantastic fixtures on Tuesday, June 9, and Sunday, June 14.
Salisbury is noted as being a schooling ground for future stars and the Bathwick Tyres Maiden Stakes (3.20pm), on June 9, is a race to keep an eye on as last year’s renewal produced two subsequent Pattern-race players in Main Aim and Kalahari Gold.
The Sir Michael Stoute-trained Main Aim took Division One of the seven-furlong contest by a neck and the four-year-old is currently a leading fancy for the Group One Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot (there is also talk of a tilt at the Group One Queen Anne Stakes over a mile) following his most recent success in the Group Three Timeform Jury Stakes at Haydock, on May 30.
In the second division of last year’s renewal, the Andrew Balding-trained Kalahari Gold triumphed. The gelding progressed to win the Listed Dubai Duty Free Cup at Newbury in September before finishing a close third behind Archipenko in the Group Three Zabeel Mile at Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, in February.
The entertaining seven-race card kicks off at 2.15pm with the George Smith Horseboxes Maiden Auction Stakes for two-year-olds, staged over six furlongs.
One of the highlights of the afternoon is the £10,500 EBF Margadale Fillies’ Handicap (3.55pm). The 10-furlong contest produced a thrilling finish in 2008 as Casilda led close home to defeat My Aunt Fanny by a head. The winner was subsequently runner-up to Heaven Sent in the Group Three Dahlia Stakes at Newmarket.
LISTED BATHWICK TYRES CATHEDRAL STAKES BIDS TO CONTINUE GROUP ONE TRADITION
Salisbury’s Family Fun Day fixture on June 14, hosts the £40,000 Listed ‘Bathwick Tyres Cathedral Stakes’ (3.40pm), a race that has forged a formidable reputation as a stepping stone to sprint stardom.
The Bathwick Tyres Cathedral Stakes is Salisbury’s third most valuable prize of the season, and the six-furlong showpiece lived up to its billing 12 months ago when the Richard Hannon-trained Edge Closer shook off Borderlescott to secure a two-length victory. The runner-up, trained by Robin Bastiman, enjoyed his greatest career triumph two months later when winning the Group One Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes from a host of top-class speedsters.
Borderlescott’s feat almost matched that of Sakhee’s Secret, who went one better by winning the 2007 renewal of the Cathedral Stakes, then sponsored by Axminster Carpets, prior to securing success in a fabulous race for the Group One Darley July Cup.
Sakhee’s Secret was continuing a family tradition in the Salisbury race as his half-sister Palace Affair landed the inaugural running in 2002.
Avonbridge won the race in 2003 two years before his Group One success in the 2005 Prix de l’Abbaye at Longchamp. Other classy winners in the race’s short history include Group Two winners Moss Vale (2004) and Etlaala (2006).
The six-race card commences at 2.00pm, with Salisbury’s oldest race, the £7,500 Albert Samuel ‘City Bowl’ Handicap over a mile and a half and is followed at 2.30pm by the £7,500 Picador Chevrolet Handicap over five furlongs. The Emma Arbery Memorial Maiden Fillies’ Stakes (3.05pm) takes place over a mile, while the seven-furlong Hox Brasserie Fillies Handicap at 4.15pm follows the Bathwick Tyres Cathedral Stakes.
Racing concludes at 4.45pm with the Hands And Heels Apprentice series Handicap over a mile. The 2008 renewal saw Katia Scallan record her first career success aboard Slip for her boss, Marcus Tregoning.
FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY
Salisbury’s popular Family Fun Days provide great afternoons of fun for all the family. While Mum and Dad enjoy a flutter, the children, who gain free admission, can participate in an array of fun-packed entertainment including shoot ‘n’ score inflatable, bouncy castle and face painting.
As with all race days at Salisbury throughout 2009, a big screen will be in place to relay the action and enhance the viewing experience for all in attendance.
Jeremy Martin, Clerk of the Course and General Manager, said: “These meetings invariably showcase some tremendous horses. Main Aim won at the June 9 fixture last year and now they are talking about him for Group One races at Royal Ascot. Hopefully, we will witness another future star emerge this time.
“June 14 also promises much and the day always delivers. We have seen some very good winners of the Bathwick Tyres Cathedral Stakes since it was first run in 2002, with Sakhee’s Secret and Avonbridge being the best of them. It is a day we always look forward to and the public enjoy it tremendously.”
Admission Prices: Day Member £18; Tattersalls Enclosure £11; Course Enclosure £6; Accompanied children under 16 are admitted free and all car parking is free. Tickets can be booked online for a 10% discount at www.salisburyracecourse.co.uk
Salisbury also races on Wednesday, June 24 (Bibury Cup Day) and Sunday, June 28 (Family Fun Day).
For old articles (from 1st March 2000) go to the Newslink
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