Goodwood Racecourse

racing news/

Jump Jockeys in Action for Goodwood’s Finale
11/10/07

The Ucello II And Ubu III Trophy Stakes (2.20pm) is the highlight at Goodwood on Sunday, October 14, when the West Sussex track hosts its final fixture of 2007.

The two-mile race is for jump jockeys only, and is supported by the Marquesa de Moratalla, who owned both Ucello II and Ubu III. Trained by leading French handler Francois Doumen, the two chasers enjoyed great success in France, winning the Grand Steeple Chase de Paris three times between them (1993-95). Doumen was also responsible for training the Marquesa’s other star chasers, The Fellow, Algan and First Gold.

The race was first run in 1995, and was switched to October from September in 2003. Previous winning riders include Richard Hughes, who in 2000 renewed his jumps licence specifically for this unique contest.

Last year’s renewal saw the John O’Shea-trained Kanpai triumph under the guidance of Paul O’Neill. The talented five-year-old went on to win the Grade Two Persian War Novices’ Hurdle at Chepstow.

Paul O’Neill is looking forward to a repeat victory this year with another John O’Shea-trained horse, Beaver, an eight-year-old gelding who was last seen running fifth to Elopement in an 11-furlong apprentice handicap at Hamilton on September 24.

O’Neill revealed today: “Beaver is a dual Listed winner in his native Australia and unfortunately he sustained a leg injury last season.

“He has run respectably over a mile, and I think the step up to two miles will suit him. He’ll have a very good chance.

“Last year’s win was my only ride on the Flat, so I’m looking forward to defending my unbeaten record! Working in Lambourn, I know a few of the Flat jockeys, and I ride out for Flat yards during the summer.”

A total of 27 horses are entered for the two-mile contest, many of who have experience over fences. Estate was a handicap hurdle winner for trainer Eoghan O’Neill at Bangor last season, while To Arms was successful in a novice hurdle at Market Rasen in June.

Noddies Way has been placed three times at Goodwood this season while the John Jenkins-trained Go Amwell is looking for a hat-trick following victories at Goodwood in the Country Park Handicap on September 16 and at Kempton. The Royston-based handler also has Domenico entered.

At The Money has enjoyed success under both codes. James Eustace’s versatile gelding triumphed in a novice hurdle at Warwick in February, having previously won a handicap over just short of two miles at the same course.

The Ucello II And Ubu III Trophy kicks-off a six-race card at Goodwood on October 14, which runs through to the Racing UK On Sky 432 Handicap (5.15pm).

GROUND DRYING OUT

Goodwood’s Clerk of the Course Seamus Buckley is hopeful that the ground will be on the soft side of good for Sunday’s meeting, despite the recent wet weather.

He said today: “We have had just over 20 millimetres of rain since Tuesday, and at the moment the ground is certainly soft. But with three to four dry days forecast, I think by Sunday the ground will be good, good to soft in places.”

Buckley is delighted at how the course had stood up to 22 days action this season, with a record number of horses having run at Goodwood. This is despite one of the wettest summers on record.

He continued: “My highlights of this season have been Frankie Dettori’s victories on Rio De La Plata in the Veuve Clicquot Vintage Stakes and Ramonti in the BGC Sussex Stakes. I also enjoyed the wonderful Irish filly Peeping Fawn winning the Blue Square Nassau Stakes.

“But the ride of the season must go to Jamie Spencer when he won on Zidane in the Bluesqure.com Stewards’ Cup.”

ROLLS-ROYCE DICK HERN AWARD STILL UP FOR GRABS

The race for of the Rolls-Royce Dick Hern Award for the trainer with most winners in a season at Goodwood is still wide open ahead of Sunday’s fixture.

Sir Michael Stoute is the current leader this year with eight victories, but with no horses entered for Sunday’s card, the door is open for several other trainers.

Mick Channon has enjoyed seven victories at Goodwood this season, and the West Ilsley-based trainer has 12 entries for Goodwood’s finale. Last year’s winner, Godolphin’s Saeed bin Suroor also has seven triumphs to his name this year, and he has Pearl Dealer entered in the European Breeders’ Fund “Finale” Nursery (2.55pm).

Pulborough trainer Amanda Perrett has also enjoyed significant success at her local track in 2007, with six victories. She has two horses entered for Sunday’s meeting.

Other handlers who could win the prestigious award include Goodwood’s most successful current trainer, Richard Hannon, and Mark Johnston, both of who have six victories this season. With 23 entries between them on Sunday, either could walk away with the Philip Blacker-sculpted bronze trophy of Dick Hern.

The successful trainer will also be chauffeur driven to the racecourse next year in a Rolls-Royce, while the stable staff of the winning yard will receive a cheque for £1,000.