news archive 2009

Dartnall Hoping for Happy New Year with Exmoor Ranger 30/12/09
Cheltenham welcomes in the New Year with a quality seven-race card on Friday, January 1, the highlight of which is the £50,000 Grade Three victorchandler.com Handicap Chase (2.10pm).

Go Native Goes For Second Leg of WBX Hurdling Triple Crown 22/12/09
WBX.COM Fighting Fifth Hurdle winner Go Native heads nine entries for the Christmas Hurdle, second leg of the WBX Hurdling Triple Crown.

2009 TBA Breeders’ Awards Winners Announced 21/12/09
Six 2009 Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (TBA) Award Winners are revealed today, acknowledging the achievements of some of Britain’s most successful stud farms.

Twiston-Davies Considering Wetherby Specialist Ollie Magern for Rowland Meyrick
18/12/09
After suffering heartbreak in the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase, Ollie Magern is set to return to Wetherby for the Grade Three coral.co.uk Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase, highlight of the first day of the Coral Christmas Meeting on Boxing Day, Saturday, December 26.

King Kauto Primed for Kempton
17/12/09
Paul Nicholls is looking forward to running Kauto Star in the William Hill King George VI Steeple Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day where a fourth consecutive victory would see the superstar nine-year-old, make history.

Punjabi Camp Happy to Remain Under the Radar 16/12/09
Tony Stafford, racing manager to Punjabi’s owner Raymond Tooth, has published his reaction to the 2009 Champion Hurdle winner’s seasonal reappearance on Saturday at Cheltenham.

Cartoon Racing – It's All My Fault
16/12/09
The weatherman has 'reliably' informed us that "there's a big cold front coming" so National Hunt racing fans should brace themselves for a barren time over the next week.

Chief Dan George Can Plunder at Wetherby
16/12/09
Trainer James Moffatt is hoping that Chief Dan George can plunder another big prize at Wetherby when he lines up in the £53,000 Grade Three coral.co.uk Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase (2.10pm), highlight of the first day of the Coral Christmas Meeting on Boxing Day, Saturday, December 26.

Noel Meade's Go Native Update 15/12/09
Noel Meade, trainer of 2009 WBX.COM Fighting Fifth Hurdle winner Go Native, has been signed up to provide regular exclusive updates on the wellbeing of his stable star and preparations for the second leg of the £1 million WBX Hurdling Triple Crown at Kempton on Boxing Day.

Ayr Wins Award For Sixth Year In A Row
14/12/09
Ayr Racecourse has been voted Racecourse of the Year 2009 for Scotland and the North East by The Racegoers Club.

Seven Declared for Boylesports International 11/12/09
Cheltenham stages the second and final day of the Boylesports International tomorrow, Saturday, December 12, and a fascinating renewal of the £150,000 Grade Two Boylesports.com International (3.05pm) is in prospect.

Go Native 26/1 for WBX Hurdling Triple Crown 11/12/09
Go Native, impressive winner of the WBX.COM Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle, is currently 26/1 to become the first winner of the WBX Hurdling Triple Crown.

Captain Gerrard Retires to Mickley Stud
11/12/09
The Group race-winning juvenile Captain Gerrard has been retired and is to stand at Mickley Stud in Shropshire in 2010, covering for a fee of £3,500, special live foal terms.

Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase Takes Centre Stage at Wetherby’s Coral Christmas Meeting 10/12/09
Wetherby Racecourse plays host to its traditional two-day Coral Christmas Meeting on Boxing Day, Saturday, December 26 and Sunday, December 27.

Maximum Field for Boylesports.com Gold Cup 10/12/09
Nicky Richards anticipates a bold show from the progressive Skippers Brig in the £150,000 Grade Three Boylesports Gold Cup (2.25pm) at Cheltenham on Saturday, December 12.

Tazbar Out to Prove Novice Chase Credentials at Cheltenham 10/12/09
Trainer Keith Reveley is hoping that Tazbar can build on an impressive start to his chasing career with victory in the £20,000 Ryman The Stationer Novices’ Chase (12.45pm), part of a superb seven-race card at Cheltenham on the second and final day of the Boylesports International on Saturday, December 12.

Lord Generous Aiming to Follow in Family Footsteps at Cheltenham 09/12/09
Fledgling trainer Andy Boxhall is aiming for a first success at Cheltenham with the impeccably bred Lord Generous, who is set to take his chance in the three-mile £30,000 Grade Two Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (1.50pm), part of a superb seven-race card on the second day of the Boylesports International on Saturday, December 12.

BGC Long Walk Hurdle Attracts Star Studded Cast 03/12/09
Ascot stages the £100,000 Grade One BGC Long Walk Hurdle on Saturday, December 19. Run over three miles and a furlong, it boasts an illustrious roll of honour with many of the great staying hurdlers having prevailed down the years.

41 for The Ladbroke - Meade Hoping to Claim £150,000 Contest for Ireland 03/12/09
The Ladbroke, the feature £150,000 Listed handicap hurdle at Ascot on Saturday, December 19, has attracted an initial entry of 41.

Is the Party Over? 02/12/09
The last week few days have seen some memorable events in the world of racing, writes Elliot Slater.

Celestial Halo Heads Strong Stewart Team for the Boylesports International at Cheltenham 01/12/09
Owner Andy Stewart is hoping that Celestial Halo can enhance his claims for more Festival glory with victory in the £150,000 Grade Two Boylesports.com International at Cheltenham on Saturday, December 12.

Lochan Lacha Favourite for Paddy Power Chase With Sponsor 01/12/09
Paddy Power has installed Lochan Lacha (10st 1lb) as the 9-1 favourite for the feature 190,000 Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown on Sunday, December 27.

Razor Royale & Knowhere On Course for Boylesports.com Gold Cup 27/11/09
After scooping the Thomas Pink Award for Leading Trainer at The Open earlier this month, Nigel Twiston-Davies is hoping for further Cheltenham glory with Razor Royale and Knowhere, who are both set to contest the £150,000 Grade Three Boylesports.com Gold Cup.

Stud & Stable Staff Awards 2010
25/11/09
It has today been announced that the prize fund for the Stud and Stable Staff Awards 2010 has been increased to £120,000 by the sponsors Godolphin.

Denman Heads Hennessy Market at 4/1 as 37 Confirmed 23/11/09
Denman heads the market at 4/1 with totesport for Saturday’s Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury after 37 were left in the race at the latest confirmation stage.

Binocular Heads Nine for Fighting Fifth
23/11/09
Champion Hurdle favourite Binocular heads a list of nine entries after the supplementary entry stage for the 2009 WBX.COM Fighting Fifth Hurdle.

Twiston-Davies Bullish About Imperial Commander 23/11/09
Nigel Twiston-Davies, who saddled Imperial Commander to finish a gallant nose second in Saturday’s Betfair Chase on the first day of the Northwest Racing Masters at Haydock Park, wants to take on Kauto Star again.

Vic New 16/1 Favourite for Grand National After Becher Chase Success 22/11/09
Vic Venturi is the new 16/1 favourite with totesport for the John Smith’s Grand National after giving trainer Dessie Hughes a second successive victory in the totesport.com Becher Chase in the hands of Paddy Flood.

Becher Chase Goes to Hughes for Second Successive Year 22/11/09
Trainer Dessie Hughes obviously likes the totesport.com Becher Chase. Black Apalachi landed the three and quarter mile handicap over the Grand National fences for the Irish trainer 12 months ago and this year it was Vic Venturi who took the spoils in the £100,000 Listed event.

Press Salute Gutsy Kauto Star 23/11/09
“For anyone who is passionate about jump racing, Haydock was the place to be yesterday,” writes Tom O’Ryan in today’s Racing Post - a phrase which perfectly encapsulates Kauto Star’s brave nose victory over Imperial Commander in the thrilling £200,000 Grade One Betfair Chase at Haydock Park on Saturday.

Northwest Racing Masters 2009 22/11/09
This weekend, yesterday Saturday and today Sunday, November 21 and 22, 2009, makes up the fifth Northwest Racing Masters which has thrilling top-class horseracing at two of Britain’s best racecourses, Haydock Park and Aintree.

Goldie Aiming for totesuper7 Grand Sefton Chase Hat-trick with Craiglands 19/11/09
Trainer Jim Goldie knows what it takes to land the £70,000 totesuper7 Grand Sefton Handicap Chase (12.35pm), having sent out Lampion Du Bost to victory over the National fences in 2007 and followed up with Endless Power 12 months ago.

Sea The Stars is the 2009 Cartier Horse of the Year 18/11/09
The exceptional Sea The Stars was named Cartier Horse of the Year and Cartier Champion Three-Year-Old Colt at the 2009 Cartier Racing Awards, which were presented at Claridge’s Hotel in Mayfair, London, England, before an invited audience of 200 on the evening of Tuesday, November 17, 2009.

Souffleur Hoping to Rise to the Occasion
18/11/09
Trainer Peter Bowen is optimistic that Souffleur can provide his handler with a change of luck in the £100,000 Listed Timeform Betfair Racing Club "Fixed Brush" Handicap Hurdle (2.20pm), one of the highlights of a superb seven-race card at Haydock Park on Saturday, November 21.

totesport Becher Chase Among State of Play's Options 17/11/09
After taking fourth in last season’s John Smith’s Grand National, State Of Play could return to Aintree for the £100,000 Listed totesport.com Becher Handicap Chase (1.45pm), highlight of the second day of the Northwest Racing Masters on Sunday, November 22.

Jefferson Aiming for totesuper7 Grand Sefton Glory with Brooklyn Brownie 16/11/09
Two key trials for the John Smith’s Grand National take place at Aintree next weekend as the Merseyside course hosts the second and concluding day of the Northwest Racing Masters on Sunday, November 22.

Master Minded Beaten On Return 15/11/09
Master Minded, winner of the last two renewals of the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase, could only finished third in the inaugural running of the £50,000 Connaught Chase.

Brennan Times it to Perfection on Khyber Kim
15/11/09
The superb run of trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies at The Open continued when Khyber Kim came with a great run from the back to land the feature of day three, the £100,000 Greatwood Hurdle.

All Tranquil Sea in The Sunday Newspapers
15/11/09
Tranquil Sea dominated yesterday’s Paddy Power Gold Cup, and he was the centre of attention once again in today’s editions of the Sunday newspapers.

Paddy Power Cup Finally Crosses The Irish Sea Once Again 14/11/09
It has been a long time coming, but Tranquil Sea finally broke the 29-year hiatus for Irish-trained horses in the £150,000 Paddy Power Gold Cup, winning by four and a half lengths from Poquelin.

Punjabi Heads Entries for WBX.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle 11/11/09
Reigning Champion Hurdler Punjabi heads 25 entries for the 2009 running of the WBX.COM Fighting Fifth Hurdle as he bids to repeat last year’s victory in the race.

Twister Fancies Ballyfitz for the Paddy Power
11/11/09
Paddy paid a visit to Nigel Twiston-Davies at his Naunton stables this morning and, after driving the assembled media to the gallops in his double-decker bus, Twiston-Davies revealed that Ballyfitz, a 12-1 chance (from 16) with the sponsors, is his fancy for the Paddy Power Gold Cup on Saturday.

Taipan Set for Master Minded Test at The Open
11/11/09
Master Minded is set to make his seasonal debut in a fascinating first running of the Connaught Chase (1.45pm) at The Open on Sunday, November 15.

Nicholls Hoping to Run Three in Paddy Power
10/11/09
Paul Nicholls said today that the plan is to run Poquelin and Chapoturgeon, 6-1 joint-favourites with the sponsors, as well as Tatenen, a 10-1 chance in Saturday’s Paddy Power Gold Cup.

Notre Pere 11-8 Favourite For JNwine.com Champion Chase 06/11/09
Last season’s Welsh Grand National and Guinness Gold Cup winner - Notre Pere heads a list of 8 horses declared for tomorrow's JNwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal.

Blue Square Bet Launches New Interactive Racecard 05/11/09
Online bookmaker, Blue Square has launched its interactive racecard as part of its sportsbook offering.

Nolan Eyes Open Repeat for Shinrock Paddy
03/11/09
Paul Nolan is yet to finalise his plans for The Open at Cheltenham but the County Wexford trainer has revealed today that Shinrock Paddy could be heading back to the scene of his biggest triumph to date, at the vibrant three-day meeting - Friday, November 13, to Sunday, November 15.

Melbourne Cup Betting Preview 02/11/09
Billed by the Aussies as “The Race That Stops A Nation” the Melbourne Cup always takes place on the first Tuesday in November, this year it falls on the 3rd.

Strong Home Team Expected in Breeders Cup Including Rip Van Winkle and Conduit 02/11/09
The Breeders Cup is not far away and as usual it is expected to be one of the most entertaining meeting of the year.

Melbourne Cup: Is Win Number 13 Cumming for Bart? 01/11/09
81 year old Bart Cummings is rated a 9-4 chance by William Hill to win his thirteenth Melbourne Cup next week.

Deep Purple Given a 20-1 Opening Quote for William Hill King George 31/10/09
King George VI Chase sponsors William Hill have given the Evan Williams trained Deep Purple an opening show quote of 20-1 for the Kempton race following his dramatic win in the Charlie Hall Chase on Saturday afternoon.

Mann Considers Paddy Power Gold Cup for Exciting Duo 30/10/09
Charlie Mann hopes to carry off the Grade Three Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Saturday, November 14, and the Lambourn trainer could launch a two-pronged assault on the prestigious prize with his exciting second-season chasers Gauvain and Shining Gale, both 16/1 chances with the sponsors.

Punters Back Nobel for Breeders Cup Prize
29/10/09
William Hill have reported strong interest for Alfred Nobel in the Grey Goose Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.

Fenton Going Places
29/10/09
Philip Fenton is one of the select few to have ridden and trained a winner at the Cheltenham Festival.

Becher Handicap Chase on The Sawyer's Agenda
29/10/09
The second day of the Northwest Racing Masters at Aintree on Sunday, November 22, features the £100,000 Listed totesport.com Becher Handicap Chase, which gives horses the chance to race over the Grand National Course.

Barbers Shop to be Considered for Betfair Chase
29/10/09
This year’s £200,000 Grade One Betfair Chase could meet with the royal seal of approval with the Queen’s Barbers Shop under consideration for the prestigious three-mile contest, highlight of racing at Haydock Park on Day One of the Northwest Racing Masters, Saturday, November 21.

High Praise for Cartier Awards Hope St Nicholas Abbey 29/10/09
The radiant light of the all-conquering Sea The Stars is still very strong but the sport is now heralding the dawning of St Nicholas Abbey, who greatly enhanced his claim to the Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt Award with an exciting victory in the Group One Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster on Saturday, October 24.

Church Island Heads Strong Irish Challenge at Wetherby 29/10/09
Trainer Michael Hourigan is optimistic that Church Island can make another successful raid across the Irish Sea in the £100,000 Grade Two bet365 Charlie Hall Chase (2.55pm) at Wetherby on Saturday, October 31.

Ballydoyle and Godolphin Teams Unveil Breeders’ Cup Plans 29/10/09
Trainer Aidan O’Brien and Simon Crisford, Racing Manager for the Maktoum family’s Godolphin operation, today revealed their plans for the Breeders’ Cup 2009 at a press event held at Epsom Downs racecourse in the UK.

Bowen Aiming for bet365 Charlie Hall Chase Pot with Snoopy Loopy 28/10/09
Trainer Peter Bowen is looking forward to seeing how Snoopy Loopy gets on in the £100,000 Grade Two bet365 Charlie Hall Chase (2.55pm) at Wetherby on Saturday, October 31.

Pandorama Cut From 20-1 to 16-1 for RSA Chase Following Debut Win 27/10/09
The Noel Meade trained Pandorama made a winning start to his chasing career on Tuesday afternoon.

Royer-Dupre Hoping Goldikova’s Conqueror Sweet Hearth Can Fire at Breeders’ Cup 21/10/09
Having saddled Lashkari to a 53/1 upset in the inaugural Breeders’ Cup Turf at Hollywood Park 25 years ago, French champion trainer Alain de Royer-Dupre is hopeful that Sweet Hearth can give him a second victory at the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.

Pimpernel Popular Ahead of Racing Post Tilt
20/10/09
Elusive Pimpernel has proven to be popular with punters ahead of Saturday’s Racing Post Trophy and John Dunlop’s colt is now a 7/2 shot (from 9/2) with totesport for the mile event. St Nicholas Abbey remains the favourite for the race at 2/1.

Cracking Renewal of totetentofollow Old Roan Chase in Prospect at Aintree 20/10/09
With the 2009/10 Jump season now starting to step up a gear, Aintree plays host to two days of quality action this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, October 24 and 25.

The ‘Good Thing’ Comes Good 17/10/09
Darley Sun was the proverbial ‘good thing’ in the £160,000 totesport.com Cesarewitch and unlike many before him, he lived up that billing with an impressive five-length victory to reward those who had supported the 9/2 favourite.

Cecil Gives Newmarket Faithful Cause for Cheer 17/10/09
There could be no more popular winner on Newmarket’s Rowley Mile than one trained by Henry Cecil and particularly when that success comes in the feature race of the day, the Emirates Airline Champion Stakes.

Beethoven Best as Ballydoyle Bosses Dewhurst 17/10/09
Ireland’s champion trainer Aidan O’Brien ran four horses in the Jumeirah Dewhurst Stakes, Europe’s top race for two-year-old colts, and saddled the first, second, fourth and 14th.

Arabian Gleam Well Up To The Challenge
17/10/09
Champions’ Day 2009 began with a local success on the Rowley Mile when Arabian Gleam, trained by Jeremy Noseda, recorded a game victory in the seven-furlong Group Two Victor Chandler Challenge Stakes.

A Season of Stars at Newmarket
17/10/09
From the daffodil days of spring to the first frosts of autumn it has been a season of stars at Newmarket’s two racecourses - a Sea The Stars season.

Sariska In “Great Health” Ahead of Emirates Airline Champion Stakes 13/10/09
Trainer Michael Bell has supplied a positive bulletin about dual Oaks winner Sariska, who is set to give extra lustre to Saturday’s Emirates Airlines Champion Stakes at Newmarket.

Ashalanda Fills Royer-Dupre With Pride
13/10/09
Alain de Royer-Dupre is hoping to add to his collection of fond Champions’ Day memories at Newmarket on Saturday, 17th October, when he saddles the classy filly Ashalanda in the Group Two Pride Stakes , the race named in honour of his 2006 Emirates Airline Champion Stakes heroine.

Role On to Wetherby for Season Opener
09/10/09
Rookie trainer Rose Dobbin is hoping to saddle her first Wetherby winner on Wednesday, October 14, as Role On is among 15 chasers entered to contest the £15,000 skybet.com Supporting Spinal Research Bobby Renton Handicap Chase (3.45pm).

WBX.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle Contender On Trial at Chepstow Tomorrow 08/10/09
One of last season’s top juvenile hurdlers, Trenchant, lines up tomorrow at Chepstow for his first race of the new National Hunt season.

Bolger Believes Swordsman Can Take The Three Musketeers at Goodwood 08/10/09
Jump jockey Colin Bolger is looking forward to a rare foray on the Flat when Goodwood Racecourse hosts its final meeting of a tremendous 2009 season on Sunday, October 11.

Breeders’ Cup Classic Under Consideration for Sea The Stars 04/10/09
Sea The Stars was already assured his place in the history books as he headed to Paris, France, ahead of today’s Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe but, after a stunning victory in the 4 million euros Group One Longchamp contest, he ranks as one of the all-time greats in European racing.

Qatar Arc Day A Great Success On Every Front 04/10/09
About 49,000 racegoers witnessed a thrilling renewal of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, won by the Irish favourite Sea the Stars.

Supaseus Rewards Patience in Cambridgeshire Thriller 03/10/09
Supaseus put an injury sustained on the plane to Dubai behind him with a thrilling pillar-to-post victory in the totesport.com Cambridgeshire. Hughie Morrison’s 16/1 charge repelled a late thrust from 33/1 hope Tartan Gigha, who forced a photo-finish, by a nose.

Collet Delight as Sahpresa Pounces
03/10/09
Sahpresa provided French trainer Rodolphe (Rod) Collet with a first career Group One success when turning over short-priced favourite Ghanaati in the Kingdom Of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes.

Oasis Dancer Impressive in Tattersalls Timeform Million 03/10/09
Chris Harper and Heather Slade suffered the disappointment of having to withdraw their Dansili filly from next week’s Tattersalls October Sale after she fractured a pedal bone but that setback was more than compensated for when her half-brother Oasis Dancer broke his maiden in impressive fashion by winning the Tattersalls Timeform Million at odds of 66/1.

Mastercraftsman Heads to Santa Anita After Dundalk Victory 03/10/09
It is next stop Santa Anita for the Aidan O’Brien-trained Mastercraftsman, winner of this season’s Classic, the Irish 2,000 Guineas, plus the Group One St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, after his easy success in the Group Three Diamond Stakes at Dundalk in Ireland.

Awesome Awzaan Gives Shadwell a Day to Remember 02/10/09
Shadwell Stud has been a loyal sponsor at this meeting and they were richly rewarded when Sheikh Hamdan’s homebred colt, by the Shadwell stallion Alhaarth, landed the Shadwell Middle Park Stakes by three quarters of a length from the fast-finishing Radiohead.

Special Duty Gives Head-Maarek Fourth Cheveley Park Success 02/10/09
French trainer Criquette Head-Maarek celebrated her fourth victory in the Electrolux Cheveley Park Stakes when Special Duty put a up a classy performance to gain the Group One prize in 2009.

First France Then Breeders’ Cup for Fleeting Spirit 01/10/09
Crack British sprinter Fleeting Spirit is primed for action in the Group One Prix de l’Abbaye at Longchamp on Sunday, October 4, with a view to stepping out in the $1 million (US) Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Santa Anita on November 7.

Arctic Looking to Blast Rivals in Shadwell Middle Park Stakes 29/09/09
Arctic is poised to defend his unbeaten record in a hot renewal of the £183,400 Group One Shadwell Middle Park Stakes (3.05pm) at Newmarket on Friday, 2nd October, day two of the three-day totesport.com Cambridgeshire meeting.

Saint Nicholas Abbey New 10-1 Favourite for Derby 28/09/09
William Hill have halved St Nicholas Abbey’s odds from 20-1 to 10-1 favourite for next year’s Investec Derby - following his easy win in the Beresford Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday.

Rip Heads to Breeders’ Cup After QEII Win
26/09/09
The Aidan O’Brien-trained Rip Van Winkle followed in the steps of some equine greats by winning today’s Group One Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot and his next stop is set to be Santa Anita on November 7.

Three Breeders’ Cup Challenge Races at Ascot 25/09/09
A glittering card at Ascot tomorrow (Saturday) includes no less than three Breeders’ Cup Challenge races for which the winners will receive a guaranteed place at the World Thoroughbred Championships at Santa Anita on November 6 and 7.

Rip Van Winkle the 4/5 Favourite for the QE2 with Ladbrokes 24/09/09
David Williams of Ladbrokes said: “Pricing up Mastercraftsman at this stage would distort the book something rotten so we’re only prepared to offer him at SP."

Rip Van Winkle Evens Favourite for QE II
21/09/09
William Hill have installed the Aidan O’Brien trained Rip Van Winkle as their Even money favourite for this Saturday’s Sony Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot.

Abdullah Plans Strong Challenge for Santa Anita
18/09/09
Prince Khalid Abdullah, through his Juddmonte Farms, is no stranger to Breeders’ Cup success and, following on from the victories of Banks Hill (2001) and Intercontinental (2005), the Saudi owner could bid for a third success in the 10-furlong $2 million Grade One Emirates Airline Filly & Mare Turf at Santa Anita this year with his outstanding home-bred Midday.

Field of 12 for £250,000 Tattersalls Timeform Millions Sprint 17/09/09
Potential stars of the future will be on show at Newmarket tomorrow, Friday, 18th September, in the inaugural £250,000 Tattersalls Timeform Millions Sprint.

Goldikova to Take in Foret Before Breeders’ Cup
14/09/09
Trainer Freddie Head revealed today that last season’s TVG Breeders’ Cup Mile winner Goldikova, one of the best fillies to race in Europe in recent years, is on course for the $2 million contest again this year (at Santa Anita on November 7) and will have her prep run over seven furlongs in the Group One Prix de la Foret at Longchamp on Saturday, October 3.

Mastery Springs Surprise in 2009 Ladbrokes St Leger 12/09/09
Godolphin’s second string Mastery sprang a 14/1 surprise to land the 233rd running of the Ladbrokes St Leger when beating his more fancied stablemate Kite Wood, who was sent off 9/4 favourite.

Kite Wood on Target for St Leger
07/09/09
Simon Crisford, the Godolphin racing manager, talked about Kite Wood, the 5/2 joint favourite, and 16/1 chance Mastery at the Ladbrokes St Leger media event at the Landmark Hotel in London today.

Ebor Heroine Sesenta Has Doncaster Options
04/09/09
Top Irish trainer Willie Mullins is eying another Yorkshire prize for Ebor heroine Sesenta, who is being aimed at either the £100,000 Group Two DFS Park Hill Stakes or the £100,000 Group Two DFS Doncaster Cup on Town Moor this week.

Tattersalls Millions Irish Champion Stakes Winner Guaranteed Place in $3 Million Breeders’ Cup Turf 03/09/09
A thrilling contest is in prospect for the Group One Tattersalls Millions Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown this Saturday, September 5, with nine horses remaining following today’s final declaration stage.

Gitano Hernando Bids to Prove His Merit at Doncaster 03/09/09
A high-class entry has been received for the £25,000 Debenhams Frenchgate Conditions Stakes at Doncaster on the opening day of the Ladbrokes St Leger Festival, Wednesday, September 9, 2009, with the Henry Cecil-trained Group Two winner Twice Over and Grade One South African Derby victor Kings Gambit among the 21 horses engaged.

Tregoning Up for the Doncaster Cup with Askar Tau 02/09/09
Marcus Tregoning is seeking a first £100,000 Group Two DFS Doncaster Cup victory with the progressive stayer Askar Tau, who is set to contest the historic two and a quarter-mile showpiece on Friday, September 11, the third day of the 2009 Ladbrokes St Leger Festival.

William Hill (Ayr) Gold Cup Meeting Worth £600,000 31/08/09
More than £600,000 in prizemoney is available at this year’s William Hill (Ayr) Gold Cup Festival at Ayr Racecourse which runs from Thursday September 17 until Saturday September 19.

Lester Piggott‘s Son-in-Law Aiming to Repeat History in Group 1 Betfred Sprint Cup 25/08/09
William Haggas has two good chances in the 2009 Betfred Sprint Cup with High Standing and Triple Aspect.

Haydock Park’s New Era for Sprint Cup
29/08/09
Haydock Park, the premier Northern Flat and Jump racecourse confirms today that it will be using the newly created Flat Track for the Group 1 Betfred Sprint Cup on September 5th 2009.

Vintage Renewal totesport.com Celebration Mile
27/08/09
Delegator heads the market at even money with the sponsors for the totesport.com Celebration Mile at Goodwood on Saturday and will be Godolphin’s only representative in the race after Evasive was taken out at the final declaration stage.

Superb DFS Park Stakes in Prospect
26/08/09
The £160,000 DFS Park Stakes, run over seven furlongs on Ladbrokes St Leger Day, Saturday, September 12, looks set to be a cracking contest with 33 contenders remaining after the scratchings’ deadline.

Moyglare Stud Stakes Contender Misheer is Breeders’ Cup Possible 25/08/09
Trainer Clive Brittain is considering a trip to California in November with top juvenile filly Misheer, who is set to line up in the Group One Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh this Sunday, August 30.

All Set for for Historic Town Plate 25/08/09
The final act of the 2009 season on The July Course will see the 340th running of the Newmarket Town Plate, supported by Powters and Golding, take place after racing on Saturday, August 29.

DFS Park Stakes Under Consideration for The Cheka 22/08/09
Trainer Eve Johnson-Houghton is considering letting her stable star The Cheka take his chance in Group Two DFS Park Stakes, one of the highlights of racing on the fourth and final day of the Ladbrokes St Leger Festival at Doncaster, Saturday, September 12.

Ladbrokes St Leger Tops Mourayan’s Agenda
13/08/09
Irish trainer John Oxx revealed today that the £500,000 Group One Ladbrokes St Leger, staged over an extended mile and three-quarters at Doncaster on Saturday, September 12, remains the prime objective for Irish Derby third Mourayan.

Hughes On the Button for Ireland - The Winners
08/08/09
Richard Hughes, team captain for Ireland, sealed a memorable victory for his team and for himself in taking the Silver Saddle for the leading rider at the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup, with an impressive win on the 11/1 chance Press The Button and also received the Silver Saddle for the most individual wins at the meeting.

Japan’s Uchida Hopes to Bring Backflips to Ascot
06/08/09
Hiroyuki Uchida is hoping to thrill the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup crowd with his trademark backflips at Ascot on Saturday. The Japanese star is Japan’s answer to Frankie Dettori, who often plays to the gallery with his popular flying dismounts.

Geoff Wragg Gains Goodwood Racecourse Lifetime Achievement Award 30/07/09
Geoff Wragg took out his trainer’s licence at the age of 53 in 1983 and retired after an illustrious career at the end of 2008.

Bargain Xtension Could Be Guineas Colt 29/07/09
Xtension gave trainer Clive Cox a biggest career success when coming with a well-timed run under jockey Adam Kirby to beat Mata Keranjang by a length and a quarter in the Veuve Clicquot Vintage Stakes.

90 Remain in Bluesquare.com Stewards’ Cup
27/07/09
A total of 90 horses have been left in at today’s six-day confirmation stage for the £100,000 Bluesquare.com Stewards’ Cup and the weights for the prestigious six-furlong handicap are headed by Asset (10st) from the Godolphin operation.

Barshiba Among 13 for Nassau Stakes 27/07/09
This year’s £200,000 Blue Square Nassau Stakes looks set to be another titanic clash of the generations with 13 fillies and mares remaining on course for the Group One contest, highlight of the fifth and final day of Glorious Goodwood on Saturday, August 1.

Conduit Leads Historic King George 1-2-3 25/07/09
Sir Michael Stoute pulled off one of the most remarkable feats in his 37-year training career when he saddled the first three home in the £1 million Betfair-sponsored King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

Knot In Wood Delivers in Sky Bet Dash 25/07/09
Knot In Wood showed just what a battler he is as he stuck his neck out for a narrow verdict over Barney McGrew in the Sky Bet Dash at York.

Kirklees Reaches for Sky in York Stakes 25/07/09
Kirklees was sent off the even-money favourite for the Sky Bet York Stakes on the Knavesmire and duly ran out a convincing winner of the Group Two event.

Goldie Hopes River Falcon Can Swoop in Sky Bet Dash 22/07/09
Jim Goldie’s in-form sprinter River Falcon bids for a fourth victory on the Knavesmire in the £50,000 Sky Bet Dash Heritage Handicap at York on Saturday, July 25.

Trainers and Owners Keen on Speed Bonus at Goodwood 21/07/09
After blitzing his way to course records at Leicester and Warwick, Peter Island is aiming to post another super-fast time in the inaugural Racehorse Owners Association “Speed Bonus” at Goodwood on Sunday, September 13.

Cox Mulls Over Goodwood Options for Beacon Lodge 15/07/09
Trainer Clive Cox is considering letting Beacon Lodge take his chance against some of the season’s top milers in the £300,000 Group One BGC Sussex Stakes, highlight of the second day of Glorious Goodwood on Wednesday, July 29.

Fleeting Spirit Out On Her Own
10/07/09
Fleeting Spirit gained a deserved first Group One success in the Darley July Cup under Tom Queally to become the first filly to lift the sprint since Frizzante five years ago.

Doctor Makes it a Magnificent Seventh for Stoute
09/07/09
Sir Michael Stoute landed his seventh success in the Group Two Princess of Wales’s Blue Square Stakes when the four-year-old Doctor Fremantle bounced back to form with a determined half-length triumph.

Bankable Aimed at Goodwood Glory in totesport Mile 08/07/09
Trainer Gary Moore is aiming for totesport Mile success with Bankable and Kavachi after the weights were revealed today for the prestigious £150,000 heritage handicap, run on the fourth day of Glorious Goodwood on Friday, July 31.

Goldikova Back on Song in Falmouth Stakes
08/07/09
Goldikova bounced back to her brilliant best with an impressive display in the Etihad Airways Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket.

Fanshawe Points Spacious at Falmouth Stakes
25/06/09
James Fanshawe has an enviable record in the £200,000 Group One Etihad Airways Falmouth Stakes and the Newmarket trainer is hoping to enhance that when Spacious takes her Royal Ascot winning form to the July Course on Wednesday, July 8.

England to Host Four Breeders’ Cup Challenge Races 22/06/09
Winners of Ascot’s Queen Elizabeth II, Fillies’ Mile and Royal Lodge and Newmarket’s Emirates Airline Champion Stakes to Earn Automatic Berths into World Championships at Santa Anita Park.

De Kock Aiming for Group Three Glory at Newmarket with Imbongi 22/06/09
South African trainer Mike de Kock is eyeing another British prize with Imbongi, who is one of 18 entries for the £65,000 Group Three John Bovington Memorial Criterion Stakes at Newmarket’s July Course on Saturday, June 27.

Quality Field Set for Boylesports.com Irish 1000 Guineas 20/05/09
Sunday’s featured Boylesports.com Irish 1000 Guineas at the Curragh has attracted a top class group of fillies which includes Cuis Ghaire, Super Sleuth and Hearth Shaped who are all set to do battle again following their second, third and fourth placings respectively behind Ghanaati in the English equivalent.

“Budapest Bullet” Overdose Heads 27 Entries for Temple Stakes 05/05/09
Hungarian sprinting phenomenon Overdose heads 27 entries for the £100,000 Group Two betfred.com Temple Stakes, run over five furlongs at Haydock Park on Saturday, May 23.

All the News from Day 4 at Punchestown 01/05/09Charles Byrnes and his team were confident with a late flurry seeing Solwhit go off a joint 2/1 favourite for the Grade 1 Rabobank Champion Hurdle and their faith was well and truly justified as the five-year-old held off Champion Hurdler Punjabi by a short-head under Davy Russell.

All the News from Day 3 at Punchestown 30/04/09
The unstoppable combination of trainer Willie Mullins and jockey Ruby Walsh landed today’s feature Ladbrokes.com World Series Hurdle when Fiveforthree came home seven lengths clear of Pettifour.

All the News from Day 2 at Punchestown
29/04/09
Notre Pere put a frustrating few months behind him when lighting up the second day of the 2009 Punchestown Festival with a 13-length victory in the feature Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup.

Goodwood Racecourse Presents The Speed Bonus
28/04/09
Goodwood Racecourse and the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) are delighted to announce that the Sussex course will host The Speed Bonus, worth £100,000, as part of an exciting new raceday concept on Sunday, September 13.

All the News from Day 1 at Punchestown
28/04/09
Champion Master Minded made it four Grade 1 wins this season when, aided by a final fence blunder by Big Zeb, held on by a head to take the Kerrygold Champion Chase under Ruby Walsh.

British Raiders Seek Cheltenham Revenge at Punchestown 24/04/09
Irish raiders enjoyed a magical Cheltenham Festival in March, winning nine races, and the British raiders will be looking to make a big impact at next week’s Punchestown Festival with a formidable team set to head over.

Wadham and Lavelle Send Star Aintree Winners to Punchestown 23/04/09
Trainers Lucy Wadham and Emma Lavelle today confirmed their impressive Aintree winners El Dancer and Bouggler on course for next week’s Punchestown Festival.

Quadruple Bidding Yeats Heads Group One Entries 22/04/09
Yeats (Aidan O’Brien), who will be bidding for an unprecedented fourth Gold Cup in June, heads 32 entries for this year’s race.

Aussie Challengers Headline Glittering International Cast for Royal Ascot Sprints 22/04/09
No fewer than eight nations could be represented in this year’s King’s Stand Stakes and Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot, legs two and three of the Global Sprint Challenge.

Mullins’ Big Guns Primed for Punchestown Festival Assault 22/04/09
Ireland’s champion trainer Willie Mullins has a formidable team primed for next week’s Irish National Hunt Festival at Punchestown, with three of his hugely-impressive Cheltenham Festival winners, Mikael D’Haguenet, Cooldine and Quevega, all set to make their eagerly-awaited comebacks.

Crowded House Regains Derby Favouritism After Meehan's Positive Update 21/04/09
Long-time Derby favourite Crowded House is once again the clear market leader with Coral for the Epsom Classic, after punters reacted to trainer Brian Meehan's positive update on the colt.

Goodwood Celebrates Record Breaking Year
14/04/09
Record prize money, a record number of fixtures and most probably a record number of runners and racegoers are expected as Goodwood puts its best foot forward in anticipation of the busiest year in its illustrious 207-year history.

Newmarket’s Season Opens on Wednesday with Great Racing 13/04/09
Michael Prosser, Director of Racing and Clerk of the Course, is hoping Newmarket’s season will open with good going on Wednesday, April 15.

Star Names Set for Punchestown Festival 09/04/09
Top-class entries are revealed today for the 11 early-closing races at the 2009 Punchestown Festival, which takes place from Tuesday, April 28, to Saturday, May 2.

Grand National Winner Mon Mome on Parade at Cheltenham 09/04/09
Racing returns to Cheltenham for the first time since The Festival with three fabulous days of The April Meeting on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (evening), April 15, 16 and 17.

Eight Second Entries Received for 2009 Derby Including US Horse 09/04/09
Eight horses have been entered at the second entry for the 2009 Derby, which has prize money of £1.25 million, details of which are revealed today.

Nicky Henderson Unveils Punchestown Plans 07/04/09
Cheltenham Gold Cup seventh Barbers Shop could become the first Royal runner in Ireland for more than 37 years in the Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup at the Irish National Hunt Festival on Wednesday, April 29.

John Smith's Grand National News From Tuesday Morning 31/03/09
The new order of elimination from the John Smith’s Grand National was decided this morning. War Of Attrition scratched by trainer Mouse Morris.

Mangan Back on John Smith’s Grand National Trail with Himalayan 26/03/09
Six years after saddling Monty’s Pass to win the world’s greatest steeplechase, Jimmy Mangan is looking forward to a return for another shot at Aintree glory with Himalayan Trail, who is set to contest the £900,000 John Smith’s Grand National on Saturday, April 4.

Halcon Heads Coral Scottish Grand National Weights 26/03/09
Halcon Genelardais, runner-up in last year’s race, heads the weights for this year’s Coral Scottish Grand National to be run on Saturday April 18.

Nicholls Bidding for Repeat Victory in John Smith’s Topham Chase 25/03/09
Champion trainer Paul Nicholls could have as many as four runners in the £110,000 John Smith’s Topham Chase after the weights were revealed today for the extended two mile, five furlong contest, run over the Grand National fences on Friday, April 3.

87 Go Forward in Search of William Hill Lincoln Glory at Doncaster 23/03/09
A total of 87 horses remain after today’s five-day confirmation stage for the traditional curtain raiser for the Flat season, the £125,000 William Hill Lincoln, run over a mile at Doncaster on Saturday, March 28.

American Trainer Targets 2009 Oaks at Epsom Downs 19/03/09
The Oaks at Epsom Downs, run on Friday, June 5, day one of the Derby Festival, has attracted an entry of 77 for the Classic’s 2009 renewal.

88 Go Forward for 2009 John Smith’s Grand National 18/03/09
The 2009 John Smith’s Grand National, worth a record £900,000, has 88 acceptors going forward following the passing of the second scratchings deadline, details of which are revealed today.

Reveley Hoping for Big-Race Double with totesport.com Eider Favourite Jass 17/02/09
A total of twenty-two horses have been entered for the totesport.com Eider Chase at Newcastle on Saturday afternoon and the sponsors have made Jass the 5/1 favourite for the 4m1f event.

Jefferson Hoping to Scale Festival Heights with Cape Tribulation 12/02/09
Trainer Malcolm Jefferson is no stranger to Festival success, having struck twice with Tindari, successful in the Pertemps Final in 1994, and the top-class Dato Star, who triumphed in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper 12 months later.

McCoy Makes Racing History at Plumpton!
09/02/09
Thirteen-time Champion Jockey Tony McCoy today wrote himself ANOTHER place in the history books when riding his 3000th winner over jumps at Sussex track Plumpton.

Poker De Sivola “Bouncing” Ahead of totesportbingo.com Towton Novices’ Chase at Wetherby 27/01/09
Ferdy Murphy is looking forward to running Poker De Sivola in the £33,000 Grade Two totesportbingo.com Towton Novices’ Chase (3.25pm) at Wetherby on Saturday, January 31.

Todhunter Hopes Rain Won’t Spoil His Rhythm in The Sky Bet Chase 22/01/09
Cumbrian trainer Martin Todhunter is hoping the rain clouds stay away over the next two days as he targets the £85,000 Listed Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster on Saturday with the promising novice That’s Rhythm (18/1 with sponsor Sky Bet ).

The Cheka Holds Tattersalls Timeform 3-y-o Trophy Option 21/01/09
The Cheka is among 203 acceptors following the first forfeit stage for the inaugural running of the £400,000 Tattersalls Timeform 3-Y-O Trophy, which takes place over 10 furlongs of the NatWest Rowley Mile on Wednesday, April 15, 2009.

Curtis Hoping Marodima Can Make Perfect Start in Williamhill.com Handicap Chase at Doncaster 21/01/09
This year sees the second running of the £100,000 williamhill.com Handicap Chase, for which weights are revealed today, Wednesday, January 21.

Smokey Oakey Heads Weights in William Hill Lincoln 21/01/09
Smokey Oakey (9st 10lb) heads the weights for the £125,000 William Hill Lincoln, the historic handicap which opens the Flat turf season at Doncaster on Saturday, March 28.

Montgermont Comeback Continues in the Sky Bet Chase 21/01/09
The Caroline Bailey-trained Montgermont (16/1 with sponsor Sky Bet ) will attempt to prove that the high-class ability he exhibited in his novice days remains intact when he lines up for the £85,000 Listed Sky Bet Chase (3.25pm) at Doncaster on Saturday.

Mann Hoping to be Over the Moon on Festival Trials Day at Cheltenham 21/01/09
Trainer Charlie Mann is optimistic that a step up to two miles and five furlongs will play into the hands of Moon Over Miami in the £60,000 Grade Three Betchronicle.com Trophy Chase (2.05pm) on Festival Trials Day, Saturday, January 24.

Webber Opts for Sky Bet Chase with In-Form Laskari 20/01/09
Laskari (10/1 with sponsor Sky Bet ) is primed to seek his second victory at Doncaster this season in the £85,000 Sky Bet Chase (3.25pm) as trainer Paul Webber hopes to strike while the iron is hot.

Fair Along Set to Put Festival Claims on Trial at Cheltenham 20/01/09
Trainer Philip Hobbs is hoping that the talented Fair Along can book his place in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle with a good run in the £60,000 Grade Two Byrne Group Cleeve Hurdle on Saturday, January 24.

Ungaro Heads to Doncaster Seeking Sky Bet Chase Revenge 19/01/09
Ungaro (12/1 with sponsor Sky Bet ) will bid to go one place better than last year when he lines up for the prestigious £85,000 Sky Bet Chase (3.25pm) over three miles at Doncaster on Saturday, January 24.

Exotic Dancer and Star De Mohaison Set for Festival Trials Day at Cheltenham 19/01/09
Owner Sir Robert Ogden could be double-handed in the £100,000 Grade Two Letheby & Christopher Chase (2.35pm), with both Exotic Dancer and Star De Mohaison among a superb entry of 16 on Saturday, January 24.

Simarian Looking for Further Cheltenham Success on Festival Trials Day 16/01/09
Trainer Evan Williams is hoping that classy performer Simarian can book his place in the JCB Triumph Hurdle with a good run at Cheltenham on Festival Trials Day, Saturday, January 24, 2009.

Comply Or Die and Madison Du Berlais Set to Head Pipe Team 13/01/09
Trainer David Pipe looks to have a strong hand as he bids to join the elite list of trainers to have won the John Smith’s Grand National more than once.

Tompkins Eyes William Hill Lincoln for Smokey and Devonshire 12/01/09
Entries for the 2009 renewal of the £125,000 William Hill Lincoln close at noon tomorrow, Tuesday, January 13 and Newmarket trainer Mark Tompkins is hoping that last year’s victor Smokey Oakey will line up at Doncaster on Saturday, March 28, to defend his crown.

Goldsworthy Looking for Festival Clues at Cheltenham 12/01/09
Trainer Keith Goldsworthy is hoping that exciting novices Hold Em and Shenanigan can further enhance their Festival claims on Festival Trials Day at Cheltenham on Saturday, January 24, 2009.

Kauto Star Aiming for Revenge Over Denman 07/01/09
Owner Clive Smith firmly believes that Kauto Star can gain compensation over stablemate Denman in this year’s totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday, March 13. The Paul Nicholls-trained pair are among 38 horses who have been entered for the £475,000 highlight of the four-day Festival at Cheltenham.

Record Prize Money for 2009 Royal Meeting 06/01/09
Ascot Racecourse today announces that prize money for the 2009 Royal Meeting (Tuesday 16th June to Saturday 20st June) has been increased by £450,000 to £4,450,000.

Connections Considering Albertas Run for Letheby & Christopher Chase at Cheltenham 06/01/09
Mick Meagher, racing manager to Trevor Hemmings, confirmed today that Albertas Run may take his chance in the £100,000 Grade Two Letheby & Christopher Chase on Saturday, January 24, 2009.

Wetherby’s Caribbean Saturday! 05/01/09
Racegoers will be able to banish the winter blues at Wetherby’s ‘Caribbean Saturday’ this weekend (January 10) – the course’s first meeting of 2009.

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