The UK and Ireland Racing Thread [Archive]

One Man Fan

Dec. 7, 2008, 03:22 PM

I couldn't see a thread that was specifically for discussing racing here in Britain so apologies if there is one and I've missed it! Was just thinking now that the first half of the British National Hunt season is well and truly under way it would be nice to have a thread where all the news and info can be discussed without having lots of different threads being put up for seperate races. Hope this is ok with the moderators unless they feel it's too wide an area to be covered in one thread, not sure. Look forward to reading everyone's opinions, no matter what part of the globe you are from!

To get started what does everyone think about Master Minded and Punjabi? I think Master Minded beating Tidal Bay by 10 lengths in the Tingle Creek Chase shows that he is going to be a force to be reckoned with this season and could go on to be a dual Queen Mother Champion Chase winner. Punjabi only just beat Sublimity in their race so it's too close to call at the moment!

Drvmb1ggl3

Dec. 7, 2008, 04:08 PM

Geat idea for a thread.
Masterminded looks like the biz. potentially the best 2 mile chaser we've seen in years. Hard to see what may challenge him this year. Man, that's some riches that Paul Nicholls has at his disposal. Imagine walking out into your yard any morning at seening Denamn, Kauto Star and Master Minded looking over their stable doors at you? Anyone one of those horses is a once in a lifetime horse for most trainers. Nicholls has said too that he is not opposed to sending Kauto and Denman out against each other this season, unlike last year where they were purposely kept apart till the Gold Cup.

The champion hurdle division looks very evenly balanced, with the main protagionists capable of taking each other's scalps on any given day. Even the old man Hardy Eustace seems to have found a renewed lease of life. Looks like the golden age of hurdlers will continue for a year or two more. I wouldn't hold Sublimity's loss to Punjabi against him, I think he need the race and will be a couple lengths better horse from Christmas on.
Should be a good season, here's to them all staying sound and healthy.

Btw, any chance you could chance the thread title to UK and Ireland? Or even GB and Ire, as for racing purposes Ireland is a contiguous unit.

One Man Fan

Dec. 7, 2008, 04:13 PM

Yeah, sorry! I'll try! Wasn't sure about the Ireland bit wether to put Southern Ireland but of course they always put IRE for Irish horses. Probably should have just plumped for British Racing Thread! Never mind!

One Man Fan

Dec. 7, 2008, 04:22 PM

Unable to change the thread title I'm afraid! Sorry about that! Prehaps a moderator can help us out?

One Man Fan

Dec. 7, 2008, 04:23 PM

Paul Nicholls has got a fantastic stable of horses at the moment. I'm looking forward to the return of Neptune Collognes.

Laurierace

Dec. 7, 2008, 04:26 PM

Unable to change the thread title I'm afraid! Sorry about that! Prehaps a moderator can help us out?

Click on your first post and then click on edit. Once you get that opened up it will give you an advanced options button. Click on that and you can edit the title.

One Man Fan

Dec. 7, 2008, 04:34 PM

Done it! Now back to those horses!

Drvmb1ggl3

Dec. 7, 2008, 04:53 PM

One horse we may not see again this season, or ever, on the racecourse, is top staying hurdler and fan favourite, Inglis Drever. It would be a great shame, but rather he retired than came back at less than his best.
From the Racing Post..

HOWARD JOHNSON dropped a broad hint on Saturday that three-time Ladbrokes World Hurdle winner Inglis Drever has run his last race.

His staying star suffered a hock injury when reappearing at Newbury last week and though the nine-year-old's chances of making a full recovery are reportedly good, the trainer admitted he is minded to call time on the hurdler's career.

"He will have six weeks' box rest then we will re-X-ray it and scan it but deep down I think I want to maybe retire him," Johnson said on Racing UK.

"I wouldn't want him to go to Cheltenham and come down the hill and be pulled up, that's not my policy in racing. He has been very good to the yard and myself, to win three World Hurdles and an Order of Merit out of an ex-Flat horse is something else. Deep down, my heart says probably pull stumps but he has to have the six weeks' box rest before he can go anywhere so we will do that."

Looking back at the Newbury race, the trainer reflected: "We never had him better but it was like a twisted Achilles tendon - but that is life and that is racing."

One Man Fan

Dec. 7, 2008, 04:55 PM

Has there been any more news on Inglis Drever? Haven't heard if his injury will end his racing career or not, such a shame as he's a good horse on his day.

Drvmb1ggl3

Dec. 7, 2008, 05:00 PM

Well, if we never see Inglis Drever race again, we can remember these moments... some amatuer video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wc3GjDfVzh8) of the reception he got at Cheltenham last March after winning his third World Hurdle, with his groom Ginni Wright (http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0cP01OD0kv9y3/610x.jpg) prominently featured.

One Man Fan

Dec. 7, 2008, 05:21 PM

Thanks for that! Yeah, a great shame but as you say better he be retired than risk a more serious injury.

Drvmb1ggl3

Dec. 7, 2008, 05:40 PM

This video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSKT6T7QJDY) is a couple of months old, but it's a nice primer for those who haven't been following the NH season, it's a preview of champion trainer Paul Nicholls' yard at the start of the season. It gives some nice insight for those who've wondered how NH horses are trained, showing the the gallops up hills and schooling over fences etc.

One Man Fan

Dec. 7, 2008, 05:44 PM

Cool! Look forward to watching that when I've got a bit more time!

JER

Dec. 7, 2008, 09:33 PM

Has there been any more news on Inglis Drever?

He slipped the tendon off the hock, IIRC. That can be a career-ender.

A somewhat enjoyable video of the Tingle Creek (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3JBmemW3Nw)

(A dramatic moment at the first, for sure.)

One Man Fan

Dec. 8, 2008, 05:53 PM

A really good video that! Doing what I did when I went to Longchamps to watch the Arc and took a couple of pics of the video screen cos in the excitement I missed getting a pic of Zarkava crossing the line first! Back on topic, what is the name of the grey horse? I should know but my brain isn't up to speed at the moment! Looking forward to the build up to the King George VI Chase now!

One Man Fan

Dec. 9, 2008, 03:09 AM

The Listener, Noland, War Of Attrition and Newmill go head to head in the John Durkan Memorial Chase so should be a good race! Hope The Listener can bounce back to form!

awm

Dec. 9, 2008, 08:56 AM

We used to watch the Racing on TVG in the states, but that's gone---

We'll just have to try to keep up on websites---I have the Irish Racing site, are
there any more recommended?

How is the weather? I've heard it's been one of the wettest years!

Drvmb1ggl3

Dec. 9, 2008, 09:53 AM

Between At The Races and the Racing Post you should be able to get all the news, results, cards, stats you need. Both show replays also, and the RP has a very good bloodstock section if you want to follow breeding info.
www.attheraces.com
www.racingpost.com
www.irishracing.com is also a good resource.
If you follow things down to the Point to Point level (a good way to catch up and coming stars, as many of the greats get their start in the Irish Point to Point circuit), then www.p2p.ie is a great little site.

There has been a rash of cancellations and postponements recently due to a spell of freezing weather and snow. The big race at Punchestown today was originally scheduled for last Saturday.

Drvmb1ggl3

Dec. 9, 2008, 09:55 AM

Noland takes the big prize at Punchestown to add yet another notch in the belt of Paul Nicholl's. This guy is almost invincible at the moment, not content with winning all before him in England he seems set on raiding Ireland on a regular basis now too.

One Man Fan

Dec. 9, 2008, 04:19 PM

Well done Noland! Yeah, Mr Nicholls seems to do very well in Ireland as well as the UK!

Equilibrium

Dec. 10, 2008, 01:44 PM

While we don't have any "big" NH horses we have 3 which we have either broken, gotten ready, or take care of on vacation:

Carolina Lady by Beneficial. This filly actually could turn out to be something decent. She won a nice point to point here in Ireland this past spring.

Macgruders Cross: The oldish warrior keeps on going. I've never seen a horse with as many battle scars and bumps on legs, but yet he's as sound as a pound. Also battles Lymphangitis.

Quillian Hill: Going Novice chasing this year and should be ok over fences.

All horses are in training with John Spearing

Terri

One Man Fan

Dec. 10, 2008, 03:00 PM

I will keep my eye out for all three! Thanks for that!

One Man Fan

Dec. 13, 2008, 05:47 PM

Monets Garden has won the Peterborough Chase, just narrowly holding off Snoopy Loopy so am pleased to bits about that. Nice that he seems to be in better form now than he has been for a while. He may not run in the King George now according to Nicky Richards. Have to wait and see what his owners say.

JER

Dec. 13, 2008, 06:34 PM

Good for Monet's Garden.

Also of note is the failed return of My Way de Solzen. Alan King said that was his last race with him; he'll be moving to a smaller yard to figure out what to do next.

My Way de Solzen -- winner of the World Hurdle (2006) and the Arkle Chase (2007) and nothing (2008) -- features prominently in this video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNZVCvp2yPM) of Alan King's yard (meet My Way at 2:12 in). He's a lovely horse; I hope he finds a new career he enjoys.

Equilibrium

Dec. 14, 2008, 01:43 AM

Hats off to Alan King in the first place for thinking of the horse first. All articles I've read have indicated he wants him to go to a smaller trainer for a change of scenery. I don't know if most trainers would be so inclined.

Terri

One Man Fan

Dec. 14, 2008, 02:04 AM

War Admiral

Dec. 14, 2008, 07:57 AM

Maybe that's an idea a lot more trainers could think about! Some horses do seem to lose interest and maybe it is because they've been at the same stable for most of their racing career. Always a thought!

I'm personally of the opinion that if a TB loses interest in racing, it needs a new job. Not to mention a good physical.

One Man Fan

Dec. 15, 2008, 05:41 PM

Very true Liz! Alot of horses keep their enthusiasm but there are plenty who don't. Some ex-racers have gone into dressage etc so there's plenty of other stuff horses can do.

One Man Fan

Dec. 19, 2008, 09:59 AM

Looking forward to the King George VI Chase next week. Will Kauto Star become a three times winner of the great race? Or will another horse take his crown? Looks set to be a very good race. Neptune Collognes is making his seasonal reappearance in the Lexus Chase in Ireland so I'm really looking forward to seeing how he does. Paul Nicholls says he can be a bit 'workmanlike' in his work at home so hopefully he won't be like that on the track!

Glimmerglass

Dec. 19, 2008, 04:30 PM

An interesting list: The Times Dec 19, 2008 "Alan Lee's top 50 racing heroes" (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/racing/article5370815.ece?print=yes&randnum=1229721920717) - example

24 - Steve Cauthen

Racing is a backwoods sport most of the year in America. Apparently, it lacks the razzmatazz the Yanks desire in their pastimes. But not in the days of Steve Cauthen.

When he won $6 million in his second season riding, ’Sports Illustrated’ made him Sportsman of the Year, and many other awards followed. Cauthen came to Britain in 1979 and charmed a new land with his riding style and his winning personality. He was the perfect racing ambassador, quite apart from being brilliant in the saddle.

One Man Fan

Dec. 19, 2008, 06:53 PM

Heard of Steve Cauthen but I would have been too young to remember him.

One Man Fan

Dec. 20, 2008, 11:02 AM

Binocular has won the International Hurdle at Ascot by 4 and a half lengths from Celestial Halo, also beating reigning Champion Hurdler Katchit. Very impressive!

One Man Fan

Dec. 21, 2008, 04:40 AM

Nice looking young hurdler owned by John Hales called Cracboumwiz that I shall be keeping my eye out for. Won a maiden hurdle race recently.

WhiteCamry

Dec. 22, 2008, 12:34 PM

Drvmb1ggl3

Dec. 22, 2008, 01:01 PM

As a Yank, I find it odd that for all their racing fandom the British don't make more of a hoopla about their Triple Crown. For example, Alan Lee's list didn't include Nijinsky, the last horse to win the British TC.

It also didn't include Mill Reef, Brigadier Gerard, and Sea Bird and the only major flat horses he includes are Dancing Brave and Shergar, so I wouldn't take it as a snub on Nijinsky. The list is by his own admission i)his own personal bias, ii) biased towards jumpers and iii) horses in more recent memory.
In truth, jumpers do live larger in collective psyche of British and Irish racing fans, that's why Arkle, Red Rum, Desert Orchid etc are better known than their illustrious flat counterparts.

There is little hoopla about the Triple Crown because it's a feat that's rarely attempted. Even when Nijinsky won it 38 years ago he was the first winner in 35 years and his attempt was seen as a radical departure even then, and critics say it probably cost him the Prix de l'Arc, a much more coveted prize.

One Man Fan

Dec. 22, 2008, 01:38 PM

Yeah, not many horses are often given the chance to attempt the British TC.

One Man Fan

Dec. 23, 2008, 03:14 AM

Mouse Morris is sending War Of Attrition to Leopardstown for the Lexus rather than to Kempton for the King George. Looking forward to the Lexus even more now! Still haven't decided on my King George picks! If Kauto can get a clear round of jumping in he must have a great chance but Voy Por Ustedes is a bit of an unknown quantity over this distance.

JER

Dec. 23, 2008, 12:11 PM

The King George should be exciting even without War of Attrition. Kauto Star, Voy, Exotic Dancer, Our Vic, Snoopy Loopy -- what's not to like?

Too bad Kicking King isn't in the mix again. I was hoping he'd come back to his old self.

(For US folks who might be learning from this thread, Our Vic, Snoopy Loopy and Kicking King are all by the stallion Old Vic -- a HOY on the flat -- who's turned out to be an excellent sire of jumpers.)

One Man Fan

Dec. 23, 2008, 05:57 PM

Didn't know that before so thanks for that. Yes it was a great shame about Kicking King as he was a class horse. Snoopy Loopy is certainly a gutsy character and will give them all a run for their money! Still can't decide though!

One Man Fan

Dec. 24, 2008, 03:15 AM

Gonna plump for Snoopy Loopy! (Man, I love that name!) Think he has at least solid each way claims. Paul Nicholls says Kauto Star is as good as ever so should be a fantastic race. Not should be, it will be! Safe journeys to all our equine stars and their human colleagues as well!

JER

Dec. 26, 2008, 10:22 AM

Kauto Star takes his third King George. Haven't seen the replay but he's said to have had a few blips on the early fences.

Albertas Run was 2nd, Voy came 3rd, not sure about the rest.

But I'm happy for KS. This horse is a star and he knows it.

One Man Fan

Dec. 26, 2008, 11:24 AM

Well done Kauto Star! Another historic victory this year!

Drvmb1ggl3

Dec. 27, 2008, 01:45 PM

Replay of the King George (http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=2ad3T1_KeBE) on St Stephen's day. Not great quality, looks like someone made a video of the TV.
Command performance by Kauto Star, incredible jump over the 3rd from home.

One Man Fan

Dec. 27, 2008, 04:30 PM

Dessies record has stood for so many years now I may cry when it eventually gets overtaken! Anyone know what the times have been for all of Kauto Stars King Georges? One Man broke the course record in his second King George win and just wondered if Kauto had equalled or bettered that.

One Man Fan

Dec. 28, 2008, 03:55 AM

Best wishes to Neptune Collognes and The Listener at Leopardstown today. Hope you both run up to your best!

One Man Fan

Dec. 28, 2008, 11:46 AM

I hope both Neptune Collognes and The Listener are ok after their tumbles in the Lexus today. Well done Exotic Dancer! Gosh, I'm a bit nervous about tipping any horses now after that!

Drvmb1ggl3

Dec. 28, 2008, 01:22 PM

Nice to see Exotic Dancer finally get a G1, I think he had the beating of Neptune Collonges even had NC stayed on his feet. The going at Leopardstown was deceptive, probably softer than it looked, though I must say the course did look a picture postcard for the turn of the year.

JER

Jan. 2, 2009, 12:22 AM

Did anyone catch the Dipper Novices Chase on the frozen tundra of Cheltenham yesterday? Calgary Bay -- Henrietta Knight's up-and-comer -- sounds like a horse to watch.

If anyone know where the replay might be, please post it here. :)

Equilibrium

Jan. 3, 2009, 12:06 PM

Never mind all those big name horses above - I love Lough Derg! Could there be any better battler out there!

Hot off the presses, Denman looking a good canidate for the National this year.

Terri

Toadie's mom

Jan. 4, 2009, 05:30 PM

Sorry, no contribution to your current racing news, but I just heard that one of my favorite horses, Vacare, was officially retired yesterday. She's going to be sent to Pivotal. I've tried b4 to find information on UK and European offspring of horses sent from the US and had little luck, unless they get REALLY famous. Is there a UK based website similar to equineline or brisnet, that gives accurate (and free!) pedigree and progeny info? I'm hoping to keep up with her breeding career.

Drvmb1ggl3

Jan. 5, 2009, 12:51 AM

WhiteCamry

Jan. 5, 2009, 12:45 PM

www.racingpost.com (http://www.racingpost.com)

I hate their new webpage layout, especially with the smaller photographs.
:(

Equilibrium

Jan. 5, 2009, 01:44 PM

I hate their new webpage layout, especially with the smaller photographs.
:(

That's ok, we can no longer log in. They destroyed the good useful website they us to have. I'm so annoyed with it now!

Terri

Toadie's mom

Jan. 6, 2009, 11:14 AM

www.racingpost.com (http://www.racingpost.com)
www.attheraces.com (http://www.attheraces.com)
www.irish-racing.com (http://www.irish-racing.com)
All have free databases with oodles of info.

Thanks! You reminded me that I actually know someone who works for the racing post.

One Man Fan

Jan. 6, 2009, 05:01 PM

I'm a bit concerned about Denman running in the National to be honest but I'm sure Paul Nicholls will make the right decision.

On a slightly different note I would like to thank Adam from Manchester for writing into Ch 4 Teletexts Racing Chat Pages to defend One Man from people who are saying he wouldn't have coped with Kauto Star or Denman. I know he wouldn't have won a Gold Cup but over a trip like the King George, at his best - as Adam pointed out - One Man would have jumped Kauto silly and been too quick for Denman. Not that I'm knocking the modern horses, they are stars with great achievements. But One Man did have the beating of the very fast Mr Mulligan (who won the Gold Cup) after that one toppled over the last in the King George VI Chase 1996 when it returned to Kempton. One Man may have had some sort of internal problem that stopped him in the Gold Cup, we will never know, but he was no slouch!

WhiteCamry

Jan. 7, 2009, 10:44 AM

Thanks! You reminded me that I actually know someone who works for the racing post.
Tell him/her the new website layout stinks.

Toadie's mom

Jan. 7, 2009, 02:56 PM

Tell him/her the new website layout stinks.

:lol::lol::lol: ok

JER

Jan. 7, 2009, 03:57 PM

I'm a bit concerned about Denman running in the National to be honest but I'm sure Paul Nicholls will make the right decision.

Ditto. I hope the irregular heartbeat issue is fully resolved.

Denman's never run at Aintree before but Paul Nicholls must be pretty sure it's a good idea.

One Man Fan

Jan. 8, 2009, 03:07 AM

They're already putting out prices for Mr Nicholls bagging the Gold Cup 1-2-3 again! :lol:

Glimmerglass

Jan. 12, 2009, 10:06 AM

100 wins for female jockey Hayley Turner - will she get to ride for The Queen at Epsom? Daily Mail - Jan 10, 2009 (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1111544/After-100-winners-season-Hayley-Turner-woman-ride-Queens-horse-Derby.html)

Until now, no woman has been regarded as good enough to ride a Royal horse in a classic race.

But 26-year-old Hayley could overcome that final hurdle after last month becoming the first female jockey to ride 100 winners in a calendar year.

One Man Fan

Jan. 12, 2009, 04:57 PM

Go Hayley!

War Admiral

Jan. 12, 2009, 05:00 PM

Would be cool if she got the gig!

One Man Fan

Jan. 13, 2009, 04:49 PM

Still no confirmed news on Inglis Drever. His scan had to be postponed but hopefully the correct decision will be made about him.

Glimmerglass

Jan. 14, 2009, 02:49 PM

Just curious if there is any buzz on the otherside of the pond regarding Elnawin (by Elnadim) being pointed towards the Kentucky Derby. He won convincingly the Sirenia Stakes (Eng-G3) at Kempton in mid-2008. Maybe there are others who have been openly mentioned as possibly pointed to Louisville and Churchill Downs?

In light of the true 'win and you're in' with the $150,000 Kentucky Derby Challenge Stakes on March 18 (http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2008/September/17/Automatic-Derby-spot-to-go-to-Kempton-race-winner.aspx) at Kempton there is almost guaranteed a European-bred horse going to the First Saturday in May in the States. That race is only a couple months away ....

One Man Fan

Jan. 14, 2009, 04:31 PM

Haven't heard anything yet but then it's all Cheltenham Festival at the moment over here! Will look out for anything to do with the Kentucky Derby etc.

Glimmerglass

Jan. 15, 2009, 01:32 PM

Another female jockey tossing her hat into the ring for going professional: Gazette Herald Jan 15, 2009 "Ryan’s daughter on the up" (http://www.gazetteherald.co.uk/sport/4050708.Ryan___s_daughter_on_the_up/)

Amy Ryan, who captured last season’s amateur lady jockeys’ championship on the Flat, has elected to turn professional, rather than try to defend her title this year.

The 19-year-old daughter of Hambleton trainer Kevin Ryan will be fulfilling a long-held ambition by riding as an apprentice, and her father, who has pledged his full support, feels that she “will be great value for her allowance”.

Amy said: “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, but my dad wanted me to get some experience as an amateur first, and when I won the amateur championship, he said it was then my decision what I decided to do.

Although she has to attend an obligatory three-day course at the British Racing School before her licence is granted, Ryan is hoping to make her debut as a professional before the turf season begins at the end of March.

“It would be nice to have a few spins on the all-weather before the main season gets underway,” said Ryan, who admits that the record-breaking exploits of Hayley Turner, who, in 2008, became the first woman jockey to ride 100 winners in a year, have inspired her to make the best of her opportunities as a jockey.

One Man Fan

Jan. 15, 2009, 06:56 PM

Great to see more female jocckeys joining the ranks!

JER

Jan. 16, 2009, 05:55 AM

I saw in the UK papers yesterday that Inglis Drever's scan was 'favorable' and Howard Johnson would be bringing him back slowly with the Festival as a possibility.

One Man Fan

Jan. 17, 2009, 01:37 AM

I don't think that will go down very well. Alot of people have been calling for him to be retired now. Hope it's not a bridge too far for Inglis!

JER

Jan. 17, 2009, 04:44 AM

Inglis Drever is entered (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/horse_racing/7830773.stm) for the World Hurdle.

Master Minded is running today at Ascot in the Victor Chandler Chase. If he stays on his feet, he should win.

Henrietta Knight's much-fancied Calgary Bay is also running today. I haven't seen this horse yet so I hope someone replays this one.

Equilibrium

Jan. 17, 2009, 12:16 PM

Master Minded UNREAL!

Lough Dergh, I don't care still my favorite horse. He's so gutsy! He may not be the prettiest or be one of the greats, but he tries harder than most!

Terri

Drvmb1ggl3

Jan. 17, 2009, 01:47 PM

What an effortless performance from MM, breathtaking stuff. I wonder what his rating will be now, he's already at a lofty 186.
Interesting to see how Or Noir de Somoza fared, puts the top echelon of French chasing in perspective.

One Man Fan

Jan. 19, 2009, 05:57 PM

Master Minded should win pulling a cart at Cheltenham! Fantastic performance!

JER

Jan. 21, 2009, 12:06 PM

No fourth World Hurdle for Inglis Drever. He's been retired.

Horse & Hound: Top hurdler Inglis Drever retires from racing (http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/397/275501.html)

Looks like he'll be turned out for a while, then they'll see what he's comfortable doing.

One Man Fan

Jan. 21, 2009, 04:09 PM

The right decision I feel. Happy retirement Inglis Drever!

Glimmerglass

Jan. 24, 2009, 05:19 PM

Can anyone explain the "totting up procedure"?

SportingLife Jan 23, 2009 "Spell on the Sidelines for Turner" (http://www.sportinglife.com/racing/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=racing/09/01/22/RACING_Inquiries.html)

Hayley Turner will be sidelined for 12 days after being penalised for careless riding under the totting up procedure.

Turner will be out of action between January 30 and February 10 after the British Horseracing Authority disciplinary panel decided she had broken the rules aboard Rigged at Wolverhampton earlier in the month.

The rider was banned for a total of 15 days but three days have been deferred for four months.

JER

Jan. 25, 2009, 04:59 PM

Brave Inca is back (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/horse_racing/7850106.stm), winning the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown.

The venerable Hardy Eustace also ran but faded at the finish.

(Brave Inca won the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2006, then was injured and off for the better part of two years.)

Also, Lough Derg ran the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham on seven days' rest and came fourth, although I read somewhere the ride was a little weird. That horse works hard.

One Man Fan

Jan. 31, 2009, 02:22 PM

Another nice looking horse owned by the Hales family won today, Singingtheblues at Doncaster. He's being aimed at the Arkle at Cheltenham I believe and he seems to be a good jumper. Beat the well regarded grey Doctor David.

JER

Feb. 5, 2009, 10:44 PM

The big news this week is that Sam Thomas has lost the ride on Denman. Ruby Walsh will take over (he rode Denman previously) for the Aon Chase on Saturday.

No word on the permanent successor although the betting favorite is AP. I'll believe it when it happens.

Thomas has had a disappointing year although he won three today at Taunton.

As for Saturday's Aon, Newbury was hit hard by the snowstorm and may be called off.

Equilibrium

Feb. 6, 2009, 01:21 PM

Yes, not looking too good for racing this weekend at all!

JER

Feb. 6, 2009, 11:35 PM

Newbury was called off. The Aon Chase has been moved to Saturday (tomorrow) at Kempton, where it will be called the Levy Board Chase.

This is all subject to Kempton's passing inspection tomorrow.

Drvmb1ggl3

Feb. 7, 2009, 10:29 AM

Big surprise at Kempton.
Make that a HUGE surprise.

One Man Fan

Feb. 7, 2009, 06:49 PM

Hope Denman will be ok after coming a tired second to Madison Du Berlais. Master Minded looks to be still firmly on track!

JER

Feb. 10, 2009, 12:07 PM

The replay (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exUnsd1m49Q) from Kempton.

Madison du Berlais was really on form. He ran away with it. Denman looked a bit dull but it wasn't that bad -- both were well clear of Alberta's Run, who is a much better horse than seen here.

Paul Nicholls has wisely pulled Denman from the Grand National and Harry Findlay announced that Sam Thomas would be back on board Denman for the Gold Cup.

Equilibrium

Feb. 10, 2009, 01:06 PM

Even if you don't know who Tony McCoy is, he hit a milestone which is unlikely to be broken anytime soon. He won his 3,000th jump race yesterday at Plumpton.

He is one of the best jockey's I have ever seen on flat or jumps. And unlike most flat counterparts, he tries hard on every horse he rides no matter what level!

Terri

War Admiral

Feb. 10, 2009, 01:13 PM

Even if you don't know who Tony McCoy is, he hit a milestone which is unlikely to be broken anytime soon. He won his 3,000th jump race yesterday at Plumpton.

Wow, that's amazing, congrats to him! I 'fess I do not know who he is - video anywhere?

JER

Feb. 10, 2009, 01:34 PM

Wow, that's amazing, congrats to him! I 'fess I do not know who he is - video anywhere?

Here's AP talking about his 3000th (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dzo186of1A).

Now the big question is -- will Tony McCoy ever win the Grand National?

One Man Fan

Feb. 10, 2009, 03:03 PM

Is it Barber's Shop that Tony might be riding in the National? Or am I getting mixed up with another race? Anyway, yes, congratulations on that 3'000th win. What a modern day racing legend he is!

Drvmb1ggl3

Feb. 10, 2009, 06:34 PM

AP McCoy will be on board one of JP McManus' horses in the National. He gets a reputed €500k retainer to be JP's on call jock. JP has 4 or 5 likely runners in the race including the fancied Butler's Cabin and King John's Castle.

AP is a machine. 3000 winners over jumps in an amazing accomplishment, not sure people fully grasp it's significance. And he's only 34, so he could top the 4000 mark. Incredible jock.

One Man Fan

Feb. 11, 2009, 04:18 PM

Yep, he's had an incredible career and as you say there is plenty to come yet. Wouldn't mind him being on board King John's Castle for the National. His first National winner on a grey horse? Wonder what the odds for that would be!:lol:

JER

Feb. 15, 2009, 01:35 AM

Voy Por Ustedes, the Alan King-trained French-bred, Spanish-named veteran won the Betfair Ascot Chase (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/horseracing/4623504/Voy-Por-Ustedes-brings-joy-to-Alan-King-at-Ascot.html) by 14 lengths.

Voy won't be trying to win a second Queen Mother at Cheltenham due to the presence of the almighty Master Minded. Instead, he'll probably run in the Ryanair. It seems 2 1/2 miles suits this horse, although his overall record -- 13 wins and 11 placings in 29 starts -- says something about this horse's class and consistency.

One Man Fan

Feb. 16, 2009, 03:16 AM

Well done Neptune Collognes on winning the Irish Hennessey Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown and making amends for the fall in the Lexus. I'm trying not to get too worked up about The Gold Cup because I don't want to have to cope with the same disappointment I suffered with One Man though he eventually became a champ at Chelt in the end! Anything can happen though so just have to wait and see.

One Man Fan

Feb. 22, 2009, 04:02 AM

Well done Nacarat and AP McCoy on a fantastic all the way win in the Racing Post Chase!
Beat Big Fella Thanks pretty easily.

Glimmerglass

Mar. 5, 2009, 09:20 AM

The first scratch deadline has passed for for the 230th running of the £1.25 million Epson Derby (Eng-I) (http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/49480/coolmoreobrien-top-epsom-derby-entries) and still 138 horse remain nominated.

All of the 3-year-olds were entered in the 2009 Derby as yearlings and there is a second £8,000 entry stage on April 7 as well as a final £75,000 supplementary entry opportunity five days before the race on June 1.

For those following HRH The Queen ... she has a few good ones ;)

This could be an exciting year on the racecourse for The Queen, who is represented in next week’s totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup by Barbers Shop. She also owns a leading Oaks candidate in Enlightenment and two colts with live Derby hopes in Free Agent, winner of the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot, and Autumn Stakes third Four Winds.

Sans any title sponsor the Epsom (http://www.surreycomet.co.uk/news/epsom/4169960.Derby_not_under_threat_despite_lack_of_spo nsor/) the race, of course, will go on but financially hurt. Cited as possible last last minute announced sponsor could be the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club .

One Man Fan

Mar. 7, 2009, 08:53 AM

Just want to wish Hayley Turner a speedy recovery after that awful accident she had on a horse whilst riding it on the gallops. Sadly the horse broke it's leg. :( Just shows these tradgedies can occur anywhere.

vineyridge

Mar. 7, 2009, 07:07 PM

Barbers Shop is running in the Gold Cup. Owner to attend.

God, is he royally bred! :)

Beverley

Mar. 9, 2009, 10:54 PM

I'd have started a whole new thread for the Cheltenham Gold Cup...but as it's already being mentioned here, here's a link to a nice article on Barbers Shop that was posted on FOL.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/theroyalfamily/4951629/Queens-horse-to-run-in-Cheltenham-Gold-Cup.html