JULY
Believing landing the G2 Sapphire Stakes at the Curragh
By Harry Herbert
Trudie presented me with a rather fabulous statistic last week which was that 20% of all the races that our horses have run in this year have been at black type (Listed or Group) level. That in itself is amazing but in those black type races our horses have won or been placed in over 50% of them! This really does underline the calibre of our current crop of horses. Believing’s win in Ireland at Group 2 level was richly deserved - she is a very special filly and her speed figures for her race at Goodwood last week have to be seen to be believed!
Approval’s victory at Glorious Goodwood was another great moment in our season. To have a winner at Royal Ascot and Goodwood in the same season as well as other placed horses really is what it’s all about!
There will be plenty more excitements to come as our two year old crop make their debuts but a big thank you to all of our trainers who have campaigned our horses so well. Prizemoney earnings have surpassed the whopping one million (GBP) milestone!! The total is currently standing at a very impressive £1,030,703 and counting…on now to York!!
With my best wishes,
Harry Herbert, Chairman
On the track
by Emily Scott
The highlight on the track this month was undoubtedly Believing’s dominant victory in the Sapphire Stakes (Gr 2) at the Curragh. It took her tally of stakes victories to five and provided Highclere with a first Group win of the season. It was a bit of a fact-finding mission for trainer George Boughey who is hoping that she can return to the Curragh in mid-September for the Flying Five Stakes (Gr 1). For a filly who has now been placed three times at Group 1 level, a win at the highest level looks within her grasp. She proved this less than two weeks later with another fantastic run in a strong renewal of the King George Stakes (Gr 2) at Glorious Goodwood. She was a touch outpaced through the early part of the race and didn’t get the smoothest of runs, but rattled home to be denied just ¾ length by the winner Big Evs who was in receipt of 3lbs from Believing.
It was a glorious week to remember at Goodwood as Approval got up in the dying strides of the £100,000 1m2f 3yo handicap. Things hadn’t quite gone his way at Royal Ascot 6 weeks earlier, but his trainer William Haggas kept the faith and when the forecast rain failed to materialise his odds duly shortened. For the first time Tom Marquand adopted slightly different tactics and rather than firing out into an early lead he attempted to settle Approval in mid-division. The pair had to get in a bit of a tussle with one another, but once Approval hit the rising ground, he was happy to go at the pace Tom wanted. As they thundered down the hill inside the final half mile it was a matter of crossing fingers and toes that the gaps would open for Approval who appeared full of running. Tom opted to let Approval drift to the inside rail where there was just enough room for him to slip through and I think he won a little cosily at the line. He will no doubt be shooting up in the handicap, but hopefully there is more improvement to come, particularly as he’s now learning to race in a more relaxed manner.
Aviemore would have lined up in Approval’s race had the rain arrived, however, as the ground remained on the firm side, we decided to save him for another day. Having been unraced at two Aviemore has had a busy time so far this season, most recently winning in good style at Ayr. He had to do it the hard way, making every yard of the running, but it was a beautifully judged ride from Franny Norton, and I think Aviemore was well on top at the finish. He was raised 5lbs for that victory and remains an unexposed progressive sort who I thoroughly look forward to seeing out again. He holds entries later this week, including in the Racing League at Chepstow.
It's the time of year when we see more of the two-year-olds coming out of the woodwork and there were a couple of eye-catching performances from Highclere fillies this month, none more so than the victory for Beauty Nation at Kempton. She was purchased privately only a couple of weeks earlier with this Band D novice in mind and so it was extremely satisfying to see her produce such an electric turn of foot to win from what looked an impossible position. Unfortunately, she failed to overcome her winner’s penalty two weeks later having boiled over before the race on a very warm evening at Wolverhampton where she had to settle for second. The other filly to turn a few heads was Nightbird at Nottingham last week. She had been green on debut back in May but was given plenty of time and she rewarded that patience with a very fine effort to finish second, beaten a neck. Had she broken slightly better she could well have won, and I think is a capable of going one better next time.
The fillies out of George Boughey’s stable just keep delivering and in addition to Believing’s exploits this month we have seen pleasing performances from Soprano and Bountiful. Soprano, like Believing, has been kept busy since Royal Ascot and seems to be thriving with racing. She showed her versatility when staying the mile well on soft ground at Sandown where she was third in the Coral Distaff (Listed) and although the race wasn’t run to suit in the Valiant Stakes (Gr 3) at Ascot, she still managed to make up a lot of ground to finish fourth. Bountiful skipped Royal Ascot in favour of contesting the Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes (Gr 2) at Newmarket where she massively outperformed her starting price of 22/1 to finish fourth, beaten just 1 ½ lengths. She set incredibly fast fractions from the front and couldn’t quite hold on, but it’s clear from that performance that she’s capable of earning some black type and the handicapper agreed, raising her 11lbs to a mark of 100.
Aviemore winning at Ayr
Newmarket 875
By Hanako Sonobe Varian, founder
Often I am asked what has been my inspiration in life. The answer is always the same: Horses. Horses have taken me on a journey that started when I was a teenager. It is hard to explain why I fell in love with horses. During my childhood and early teenage years I dedicated my time training in classical ballet. I wasn’t interested in other sports but ballet requires balance and discipline, two skills that I was able to carry over to horse riding. In Japan there is no access to pony club or even ponies so I had to learn how to ride on ex racehorses. I learned to ride and found that doing something like horse riding that I previously felt beyond me gave me a lot of confidence. I progressed as a rider and was able to compete in national showjumping competitions. Riding is a unique sport: equestrian disciplines are the only Olympic sports where you compete with animals, and where you are not defined by your gender, size, or strength. What is important is your ability to communicate with your horse. Anyone who has been involved in horses may feel this way, I certainly do, a bond between human and horse can be like a sixth sense. It is something that is very difficult to put into words. It is very special.
Hanako’s children Momoka, Reika and Eiji and their ponies with friends and Ryan Moore!
Horses had become my passion. My appetite to learn more about them was growing and so I started to look into where I could go to expand my knowledge of them. I always considered horses to be part of the culture of England so I looked into opportunities to study horses at a university in the UK. I was able to do this and took a degree in equine science and studied all aspects of the horse. It was when I returned to Japan that I became aware of the world of horse racing. I was employed by a horse racing organisation where I was in charge of interpreting for international competitors and managing overseas tours. I think I can say that this job was the catalyst for me to change my focus from the world of horse riding to the world of horse racing. Learning about the origins of the horse racing industry through my work gave me a determination to learn more about the heritage and history of horse racing around the world.
In 2003 I was accepted onto a training course called Godolphin Flying Start. This was a program sponsored by HH Sheikh Mohammed, Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and was established to give young people the opportunity to learn more about the racing industry and the breeding of racehorses. The two-year training programme based in Ireland, UK, USA, Australia and the UAE, gave me a wide range of training which included: equine science, veterinary science, pedigrees, production, farriery, business, corporate management, marketing, law and insurance. After graduating the Flying Start program I started work for Godolphin, a global thoroughbred organisation owned by HH Sheikh Mohammed. Based in Newmarket, UK (where the company’s headquarters are) my role was to oversee the running of his breeding farm and racehorse interests in Japan.
Ryan Moore
Horse racing is often referred to as the ‘Sport of Kings’ and has a rich aristocratic history, present still to this day. However, racing is much more inclusive nowadays with owners represented from around the world and all walks of life. Racehorse staff who ride and care for the horses come from all over the globe. I believe this is a unique industry where people can talk passionately with each other, regardless of where they come from about their common interest in horses. The horse is the denominator which brings a unique blend of people together. In 2011, my husband, Roger Varian, and I founded Varian Stables, a racehorse stable, located in Newmarket and now home to approximately 200 Thoroughbreds. We have many different clients from all over the world and we employ about 90 staff of many different nationalities. We experience first-hand through our owners and our staff this great mix of people all brought together by the horse.
In recent years the horse racing industry has been faced with a number of challenges.
Staffing pressures; it has been increasingly difficult to attract young people to work in the industry. A wide variety of recreational choice on offer in today’s world has meant horse racing and other equine sports have found it harder to compete for the interest of young people and celebrities. Therefore attracting new fans and the next generation of our work force is not guaranteed.
Betting or gambling is of course a component of horse racing; rightly or wrongly the powerful social move against gambling is having a negative impact on the sport’s funding and finances.
Extreme animal rights groups are challenging the use of horses in sport and are increasingly vocal in their attack against the welfare challenges facing the industry.
The above are very different problems but are nevertheless contributing to a headwind for which the horse racing industry needs to navigate through.
Hanako and her husband Roger Varian (trainer)
Another obstacle which we all have to navigate through is the good and the bad and all things in between of social media. Social media is great at times, connecting people all over the world and providing instant news. However, one short video or photograph can also damage an industry or the people within. Whilst I am not defending the video and actions of Charlotte Dujardin, the negative impact of her video caused a national conversation about the welfare of horses in equine sport. I fear there is a danger that one day the future of equine sports might be decided by people with no equine knowledge and this is a worrying prospect.
Eiji, Hanako, Reika and Momoka Varian
For over 10 years I have been thinking about how to promote Newmarket, British racing and horse culture to a wider audience far beyond racing people. I wanted to do something for the industry I love. That is the motivation behind why I started my fashion brand Newmarket 875 in July 2023. Our goal is simple – to share the beauty of Thoroughbred with the world, though fashion and lifestyle. The iconic gold, red, navy Newmarket Stripe blanket colour is a common thread woven throughout our branding and products. Our garments and accessories are manufactured mainly in UK and Europe with our focus on producing high quality. We hope that we can showcase the history and heritage of horse racing and the quality of the thoroughbred through my luxury fashion brand. My wish is for the horse racing industry to thrive and last for many generations to come.
We will be at:
Longines Global Champions Tour London / 16-18 August 2024
Burghley Horse Trial / 5-8 September 2024
Cornbury House Horse Trails / 11-15 September 2024
Blenheim Palace International Horse Trial / 19-22 September 2024
Spirit of Christmas Fair / 4-10 November 2024
London International Horse Show / 18-22 December 2024
PRESENTING LIFE IN HORSE RACING
by Aly Vance, Freelance presenter
As you may or may not know, your Racing Manager, Frances de Haan used to work in TV production and spent a number of years as the producer on a CNN broadcast series called ‘Winning Post’. I was fortunate enough to present the show, covering racing around the globe, from the top race meetings, including the likes of Royal Ascot and the Japan Cap to racing on the ice in St Moritz or on the beach in Galway.
Since covid and having two small children I have been freelance, working for racing clients including the Bahrain Turf Club, Tattersalls and Cheltenham racecourse. I’ve also recently been involved with the new ITV show Champions: Full Gallop.
Post race interviews at the Amir Sword Festival in Bahrain
Frances asked me to write about my job…’just your typical day…that kind of thing’. There is no such thing as a standard day so I thought I’d jot down some memorable moments for me.
Tuesday morning at the Cheltenham festival
Kicking off with the best pre-racing atmosphere… there is nothing like the anticipation at this point of the Festival, as all the build-up comes to a crescendo.
I host the paddock presentation at Cheltenham for the on-course screens and it’s amazing how willing the trainers and jockeys are about doing interviews with me. I’m not sure other sports would be so accessible. Last season I was also part of the new ITV show Champions: Full Gallop.
For the Festival they had a team permanently in the weighing room, while also following Paul Nicholls, Nicky Henderson, Dan Skelton and Willie Mullins. The team really wants to show the parts of the sport that aren’t usually seen and I think some of the conversations by the jockeys down at the start, or in the weighing room, is access like we’ve not seen before. Let’s hope it gets commissioned for another season and this kind of access becomes commonplace for live racing.
Presenting at The Cheltenham Festival
Images: 1 Crew Breeders Cup Del Mar, Aly + Frances. 2 Frankie Dettori and Enable winning Longines Breeders' Cup Turf 2018. 3 Kentucky Derby crew Aly and Frances. 4 The White Turf St Moritz. 5 Riding out St Moritz. 6 Sushi making with Frankie Dettori Japan Cup.
Interviewing HH Sheikh Mohammed at the Dubai World Cup
While covering the Dubai World Cup for CNN, I was tasked with securing an interview with HH Sheikh Mohammed. The request was put to his ‘people’ and I was told to wait in the parade ring where he would approach me at some point during the meeting. My camera operator and I made sure we were in his eye-line every time he and his entourage came into the paddock. Race after race went by and I was about to give up hope. Then before the penultimate race, he marched over to me, with about 100-strong entourage following him. ‘You’d like an interview?” he said. “Finally!” I was about to say before common sense prevailed. I have never done an interview when surrounded by so much security. As the photo will testify, it was a very surreal experience.
Interviewing HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at the Dubai World Cup
Learning to be a jockey for CNN
Having ridden all my life I found that riding racehorses was a completely different prospect when I took part in the Magnolia Cup at Glorious Goodwood. Due to work commitments, I only started riding out a month before the race and proceeded to get carted up the gallops three times a week. Jamie Osborne agreed to supply me with a horse for the race and in exchange I supplied him with plenty of entertainment on the gallops, as I had little control over anything I rode. I think he took particular joy in putting me on the two-year-olds – one of which spent more time bucking up the gallops than anything else. Good to his word, Jamie supplied me with a ‘bullet’ for the race. I wasn’t allowed to ride it at home and was led down to the start. With stirrups short and the CNN cameras following my whole journey, I managed to finish second (to none other than now Jockey Club Chief Steward Dido Harding). I’ve vowed to never do it again and I now have the upmost respect for the work riders in this industry who risk life and limb every morning!
The peculiarities of South American racing
If you love racing and travel then put a raceday in South America on the list. With CNN I was lucky enough to cover racing in Uruguay, Argentina and Chile. Horses are ingrained in these nations’ cultures and they have thriving and passionate racing industries. Each March, the Longines Gran Premio Latino Americano takes place in a different country every year. The horses in it represent their own countries, with each one having two runners apiece. It’s like a football match with everyone supporting their own country. The distance changes every year and it can be on turf or dirt. It’s a brilliant, crazy race.
They have 24 races a day, starting around 10.30am and they usually take a break around 5pm when the music gets ramped up and the top races are then run under lights until midnight. It makes for an amazing atmosphere. While you’re on holiday, make the effort to get up early to take in a training morning. San Isidro training centre in Buenos Aires stables over 3000 horses and five training tracks. They all train at the same time, in opposite directions and all with no saddles – as is tradition in South America. Organised mayhem!
Gold Rush at the Tokyo Olympics
Not horse racing but I can’t not include the Tokyo Olympics where I worked for the Olympic News Channel covering equestrian. This was my second Olympics after Rio but a very different experience. The covid restrictions made this a memorable one. We were only allowed to go from the hotel room to the venue and then back to our hotel room. All meals were delivered to our rooms or served at the venue. I didn’t take my mask off for two weeks, but it was a privilege to be part of Team GB’s Olympic successes. I say ‘part of’ as podium celebrations were in front of the GB support staff – around 20 in total. Anyone working at the Games tried to make as much noise for the athletes as they did their laps of honour in front deathly-quiet empty grandstands. It was in complete contrast to what we’ve enjoyed in Paris this summer.
STud visitS
by Frances de Haan
Banstead Manor Stud
Frankel at Banstead Manor Stud
A phenomenal day was had at Juddmonte’s UK head quarters, Banstead Manor Stud. After a delicious lunch at the Jockey Club rooms we weaved our way through the beautiful leafy avenues surrounding Newmarket, to arrive with plenty of time and great anticipation for who and what we were about to see at Banstead Manor.
We did not have to wait long before we were welcomed by Henry Bletsoe (Nominations) who provided us all with our own stunning copy of the Juddmonte stallion book, full of fascinating facts and images of the stallions. We walked excitedly along the golden gravel drive to to where arguably some of the worlds best bloodstock call home. Arriving at a picture perfect lawn we were encircled by several pristine red brick stables, home for each of the Juddmonte stallions.
Members eagerly awaiting the stallion parade!
A private show of top class stallions then began, Bated Breath, Oasis Dream, Kingman and the mighty Frankel were lead up and down inches away from us. Not only was it fantastic to see these animals in the flesh but also to see the relationship between their handlers. As you can see in the top photo they spend their lives looking after these animals and their fondness of them is palpable.
Oasis Dream has sired over 200 stakes horses including the winners of 30 Group 1 races. His rich dark bay coat rippled as he walked, sadly we were not permitted to take videos, but hopefully you can get an idea of how impressive he is from these photos.
Bated Breath (pictured above) was definitely a more laid back character, swaggering his way up and down before standing and practically snoozed while we took our pictures. A magnificent animal and interestingly 87% of all his winners have won at 8½f or less. Of Bated Breath's 59 blacktype performers: 58 have achieved blacktype at a mile or less (98%).
Following on from Bated Breath was Kingman who is one of the Leading Northern-Hemisphere-based sires of three-year-old stakes winners (15), behind only Frankel (16) in 2023 and more than Into Mischief (14), Galileo and Lope De Vega (both 10) and Quality Road (8). His rich glossy coat looked a picture in the afternoon sun, which had come out just in time.
The mighty Frankel needs no introduction, his progeny speak for themselves and they have not been quiet about it. As Juddmonte describe him he is ‘world class, the world over’ with an incredible 12% Group winners to runners and 18% blacktype winners to runners. He stood impeccibly to the awe of all of us watching. He was the epitome of power and grace, he was even gentle enough to take a carrot from Linda Palmer’s hand! Definitely a bucket list moment.
Photo of the day Linda Palmer feeding the mighty Frankel a carrot!
Whitsbury Manor Stud
Havana Grey
The next day we traded Suffolk for Wiltshire and another stunning location, this time Whitsbury Manor Stud. Ed Harper and his team put on a flawless show of stallions and yearlings in the Wilshire sunshine. Once more we also got to cuddle some fluffy foals, the next generation flying the flag for the Whitsbury Manor stallions.
First to be shown was one of the leading shires in Europe, Showcasing. The Sire of 139 Stakes Performers, and 70 Stakes winners. As you can see from the images above, he stands an impressive animal and was very patient while we all took our photos.
Next out was Dragon’s Symbol, who I was excited to see as he was in training while I was at Roger Varian’s when I worked there, so it was fantastic to see him again now in his new career as a stallion. Dragon Symbol has a huge reputation, known as the ‘The Fastest 3yo Colt of his Generation’. He looked in tremendous condition and it will be thrilling to see his offspring on the track, but we have got to wait until 2027 as this is his only first season standing at stud.
Sergei Prokofiev put on a stunning show, he really stepped out well and caught the eye of his onlookers. Ed did a fantastic job of informing us of all these stallions some more well known than others. Impressively, Sergei is currently the Leading European First Season Sire by Winners, Prize Money, Stakes Winners etc.
From catching the eyes to catching our hearts Havana Grey, a cheeky and surprisingly smaller build of stallion, stepped out in a powerful fashion. You would not think that Havana Grey would have been Cuban Melody’s sire by the size of him. But as Ed said he has a huge determination to win and that grit he passes onto his his offspring, this has led him to become the The Leading European 2nd Crop Sire in 2023 with 10 Stakes Winners and earnings of over £2.5 million. He might look small and ‘pony like in build’, but look out if you get in-between him and his food as apparently he takes no prisoners when grub is about!
To finish off the day we were shown an impressive crop of yearlings that had come on leaps and bounds since even Ed had last seen them. It goes without saying that it is vital that they learn how to walk and stand properly for the sales. What is more than evident is that Ed’s horses are in safe hands as his team put on a hoof perfect display for us. Probably the first time the yearlings had so many people looking at them, but hopefully not the last and we wish them all the best at the upcoming sales!
Rolf’s Ramblings
by Rolf Johnson
UNDER THE INFLUENCE
India and horseracing ‘share the blame’
What had the biggest influence on your life, racing or India? My half-assed response to the interviewer was “Indian racing”; groans. I explained: “I felt inadequate in India and back home three of my bosses, great trainers, said “nothing’s changed then”.
Things have changed. Generations from the 1960s onward, snaking along the hippie trail to India, would certainly swerve today’s Iran and Afghanistan. Once travellers got through the Khyber gurus and ganja took over – but not for me, nirvana (highest happiness) and the Indian rope trick were always over the next horizon anyway. Tubewells, Kipling, Indian racing for sure, and a mass of friends were my ‘real India’.
Not that I’d scoff at anybody seeking the secrets of this life in Indian philosophy, to psyche up for the next. Their offspring are still knocking around the sacred sites; meanwhile India has ‘got on with it’ - it’s not daydreaming that has shot the nation of 1.4 billion citizens from famine to the world’s fifth largest GDP.
In 1947 the British Empire quit the ‘Jewel in the Crown” through the Gateway to India on Bombay’s waterfront. We’d only ever ruled, directly, a third of the sub-continent and millions didn’t know we’d left; millions didn’t know we’d ever been there!
We left behind over a hundred racecourses. The first was in Madras in 1777 (a year after the inaugural Doncaster St Leger). India, 2024, will be down to the last eight, if the ninth, Ootacamund, doesn’t re-open. I’d take that personally because the bucolic track up in the Nilgiri Hills of South India was where my great mentor, the late Sam Hill, became the first trainer anywhere in the world to ‘go through the card’ – all seven winners in April 1969.
Don’t run away with the idea it was ‘mickey mouse racing’ either. In winter the Indian turf, right up until it was clobbered by Covid, was second home to foreign jockeys, Lester Piggott, Frankie Dettori – all the top ones before domestic all-weather racing and international adventures took precedence. Just before the ‘schism’ David Allan overtook Sandy Barclay as the foreign jockey to have ridden most Indian classic winners.
And India’s breeders still replenish their farms with foreign purchases, most recently the ex-Richard Hannon Chindit; the first Frankel stallion, Baratti from France, second to Alpinista in the 2022 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud; and Galileo’s son Deauville, winner of the Group One Belmont International for Aidan O’Brien. Deauville’s first progeny are about to perform.
But the bloodlust of Indian turf politics makes ours look a mere self-indulgence (which they are, of course). We did our bit in 1947, partitioning India and Pakistan – leaving the historic studs in Pakistan and the important racetracks in India. In an ironic twist Newmarket, Lambourn, the ‘northern powerhouse’ couldn’t function without Indian stable staff. Count how many of them are leading up next time you’re racing. I get weekly requests from Indian lads seeking jobs here; yes, the Indian connection never goes away.
More alarming even than the drift of staff abroad, and the decline in India’s foal population - by over a third from fourteen hundred plus - is the Indian Government’s antipathy to betting which gives them licence to raise taxes (as if any government ever needed the encouragement). That’s driven Indian betting underground where the real money circulates. On course punters (there are no betting shops) are crammed into tumultuous roundhouses. In truth the cacophony can be seen as the death knell of Indian racing - as surely as the silence of our betting ring is the tocsin for British racing.
Racing has always been behind the times – one of its charms, half our interest is retrieving the past. “We’ve seen the best of it” is a cliché that’s been bandied for ages. Today though that oncoming ‘express’ seems to be accelerating our way. Modern constraints mean the despots of old can no longer thump employees – or horses - but feudal rules (without the ducking stools) and antediluvian thinking apply.
Most people lucky enough to survive in racing stables channelled careers through a succession of trainers. How I wish Sir Michael Stoute had been one of them. Fortunately for horseracing his application, in the early 1970s, to be a cricket commentator was rejected. Ironically his closest friend Michael Holding retired from cricket to become a top broadcaster. ‘Whispering Death’, Holding’s title, referred to his bowling, not his commentating.
Top commentators got there through that greatest form of flattery – imitation: think Grand Prix’s Murray Walker’s shrieks drowning out squealing tyres; John Arlott’s vintage claret lubricated Hampshire burr; Bill McLaren’s braw Scots rugby malapropisms; Peter O’Sullevan’s awesome control even as one of his own horses was winning. They were all the “voice of their sport”: imitation, was the sincerest form of flattery: Stoute of course was and is inimitable.
Even the greatest trainers relied on their ‘team’ for the day to day detail, just as great artists put the bother of dabbing the odd cloud on their masterpieces to pupils. (Were those childlike black birds crossing his landscapes really Van Gogh’s own work?). Auguste Rodin employed artisans to knock his blocks of marble into rough shape before he applied the master touch. I keep being assured that the building blocks are in place for racing’s future: But are the ‘blocks’ carved out (by drudges?) of Raac – Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete, in which case they’re hardly going to withstand the current vortex surrounding racing.
Still the great stories keep coming: if you were constructing a horse you wouldn’t end up with one like Goliath, whose Equine Reflex Hypertonia – stringhalt – provoked gasps of amusement and sympathy in equal measure as he hopped, skipped and jumped (almost literally) round the Ascot parade ring.
They weren’t laughing when the rank outsider, the ‘David’ romped home from giants of the turf, Coolmore and Godolphin in the latest King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes. (I wish those with the job of exalting our racing wouldn’t slap “Part of the British Champions Series” on its title – and mind numbingly adding to the Derby}.
King George previews missed out the biggest horse in the race though to be fair he, Goliath, went off at the longest odds bar favourite Auguste Rodin’s pacemaker. Auguste Rodin has been favourite in his last eight races, half of which he’s lost, sometimes ignominiously – none more so than the King George – for the second year running. Still, seeing the first winner German-owned and bred, French-trained, Belgian-ridden was as refreshing as it was unexpected. The last time I saw a notable winner with stringhalt was in a chase at Windsor – that long ago (though jumping is returning to the course this winter after a gap of twenty-six years).
You can’t copy a Frankel and you wouldn’t perhaps want to reproduce a Goliath - not that he can do the job, he’s gelded the first to win the King George. So ‘improvement of the breed’ once the justification for the thoroughbred isn’t Goliath’s responsibility.
The debate over what is the purpose of thoroughbred racing is for ‘improvement of the breed’ or merely a vehicle for gambling doesn’t get much airtime these days as we scrabble around trying to protect what we’ve got. The Frankels and Eclipses are granted eternity in the pantheon of racing greats – as much through their perpetuation of the breed as their undefeated race records. But Arkle, Red Rum and Desert Orchid will occupy their places exclusively to their own exploits.
Last word on genius: Goliath is spared embarrassment about his funny walk. His jockey ten-time Cravache d’Or holder Christophe Soumillon doesn’t do embarrassment. When he won the 2006 King George on Hurricane Run his repertoire included (he denies) pointing at his backside. More heinous was the time he elbowed Rossa Ryan out of the saddle at Saint-Cloud. This time at Ascot Soumillon’s joie de vivre was expressed in acceptable fashion.
Racing’s enemies point to its narcissism – much of which is the game striving to express itself. India’s influence is to hone the survival instinct; it’s high time racing developed the same characteristic.
Where Are They Now?
by Frances de Haan
Charitable (Charity) is the horse in focus for this month, with some lovely photos with a Red Rum theme to her exercise as she has a wonderful time on the beach. Looks like a very enjoyable new life post racing!
'I've had Charity now for around a year, she spent the first 6 months mostly out grazing and having some down time, with a few odd hacks to get her out seeing things. Once she turned 4 in February I began picking up her work and start her schooling, she has such a trainable and willing attitude so taken absolutely everything in her stride. Her schooling is coming on beautifully, we do regular beach visits, lots of hacking over the Welsh mountains and taking a steady journey in to introducing some jumping. Charity is a wonderfully kind natured and bold TB, we've really clicked and am very excited about our future together and hopefully aim towards getting out to some dressage, showjumping and aim towards eventing her.'
Five to follow
The current standings so far for the Five To Follow are revealed below!
Stephen Palmer
Paul Sankey
Helen & Peter Bullock
Helen & Peter Bullock
Stephen Palmer, Stewart Balfour, Christopher Cradock, Lawrence McCormick, Leon Boros, Bob Sainsbury, Michael Bligh
Clodagh’s recipe
by Clodagh McKenna Herbert
TOMATO TART TATINS
METHOD:
1. Pre-heart the oven to 180oC (fan).
2. Place a sheet of greaseproof paper on a baking tray. Drizzle nine swirls of balsamic vinegar on the sheet, followed by a drizzle of honey, olive oil and a sprinkle of thyme leaves and sea salt.
3. Slice the cherry tomatoes and arrange approximately seven slices on top the of balsamic and olive oil. Cut the puff pastry into nine round pieces, large enough to cover the tomatoes. Place the pastry on top of the tomatoes, and tuck them in around the edges, using a fork piece holes in the pastry.
4. Bake in the pre-heated oven for 25 minutes.
INGREDIENTS:
Makes 8 tatins
INGREDIENTS:
1 sheet of puff pastry
500g cherry tomatoes
4 tsp honey
8 tsp balsamic Vinegar
Extra virgin olive oil
3 tsp thyme leaves
Sea Salt
Taittinger Moment
Stephen Blake
The Taittinger moment this month goes to Stephen Blake who, thanks to Aviemore winning in the 1m2f Handicap at Ayr on the 15th of July, has secured Stephen his first win at his local track, and as an owner.
Stephen has been going to Ayr races ever since his father took him when he was at Primary school in Prestwick over 60 years ago!
Picture: Stephen (second from the right) with his friends in the winners enclosure at Ayr with Aviemore.
Out and about with the Highclere camera
