BEST HOPING FOR PRINCELY RETURN IN BETFAIR CUP - RYAN POINTS EXCITING JUVENILE AT BETFAIR MOLECOMB STAKES
The opening day of the Glorious Goodwood Festival, Tuesday, August 1, features the £150,000 Group Two Betfair Cup (Lennox Stakes) and the £50,000 Group Three Betfair Molecomb Stakes, sponsored by the world's leading online betting exchange, Betfair.
The Group Two Betfair Cup was first run in 2000 when the John Gosden-trained Observatory took the prize en route to Group One success in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes and last year's victor, Court Masterpiece, also went on to Group One victory in the Prix de la Foret at Longchamp.
The prestigious seven-furlong contest is the target for the progressive Kingsgate Prince, winner of the Listed Spring Cup over seven furlongs at Lingfield in March, and the Listed Carnarvon Stakes at Newbury on May 19.
Trainer John Best is no stranger to big-race engagements this term, having saddled Rising Cross to take the runner-up spot behind Alexandrova in the Vodafone Oaks in June.
The Maidstone handler said today: "I hope to take Kingsgate Prince to the Betfair Cup. We also have an entry at Deauville on August 6, so I'll discuss it with the owner, but at the moment the plan is to go to Goodwood."
Kingsgate Prince was last seen when just over two lengths third behind the highly-regarded Jeremy in the Group Three Jersey Stakes over seven furlongs at Royal Ascot, but was forced to miss his most recent engagement.
Best revealed: "He was due to run in the Hackwood Stakes on Saturday at Newbury, but he bruised his foot and wasn't quite right. He's almost completely better this morning though, so I don't see there being any problem because he was in great form coming up to that.
"I thought his Jersey Stakes effort was a tremendous run. He could have been second with a clearer run but unfortunately that's the way he has to be ridden so you rely on getting a clear passage and he didn't get it quite in time."
The three-year-old hold-up performer was previously third behind Racer Forever and Bouboulina in the Listed Vodafone Surrey Stakes over seven furlongs at Epsom on June 2, after uncharacteristically making the running.
The trainer reported: "At Epsom, he got too lit up before the race and then he couldn't get any cover and ran too free. Having said that, I was quite impressed with the way he stayed on in the closing stages considering he had run so free.
"The ground doesn't matter too much to him. It won't bother me if it's on the firm side although I suppose I'd rather have some give in the ground, just for the horse's health, but he doesn't mind it firm."
Nayyir, a standing dish at Goodwood, is another likely runner. The eight-year-old has won the Betfair Cup twice already - in 2002 and 2003 - and for the last two years has finished in the frame in the Group One Cantor Spreadfair Sussex Stakes. He was fourth last year and second in 2004.
The Betfair Molecomb Stakes, first run in 1833 is one of the season's premier contests for speedy juveniles. The race has been won by stars such as the brilliant Marwell (1980), Risky (1993), and Carmine Lake (1996) and last year went the way of the Dandy Nicholls-trained Strike Up The Band.
Hambleton Lodge trainer Kevin Ryan, a near neighbour of Nicholls, has the Betfair Molecomb Stakes on the agenda for impressive York maiden winner Wi Dud.
The Elnadim colt caught the eye on his sole start at the Knavesmire on June 16, overcoming a tardy start in the five-furlong contest to outclass his rivals with a sweeping run that saw him emerge a length and a quarter victor over subsequent dual winner My Valerina.
Ryan revealed today: "Wi Dud could run in the Betfair Molecomb Stakes. He did it well at York first time out and is in good order. He's pretty uncomplicated where the ground is concerned so he shouldn't have any problems on that front.
"We'll have quite a few runners at the meeting and could have three in the Vodafone Stewards' Cup with Mutamared, Coleorton Dancer and Desert Commander.
"It's a lovely meeting and it's nice to have some nice horses to go down there. As usual, it'll be competitive racing and it's just good to have a winner at these big meetings."
Trainer William Haggas landed the Betfair Molecomb Stakes with Majestic Missile in 2003 and will bid for his second success in the prestigious five-furlong race with the imposing Conquest.
The powerful Invincible Spirit colt scored an easy maiden victory over the distance at Nottingham on July 8, and had previously finished a neck second to subsequent Weatherbys Super Sprint victor Elhamri in the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Harry Herbert, managing director of Highclere Thoroughbred Racing Ltd, whose Troy Syndicate owns the youngster, revealed today: "Conquest will go for the Betfair Molecomb Stakes providing he's in good shape, which he is at the moment. The Ascot form has been franked by Elhamri winning the Super Sprint and we'd like to think our horse is improving.
"We were thrilled with his Nottingham win. Compared to Ascot, it was a very low-level race and I guess he frightened off a lot of the opposition. He won as you would hope a horse rated like him would win and we were particularly pleased with the fact that he seemed to be growing up mentally."
Kieren Fallon had reported Conquest to be babyish following a defeat at Newbury on May 20, but Herbert believes the colt is learning fast.
He added: "He's got a great physique on him but he was just a bit babyish, which is something that Kieren said about him at Newbury on his second start, when he was very immature under pressure. We saw that improve in the Windsor Castle Stakes and then we saw it disappear completely, so we're hopeful that this horse is on an upward curve.
"If his physique is anything to go by then we know he's going the right way. He's got a bucket-load of speed and on that basis I think the five furlongs at Goodwood will really suit him.
"I don't think ground is an issue with him. He seems to go on both fast ground and ground with a bit of cut in it."
Herbert also revealed: "We could run Numeric in the cantorspreadfair.com Handicap on the Wednesday. He's in great form and ran well last time in a very competitive handicap at Haydock. He's a horse that is doing very well physically and we feel that one of these big handicaps will be within his grasp."
The five-day Glorious Goodwood Festival commences on Tuesday, August 1.
JARVIS PAIR AMONG 15-STRONG ENTRY FOR £100,000 SKY BET YORK STAKES
A total of 15 horses have been entered for the inaugural £100,000 Sky Bet York Stakes, run at York on Saturday, July 29.
The Group Two event takes place over an extended 10 furlongs, the same distance as the Group One Juddmonte International Stakes held at York on Tuesday, August 22, and the first running looks like developing into a cracking contest.
Newmarket trainer Michael Jarvis could be double-handed in the event with both Notability and Zayn Zen entered.
The former was last seen running an excellent third behind the Godolphin pair Echo Of Light and Satchem in the Group Three Summer Mile Stakes on the all-weather at Lingfield on July 15, and would be attempting the 10-furlong trip for the first time, although he needs some rain to line up.
Jarvis said today: "Notability would need some cut in the ground to take his chance in the Sky Bet York Stakes. If we get some storms and the surface eases, then he could go.
"He enjoyed the Polytrack last time when third at Lingfield. It was a strong race and we were very pleased with his run there. He's come out of the race fine and is in good order.
"I think the step up in trip would suit him - he's out of a staying family and there's no reason why he couldn't stay a mile and a quarter."
Unlike her stablemate, Zayn Zen has won over 10 furlongs, and comes into the race in grand fettle having finished fourth behind Soviet Song in the Group Two Windsor Forest Stakes at Royal Ascot on her latest start on June 21.
"Zayn Zen has run two good races this year and likes fast ground. I want to see the strength of the race before I commit her, as I would prefer to run her against fillies and mares, but there's not too many opportunities for her," explained Jarvis.
"She's get 10 furlongs well - that's probably her best trip. We've dropped her back to a mile for her last two starts, and though she has run well, she looks like she needs the extra distance. She's in good form and we'd like to win a Group race with her."
Other possible runners include the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Best Alibi, sixth to Sir Percy in the Epsom Derby and third behind Dylan Thomas in the Irish version last time out, and Fracas, trained by David Wachman in Ireland, a 10-furlong Group Two winner who has not run since finishing seventh behind Hurricane Run in the 2005 Irish Derby.
Godolphin has entered three - Windsor Knot, runner-up in a Listed contest at Newbury on Saturday, True Cause and Reunite, recently successful in a Listed contest at Yarmouth, as has trainer Mick Channon - Rocamadour, Royal Power and Yasoodd.
A trainer with two entries is Newmarket-based Luca Cumani (Vol De Nuit and Crocodile Dundee).
The Sky Bet York Stakes is one of six races sponsored by the leading sports betting company on the seven-race card, which also features the prestigious £50,000 Sky Bet Dash Heritage Handicap over six furlongs.
Last year's high-class renewal went to the Barry Hills-trained La Cucaracha, who returned to the Knavesmire the following month and secured victory in the Group One VC Bet Nunthorpe Stakes.
Racing commences at 2.10pm with the £15,000 Skybet.com EBF Fillies' Handicap over 10 furlongs and is followed at 2.40pm by the two and a quarter mile Sky Bet Press Red To Bet On Channel Four Handicap, worth £12,500.
The Sky Bet Dash will take place at 3.15pm and the Sky Bet York Stakes at 3.50pm. The two features precede the six-furlong £10,100 Sky Bet Maiden Auction Stakes (4.25pm) and the £10,000 skybet.com Claiming Stakes (5.00pm) over seven furlongs.
Sky Bet is supporting another first at York on Thursday evening, July 27, when it sponsors the first race run over the trip of five and a half furlongs at the course. The contest is part of the preparations for the temporary relocation of the St Leger Festival in September, when the Portland Handicap will be over this unusual sprinting distance.
Skybet Dash - Skybet's Opening Show
Knot In Wood 7/1, Wyatt Earp 7/1, Fantasy Believer 7/1, Machinist 9/1, Blue Tomato 10/1, Ice Planet 10/1, Steel Blue 10/1, Yomalo 10/1, My Gacho12/1, Bo McGinty 12/1, Desperate Dan 12/1, Fonthill Road 12/1, Munaddam 14/1, Rising Shadow 16/1, Talbot Avenue 16/1, Bond Boy 16/1, Dazzling Bay 16/1, Highland Warrior 18/1, Bahamian Pirate 20/1, Obe Gold 20/1, Continent 20/1, Glencairn Star 25/1, Josh 25/1, Kings Gait 25/1, Pacific Pride 25/1, The Kiddykid 25/1, Crocodile Bay 25/1
Each-Way: 1/4 the odds a place 1, 2, 3, 4
YORK RACECOURSE JULY MEETING
ORDER OF RUNNING 2006
Thursday, July 27
Gates open 4.00 pm
Channel 4 or Racing UK Race Time Race Title Age Prize money Distance
Racing UK 6.00 pm The Four High Petergate Hotel and Sawfish Software Maiden Auction Stakes 2 £10,100 Seven furlongs
Racing UK 6.30 pm First TransPennine Express Stakes (Handicap 61-80) 3 £10,000 Six furlongs
Racing UK 7.00 pm Skybet.com Portland Trial Stakes (Handicap 71-90) 3+ £12,500 Five & a half furlongs
Racing UK 7.30 pm Rose of York Conditions Stakes 4+ £16,000 One mile
Racing UK 8.00 pm Garrowby Handicap Stakes 81-100 3 £20,000 One & a half miles
Racing UK 8.30 pm Sgt Pepper's Handicap Stakes 56-75 3+ £8,500 One mile & one furlong
Saturday, July 29
Gates open 11.15 am
Channel 4 or Racing UK Race Time Race Title Age Prize money Distance
Channel 4 2.10 pm Skybet.com EBF Fillies' Stakes - Handicap 71-90 3+f&m £15,000 One & a quarter miles
Channel 4 2.40 pm Sky Bet Press Red to Bet on Channel Four Stakes - Handicap 61-80 3+ £12,500 Two & a quarter miles
Channel 4 3.15 pm Sky Bet Dash - Heritage Handicap 0-105 3+ £50,000 Six furlongs
Channel 4 3.50 pm Sky Bet York Stakes - Group 2 3+ £100,000 One & a quarter miles
Racing UK 4.25 pm Sky Bet Maiden Auction Stakes 2 £10,100 Six furlongs
Racing UK 5.00 pm Skybet.com Claiming Stakes 3+ £10,000 Seven furlongs
Racing UK 5.35 pm Fulford Golf Club Centenary Stakes - Handicap 61-80 4+ £12,500 One & a half miles
MUSIC EVENTS:
Thursday - 'The Cavern Beatles'
Saturday - 'Killer Queen'
On both evenings, the music will commence shortly after racing and last for approximately 90 minutes.
HRA PUBLISHES REPORT INTO CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL EQUINE DEATHS
The Horseracing Regulatory Authority has published its report into the equine fatalities at the 2006 Cheltenham Festival.
The report, produced by the HRA's Racecourse Department, details all the possible factors, including the individual horses, the going, obstacles, the weather, the race conditions and the riders and whilst it is unable to reach a definitive explanation for the abnormally high fatality rate, concludes with seven key areas of review or action.
Tony Goodhew, Director of Racecourse Licensing and Standards, said: "Many people have theories and opinions and there is rightly public concern when the casualty rate is so unacceptably high. This is exactly why we spent such a large amount of time and effort accumulating and examining all the facts and gathering expert opinions to establish if there were common factors in the fatalities.
"We could not be satisfied that any specific factor, or combination of factors, caused or linked the unusually high number of fatalities, although we are satisfied no fault rested with the Cheltenham Executive and the way the track had been prepared.
"The report does highlight, for example, that drainage is not the problem that some people perceived and it also highlights that the 10 year rolling fatality rate has reduced by just under 25% in the last 8 years, even including this year's figures.
"However, because the safety and welfare of horses and riders are of paramount importance and continuous improvement is always being sought in these areas, we have made seven recommendations which we will now discuss with the Cheltenham Executive."
The seven recommendations include a mandatory veterinary review of all runners at the Festival and a number of areas for the Cheltenham Executive to consider, including the conditions of the National Hunt Chase, safety factors and the siting of certain obstacles.
John Bridgeman, Chairman of the HRA, said: "Racing cannot afford to be complacent and should always be concerned when casualties are so high, as was the case at this year's Festival. Whilst we all recognise that horseracing carries an element of risk for its participants, we are determined to minimise those risks through regulation and best practice.
"The Cheltenham Festival is jump racing's Olympics and, working with the industry and the racecourse, the HRA is fully committed to minimising the risk and ensuring that the Festival remains a tough, but most importantly, fair test.
"Publishing this report in full, rather than distilled highlights, shows our desire to be transparent and accountable to the horseracing public. This will remain a fundamental principle of our regulation of British horseracing."
CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE WELCOMES HRA REPORT
Cheltenham Racecourse welcomes the HRA report into the fatalities at this year's Festival.
The Cheltenham Board regards the safety and welfare of the horses and riders as its highest priority and continues to do everything it can to reduce manageable risk. It is encouraged by the long term downward trend of fatalities but regards the number at this year's Festival as unacceptable.
The Board is already acting on all the HRA's recommendations related to the course. Fence 14, at the top of the hill, on the New Course has been re-sited and the fences on the New Course are being widened further to enable more ground to be protected on the chase course solely for the Festival. A feasibility study is being undertaken into adding a third chase and hurdle course to preserve even more un-raced ground for March.
Recommendations to reduce safety factors and to change the conditions of the National Hunt Chase have been discussed with trainers and will now be discussed with the BHB.
Cheltenham's Managing Director, Edward Gillespie said: "In excess of £3m has been spent at Cheltenham in the last six years on projects that are specifically related to horse welfare.
"These include widening the course, improved routes to the start and a veterinary centre. We look forward to implementing these recommendations for the 2007 Festival and continuing to work with trainers and welfare organisations to ensure we are at the forefront of best practice on such an important matter."
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