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Post by Kimmy on Jan 7, 2018 19:37:06 GMT
Leading all-weather trainer Mick Appleby has called for Southwell to become a dirt track if it is relaid.
Arena Racing Company (Arc), which owns the course, is considering changing the Fibresand surface at the Nottinghamshire track.
Reports claim Tapeta is the chosen surface but Arc insists no decision will be made on the nature of the surface until the views of industry professionals have been gathered
Appleby, who has had 99 winners at Southwell in the last five years, believes another Tapeta track would be pointless with the surface already in use at Wolverhampton and Newcastle.
He said: "They should make it a dirt course. I can't understand why we don't have one in this country when they race on dirt in America and Dubai.
"You could run Group 1 races on it and you could also use it for preparing horses for the big dirt races abroad. I hope they consider it, but if it isn't going to be dirt then I hope they put Fibresand back. But I'm not sure they will. Why do we need another Tapeta course when we already have two?"
He added: "It seems odd to me that they're putting up floodlights at Southwell and considering racing on Tapeta there. That's what they have at Wolverhampton."
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Post by dennisg on Jan 8, 2018 8:06:33 GMT
in today's sporting life............. Harry Whittington's Vinnie Lewis was a dominant winner of the At The Races Sussex National at Plumpton on Sunday. Formerly trained in Ireland by Jimmy Mangan, the seven-year-old opened his account for Harry Whittington with a facile success at Sedgefield in November and was the 7/2 favourite to follow up in this three-and-a-half-mile £30,000 contest. Vinnie Lewis was never too far off the pace in the hands of Harry Bannister and did not look back after taking the lead at the fourth fence from the finish. While several of his rivals floundered in the testing conditions, Vinnie Lewis galloped on remorselessly and passed the post six lengths clear of Shanroe Santos, with Frank N Fair third. At The Races ✔ @attheraces Vinnie Lewis wins the At The Races Sussex National! @plumptonraces 2:45 PM - Jan 7, 2018 6 6 Replies 32 32 Retweets 78 78 likes Twitter Ads info and privacy Bannister told At The Races: "He's very straightforward and he's done everything right. He's jumped and he's travelled and loves this soft ground, which is a massive asset in a race like this. "He's very nimble at his fences. He can come down a bit steep, but he's very sure-footed, so I try not to interfere with him too much. "He won so well at Sedgefield the last day. I know it was a big step up in grade and he'd gone up in the handicap, but he's young and he's improving and hopefully he can keep going forward."
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Post by dennisg on Jan 8, 2018 8:08:22 GMT
Next Destination kept his unbeaten record over jumps intact with a workmanlike victory in the Lawlor's of Naas Novice Hurdle. Fourth in last season's Champion Bumper at Cheltenham, the Willie Mullins-trained six-year-old made a sparkling debut over hurdles at this venue in November and followed up in similarly impressive style in the Grade Two Navan Novice Hurdle last month. He was a prohibitively priced 8/15 favourite to complete his hat-trick in a Grade One contest his trainer had won five times in the last eight renewals, and while it was not as straightforward as many were expecting, he got the job done in the hands of Paul Townend. Sky Bet make him 4/1 to win at the Cheltenham Festival. He's also 5/1 favourite to land the , for which runner-up Cracking Smart was cut into 8/1, 6/1 to win the and 16/1 for the (Non Runner No Bet). Townend said: "From the day he won his maiden here he was exciting and thankfully he's gone and done it again. "It's tough work out there and it was a messy enough race. I'd say his ability got him home. "I thought we'd go a bit quicker, to be honest, and I just wanted to keep it as simple as I could. "He jumped electric and was tough when I needed him. "He seems to be improving and growing up. Hopefully it's onward and upwards." Sporting Life ✔ @sportinglife 💪🏻 Next Destination keeps his unbeaten record over hurdles intact in the G1 Lawlor’s of Naas Novice Hurdle. Is he a Cheltenham Festival winner? 2:12 PM - Jan 7, 2018 4 4 Replies 3 3 Retweets 6 6 likes Twitter Ads info and privacy Next Destination was always well positioned, tracking the pacesetting Jetz for much of the two-and-a-half-mile journey before taking over the lead early in the home straight. Cracking Smart, runner-up to Next Destination at Navan, finished strongly after the final flight to grab second once more and there was only a length between them at the line. The eyecatcher of the race was the winner's stablemate Duc Des Genievres. A winner on his only previous start in France, the 25/1 shot travelled strongly for a long way and was not beaten far into third place. Mullins said: "He's improving all the time. It was a very slow-run race and, tactically, it was a lot different than we thought it would be. "His jumping held up under pressure over the last two and he was in front far enough to withstand the late challenge of the second horse. "I'd imagine we'll find a race at the Dublin Festival at Leopardstown (February 3-4) if it's not too soon. "He looks like a Ballymore or an Albert Bartlett horse (at the Cheltenham Festival). "I think he can settle well enough. Today he didn't because it was such a slow pace but I think in a Cheltenham-style race he'll settle and he could run in either of those two races. "The Ballymore would be the one you would think of immediately. He looks a real chaser but he's well able to hurdle this year anyway." Of Duc Des Genievres, Mullins said: "He ran a cracker for only his second run of his life. "He looks a real nice type. He'll certainly get a Cheltenham entry." Sporting Life
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Post by dennisg on Jan 8, 2018 8:09:51 GMT
A review of the rest of the action from Naas as Another Barney made a successful debut under rules in the INH Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle. Another Barney made a successful debut under rules in the INH Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle at Naas. The winner of a Tralee point-to-point last May, Jessica Harrington's charge was second best in the market at 4/1 for this two-mile contest behind the heavily backed 8/11 favourite Grotesque. Grotesque and Border Control battled for the lead racing down the back straight and it was the latter who jumped the better of the pair to give him the advantage early in the home straight. However, all the while Robbie Power was waiting in the wings aboard Another Barney and it was he who quickened up best to score by five and a half lengths. Border Control comfortably beat Grotesque to the runner-up spot. Harrington was saddling her first winner in a while, having failed to hit the target over the Christmas and new year period. She said: "I've had more seconds in December than anything else. Maybe there wasn't that much wrong with the horses but they were just getting beaten. "He showed what I thought he'd show. Kate (Harrington, daughter) was there when he got bought in Cheltenham. I don't go to the sales any longer. "He's going to be a chaser and I think he'll appreciate a bit better ground in the spring. We'll see where we go with him now." Demi finds more to reel in Avenir Demi Sang lunged late to score on his Irish introduction in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Chase. The five-year-old won twice at Auteuil last September before being snapped up by leading owner JP McManus and joining champion trainer Willie Mullins. He was the 11/10 favourite on his first start for his new connections and while his jumping was not entirely convincing and he did not travel with much zest, he moved up to challenge the front-running Avenir D'Une Vie in the home straight. Avenir D'Une Vie appeared to have the race in safe keeping when kicking on between the final two fences, but Barry Geraghty did not give up aboard Demi Sang and after battling his way back into contention jumping the last, the Mullins runner finished strongly on the run-in to prevail by a length and a quarter. Mullins nominated the Frank Ward Solicitors Arkle Novice Chase at Leopardstown on February 3 as a potential target for his charge. He said: "It was a very good performance but he jumped a bit slow. "I thought he'd jump a bit quicker and he might need to jump a bit sharper. I'm sure he'll learn that. "He lost a lot of ground in the air, especially when he needed to (jump quicker) at the fourth and third-last. He was just dwelling in the air too much but I think he'll get better. "I'd imagine he'll go down the Arkle route and we'll look at Leopardstown. That would be the obvious place after winning that. "To win two races at Auteuil is a very good level and that showed there. He was bought to go over the minimum trip." Singing the Blues Blue Empyrean was a 5/1 winner of the two-mile handicap chase. There were several horses, including 6/4 favourite Sizing Platinum, in with a chance of victory at the final fence, but Keith Watson's charge finished best to score by two and three-quarter lengths from Eiri Na Casca under 3lb claimer Andrew Ring. Marshall Watson, son of the winning trainer, said: "He'll get a break now as he's had three quick runs and we'll probably go two and a half (miles) or even further in future." Easy for Asthria Asthuria outclassed her rivals in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Beginners Chase. The Mullins-trained mare was a beaten odds-on favourite on her chasing debut at at Thurles in November, but rewarded those who kept the faith with a dominant all-the-way success under Paul Townend. Mullins said: "I think the Opera Hat back here is the next mares' chase. It's an open race but that might be what we do with her. "She enjoys her jumping and likes to get on with the job "Hopefully she'll go and improve again from that run. She obviously needed the run the last day."
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Post by dennisg on Jan 8, 2018 8:11:48 GMT
Ashley Iveson says Victory Bond looks set to make a successful return to action at Wolverhampton on Monday. Victory Bond looks set to make a successful return to action in the Betway Conditions Stakes at Wolverhampton. With a total prize fund of £19,000 up for grabs, a small but select field of six are set to go to post, with Victory Bond the top-rated on 107. William Haggas' inmate mixed it with some high-class performers on the grass last summer, most notably finishing fourth in the Group Two York Stakes in July. He proved just as effective on the all-weather towards the backend of 2017, winning a decent prize at Chelmsford before bumping into the useful Master The World in the Listed Churchill Stakes at Lingfield. This conditions event represents a drop in class for Victory Bond on his first start since November and he can make the most of the opportunity. Cliffs Of Capri should rediscover the winning trail in the Bet & Watch At sunbets.co.uk Novice Stakes. The son of Canford Cliffs won two of his first three starts for Simon Crisford before changing hands for 50,000 guineas in the autumn and joining Jamie Osborne. He made a promising start for his new connections at Chelmsford in November, finishing runner-up off a mark of 92. The four-year-old was raised to a perch of 94 ahead of his latest assignment in Lingfield and was far from disgraced in finishing fifth after being stuck wide from an unfavourable draw. Cliffs Of Capri runs in novice company for the first time at Dunstall Park and while he must concede weight to each of his rivals, he should be up to the task. Shamlan can snap a long losing streak in the Betway Casino Handicap. The six-year-old has failed to get his head in front since striking gold here in April 2016 when trained by Kevin Frost, since which he has endured a largely disappointing spell with Johnny Farrelly. However, he rejoined Frost towards the end of 2017 and immediately raised his game, finishing a close-up second when a 33-1 shot here a month ago. The handicapper has raised him 5lb to a mark of 60, but he is still some way below his last winning mark of 68 and is fancied to continue his revival. Greyed A can make a successful return to Fontwell in the Follow Us On Twitter @fontwellpark Handicap Chase. Dr Richard Newland's son of Daylami fairly bolted on his latest appearance over the course and distance and looks set to encounter similarly stamina-sapping conditions. The form is fairly moderate, but a 3lb hike for Greyed A seems more than fair. National Hunt action also comes from Hereford where Comrade Conrad can open his account in the myracing.com For Free Bets And Tips Juvenile Maiden Hurdle. He failed to strike in six starts on the level for Roger Charlton and let down his supporters when beaten into fourth as an odds-on favourite on his hurdling bow at Fontwell last month. However, that effort was certainly not without promise as he got the fifth obstacle all wrong and nearly fell before recovering his composure to be beaten 35 lengths. Comrade Conrad will have learnt for the experience and trainer Dan Skelton will surely have had him in action on the schooling ground since then. Sporting Life Suggestions FONTWELL: 1.15 My Dance, 1.45 Blue April, 2.15 Greyed A, 2.45 Minella On Line, 3.15 Jarlath, 3.45 Seaston Spirit. HEREFORD: 1.30 Tree Of Liberty, 2.00 Misty Mai, 2.30 Clondaw Rigger, 3.00 Comrade Conrad, 3.30 Oscar Star, 4.00 Vado Forte. WOLVERHAMPTON: 4.15 Grey Destiny, 4.45 Honey Badger, 5.15 Cliffs Of Capri, 5.45 Paddys Runner, 6.15 Shamlan, 6.45 VICTORY BOND (NAP), 7.15 Zapateado, 7.45 Veena. DOUBLE: Victory Bond and Cliffs Of Capri.
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 8, 2018 8:40:48 GMT
Monday: going, weather & non-runners Fontwell GOING: HEAVY (Soft in places) hurdles course; SOFT (Heavy in places) chase course (GoingStick 5.7) WEATHER: Cloudy Hereford GOING: SOFT (INSPECTION 8AM MONDAY) WEATHER: Cloudy Wolverhampton (AW) GOING: TAPETA: STANDARD WEATHER: Cloudy STALLS: 7f - Outside; Remainder - Inside NON RUNNERS: 5:45 Argent Knight (1) 6:15 Rock Icon (13)
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 8, 2018 8:41:25 GMT
Newmarket: David Milnes
Victory Bond (6.45 Wolverhampton, nap)
Didn't have the clearest of passages when runner-up to Master The World in a Listed contest at Lingfield last time and fancied to make amends. William Haggas has his winter all-weather team in fine form and this five-year-old is expected to book his place for finals day.
8/13 Victory Bond 6:45 Wolverhampton (AW) Others to follow Wolverhampton 5.15 Maximinus Thrax, 5.45 Rite To Reign, 6.15 Broughtons Story, 7.15 Wilfred Owen, 7.45 Veena. Lambourn: James Burn
Jack Bear (5.45 Wolverhampton, nap)
Oisin Murphy is an eyecatching jockey booking for this seven-year-old, who makes his first start for Roger Teal and has won after a break.
15/2 Jack Bear 5:45 Wolverhampton (AW) Others to follow Fontwell 1.15 Tierra Verde, 2.45 Minella On Line, 3.15 Cody Wyoming, 3.45 Seaston Spirit. Hereford 1.30 Hogan's Height, 2.00 Ceann Sibheal, 3.00 Aardwolf, 3.30 Oscar Star. Wolverhampton 4.15 Haraz, 4.45 Zenovia, 5.15 Cliffs Of Capri, 6.45 Battalion, 7.15 Laytown, 7.45 Delilah Park. North: Colin Russell
Asking Questions (4.00 Hereford, nap)
Winning pointer who ran his best race over hurdles when runner-up on handicap debut at Ffos las last time. Goes well on soft ground and fancied to go one better.
7/2 Asking Questions 4:00 Hereford Others to follow Woverhampton 4.15 Grey Destiny, 4.45 Honey Badger, 5.15 Ascot Week, 6.15 Falcon's Fire, 7.15 Northern Law, 7.45 Beatbybeatbybeat. West Country: Tim Mitchell
Native Robin (3.15 Fontwell, nap)
Took advantage of a lower mark when back to form and winning with plenty in hand at Warwick last time. Although not ideal, he handled the heavy ground well enough and, with conditions set to be testing again, Jeremy Scott's gelding is fancied to follow up under a penalty.
- Native Robin 3:15 Fontwell Others to follow Fontwell 1.45 Blue April, 2.15 Finish The Story, 2.45 Tikken Away. Hereford 2.00 Kalmbeforethestorm, 4.00 We'll Be There. Racing Post Ratings: Steve Mason
Bee Crossing (1.15 Fontwell, nap)
Winning pointer who did enough on her recent Wincanton hurdling debut to suggest she can win an ordinary looking mares' maiden hurdle.
5/2 Bee Crossing 1:15 Fontwell Topspeed: Dave Edwards
Native Robin (3.15 Fontwell)
Won with something in hand at Warwick eight days ago and Jeremy Scott's eight-year-old can shrug off his penalty.
- Native Robin 3:15 Fontwell Longshot: Ed Quigley
Cat Royale (6.15 Wolverhampton)
Not at his best lately, but has some decent form at this venue, and should be competitive off a mark of 63.
8/1 Cat Royale 6:15 Wolverhampton (AW) >>There are no Irish tips on Monday Members can read the latest exclusive tipping content such as Pricewise and Paul Kealy from 8pm daily on racingpost.com
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 8, 2018 8:42:03 GMT
Michael Scudamore is five from 20 with horses having their first starts in handicaps (25 per cent strike-rate, £1 level-stakes profit of £11.25). Sounds Of Italy is one such runner in the 2.30 at Hereford.
John Gosden is the top trainer at Wolverhampton with a 34 per cent strike-rate (46-165). When teaming up with Nicky Mackay that record rises to 42 per cent. They combine with Wilfred Owen in the 7.15.
David Milnes has a great record when napping horses hailing from the William Haggas yard (8-12). The Newmarket tipster has selected Victory Bond as his best bet of the day in the 6.45 at Wolverhampton.
Edward Greatrex is top of the hot jockeys’ list with four winners from eight rides over the past fortnight. He rides Zenovia for trainer Archie Watson in the Wolverhampton 4.45
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 8, 2018 8:45:34 GMT
Fontwell
Goodfellow
1.15 Bee Crossing
1.45 Blue April
2.15 Greyed A
2.45 De Rasher Counter
3.15 Native Robin
3.45 Puppet Warrior
GIMCRACK
1.15 My Dance
1.45 Blue April
2.15 Greyed A
2.45 Minella On Line
3.15 Jarlath
3.45 Seaston Spirit
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 8, 2018 8:45:57 GMT
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 8, 2018 8:46:22 GMT
Wolverhampton
Goodfellow
4.15 Dark Alliance
4.45 Zenovia
5.15 Cliffs Of Capri
5.45 Azam (nap)
6.15 Berlusca (nb)
6.45 Victory Bond
7.15 Oneroa
7.45 Delilah Park
GIMCRACK
4.15 Grey Destiny
4.45 Honey Badger
5.15 Cliffs Of Capri (nb)
5.45 Paddys Runner
6.15 Shamlan
6.45 Victory Bond (nap)
7.15 Zapateado
7.45 Veena
Hereford
Goodfellow
1.30 Tree Of Liberty
2.00 Flashjack
2.30 Clondaw Rigger
3.00 Comrade Conrad
3.30 Oscar Star
4.00 Shroughmore Lass
GIMCRACK
1.30 Tree Of Liberty
2.00 Misty Mai
2.30 Clondaw Rigger
3.00 Comrade Conrad
3.30 Oscar Star
4.00 Vado Forte
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 8, 2018 9:45:55 GMT
HEREFORD OFF.
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 8, 2018 17:23:28 GMT
Gigginstown House Stud reveals season-ending injury to Death Duty Highly-rated novice chaser Death Duty has suffered an injury to a hind joint and will miss the rest of the season.
Gordon Elliott's seven-year-old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, won his first three starts over fences, including the Grade One Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse, but fell on his last outing at Leopardstown over Christmas.
Death Duty sustained the problem during the Racing Post Novice Chase, with Gigginstown racing manager Eddie O'Leary suggesting the problem may have occurred before his final-fence fall.
"Unfortunately he'll be out for the season," O'Leary told Press Association Sport.
"I'd say it probably happened earlier than the fall because it is a problem with a hind joint.
"Hopefully he'll be back next season."
Death Duty had been prominent in the Cheltenham Festival betting for both the RSA Novices' Chase and the JLT Novices' Chase.
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 8, 2018 17:24:17 GMT
Thistlecrack will miss the Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup for the second successive year due to an injury.
The 12-1 joint-fifth favourite, who was ruled out of last year's race with a tendon tear, has suffered a small stress fracture to the top of the tibia.
The Colin Tizzard-trained ten-year-old, owned by John and Heather Snook, was last seen running an encouraging fourth in his defence bid of the King George on Boxing Day and picked up the fresh injury as he continued his return from the one that ruled the 2016 World Hurdle winner out of action for 11 months.
Kim Tizzard, daughter of the trainer, confirmed on Monday: "He has been off today for bone scans as he was stiff after the King George – he has a small hairline fracture and he misses the Gold Cup and probably the rest of the season."
The injury is another blow for the West Country yard in a season when stable stars Cue Card, Fox Norton, Finian's Oscar and Slate House have disappointed more often than they have dazzled, while Unibet Champion Hurdle hope Pingshou and Gold Cup contender Native River are yet to go to post.
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 8, 2018 17:25:02 GMT
7.15
Ivan Furtado had a startling end to 2017, recording nine wins in November and December at a strike-rate of 26 per cent and January has started in a similar vein, with one winner from just four runners.
Oneroa made her second and third starts in novices during her trainer's purple patch, but still improved on her latest run and now goes handicapping from a mark of 65. She steps up trip, which should suit her, and has a fighting chance of continuing her yard's fine run.
11/4 Oneroa 7:15 Wolverhampton (AW)
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 8, 2018 17:25:53 GMT
Hong Kong's record-breaking apprentice jockey Kei Chiong has retired from competitive race-riding after struggling with injury since the end of last season.
Chiong, 25, won the inaugural Tony Cruz Award in the 2015-16 season, in which she rode 37 winners. The award is given to Hong Kong's leading homegrown rider.
She concludes her riding career with 58 wins in Hong Kong, the most earned by a female jockey in Hong Kong history. Chiong established a new mark for wins in a single meeting by a female jockey in Hong Kong when she rode four winners at Sha Tin on April 10, 2016. This was also the most wins by any 10lb claimer in Hong Kong over the last eight seasons.
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 8, 2018 20:19:57 GMT
Wolverhampton, 08 Jan 18 Race 1 - 4:15pm THE sunbets.co.uk APPRENTICE HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) (DIV I) Following the race, Charlie Bennett reported that EL TORITO (IRE), placed third, hung left throughout.
Race 2 - 4:45pm THE sunbets.co.uk APPRENTICE HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) (DIV II) Permission was given for ZENOVIA (IRE) to be mounted in the chute.
Shortly after leaving the stalls, HONEY BADGER, unplaced, lugged right onto ZENOVIA (IRE), placed fourth, which in turn interfered with BUSH BEAUTY (IRE), placed second, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved.
Kevin Lundie, the rider of KAFOO, placed third, was suspended for 2 days for using his whip above the permitted level inside the final furlong.
Race 4 - 5:45pm THE BETWAY HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5) Having reviewed the start, the Stewards were satisfied that SANDY COVE had refused to race and was deemed to be a runner.
The Starter reported that SANDY COVE, ridden by Nicola Currie and trained by David Loughnane, had refused to race. The rider, the trainer and the Starter were interviewed and shown recordings of the start. David Loughnane was informed that any future similar behaviour from the gelding may result in the horse being reported to the Head Office of the British Horseracing Authority.
Approaching the final half a furlong, LADY MAKFI (IRE), placed fourth, hung quickly left away from the whip carrying AZAM, unplaced, off its intended line, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved and that it had not improved the placing of LADY MAKFI (IRE).
Following the race, Charles Bishop reported that TAKBEER (IRE), unplaced, hung right throughout.
Race 5 - 6:15pm THE BETWAY CASINO HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) Permission was given for BERLUSCA (IRE) to go early to post.
ANTON CHIGURH, trained by Nikki Evans, did not enter the Parade Ring due to being slightly delayed having had a runner in the previous long distance race and was on her way to the Parade Ring when she was advised by the Clerk of the Course to remain in the pre Parade Ring to avoid the other runners coming out of the Parade Ring.
Following the race, Mitch Godwin reported that SAHALIN, unplaced, moved poorly behind and Oisin Murphy reported that FALCON’S FIRE (IRE), unplaced, stopped quickly. The Veterinary Officer reported that post-race examinations of both horses failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 6 - 6:45pm THE BETWAY CONDITIONS STAKES (CLASS 2) An enquiry was held into the possible faulty action of the starting stalls in this race. Oisin Murphy, the rider of the winner, VICTORY BOND, and the Starter were interviewed and shown recordings of the incident. It was found that the gelding, drawn 5, had anticipated the start and barged the gate at the same moment as the race had been started. Being satisfied that it was not caused through a faulty action of the starting stalls and no advantage had been gained, no further action was taken.
Race 7 - 7:15pm THE 32Redsport.com HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) Shortly after the start, there was interference between the winner, ELIXSOFT (IRE), NORTHERN LAW (IRE), unplaced, ONEROA (IRE), placed second, ASTROBLAZE, unplaced, RUNTHATBYMEAGAIN (IRE), unplaced and WILFRED OWEN, unplaced, but after viewing a recording of the incident it was not possible to apportion blame.
An enquiry was held into the apparent improvement in form of the winner, ELIXSOFT (IRE), ridden by B. A. Curtis and trained by Roger Fell, which had never previously been placed. The representative of Roger Fell was interviewed. Her comments that the filly had been working well at home and appreciated the weaker race on this occasion, were noted and ELIXSOFT (IRE) was routine tested.
Following the race, Jason Hart reported that NORTHERN LAW (IRE), unplaced, stopped quickly and the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 8 - 7:45pm THE 32Red CASINO FILLIES' HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5) The performance of DELILAH PARK, which started favourite and finished fourth of four, was considered. Clive Cox could offer no explanation for the filly’s performance and the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of DELILAH PARK failed to reveal any abnormalities. View Stewards report Hereford, 08 Jan 18 Fixture Note Abandonded - Frozen Nothing to report View Stewards report Fontwell Park, 08 Jan 18 Race 1 - 1:15pm THE EUROPEAN BREEDERS FUND (EBF) MARES' 'NATIONAL HUNT' MAIDEN HURDLE RACE (CLASS 5) Following the race, Andrew Glassonbury reported that REMEMBER ME WELL (IRE), which was pulled up, ran green.
Race 2 - 1:45pm THE RACING WELFARE HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 5) Permission was given for THUNDERING HOME to go early to post and to be mounted on the track.
An enquiry was held to consider the placings in this race after two incidents of interference. In the first incident, shortly after the final hurdle interference took place between the winner, BLUE APRIL (FR), ridden by Nick Scholfield and BE DARING (FR), placed second, ridden by Tom Cannon. The interference was found to be accidental as BLUE APRIL (FR) shifted left as BE DARING (FR) shifted right resulting in a very slight bump. In the second incident, approximately half a furlong out, BE DARING (FR) drifted right giving BLUE APRIL (FR) a bump, causing the gelding to be marginally taken off its intended line. Being satisfied that the interference in the second incident was caused by the second placed horse, BE DARING (FR), the Stewards ordered the placings to remain unaltered. Cannon was cautioned for careless riding as he allowed his mount to drift right without sufficient correction.
Race 3 - 2:15pm THE FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @fontwellpark HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 4) FINISH THE STORY (IRE), trained by Johnny Farrelly was late in the Parade Ring, due to difficulties with fitting the tongue strap.
Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that the winner, GREYED A (IRE), lost its right hind shoe.
Race 4 - 2:45pm THE INJURED JOCKEYS FUND HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 3) Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that CHRIS PEA GREEN, placed fourth, lost its right fore shoe.
Race 5 - 3:15pm THE RACING WELFARE 24 HOUR HELPLINE 08006300443 HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 4) BAGGING TURF (IRE), trained by Gary Moore was late in the Parade Ring, due to difficulty with fitting the saddle.
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 8, 2018 20:21:57 GMT
Irish Grand National-winning jockey Ger Fox says he will regret taking cocaine until the day he dies and has urged fellow riders to speak out and seek help if they ever find themselves tempted by drugs.
Fox was one of three riders to test positive for cocaine at Galway in October and, speaking for the first time since a six-month ban was imposed by the Turf Club in late November, the 28-year-old admitted he was ashamed of himself and embarrassed.
"It was one drunken moment of madness on a night out and I'll regret it until the day I die," Fox told the Racing Post on Monday.
"It has just been one big nightmare. The hardest thing I've ever had to do was tell my parents. I felt sick and weak. I was so ashamed of myself and embarrassed. Not in a million years would I dream of ever doing it again. I've learned a very harsh lesson."
Fox says he has been scared to show his face in public at the races over the last few months.
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 9, 2018 8:43:42 GMT
Tuesday: going, weather & non-runners Doncaster GOING: SOFT (Good to soft in places on hurdles course) (Rail movements: Races 1, 3, 5 & 7 +31yds and Races 2, 4 & 6 +8yds) WEATHER: Cloudy NON RUNNERS: 12:25 Fawsley Spirit (6) 2:00 Casablanca Mix (1) Southwell (AW) GOING: FIBRESAND: STANDARD WEATHER: Cloudy STALLS: 5f - Centre; Remainder - Inside NON RUNNERS: 2:20 Born To Finish (3) 2:55 Hisar (6) Taunton GOING: SOFT (Good to soft in places) (GoingStick 4.6) (Rail movements: Races 1, 3, 5 & 7 +153yds, Race 2 +210yds and Races 4 & 6 +66yds) WEATHER: Cloudy NON RUNNERS: 3:50 Locker Room Talk (8)
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 9, 2018 8:44:21 GMT
Newmarket: David Milnes
Jack The Truth (2.20 Southwell, nap)
Fancied to complete the hat-trick at his favourite venue back over six furlongs following his emphatic handicap success over the minimum trip last week. George Scott's sprinter is in good shape and could run again later this week.
5/4 Jack The Truth 2:20 Southwell (AW) Others to follow Southwell 1.15 Sheriff, 1.45 London
Lambourn: James Burn
French Crusader (1.25 Doncaster, nap)
Well liked at Seven Barrows and justified that faith with a smooth win in a bumper at Huntingdon in November. Expected to go close on hurdling debut at a track the in-form Nicky Henderson does well at.
2/1 French Crusader 1:25 Doncaster Others to follow Doncaster 12.25 Colonial Dreams, 12.55 Du Destin, 2.35 Canoodle. Southwell 1.45 Chevallier, 2.20 Born To Finish. Taunton 2.45 Fidux, 3.50 Smith's Bay.
North: Colin Russell
Dazeekha (3.30 Southwell, nap)
Lightly raced mare who put up a career-best when fourth over course and distance on her latest start. Wears cheekpieces for the first time and can get off the mark this time.
9/2 Dazeekha 3:30 Southwell (AW) Others to follow Doncaster 11.55 Mount Mews, 1.25 Ravenshill Road, 2.00 Same Circus, 3.10 General Mahler, 3.40 Log On. Southwell 12.15 Acker Bilk, 12.45 Laydee Victoria, 1.15 Helen Sherbet, 1.45 Georgian Bay, 2.20 Newstead Abbey, 2.55 Tagur.
West Country: Tim Mitchell
Coup De Pinceau (1.05 Taunton, nap)
Dual bumper winner who is progressing over hurdles and was not disgraced in a competitive Cheltenham handicap in November. Fancied to open his account now returning to maiden company and stepped up in distance.
3/1 Coup De Pinceau 1:05 Taunton Others to follow Doncaster 1.25 Niblawi. Taunton 12.35 Kristal Hart, 1.35 Samburu Shujaa, 2.10 Broadway Buffalo, 2.45 Padleyourowncanoe, 3.20 Opening Batsman, 3.50 Sizing Tara.
Racing Post Ratings: Steve Mason
As I See It (1.05 Taunton, nap)
Finished a long way clear of some fair sorts when chasing home subsequent Bangor winner Samuel Jackson over course and distance last month and is fancied to go one better.
15/8 As I See It 1:05 Taunton Topspeed: Dave Edwards
Jack The Truth (2.20 Southwell)
George Scott's dual course winner is a lightly raced, improving four-year-old and can shrug off a penalty to complete the hat-trick.
5/4 Jack The Truth 2:20 Southwell (AW) Longshot: Ed Quigley
Showboating (1.45 Southwell)
Recent form doesn't inspire confidence, but has some solid form at this venue and shouldn't be dismissed off a mark of 85 returning to Fibresand.
9/1 Showboating 1:45 Southwell (AW) For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster. Just click Raceday Live at racingpost.com or the mobile app
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Post by dennisg on Jan 9, 2018 8:44:33 GMT
in today's sporting life................ Anita Chambers feels Andrew Balding's Intimate Art could be worth support with cheekpieces fitted for the first time at Southwell on Tuesday. She's got a tip for every race on the day. Intimate Art has slipped back to his last winning mark and merits a small interest in the sunbets.co.uk Handicap at Southwell. Andrew Balding's charge has seen only limited action to date, notching 10 runs as a four-year-old, and he has put up a bit of a mixed bag of performances. A winner back in October 2016, he scored for a second time last July when winning what was a competitive heat at Chelmsford off a mark of 83, with all but two of his seven rivals that day going on to win themselves. Intimate Art subsequently flopped on his next start on turf and was then off the track until last month, when he again finished well down the field on his return at Kempton. He raced wide throughout on that occasion under a 7lb claimer but never looked like making any kind of impact, with the handicapper dropping him back to a perch of 83. Balding has booked Oisin Murphy for the ride this time so Intimate Art will certainly not want for any help from the saddle and that recent outing should have got his eye back in ahead of this event. First-time cheekpieces are also fitted to lend more weight to his claims. Jack The Truth can claim a quickfire hat-trick in the Betway Handicap. George Scott has seemingly found the key to this four-year-old as he appears to excel on the Southwell Fibresand, winning a maiden at the Nottinghamshire venue with the minimum of fuss before Christmas and then following up on his handicap bow last week. While that was only an ordinary event, Jack The Truth won by an easy four lengths and a 6lb penalty should not be enough to stop his current progress. Casablanca Mix can put a recent mishap behind her in the Sky Bet Yorkshire Silver Vase Mares' Chase at Doncaster She looked to have a decent event at Exeter in the bag last month only to crash out at the last when seven lengths in the lead. This Listed heat provides a sterner test but Nicky Henderson is not one to pitch his horses too highly without reason. Unioniste must be the pick in the Geoffrey Bosley "Tally Ho" Open Hunters' Chase at Taunton despite the fact he has been off the track for 299 days. A classy chase performer in his pomp for Paul Nicholls, the grey perhaps failed to really fulfil the potential he appeared to have in his younger days, when he finished a creditable fourth in the RSA Chase as well as winning the December Gold Cup at Cheltenham. Last seen when ninth in the Kim Muir at the 2017 Festival, Unioniste has all the hallmarks of another top hunter chaser for Nicholls. Padleyourowncanoe can score a third win on the bounce in the Greenslade Taylor Hunt Handicap Hurdle. The four-year-old has won two of his three starts to date for Colin Tizzard and he impressed last time as he shrugged off a 5lb rise for winning at Exeter to power home by eight lengths at this track. The handicapper has hiked him 12lb in the ratings since that verdict, but Padleyourowncanoe is clearly progressing at a rate of knots and can rise to the challenge once again. Sporting Life suggestions DONCASTER: 11.55 Mount Mews, 12.25 Colonial Dreams, 12.55 Du Destin, 1.25 Ravenhill Road, 2.00 Casablanca Mix, 2.35 Ruby Yeats, 3.10 Nightline, 3.40 Cheque En Blanc. SOUTHWELL: 12.15 Acker Bilk, 12.45 Born For Prosecco, 1.15 Sheriff, 1.45 INTIMATE ART (NAP), 2.20 Jack The Truth, 2.55 Viva Verglas, 3.30 Give Us A Belle. TAUNTON: 12.35 Drewmain Legend, 1.05 Blackmill, 1.35 Darcy Ward, 2.10 Wicked Willy, 2.45 Padleyourowncanoe, 3.20 Unioniste, 3.50 Sizing Tara. DOUBLE: Intimate Art and Casblanca Mix.
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 9, 2018 8:44:47 GMT
EYECATCHER
Timeforwest (2.10 Taunton)
This six-year-old was in the form of her life last season when racking up a quickfire hat-trick for Jonjo O'Neill between March 27 and April 4 – her mark went up from 98 to 125 in the process. She finished down the field in a good Ayr handicap on her last start of the campaign and was sent over fences this year. Set a tough task on her chasing debut, she came on for that with a gallant fifth in a staying handicap at Wincanton – the form has worked out averagely – and was unlucky to be brought down when travelling well last time out at Cheltenham. This contest looks much easier, with a decent pace almost guaranteed, and she has a nice racing weight.
7/1 Timeforwest 2:10 Taunton GOOD THING
Acker Bilk (12.15 Southwell)
This wins. It's normally hard to be confident about a horse running on the Fibresand at Southwell but the way that this young, improving four-year-old won last time out at Wolverhampton with his lovely big stride, you'd have to say he's an absolute shoe-in. Running off a mark of 59 that day, he was held up out the back of the ten-strong field before making eyecatching headway and quickening up like a horse that has plenty in hand when asked coming into the straight. He went on to draw eight lengths clear of his rivals and a 6lb penalty won't halt him in his tracks.
6/4 Acker Bilk 12:15 Southwell (AW) Let our experts point you in the direction of the winners with invaluable punting pointers delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up here to get our free newsletter every week
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 9, 2018 8:45:11 GMT
Amberjam 3.40 Doncaster
9/2 Amberjam 3:40 Doncaster Stamina is Amberjam’s forte, and it’s not too difficult envisaging him making this a real test of stamina from the front.
He reverts to hurdles on a decent mark, and takes a considerable drop in class after contesting the Lincolnshire National.
His stable is in terrific form, and a huge run looks likely.
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 9, 2018 8:45:43 GMT
Red Infantry (3.10 Doncaster) has looked in need of a bit of help in his two starts this season and wears a visor for the first time. Trainer Ian Williams is 4-16 when using the headgear for the first time.
Henry Oliver is 3-9 in the past fortnight and does well with first-time handicappers (9-30, +£32.50). The Crazed Moon (2.35 Doncaster) was outsprinted over 2m last time and this point winner should appreciate the step up in trip here.
Andrew Balding and Oisin Murphy have a 38 per cent strike-rate when teaming up at Southwell, while the trainer has a 19 per cent strike-rate with winners turning out again within seven days. Papa Stour (1.15) was an easy winner at Wolverhampton and shouldn’t be opposed.
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Post by dennisg on Jan 9, 2018 8:46:25 GMT
Thistlecrack will miss the Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup and the rest of the season, assistant trainer Kim Tizzard told At The Races. The 10-year-old looked a potential superstar when winning the 2016 King George VI Chase but a tendon injury sustained last February saw him miss the 2017 Gold Cup and kept him out of action until December. A lacklustre return over hurdles was followed by a fourth-place finish on his return to Kempton in the King George, but Colin Tizzard's inmate is now set for another prolonged spell on the sidelines. Kim Tizzard told At The Races: "He was a little bit stiff behind after the King George and he's been off and had X-rays and bone scans - it's gutting. "He ran a screamer. He jumped really well and we were getting excited that the old Thistlecrack was still there. "We were going for the Gold Cup - we're gutted. Hopefully he'll have his box rest and come back next season. "We're gutted for the team, the owners, everyone. We've still got a horse, at the end of the day." At The Races ✔ @attheraces "Gutted" - Kim Tizzard can't hide her disappointment as Thistlecrack is ruled out for the season: 2:19 PM - Jan 8, 2018 5 5 Replies 17 17 Retweets 39 39 likes
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 9, 2018 8:46:32 GMT
A full schedule of racing takes place on Tuesday after Doncaster brought forward a 7am inspection by an hour and declared the track fit for racing.
The course has passed two inspections to get the go-ahead, with enough improvement seen on Monday afternoon after temperatures on Sunday night had left parts of the track frozen.
Some top stables are represented on an eight-race card which features a Listed mares chase, saved from the meeting that was lost on December 29.
The day's other jumps fixture comes from Taunton which has attracted bumper fields where Unioniste, who has run in Grand Nationals and was fourth in the RSA Chase, makes his hunter chase debut.
Southwell provides the day's only all-weather action.
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 9, 2018 8:47:24 GMT
There was good news for British racing in Theresa May's cabinet reshuffle on Monday as Matt Hancock, who is one of the sport's staunchest supporters in parliament and whose West Suffolk constituency includes Newmarket, was named as the new culture secretary.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, which Hancock, 39, now heads, not only has responsibility for horseracing but also gambling and completing the reform of the levy.
He was already a junior minister within the culture department and his promotion to the cabinet comes following Karen Bradley's appointment as the new Northern Ireland secretary.
Former Racehorse Owners Association president Rachel Hood has described Hancock as having been instrumental in supporting racing's ultimately successful efforts to bring in the levy reforms instituted by the government last year.
In 2012 Hancock introduced a private members' bill, the Offshore Gambling Bill, which included the intention to amend the 2005 Gambling Act to "provide that all relevant operators contribute to the Horserace Betting Levy", although that did not make it into law at the time.
His interests in the sport also ran to partnering the John Gosden-trained Dick Doughtywylie to victory in a charity race on Newmarket's July course in 2012.
Appointment welcomed
The DCMS is currently in the midst of a consultation on the second stage of the government's levy reforms, which will lead to the abolition of the Levy Board.
Hancock's department is also carrying out a consultation on the government's gambling review, including plans to reduce the maximum stakes on fixed odds betting terminals from £100 to a figure between £2 and £50.
Reacting to the news, Association of British Bookmakers chairman Paul Darling said: "We welcome his appointment. He has a full understanding of the industry and its dynamics and we look forward to working with him."
There was no news on Monday evening on whether Tracey Crouch will retain her position as minister for sport and civil society, whose brief also includes gambling.
Members can read the latest exclusive interviews, news analysis and comment available from 6pm daily on racingpost.com
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Post by dennisg on Jan 9, 2018 8:48:22 GMT
Highly-rated novice chaser Death Duty has suffered an injury to a hind joint and will miss the rest of the season. Gordon Elliott's seven-year-old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, won his first three starts over fences, including the Grade One Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse, but fell on his last outing at Leopardstown over Christmas. Death Duty sustained the problem during the Racing Post Novice Chase, with Gigginstown racing manager Eddie O'Leary suggesting the problem may have occurred before his final-fence fall. "Unfortunately he'll be out for the season," O'Leary told Press Association Sport. "I'd say it probably happened earlier than the fall because it is a problem with a hind joint. "Hopefully he'll be back next season." Death Duty had been prominent in the Cheltenham Festival betting for both the RSA Novices' Chase and the JLT Novices' Chase.
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Post by dennisg on Jan 9, 2018 8:50:14 GMT
News from Monday's card at Fontwell, where My Dance landed a few bets for in-form trainer Anthony Honeyball. Few trainers are in better form than Anthony Honeyball and his My Dance gained a first career win in the EBF Mares' "National Hunt" Maiden Hurdle at Fontwell. Honeyball took his record to five winners from his last 15 runners, with several others placed, as his link-up with jockey Aidan Coleman begins to really pay dividends. My Dance is certainly bred for the job, being by Kayf Tara and out of the very good Nicky Henderson-trained mare My Petra, but she had previously only shown glimpses of ability. But this was much more like it as the well-supported 3/1 chance pulled eight lengths clear on just her second start over hurdles. The Dorset handler said: "Aidan said he'd let her roll, whereas he held on to her a bit more last time. "We knew it was a good opportunity and she was going to step up on her last run, so it was very pleasing. "She's got a lovely pedigree - she ought to be a racehorse with the page she's got - and she'll get three miles for sure. "The horses are going well at present, long may it continue." Emma Lavelle's De Rasher Counter (11/4 favourite) got back to winning ways in the Injured Jockeys Fund Handicap Hurdle. A point-to-point and bumper winner in Ireland, he found the testing conditions no barrier under Nick Scholfield. "That was really good and he's pretty versatile. The best of him will be over a fence," said Lavelle. "I don't think he jumped as well as he can do out of that ground but he makes a nice shape over a fence. "I think we'll stay over hurdles this season. He's getting more professional as time goes on. "Two and a half miles is his trip but I think he'll go on any ground." Sam Twiston-Davies performed a minor miracle to stay on board Greyed A (11/10 favourite) in the three-and-a-quarter-mile handicap chase. Dr Richard Newland's grey belted the 14th fence and sprawled on landing, but Twiston-Davies managed to stay on board and the pair careered away for a five-length win. At The Races ✔ @attheraces Great stuff, @samtwiston - Greyed A stays in the race and goes on to land the stayers' handicap chase at @fontwellpark 2:33 PM - Jan 8, 2018 19 19 Replies 92 92 Retweets 284 284 likes Twitter Ads info and privacy Charlie Mann's veteran Cody Wyoming (9/1) outstayed his rivals in the handicap chase over just shy of two and a half miles. Normally a frontrunner, the 12-year-old was dropped in by Harry Bannister before staying on to beat Jarlath by seven lengths. Jerry Scott's Blue April survived a stewards' inquiry to win the Racing Welfare Handicap Hurdle by a neck. The 6/1 shot and runner-up Be Daring twice got close on the run-in, but the placings were left unaltered. The concluding maiden hurdle went to 7/4 chance Seastone Spirit for trainer Oliver Sherwood, whose horse stayed on really well to get the better of 6/5 favourite Puppet Warrior.
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 9, 2018 8:53:38 GMT
The Scout. Express.
Fontwell
1.15 PRINCESS ROANIA
1.45 SOULSAVER
2.15 GREYED A
2.45 DRUID'S FOLLY
3.15 FREE RANGE
3.45 CASTERLY ROCK
Hereford
1.30 HOGAN'S HEIGHT
2.00 INNISFREE LAD
2.30 TB BROKE HER (TR)
3.00 AARDWOLF
3.30 COSTANTE VIA
4.00 LAMANVER ALCHEMY
Wolverhampton
4.15 GREY DESTINY (N.B)
4.45 BEEPEECEE
5.15 CLIFFS OF CAPRI
5.45 PADDYS RUNNER
6.15 UNIT OF ASSESSMENT (NAP)
6.45 VICTORY BOND
7.15 BAD DOG
7.45 DELILAH PARK
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