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Post by Kimmy on Mar 5, 2018 9:05:06 GMT
Newmarket: David Milnes
Celestial Spheres (7.45 Wolverhampton, nap)
Was not stopping when defeating subsequent winner Cosmeapolitan over this trip at Lingfield last time and fancied to defy a 4lb rise. Charlie Appleby's improver has since moved well at Moulton Paddocks.
Others to follow Wolverhampton 6.45 Candesta, 8.45 Bernie's Boy
Celestial Spheres 7:45 Wolverhampton (AW) Lambourn: James Burn
Peggies Venture (4.00 Kempton, nap)
Twice an all-weather winner earlier in her career, this mare has performed with credit this season and hails from the in-form Alan King yard, so big run expected.
Others to follow Kempton 2.00 Grapevine, 3.00 Simonia, 3.30 Josses Hill, 4.30 Peculiar Places, 5.00 Article Fifty. Lingfield 2.10 Skyline, 2.40 Kupatana, 3.10 Maestro Royal. Southwell 3.20 Royals And Rebels, 3.55 Good Man Pat, 5.00 Ardmayle. Wolverhampton 5.45 Assanilka, 6.45 Beepeecee, 7.45 Port Douglas, 8.15 Black Sails.
Peggies Venture 4:00 Kempton (AW) West Country: Andrew King
Zubayr (3.30 Kempton, nap)
Boasts good course record and his recent second at Lingfield has been boosted so a good effort is expected.
Others to follow Kempton 2.00 Brahms De Clermont, 2.30 Tommy Silver, 4.00 Onefortheroadtom, 4.30 Peter The Mayo Man Southwell 5.00 Brynmawr
Zubayr 3:30 Kempton (AW) North: Colin Russell
Etaad (6.45 Wolverhampton, nap)
Hasn't won for more than a year but creditable run over C&D last time. Has been dropped 4lb for that and, as he is now on a career-low mark, is fancied to get back to winning ways.
Others to follow Southwell 2.50 Grow Nasa Grow, 4.25 Tomkevi, 5.00 Along Came Theo, 5.30 Northern Girl.
Wolverhampton 5.45 Acadian Angel, 6.15 Barnaby Brook, 7.15 Outlaw Torn, 7.45 Soldier In Action, 8.15 Swiss Belle, 8.45 Monte Cinq.
Etaad 6:45 Wolverhampton (AW) Racing Post Ratings: Steve Mason
Magic Dancer (2.00 Kempton, nap)
Former smart Flat performer who impressed when landing a couple of handicap hurdles in the autumn. Can resume winning ways in a race that should be run to suit.
Magic Dancer 2:00 Kempton (AW) Topspeed: Dave Edwards
Call Carlo (3.20 Southwell)
An encouraging second on his chasing debut at Towcester recently, this lightly raced veteran can go one better from the foot of the weights.
Call Carlo 3:20 Southwell Longshot: Ed Quigley
John Caesar (6.45 Wolverhampton)
Has claims off a mark of 54 if putting his best foot forward and this C&D winner can't be ruled out.
John Caesar 6:45 Wolverhampton (AW) Raceform Interactive Nugget
The two times Hansupfordetroit has run in handicaps off an official mark under 100 he's won. He's edged down to 99 for the 4.15 at Lingfield.
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 Mar 5, 2018 9:06:09 GMT
LINGFIELD
Robin Goodfellow
2.10 Skyline
2.40 Kupatana
3.10 Maestro Royal
3.45 Landin
4.15 Hansupfordetroit
4.50 Brother Norphin
5.20 Pembroke House
Gimcrack
2.10 Ace Cheetah
2.40 Kupatana
3.10 Maestro Royal
3.45 The Hollow Ginge
4.15 Touch Screen
4.50 Brother Norphin
5.20 Bagging Turf
KEMPTON
Robin Goodfellow
2.00 Brahms De Clermont
2.30 Tommy Silver
3.00 Simonia
3.30 Josses Hill
4.00 Peggies Venture
4.30 Peter The Mayo Man
5.00 Chelsea Flyer
Gimcrack
2.00 Hillcrest Fire
2.30 Tommy Silver
3.00 Simonia
3.30 Chesterfield
4.00 Peggies Venture
4.30 Mercian King
5.00 Volpone Jelois
SOUTHWELL
Robin Goodfellow
2.20 Mondo Cane
2.50 Peppay Le Pugh
3.20 Call Carlo
3.55 Good Man Pat
4.25 Tomkevi
5.00 Ardmayle
5.30 Theatre Act
Gimcrack
2.20 Good Man Hughie
2.50 Peppay Le Pugh
3.20 Royals And Rebels
3.55 Good Man Pat
4.25 Tomkevi
5.00 Just So Cool
5.30 Hurricane Rita
WOLVERHAMPTON
Robin Goodfellow
5.45 Assanilka
6.15 Captain Cat
6.45 American Patrol
7.15 Sunshineandbubbles (nap)
7.45 Celestial Spheres
8.15 Kion
8.45 Bernie’s Boy (nb)
Gimcrack
5.45 Assanilka
6.15 Miami Sunset
6.45 American Patrol
7.15 Top Offer
7.45 Celestial Spheres (nap)
8.15 Black Sails (nb)
8.45 Bernie’s Boy
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 5, 2018 20:15:52 GMT
Lingfield Park, 05 Mar 18 Race 2 - 2:40pm THE 188BET UP TO £75 CASH BONUS MAIDEN HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) KUPATANA (IRE), took a keen hold on her way to post and cantered a circuit of the all-weather track before the rider was able to pull her up. The filly was examined by the Veterinary Surgeons at the start and deemed fit to race.
An enquiry was held into the running and riding of BUSTER MOON (IRE), ridden by Matt Griffiths and trained by Jeremy Scott, which was settled in behind the leaders but then became detached from the field running down the hill before being asked for what appeared to be minimal effort in the home straight to finish fourth of four, beaten by 17 ½ lengths. The rider and the trainer’s representative were interviewed and shown recordings of the race. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding failed to reveal any abnormalities. The rider started that his instructions were to jump and make the running, and to ride BUSTER MOON (IRE) to get the best possible position on the ground. He added that due to the front pair running keenly, he was unable to make the running but stated that the gelding travelled well in behind runners. He explained that BUSTER MOON (IRE) had made a mistake at the third last hurdle, at which point he felt the gelding getting tired and he thought he might not finish the race. However, after taking a breather down the hill, BUSTER MOON (IRE) then plugged on at the one pace. The trainer’s representative confirmed the instructions and stated she was happy with the ride given. Having heard their evidence, their explanations were noted.
Race 5 - 4:15pm THE 188BET CASINO HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 5) TOUCH SCREEN (IRE) was kicked at the start by another runner. Having been examined by the Veterinary Surgeon, the gelding was deemed fit to race.
Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that LEITH HILL LEGASI, placed fifth, had lost its left-hind shoe.
Race 6 - 4:50pm THE RACING WELFARE HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 5) Approaching the second last flight, FILATORE (IRE), placed fifth, shifted quickly right-handed causing the rider of WILLSHEBETRYING, placed sixth, to have to take a check, but after viewing a recording of the incident it was found that no riding offence was involved, and it had not improved the placing of FILATORE (IRE).
Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that WILLSHEBETRYING, placed sixth, had lost its left-hind shoe.
Race 7 - 5:20pm THE INJURED JOCKEYS FUND TRAINING SERIES CONDITIONAL JOCKEYS' HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 4) (Part of the Racing Excellence Initiative) Following the race, Sarah-Jayne Davies reported that PEMBROKE HOUSE, placed third, had a breathing problem. View Stewards report Southwell, 05 Mar 18 Race 1 - 2:20pm THE PORTO RACING SADDLERY HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 5) Following the race, Andrew Glassonbury reported that GOOD MAN HUGHIE (IRE), which was pulled up, stopped quickly and the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 2 - 2:50pm THE YOUR ULTIMATE CHELTENHAM GUIDE AT attheraces.com/cheltenham NOVICES' HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 4) Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination during routine testing of GROW NASA GROW (IRE), placed fifth, revealed it had been struck into on its right hind and had also lost its right hind shoe.
Race 3 - 3:20pm THE SOUTHWELL GOLF CLUB 25TH ANNIVERSARY HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 4) Alexandra Dunn, the trainer of HOW ABOUT IT (IRE) was asked to explain the reason why she was running the gelding here at Southwell on going described as Soft (Heavy in Places), having reported that HOW ABOUT IT (IRE) would prefer a faster surface following its run at Exeter on 21 December 2017, which was described as Soft. The trainer’s representative explained that the race at Exeter had been the last on the card and the ground, in her opinion, proved to be too holding for the gelding. Having walked the course today, her stick was not going in that far and as this was an earlier race with fresher ground, she was prepared to let HOW ABOUT IT (IRE) take its chance in a 4-runner field.
Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that HOW ABOUT IT (IRE), placed fourth, lost its right hind shoe.
Race 5 - 4:25pm THE DOWNLOAD THE AWARD WINNING AT THE RACES APP HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) On Veterinary advice, the winner, TOMKEVI (FR), did not enter the winners enclosure as the gelding was receiving preventative treatment due to its history of post-race heat stress.
Race 6 - 5:00pm THE FREE RACE REPLAYS ON ATTHERACES NOVICES' HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that ALONG CAME THEO (IRE), which was pulled up, lost its left fore shoe.
Race 7 - 5:30pm THE visitsouthwell.com MARES' HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 5) The winner, QUEEN OF THE WIND, appeared to show an improvement in form compared with its previous run at Warwick on 31 December 2017, where the mare was pulled up. The representative of Colin Tizzard had no explanation other than the yard appeared to be coming back into form.
Following the race, Thomas Dowson reported that NORTHERN GIRL (IRE), placed seventh, was never travelling. View Stewards report Wolverhampton, 05 Mar 18 Race 1 - 5:45pm THE 32Red.com FILLIES' HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5) Permission was given for NARALSAIF (IRE) to go early to post and HELFIRE to be mounted on the course and go early to post.
Following the race, Hollie Doyle reported that POPPY IN THE WIND, placed eighth, was slowly away and never travelling and Tim Clark reported that RUBY GATES (IRE), placed sixth, was slowly into stride. Hector Crouch reported that ASSANILKA (FR), unplaced, moved poorly throughout. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the filly, during routine testing, failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 2 - 6:15pm THE sunbets.co.uk CLAIMING STAKES (CLASS 6) An enquiry was held to consider interference inside the final furlong when the winner, BARNABY BROOK (CAN), ridden by Elisha Whittington, interfered with CAPTAIN CAT (IRE), placed second, ridden by Hollie Doyle. Being a 7lb claimer, Whittington was accompanied by the representative of Tom Dascombe. Whittington was cautioned for careless riding as she allowed her mount to drift right-handed without sufficient correction, causing CAPTAIN CAT (IRE) to be switched in order to make its run.
Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that ADMIRABLE ART (IRE), placed sixth, was lame on its left fore.
Race 3 - 6:45pm THE BETWAY CASINO HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) (DIV I) Permission was given for POLAR FOREST to go early to post.
Following the race, Adam Kirby reported that AMERICAN PATROL (IRE), which started favourite and finished eighth, hung right-handed and lost its action in the final 2 furlongs. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding, during routine testing, failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 4 - 7:15pm THE BETWAY CASINO HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) (DIV II) Permission was given for OUTLAW TORN (IRE) to go early to post.
An enquiry was held to consider interference approaching the first bend when CAPTAIN REVELATION, placed fifth, ridden by Liam Jones interfered with OPTIMA PETAMUS, placed third, ridden by Paula Muir. Being a 7lb claimer, Muir was offered the opportunity to have someone accompany her in the enquiry, but declined. The interference was found to be accidental as going into the bend CAPTAIN REVELATION changed its lead which caused the gelding to edge left-handed towards the rail and leave OPTIMA PETAMUS short of room, before being quickly corrected by Jones.
Following the race, Dougie Costello reported that DOLPHIN VILLAGE (IRE), placed seventh, was never travelling. William Carson reported that he had eased LIFE OF LUXURY, placed eighth, in the home straight as he felt the gelding was lame behind. The Veterinary Officer subsequently reported that a post-race examination of LIFE OF LUXURY failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 5 - 7:45pm THE BETWAY HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 2) Permission was given for MOUNT TAHAN (IRE) to go early to post and the gelding wore earplugs which were removed at the start.
Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that the winner, MOUNT TAHAN (IRE), lost its right hind shoe. View Stewards report Kempton Park, 05 Mar 18 Fixture Note THE 32Red AT KEMPTON PARK "JUMPERS' BUMPER" NATIONAL HUNT FLAT RACE (CLASS 4) has been delayed by 5 minutes in order to avoid a clash with Southwell. Race 5 - 4:00pm THE 32Red "JUMPERS' BUMPER" NATIONAL HUNT FLAT RACE (CLASS 5) The Veterinary Officer reported that STARLETTE, trained by Jo Hughes appeared to be suffering from ringworm and the trainer did not have a Certificate of Non-Contagiousness. After being interviewed, Hughes was fined £140 and skin scrapings from the horse were sent to the Animal Health Trust.
Following the race, Charlie Hammond reported that MCGROARTY (IRE), unplaced, hung left-handed.
Race 7 - 5:00pm THE 32Red AT KEMPTON PARK "JUMPERS' BUMPER" NATIONAL HUNT FLAT RACE (CLASS 4) Following the race, Leighton Aspell reported that CHELSEA FLYER (IRE), unplaced, stopped quickly.
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 5, 2018 20:16:33 GMT
Last Saturday's abandoned meeting at Kelso has been rescheduled to take place at the Borders venue on Sunday.
The track was due to stage one of its most high-profile fixtures of the season, with the Premier Chase set to feature the Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained Betfair Chase hero Bristol De Mai and Sandy Thomson's locally-based Grand National hope Seeyouatmidnight, among others.
The quality card, which also features the Premier Hurdle, was abandoned last Wednesday due to snow, but course officials in conjunction with the British Horseracing Authority have moved to save the meeting.
Kelso clerk of the course Anthea Morshead said: "I can't stress enough how grateful we are to the BHA and all our race sponsors, who have remained the same from the original fixture.
"It will be a £103,000 meeting and we have an additional race - a two-mile 0-100 handicap hurdle - to form a seven-race card.
"We have been in touch with Sandy Thomson, Nigel Twiston-Davies, Sue Smith and Paul Nicholls, who were all keen to support the meeting if we could reschedule.
"Obviously Seeyouatmidnight needs to run over fences to qualify for the Grand National, so to give him the opportunity to do so at his local track and give people the opportunity to see him is great."
Morshead is hopeful the meeting will beat the weather at the second attempt.
She said: "Although we do still have some snow on the track, we are forecast milder temperatures for the rest of the week.
"Tuesday is forecast to get up 5C and we could get some rain, and from Wednesday through to Saturday it's forecast to be dry with temperatures of 6C each day.
"Hopefully we'll have a great day's racing and we can't thank everyone enough for all their help."
New entries for the rescheduled fixture will be made on Tuesday, with declarations made on Friday.
Another horse who looks set to make the journey north is the Harry Fry-trained American.
The eight-year-old was last seen chasing home Definitly Red in the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham in January and while there is still a chance he could be supplemented for the Timico Gold Cup, Fry's current preference is to run at Kelso.
Asked whether supplementing for the blue riband was still under consideration, the Dorset trainer told Racing UK: "It's a possibility and nothing is set in stone yet, but Kelso have rearranged for Sunday.
"He was due to go up there on Saturday, so I'd imagine we'll be putting him back in and looking at that very closely."
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 5, 2018 20:16:54 GMT
Tuesday's meetings at Newcastle and Exeter have been abandoned due to waterlogged tracks.
After being hit by snow last week, Newcastle clerk of the course James Armstrong reports the course to be thawing, but the track is not raceable at present.
He tweeted: "Rapid thaw taking place at Newcastle, however, it is resulting in large areas of waterlogging. As a result, racing is abandoned on Tuesday, March 6. Hopefully spring is just around the corner!"
Officials at Exeter checked conditions on Monday morning but that proved inconclusive and another precautionary inspection was called for 1pm.
Although the snow has now thawed, it has left the course saturated in places.
A tweet posted by the racecourse read: "We are sorry to say that racing has been abandoned for our March to Exeter fixture tomorrow.
"The snow has gone but we are now waterlogged in places."
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 5, 2018 20:17:33 GMT
The winningmost rider at the Cheltenham Festival reported himself ready to rumble on Monday – and Ruby Walsh's legion of followers should get a chance to see him make his long-awaited return from injury this week.
Walsh has been back riding out for Willie Mullins since the weekend and is set to return to race-riding, though when he does so depends on how Ireland's rearranged schedule of meetings pan out following the recent snow.
Walsh, who has 56 festival winners and has been top jockey on 11 occasions, including for the past five years, said: "I went back riding out at Willie's on Saturday and I'm feeling 100 per cent and ready to go.
"Whether I'll be back riding before Cheltenham will depend on what the weather does and what meetings are on in Ireland later this week – and what horses will be running."
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 5, 2018 20:18:24 GMT
Chelmsford racecourse has written to the BHA asking for additional fixtures in 2019 in order to stage turf racing for the first time, including under floodlights.
The track’s management also hopes to host turf action before and after the traditional bookends of the season – the Lincoln and November Handicap meetings at Doncaster – and has ambitions for a European Breeders’ Cup-type meeting.
Chelmsford, owned by Betfred founder Fred Done, was allotted 63 all-weather fixtures this year but hopes to add between 14 to 16 turf meetings in 2019 if the BHA agrees to its request.
The course’s managing director Phil Siers said the total investment for the turf track and facilities associated with it would be £3 million and that it was approaching the first £1m of spend already.
Management has already begun work on laying out the turf track, which it admits will be tight as it would lie within the mile-and-half-a-furlong all-weather course. The turf is being grown elsewhere, with plans for it to be laid a year in advance of racing taking place.
Siers said: “It should be available for racing from about April next year so we’re looking for an initial programme that would be in the early part of the year and in the later part around the end of the season, with possibly one or two events during the summer.
“The following year we’d expect to try to launch a programme pre-Lincoln to give our customers the potential benefit of early racing on turf.
“We’re also keen to offer UK racing as a new proposition for international customers. We could have something quite unique: turf racing under lights. We could extend the night turf race programme to mid-March and the start of April through to October or November, and with us having the flexibility with lights we could even have a day/night card.”
Siers said Chelmsford’s experience with horses being balloted out of races suggested it would attract runners.
“It seems there’s an opportunity there for us. We think there’s a definite demand for it,” he added. Siers said its proposals were excellent for UK racing as it would help sell the sport internationally, as well as growing the programme for betting shops and digital business. “This year Chelmsford City is putting in £5.3m of prize-money and we’d like to extend that,” he added. “We see that figure increasing substantially, in the order of £1.5m extra once we get turf racing.
“This track has been levy-generative so, again, not only are we increasing prize-money we’re also creating levy for distribution among all 60 tracks.”
Chelmsford’s application to the BHA also says it “is committed to delivering a suitable European Breeders’ Cup-type championship festival to further deliver a new £1m-plus international payday for our horsemen”.
Were the BHA to refuse Chelmsford additional fixtures, Siers said the course would look to transfer some of its meetings from the all-weather to turf.
“The turf track will launch in 2019 irrespective of any additional fixtures,” he claimed.
Siers added: “We’re an up-and-coming racecourse. We’re very interested in working with the BHA and our horsemen to improve Chelmsford City racecourse as a venue for all our horsemen and we want to embrace turf racing going forward.”
The BHA confirmed it had received Chelmsford’s applications. Media manager Robin Mounsey said:”The BHA has received an application from Chelmsford City racecourse to lay down an additional turf track and, separately, to host a number of additional fixtures on the turf track. The BHA board will now consider the applications.”
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 Mar 5, 2018 20:19:05 GMT
The changing of the guard continues at Paddy Power Betfair after the bookmaker confirmed on Monday that chief financial officer Alex Gersh is set to leave the company.
Gersh joined the bookmaker in 2012, shortly after Breon Corcoran became chief executive, and was heavily involved in the group's transformation.
He is the latest high-profile departure from the group, the most notable being Corcoran, who left in January and was replaced by Peter Jackson.
Cormac Barry, who headed the firm's Australian arm Sportsbet, stood down in January while chief marketing officer Johnny Devitt has also announced he is leaving.
In an announcement made to the London Stock Exchange on Monday morning, Paddy Power Betfair said: "Paddy Power Betfair notes media speculation regarding CFO succession and confirms Alex Gersh has advised the board he intends to step down from his position after six years with the group once a successor has been appointed.
"The board has appointed an executive search firm to assist with the process of appointing a successor."
Analyst Gavin Kelleher said Gersh's departure would be seen as a loss to the firm.
He added: "However, it is worth pointing out that following former CEO Breon Corcoran’s departure the group appointed a high calibre candidate in Peter Jackson to take the group forward. We would also highlight that Mr Gersh has put in place a high quality financial function within the group which leaves it well placed."
The firm's share price closed down 35p at 8,260p on Monday.
Gersh's departure comes as Paddy Power Betfair prepare to unveil their preliminary results for 2017 on Wednesday.
GVC snap up Georgian operator
Also unveiling their results this week are GVC Holdings, who have announced they are buying Crystalbet, one of the leading online gambling operators in the Republic of Georgia.
The move is the latest in GVC's shift in strategy to concentrating on more regulated markets.
GVC, who are in the middle of a takeover of Ladbrokes Coral, are to acquire an initial 51 per cent stake in Crystalbet for €41.3 million and the remaining 49 per cent in 2021 for no more than €150m.
Chief executive Kenny Alexander said: "Through access to GVC's content, technology and digital marketing skills, we believe Crystalbet can become a clear leader in the regulated Georgian market. This acquisition is in line with our stated strategy of being a truly global player, with a focus on regulated/regulating markets."
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 Mar 5, 2018 20:19:50 GMT
New tie-up for Mosse
International businessman Johnny Hon has retained Gerald Mosse to be his principal rider.
Mosse has signed a two-year contract and will be riding Hon’s team of 40-plus horses in Britain and internationally. His trainers in Britain include Ed Dunlop, Ed Walker, Charles Hills and Gay Kelleway.
Levy Board to start loans again
The Levy Board has agreed to recommence making loans for the first time since 2015 thanks to the improved financial situation brought about by the government's reforms of the levy system.
The majority of the four-year loans are expected to go to racecourses and, although the Levy Board is set to be abolished next year, it is expected that the new Racing Authority will assume responsibility for their management.
Levy Board chief executive Alan Delmonte said: "We are very pleased to be able to restart them, which has been made possible by our finances having improved. It has always been something the board has been very keen to do and we know is very much appreciated by racecourses.
"We are hopeful that this is something which will be taken up to a significant degree. We have said the provision is not expected to be less than £5 million in total and it could be more.
"We will take a view in the summer about the total amount to be allocated."
Phyllis Russell funeral
The funeral mass for Phyllis Russell, mother of jockey Davy Russell, will take place at 12 noon on Tuesday in the Holy Family Church in Youghal, County Cork, followed by burial in North Abbey Cemetery.
She died on Saturday in Cork University Hospital following a long illness, and os survived by her husband Jerry, three daughters, Finnuala, Eimear and Aileen, and three sons, Davy, Diarmuid and Sean.
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 Mar 6, 2018 7:56:44 GMT
in today's sporting life................ Gordon Elliott nearly doubled his Cheltenham Festival tally when saddling six winners last March and the title-chasing trainer is hungrier than ever to add to his tally at Prestbury Park next week. The Cullentra handler only recently turned 40 and what he has achieved during his relatively short training career to date is nothing short of staggering. It will be 11 years in April since Elliott burst on to the training scene when claiming Grand National glory with Silver Birch, by which time he had not even trained a winner in his homeland. Wind the clock forward little over a decade and he has saddled 14 Festival winners, including the six 12 months ago that led to him beat him Willie Mullins to the Leading Trainer Award on countback, and is once again clear of his great rival in the race to be crowned this year's champion National Hunt trainer in Ireland. It was the same story last season, of course, before a late Mullins charge at Punchestown denied Elliott his first title, but it seems only a matter of time before he will eventually wrest the crown. For now, though, the trainers' title will have to wait, as with the likes of Apple's Jade and the much-vaunted Samcro leading the Elliott team into battle, all eyes will be on the four magical days in the Cotswolds. On his Cheltenham Festival team and expectations for the meeting I think we'll have between 30 or 40 runners. I'm saying 30 and the girls in the yard are saying 45! Nothing is finalised and there's a few more bits of work to do, but I'll be disappointed if we don't have 30-plus runners. Anything that we think is capable of running respectably will go. It's Cheltenham - it's the Olympics of racing and the place we all want to be and it's the only place everybody remembers. If you get one winner in Cheltenham you're delighted, just to take the pressure off. It'll be hard to beat last year, but if we get a couple of winners I'll be delighted. Apple's Jade On what it means to have a winner at the Cheltenham Festival and the pressure for further success Even mentioning it makes you smile. You can't even describe it. For someone like me, who puts their whole life into it, it's the best feeling in the world. Of course there's pressure, but if there wasn't pressure on you, you're not trying to keep driving on. You put pressure on yourself, of course you do, but I enjoy it. Everyone expects you to have winners. Things can go wrong, but if we don't come out of it with a winner or two it'll be a bad week, that's the way you've got to look at it. On his mood at Cheltenham and whether he can enjoy the Festival I'm easy enough going unless you get on the wrong side of me! I'm in a very lucky position. I've got a lot of good horses, good owners and good staff. We just try to improve year on year and thankfully things are going well. I enjoy every day of it. I suppose the one thing I don't enjoy is injuries - they can break your heart. But I enjoy what I do and I'm very lucky. I have a job that's not really a job, that's the way I look at it. Gordon Elliott is 15/8 with Sky Bet to be top trainer at Cheltenham again On winning the Leading Trainer Award at Cheltenham last year It didn't change my life, to be honest. Cheltenham is the one place in the world that everybody wants to have a winner, but I don't think being leading trainer or leading jockey or leading owner would make a big difference to me. Of course I want to win it. You want to be leading trainer everywhere you go, but it's not the be-all and end-all. There are more important things to worry about. On the battle to be crowned champion trainer in Ireland I've no chance! I suppose I'm very unlucky to be born in the same era as Willie Mullins, who is probably the greatest trainer we've ever seen. If he was 50 years older or I was 50 years younger, I'd say I'd be in a lot better position. Willie is a gentleman, he sets the standard and we all have to keep chasing. He's a great man and to be in the same breathe as him is unbelievable. Elliott's big rival Willie Mullins On the recent dominance of Irish-trained horses at the Festival I wouldn't say I take great pride in it - we just keeping doing it! I think Ireland are in a very good position at the moment, albeit Nicky Henderson looks to have a good grab on all the championship races this year. It'll be a great week. On whether Samcro is the first horse he checks every morning I wouldn't say that. Every horse in my yard is the exact same, whether he's a 0-95 handicapper or a Gold Cup horse. We just want to train winners and there are no individual horses.
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Post by dennisg on Mar 6, 2018 7:59:09 GMT
Matt Brocklebank identifies the early value in Saturday's Matchbook Imperial Cup at Sandown in his latest antepost racing column. Recommended bets: Matchbook Imperial Cup For details of advised bookmakers and each-way terms, visit our transparent tipping record LE PATRIOTE appeared to win with a bit more to spare than the bare margin of a length in last month's Ascot Spring Garden Show Handicap Hurdle and he's fancied to confirm superiority over runner-up Friday Night Light in Saturday's Matchbook Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle (2.25) at Sandown. They are a progressive pair of hurdlers, each having had just a handful of starts for their respectively handlers, who are both extremely canny operators and could conceivably be eyeing a crack at the £100,000 bonus available to any horse able to win on Saturday and follow up in a race at the Cheltenham Festival next week. Le Patriote, in the care of in-form trainer Dr Richard Newland and formerly with Marcel Rolland in France, was the latest horse to boost the fantastic form of January's Lanzarote Hurdle won by William Henry, a race in which he travelled smoothly before weakening two out and seemingly paying the price for racing too keenly through the early stages. In between the Lanzaratote and Ascot Le Patriote went to Cheltenham for the Steel Plate And Sections Handicap Hurdle, for which he was a significant market mover and ended up going off the SP favourite at 2/1. It wasn't to be though he shaped well in fourth behind Remiluc and the first-time application of cheekpieces finally worked the oracle for the six-year-old when sprinting away from a smart field last time. Watch the race back and you'll see how he cruised throughout under Brian Hughes and while he didn't look particularly straightforward when finding himself in front, it just looked a matter of him still learning his trade and a subsequent 8lb rise looks more than fair. The front two pulled six lengths away from the third and the form should be treated seriously. The runner-up is technically weighted to mount a very serious challenge should the rematch materialise (was 1lb out of handicap at Ascot and now 5lb better off), but it looked like the move up to the best part of two and a half miles was the key factor to unlocking the improvement in Friday Night Light and back at the minimum it's hard to see him beating the sweet-travelling Le Patriote. Newland won the race in 2015 with Ebony Express and the 12/1 available that he repeats the feat looks worth worth mopping up before the weekend. There is no shortage of bonus-hunters in the potential line-up and they include the classy Call Me Lord, one of two for Nicky Henderson along with general market leader Whatswrongwithyou, and it's a mark of how highly he's held that the former is still in the Unibet Champion Hurdle, as well as the County Hurdle. Whatswrongwithyou has entries in the County and the Martin Pipe and he is dangerously handicapped from a mark of 139 after sealing back-to-back Newbury novice wins with a nine-length verdict over the 125-rated Rockpoint last time. Silver Streak enters the reckoning on the form of his excellent second to Hunters Call in the Grade Three Racing Welfare Handicap Hurdle over Christmas and he was obviously unable to show his hand in the Betfair Hurdle when unseating Mitch Bastyan at the second. He looks likely to be among those forcing the pace which is rarely a bad place to be at Sandown providing the tempo isn't too hot, while the returning Highway One O One is another to take seriously despite not being seen in public since Fontwell on Boxing Day. He was a good thing there but delivered in really good style, though the EBF Final on the same card this weekend looks a more logical target for Chris Gordon's runner.
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 6, 2018 8:00:42 GMT
Tuesday: going, weather & non-runners Southwell (AW) GOING: FIBRESAND: STANDARD WEATHER: Cloudy STALLS: 5f - Centre; Remainder - Inside NON RUNNERS: 2:20 Sir Hector (7) 3:20 Wordiness (5) 4:20 Zaeem (8)
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Post by dennisg on Mar 6, 2018 8:01:14 GMT
There appears to be a different feel about the team Willie Mullins has assembled for this year's Cheltenham Festival. The master of Closutton has hit the target with almost frightening regularity at the showpiece meeting in the last decade, claiming the Leading Trainer Award in five of the last seven years. Three years ago he saddled a record eight winners, two years ago it was seven and even after the shock of failing to find the bullseye after two days last year, he still ended the week with six and was only beaten to the Leading Trainer Award by his great rival Gordon Elliott on countback. By Mullins' own admission the latest squad of around 50 horses bound for the Cotswolds is lacking in one or two areas, with the one-time superstars Douvan, Faugheen and Yorkhill all having lost some of their aura of invincibility, for the time being at least. However, it will be a brave man who backs against any of the above rediscovering their brilliance on the biggest stage of all and as our reporter Ashley Iveson discovered on his latest visit to Bagenalstown, with the likes of Getabird, Footpad and Laurina all pencilled in as potential Irish bankers, there is still plenty of confidence the Mullins machine will once again be firing on all cylinders next week. On expectations for this year's Cheltenham Festival It's tough. Gordon probably has better bankers and you never know what way the handicaps are going to go. We were beaten on countback last year. It would be great if we could be leading trainer again, but at this stage of the game we're going to Cheltenham hoping that you get a winner and get on the board, hopefully on the first day, and then take off. I would never dream of going there thinking that I could be leading trainer. I just hope we don't have a washout and a bad week. I'm delighted with the team that we have going there. We have some great chances, but not as short (in the betting) as has sometimes been the case. We've had Vautour and Annie Power and Douvan at his best. They were extraordinary horses and we might never get those horses again. To have them all at the same time was extraordinary as well. We hope that some of them will fire anyway. Supasundae had Faugheen's measure, but it was Mullins' day regardless Supasundae got the better of Faugheen On having saddled 54 Cheltenham Festival winners - only four short of Nicky Henderson's all-time record We're lucky. I would never have dreamt we could get into this position. It's fantasy. I was only telling Patrick (Mullins) the other day, when we went to Cheltenham with Tourist Attraction and she won (Supreme Novices' Hurdle, 1995), we came home thinking that was it - we'd had our Cheltenham winner! That was how few Irish winners there were then. To get one winner was great and we said, 'We've had a winner in Cheltenham and if we never train another one, that's fantastic'. That was the mindset we had in the early 1990s as we didn't have the horses and the firepower in Ireland. It's funny how the whole thing has changed and it's come around that a lot of the firepower is on this side of Irish Sea. I'm sure it's cyclical and will change again. On the increasing popularity of National Hunt racing It's amazing how popular jump racing is getting and I'm sure Cheltenham drives that. It's got its own perch in the middle of March, there's nothing else on and it's in the middle of the week when you can have all the news channels and TV focus on it. You just have a clear run and it's obviously rubbing off when you see the amount of people that want to get into jump racing and that has to be hugely beneficial for racing. Two (jumps) horses were bought the other day, one by Lloyd Williams, who is one of the leading owners in Australia, and another by Cheveley Park. I hear a lot of people giving out about Cheltenham and saying it's sucking the life out of everything else, but it's bringing the sport on way more than any other track can bring it on. Penhill won last year's Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle On the English-Irish rivalry at Cheltenham I think that's just part of the fun of it. It's an away game for us, but we love going over there and getting our winners . It's just the old Irish-English thing, like the soccer and the rugby. It's funny as a lot of my owners are English-based. They're gravitating over here as well. The whole dynamic has changed, but I think for the better and it's good for the sport. It gets people interested.
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 6, 2018 8:01:22 GMT
Lambourn: Nick Deacon
Cousin Khee (3.20 Southwell)
Has been a handy servant to Hughie Morrison on the Flat and over hurdles and, despite his advancing years, has won both his last two starts in great style after a lengthy quiet spell. He's returning quickly after a six-length win here two days ago and is fancied to overcome a 6lb penalty.
Evs Cousin Khee 3:20 Southwell (AW) North: Colin Russell
Archimedes (2.20 Southwell, nap)
In fine form this year, winning twice over this course and distance last month and put up a career best when fourth from out of the handicap on latest start. Another good run on the cards.
3/1 Archimedes 2:20 Southwell (AW) Others to follow Southwell 2.50 Up Ten Down Two, 3.20 The Resdev Way, 3.50 Captain Bob, 4.20 Zaeem, 4.50 Eyes Of Fire, 5.20 Mimic's Memory. Racing Post Ratings: Simon Turner
Napping (3.50 Southwell)
Few miles on the clock for a five-year-old and fairly weighted on recent form, so must go well on first start for Olly Murphy if handling the Fibresand.
9/4 Napping 3:50 Southwell (AW) Topspeed: Dave Edwards
Chaucer's Tale (4.20 Southwell)
Has been running consistently well on the all-weather and was just touched off when favourite at Wolverhampton a month ago. In receipt of weight from all, losses can be recouped.
5/1 Chaucer's Tale 4:20 Southwell (AW) Longshot: Ed Quigley
Pearl Spectre (4.20 Southwell)
Not the most consistent sort, but enjoys the surface and is starting to look well treated so cannot be ignored.
11/1 Pearl Spectre 4:20 Southwell (AW) Raceform Interactive Nugget
The gelding Something Lucky has form figures of 22113 over the minimum trip at Southwell, so he'll surely be not too far away in the 2.20.
11/8 Something Lucky 2:20 Southwell (AW) >>There are no tips from Newmarket, West Country or Ireland for Tuesday's racing
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 Mar 6, 2018 8:01:51 GMT
Olly Murphy has had plenty of success with runners making their stable debut (31 per cent strike-rate) and Napping (3.50 Southwell) can enhance his record.
Avocet attempts to notch a quickfire hat-trick in the 2.50 at Southwell having looked an improver for Olly Murphy. She’s well entered up this week and her young trainer is 42 per cent with winners returning within a week.
Samtu won the corresponding race (3.20 Southwell) in 2015 and 2017 and is in form to strike for a third time. He’s only 1lb higher than for last year’s success and won again under a penalty so should go close once more.
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Post by dennisg on Mar 6, 2018 8:04:02 GMT
Anita Chambers previews the one remaining fixture on Tuesday and fancies Zefferino to appreciate the switch to Southwell's all-weather surface. Zefferino has failed to sparkle so far but is interesting as he he tries the Southwell Fibresand for the first time in the sunbets.co.uk Handicap. The four-year-old hails from the family of Natavia and Spinning Queen so doubtless connections would have had more lofty initial ambitions for this son of Frankel. However, after one win in seven starts for Roger Charlton, Zefferino changed hands for just 17,000 guineas at the sales last autumn and has since enjoyed two starts for Marco Botti. Zefferino was entitled to build on his first outing since a gelding operation and five months on the sidelines, but he fell short of expectations when only fourth on his next attempt at Kempton. Botti's charge took a keen hold over a mile that day and hit a flat spot before staying on again, so there were some positives to take from the performance. Clearly Zefferino needs to improve a bit to get his head in front, but if can settle a bit better here and take to the surface, he must have a shout. Sir Hector has been suffering a bit of seconditis in recent outings but can get back on the winning trailer in the Betway Cheltenham First & Last Race Losers Moneyback Handicap. Winner of an average event at Lingfield back in January, he has failed to really kick on from that when having to give best to a couple of decent types. His most recent behind Rock On Baileys last month was certainly not a bad effort, but he was just caught for toe at the finish and the handicapper has duly left him alone. He previously turned in a fair, if green, performance at Southwell on New Year's Day so it could pay to give him another chance. Lean On Pete is one for whom the Southwell surface holds no fears and he can put up another good show in the Read Richard Johnson On Betway Insider Blog Handicap. Ollie Pears has kept him to the Nottinghamshire venue this winter, with the nine-year-old notching two seconds and a win in three outings. He was hiked 3lb for a one-length win at the track in December, but showed he can still be competitive off that kind of mark when finishing second next time out. Lean On Pete looked booked for victory until Senatus found a little bit extra, but it was still a decent run and he should be in the mix again. Captain Bob has been struggling for form of late but he has subsequently dropped right down the ratings and might be back on a workable mark in the Read Harry Fry On Betway Insider Blog Handicap. Sporting Life tips SOUTHWELL: 2.20 Sir Hector, 2.50 Lean On Pete, 3.20 The Resdev Way, 3.50 Captain Bob, 4.20 ZEFFERINO (NAP), 4.50 Quadriga, 5.20 Scotch Myst. DOUBLE: Zefferino and Sir Hector.
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 6, 2018 8:04:12 GMT
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 6, 2018 8:04:35 GMT
SOUTHWELL
Robin Goodfellow
2.20 Something Lucky
2.50 Avocet (nap)
3.20 Cousin Khee (nb)
3.50 Hisar
4.20 Mister Music
4.50 Ertidaad
5.20 Scotch Myst
Gimcrack
2.20 Sir Hector (nb)
2.50 Lean On Pete
3.20 The Resdev Way
3.50 Captain Bob
4.20 Zefferino (nap)
4.50 Quadriga
5.20 Scotch Myst
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 6, 2018 18:17:20 GMT
Exeter, 06 Mar 18 Fixture Note Abandoned - Waterlogged Nothing to report View Stewards report Newcastle, 06 Mar 18 Fixture Note Abandoned - Waterlogged Nothing to report View Stewards report Southwell, 06 Mar 18 Race 1 - 2:20pm THE BETWAY CHELTENHAM FIRST&LAST RACE LOSERS MONEYBACK HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5) Following the race, Josephine Gordon reported that ARCHIMEDES (IRE), placed fifth, anticipated the start and missed the break.
Race 2 - 2:50pm THE READ RICHARD JOHNSON ON BETWAY INSIDER BLOG HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) The winner, GO ON GAL (IRE) appeared to show improved form, compared with its previous run at Chelmsford on 7 February 2018 where the filly finished sixth of eight, beaten by 26 lengths. Julia Feilden’s explanation that the filly appreciated the return to the Fibresand surface, on which she has won previously, was noted. GO ON GAL (IRE) was routine tested.
Race 4 - 3:50pm THE READ HARRY FRY ON BETWAY INSIDER BLOG HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) Permission was given for POPPY LINE to go early to post.
Following the race, Jonathan Fisher reported that CAPTAIN BOB (IRE), placed seventh, was never travelling and Dougie Costello reported that KAYLEN’S MISCHIEF, placed fifth, hung right in the straight.
Race 5 - 4:20pm THE sunbets.co.uk HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 4) The performance of CHAUCER’S TALE which finished seventh was considered. The trainer’s representative’s explanation that the gelding was unsuited by the step up in class, in what was a strongly run race was noted. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination, during routine testing, of CHAUCER’S TALE failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Following the race, Paul Mulrennan reported that SPUN GOLD, placed fourth, hung right throughout.
Race 6 - 4:50pm THE SUN BETS ON THE APP STORE HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) (DIV I) The winner, POPPY MAY (IRE), appeared to show improved form, compared with its previous run at Southwell on 6 February 2018 where the filly finished sixth of nine, beaten by 10 ½ lengths. James Given’s explanation that POPPY MAY (IRE) was suited by the step up in trip from 6furlongs to 7furlongs was noted.
Following the race, William Cox reported that ICONIC FIGURE (IRE), placed second, hung right in the straight.
Race 7 - 5:20pm THE SUN BETS ON THE APP STORE HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) (DIV II) Permission was given for SCOTCH MYST and LIMERICK LORD (IRE) to go early to post.
The winner, LIMERICK LORD (IRE), appeared to show improved form, compared with its previous run at Chelmsford on 7 February 2018 where the gelding finished eighth of nine, beaten by 7 lengths. Julia Feilden’s explanation that the gelding was suited by the return to Fibresand was noted.
Paul Hanagan, the rider of SCOTCH MYST, drawn 9, 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.
Leaving the stalls, TRAUMATISED, unplaced, jumped awkwardly and shifted right onto HUGIE BOY (IRE), unplaced, causing MIMIC’S MEMORY, placed third, to be crowded for room but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved.
An enquiry was held to consider interference shortly after the start when SCOTCH MYST, placed second, ridden by Paul Hanagan, drifted left causing the winner, LIMERICK LORD, ridden by Shelley Birkett, to take a slight check and briefly tightening ZONE IN, placed fifth, ridden by P.J. McDonald.
Hanagan was cautioned for careless riding as he had allowed his horse to drift left without sufficient correction, causing interference to the horses on his inside.
A second enquiry was held to consider further interference approximately half furlong after the start, when SCOTCH MYST caused interference to a free running SECRET GLANCE, placed seventh, ridden by Finley Marsh, which in turn caused interference to TRAUMATISED, unplaced, ridden by Andrew Mullen. The interference was found to be accidental as SCOTCH MYST had lugged left before being corrected by its rider.
A third enquiry was held to consider two instances of interference approaching 3 furlongs out involving MIMIC’S MEMORY, placed third, ridden by Joe Fanning, SECRET GLANCE, SCOTCH MYST, ZONE IN, and TRAUMATISED. In the first incident, it was found the interference was accidental and caused by TRAUMATISED, SECRET GLANCE and ZONE IN all racing tight and trying the hold their positions, which resulted in TRAUMATISED and ZONE IN becoming unbalanced when bumped on their hind quarters. In the second incident, it was found that SECRET GLANCE had drifted left when insufficiently clear of TRAUMATISED which had to be checked and in turn caused MIMIC’S MEMORY to be tightened for room against the rail. Marsh was suspended for 4 days for careless riding as he allowed his horse to drift left without correction.
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 6, 2018 18:18:00 GMT
The rearranged jumps meeting at Navan on Thursday has been cancelled because of "substantial" snow on the track.
Course officials acted swiftly following the abandonment of the initial fixture on Saturday, but the meeting has once again fallen by the wayside.
A tweet issued by Navan read: "Racing here at Navan is cancelled on Thursday, 8th March. Track unfit for racing due to a substantial covering of snow in places."
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 6, 2018 18:19:13 GMT
the weather forecasters have got it right, it remains the case that conditions at Cheltenham will ease by the end of the week to the point where heavy could feature in the official going description.
However, speaking exactly a week before the start of jumping's flagship meeting, clerk of the course Simon Claisse repeated his view that making predictions at this stage for what ground the opening day runners will encounter is pointless.
The Old, New and Cross Country courses were all described as soft, good to soft in places on Tuesday.
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 6, 2018 18:19:45 GMT
William Hill are to sell their Australian arm to CrownBet for Aus$300 million (£168m), it was revealed on Tuesday morning.
The bookmaker's Australian business had been made the subject of a strategic review after struggling in the face of increased taxation and a ban on credit betting.
At last month's 2017 results announcement William Hill were pushed into the red after deciding to write down the value of the Australian business by £238m. They had paid £459m for Sportingbet's operation there in 2013.
William Hill chief executive Philip Bowcock said: "We are pleased to announce the sale of William Hill Australia to CrownBet. The disposal follows a strategic review of the business, launched in January after its profitability came under increased pressure due to the recent credit betting ban and the likely introduction of a point of consumption tax.
"The disposal will allow William Hill to focus on continuing to grow our UK online and US businesses, particularly as we prepare for the decision on the PASPA appeal [which could lift restrictions on sports betting in the US] due in 2018."
William Hill's share price rose by 7.8p to 323.8p by Tuesday lunchtime.
Analysts at Goodbody said: "While the proceeds represent a significant discount to its initial investment in the market back in 2013, when taking account of the regulatory and taxation headwinds, an exit from the market given its subscale nature is the only real move for the group."
Canadian gaming company The Stars Group, which has been linked to a merger with William Hill, bought a 62 per cent stake in Crownbet last week which was increased to 80 per cent on Tuesday.
Their chief executive Rafi Ashkenazi said: "These acquisitions will further increase our exposure to the attractive regulated Australian sportsbook market and create a player of scale and clear rival to the top two operators there."
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 Mar 6, 2018 18:20:30 GMT
Since the 1970s it has been one of racing's great dining institutions, welcoming the likes of the late Sir Henry Cecil, Clive Brittain, Luca Cumani, William Jarvis, William Haggas and Lester Piggott.
But The Seafood Restaurant, where Cecil enjoyed lunching on crayfish tails before saddling his runners at Yarmouth, is to close at the end of March.
"It's a shame The Seafood is closing as it was one of Henry's favourite places," said Cecil's widow, Lady Cecil, about the restaurant on Great Yarmouth's North Quay. "As Yarmouth didn't start their cards until 2.30 we could go early for lunch and everyone was in there."
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 6, 2018 18:21:00 GMT
Racegoers' experience was the best it has ever been in 2017, according to independent assessors, with a record 34 British tracks awarded a rating of 'excellent' by VisitEngland and VisitScotland as part of the annual Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme.
The assessment, which encompasses all aspects of a raceday, from pre-meeting phone calls and social media audits to the racecourse itself and the quality and cleanliness of facilities, also involves an experienced assessor conducting a 'mystery shop' visit, with every British track reaching the 60 per cent pass mark, which equates to 'good'.
In 2016 27 courses achieved an 'excellent' – effectively a score of 80 per cent or higher – and that number increased by 26 per cent last year.
And it is not just at the top end that a day out at the races is improving; the lowest mark achieved of 68 per cent is the highest basement score since the scheme was introduced in 2012.
This year the top 12 tracks were: Aintree, Ascot, Bangor, Beverley, Cheltenham, Chester, Haydock, Newbury, Newmarket July, Ripon, Uttoxeter and York. In Scotland, Ayr and Musselburgh were awarded 5* ratings from VisitScotland.
Number of racecourses with a score of 80% or higher by year
2017 34 2016 27 2015 25 2014 24 2013 33 2012 21 Paul Swain, RCA brand and experience manager, said: "It's fantastic to see the racecourse experience continue to improve across the board at all racecourses in 2017.
"It's testament to the level of investment racecourses have made in facilities and staff training that we're seeing higher levels of quality in terms of customer experience than ever before.
"Racecourses have sustained this drive for improvement and we’re committed to supporting them to continue to raise the bar."
Gordon Smith, national strategic partnerships manager at VisitScotland, said: "I'm delighted to hear quality standards across these racecourses have continued to improve. However, it's about more than just the stars on the sign – it's about the entire visitor experience and driving improvement in that experience throughout the country.
"Consumers want quality and value for money. Star gradings help visitors make informed decisions and select businesses that meet, and exceed, these expectations."
There were also excellence accolades for various courses, with Musselburgh – in turmoil over ownership and governance issues – featuring heavily. Their toilets, along with York, received special mention, as did their information and signage, and the quality of the Cafe 1816.
Aintree, Ascot, Chepstow, Chester, Huntingdon, Newbury, Windsor and Uttoxeter were also commended in the information and signage category, while Ripon's Club Dining Room and York's Knavesmire Court featured in the quality cafe/restaurant and fast-food outlet sections respectively.
Aintree, Bangor, Beverley, Chelmsford, Cheltenham, Newbury and York were highly praised for customer service.
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 Mar 7, 2018 7:55:49 GMT
in today's sporting life................ The latest Sky Bet Festival Fever Price Boost sees Apple's Jade, Samcro and Cause Of Causes all to win next week enhanced from 9/1 to 12/1. The former is 8/13 with Sky Bet to repeat last year's victory in the OLBG Mares' Hurdle on the opening day while Samcro, regarded as banker of the week by many, is 4/6 for Wednesday's Ballymore Novices' Hurdle. On the same day Cause Of Causes is another who is bidding for back-to-back wins, this time in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase. He is 11/4 favourite to do so. The treble pays 9/1 but is boosted for one day only.
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Post by dennisg on Mar 7, 2018 7:57:39 GMT
Ryan Moore is backed to have a profitable night at Kempton on Wednesday - Anita Chambers has a selection for every race at every meeting. De Medici made a big impression on his racecourse debut at Lingfield last month and should be backed to follow up on his return to the track in the 32Red Casino Novice Stakes. Archie Watson has made a fine start to his fledgling training career over the past couple of seasons, enjoying notable success on the all-weather with Absolute Blast and Petite Jack. While it is too early to say whether or not De Medici will go on to scale those heights, the gelded son of Makfi certainly looked destined for bigger and better things when seeing off previous winner Completion on his introduction over the mile here less than three weeks ago. He faces a tougher task on his second start, conceding weight to all but one of his rivals, but he appears an exciting prospect and the step up to a mile and a quarter should not be an inconvenience judged on the way he finished last time. With the Cheltenham Festival only a week away, the topically-named Prestbury Park gets the nod in the 32Red Sprint Handicap. Mark Johnston's inmate won twice on the turf last summer at Haydock and Chester respectively and went on to finish third in a valuable handicap at Newmarket in October. He has not been seen in competitive action since finishing fourth on his all-weather debut at Chelmsford in November, but the Middleham trainer has his string in good order and it is not inconceivable Prestbury Park could be better than ever having been gelded since we last saw him. A strong evening fixture at at Kempton features the £25,000 32Red Handicap and the £50,000 'Road To The Kentucky Derby' Conditions Stakes. The 10-furlong handicap opens the bumper eight-race card and Star Archer is fancied to complete a hat-trick for Hugo Palmer. The Khalid Abdullah-owned four-year-old has dominated his rivals twice at Wolverhampton since the turn of the year and a 6lb hike for his latest success does not look insurmountable, with Ryan Moore a significant jockey booking. It could be a profitable evening for Moore as his mount in the most valuable race of the night, Three Weeks, also holds strong claims. William Haggas' charge was really impressive last time out at Newcastle and while he has a bit to find with a couple of his opponents on official ratings, he is open to plenty of improvement. De Dollar Man disappointed at Wetherby last time but can redeem himself in the Injured Jockey's Fund Novices' Chase at Catterick. Evan Williams' charge was sent off the odds-on favourite on that run in January, but a mistake at the last cost him some valuable momentum and he had to settle for a one-and-three-quarter-length second at the line. De Dollar Man remains a useful performer though and if he can avoid any jumping errors here, he should be in the mix. Spiritofchartwell has won twice and finished second three times in seven visits to Fontwell, making him of obvious interest in the bet365.com Handicap Chase. The 10-year-old was ultimately well-beaten when second here on his latest start in December, but has been freshened up and the slightly sounder surface will see him in a better light. Sporting Life tips CATTERICK: 1.50 Young Tom, 2.20 De Dollar Man, 2.50 Kaloci, 3.20 Dica, 3.50 Floramoss, 4.20 Just Cause, 4.50 Indian Opera. FONTWELL: 2.10 Boreham Bill, 2.40 Spiritofchartwell, 3.10 Euxton Lane, 3.40 Waiheke, 4.10 Sandy Beach, 4.40 Hunt Politics. KEMPTON: 5.40 Star Archer, 6.10 Tarseekh, 6.40 Lawn Ranger, 7.10 Three Weeks, 7.40 Titan Goddess, 8.10 Coverham, 8.40 Tommys Geal, 9.10 Koubba. LINGFIELD: 2.00 Presence Process, 2.30 Classic Pursuit, 3.00 Sea Ess Seas, 3.30 DE MEDICI (NAP), 4.00 Prestbury Park, 4.30 Exceeding Power, 5.00 Cliffs Of Dover. DOUBLE: De Medici and Star Archer.
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Post by dennisg on Mar 7, 2018 7:59:55 GMT
Ben Pauling guides us through his Cheltenham Festival chances including A Hare Breath and exciting novice hurdler Gowiththeflow. Gowiththeflow - Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle, Neptune Novices' Hurdle He worked this morning and we were absolutely delighted with him. He looked very good and I’m happy where he is. I believe he’s really just coming to himself at the moment I’d be more inclined to look towards the Albert Bartlett but if it did come up really soft then we’ll look at the Ballymore still. Going back to the start of the season, he just got touched off at Chepstow and then the race at Newbury (second to Mr Whipped) didn’t really work out in his favour. We had a bit of trouble in running and he jumped poorly but they pulled well clear of a decent yardstick in Melrose Boy and the form he showed at Doncaster last time when beating Paisley Park was more like it. He's on an upward curve and he’s a horse we’re genuinely looking forward to seeing how he goes. I don’t have any fears over the track at Cheltenham, he’s very straightforward and a real professional. A Hare Breath - Randox Health County Hurdle He’s not running until the Friday and hopefully the weather might get a little bit better as the week goes on. He has been very much laid out for the race, he seems in good order and he’s working vey well, as he always does to be fair. Although I do think a bit of spring ground would suit him, he has won on soft before and I don’t think it would be a massive inconvenience. We’ll see what the weather brings but as long as it’s not too bad he’ll be okay. He takes a lot of work, he’s a pretty heavy horse and we have to do plenty with him. I think he’ll put up a decent performance in the County Hurdle. Sky Bet ✔ @skybet 🏇 "Watching a horse in full flight, it is just infectious." 🙌 It takes a huge effort to keep a racing yard ticking on a daily basis. 👌 We headed to the @benpauling1 stable to take a look behind the scenes. 1:40 PM - Feb 27, 2018 59 24 people are talking about this Twitter Ads info and privacy Delire D'Estruval - Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle, Randox Health County Hurdle I would imagine if he goes to Cheltenham he would go for the Martin Pipe. He’s had a very good season so far and he’s a very tough little horse. He jumps well and I think in a quite aggressive race like that I’d like to think he could hold his position well and run a decent race. He has experience from France and he’s another thorough professional. His best form so far is over two miles but I think two and a half will be the right trip for him in time. Le Breuil – Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle, Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle, Pertemps Final I’m leaning towards running him in the Coral Cup. He’s a horse I’ve always thought a lot of and he’s had troubles with his feet this season so hasn’t really had a clear run at the game. I was disappointed when he got beat at Aintree but he was beaten by a decent, well-handicapped horse and in hindsight it wasn’t a bad run. His jumping is very, very good, he’s slick and accurate and he won’t be bothered by the hurly burly of a big Cheltenham handicap. He does like a bit of cut but I wouldn’t want it bottomless. He does handle various conditions. Red Indian – Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle, Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle Red Indian is very hard, naturally, he’s extremely robust. He was very good in the Lanzarote when my horses weren’t in top form at all and unfortunately things didn’t quite work out for him at Towcester. I don’t think that was necessarily through fault of his own and he goes to Cheltenham as a bit of a dark horse. He’s an improver and he ran well at Cheltenham earlier in the season. He also handles pretty much any ground. Hopefully he’s one that could be capable of springing a surprise and get in the mix. Kildisart - Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle, Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle I don’t think he will get in and if he didn’t we’d probably look towards one of the races at Kempton on the Saturday after the Festival. These races are a good idea and I’d like to think there’s a bit of room for manoeuvre from his current mark of 135. He ran well at Ascot last time when he made a bad mistake two out and he’s better than that. Markov - Close Brothers Novices' Handicap Chase He's another one who I don’t think will get into his intended target, which is a real shame. The Ultima is an option over three miles on day one if he didn’t get in the Close Brothers but I’ll have to speak to the owners. If it had been genuine good to soft ground then I would probably have chanced three miles but thinking ahead I’m not sure he wants three miles on very soft ground at the moment. There’s also Kempton on the Saturday for him as an option. It’s not Cheltenham but it’s a good back up. Oistrakh Le Noir - Boodles Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle He's a nice horse and I’m really hoping he makes the cut for the Fred Winter. That’s maybe looking quite doubtful so we’ve entered him at Sandown this weekend and we’ll take a look at that as an option. That wasn’t plan A, but the handicapper dropped him 4lb for standing in his box and if he wins on Saturday then he’d get a 5lb penalty so it’s something we’ve got to consider. Nestor Park – Weatherbys Champion Bumper He's working well and if it's genuinely soft ground he'll run in the Champion Bumper as I don't see where else to go with him really. He's not the quickest horse but he's lovely and if the weather came as predicted then he'll be there. I don't go there expecting to beat Acey Milan after finishing fifth to him at Newbury but I do think he's improved a bit since then. He's a smashing horse for novice hurdles next season and I see him as a classy type over obstacles. Click on the image below to back Nestor Park at 33/1 for the Champion Bumper... Nestor Park (left): Battled well to win his bumper Missing the Festival It was a really nasty infection Willoughby Court had and it’s actually taken a while for him to come back to himself but hopefully he’ll be ridden again later this week. There are options at Aintree but we’ll just have to get him back on the road again in the next week or so and if all goes well then we’ll look towards that and if not maybe something else later in the season. It all depends how he comes along but it’s good to know he’ll be fine in the near future. High Bridge will go straight to Aintree and that has always been the plan with him. It’s the same for Global Citizen, he’ll go to Aintree. He’s a very exciting horse but we were never going to supplement him for one of the Grade One novices at Cheltenham and with his new mark (149) there didn’t seem much point in aiming him towards the County Hurdle. Barters Hill is really well. I didn’t think it was fair for him to go to war at the Festival after having a tough enough race at Newbury on his comeback and we’ll look towards a couple of handicap hurdles there over two and a half to three miles. He worked this morning and he did so really nicely so he’s certainly none the worse for his run at Newbury.
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Post by dennisg on Mar 7, 2018 8:01:55 GMT
Jessica Harrington is thinking of putting last year's Chelteham Gold Cup hero Sizing John through his paces at Leopardstown before the big race a week on Friday. The eight-year-old will bid to become the first horse to defend their Gold Cup crown since Best Mate in 2003. "We may go to Leopardstown on Friday evening to give him a jump and a gallop. I'm not certain, it will just depend on what the weather does," said the Moone handler. "We seem to be on course with him. I'm happy with him." Harrington has a good second string to her bow in last year's Irish Grand National victor Our Duke, who was due to be acquainted with his big-race pilot Noel Fehily in a workout. "He's in great order. He's going to go to the Gold Cup so we've got two chances," she said. "Trainers never know who is going to beat who. They've never worked against each other. If everything went well, there wouldn't be much between them." View image on Twitter View image on Twitter Jessica Harrington @jessica_Racing When Duke met @noelfehily! We have a happy partnership, only 11 days to go till the big day. #hopethesunkeepsshining #nomoresnow #cheltenhamgoldcup @unibet @cheltenhamraces 11:00 AM - Mar 6, 2018 · Ireland 213 23 people are talking about this Twitter Ads info and privacy Nicky Henderson has revealed he has a secret plan for Might Bite in the Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday week. While he would not disclose any details, the Seven Barrows handler admitted his team had come up with a course of action to aid the King George VI Chase winner in his attempt to lift jump racing's most coveted prize. "We've devised a battle plan for Might Bite, but we're not telling anyone," Henderson told Unibet's Cheltenham Festival preview. "Good to soft come the Friday would be ideal for everybody. I do think he likes good ground. The better the ground, the better (his chances). "He's as good as gold. His schooling the other morning was scarily good. "Nico (de Boinville) has ridden him at home and he was great. He doesn't do anything wrong at home - he's just had those couple of blips. "His mind, you just have to read a little bit. He just needs to be minded. Things can upset him - it doesn't in a race - but you just have to be very careful with him."
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 7, 2018 8:17:33 GMT
Wednesday: going, weather & non-runners Catterick GOING: HEAVY (Soft in places) (GoingStick: Chs 6.0, Hdl 6.5) (Rail movements: 2m races & 2m 3f race +24yds, 3m 1f +48yds) WEATHER: Cloudy Fontwell GOING: SOFT (GoingStick 5.0) (Rail movements: +54yds to all races) WEATHER: Showers NON RUNNERS: 2:10 Mighty Vic (4) Kempton (AW) GOING: POLYTRACK: STANDARD TO SLOW WEATHER: Rain STALLS: Inside NON RUNNERS: 6:10 Sandacres (15)Compton Brave (16) 8:10 Caesar's Comet (5) 8:40 Avocet (1) Lingfield (AW) GOING: POLYTRACK: STANDARD WEATHER: Rain STALLS: 5f & 1m - Outside; Remainder - Inside
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 7, 2018 8:18:08 GMT
Lambourn: Nick Deacon
Desert Doctor (4.00 Lingfield)
Did not really get into the race in a good contest at Newcastle on his latest start, but won his previous two in good style and still looks capable of improvement. Looks to still be nicely handicapped and is worth another chance on his return to six furlongs.
9/4 Desert Doctor 4:00 Lingfield (AW) Others to follow Fontwell: 2.10 Indian Hercules, 3.10 Crushed, 3.40 Dicosimo. Lingfield: 3.00 Sea Ess Seas, 3.30 De Medici. Kempton: 6.40 Herecomesthesun, 7.40 Intransigent.
Newmarket: David Milnes
Star Archer (5.40 Kempton, nap)
Fancied to complete a hat-trick of all-weather wins after successive wins at Wolverhampton and looks to be thriving. Ryan Moore takes over on the scopey four-year-old for the first time.
8/11 Star Archer 5:40 Kempton (AW) Others to follow Lingfield: 2.00 Big Amigo, 3.30 Nordic Lights. Kempton: 6.40 Lovely Approach, 7.10 Gronkowski, 7.40 Spare Parts, 8.10 Coverham
West Country: Andrew King
Casterly Rock (3.10 Fontwell, nap)
Made subsequent winner work hard last time but has not been seen since. He is expected to take the beating in this company.
11/10 Casterly Rock 3:10 Fontwell Others to follow Fontwell: 2.10 Reikers Island, 3.40 Cabernet D'Alene, 4.10 Master Burbidge, 4.40 Irish Odyssey. Catterick: 2.20 Verni.
North: Colin Russell
Robben Rainbow (8.10 Kempton, nap)
Ripon maiden winner as a juvenile but proved very disappointing last year. Better effort when fourth at Wolverhampton on his AW debut and though down in trip is on a good mark so with a favourable draw is fancied to get back to winning ways.
5/1 Robben Rainbow 8:10 Kempton (AW) Others to follow Catterick: 1.50 Young Tom, 2.20 Cracking Find, 2.50 Ilaya, 3.20 Uno Valeroso, 3.50 Tickanrun, 4.20 Duhallow Tornado, 4.50 Indian Opera. Kempton: 5.40 Fire Fighting, 6.10 Check 'Em Tuesday, 7.10 Ventura Knight, 7.40 Fast Track, 8.40 Life Knowledge. Lingfield: 3.00 Warrior's Valley, 3.30 Juneau, 4.00 Prestbury Park, 5.00 Mambo Dancer.
Racing Post Ratings: Steve Mason
Shine Baby Shine (2.50 Catterick, nap)
Pulled well clear of the remainder when third behind a couple of decent juveniles over course and distance in January and last week's run in a jumpers' bumper at Southwell should have put her spot on for this.
8/1 Shine Baby Shine 2:50 Catterick Topspeed: Dave Edwards
Gronkowski (7.10 Kempton)
Has won both starts on the all-weather with the minimum of fuss and can complete a hat-trick in this stiffer assignment.
Evs Gronkowski 7:10 Kempton (AW) Longshot: Ed Quigley
Dicosimo (3.40 Fontwell)
Lost his way in recent times but is more than capable of going well off a mark of 132 if recent wind operation has the desired effect.
8/1 Dicosimo 3:40 Fontwell *There are no tips from Ireland.
Raceform Interactive Nugget
Neil Mulholland is 5/18 (28% +£5.50) with handicap chasers at Fontwell since the start of 2016. He has Master Burbidge, who has form figures of 7111 under jockey Noel Fehily, in that race type at 4.10.
5/2 Master Burbidge 4:10 Fontwell Members can read the latest exclusive tipping content such as Pricewise and Paul Kealy from 8pm daily on racingpost.com
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