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Post by Kimmy on Feb 6, 2018 8:08:01 GMT
David Simcock has a 44 per cent strike-rate at Southwell, which increases to 50 per cent with three-year-old debutants. He saddles Bellamy Road colt Silchester in the 1.30.
David Brown has a 24 per cent strike-rate at Southwell and a 16 per cent strike-rate with horses running first time since undergoing a gelding operation. He saddles Fibresand debutant Make Good in the 2.30.
Dan Skelton has a 28 per cent strike-rate at Market Rasen and a 24 per cent strike rate with horses wearing a tongue strap for first time. He’s represented by Knight In Dubai in the 2.55.
Brian Ellison has a 23 per cent strike-rate at Sedgefield and that increases to 42 per cent when combining with Henry Brooke. They team up in the 3.15 with recent course winner Instant Replay.
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Post by dennisg on Feb 6, 2018 8:08:14 GMT
Nicky Henderson has confirmed that Altior will make his eagerly-awaited seasonal reappearance at Newbury on Saturday. The brilliant eight-year-old was unbeaten as a novice chaser last season, including victory in the Racing Post Arkle at Cheltenham, and is Sky Bet's for the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase back at Prestbury Park in March. He was due to run in the Tingle Creek at Sandown in December but was forced to miss that outing after a breathing problem surfaced which required a minor operation. View image on Twitter View image on Twitter Nicky Henderson ✔ @sevenbarrows Altior has been given an entry for @newburyracing on Saturday and the intention is very much to run. His work has been good and we’re very happy. We’ll keep an eye on the weather but if it stays Good to Soft/Soft, he’ll be declared. Might Bite will go straight to Cheltenham. 10:54 AM - Feb 5, 2018 525 137 people are talking about this Twitter Ads info and privacy However he has pleased connections recently and is ready to return in the Game Spirit Chase on Super Saturday - although stablemate Might Bite, for the Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup with Sky Bet, won't run at the weekend and heads straight to the Festival.
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 6, 2018 8:08:39 GMT
Sedgefield
Two recent winners clash in the 2m5f handicap chase and INSTANT REPLAY (3.15) is expected to come out on top at the expense of Cash Again.
The six-year-old failed to win any of his four hurdles, but connections quickly switched their £90,000 purchase to fences and the move paid instant dividends as he made a successful chase debut here last month.
Backed into favouritism, Brian Ellison’s charge jumped well and found plenty when challenged by Castletown in the closing stages. This slightly longer trip can help him defy a 4lb higher mark.
TURTLE CASK (4.20) lost his way after winning at Hexham in September, suffering four big defeats late last year, but he looked on the way back at Kelso when tackling a marathon 3m2f on soft ground three weeks ago, briefly hitting the front approaching the penultimate flight and coming home a close fourth.
This looks an ideal opportunity for Mike Sowersby’s nine-year-old to land a fourth career success.
Donald McCain’s SPIN THE COIN (1.40) showed sparks of ability without threatening in his first three hurdles and it would be no surprise if he improved markedly now that he moves into handicap company at a lowly level.
Market Rasen
The handicapper appeared to have caught up with ROMULUS DU DONJON (4.00) after he won over hurdles at Catterick in November, but a respectable fourth at that track last time out suggests he remains in fair heart.
Rose Dobbin’s yard is in hot form and the switch to fences could help him eke out a bit more, so it would be no surprise if he struck in the novices’ handicap chase.
GENEROUS DAY (3.25) has got steadily better with practice and produced another career-best here on Boxing Day.
Always close to the pace, Henry Oliver’s six-year-old was asked for an effort approaching the final flight and found enough to see off Bowie and record his second success of the season.
He was going away at the line and that display suggests this extra two furlongs will help him to continue to progress.
ANTUNES (1.50), a son of Nathaniel out of a Peintre Celebre mare, can win on his hurdles debut for Dan Skelton.
Southwell
Top weight may not stop FOOLAAD (3.05) in the feature 5f handicap. Roy Bowring’s seven-year-old has steadily improved over the last 12 months and has taken his form to a new level since returning from a summer break, winning twice over course and distance recently. Last time out he saw off Tricky Dicky after making most of the running in a 0-105 contest and he should be hard to catch in this slightly lower grade.
Get tips for every race run in Britain from Tuesday to Sunday in this week's Racing & Football Outlook – out every Tuesday
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 6, 2018 8:09:35 GMT
It was a case of two becoming one first thing on Tuesday morning as Market Rasen successfully passed inspection two hours earlier than planned leaving just Sedgefield at the mercy of the cold snap.
While both tracks were raceable on Monday officials wanted to assess the impact of expected overnight frosts on Tuesday morning. Market Rasen passed with flying colours while Sedgefield inspects at 8am.
Market Rasen clerk of the course Jack Pryor said: "We had an overnight low of -1C. The forecast is for a cold day with some sunny spells and highs of only 2C, but there is no frost in the ground, all take offs, landings and all vulnerable areas were covered, and racing goes ahead. The going is soft."
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 6, 2018 8:09:55 GMT
Parts of the course at Carlisle, due to race on Wednesday, were "frozen in places" on Monday but no inspection has been scheduled.
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Post by dennisg on Feb 6, 2018 8:10:19 GMT
Nicky Henderson has confirmed that Altior will make his eagerly-awaited seasonal reappearance at Newbury on Saturday. The brilliant eight-year-old was unbeaten as a novice chaser last season, including victory in the Racing Post Arkle at Cheltenham, and is Sky Bet's for the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase back at Prestbury Park in March. He was due to run in the Tingle Creek at Sandown in December but was forced to miss that outing after a breathing problem surfaced which required a minor operation. View image on Twitter View image on Twitter Nicky Henderson ✔ @sevenbarrows Altior has been given an entry for @newburyracing on Saturday and the intention is very much to run. His work has been good and we’re very happy. We’ll keep an eye on the weather but if it stays Good to Soft/Soft, he’ll be declared. Might Bite will go straight to Cheltenham. 10:54 AM - Feb 5, 2018 525 137 people are talking about this Twitter Ads info and privacy However he has pleased connections recently and is ready to return in the Game Spirit Chase on Super Saturday - although stablemate Might Bite, for the Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup with Sky Bet, won't run at the weekend and heads straight to the Festival.
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 6, 2018 8:10:56 GMT
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 6, 2018 8:11:31 GMT
MARKET RASEN
Robin Goodfellow
1.50 Antunes
2.20 Stoical Patient
2.55 Burrows Edge
3.25 Future Security
4.00 Romulus Du Donjon
4.30 Warden Hill
Gimcrack
1.50 Oistrakh Le Noir
2.20 Flemerina
2.55 Herewego Herewego
3.25 Generous Day
4.00 Minella Tweet
4.30 Cousin Pete
SEDGEFIELD
Robin Goodfellow
1.40 Spin The Coin
2.10 Sleep In First
2.45 Bal De Rio
3.15 Oscar O’scar
3.50 Henry’s Joy
4.20 The Delray Munky
Gimcrack
1.40 Spin The Coin
2.10 Black Kettle
2.45 Pastoral Music
3.15 Instant Replay
3.50 Henry’s Joy
4.20 The Delray Munky
SOUTHWELL
Robin Goodfellow
1.30 Abraj Dubai
2.00 Foxy Lady
2.30 Helen Sherbet (nb)
3.05 Foolaad (nap)
3.35 Archimedes
4.10 Jack Blane
4.40 Star Ascending
Gimcrack
1.30 Love Rat
2.00 Be Mindful (nb)
2.30 Helen Sherbet
3.05 Pearl Acclaim
3.35 Fortinbrass (nap)
4.10 Jack Blane
4.40 Spiritoftomintoul
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Post by dennisg on Feb 6, 2018 8:12:35 GMT
Towcester is stepping in to stage an additional jump fixture on Thursday due to the forecast cold weather in certain parts of the country this week, the British Horseracing Authority has announced. Entries will close at noon on Tuesday with declarations as normal at the 24-hour stage on Wednesday.
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 6, 2018 8:51:11 GMT
Officials at Sedgefield checked at 8am and described the track as currently raceable, which is the good news. The bad is that with light snow falling and further forecast officials decided to take a second look at 10am.
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 6, 2018 10:16:15 GMT
Sedgefield has called a third inspection at 11am due to falling snow.
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Post by liz on Feb 6, 2018 11:15:01 GMT
SEDGEFIELD Abandoned - snow.
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 6, 2018 17:57:48 GMT
Market Rasen, 06 Feb 18 Race 2 - 2:20pm THE DAILY RACING SPECIALS AT 188BET MARES' HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 4) Tom Gretton was fined £80 as the record of vaccinations in the passport of APPLETREE LANE had been altered.
CHASMA reared over in the chute and unseated the rider. Having been examined by the Veterinary Surgeon and the Medical Officer, both the mare and rider were deemed fit to race.
Race 3 - 2:55pm THE BEST ODDS GUARANTEED AT 188BET EBF 'NATIONAL HUNT' NOVICES' HURDLE RACE (CLASS 3) (Qualifier) WHAT’S OCCURRING (IRE) wore earplugs.
Following the race Harry Skelton reported that KNIGHT IN DUBAI (IRE), placed fourth, hung left under pressure.
Race 6 - 4:30pm THE PLAY BLACKJACK AT 188BET CASINO OPEN HUNTERS' STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 6) T. Murray, was fined £140 as the record of vaccinations in the passport of FARMER MATT (IRE) did not comply with the Rules of Racing. View Stewards report Sedgefield, 06 Feb 18 Fixture Note Abandonded - Snow Nothing to report View Stewards report Southwell, 06 Feb 18 Fixture Note Due to the abandonment of Sedgefield, all races to be run 5 minutes later than advertised. Race 1 - 1:30pm THE sunbets.co.uk NOVICE STAKES (CLASS 5) Permission was given for PACIFIC FLEET (USA) to go early and be led to post.
Race 2 - 2:00pm THE 32Red CASINO HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) Following the race, Franny Norton reported that POORAULDJOSEPHINE, unplaced, jumped awkwardly from the stalls.
Race 3 - 2:30pm THE 32Red.com HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5) Following the race, Sean Levey reported that MAKE GOOD (IRE), placed fourth, was never travelling.
Race 4 - 3:05pm THE BETWAY SPRINT HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 3) Permission was given for PIAZON to go early to post.
Race 5 - 3:35pm THE BETWAY CASINO HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) (DIV I) Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that NEW TALE, placed sixth, lost its left hind shoe.
Race 6 - 4:10pm THE BETWAY CASINO HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) (DIV II) Following the race, George Downing reported that BEAU MISTRAL (IRE), unplaced, didn’t face the kick back.
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 6, 2018 17:58:34 GMT
Racing UK has confirmed it is to take over the coverage of racing in Ireland from At The Races in a five-year deal starting in 2019.
Racecourse Media Group (RMG) and Sports Information Services (SIS) have extended their relationship to encompass direct-to-home and streaming rights to all 26 Irish racecourses - as well as taking over Chelmsford City from ATR.
RMG manages the rights of many of the leading British racecourses, while SIS holds the horse racing rights to all Irish racecourses, via an agreement with Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) and the Association of Irish Racecourses (AIR).
This new agreement with RMG was ratified by the AIR racecourses on Tuesday. It will take effect from January 1, 2019, and run until the end of 2023.
HRI chief executive Brian Kavanagh said: "This deal is a very positive one and is in the best commercial interests of Irish racing.
"It secures income streams for media rights for the next six years and aligns all of our rights across all platforms with the same strong partners.
"The bulk of those income streams will go to racecourses with the balance going to Horse Racing Ireland - but all of the income will go back into Irish racing. The benefits of this deal will be seen across the entire industry
"This deal means we have moved from a situation of uncertainty in relation to direct to home, streaming and international rights, to arrangements that now have been agreed and locked down until the end of 2023."
RMG chief executive Richard FitzGerald said: "This agreement means for the first time, viewers can enjoy the major storylines of both jumps and Flat seasons in Ireland and Great Britain on one HD channel.
"Our 50,000 members and 6,000 pubs and clubs in Great Britain and Ireland will also enjoy the increasingly popular racing from Chelmsford City, which continues to grow in quality and consistently attracts the best horsemen."
Racing UK said in a statement that it will be "re-branded to reflect the importance of Irish racing to the channel", and that "there are no plans in place" to increase membership fees.
There have been concerns that Irish racing will get lost within the coverage of British fixtures once the switch from At The Races is made next year.
But Racing UK said that "m uch work will be undertaken to ensure minimum congestion and clashes on race fixtures and times", and added that "recent history shows that Irish and British racing can be successfully accommodated on one channel".
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 6, 2018 17:59:33 GMT
Adrian Nicholls is looking positively to the future after Sir Lancelott ended a six-month wait by giving him his first winner as a trainer at Wolverhampton on Monday evening.
Sir Lancelott, who coincidentally was Nicholls' first ever runner when fourth at the same venue in August, is set to return there on Wednesday.
The Piccolo gelding does not incur a penalty for division one of the sunbets.co.uk Handicap over an extended mile as his landmark victory was in an apprentice race, and his rider Ben Anderson can claim his 7lb allowance.
"It took a bit of getting, but I'm off the mark know. It's brilliant. He's been my main one," the North Yorkshire handler told Press Association Sport.
"It's taken a bit of time but I wasn't hitting the panic button just yet.
"Obviously I've been finding my feet with that horse and as a trainer. He's had his niggly problems.
"He does seem to like it round Wolverhampton. It was my fault for running him at Newcastle.
"He doesn't have a penalty and Ben can use his claim. In theory he's very well in but I'm just over the moon for yesterday. Tomorrow is a bonus.
"He needs a good pace. I've had a look at the race and there doesn't seem to be awful lot of pace, so we'll see."
Nicholls, son of the late 'sprint king' Dandy Nicholls, joined the training ranks after giving up riding in 2016 following a successful career in the saddle.
He is happy to play a patient game and gradually build up his string.
"I've got nine in now and I'm looking to get some stables in if we need to," he said.
"I've got a couple of orders for the breeze-ups. I've got a few maidens who could be nice prospects for the grass. I'll keep chipping away and keep my head down.
"I want to train the right horses for the right people. Starting off, I know the pitfalls with the finances and that. I've got a good set of owners behind me.
"I've got some three-year-olds ready to run.
"Rome wasn't built in a day. It's hard to take on the big boys so we've just got to bob and weave.
"Bob Beasley, who was my dad's head lad, is with me, and my wife Clare is a big help.
"Everyone chips in and it was great that the hard work paid off."
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 6, 2018 17:59:57 GMT
Wednesday's meeting at Carlisle has been abandoned due to snow and a frozen track.
Officials report the course, and the frost sheets, to be under half an inch of snow.
The weather forecast offered no hope of a quick thaw, with a frost of around minus 3C expected for Tuesday night.
Fakenham's card is also under threat and they will inspect at 7am.
Frost sheets have been applied on the take-offs and landings but a covering of snow has been forecast overnight.
The ground is currently described as heavy, soft in the back straight up to the open ditch.
Ludlow's meeting must survive an 8am inspection.
Temperatures could drop to as low as minus 5C in Shropshire, with a light dusting of snow also possible.
As the morning goes on, there is the chance temperatures could reach 3C post 10am.
There will be a precautionary 7.30am inspection at Fairyhouse ahead of their fixture due to the threat of overnight frost, but T uesday's card at Sedgefield had to be abandoned due to snow following a third morning inspection.
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 6, 2018 19:54:04 GMT
Carlisle's meeting on Wednesday became the latest victim of the cold snap after officials gave up hope on Tuesday afternoon of the course recovering from snow and a forecast frost.
The chances of jump racing taking place anywhere in Britain or Ireland on Wednesday rest with Ludlow, Fakenham and Fairyhouse, all of which are subject to inspections.
After the loss of Sedgefield and Carlisle the prospects for a resumption in the north on Thursday seem brighter, with Doncaster reporting rising temperatures.
But Huntingdon's card the same day – which features the Sydney Banks Memorial Novices' Hurdle – could be in trouble if overnight temperatures continue to dip.
Newbury's Betfair Hurdle card on Saturday is under no threat as things stand, although the entire course has been covered.
Wednesday inspections
Fakenham will be the first course in Britain to take a look, at 7am. Clerk of the course David Hunter said on Tuesday afternoon: "We'd have raced today and go into this evening with no snow and no frost on the ground.
"We've got 2-3mm of snow forecast this evening and a temperature of -1C. But we could have more snow and a deep frost, or alternatively no snow and no frost."
Fairyhouse operations manager Gillian Carey said: "We'll hold an inspection at 7.30am due to forecast overnight frost."
And at 8am Ludlow's Simon Sherwood will take his turn, saying on Tuesday: "We had no frost this morning and it's remained just above freezing.
"It's due to drop down to anywhere between -2C and -5C overnight. If the forecasters have got it as wrong as they did last night then we should be fine, but if it gets to the bottom end of that range we could be struggling."
Further ahead
Huntingdon's Jack Pryor will be hoping Wednesday night is kinder than is potentially forecast before Thursday's meeting.
"It's currently raceable and we've fleece down on both racing lines, so it really is a case of how cold it gets Wednesday into Thursday."
Newbury clerk Richard Osgood said: "I'm a lot happier now than I was on Friday last week. The forecast has gone a little bit milder than it was."
Read The Briefing from 8.30am daily on racingpost.com with all the day's latest going, weather, market moves and non-runner news
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 6, 2018 19:55:53 GMT
Royal Ascot winner Tha'ir back in form
It’s a measure of how long Tha’ir has been around that Frankie Dettori was in the saddle for Godolphin when he landed the 2012 Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot as a two-year-old.
In subsequent seasons jockeys as diverse as James Doyle, Mickael Barzalona, Silvestre de Sousa and Stephane Pasquier all won on him for Saeed Bin Suroor at tracks as distant as Meydan and Veliefendi, the latter success coming in what is termed a ‘local’ Group 2 at Turkey’s big international meeting.
Rated in the low 100s for most of his career, Tha’ir’s life now is a world away from what it once was. However, while not the force of old, he has found his level again and landed quite a gamble when scoring his first win for Mick Appleby in convincing fashion at Wolverhampton last time. Tha’ir returns to the same course and distance for the Betway Live Casino Handicap (7.55) and a 3lb higher mark of 79 might not stop him following up, even though he faces several in-form rivals.
Appleby is hopeful and said: “He’s come out of that race really well and I think getting his head in front again will do a lot for his confidence. He’s in good order and should go very close.”
Right Touch bids for all-weather first
Multiple turf winner Right Touch bids for a first success on the all-weather when he takes on 11 rivals in the Bet & Watch At sunbets.co.uk Handicap at Wolverhampton (6.25), which is technically the feature Flat race on a day when jumps racing might struggle to beat the elements.
A seven-time winner on turf off marks as high as 95, Richard Fahey's eight-year-old has had six tries on artificial surfaces without success. However, he was beaten only by a well-treated rival when second to Shyron at Lingfield in December, and last month's effort at the same track was also very respectable.
David O'Meara saddles two of Right Touch's main rivals, but while Exchequer has run three good races on similar surfaces since joining the stable, including one over course and distance, Mujassam might prefer Southwell's Fibresand, a remark that also applies to John Mackie's six-time course winner Custard The Dragon.
Captain has strong chance – Watson
Wednesday afternoon’s all-weather card at Chelmsford is an additional fixture, put on as a result of quick thinking at the BHA with the co-operation of a team accustomed to stepping in at short notice.
The feature toteswinger Two In The First Three Handicap (4.00) provides a great opportunity for Archie Watson to recoup more than £5,700 of the £7,000 he forked out when claiming Captain Lars from Derek Shaw only last Friday following his second in a 7f Lingfield claimer.
Watson, who applies first-time blinkers, said: “Obviously this race didn’t exist when we claimed him, but it looks a good opportunity and he hopefully has a strong chance.
“He’s a lovely, big horse who will be leading the two-year-olds at home, but he’s very versatile with regards trip and company and hopefully he can win a couple of races before the end of the all-weather season.”."
Ludlow feature well worth winning
Ludlow looks to offer the best chance of jump racing going ahead, and connections of all ten runners in the £15,000 Attwood Memorial Trophy Handicap Chase (3.15) will be keen that it does as it's a prize well worth winning.
Kerry Lee's Town Parks is at the top of his form and bids for a hat-trick under a 7lb penalty for last week's Hereford success, but Vivaccio takes the eye much lower down the weights.
Venetia Williams' nine-year-old shapes as if he is ready for this longer trip and has gained both wins since arriving from France at Ludlow in the hands of Aidan Coleman, who is again on board.
Frankel at Fairyhouse
Should Fairyhouse pass a 7.30am inspection there will be no shortage of interesting runners, including Commentariolus, a Frankel gelding who tackles the opening 2m maiden hurdle (1.45).
Commentariolus will become the first son of Frankel to embark on a hurdling career in Ireland. So far the only other horse by Frankel to go jumping is Solo Saxophone, unbeaten in two starts in Britain for Dan Skelton.
Commentariolus didn't manage to reach the frame in four Flat starts in France, his best effort coming when fourth in a 1m6½f maiden at Clairefontaine last June.
His trainer Gordon Elliott also saddles Park Paddocks, who wears a hood for the first time and has a recent hurdling outing under his belt.
Read exclusive previews from 6pm daily on racingpost.com
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 6, 2018 19:58:57 GMT
All 60 racecourses in Britain have signed up to the 2018 Tickets for Troops campaign, offering free tickets to armed forces personnel for events including Royal Ascot, the Qatar Goodwood Festival, York’s Ebor meeting and Cheltenham’s November meeting.
It is the second year every British racetrack has signed up to the scheme, which has donated more than 70,000 tickets since it was launched by the BHA in 2009.
Tickets for Troops chairman Lord Marland said: “This is fantastic news from the BHA, which has been a very generous supporter of Tickets For Troops since launch. The geography of racecourses throughout Britain means that troops and their families from all corners of the country can enjoy a great day out in recognition of their efforts in keeping us safe and secure.”
The BHA’s head of media Robin Mounsey added: “It’s great news that all 60 racecourses are able to show appreciation for the brave men and women who serve our country, and we are grateful to our racecourses for the generosity they continue to show.
“There is a wider variety of fixtures on offer than ever this year and we hope plenty of troops will enjoy a well-deserved day out at the races in 2018.”
Tickets for Troops provides free tickets to members of the armed forces for a variety of sporting, musical and cultural events.
York gives and gains
On Friday January 26, the team at York Racecourse ventured away from their usual day jobs to take part in Give and Gain day. Staff from the racecourse donated over 100 working hours to tidy the public areas of the Knavesmire and adjacent “Little Knavesmire”.
Sophia Monkman, the community officer at the course, praised her staff’s willingness to take part in the project. “Some 40 members of the team took part in the day and by utilising their enthusiasm and energy, helped our local community.”
With live racing five months away, it provided a great chance for employees to leave the office and experience the life of a groundsman.
Alison Storey, chief receptionist said: “I really enjoyed being able to get outside and do something a bit different with my colleagues.”
The initiative is a global day of employee volunteering, with racing’s contribution supported by Racing Together, the community engagement strategy for the sport.
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 Feb 7, 2018 7:47:56 GMT
in today's sporting life............. Racing UK has confirmed it is to take over the coverage of racing in Ireland from At The Races in a five-year deal starting in 2019. Racecourse Media Group (RMG) and Sports Information Services (SIS) have extended their relationship to encompass direct-to-home and streaming rights to all 26 Irish racecourses - as well taking over Chelmsford City from ATR. RMG manages the rights of many of the leading British racecourses, while SIS holds the horse racing rights to all Irish racecourses, via an agreement with Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) and the Association of Irish Racecourses (AIR). This new agreement with RMG was ratified by the AIR racecourses on Tuesday. It will take effect from January 1, 2019, and run until the end of 2023. HRI chief executive Brian Kavanagh said: "This deal is a very positive one and is in the best commercial interests of Irish racing. "It secures income streams for media rights for the next six years and aligns all of our rights across all platforms with the same strong partners. "The bulk of those income streams will go to racecourses with the balance going to Horse Racing Ireland - but all of the income will go back into Irish racing. The benefits of this deal will be seen across the entire industry "This deal means we have moved from a situation of uncertainty in relation to direct to home, streaming and international rights, to arrangements that now have been agreed and locked down until the end of 2023." RMG chief executive Richard FitzGerald said: "This agreement means for the first time, viewers can enjoy the major storylines of both jumps and Flat seasons in Ireland and Great Britain on one HD channel. "Our 50,000 members and 6,000 pubs and clubs in Great Britain and Ireland will also enjoy the increasingly popular racing from Chelmsford City, which continues to grow in quality and consistently attracts the best horsemen." Racing UK said in a statement that it will be "re-branded to reflect the importance of Irish racing to the channel", and that "there are no plans in place" to increase membership fees. There have been concerns that Irish racing will get lost within the coverage of British fixtures once the switch from At The Races is made next year. But Racing UK said that "much work will be undertaken to ensure minimum congestion and clashes on race fixtures and times", and added that "recent history shows that Irish and British racing can be successfully accommodated on one channel".
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Post by dennisg on Feb 7, 2018 7:50:13 GMT
It was a pivotal weekend in terms of trials for the Unibet Champion Hurdle and Timeform Chief Correspondent Jamie Lynch answers our four key questions. After a weekend in which he completed his own Unibet Champion Hurdle preparations with a 1/16 success over two Sandown rivals, Buveur D'Air finds himself the shortest-priced favourite at the Cheltenham Festival. He's to retain his crown at Prestbury Park but does he deserve to be such a short price? What about the key trials in Ireland at the weekend? Is Robbie Power correct in saying star novice Samcro could win the Champion itself this time around? We asked Jamie Lynch, Chief Correspondent at Timeform, four key Champion Hurdle questions. What does he make of the race this time around? 1: How high does Buveur D’Air set the bar? In Timeform terms, Buveur D'Air is upwards of 6lb clear of the pack, which translates to around four lengths. Since the days of the legendary Istabraq, in the late 1990s, only Hurricane Fly has posted a better performance in the Champion Hurdle than Buveur D'Air’s rating of 170 last year. Put in that context and you get the idea that he's perhaps a little underappreciated. I'd summarise Buveur D'Air as being the right horse in the right place at the wrong time: the wrong time because there's a paucity of championship-class hurdlers around at present to shed a true light on Buveur D'Air's talent. 2: Robbie Power says Samcro could win the Champion Hurdle – on what you’ve seen so far could he? On what we've seen so far of Samcro, I wouldn't like to say there's anything he can't do! It's not just the visual impression he's making, but all the data around Samcro's performances, from who he's beating to how he's beating them, via sectional time analysis, suggests that he is indeed the real deal and worthy of all the hype. However, it would be unreasonable to expect him, at this stage, to be able to live with Buveur D'Air in a Champion Hurdle as, from a ratings perspective, there's still the best part of 20lb separating them. To say that Samcro is ready and able now to win a Champion Hurdle is to underestimate the gulf in class between what he had to do in the Deloitte on Sunday and what he'd have to do in a Champion Hurdle next month. Play Video Samcro - Deloitte Novice Hurdle, Leopardstown (Dublin Racing Festival) 3: Supasundae is still heading down the Sun Bets Stayers' Hurdle route despite his Irish Champion Hurdle defeat of Faugheen – how tempted would you have been to have a crack at the two miler? Despite raising his game again on Saturday, Supasundae would still be relying heavily on Buveur D'Air misfiring for a chance of winning the Champion Hurdle, whereas there's now little or nothing between him and the standard-setter in the staying scene, Sam Spinner; Timeform have them on exactly the same rating of 164. There's more glory in winning the Stayers' Hurdle than being placed in a Champion so, for that reason, I think they're absolutely right to set their sights on the long-distance prize. 4: Finally, on Faugheen – how far off his peak performances is he right now? How much improvement does he find between now and March? The Faugheen of this season is around a stone below his peak, but that says far more about his peak, from the 2016 Irish Champion Hurdle, which makes Buveur D'Air look like a lightweight. The point is that even the watered-down version of Faugheen is still the second-best in the division as things stand, and it wouldn't take too much fine-tuning for him to recalibrate to the level that would give Buveur D'Air some sleepless nights. We know, from the past, that it's in him.
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Post by dennisg on Feb 7, 2018 7:52:40 GMT
The EBF Final at Sandown is a possible target for Burrows Edge after opening his account for Nicky Henderson at Market Rasen. The five-year-old cost leading owner Michael Buckley 140,000 euro after placing in two Irish point-to-points last spring, but was a beaten favourite on his first two starts under rules. He was the 15/8 market leader to make it third-time lucky in the Best Odds Guaranteed At 188Bet EBF 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle in the hands of crack conditional James Bowen. And despite showing signs of inexperience on the run-in, he ran out an authoritative one-and-three-quarter-length winner over Alan King's Herewego Herewego, the mount of Barry Geraghty. Henderson said: "Unfortunately, there was a 140-rated horse (Knight In Dubai, finished fourth) in the race and that was not how to get into the Final off 130! "I was pleased with him and I thought James gave him a good ride. "He was green but he is a nice horse and he will have been helped by stepping up in trip. "We bought the horse off Barry Geraghty and he has just finished second to him."
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Post by dennisg on Feb 7, 2018 7:54:20 GMT
Nicky Henderson has five potential runners as he bids for a sixth victory in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury on Saturday. Jenkins, who is , has got his act together since being fitted with blinkers and was impressive on his last two starts at Kempton and Ascot. Henderson said: "He (Jenkins) doesn't work in blinkers. He worked in them once and all we did was jump four hurdles in them. "We didn't think it made any difference at the time but it certainly seems to on the racecourse. He was very keen throughout the Ascot race over two-mile-three. I was worried he was doing too much but it didn't stop him coming home well. I was very impressed." The other possible stable representatives are Kayf Grace, Lough Derg Spirit, Charli Parcs and Verdana Blue. Henderson added: "I think they are all in good form. They've all done a little bit of sharper work this morning. "I think Kayf Grace has a great chance. She has issues with muscle enzymes, but we did her blood on Monday and it has never been better, which is very pleasing. "I like Lough Derg Spirit. I think he ran a great race in the Elite Hurdle (in November) and this has always been the objective. "Charli Parcs ran a good race at Newbury the first time. He might be the worry if we get a lot of snow and very soft ground, but his work is excellent. "If you say anything works really well it is Verdana Blue and she is in the Champion Hurdle. She loves a good pace and is a two-miler only. "They are all two-milers, there is no doubt about that." Henderson is not represented in the Betfair Denman Chase on the same card, with his chief Gold Cup contender Might Bite instead heading straight to Cheltenham in March. "He did a bit of work this morning on the grass and Nico (de Boinville) rode him and Altior," said the trainer. "There is a plan for a racecourse gallop. It is unlikely to be at Newbury this weekend but we will go somewhere in a fortnight. He could have two (racecourse gallops) if we wanted to, but I doubt it. He is a very clean (winded) horse."
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 7, 2018 8:36:52 GMT
Wednesday: going, weather & non-runners Chelmsford (AW) GOING: POLYTRACK: STANDARD WEATHER: Partly cloudy STALLS: 6f - Centre; Remainder - Inside Fairyhouse GOING: SOFT TO HEAVY, HEAVY IN PLACES WEATHER: Light rain Fakenham GOING: ABANDONED WEATHER: Partly cloudy Ludlow GOING: ABANDONED WEATHER: Mostly sunny Wolverhampton (AW) GOING: TAPETA: STANDARD WEATHER: Mostly sunny STALLS: 7f - Outside; Remainder - Inside NON RUNNERS: 7:25 Lesanti (11) 8:25 Point North (10)
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 7, 2018 8:37:37 GMT
North: Richard Young
Mystikana (5.25 Wolverhampton, nap)
Dual Polytrack winner who has first run for new trainer – who has been among the winners – after a short break. Worth another try over this trip and fancied to go well under capable 3lb claimer with cheekpieces refitted.
Others to follow Carlisle 1.50 Aye Right, 2.20 Misfits, 2.55 Banrion Scairp, 3.25 Applaus, 3.55 Caraline, 4.25 Steel City. Chelmsford 1.55 Eyes On Asha, 3.30 Lord Franklin, 4.00 Tavener. Fakenham 3.05 Rock Of Leon, 3.35 Northern Girl, 4.05 Mondo Cane, 4.35 The Linksman. Ludlow 3.45 Titan. Wolverhampton 4.55 Swiss Belle, 5.55 Sitsi, 6.25 Right Touch, 6.55 Sir Lancelott, 7.25 Ravenhoe, 7.55 Kelly's Dino, 8.25 Point North.
9/1 Mystikana 5:25 Wolverhampton (AW) Lambourn: James Burn
Gowiththeflow (4.45 Ludlow)
Ben Pauling has had four winners from his last four runners and this one has shown plenty of promise in his two starts under rules to date, latterly when chasing home subsequent Grade 2 winner Mr Whipped at Newbury. He can get off the mark here.
8/15 Gowiththeflow 4:45 Ludlow Newmarket: David Milnes
Nonios (7.55 Wolverhampton, nap)
No fluke about his return to form at Chelmsford last time and the third has since advertised the form. David Simcock’s stalwart has since moved well on Warren Hill.
Others to follow Chelmsford 1.55 Dragon Mall, 2.25 Tasaaboq, 3.00 Pammi, 3.30 Enola, 4.00 Excellent George, 4.30 Limerick Lord. Wolverhampton 4.55 Temeraire, 5.55 Jan's Joy.
5/1 Nonios 7:55 Wolverhampton (AW) Racing Post Ratings: Steve Mason
Midnight Target (3.15 Ludlow, nap)
Arguably much improved when splitting a couple of much higher-rated rivals over course and distance on her last start and even her previous second to a subsequent winner suggests she is weighted to win.
Longshot: Ed Quigley
Mickey (6.25 Wolverhampton)
Shaped as though he needed the run last time out on the back of a long absence and has claims off his current mark returning to this venue.
5/1 Mickey 6:25 Wolverhampton (AW) Topspeed: Dave Edwards
Duke Cosimo (4.00 Chelmsford)
Ended a lengthy barren spell at Newcastle a week ago, escapes a penalty and can complete a quick double.
3/1 Duke Cosimo 4:00 Chelmsford (AW) West Country: Tim Mitchell
Esprit De Somoza (3.45 Ludlow, nap)
Built on debut to run out a convincing winner of a fair contest at Huntingdon last time. Sets the standard and fancied to take all the beating.
Others to follow Fakenham 3.35 Goodgirlteresa. Ludlow 2.10 Copain De Classe, 2.40 Lamanver Odyssey, 3.15 Minella Present.
4/9 Esprit De Somoza 3:45 Ludlow Ireland: Tony O’Hehir
West Bridge (4.20 Fairyhouse)
A course winner over hurdles, the seven-year-old has performed well enough on her two starts over fences.
11/2 West Bridge 4:20 Fairyhouse The Raceform Interactive nugget
Neil Mulholland has a 50 per cent strike-rate in handicap hurdles at Fakenham since the start of 2014 (11 winners from 22 runners; +£26.99 to £1 stakes.) Goodgirlteresa goes in the mares' contest over 2m4f at 3.35.
- Goodgirlteresa 3:35 Fakenham 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 Feb 7, 2018 8:38:02 GMT
BANKER
Excellent George (4.00 Chelmsford)
Aaron Jones, who claims a useful 3lb, has struck up a good rapport with Stuart Williams' six-year-old and the pair ran out cosy winners over this course and distance on December 17 before finishing a close-up third at Kempton last month. Running off the same mark as last time out, he should get a lovely run through on the rail behind likely leader Tavener before pouncing in the straight to record his fourth career success. Duke Cosimo rates his biggest danger but I don't think the race will be run to suit for an extreme hold-up performer.
9/4 Excellent George 4:00 Chelmsford (AW) EYECATCHER
The Great Wall (6.25 Wolverhampton)
I thought he was a certainty when last seen at Southwell and duly put him up as my banker. However, the four-year-old could only finish fourth of seven and really disappointed having travelled into the straight looking the most likely winner. It was then revealed post-race that the big gelding returned lame and therefore it's easy to forgive his finishing position. This is much more competitive than that Southwell handicap, but he looked a big improver before that run and has a nice racing weight of 8st 10lb. He should go close from a nice draw.
7/1 The Great Wall 6:25 Wolverhampton (AW) GOOD THING
Graineyhill (3.20 Fairyhouse)
Another horse that I'm willing to forgive having let me down as a banker last time out, Graineyhill definitely needs further than this 2m4f trip and will be staying on strongly up the straight, but he should have enough class to get him through without much trouble. Ridden this time by Davy Russell, who won on him two starts back, the topweight should be more prominent having been given too much to do by James Bowen at Gowran last time. The small rise in the weights isn't a big negative given he's ahead of his mark.
2/1 Graineyhill 3:20 Fairyhouse 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 Feb 7, 2018 8:39:07 GMT
Oscar Rose 2.40 Ludlow
This is a competitive heat but Oscar Rose could be the one to focus on now provided with a stiffer test of stamina.
Fergal O’Brien’s charge has always been held in high regard and was second to Dame Rose in a Grade 2 bumper at Aintree. If she can translate that form over timber, she will win.
Oscar Rose didn’t have much luck when unseating her rider on her handicap debut at Cheltenham but shaped much better at Doncaster last time out. A bad mistake three out stopped all her momentum, but she was last off the bridle and travelled like a horse much better than a mark of 119.
When in the clear Oscar Rose stayed on well to grab fourth, leaving the impression the extra two furlongs she gets here could see her in a better light.
There are some unexposed rivals against her, but Oscar Rose has shown her best form with cut and that can’t be said for many.
Tavener 4.00 Chelmsford
Prominently ridden runners fare well here and there’s every chance Taverner could dominate his five rivals.
The six-year-old made all to score at Wolverhampton over 6f two starts back before disappointing under a 6lb penalty when trying to follow up over a furlong further at Kempton just three days later.
However, there’s plenty of excuses for that poor showing and punters should take a chance on him reverting to this shorter trip, despite having to carry 1lb extra.
Taverner has been placed off higher marks in the past and this race could be run to suit, with many of his rivals having to come off the pace. He should get an easy time of things on the front end and his ability to stay further could make him difficult to peg back.
Willyegolassiego 5.25 Wolverhampton
Reverting to the Flat has had the desired effect for Willyegolassiego and the in-form mare is fancied to rack up a course-and-distance hat-trick.
Neil Mulholland has impressed with his runners on the Flat and this mare has risen 11lb since scoring off 63 in December.
She still seemed to have a bit in hand when scoring off a mark of 70 just two weeks ago and a 4lb rise doesn’t look enough to stop her in what looks a weaker race.
The reliable top-weight is a strong traveller who finds willingly for pressure and, provided she gets a clear run, it would be disappointing were she beaten.
Her market rivals arrive with plenty to prove. Inn The Bull and Daily Trader are doubtful stayers, while Mystikana makes her debut for a new yard and must show more.
G Eye Joe 5.55 Wolverhampton
G Eye Joe showed a fair level of form in his first two starts as a juvenile and there’s plenty to like about his chances now he goes handicapping off a basement mark of 61.
He was sent off just 9-2 for an Ascot maiden won by Mythical Magic on debut before running the 92-rated On The Warpath to a shade over four lengths at Southwell.
He had some useful horses in and around him that day who have since done better, most notably the third, Desert Wind, who collared James Given’s gelding late on and is now rated 87.
Although G Eye Joe ran a shocker on his third run last time out, that was too bad to be true and Given’s horses are now in excellent nick. He has saddled two winners from just five runners in the last two weeks.
The step back up to 6f looks to be in G Eye Joe’s favour and, in a race that won’t take much winning, he is the one who looks open to most improvement.
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 Feb 7, 2018 8:39:35 GMT
Point North goes in the 8.25 Wolverhampton, a race he won off a mark of 65 last year. A four-time course-and-distance winner, he races off just 57 today.
Stuart Edmunds and Ciaran Gethings have an impressive 50 per cent strike-rate when teaming up at Fakenham. The pair combine just once on the card with Kaloci, who goes in the 4.35.
Kerry Lee has a 24 per cent strike-rate at Ludlow, which improves to 38 per cent in chases. Tree Of Liberty looks to have a solid chance in the 2.10. He ran a nice race behind a classy sort last time and there is more to come.
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 7, 2018 8:40:32 GMT
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 7, 2018 8:41:04 GMT
LUDLOW
Robin Goodfellow
1.40 Solomon Grey
2.10 Drumcliff
2.40 Molly Childers
3.15 Midnight Target
3.45 Nigh Or Never
4.15 Module
4.45 Gowiththeflow
Gimcrack
1.40 Solomon Grey
2.10 Copain De Classe
2.40 War Creation
3.15 Colin’s Brother
3.45 Esprit De Somoza
4.15 Module
4.45 Truckers Lodge
FAKENHAM
Robin Goodfellow
2.00 Lord Napier
2.30 Talk Of The South
3.05 Red Indian
3.35 Goodgirlteresa
4.05 Wood Pigeon
4.35 Rio Quinto
Gimcrack
2.00 Swaffham Bulbeck
2.30 More Than Luck
3.05 Red Indian
3.35 Northern Girl
4.05 Mondo Cane
4.35 Kaloci
WOLVERHAMPTON
Robin Goodfellow
4.55 Temeraire
5.25 Willyegolassiego
5.55 G Eye Joe
6.25 Twin Appeal
6.55 Top Offer
7.25 American Patrol
7.55 Nonios
8.25 Run With Pride (nap)
Gimcrack
4.55 Shanghai Elastic
5.25 Daily Trader
5.55 Madame Jo Jo
6.25 Twin Appeal (nap)
6.55 Circling Vultures
7.25 Critical Thinking
7.55 Now Children (nb)
8.25 Roundabout Magic
CHELMSFORD CITY
Robin Goodfellow
1.55 Dragon Mall
2.25 Innstigator
3.00 Firesnake
3.30 Volturnus
4.00 Excellent George (nb)
4.30 Touch The Clouds
Gimcrack
1.55 Dragon Mall
2.25 Mimram
3.00 Firesnake
3.30 Go On Gal
4.00 Duke Cosimo
4.30 Limerick Lord
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