Saturday, August 12, 2006

DUBAI DUTY FREE SHERGAR CUP 2006
RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE
ASCOT, SATURDAY, AUGUST 12


FIRST BLOOD TO GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND

It was the first time Weaver’s sons Max and Tyler had seen their father race ride and they were on hand to congratulate him.

“I’m chuffed to bits,” said Weaver, who had dieted hard to get back down to a racing weight. “It’s great to start the day on a good note and I can have a bottle of water and a bacon sandwich now.”

Weaver, the GBI team manager, also won a Ł200 free bet benefitting the Injured Jockeys’ Friend with Ladbrokes and he placed it on Dorothy’s Friend in the Carvill Shergar Cup Stayers.

Rest Of The World manager Roberts - who rode Who’s Winning - added: “The draw beat me! He was a Christian of a horse but a decent one beat me. The ground is beautiful, it’s like a carpet out there. Unfortunately we’re five points down.”

Brendan Powell, who trained both horses, said: “Pic Up Sticks did that well and will hopefully go to York next year.”


FIRST RACE QUOTES
SODEXHO PRESTIGE SHERGAR CUP DISTAFF (HANDICAP)

MISSILE AIMS FOR BLACK TYPE

Ryan Moore helped Great Britain and Ireland cement an early 25-20 lead in the 2006 Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup when bringing 4/1 chance Dark Missile home to an easy success in the Sodexho Prestige Shergar Cup Distaff for trainer Andrew Balding.

Jeff Smith, who owns and bred the filly, hopes she can pick up some black type before the end of the year.

“She just didn’t like Goodwood last time at all, she just couldn’t act at all, but she had every chance today on her form at Newmarket before that,” said Smith. “It’s amazing the difference a track can make and she really hated Goodwood.

“She carries a lot of condition so takes her racing really well and she’s won pretty well today. We’ll have to go for a Listed race at some stage this season but I’m not sure where. She has the pace to win at five but I should think she’ll stick to six furlongs.”

Frankie Dettori, team captain of the Rest Of The World, just missed out in the opening Sodexho Prestige Shergar Cup Distaff, finishing a length and a half runner-up on Lady Livius behind Dark Missile, but the popular Italian still earned his team a valuable 10 points.

He said: “I never thought that I was going to win - when I looked across, I saw Ryan [Moore, winning rider] always going a little bit better. It’s good ground.”

Gerard Mosse, who finished sixth on Meditation, said: “The ground is good to soft, not that fast.”

Moore, who picked up 15 points for his team, said: “The ground is on the easy side, probably good ground that is slower in places.”

Michael Roberts, referring to his earlier second in the Ladbrokes Shergar Cup Duel, added: “It wasn’t one of my best races but I enjoyed it and Jason [Weaver] was sitting behind me with a double handful and he came past and it was game over.”

Australian Glen Boss and Canadian Emma-Jayne Wilson both enjoyed good experiences on their first rides at Ascot in the Sodehexo Prestige Shergar Cup Distaff, with Boss earning seven points for finishing third on Sling Back and Wilson collecting three points for finishing fifth on Secret Night.

Boss explained: “That was brilliant. The filly gave me a great first ride at Ascot and was very easy to ride. It is beautiful ground out there and it was good to get a few points for the team.”

Emma-Jayne Wilson commented: “That was a really good first experience of Ascot and I was pleased to score some points for the Rest of the World team. Hopefully, fifth will be my lowest placing of the day and that I will get a bit closer later in the day!”



RACE 2 PORTHAULT SHERGAR CUP JUVENILE


BELL ABUNDANCE OF RICHES IN JUVENILE DEPARTMENT

Michael Bell had the pleasure of saddling his second two-year-old winner in less than 24 hours after Eddie Jock had won this afternoon’s Porthault Shergar Cup Juvenile, adding to Furnace’s victory at Newmarket yesterday evening.

The Newmarket trainer said: “He is very progressive and since he was gelded, he has turned inside out. He was a bit unlucky last time out at Goodwood when giving 22lb to the winner and he didn’t really handle the track.

“He was entitled to win and I was worried about the second [Doctor Brown] who I know that they like but we were getting 3lb. Our fellow nearly won nurseries at Newmarket and Goodwood which takes a bit of doing.

“He will probably go for a Listed or Group race but I will have to sort things out with our juveniles. We also have Furnace [who is owned by Highclere Thoroughbred Racing] but it is a nice problem to have. Eddie will probably go for the Acomb Stakes, Solario Stakes or Sovereign Stakes. I think that he is up to performing well in Group company.

“He is not overbig but is very fit and it was a question of finding out from his racing how good he is.”

The winning owner, Colin Gershinson, is a new owner with Bell. The trainer added: “He is the friend of an owner who got him involved and he is a real gent.”

Eddie Jock continued the winning run for Great Britain and Ireland when taking the Porthault Shergar Cup Juvenile under Robert Winston and - with Jamie Spencer gaining another seven points when third on Johannesburg Jack - the home team had a commanding 52-33 lead after the second race.

Michael Roberts, Rest of The World’s manager, admitted “we’re in trouble” although there is ample time to make up the difference.

ROW captain Frankie Dettori has finished runner-up in both the first two races and he said of his Porthault Shergar Cup Juvenile second Doctor Jack: “He ran a good race but it was probably a furlong too far for him.”


Race 3 - Sodhexo Prestige Shergar Cup Sprint

SECOND VICTORY FOR MOORE AS GBI EXTEND LEAD

The Great Britain and Ireland team went further into the lead in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Stakes with 79 points, compared to the Rest of the World’s 46 points, when Come Out Fighting recorded a two-length victory over Didn’t We in the Sodhexo Prestige Shergar Cup Sprint. Jockey Ryan Moore was completing a 44/1 double, following the success of Dark Missile in the opener.

The winning rider commented: “I would say the ground is just on the easy side of good out there.

“He was relaxed and travelled well today. There was a good, even pace throughout the race.”

Paul Blockley, the successful trainer, added: “He ran well at Ripon last time, when there was some juice in the ground, although I don’t think the undulations suited him there. It was too firm for him at Ayr before that.

“I think he might have a decent handicap in him this season, providing the handicapper doesn’t put him up too much!

“Ryan has given him a super ride today.

“The ground has been wrong all year for a lot of our horses and we have been waiting for rain. Ascot have done a good job in watering the course.”

Doug Whyte showed his brilliance in the saddle on second-placed Didn’t We but the pair were no match for the winner, Come Out Fighting, in the Sodexho Shergar Cup Sprint.

The South African said: “I never thought that I was going to get there but he ran real good and gave his best. The winner was too strong on the day.”

When asked if it had been the plan to hold up his team’s horses in the race, Great Britain and Ireland team manager Jason Weaver said: “Sort of! When they started the race a few of the ROW boys were a bit keen and with the ground having a bit of dig, I thought holding up the horses might be a bit of an advantage.

“We got a nice tow into the race and the winner probably wasn’t given enough credit by the bookmakers.

“I also thought that Hayley Turner might snatch second on the eventual third Phantom Whisper.”

GBI has now taken a commanding 79-46 lead.

Weaver added: “I’m over the moon and we will see if it keeps going - we can still get beat. I would love to win now and can we stop the competition now! Roger Charlton has got a slight concern about the ground for Dorothy’s Friend in the Carvill Shergar Cup Stayers.”

Michael Roberts, team manager of the Rest of The World, added: “We’re in deep trouble now. I’ll be surprised if we can come back now - I thought this was the race in which we had a really good chance and the gap is getting bigger now. We’ve got three races to go but we pretty much need one-twos in every race and they are very strong in the stayers.”


FOURTH RACE QUOTES CARVILL SHERGAR CUP STAYERS

DOROTHY’S FRIEND COMES FROM BEHIND TO SCORE FOR GBI

The Great Britain and Ireland Team look virtually certain of victory in the 2006 Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Stayers after Seb Sanders steered 5/2 favourite Dorothy’s Friend from the back of the field to eventually register a four-length success.

“I had to work hard on him but when I turned for home I was pretty confident we would get there,” said Sanders.

Trainer Roger Charlton added: “There have been legitimate excuses for his recent runs. The Newcastle race came a bit soon, he wasn’t suited by the all-weather at Lingfield and then he got a bit too far back at Goodwood the other day.

“He is in the Ebor but I think the distance there is a bit too short for him and at this stage he’d be a doubtful runner.

“I was worried about the ground when I saw the earlier races today as he must have it pretty fast. I was seriously thinking of not running him but Seb said the ground should be OK.”

The Great Britain and Ireland team is close to winning the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup after they had the first four home in the Carvill Shergar Cup Stayers, earning them 37 points, while the Rest of the World only accrued seven points.

The overall score is now 116 to 53 in favour of GBI, whose team manager Jason Weaver said: “The boys are riding like the wind and I said during that race ‘Come on Seb [Sanders]’ and it was one of those moments and he didn’t let us down. The ROW have backed away and are running scared.

“It’s feeling good at the moment.”

The Injured Jockeys’ Fund has certainly benefitted as a result of Weaver’s efforts today. He earnt them £700 courtesy of official bookmaker Ladbrokes for losing a stone in weight before his Ladbrokes Shergar Cup Duel.

Then, he received a £200 free bet for winning the duel and placed it on Dorothy’s Friend, who justified 5/2 favouritism under Sanders, earning this worthwhile charity a further £700.

Nick Smith, Ascot’s Head of Public Relations, thinks that the ROW team could still pull off a miracle.

He said: “The ROW has a good chance of a clean sweep in the fifth race with Emma-Jayne Wilson having her best ride on Isidore Bonheur and Young Mick having an outstanding chance.

“It’s still mathematically possible for them to win and we’ll know after the next race if the competition is still going.

“What would be great would be for one of the ladies to win a race.”

Michael Roberts, Team Manager for the Rest of the World, was left wondering what might have been after a disappointing effort from the team in the Carvill Shergar Cup Stayers.

He said: “Glen Boss on Swordsman had a torrid time all the way through that race. The horse was pulling and tugging all the way and he just couldn’t switch him off.

“Going downhill at from the mile and a half start it is always hard to settle a horse.

“The winner was always travelling well. I thought Doug Whyte might have a bit of a chance when he came there on Wise Owl as he was in a great position but the winner was always going too well for any of our horses.”



FIFTH RACE QUOTES - MICHAEL PAGE INTERNATIONAL SHERGAR CUP CHALLENGE HANDICAP.

VICTORY TO GBI

With one leg to go, Great Britain and Ireland secured the 2006 Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup when - despite Young Mick’s victory for Rest of the World - they took an unassailable 133-76 lead in the penultimate Michael Page International Shergar Cup Challenge Handicap.

Jason Weaver, manager of the GBI team, said: “I said to the boys that this is a team and on a couple of occasions they rode very cleverly - especially in the Juvenile when there was a sea of white early on.

“It’s been very quiet in the weighing room from Mr Dettori today and it is nice to stuff it up him! It’s so nice to win one back this year.”

Weaver returned to the saddle to win the opening Ladbrokes Shergar Cup Duel on Pic Up Sticks and said: “Ascot was a lucky track for me when I was riding so it’s great to have ridden a winner on the new course. There was a bit of selfish pride as well as my two boys Max, whose three and a half, and Tyler, whose a year and a half, were able to see me ride a winner.

“I’d felt great tuning up for today and losing the weight but I’ve been dying with the lurgy for the last couple of days.”

ROW manager Michael Roberts was pleased that Young Mick’s rider Gerald Mosse was finally able to get on the scoresheet. Roberts said: “Gerald had the horse positioned all the way round, he really couldn’t have been in a better place. All the gaps came for him and he’s ridden a great race.”

ROW jockey captain Frankie Dettori added: “Unfortunately, the rain didn’t suit a lot of our horses. We’ve won it for three of the last four years so we had to give the GBI team some chance this year! Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be but we will be back next year.”

Young Mick’s victory in the Michael Page International Shergar Cup Challenge may not have prevented the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup from falling into the clutches of the Great Britain and Ireland Team, but it earned him a trip to York for the Ebor Handicap.

Winning trainer George Margarson, saddling the four-year-old to an amazing ninth success of the season, said: “He’s in the Ebor and he’s going there with a double handful.

“Today was nothing more than a gallop and I swear to God, we’ve done nothing with him at home since his last win and we came here for a gallop and we knew that if he finished in the first three, he will come on again.

“This was a prep for the Ebor and you couldn’t get a better gallop than that. I told Gerald to look after him as the horse is the Ebor favourite - he’s a superstar and a Godsend.

“I have had similar horses including Polar Gem, Barathea Guest and Touch Of Frost.

“I lost my temper with him in January as he wasn’t producing what I knew that he was capable of at home on the track. I started hammering him at home as the penny didn’t drop and then ran him four times in nine days and everything came together. We’ve been riding him differently and we now know how to ride him any way.

“He’ll canter 10 furlongs tomorrow and he’ll still be rearing up again on Monday. Unless it comes up very soft at York in which case he won’t run. He’ll sit in mid-division travelling and whether he gets home or not over the additional two furlongs, your guess is as good as mine.

“He’s also in the Melbourne Cup and everyone laughed but they’ll have to take him seriously now. Someone might want him for jumping and he might be a Champion Hurdle contender.

“Next season he’ll definitely be Listed class and perhaps Group 3 but these big handicaps is where the big money is and I might aim him at the Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes and the Ebor again.

“We’ve had quite a few offers for him but the owner is not a young man and he’s had a few good horses. He doesn’t need the money and he is enjoying the dream.”

Ladbrokes, today’s official bookmaker, cut the winner to 10/1 (from 12) for the Ebor.

Race 6 - Sony Shergar Cup Mile

THEBES GAINS COMPENSATION

Prince Of Thebes, third in a valuable mile handicap at Goodwood last week, gained ample compensation when getting up by a short-head in the last stride to defeat Tucker in the concluding Sony Shergar Cup Mile.

This was the five-year-old’s first success since last year and his second over a mile at Ascot.

John Akehurst, the successful trainer, commented: “It is only eight days since he had a hard race at Goodwood in a £150,000 handicap. He finished third that day but wherever you finish in those sort of races you are always going to have a hard race, so it was always a bit of a risk coming here.

“He’s done well to get up on the line and Seb (Sanders) has ridden a great race.

“He would have gone up 6lb after today so we had to come here.

“This horse has always been quirky and shown signs of temperament since I have trained him, which is always a worry.

“However, I have often found that if you can turn these sort of horses around, in the brain, then they can find a bit extra and put more effort into their races.”


The Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup has been praised by Shuji Kashiwada, general manager of the Japan Racing Association’s London office.

He said: “We already have a similar event but in a different format in Japan, where it is called the World Super Jockeys’ Series - it involves individual jockeys rather than a team competition. It has been going more than 10 years.

“This event at Ascot is very unique in how they select the horses for the jockeys and I enjoyed this afternoon very much. It is interesting that each team has a manager and a captain. I will be back next year.

“All of the Japanese jockeys are very interested in this event and one of our top jockeys, Yutaka Take, took part in 2004. He expected that he would be invited again but they invited Yuichi Fukunaga instead! Mr Take was very, very disappointed as he wanted to ride at the new Ascot.”


Jamie Spencer, captain of the Great Britain and Ireland team, said: “It was a really great day. There were a lot of young guys in the team who really shone today and I think everyone thoroughly enjoyed it.”

Frankie Dettori, captain of the Rest of the World team, said: “We had a great time. There were some great finishes and everyone enjoyed it.”

Emma-Jayne Wilson said: “It has definitely been a great experience and I was in awe of just being here.”

Glen Boss added: “I didn’t have a horse that came on today which was sad but the whole experience has been great. There was great crowd, great atmosphere and it’s an unbelievable racetrack.”

Ryan Moore, who rode two winners and two seconds and collected the Silver Saddle, said: “Everything ran really well but it would have been nice to have four winners. It was just luck of the draw - you can’t read much into it. I am sure that anyone else who had my rides would have done the same.”


Michael Roberts, team manager of the losing ROW team, said: “It is great for racing and there has got to be a loser. It would have been nice for it to have gone the other way around and the competition is now 2-2. Next year is the big one!”

Nick Smith, Ascot’s Head of PR, was delighted with the 2006 Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup day.

“It’s fabulous to bring the event back after a year away and it worked particularly well with our new parade ring as the focus of attention,” said Smith. “And obviously in an ideal world we would have liked to have seen the competition go right down to the wire.

“It was especially pleasing to have Emma-Jayne Wilson and Hayley Turner riding and the whole racecourse was willing on Hayley in the last race when she gave Tucker a fantastic ride to come back and just lose out.

“We will be back bigger and better next year.”

David Williams, spokesman for the event’s official bookmaker Ladbrokes, added: “We’ve been cleaned out by the results! But the early indications are that our turnover is up considerably on the 2004 event. There has been plenty of fun and has been great to be involved.”

Today’s crowd was 20,989 and the last time the Shergar Cup was held, in 2004, the attendance was 22,472.

DUBAI DUTY FREE SHERGAR CUP SILVER SADDLE JOCKEYS TABLE - FINAL STANDINGS

JOCKEY R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 TOTAL
RYAN MOORE (GBI) 15 - 15 10 10 - 50
SEB SANDERS (GBI) - - - 15 - 15 30
FRANKIE DETTORI (ROW) 10 10 - 4 5 - 29*
JAMIE SPENCER (GBI) 5 7 - 7 7 26
GERALD MOSSE (ROW) - - - - 15 7 22
DOUG WHYTE (ROW) - 3 10 3 - 5 21
ROBERT WINSTON (GBI) - 15 5 - - - 20
HAYLEY TURNER (GBI) - - 7 - - 10 17
GLEN BOSS (ROW) 7 - 3 - 3 - 13
MICHAEL KINANE (GBI) - 5 - 5 - - 10
EMMA JAYNE WILSON (ROW) 3 - - - - 4 7**
YUICHI FUKUNAGA (ROW) - - - - - 3 3

*Frankie Dettori total includes 4 points after non-runner in Race 4
**Emma Jayne Wilson total includes 4 points after non-runner in Race 6

TEAM TABLE - FINAL POINTS TOTALS

TEAM R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 TOTAL
GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND 20 27 27 37 17 25 158***
REST OF THE WORLD 20 13 13 7 23 19 95****

***GBI total includes 5 points after Ladbrokes Shergar Cup Duel
****ROW total includes 8 points after non-runners in Races 4 and 6

Scoring (points): 1st place: 15; 2nd place: 10; 3rd place: 7; 4th place: 5; 5th place: 3



GOING TODAY

The ground at Ascot is

GOOD TO FIRM

Chris Stickels, Ascot’s clerk of the course, said: “We were dry overnight and in fact have not had any rain since our last meeting here a fortnight ago so we have been watering since then.

“The Going Stick reading is 9.0 on the Round Course and 10.1 on the Straight Course and the average reading is 9.4. We are forecast occasional light showers through the afternoon.”


MARKET MOVERS

Pricewise’s selection Wise Owl has been the day’s steamer in the Carvill Shergar Cup Stayers at 3pm. Jeff Pearce’s charge - the mount of six-times Hong Kong champion Doug Whyte for the Rest Of The World (ROW) team - was available at 14/1 with VC Bet this morning but was soon shortened into 9/1. Stan James offered 10/1 on the four-year-old but cut him to 8/1 while bet365 go 8/1 from 11/1.

In the Sodexho Prestige Shergar Cup Sprint at 2.30pm, Grantley Adams - who Mick Kinane partners for Great Britain and Ireland (GBI) - is 7/2 from 9/2 with Stan James, VC Bet, Paddy Power and totesport.

Pevensey (ROW) has been trimmed from 7/1 to 6/1 with Stan James for the Michael Page International Shergar Cup Challenge at 3.35pm while the Wantage firm have also seen support for Royal Island (GBI) in the Sony Shergar Cup Mile at 4.10pm and Mark Johnston’s charge is now trading at 12/1 having been 18/1.

In the Sodexho Prestige Shergar Cup Distaff at 1.20pm, Dark Missile - the mount of GBI’s Ryan Moore - is an 11/4 chance from 7/2 with William Hill.

RESERVE RUNS IN
RACE FOUR

In race four, the Carvill Shergar Cup Stayers (3.00pm), number six MUDAWIN is a non-runner (vet’s certificate).

Under the rules of the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup, the first reserve TRANCE will now run for the Rest of the World Team and will be ridden by Emma Jayne Wilson.

FATE OF THE FAVOURITES IN THE DUBAI DUTY FREE SHERGAR CUP

In the last three renewals of the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup, the market has not always proved to be a reliable guide to the respective chances of the Great Britain & Ireland and Rest of the World teams.

In 2002, GBI was installed as 4/9 fav, with ROW at 13/8. This proved to a correct assessment as the home team won all six contests and secured the competition by 137 to 110 points.

However, a year later the opening show of 1/3 for GBI and 9/4 for ROW proved to be way off the mark, with ROW winning four races and landing the competition by 146 to 98 points.

Again, the last time the Blue Shergar Cup was run in 2004 GBI was made 1/2 after the draw with ROW at 6/4. Each side won three races each, with ROW coming out on top by 138 points to 102 after all the placings were taken into consideration.

GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND TEAM WARM UP WITH AUTOGRAPH SESSION

All of the Great Britain and Ireland team were on hand to sign autographs at today’s Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup for an eager crowd of racegoers of all ages.

When questioned about the team’s chances by a young racegoer, Team Manager Jason Weaver replied: “We’re an absolute certianty!”

Ryan Moore, likely to be champion jockey in Britain rhis year, retorted: “We might have had a chance if Jason had made better choices!”

When asked what his best chances were for the afternoon, Jamie Spencer’s advice was: “I’m not sure at this stage. I think this rain might have got into the ground and we will know more after the first race, but I would be looking for horses that go on soft ground.”

One older female racegoer wanted to know who was riding Dorothy’s Friend (Carvill Shergar Cup Stayers). Seb Sanders said that he was, to which she replied: “I hope you will be my friend at the end of the day!”

Robert Winston nominated Ingleby Arch (Sodhexo Prestige Shergar Sprint) and Tarandot (Carvill Shergar Cup Stayers) as his best rides of the day.

REST OF THE WORLD AUTOGRAPH SESSION

All of the riders representing the Rest of the World Team and the Great Britain and Ireland Team, together with the respective team managers, Michael Roberts and Jason Weaver, made themselves available to celebrate the day by signing autographs.

Members of the Rest of the World Team bantered with their fans:

Frankie Dettori, team captain, said: “Are you enjoying it?” when one lady said that she was reading his autobiography. The popular Italian, referring to his short haircut, said: “Get some caps for me and Glen [Boss] as we are getting a bit short on top! It’s growing back slowly - we keep watering it! My wife messed up.” Asked if he would be conducting a flying dismount, he replied: “I have got to win first!” After signing a racegoer’s shirt, he said: “My mount in the second race [Doctor Brown in the Porthault Shergar Cup Juvenile] is my best ride.”

Glen Boss said: “We will have some fun - don’t worry about that! My trip is going real good actually.” Talking to a lady celebrating her 18th birthday, he said: “Who’s the Birthday girl? Happy birthday.” He also complimented a lady, saying “I love your hat, very nice.” When asked if his team would win, he replied: “I hope so - we’ll have a crack at it anyway.”

Emma-Jayne Wilson said: “Are you cold?” to one youngster. Asked if she was fit, she replied: “Yes - I ride races in Canada!” When one racegoer had the audacity to say that they hoped the GBI team would win, she booed and answered with a thumbs down! Another racegoer informed the jockey that they would be attending this year’s Canadian International at Woodbine in Toronto and she said: “Excellent - it’s a good time to come.”One other young enthusiast stated that he was excited about this afternoon’s fun event and she answered: “Yes, me too.”

Doug Whyte said, when asked if he was keeping warm with a cup of coffee, “That’s right - a flask of coffee!”

Michael Roberts said, when asked if he was fit, “Alright - not 100%,” with a massive smile on his face.

LADBROKES - “OFFICIAL BOOKMAKER” FOR THE DUBAI DUTY FREE SHERGAR CUP - EARLY MARKET MOVES

Ladbrokes - the Official Bookmaker for the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup - has seen sustained support for Emma-Jayne Wilson, the riding phenomenon from Canada representing the Rest of the World Team today, in a ladies’ match bet against Hayley Turner, the joint-champion British apprentice appearing for the Great Britain and Ireland Team, since the two riders’ mounts were revealed at Thursday’s draw ceremony.

The Magic Sign originally made Turner the 4-6 favourite, while Wilson was installed at 11-10. However, the Canadian was backed off the boards on Friday morning and the bookmaker is now unable to separate the pair, going 5-6 each of two. It is possible that Wilson will be favourite by the start of the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup.

The exciting Ladbrokes Shergar Cup Duel, run prior to the first official race today, features former riders Michael Roberts and Jason Weaver, the team captains, in a match on the Brendan Powell-trained pair of Who’s Winning and Pic Up Sticks respectively. The winner will gain five valuable points for their team.

South African Roberts is 8-11 favourite with Ladbrokes, while Weaver is evens, although the Official Bookmaker is laying the outsider.

It is the same story with the outright team betting for the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup with Ladbrokes reporting support for outsider the GBI Team (11/10), possibly from loyal punters, with the ROW Team trading at 4-6 favourite.

It may not be a disadvantage to be less fancied in this market, however, as for the last two runnings the outsider has come out in front.

The last renewal in 2004 saw the ROW Team prevail at 6-4 (immediately after the draw) from their 1-2 favourite rivals.

The previous year was a similar story with ROW scoring again despite their odds of 9-4, with GBI at 1-3 favourite.

Ladbrokes has so far held its prices for today’s six races but the best backed horse of the day has been the Jeff Pearce-trained Wise Owl, a winner at Wolverhampton in March, who is the Racing Post’s Pricewise selection and is a 9-1 chance for the Carvill Shergar Cup Stayers’ (3.00pm) with the Official Bookmaker.

The firm has also seen cash for Michael Bell’s Eddie Jock, a winner at Brighton and Newmarket this year, and a 3-1 chance in the Porthault Shergar Cup Juvenile (1.55pm).

David Williams, spokesman for Ladbrokes, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring for the first time and the Ladbrokes Shergar Cup Duel between the two managers gets the day off to an exciting and competitive start - there will be no holds barred although it is a bit of fun and points are points. We are looking forward to a fantastic clash.”




FIRST RACE RESULT

1.20pm SODEXHO PRESTIGE SHERGAR CUP DISTAFF
Class 2, Handicap, £30,000 guaranteed. For 3yo+ fillies & mares rated 0-100, 6f. Weights: highest weight 10st; minimum weight 8st 9lb (3yo 8st 5lb). Penalties after July 22, a winner 3lb. Weight for age: 3 from 4yo + 4lb. Sierra Vista’s Handicap Mark: 100. Entries: 46. Confirmed: 22 pay £0. Penalty value: 1st £14,772; 2nd £5,172; 3rd £2,364; 4th £1,845; 5th £1,626; 6th £1,182
GBI PICKED FIRST

1 DARK MISSILE (Jeff Smith) Andrew Balding 3-8-13 [7] Ryan Moore GBI 4/1
2 LADY LIVIUS (Mrs John Lee) Richard Hannon 3-9-02 [2] Frankie Dettori ROW 12/1
3 SLING BACK (Wavelength Syndicate) Eamon Tyrrell IRE 5 8-09 [9] Glen Boss ROW 10/1
4 TAGULA SUNRISE (David Knaggs & Mel Roberts) Richard Fahey 4-9-06 [10] Jamie Spencer GBI 7/2F
5 SECRET NIGHT (Hants And Herts) James Toller 3-8-08 [4] Emma-Jayne Wilson ROW
6 MEDITATION (Paddy Barrett) Ian Wood 4-8-09 (3lb ex) [5] Gerald Mosse ROW
7 BOUBOULINA (Gainsborough Stud) Ed Dunlop 3-9-04 [3] Seb Sanders GBI
8 SIERRA VISTA (David Metcalfe) David Barker 6-10-00 [6] Hayley Turner GBI
9 FOLGA (The Thrill Seekers) James Given 4-9-10 [8] Yuichi Fukunaga ROW
10 AUWITESWEETHEART (D R Windebank) Rod Millman 4-8-09 [1] Michael Kinane GBI

Points After Race 1
Great Britain & Ireland: 25 (including 5 points for Team Manager Jason Weaver winning Ladbrokes Shergar Cup Duel)
Rest of the World: 20

10 ran
Distances: 1 1/2l, 1l, 1l, head, 1 1/4l, 1l, 3 1/2l, 1/2l, 3l
Winning time: 1m 14.89s
Breeder: Littleton Stud
Breeding: b f Night Shift (USA) - Exorcet (FR) (Selkirk (USA))
Tote: Win £5.00; Places £1.80, £2.30 ,£2.50; Exacta £36.30

Winning trainer:- Name: Andrew Balding Born: December 29, 1972 Based: Kingsclere Stables, Newbury, Berkshire Background: Son of former trainer Ian Balding, who retired at the end of 2002 having won the 1971 Vodafone Derby with Mill Reef as well as a whole host of other top races. Previously worked for uncle, Toby Balding, and assisted Lynda Ramsden for two years. Sister is Clare Balding, the BBC racing and sports presenter. Classic Successes: (1) Vodafone Oaks (2003 Casual Look) First Winner: Easter Ogil, Bet Direct Football Cashbacks Classified Stakes, Lingfield, January 11, 2003 Other Major Wins: Canadian International (2003 Phoenix Reach), Diomed Stakes (2004 Passing Glance), Dubai Sheema Classic (2005 Phoenix Reach), Hong Kong Vase (2004 Phoenix Reach) Number of horses in training (2003-2005): 114; 128; 133; 128 Number of wins in a season (2003-2005): 54; 48; 40 Wins in 2006: 36

Winning Jockey :- Name: Moore, Ryan Lee Born: September 18, 1983 Other Details: Apprenticed to Richard Hannon having previously been with his father Gary at Woodingdean in Brighton First winner: Mersey Beat (Land Rover Defender Amateur Riders’ Handicap Hurdle, Towcester, May 15, 2000) Major Wins: Celebration Mile (2005 Chic); totesport Cesarewitch (2002 Miss Fara); Dubai International Airport World Trophy (2004, 2005 The Tatling); Fred Darling Stakes (2006 Nasheej); Further Flight Stakes (2006 Frank Sonata); Henry II Stakes (2006 Tungsten Strike); Lancashire Oaks (2006 Allegretto); Mill Reef Stakes (2004 Galeota); Skybet York Stakes (2006 Best Alibi); Steventon Stakes (2006 Tam Lin) Number of Wins 2002-05: 39; 59 (champion apprentice); 132; 120 Wins in 2006: 120



SECOND RACE RESULT

1.55pm PORTHAULT SHERGAR CUP JUVENILE
Class 2, Auction Stakes,£30,000 guaranteed. For 2yo which were sold or bought in as yearlings by public auction (under the hammer) or as 2yo at the “Breeze Up” sales for 72,000 guineas or less after June 30, 2005 (last sale to govern the price if sold more than once), 7f. Weights: colts & geldings 9st 2lb; fillies 8st 11lb. Penalties: for each Class 4 race won 3lb; for each Class 3 race won 5lb; for each Class 1 or 2 race won 7lb (nursery handicaps excluded for the purpose of penalties; penalties cumulative and maximum penalty 12lb). Allowances: horses sold or bought in for 65,000 guineas or less 1lb; for 55,000 guineas or less 2lb; for 45,000 guineas or less 3lb; for 35,000 guineas or less 4lb (To calculate allowances for horses sold before July 1, 2005, add an additional 3,000 guineas to horses auction price). Entries: 117. Confirmed: 37. Penalty value: 1st £14,772; 2nd £5,172; 3rd £2,364; 4th £1,845; 5th £1,626; 6th £1,182
ROW PICKED FIRST

1 EDDIE JOCK (Colin Gershinson) Michael Bell 2-8-12 [10] Robert Winston GBI 10-3
2 DOCTOR BROWN (J S Threadwell) Brian Meehan 2-9-01 [2] Frankie Dettori ROW 11/8F
3 JOHANNESBURG JACK (Michael Lynch) Hughie Morrison 2-9-04 [4] Jamie Spencer GBI 12/1
4 SLIPASEARCHER (Barry McCabe) David Evans 2-8-07 [5] Michael Kinane GBI
5 ARMIGERENT (Joy & Valentine Feerick) Mark Johnston 2-8-12 [1] Doug Whyte ROW
6 CAPE SCHANCK (Jane Chapple-Hyam) Jane Chapple-Hyam 2 8-12 [3] Seb Sanders GBI
7 ZAFONICAL STORM (Briton International) Brendan Duke 2-9-01 [9] Hayley Turner GBI
8 GRAND PRIX (Jenny Powell) Richard Hannon 2-9-01 [8] Gerald Mosse ROW
9 HYTHE BAY (Eastwell Manor Racing Ltd) Richard Phillips 2-8-07 [6] Emma-Jayne Wilson ROW
10 GOING STRAIGHT (Christopher Shankland) Ian Wood 2-8-07 [7] Yuichi Fukunaga ROW
GBI: 27; RoW: 13

Total Points After Race 2
Great Britain & Ireland: 52
Rest of the World: 33

10 ran
Distances: 4l, 5l, 6l, 2l, 1/2l, 1 1/4l, 7l, 6l, 3 1/2l
Winning time: 1m 28.71s
Breeder: J Egan, J Corcoran And J Judd
Breeding: ch g Almutawakel - Al Euro (FR) (Mujtahid (USA))
Tote: Win £4.70; Places £1.70, £1.20 ,£2.30; Exacta £10.60

Winning trainer:-Name: Bell, Michael Leopold Wentworth Date of birth: 10/10/60 Date of first licence:1989 First winner: Pass The Peace, Fred Darling Stakes, Newbury, April 14, 1989 Previous Occupation: Assistant for three years with Mercy Rimell, three years with Paul Cole and a period with Comte Roland de Chambure in France. Number of wins in a season (1989-2005): 18: 21: 43: 39: 42: 55: 42: 46: 34: 41: 70: 52: 45: 52: 35: 55: 39 Horses in training (1989-2006): 30: 47: 53: 65: 75: 79: 90: 88: 81: 77: 81: 95: 97: 94: 89: 92: 94: 89 British Classic Winner: Vodafone Derby (2005 Motivator) Major wins include: Fred Darling Stakes (1989 Pass The Peace), Italian Oaks (2001 Zanzibar),July Stakes (2003 Nevisian Lad), Mill Reef Stakes (1994 Princely Hush), Molecomb Stakes (1994 Hoh Magic), Nell Gwyn Stakes (1992 A-To-Z), Prix Morny (1994 Hoh Magic), St Simon Stakes (1994 Persian Brave), Trains at Fitzroy House, Newmarket, Suffolk. Wins in 2006: 29 Royal Ascot wins: (2) - Windsor Castle Stakes (2002 Revenue); Sandringham Handicap (2006 Red Evie)

Winning jockey:-Name: Winston, Robert Francis Born: November 28, 1979 in Dublin Career: Appointed stable jockey to Jack and Lynda Ramsden on their return to England in 2001. Now freelance. Based: York First winner: The Butterwick Kid (Trent Bridge Handicap, April 21, 1997, Nottingham) First Group 1 winner: Cheveley Park Stakes (2004 Magical Romance - a chance ride after Jimmy Fortune was sidelined at a late stage) First Group winner: Golden Nun (2004 Ballyogan Stakes) Big Race Wins include: Cheveley Park Stakes (2004 Magical Romance), Gosforth Park Cup (2004 Caribbean Coral), John Smith’s Cup (2004 Arcalis), Lincoln (2004 Stream Of Gold), Stewards’ Cup (1998 Superior Premium), Vodafone Dash Handicap (2001 Bishops Court, 2004 Caribbean Coral), Wins (1997-2005): 22, 39, 54*, 43, 62, 59, 93, 114, 124 (*champion apprentice), 96 Wins this year: 101 First Classic Ride: Shamrock City, 2000 2000 Guineas, 23rd First Listed win for Sir Michael Stoute: Pipalong Stakes (Red Bloom, Pontefract, June 6, 2005) No. of Royal Ascot Successes: (1) First Royal Ascot Success: Norfolk Stakes (2005 Masta Plasta



THIRD RACE RESULT

2.30pm SODHEXO PRESTIGE SHERGAR CUP SPRINT
Class 2, Handicap, £30,000 guaranteed. For 3yo rated 0-100, 6f. Weights: highest weight 9st 12lb; minimum weight 8st 7lb. Penalties: after July 22, a winner 3lb. Angus News’s Handicap Mark: 100. Entries: 47. Confirmed: 21 pay £0 Penalty value: 1st £14,772; 2nd £5,172; 3rd £2,364; 4th £1,845; 5th £1,626; 6th £1,182

ROW PICKED FIRST

1 COME OUT FIGHTING (M J Wiley) Paul Blockley 3 9-01 [1] Ryan Moore GBI 8/1
2 DIDN’T WE (Miss J A Leighs) Terry Mills b3-8-11 [4] Doug Whyte ROW 13/2
3 PHANTOM WHISPER (Tina Ann Dormer) Rod Millman 3 9-00 [2] Hayley Turner GBI 20/1
4 INGLEBY ARCH (Dave Scott) David Barron 3-9-09 [6] Robert Winston GBI
5 KING ORCHISIOS (Mr & Mrs Julian & Rosie Richer) Kevin Ryan 3-9-08 [10] Glen Boss ROW
6 GRANTLEY ADAMS (Mrs T G Trant) Mick Channon 3-9-05 [7] Michael Kinane GBI 10-3F
7 GAMBLE IN GOLD (Ms R Z Stephenson) Richard Hannon 3-9-02 [8] Gerald Mosse ROW
8 CURTAIL (Gordon McDowall) Ian Semple 3-9-10 [9] Jamie Spencer GBI
9 SWEET AFTON (M McLoughlin) Eamon Tyrrell IRE 3-9-04 [5] Yuichi Fukunaga ROW
10 ANGUS NEWZ (J G Dooley) Mick Quinn v3-9-12 [3] Frankie Dettori ROW
GBI: 27; RoW: 13

Total Points After Race 3
Great Britain & Ireland: 79
Rest of the World: 46

10 ran
Distances: 2l, head, 1l, neck, 3/4l, 1l, 2l, 2 1/2l, 3 1/2l
Winning time: 1m 14.68s
Breeder: G J Hamer
Breeding: b c Bertolini (USA) - Ulysses Daughter (IRE) (College Chapel)
Tote: Win £11.10; Places £3.00, £2.00 ,£7.10; Exacta £89.20

Winning Jockey :- Name: Moore, Ryan Lee Born: September 18, 1983 Other Details: Apprenticed to Richard Hannon having previously been with his father Gary at Woodingdean in Brighton First winner: Mersey Beat (Land Rover Defender Amateur Riders’ Handicap Hurdle, Towcester, May 15, 2000) Major Wins: Celebration Mile (2005 Chic); totesport Cesarewitch (2002 Miss Fara); Dubai International Airport World Trophy (2004, 2005 The Tatling); Fred Darling Stakes (2006 Nasheej); Further Flight Stakes (2006 Frank Sonata); Henry II Stakes (2006 Tungsten Strike); Lancashire Oaks (2006 Allegretto); Mill Reef Stakes (2004 Galeota); Skybet York Stakes (2006 Best Alibi); Steventon Stakes (2006 Tam Lin) Number of Wins 2002-05: 39; 59 (champion apprentice); 132; 120 Wins in 2006: 121

Winning trainer Blockley, Paul Born: September 13, 1959 Based: Coedkernew, Newport and Lambourn Background: orphaned at the age of five, he worked in various yards including as a groom for Reg Akehurst. He assisted trainer Tom Bill before setting up as a trainer on the Bethell Estate in Yorkshire in 1986. Moved to the Midlands and quit training due to financial pressures. Returned to train in Yorkshire in the early 1990s but the death of his main patron prompted a switch to Belgium where low prize money forced him to quit. Returned to Britain to work as assistant to Russell Wilman and took out a licence to train at Southwell racecourse in 2003. He is now based near Newport in South Wales, whilst also operating a satellite yard for his two-year-olds in Lambourn since March 2006. Big Race Wins: Great St Wilfrid Handicap (2003 Hidden Dragon) Wins in 2003-2005: 26; 50; 43 Number of horses in training (2004-2006): 65; 67; 67 Achievements: All-weather champion trainer in 2003/04 and 2004/2005 (24 wins) Wins in 2006: 26



FOURTH RACE RESULT

3.00pm CARVILL SHERGAR CUP STAYERS
Class 2, Handicap, £30,000 guaranteed. For 4yo+ rated 0-100, 2m. Weights: highest weight 9st 12lb; minimum weight 8st 7lb. Penalties: after July 22, a winner 3lb. Cavallino’s Handicap Mark: 99. Entries: 38 Confirmed: 18 pay £0. Penalty value: 1st £14,772; 2nd £5,172; 3rd £2,364; 4th £1,845; 5th £1,626; 6th £1,182

GBI PICKED FIRST

1 DOROTHY’S FRIEND (Mountgrange Stud) Roger Charlton 6-9-03 [7] Seb Sanders GBI 5/2F
2 MCELDOWNEY (C G Maybury) Mark Johnston 4 8-13 [3] Ryan Moore GBI 9/2
3 CASUAL GLANCE (Kingsclere Stud) Andrew Balding 4-8-12 [5] Jamie Spencer GBI 10/1
4 REHEARSAL (Elite Racing Club) Len Lungo 5-9-04 [1] Michael Kinane GBI
5 WISE OWL (S Birdseye) Jeff Pearce 4-8-10 [2] Doug Whyte ROW
6 TRANCE (Nigel Shields) David Barron p6-8-09 Emma-Jayne Wilson ROW
7 CAVALLINO (Investment AB Rustningen) Roy Kvisla t6-9-12 [4] Yuichi Fukunaga ROW
8 SWORDSMAN (John O’Connor) Michael Bell b4-9-03 [8] Glen Boss ROW
9 TARANDOT (Norcroft Park Stud) George Margarson 5-9-06 [6] Robert Winston GBI
GBI: 37; ROW: 7

Points After Race 4
Great Britain & Ireland: 116
Rest of the World: 53

9 ran
Non-runners: 6 Mudawin (vet certificate), 9 Quizzene (ground - 4 points awarded to ROW)
Distances: 4l, 1 ½l, neck, 3 ½l, 3l, 3/4l, 1 3/4l, 18
Winning time: 3m 30.16s
Breeder: Floors Farming And Christopher J Heath
Breeding: b g Grand Lodge (USA) - Isle Of Flame (Shirley Heights)
Tote: Win £3.00; Places £1.50, £2.00 ,£3.20; Exacta £11.30

Winning trainer:-Name Charlton, Roger John Born: Connah’s Quay, Flintshire, 18/1/50 First winner: Deploy (Haydock, April 14, 1990) Date of first licence:1990 Trains at Beckhampton, Marlborough, Wiltshire Previous Occupation: Amateur rider (three wins including 1969 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Chase on Pride Of Kentucky), worked for Colin Davies, stockbroker, 1975-77 ran equine swimming pool in Lambourn, 1978-89 assistant to Jeremy Tree Classic win: (1) Vodafone Derby (1990 Quest For Fame) Other major wins include: Cambridgeshire (2005 Blue Monday), Criterion Stakes (1993 Inchinor), Dante Stakes (1990 Sanglamore), French Derby (1990 Sanglamore), Greenham Stakes (1993 Inchinor), Hungerford Stakes (1993 Inchinor), John Porter Stakes (1996 Spout), Lancashire Oaks (1996 Spout), Lingfield Derby Trial (1996 Mystic Knight), Palace House Stakes (2005 Avonbridge), Prix de l’Opera (1994 Andromaque), Prix d’Ispahan (1991 Sanglamore), Prix de l’Abbaye (2003 Patavellian, 2005 Avonbridge), Rockfel Stakes (2002 Luvah Girl), Sandown Mile (1997 Wixim), Scottish Classic (1995 Baron Ferdinand), Stanley Leisure Sprint Cup (1998 Tamarisk), Vodafone Stewards’ Cup (1999 Harmonic Way, 2003 Patavellian) Royal Ascot wins: (6) Wins in a season (1990-2005): 37; 26; 43; 47; 48; 42; 52; 40; 22; 30; 34; 33; 56; 57; 36; 43 Number of horses in training (1990-2006): 73; 73; 70; 79; 93; 109; 104; 110; 96; 70; 75; 84; 76; 91; 105; 97; 100 Wins in 2006: 17

Winning jockey:-Name: Sanders, Sebastian Date of birth: 25/9/71 Background: appointed stable jockey to Sir Mark Prescott at beginning of 2004 campaign First winner: Band On The Run (Pontefract, Whitelane Apprentice Series Stakes, June 12, 1990) Classic Wins: 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), Mill Reef Stakes (1998 Golden Silca), Oak Tree Stakes (2002 Desert Alchemy), Palace House Stakes (2003 Needwood Blade), Royal Lodge Stakes (1997 Teapot Row), Vodafone Stewards’ Cup (2004 Pivotal Point), totesport Mile (2006 Spectait) Wins (1991-2005): 2, 10, 7, 23, 61*, 97, 105, 82, 90, 80, 83, 123, 101, 165, 142 *champion apprentice Wins in 2006: 77 Royal Ascot wins: (2) Wokingham Handicap (1995 Astrac), Duke Of Endinburgh Stakes (2004 Wunderwood) First Goodwood win: Hi-Aud (Jacob’s Bakery Nursery, September 30, 1994)



FIFTH RACE RESULT

3.35pm MICHAEL PAGE INTERNATIONAL SHERGAR CUP CHALLENGE
Class 2, Handicap, £40,000 guaranteed. For 4yo+ rated 0-100, 1m 4f. Weights: highest weight 9st 12lb; minimum weight 8st 7lb. Penalties: after July 22, a winner 3lb. Young Mick’s Handicap Mark: 96. Entries: 48. Confirmed: 20 pay £0. Penalty value: 1st £19,696; 2nd £6,896; 3rd £3,152; 4th £2,460; 5th £2,168; 6th £1,576

ROW PICKED FIRST

1 YOUNG MICK (Michael Kentish) George Margarson v4-9-13 (3lb ex) [6] Gerald Mosse ROW 9/4F
2 TI ADORA (Jan Harris) Paul D́Arcy 4-8-10 [7] Ryan Moore GBI 12/1
3 MIKAO (Ben Allen) Mark Tompkins 5-9-03 [9] Jamie Spencer GBI 9/1
4 PEVENSEY (Chris Buckley) Mark Buckley 4-9-03 [4] Frankie Dettori ROW
5 NERO’S RETURN (Christine Budden) Mark Johnston 5 8-11 [1] Glen Boss ROW
6 ISIDORE BONHEUR (John McAleese, Hubert Brown Kerr) Alan Swinbank 5-9-02 [3] Emma-Jayne Wilson ROW
7 CHANTACO (The Pink Hat Racing Partnership) Andrew Balding 4-9-12 [2] Hayley Turner GBI
8 TOP SEED (John Livock Bloodstock Ltd) Mick Channon 5-9-04 [5] Robert Winston GBI
9 NAWAMEES (Paul Stamp) Gary Moore p8-9-06 [10] Seb Sanders GBI
10 WINGMAN (Donald Kerr) John Hills p4-9-02 [8] Doug Whyte ROW
GBI: 17; ROW: 23

Total Points After Race 5
Great Britain & Ireland: 133
Rest of the World: 76

10 ran
Distances: 1l, 1 1/4l, 3/4l, 1l, 1l, head, 1/2l, 1/2l, 3l
Winning time: 2m 31.47s
Breeder: Michael Kentish
Breeding: br g King’s Theatre (IRE) - Just Warning (Warning)
Tote: Win £2.50; Places £1.70, £2.50, £2.80; Exacta £29.60

Winning jockey:-Name: Mosse, Gerald Date of birth: 3/1/68 Apprenticeship: With Patrick Biancone. Major wins include: Coronation Stakes (1993 Gold Splash), St James’s Palace Stakes (1999 Sendawar), Prix du Jockey-Club (1994 Celtic Arms, 1996 Ragmar), Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (1990 Saumarez), Prix de Diane (1988 Resless Kara, 1993 Shemaka, 1997 Vereva, 1999 Daryaba); Poule d’Essai des Poulains (1999 Sendawar, 1997 Daylami, 1996 Ashkalani); Prix Vermeille (1994 Sierra Madre, 1999 Daryaba); Prix Lupin (1994 Celtic Arms); Prix Ganay (1996 Valanour, 1999 Dark Moondancer); Prix du Moulin (1991 Priolo, 1996 Ashkalani, 1999 Sendawar); Prix Jean Prat (1990 Priolo; 2000 Suances); Grand Prix de Paris (1995 Valanour); Prix Morny (1988 Tersa, 1991 Arazi, 1997 Charges d’Affaires, 2000 Bad As I Wanna Be); Criterium de Saint-Cloud (1989 Intimiste); Prix Marcel Boussac (1992 Gold Splash, 1993 Sierra Madre); Prix Robert Papin (1991 Arazi); Prix de la Salamandre (1991 Arazi); Prix du Moulin (1991 Priolo); Prix du Cadran (1999 Tajoun), Prix Royal Oak (1997 Ebadiyla, 1998 Tiraaz), Hong Kong Cup (1999 Jim And Tonic), Prix d’Ispahan (2000 Sendawar), Nunthorpe Stakes (2000 Nuclear Debate), Prix Maurice de Gheest (1989 Cricket Ball, 1994 Dolphin Street, 2002 May Ball) Royal Ascot wins: (3) Coronation Stakes (June 16, 1993, Gold Splash), St James’s Palace Stakes (June 15, 1999, Sendawar), King’s Stand Stakes (June 20, 2000, Nuclear Debate) First Royal Ascot wins: Coronation Stakes (June 16, 1993, Gold Splash) Other details: FormerFrench champion apprentice Wins in Britain in 2006: 1

Winning trainer:-Name: Margarson, George Date of Birth: September 12, 1952 Date of First Licence: November 1996 Previous Experience: Worked for Harry Wharton, Geoff Toff, John Bingham and Mick Ryan Trains at: Graham Lodge, Newmarket Wins (1995-2005): 0,3,7,2,9,5,12,14,13,19,6 Horses In Training (2000-2006): 23, 25, 37, 43, 33, 33, 30 Major Wins Include: Greenham Stakes (2000 Barathea Guest), Bunbury Cup (2001 Atavus), National Bank Of Dubai Cup (2006 Young Mick), Tote International (2001 Atavus) Wins in 2006: 16 Royal Ascot Wins: (1) Duke Of Edinburgh Handicap (2006 Young Mick) First Royal Ascot Winner: Young Mick, Duke Of Edinburgh Handicap, June 24, 2006 First Goodwood winner: Kyle Of Lochalsh (May 29, 2003, Aviation Industries Handicap Stakes)



SIXTH RACE RESULT

4.10pm SONY SHERGAR CUP MILE
Class 2, Handicap, £40,000 guaranteed. For 4yo+ rated 0-100, 1m. Weights: highest weight 9st 12lb; minimum weight 8st 7lb. Penalties: after July 22, a winner 3lb. Royal Island’s Handicap Mark: 100. Entries: 79. Confirmed: 38 pay £0. Penalty value: 1st £19,696; 2nd £6,896; 3rd £3,152; 4th £2,460; 5th £2,168; 6th £1,576

GBI PICKED FIRST

1 PRINCE OF THEBES (Canisbay Bloodstock) John Akehurst 5-9-05 [3] Seb Sanders GBI 9/2
2 TUCKER (Mrs A M Richards) Walter Swinburn p4-9-10 [6] Hayley Turner GBI 16/1
3 APPALACHIAN TRAIL (G L S Partnership) Ian Semple b5-9-11 [2] Gerald Mosse ROW 7/2F
4 BUSTAN (Tom Morley) Giles Bravery 7-9-09 [10] Doug Whyte ROW
5 HARTSHEAD (B Valentine) Alan Swinbank 7-9-08 (3lb ex) [4] Yuichi Fukunaga ROW
6 PENTECOST (J C, J R & S R Hitchens) Andrew Balding 7-9-12 [5] Michael Kinane GBI
7 RED SPELL (Mrs John Lee) Richard Hannon p5-9-04 [1] Glen Boss ROW
8 ROYAL ISLAND (Markus Graff) Mark Johnston 4 9-12 [8] Ryan Moore GBI
9 JALAMID (Tom Morley) Giles Bravery t4-9-05 [9] Robert Winston GBI
GBI: 25; ROW: 19

Points After Race 6
Great Britain & Ireland: 158
Rest of the World: 95

9 ran
Non-runner: 10 Flipando (4 points awarded to ROW)
Distances: Short-head, 1/2l, 1 1/4l, short-head, 1/2l, short-head, 1/2l, 5l
Winning time: 1m 40.29s
Breeder: Mrs A Rothschild And London Thoroughbred Services
Breeding: b g Desert Prince (IRE) - Persian Walk (FR) (Persian Bold)
Tote: Win £4.30; Places £1.50, £4.40, £2.00; Exacta £92.90

Winning Trainer:-Name: Akehurst, Jonathan (John) Born: 28/04/61 Based: South Hatch Stables, Epsom Former Career: Amateur jockey. Worked for Stan Mellor and Fulke Walwyn. Son of former trainer Reg Akehurst Date of First Licence: June 1 1990 Horses In Training (1991-2006): 17; 27; 23; 20; 23; 22; 14; 43; 24; 22; 28; 28; 26; 25; 38; 32 Wins 2001-2005: 13; 14; 15; 14; 18 First Goodwood winner: Hi-Aud (Jacob’s Bakery Nursery, September 30, 1994) Total Goodwood wins: 7 (none at July Meeting) Wins this year: 11 Royal Ascot Wins (1): Wokingham Stakes (2002 Capricho)

Winning jockey:-Name: Sanders, Sebastian Date of birth: 25/9/71 Background: appointed stable jockey to Sir Mark Prescott at beginning of 2004 campaign First winner: Band On The Run (Pontefract, Whitelane Apprentice Series Stakes, June 12, 1990) Classic Wins: 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), Mill Reef Stakes (1998 Golden Silca), Oak Tree Stakes (2002 Desert Alchemy), Palace House Stakes (2003 Needwood Blade), Royal Lodge Stakes (1997 Teapot Row), Vodafone Stewards’ Cup (2004 Pivotal Point), totesport Mile (2006 Spectait) Wins (1991-2005): 2, 10, 7, 23, 61*, 97, 105, 82, 90, 80, 83, 123, 101, 165, 142 *champion apprentice Wins in 2006: 78 Royal Ascot wins: (2) Wokingham Handicap (1995 Astrac), Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes (2004 Wunderwood) First Goodwood win: Hi-Aud (Jacob’s Bakery Nursery, September 30, 1994)

THE VALUE BETTING COLUMN EVERY SATURDAY

HAYDOCK, SATURDAY, AUGUST 12, 2006

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