@HKJC_Racing Lantern aiming for the sky at Sha Tin & all the latest news ahead of the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races

Sky Lantern is the star performer of Britain's champion stable in 2013 so it is only appropriate that she now finds herself competing for glory in Hong Kong at the Turf World Championships. What is more there is a live chance - according to many close observers - that her stunning acceleration will lead to victory in Sunday's G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile.

And anyone who dismisses this Hong Kong challenge as some afterthought after a campaign that began in April, and catapulted her into the headlines when she came fast and late to snatch the 1,000 Guineas from under the noses of her rivals at Newmarket in May, could not be more wrong.

"It was always a dream to come to Hong Kong with her and after that Classic win at Newmarket it became the plan," said owner Ben Keswick as he proudly watched his three-year-old grey filly enjoy her first encounter with the Sha Tin track under cloudless skies early on Wednesday morning. 

Although it is fair to say that the filly - who went on to strike more G1 gold in 2013 at both Royal Ascot and Newmarket - did take a few days to adapt to her new environment after coming off the plane last weekend, it is now all systems go.

"She was a bit quiet to begin with but she's picked up and she knows why she's here," observed Keswick, who being based in Hong Kong has an added sense of anticipation leading up to Sunday's spectacular. Ben's wife Martha added: "The filly really looks on fire. In fact she was so lively we couldn't get up close to her!"

Sky Lantern is trained by Richard Hannon who hands over the reins to his son - also Richard - on 1 January after a spectacular career that has yield almost 4,200 winners including a hugely successful partnership with Sky Lantern's rider Richard Hughes, fresh from overseas success in Jockeys' Championships in both South Africa and Japan since being crowned Britain's champion rider for the second consecutive season last month.

Recalling the post-race comments of Hannon senior, Hannon junior and Hughes, over the course of this year, you will constantly find references to Sky Lantern's preference for good, fast ground conditions, yet another reason why Sha Tin is the destination for this super talented filly and why Ascot back in October - soft ground always being likely for that possible G1 target - was not. 

Purchased for just 75,000 Euros, Sky Lantern took little time to shout herself out as a bargain, becoming one of Europe's top two-year-olds when blitzing her rivals in the G1 Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh in September 2012. That was over 1400m but her three fantastic victories this year have all come over an identical distance to Sunday's challenge, and, though current plans suggest that she will be competing over 2000m next year, the decision was made - after some lengthy discussions - to target the LONGINES Hong Kong Mile rather than the Cup this time.

Tactics-wise, Hannon junior commented: "She can stay back or sit handy. We'll leave it to Hughsie."

Speaking from Happy Valley on Wednesday evening, Hughes said: "You can't bully this filly, and a decent gate would be a big help."

The rider will surely have preferred a number a shade lower than the eight allocated at Thursday's barrier draw ceremony but let's not forget that this jockey is a master tactician and, in Sky Lantern, he has on his side a grey filly who has shown her brilliance on a regular basis.

Japanese star to bow out a winner again in the LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint?

Japan's sprint sensation Lord Kanaloa is bound for retirement after he again, on Sunday, takes on Hong Kong's speed ace Lucky Nine in a showdown at Sha Tin, which looms as one of the major highlights of the Turf World Championships.

Despite Lord Kanaloa holding a 2-0 advantage over Lucky Nine (even if there were excuses for Hong Kong's hero on both occasions), the King Kamehameha entire is considered no more than his rival's equal according to the official measure, the LONGINES World's Best Racehorse Rankings. Both are rated at 120.

The matter could well be decided in Sunday's LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint. Victory for the stud bound Lord Kanaloa would do no harm in enhancing his value in that arena; might well prompt a hike in his official rating and would certainly have him in contention for JRA Horse of the Year honours. Not to mention that it would be well-deserved for a horse who, in terms of top level wins, has arguably been only outshone by Frankel and Black Caviar since mid 2012.

Lord Kanaloa has been beaten only once in seven starts, five of them at G1 level, since September 2012 when his hot streak began with a powerful finishing burst to claim the Sprinters Stakes at Nakayama.

The winning run, for the horse who can stalk the speed or close from behind, continued next start with his comprehensive win in last year's edition of the LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint. He further underlined his prowess on his return home by stretching his speed to a major G1 win at 1600m in the Yasuda Kinen, and this time has journeyed back to Hong Kong with the Sprinters Stakes title again under his belt.

Whatever rating number sits beside his name, few would argue with the fact that he has been one of the very best contemporary racehorses.

But that wasn't necessarily the expectation from the start of his career according to Shogo Yasuda who has been looking after the horse in Hong Kong. Shogo is trainer Takayuki Yasuda's son and training assistant and sometimes track rider.

"When he came to our stable preparing for his debut at three he had a few physical issues, mainly as a result of muscle strain. He wasn't flexible and he didn't give you a great feel even when he was just trotting or hacking," he said.

"So we decided to change things with him and canter him on the uphill course to stretch his muscles. I remember the first day we did that very well. It was amazing the change in his gait. Suddenly his stride was powerful and flexible which he'd never shown us before. And then he just continued to make impressive progress, handling every task we gave him."

That improvement was obvious for all to see when he progressed to better class races in 2012 and Yasuda says he will always be considered "very special" by his family and the stable.

"We have always tried to do the right thing by him and he has repaid us. I've been riding him for three years and that's been a great pleasure. I appreciate what he has done and what he has given us," he said.

Yasuda is looking forward to Sunday's race but is mindful that a win is not always certain in horse racing especially after the five-year-old drew barrier 12.

"I understand the quality of the sprint race and the sprinters here in Hong Kong, and it is not easy to win a race like this. But the owner told us, after the Sprinters Stakes, that he would like to target Hong Kong as Lord Kanaloa's final run and he is here in good shape," he said.

As to Horse of the Year honours in his homeland, Shogo added: "If he is awarded the JRA Horse of the Year title, we will be greatly honoured and will take our hats off to him. Obviously we don't know about that yet. Right now we just have to concentrate on having the horse at his best. We do hope that, on Sunday, he can produce his best race."

Reactions to LONGINES Hong Kong International Races barrier draw

Nervous anticipation always accompanies the barrier draw for the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races and today's event was no different to previous years with lady luck playing her hand to the delight or chagrin of gathered connections.

Moonlight Cloud is one of the standout stars at this year's Turf World Championships and seemed to draw well enough in gate six for her G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile assignment on Sunday (8 December), although trainer Freddy Head was not completely satisfied.

"I was hoping for an outside draw so number six is not my favourite pick," said Head of the French mare, who is aiming for a seventh career G1 triumph. "There is a lot of speed in the race so hopefully we will get a good gallop, which is what we are looking for."

Sky Lantern, whose quartet of career G1 wins includes the 1,000 Guineas in England this year, will break from gate eight under Richard Hughes.

"One or two lower would have been helpful but it's OK, I think," said Tony Gorman, travelling head lad to trainer Richard Hannon.

                                              

Hong Kong horses have won each of the last seven editions of the Mile but a couple of the home team's big players drew less than ideally. Last year's runner-up, the John Size-trained Glorious Days, is wide in 13 as he aims for glory first-up this term, while this season's rising star in Hong Kong, Gold-Fun, will break from 10.

"Obviously it's not perfect, but he is a very professional horse who has won from a wide gate and a low gate so I'm not too worried," commented trainer Richard Gibson.

Gibson was less content with Akeed Mofeed's draw in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m). The 2013 BMW Hong Kong Derby hero drew tight to the fence in gate one.

"Trainers are never happy and I would have preferred something a bit higher, but better one than twelve," said Gibson. "The most important thing is the condition of the horse and he's in good condition."

John Moore would have preferred to have pulled a lower number than gate nine for Hong Kong's Horse of the Year, Military Attack, in the Cup.

"It's a little bit of an awkward gate - it could have been worse but it could have been better," said Moore. "I don't want Zac (Purton) to have to use him like the other day but I think my fella would have more tactical speed than Cirrus Des Aigles on his outside (gate 10)."

Little Mike's connections, on the other hand, were delighted after the American raider, winner of the 2012 G1 Breeders' Cup Turf, drew gate six.

"The six draw is absolutely perfect - couldn't be better," said trainer Dale Romans. "We've got the speed horse (Tokei Halo) from Japan immediately inside us to cart us forward. Very happy!"

Moore had spades of joy in the draw for the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m), the race in which gate position is most vital. The Hong Kong handler's main hope, Frederick Engels, was posted in gate four, while Sterling City drew two and Charles The Great seven of the 14 runners.

"Frederick Engels has a great draw - all of my sprinters have good draws and there are no excuses for them," said Moore. "Lord Kanaloa's got the right gate out wide as far as we're concerned - I wouldn't want him on the inside of us."

Lord Kanaloa's connections seemed unfazed after being drawn in 12 in his bid for a back-to-back wins in the race.

"There was no specific number which we would have liked to draw. We will see the other competitors around us and talk about the tactics with the jockey," said Shogo Yasuda, trainer Takayuki Yasuda's son and the five-year-old's work rider.

Meanwhile, 2011 winner Lucky Nine got a rare piece of barrier draw fortune as he was ideally berthed in gate five on Sunday. It was a different story last year when Caspar Fownes' stable star's chances were blown by the 12 draw.

"That opens things up a bit and definitely means my bloke gets his chance now," said Lucky Nine's rider, Brett Prebble. "It's a big improvement on last year and I'm really excited now. There's depth in the race and all the Hong Kong sprinters are handy but the bottom line, I think, is that Lucky Nine and Lord Kanaloa are superior."

The Fugue's connections will likely be smiling after the recent G1 Breeders' Cup Turf runner-up and triple G1 winner was drawn in gate three for the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (2400m).

Dunaden won the race in 2011 from gate three but will have to overcome a wide draw in 12 if he is to reclaim the title.

"I am not overly concerned about the draw 12 we have got. Obviously we'd rather start closer to the rail but it is not such a big deal," said trainer Mikel Delzangles.

Further selected barrier draw quotes

LONGINES Hong Kong Cup

GRANDEUR (7)

Jeremy Noseda, trainer: "Somewhere in the middle is fine. It's a solid draw, I am happy enough with what we have got."

LITTLE MIKE (6)

Carlos Vaccarezza, owner: "That seems to me like the perfect spot. Our jockey (Mike Smith) can ride him whatever way he has to from this post."

SIDE GLANCE (2)

Andrew Balding, trainer: "We were lucky with the draw today, I think we are in a good spot."

TOKEI HALO (5)

Hisashi Shimizu, trainer: "The horses next to him are similar types of competitors, but five is a good draw for him - it should suit his style."

LONGINES Hong Kong Mile

GOLD-FUN (10)

Olivier Doleuze, jockey: "It's no problem. I'll deal with what I have. He's fit, he's well, he's versatile. It's all good."

GORDON LORD BYRON (4)

Tom Hogan, trainer: "I'm very pleased with that - it is better than last year (6) and we've got options from there."

SHAMALGAN (14)

Maxime Guyon, jockey: "With a 14 draw, you have to wait and see for an opportunity to show up. There is not much else to do about it."

LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint

CERISE CHERRY (3) & JOY AND FUN (1)

Derek Cruz, trainer: "I'm happy - they're both ideally drawn. The pace is on the outer and we can drop in and race in the mid section. I'm happy with both of them and Joy and Fun's weight is good so he should be fine going into this."

JWALA (14)

Robert Cowell, trainer: "It is what it is."

LONGINES Hong Kong Vase

ASUKA KURICHAN (10)

Naosuke Sugai, trainer: "The field is not big and it is a 2400m race, so the draw 10 was good. No worries. The horse is number nine and that is my lucky number anyway, so hopefully that will bring big luck."

EBIYZA (7)

Alain de Royer Dupre, trainer: "It was either seven or 12, so I guess we can be happy. I would have chosen such a draw anyway had it been offered to me. Perfect really."

  

LONGINES Hong Kong International Races Thursday track notes

There was plenty of action on the grass this morning with nine horses striding across the Sha Tin turf. Among them was The Fugue, who appeared in public for the first time since her arrival on Monday and looked content as she cantered a circuit at a steady tempo.

LONGINES Hong Kong Vase

DANDINO (GB)

Worked 1200m on the all-weather in 1m 27.8s (splits: 30.5, 30.6, 26.7)

DUNADEN (FR)

Worked 800m on the all-weather in 56.3s (splits: 30.9, 25.4)

Mathieu Brasme, exercise rider, said: "You can tell that he knows the place from his behaviour on his first day out. It is like recollecting memories. He was bucking around this morning and acting like a colt. Considering his last race is still pretty close, we wanted to leave him a chance to fully recover even though he had not had a hard race in Japan. The way he behaves now seems to show that we are right where we want him to be before Sunday's assignment."

FEUERBLITZ (GER)

Worked 1200m on the all-weather in 1m 20.0s (splits: 26.6, 27.3, 26.1)

GALILEO ROCK (IRE)

Breezed 400m on the turf in 29.0s

MOUNT ATHOS (GB)

Worked 1200m of the turf under Craig Williams in 1m 22.8s (29.4, 28.1, 25.3)

Craig Williams, jockey, said: "He feels great and he looks better to my eye than he did in Melbourne. I'm not saying that barrier 22 beat him in the Melbourne Cup but we might have pressed the first two a bit further with a better draw and a softer run. I really like the fact that this horse has shown some versatility now and we're not committed to riding him back."

LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint

CHARLES THE GREAT (HK)

Worked 800m on the turf under Douglas Whyte in 51.7s (splits: 28.8, 22.9).

FREDERICK ENGELS (HK)

Worked 800m on the all-weather track under Zac Purton (in company with Captain Sweet) in 49.6s (splits: 27.9, 21.7).

Purton said: "He's been flying on the track and his work was excellent this morning. He's been a victim of bad barriers and if he draws well he's right amongst them as I think there's very little between the Hong Kong horses."

GO BABY GO (HK)

Worked 800m on the all-weather under Tye Angland in 53.3s (splits: 28.6, 24.7)

Angland said: "He's a little ripper this horse and he's feeling great. He hasn't done much wrong since I've been associated with him and he's going in with fresh legs after only two well-spaced recent runs. I'm pretty happy with him but the draw is going to be critical. I think he's one of the best Hong Kong chances."

RICH TAPESTRY (HK)

Worked 800m of the all-weather track under Olivier Doleuze in 51.1s (splits: 27.4, 23.7).

STERLING CITY (HK)

Worked 800m on the turf under Tommy Berry in 54.6s (splits: 30.7, 23.9)

TIME AFTER TIME (HK)

Worked 800m on the all-weather under Gerald Mosse in 53.5s (splits: 28.4, 25.1)

LONGINES Hong Kong Mile

GORDON LORD BYRON (GB)

Worked 800m on turf in 59.3s (splits: 32.5, 26.8)

Trainer Tom Hogan said: "It's a good race this year, but we've got a stronger horse this time. He'll love the ground despite what some of the press say just because he once won a Group 1 on heavy conditions. He's travelled well to Hong Kong and did some nice work on the turf today. I hope he can grab some money on Sunday."

LINTON (AUS)

Worked 800m on the turf in 55.4s (splits: 31.8, 23.6)

Troy Corstens, stable manager at Malua Racing: "He was prancing on the track this morning. To my eye he looks ready to explode and we're really happy with him. I can't speak highly enough of the facilities here and the help we've had from the Club and that's reflected in the horse just getting better each day."

MOONLIGHT CLOUD (FR)

Exercised on the all-weather and went 1200m in 1m 27.2s (splits: 34.0, 28.0, 25.2).

Freddy Head, trainer, said: "There is no need to push her when she's on the track. She went just fine there, too happy to let the steam go. It was just a canter but she looked good. As I said, I don't think she will need to go over the turf but she could have a short speed burst on Saturday morning. "

PURE CHAMPION (HK)

Worked 1200m on the all-weather in 1m 31.2s (splits: 33.3, 30.4, 27.5)

Trainer Tony Cruz said: "He pulled up a bit sore in his joints after his last run. I think he'll run like a different horse this time. If he gets the inside draw he'll be very close - in the first three or four. He's a good worker - his track work has been good."

REAL SPECIALIST (HK)

Jockey Tye Angland said: "He's been going okay, I think. He's just a bit dour now, which is why John (Size) is throwing the blinkers on. He's a tough, grinding horse and if it's a strong run mile, he'll be running on."

SHAMALGAN (FR)

Worked 1200m on the turf in 1m 30.3s (splits: 32.7, 31.1, 26.5)

SKY LANTERN (GB)

Cantered on the all-weather.

Richard Hannon jr, assistant trainer, said: "She's very fit and is much perkier now than when she arrived. We've decided to go for the Mile rather the Cup because there's plenty of time for her to step up to 2000m next season."

XTENSION (HK)

Zac Purton, jockey, said: "Obviously his form hasn't been that great in the last 12 months or so and he might be a little bit one-paced now but his third in the mile trial was solid and I can tell you he's trained on very well since."

LONGINES Hong Kong Cup

BLAZING SPEED (HK)

Worked 1200m on the all-weather track in 1m 27,7s (splits: 32.2, 29.5, 26.0)

Trainer Tony Cruz said: "He pulled up with a minor problem after his last run. I was very disappointed with that race and we've decided to go a bit further with him. He's won over the trip in England so that's not a worry. He hasn't got the early speed for the mile and I believe the 2000 metres will be more to his liking. He has a turn-of-foot and we can run a bit quiet in the race. He galloped this morning and I'm vey happy with him. His work's been perfect. He should be a different horse again on the day."

CIRRUS DES AIGLES (FR)

Stretched out over 1200m on turf under Christophe Soumillon in 1m 20.8s (splits: 26.8, 28.3, 25.7).

Corine Barande-Barbe, trainer, said: "He really loves it here. According to his exercise rider Zoe Gargoulaud, he always acts exactly the same way at exactly the same points around the track, as if it was his playground. Look at him staring at the mountains! It is a real shame that he has never really succeeded at Sha Tin but it has been only a matter of bad luck. The ground here is much faster than, say, Longchamp in the Autumn, but it is not really an issue because it bounces. Cirrus can act on it."

Soumillon said: "I was just about to get him ready to go when he simply pulled off. There was nothing I could do about it so off we went. He's really raring to go and it is a very good omen."

ENDOWING (HK)

Worked 800m on the all-weather under a work rider in 58.3s (splits: 32.3, 26.0)

Jockey Tye Angland said: "To an extent he's flying under the radar but he's really proven himself with his past two wins. He's probably got to bring his a-game to win but he's kept stepping up to the mark lately and he can really let down when it counts."

GRANDEUR (GB)

Jeremy Noseda's charge went out on the all-weather this morning watched by the trainer and his owner Yvonne Jacques. Grandeur did no more than a routine canter, and will probably put in a short piece of work on the turf tomorrow according to connections.

His work rider said: "The horse is in great order and feels very bright this morning."

LITTLE MIKE (USA)

Cantered on the all-weather.

Owner Carlos Vaccareezza said: "He looked good out there today, I thought, as good as he's looked all week. He's a versatile horse so far as distance is concerned and in how he runs his races. I hope there is a good pace in the race on Sunday as that would suit him best."

MILITARY ATTACK (HK)

Zac Purton, jockey, said: "Naturally he's going to strip fitter for that second up run when he conceded weight and didn't have the best trip. He's worked extremely well since and he's going to be hard to beat. If I had any reservation it's that he took until the end of the season to really peak last time around and maybe this race is coming a bit quick but I'm happy to be on him."

SIDE GLANCE (GB)

Worked 1200m on the turf in 1m 20.5s (splits: 30.7, 27.1, 22.7)

Trainer Andrew Balding said: "I'm very happy with him. He looks well, nothing's bothering him and we look forward to Sunday. I'm not totally sure he can win but he might be underestimated."

Balding, an avid fan of Southampton football club, added: "It was a bad start to the day when I heard we had lost last night, but I was cheered up by the way Side Glance worked this morning! He seems very well, and I am hopeful that he will be in the shake up on Sunday."

McCririck: Female Athletes Should Earn Less

Sacked racing pundit slams women’s rights author and claims equal pay in sport is ‘indefensible’

“It hasn’t been a great year for me” admits John McCririck. Having been sacked by Channel 4 and losing the resulting age discrimination case after being branded ‘unpalatable to a wider audience’, McCririck has once again put his foot in it, this time on Sportlobster TV.
The UK’s most recognisable horse racing pundit, referencing his time in the Big Brother house, said: “I was in there with Germaine Greer who has ruined the lives of millions of women. Her feminist book, The Female Eunuch, gives women ideas above their station. Ideas they keep striving for but cannot reach. I can’t stand the woman for what she stands for.”

Going on to discuss gender equality in the sporting context McCririck adds: “For example at Wimbledon in the tennis, women get paid the same as the men but women play three sets and the men play five. It’s absolutely indefensible. If they want to be paid more, go with five sets.”
When asked about his opinion on the recent trend in women-only poker tournaments, added: “I love poker, and when Victoria Coren Mitchell plays, she’s brilliant but if there were men-only poker tournaments there would be riots.
“Yes they have men-only golf clubs but can women compete with men at golf? No they can’t. If you get a woman who can go on the circuit and take on Tiger Woods, then it’s a different story.”
Also appearing on the sports-related chat show hosted on YouTube, was former 5Live and BBC Radio 1’s DJ Spoony, who agreed with McCririck’s opinions on the wages of female sport stars. “For women to earn the same amount of money as the men for three sets - especially as the top woman wouldn’t beat the top man - means they shouldn’t earn the same money. A player playing in the Championship or League One won’t earn what [Lionel] Messi, [Cristiano] Ronaldo or a top player in the Premier League earns because they don’t do the same thing.
“Although it’s important they still have the platform to perform. If my daughter told me she wanted to become a footballer I’d be delighted, but if she asked me why she’s not paid the same amount as Ronaldo, I’d say wait until you can play like Ronaldo and then you can earn the same.”

Sportlobster TV (youtube.com/sportlobster) is a twice-weekly programme posted on YouTube, where fans can watch celebrities discuss the questions they set at the sport social network (sportlobster.com/sportlobstertv).

@CheltenhamRaces Changes to order of running on Champion Day and Ladies Day at The Festival in 2014

Cheltenham Racecourse announces changes to the order of running for the first two days of The Festival in 2014.

On the opening day, Champion Day, Tuesday, March 11, 2014, the Grade Two OLBG Mares' Hurdle moves to become the fifth race (previously sixth) on the card at 4.00pm, immediately following the Grade One Stan James Champion Hurdle (3.20pm).

This will enable the race, run over two and a half miles, to be shown live on Channel 4 Racing, giving terrestrial viewers the chance to see history being made if the remarkable Quevega records a sixth straight victory in the OLBG Mares' Hurdle. The OLBG Mares' Road to Cheltenham currently consists of five mares' hurdle races, the highlight race being the OLBG Mares' Hurdle at The Festival.

The Willie Mullins-trained mare currently shares the record of five consecutive successes at The Festival in the same race with Golden Miller, who won the Cheltenham Gold Cup every year between 1932 and 1936.

The Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase, previously scheduled as the fifth contest on the Tuesday (postponed to the Thursday in 2013 because of frost), switches to the same slot on the Wednesday, Ladies Day, March 12, 2014.

The National Hunt Chase, which opened proceedings on the Wednesday in 2013, moves to Champion Day, Tuesday, March 11 as the sixth race in 2014.

The programme on Ladies Day, Wednesday, March 12, 2014, now starts with the Grade One Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle at 1.30pm, with the fifth race that day this year, the Coral Cup, moving forward to be the third contest.

Simon Claisse, Director of Racing and Clerk of the Course for Cheltenham, commented: "The changes introduced to the order of running for The Festival have meant that the OLBG Mares' Hurdle is now positioned so it is part of the Channel 4 Racing programme on the opening day.

"I very much hope that we might see Quevega return to Cheltenham to attempt to win the race for a sixth time, which would be such an amazing achievement.

"Cheltenham has been working on supporting the mares' pattern races over the season for a few years now and by bringing the mares' race onto terrestrial TV this allows further exposure for this category of races. We have also introduced a new mares' bumper which took place on The Open Saturday and was won by The Govaness."

The revised order of running is as follows:

THE FESTIVAL 2014

Champion Day - Tuesday, March 11 (Old Course)

Time  Race       Distance  Prize Money

* 1.30pm  Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle    2m ½f   £120,000

* 2.05pm Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase  2m   £150,000

* 2.40pm JLT Specialty Handicap Chase   3m ½f   £90,000

* 3.20pm Stan James Champion Hurdle   2m ½f   £400,000

* 4.00pm OLBG Mares' Hurdle     2m 4f   £85,000

4.40pm National Hunt Chase     4m   £85,000

5.15pm     Rewards4Racing Novices' Handicap Chase  2m 4½f  £60,000

Ladies Day - Wednesday, March 12 (Old Course)

Time  Race       Distance  Prize Money

* 1.30pm Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle 2m 5f     £120,000

* 2.05pm RSA Chase      3m ½f   £150,000

* 2.40pm Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle    2m 5f   £80,000

* 3.20pm BetVictor Queen Mother Champion Chase  2m   £350,000

* 4.00pm Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase  3m 7f     £45,000 

4.40pm Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle  2m ½f     £75,000

5.15pm Weatherbys Champion Bumper   2m ½f     £60,000

Thursday and Friday's running orders remain the same.

* Channel 4 Televised Races

All races will be shown on Racing UK

Purebred Arabians Take Centre Stage at Meydan

Standout Abu Dhabi Trainer, Majed al Jahouri, in the Frame

Local trainer, Majed Al Jahouri has yet to saddle a winner this season but looks set to have a big weekend with leading chances in both Thursday’s Mazrat Al Ruwayah Prep, the most valuable race on Meydan’s third card of the season, as well as Sunday’s Group 1 National Day Cup.

Training mostly Purebred Arabians, the handler won both these races last year and it would be no surprise were he to repeat the feat. He saddles four in the 1600m Meydan feature with Dariya, who was chased home last term by Thakif, bidding to go one better this year under Harry Bentley.

He carries a penalty, as does stable companion, Laama on whom Emirati apprentice, Saeed Al Mazrooei claims a valuable 3kgs. Awam and Duzar complete the trainer’s quartet.

“We have been very patient this season and started their training regimes later than before so it has not been a surprise our runners have needed a run,” said Al Jahouri.

“This is an important weekend though and we have to be hoping for a good few days. Thakif needed his comeback run and we know these conditions suit. The penalty makes things more difficult but he is fit and well.

“Duzar also has improved from his return, whereas the other two are having their first starts this season but are as fit and well as we can get them without a run. I am looking forward to running them and to Abu Dhabi on Sunday.”

Najm Alemarat, representing the formidable Ernst Oertel and Tadhg O’Shea combination, is another with a penalty and is respected in a fascinating clash.

All six races are named in honour of Dubai’s successful Expo 2020 bid and the best of the Thoroughbred action is saved to the end of the evening with the two concluding handicaps attracting quality fields.

Racing concludes with a 1900m handicap in which Antinori attempts to continue the great run of trainer, Satish Seemar. A course and distance winner a fortnight ago, he beat the Abdulla bin Huzaim-trained Representation on that occasion and there should be little between the re-opposing duo here.

Sharaayeen, off the track since March 2012, looks a big danger for trainer, Ali Rashid Al Raihe if he is anywhere near his best after such a long absence.

The preceding 1400m handicap looks wide open and Dhruba Selvaratnam saddles two of the 12 declared runners. Dahteer, the mount of apprentice, Thomas Brown, is making his seasonal return but stable companion Canwinn has the benefit of a run. James Doyle rides, as he did when the pair were an excellent second to Haatheq a fortnight ago.

“That was a good run,” said Doyle. “He should cope with the drop to 1400m and we expect a big effort in a competitive heat.”

Wayne Smith rides Comicality, winner of his only career start in a course and distance maiden, for his main employer, Musabah Al Muhairi. Smith said: “He had been working well before that win so we were not totally surprised. He can hopefully build on that but this is obviously much tougher.”

Maath Gool, trained by Doug Watson, is another to have won his only start of the season thus far and runs here instead of Sunday’s National Day Cup at Abu Dhabi

Selvaratnam Appoints Yet Another Promising Apprentice

Jebel Ali Trainer Takes Delivery of Interesting New Charges

Apprentice jockey, Thomas Brown, who makes his first appearance at Meydan Racecourse tomorrow, is the latest in a long line of talented young apprentices to be based at Dhruba Selvaratnam’s Jebel Ali Stables.

Brown, who finished runner-up in the British Apprentice Jockeys’ Championship last month, will make his Meydan debut aboard trainer, Hassan Albloushi’s Commander Cave in tomorrow’s 1600m Handicap and later rides Dahteer for his main employer, Selvaratnam in the 1400m Handicap.

Brown, who has already tasted victory this season after Selvaratnam’s Momaris was a five-length winner at Jebel Ali at the opening meeting of the season, was attached to trainer, Andrew Balding’s yard while in England. The youngster came to the UAE at the beginning of this season to ride alongside Selvaratnam’s stable jockey and former apprentice, James Doyle.

Brown, 21, who hails from Kent, England, follows in the footsteps of high profile former Selvaratnam apprentices including Johnny Murtagh, Willie Supple, Brett Doyle, Pat Smullen, William Buick and James Doyle.

“I’d seen Thomas ride over the summer and I knew that my stable jockey, James [Doyle] couldn’t make the first meeting of the season, so I rang Andrew Balding and asked whether Thomas was available,” said Selvaratnam who has a strong track record in spotting the riding stars of the future and bringing them to Dubai.

“I knew that he was right up there at the top of the apprentices’ table and I thought he looked like he would do well here,” said Selvaratnam, who has trained for Jebel Ali patron, HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum for two decades. “The only problem is that he has only one winner left until he has ridden out his claim in the UAE where apprentices can only ride up to 70 winners as opposed to 95 in the UK.”

Brown, for his part, said he had to choose between staying in England to contest the tail end of the British Apprentice Championship where he was in touch with leading apprentice, Jason Hart or make the journey to the UAE.

“Andrew Balding told me that I had the chance to come out to Dubai to be based with Dhruba,” he said. “He said it was a good opportunity and, basically, did I think I was going to win the apprentice championship.”

Brown decided that a season in Dubai was too good an opportunity to miss and prioritised the prospect of possible Dubai World Cup Carnival rides over the final days of the championship. He ultimately finished on 41 winners from 240 rides, to Hart’s 51 from 369 rides, while Balding’s second apprentice, Oisin Murphy, ended third on 38 from 226 rides.

Brown comes from a horsey family, but the focus was on ponies and showjumping as opposed to racing. “Early on I was interested in racing, but I didn’t really start taking it seriously until I was around 14,” he said. “I went to ride out for John Best on Saturdays and went to Andrew Balding’s after that.”

The apprentice has ridden out a few times for Musabah al Muhairi and is hopeful that he may pick up a few spare rides while he is in the country.

“I found out that I’d nearly ridden out my claim here after the Momaris win, which is a shame,” said Brown. “Having the allowance just might make it a bit easier to get some rides, but that’s how it goes.

“Basically, I’m just going to keep my head down and work hard, hopefully ride a few winners and with some luck build foundations that might mean I can come out here in future years.”

For his part Selvaratnam is also hopeful of a few winners this season, he has his stable stalwarts to rely on including tomorrow’s runner, Cannwin, Momaris, who won on his seasonal debut, 2013 Jebel Ali Sprint third, Sholaan, the 2011 President’s Cup victor Jaasoos, Jebel Ali specialist, Forjatt and Dubai World Cup Carnival runners, Dormello and Laa Rayb among others.

Among the new additions are two exciting former Roger Varian inmates, the 100-rated Ashaadd, a son of Dansili, who has three wins under his belt over 1200m-1400m and Yarroom, a 97-rated Cape Cross colt whose last racecourse appearance was a winning one over 2000m at England’s Chester. “They are promising three year olds,” said Selvaratnam. “They will probably show more next season than this season, but we are hopeful they can settle in well and we will just see how they go.”

Also new to the yard this season is Fehaydi, a three-year-old from English trainer, William Haggas. He is rated 88 and his form shows a win on the all-weather at Wolverhampton. He’s joined by the 87-rated Kohlaan, another Roger Varian charge and a four-time winner on the turf over 1400m-1600m.

@ascotinsider Rawnaq lined up for tilt at The Ladbroke

Dell' Arca and Sametegal, first and second in the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham on November 17, are among 57 terrific entries revealed today for The Ladbroke at Ascot on Saturday, December 21.

 

The sponsor has installed the pair as the 12/1 co-favourites of six for the two-mile £150,000 Grade Three handicap hurdle, alongside Nicky Henderson's Blue Fashion and Rolling Star, and potential Irish raiders City Slicker and Quick Jack.

Henderson is the most successful trainer in The Ladbroke, having captured the prestigious and valuable contest with Sentry Duty (2008), Jack The Giant (2007), and Chauvinist (2002).

His eight-strong entry also includes the classy River Maigue (25/1), Snake Eyes (16/1) and Chatterbox (14/1), who finished second to Ifbutandwhynot(14/1) on his seasonal return in the Gerry Feilden at Newbury on November 28.

The progressive Dell' Arca made the perfect British debut when landing the Grade Three Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham on November 17, having previously raced in France. His trainer David Pipe is also responsible forShotavodka (20/1), Ronaldo des Mottes (25/1), Swing Bowler (16/1),Waterunder (25/1) and Dan Breen (33/1).

Auteuil Grade One scorer Ptit Zig is among six entries for seven-time champion jump trainer Paul Nicholls, while Alan King, successful with Raya Star in 2011, has entered Grumeti (16/1) and impressive Newbury victor Vendor (16/1).

Leading Irish handler Gordon Elliott was victorious last year with Cause Of Causes and could bid for a repeat victory with this year's Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle hero Flaxen Flare (16/1), who was last seen coming fourth in the Greatwood Hurdle and is one of seven Irish-trained entries.

Rawnaq (25/1) fared best of the Irish raiders in the Greatwood Hurdle, finishing third, and trainer Michael Smith is hoping his charge can reproduce that effort at Ascot. The six-year-old completed a hat-trick of wins during the summer months, before finishing a respectable seventh on heavy ground in the Galway Hurdle.

Smith, who has just eight horses in training, reported: "All being well, Rawnaq will run in The Ladbroke.

"He has come out Cheltenham well and is in good form. I was delighted with his performance there but we were expecting a big run as he was in such good form.

"We expected the same in the Galway Hurdle, but he came back sick and ran a great race for a horse that wasn't well. It was bottomless as well and he is much better on better ground.

"During the summer, he won a Flat race and two hurdle races really impressively and then ran two good races on the Flat before Cheltenham.

"I've had my licence for nearly a year now and it's great to be associated with a horse like him.

"He is still improving and we think he will be even better over a longer trip. We will wait and see how he gets on in Ascot, but we have always thought further the better for him because he does stay two miles on the Flat."

Other notable entries for The Ladbroke include Elite Hurdle victor Melodic Rendezvous (16/1) and Pine Creek (16/1), who annexed a Listed handicap hurdle decisively over the course and distance on November 2.

Ladbrokes betting: 12/1 Blue Fashion, City Slicker, Dell' Arca, Quick Jack, Rolling Star, Sametegal, 14/1 Chatterbox, Ifandbutwhynot, 16/1 Caid Du Berlais, Call Me Bubbles, Chris Pea Green, Flaxen Flare, Grumeti, Melodic Rendezvous, Pine Creek, Ptit Zig, Snake Eyes, Swing Bowler, Upazo, Vendor, Willow's Saviour, Cash And Go, 20/1 Chesil Beach Boy, Dunraven Storm, Get Me Out Of Here, Karazhan, Moujik Borget, Ranjaan, Shotavodka, 25/1 Alaivan, Bordoni, Clondaw Kaempfer, Court Minstrel, Dildar, Doyly Carte, Franciscan, Irish Saint, Kaylif Aramis, Lexi's Boy, Milord, Rawnaq, Recession Proof, River Maigue, Ronaldo Des Mottes, Sarabad, Totalize, Vulcanite, Waterunder, Whitby Jack, 33/1 Dan Breen, Kazlian, Knight Of Pleasure, Landscape, Makari, Ruacana, Seventh Sky, Zuider Zee.

Celestial Halo among Long Walk 14

Long Distance Hurdle hero Celestial Halo and last season's leading staying novice hurdler At Fishers Cross headline 14 entries for the £75,000 Grade One Wessex Youth Trust Long Walk Hurdle, run over three miles and a furlong at Ascot on December 21.

Reve De Sivola could bid for back-to-back wins following last year's impressive 14-length success, while Irish champion trainer Willie Mullins has four possibles, headed by Diakali and Zaidpour.

For further information, please go to www.ascot.co.uk   

THE LADBROKE

Class 1, Grade 3, £150,000 Total Prize Fund. 3.35pm, Ascot, Saturday, December 21. For four-year-olds and upwards, two miles. Entries closed December 3, entries revealed December 4 (57 entries), weights revealed December 11. Penalties: after December 8, a winner of a hurdle race 5lb; no penalty to increase a horse's weight above 11st 12lb. Five-day confirmation stage December 16, final declaration stage 10.00am, December 19. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including, Monday, December 2.

Form    Horse        Age  Owner          Trainer

 P116/55/-  ALAIVAN (IRE)      7  J P McManus        Jonjo O'Neill

5141-42  BLUE FASHION (IRE)    4  John & Barbara Cotton      Nicky Henderson

2r10-    BORDONI (USA)    4  Bloomfields        John Ferguson

22202-2  CAID DU BERLAIS (FR)  4  Donlon, Doyle, MacDonald & C. Barber  Paul Nicholls

015-112  CALL ME BUBBLES (FR)  4  Susannah Ricci        Willie Mullins IRE

5/2U00-0  CASH AND GO (IRE)    6  Robin Geffen        Nicky Henderson

1/114-2    CHATTERBOX (IRE)    5  The Not Afraid Partnership 2    Nicky Henderson

404233-  CHESIL BEACH BOY    10  John Coombe        John Coombe

1160-23  CHRIS PEA GREEN    4  C Green & Galloping On The South Downs Gary Moore

1423-11  CITY SLICKER (IRE)     5  J P McManus        Willie Mullins IRE

1/11P-0    CLONDAW KAEMPFER (IRE)  5  Tim Leslie & D Gorton      Donald McCain

3411-00  COURT MINSTREL (IRE)  6  Janet Davies        Evan Williams

3300-04  DAN BREEN (IRE)    8  Stuart & Simon Mercer      David Pipe

2121    DELL' ARCA (IRE)    4  Prof Caroline Tisdall      David Pipe

1U3/25-3  DILDAR (IRE)      5  Mrs Johnny de la Hey      Paul Nicholls

1331-52  DOYLY CARTE      5  Elite Racing Club      Donald McCain

4P/64/-41  DUNRAVEN STORM (IRE)  8  Karola Vann        Philip Hobbs

14-2134  FLAXEN FLARE (IRE)    4  Pat Sloan        Gordon Elliott IRE

113    FRANCISCAN      5  Tim Leslie        Donald McCain

4PP0-00  GET ME OUT OF HERE (IRE)  9  J P McManus        Jonjo O'Neill

1131/4-3  GRUMETI      5  McNeill Family        Alan King

10F-301  IFANDBUTWHYNOT (IRE)  7  Claire Hollowood & Henry Dean    David O'Meara

11213-F  IRISH SAINT (FR)    4  Mrs Johnny de la Hey      Paul Nicholls

211(1)-    KARAZHAN      5  Pump & Plant Services Ltd    Nicky Henderson

1315-3F  KAYLIF ARAMIS    6  The Grangers                  Nigel Twiston-Davies

140/003-  KAZLIAN (FR)      5  Twelve Pipers Piping      Johnny Farrelly

10406-1  KNIGHT OF PLEASURE  4  The Knights Of Pleasure    Gary Moore

3145F3-  LANDSCAPE (FR)    5  A Brooks        Venetia Williams

32111/B-  LEXI'S BOY (IRE)    5  Tim Leslie        Donald McCain

126-110  MAKARI      6  Matt & Lauren Morgan      Nicky Henderson

2111-15  MELODIC RENDEZVOUS  7  Cash For Honours      Jeremy Scott

634-F23  MILORD (GER)      4  Kim Bailey Racing Partnership VII  Kim Bailey

11450/-1  MOUJIK BORGET (FR)    5  Sunday Lunch Partnership    Venetia Williams

3115-16  PINE CREEK       5  Bloomfields        John Ferguson

4131-21  PTIT ZIG (FR)      4  Barry Fulton, Chris Giles & Richard Webb Paul Nicholls

500-11    QUICK JACK (IRE)    4  John Breslin        Tony Martin IRE

0(2)000-1  RANJAAN (FR)      5  Highclere Thoroughbred Racing - Ranjaan Paul Nicholls

0-21103  RAWNAQ (IRE)    6  Kevin Smith        Matthew Smith IRE

21(1)15//-0  RECESSION PROOF (FR)  7  P Taylor & Mr J Stone      John Quinn

31/2120-  RIVER MAIGUE (IRE)    6  Michael Buckley      Nicky Henderson

1165-1    ROLLING STAR (FR)    4  Michael Buckley & The Vestey Family  Nicky Henderson

F6//4P03-  RONALDO DES MOTTES (FR)  8  K & D Ives        David Pipe

11306-0  RUACANA      4  Bloomfields        John Ferguson

1332-12  SAMETEGAL (FR)    4  John & Barbara Cotton      Paul Nicholls

1U05-60  SARABAD (FR)    5  Susannah Ricci        Willie Mullins IRE

41224-2  SEVENTH SKY (GER)     6  John Heron        Charlie Mann

110-022  SHOTAVODKA (IRE)    7  Jane Gerard-Pearse      David Pipe

3/24-4    SNAKE EYES (IRE)    5  J P McManus        Nicky Henderson

111/130-  SWING BOWLER    6  Exors of the late David Johnson    David Pipe

2115-    TOTALIZE      4  D Gilbert, M Lawrence, A Bruce    Brian Ellison

1/2205-1  UPAZO (FR)      5  Philip Reynolds        Willie Mullins IRE

P63U-01  VENDOR (FR)      5  Thurloe 52        Alan King

1320-05  VULCANITE (IRE)    6  J P McManus        Charlie Longsdon

42-1461  WATERUNDER (IRE)    6  Mrs S Clifford        David Pipe

102P6-0  WHITBY JACK      6  Chris Stedman        Gary Moore

052P-11  WILLOW'S SAVIOUR     6  Triple F Partnership      Dan Skelton

213-20    ZUIDER ZEE (GER)    6  Bloomfields        John Ferguson

57 entries

7 Irish-trained

THE WESSEX YOUTH TRUST LONG WALK HURDLE

Class 1, Grade 31, £75,000 Total Prize Fund. 2.25pm, Ascot, Saturday, December 21. For four-year-olds and upwards, three miles & one furlongs. Entries closed December 3, entries revealed December 4 (14 entries), Weights: 11st 7lb. Allowances: fillies and mares 7lb. Five-day confirmation stage December 16, final declaration stage 10.00am, December 19. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including, Monday, December 2.

Form    Horse        Age  Owner          Trainer

11111-4  AT FISHERS CROSS (IRE)  6  J PMcManus        Rebecca Curtis

426-161  CELESTIAL HALO (IRE)  9  The Stewart Family      Paul Nicholls

41-2113  DIAKALI (FR)      4  Wicklow Bloodstock Limited    Willie Mullins IRE

4/P3P0-5  GRANDS CRUS (FR)    8  Roger Stanley & Yvonne Reynolds III  David Pipe

22-5412  MAGGIO (FR)      8  M Deren        Patrick Griffin IRE

3r121-2    MALA BEACH (IRE)    5  C Jones        Gordon Elliott IRE

411P-22  MEDINAS (FR)      6  Mr & Mrs F D Bell      Alan King

142-013  REVE DE SIVOLA (FR)    8  Paul Duffy Diamond Partnership    Nick Williams

25115-2  SALUBRIOUS (IRE)    6  The Johnson & Stewart Families    Paul Nicholls

2632-40  THOUSAND STARS (FR)  9  Hammer & Trowel Syndicate    Willie Mullins IRE

25145/4-  TIME FOR RUPERT (IRE)  9  Littlecote Racing Partnership    Paul Webber

150-041  TWEEDLEDRUM    6  Wainwright,Hill,Atkin,Cheshire&Rowlinson Tom Symonds

11/11-1    UPSIE (FR)      5  J P McManus        Willie Mullins IRE                                           

P23-032  ZAIDPOUR (FR)    7  Susannah Ricci        Willie Mullins IRE

14 entries

6 Irish-trained

@cheltenhamraces Cantlow considered for Stewart Family Thank You Gold Cup

4th December 2013 - Shloer Chase winner Kid Cassidy (11st 12lb) heads the weights for the £100,000 Grade Three Stewart Family Thank You Gold Cup, run over two miles and five furlongs at Cheltenham on the second day of The International, Saturday, December 14.

The seven-year-old is one of four entries for leading owner J P McManus, who is also responsible for recent Newbury scorer Cantlow (11st), Paddy Power Gold Cup secondColour Squadron (10st 12lb) and Grade One runner-up Tap Night (10st 11lb).

Cantlow, trained by Paul Webber, put up a career best over fences when beatingEaster Meteor (11st) by a length and a quarter in a valuable two and a half mile handicap chase at Newbury on November 29.

The eight-year-old, who finished third in the 2012 Pertemps Final over hurdles at The Festival, had previously come home ninth of 12 in a Listed handicap chase at Wetherby on November 1.

Webber reported: "Cantlow could run in the Stewart Family Thank You Gold Cup, but I don't know any more than that at this stage. Mr McManus will no doubt have others in the race and we still need to sit down and make a definite plan.

"I was very pleased with Cantlow's performance at Newbury. He did it well and has come out of the race very fresh and well.

"I was confused by his run at Wetherby before that but Barry (Geraghty) said don't worry, he needed it a bit. It's a long season and he was obviously proved to be correct."

Multiple Cheltenham scorer Champion Court (11st 9lb) is being considered for the prestigious contest following his lacklustre effort in the Paddy Power Gold Cup on November 16. Martin Keighley's charge was sent off the well-backed 6/1 favourite, but could only finish seventh behind Johns Spirit (11st), beaten nearly 20 lengths.

Keighley revealed : "Champion Court is a possible for the Stewart Family Thank You Gold Cup, but I would say he is more likely to go to Huntingdon for the Peterborough Chase (December 12).

"All the tests we did after the Paddy Power Gold Cup have come back fine, but he was definitely uncomfortable after the race so it could have been down to a touch of colic.

"He is back in good form now though and we are still thinking about the King George, but we will learn a lot more next time and hopefully he can bounce back."

Other notable contenders for the Stewart Family Thank You Gold Cup include last year's winner Unioniste (11st 4lb), Hennessy hero Triolo d'Alene (11st 8lb) and the David Pipe-trained pair of Salut Flo (10st 10lb) and Ballynagour (10st 6lb).

The Stewart Family are involved in two entries - owning last weekend's Newbury winner Tatenen (10st 6lb)outright and sharing Ghizao (11st 7lb) with the Johnson Family.