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Post by Kimmy on Jan 9, 2018 17:39:53 GMT
Taunton, 09 Jan 18 Race 1 - 12:35pm THE TAUNTON RACECOURSE ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE TODAY MARES' HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 5) The Clerk of the Scales reported that Micheal Nolan, the rider of BREAN GOLF BIRDIE, placed seventh, trained by Carroll Gray, had weighed in at 10 st 6lbs having weighed out at 10 st 4lbs. The rider, the trainer and the Clerk of the Scales were interviewed. Nolan was suspended for 1 day for weighing in at 2lb overweight, having weighed out with a heavier saddle than he had meant to and having had a drink of water.
Race 2 - 1:05pm THE SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MAIDEN HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) MADAME FIONA, ridden by Andrew Tinkler, and trained by Martin Keighley, planted and was unruly on the way to post and had to be led to post. She then refused to come out on to the track and was withdrawn by the Starter. The rider, the trainer and the Starter were interviewed and shown recordings of the start. Keighley was informed that any future similar behaviour from the mare may result in the horse being reported to the Head Office of the British Horseracing Authority.
Race 3 - 1:35pm THE MUSGROVE STAFF NOVICES' HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) Following the race Sean Houlihan reported that LAPFORD LAD, which was pulled up, ran green, and Nigel Hawke reported that PIROLO (IRE), which was pulled up, had a breathing problem.
Race 4 - 2:10pm THE HAWKSMOOR INVESTMENT HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 3) Following the race Sean Bowen reported that EARTHMOVES (FR), which was pulled up, was never travelling.
Race 6 - 3:20pm THE GEOFFREY BOSLEY 'TALLY HO' OPEN HUNTERS' STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 6) Following the race the Veterinary Officer reported that BEAR'S AFFAIR (IRE), placed third, lost its right fore shoe.
Race 7 - 3:50pm THE SIMPLE MINDS IN CONCERT 2nd SEPTEMBER STANDARD OPEN NATIONAL HUNT FLAT RACE (CLASS 5) Following the race William Muir reported that SPEEDY GONZALEZ, unplaced, was unsuited by the soft, good to soft in places, ground and would prefer a faster surface. Sam Twiston-Davies reported that ONE NIGHT IN MILAN (IRE), unplaced, ran green. View Stewards report Southwell, 09 Jan 18 Race 1 - 12:15pm THE BETWAY LIVE CASINO HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5) On the run to the line, the winner, EPITAPH (IRE), hung quickly right carrying ACKER BILK (IRE), placed second, 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 EPITAPH (IRE).
Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SWIFT CEDAR (IRE), placed fourth, finished lame on its left fore.
Race 2 - 12:45pm THE 32Red CASINO SELLING STAKES (CLASS 5) Permission was given for LADY LINTERA (IRE) to go early to post.
Following the race, Jamie Gormley reported that KHELEYF’S GIRL, placed second, hung right in the home straight.
Race 3 - 1:15pm THE 32Red.com HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 4) The performance of SHERIFF, which finished fourth beaten 15¾ lengths, was considered. The representative of Michael Bell explained that the gelding was unsuited by the fibresand surface and the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of SHERIFF during routine testing failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Following the race, Fran Berry reported that PASTAMAKESUFASTER, placed fifth, hung right and the bit slipped through the filly’s mouth.
Race 4 - 1:45pm THE sunbets.co.uk HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 3) The winner, LONDON (FR), appeared to show an improvement in form compared with its previous run at Lingfield on 31 December 2017, where the gelding finished ninth of twelve, beaten 9¼ lengths. Phil McEntee explained that LONDON (FR) appreciated the uncontested lead and drop in class on this occasion.
The performance of THA’IR (IRE), which started favourite and finished unplaced, was considered. Michael Appleby explained that the gelding was unsuited by the fibresand and the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of THA’IR (IRE) during routine testing failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 5 - 2:20pm THE BETWAY HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 4) The sponsorship in relation to SAMOVAR, trained by Scott Dixon, did not comply with the Sponsorship Code of Conduct. Scott Dixon was warned as to his responsibility to ensure that the correct sponsorship is carried.
The winner, HAMMER GUN (USA), appeared to show an improvement in form compared with its previous run at Southwell on 1 January 2018, where the gelding finished seventh of nine, beaten 14½ lengths. Derek Shaw explained that HAMMER GUN (USA) appreciated the drop back in trip to 6 furlongs from 7 furlongs which helped the gelding to settle better on this occasion.
Race 6 - 2:55pm THE BETWAY CASINO HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) The performance of KNOW THE TRUTH, which finished eighth, was considered. William Carver reported that the filly didn’t face the kickback and the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of KNOW THE TRUTH during routine testing revealed the filly had sustained a small overreach on its left fore.
Race 7 - 3:30pm THE BETWAY SPRINT AWT 'HANDS AND HEELS' SERIES APPRENTICE HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) (Part of the Racing Excellence Initiative) The winner, BOP IT, appeared to show an improvement in form compared with its previous run at Southwell on 21 December 2017, where the gelding finished ninth of nine, beaten 9½ lengths. The representative of Michael Easterby could offer no explanation for BOP IT’s improved form. The gelding was routine tested. View Stewards report Doncaster, 09 Jan 18 Race 2 - 12:25pm THE SKY BET BEST ODDS GUARANTEED MAIDEN HURDLE RACE (CLASS 5) (DIV I) Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that FIRST DRIFT, placed fourth, lost its left fore shoe.
Race 3 - 12:55pm THE SKY BET BEST ODDS GUARANTEED MAIDEN HURDLE RACE (CLASS 5) (DIV II) Following the race, Trevor Whelan reported that CHIMES OF DYLAN (IRE), unplaced, hung left throughout and Nico de Boinville reported that DU DESTIN (FR), unplaced, was never travelling.
Race 4 - 1:25pm THE SKY BET FAST WITHDRAWAL NOVICES' HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) The performance of FRENCH CRUSADER (FR) which finished unplaced, was considered. The explanation from the representative of Nicky Henderson was noted that the gelding stopped quickly on tiring ground.
Following the race, Noel Fehily reported that NIBLAWI (IRE), unplaced, hung left; The Veterinary Officer reported that SLIDING DOORS, unplaced, lost its left fore shoe and further reported that MORE THAN TWO, which was pulled up, bled from the nose.
Race 5 - 2:00pm THE SKY BET YORKSHIRE SILVER VASE MARES' STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (Listed Race) Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that TWENTY EIGHT GUNS, placed fifth, lost its left fore shoe.
Race 6 - 2:35pm THE SKY BET EXTRA PLACE RACES MARES' HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) (Qualifier for the Northern Lights Mares' Hurdle Series) Permission was given for MARIAH’S LEGEND to go early to post.
Race 7 - 3:10pm THE SKY BET TOP PRICE PROMISE STEEPLE CHASE (A NOVICES' LIMITED HANDICAP) (CLASS 4) NIGHTLINE wore earplugs which were removed at the start.
Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that NIGHTLINE, placed second, lost its left fore shoe.
Race 8 - 3:40pm THE SKY BET REQUEST A BET HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 5) Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that BLACKWELL SYNERGY (FR), placed sixth, lost its right hind shoe.
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 9, 2018 17:40:36 GMT
Ruby Walsh expects to return to action next month as he continues to recover from a broken leg.
The star jockey has been sidelined since November 18 when he fell from Let's Dance in a race at Punchestown.
Walsh is making good progress, though, and should be back in plenty of time before the Cheltenham Festival.
He told Racing UK: "I'd say it's looking mid to late February (for a return to action) - that would be the plan.
"The physio is going well and the doctors are happy with the bone.
"It's essentially 12 weeks for the bone to heal and then how many ever weeks it takes you to get right.
"Seven and a half (weeks) done, seven and a half to go."
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 9, 2018 20:23:51 GMT
Wednesday: going, weather & non-runners Kempton (AW) GOING: POLYTRACK: STANDARD WEATHER: Mostly sunny STALLS: Inside NON RUNNERS: 6:45 Porto Ferro (11) 7:15 Zambeasy (11) Lingfield (AW) GOING: POLYTRACK: STANDARD WEATHER: Partly cloudy STALLS: 5f - Outside; Remainder - Inside NON RUNNERS: 1:10 Forever Yours (2) 3:25 Popsilca (3) 3:55 Liberty Lynx (7) Ludlow GOING: Hurdle course - SOFT; Chase course - GOOD TO SOFT (Soft in places) (GoingStick 4.8) (Rail movements: R1, 2 & 7 +32.5y, R3 +40y, R4 +65y, R5 +50y, R6 +45y) WEATHER: Partly cloudy NON RUNNERS: 1:20 Skinflint (10)
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 9, 2018 20:24:30 GMT
Newmarket: David Milnes
Colourful Career (5.45 Kempton, nap)
Got his head in front for the in-form Ed Dunlop at Lingfield last time and fancied for a follow up after blowing out in fine style on Warren Hill on Tuesday morning.
5/1 Colourful Career 5:45 Kempton (AW) Others to follow Lingfield: 1.45 Power and Peace, 2.50 Soul Silver, 3.55 Sophie Gray. Kempton: 4.15 Spare Parts, 5.15 Sir Hamilton, 6.15 Royal Birth, 6.45 Robbie Roo Roo, 7.15 Time To Blossom.
Lambourn: James Burn
Becca Campbell (5.45 Kempton, nap)
Mare has a decent enough strike-rate and the services of in-form rider Eddy Greatrex, so should produce a bold effort from a mark 4lb lower than her turf rating.
8/1 Becca Campbell 5:45 Kempton (AW) Others to follow Kempton: 5.15 Breakfast, 6.15 Reckless Endeavour, 6.45 Strategic Heights, 7.15 Every Chance. Lingfield: 1.10 Summer Thunder, 1.45 Darkest Light, 2.15 Fitzwilly, 2.50 Make Music. Ludlow: 1.55 Dark Mahler.
North: Colin Russell
Mac O'Polo (5.45 Kempton, nap)
Yet to win a race, but has improved since being sent handicapping and solid efforts on last two starts. Another good run is on the cards.
5/1 Mac O'Polo 5:45 Kempton (AW) Others to follow Kempton: 4.15 Captain Peaky, 5.15 Aquarium, 6.15 Mythmaker, 7.15 Rainbow Rebel. Ludlow: 12.50 Zalvados, 3.00 Freddies Portrait.
West Country: Tim Mitchell
Secret Door (1.55 Ludlow, nap)
A mark of 122 should not be beyond her judged on her best form and she shaped with promise last time after a disappointing run at Wincanton in November. Connections are hopeful of a bold showing now switching her attention to fences.
9/2 Secret Door 1:55 Ludlow Others to follow Ludlow: 2.25 Gamain, 4.05 Shee's Lucky.
Racing Post Ratings: Steve Mason
Flashjack (2.25 Ludlow, nap)
Rated 130 at his peak and took advantage of a good mark on a switch back to hurdles at Warwick last week. Escapes a penalty for that and will be tough to beat off 104 if he is in similar form.
7/4 Flashjack 2:25 Ludlow Topspeed: Dave Edwards
Dark Mahler (1.55 Ludlow)
Scored with authority on his chasing debut here in November and Emma Lavelle's seven-year-old may be even better over this longer trip.
5/2 Dark Mahler 1:55 Ludlow Longshot: Ed Quigley
Night Generation (2.15 Lingfield)
He has struggled in recent times, but has some smart form over C&D and can't be ruled out off a mark of 59.
25/1 Night Generation 2:15 Lingfield (AW) Raceform Interactive nugget
Jockey Mr C Williams has visited Ludlow four times in the past, and has come home with three winners. He has his fifth ride there in the 2.25 on Gamain.
*There are no tips from Ireland today
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 9, 2018 20:25:05 GMT
Amy Murphy has a 36 per cent strike-rate with her horses two weeks either side of January 10 for the past five seasons. She saddles Lazarus at Kempton (5.45), her only runner of the day.
Oisin Murphy is prominent in the hot jockeys’ list and goes to Lingfield for a nice book of rides. The pick of those is Power And Peace (1.45), who should have no problem with the drop back to 6f and has a good draw.
Brothers Dan and Harry Skelton are having an outstanding season and combine with four runners at Ludlow. The pick of those is The Last Bar (3.35), who was an eyecatcher at Fakenham last month.
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 9, 2018 20:26:32 GMT
Grey Waters 2.15 Lingfield
Grey Waters has been in good form over hurdles this season but she looks well treated on her return to the level and can score here.
Joseph O’Brien’s filly won on the Flat as recently as November over this trip at Kempton and she appears to have the scope to go further in this sphere.
She is two from five over hurdles and even finished a creditable fourth behind some Triumph hopefuls in a Grade 2 at Leopardstown last time, an effort which suggests she should be capable of winning off a much higher mark on the Flat than her rating of 64.
Author’s Dream was an impressive winner at Wolverhampton last time but the handicapper has put him up 10lb for that, which puts him on 6lb worse terms than when third to Grey Waters at Kempton in November.
6/4 Grey Waters 2:15 Lingfield (AW) Comragh 3.35 Ludlow
Although she has been off the track for 582 days, it might still be worth chancing Comragh in this mares’ handicap on her reappearance.
With just four starts to her name, Jeremy Scott’s eight-year-old is open to improvement and, while she finished well beaten on both starts since joining her current yard, she looks well treated judged on her Ayr maiden hurdle success for Stuart Crawford a couple of seasons ago.
She was fortunate to score on that occasion as the likely winner Caledonia came down at the last when in front but Comragh was well clear of the remainder. Caledonia was rated as high as 123 and those who finished from second to sixth were rated between 93 and 112. That suggests Comragh’s current mark of 103 is workable and it’s worth chancing her fitness.
25/1 Comragh 3:35 Ludlow Swift Fox 3.25 Lingfield
Gary Moore’s three-year-old has shown a bit more on his last couple of starts thanks to the application of blinkers and it’s an obvious plus that the headgear remains in place.
The least exposed runner in the field, he tackles older, exposed rivals for the first time.
His last run was a particularly encouraging one as he finished fourth behind Magic Pulse, beaten a shade over two lengths.
Bearing in mind that was just his sixth start, he is entitled to still be improving and it wouldn’t take much for him to get involved here.
9/1 Swift Fox 3:25 Lingfield (AW) Sophie Gray 3.55 Lingfield
Sophie Gray never threatened victory on her debut when seventh of nine in a mile novice stakes here last month but that doesn’t tell the whole story and she can prove the point with victory here.
John Gosden’s filly got herself detached from the pack following a very slow start but she stayed on nicely in the closing stages to pick off a couple of rivals, suggesting that she would progress a fair bit once stepping up in trip.
That is also backed up by her pedigree which does boast stamina, particularly on the dam’s side, while it’s obvious to assume that improvement will be forthcoming if breaking on better terms.
4/1 Sophie Gray 3:55 Lingfield (AW) Get the best bets for every day's racing from Wednesday to Sunday in this week's Racing Post Weekender – out every Wednesday
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 9, 2018 20:29:26 GMT
Exactly one year after Kempton was revealed to be earmarked for closure the Jockey Club has stressed its ongoing investment at the threatened racecourse, which if bulldozed may not necessarily have its Flat fixtures switched to a new all-weather track in Newmarket.
It was on January 10 last year that the Jockey Club stunned the sport by announcing its desire to sell Kempton as part of a housing deal for in excess of £100 million.
That plan was met with fierce opposition both inside of racing and beyond. Criticism came from Kempton's MP, the local community and Spelthorne Borough Council, which was compelled by statutory requirement to issue the 'call for sites' that led to the Jockey Club stating it was "preparing for a planning application to create a new floodlit all-weather course" on land at The Links in Newmarket.
Newmarket was described as "a front-running option" by the Jockey Club 12 months ago. However, the Racing Post understands other options could be under consideration in the seemingly unlikely event of the Kempton project receiving the green light.
A spokesman for the Jockey Club said: "Twelve months ago we announced we were exploring our options around Kempton Park to unlock major capital to invest back into British racing. We are still awaiting the outcome of Spelthorne Borough Council’s call for sites process and at this stage their timescale is unclear.
"Since last January’s announcement we’ve continued to ensure that Kempton Park provides the best possible experience for racegoers and stakeholders.
"That includes investing in a new winning connections' facility, which we opened on Boxing Day, ground floor toilet facilities in the grandstand, and introducing free public Wi-Fi across the site, as well as increasing prize-money."
Spelthorne council leader Ian Harvey has described the council as "vehemently against" building on Kempton.
Giving his latest comment, Harvey said: "We recently launched the results of our green belt assessment and it shows Kempton Park is fulfilling to a very high level the purposes of green belt.
"In essence, any particular piece of land is graded in five different levels and Kempton was found to be at the very top level of fulfilling its purpose, which further reinforces the view that it remains green belt."
One of the most vocal opponents among racing professionals has been Nicky Henderson, who again stressed his support for racing continuing at Kempton.
The champion trainer said: "My views are very clear and haven't changed over the last year. I think it's crucially important we do everything we can to retain Kempton as it's a vital part of jumps racing, which would be severely dented without it."
Members can read the latest exclusive interviews, news analysis and comment available from 6pm daily on racingpost.com
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 9, 2018 20:31:57 GMT
The BHA will explore ways of getting all racecourses to provide a mirror image in photo-finishes after finding itself in the embarrassing position of having to amend the results of two races from last week's meeting at Bangor.
Judge Michael Roberts called dead-heats for first in the 2m4½f novice handicap chase and third in the 3m handicap chase, but following discussions with the judges team principal he has asked to correct his decisions under rule (B)62.2, which states "the judge may correct any decision before the end of the period of five days starting with the day after the day of the race".
Due to the configuration of Bangor's course last Thursday, the mirror that provides the reverse image could not be used for the two chases, which complicated the task for the inexperienced Roberts, who only started in the role last summer.
Thankfully for the BHA, the official result for betting purposes has been unaffected as, although Oneida Tribe is now judged to have crossed the line first ahead of Pinch Of Ginger, the outcome of the subsequent stewards' inquiry, which resulted in Oneida Tribe being demoted to second due to interference, still stands.
In the second race, for which Shanty Town has now been placed third and Catching On fourth, each-way betting paid to only two places as there were seven runners.
BHA chief regulatory officer Jamie Stier said: "It's essential the BHA carries out all of its raceday officiating duties with the utmost accuracy. In other circumstances it is quite feasible that both bookmakers and punters could have been significantly affected by an incorrect result being called.
"Incidents such as this illustrate why we have the ability to review decisions. The issue has been identified and rectified properly and fairly, in communication with connections of all horses. But that does not alter that our first priority is to get the decisions right on the day.
"As such we will, of course, be taking steps to ensure such an incident does not occur again, and will consider the matter internally."
Regarding the problem of no reverse image being available, Stier added: "The issue with mirrors is not confined to Bangor, which is one of a number of racecourses where the width of the finishing line, dependent on the rail position, is too great for the mirror system to cover the entirety of the finishing line.
"We intend to commence a piece of work with photo-finish suppliers to ascertain whether this issue can be addressed, though there are significant challenges involved when it comes to course layout."
Connections of the Robin Dickin-trained Oneida Tribe remain able to appeal the stewards' decision to amend the placings because of interference, and the BHA has reset the seven-day window for it to be received to Tuesday.
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 9, 2018 20:32:22 GMT
The three bookmakers who this week introduced the non-runner no bet offer on all 28 races at Cheltenham reported the move to have had the desired positive impact on festival business.
Sky Bet and bet365 offered the concession on Monday and were joined by Paddy Power on Tuesday.
Pat Cooney, spokesman for bet365, said on Tuesday: “We’ve seen a real upsurge in Cheltenham betting today. The non-runner no bet concession has really galvanised it all. We’ve been non-stop.
“Footpad at 11-8 in the Racing Post Arkle has proved really popular, but the main theme has been the interest in the handicap chases such as the Ultima and Kim Muir – we’ve been inundated with requests.
“There have been plenty of life-changing multiples struck. I would imagine all bookmakers will be doing this by the end of the week.”
Sky Bet, who were the first to offer the concession on every Cheltenham race, also reported good business.
The firm’s Michael Shinners said: “The switch to NRNB across all Cheltenham races has certainly livened up the markets and, without the fear of losing their stake, punters are proving far more willing to part with their hard earned money on selections where their target is still up in the air.
“The David Pipe-trained Vaniteux has been comfortably the best backed selection in the handicaps and is now 14-1 from 33-1 for the Grand Annual, and 14-1 from 25-1 for the Brown Advisory.”
Paddy Power – like sister firm Betfair Sportsbook and bet365 – had last week gone non-runner no bet on the five biggest races at the festival, in the wake of punters' requests and a confusing season to date capped by a number of shock results over the festive period and several big names meeting with setbacks.
The firm's spokesman Paul Binfield, speaking about the extension of the offer to every festival race, said on Tuesday: “It’s proving popular but the impetus is only just beginning.
“We’ve extended the offer to all races to help out those punters with a nervous disposition after all the shocks of the season so far.”
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 9, 2018 20:33:39 GMT
Group 1-winning trainers Robert Smerdon, Stuart Webb and Tony Vasil are among those facing serious charges relating to raceday treatments of more than 100 horses over seven years.
Racing Victoria on Tuesday charged eight people, including other trainers Liam Birchley and Trent Pennuto, after a lengthy investigation sparked by the scratching of the Smerdon-trained Lovani at Flemington in October.
The eight have been charged with dishonest, corrupt or fraudulent, improper or dishonourable action or practice with stewards saying that on 115 occasions between 2010 and 2017 Smerdon was party to the administration of alkalinising agents and/or medications to a horse or horses on a raceday.
Greg Nelligan, who works for Smerdon at Caulfield and is a former employee of Vasil, has been charged with administering or being a party to the administration of alkalinising agents to horses on raceday on 123 occasions from June 26, 2010 to October 7, 2017.
The investigation began with the scratching of Lovani at Flemington on October 7 with stewards alleging Nelligan administered or attempted to administer an alkalinising agent to the mare before she was due to race.
Webb, who is also an assistant to Smerdon, has been charged under the same conduct rule relating to incidents on August 15, 2010, December 26, 2010 and April 28, 2017.
Stewards allege Vasil, whose Group 1 winners include Haradasun and Elvstroem, was a party to the raceday treatment of horses on seven occasions between December 26, 2010 and June 7, 2013 while Queensland trainer Birchley's charges relate to November 3, 2011, November 6, 2012 and November 3, 2015.
Pennuto, who is currently disqualified over an attempted raceday treatment, Denise Nelligan and Daniel Garland, both Smerdon stable employees, have also been charged.
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Post by dennisg on Jan 10, 2018 7:56:14 GMT
in today's sporting life............... In this week's Weights & Measures Ben Linfoot looks at the Tolworth, potential novices in the Betfair Hurdle, the success story of the veterans' series and more. George's Boy impresses in Tolworth Summerville Boy >>>> Up 4lb to 146 Kalashnikov >>>> Up 2lb to 141 Mont des Avaloirs >>>> New entry 141 Tom George’s Summerville Boy, at 25/1 for the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and 20/1 for the Ballymore, looks to be underestimated by the bookies for the Cheltenham Festival. Yes, it was a small-field Tolworth, as always, on heavy ground, as usual, and yes, the favourite Western Ryder disappointed, but that is not enough reason to doubt the form and he looks a very useful novice hurdler on the up. Mont des Avaloirs set a strong gallop, helping Summerville Boy record a good time relative to the closing handicap hurdle on the card, a mistake at the last not stopping him finish strongly for a four-length victory. There was no reason to doubt the form of any of the quintet going into the race and he’s beaten them all well, including the previously unbeaten Kalashnikov, a horse rated 139 pre-Tolworth. The winner looks fully deserving of a 4lb hike to a rating of 146, a number that historically puts him right in the mix for any of the novice events at Cheltenham, even if his mark is a slight downgrade on winners of the race in the most recent of years... Last 10 Tolworth Winners Post-Race ORs 2017 – Finian’s Oscar - 149 2016 – Yorkhill – 156 2015 – L’Ami Serge – 153 2014 – Royal Boy (run at Kempton) – 144 2013 – Melodic Rendezvous – 145 2012 – Captain Conan – 142 2011 – Minella Class – 148 2008 – Breedsbreeeze – 143 2007 – Silverburn - 144 Last year, only one horse was rated higher than 146 going into the Supreme (Melon didn’t have a rating having had just the one run over hurdles), while only two were rated higher in the then-Neptune-now-Ballymore. They were the first two home, Willoughby Court and Neon Wolf, on 147 and 148 respectively, and it could be that the Ballymore is the race for Summerville Boy at the Festival. He relished the emphasis on stamina on Saturday and his pedigree suggests he needs further too, both his brother and his dam’s family mainly having being campaigned over two-and-a-half miles and more. The last two winners of the Tolworth, Yorkhill and Finian’s Oscar, both went on to win Grade Ones in the spring, both over half-a-mile further, and it shouldn’t be a surprise if Summerville Boy were to do something similar this season. : Ballymore Novices' Hurdle (Non Runner, No Bet) Sandown Park ✔ @sandownpark Summerville Boy (8-1) pushes ahead to win the Tolworth Novices' Hurdle in good style for trainer @tomgeorgeracing 2:35 PM - Jan 6, 2018 1 1 Reply 9 9 Retweets 20 20 likes Twitter Ads info and privacy Beaten horses and the Betfair Hurdle Novices have dominated the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury in recent years, with the last five winners all having novice status even if Violet Dancer was a second-season novice when he won the prestigious handicap in 2015. Two years ago Agrapart finished third in the Tolworth before landing the Betfair Hurdle and, with three hurdle runs already under their belts, both Kalashnikov and Mont des Avaloirs qualify for the Newbury race (both are currently rated 141) this time around. The last five winners were My Tent Or Yours (rated 149), Splash Of Ginge (134), Violet Dancer (132), Agrapart (137) and Ballyandy (135), so, on ratings at least, it might not be a bad option for either the second or third in the Tolworth, although Kalashnikov is reportedly set for a break now ahead of a tilt at the Ballymore. Still, it got me thinking about the Betfair Hurdle, just a month away on February 10, and the novices that might turn up. The initial entries will be published tomorrow at noon (January 10) and it will be interesting to scour the list for novices with Lalor expected to be in there for Richard Woollacott. He split Western Ryder and Summerville Boy in a messy novices’ hurdle at Cheltenham earlier in the season and looks sure to be better suited by a stronger gallop. Off a rating of 137, it’s no surprise he’s towards the top of ante-post lists at around 12/1. I also thought Philip Hobbs’ Springtown Lake (currently rated 139), second to On The Blind Side at Sandown, might be interesting dropping in trip, while if Nicky Henderson does have a novice hurdler with a Betfair profile it’s probably Diese Des Bieffes, rated 135 after three novice hurdles and second to If The Cap Fits at Kempton last time, although he is favourite for the Lanzarote Hurdle this weekend. The weights are out on January 18 and let’s hope something nearer the maximum field of 24 turns up this year after 16 went to post last season. It remains a £60,000 more valuable pot than the County Hurdle, so it was with some dismay that I read this week that Hunters Call, ante-post favourite for the race at Sky Bet, is likely to miss Newbury in favour of a crack at Cheltenham. Munir & Souede team just a Dream Call Me Lord >>>> Up 9lb to 152 We Have A Dream >>>> Up 2lb to 145 Another Saturday, another winning one for owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede who have assembled an impressive army of horses to go to war with this National Hunt season. Their Call Me Lord looks the latest rising star and he has gone up 9lb to a rating of 152 after his excellent win off top weight in the closing 32Red.com Handicap Hurdle at Sandown on Saturday, shooting into the top 10 of his owners’ best horses in the process (see below). The aforementioned Betfair Hurdle was mooted as a potential next port of call for him, although he’d almost certainly carry top weight now. Top 10 Munir/Souede horses on ORs Bristol De Mai 167 Sceau Royal 161 Top Notch 160 L’Ami Serge 159 Footpad 157 Wholestone 155 Call Me Lord 152 Ballybolley 150 Ucello Conti 148 Vyta Du Roc 147 Meanwhile, We Have A Dream doesn’t even make the Munir/Souede top 10 despite winning his first Grade One in the Coral Future Champions Finale Juvenile Hurdle at Chepstow at the weekend. He showed smart acceleration, relative to the conditions, to put the race to bed and looks likely to improve his form on better ground as he’s got plenty of speed. Were it not for stablemate Apple’s Shakira, owned by JP McManus, he’d probably be a very solid favourite for the Triumph Hurdle. Just like in 2015, when Peace And Co beat Top Notch and Hargam in a thrilling renewal, it looks like Henderson will let his best juveniles, again owned by Munir/Souede and McManus, fight it out on the track. : JCB Triumph Hurdle (Non Runner, No Bet) We Have A Dream wins at Chepstow We Have A Dream: Another top juvenile for Munir and Souede Placed horses given chance after Welsh National Raz De Maree >>>> Up 7lb to 145 Alfie Spinner >>>> Remains on 132 Final Nudge >>>> Down 1lb to 144 Vintage Clouds >>>> Remains on 140 Silsol >>>> Down 3lb to 144 With 13-year-olds finishing first and second and just seven of the 20 completing after a gruelling race, it’s no surprise the handicapper has gone easy on the placed horses in the Coral Welsh Grand National. Normally, when you beat 15+ rivals in a Grade 3 handicap chase you could expect a rise in the weights of some sort, but runner-up Alfie Spinner and fourth home Vintage Clouds remain on their pre-race marks of 132 and 140 respectively, while third home Final Nudge and fifth Silsol have dropped in the ratings ever so slightly. Vintage Clouds was hampered on more than one occasion and stayed on well enough again for fourth, explaining why he’s sandwiched between two ‘droppers’ with Silsol potentially of interest next time off his new rating of 144. He ran really well off a big weight on just his fifth start over fences and is now fully a stone lower over the bigger obstacles than he was at his zenith over timber. I’m sure Paul Nicholls can find an opening for him before the season’s out. It will be interesting to see how he and, indeed, all of the placed horses in the Welsh National get on in the remainder of the current campaign. As for Raz De Maree, it all just fell into place for him. The strong pace, the ground, the brilliant ride from ultra-talented teenager James Bowen. His Irish mark is up 7lb to 145 now and you can probably add a pound or two if he comes back to these shores. That will be a career-high mark for him and things will be difficult. But this was his day. View image on Twitter View image on Twitter Sporting Life ✔ @sportinglife 🏇James Bowen aged 16 🐴Raz De Maree aged 13 🏆Welsh Grand National winners 😲James becomes the youngest jockey to win the race while Raz De Maree is the oldest horse to do so! 😀Smiles all round! 2:58 PM - Jan 6, 2018 2 2 Replies 20 20 Retweets 49 49 likes Twitter Ads info and privacy Vets serve up Sandown cracker Buywise >>>> Up 7lb to 145 Pete The Feat >>>> Up 3lb to 133 Gas Line Boy >>>> Remains on 148 The final of the veterans’ chase series, the 32Red Veterans’ Handicap Chase, was once again a superb spectacle and another advertisement for a fine initiative established just three years ago. While it’s tough to assemble a field of more than three runners in some disciplines of the National Hunt game sometimes, it seems there is never a shortage of grizzled staying chasers to lighten up the winter sport. And when the money is there – this contest was run for a near £100,000 pot – the best of the grey-haired brigade turn up. It’s a success story and one that has improved what would otherwise be a quiet betting day (the Welsh National should’ve been run 10 days previously remember). But it doesn’t need to be moved to the Cheltenham Festival. And nor does any sort of veterans race need to be crowbarred into the Festival programme. The best veterans have options at Cheltenham and if there is one week of the year that doesn’t need its handicaps bulking up it’s that one in March. Anyway, I digress. Despite this being a race confined to 11-plusses, a quality field produced some strong-looking form. The runner-up, the wonderful 14-year-old Pete The Feat, has gone up 3lb, a signal of strength for the race in itself (especially when you consider the relatively youthful 13-year-old Alfie Spinner stayed on the same mark for finishing in the same position in the Welsh National). As for Buywise, well. Commentator Simon Holt called him an enigma up the run-in and that’s probably as kind as he could’ve got away with. He ended a 16-race losing streak with a fine display of jumping, not hitting one for once despite Sandown being a tough test in the rhythm department. He’ll probably become a fixture in these veterans’ races now and jockey Leighton Aspell must surely keep the ride after this, but it will likely be tougher for both horse and jockey next time off 7lb higher. Buywise (red cap) before his late charge at Sandown Buywise (red cap): Would you trust him to win off 7lb higher? Hike Of The Week Nendrum >>>> Up 15lb to 107 Nendrum has been hammered for winning by 24 lengths on his fourth start for Sandy Thomson. A lightly-raced nine-year-old, he improved on his third start for the yard when the tongue-tie was reapplied and he was dropped to two miles and those factors back at Musselburgh saw him into the winners’ enclosure for the first time in his career. So go Downtown, things’ll be great when you’re… Ballyandy >>>> Down 2lb to 145 Buster Thomas >>>> Down 3lb to 120 Pearls Legend >>>> Down 3lb to 124 “They’ll all win if you get them low enough,” said Chris Gordon on At The Races on Monday and it’s with that positivity in mind this week’s trio of plummeting picks are selected from those dropping down the weights. Down 2lb to 145… we have Ballyandy, who just looked to be done for sharpness in the Dipper after over three months off. His mark is down to 145 now, the ceiling rating in the Close Brothers’ Novices’ Handicap Chase and, though he’ll need another run over fences to qualify for that, I wonder if connections might go down the handicap route now with his season being a bit of a slow burner. Down 3lb to 120… it’s Buster Thomas, a horse that is now 7lb lower than the mark he began the season off. Still very lightly-raced after just five career runs, he’s shaped with promise in all of his races so far to some degree and perhaps we’ll see a different horse off his sliding rating when he encounters better ground. He’s been well-fancied on all starts, never going off bigger than 6/1. Down 3lb to 124… Pearls Legend, outclassed when fourth of four behind Speredek at Sandown on Saturday. Not an obvious one for your My Stable trackers, granted, but he’s dropped 3lb to 124, a mark just 1lb higher than his last winning one. A drop in grade to a Class 3 and better ground, just the conditions he had when victorious at Plumpton last April, could well see him get his head back in front again. Sporting Life My Stable: Add these horses to your free tracker
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Post by dennisg on Jan 10, 2018 7:58:38 GMT
Donjuan Triumphant can take advantage of a relatively low all-weather mark on Wednesday, according to Anita Chambers who has a tip for every race across the three scheduled meetings in Britain. If Donjuan Triumphant can replicate his turf form on the Kempton Polytrack, he will take all the beating in the 32Red Conditions Stakes. There is quite a disparity between his perch of 114 on grass and the 102 he starts off here, but he has yet to strike on a synthetic surface and his last effort resulted in a disappointing performance, albeit over a mile, on All-Weather Finals Day last April. However, Donjuan Triumphant really started to find his groove for Andrew Balding in the latter half of last season, winning a competitive event at Haydock before stepping up on that to claim the replacement event for the Ayr Gold Cup back on Merseyside in September. That run inspired the Balding team to try him in Group One company on Champions Day at Ascot and while he never looked likely to trouble the principles, he was not too far off the pace in eighth. A Group Two winner and placed in Group One company in his younger days, Donjuan Triumphant is a classy performer and if he can bring his best here, he holds every chance. Sir Hamilton is the pick in the second division of the 32Red On The App Store Novice Stakes following his Chelmsford success before Christmas. He had not been disgraced when seventh as a 200-1 shot at Newmarket on his debut, but he showed the benefit of that run when registering a clear-cut three-length verdict last time. This son of Canford Cliffs hails from a decent family and can continue to make his presence felt throughout the winter. Grey Waters can make the trip from Joseph O'Brien's Irish yard pay dividends in the Betway Stayers Handicap at Lingfield. The four-year-old has been mixing and matching between the all-weather and hurdles, winning over obstacles at Listowel last September before hitting the mark on the level at Kempton in November. She was last seen when lining up in a Grade Two heat at Leopardstown over Christmas and she was far from disgraced in finishing fourth behind Espoir D'Allen and some other leading Triumph Hurdle contenders. Spring Waterfall takes another step up in trip to 10 furlongs in the 32Red Maiden Fillies' Stakes following a near-miss at the end of last year. She was nowhere near on her initial try at Chelmsford but benefited from a front-running ride over an extended mile to be beaten just over a length last time. As a half-sister to top Australian performer Miss Finland, a win here could make all the difference to her future paddock value. Shee's Lucky can get a win on the board in the Rincon Del Puerto Restaurante Garrucha Fillies' Juvenile Hurdle at Ludlow. She failed to hit the mark in six all-weather outings but showed a natural aptitude for hurdling when a fine second at Leicester in November. Beaten four and a half lengths by the reopposing Hillcrest Fire on that occasion, Shee's Lucky possibly paid the price for a couple of modest leaps but should be sharper for the experience. Sporting Life suggestions KEMPTON: 4.15 Touch The Clouds, 4.45 Kapow, 5.15 Sir Hamilton, 5.45 Mullarkey, 6.15 DONJUAN TRIUMPHANT (NAP), 6.45 Strategic Heights, 7.15 Eltezam. LINGFIELD: 1.10 Summer Thunder, 1.45 Power And Peace, 2.15 Grey Waters, 2.50 Pattie, 3.25 Silver Penny, 3.55 Spring Waterfall. LUDLOW: 12.50 Lord Marmaduke, 1.20 Monbeg Oscar, 1.55 Dark Mahler, 2.25 Braw Angus, 3.00 Grove Silver, 3.35 Misty Mai, 4.05 Shee's Lucky.
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Post by dennisg on Jan 10, 2018 8:00:49 GMT
Ruby Walsh expects to return to action next month as he continues to recover from a broken leg. The star jockey has been sidelined since November 18 when he fell from Let's Dance in a race at Punchestown. Walsh is making good progress, though, and should be back in plenty of time before the Cheltenham Festival. He told Racing UK: "I'd say it's looking mid to late February (for a return to action) - that would be the plan. "The physio is going well and the doctors are happy with the bone. "It's essentially 12 weeks for the bone to heal and then how many ever weeks it takes you to get right. "Seven and a half (weeks) done, seven and a half to go."
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Post by dennisg on Jan 10, 2018 8:02:47 GMT
Getabird could bid to extend Willie Mullins' excellent recent record in the Sky Bet Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle at Punchestown on Saturday. Mullins has claimed the Grade Two prize six times in the last nine years, with subsequent Cheltenham Festival heroes Mikael D'Haguenet (2009), Vautour (2014) and Douvan (2015) among those on the roll of honour. Dual bumper winner Getabird missed the second half of last season through injury, but made an impressive start to his hurdling career at Punchestown last month and looks set to return to County Kildare circuit this weekend. Mullins has also entered Gowran winner Carter McKay, who did not take up an engagement in the Lawlor's of Naas Novice Hurdle on Sunday, and Makitorix. He said: "I think Getabird goes for that (Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle). "Carter McKay just had a little setback, and that's why he didn't run on Sunday, but he'll probably go for that if he's all right." Getabird is 9/1 in Sky Bet's Non Runner No Bet antepost market for the at the Cheltenham Festival, as well as the , while he's 12/1 for the The Mullins trio are among 11 entries for the two-mile contest, with Gordon Elliott responsible for Hardline, Royal Bond hero Mengli Khan, Roaring Bull and Stooshie. Joseph O'Brien's Hardback, Henry de Bromhead's High School Days, Riders Onthe Storm from Tom Taaffe's yard and the Tom Mullins-trained Top Othe Ra complete the potential field. On the same card, Grade Three honours are up for grabs in the Total Event Rental (Kildare) Novice Chase. Mullins has three contenders in Arbre De Vie, Invitation Only and Koshari, while seven entries for Elliott include Dounikos, Tombstone and Grade One-winning mare Shattered Love. Pat Fahy's impressive Fairyhouse scorer Castlegrace Paddy and Pat Kelly's Cheltenham Festival winner Mall Dini are also in the mix.
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 10, 2018 8:27:31 GMT
LUDLOW
Robin Goodfellow
12.50 Zalvados
1.20 Monbeg Oscar
1.55 Wandrin Star (nb)
2.25 Braw Angus
3.00 Tb Broke Her
3.35 Ask Catkin (nap)
4.05 Hillcrest Fire
Gimcrack
12.50 Lord Marmaduke
1.20 Monbeg Oscar
1.55 Dark Mahler
2.25 Braw Angus
3.00 Grove Silver
3.35 Misty Mai
4.05 Shee's Lucky
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 10, 2018 8:28:04 GMT
KEMPTON
Robin Goodfellow
4.15 Spare Parts
4.45 Holy Shambles
5.15 Sir Hamilton
5.45 Deeley's Double
6.15 Royal Birth
6.45 Fairway To Heaven
7.15 Rainbow Rebel
Gimcrack
4.15 Touch The Clouds
4.45 Kapow
5.15 Sir Hamilton
5.45 Mullarkey
6.15 Donjuan Triumphant (nap)
6.45 Strategic Heights
7.15 Eltezam
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 10, 2018 8:28:29 GMT
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 10, 2018 8:28:50 GMT
LINGFIELD
Robin Goodfellow
1.10 Goodbye Lulu
1.45 Power And Peace
2.15 Author's Dream
2.50 Make Music
3.25 Camino
3.55 Liberty Lynx
Gimcrack
1.10 Summer Thunder
1.45 Power And Peace
2.15 Grey Waters
2.50 Pattie
3.25 Silver Penny
3.55 Spring Waterfall (nb)
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 10, 2018 17:39:56 GMT
Ayr, 10 Jan 18 Fixture Note Abandonded - Frozen Nothing to report View Stewards report Ludlow, 10 Jan 18 Race 1 - 12:50pm THE RACING UK MAIDEN HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) (DIV I) ZALVADOS (FR) wore earplugs.
The sponsorship in relation to ST JOHN’S, trained by Evan Williams, did not comply with the Sponsorship Code of Conduct. Williams was warned as to his responsibility to ensure that the correct sponsorship is carried.
Race 3 - 1:55pm THE HEATH FARM MEATS STEEPLE CHASE (A NOVICES' LIMITED HANDICAP) (CLASS 4) VOLT FACE (FR) wore earplugs, which were removed at the start.
At the fourth last fence DARK MAHLER (IRE), placed sixth, jumped left-handed hampering FREE RANGE (IRE), placed third, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved.
Jonathan Burke, the rider of VOLT FACE (FR), placed fifth, was suspended for 2 days for using his whip without giving his horse time to respond, after jumping the last fence in the back straight on the first circuit.
Following the race Jonathan Burke reported that VOLT FACE (FR), placed fifth, jumped poorly.
Race 4 - 2:25pm THE A.J.A AMATEUR RIDERS' HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) Following the race Mr James Jeavons reported that the saddle slipped on PASSING FIESTA, jumping the first flight, and he pulled the mare up. The Veterinary Officer reported that SAHARA HAZE, unplaced, had bled from the nose and BRAW ANGUS, which was pulled up, lost its right fore shoe.
Race 5 - 3:00pm THE JOIN THE HENRY DALY RACING CLUB HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 4) Following the race David Bass reported that BANDON ROC, which was pulled up, was never travelling.
Race 6 - 3:35pm THE RACING UK MARES' HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) Following the race the Veterinary Officer reported that JAUNTY CLEMENTINE, which was pulled up, was lame left fore.
Race 7 - 4:05pm THE RINCON DEL PUERTO RESTAURANTE GARRUCHA FILLIES' JUVENILE HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) At the final flight LET’S BE HAPPY (IRE), placed fifth, jumped left-handed hampering HILLCREST FIRE (IRE), placed fourth, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved View Stewards report Kempton Park, 10 Jan 18 Race 1 - 4:15pm THE HARRY DUROSE HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 7) Permission was given for RUNAIOCHT (IRE) and ROYAL RETTIE to go early to post.
Shortly after leaving the stalls, BINGO GEORGE (IRE), unplaced, hung right-handed interfering with TOUCH THE CLOUDS, placed fourth, RUNAIOCHT (IRE), placed third and ASSERTOR, unplaced, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved.
Following the race, Tom Marquand reported that BINGO GEORGE (IRE), unplaced, hung badly right-handed after leaving the stalls.
Race 2 - 4:45pm THE 32Red ON THE APP STORE NOVICE STAKES (CLASS 5) (DIV I) Following the race, Robert Winston reported that KAPOW (IRE), unplaced, had no more to give.
Race 3 - 5:15pm THE 32Red ON THE APP STORE NOVICE STAKES (CLASS 5) (DIV II) Following the race, Dougie Costello reported that BREAKFAST (IRE), unplaced, ran too free and Raul da Silva reported that PRECIOUS SILK (IRE), unplaced, hung left-handed.
Race 5 - 6:15pm THE 32Red CONDITIONS STAKES (CLASS 2) Permission was given for DIAGNOSTIC to go early to post.
Race 7 - 7:15pm THE 100% PROFIT BOOST AT 32Redsport.com AMATEUR RIDERS' HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 4) Philip Hide was fined £650 for doubly declaring ZAMBEASY to run in the THE 32Red CASINO HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5) at Kempton Park and the THE 100% PROFIT AT 32Redsport.com AMATEUR RIDERS’ HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 4) at Kempton Park, and the gelding ran in the former. View Stewards report Lingfield Park, 10 Jan 18 Race 1 - 1:10pm THE PLAY JACKPOT GAMES AT sunbets.co.uk/vegas MAIDEN HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) Permission was given for DRAGON TATTOO (IRE) to go early to post and be mounted on the course.
Approximately 1 furlong after the start, GOODBYE LULU (IRE), placed eighth, shifted right-handed when running keenly, taking ROCKALATER, unplaced, and, in turn, DRAGON TATTOO (IRE), placed seventh, off their intended lines, but after viewing a recording of the incident it was found that no riding offence was involved.
Race 3 - 2:15pm THE BETWAY STAYERS HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5) Following the race, Nicola Currie reported that ARISTOCLES (IRE), placed eighth, hung left-handed and lost its action. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 5 - 3:25pm THE BETWAY SPRINT HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 7) SOMETHING LUCKY (IRE), trained by Michael Appleby, was second at Southwell the previous day. The Veterinary Officer reported that a pre-race examination of the gelding deemed it fit to race.
Permission was given for STORM TROOPER (IRE) to go early to post.
Inside the final furlong, SWIFT FOX, unplaced, shifted left-handed at the same time as LA FORTUNA, unplaced, shifted right-handed, causing the rider of LA FORTUNA to take a slight check, but after viewing a recording of the incident it was found that no riding offence was involved.
Race 6 - 3:55pm THE 32Red MAIDEN FILLIES' STAKES (CLASS 5) Following the race, Edward Greatrex reported that SPRING WATERFALL (IRE), placed fourth, ran too free.
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 10, 2018 17:41:01 GMT
Jump jockey Will Kennedy has paid heartfelt tribute to his father Vivian, a former jockey and trainer who died on Tuesday night aged 75.
Vivian Kennedy, who lived on the Curragh, died in hospital in Basildon after spending the Christmas visiting family.
His son, speaking at Ludlow on Wednesday, said: "It all happened a bit quick as he went into hospital a week before Christmas. He's not been a well man for a couple of years on and off with different things. It's still a shock – nothing can prepare you for it – and it's a very sad day.
“He had come over to visit my sister in Essex for Christmas and went into hospital in Basildon. He was 75 on January 6.”
Husband to Kathleen, whom he married in 1964, Kennedy enjoyed many big days in the saddle before turning his hand to training.
Apprenticed to Tommy Burns, Kennedy’s best day as a jockey came when he guided Bigaroon to win the first of his three Irish Cesarewitches at the Curragh in 1970.
He started training in 1983 and enjoyed big-race success when landing the 1986 Kerry National with Flute Player.
However, he suffered a tragic loss just two years later when his son, Vivian jnr, died as a result of a fall at Huntingdon.
Kennedy does not recall much about his father’s riding career but remembers how meticulously he prepared horses as a trainer, and pointed to an ability to ready one for a big day as his main strength.
He said: “He was a very good trainer and knew his horses very well, and was definitely able to get them ready for a particular race.
“I wouldn't have said we were a wealthy family but I never wanted for anything growing up. He was a great man and supporter of mine – obviously he lost a son to the game a long time ago, so me going into it was hard, but he was always there for me to talk about racing."
He added: “The thing I'll miss most is speaking to him literally every day about every ride I had, and it's going to hurt not being able to do that any more. I don't really remember him riding as I was too young but I always respected him as a trainer.”
Kennedy is survived by his wife, brother Niall, sisters Nicola and Sylvia, along with seven grandchildren. Funeral arrangements will be known in due course.
Paul Hensey, former Curragh racecourse manager Very sorry to hear that Vivian Kennedy passed away last night. A great jockey and a shrewd trainer, he was part of the Curragh for as long as I can remember.
Kevin O’Ryan, At The Races presenter Very sorry to hear of the passing of Vivian Kennedy. Will miss the regular slagging he gave me for years!! Condolences to Kathleen, Niall and @wtkjockey #Gent
Brian Kavanagh, Horse Racing Ireland chief executive Very sorry to hear of the passing of Vivian Kennedy. A shrewd trainer and a good man to have dealings with. A stalwart of the Curragh. Deepest sympathies to Kathleen and family.
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 11, 2018 8:47:07 GMT
Thursday: going, weather & non-runners Catterick GOING: SOFT (GoingStick: Chs 6.7, Hdl 7.0) (Rail movements: R1, 3, 7 +30y, R2 +60y, R4 & 6 +48y, R5 +78y) WEATHER: Cloudy NON RUNNERS: 3:10 Coroberee (8) Chelmsford (AW) GOING: POLYTRACK: STANDARD WEATHER: Showers STALLS: 6f - Centre; Remainder - Inside NON RUNNERS: 6:30 Paradise Lake (5) 8:00 Dibloam (7) 8:30 Zircon (10)Tasaaboq (6) 9:00 Multi Quest (9) Clonmel GOING: HEAVY WEATHER: Partly cloudy Leicester GOING: Hurdle course - HEAVY; Chase course - SOFT (Heavy on the Flat course crossings) (GoingStick: Hdl 3.5, Chs 4.5) (All shaded areas are covered with frost sheets) WEATHER: Cloudy Newcastle (AW) GOING: TAPETA: STANDARD WEATHER: Cloudy STALLS: 2m - Inside; 1m2f & 1m4f - Far side; Remainder - Centre NON RUNNERS: 2:25 Best Example (3) 3:00 Falcon's Fire (8) 5:05 Holy Shambles (4)
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 11, 2018 8:47:47 GMT
Newmarket: David Milnes
Wimpole Hall (7.00 Chelmsford, nap)
Fancied to turn the tables on old rival Tangramm from his plum draw in stall one. William Jarvis's gelding has moved well on Warren Hill of late and has the services of the in-form Robert Havlin.
5/1 Wimpole Hall 7:00 Chelmsford (AW) Others to follow Newcastle 2.25 Esspeegee, 3.35 Flag Festival, 4.05 Joe's Spirit, 4.35 Compass Scoobie, 5.05 Three Weeks. Chelmsford 5.55 Nature Boy, 6.30 Arnarson, 6.00 Arcadian Sea, 8.30 Spare Parts, 9.00 Good Business. Lambourn: James Burn
Crushed (12.30 Catterick, nap)
Alan King has a formidable strike-rate at the track and thinks going left-handed will suit this Flat recruit, who has pleased at home.
13/8 Crushed 12:30 Catterick Others to follow Chelmsford 6.30 Paradise Lake, 7.00 Dutch Uncle, 7.30 Caracas, 8.00 Udogo, 9.00 Black Truffle. Leicester 1.45 Cultivator, 2.20 Clash Of D Titans. North: Colin Russell
Theglasgowwarrior (3.00 Newcastle, nap)
Off the mark on his all-weather debut when scoring over course and distance four weeks ago. That form is rock solid and he is fancied to follow up off a 3lb higher mark for the in-form Jim Goldie yard.
5/4 Theglasgowwarrior 3:00 Newcastle (AW) Others to follow Catterick 12.30 Ecole D'Art, 1.00 Chu Chu Percy, 1.30 Vengeur De Guye, 2.05 Sonic, 2.35 Sun Cloud, 3.10 Danceintothelight, 3.45 Hit And Run. Chelmsford 6.30 Amazing Grazing, 7.00 Maifalki, 8.30 Dream Revival, 9.00 Snow Excuse. Leicester 2.20 Christo, 2.50 Chasma. Newcastle 1.55 Gabrial's Star, 2.25 Something Brewing, 3.35 The Jungle Vip, 4.05 Windsor Cross, 4.35 Aleef, 5.05 Danzay. West Country: Tim Mitchell
Acting Lass (1.45 Leicester, nap)
Well-regarded, lightly-raced gelding who had shown plenty over hurdles last season but always considered to be a chaser in the making. Didn't disappoint on debut and this potentially smart seven-year-old is fancied to take all the beating.
5/4 Acting Lass 1:45 Leicester Racing Post Ratings: Steve Mason
Banjo Girl (2.20 Leicester, nap)
This consistent sort posted a career-best figure under this jockey at Fakenham latest. He jumped out to the right that day and consequently there could be more to come now switched to a right-handed track.
11/4 Banjo Girl 2:20 Leicester Topspeed: Dave Edwards
Joe's Spirit (4.05 Newcastle)
Finished well when runner-up at Lingfield five days ago and Michael Bell's three-year-old can pick up deserved compensation.
11/8 Joe's Spirit 4:05 Newcastle (AW) Longshot: Ed Quigley
Dessinateur (2.20 Leicester)
Well beaten on hurdling debut at Exeter in November, but will enjoy the ground and should come on for that run.
9/2 Dessinateur 2:20 Leicester Ireland: Tony O'Hehir
Poli Roi (1.35 Clonmel)
Winner of a point, bumper and maiden hurdle, the Gordon Elliott-trained six-year-old has less to do here than on his most recent start at Navan last month when he finished last of five behind Next Destination in a Grade 2 event. Davy Russell’s mount can account for his six rivals.
7/2 Poli Roi 1:35 Clonmel The Raceform Interactive Nugget
The Resdev Way has an impressive strike-rate of 3-6 – with two further places – on the all-weather at Newcastle compared to 0-14 at any other track on the Flat. He's back to his favourite venue today in the 1.55.
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 11, 2018 8:48:19 GMT
Alan King’s runners need taking very seriously at Catterick with the trainer holding a record of four from five at the course. He runs Crushed (12.30), who was useful on the Flat and can improve the record.
Hakam (Newcastle 4.35) ran a nice race on his only start at the course and drops to the minimum trip with a visor added. Trainer Mick Appleby has a 20 per cent strike-rate when employing the headgear for the first time.
Itstimeforapint was just beaten in the North Yorkshire Grand National (Catterick 2.35) last year, and returns off the same mark today. This has surely
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 11, 2018 8:48:43 GMT
BANKER
Titan Goddess (5.55 Chelmsford)
Nicola Currie barely had to do anything aboard this six-year-old mare when partnering her for the first time at Kempton five days ago – running away with a 0-90 handicap by four lengths, barely coming off the bridle. Turned out quickly under a penalty, she looks to have a great chance of following up and anything above even money looks value.
11/8 Titan Goddess 5:55 Chelmsford (AW) EYECATCHER
Clash Of D Titans (2.20 Leicester)
Warren Greatrex's five-year-old is clearly highly regarded and was sent off a 3-1 shot in a competitive Bangor bumper at the start of December, where he finished a disappointing fifth. He made the running that day and he seemed to lack a change of gear when headed two furlongs out, but I'm willing to forgive him that effort and hope he can deploy similar tactics in this contest over slightly shorter. He receives weight from Canyon City and Banjo Girl and Richard Johnson has been booked for the first time.
6/1 Clash Of D Titans 2:20 Leicester DARK HORSE
Mr Antolini (3.25 Leicester)
Perhaps the most interesting runner on the card, Mr Antolini makes his first start for trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies having moved from Irish trainer Garrett Power on the back of a really good third-place finish at Punchestown in October. In fact, he looked like winning that race until making a slight mistake at the last, and the fact that he's been raised 8lb is no surprise. Kept to the minimum trip – at which he seems best – and with a clear liking for soft ground, he should go close on his British debut.
11/2 Mr Antolini 3:25 Leicester 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 dennisg on Jan 11, 2018 9:06:41 GMT
in today's sporting life................. Sun Cloud can win a second North Yorkshire Grand National according to Anita Chambers who has a tip for every race in the UK and Ireland. Sun Cloud can repeat his victory of four years ago in the Watt Fences North Yorkshire Grand National Handicap Chase at Catterick. Malcolm Jefferson's charge may be approaching the twilight of his career now, but he lines up here in cracking form with a rating just 1lb higher than that successful 2014 perch. The 11-year-old has triumphed on his last two starts, winning on heavy ground at Perth in September before following up on better ground at Sedgefield in November. He won off a mark of 127 on that latter occasion but has since been eased 3lb in the weights, which is a definite plus. Ballydine made a decent impression on his return from over 600 days off the track and can continue on an upward curve in the Leicester Annual Badge Holders Chase at Leicester. He looked a useful tool over hurdles, chasing home Barters Hill in a Grade Two at Doncaster in January 2016 before being tried at the top level at Aintree that spring. Ballydine was then sidelined until making his chasing bow at Haydock last month, when he ran a cracker to finish second, beaten just a neck after looking likely to drop away at one stage. If he can avoid the bounce factor, Ballydine is worth a shout. Windsor Cross should appreciate a switch back in trip in the 32Red.com Handicap at Newcastle. Richard Fahey has pitched his charge over a mile on his last two starts, but the three-year-old has seemingly found it tough going in the closing stages on both occasions, hitting the frame without really troubling the victor. Those efforts suggest a drop down to seven furlongs would be in his favour, an opinion underlined by the fact his sole win to date came over that distance at this track back in November. Windsor Cross was a convincing winner of a moderate heat that day, prompting the handicapper to give him a starting mark of 81 - a perch which has dropped 2lb after his recent efforts. That dip in the ratings combined with the shorter trip can put Windsor Cross back on the winning track. Twizzell showed signs of a return to form on her first start of 2018 and is one for the shortlist in the Betway Sprint Handicap. Nine races last year yielded a win and a handful of places, but she looked as though she was ready for a break when down the field at Newcastle in October and Karl Burke duly gave her a rest. She returned with a length-and-a-half second at Gosforth Park last week and now clearly refreshed, Twizzell can kick on again here. Tangramm can make it two wins from his three latest starts in Chelmsford's Bet totequadpot At betfred.com Handicap. He scored over the same 10 furlongs he faces here on his penultimate outing but fell a length short when sent off favourite at Wolverhampton last time. That race was really not run to suit that day so hopefully he will enjoy better luck this time. Sporting Life suggestions: CATTERICK: 12.30 Turning Gold, 1.00 Chu Chu Percy, 1.30 Un Prophete, 2.05 Hear No Evil, 2.35 SUN CLOUD (NAP), 3.10 Niceandeasy, 3.45 Hit And Run. CHELMSFORD: 5.55 Nature Boy, 6.30 Arnarson, 7.00 Tangramm, 7.30 Sea's Aria, 8.00 Udogo, 8.30 Deben, 9.00 Black Truffle. CLONMEL: 12.35 Cool Saint, 1.05 Barna Venture, 1.35 Draconien, 2.10 Caro Des Flos, 2.40 Zipporah, 3.15 Mister First, 3.50 Coach Road. LEICESTER: 12.45 Vocaliser, 1.15 Ballyrock, 1.45 Ballydine, 2.20 Canyouringmeback, 2.50 Chasma, 3.25 Du Soleil. NEWCASTLE: 1.55 Artful Rogue, 2.25 Esspeegee, 3.00 Theglasgowwarrior, 3.35 Swordcraft, 4.05 Windsor Cross, 4.35 Twizzell, 5.05 Native Appeal. DOUBLE: Sun Cloud and Windsor Cross. Related horse racing links
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Post by dennisg on Jan 11, 2018 9:08:24 GMT
Dave Ord expects class-dropper Cainhoe Star to take all the beating at Chelmsford City on Thursday. Recommended bet: Sporting Life's Daily Nap, January 11 Cainhoe Star looks a solid bet to successfully concede weight all round in the Bet toteJACKPOT At betfred.com Handicap at Chelmsford. Anthony Carson’s charge wasn’t beaten far in a better race than this at Southwell last time and emerged with plenty of credit having been forced wider than ideal at a crucial stage on a surface it’s difficult to make up ground on. He reverts to a Class 5 race for the first time since being beaten a nose here in August and faces very few in-form rivals. Likely favourite Arnason is a notable exception having been impressive when winning at Wolverhampton last time but Ed Dunlop’s charge has shown signs of temperament in the past and could be one to take on here. Daily Nap record: -10.32pts
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Post by dennisg on Jan 11, 2018 9:10:24 GMT
Red Indian and Jaleo (pictured) are reported on target for Saturday's Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton - don't miss the latest Ben Pauling column featuring his Tolworth thoughts and a horse being aimed at Sandown's EBF Final. What did you make of the Tolworth Hurdle on Saturday? I was actually quite taken by runner-up KALASHNIKOV. I saw a video of him working away in Newmarket on a blog before the weekend and he just looked like a horse with a huge amount of speed and I don't think bottomless ground at Sandown was his thing at all. Despite that he ran really well in second, but was just blunted rather by the going, and I like the way he stuck at it resolutely. He's trained by Amy Murphy who will do the right thing for the horse but I'd possibly be tempted to keep him at two miles as I reckon he'll improve a lot on better ground. He's by Kalanisi and I'm sure he'll be happier under spring conditions. The winner SUMMERVILLE BOY looks pretty smart too and I could see him possibly stepping up in trip next time. Summerville Boy lands the Tolworth Summerville Boy picture winning the Tolworth Hurdle Did your two Sandown runners find the ground a bit grim? Yes, they were much of a muchness really in that they both didn't really appreciate the going. PERFECT PIRATE just found it all happening too quickly but Nico (de Boinville) said not too worry too much and that he'll be well worth another chance off a similar mark. He got behind with his jumping before running on at the end when it was too late and although a bit disappointed initially you have to remember it was just his second chase start. Little RAVEN'S TOWER didn't enjoy himself at all. I'd feared as much but he was in such good form I was happy to run him. There'll be other days for him as well, though he may just need a little more help from the handicapper. Play Video Gonna Be A Great Day | Ben Pauling Racing Last week's column mentioned a 'mid-season pull' - what goes on behind the scenes in January? A part of me wishes they could all be tucked away for the worst of the winter! But we have to crack on like everyone else and a lot of mine have now had their EHV jabs. That's an equine herpes vaccination and is essentially just a flu jab. Some trainers do it, others don't, and in truth I've not done it every winter I've had a licence but the bigger you get in terms of numbers then there's a lot more comings and goings and we decided to do it this time. It hopefully just makes them slightly more immune to the bugs that naturally go around at this time of the year. A lot will have an easy 10 days or so afterwards and then we'll be working up to getting plenty back out at the end of the month, or early February. It's general maintenance really and it's just a question of keeping an eye on things and keep them ticking over. There's a lot of talk about achievable goals this time of the year. If you could nominate one race you'd absolutely love to pull off during 2018, what would it be? The obvious target is Cheltenham and I suppose in the future winning a Queen Mother Champion Chase would be right up there with the obvious ones like the Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle, but in terms of 'achievable' goals I'd have to say the Betfair Hurdle next month as it looks like I've got a cracking chance of winning it with HIGH BRIDGE, who seems in smashing form. Hopefully next season WILLOUGHBY COURT will be taking us to some of the top championship races but I don't want to get too far ahead of myself. Play Video High Bridge wins at Newbury | Ben Pauling Racing Talking of future targets, what's the long-term plan with novice hurdler Delire D'Estruval? We're possibly looking towards the EBF Final at Sandown with DELIRE D'ESTRUVAL. He is quite promising but he's not the biggest horse in the yard and he'd have quite a big penalty in several races he could go for, as he won a Listed race at Haydock in November. So we might head down the handicap route and the EBF Final in March, rather than a tilt at anything at the Festival, might be the way to go with him. We like him. What does this week hold for the team? We opted not to run FAWSLEY SPIRIT at Doncaster on Tuesday as it was still a bit tacky after the frost they'd had, but he might be of interest when he makes his debut. He's been a bit difficult ever since he was broken in but he's a different horse when you put blinkers on and he'll be wearing them wherever he goes first time out. We may come north with BARDISTA and STAGE SUMMIT at Catterick on Thursday but we'll keep an eye on the ground. It might end up being a fairly quiet Friday, despite having a few entered up, but we're looking to run RED INDIAN and JALEO in the Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton on Saturday. Jaleo pleased me when third at the same course on Boxing Day. We're on much better terms with him now. I just think he seems more of a man this year, he seemed a bit soft towards the end of last year but he's grown up a bit now. He'll have improved again for that second run back and I wonder if we can ride him a lot closer to the pace now. This has been the plan for Red Indian for a while. After Cheltenham we thought we'd leave him alone and he seems in good form. He worked very well on Tuesday morning under David Bass, who was really happy with him. We've got EQUUS SECRETUS and CARLOS DU FRUITIER in the Grade Two Ballymore Leamington Novices' Hurdle at Warwick and we're undecided on these two. 'Equus' seems in good form but maybe not the sort of form he was in earlier in the season. He’ll be happier and better suited to the spring conditions when it dries out a little. Chasing is the aim with him eventually and he'll be made for Nationals in the future. He's as good a jumper as we've had. 'Carlos' is well but at the same time clearly has a bit to find in this and we may look towards a handicap instead. Equus Secretus in action at Cheltenham Equus Secretus is one to note for the spring Sky Bet and a few other firms have now gone NRNB at Cheltenham - would you recommend a risk-free bet on any of your horses at the revised prices? Well, everyone knows I'm quite sweet on WILLOUGHBY COURT in the JLT Novices' Chase. I'm bullish about him in particular because I know he'll be electric on proper spring ground. He'd have to be my pick but as I mentioned last week LE BREUIL is a decent price (20/1) in the Coral Cup with the money-back insurance and BARTERS HILL could look a fab bet at 20/1 in the Stayers' Hurdle if he goes and wins on his comeback in a week or so. I'm still keeping everything crossed and there'll be more on 'Bart' in the final build-up to his comeback in next week's column. Barters Hill is getting back to full health Can Barters Hill tee up a tilt at the Stayers' Hurdle?
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Post by dennisg on Jan 11, 2018 9:12:14 GMT
Espresso Freddo features among Jamie Maynard's Chelmsford selection as our man previews Thursday evening's all-weather meeting. 6.30 Chelmsford - Bet toteJACKPOT At betfred.com Handicap The standard in this 7f handicap is set by Ed Dunlop’s Anarson on the back of a comprehensive victory over this trip at Wolverhampton last week and a repeat performance of that will see him go close despite carrying a 6lb penalty. The lightly-raced Amazing Grazing won a maiden over the trip before being well held on handicap debut. He showed more last time over a furlong shorter but he’s back up in distance for this and will need to find that little bit more if he’s to land the spoils. The selection then is the Robert Stephens-trained ESPRESSO FREDDO who, apart from the last day, has been taking on better opposition than this where he's failed to land a proper blow over a longer trip which didn't look to suit. He led inside the final furlong on his most recent outing before getting swallowed up late on over a mile so the drop back to seven looks a good move especially as he landed a maiden and handicap double over this distance at the start of last year. The latter was off a 1lb lower mark and it's interesting to see the experienced Adam Kirby booked for the ride as he's only ever ridden three times for the Newport-based handler, two of which have been successful. This four-year-old looks to have a good opportunity of returning to the winners enclosure from the plum draw in stall one. 7.00 Chelmsford - Bet totequadpot At betfred.com Handicap The feature race on a card that looks to be lacking real quality is a 0-80 handicap run over the mile-and-a-quarter journey. Since winning a maiden at the back end of 2016, Hairdryer has been nothing but consistent in five subsequent runs in handicaps, with two-and-a-quarter lengths the furthest he's been beaten. His most recent second placed effort means he's back up to a mark of 77 but he had twice previously gone close from this mark over course and distance and again can run his race. Wimpole Hall has won over both six and seven furlongs as well as a mile and he seemingly enjoyed the step up to this trip last time when third and he re-opposes on slightly better terms with the winner that day TANGRAMM, but Dean Ivory's gelding was probably worth more than the final distances suggested and a 2lb swing in the weights doesn't look enough to see the placings reversed this time round. The selection has since finished an unlucky second at Wolverhampton where a clear run would've probably seen him land a double. He gets to run off the same mark again today and he's got a great opportunity to gain compensation as he's effective over the distance, unbeaten at this course and is only 1lb higher than when successful over track and trip two years ago, all reasons to believe another bold showing is expected.
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 11, 2018 18:27:40 GMT
Catterick Bridge, 11 Jan 18 Race 1 - 12:30pm THE racinguk.com JUVENILE HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) In the final ½ furlong, TURNING GOLD, placed second, hung left giving a slight bump to the winner, CORNERSTONE LAD, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved.
Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that CRUSHED (IRE), placed seventh, lost its left fore shoe.
Race 3 - 1:30pm THE BLACK HORSE INN DINE DRINK WIN HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 3) Permission was given for INK MASTER (IRE) to be mounted on the course.
The winner, DRESDEN (IRE), appeared to show improved form, compared with its previous run at Aintree on 9 December 2017 where the gelding finished seventh of eleven, beaten by 64 lengths. Henry Oliver’s explanation that DRESDEN (IRE) was suited by the drop in grade was noted.
The performance of UN PROPHETE (FR) which started favourite and was pulled up, was considered. Charlie Deutsch reported that the gelding was never travelling and the representative of Venetia Williams could offer no explanation for the geldings performance. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of UN PROPHETE (FR) during routine testing, failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 4 - 2:05pm THE WATCH ON 3 DEVICES racinguk.com/anywhere EBF 'NATIONAL HUNT' NOVICES' HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) (Qualifier) Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that BALLASALLA (IRE), unplaced, lost its right hind shoe.
Race 6 - 3:10pm THE RACING AGAIN 24th JANUARY HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) The performance of POKORA DU LYS (FR) which started joint favourite and finished seventh of eight, was considered. The representative of Dan Skelton could offer no explanation for the gelding’s performance. POKORA DU LYS (FR) was routine tested.
Race 7 - 3:45pm THE catterickbridge.co.uk HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) Permission was given for NENDRUM (IRE) to go early to post. View Stewards report Leicester, 11 Jan 18 Race 1 - 12:45pm THE GROBY NOVICES' HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 4) Following the race, Richard Johnson reported that DIAMOND ROCK, which was pulled up, was never travelling. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding, during routine testing, failed to reveal any abnormalities. Leighton Aspell reported that RUBY RAMBLER, placed seventh, became tired approaching the final fence.
Race 2 - 1:15pm THE DOVE SELLING HURDLE RACE (CLASS 5) Mr H. F. Nugent, the rider of SILENT DOCTOR (IRE), placed eighth, had appeared to stop riding his mount on two occasions after jumping the final hurdle, before being beaten ½ a length for seventh place. After being interviewed and shown recordings of the incident, Mr H. F. Nugent’s explanation that the gelding had progressively become more fatigued in the home straight, and he felt that it was in SILENT DOCTOR (IRE)'s best interests to be nursed home, having become increasingly unbalanced under pressure in the heavy ground was noted.
Race 3 - 1:45pm THE LEICESTER ANNUAL BADGE HOLDERS STEEPLE CHASE (A NOVICES' LIMITED HANDICAP) (CLASS 3) Following the race, the representative of Nicky Henderson reported that CULTIVATOR, placed fourth, was unsuited by the Soft, Heavy in places going and would prefer a faster surface. The Veterinary Officer reported that BALLYDINE (IRE), placed third, lost its left fore shoe.
Race 4 - 2:20pm THE ROA/RACING POST OWNERS' JACKPOT NOVICES' HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) (Novices' Championship Hurdle Series Qualifier) Following the race, Ciaran Gethings reported that SANOK (POL), which was pulled up, lost its action. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 5 - 2:50pm THE HOSE THORNS HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 4) The performance of CHASMA, which finished unplaced, was considered. The representative of Michael Easterby’s explanation that the mare was unsuited by the Soft, Heavy in places going and would prefer a faster surface, was noted.
Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that DUNCOMPLAINING (IRE), unplaced, lost its left fore shoe.
Race 6 - 3:25pm THE CHIEFTAIN HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 3) Permission was given for WIND PLACE AND SHO to be mounted on the course and go early to post.
Prior to this race, Dr Richard Newland was asked to explain the reason why he was running CAPITOUL (FR) here at Leicester on going described as Heavy, having reported that CAPITOUL (FR) was unsuited by the Heavy going following its run at Ffos Las on 18 December 2017. The trainer’s explanation that although the gelding’s sole career win had come on heavy ground at Ayr, he felt that the going at Leicester would be less demanding than at Ffos Las even though the official description was the same, was noted.
Following the race, James Eustace reported that WIND PLACE AND SHO, unplaced, was unsuited by the Heavy going and would prefer a faster surface. View Stewards report Newcastle, 11 Jan 18 Race 1 - 1:55pm THE BETWAY LIVE CASINO HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5) Permission was given for BELLE DE LAWERS to go to post early.
Daniel Tudhope, the rider of BELLE DE LAWERS was unseated approaching 2 furlongs out. Harrison Shaw the rider of GABRIAL’S STAR, placed third, and Paul Mulrennan the rider of ARTFUL ROGUE (IRE), placed fourth, were interviewed, but Tudhope was unable to be interviewed as he was being assessed by the Medical Officer. Having heard their evidence and viewed recordings of the incident, it was found that no other horse or rider was involved, and the incident was caused by BELLE DE LAWERS sustaining an injury.
Race 2 - 2:25pm THE BETWAY AMATEUR RIDERS' HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) An enquiry was held to consider 2 instances of interference. In the first instance shortly after the start, HIGHWAYMAN, placed sixth, ridden by Miss S Brotherton, when running freely interfered with FLYING POWER, placed sixth, ridden by Mr A Chadwick. Miss Brotherton was suspended for 2 days for careless riding in that she allowed her mount to drop in towards the rail when insufficiently clear of HIGHWAYMAN, who had to be slightly checked. In the second instance, on the first bend, FLYING POWER interfered with HIGHWAYMAN. Mr Chadwick was suspended for 4 days for careless riding in that he moved left towards the rail when insufficiently clear of HIGHWAYMAN who clipped heels and stumbled.
Following the race, Mr B Lynn reported that SOMETHING BREWING (FR), placed fourth, was denied a clear run 2 furlongs out. Mr A Anderson reported that LEONARD THOMAS, placed third, was denied a clear run 2 furlongs out.
Race 3 - 3:00pm THE BETWAY CASINO HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5) Following the race, Joe Fanning reported that PEGI BROWNE (IRE), placed eighth, hung left.
Race 5 - 4:05pm THE 32Red.com HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 3) Marc Monaghan, the rider of JELLMOOD, placed second, was suspended for 4 days for using his whip above the permitted level from approaching 1½ furlongs out.
Race 6 - 4:35pm THE BETWAY SPRINT HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 3) Following the race, Joe Fanning reported that TWIZZELL, unplaced, weakened quickly in the final 1½ furlongs. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the filly during routine testing failed to reveal any abnormalities. View Stewards report Chelmsford City, 11 Jan 18 Race 1 - 5:55pm THE BET toteplacepot AT betfred.com APPRENTICE HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5) Approximately 6 furlongs out, SPIRITUAL STAR (IRE), placed fifth, lugged left despite the rider’s best efforts, causing HIGHLAND PASS, placed sixth, to be short of room for a stride, 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 SPIRITUAL STAR (IRE).
Approximately 3½ furlongs, NATURE BOY (IRE), placed third, shifted slightly left causing TED’S BROTHER (IRE), placed second, to lug left and tighten ROSS RAITH ROVER, placed fourth, for a stride, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved.
Following the race, Jason Watson reported that HIGHLAND PASS, placed sixth, was slowly away.
Race 2 - 6:30pm THE BET toteJACKPOT AT betfred.com HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5) Permission was given for OUT OF THE ASHES to be led early to post.
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 11, 2018 18:30:17 GMT
Racing personality Matt Chapman has been sacked from his new role on ITV's Dancing On Ice after just one episode.
There was significant criticism on social media following Chapman's debut after he took over commentary duties from the late Tony Gubba and ITV bosses took the decision to replace Chapman for the remainder of the ten-week show.
A polarising personality even within a sport he knows inside out and loves deeply, Chapman drew complaints from some Dancing On Ice viewers for his boisterous commentary style.
Chapman, who had been excitedly tweeting about putting in the hours and getting to know the moves and the 12 contestants – who this year include Coronation Street actors Brooke Vincent and Antony Cotton, and Love Island star Kem Cetinay, had vowed to win over his critics after the feedback to his first effort but bosses have decided not to give him that opportunity.
Chapman's agent Peter Burrell said in a statement: "ITV have fulfilled all of their contractual obligations with us. We are very satisfied with that. We are surprised by the decision, but it is an internal matter at ITV and we move on."
An ITV spokesman said: "We can confirm that Matt Chapman has left the show and wish him all the very best. We look forward to him reporting for ITV Racing at Warwick this weekend."
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