Tuesday, June 15, 2010

ROYAL ASCOT 2010
RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE
FIRST DAY, TUESDAY, JUNE 15

TODAY’S CROWD

This is an increase of 854 (+2.2 per cent) over the 38,707 seen on the Tuesday last year.

Charles Barnett, Chief Executive of Ascot Racecourse, commented: “This was a good first-day crowd. The slight increase was in line with our expectations and we are looking forward to the rest of the week.”


NO WATERING TONIGHT BUT STICKELS KEEPING A WATCHING BRIEF


The Royal Meeting saw bright and breezy conditions and good ground for the opening six-race card with weather conditions set to be similar for the coming days.

Ascot’s Clerk of the Course Chris Stickels is considering watering later in the week but has no immediate plans to do so.

He said: “Everything has gone really well today, we’re very happy.

“The going was good today so I don’t plan on watering tonight but I think it will be good to firm by tomorrow afternoon and we’ll just have to see how it goes after that.”

He continued: “It’s quite possible we may think about watering tomorrow night in order to maintain good to firm but at the moment I don’t feel it’s necessary. I’m very happy with the way the meeting’s going so far.”


FIRST RACE WINNING QUOTES
QUEEN ANNE STAKES (GROUP 1)

PURE GOLD

Royal Ascot got off to a fantastic start when the greatest mare of recent years, Goldikova, won her ninth Group or Grade One when holding off the fast-finishing Paco Boy by a neck to land the Queen Anne Stakes.

The five-year-old, who justified 11/8 favouritism, delighted both her trainer Freddie Head and jockey Olivier Peslier with this latest win.

“This is one of the greatest moments of my life, winning at Royal Ascot is such a fantastic thing and especially with a mare like that,” said Head.

“I was very scared when Paco Boy came there, I didn’t know what we had in hand and didn’t know if she’d respond and keep going.

“I thought she was in the best form she had been going into today’s race and she showed it there. I thought today and last year’s Jacques Le Marois were her two best runs and she was in the same form as she was before that race but this is not like winning at Deauville. That’s at home but coming over here is more difficult.

“Olivier is the rider and he does what he wants and she was relaxed through the race and then had a perfect run through, perhaps she got there a bit early in the end.

“She’s very special and it’s rare that you can ride a horse of that calibre in so many different ways. You can come early with her like today or you can wait like she did in America. She keeps on fighting and finding something and was not even blowing five minutes after the race.

“I expect she will go to Deauville for the two races, the Prix Rothschild and Prix Jacques Le Marois, that she won last year. The Breeders’ Cup is the main target but we would love to win the Jacques Le Marois again.”

Before training, Head rode the 10-time Group One winner Miesque and he added: “I couldn’t say she is better than Miesque but she is tougher than her. Miesque was a brilliant two-year-old and three-year-old but Goldikova was a longer time in getting going but she has kept going for longer. You wouldn’t be able to come too soon on Miesque like you can with this mare.”

Peslier added: “Today I am so happy for the team - the owner, trainer and jockey - and it is a dream to win nine Group Ones. She has won in Newmarket, America, France and now Ascot, she has won everywhere in the world in all the best races.

“I just started off and waited to see what happened and maybe I came there a bit early but I kept a little bit of power for the final furlong. I knew Paco Boy would wait a long time and when I looked behind me, I saw no horses near and at the furlong pole I just had to keep going.”



TIME VERY FAST IN QUEEN ANNE STAKES

The opening race, the Queen Anne Stakes, was run in 1m 37.74s by the winner Goldikova, just 0.53s outside Ramonti’s course record achieved in the same race in 2007.

First race - The Queen Anne Stakes
Placed quotes


PACO BOY JUST DENIED QUEEN ANNE DOUBLE BY FLYING FRENCH FILLY


Paco Boy left all trailing in his wake in the Queen Anne Stakes of 2009 but, despite a valiant final-furlong effort, could not quite reel in France’s superstar filly Goldikova this year, with the favourite and second-favourite finishing just as the betting had predicted.

“We’re very, very pleased, he’s run a super race. I think he thinks he’s won,” said Richard Hannon Jr, assistant trainer to his father Richard, after Paco Boy was beaten just a neck in the Royal Ascot opener.

“Richard (Hughes) did say to me that he thought he had her (Goldikova) but we just didn’t quite get there, with Goldikova just keeping going. She is probably the best race mare we have ever seen.

“Richard rode him perfectly - you have to ride Paco Boy like that as he has that one burst of speed. We’ll have to see where we go next but I imagine we’ll be taking Goldikova on again.”

Andrew Balding was similarly thrilled with the effort of Dream Eater, who ran on very strongly in the closing stages to finish three-and-a-quarter lengths behind Paco Boy in third.

Balding said: “He’s always been a high class horse and he looked like he was up against it today but he’s run a smashing race.”

Balding, who has tasted international Group race success with the likes of Phoenix Reach and Vanderlin, now has an overseas trip in mind for Dream Eater later in the year.

He confirmed: “Hopefully, we can find one for him to win now but his main target will be Hong Kong in December. He was only two lengths behind Paco Boy last year at Sandown, admittedly getting three pounds, but he’s had a wind operation and he has definitely improved.”



Race 1 - The Queen Anne Stakes -
Jockeys’ ground comments & betting news

BEAUTIFUL GROUND SAY JOCKEYS

Following the running of the first race of Royal Ascot 2010, the Queen Anne Stakes, the following jockeys gave their opinion as to the state of the ground. The general consensus was that the ground is riding perfectly.

Ryan Moore, rider of the third Zacinto, said: “I thought it rode like beautiful ground.”

Richard Hills, rider of Ouqba (seventh), said: “It’s beautiful ground.”

Frankie Dettori, rider of Cat Junior (eighth), said: “Perfect.”

Ahmed Ajtebi, rider of Calming Influence (ninth), said: “This was the most beautiful ground I have ever ridden on at Ascot. I also think it is very fair ground and it should be fine for all horses throughout the week.”


GOLDIKOVA HITS 41/1 IN RUNNING

Goldikova heroine of the opening Group One Queen Anne Stakes, hit a high of 41/1 during the in-running betting market with Betfair. A total of £115 was matched at this price. The last matched price on Goldikova before the market was suspended was 7/1.

The neck runner-up Paco Boy was backed at a low of 1/3.

Second race - The King’s Stand Stakes
Winner’s quotes


EQUIANO RECLAIMS KING’S CROWN FOR HILLS TEAM

Equiano, successful in the same race in 2008 when only a three-year-old, proved he still has what it takes to mix it with the best sprinters in the world when winning the King’s Stand Stakes by a length and a half despite stumbling from the stalls.

Barry Hills, who was in hospital for last year’s Royal Meeting, was delighted to be back in the Ascot winner’s enclosure. He said: “He’s a very fast horse and I thought he was going to win today. I was in hospital last year but it’s great to be back, this is the best party there is.”

The trainer’s son Michael, who was on board Equiano, said: “He’s so quick out of the gates but he lost his footing and stumbled. Once he got back up he really turned the engine on. I went to the rail and he took off again at about the three-furlong mark.

“We just didn’t quite get him right last year. He never disgraced himself in a race but he was never 100 per cent. But he’s been training well this year and basically from his first start we knew we had him back again. He hasn’t put a foot wrong in his last three starts.”

The jockey added: “He’ll stick to five furlongs and probably go for the Nunthorpe and then the Abbaye. I’ve won two Nunthorpes but this fella is so fast and goes so well from the start. Royal Applause (Equiano’s grandsire) was the same but he was a six-furlong horse and this horse is a five-furlong specialist. It was a real thrill going that quick. Someone beeped a car horn at the three-furlong pole and it made him go even faster!”

Referring to his father’s recovery from illness, Michael said: “It makes it very special. We all work extremely hard and the team at home are brilliant. We came here last year and the boss wasn’t here so we had to do it ourselves. It worked and he was leading trainer and this year we’ve started out on the right foot again.”

The horse’s owner James Acheson, who has struck a deal with Newsells Park Stud to stand Equiano next year, added: “Barry’s done a really good job with him. Even though he stumbled at the start he was still right up there. He’s going to stud next year so this was his last chance at Royal Ascot.”


Race 2 - The King’s Stand Stakes - Placed Quotes

CANDY AND BASTIMAN PLEASED

Trainer Henry Candy was very satisfied with the performance of Markab, who filled the runner-up spot in the Group One King’s Stand Stakes, going down by one and a half lengths to Equiano.

The Wantage-based handler said of the seven-year-old, a 14/1 shot: “That was a brilliant run.

“He has shown today that he is a proper Group One beast and I think we will probably now look at the Prix Maurice de Gheest for him now. That race can sometimes be a bit strange but the return to six and a half furlongs should suit him. He was flat out all the way today.

“He won’t go for the July Cup.”

Borderlescott, a 16/1 chance, was a neck back in third and the eight-year-old seems as good as ever, with a bid to win York’s Nunthorpe Stakes for a third time firmly on the agenda.

His trainer Robin Bastiman said: “He is such a genuine animal.

“As he has shown in the past, he is not at his best at this time of year - he keeps his best for later in the season.

“We were drawn a bit wide today and Pat (Cosgrave) just had to switch him but I am not making excuses - Equiano did it well.

“He will be aimed at the Nunthope once again and it would be wonderful if he could win it for a third time.

“At lot of these sprinters are finished when they are about six but he is still as good as ever at eight. He still has the heart for it.”


NICCONI LIKELY TO BE RETIRED

Nicconi failed to add to the excellent recent record of Australian challengers in the King’s Stand Stakes, coming home in fourth place, and the five-year-old is now likely to be retired to stud in his homeland.

Trainer David Hayes said: “Frankie (Dettori) said he probably could have got a place but the horse just didn’t travel. He needed six or seven furlongs today.

“We will sleep on it, but I think he will probably be retired now. He is a tremendous stallion prospect back home.

“Obviously, I am disappointed that he didn’t win, but at the same time he didn’t run terribly.”

Michael Rodd, rider of the second Australian challenger Gold Trail, who finished tenth, said: “He hadn’t run on a straight course before and was just looking for a turn. He didn’t perform up to his best which is disappointing.”



Race 3 - The St James’s Palace Stakes

CLIFFS AND TURPIN GIVE HANNON TREMENDOUS 1-2 IN ST JAMES’S PALACE STAKES

Trainer Richard Hannon gained a tremendous 1-2 in the third Group One contest of day one of Royal Ascot 2010, the St James’s Palace Stakes, with Canford Cliffs and Dick Turpin filling the first two places. Canford Cliffs was the 11/4 joint favourite while Dick Turpin was a 5/1 chance. It was great compensation for Hannon, after Paco Boy went down by a neck in the opening Queen Anne Stakes.

It was a second success for Canford Cliffs at Royal Ascot, following his six-length victory in last year’s Coventry Stakes.

Richard Hannon said: “I was not worried after Paco Boy got beat in the first.

“Canford Cliffs is a horse that just gets better and better and better. He is now settling better in his races.

“It is one thing to win the Coventry Stakes with him last year but to come on and win this year is something else.

“That is now the third Group One race that Dick Turpin has finished runner-up in after the English and French Guineas. He may be the bridesmaid but is a very good horse and I am lucky to have two horses as good as this pair.”

Winning jockey Richard Hughes added: “I thought the race might turn out the way it did. The most important thing for me today was to get the horse to settle.

“I thought I was on the best horse in the race. He just hit a flat spot briefly but then picked up. This horse is like a Rolls-Royce to ride - he is just so smooth and electric. Riding another horse after him is like getting in a Morris Minor!

“I always thought he was a brilliant horse. The only thing different with him now is the way he races - he is settling much better. He needs to be ridden confidently to get him to settle.

“He also needs to come from off the pace so needs some luck in running, but he isn’t going to race any other way.”

Reflecting on his ride on Paco Boy earlier in the day, Hughes continued: “If I could change the race, I would have gone three strides earlier. But I am still very pleased - Paco Boy is a horse with a huge heart.

“I would like to take on Goldikova again. Ideally, I would like to be drawn a bit closer to her next time but I am not making any excuses and I don’t think I was unlucky today.”


THIRD RACE PLACED QUOTES
ST JAMES’S PALACE STAKES (GROUP 1)

HEARTS DELIGHTS CONNECTIONS

The Pat Eddery-trained Hearts Of Fire belied his 33/1 odds to run a great race when a fast-finishing third in the Group One St James’s Palace Stakes.

Eddery watched the race from home and was represented by his brother Robert, who said: “Jimmy (Fortune)’s done what he was told and dropped the horse out. He was ridden to get a place and we’re delighted to come third in what was probably the best Group One of the season.

“The horse had been working better of late and we were hopeful of getting a place. We’re delighted as this is a big improvement on his Guineas run. He’s in the Prix Jean Prat and provided everything is OK then he’ll definitely go there.”

Alain de Royer Dupre, trainer of fourth-placed Siyouni, said: “It is difficult to race on the outside like he did but he ran well. I am not sure where he will go next.”

Second-placed Dick Turpin finished one place behind his stablemate Canford Cliffs and the runner-up’s jockey Ryan Moore said: “He showed lots of heart there and really deserves to win a big one.”


Third race - The St James’s Palace Stakes

RESPECTABLE RUN FOR UNLUCKY NOBLE’S PROMISE

Noble’s Promise, one of two American raiders in action at Royal Ascot today, posted a decent performance to finish fifth, beaten three lengths, in the St James’s Palace Stakes.

His trainer Kenny McPeek said: “He ran a respectable race and was only beaten two or two and a half lengths in total but he really did look like he was a little unlucky.

“Kieren (Fallon) said he felt like Noble’s Promise was a little confused on the right-hand turn - we’ve been working on that but it looked like he had a few jumps where he was thinking of going the other way and he kind of lost his spot.”

He added: “If things had gone our way a bit more, perhaps things would be different but that’s horse racing.”

Olivier Peslier, rider of StanJames.com 2000 Guineas winner Makfi who finished seventh, said: “He was running a good race until turning into the straight. I tried to go on the outside but there was no power there - he found nothing.”


TWO JOCKEYS BANNED
Fortune gets three days and Fallon one


Two jockeys were banned for their riding in the St James's Palace Stakes.

Jimmy Fortune, who partnered third Hearts Of Fire, was found to have interfered with Steinbeck, eighth home, inside the final furlong. He was judged guilty of careless riding in that he went across to the rail when insufficiently clear. The stewards suspended Fortune for three days - June 29 & 30 & July 1.

The stewards decided that Kieren Fallon on American raider Noble's Promise, who finished fifth, interfered with seventh Makfi by hanging left inside the final furlong. They suspended him on June 29.

FOURTH RACE WINNING QUOTES
COVENTRY STAKES (GROUP 2)

STRONG SUIT CONTINUES GREAT DAY FOR HANNON

Some 35 minutes after last year’s Coventry Stakes winner Canford Cliffs led home a 1-2 for the Richard Hannon team in the St James’s Palace Stakes, his stablemate Strong Suit captured the 2010 renewal of the juvenile contest.

But this year’s winner had a far from straightforward passage and only got up on the line under Richard Hughes to win the Group Two event by a nose.

“I don’t know what was going on there, maybe I’ll wait until tomorrow until I watch it again!” said Hannon. “But he’s a very good horse. His time was a second faster than the Listed race when he won at Newbury on his first run.

“There’s no doubt he’s the best two-year-old we’ve got - it’s just the way he works, the way he travels and his attitude is a different class.

“It’s been a great day and if you go home from here with one winner then you’re happy. It was always going to be one of those days and we’ve got one more to go then I’ll be glad when it’s over.”

Hughes added: “I had a nightmare and it would have been my fault if he’d got beat today. He only ran once before and won so easily at Newbury that he didn’t learn a lot. Today he got bumped early on, but that was just race riding, and then I went to go round one in front and he went straight into the back of another. I don’t know how he got going after that and he wouldn’t have come off the bridle otherwise.

“Canford Cliffs is more electric than this horse, he knew what to do from day one. This horse has been more of a slow learner. He was green and raw through the race and it’s amazing he got up and won.

“It was always going to be either a great day or terrible and it’s been great. We nearly won the first as well with Paco Boy but that’s racing.

Fourth race - The Coventry Stakes
Placed quotes

ELZAAM LOSES COVENTRY ON THE LINE IN A SCINTILLATING FINISH

An understandable air of despondency surrounded the connections of the highly talented Elzaam, who led the Coventry field from a long way out and lost the race by a nose on the line to Strong Suit.

Michael Jarvis, who trains the Australian-bred powerfully-built colt for Sheikh Hamdan, said ruefully: “He ran a great race. We were perhaps in front a little earlier than we wanted to be.”

He added: “He’s a quick horse, I wouldn’t see any reason to step him up from six (furlongs).”

The Godolphin team’s Roayh, trained by Saeed bin Suroor, took third, finishing two and a half lengths behind Elzaam.

Jockey Frankie Dettori commented: “It was a very good run - he has improved with every outing. Six furlongs suits him well and he’s going the right way.”




Fifth race - The Ascot Stakes (Handicap)
Winner’s quotes


JUNIOR TRIUMPHS TO HELP PIPE JUNIOR FOLLOWS IN DAD’S FOOTSTEPS

The name Pipe may be better known in jumping circles but that has not stopped the powerful Somerset stable winning the Ascot Stakes on four occasions when Martin Pipe was still at the helm. His son David has had Mamlook and Royal Rationale placed in the race but scored his first victory when Junior made all under a bold ride from Seb Sanders to land the spoils by five lengths from Elyaadi.

A delighted David Pipe said: “Obviously it’s great to have a winner at Royal Ascot. It’s a dream come true. Seb gave him a fantastic ride and it’s wonderful for Middleham Park racing too.

“They bought the horse at the sales and this was always an option for him. We’ve only had him at the yard for six weeks.”

Pipe continued: “He’s not straightforward but what racehorse is? The lads have worked hard with him at home and the tactics worked well for him today. The blinkers have helped as did Seb’s great ride.

“I told Seb to try to win the race out in the country and that’s exactly what he did.”

Nicholas Bradley, one of three members of the Middleham Park Racing syndicate at Ascot to see Junior’s victory, bought the multiple winner over hurdles, fences and on the flat for £35,000 at Doncaster in May from the stable of Alan King.

Bradley said: “He won his last race, which was a novice chase, and we thought he was cheap and that he could do three different jobs. He’s done one well today. Whatever he does now doesn’t matter but we got it right first time thanks to David Pipe.

“They said he was too high in the handicap over fences, hurdles and flat but we’ve proved one of them wrong today.”


Race 5 - The Ascot Stakes (Handicap) - Placed Quotes

PLACED HORSES PLEASE CONNECTIONS IN ASCOT STAKES

Junior slipped the field to take the Ascot Stakes but connections of the second, third and fourth were all fairly satisfied.

John Queally, trainer of the second Elyaadi, who went down by five lengths said: “That was a good run from her.

“The winner was able to dictate his own pace but you have to be happy with our mare.

“I am not sure she will have too much more racing over the summer. She is in the Northumberland Plate and we will also have a look at the Ebor.

“She would have appreciated a stronger pace but there are no excuses.

“The Pipes should stick to jumping and give the rest of us a chance!”

Brian Meehan, trainer of third-placed Aaim To Prosper, said: “The winner got a great ride and he really got the run of the race.

“I thought we were going to win turning for home but the winner just kept on going.

“We were not certain he’d stay, but he certainly did and we will just keeping going in these long-distance handicap as we have for the past couple of years, we won’t be changing anything.”

Kieren Fallon, rider of the 7/2 favourite Ghimaar who finished fourth in a dead-heat with Dayia, commented: “I couldn’t stay with them early on but he stayed on well and would have been suited by some cut in the ground.”



Race 6 - The Windsor Castle Stakes - Winning Quotes

COMMANDO COMES WITH LATE RAID TO TAKE WINDSOR CASTLE

The day began for trainer Richard Fahey with a ride in the carriages as part of the Royal Procession and ended in perfect style when Marine Commando came with a strong late burst to take the concluding Listed Windsor Castle Stakes.

The winner came with a strong late run inside the final furlong to collar Petronius Maximus by a neck. This was a second Royal Ascot success for both Fahey and jockey Paul Hanagan following the shock 66/1 victory of Cosmic Sun in last year’s King George V Handicap.

Fahey said of the 9/2 winner: “We weren’t confident coming into the race as I thought that the American horse (Metropolitan Man) would go off in front and burn them off.

“We got Marine Commando from the breeze-ups (£34,000 at Doncaster in April) and he is all speed. The biggest challenge has been trying to get him to settle. I have to give credit to the lads at home who have done a great job with the horse.

“He won his maiden well at Carlisle and that was a good track to start him off at.”

Paul Hanagan added: “He was still green today.

“It was my own fault that he hung left as I hit him with my right hand. I pulled my stick through and then he was fine after that - I just rode him hands and heels.

“I know it’s easy to say, but I was always confident I was going to get there.

“I thought the race rode well and he is a nice horse. It was on a 66/1 shot when I rode a winner here last year but this was more expected.”


SIXTH RACE PLACED QUOTES
WINDSOR CASTLE STAKES (LISTED)

PETRONIUS TO STEP UP IN TRIP

Aidan O’Brien had his first placed horse at Royal Ascot this year when Petronius Maximus finished with a wet sail to finish second to Marine Commando in the concluding Windsor Castle Stakes.

“I was delighted and he ran a great race,” said O’Brien. “He looks like he wants further so I think he will step up in trip and we’ll probably try and win a maiden with him.”

Malcolm Saunders, trainer of third-placed Excello, said: “When you bring one here you can’t expect too much so I’m delighted and she couldn’t have done any more.

“He (jockey Ian Mongan) said maybe they went a bit fast and she was still green and that mentally she can improve. I don’t have too many two-year-olds like her so I will have to look through the programme book.”



FIRST RACE RESULT

2.30pm QUEEN ANNE STAKES (GROUP ONE)
£250,000 guaranteed, 1m straight course. For 4yo+ Weights colts and geldings 9st; fillies 8st 11lb; southern hemisphere allowance: 4yo 1lb Entries 39 pay £850 Confirmed 12 pay £600 Penalty value 1st £141,925.00 2nd £53,800.00 3rd £26,925.00 4th £13,425.00 5th £6,725.00 6th £3,375.00

1 GOLDIKOVA (IRE) (Wertheimer et Frere) Freddie Head FR 5-8-11 Olivier Peslier [1] 11/8F
2 PACO BOY (IRE) (The Calvera Partnership No.2) Richard Hannon 5-9-0 Richard Hughes [6] 11/4
3 DREAM EATER (IRE) (Jeff Smith) Andrew Balding 5-9-0t Jimmy Fortune [10] 50/1
4 ZACINTO (Khalid Abdulla) Sir Michael Stoute 4-9-0 Ryan Moore [3]
5 DALGHAR (FR) (H H Aga Khan) Alain de Royer-Dupre FR 4-9-0 Christophe Lemaire [8]
6 RIP VAN WINKLE (IRE) (Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith) Aidan O'Brien IRE 4-9-0 Johnny Murtagh [5]
7 OUQBA (Hamdan Al Maktoum) Barry Hills 4-9-0 Richard Hills [7]
8 CAT JUNIOR (USA) (Roldvale Ltd) Brian Meehan 5-9-0tb Frankie Dettori [9]
9 CALMING INFLUENCE (IRE) (Godolphin) Mahmood Al Zarooni 5-9-0 Ahmed Ajtebi [4]
10 PIPEDREAMER (Dr Marwan Koukash) Kevin Ryan 6-9-0 Jamie Spencer [2]

10 ran Time: 1m 37.74s
Distances: nk, 3 1/4, 3/4, 2, 1 1/2, 4, 15, 18
Breeder: Wertheimer et Frere Breeding: b m Anabaa (USA) - Born Gold (USA) (Blushing Groom (FR))
Totes: Win: £2.50 Places: £1.20, £1.50, £9.60 Exacta: £5.30

Winning trainer:-Name: Head, Freddie Born: June 19, 1947 at Neuilly Based: Chantilly, France Background: a member of the first family of French racing, father Alec was a legendary jockey and trainer before handing over to Freddie’s sister Criquette in 1978, grandfather Willie also rode, sister Martine runs the Haras Du Quesnay Stud. He used to be a superb jockey in his riding days around the Paris tracks before becoming a trainer (in 1998) upon retirement from the saddle in August, 1997 - his first success came in April, 1964, and he went on to become a six-time French champion jockey. He rode four Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winners - Bon Mot III (1966), San San (1972), Ivanjica (1976) and Three Troikas (1979). He also won the 1000 Guineas on Ma Biche (1983) and Miesque (1987) and the 2000 Guineas on Zino in 1982 Big Race Wins as a Trainer: Etihad Airways Falmouth Stakes (2009 Goldikova), Darley July Cup (2008 Marchand D’Or), Prix Noailles (2000 Kutub), Prix Maurice de Gheest (2006, 2007 & 2008 Marchand D’Or), Prix du Muguet (2007 Racinger), Prix de la Porte Maillot (2006 & 2007 Marchand D’Or), Prix Jean Prat (2008 Tamayuz), Prix Rothschild (2008 Goldikova), Prix Jacques le Marois (2008 Tamayuz), Prix du Moulin de Longchamp (2008 Goldikova), Prix Rothschild (2009 Goldikova), Prix Jacques Le Marois (2009 Goldikova), Breeders’ Cup Mile (2008 & 2009 Goldikova), Prix d’Ispahan (2010 Goldikova) Royal Ascot Win (1): Queen Anne Stakes (2010 Goldikova) Wins in Britain in 2009: 1 Wins in Britain in 2010: 1

Winning Jockey: Peslier, Olivier Date Of Birth: January 12, 1973 Background: proved a star on the pony circuit as a child, and joined apprentice school at Chantilly under suggestion of jockey Patrice Lemaire. Joined Patrick Biancone in 1987, winning his first race aboard Cavallo d’Oro in 1989. Champion apprentice in 1991, he moved to Nicolas Clement’s stable after Biancone went to Hong Kong, becoming stable jockey for Prince Yazid Saud. Won first Listed event in 1990 with Blash at Lion d’Angers, beating Cah Asmussen. Won first Group One race on Clement-trained Le Balafre in the Prix Jean Prat in 1993, despite having succeeded Dominique Boeuf as stable jockey for Daniel Wildenstein. Signed for Andre Fabre in 1993 until 2002, when he took as top jockey at Wertheimer stables. Champion Jockey in 1996, 1997, 1999 and 2000. Received th Prix Claude Foussier in 1999 for services to French equestrian sports. British Classic Wins (2): Derby (1998 High-Rise), 2000 Guineas (2007 Cockney Rebel) Group One Wins: Jean Prat (1993 La Balafre), Irish Derby (1995 Winged Love), Hong Kong Vase (1995 Partipral), Marcel Boussac (1995 Miss Tahiti), La Foret (1995 Poplar Bluff), Grand Criterium (1995 Loup Solitaire), Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (1996 Helissio), Arc de Triomphe (1996 Helissio), Deutsches Derby (1997 Borgia), Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (1997 Air Express), Dewhurst Stakes (1997 Xaar), Salamandre (1997 Xaar), Jockey Club (1997 Peintre Celebre), Grand Prix de Paris (1997 Peintre Celebre), Ganay (1997 Helissio), Arc de Triomphe (1997 Peintre Celebre), E P Taylor Stakes (1997 Kool Katie Katie), Irish 2000 Guineas (1998 Desert Prince), Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (1998 Desert Prince), Moulin de Longchamp (1998 Desert Prince), Ispahan (1998 Loup Sauvage), Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (1998 Fragrant Mix), Grand Prix de Paris (1998 Limpid), Arc de Triomphe (1998 Sagamix), Irish 2000 Guineas (1999 Saffron Walden), Hong Kong Mile (1999 Docksider), Hong Kong Vase (1999 Borgia), Royal-Oak (199 Amilynx), Marcel Boussac (1999 Lady Of Chad), Criterium de Saint-Cloud (2000 Sagacity), Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare (2001 Banks Hill), Japan Cup (2001 Jungle Pocket), Jacques Le Marois (2001 Vahorimix), Lockinge Stakes (2002 Keltos), Jacques Le Marois (2002 Banks Hill), Deutschland Pokal (2003 Dai Jin), Deutsches Derby (2003 Dai Jin),Japan Cup (2004 Zenno Rob Roy), Poule d’Essai des Pouliches (2004 Torrestrella), Mile Championship (2005 Hat Trick), Hong Kong Mile (2005 Hat Trick), Royal-Oak (2006 Montare), Man O’War Stakes (2007 Doctor Dino), Irish 2000 Guineas (2007 Cockney Rebel), Poule d’Essai des Poulains (2008 Falco), Prix Rothschild (2008 & 2009 Goldikova), Prix du Moulin de Longchamp (2008 Goldikova),Jacques Le Marois (2009 Goldikova), Etihad Airways Falmouth Stakes (2009 Goldikova), Prix d’Ispahan (2010 Goldikova) Royal Ascot Wins (14): Ascot Stakes (1996 Southern Power), Coronation Stakes (1996 Shake The Yoke, 2001 Banks Hill), Britannia Stakes (1997 Fly To The Stars), Royal Hunt Cup (1997 Red Robbo), King’s Stand Stakes (1997 Don’t Worry Me, 2008 Equiano), Hardwicke Stakes (1999 Fruits Of Love, 2000 Fruits Of Love), Jersey Stakes (2002 Just James), Gold Cup (2005 Westerner), Prince Of Wales’s Stakes (2006 Ouija Board, 2009 Vision D’Etat), Queen Anne Stakes (2010 Goldikova) First Royal Ascot win: Southern Power (June 18, 1996, Ascot Stakes Handicap Wins in Britain (2001-2009): 2; 4; 0; 0; 1; 1; 1; 1; 2 Wins in Britain This Season: 1


SECOND RACE RESULT

3.05pm KING'S STAND STAKES
(1ST BRITISH LEG OF THE GLOBAL SPRINT CHALLENGE) (GROUP ONE)
£300,000 guaranteed, 5f. For 3yo+ Weights 3yo colts and geldings 8st 12lb; fillies 8st 9lb 4yo+ colts and geldings 9st 4lb; fillies 9st 1lb Weight for age 3 from 4yo+ 7lb Entries 37 pay £1050 Confirmed 16 pay £750 Penalty value 1st £170,310.00 2nd £64,560.00 3rd £32,310.00 4th £16,110.00 5th £8,070.00 6th £4,050.00

1 EQUIANO (FR) (James Acheson) Barry Hills 5-9-4 Michael Hills [2] 9/2
2 MARKAB (Tight Lines Partnership) Henry Candy 7-9-4 Pat Cosgrave [9] 14/1
3 BORDERLESCOTT (James Edgar & William Donaldson) Robin Bastiman 8-9-4 Neil Callan [10] 16/1
4 NICCONI (AUS) (Devitt, Gordon, Hayes, Widden Stud Syndicate) David Hayes AUS 5-9-4v1 Frankie Dettori [8]
5 BOULD MOVER (H Downs & D Looney) Finbar Brennan 3-8-12 Graham Gibbons [5]
6 KINGSGATE NATIVE (IRE) (Cheveley Park Stud) Sir Michael Stoute 5-9-4 Ryan Moore [7] 5/2f
7 SPIN CYCLE (IRE) (HE Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed) Bryan Smart 4-9-4 Richard Mullen [3]
8 AMOUR PROPRE (Simon Broke & Partners) Henry Candy 4-9-4 Dane O'Neill [6]
9 BLUE JACK (Andrew Black & Michael Owen) Tom Dascombe 5-9-4 Richard Kingscote [1]
10 GOLD TRAIL (AUS) (Lisa & Glenn Morton) Gary Portelli AUS 6-9-4b1 Michael Rodd [4]
11 TOTAL GALLERY (IRE) (Coleman Bloodstock Limited) Stan Moore 4-9-4 Richard Hughes [11]
12 MISTER MANANNAN (IRE) (Maureen Quayle) David Nicholls 3-8-12 Adrian Nicholls [12]

12 ran Time: 59.00s Distances: 1 1/2, nk, 3/4, hd, 1 1/4, nk, 2, 1 3/4, 5, 5, 8
Breeder: Ecurie Skymarc Farm Breeding: b h Acclamation - Entente Cordiale (IRE) (Ela-Mana-Mou)
Totes: Win: £6.10 Places: £1.40, £4.70, £3.20 Exacta: £94.40

Winning trainer:-Name: Hills, Barrington William Born: Worcester, 2/4/37; Trains at South Bank Stables, Lambourn Date of first licence:1969;First winner: La Dolce Vita (Thirsk, April 18,1969) Previous Occupation: Served apprenticeship with Fred Rimell and George Colling, Head Lad with John Oxley for 10 years Classic wins: (5) 1000 Guineas (1978 Enstone Park, 2009 Ghanaati), 2000 Guineas (1979 Tap on Wood, 2004 Haafhd), St Leger (1994 Moonax) Other major wins: Ascot Gold Cup (1984 & 1985 Gildoran), Betfred Sprint Cup (2007 Red Clubs), Champagne Stakes (1977 Sexton Blake, 1985 Sure Blade, 1998 Auction House, 1999 Distant Music), Champion Stakes (1983 Cormorant Wood, 2002 Storming Home), Chester Vase (1979 Cracaval, 1973 Proverb, 1999 Peshtigo, 2001 Mr Combustible), Classic Trial (2001 Chancellor), Dee Stakes (1970 Golden Monad, 1972 Our Mirage, 1973 Natsun, 1975 Ravel, 1979 Two Of Diamonds, 1985 Infantry, 1987 Sir Harry Lewis, 1989 Free Sweater, 1990 Blue Stag, 1998 Prolix, 2002 Sohaib), Dewhurst Stakes (1988 Scenic (DH), 1996 In Command, 1999 Distant Music), Diadem Stakes (2006 Red Clubs), Falmouth Stakes (1976 Duboff), Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (1972, 1973 Rheingold), Greenham Stakes (2001 Munir, 2006 Red Clubs), Irish Oaks (1974 Dibidale, 1994 Bolas), French St Leger (1994 Moonax), Irish Derby (1987 Sir Harry Lewis), Irish 1000 Guineas (1993 Nicer, 1999 Hula Angel), Nunthorpe Stakes (1988 Handsome Sailor), Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe (1973 Rheingold), Royal Whip Stakes (2002 Chancellor), Shelbourne Hotels Goffs 500 (2006 Silk Blossom), Sun Chariot Stakes (2006 Spinning Queen); Sussex Stakes (1990 Distant Relative), Weatherbys Bank Cheshire Oaks (1974 Dibidale, 1987 Chaudennay, 1992 Aquamarine, 1994 Bolas, 1998 High And Low, 1999 Valentine Girl, 2005 Alumni) Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes (2007 Dark Angel), Shadwell Middle Park Stakes (2007 Dark Angel), Duke of York Stakes (2010 Equiano) Royal Ascot Wins: 24 Major Royal Ascot Wins: Kings Stand Stakes (2010 Equiano), Hardwicke Stakes (1973 Rheingold), Gold Cup (1984 & 1985 Gildoran), St James’s Palce Stakes (1986 Sure Blade), Golden Jubilee Stakes (1997 Royal Applause), King Edward VII Stakes (2001 Storming Home), Coronation Stakes (2005 Maids Causeway), Coventry Stakes (2005 Red Clubs), Jersey Stakes (1982 Merlins Charm), 2009 Ouqba) Horses in training (1984-2010): 107, 125, 139, 131, 140, 152, 175, 159, 129, n/a, 113, 120, 130, 137, 145, 150, 148, 160, 167, 168, 186, 148, 163, 153, 158; 148; 146; Wins in a season (1987-2009): 96: 93: 73: 113: 99: 63: 39: 44: 74: 84: 79: 78: 109: 72: 107: 91: 107: 82: 101; 103; 89; 67; 88; Wins in 2010: 25

Winning jockey:-Name: Hills, Michael Patrick.Born: Newmarket, 22/1/63 Apprenticeship: With Jeremy Hindley. First winner: Sky Thief (Nottingham 13/8/79) Classic wins: (1) Derby (1996 Shaamit) Other major wins include: Ascot Gold Cup (1994 Arcadian Heights), Champion Stakes (2002 Storming Home), Coronation Stakes (1997 Rebecca Sharp, 2005 Maids Causeway), Dewhurst Stakes (1985 Huntingdale, 1988 Scenic, 1996 In Command, 1999 Distant Music), Duke Of York Stakes (2006 Steenburg), Fillies’ Mile (1989 Silk Slippers), Goodwood Cup (1992 Further Flight), Greenham Stakes (2006 Red Clubs), Haydock Sprint Cup (1997 Royal Applause, 2007 Red Clubs), Irish 1,000 Guineas (1993 Nicer, 1999 Hula Angel), Irish Champion Stakes (1995 Pentire), King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (1996 Pentire), Lockinge Stakes (1997 First Island), Lowther Stakes (2006 Silk Blossom), Nunthorpe Stakes (1988 Handsome Sailor), Prix de l'Abbaye (1988 Handsome Sailor), Prix Jean Prat (1999 Golden Snake), Shelbourne Hotels Goffs 500 (2006 Silk Blossom), Sussex Stakes (1996 First Island), Kingdom of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes (2006 Spinning Queen), Duke of York Stakes (2010 Equiano) Other details: champion apprentice 1983 Royal Ascot wins: 15 First Royal Ascot win: King Edward VII Stakes (June 15, 1993 Beneficial) Major Royal Ascot wins: King’s Stand Stakes (2010 Equiano), Gold Cup (1994 Arcadian Heights), Queen Anne Stakes (1995 Nicolotte), Prince of Wales’s Stakes (1996 First Island), Coronation Stakes (1997 Rebecca Sharp, 2005 Maids Causeway), King Edward VII Stakes (1993 Beneficial, 2001 Storming Home), Ribblesdale Stakes (2006 Mont Etoile) Wins (1990-2009): 61, 65, 91, 86, 89, 74, 80, 84, 61, 94, 73, 58, 66, 58, 66, 56, 69, 48, 45, 57 Wins in 2010: 21



THIRD RACE RESULT

3.50pm ST JAMES'S PALACE STAKES (GROUP ONE)
£250,000 guaranteed, 1m round course. For 3yo entire colts Weights 9st Entries 57 pay £850 Confirmed 15 pay £600 Penalty value 1st £141,925.00 2nd £53,800.00 3rd £26,925.00 4th £13,425.00 5th £6,725.00 6th £3,375.00

1 CANFORD CLIFFS (IRE) (Heffer Syndicate, Susan Roy & Mrs Instance) Richard Hannon 3-9-0 Richard Hughes [6] 11/4JF
2 DICK TURPIN (IRE) (John Manley) Richard Hannon 3-9-0 Ryan Moore [1] 5/1
3 HEARTS OF FIRE (Pat Eddery Racing (Detroit)) Pat Eddery 3-9-0t1 Jimmy Fortune [2] 33/1
4 SIYOUNI (FR) (H H Aga Khan) Alain de Royer-Dupre FR 3-9-0 Christophe Lemaire [3]
5 NOBLE'S PROMISE (USA) (Chasing Dreams Racing 2008 LLC) Kenny McPeek USA 3-9-0 Kieren Fallon [9]
6 BEETHOVEN (IRE) (Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Sue Magnier) Aidan O'Brien IRE 3-9-0v Joseph O'Brien [4]
7 MAKFI (Matthieu Offenstadt) Mikel Delzangles FR 3-9-0 Olivier Peslier [5] 11/4JF
8 STEINBECK (IRE) (Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Sue Magnier) Aidan O'Brien IRE 3-9-0 Johnny Murtagh [7]
9 ENCOMPASSING (IRE) (Michael Tabor & Sue Magnier) Aidan O'Brien IRE 3-9-0 Sean Levey [8]

9 ran Time: 1m 39.55s Distances: 1, 3/4, 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1/2, 1 1/2, 25
Breeder: S & S Hubbard Rodwell Breeding: b c Tagula (IRE) - Mrs Marsh (Marju (IRE))
Totes: Win: £4.00 Places: £1.30, £2.40, £6.70 Exacta: £11.80

Winning Trainer: Name- Hannon, Richard Michael Date of birth: 30/5/45 Date of first licence:1970 Trains at Marlborough, Wiltshire Other details: Champion trainer 1992 First Winner: Ampney Prince, Newbury, April 17, 1970 First Group Winner: Crespinall (Nassau Stakes, 1972, Goodwood) Classic wins: (3) 2000 Guineas (1973 Mon Fils, 1987 Don't Forget Me, 1990 Tirol) Other major wins: Irish 2,000 Guineas (1987 Don’t Forget Me, 1990 Tirol, 2010 Canford Cliffs), Betfair Cup (2008 Paco Boy), Brigadier Gerard Stakes (1995 Alriffa), Richmond Stakes (1992 Son Pardo, 2008 Prolific, 2009 Dick Turpin), Cherry Hinton Stakes (1993 Lemon Souffle, 2004 Jewel In The Sand), Diomed Stakes (1994 Bluegrass Prince), Falmouth Stakes (1991 Only Yours, 1993 Niche, 1994 Lemon Souffle, 1995 Caramba), Hungerford Stakes (2002 Reel Buddy), July Cup (1992 Mr Brooks), Lockinge Stakes (1993 Swing Low), Lowther Stakes (1992 Niche), Wokingham Stakes (1994 Venture Capitalist), Macau Jockey Club Craven Stakes (2000 Umistim, 2001 King’s Ironbridge), Betfair Molecomb Stakes (1993 Risky, 2009 Monsieur Chevalier), Moyglare Stud Stakes (1993 Lemon Souffle), Nunthorpe Stakes (1992 Lyric Fantasy), Prix de l’Abbaye (1992 Mr Brooks), Prix Maurice de Gheest (2000 Bold Edge), Queen Mary Stakes (1992 Lyric Fantasy & 1993 Risky), Rockfel Stakes (2001 Distant Valley), Sussex Stakes (2003 Reel Buddy), Yorkshire Cup (1993 Assessor), Sky Bet Cheveley Park Stakes (2006 Indian Ink), Gran Criterium (2007 Scintillo), TBA Lowther Stakes (2008 Infamous Angel), Prix de la Foret (2008 Paco Boy), bet365 Mile (2009 & 2010 Paco Boy), totesport Lockinge Stakes (2010 Paco Boy) Royal Ascot wins: 27 First Royal Ascot winner: Fly Baby (June 17, 1981 - Queen Mary Stakes) Major Royal Ascot wins: St James’s Palace Stakes (2010 Canford Cliffs), Royal Hunt Cup (2008 Mr Aviator), Wokingham Handicap (1990 Knight Of Mercy, 1994 Venture Capitalist), King Edward VII Stakes (1992 Beyton), Queen Mary Stakes (1981 Fly Baby, 1992 Lyric Fantasy, 1993 Risky, 2006 Gilded), Coronation Stakes (2007 Indian Ink), Chesham Stakes (1983 Head For Heights, 2008 Free Agent, 2009 Big Audio), Queen Anne Stakes (2009 Paco Boy), Coventry Stakes (1989 Rock City, 2009 Canford Cliffs) Number of horses in training (1985-2010): 67; 75; 74; 80; 85; 107; 131; 139; 155; 178; 167; 155; 149; 145; 155; 162; 147; 169; 169; 149; 169; 163; 184; 190; 204; Number of wins in a season (1982-2009): 38; 49; 28; 37; 56; 33; 43; 55; 73; 126; 154; 182; 112; 115; 109; 94; 108; 123; 135; 110; 121; 122; 113; 145; 127; 134; 171; 188; Wins in 2010: 79

Winning jockey:-Name: Hughes, Richard David. Date of birth: 11/1/73 Background: Son of trainer Dessie, Richard began riding ponies aged five, and won his first pony race three years later. Apprenticed to his father, he rode six winners in his first season, when just 15. He continued to ride over the jumps during the winter, and won the 1997 Irish Champion Hurdle. In 2001 he became retained jockey for Prince Khalid Abdullah, until he left the post in November 2007, allowing him to take up jump racing and skiing once again. First winner: Viking Melody (Roscommon maiden, August 2, 1988) Major wins include: Betfair Cup (2008 Paco Boy), Coventry Stakes (2003 Three Valleys, 2009 Canford Cliffs), Dahlia Stakes (2006 Violet Park)Derby Italiano (1996 Bahamian Knight), Duke Of York Stakes (1999 Sampower Star), French Oaks (2003 Nebraska Tornado), French 1,000 Guineas (2002 Zenda), Gordon Richards Stakes (2006 Day Flight), Gran Premio d’Italia (1995 Posidonas), Great Voltigeur Stakes (2006 Youmzain), Jockey Club Cup (2000 Persian Punch), July Cup (2003 Oasis Dream), Lingfield Derby Trial (2001 Perfect Sunday), Middle Park Stakes (2003 Three Valleys), Nunthorpe Stakes (2003 Oasis Dream), Prix D’Ispahan (2001 Observatory), Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (2003 American Post), Prix du Moulin de Longchamp (2003 Nebraska Tornado), Yorkshire Cup (1999 Churlish Charm), Sky Bet Cheveley Park Stakes (2006 Indian Ink), Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (2008 Youmzain), Betfair Molecomb Stakes (2009 Monsieur Chevalier), totesport Lockinge Stakes (2010 Paco Boy), totesport Chester Cup (2010 Mamlook), Irish 2,000 Guineas (2010 Canford Cliffs) Royal Ascot Wins (21): St James’s Palace Stakes (2010 Canford Cliffs), Jersey Stakes (1995 Sergeyev, 1996 Lucayan Prince), King’s Stand Stakes (1995, Piccolo), Wokingham Stakes (2000 Harmonic Way), Duke Of Edinburgh H’cap (2002, Thundering Surf), Norfolk Stakes (2002, Baron’s Pit), Wolferton Rated H’Cap (2002 Ulundi), Buckingham Palace Stakes (2002, Demonstrate), Coventry Stakes (2003 Three Valleys, 2009 Canford Cliffs) Balmoral Handicap (2003 Deportivo), Ribblesdale Stakes (2003 Spanish Sun), Albany Stakes (2004 Jewel In The Sand), Queen Mary Stakes (2006 Gilded), Coronation Stakes (2007 Indian Ink), Royal Hunt Cup (2008 Mr Aviator), Chesham Stakes (2008 Free Agent, 2009 Big Audio), Queen Anne Stakes (2009 Paco Boy), Ascot Stakes (2009 Judgethemoment), Richmond Stakes (2008 Prolific, 2009 Dick Turpin) Wins in Britain (1994-2009):19, 68, 62, 33, 55, 95, 102, 90, 126, 122, 73, 124, 113, 118, 117; 144; Wins in 2010: 56


FOURTH RACE RESULT

4.25pm COVENTRY STAKES (GROUP TWO)
£100,000 guaranteed, 6f. For 2yo Weights colts and geldings 9st 1lb; fillies 8st 12lb Entries 21 pay £850 Penalty value 1st £56,770.00 2nd £21,520.00 3rd £10,770.00 4th £5,370.00 5th £2,690.00 6th £1,350.00

1 STRONG SUIT (USA) (Julie Wood) Richard Hannon 2-9-1 Richard Hughes [8] 15/8f
2 ELZAAM (AUS) (Hamdan Al Maktoum) Michael Jarvis 2-9-1 Richard Hills [5] 3/1
3 ROAYH (USA) (Godolphin) Saeed bin Suroor 2-9-1 Frankie Dettori [3] 22/1
4 SAMUEL MORSE (IRE) (Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Sue Magnier) Aidan O'Brien IRE 2-9-1 Ryan Moore [2]
5 KLAMMER (Yan Wah Wu) Jane Chapple-Hyam 2-9-1 Shane Kelly [7]
6 ZOFFANY (IRE) (Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Sue Magnier) Aidan O'Brien IRE 2-9-1 Johnny Murtagh [6]
7 GALTYMORE LAD (Mick Channon) Mick Channon 2-9-1 Tony Culhane [13]
8 MULLINS WAY (USA) (B Allen, D Jeromson, H Downs, J Hughes) Finbar Brennan 2-9-1b1 Graham Gibbons [4]
9 AMWELL PINOT (John Stocker) Alan Bailey 2-9-1 Kieren Fallon [10]
10 CHISWICK BEY (IRE) (Mrs H Steel) Richard Fahey 2-9-1 Paul Hanagan [12]
11 MOVE IN TIME (A Turton, J Blackburn, Reg Bond) Bryan Smart 2-9-1 Tom Eaves [14]
12 PLANET WAVES (IRE) (Saeed Manana) Clive Brittain 2-9-1 Seb Sanders [15]
13 SHEER COURAGE (IRE) (C Bird) Herman Brown SAF 2-9-1 Jimmy Fortune [11]

13 ran Non-runners: 5 High Award; 6 Irish Field Time: 1m 14.29s
Distances: nse, 2 1/2, 2 1/4, 1, 2 1/2, 3/4, 1/2, 1 1/4, nk, 1 1/4, 3 3/4, 8
Breeder: McDowell Farm, Gainsborough Farm et al Breeding: ch c Rahy (USA) - Helwa (USA) (Silver Hawk (USA))
Totes: Win: £3.00 Places: £1.50, £1.80, £3.50 Exacta: £9.40

Winning Trainer: Name- Hannon, Richard Michael Date of birth: 30/5/45 Date of first licence:1970 Trains at Marlborough, Wiltshire Other details: Champion trainer 1992 First Winner: Ampney Prince, Newbury, April 17, 1970 First Group Winner: Crespinall (Nassau Stakes, 1972, Goodwood) Classic wins: (3) 2000 Guineas (1973 Mon Fils, 1987 Don't Forget Me, 1990 Tirol) Other major wins: Irish 2,000 Guineas (1987 Don’t Forget Me, 1990 Tirol, 2010 Canford Cliffs), Betfair Cup (2008 Paco Boy), Brigadier Gerard Stakes (1995 Alriffa), Falmouth Stakes (1991 Only Yours, 1993 Niche, 1994 Lemon Souffle, 1995 Caramba), Hungerford Stakes (2002 Reel Buddy), July Cup (1992 Mr Brooks), Lockinge Stakes (1993 Swing Low), Lowther Stakes (1992 Niche), Moyglare Stud Stakes (1993 Lemon Souffle), Nunthorpe Stakes (1992 Lyric Fantasy), Prix de l’Abbaye (1992 Mr Brooks), Prix Maurice de Gheest (2000 Bold Edge), Queen Mary Stakes (1992 Lyric Fantasy & 1993 Risky), Rockfel Stakes (2001 Distant Valley), Sussex Stakes (2003 Reel Buddy), Yorkshire Cup (1993 Assessor), Sky Bet Cheveley Park Stakes (2006 Indian Ink), Gran Criterium (2007 Scintillo), Prix de la Foret (2008 Paco Boy), bet365 Mile (2009 & 2010 Paco Boy), totesport Lockinge Stakes (2010 Paco Boy) Royal Ascot wins: 28 First Royal Ascot winner: Fly Baby (June 17, 1981 - Queen Mary Stakes) Major Royal Ascot wins: St James’s Palace Stakes (2010 Canford Cliffs), Royal Hunt Cup (2008 Mr Aviator), Wokingham Handicap (1990 Knight Of Mercy, 1994 Venture Capitalist), King Edward VII Stakes (1992 Beyton), Queen Mary Stakes (1981 Fly Baby, 1992 Lyric Fantasy, 1993 Risky, 2006 Gilded), Coronation Stakes (2007 Indian Ink), Chesham Stakes (1983 Head For Heights, 2008 Free Agent, 2009 Big Audio), Queen Anne Stakes (2009 Paco Boy), Coventry Stakes (1989 Rock City, 2009 Canford Cliffs, 2010 Strong Suit) Number of horses in training (1985-2010): 67; 75; 74; 80; 85; 107; 131; 139; 155; 178; 167; 155; 149; 145; 155; 162; 147; 169; 169; 149; 169; 163; 184; 190; 204; Number of wins in a season (1982-2009): 38; 49; 28; 37; 56; 33; 43; 55; 73; 126; 154; 182; 112; 115; 109; 94; 108; 123; 135; 110; 121; 122; 113; 145; 127; 134; 171; 188; Wins in 2010: 80

Winning jockey:-Name: Hughes, Richard David. Date of birth: 11/1/73 Background: Son of trainer Dessie, Richard began riding ponies aged five, and won his first pony race three years later. Apprenticed to his father, he rode six winners in his first season, when just 15. He continued to ride over the jumps during the winter, and won the 1997 Irish Champion Hurdle. In 2001 he became retained jockey for Prince Khalid Abdullah, until he left the post in November 2007, allowing him to take up jump racing and skiing once again. First winner: Viking Melody (Roscommon maiden, August 2, 1988) Major wins include: Betfair Cup (2008 Paco Boy), Coventry Stakes (2003 Three Valleys, 2009 Canford Cliffs), Dahlia Stakes (2006 Violet Park)Derby Italiano (1996 Bahamian Knight),, French Oaks (2003 Nebraska Tornado), French 1,000 Guineas (2002 Zenda), Gran Premio d’Italia (1995 Posidonas), Great Voltigeur Stakes (2006 Youmzain), Jockey Club Cup (2000 Persian Punch), July Cup (2003 Oasis Dream), Lingfield Derby Trial (2001 Perfect Sunday), Middle Park Stakes (2003 Three Valleys), Nunthorpe Stakes (2003 Oasis Dream), Prix D’Ispahan (2001 Observatory), Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (2003 American Post), Prix du Moulin de Longchamp (2003 Nebraska Tornado), Sky Bet Cheveley Park Stakes (2006 Indian Ink), Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (2008 Youmzain), totesport Lockinge Stakes (2010 Paco Boy), Irish 2,000 Guineas (2010 Canford Cliffs) Royal Ascot Wins (22): St James’s Palace Stakes (2010 Canford Cliffs), Jersey Stakes (1995 Sergeyev, 1996 Lucayan Prince), King’s Stand Stakes (1995, Piccolo), Wokingham Stakes (2000 Harmonic Way), Duke Of Edinburgh H’cap (2002, Thundering Surf), Norfolk Stakes (2002, Baron’s Pit), Wolferton Rated H’Cap (2002 Ulundi), Buckingham Palace Stakes (2002, Demonstrate), Coventry Stakes (2003 Three Valleys, 2009 Canford Cliffs, 2010 Strong Suit), Balmoral Handicap (2003 Deportivo), Ribblesdale Stakes (2003 Spanish Sun), Albany Stakes (2004 Jewel In The Sand), Queen Mary Stakes (2006 Gilded), Coronation Stakes (2007 Indian Ink), Royal Hunt Cup (2008 Mr Aviator), Chesham Stakes (2008 Free Agent, 2009 Big Audio), Queen Anne Stakes (2009 Paco Boy), Ascot Stakes (2009 Judgethemoment), Richmond Stakes (2008 Prolific, 2009 Dick Turpin) Wins in Britain (1994-2009):19, 68, 62, 33, 55, 95, 102, 90, 126, 122, 73, 124, 113, 118, 117; 144; Wins in 2010: 57


FIFTH RACE RESULT

5.00pm ASCOT STAKES (HANDICAP)
£50,000 guaranteed, 2m 4f. For 4yo+ Rated 0-95 Weights highest weight not less than 9st 10lb Minimum weight 7-12 Penalties after June 5th, a winner 3lb a winner of 2 races 7lb Weight for age 4 from 5yo+ 3lb Unleashed's Handicap Mark 95 Entries 46 pay £250 Penalty value 1st £31,155.00 2nd £9,330.00 3rd £4,665.00 4th £2,335.00 5th £1,165.00 6th £585.00

1 JUNIOR (Middleham Park Racing LI) David Pipe 7-9-0b Seb Sanders [16] 17/2
2 ELYAADI (Michael Ryan) John Queally IRE 6-9-9 Fran Berry [12] 14/1
3 AAIM TO PROSPER (IRE) (CGA Racing Partnership 2) Brian Meehan 6-9-3 Frankie Dettori [3] 16/1
4 dead-heat GHIMAAR (Martin George& Nicky Henderson) Nicky Henderson 5-9-5 Kieren Fallon [14] 7/2f
4 dead-heat DAYIA (IRE) (Lady Green) Jeff Pearce 6-9-0 Simon Pearce (5) [8] 16/1
6 RANGEFINDER (Dr Marwan Koukash) Jane Chapple-Hyam 6-9-0p Jamie Spencer [15]
7 SLEEPY HOLLOW (Lady Blyth) Hughie Morrison 5-9-0 Steve Drowne [7]
8 RAJIK (IRE) (Rathcoffey Racing Syndicate) Charlie Swan IRE 5-9-0t Joseph O'Brien (7) [2]
9 OCEAN'S MINSTREL (Ocean Trailers Ltd) John Ryan 4-9-3 Adam Kirby [5]
10 PERFECT SHOT (IRE) (Sir Philip Wroughton) John Dunlop 4-9-4 Martin Dwyer [13]
11 TYRRELLS WOOD (IRE) (Dr Marwan Koukash) Jane Chapple-Hyam 5-9-7 Stephen Donohoe [9]
12 ENJOY THE MOMENT (Judy Wilson & Martin Landau) Jamie Osborne 7-9-5 Tom Queally [10]
13 UNLEASHED (IRE) (Centaur Global Partnership & Charlie Mann) Charlie Mann 5-9-10tb Paul Hanagan [19]
14 WOOLFALL TREASURE (Andrew Bradmore) Gary Moore 5-9-3b Ryan Moore [4]
15 COLLOQUIAL (David Blackburn & M Blackburn) Henry Candy 9-9-3v Fergus Sweeney [1]
16 BON SPIEL (Kate Digweed) Chris Gordon 6-9-0 Dane O'Neill [17]
17 SOM TALA (Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum) Mick Channon 7-9-1v Richard Hughes [20]
18 LUCKY PUNT (I Smith) Brendan Powell 4-9-2 George Baker [6]
19 MISTER GREEN (FR) (Kevin McAuliffe) Kevin McAuliffe 4-9-7t Eddie Ahern [11]
20 CALLISTO MOON (B Bedford & Gill White) Finbar Brennan 6-9-3p Neil Callan [18]

20 ran
Time: 4m 23.92s
Distances: 5, 1/2, sh, dht, 1 3/4, nk, 1 1/2, 2, 1/2, 6, 3/4, 9, 19, 6, 8, 5, dist, 22, dist
Breeder: P. C. Green
Breeding: ch g Singspiel (IRE) - For More (FR) (Sanglamore (USA))
Totes: Win: £8.60 Places: £2.20, £4.40, £3.60, £2.50, £1.00 Exacta: £171.00

Winning Trainer: DAVID PIPE Born: February 7, 1973 Based: Pond House, Nicholashayne, Wellington, Somerset Background: David Pipe is the son of 15-times champion jump trainer Martin Pipe. He started out riding in point-to-points in 1992, going on to record 22 wins over the next five seasons, plus two under Rules, which included victory aboard Bonanza Boy in the Ludlow Gold Cup. After finishing as a rider, he had spells with Michael Dickinson in the US, Criquette Head-Maarek in France and Joey Ramsden in South Africa, before setting up as a point-to-point trainer, handling the likes of Horus, Lord Atterbury and Celestial Gold, who went on to have successful careers under Rules when transferred to his father’s yard. Based at Purchas Farm, a mile away from his father’s Pond House, he sent out 164 point-to-point winners over six seasons, with Well Armed successful 15 times. He took over the reins at Pond House in Somerset following the retirement of his father on the last day of the 2005/06 jump season - Saturday, April 29. First Trainer’s Licence: May 2006 First winner under rules: Standin Obligation in the ‘Persimmon Homes Novices’ Chase’ at Kelso, May 9, 2006 - his first runner under rules Big Flat Wins: totesport Chester Cup (2010 Mamlook) Royal Ascot Win (1): Ascot Stakes (2010 Junior) Wins in a season (2006-2009): 0; 0; 0; 2 Wins in 2010: 3

Winning jockey:-Name: Sanders, Sebastian Date of birth: 25/9/71 Background: appointed stable jockey to Sir Mark Prescott at beginning of 2004 campaign. Shared the jockeys’ championship with Jamie Spencer in 2007 and enjoyed his first British Classic success when Look Here took the Epsom Oaks in June, 2008. Any hopes he had of defending his championship were dashed when he broke his leg in a fall at Chester in August, 2008. First winner: Band On The Run (Pontefract, Whitelane Apprentice Series Stakes, June 12, 1990) Classic Wins: Juddmonte Oaks (2008 Look Here), Irish 2,000 Guineas (2004 Bachelor Duke), Prix de Diane Hermes (2006 Confidential Lady) Other major wins include: Ayr Gold Cup (2005 Presto Shinko), Chester Vase (2005 Hattan), Dahlia Stakes (2004 Beneventa), Emirates Airlines Minstrel Stakes (2006 Jedburgh), July Cup (Compton Place 1997), Laurent-Perrier Champagne Sprint Stakes (2006 Pivotal Point), Mill Reef Stakes (1998 Golden Silca), Oak Tree Stakes (2002 Desert Alchemy), Palace House Stakes (2003 Needwood Blade), Royal Lodge Stakes (1997 Teapot Row), September Stakes (2006 Kandidate), totesport (Golden) Mile (2006 Spectait), Vodafone Stewards’ Cup (2004 Pivotal Point), totesport Mile (2006 Spectait), Sky Bet York Stakes (2008 Pipedreamer), Timeform Million (2009 Oasis Dancer) Royal Ascot wins (4): Ascot Stakes (2010 Junior), Wokingham Handicap (1995 Astrac), Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes (2004 Wunderwood), Golden Jubilee Stakes (2008 Kingsgate Native) Wins (1991-2009): 2, 10, 7, 23, 61* (champion apprentice), 97, 105, 82, 90, 80, 83, 123, 101, 165, 142, 117, 190 (shared champion jockey with Jamie Spencer), 106, 106 Wins in 2010: 47



SIXTH RACE RESULT

5.35pm WINDSOR CASTLE STAKES (LISTED)
£50,000 guaranteed, 5f. For 2yo Weights colts and geldings 9st 3lb; fillies 8st 12lb Penalties a winner of a Listed race 3lb; of a Pattern race 5lb Entries 29 pay £250 Penalty value 1st £28,385.00 2nd £10,760.00 3rd £5,385.00 4th £2,685.00 5th £1,345.00 6th £675.00

1 MARINE COMMANDO (Mike Wynne) Richard Fahey 2-9-3 Paul Hanagan [2] 9/2
2 PETRONIUS MAXIMUS (IRE) (Sue Magnier) Aidan O'Brien IRE 2-9-3 Johnny Murtagh [5] 20/1
3 EXCELLO (Chris Scott) Malcolm Saunders 2-8-12 Ian Mongan [1] 14/1
4 STONE OF FOLCA (Folkestone Racecourse Owners Group) John Best 2-9-3 Robert Winston [9]
5 CHILWORTH LAD (7Rus) Mick Channon 2-9-3 Ryan Moore [14]
6 STYLE AND PANACHE (IRE) (Roger Ambrose, Sean Ambrose, Billy Reilly) David Evans 2-8-12 Catherine Gannon [10]
7 SONORAN SANDS (IRE) (Ernest Moore) Stan Moore 2-9-3 Jimmy Fortune [15]
8 DIAMOND GEEZAH (IRE) (Rebel Racing) Barry Hills 2-9-3 Michael Hills [12]
9 METROPOLITAN MAN (USA) (Michael Galvin DVM) Wesley Ward USA 2-9-3tb Elvis Trujillo [7] 9/4f
10 SPEIGHTOWNS KID (USA) (R Phillips) Finbar Brennan 2-9-3 Graham Gibbons [3]
11 OOR JOCK (IRE) (Thistle Bloodstock Ltd) Dermot Weld IRE 2-9-3 Pat Smullen [4]
12 MEANDMYSHADOW (G Morrill) A Brown 2-8-12 Francis Norton [8]
13 BOUNDLESS SPIRIT (Pinnacle Invincible Spirit Partnership) Bryan Smart 2-9-3 Tom Eaves [6]
14 ROCHE DES VENTS (Robin Blunt) Richard Hannon 2-9-3 Richard Hughes [11]

14 ran
Non-runner: 12 Dingle View
Time: 1m 01.09s
Distances: nk, nse, 2, 1, 3 1/2, 1 1/2, 2, 1 1/4, hd, 2 3/4, 1 3/4, 3 1/4, 9
Breeder: Mr L. Vaessen
Breeding: b c Pastoral Pursuits - Carollan (IRE) (Marju (IRE))
Totes: Win: £6.80 Places: £2.40, £4.30, £3.60 Exacta: £120.40

Winning trainer:- Name: Fahey, Richard Date of birth: 2/2/66 Based: Manor House Farm, Butterwick, Brawby, Malton Background: Born in Nigeria and raised in County Meath, Ireland, Richard was formerly a jockey who rode 108 winners under both codes and was joint champion conditional rider for the 1988/89 season. He quit the saddle in 1992 to concentrate on his livery yard near Malton before for a dual-purpose licence in 1993. Big Race Wins: totesport Ayr Gold Cup (2006 Fonthill Road); Cork & Orrery Stakes (2000 Superior Premium), Galtres Stakes (2006 Anna Pavlova), Harvest Stakes (2006 Anna Pavlova), John Smith’s Cup (2002 Vintage Premium, 2007 Charlie Tokyo, 2008 Flying Clarets), Sky Bet Dash (2006 Wyatt Earp), Vodafone Stewards’ Cup (1998 Superior Premium), William Hill Mile (2003 Lady Bear), totesport Chester Cup (2007 Greenwich Meantime), Chipchase Stakes (2008 Utmost Respect), bet365 Lancashire Oaks (2008 Anna Pavlova), Duke Of York Blue Square Stakes (2009 Utmost Respect), Greenlands Stakes (2009 Utmost Respect) Royal Ascot Wins (3): Golden Jubilee Stakes (2000 Superior Premium), King George V Handicap (2009 Cosmic Sun), Windsor Castle Stakes (2010 Marine Commando) First Royal Ascot Winner: Cork & Orrery Stakes (2000 Superior Premium) Horses in training (1995-2010): 18; 24; 32; 53; 44; 51; 48; 60; 85; 98; 92; 78; 84; 100; 94; 97; Wins (1993-2009): 1; 2; 7; 11; 25; 20; 26; 38; 26; 46; 50; 77; 79; 87; 72; 107; 165; Wins in 2010: 66

Winning Jockey:-Name: Hanagan, Paul Geoffrey Born: September 8, 1980 Other Information: Formerly apprenticed to trainer Richard Fahey in Malton for whom he is now stable jockey - 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 John 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: totesport Ayr Gold Cup (2006 Fonthill Road), Chester Cup (2007 Greenwich Meantime), John Smith’s Cup (2002 Vintage Premium), William Hill Mile (2003 Lady Bear), Northumberland Plate (2004 Mirjan), Firth Of Clyde Stakes (2004 Golden Legacy), Galtres Stakes (2006 Anna Pavlova), Harvest Stakes (2006 Anna Pavlova), Chipchase Stake (2008 Utmost Respect), bet365 Lancashire Oaks (2008 Anna Pavlova), Duke Of York Blue Square Stakes (2009 Utmost Respect) Royal Ascot Wins (2): King George V Handicap (2009 Cosmic Sun), Windsor Castle Stakes (2010 Marine Commando) Wins 2000-2009: 23, 29, 84*, 64 ,101, 79, 107 (*champion apprentice), 78, 91, 119 Wins This Season: 76


ARORA HOTELS LEADING JOCKEY

FIRST DAY STANDINGS

Jockey 1st 2nd 3rd
Richard Hughes 2 1 -
Paul Hanagan 1 - -
Michael Hills 1 - -
Olivier Peslier 1 - -
Seb Sanders 1 - -
Fran Berry - 1 -
Pat Cosgrave - 1 -
Richard Hills - 1 -
Ryan Moore - 1 -
Johnny Murtagh - 1 -
Frankie Dettori - - 2
Jimmy Fortune - - 2
Neil Callan - - 1
Ian Mongan - - 1

ARORA HOTELS LEADING TRAINER

FIRST DAY STANDINGS

Trainer 1st 2nd 3rd
Richard Hannon 2 2 -
Richard Fahey 1 - -
Freddie Head FR 1 - -
Barry Hills 1 - -
David Pipe 1 - -
Henry Candy - 1 -
Michael Jarvis - 1 -
Aidan O’Brien IRE - 1 -
John Queally IRE - 1 -
Andrew Balding - - 1
Robin Bastiman - - 1
Pat Eddery - - 1
Brian Meehan - - 1
Malcolm Saunders - - 1
Saeed bin Suroor - - 1


FIRST DAY WINNERS

2.30pm Queen Anne Stakes (Group One)
GOLDIKOVA (IRE) (Wertheimer et Frere) Freddie Head FR 5-8-11 Olivier Peslier [1] 11/8F

3.05pm King's Stand Stakes (Group One)
EQUIANO (FR) (James Acheson) Barry Hills 5-9-4 Michael Hills [2] 9/2

3.50pm St James's Palace Stakes (Group One)
CANFORD CLIFFS (IRE) (Heffer Syndicate, Susan Roy & Mrs Instance) Richard Hannon 3-9-0 Richard Hughes [6] 11/4JF

4.25pm Coventry Stakes (Group Two)
STRONG SUIT (USA) (Julie Wood) Richard Hannon 2-9-1 Richard Hughes [8] 15/8f

5.00pm Ascot Stakes (Handicap)
JUNIOR (Middleham Park Racing LI) David Pipe 7-9-0b Seb Sanders [16] 17/2

5.35pm Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed)
MARINE COMMANDO (Mike Wynne) Richard Fahey 2-9-3 Paul Hanagan [2] 9/2



GOING

The going ahead of day one of Royal Ascot is

GOOD

Chris Stickels, Ascot’s Clerk of the Course, commented: “We had six and a half millimetres of rain on Sunday night but we were dry last night and the forecast for the next few days is to be mainly dry with the chance of a shower later in the week. I’m delighted with the course, it’s in great shape.”

The GoingStick readings are

Straight Course - Stands’ Side 9.2, Centre 9.0, Far Side 9.4
Round Course - 8.6


BETTING NEWS

Royal Ascot kicks off with a bang today with a brilliant renewal of the Queen Anne Stakes (2.30pm) and favourite Goldikova has been popular in the Rayners Lane offices of Ladbrokes.

“We laid a £70,000-£40,000 but we have held her price at 7/4. The market is so competitive that we haven’t cut any prices and are actually pushing horses out,” said Ladbrokes spokesman David Williams.

Paco Boy has been less popular with punters in the same race and has been eased to 7/2 from 100/30 with both Paddy Power and William Hill.

Australian sprinter Nicconi has hardened to 3/1 favouritism from 100/30 with Hills in the King’s Stand Stakes (3.05pm) while Pricewise’s selection Total Gallery is 7/1 from 9/1 with totesport and 7/1 from 15/2 with Paddy Power.

In the St James’s Palace Stakes (3.50pm), the Richard Hannon-trained Dick Turpin is 7/1 from 8/1 with totesport while his stablemate Strong Suit is 5/2 favourite, from 11/4, to win the Coventry Stakes (4.25pm).

Rajik, another Pricewise selection, is 10/1 (from 14/1) with Paddy Power and 10/1 from 12/1 with totesport in the Ascot Stakes (5.00pm). Ghimaar is 5/1 from 11/2 with William Hill in the same race while Rangefinder is 14/1 from 20/1 with Paddy Power and 16/1 from 25/1 with totesport.

In the concluding Windsor Castle Stakes (5.35pm), the Mick Channon-trained Chilworth Lad is 8/1 from 10/1 with totesport.

PRINCE OF WALES’S STAKES PREVIEW

Prince Khalid Abdulla has won the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes twice before with Placerville in 2003 and Two Timing in 1989 and he looks to have a strong chance of a third success in Wednesday’s showpiece event this year.

Twice Over, representing Placerville’s trainer Henry Cecil, rounded last season off with a victory in the Emirates Airlines Champion Stakes at Newmarket and bids to bounce back from a disappointing 10th place in the Dubai World Cup on March 27.

Abdulla also owns the Andre Fabre-trained Byword, who finished second to Goldikova in the Group One Prix d’Ispahan and looks to be better than ever at the age of four.

The Marcus Tregoning-trained Mawatheeq is having his first start since finishing second to Twice Over in the Champion Stakes.

Godolphin have won the race four times with Faithful Son (1998), Dubai Millennium (2000), Fantastic Light (2001) and Grandera (2002) and the Maktoum family’s stable has two runners this year.

Allybar, trained by Mahmood Al Zarooni, was a close third in the Dubai World Cup on his last outing.

“Allybar looks fit and healthy. His run in the Dubai World Cup was his best to date and the only thing against him is that he hasn’t had a run before this race,” Al Zarooni told www.godolphin.com

"He will be fine with 10 furlongs and it will be interesting to see how he gets on at Ascot - several horses with form at the course seemed to run very well on the Tapeta at Meydan earlier this year, so I am hopeful that the reverse could be true. He is in good form and he goes to Ascot with a chance."

Godolphin’s Cavalryman, who will be saddled by Saeed bin Suroor, makes a quick reappearance after meeting trouble in running when fifth in the Group One Investec Coronation Cup at Epsom earlier this month.

“Cavalryman is in good form at the moment,” bin Suroor told www.godolphin.com. “The Coronation Cup was his first start of his European campaign and he ran a good race on his first appearance since Dubai. He came out of that run in good heart and I have been pleased with his preparation for Royal Ascot. Dropping back to a stiff 10 furlongs should suit him and I am hopeful that he can run well."

French raiders have won two of the last three runnings of the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes and the Mikel Delzangles-trained Shalanaya bids to add to that record after finishing second in the Group One Prix Ganay on her last run.

“Shalanaya ran very well first time out this year in the Prix Ganay and I think that she has improved a lot since then,” Delzangles told At The Races. “She might be the only filly taking on the colts, but she should run well - she is a very decent filly with plenty of class.”

Wiener Walzer, trained by Jensz Hirschberger, won last year’s German Derby and finished just over 10 lengths behind Goldikova when third in the Prix d’Ispahan last time out.

The John Gosden-trained Debussy looked better than ever when winning the Group Three Betfair Huxley Stakes at Chester on May 6 while the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Glass Harmonium - winner of last season’s Listed Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot - won the Group Three Gordon Richards Stakes on his seasonal comeback at Sandown in April before coming third in the Group Three Brigadier Gerard Stakes at the same course on May 28. The Gosden-trained Tazeez finished runner-up in the latter.

Presvis has already run in Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong so far this year and the six-year-old will be bidding to add to career earnings that have already reached £2.264 million.

The Hughie Morrison-trained Stimulation is having only his fourth run since winning the Group Two Challenge Stakes at Newmarket in October, 2008, and steps up to 10 furlongs for the first time.

ROYAL ASCOT - CARRIAGE LIST
TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 2010

1st Carriage
THE QUEEN
THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH
The Duke of York
The Lord Vestey

2nd Carriage
Princess Alexandra, the Honourable Lady Ogilvy
The Lady Tollemache
The Lord Tollemache
Mr Richard Fahey

3rd Carriage
Mrs Peter Troughton
Mrs Andrew Calame
Mr Peter Troughton
Wing Commander Andrew Calame

4th Carriage
The Lady Vestey
Mrs Richard Fahey
Air Vice Marshal David Walker
Mr Edward Griffiths

DETACHED MOTOR CARS

Major Simon Robinson
The Honourable Mary Morrison
Mr Edward Young


The Lord Fellowes
The Lady Fellowes
Lieutenant Colonel Charles Richards


THIRTEEN ON THE TRAIL OF GOLD

The great Yeats has made the Ascot Gold Cup his own in the last four years but following his retirement to Coolmore Stud the stage is now set for a new staying king. If the betting market is anything to go by, one of the Royal Meeting’s most coveted prizes could be heading the same way as the Derby trophy.

Four-year-old Manifest is favourite for Thursday’s feature race and, like Workforce, he is a Juddmonte homebred . Trained by Henry Cecil, the Rainbow Quest colt from one of Juddmonte’s most successful families - his half-siblings include Elmaamul and Reams Of Verse - comes into the race on the back of an impressive eight-length victory in the Yorkshire Cup over fellow Gold Cup contender Purple Moon.

The Luca Cumani-trained Purple Moon came within half a length of stealing Australia’s great staying race, the Melbourne Cup, in 2007 when finishing second to Efficient but has been winless since earlier that year despite some good placed finishes in high profile international events, including the Hong Kong Vase and the Dubai Sheema Classic.

Bidding to give the Ballydoyle yet another Gold Cup is second favourite Age Of Aquarius, a four-year-old Galileo half-brother to Turtle Island who has finished runner-up in two outings this season in the Group Three Ormonde Stakes at Chester and the Listed Saval Beg Stakes at Leopardstown.

French raider Kasbah Bliss is one of the veterans of the field but is a highly versatile and dependable performer with 14 wins under his belt on the flat and over hurdles. His last run was in the G2 Prix Vicomtesse Vigier, in which he finished runner-up to Kite Wood, who is one of two runners for Godolphin in the race.

The Godolphin team has enjoyed much success in the Ascot Gold Cup over the years with Classic Cliche successful in 1996, Kayf Tara winning twice in 1998 and 2000 and Papineau landing the 2004 renewal. Along with last year’s St Leger runner-up Kite Wood, who is to be ridden by Frankie Dettori, Sheikh Mohammed’s operation fields Darley Sun, runaway winner of last year’s Cesarewitch when trained by David Simcock. William Buick, who is receiving increasing stature since switching to John Gosden’s stable, is booked to ride Darley Sun.

Sir Michael Stoute, who last won the race 32 vears ago with Shangamuzo, has a chance to claim another victory with Ask. The Patrick Fahey-owned seven-year-old enjoyed a tremendous 2009 season, winning the Coronation Cup, Prix Royal-Oak and the Yorkshire Cup as well as finishing third in a memorable 1-2-3 for the Stoute team in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (sponsored by Betfair).

Selkirk four-year-old Akmal arrives at Ascot fresh from victory in the Henry II Stakes at Sandown last month and will aim to give trainer John Dunlop his first victory in the race since the success of Ragstone in 1974. He is one of two runners in the race for Sheikh Hamdan, who also has Chester Cup runner-up Tastahil entered.

Having won the Melbourne Cup twice, Dermot Weld is no stranger to perparing top-class stayers but he is yet to land the Ascot Gold Cup. Rite Of Passage has had an unorthodox passage to Ascot having finished third to Peddlers Cross in the Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival but, having won two bumpers, he’s guaranteed to stay.

The Spanish-trained Bannaby won the Prix du Cadran in 2008 and had a last-start win in the 1m7f Premio Mallorca to prepare him for Thursday’s challenge while 100/1 outsiders Montaff and Clowance complete the field.

TODAY’S NON-RUNNERS

4.25pm COVENTRY STAKES

5 HIGH AWARD (IRE) (Vet’s Cert (Other))

6 IRISH FIELD (IRE) (Vet’s Cert (Other))

5.35pm WINDSOR CASTLE STAKES

12 DINGLE VIEW (IRE) (Self Certificate (Blood Analysis Not Normal))




GOLD TRAIL (AUS) FACTFILE
6 b g Hussonet (USA) - Trail Of Gold (AUS) (Danewin (AUS))
Form: 6/-/6621132230/11125032431-1064 Owners: Glenn & Lisa Morton
Trainer: Gary Portelli AUS Breeder: A L Atkinson Jockey: Michael Rodd

Gold Trail
After starting his career with two efforts in barrier trials in September, 2006, Gold Trail made his first start under rules when coming sixth in a five-furlong handicap at Doomben, Australia, on October 7, 2006. He made three further appearances in barrier trials prior to recording a couple of sixth-place efforts in six-furlong maidens at Canterbury in February, 2008. After being narrowly touched off in another six-furlong maiden at Newcastle the following month, Gold Trail finally opened his account with a comprehensive four-length success in a Canterbury maiden over an extended five furlongs. He followed up with a handicap victory over the same trip at Randwick-Kensington before going on to make the frame in three subsequent handicap starts in the summer of 2008. Gold Trail returned to action in November, 2008, although didn’t hit top gear until the following January when he racked up a hat-trick over five and a half furlongs, following up handicap successes at Randwick and Rosehill with a short half-head verdict over subsequent Godolphin inmate Desuetude in a Listed contest at Canterbury. Gold Trail was far from disgraced on his two next subsequent starts in Grade Two company, taking the runner-up spot in the six-furlong Expressway Stakes at Rosehill in February, 2009, and coming home fifth over a furlong shorter in the Ascend Sales Challenge Stakes at Randwick the following month. After posting a below par effort in a six-furlong Listed contest at Rosehill, when he blundered at the start, Gold Trail ended the 2008/09 season with a fine third behind fellow King’s Stand Stakes raider Nicconi and Danleigh in the Group One Coffey Projects Galaxy Stakes over his favoured five and a half furlongs at Randwick. He started the 2009/10 campaign with two starts in Group Three company at Rosehill in August, coming second in the Missile Stakes over an extended five furlongs and taking fourth in the Concorde Stakes over the same trip. Following a close third in a Listed contest at Rosehill, again over an extended five furlongs, in September, Gold Trail notched a Group Two victory over the same distance in the Sydney City Lexus The Shorts at Randwick in October. He went on to record the biggest success of his career when posting an all-the-way triumph in the six-furlong Group One Blandford Lodge Railway Stakes at Ellerslie, New Zealand, on January 1. He crossed the Tasman Sea again to contest the Group One Oaks Stud Telegraph Handicap, also at six furlongs, on January 23 but was unsuited to the soft underfoot conditions and trailed home last. Gold Trail bounced back to form with sixth in the James Boag Galaxy Handicap over an extended five furlongs at Randwick on April 17 and he warmed up for Royal Ascot with an excellent fourth to Green Birdie in the six-furlong Group One Krisflyer International Sprint at Kranji, Singapore, on May 16. He arrived in Britain on May 23, losing just 3kg, and is going for the King’s Stand Stakes and then hopefully the Darley July Cup. He is staying at Abington Place Stables in Newmarket.

Race Record: Starts: 26; 1st: 7; 2nd: 5; 3rd: 4; Win & Place Prize Money: £292,406

Gary Portelli AUS
Based in Warwick Farm, Sydney, Gary Portelli trains in partnership with his brother Troy, who oversees their second yard at Flemington, Melbourne. The pair hail from a family steeped in racing as their grandfather, Jack Carroll, was a jockey and their mother Maureen was a trainer in Orange, New South Wales, during the 1980s. Both Gary and Troy worked as riders for their mother before Gary, who also worked part-time as a baker, decided to take out his own licence in 1990. After spending five years training at Orange, the Portelli family moved in 1995 to their current Warwick Farm operation. A true family-run business, Gary’s mother looks after the feeding of the horses while his father, a groundsman at the Cabramatta High School, helps out with general maintenance. He soon established himself as one of the up and coming trainers in Australia and set up a satellite yard at Flemington racecourse in 2004. Portelli enjoyed his first of two Group One victories when Rena’s Lady triumphed in the AJC Oaks in April, 2004, and he has since gone on to further success at the highest level with Gold Trail, who won the Railway Stakes at Ellerslie, New Zealand, in January, 2010. This is his first visit to England.

Glenn & Lisa Morton
Glenn Morton is the son of leading Queensland-based owner-breeder Billie Morton, who has been involved in racing since the 1960s. Her husband Barrie was a racing fanatic and ran a highly successful breeding operation until his death in 2000, when Billie took over the family’s equine interests. She enjoyed her first Group One successes when Prized Gem, trained by her long-standing New Zealand-based handler Murray Baker, landed the Brisbane Cup and the Kelt Capital Stakes in 2002. She also saw her colours carried to victory by Nom Du Jeu, who won the 2008 AJC Australian Derby and was runner-up to Godolphin’s All The Good in the Caulfield Cup. Glenn and his wife Lisa have continued the family interest in racing, with Group One Railway Stakes victor Gold Trail being the standard bearer, alongside talented handicapper Countess Bathory as well as useful performers Acquired and Encosta Tszyu.

Michael Rodd
Born on January 17, 1982, Michael Rodd came late to horseracing and did not sit on a horse until he was 16. As a child growing up in Terrigal, New South Wales, Rodd had ambitions of becoming a surfer and represented his state at under-18 level but his slight frame put him at a disadvantage. An unsuccessful stint as an apprentice carpenter at the Sydney Olympic village followed before Rodd joined the NSW Apprentice School in Sydney in 1998 after a conversation with prolific jockey Kevin Moses. Rodd enjoyed his first victory on board Tomato Lass at Grafton Racecourse in July, 2000, and he went on to register a first Group One victory when partnering Prized Gem to success in the Brisbane Cup on June 10, 2002. He also rode the Billie Morton-owned mare to win the Group One Kelt Capital Stakes later the same year and scored on Bush Padre in the 2003 Doomben Cup. Under the recommendation of steward Tim Kelly, Rodd made a quick visit to Hong Kong in 2003, riding two winners from 12 rides, and he became the youngest ever Australian jockey to be invited to spend a whole season in the Chinese territory. After three seasons in Hong Kong, Rodd returned to Australia in 2006, becoming the retained rider for Melbourne businessman Lloyd Williams, and the pair enjoyed a first major success together as Efficient won the Victoria Derby. Feeling stifled by the hands-on approach of Williams, Rodd decided to turn freelance in 2007, riding predominately for trainer Mark Kavanagh. He reunited with Efficient for the 2007 Melbourne Cup, and the pair recorded a half-length success over the Luca Cumani-trained Purple Moon. Rodd’s other major successes include the CF Orr Stakes, the Cox Plate and the Caulfield Guineas.

NICCONI (AUS) FACTFILE
5 b h Bianconi (USA) - Nicola Lass (AUS) (Scenic)
Form: 13/1124314139-160 Owner: Peter Devitt, Les Gordon, David Hayes, Widden Stud Trainer: David Hayes AUS Breeder: Lindsay Park Stud Ltd, Peter Devitt & Les Gordon Jockey: Frankie Dettori

Nicconi
Trainer David Hayes declared the home-bred Nicconi to be the best sprinter he has ever trained after the five-year-old secured his second Group One triumph in the five-furlong Coolmore Lightning Stakes at Flemington, Australia, on January 30, the first leg of the Global Sprint Challenge. The Bianconi entire, the 2009 South Australia Horse of the Year, is the market leader with bookmakers ahead of today’s King’s Stand Stakes over the same distance at Royal Ascot, despite finishing out of the frame in two subsequent starts, both over six furlongs. After coming sixth behind Turffontein in the Group One William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley on February 13, Nicconi was 14th of 19 to Wanted in the Group One Newmarket Handicap on March 6. Hayes’ charge proved himself a smart sprinter with victories at five furlongs and seven furlongs in his first two seasons before making his mark in Group One company at Randwick on April 11, 2009, when drawing a length and a quarter clear of runner-up Danleigh in the Galaxy Stakes, over an extended five furlongs. He rounded off that campaign seven days later with a good fourth to Takeover Target in the Group One T J Smith Stakes. He returned to action on September 12, 2009, with a Group Three success at Moonee Valley, but on the 25th of that month he was only third behind Danleigh in the Group One Manikato Stakes at the same venue. Nicconi spread a plate during the Group One Patinack Farm Classic at Flemington on November 7, a race in which he finished last of nine, but bounced back with that career best effort in the Coolmore Lightning Stakes. Nicconi is by the 1998 Diadem Stakes winner Bianconi, out of the seven-time winner and Group Three placed Scenic mare, Nicola Lass. He is staying at Abington Place Stables in Newmarket after losing only 10kg during the journey from Australia - he arrived on May 28.

Race Record: Starts: 15; Wins: 6; 2nd: 1; 3rd: 3; Win & Place Prize Money: £501,436

David Hayes AUS
Born on October 22, 1962, David Hayes is the son of legendary Australian trainer Colin Hayes. Since taking over from his father at Lindsay Park in 1990, Hayes has established himself as one of the finest trainers of his generation. Up until 1996, when he departed for Hong Kong, Hayes won every Premiership in Adelaide and Melbourne, and was the first Australian trainer to accrue 300 winners in a season. He also set a world record of winning six Group races at one meeting on Derby Day at Flemington in 1994. That same year he sent out Jeune to win the Group One Melbourne Cup for owner Hamdan Al Maktoum and broke new ground when Loosen Up captured the Group One Japan Cup. In 1996, Hayes accepted an invitation to train in Hong Kong and shot to the top of the trainers’ list. He won two Hong Kong trainers’ titles and finished in the top four in each of his nine seasons in the former British colony, training 458 winners for earnings of HK$436,269,137. Returning to Australia in July, 2005, he ended his comeback campaign as the season’s leading trainer by number of stakes winners with 28 individual victors of 36 races, including six at Group One level. Nicknamed “King Of The Kids” due to his prowess with two-year-olds, that 2006/07 season saw him land both the STC Golden Slipper with Miss Finland and the Blue Diamond Stakes with Nadeem as he produced 46 individual juvenile winners of 61 races to confirm his standing as Australia’s top trainer of two-year-olds. As of April 27, 2010, Hayes has notched a total of 60 Group One successes in Australia. Among them are three Cox Plate triumphs (1990 Better Loosen Up, 2004 & 2006 Fields Of Omagh), two Caulfield Cup successes (1993 Fraar, 2006 Tawqeet), two Australian Cup wins (1991 Better Loosen Up, 2009 Niconero) and five Blue Diamond Stakes wins (1991 Canonise, 1995 Principality, 2006 Nadeem, 2007 Sleek Chassis, 2008 Reaan). His major Hong Kong successes include the 2002 Hong Kong International Sprint with All Thrills Too and the 2003 Hong Kong Derby with Elegant Fashion.

Peter Devitt, Les Gordon, David Hayes and Widden Stud
The Hayes family’s Lindsay Park Stud bred Nicconi along with longstanding owner/breeders Peter Devitt and Les Gordon, the team having also bred and raced the sprinter’s outstanding dam, Nicola Lass, the 2009 South Australia Broodmare of the Year. Devitt, Gordon and Hayes also raced Nicconi’s Danzero half-brother, the five-time Group One winner Niconero, as well as his stakes placed half-sisters Holly Go Lightly and Recooperate. Devitt also owned King’s High, winner of the Cadbury Guineas in 1989. The team came close to gelding Nicconi after the entire suffered from sore shins a couple of times. Devitt and Gordon both signed the forms, sent from Hayes to sanction the operation, before a last minute change of heart from Devitt brought a reprieve. That proved good news for Widden Stud, which purchased a stake in Nicconi last month. The stud will stand the horse later this year for a fee of AUS$20,000 (although that could be increased after a prominent showing at Ascot today). Widden Stud in the Widden Valley was established by John Thompson, who emigrated from England to Australia in 1832. Having initially concentrated on sheep, the stud switched to thoroughbreds in the 1870s and has gone on to become one of the most significant stallion and breeding operations in Australian racing history. The stud is now under the stewardship of Antony Thompson, a seventh-generation descendant of John Thompson.

Frankie Dettori
Born in Milan on December 15, 1970, the son of Gianfranco, a multiple champion jockey in Italy, Frankie Dettori arrived from his homeland to join Luca Cumani's Newmarket yard as an apprentice in July, 1985. His first success came on Rif at Turin, Italy, on November 16, 1986, and he rode his first British winner on Lizzy Hare at Goodwood on June 9, 1987. He was champion British apprentice in 1989 and passed 100 winners for the first time in 1990 when recording 141 successes. He has since captured the hearts of racegoers with his flamboyant style, phenomenal riding successes, and charisma in and out of the saddle. Champion jockey in 1994, 1995 and 2004, Dettori created history when riding all seven winners on the first-day card at the Ascot Festival in September, 1996. His ground-breaking exertions brought recognition beyond racing's own sphere when he was voted into third place in the 1996 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards and was a team captain on 'A Question Of Sport'. He finally captured the Investec Derby in 2007 aboard Authorized and he has tasted success in all four other domestic Classics at least once with 13 Classic wins in total. He has won the StanJames.com 2000 Guineas twice (1996 Mark Of Esteem and 1999 Island Sands) and the StanJames.com 1000 Guineas twice (Cape Verdi 1998 and Kazzia 2002). Dettori, who is retained by the Godolphin stable, has enjoyed a host of high-profile international successes, including the 1995, 2001 and 2002 Arcs on Lammtarra, Sakhee and Marienbard respectively, the Japan Cup on Singspiel in 1996, Falbrav in 2002 and Alkaased in 2005, the Dubai World Cup on Dubai Millennium (2000), Moon Ballad (2003) and Electrocutionist (2006), the Breeders' Cup Turf on Daylami in 1999, Fantastic Light in 2001 and Red Rocks in 2006 and the 2008 Breeders' Cup Classic on Raven's Pass. Dettori, who survived an horrific plane crash at Newmarket in 2000 in which the pilot was killed, is married to Catherine. They have five children and live near Newmarket.


NOBLE'S PROMISE (USA) FACTFILE
3 b c Cuvee (USA) - The Devil's Trick (USA) (Clever Trick (USA))
Form: (2)1(1)(1)(3)(2)-(2)(5)(5) Owner: Chasing Dreams Racing 2008
Trainer: Kenny McPeek USA Breeder: C & B Kidder Jockey: Kieren Fallon

Noble’s Promise
A leading juvenile in the US last year, Noble's Promise landed a hat-trick of wins, scoring first at in an Ellis Park extended five-furlong maiden on turf and then taking a six-and-a-half furlong conditions race at Presque Isle Downs on Tapeta before culminating in the Grade One Dixiana Breeders' Futurity on Polytrack at Keeneland on October 10. He followed that with a third to Vale Of York in the Grade One Breeders' Cup Juvenile on Pro-Ride at Santa Anita in November. His first season ended with a three quarters of a length second to top US juvenile Lookin At Lucky in the Grade One Futurity at Hollywood Park on Cushion Track in December. His three-year-old campaign has so far involved racing on dirt. He began with a head runner-up finish to that same rival in the Grade Two Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn on March 13. A return to Oaklawn on April 10, for the Grade One Arkansas Derby, produced a fifth-place finish, four and a quaerter lengths behind Line Of David. Noble’s Promise was last seen coming home six lengths fifth behind Super Saver in the Grade One Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 1. The Cuvee colt was a bargain US$10,000 purchase as a foal at Keeneland in November, 2007. He has the St James’s Palace Stakes today at Royal Ascot as his target, his second start on turf.

Race Record: Starts: 9; Won: 3; 2nd: 3; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money: £601,968

Kenny McPeek USA
Kenny McPeek was born on August 2, 1962, in Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, but grew up in the heart of American thoroughbred country at Lexington in Kentucky. He played American football and baseball at Tates Creek High School in Lexington and, after graduating in business administration from the University of Kentucky, he was set on a career in the racing industry. After gaining experience as a hotwalker for Shug McGaughey, he took out a training licence in Kentucky in 1985 and shot to prominence with $20,000 purchase Tejano Run, who finished third in the 1994 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and second in the following year’s Kentucky Derby. McPeek tasted Classic glory via the ex Brian Meehan-trained Sarava in the 2002 Belmont Stakes and among his other flag-bearers have been Repent, Take Charge Lady, She’s A Devil Due, Harlan’s Holiday, Prince Arch, Dream Empress and Noble’s Promise. Hard Buck won three stakes races in the US and was runner-up in both the Dubai Sheema Classic at Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, and the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot. He has enjoyed over 100 stakes winners with nearly half of those coming in Graded company including 10 Grade One triumphs to date. McPeek is married to Sue and they have a daughter, Jennifer Lynne. McPeek took a break from training between 2005 and 2006 to concentrate on his other job as a bloodstock agent and during this time purchased subsequent Preakness Stakes, Breeders’ Cup Classic and Dubai World Cup winner Curlin for $57,000. On his return to training, he converted the old Pillar Stud in Lexington to a new training establishment, which he re-named Magdalena, having been inspired to break away from the American practice of training on the track following his visit to Ascot with Hard Buck and a subsequent trip to Australia where a 20-minute conversation with trainer Lee Freedman convinced him of the benefits of training from his own place rather than on racetracks.

Chasing Dreams Racing 2008 LLC
The 24-member syndicate includes the managing partners Robert Brewster, Ron Holmberg and Kelly Colliver. The syndicate is a spin-off from another Brewster, Holmberg and Collinson venture, Livin The Dream Racing, that campaigned 2008 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies’ runner-up Dream Empress. Colliver, a real estate appraiser, and Brewster, who operates Logo Xpress Inc screen printing, are both residents of Lexington, Kentucky, while Holmberg, who works for the Army Corps Of Engineers, lives in La Grange, Kentucky. Noble’s Promise was purchased with the proceeds from an insurance claim after one of their horses suffered a fatal injury. The US$10,000 colt was initially bought as a pinhooking venture but was purchased back for US$25,000 at the 2008 Ocala Breeders’ August Yearling Sale and put into training with Kenny McPeek.

Kieren Fallon
Born on February 22, 1965, in County Clare, Ireland, Kieren Fallon joined Kevin Prendergast as an apprentice in 1983. Piccadilly Lord at Navan on June 18, 1984, was his first winner. He moved from Ireland to Jimmy FitzGerald's Malton stable from 1989 until 1991 and spent three years with Lynda Ramsden from 1993 until the end of 1996. In 1997, Fallon was a surprise appointment as stable jockey to Henry Cecil and promptly won the 1000 Guineas on Sleepytime and Oaks on Reams Of Verse. He ceased riding for Cecil in August, 1999, and was first jockey to Sir Michael Stoute in 2000 and 2001 after which he freelanced, still riding many for Stoute, before becoming retained rider to owners Michael Tabor, Sue Magnier and Derrick Smith in 2005. The Stoute/Fallon combination won the 2000 Guineas with the Saeed Suhail-owned King's Best in 2000 and Golan in 2001. Fallon was champion jockey in 1997 (202 wins), 1998 (204), 1999 (202), 2001 (166), 2002 (149) and in 2003 (221 wins), when his successes included Classics on Russian Rhythm in the 1000 Guineas and Kris Kin in the Derby. He won three British Classics in 1999 - the StanJames.com 1000 Guineas on Wince, the Oaks on Ramruma and the Derby on Oath, his first success in the premier Classic. Though second to Frankie Dettori in the 2004 championship, Fallon enjoyed an excellent season, including the Derby-Oaks double with North Light and Ouija Board. He made a great start at Ballydoyle in 2005, winning both the 2000 and 1000 Guineas respectively with Footstepsinthesand and Virgina Waters. He added his first Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on the Coolmore-owned and Andre Fabre-trained Hurricane Run, on whom he had previously won the Irish Derby. There was another success in the StanJames.com 2000 Guineas with George Washington in 2006 and added that season's Investec Oaks and Irish Oaks with Alexandrova. Out of the saddle, he has frequently made the headlines, in 2003 he was treated in a clinic in Ireland after admitting to a drink problem. In September, 2004, he was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud related to alleged race fixing but was released on bail and the prosecution case collapsed at the subsequent trial, with Fallon being found innocent on all charges. He had been suspended from riding in Britain up to the end of the trial but was able to ride in Ireland and other jurisdictions He collected a second Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe win aboard Dylan Thomas in 2007, his last big race victory before being banned for 18 months after failing a drugs test organised by France Galop, his second such offence. He received a six-month ban for the first drug offence in 2006/2007. He returned to action in September, 2009, and landed the Grade One Goodwood Handicap at Santa Anita, USA, on Gitano Hernando. Controversy erupted again when a racehorse owner at Lingfield Park in March struck the jockey in the face, wrongly believing that Fallon had caused interference to the owner's horse.

WESLEY WARD FACTFILE

Born on March 3, 1968, in Saleh, Washington State, Wesley Ward is the grandson of long-serving New York outrider Jim Dailey and the son of former apprentice and trainer Dennis Ward.

Ward jnr left school at 14 and moved to New York to ride when he was just 15 and enjoyed a sensational first season, partnering 335 winners and becoming leading jockey at the Belmont, Aqueduct and Meadowlands fall meetings. Such a meteoric rise to fame was rewarded with Ward receiving the Eclipse Award for leading apprentice when he was just 16 in 1984. Spells riding in Italy, Singapore, Malaysia, Illinois and Canada followed and Ward was in the plate when subsequent Kentucky Derby hero Ferdinand lost his maiden tag in 1985.

A growth spurt and weight problems forced Ward to quit riding in 1989 and he assisted his father for four years prior to starting out on his own as a trainer in 1993. He celebrated his first Stakes victory as a trainer when Unfinished Symph landed the Grade Three Cinema Handicap at Hollywood Park in June, 1994, and the horse went on to be third in the Grade One Breeders' Cup Mile that November before going on to further Graded success in the San Francisco Mile and the Shoemakerm Breeders' Cup Mile the following year. Other notable horses to have been trained by Ward include Men's Exclusive, who earned more than $1.4 million in his career and raced in the Sprinter's Stakes in Japan as well as the Dubai Golden Shaheen (in which he was second in 2001), and Bear Fan, who landed Grade Two victories in the Genuine Risk Handicap and the Vagrancy Handicap in 2004.

Ward also trained Pesci, who was third in the Grade One Milady Breeders' Cup Handicap in June, 2004, for her co-owner and Hollywood actor Joe Pesci, while the trainer was also responsible for One Hot Wish, who set a new world record for of 48.87 seconds for 4.5 furlongs on her debut at Keeneland in April, 2007.

Based in Glendora, California, Ward also trains at Gulfstream Park, Florida, throughout the winter months.

On June 16, 2009, Ward became the first US-based trainer to saddle a winner at Royal Ascot when Strike The Tiger won the Windsor Castle Stakes at odds of 33/1. He followed up a day later with Jealous Again in the Group Two Queen Mary Stakes. His other runners at the five-day meeting were Aegean, Yogaroo, Honor In Peace and Canonball.

The last-named was sixth in the Group One King’s Stand Stakes over five furlongs on the first day of the meeting but came out again four days later to finish runner-up in the Group One Golden Jubilee Stakes over six furlongs.

This year at Royal Ascot, Ward iw represented by Metropolitan Man, who has the Windsor Castle Stakes as his target today. Panamanian jockey Elvis Trujillo takes the ride on the Hook And Ladder gelding, who was a very easy winner over five furlongs on Polytrack at Keeneland in April. Trujillo has ridden the multiple US Grade One winner Presious Passion and also landed the 2007 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint on Maryfield.

ROYAL ASCOT ON BBC SPORT

Extensive live coverage from Tuesday, June 15

BBC Sport will provide extensive coverage of this year’s Royal Ascot - the world’s most famous Flat race meeting, where the pinnacles of sport and fashion coincide.

Live action from the five-day festival will commence on Tuesday, June 15 at 1.45pm on BBC Two.

Lead presenter Clare Balding will be joined by former five-time British champion jockey, Willie Carson.

Commentary on the runners and riders will be delivered by Jim McGrath, with expert analysis from Ian Bartlett and former champion jockey, Kevin Darley.

Roving reporter Rishi Persad will provide reports from around the course, while in the betting ring John Parrott will be joined by the BBC’s betting expert, Gary Wiltshire, who will be on hand to give hints and tips on the market.

BBC presenter Suzi Perry and style writer James Sherwood assess each day’s fashions - with looking good being as important as picking the winner for many Ascot racegoers.

Television coverage will begin at 1.45pm on BBC Two on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday with Wednesday’s coverage beginning at 2pm, Following each day’s terrestrial coverage, viewers can catch the last race live on the red button. Coverage on Saturday, June 19 begins at 2.20pm on BBC Two.

UK users of the BBC Sport website will also be able to watch all the big races of the festival at www.bbc.co.uk/racing

In addition, there will be daily photo galleries of the racing action and fashions, live updates, plus contributions from BBC pundits.

BBC Radio 5 Live’s Cornelius Lysaght brings coverage of all five days of Royal Ascot, with all the latest racing news throughout the week and there will be live commentary on the key races each day.

Commentary is from John Hunt with updates from Luke Harvey in 5 live Breakfast.

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

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