Thursday, September 9, 2004

BETFAIR.COM ST LEGER FESTIVAL
DONCASTER, GNER LADIES DAY
RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2004

Form Horse Age/Wt Owner Trainer Jockey Draw
0(3)-02113 ALBINUS 3-9-00 Kirsten Rausing Andrew Balding Martin Dwyer 3
0-211111 DARSALAM (IRE) 3-9-00 Turan Stables Arslangirey Shavuyev CZE Stanley Chin 10
00-61311 FRANK SONATA 3-9-00 Adams, Flynn, Arnold Mick Quinlan Ryan Moore 8
1-323 GO FOR GOLD (IRE) 3-9-00 Michael Tabor & Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE Seb Sanders 1
12-13352 LET THE LION ROAR 3-9-00 Neil Jones John Dunlop Richard Quinn 2
414-221 MARAAHEL (IRE) 3-9-00 Hamdan Al Maktoum Sir Michael Stoute Richard Hills 5
211-443 MIKADO 3-9-00 Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor Aidan O'Brien IRE Jimmy Fortune 7
113-2241 RULE OF LAW (USA) 3-9-00 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor Kerrin McEvoy 9
3215-360 TYCOON 3-9-00 Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE Darryll Holland 6
5-131 QUIFF 3-8-11 Khalid Abdulla Sir Michael Stoute Kieren Fallon 4
10 declared runners
3 Irish-trained
1 Czech-trained

The three taken out this morning were
0163- ACROPOLIS (IRE) 3-9-00 Michael Tabor & Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
32-1140 PERCUSSIONIST (IRE) 3-9-00 Sangster Family John Gosden
1224 TWO MILES WEST (IRE) 3-9-00 Michael Tabor & Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE


BREAKDOWN OF RUNNERS BY TRAINER WITH PAST SUCCESSES IN THE betfair.com ST LEGER

3
Aidan O’Brien IRE
(2001 Milan, 2003 Brian Boru)
Go For Gold
Mikado
Tycoon

2
Sir Michael Stoute
Maraahel
Quiff

1
Andrew Balding
Albinus

Saeed bin Suroor
(1995 Classic Cliche, 1998 Nedawi, 1999 Mutafaweq)
Rule Of Law

John Dunlop
(1986 Moon Madness, 1997 Silver Patriarch, 2000 Millenary)
Let The Lion Roar

Mick Quinlan
Frank Sonata

Arslangirey Shavuyev CZE
Darsalam


THE PRESS ASSOCIATION REPORTS THIS MORNING - HOLLAND GETS TYCOON RIDE

Darryll Holland will partner Tycoon for Aidan O'Brien in Saturday's betfair.com St Leger at Doncaster reports the PA this morning.

Holland had been due to ride at Goodwood but has switched to partner O'Brien's runner as he tries to improve on his second place with Highest in 2002 and Phoenix Reach, who was third last year.

His agent Matt Chapman said: “Darryll is thrilled to have got the ride on Tycoon.

“As a team we have to thank the trainers who let him off horses he had previously been booked for at Goodwood this weekend as they were all very understanding about the late switch.

“The call for Tycoon came out the blue, although Aidan knew Darryll was keen to ride the horse.”
Tycoon was last in the Juddmonte International at York but previously he had run a fine race when third in the Irish Derby and he was an unlucky sixth in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes.

Chapman added: “As a freelance jockey it is very hard to get a mount in a Classic with a serious chance, and Tycoon provides Dazzler with an excellent opportunity.

"He's been second and third in the last two St Legers with Highest and Phoenix Reach - it's time he got the famous cap!"

SGB CHAMPAGNE STAKES PREVIEW


The Maktoum family had been dominating the SGB Champagne Stakes until Mark Johnston intervened last year with Lucky Story, but Godolphin has big hopes that normal service will be resumed with Oude in the SGB-sponsored Group 2 feature tomorrow (Friday).

Frankie Dettori, who clocked up three consecutive wins in this race for David Loder on Noverre, Dubai Destination and Almushahar from 2000 through to 2002, is sweet on the chance of Oude, who has a neck to find with the Johnston-trained Elliot’s World on their running in the Acomb Stakes at last month’s York Ebor meeting.

The form took a knock when Shannon Springs, only half a length back in third, was beaten here on Wednesday, but Dettori had been lavish in his praise of Oude following the Dubai Millennium colt’s win on his debut at Newmarket, and things did not go right for him at York, where he was checked for a few strides, enabling Elliot’s World to seize first run.

However, the Godolphin team is not under-estimating Elliot’s World, who had looked the real deal when bolting up by six lengths first time out at an earlier York meeting. He is a May foal and bred for the job, being a half-brother to dual Guineas winner Bachir, and he carries plenty of Middleham confidence.

John Gosden is doubly-represented by Iceman and Jonquil but, while the form of Iceman’s Coventry Stakes victory has subsequently been boosted by Tony James (Gimcrack) and Oratorio (Futurity), the fact that he has to give all his rivals 5lb and has not raced since Ascot has to be a worry.

Haafhd disappointed in this race last year, but Barry Hills, who trains the 2,000 Guineas winner, thinks the world of Etlaala, an impressive winner of his only start at Newbury.

Jonquil, who looked a cut above-average when winning his maiden at Goodwood, and Jeremy Noseda’s tough and consistent fast ground specialist Wilko, add spice to what looks one of the best two-year-old races of the season.

There are 12 declared runners, with the others being the Richard Hannon-trained duo of Grand Marque and Kings Quay, Leo’s Lucky Star, Mister Genepi, Pivotal Flame and Surwaki.

ANOTHER INCREASE IN ATTENDANCE


The GNER Ladies Day attendance came to 14,000 - 1,000 up on the corresponding day last year.

Steven Clarke, racecourse manager at Doncaster, said: “We are delighted with the increase, and there was a massive turn out for the ‘Best Dressed Lady’.

“Last year we had between 40 and 50, whereas this time around there were more than 200. It was a bit of a rugby scrum, and we’ll have to have it more organised next year.”


Race One: betfair.com May Hill Stakes

EMOTIONAL MAY HILL VICTORY FOR PLAYFUL ACT

Manton celebrated another Group success when Playful Act produced a gritty performance to win the Group Two betfair.com May Hill Stakes - and the only sad thing was that owner-breeder Robert Sangster, who died earlier this year, was not here to see it!

“That is the only thing missing,” reflected winning trainer John Gosden as Sangster’s son Ben walked up to collect the trophy. “Robert always loved coming to York and Doncaster, and he would have enjoyed this success.”

Playful Act (8-1) went for home fully a furlong and a half from home, and she showed the right sort of spirit to hold off 11-4 favourite Queen of Poland and Maids Causeway by three parts of a length and a head. The first three were five lengths clear of the fourth and it was a course record time of 1m 35.40s.

Gosden said: “Playful Act is very game - she comes from a terrific family. The dam has already thrown Percussionist and Echoes Of Eternity, and it is no mean feat to produce three Group winners from your first three foals.”

The mare is again in foal to Sadler’s Wells.

Provided the ground is not firm, Playful Act will run next in the Group One Fillies’ Mile at Ascot at the end of the month, and long-term Gosden considers her an Oaks filly for next year.

He said: ”We won’t even mess around with a Guineas preparation. Stamina looks to be her strong suite.”

Ladbrokes were suitably impressed and make Playful Act 20-1 favourite for Epsom, and, while Paddy Power also quoted her at 20-1 - 33-1 is available with Corals.

Sadly, Gosden had to withdraw Percussionist from Saturday’s betfair.com St Leger at this morning’s 48-hour declaration. He explained: ”It is not the ground which is on the good side of good to firm, but we blood-tested him and discovered that his white cells were elevated.”

Percussionist may now be re-routed for the Dubai Arc Trial at Newbury next Friday.

Jimmy Fortune, who rode Playful Act, described the ground as having dried out since yesterday, while Johnny Murtagh summed it up as “beautiful”. In contrast, Richard Quinn said it was “firm”, sentiments echoed by Frankie Dettori, who was unshipped from Road Rage before the start, and said:”When I fell on the floor it was definitely firm!” Fortune added: “The winner is a very nice filly.”


FIRST RACE RESULT
1.15pm BETFAIR.COM MAY HILL STAKES

Class A1, Group Two, £70,000 guaranteed, for 2yo fillies only, 1m. Weights: 8st 10lb. Penalties: a winner of a Group 3 race 3lb; of a Group 1 or 2 race 5lb. Penalty values: 1st: £42,000; 2nd: £16,100; 3rd: £8,050; 4th: £3,850

1. PLAYFUL ACT (Sangster Family) John Gosden 2-8-10 Jimmy Fortune [7] 8/1
2. QUEEN OF POLAND (Sheikh Mohammed) David Loder 2-8-10 Tom Queally [8] 11/4 Fav
3. MAIDS CAUSEWAY (Martin Schwartz) Barry Hills 2-8-13 Michael Hills [5] 9/2
4. CASSYDORA (Hesmonds Stud) John Dunlop 2-8-10 Richard Quinn [2]
5. FAVOURITA (Wyck Hall Stud) Clive Brittain 2-8-10 Johnny Murtagh [4]
6. RED PEONY (Cheveley Park Stud) Sir Mark Prescott 2-8-10 Seb Sanders [3]
7. WINDSCREAMER (Mrs Stevie Richards) John Hills 2-8-10 Eddie Ahern [1]
8. ROAD RAGE (Cliveden Stud) Ed Dunlop 2-8-10 Frankie Dettori [6]

8 ran
Breeder: Swettenham Stud, Breeding: b f Sadler’s Wells (USA) - Magnificent Style (USA)
Distances:0.75, sh, 5, hd, 2, 5, 25 Time: 1m 35.40s (new course record)
Totes: Win: £10.60 Places: £3.20, £1.60, £1.90 Exacta: £38



Race Two: GNER Park Stakes

“BEST I’VE RIDDEN” - STEVE DROWNE

Pastoral Pursuits became the seventh horse to break the course record from nine races run so far at the betfair.com St Leger Festival when he beat the clock in the Group Two GNER Park Stakes.

Just as the huge crowd on GNER Ladies Day were preparing to roar home another Frankie Dettori winner in the Godolphin blue, his mount Firebreak was swallowed up by Pastoral Pursuits, who swept past on the outside to win by a length and a quarter.

Winning jockey Steve Drowne said: “Pastoral Pursuits is a real star, and the feel that he gives me is as good as anything I’ve had. He’s the best I’ve ridden.

“It might not look that impressive from the stands, because I am always rowing away in the early stages, but you know that he will always find for you and he really lengthened in the final furlong.”

There were doubts beforehand whether Pastoral Sprints, who looked destined for top sprint honours until he chipped a knee at Kempton a year ago, would stay the seven furlongs.

However, as trainer Hughie Morrison observed afterwards: “It looked as if he would get a mile out there, and what pleased me most was how he finished. He had not been getting home that well in his two previous races this year, but he really put it together today.”

Morrison’s only worry came in the preliminaries when Pastoral Pursuits proved as playful as ever.

“That’s him,” said Morrison. “”He is a naughty boy who likes everyone to know that he is boss. Gerry Gracey, the former jump jockey, has done a fantastic job and rides him out every day, and Pastoral Pursuits is not easy. He is just a big boy!”

Next stop for Pastoral Pursuits is the Prix Foret at Longchamp. Morrison added: “He’s won a Group Two, so we have to try for a Group One - it’s the natural progression.

“”I bought him with my wife for 24,000gns, and we put the syndicate together. They are an enthusiastic band of owners who enjoy their racing, and that is what this game is all about.”



SECOND RACE RESULT
1.50pm GNER PARK STAKES

Class A1, Group Two, £100,000 guaranteed, for 3yo+, 7f. Weights: 3yo colts & geldings 8st 10lb; fillies 8st 7lb; 4yo+ colts & geldings 9st; fillies 8st 11lb. Penalties: in 2004, a winner of a Group Two race 4lb; of a Group One race 6lb Weight for age: 3yo from 4yo+ 4lb. Penalty values: 1st: £60,000; 2nd: £23,000; 3rd: £11,500; 4th: £5,500

1. PASTORAL PURSUITS (The Pursuits Partnership) Hughie Morrison 3- 8-10 Steve Drowne [7] 5/1
2. FIREBREAK (Godolphin) Saeed bin Suroor 5- 9-04 Frankie Dettori [1] 5/2 Fav
3. COURT MASTERPIECE (Maktoum Al Maktoum) Ed Dunlop 4- 9-00 Kieren Fallon [3] 13/2
4. GOLDEN NUN (T & Mrs Holdcroft) Tim Easterby 4- 8-11 Robert Winston [4]
5. FONG'S THONG (Joe Allbritton) Brian Meehan 3- 8-10 Jimmy Fortune [8]
6. SUGGESTIVE (Barbara Bassett) William Haggas 6- 9-00 Michael Hills [5]
7. NAAHY (Kuwait Racing Syndicate) Mick Channon 4- 9-00 Sam Hitchcott [2]
8. TILLERMAN (Khalid Abdulla) Amanda Perrett 8- 9-00 Richard Hughes [6]

8 ran
Breeder: Red House Stud, Breeding: b c Bahamian Bounty - Star
Distances:1.25, 1.5, 1.5, 0.5, nk, 2.5, 4 Time: 1m 21.66s (new course record)
Totes: Win: £6.50 Places: £1.90, £1.30, £2.70 Exacta: £22.90





DEAD-HEAT FOR GNER DONCASTER CUP

The racecourse executive had to find a second GNER Doncaster Cup after the judge was unable to split Millenary and Kasthari in the marathon and declared a dead-heat for what was an epic and yet another run in record time.

Millenary, the first St Leger winner to triumph in this prestigious race since 1931, looked sure to gain an outright victory when he inched ahead 50 yards for home, but there were always grave doubts about his stamina for this two and a quarter miles and Kasthari, who had been bought by Howard Johnson to go jumping, battled back for “a half”.

“That was just a stepping-stone for jumping,” declared Johnson, who celebarated his first Flat winner earlier this year and plans to send Kasthari novice chasing. The Aga Khan owned him when he was with Sir Michael Stoute and he was third behind Persian Punch in last year’s Jockey Club Cup and, while he hasn’t run since, he pleased me when working over a mile and a half at Ripon last week-end so I knew he was straight enough.”

John Dunlop, who confessed he had “never heard of Kasthari”, may run Millenary next in the Jockey Club Cup, though he is also considering a trip to France for the Prix du Cadran.

Dunlop said: “I was worried about the ground and he did change his legs half-way round, but Richard (Quinn) gave him a lovely patient ride and was full of confidence.

“Millenary clearly likes the Yorkshire air, because, besides winning the St Leger here four years ago, he also won the Yorkshire Cup last May.

“I felt some people were being rude about him after his run in the Lonsdale at York last time - he had not run since May and was just a bit tired.

“The owner is keen to keep going next year and why not? Millenary might be a seven-year-old entire, but he is a joy to train and has never shown any tendencies to be colty.”

Quinn, celebrating his first winner since fracturing his knee-cap at Windsor six weeks ago, said: “That is Millenary’s absolute maximum, and we were running out of petrol close home.”

Johnny Murtagh, who rode Kasthari, said: “I thought I had got back up, but they were two brave horses and a dead-heat is a fair result.”


THIRD RACE RESULT
2.55pm GNER DONCASTER CUP


Class A, Group Two, £100,000 guaranteed, for 3yo+, 2m 2f. Weights: 3yo colts & geldings 8st 1lb; fillies 7st 12lb; 4yo+ colts & geldings; 9st 1lb; fillies 8st 12lb. Penalties: in 2003, a winner of a Group Two race 3lb; of a Group One race 5lb. Penalty values: 1st: £60,000; 2nd: £23,000; 3rd: £11,500; 4th: £5,500


1 DH MILLENARY (L Neil Jones) John Dunlop 7-9-04 Richard Quinn [4] 7/1
1 DH KASTHARI (Elliott Brothers) Howard Johnson 5-9-01 Johnny Murtagh [8] 14/1
3. DANCING BAY (Elite Racing Club) Nicky Henderson 7-9-01 Kieren Fallon [6] 5/1
4. HIGH ACCOLADE (Lady Tennant) Marcus Tregoning 4-9-01 Martin Dwyer [2]
5. DARASIM (Markus Graff) Mark Johnston 6-9-04 Joe Fanning [7] 6/4 Fav
6. CORRIB ECLIPSE (M Ionnou) Jamie Poulton 5-9-01 John Egan [5]
7. ROMANY PRINCE (Jeff Smith) David Elsworth 5-9-01 Richard Hughes [1]
8. SILVER GILT (The Dukes of Roxburghe & Devonshire) John Gosden 4-9-01 Frankie Dettori [3]

8 ran

Breeder (Millenary): Abergwaun Farms, Breeding: b h Rainbow Quest (USA) - Ballerina (IRE)

Breeder (Kasthari): His Highness the Aga Khan’s Studs S C, Breeding: gr g Vettori (IRE) - Karliyka

Distances: dh, 3.5, 2, 3, 0.75, 1.25, 12 Time: 3m 51.86s

Totes: Win: £8.60 Places: £2.70, £4.30, £1.30 Exacta: £57.60 and £60.50



Race Four: JRA Golden Jubilee Sceptre Stakes

DARLEY GETS TOP SONG OUT OF ATTUNE


Bookmakers were buying the champagne after Attune had sprung a 12-1 surprise in the Listed JRA Golden Jubilee Sceptre Stakes under a fine ride from Kevin Darley.

The heavily-backed Gonfilia, one of only three horses to stay on the far side, looked another winner for Frankie Dettori and Godolphin entering the final furlong, but Attune proved the stronger on the run to the line, much to the delight of owner-breeder Les Ward, who owns Wyck Hall Stud.

Winning trainer Brian Meehan said: “Les promised me a horse even before I got my trainer’s licence, and he has been a terrific supporter of our yard.

“Attune is a well-bred filly - I rate Singspiel as a smashing stallion and have had a lot of luck with his progeny - and she is a real trier and improving all the time.”

Ward, who also has a yearling full-sister to Attune at home, said: “We will keep her in training at four - she is the type to mature as she gets older.”



THIRD RACE RESULT
2.55pm GNER DONCASTER CUP

FOURTH RACE RESULT
3.00pm JRA GOLDEN JUBILEE SCEPTRE STAKES

Class A1, Listed Race, £30,000 Total Prize Fund, for 3yo+ fillies & mares which have not won a Group One Pattern race in 2004. 7f. Weights: 3yo 8st 6lb; 4yo+ 8st 10lb. Penalties: in 2004, a winner of Listed race 3lb, of a Group Three race 5lb, of a Group Two race 8lb. Weight for age: 3yo from 4yo+ 4lb. Penalty values: 1st: £19,500; 2nd: £6,000; 3rd: £3,000; 4th: £1,500


1. ATTUNE (Wyck Hall Stud) Brian Meehan 3-8-06 Kevin Darley [7] 12/1
2. GONFILIA (Godolphin) Saeed bin Suroor 4-9-01 Frankie Dettori [2] 5/1
3. ITHACA (Khalid Abdulla) Henry Cecil 3-8-07 (1lb ow) Richard Hughes [13] 12/1
4. ENCHANTED (Norcroft Park Stud) Neville Callaghan 5-8-10 Johnny Murtagh [8]
5. NYRAMBA (Ammerland Verwaltung Gmbh & Co Kg) John Gosden 3-8-07 (1lb ow) Jimmy Fortune [5]
7/2 Fav
6. CAVERAL (A Stalder) Richard Hannon 3-8-06 Eddie Ahern [3]
7. LOOK HERE'S CAROL (S Edwards) Bryan McMahon 4-8-10 Kieren Fallon [10]
8. TAHIRAH (C Murfitt) Rae Guest 4-8-10 Steve Drowne [11]
9. THE CAT'S WHISKERS (Bloomsbury Stud) Peter Chapple-Hyam 4-8-10 Philip Robinson [4]
10. WHY DUBAI (Malih Al Basti) Richard Hannon 3-8-06 Martin Dwyer [9]
11. ZOSIMA (Godolphin) Saeed bin Suroor 3-8-06 Ted Durcan [1]
12. POETICAL (Mrs S Grassick) Michael Grassick IRE 3-8-06 Niall McCullagh [15]
13. STARBECK (Miss T FitzGerald) Paul Howling 6-8-10 Neil Callan [6]
14. LUCKY PIPIT (Maktoum Al Maktoum) Barry Hills 3-8-06 Michael Hills [14]
pu NATALIYA (Kirsten Rausing) John Dunlop 3-8-06 Seb Sanders [12]

15 ran
Breeder: Wyck Hall Stud, Breeding: br f Singspiel (IRE) - Arriving
Distances: 1, 0.5, 0.75, hd, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 3, nk, sh, sh, 3, dist
Time: 1m 22.26s
Totes: Win: £15.30 Places: £4.30, £2.50, £3.90 Exacta: £74.90









Race Five: Ralph Raper Memorial Prince of Wales Cup (Nursery)

CHANGE OF LUCK FOR PAUL DIXON

There was no broader smile in the unsaddling enclosure after the Ralph Raper Nursery than that of well-known owner Paul Dixon, who breathed a huge sigh of relief as Steve Drowne guided 20-1 shot Singhalese into the winner’s circle.

Dixon, who puts a lot of money into the sport, said: “I thought I’d shot a robin - we haven’t been able to buy a winner.”

This was a carefully executed plan, and winning trainer Jamie Osborne, who has also been sadly out of form, could not have been more delighted after Singhalese, the second winner of the afternoon for both Drowne (Pastoral Pursuits) and sire Singspiel (Attune), had cut down Mighty Empire in the last 100 yards.

He said: “Ralph Raper was a good friend of both mine and Paul’s, so we always try and win his race.

“We were second last year with Overdrawn, but it was a bit of a rush to get a third run into Singhalese to qualify, and I was a bit worried that we might be asking a big question too soon.

“She might have been 20-1, but she was not unfancied. She finished third in a decent maiden at Newmarket, but we haven’t had a great year and a few of mine have run inexplicably badly, so it was impossible to come here bullish.

“We might well put Singhalese away now. She is still a shell of a filly and she’ll be better and stronger next year.”



FIFTH RACE RESULT
3.35pm RALPH RAPER MEMORIAL
PRINCE OF WALES CUP NURSERY

Class B1, £25,000 added, for 2yo, 1m. Minimum weight 7st 12lb. Penalties: after August 28, a winner of a Class/Category D to G race 5lb; of a Class/Category A to C race 8lb. Penalty values: 1st: £18,200; 2nd: £5,600; 3rd: £2,800; 4th: £1,400

1. SINGHALESE (Paul Dixon) Jamie Osborne 2-8-06 (1lb ow) Steve Drowne [9] 20/1
2. MIGHTY EMPIRE (The Mighty Empire Partnership) Mark Tompkins 2-8-02 Philip Robinson [1] 8/1
3. SIR ANTHONY (Anthony Gee) Bryan Smart 2-8-13 Fergal Lynch [12] 33/1
4. KHARISH (Susan Roy) Jeremy Noseda 2-9-00 Eddie Ahern [3] 6/1 jt-fav
5. MY PRINCESS (T Mohan) Neville Callaghan 2-8-01 Matt Henry [11]
6. THE COIRES (The Queen) Richard Hannon 2-8-13 Richard Hughes [5]
7. ALRIGHT MY SON (James Crickmore) Richard Hannon 2-8-03 John Egan [10]
8. BUNNY RABBIT (Gold Group International Ltd) Brian Meehan 2-8-13 Frankie Dettori [14] 6/1 jt-fav
9. RAZA CAB (Alan Brazil Racing Club) Geoff Huffer 2-9-07 Kieren Fallon [2]
10. SEA HUNTER (Sheikh Mohammed) Mick Channon 2-8-10 Sam Hitchcott (3) [15]
11. TCHERINA (Mr & Mrs W Williams) Tim Easterby 2-7-13 Adrian Nicholls [7]
12. CELESTIAL ARC (Frank Stella) Paul Cole 2-7-09 Fran Ferris (3) [4]
13 BANKNOTE (The Queen) Andrew Balding 2-8-05 Martin Dwyer [6]
14. COLEORTON DANE (Coleorton Moor Racing) Kevin Ryan 2-8-04 Joe Fanning [13]
15. FOLLOWING FLOW (Sales Race 2001 Syndicate) William Jarvis 2-8-09 Kevin Darley [8]
16. SHRINE MOUNTAIN (Winstar Farm Llc) Clive Brittain 2-9-02 Seb Sanders [16]
17. BUDDY BROWN (Andrea & Graham Wylie) Howard Johnson 2-9-01 Robert Winston [17]

17 ran
Breeder: G & Mrs Middlebrook, Breeding: ch f Singspiel (IRE) - Baize
Distances: 2, 1, 1, hd, nk, 0.75, hd, 1.5, 0.75, 0.75, 1, 6, 5, 14, 3.5, 4 Time: 1m 36.55s
Totes: Win: £23.80 Places: £4.40, £2.40, £4.90; £2.30 Exacta: £267.70


Sixth race - Earth Mortgages Scarborough Stakes

CELTIC MILL BEATS CLOCK

Course records are being broken like plates in a Greek restaurant this week at Doncaster, and the latest to beat the clock was Celtic Mill, who flew through the five furlongs in 57.28s under Frankie Dettori for an all-the-way success in the Listed Earth Mortgages Scarborough Stakes.

Highly versatile, having won 11 races at six, seven furlongs and a mile, Celtic Mill showed he has the speed for the minimum trip with a blistering display and Dettori, treating the Ladies Day crowd to a flying dismount, said “Phew, that was quick”.

David Barker, who trains Celtic Mill for owner-breeder Peter Asquith, said: “Celtic Mill is in the mix with the best sprinters around, and he was the ideal horse for Frankie - a big loopy rein and go as fast as you can.

“If the boys in blue don’t need him, he can ride Celtic Mill again in the Diadem Stakes at Ascot at the end of the month, but the maximum has been cut because of the re-development and we need to get in.

“It is six furlongs around a bend, but that suits us as he has had plenty of practice whizzing around Wolverhampton. Frankie’s record for us is two from two - his only other ride Penny Halfpenny was also a winner - so let’s hope he can make it at Ascot.”


SIXTH RACE RESULT
4.10pm EARTH MORTGAGES SCARBOROUGH STAKES

Class A1, Listed Race, £25,000 Total Prize Fund, for 2yo+. 5f. Weights: 2yo colts & geldings 8st 3lb; fillies 7st 12lb; 3yo colts & geldings 9st 8lb; fillies 9st 3lb; 4yo+ colts & geldings 9st 9lb, fillies 9st 4lb. Penalties: in 2004, a winner of Listed race 3lb, of a Group Three race 5lb, of a Group One of Group Two race 7lb. Penalty values: 1st: £16,250; 2nd: £5,000; 3rd: £2,500; 4th: £1,250

1. CELTIC MILL (P Asquith) David Barker 6-9-12 Frankie Dettori [6] 15/2
2. TALBOT AVENUE (Mrs C Wilson) Mick Mullineaux 6-9-09 Kieren Fallon [7] 13/2
3. CARIBBEAN CORAL (Dawson, Green, Quinn, Roberts) John Quinn 5-9-09 Robert Winston [8] 13/2
4. ENCHANTMENT (Ms A Williams) Milton Bradley 3-9-03 Johnny Murtagh [2]
5. BISHOPS COURT (D Brotherton) Lynda Ramsden 10-9-09 Seb Sanders [4]
6. BALTIC KING (Thurloe Thoroughbreds VIII) Hughie Morrison 4-9-09 Jimmy Fortune [3] 6/4 Fav
7. KOMAC (Mrs J McMahon) Bryan McMahon 2-8-03 John Egan [1]
8. NIGHT PROSPECTOR (C Cotran) Pip Payne 4-10-02 Philip Robinson [9]
9. IF PARADISE (Mrs J Wood) Richard Hannon 3-9-11 Richard Hughes [5]

9 ran
Breeder: Peter Asquith, Breeding: b g Celtic Swing - Madam Millie
Distances: 0.5, 1.25, 2.5, nk, 0.75, 5, 1.25, hd Time: 57.28s (new course record)
Totes: Win: £5 Places: £1.50, £1.90, £2.20 Exacta: £40.30




Race Seven: Queen’s Own Yorkshire Dragoons Ladies Day Handicap

HITCHCOTT LOSES CLAIM

Sam Hitchcott, the promising 23-year-old apprentice, lost his riding allowance when booting home 25-1 shot Borrego to victory for Clive Brittain in the finale, the Queen’s Own Yorkshire Dragoons Ladies Day Handicap.

Borrego showed plenty of grit and determination to hold off Arctic Desert and Granston, leaving Hitchcott, celebrating the 95th winner of his career, overjoyed.

He said: “I thought I had lost my claim the other day, but the Jockey Club told me I needed one more.

“It seems a long time since I rode my first winner - Silver Socks for Mick Easterby at Wolverhampton (February 20, 2001) - but Borrego ran well at Redcar last time and had come down the weights, so we were hopeful of springing a surprise.

“He travelled well and loves the fast ground and, though he hit a flat spot, when I got busy on him, he found a bit more.

“I’m delighted to lose my claim, but I’ve got three days when I can still ride with my allowance, so I better make the most of it.”



SEVENTH RACE RESULT
4.45pm QUEEN’S OWN YORKSHIRE DRAGOONS LADIES DAY HANDICAP

Class D2, £10,000 added, for 3yo+ rated 71-85 also open to such horses rated 70 and below), 7f. Minimum weight 8st 7lb, 3-y-o 8st 3lb. Penalties: after August 28, a winner 6lb.Weight for age: 3yo from 4yo+ 4lb. Penalty values: 1st: £7,560.80; 2nd: £2,326.40; 3rd: £1,163.20; 4th: £581.60

1. BORREGO (Monarch Thoroughbreds Racing) Clive Brittain 4- 8-06 Sam Hitchcott (3) [10] 25/1
2. ARCTIC DESERT (Holistic Racing Ltd) Andrew Balding 4- 9-00 Kieren Fallon [16] 9/2 Fav
3. GRANSTON (The Four Players Partnership) James Bethell 3- 8-07 Richard Quinn [14]12/1
4. SAWWAAH (Fayzad Thoroughbred Ltd) David Nicholls 7- 9-07 Adrian Nicholls [19] 20/1
5. CLOUD DANCER (Gillian Quinn) Kevin Ryan 5- 8-12 Neil Callan [22]
6. BI POLAR (Raymond Tooth) David Elsworth 4- 8-10 Richard Hughes [11]
7. QUEENS RHAPSODY (C Martin) Alan Bailey 4- 9-05 Joe Fanning [17]
8. DISTANT COUNTRY (M Charlton) Lynda Ramsden 5- 8-09 Seb Sanders [12]
9. SERIEUX (Mrs S Whitehead) Amanda Perrett 5- 9-03 Johnny Murtagh [15]
10. CONCER ETO (Bainey Racing Partnership) Stuart Williams 5- 8-10 Martin Dwyer [8]
11. STOIC LEADER (Alan Willoughby) Roger Fisher 4- 9-03 John Egan [3]
12. DESERT DREAMER (Maktoum Al Maktoum) Barry Hills 3- 9-04 Michael Hills [6]
13. HARRISON POINT(Sangster Family, M O’Donovan, F Cook) Peter Chapple-Hyam4- 9-07Jimmy Fortune[18]
14. THREEZEDZZ (Barry McCabe) David Evans 6- 9-04 Fran Ferris (3) [2]
15. TOUGH LOVE (The Gordon Partnership) Tim Easterby 5- 9-01 Ted Durcan [9]
16. KINDLELIGHT DEBUT (Kindlelight Ltd) Dean Ivory 4- 8-11 Frankie Dettori [7]
17. OVERDRAWN (Paul Dixon) Jamie Osborne 3- 9-03 Eddie Ahern [5]
18. HEY PRESTO (The Beechdown Flyers) Clive Cox 4- 8-09 Kevin Darley [21]
19. SEA STORM (Maurice Chapman) David Macleod 6- 9-01 Tom Queally [1]
20. LORD OF THE EAST (The Wayward Lads) David Nicholls 5- 8-12 Tom Eaves (3) [13]
21 EFIDIUM (Hambleton Racing Partnership) Neville Bycroft 6- 8-11 Robert Winston [4]


John Egan was found guilty of careless riding and banned for three days, starting on September 20.

21 ran NR no 22 TROJAN FLIGHT (vc)
Breeder: Sheikh Marwan al Maktoum, Breeding: b c Green Desert (USA) - Pripet (USA)
Distances: 0.75, sh, hd, 1.25, hd, nk, 0.75, 0.5, nk, sh, 0.5, 1, 0.5, sh, sh, 0.5, hd, 0.5, 3.5, 8
Time: 1m 23.21s
Totes: Win: £44.80 Places: £6.80, £1.80, £3.80, £6.30 Exacta: £341.30





GROUND REMAINS FAST

Despite another dry night, the ground for the second stage of the betfair.com St Leger Festival will not ride any faster than it did on the opening day, according to John Sanderson, chief executive at Doncaster, who reports the straight course as now being

GOOD TO FIRM

and the round course as

GOOD - GOOD TO FIRM in places.

Having walked the Town Moor track this morning, along with John Gundill, his acting clerk of the course, Sanderson said: “Yesterday’s sun and wind would have dried it up slightly, but we had a very heavy dew and we have rolled it to bring the moisture to the top, so I don’t envisage any appreciable change.

“Everybody was very complimentary about the ground yesterday, and Peter Easterby, who has never been afraid to voice his views, has just come up to me and said ‘walks, lovely, lad’, which is probably the biggest compliment of all.”

With three withdrawals at the 48-hour stage - Percussionist, plus Aidan O’Brien’s Acropolis and Two Miles West - there were 10 final declarations for the betfair.com St Leger on Saturday, including the filly Quiff, and Sanderson declared it “an all-quality field”.

Sanderson added: “They have declared Quiff in the hope that the rain arrives and, while we might have to rely on the almighty, we still have the first three (Rule of Law, Let The Lion Roar and Go For Gold) from York’s Great Voltigeur Stakes, which I always maintain is the best St Leger trial.”

While conceding that it is “unfortunate” that the betfair.com St Leger is run on the same day as the Irish Champion Stakes, Sanderson was philosophic about the clash on Saturday.

He said: “We have previously clashed with the Irish St Leger, and, while going head-to-head with the Irish Champion is less desirable, we have such a well-populated international calendar that you are always going to clash with something.”

The Irish Champion Stakes is run at 3.30pm, 15 minutes after the Doncaster classic.

NON-RUNNER
4.45pm Race Seven (Queen’s Own Yorkshire Dragoons Ladies Day Stakes)
No 22 - Trojan Flight (vet certificate)



BETTING NEWS

Frankie Dettori was the darling of the punters on the opening day of the betfair.com St Leger Festival, riding four winners, and Paddy Power clients are relying on the Italian serving up another tasty dish today in the shape of Gonfilia in the JRA Golden Jubilee Sceptre Stakes.

Tim Richards, spokesman for Paddy Power, said: “Godolphin has two in the race, but, whereas Zosima, the mount of Kerrin McEvoy, has proved friendless all morning, the phones have never stopped ringing for Gonfilia. It has been Frankie, Frankie and more Frankie, and the colt is down to 5-1 (from 11-2) and we fear another backlash.”

However, Betfair, who sponsor the May Hill Stakes, report Road Rage, Dettori’s mount, “weak” for the opener, along with Cassydora, with Tony Calvin, their representative, declaring: “Our race has been about one filly - Red Peony. She opened up at 10-1 last night, and is now trading at nearly 4-1.”

Paddy Power also report good money for Hughie Morrison’s two runners, Pastoral Pursuits (9-2 from 5-1) in the GNER Park Stakes and Baltic King (7-4 from 15-8) in the Earth Mortgages Scarborough Stakes, while they have seen plenty of each-way support for Jamie Poulton’s Queen Alexandra Stakes winner Corrib Eclipse (16-1 from 25-1) in the GNER Doncaster Cup.



RECORD OWNERS’ PREMIUMS PAYMENT FOR PLACED HORSE YESTERDAY


Distinctly Game, runner-up in yesterday’s £200,000 St Leger Yearling Stakes at Doncaster, earned £10,000 from the British Horseracing Board’s Owners’ Premium Scheme, which encourages the breeding and ownership of British-bred horses.

Winners and placed horses who are part of the scheme receive a bonus of 25% of prize money earned (the rate rises to 50% for certain National Hunt races), up to a maximum of £25,000 for a winner of a race and £10,000 for a placed horse, in addition to the prize money of the race.

Distinctly Game’s £10,000 is the most yet paid out under the scheme, which the BHB launched this year. The owners Julian and Rosie Richer also gained £58,262 in prize money from their colt finishing second in Europe’s richest two-year-old race.

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