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Post by Kimmy on Nov 24, 2014 19:48:48 GMT
Racing News Ladbrokes man Hurley bags betting shop award ADAM HURLEY, 31, of Ladbrokes, Winchcombe Street, Cheltenham is the new Racing Post/SIS Betting Shop Manager of the Year.
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 24, 2014 19:49:45 GMT
Cheltenham quote Carole's Spirit has been given a quote of 7-1 by Paddy Power for the OLBG Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham after her Kempton win
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 24, 2014 19:50:11 GMT
Japan: Lemaire beaks leg in Kyoto fall CHRISTOPHE LEMAIRE was in a Kyoto hospital on Monday having sustained a break to his right leg in a fall. 7 hours ago
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 25, 2014 12:24:51 GMT
CHAMPION HURDLER Faugheen destroyed the field in the Coral Hurdle on Saturday, which saw him shorten to 9/4 in the betting for the Champion Hurdle. We can’t see the race going any other way, and so suggest an early investment on the gelding for the big race in March.
ODDSCHECKER.
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Post by banger on Nov 25, 2014 13:50:20 GMT
Noel Meade reports Apache Stronghold ready to step up in grade over fences in the Bar One Racing Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse on Sunday. Apache Stronghold (obscured by Vautour) is set to step up in class The six-year-old had a restricted last season over hurdles due to injury but made a highly promising debut over larger obstacles at Down Royal late last month. The County Meath trainer told At The Races: "He's been to Navan and jumped a full round of the track with a couple of others and that seemed to go very well. We're very happy with him. "It's all systems go and onwards and upwards, we hope. "The way it is in those winners' races, whether it's Grade Three or Grade One, it's nearly the same horses you're running into anyway. "The next step is going to be up, one way or the other. "He jumped well (at Down Royal) but no never know until you put pressure on in these races as it's a hot year for novice chasers." Apache Stronghold was among 17 horses left in the two-and-a-half-mile Grade One contest at the confirmation stage. Willie Mullins has four possibles in Alelchi Inois, Perfect Gentleman, Valseur Lido and Un Atout, who has been off the track since winning the Champion Novice Hurdle at Punchestown in April 2013. The Tullow Tank made a winning debut over fences on this track three weeks ago, and is an interesting contender for Kildare trainer Sandra Hughes, who took over the licence on the recent death of her father, Dessie. Mouse Morris is triple-handed with Band Of Blood, Real Steel and Allied Victory. Completing a strong line-up are Aerlite Supreme, Azorian, Blacklough, Cause Of Causes, Empire Of Dirt, Followmeuptocarlow, Sadler's Risk and Le Vent D'Antan.
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 25, 2014 13:59:14 GMT
LADY HERRIES, who trained outstanding Racing Post Trophy winner Celtic Swing during a fine career spanning over 40 years, has died aged 76.
Through the late 1980s to mid 1990s Herries trained a host of big-race winners, including the King Edward VII, Great Voltigeur, Coronation Cup and Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud with Sheriff's Star and Celtic Swing, whose victories alongside the Racing Post Trophy included the Prix du Jockey Club and Greenham Stakes.
As well as significant victories in France, she enjoyed further international success when landing the 1998 Caulfield Cup with 66-1 outsider Taufan's Melody.
Although the number of winners coming out of her historic Angmering Park base had been in decline for several years, Herries was still sending out runners over both codes, with her tally of seven Flat winners for 2014 one of her best in recent seasons.
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 25, 2014 14:00:14 GMT
McCoy to make return at Fontwell on Wednesday TONY McCOY will ease back into the saddle with his first ride since the beginning of the month at Fontwell on Wednesday.
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 25, 2014 14:18:43 GMT
Bookmaker payouts Boylesports, Paddy Power, Coral and Sky Bet are paying out on winning bets in the voided 1.20 Sedgefield and voiding all losing bets. 8 mins ago ====================================== Race voided The 1.20 Sedgefield has been declared void. It is believed the wrong flag was deployed.
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 25, 2014 14:43:30 GMT
Time is running out if you want to take advantage of the offer of a free one-month trial of Racing UK.
The deal was launched to celebrate the return of the Jumps season and ends on Friday.
The free trial includes complete live coverage of over 40 top Jumps meetings, including the bet365 Hennessy Festival, the Tingle Creek Christmas Festival and the Cheltenham International Meeting.
Call 0845 111 4411 or visit the Racing UK website for more information.
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Post by banger on Nov 25, 2014 16:08:12 GMT
David Pipe expects Ballynagour to run with honour in the Hennessy Gold Cup Chase at Newbury on Saturday - as long as his stamina holds out. Ballynagour will be carrying the hopes of Pond House The eight-year-old claimed the Byrne Group Plate at the Cheltenham Festival in March and was last seen finishing second to Sizing Europe at Punchestown a month later. Ballynagour has, however, never been campaigned over the Hennessy's extended three-and-a-quarter-mile trip so will be taking a shot into the unknown. The Nicholashayne handler told "Ballynagour will be carrying the hopes of Pond House. He seems very well at home and Tom Scudamore was in schooling him the other day. "Fingers crossed our Festival winner, if getting the trip, should run well." Neil Mulholland has given the green light for The Druids Nephew to run in the Hennessy. The seven-year-old won easily at Huntingdon on his debut for Mulholland, and then stepped up on that by finishing second to Sam Winner in the Murphy Group Handicap Chase. His handicap mark has subsequently risen from 132 to 147 but Mulholland is not too worried on that front. There had been a possibility of waiting for the Coral Welsh National but The Druids Nephew will definitely run at Newbury. "We've decided he'll run this weekend," said Mulholland. "He's got a nice racing weight, he worked (Tuesday) morning and went really well, he's in good form. I'm very happy with him so we'll have a go."
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 25, 2014 17:07:21 GMT
Southwell, 25 Nov 14
Race 1 - 12:10pm THE LADBROKES AMATEUR RIDERS' HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) Miss S Brotherton, the rider of JONNIE SKULL (IRE), placed fourth, reported that the gelding hung left throughout.
Race 3 - 1:10pm THE DOWNLOAD THE LADBROKES APP MAIDEN STAKES (CLASS 5) The Stewards held an enquiry into the running and riding of WHISPERING STAR (USA), ridden by Jim Crowley and trained by David Simcock, which broke well from the stalls and travelled comfortably behind the leaders throughout before being placed under pressure approaching the half-furlong marker to finish second, beaten by a head. They interviewed the rider and the trainer's representative. They also received a report from the Veterinary Officer, who confirmed that a post-race examination of the filly failed to reveal any abnormalities, along with observations from the Handicapper. The rider stated that his instructions were to take a sit behind the leaders, get a tow into the race and make every endeavour to win. He added that approaching two furlongs out he gave the filly a flick down the shoulder with his whip to get upsides with WU ZETIAN, who he considered to be his main danger. From that point to approximately the half-furlong marker WHISPERING STAR (USA) travelled like the winner when he still had hold of her head and was always on terms with WU ZETIAN. He further added that the filly is clearly not straightforward and, when eventually asked for maximum effort near the half-furlong marker, WHISPERING STAR (USA), curled up underneath him and appeared reluctant to go through with her efforts. The trainer's representative confirmed the instructions and stated that he was satisfied with the manner in which WHISPERING STAR (USA) had been ridden. Having heard their evidence and viewed recordings of the race the Stewards noted their explanations.
Race 8 - 3:40pm THE #20 RISK-FREE BET AT UNIBET HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) The Stewards considered the running of MUSICAL MOLLY (IRE), ridden by Graham Gibbons and trained by Brian Ellison, which finished unplaced. The Stewards noted the trainer’s explanation that today's race came too soon for the filly, following her run seven days ago. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the filly failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Paul Mulrennan, the rider of ART DZEKO, unplaced, reported that the gelding reared leaving the stalls, resulting to him being slowly away. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Non-Race related incidents In Race 2, the Stewards held an enquiry to consider why CITY OF ANGKOR WAT (IRE), trained by Jo Hughes, entered the Parade Ring after the signal to mount had been given. Having heard her evidence they accepted her explanation that the gelding had proved difficult when attempting to fit the tongue-strap, and then tried to plant en route from the stabling area to the parade ring which resulted in a further delay.
View Stewards Report Lingfield Park, 25 Nov 14
Race 1 - 12:30pm THE 188BET NOVICES' HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) The Stewards held an enquiry into the fall of Felix de Giles, the rider of PRIMO ROSSI, on the home bend. They interviewed Felix de Giles and the Clerk of the Course. Having heard his evidence and viewed recordings of the incident the Stewards found that the fall was caused by his mount stumbling when getting tired on the heavy ground. Being satisfied that no other horse or rider was involved, the Stewards took no further action.
Race 2 - 1:00pm THE NEWTON WATERPROOFING NOVICES' HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 4) The Stewards held an enquiry into the use of the whip by Charlie Deutsch, the rider of LEITH HILL LEGASI, placed second, from leaving the back straight. Having heard his evidence and viewed recordings of the race, they found him in breach of Schedule (B)6 Part 2 in that he used his whip above the permitted level. The Stewards suspended Deutsch for 4 days as follows: Tuesday 9, Wednesday 10, Thursday 11 and Friday 12 December 2014.
Race 3 - 1:30pm THE 188BET CASINO HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) The Stewards considered the running of SINNDAR’S MAN, ridden by Tom Scudamore and trained by David Pipe, which finished unplaced. They noted the trainer's representative could offer no explanation for the gelding’s performance. The Veterinary Officer subsequently reported that a post-race examination of the gelding failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 6 - 3:00pm THE HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY JENSON ROE HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 5) The Stewards considered the apparent improvement in form of the winner, SPORTSREPORT (IRE), ridden by Andrew Thornton and trained by Seamus Mullins, compared with its previous run at Worcester on 9 October 2014 where the gelding was pulled up. They noted the trainer’s explanation that the gelding made a mistake at the first fence at Worcester and was never travelling thereafter. The Stewards ordered SPORTSREPORT (IRE) to be routine tested.
Race 7 - 3:30pm THE VIJAY SICKA MEMORIAL CUP "JUNIOR" STANDARD OPEN NATIONAL HUNT FLAT RACE (CLASS 6) (This race will be run on the All Weather track) The Stewards held an enquiry into possible interference approaching the furlong marker. Having heard their evidence and viewed recordings of the race they found that DUKE OF HANOVER, unplaced, ridden by Tom O’Brien, had interfered with OVERDO, unplaced, ridden by Kevin Jones. They found the interference was accidental.
Non-Race related incidents The record of vaccinations in the passport of WALK OF GLEAMS, trained by Anna Newton-Smith, had been altered. The Stewards found the trainer in breach of Rule (E)19.5 and fined her £80.
View Stewards Report Sedgefield, 25 Nov 14
Fixture Note Following concerns raised by the jockeys after the second race, that in their opinion the low sun was affecting visibility at the fence at the top of the hill, the Stewards gave permission for Fence 3 to be bypassed in all steeple chases.
Race 3 - 1:20pm THE COMPARE BOOKIES ODDS AT bookies.com HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE The Stewards held an enquiry under Rule (B)11.6 into the deployment of the yellow ‘stop race’ flag by the Sedgefield ground staff. The Stewards interviewed Harry Challoner, the rider of the winner, DEBT TO SOCIETY (IRE), Michael McAlister, the rider of APACHE PILOT, placed second, Samantha Drake, the rider of URBAN GALE (IRE), placed third, Callum Bewley, the rider of CRAFTI BOOKE (IRE), placed fourth, as well as, Alistair Findlay, the rider of HEEZ A STEEL (IRE), Mr J E Flynn, the rider of GIBBSTOWN (IRE), Tony Kelly, the rider of OVER AND ABOVE (IRE), who all fell, the Fence Attendant and the Clerk of the Course.
Michael McAlister, who acted as spokesman for the riders, stated that the riders were aware that fence 3 was going to be bypassed. He added that although the visibility was poor he heard the whistle being blown but did not check the colour of the flag which was being waved.
Having heard their evidence and viewed recordings of the race the Stewards found all the riders in breach of Rule (B)48.1 and guilty of failing to pull up once the ‘stop race’ flag had been deployed. They suspended all the riders for 10 days as follows: Tuesday 9, Wednesday 10, Thursday 11, Friday 12, Saturday 13, Sunday 14, Monday 15, Tuesday 16, Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 December 2014. Mr J E Flynn was suspended for 10 days, on dates which will be notified to him by the British Horseracing Authority.
In the light of the yellow ‘stop race’ flag being deployed on the approach to the third fence, under Rule (B)66 the Stewards had no choice but to declare the race void.
The Stewards held a further enquiry into the deployment of the yellow ‘stop race’ flag in this race. They interviewed the Clerk of the Course, the Fence Attendant and the Head Groundsman. Having heard their evidence and viewed recordings of the race, the Stewards ordered a report to be forwarded to the British Horseracing Authority.
Race 5 - 2:20pm THE FREE BETS ON YOUR MOBILE AT bookmakers.co.uk HANDICAP The Stewards considered the running of AMIR PASHA (UAE), ridden by Jason Maguire and trained by Micky Hammond, which finished unplaced. They noted the trainer could offer no explanation for the gelding’s performance. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding during routine testing failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 6 - 2:50pm THE DAILY PRICE BOOSTS AT bookmakers.co.uk HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE The Stewards held an enquiry into the running and riding of CARTERS REST, ridden by Miss J Walton and trained by George Bewley, which was ridden prominently in the early stages but lost its position after half way and stayed on at the same pace to finish third, beaten some 18½ lengths. They interviewed the rider and the trainer. They also received a report from the Veterinary Officer who stated that the gelding was lame right foreleg post- race, and observations from the Handicapper. The rider stated that her instructions were to settle CARTERS REST during the race as he has a long history of wind problems and that the gelding felt uncomfortable on the soft ground, which she reported at scales. She added that she did not consider that CARTERS REST felt lame at the time. The trainer confirmed these instructions. Having heard their evidence and viewed recordings of the race the Stewards noted their explanations.
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Post by banger on Nov 25, 2014 19:11:42 GMT
Ruby Walsh is more worried about Djakadam having had only three runs over fences rather than the fact that he is only a five-year-old going into Saturday's Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury. No horse so young has ever won the prestigious race, but Walsh rewrote the history books on the Paul Nicholls-trained Master Minded who won the Queen Mother Champion Chase in 2008 when just five. Trained by Willie Mullins, Djakadam was last seen falling in the JLT Novices' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, on just his third outing over fences, and he runs off a mark of 142 having won his first two starts last season. It is that, rather than his age, that Walsh feels the red-hot favourite needs to overcome. Speaking in his blog for Paddy Power, Walsh said: "The pundits are saying that Djakadam can't win the Hennessy Gold Cup on Saturday because he's only a five-year-old. "They said Master Minded couldn't win a Champion Chase when he was that age. He did - so the stats are there to be broken. "A bigger worry for me is that he has just three runs over fences and is inexperienced for a race like this."
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Post by banger on Nov 25, 2014 19:18:29 GMT
More Of That, unbeaten winner of the Ladbrokes World Hurdle, features among eight entries for the bet365 Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury on Saturday after the Grade Two contest was reopened. More Than That worked at Newbury earlier this week The Jonjo O'Neill-trained six-year-old has not raced since beating Annie Power in the stayers' championship at the Cheltenham Festival in March. More Of That's owner, J P McManus, also has At Fishers Cross, who was third at Cheltenham and last of four in this race 12 months ago after making a bad mistake at the second-last. On his reappearance, At Fishers Cross was last of three behind Cole Harden and Alan King's Medinas in the bet365 Hurdle at Wetherby. Cole Harden's trainer Warren Greatrex is looking forward to saddling his progressive seven-year-old at the Berkshire track. "He is in really good form and I can't wait to get him back on the track again," the Upper Lambourn handler told www.wgreatrexracing.com. "He has improved since Wetherby and looks fantastic. Let's hope he can keep on improving." Rebecca Curtis, the trainer of At Fishers Cross, also has Peckhamecho, who won a Pertemps Series qualifier at Aintree on his latest start. The Paul Nicholls-trained Lac Fontana, third to Faugheen in the Coral Hurdle, Emma Lavelle's smart staying chaser Shotgun Paddy and Luke Dace's American Spin complete the eight possibles.
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Post by banger on Nov 25, 2014 19:23:22 GMT
Wednesday: Going, weather and non-runners FONTWELL GOING: HEAVY (Soft in places) (Bends will be moved out 3yds to give fresh ground adding 10yds per circuit; fences outer down the hill, inner home straight; hurdles middle inner)
WEATHER (Drizzle) KEMPTON GOING: POLYTRACK: STANDARD
WEATHER (Drizzle)
STALLS 1m 4f - Centre; Remainder - Inside
NON RUNNERS 4:45 The Gay Cavalier (14) LINGFIELD GOING: POLYTRACK: STANDARD
WEATHER (Showers)
STALLS 1m - Outside; Remainder - Inside WETHERBY GOING: SOFT (GoingStick: Chase 6.2, Hurdle 6.1) (Both bends have been moved out 3yds, adding approx. 18yds to the circuit that was used on 15th November. Official distances not affected)
WEATHER (Heavy rain)
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 25, 2014 19:26:59 GMT
Philip Fenton has lodged an appeal in relation to the severity of the three-year disqualification handed to the Cheltenham Festival-winning trainer by the Turf Club in Ireland.
Fenton was called before officials on Saturday after being found guilty of possessing anabolic steroids and other banned substances at a district court hearing in Carrick-on-Suir last month.
His disqualification period from training horses is scheduled to begin from midnight on Friday, November 28.
On March 1 next year he is due to be disqualified entirely from any horseracing environment.
Turf Club spokesman Cliff Noone said: "He has lodged an appeal against the severity of the penalty. No date has been set for the appeal hearing. " ================================
Champion jockey Tony McCoy makes his return to action at Fontwell on Wednesday after a couple of weeks on the sidelines through injury.
McCoy will ride Southfield Royale for Neil Mulholland in the Free Tips At raceclear.co.uk Novices' Hurdle.
The Angela Yeoman-owned four-year-old won on his only other racecourse appearance, in a bumper at Market Rasen under McCoy in June.
"Tony won his bumper on him and was keen to ride him again," said Mulholland.
"He's a nice horse, hopefully, and he won his bumper well.
"He's schooled well at home and hopefully he can be competitive.
"He's the only horse I have for Mrs Yeoman - she doesn't live too far from me - so I hope he's a good one."
McCoy was initially sidelined for a short spell after taking a crashing fall at Worcester on October 9, but aggravated an old rib injury at Exeter earlier this month.
He rode at Chepstow the following day, but decided to take a couple of weeks off to fully recuperate.
McCoy was keen to be back in action before the Hennessy meeting at Newbury this weekend where he will be reunited with World Hurdle winner More Of That. ================================
David Bridgwater was pleased The Giant Bolster showed much more enthusiasm in the Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday.
Although disappointing on his comeback in the Charlie Hall at Wetherby, the nine-year-old showed up well for a long way on Merseyside before fading into fifth on a track that does not bring his stamina into play.
Having finished second, fourth and third in the last three Gold Cups, the rest of his campaign is all about arriving at Cheltenham in March in peak condition, but quite which route he takes is still up in the air.
"He ran a proper race on a track he doesn't like," said Bridgwater.
"Now we have to work out how we get to our two main aims, which are the Argento (Cheltenham, January 24) and the Gold Cup.
"If there's something between now and the Argento I'd like to get a run into him as he's a very hard horse to get fit.
"If he doesn't run by the time of the Argento he's likely to need the run again.
"There's the Lexus in Ireland and the King George, obviously, but if he ran at Kempton he'd realistically need them all to fall to stand any chance as we know that won't suit him.
"He could run over hurdles, I suppose, as he's rated 20lb lower, but I'm not sure I want to do that." ================================
Trade Storm is set to continue his globetrotting ways with a run in the Group One Longines Hong Kong Mile at Sha Tin on December 14.
The six-year-old, trained by David Simcock, has performed with credit in top company in Dubai, Canada and the United States this year.
His latest effort was one of his best when he was third to Karakontie in the Breeders' Cup Mile at Santa Anita.
"I am very happy with Trade Storm and it is all systems go with him for Hong Kong," said Simcock.
"He has been an absolute model of consistency this year. His one blip was in the Dubai Duty Free, when we had problems with his feet beforehand.
"He has been very exciting and taken us all over the world this year."
David Redvers, racing advisor for owners Qatar Racing, said: "It is very much the plan for Trade Storm to contest the Hong Kong Mile.
"He has been a real flag-bearer for Qatar Racing and has been running well all year.
"He has been all over the world for us and must be eligible for frequent flyer points.
"His last two starts in Canada and at the Breeders' Cup have to be considered as the best of his career.
"He has been moving well and is in really good form. Hopefully, he will run another big race in Hong Kong." =================================
For the past two weekends Sam Twiston-Davies has won the Paddy Power Gold Cup and guided The New One to victory, and he warmed up for the mount on Rocky Creek in the Hennessy Gold Cup by riding a treble at Lingfield.
Twiston-Davies is dividing his time between being number one jockey for champion trainer Paul Nicholls while still riding for his father Nigel when he can, and it was his dad who provided him with two more midweek winners.
Nicholls' Rocky Creek was second in the Hennessy 12 months ago and teed up for his latest attempt by chasing home Road To Riches in Ireland, giving the young jockey hope he could be celebrating three big Saturday winners in a row.
It was much more low-key stuff at Lingfield but the jockey was keen to push all the praise on to his father after Allthegear No Idea (6-1) came back from over two years off to win the 188Bet Novices' Hurdle.
"He's obviously a very good trainer!" said the rider.
"He makes me eat my words every day. I keep telling him he needs to go out and attract some new owners and get some new horses and then he brings horses like this back after years off and wins with them.
"It's a testament to him that he can bring this fellow back after all that time to win in that ground. I think he can build on this, going further certainly wouldn't hurt him. It's very deep ground but if you've got a horse that goes through it they actually find it easier than sticky ground."
Early in the race, Aidan Coleman's mount Golan To War took a fatal fall and the rider was signed off for the rest of the afternoon.
Clerk of the course Ed Arkell said: "He has a gash near his eyebrow that required stitches and he was a bit battered and bruised so he was signed off for the day."
Coleman later tweeted: "All ok thanks. Got the stitches at the races so on my way home now."
Milicent Silver (5-6 favourite) ran out an impressive winner of the 188Bet Mares' Maiden Hurdle for the Twiston-Davies combination.
The jockey then teamed up with Joseph Tuite to win the closing Vijay Sicka Memorial Cup "Junior" Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race on Prince Of Poets (5-1), a race run on the Polytrack.
Andrew Thornton appeared just as delighted after winning the Happy 1st Birthday Jenson Roe Handicap Chase on Sportsreport as he was after claiming the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Cool Dawn.
It transpired that owner Chris Baldwin has been trying for four years to have a winner yet after several near-misses he had still to break his duck. Sportsreport was an easy winner, though, and the 3-1 chance sluiced through the mud to win by eight lengths for Seamus Mullins.
"It's incredible. I drove 250 miles to be here and I only made it 10 minutes before the race. I've been so close so many times. This is my third horse with Seamus. They got him from Ireland and all the credit must go to his team. Seamus has done an excellent job with him and that was a great thrill," Baldwin told At The Races.
Mullins said: "Chris has had favourites in the past and come close a few times. That was this man's Derby. I don't know what happened last time out, he may have been a bit rusty but with Andrew back in the plate it looked easy today."
Noel Fehily was another to taste big-race success last weekend on Silviniaco Conti and he proved he is also not just a man for the big occasion as Anabel Murphy's Dormouse (8-1) defied top weight in the 188Bet Casino Handicap Hurdle. Conceding more than two stone to the runner-up Reggie Perrin, he pulled out more on the run-in to score by half a length.
"He's a fun horse. He runs for 12 months a year, loves ground like this and he stays well. I could hear the second horse coming and he was giving plenty of weight away, but he kept going in fairness," said Fehily.
Leighton Aspell and Richard Rowe teamed up to win the Newton Waterproofing Novices' Handicap Chase with Strange Bird (7-1), while Neil King's Southway Star (10-11 favourite) made it four on the bounce in the 188Bet Great In Play Handicap Chase under Trevor Whelan. =======================================
Anthony Knott, renowned as owner of 2012 Cheltenham Festival winner Hunt Ball, has been found guilty of passing on inside information.
The disciplinary panel of the British Horseracing Authority found he assisted, encouraged or caused one or more others to act in contravention of the rule regarding the passing on of inside information relating to his horse Theroadtogorey in one of three races.
Andrew Callow, a non-licensed and non-registered person, was found guilty of committing a corrupt or fraudulent practice, namely the use of inside information about the likely performance of Theroadtogorey for betting purposes.
Callow is alleged to have benefited from inside information not known to the public when laying Theroadtogorey in a two-mile novices' hurdle at Uttoxeter in July, 2012. Callow won £6,155 when Theroadtogorey finished a tailed-off eighth of the nine runners.
However, the disciplinary panel concluded that Knott did not benefit from Callow laying Theroadtogorey, although he had passed on the information due to the pair's close relationship in the cattle trade.
Penalties will be determined by a further hearing, the details of which will follow in due course.
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 26, 2014 9:22:48 GMT
Going news for Fighting Fifth meeting Newcastle clerk James Armstrong (@jrfarmstrong): "@newcastleraces we have had 5mm of rain so far overnight. Going reverts to SOFT, Good to Soft in pls for now. 5mm more certainly poss today." =============================
Exciting Un De Sceaux set for debut over fences WILLIE MULLINS is set to unleash another major Cheltenham Festival fancy on Thursday when the unbeaten Un De Sceaux makes his debut over fences. ===================================
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 26, 2014 9:23:10 GMT
A NEW project, which it is hoped will help cement racing's place at the heart of communities across Britain, was unveiled on Tuesday night in the Houses of Parliament.
The Racing Together scheme was launched at a parliamentary reception organised by the racing industry, with speakers including sports minister Helen Grant and her Labour shadow Clive Efford.
It was claimed British racing invests £6.6 million a year in community engagement activities, while members of its 22,000-strong workforce donate 6,000 hours of their time each year towards charitable activity. The aim of the project is to bring that all under one banner.
Those behind the programme said it had four main pillars - looking after the people and horses involved in British racing, education outreach, helping those most in need and bringing together the communities in which racing operates.
Racecourse Association chairman Ian Barlow said: "British racing has a proud track record of helping communities across the country. The establishment of Racing Together will enable us to work together to do even more to support those most in need and work with the communities in which we operate."
A community engagement strategy was one of the ‘enablers' contained within racing's wider industry strategy, with the aim of delivering increased political and public support for the sport as well as improving recruitment and linking to participant welfare and customer growth.
BHA chairman Steve Harman said: "Racing is a British success story enjoyed by millions of people every year and is a significant industry for the rural economy and driver of international investment in UK PLC.
"It succeeds because of the contribution of our workforce, racecourses, education providers and charities, which bring benefits to communities across Britain. Racing Together is our opportunity to give back even more to the communities which support the industry."
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 26, 2014 15:20:20 GMT
Un De Sceaux 8-1 to go unbeaten this term Un De Sceaux, who has gone nine starts without defeat, makes his chasing debut at Thurles tomorrow and William Hill offer 8-1 about him going unbeaten this season. He is no bigger than 4-1 for the Racing Post Arkle at Cheltenham.
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 26, 2014 15:21:07 GMT
Racing Post data agreement Racing Post is to go back to receiving the official UK data feed from Weatherbys. A heads-of-terms contract has been agreed between Racecourse Data Company and Centurycomm Ltd, which owns Racing Post, over the licensing and distribution of pre-race data.
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 26, 2014 15:21:45 GMT
British racing set to receive £5 million prize-money boost BRITISH racing is set to benefit from a £5 million prize-money boost after the BHA, high street bookmakers and the Levy Board announced how an additional voluntary contribution fund agreed last year will be used.
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 26, 2014 15:22:41 GMT
JOCKEY Danny Grant, who tested positive for a metabolite of cocaine at the Curragh in March, is facing a suspension of six months following a Turf Club inquiry on Wednesday.
Grant, who said the source of the positive sample was a herbal tea product he purchased online, was banned for two years by a three-man Turf Club committee, although the last 18 months of it are suspended in light of mitigating factors such as the rider's serious and long-standing skin condition, which he bought the teabags to treat, his "difficult personal, medical and financial circumstances" and his co-operation.
It is the second time Flat jockey Grant, who won the Group 2 Ridgewood Pearl Stakes on Pout in 2006, has tested positive for the substance and he sat out a month in 2010.
The rider, off since August, said a friend had told him to buy the tea to help with his skin condition, which was brought on by stress.
Dr Thomas Barragry, who gave evidence to the Turf Club, however, noted there was "no evidence that coca, the main ingredient of the tea bags, had any effect on skin".
The suspended part of Grant's ban can be activated if he commits a further doping offence during the disqualification, while the Turf Club's report stressed the dangers associated with medical and other remedies in the context of anti-doping rules.
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 26, 2014 15:23:16 GMT
Disgraced Fenton 'tried to hide drugs from officials' DISGRACED trainer Philip Fenton, who is facing a three-year-ban from racing, tried to hide banned substances from officials when they visited his yard, a report from the Turf Club has said.
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 26, 2014 15:25:18 GMT
THE void race fiasco at Sedgefield on Tuesday, in which riders completed the race but were subsequently banned for ten days after an incorrect flag was waved, is embarrassing and ridiculous, Professional Jockeys Association chief executive Paul Struthers has said.
A black-and-white chequered flag should have been waved as the field approached the Paxtons Fence – omitted because of low sun – at the top of the hill before the turn into the home straight, but instead a yellow stop-racing flag was mistakenly waved, which meant the race had to be voided.
The seven jockeys involved were hit with ten-day bans much to the dismay of many in racing.
They have until Thursday evening to appeal, although Struthers was on Wednesday not sure if they will, citing costs as a potential deterrent.
"I think it is embarrassing and doesn't show the sport in a good light," he said. "The decision to suspend the jockeys wouldn't be a surprise to any of them.
"It is frustrating. I do think the BHA weren't forced to void the race even though the rules are black and white as there is a rule which states the authority may waver the application of a rule, direction or instruction in such circumstances it may consider appropriate.
"Bearing in mind there was no advantage or disadvantage to any horse and it was clearly deployed in error, the stewards and BHA could have invoked that rule.
"I would be amazed if the local stewards hadn't taken guidance from the BHA and we're looking at it from an appeal point of view."
Struthers called on the BHA to take action, adding on At The Races: "The right thing for the BHA to do is hold their hands up and say they've got it wrong. Say there were mitigating circumstances and quash the ban without an appeal.
"I've never seen an incident that involves jockeys getting banned where public opinion is so against the ban. It's a ridiculous state of affairs."
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Post by banger on Nov 26, 2014 16:31:49 GMT
Caid Du Berlais and Johns Spirit, who fought out a thrilling finish to the Paddy Power Gold Cup earlier this month, could return to Cheltenham for the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup, for which 32 horses have been entered, on December 13. Paddy Power Gold Cup winner Caid Du Berlais: Could return to Prestbury Park in December The Paul Nicholls-trained Caid Du Berlais got the verdict by a head from Jonjo O'Neill's Johns Spirit in the Paddy Power Gold Cup and they could be joined by the fourth home, Oscar Whisky, in the two-mile-five-furlong handicap chase with new sponsors. Nicholls could also be represented by Wonderful Charm, Rolling Aces and Sound Investment, while Oscar Whisky's trainer Nicky Henderson also has Paddy Power 10th Ericht. Emma Lavelle has entered Edgardo Sol, runner-up in the Old Roan Chase at Aintree in October before coming home eighth in the Paddy Power. "Edgardo Sol could return to Cheltenham for the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup, although it's very much ground related," said the Andover trainer. "If we have a dry period and the ground came up just that little bit better than last time, then we would definitely look at running him. "I was delighted by his run in the Paddy Power Gold Cup but he just got bogged down in the soft ground. "He jumped fantastically and travelled really well - if anything, he travelled a little bit too well and he could have done with the field going that little bit quicker. "He was still bang there two fences out and then got a little bit tired coming up the hill. I was very pleased with him and he has certainly come out of the race well." Lavelle has also put in Court In Motion, who has been absent since winning a Grade Two novice chase at Lingfield in December, 2012. "Court In Motion has been the most frustrating horse because he has got so much talent. He has had niggling problems over the past couple of seasons with his legs but, touch wood, we are still going forward at the moment," she said. "He is a bit vice versa to Edgardo Sol because, if the ground came up very soft, then we would definitely have a look at running him at Cheltenham. "He is one of those horses who, on very soft ground, two miles and five furlongs would be his ideal trip and he wouldn't quite get home over three miles. "I think he is probably quite well handicapped off 140 nowadays on what he has achieved and the horses that have finished behind him but it's a case of getting the work into him and getting him fit. "He is a serious racehorse if we can ever have him right." Ireland's champion trainer Willie Mullins has entered Djakadam, ante-post favourite for Saturday's Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury, plus The Paparrazi Kid and Turban. David Pipe has Cheltenham Festival winner Ballynagour, Easter Meteor and Monetaire, while Nigel Twiston-Davies, who took the corresponding race last year with Double Ross, has engaged novice chasers Arthur's Secret and Splash Of Ginge.
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Post by banger on Nov 26, 2014 17:14:11 GMT
Irving has been confirmed a definite runner in the StanJames.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle on Saturday. Irving: Favourite for Saturday's Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle The two-times Grade Two winner fell upon his return to the track at Wincanton earlier this month, when seemingly poised for a big run in the Elite Hurdle. Sam Twiston-Davies was at the helm that day, but he is likely to be in action at Newbury on the same afternoon, which means Nick Scholfield renews acquaintances. Scholfield has partnered Irving in five of his six starts in Britain, winning the Dovecote at Kempton and another Grade Two at Ascot along the way. Trainer Paul Nicholls tweeted: "Irving worked nicely this morning and runs at Newcastle on Saturday, ridden by @nick-Scholfield
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 26, 2014 18:30:47 GMT
Kempton Park, 26 Nov 14
Race 1 - 4:15pm THE BetBright MOBILE APP MAIDEN AUCTION STAKES (CLASS 5) Graham Gibbons, the rider of SPIRIT OF ROSANNA, unplaced, reported that the filly hung left throughout.
Fergus Sweeney, the rider of MISS JONH (FR), unplaced, reported that the filly was slowly away.
Race 2 - 4:45pm THE BetBright MONEYBACK OFFERS HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5) The Stewards noted that LOBSTER POT, unplaced, had interfered with EVACUSAFE LADY, placed fourth, who in turn interfered with KUBEBA (IRE), unplaced, a furlong and a half out, but after viewing a recording of the race they were satisfied that it did not involve a riding offence.
Jim Crowley, the rider of LOBSTER POT, unplaced, reported that the filly stopped quickly. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the filly during routine testing failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Martin Harley, the rider of GHOSTING (IRE), unplaced, reported that the gelding was denied a clear run.
William Carson, the rider of SUBTLE KNIFE, unplaced, reported that the mare was denied a clear run.
Race 3 - 5:15pm THE IRISH STALLION FARMS EBF MAIDEN STAKES (CLASS 4) (BOBIS RACE) (DIV I) David Probert, the rider of OPTIMYSTIC (IRE), unplaced, reported that the filly ran too free.
James Doyle, the rider of SAMPLE (FR), unplaced, reported that the filly was slowly away.
Luke Morris, the rider of STEP INTO THE TIDE (IRE), unplaced, reported that the colt was slowly away.
Race 4 - 5:45pm THE IRISH STALLION FARMS EBF MAIDEN STAKES (CLASS 4) (BOBIS RACE) (DIV II) The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of SHOWTIME BLUES, unplaced, trained by Amanda Perrett, revealed that the gelding had lost its off hind shoe.
View Stewards Report Lingfield Park, 26 Nov 14
Race 1 - 12:00pm THE CORAL MOBILE "JUST THREE CLICKS TO BET" HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) The Stewards held an enquiry into possible interference inside the final furlong. Having heard their evidence and viewed recordings of the race they found that MUNSARIM (IRE), unplaced, ridden by Amir Quinn, had interfered with MCBIRNEY (USA), unplaced, ridden by Luke Morris, which in turn interfered with MATRAASH (USA), placed fourth, ridden by Shane Kelly. The Stewards found Quinn in breach of Rule (B)54.1 and guilty of careless riding, in that he had allowed his horse to drift left without sufficient correction, taking MCBIRNEY (USA) off its intended line, which in turn caused MATRAASH (USA) to be short of room. They suspended Quinn for 2 days as follows: Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11 December 2014.
Luke Morris, the rider of MCBIRNEY (USA), unplaced, reported that the gelding had suffered interference in running.
Shane Kelly, the rider of MATRAASH (USA), placed fourth, reported that the horse was denied a clear run.
David Probert, the rider of FAIR COMMENT, placed third, reported that the filly was carried wide on the bend.
Amir Quinn, the rider of MUNSARIM (IRE), unplaced, reported that the gelding was slowly away and hung both ways in the home straight.
Race 2 - 12:30pm THE UNIBET/IRISH STALLION FARMS EBF MAIDEN STAKES (CLASS 5) (DIV I) The Stewards held an enquiry into possible interference approaching the home straight. Having heard their evidence and viewed recordings of the race they found that CRISSCROSSED, placed third, ridden by Paul Mulrennan, had interfered with NO BACKCHAT (IRE), unplaced, ridden by Graham Lee, which in turn interfered with ULTIMA ORA (IRE), unplaced, ridden by Joe Fanning. They found the interference was accidental.
The Veterinary Officer reported that NO BACKCHAT (IRE), unplaced, trained by Kevin Ryan, was lame on its right hind.
Race 3 - 1:00pm THE UNIBET/IRISH STALLION FARMS EBF MAIDEN STAKES (CLASS 5) (DIV II) The Stewards held an enquiry into the running and riding of TEMPUS TEMPORIS (USA), ridden by Robert Havlin and trained by John Gosden, which ran on in the closing stages to finish sixth, beaten 4 ¼ lengths . They interviewed the rider. They also received a report from the Veterinary Officer. The rider stated that his instructions were to put the colt in the race and do his best. He added that he dropped the colt in from its wide draw after the field had gone off at a strong pace. TEMPUS TEMPORIS (USA) had stayed on at one pace in the home straight and had lugged to his left before running on in the closing stages as the leaders weakened. Having heard his evidence and viewed recordings of the race, the Stewards noted the rider’s explanation.
Shane Kelly, the rider of BERNHARD (IRE), unplaced, reported that the colt ran green and the bit slipped through its mouth.
Richard Hughes, the rider of WALLY'S WISDOM, unplaced, reported that the colt was denied a clear run.
Non-Race related incidents After race 4 the Stewards held an enquiry following a report from a Stipendiary Steward that he had observed Robert Havlin using his mobile phone outside the designated area. They interviewed the rider and the Stipendiary Steward. Having heard their evidence the Stewards found the rider in breach of Rule (D)33.1 and fined him £290.
View Stewards Report Wetherby, 26 Nov 14
Race 1 - 12:15pm THE IJF JACK BERRY HOUSE CONDITIONAL JOCKEYS' CLAIMING HURDLE RACE (CLASS 5) The Stewards considered the apparent improvement in form of the winner HARRIS (IRE), ridden by Garry Lavery and trained by Alan Brown, compared with its previous run at Doncaster on 18 November 2014, where the gelding was pulled up. They noted the explanation of the trainer's representative that the gelding has a tendency to be unreliable, was suited by switch to fences having been chasing on its most recent runs and the application of a hood for the first time.
Michael Heard, the rider of TOO GENEROUS, unplaced, reported that the mare did not travel from half way and made mistakes throughout. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of TOO GENEROUS during routine testing failed to reveal any abnormalities.
The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of COOL OPERATOR, unplaced, trained by Philip Kirby, finished lame.
View Stewards Report Fontwell Park, 26 Nov 14
Fixture Note The first fence in the back straight omitted in all steeple chase races race due to standing water on the take-off side.
Race 1 - 12:40pm THE FREE TIPS AT raceclear.co.uk NOVICES' HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) The Stewards held an enquiry into the running and riding of BURGESS DREAM (IRE), ridden by Andrew Thornton and trained by Anna Newton-Smith, which finished sixth, beaten 27¾ lengths. They interviewed the rider. They also received observations from the Handicapper. The rider stated his instructions were to jump off, be handy and do his best. He added that his mount shied away at the start losing many lengths, a fact that he reported at Scales, and, therefore, was unable to carry out these instructions. He also stated that in view of the heavy ground he felt it prudent not to try and make up the distance too quickly. He further added that his mount stumbled and lost his footing on the top bend. Having heard his evidence and viewed recordings of the race the Stewards noted his explanations.
Race 2 - 1:10pm THE 32Red.com NOVICES' HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 4) The Stewards held an enquiry into possible interference coming off the bottom bend. Having heard their evidence and viewed recordings of the race they found that HOME FOR TEA, placed second, ridden by Felix de Giles, had interfered with SNOWELL (IRE), placed fourth, ridden by James Banks. The Stewards found de Giles in breach of Rule (B)54.1 and guilty of careless riding in that he switched right towards the rail causing increased interference to Banks. They suspended him for 4 days as follows: Wednesday 10, Thursday 11, Friday 12 and Saturday 13 December 2014.
Race 4 - 2:10pm THE NIGEL MARTIN MEMORIAL HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 5) The Stewards considered the apparent improvement in form of the winner, VOLIO VINCENTE (FR), ridden by James Best and trained by Carroll Gray, compared with its previous run at Newton Abbot on 29 September 2014 where the gelding was pulled up. They noted the trainer’s representative’s explanation that the gelding was better suited by the heavy ground having raced on good last time. They ordered VOLIO VINCENTE (FR) to be routine tested.
Race 5 - 2:45pm THE 32Red CASINO HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) The Stewards held an enquiry into why, once the starter’s flag had been dropped signifying that the race had started, a further seventeen seconds had elapsed before the runners began to race. They heard evidence from Kevin Jones, the rider of AMERICAN LIFE (FR), placed second, Paul Moloney, the rider of ORVITA (FR), placed third, and Tom Cannon, the rider of the winner, SWEET BOY VIC (IRE). Having also received a report from the Starter, they noted the riders’ explanations that they had all been instructed to hold up and take a lead which led to the delay in finding positions. The Stewards drew their attention to their responsibilities to begin the race proper once the Starter’s flag has been dropped.
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Post by banger on Nov 26, 2014 19:14:06 GMT
Connections of Knock A Hand are praying for plenty of cut in the ground at Aintree for the Betfred Becher Chase on Saturday week. Chance Du Roy pictured on his way to victory last year Connections of Knock A Hand are praying for plenty of cut in the ground at Aintree for the Betfred Becher Chase on Saturday week. The nine-year-old, trained by Richard Lee, has been allotted 10st 9lb for the staying handicap over the Grand National fences. The race will be given plenty of consideration as he is owned by staunch Aintree supporter and sponsor, Alan Halsall. Lee's wife, Carol, said: "Plans are fluid for Knock A Hand as he needs soft going. "He is owned by Alan Halsall, who is a director of the racecourse and a big supporter of Aintree including sponsorship with his company Silver Cross, so obviously we are leaning towards the race if at all possible. "We are fairly positive, but a lot will depend on the ground. He is the right age and right type of horse for the race as he is a nice jumper. "We haven't thought at all yet about whether he could go for the Grand National as yet - all focus is on the Becher at the moment. "He ran well when third at Bangor, as we had to give a lot of weight away to a well-handicapped horse (Howard's Legacy)." The weights are headed on 11st 12lb by Paul Nicholls' Rocky Creek, who is a leading fancy for the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury on Saturday. Last year's winner Chance Du Roy, from Philip Hobbs' in-form stable, has been handed 10st 11lb and is one of three 10-1 co-favourites with the sponsors along with the Gordon Elliott-trained Balbriggan (10st 1lb) and Harry Fry's Mendip Express (11st). Warren Greatrex has the option of the Becher Chase and the Betfred Grand Sefton Chase on the same card for Dolatulo (10st 9lb). "A lot with depend on ground. If it was really deep ground, I would look at the Grand Sefton or if it was better ground he could go for the Becher," said the Upper Lambourn trainer. "I think the two miles and five furlongs of the Sefton will take some getting if the ground is soft. "I think he is made for Aintree. He is, touch-wood, a good jumper and is also a bit quirky so I think mixing it up and the different fences will help him. "He ran well at Sandown earlier this month. He wouldn't have been fully wound up that day, so I was expecting him to improve for the run and he has done. "You never know if they will take to Aintree but I would be hopefully he will. He is an accurate jumper, very tough and is good going left-handed. I can't see any major weaknesses. "We will see how he gets on but it could be possible he would come back for the Grand National in the spring if all goes well."
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Post by banger on Nov 26, 2014 19:20:13 GMT
Thursday: Going, weather and non-runners KEMPTON GOING: POLYTRACK: STANDARD
WEATHER (Drizzle)
STALLS Inside
NON RUNNERS 4:55 Mambo Spirit (4) NEWBURY GOING: Hurdle - HEAVY (Soft in places; 4.1); Chase - SOFT (Heavy in places; 4.5) (Rails have been moved out wide on both courses - 2m hurdle & 2m NHF abt 70yds further, 3m 2f, 3m & 2m 6f chases abt 55yds further & 2m 5f hurdle 85yds further)
WEATHER (Drizzle) TAUNTON GOING: SOFT (Good to soft in places) (GoingStick 4.8) (Rail moved by approx 2m. Shared bend out of home straight, divided bend into home straight. Hurdles moved outwards by 2 sections. Configuration of bends adds approx 45 metres per circuit to chase course)
WEATHER (Drizzle) UTTOXETER GOING: Hurdle - SOFT (Heavy in places); Chase - HEAVY (Soft in places) (GoingStick 3.9) (Hurdles moved to inside. Fences opened up on inner. Divided bends)
WEATHER (Light rain)
NON RUNNERS 3:05 Hi Bob (2) THURLES GOING: SOFT
WEATHER (Mostly cloudy)
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 26, 2014 19:27:02 GMT
Tony McCoy wasted no time in getting back amongst the winners after a three-week lay-off with victory on Southfield Royale at Fontwell. However, despite taking his tally for the season to 153 on his only ride of the day, the 19-times champion jockey believes the dream of reaching 300 winners by the end of the campaign is out of the question. McCoy showed no rustiness nor lack of fitness after recovering from rib and shoulder injuries as he gave the Neil Mulholland-trained four-year-old a typically strong ride to land the Free Tips At raceclear.co.uk Novices' Hurdle. Coologue, the 1-2 favourite, looked to be going well for Noel Fehily, but McCoy asked his mount for extra and Southfield Royale (2-1) obliged to score by two and a half lengths. "You can't afford to miss any days and it's impossible to ride 300 winners now. You've got to accept the fact," said McCoy. "You've just got to ride as many as you can and hopefully some good ones along the way. "I'm very lucky, I've had a lot of good people looking after me. "I was slightly worried about the ground (for this horse) as he won his bumper at Market Rasen on better ground, but he's a good type and Neil's done well. "He said the more he jumped at home, the better he was. He jumped pretty well for a horse first time and you'd have to like him." Mulholland told At The Races: "We've always thought a lot of him. He's very well bred and thankfully he's done what we were hoping he would do. "It looked like a two-horse race and it looked like a good place to start. We wanted to find out and learn a little bit about him and it's paid off. "Having his first run over hurdles, we wanted to be as good a confidence booster as possible. We won't rush him." Mulholland completed a double when Ballydague Lady (4-6 favourite) landed the odds in the raceclear.co.uk Making Bookies Tremble Conditional Jockeys' Training Series Handicap Chase. The seven-year-old powered away from the final fence under Martin McIntyre to beat The Informant by 17 lengths. The three-runner 32Red Casino Handicap Hurdle made history by being one of the slowest hurdle races ever run in Britain. The time set by the winner Sweet Boy Vic for the three-mile-three-furlong heat was eight minutes 42.10 seconds, only six seconds slower than the record time for the Grand National over four and a half miles recorded by Mr Frisk in 1990. Seventeen seconds had elapsed after the starter dropped his flag, which signified the race had begun, before the trio even started to race. They dawdled for most of the journey until Tom Cannon pressed the button on Sweet Boy Vic (7-4) from the third-last flight. The 4-7 favourite American Life could not match the Chris Gordon-trained gelding's turn of foot and was six lengths down at the line. "Tom was brilliant on Sweet Boy Vic. The jockey won that race. Tom's got lots of confidence. He's a jockey riding at the top of his game," said Gordon. Cannon said: "If no-one wants to make the running, no-one wants to make it. We'd got our orders. We went steady the first two circuits and I just kicked on. I wanted to win it and I kept it simple in the end. "We sprinted from three out, really, and quickened round the bend turning in. I pulled him out for the better ground and he kept on quickening. It was a sprint, but I was in the right place at the right time." Cannon and Gordon had earlier struck with Lightentertainment (7-4 favourite), who registered his third course win in the £10 Free Bet At 32RedSport.com Handicap Hurdle. The six-year-old was held off the pace before coming through to lead after two out and scored cosily by three and a half lengths from Cadoudoff. "Lightentertainment was nearly completing a four-timer. He just got beat a nose last time. He won it pretty nicely. I'm over the moon with him. We're going the right way and can't wait to go chasing with him, but we might stick to hurdling this season with him," said Twyford-based Gordon. Carroll Gray's Volio Vincente (11-2) took the Nigel Martin Memorial Handicap Chase for the second year running with a six-length call under James Best. The Cannon-ridden Promised Wings stayed on after being tailed off early to claim second place. Best made it a brace on Kevin Bishop's Somerset Jem (5-2) in the SIS Bring Betting To Life Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race. Somchine (7-1) defied top weight of 11st 12lb on his first run since July 2013 to lift the 32Red.com Novices' Handicap Chase. Andrew Thornton brought Seamus Mullins' six-year-old, wearing a hood for the first time, to lead before the last fence and hold Home For Tea by a length and a quarter. Home For Tea's jockey Felix de Giles was given a four-day ban for careless riding. He will be out from December 10-13. =================================== John Hales has welcomed the appointment of Noel Fehily for Unioniste's comeback in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury on Saturday. The owner has been buoyed by the fine victory of Al Ferof in the Amlin Chase at Ascot last weekend as both horses had been suffering from ulcers which have since been treated. And with Sam Twiston-Davies aboard stablemate Rocky Creek, Fehily has been booked to ride Unioniste for the first time. The Paul Nicholls-trained grey put up a classy performance to defeat Wishfull Thinking by seven lengths in a Listed race at Aintree last December. He never recaptured that form and after taking his chance in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas, he was well beaten in competitive handicaps at Doncaster and Aintree. With Unioniste's problems reportedly behind him, Hales is optimistic of a good run. "He runs on Saturday and it's great that Noel Fehily rides," he said. "Unioniste went the same way as Al Ferof. Al Ferof came out and won the Amlin Chase last year and Unioniste won a nice race at Aintree and then went downhill. "We then found out both had got bad ulcers. You can see what happened with Al Ferof. We put him right. Paul worked out what was wrong with them." Tony McCoy is likely to turn to Merry King to give him that elusive first victory in the Hennessy. It is one of the very few big races missing from the perennial champion jockey's long list of successes and he gets the chance to put that right this weekend. The Jonjo O'Neill-trained gelding was fifth behind Triolo D'Alene 12 months ago when Richie McLernon took the ride as McCoy was in action at Newcastle, steering My Tent Or Yours to victory for his boss, owner JP McManus. McCoy told Sky Sports News: "There are three or four possibilities, but it looks like Merry King at the moment." ====================================== Bobs Worth is on course to bid for back-to-back victories in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown on December 28. The 2013 Cheltenham Gold Cup hero is set have his first run of the campaign in the three-mile Grade One which he won last Christmas by a length and a half from First Lieutenant. Fifth behind Lord Windermere in last season's Gold Cup, the Nicky Henderson-trained nine-year-old had been held up in his work - he underwent a trachea wash on Monday - but is now being prepared for a return to the track. "He's entered for the Lexus, and that's where we're heading. That's the plan," said Malcolm Kimmins, head of the syndicate of owners, The Not Afraid Partnership. "He's fine, he's cantering nicely and we'll be ready to go, hopefully at the end of December, if all goes according to plan." ====================================== Alan King expects Carraig Mor to cope with testing ground in the Grade Two bet365 Novices' Chase at Newbury on Thursday. King is banking on improvement from the Listed-winning hurdler following a pleasing chasing bow at Exeter, when second to the well-regarded Carole's Destrier. Just three horses have been declared for the three-mile heat, but Carraig Mor faces a formidable rival in Southfield Theatre, who is unbeaten in two starts over fences, including in the Rising Stars Novices' Chase at Wincanton. The Barbury Castle handler told " He schooled well on Monday morning and he looks to have improved both physically and mentally since his debut over fences at Exeter. "That experience will have done him the power of good. "And while he is wrong at the weights with Southfield Theatre, in a race which has cut up to three runners, he should go through the ground as it was very soft when he won in such good style over hurdles at Uttoxeter early last season." The field is completed by big outsider My Silver Cloud, last of three runners as a 100-1 chance on his chasing bow at Plumpton a week and a half ago. ==============================
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Post by banger on Nov 27, 2014 14:38:46 GMT
Sprinter Sacre will not make his return to action in the 888sport Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown on Saturday week. Sprinter Sacre: Will not return to action in the Tingle Creek Nicky Henderson's superstar two-miler has not run since being pulled up by Barry Geraghty in the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton last Christmas, after which he was diagnosed with a heart problem, which has since been rectified. Speaking at Newbury, the Seven Barrows trainer said: "With everything that is going on and the ground as much as anything, he's not quite really there, so he won’t go Tingle Creeking. He will be strutting away at home and he's fine, but he's not quite ready. "We went to Newmarket (to see Celia Marr, equine specialist) and came back with a clean bill of health from there and we are working away, but we are not quite ready." Sprinter Sacre won the Tingle Creek in 2012, having earlier that year landed the Arkle at Cheltenham, where he returned the following March to claim the Queen Mother Champion Chase in devastating fashion. Forced to miss his bid for a championship double in March, his last success came two runs ago at Punchestown in April 2013. Henderson went on: "It leaves you kind of empty for the time being, but I would rather buy the time. "He did two canters this morning and will do two tomorrow and we might decide to do a bit more with him on Saturday. "He's not quite ready and he's got to be 100 per cent when he goes to a racecourse and where do you do? Kempton (Desert Orchid Chase) was one of the places I wanted to avoid going to, after what happened to him last year. "The one good thing was he had a four-day full MOT at Newmarket and everything is tickety-boo." ! Henderson has also ruled stablemate Simonsig out of his comeback, which had been pencilled in for the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon the day after Sandown.The grey has been on the sidelines since winning the Arkle in 2013, having won the Neptune at the Festival 12 months earlier.Henderson said: "He (Sprinter Sacre) needs to be at his best, which is where we also need to be with his other old mate Simonsig, and he's not going to quite make it either."We were looking to get him to the Peterbrough Chase to get him ready for the King George and he's had a couple of blips - he was lame for a couple of days. He is sound now, but he's not going to get to the Peterborough Chase."
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