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Post by dennisg on Feb 12, 2018 8:25:02 GMT
Nicky Henderson has reported last season's Arkle hero Altior to be in good order following his impressive victory on his seasonal return at Newbury on Saturday. The eight-year-old stepped up his preparations for next month's Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase on first start since undergoing a wind operation when maintaining his unbeaten record over jumps in Grade Two company. Henderson said: "He is 100 per cent and he pulled out great this morning. It was very important yesterday and you have to say it could not have gone any more spectacular. "The whole thing impressed me yesterday. He relaxed, put his head down and jumped beautifully. Everything was good. "I didn't dare to dream he would win as well as that. It is nice that he is still unbeaten. "It's a shame that he has missed good races but if everything goes right he has still got plenty of big races to go for. "The wind wasn't a problem. If anything was going to test his wind it was that ground on Saturday. That was great and it (wind) was never going to be a worry. "It is well done to the guys who did the operation, they did a very good job as we were able to get him back a little bit quicker from a full hobday operation to the racecourse. "I can relax a bit more now we have got the run into him as there is no rush to give him a racecourse gallop. He doesn't need to go for a racecourse gallop now and I doubt if he will. "The good thing is he does what he does at home on the racecourse and not many horses have his class."
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Post by dennisg on Feb 12, 2018 8:27:03 GMT
Hardline was cut for the Sky Bet Supreme after winning at Punchestown on Sunday, while JP McManus had the first three home in the opener. Hardline cut for Sky Bet Supreme Hardline made the most of a drop in class to regain the winning thread in the I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Novice Hurdle at Punchestown on Sunday. The Gordon Elliott-trained six-year-old had been third in two Grade Ones since coring at Wexford and Clonmel and took this Listed opportunity with both hands. The 5/2 joint-favourite capitalised on mistakes at the second-last flight by the two leaders Riders Onthe Storm and Another Barney with Davy Russell taking the initiative. Riders Onthe Storm got his second wind but Hardline had flown and was two an a quarter lengths to the good at the line. "He's a grand horse. It probably didn't suit great with the other horse making a mistake as he was left in front. He's a horse that would be better off coming at them," said Elliott. "It was a nice race to win and we'll try and find something similar. He's probably just a bit below a Grade One horse but he'll be a nice chaser next year." He was cut to 33/1 from 66s for the with the sponsors. Blue is the colour in National trial Folsom Blue recovered from a hesitant jump at the last to come out on top in a thrilling finish to the BoyleSports Grand National Trial Handicap Chase. The well-backed 5-1 favourite had led between the final two fences but was headed on landing after Isleofhopendreams negotiated the obstacle better. However, Gordon Elliott's charge was galvanised by Jack Kennedy to regain the advantage on the run-in on what was his first race over fences this season after a spell hurdling. Folsom Blue was a length and a half in command at the line with last year's winner Baie Des Iles 13 lengths back in third place. Space Cadet was another five lengths away in fourth. He won the race back in 2014 for Mouse Morris and had only run at Sandown last weekend when fourth in a hot handicap won by Topofthegame. "He's a great honest horse. We sent him to England last week and they went no gallop so it was a bit of a worry coming back a week later. It was great," said Elliott. "Gary (O'Brien, of At The Races) was responsible for buying him, he picked him out at the sales so it's great. "He kind of jammed on at the last but other than that Jack said he jumped good. He said if he had something with him he would have jumped it better but it worked out great and everyone is happy. "I'd say he'll go for the Irish National. I'd say he'll definitely go there." 1-2-3 for JP over the banks Auvergnat led home a 1-2-3 for owner J P McManus and trainer Enda Bolger in the P. P. Hogan Memorial Cross Country Chase. Repeating last year's success in this three-mile banks race, Auvergnat (7/2) just held a rallying Josies Orders by a short head with Blue Templar 10 lengths away. The first two home will now head to the Cheltenham Festival along with stablemate Cantlow, who was a late absentee. "That's our little lot done now before Cheltenham," said Bolger. "Whether our lads are good enough to handle the likes of Cause Of Causes, I don't think so, but we don't know what will turn up. Auvergnat is still relatively young as well. "There is nothing we can do, only win, so I'm happy with that. "Cheltenham is the plan for the first two and Cantlow also. Cantlow just gave a little cough this morning and we had him primed for his run. "He'll go straight to Cheltenham and he loves it there, the drier ground suits him too. "We're happy, job done, and we'll freshen them up now and maybe have a couple of days to the seaside and things."
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 12, 2018 8:49:30 GMT
Monday: going, weather & non-runners Catterick GOING: SOFT (GoingStick: Hdl 6.9, Chs6.7) (INSPECTION 10am Monday) (Rail movements; R1, 3 & 5 +96y, R2 +78y, R4 & 6 +48y) WEATHER: Mostly sunny Plumpton GOING: HEAVY (Soft in places) (GoingStick: Hdl 4.3, Chs 4.7) (Rail movements; R1 & 6 +111y, R2 & 4 +66y, R3 +144y, R5 +183y) WEATHER: Mostly sunny NON RUNNERS: 2:15 No No Jolie (6) Wolverhampton (AW) GOING: TAPETA: STANDARD WEATHER: Mostly sunny STALLS: Inside NON RUNNERS: 5:10 Midnight In Paris (7) 6:10 Kyllachy Gala (4) 7:10 Emjayem (1)
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 12, 2018 8:51:11 GMT
Officials at Catterick have decided to hold a second inspection at 10am for today's meeting with low temperatures still causing concern at the 8am check.
A post on the track's Twitter account read: "After a cold night with temperatures down to -1C and wind chill, there will be a further inspection at 10am this morning but we are optimistic of racing going ahead."
In other inspection news, tomorrow's jumps meeting at Lingfield has been cancelled with standing water on the track.
If Catterick gets the all clear, it will join Plumpton and Wolverhampton on today's schedule.
Plumpton's feature is the David Ashforth and Friends novice limited handicap, which unfortunately has limited appeal with just three runners.
It still forms part of the Cheltenham bonus series at the Sussex track that pays £60,000 to any winner of the five qualifying races going on to win a chase at the Festival next month.
Fortunately for our colleague David it is the racecourse which is putting up the five-figure reward last won by Arkle hero Voy Por Ustedes in 2005.
Going report
Catterick - first race 2.00 Soft (Second inspection at 10am)
Plumpton - 2.15 Heavy, soft in Places (from heavy). Rail movements: R1 & 6 +111y, R2 & 4 +66y, R3 +144y, R5 +183y
Wolverhampton - 5.15 Standard
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 12, 2018 8:51:47 GMT
Newmarket: David Milnes
Camino (7.10 Wolverhampton, nap)
Drawn badly when disappointing at Lingfield last time. Andi Brown's speedster was noted blowing out for this in style on Warren Hill on Friday and is well drawn.
5/1 Camino 7:10 Wolverhampton (AW) Others to follow Wolverhampton: 5.10 Crown Walk, 5.40 Orchid Lily, 6.10 Star Archer, 6.40 Velvet Revolution, 8.10 Able Jack.
North: Richard Young
Roy’s Legacy (7.40 Wolverhampton, nap)
Prolific winner who ran a blinder from wide draw over 6f at Chelmsford last week. Will be hard to beat from same mark in weak race returned to his optimum trip.
3/1 Roy's Legacy 7:40 Wolverhampton (AW) Others to follow Catterick: 2.00 Jack Devine, 2.35 Rockalzaro, 3.05 Sharp Response, 4.05 No Planning, 4.35 Madinat. Wolverhampton: 5.40 Illusional, 6.10 Mount Tahan, 6.40 Dubawi Fifty, 7.10 Novabridge, 8.10 Georgian Bay, 8.40 Outlaw Torn.
Lambourn: James Burn
Sandhurst Lad (4.20 Plumpton, nap)
Course winner who ran well at the track last time and should be in the mix if building on that.
11/4 Sandhurst Lad 4:20 Plumpton Others to follow Plumpton: 2.15 Tierra Verde. Wolverhampton: 5.10 Dorella, 6.40 Haines, 8.10 Bold Prediction.
West Country: Tim Mitchell
Le Coeur Net ( 3.50 Plumpton, nap)
Ended a frustrating run since switched to fences when winning over course and distance last month. Fancied to go in again despite the 8lb higher mark.
Others to follow Plumpton: 2.50 Eamon An Cnoic, 4.20 Somerset Jem.
4/5 Le Coeur Net 3:50 Plumpton Racing Post Ratings: Steve Mason
Aaron Lad (2.35 Catterick, nap)
Irish import who has run close to his best behind some fair sorts on his last couple of starts and could prove nicely treated on his handicap debut for his in-form yard.
11/4 Aaron Lad 2:35 Catterick Longshot: Ed Quigley
Storm Lightning (7.40 Wolverhampton)
Happiest at 5f and looks to have a good chance off his current mark in a wide open race.
9/1 Storm Lightning 7:40 Wolverhampton (AW) Topspeed: Dave Edwards
Le Coeur Net (3.50 Plumpton)
Got his act together over course and distance a fortnight ago and Anthony Honeyball's six-year-old can follow up off an 8lb higher mark.
4/5 Le Coeur Net 3:50 Plumpton *There are no tips from Ireland today.
The Raceform Interactive Nugget
Straidnahanna has a perfect 3/3 record over fences at Catterick (+£12 to £1 stakes); elsewhere the grey is just 1/20 (-£17). Sue Smith's gelding goes over 3m1f 54y at 4.05.
7/4 Straidnahanna 4:05 Catterick 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 12, 2018 8:52:11 GMT
BANKER
Roy's Legacy (7.40 Wolverhampton)
Reliable old veteran who was won 19 and placed a further 39 times from 134 career starts looks handicapped to go close again in division two of the 0-55 handicap at Wolverhampton. Dropped back to his preferred five furlongs, Roy's Legacy, who won when last seen over this course and distance when beating the subsequent three-time winner Something Lucky, will look to build on a narrow defeat over a furlong further at Chelmsford last time out. He hit the front and looked like the likely winner that day but his stamina ebbed away and just got done on the line. He's fancied to go one better.
3/1 Roy's Legacy 7:40 Wolverhampton (AW) EYECATCHER
Orchid Lily (5.40 Wolverhampton)
John Gosden does well with his string on the all-weather and Orchid Lily, who seemed to regress from her first run last season, can continue the trainer's good run. Rated just 71, it's interesting her powerful connections have retained the faith in her and, now given a handicap mark of 71, she's interesting on handicap debut. I wouldn't be overly confident that the step up in trip will suit on her pedigree, but she seemed to have been doing her best work at the finish last time out.
4/1 Orchid Lily 5:40 Wolverhampton (AW) Let our experts point you in the direction of the winners with invaluable punting pointers delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up here to get our free newsletter every week
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 12, 2018 8:52:41 GMT
Ross Chapman has a particularly good record when riding at Catterick, where he has a 38 per cent strike-rate. He goes there for one ride today, Adelphi Prince in the 4.35.
Matt Griffiths is riding very well at present and remains prominent on the hot jockeys’ list. He goes to Plumpton for one ride, Shoofly Milly (4.20), and Jeremy Scott’s mare looks to have her optimum conditions.
When John Gosden sends a handicap debutant to Wolverhampton it’s worth taking note as the trainer has a 34 per cent strike-rate with his runners at the course and a 24 per cent strike-rate with handicap debutants. He saddles Orchid Lily in the 5.40.
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 12, 2018 8:59:35 GMT
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 12, 2018 9:00:00 GMT
Catterick
Robin Goodfellow
2.00 Luckime
2.35 Rockalzaro
3.05 Red Infantry
3.35 Monfass
4.05 Morning Royalty
4.35 Twotwothree
Gimcrack
2.00 Jack Devine
2.35 Rockalzaro
3.05 Red Infantry
3.35 Hit And Run
4.05 No Planning
4.35 The Some Dance Kid
Plumpton
Robin Goodfellow
2.15 Kaloci
2.50 San Pedro De Senam
3.20 Ladofash
3.50 Le Coeur Net
4.20 Sandhurst Lad
4.50 Drewmain Legend
Gimcrack
2.15 Kaloci
2.50 San Pedro De Senam
3.20 Justification
3.50 Le Coeur Net
4.20 Cheque En Blanc
4.50 Upham Running
Wolverhampton
Robin Goodfellow
5.10 Crown Walk
5.40 Battle Lines
6.10 Pactolus
6.40 Velvet Revolution (nap)
7.10 Mostashreqah
7.40 Roy's Legacy
8.10 Tha'ir (nb)
8.40 Critical Thinking
Gimcrack
5.10 Crown Walk
5.40 Passing Clouds
6.10 Diodorus (nb)
6.40 Dubawi Fifty
7.10 Fuel Injection (nap)
7.40 Popsilca
8.10 Rock Icon
8.40 Critical Thinking
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 12, 2018 9:00:35 GMT
Cheltenham Countdown... Four weeks to go
Eight-time champion jockey Peter Scudamore’s verdict on the weekend action…
Altior
Simply oozed class on his long-awaited comeback after a breathing operation when winning the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury. Even allowing for the fact that Paul Nicholls would have left something to work on with runner-up Politologue, it was an extraordinary run. It looked like a piece of work for Altior rather than a race and it will be a huge shock if Nicky Henderson’s star is beaten in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham.
Native River
Did enough to be my likely Cheltenham Gold Cup pick with victory in Newbury’s Denman Chase for the second year running. Ironically, the injury that has kept him off the track all season might be a blessing in disguise as trainer Colin Tizzard will take him to the Festival a fresh horse. With question marks about most of the other contenders, including the mental strength of King George VI Chase winner Might Bite, Native River is a very solid candidate.
Saint Calvados
An exciting talent for trainer Harry Whittington who stepped up again with a clear-cut win in Warwick’s Kingmaker Chase. I don’t doubt his ability but the progeny of his sire Saint Des Saints favour soft ground. Wait till closer to the meeting before backing him for the Arkle Novices’ Chase when there is a clearer idea of the going.
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 12, 2018 10:31:37 GMT
Today's meeting at Catterick has been given the go-ahead following a second inspection with temperatures improving sufficiently to alleviate fears about frost.
In other inspection news, tomorrow's jumps meeting at Lingfield has been cancelled with standing water on the track.
Catterick joins Plumpton and Wolverhampton on today's schedule with the feature at Plumpton the David Ashforth and Friends novice limited handicap chase (2.50), which unfortunately has limited appeal with just three runners.
It still forms part of the Cheltenham bonus series at the Sussex track that pays £60,000 to any winner of the five qualifying races going on to win a chase at the festival next month.
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 12, 2018 17:57:17 GMT
Racecourse officials are not expecting the weather to pose a threat to Saturday's big jumps meeting featuring the Betfair Ascot Chase at the Berkshire track.
The going was described as soft on Monday afternoon after seven millimetres of rain over the weekend, with drier weather forecast towards raceday after a wet spell in midweek.
"We've got a wet couple of days Tuesday and Wednesday with rain and showers, but after that it looks largely dry with a risk of on occasional light shower," said clerk of the course Chris Stickels.
"There might be a frost Friday morning, but after that the minimum temperature I can see for Saturday is about plus one. It's going to be chilly, but there is no frost threat from what I can see at the moment."
Stickels was pleased with the entries for their prestigious fixture, particularly the feature race with last year's winner Cue Card defending his crown against the likes of Top Notch, Waiting Patiently and Irish raider Coney Island.
"The Betfair Ascot Chase looks a cracking race. It's great, we're delighted," he said.
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 12, 2018 17:57:42 GMT
The National Hunt meeting scheduled for Ayr on Tuesday has been abandoned, with areas of the track unraceable and no prospect of improvement given weather forecasts.
Officials made the decision after an inspection on Monday afternoon, with the ground described as heavy and yellow weather warnings in place for rain overnight and snow on raceday morning.
Clerk of the course Graeme Anderson tweeted: "RACING ABANDONED @ayrracecourse areas of the track NOT raceable at present with no chance of improvement .Yellow Warning of snow and rain tonight & tomorrow."
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 12, 2018 17:58:55 GMT
Plans have been revealed to launch a multi-million pound team horse racing series staged at some of the UK's leading racecourses in summer 2019.
Championship Horse Racing has unveiled 'The Series', a unique new racing competition in which 12 branded teams would compete over eight consecutive Thursdays at a different Group One racecourses around the country, in an early summer evening televised slot.
The concept is for each team to have a squad of 30 horses under the direction of leading trainers with four jockeys.
Each raceday will have six handicaps, with all 48 races having prize money in excess of £100,000.
The competition will operate on a points system, similar to F1 to determine the winners of the team and jockeys' championships.
Jeremy Wray, chief executive of Championship Horse Racing, said: "This is a fantastic chance for racing to lead the way in changing how people watch sport, both live and in terms of bite-size, interactive content.
"The viewers will become fans and engage with brands like never before, on a global scale.
"Furthermore, everyone in racing benefits, be they stable staff, owners or jockeys."
The Jockey Club is a keen supporter of The Series and has helped develop the idea.
Simon Bazalgette, Jockey Club group chief executive, said: "The Jockey Club is all about the long-term health of British racing, so The Series is something that makes complete sense for us to support.
"Jeremy and his team are bringing a really far-thinking approach to the offer they're taking to market for brands to get involved.
"I hope that will result in a fantastic new competition launching next year that can excite existing and new fans alike and welcome some great new partners for our sport."
Leading trainer John Gosden said: "The Series is the most creative and positive racing sponsorship opportunity I have seen and I hope it will become a tremendous success."
Richard FitzGerald, chief executive of Racecourse Media Group, said: "The Series promises to be a compelling spectacle for viewers and has the potential to take racing to a whole new audience."
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 12, 2018 18:00:26 GMT
A Monday evening at this time of the year generally means Wolverhampton and a bumper eight-race card at Dunstall Park gets under way at 5.10. We pick out three horses it should pay to follow under the lights.
Star Archer 6.10 Connections opted to bypass the Winter Derby Trial and wait for a return to this track, following a successful comeback from a 15-month absence over course and distance last month.
The Hugo Palmer-trained four-year-old showed smart form as a juvenile, finishing two lengths behind subsequent Derby winner Wings Of Eagles at Newmarket, before various issues intervened.
With Palmer having half an eye on the Winter Derby, the son of Champs Elysees can be competitive off a mark of 90 on his handicap debut.
9/4 Star Archer 6:10 Wolverhampton (AW) Tha'ir 8.10 The former Royal Ascot winner has found his level of late, particularly at Wolverhampton where he has achieved form figures of 212.
Mick Appleby has carved out an excellent reputation with other people's cast-offs and it looks like he is starting to work his magic with this eight-year-old.
A repeat of last week's second here to an unexposed rival should suffice in what looks a slightly weaker race.
5/2 Tha'ir 8:10 Wolverhampton (AW) Outlaw Torn 8.40 An all-the-way winner of an apprentice race at Newcastle last week when given an enterprising ride by Connor Murtagh, the nine-year-old has won twice and been beaten a neck twice on his last four starts.
He's only 1lb higher for his most recent wide-margin victory and has the ideal draw in one if connections decide to repeat the aggressive tactics.
With this veteran in such rude health, he has to be high up the list.
7/2 Outlaw Torn 8:40 Wolverhampton (AW) Keep tabs on all of the action in Britain with our Raceday Live service
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 12, 2018 18:01:04 GMT
Jump racing has a blank day on Tuesday but prospects look brighter for the rest of the week.
Tuesday's meetings at Lingfield and Ayr were cancelled on Monday, with neither track raceable after heavy rain, leaving the all-weather fixture at Southwell keeping the show on the road.
The big meetings in Britain on Saturday are at Ascot, Haydock and Wincanton, and while conditions will likely be testing all round, the forecast is encouraging.
Ascot clerk of the course Chris Stickels said on Monday: "We're soft at the moment with some rain forecast tonight and tomorrow, but we've no issues.
"There might be some ground frost on Friday but it's set to warm up after that."
At Haydock the ground was given as heavy on Monday, and is likely to remain so.
Clerk of the course Kirkland Tellwright said: "We should have no problems about getting the meeting on, but it's certain to be heavy. We're due some rain in midweek, but not a lot of low temperatures.
"We've not lost a meeting so far this winter but one implication of that is that the ground is quite cut up."
At Wincanton the ground was soft, heavy in places on Monday, and while there may be heavy rain on Wednesday, it is due to be mainly dry from Thursday onwards.
The Wincanton feature is the Grade 2 Betway Kingwell Hurdle, with the 11 entries on Monday including Call Me Lord, Cliffs Of Dover and Ch'Tibello.
Jumping will hopefully resume at Towcester, Musselburgh and Fairyhouse on Wednesday, with Musselburgh clerk of the course Harriet Graham saying on Monday: "We're pretty hopeful as most of the snow that's forecast is to the west and, as we're on the coast, it usually falls as rain by the time it reaches us.
"It may dip just below freezing on Wednesday morning but it's forecast to be 6C come the first race."
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 12, 2018 18:03:00 GMT
A study by the Horseracing Bettors Forum into starting prices in 2017 has identified an "alarming level of overrounds at Ffos Las", including one occasion – on August 25 – when the collective SPs in every race were far in excess of what might usually be expected.
The HBF, in a study published on Sunday, has suggested Ffos Las may be a racecourse “to steer clear of until an explanation – not to mention a solution – has been provided”.
HBF member Steve Tilley, joint-author of the study with HBF chair Simon Rowlands, said: “We set out to see if there was evidence that particular courses were notably good or bad for punters betting at starting prices, but never imagined we'd discover such an extreme outlier as that provided by Ffos Las.
"Anyone betting at SP there in 2017 was regularly being short-changed, and to a sizeable degree.”
The highlighted August 25 meeting featured seven races with only two having full each-way betting and winners at 5-1, 5-4, 1-4, 3-1, 5-1, 3-1 and 9-2.
The ten-runner race won by the 1-4 favourite produced the worst overround, at 143 per cent, with the seven-runner race having 3-1 co-favourites of three and an overround of 131 per cent.
In its 2016 report the Starting Price Regulatory Commission stated: "The average overround per runner has been very stable over the last three years at around 1.7 per cent.
"Before the establishment of the SPRC in 2003 the overround was much higher, over two per cent usually, although the SPRC acknowledges that the arrival of betting exchanges may have been one factor in the reduction of the average overround." Dai Walters, owner of Ffos Las, was amazed at Sunday's revelation.
"I've never had a complaint about bookmakers and their prices at Ffos Las," he said. "I'll be looking at it and will discuss it with the bookmakers."
Rowlands added: “In a properly regulated industry these sorts of things would be picked up and investigated as they happen, and any systemic flaws would be addressed quickly.
"But the SPRC has demonstrated no interest in responding formally to correspondence about such matters from HBF, let alone in tackling a subject like this. The forum intends raising this with the Gambling Commission.”
It was only two years ago the SPRC held a consultation into the future of the SP system after an outcry about the 2015 Grand National at Aintree.
The 39 runners returned an overround of 165 per cent, with Sir Anthony McCoy's last National ride, Shutthefrontdoor, sent off 6-1 favourite behind 25-1 winner Many Clouds.
The SPRC received just 15 responses in the six-month consultation, ranging from arguing for the status quo to radical change.
It concluded that the case for the SP’s abolition had not been made, adding: "It is a tried and tested system. It is simple to understand, punctiliously administered and the number of complaints the SPRC receives about its operations is negligible.
"It does what it says on the tin. Sophisticated punters who prefer a different flavour have opportunities to place their money elsewhere."
The HBF study also identified Chelmsford and Towcester as having been conspicuously disadvantageous to SP punters in 2017, while Nottingham and Catterick came out best of Britain’s 60 racecourses by the same measures.
How Britain's tracks compare
Figure given is the overround compared to par, with a positive value an excess (i.e. poorer value-betting track than par) and a negative value a better-value betting track than par
Course Diff FFOS LAS 6.4 CHELMSFORD 4.3 TOWCESTER 3.3 CARTMEL 3.1 BATH 2.4 LINGFIELD 2.4 EXETER 2.1 TAUNTON 2.1 NEWTON ABBOT 1.8 AINTREE 1.6 MARKET RASEN 1.6 YORK 1.5 CHESTER 1.4 PLUMPTON 1.4 SALISBURY 1.4 CHEPSTOW 1.3 EPSOM 1.3 BANGOR 1.2 BRIGHTON 1.2 FAKENHAM 1.1 FONTWELL 1.1 LUDLOW 1.1 UTTOXETER 1.1 GOODWOOD 1 ASCOT 0.9 STRATFORD 0.8 WINCANTON 0.8 PONTEFRACT 0.7 KEMPTON 0.6 DONCASTER 0.5 HAYDOCK 0.4 RIPON 0.4 BEVERLEY 0.3 CARLISLE 0.3 HEREFORD 0.3 AYR 0.2 HUNTINGDON 0.1 WINDSOR 0.1 WOLVERHAMPTON 0.1 HAMILTON 0 NEWCASTLE 0 SANDOWN 0 WARWICK 0 KELSO -0.1 LEICESTER -0.1 CHELTENHAM -0.2 HEXHAM -0.2 NEWMARKET -0.2 REDCAR -0.2 SEDGEFIELD -0.2 WORCESTER -0.2 WETHERBY -0.3 PERTH -0.4 YARMOUTH -0.4 SOUTHWELL -0.5 MUSSELBURGH -0.6 NEWBURY -0.6 THIRSK -0.7 CATTERICK -1 NOTTINGHAM -1.7
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 12, 2018 18:04:29 GMT
BHA director of integrity and raceday operations Brant Dunshea has revealed the regulator is investigating a possible positive cobalt test in Britain.
It was discovered as part of the BHA’s retrospective testing programme and found in a batch of around 400 from 2016.
Speaking to Racing UK’s Luck On Sunday programme, Dunshea said: “The overwhelming majority of samples that were retrospectively tested were negative, but there were some lines of inquiry we're following up in relation to that. We do have one matter under investigation.”
When pressed, he added: “I can’t speak about the specifics of the investigation but we do have one matter under investigation.”
Last autumn witnessed the first cobalt hearing in Britain after similar cases around the world, with trainer Stephen McConville and his son Michael, owner and intended rider of Anseanachai Cliste, disqualified for three years.
They admitted to injecting Anseanachai Cliste with a tonic which included cobalt at Cheltenham last March, although claimed they were unaware that the injections were potentially performance-enhancing.
Dunshea continued: “We had the case from Cheltenham last year, which in a lot of ways was a very disappointing thing to see at the races.
“What I'm very proud of is the way that was managed on the day, and the subsequent investigation and prosecution. You look at what is happening in other countries – there are so many positive findings for cobalt in Australia and on the continent. In context it reflects well on our industry here.”
Last year the BHA collected around 8,500 samples post-race and around 2,500 out-of-competition tests, an increase from 1,846 the previous year. Their pre-race tests increased from 235 in 2016 to nearly 700 in 2017.
“We never go into specifics of strategy," added Dunshea. "We've a random generator, which generates one horse that's selected each day at a fixture.
"We have some samples that are intelligence-led and have specific samples that are collected as a result of a horse’s performance in relation to the pattern races."
Cobalt is naturally present in horses but may have the potential to enhance performance when present at concentrations exceeding normal physiological parameters.
It has been proven to enhance the number of red cells in the blood which carry oxygen around the body, therefore helping to maintain peak performance for longer.
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 Feb 12, 2018 20:07:54 GMT
Wolverhampton, 12 Feb 18 Race 2 - 5:40pm THE 32Red ROA/RACING POST OWNERS' JACKPOT HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5) Approximately 2 ½ furlongs out, PASSING CLOUDS, placed sixth, shifted sharply right as ILLUSIONAL, placed eighth, was dropping back quickly causing ORCHID LILY, placed fifth, to be taken off its intended line, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved.
Following the race Joe Fanning reported that ILLUSIONAL, placed eighth, stopped quickly. The Veterinary Officer reported that the gelding was displaying a slow post-race recovery.
Race 3 - 6:10pm THE BETWAY LIVE CASINO HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 2) Permission was given for MOUNT TAHAN (IRE) to go early to post and wore earplugs which were removed at the start.
Race 5 - 7:10pm THE BETWAY SPRINT HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) (DIV I) Permission was given for FUEL INJECTION and LAMBRINI LEGACY to go early to post.
Kieren Fox, the rider of the winner, ASK THE GURU, drawn 10, had appeared not to keep straight from the stalls. After being interviewed and shown recordings of the incident, the rider was suspended for 1 day.
An enquiry was held to consider interference shortly after the start when the winner, ASK THE GURU, ridden by Kieren Fox interfered with NOVABRIDGE, placed seventh, which in turn interfered with BARNSDALE, placed third, which in turn interfered with LAMBRINI LEGACY, placed sixth. Being 7lb claimers, Megan Ellingworth and Gabriele Malune were both offered the opportunity to have someone accompany them in the enquiry but declined. Fox was suspended for 2 days as he allowed his mount to drift left when insufficiently clear causing interference to the horses on his inside.
Following the race Jason Hart reported that WHISPERING WOLF, placed eighth, was never travelling.
Race 6 - 7:40pm THE BETWAY SPRINT HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) (DIV II) Permission was given for GO CHARLIE to go early to post.
Following the race Luke Morris reported that SIR HARRY COLLINS (IRE), placed eighth, hung left. View Stewards report Plumpton, 12 Feb 18 Race 1 - 2:15pm THE SW CATERING MARES' NOVICES' HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) (NHMOPS Bonus Race) (Novices' Championship Hurdle Series Qualifier) Permission was given for LEGEND OF FRANCE to be mounted on the track.
Race 5 - 4:20pm THE NIGEL AND BARBARA COLLISON SUPPORTING THE IJF HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) Following the race, Mr H F Nugent reported that ACHILLE (FR), placed seventh, was never travelling, and Conor Smith reported that SOMERSET JEM, which started favourite and finished sixth, was never travelling.
Race 6 - 4:50pm THE SUPPORT THE INJURED JOCKEYS FUND CONDITIONAL JOCKEYS' HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 5) An enquiry was held to consider the placings in this race after interference on the run to the line when the winner, CASSIVELLAUNUS (IRE), ridden by William Clarke, interfered with BE DARING (FR), placed second, ridden by Harry Reed. Being a 7lb claimer, Clarke was offered to be accompanied in the enquiry but declined. The Stewards considered that the interference had not improved CASSIVELLAUNUS (IRE)’s placing as although taken notably off its intended line, the runner up lost little to no momentum and was beaten by ¾ length with the winner comfortably going away from BE DARING (FR). Clarke was suspended for 3 days for careless riding as he had allowed his mount to drift left-handed without correction.
An enquiry was held to consider interference approaching the second last flight when UPHAM RUNNING (IRE), placed fourth, ridden by Bryony Frost, interfered with ORMSKIRK, placed third, ridden by Daniel Sansom. Frost was suspended for 2 days for careless riding as she had allowed her mount to drift left-handed without sufficient correction, causing Sansom to take a check for a couple of strides approaching the hurdle.
On the final bend, THIRD ACT (IRE), placed eighth, lugged left-handed on the bend making contact with BE DARING (FR), placed second, but after viewing a recording of the incident it was found that no riding offence was involved.
Following the race, Bryony Frost reported that UPHAM RUNNING (IRE), placed fourth, hung left-handed up the home straight. View Stewards report Catterick Bridge, 12 Feb 18 Race 2 - 2:35pm THE DINE AND VIEW AT CATTERICK RACES HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) The winner, TYRELL (IRE), jumped left over the last hurdle causing slight interference to AARON LAD (IRE), placed second, 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 TYRELL (IRE).
The winner, TYRELL (IRE), appeared to show improved form, compared with its previous run at Market Rasen on 26 December 2017 where the gelding finished eighth of eleven, beaten by 54 lengths. Micky Hammond’s explanation that TYRELL (IRE) was suited by the re-application of blinkers was noted. TYRELL (IRE) was routine tested.
Race 3 - 3:05pm THE WEATHERBYS CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL BETTING GUIDE STEEPLE CHASE (A NOVICES' LIMITED HANDICAP) (CLASS 4) Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that JUSTFORJAMES (IRE), placed fourth, had suffered an over-reach to its right fore.
Race 4 - 3:35pm THE racinguk.com HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) (Northern Lights Two Mile Hurdle Series Qualifier) Following the race, Robert Hogg reported that ADHERENCE, placed seventh, hung badly right from 2 out and the Veterinary Officer reported that MONFASS (IRE), placed third, lost its right fore shoe and GRAN MAESTRO (USA), placed sixth, lost its left fore shoe.
Race 5 - 4:05pm THE WEATHERBYS STALLION BOOK HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 3) Following the race, Henry Brooke reported that MORNING ROYALTY (IRE), placed fourth, ran flat and the Veterinary Officer reported that NO PLANNING, which was pulled up, bled from the nose.
Race 6 - 4:35pm THE RACING AGAIN 27th FEBRUARY MAIDEN NATIONAL HUNT FLAT RACE (CLASS 5) (CONDITIONAL JOCKEYS' AND AMATEUR RIDERS' RACE) Permission was given for LEOSTAR to be mounted in the pre-parade ring.
Ross Turner, the rider of TWOTWOTHREE (IRE), placed second, was suspended for 2 days for using his whip down the shoulder in the forehand in the home straight. Being a 7lb claimer, Turner was accompanied by a senior rider.
Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that WELSH RAREBIT, unplaced, lost its right fore shoe.
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Post by dennisg on Feb 13, 2018 8:27:02 GMT
in today's sporting life.............. Ashley Ivesen takes Coeur de Lion to make successful return to the Flat and has a tip for every race at Southwell on Tuesday. High-class hurdler Coeur de Lion can make a successful return to the Flat in the Betway Handicap at Southwell. Alan King's charge has a rating pushing 140 over jumps, but it should not be forgotten he is a more than useful operator on the level as well, winning once and placing four times from just seven starts on turf. He has struggled to make an impact over hurdles so far this season, finishing down the field in the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton and a competitive handicap at Newbury, so it is perhaps no surprise King has decided to switch codes in a bid to help Coeur de Lion regain some confidence. The five-year-old has run just once on the all-weather and was well beaten at Wolverhampton, but that was a couple of years ago and he is clearly a better horse now. With a total prize fund of £15,000 up for grabs this two-mile contest has attracted a decent field, but Coeur de Lion looks sure to go well. Angel Palanas can complete a course hat-trick in the sunbets.co.uk Handicap. Following several fine efforts in defeat, the Karl Burke-trained four-year-old was not winning out of turn when bolting here shortly after the turn of the year and a 10lb hike was not enough to stop him following up on his return three weeks later. He has been raised another 4lb to a perch of 73, but he clearly likes the track and judged on the manner of his latest verdict of a fortnight ago there could still be some mileage in his mark. It is not inconceivable that a step up to seven furlongs for the first time could also help him take his game to new heights, too. Sporting Life suggestions: SOUTHWELL: 2.20 Picture Painter, 2.55 Argante, 3.25 COEUR DE LION (NAP), 4.00 Angel Palanas, 4.30 Volatile, 5.00 Red Stripes. DOUBLE: Coeur De Lion and Angel Palanas
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Post by dennisg on Feb 13, 2018 8:28:43 GMT
Sammy Jo Bell has announced her retirement from the saddle at the age of 27. Bell hit the headlines in the summer of 2015 when riding two winners at the Shergar Cup at Ascot as an apprentice, being crowned the leading rider at the annual international team competition. But it was not such good news the following May, as the highly-rated rider, who was attached to Richard Fahey's yard in North Yorkshire, had to spend several weeks in a wheelchair after undergoing a pelvic operation following a heavy fall at Carlisle. Bell was unseated when Royal Duchess reared up and then fell on top of her on the way down to the start for a seven-furlong handicap. Initial examinations suggested she had escaped serious injury, but it later transpired Bell required surgery. She returned to action in January last year, riding her first winner back at Musselburgh in April, but recently had further surgery and rehabilitation. Richard Fahey ✔ @richardfahey Sammy Jo worked extremely hard to come back from her injury. She discussed her decision to stop some time ago & it was clear it was the right thing. She has some exciting opportunities ahead. We will miss her 7:59 PM - Feb 12, 2018 208 30 people are talking about this Twitter Ads info and privacy Speaking of her decision to move in a different direction, Bell told Press Association Sport: "It's a big decision, but something I have been thinking about for quite a while, since I had the pins out of my pelvis in October. I thought about it during my rehabilitation and thought it was for the best. "I've always ridden, I grew up with horses and have worked in racing since I was 18. It's all I've known. I still love racing and horses. I want to do something in the sport and I've got a summer placement with York racecourse, starting in April. "York is one of the best racecourses and I can't wait to get to know the team there. It's something to look forward to, it's another side of racing, the organisation that goes into racedays. "I like to have some sort of direction and I've got to a point where I can do something else when I'm still young enough." Looking back at the Shergar Cup, she said: "The Shergar Cup was a day I'll never forget, it was absolutely brilliant to get the chance to ride there as an apprentice, then to ride two winners and be leading rider - that was my Group One, my highlight. It really was great. "I've had great support from Richard and Robin (O'Ryan, assistant trainer) at Musley Bank and my agent (Richard Hale), I couldn't have done it without that support. "Richard and Robin were great and brought me racing and around the yard (when injured) and Richard was kind enough to be let me live in his house when I was in a wheelchair."
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Post by dennisg on Feb 13, 2018 8:30:40 GMT
Ed Chamberlin reflects on Saturday's three key Cheltenham pointers from Newbury and Warwick. ALTIOR () Click here for full profile and to add to My Stable It was fascinating in the build-up to the Betfair Exchange Chase to hear Sir Anthony McCoy talking about tactics and gamesmanship in a race of this nature. We all thought Altior might be a bit fresh, according to Nick Henderson he was vulnerable – although Mick Fitzgerald was having none of that. It was intriguing to hear AP on what he’d be doing in the parade ring and on the way to the start if he was riding Politologue. Sam Twiston-Davies, who was in the saddle aboard Paul Nicholls’ charge, spoke to Luke Harvey after the race. It was revealing that he said Nico De Boinville had indicated he was going to make it on Altior – which he clearly didn’t want to – and Sam kicked on to make it a decent test. It was one Altior passed with flying colours. There can be a moment in a race with him, it happened in his Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and Racing Post Arkle, when he just hits a momentary flat spot. Then five or six strides later, whoosh, he’s gone. He finishes his races so strongly which is the sign of a class animal. It’s good for ITV – and good for racing – that he won so well and set up the big clash with Min in the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase. It’s a rematch from the 2016 Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle when Altior emerged on top. Mick Fitzgerald said on Saturday Altior would win the Stan James Champion Hurdle if he ran in it but the one question mark I have is whether the Old Course really suits him. I agree with AP that if he is to be remembered as a great he has to go on and win a Champion Chase – but where I disagree with him is when he wavered after being asked if this was the best National Hunt horse in training. I think he is. Sporting Life ✔ @sportinglife 📽 Altior's winning return 👏 3:12 PM - Feb 10, 2018 10 See Sporting Life's other Tweets Twitter Ads info and privacy NATIVE RIVER ) Click here for full profile and to add to My Stable We dispatched Mick Fitzgerald on paddock duties at Newbury. He came back and said Altior looked like he’d come on for the run but Native River was really fit. And so he was. Again it gave the Festival – and in his case the Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup – a real boost to see him run out such a decisive winner. The race needed it. He was a top price 7/1 afterwards and I wasn’t surprised to see money come for him in a race that looks wide-open. He was third last season but has a killer stat to overcome this time around. Since the turn of the century 66 horses – that have been beaten in a previous Gold Cup – have run in it again. None have won. That good run last season came at a time when the Colin Tizzard horses weren’t firing on all cylinders but my worry with him is something is always likely to have a bit more speed coming down the hill. ITV Racing ✔ @itvracing Native River dominates the three horse Betfair Denman Chase at @newburyracing! Watch LIVE on @itv4 2:35 PM - Feb 10, 2018 109 66 people are talking about this Twitter Ads info and privacy SAINT CALVADOS () Click here for full profile and to add to My Stable He produced a tremendous performance to win the Kingmaker at Warwick and had AP eulogising about it on ITV. The former champion jockey thinks he can make Footpad go in the Racing Post Arkle – and the favourite now has a challenger for the early lead at Cheltenham. Tactics over the first three of four fences in that race will be fascinating. I’m delighted owner Andrew Brooks has such an exciting prospect on his hands. He’s one of racing’s good guys and puts a lot into the sport. In my heart of hearts I think Saint Calvados is going to need soft ground to really shake Footpad up at Cheltenham, I think that rival is a bit special, but there’s no denying the performance at Warwick underlined what an exciting prospect the Kingmaker winner is. Warwick Racecourse ✔ @warwickraces A superb performance from the odds-on favourite Saint Calvados who bolts up in the Grade Two Betway Kingmaker Novices' Chase and remains unbeaten over fences.
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Post by dennisg on Feb 13, 2018 8:35:51 GMT
Paul Nicholls admits Politologue has "got it all to do" in the Betway Queen Mother Chase following his weekend defeat to Altior. The seven-year-old has enjoyed a fine season so far, winning the Haldon Gold Cup, Tingle Creek and Desert Orchid Chase, but found Nicky Henderson's returning superstar a comfortable four lengths too good in the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury on Saturday. for the Champion Chase and Politologue is out to . Nicholls said: "He ran really well. He will come on a little bit for the race, but he won't come on that much. "It was not ideal to be making the running. One thing he did in the Tingle Creek was he got a good lead and travelled really well and was able to use his jumping to a lot more of an advantage than he did on Saturday. "He kept jumping up the straight, but the other horse was better than him, it was as simple as that. "I think Altior will be incredibly hard to beat and I don't know how we can turn it round, to be honest with you. It is a different track, different ground, on a different day, but we have got it all to do. "He has won over two-five and two-three and we might end up having to go back up in trip one day. I don't see a problem with going two-and-a-half on decent ground, but he will definitely go in the Champion Chase." Altior is about to sweep past Politologue Altior is about to sweep past Politologue On the same Newbury card, Saphir Du Rheu made his comeback when finishing last of three to Native River in the Denman Chase, on what was his first start since falling in the Grand National at Aintree last April. Nicholls said: "He ran OK, he just got tired. He still looks huge and has been hard to get fit. Because of the injury we had to start late on October 1 and it has been a bit of a rush. He always thrives on what he is doing and I knew he would need the run on Saturday. "The ground getting testing didn't help, either. To three out he travelled well and I thought at four out 'here we go', but he just got tired. I wouldn't mind another run before Cheltenham, but I'm just not going to get it. "To run well in Gold Cup you have to be mega fit, which might go against us a fraction. He will improve enormously for that run and will move forward on better ground. Native River Native River "He was fifth in it (Gold Cup) last year, not beaten far. I think Might Bite is the one we have all got to beat and from what I've seen he is head and shoulders above everything else at the moment. "Native River was very good on Saturday, but was that a Gold Cup-winning performance? I don't know. The Irish form is cloudy and mixed. I think Might Bite has a huge amount of talent and is the one we have got to beat. He keeps winning and that's what you want." Sky Bet agree, making Might Bite their with Nicholls' Saphir Du Rheu available at . Nicholls also had news of Scilly Isles Novices' Chase runner-up Cyrname. He said: "He ran very well the other day, but is slightly better going right-handed and I'm not convinced he wants to be going to Cheltenham yet. He will probably go to the Pendil at Kempton, then we will think what to do with him. "He is only a young horse, that is progressing rapidly and Cheltenham might not be the right thing for him this year. Next year I think he will be decent. I think the Kempton race will suit him, then we will look after him."
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 13, 2018 9:31:03 GMT
Tuesday: going, weather & non-runners Southwell (AW) GOING: FIBRESAND: STANDARD WEATHER: Rain STALLS: 5f - Centre; Remainder - Inside NON RUNNERS: 2:20 Leonard Thomas (9)
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 13, 2018 9:31:45 GMT
North: Richard Young
Red Stripes (5.00 Southwell, nap)
Tough sort who comes here on the back of a solid run on Tapeta and has a good chance judged on his course-and-distance form in a higher grade at the end of last year. More than capable of notching his second Fibresand success.
4/1 Red Stripes 5:00 Southwell (AW) Others to follow Southwell: 2.20 Picture Painter, 2.55 Thankyou Very Much, 3.25 Serenity Now, 4.00 Angel Palanas.
Lambourn: James Burn
Cousin Khee (2.55 Southwell, nap)
Veteran has a good record at this venue and may have dropped to a winning mark.
8/1 Cousin Khee 2:55 Southwell (AW) Others to follow Southwell: 3.25 Coeur De Lion, 4.30 Volatile.
Racing Post Ratings: Steve Mason
Crosse Fire (5.00 Southwell)
Fairly weighted on the balance of his better course-and-distance form in recent months. Taking a notable drop in grade now and should go close.
3/1 Crosse Fire 5:00 Southwell (AW) Longshot: Ed Quigley
Crosse Fire (5.00 Southwell)
Struggled to get involved from a bad draw last time out, and given his record at this venue he can't be ruled out dropped back in trip.
3/1 Crosse Fire 5:00 Southwell (AW) Topspeed: Dave Edwards
Volatile (4.30 Southwell)
Never headed when scoring gamely at Chelmsford last month and can follow up despite carrying top weight.
11/8 Volatile 4:30 Southwell (AW) *There are no tips from the West Country, Newmarket and Ireland today.
The Raceform Interactive Nugget
Since the start of 2017 Philip Kirby has figures of 61319511239711 with his runners at Southwell (strike-rate 43%; +£13.25 to £1 level stakes). Rock Of Leon, who last ran on the AW in 2014 looks interesting in the 2m2½f handicap (2.55).
7/1 Rock Of Leon 2:55 Southwell (AW) 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 13, 2018 9:32:11 GMT
EYECATCHER
Treaty Of Rome (4.00 Southwell)
Derek Shaw's three-time winner Treaty Of Rome might not be best suited to seven furlongs (0-3 at the trip) but this race looks likely to be run to suit with several front-runners in the line-up and he can come through strongly to take the prize. He's been dropped a couple of pounds for some down-the-field efforts since his last win, and Chelmsford clearly doesn't suit as well as the Fibresand so you can excuse his fifth after a break last time out. Hopefully they go too hard up top.
7/1 Treaty Of Rome 4:00 Southwell (AW) GOOD THING
Light Laughter (4.30 Southwell)
Getting bundles of weight from her two market rivals, Light Laughter can prove the one to beat on her second start for Charlie Fellowes following her move from Dermot Weld. She boasts some decent maiden form when fourth behind Group 1 winner Hydrangea at the Curragh back in August 2016 and, although she's clearly had her problems, she was well fancied on her British debut when sent off just a 4-1 shot. She travelled very well that day but just faded in the last 100 yards suggesting the run was needed. You have to take it on trust that she'll go on the Fibresand, but she should be the best of these.
6/4 Light Laughter 4:30 Southwell (AW) Let our experts point you in the direction of the winners with invaluable punting pointers delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up here to get our free newsletter every week
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 13, 2018 9:32:42 GMT
Jamie Gormley rides well at Southwell and he takes the ride on Akkadian Empire in the 1m4f handicap (2.20). The four-year-old gelding takes a drop in class and will look to end a run of seconds.
Henry Spiller is a trainer in form with a 50 per cent strike-rate with his horses in the last two weeks. He has just the one runner today in the shape of Argante (2.55 Southwell). This trip on Fibresand should be ideal.
When Robert Winston rides for Michael Appleby at Southwell it’s worth taking note. They have a 25 per cent strike-rate at the course and combine with Queens Royale (4.00), who is a course-and-distance winner and Winston’s only ride of the day.
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 13, 2018 15:02:08 GMT
Sammy Jo Bell, who looked on the verge of becoming a Flat racing force when riding two winners as an apprentice at the 2015 Shergar Cup, has retired after admitting to dissatisfaction with her subsequent progress.
Revealing her news to the Racing Post, Bell, who was sidelined for ten months from May 2016, having sustained a serious fracture of the pelvis in an accident at Carlisle, also went public on being appointed to a temporary placement position with York racecourse.
The Northern Ireland-born 27-year-old seemed set for big things when making the most of a late call-up to the Ascot international jockeys' competition by claiming the Silver Saddle prize for the meeting's top rider.
However, after ending 2015 with 28 winners, she last year managed only 16 and has taken a pragmatic decision to seek a fresh challenge.
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 13, 2018 17:18:33 GMT
Ayr, 13 Feb 18 Fixture Note Abandonded - Waterlogged Nothing to report View Stewards report Lingfield Park, 13 Feb 18 Fixture Note Abandonded - Waterlogged Nothing to report View Stewards report Southwell, 13 Feb 18 Race 1 - 2:20pm THE BETWAY APPRENTICE HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) Permission was given for INGLEBY SPRING (IRE) to be mounted in the chute.
Following the race, Harrison Shaw reported that AMERICAN CRAFTSMAN (IRE), unplaced, was never travelling and Jack Duern reported that BENISSIMO (IRE), unplaced, stopped quickly and the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 2 - 2:55pm THE BETWAY STAYERS HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5) Following the race, Fran Berry reported that ARGANTE (FR), placed eighth, had no more to give and Josephine Gordon reported that THANKYOU VERY MUCH, placed seventh, anticipated the start and missed the break as a result. The Veterinary Officer reported that KATIE GALE, placed third, lost its left hind shoe.
Race 4 - 4:00pm THE sunbets.co.uk HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5) Lewis Edmunds, the rider of ALPHA TAURI (USA), was slow to remove the blindfold, resulting in his horse being slow to start. After being interviewed and shown recordings of the incident, Edmunds explained that the gelding dropped his head as the start was effected, resulting in him momentarily losing his grip on the blind.
Race 5 - 4:30pm THE BETWAY NOVICE STAKES (CLASS 5) Following the race, Patrick Vaughan reported that ESSENTIAL, placed second, hung left.
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 13, 2018 17:19:11 GMT
Thursday's meeting at Clonmel is subject to an 8am inspection on Wednesday due to the threat of waterlogging.
Parts of the track are currently unfit for racing following 10 millimetres of rain overnight.
The card is due to stage the Grade Three Surehaul Mercedes-Benz Novice Hurdle over three miles.
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