LADBROKES ST LEGER FESTIVAL 2012, DONCASTER
RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE
WELCOME TO YORKSHIRE DAY, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
US LEGEND RETURNS TO DONCASTER TO RAISE MONEY FOR CHARITY
Julie Krone is delighted to be back at Doncaster Racecourse to ride in the Clipper Logistics Leger Legends Classified Stakes for the second year running.
The 49-year-old American legend, the most successful female jockey ever, came out of retirement to take part in 2011 and won decisively on Invincible Hero, the 4/1 favourite trained by Declan Carroll.
Today she partners the Richard Fahey-trained Sunnyside Tom, who has been placed three times so far this season.
Krone said at noon: "It is a very exciting event and the cause is just the most beautiful reason to be here.
"I am very happy - I have watched a couple of videos of Sunnyside Tom's races - his best races - and it looks like if he gets a good break and I can give him confidence maybe he will finish up strong. The course is firm and I think he likes that. He is definitely all right and I heard that Dale (Gibson) tried to get on him!
"It is a mile and 16 horses so it is a little serious. My fitness is OK, not like it was when I was in my twenties but we are here for the cause. If everybody makes it safely around and raises lots of money for our charities, that is the most important thing.
"Since last year I have been riding at home in California. My daughter has a pony and I have a horse so we ride together. Soon after the Del Mar meeting started, every morning I rode racehorses for Eoin Harty and Richard Mandella - I probably got on about 45 horses for them.
"I have been working out, exercising on a simulator and just doing my best to get fit. I am officially retired so I have not taken part in any other race.
"I've had saddle sores but they are a lot better than bed sores! There are so many people who do so much work in setting up this race. The Northern Racing College has got me ready this week. We arrived on Sunday and I have been at the Northern Racing College every day on horses and come out of the stalls as well.
"I have another week here in England and we are going to Newmarket next week after seeing Camelot here at Doncaster on Saturday - as a racing person I cannot help myself. My sponsor, the Reuben Foundation, have been very generous which means lots for the chariries."
The Newmarket trip is likely to involve a visit to see Frankel, the world's best racehorse.
The Leger Legends race, now in its third year, has raised £240,000 in 2010 and 2011 towards the two charities it supports, the Injured Jockeys Fund's Jack Berry House in Malton and the Northern Racing College's new residential and staff training facility.
Today at Doncaster, through the lunch attended by the Princess Royal, an auction which includes Lester Piggott's saddle for his first winner The Chase that has already fetched a bid of £20,000, the riders' sponsorship and contributions from bookmakers such as Ladbrokes, William Hill, Corals and Betfred, over £100,000 will again be generated.
Julie Krone has ridden 3,704 winners in the United States plus four in Britain (three at Redcar in 1992 and one at Doncaster last year).
JULIE KRONE'S PREVIOUS RIDES IN BRITAIN
Redcar - the evening of July 8, 1992
6.40pm - 1st AL KARNAK 2/11f (trainer - Mohammed Moubarak), Julie Krone Maiden Stakes, 1m 3f, 4 ran
7.10pm - 5th Morning News 11/1 (Mark Tompkins) Lisa Cropp Claiming Stakes, 7f, 13 ran
7.40pm - 4th Flying Down To Rio 8/1 (Mick Naughton), Fairfield Industries International Challenge Handicap, 1m 2f, 9 ran
8.10pm - 1st GANT BLEU 9/1 (Richard Whitaker), Redcar Motor Mart Handicap, 7f, 17 ran
9.10pm - 1st COCKERHAM RANGER 3/1 (Jack Berry), Susanne Berneklint Maiden Stakes, 5f, 5 ran
Doncaster - the afternoon of September 7, 2011
3.45pm - 1st INVINCIBLE HERO 4/1f (Declan Carroll), Clipper Logistics Leger Legends Classified Stakes, 1m, 16 ran
Rides: 6; Wins: 4; Strike Rate: 66.67%
WILD ABOUT COCO - BUT DON'T UNDERESTIMATE ESTIMATE
The DFS Park Hill Stakes, the Group Two feature at Doncaster on Thursday, is - appropriately for DFS Ladies Day - restricted to fillies and mares and is the world's most historic and important distaff-only staying race.
Founded in 1839, it is run over the St Leger course of an extended mile and three-quarters and has been popularly referred to as "the fillies' St Leger". The epithet has always been slightly erroneous, though, given that fillies are eligible for the St Leger and is even less applicable since the race was opened to horses older than three, in addition to the Classic generation, in 1990.
The inaugural running went to Mickleton Maid, the first of seven winners of the race trained by John Scott, a numerical record matched only by Sir Noel Murless. The current winning-most trainer is Sir Henry Cecil, with five wins from Royal Hive (1977), Madame Dubois (1990), Patricia (1991), Coigach (1994) and Eva Luna (1991).
The best winner has been Pretty Polly in 1904, two days after winning the St Leger itself. Her previous victories had included the 1,000 Guineas and Oaks and her starting price of 1/25 made her the shortest-priced winner of the Park Hill Stakes. None has scored at a longer price than Collyria, trained by Murless and ridden by Eph Smith, at 33/1 in 1959.
Nine have been declared for this year's race, with the likely favourite Wild Coco, Sir Henry Cecil's representative. The lightly-raced four-year-old has yet to contest a Group Two contest, but warmed up in fine style at Goodwood last month with a wide-margin victory in the mile-and-three-quarter Ishares Fillies' Stakes, her first Group Three success. Wild Coco, a daughter of Shirocco, runs for her breeders, Gestut Rottgen.
Her market rival is likely to be Estimate, the highest-rated of the seven three-year-olds in the field. The Monsun filly was three lengths third to Wild Coco at Goodwood, but is likely to be better suited by the greater test of stamina of the Park Hill Stakes, which is not only over a slightly longer distance but also over a more demanding course. Estimate, a half-sister to Ascot Gold Cup winner Enzeli, was bred by the Aga Khan but races in the Royal colours. The Queen has previously been successful in the Park Hill Stakes with Example in 1971 and with Almeria in 1957.
Estimate's trainer Sir Michael Stoute has won the race four times, with Niodini (1992), Delilah (1998), Hi Calypso (2007) and Allegretto (2008), and also runs Monshak. Another by Monsun, she won a mile-and-three-quarter handicap at Chester in July but refused to race behind St Leger candidate Guarantee at York last time out.
Ambivalent has yet to race beyond a mile and a half, but her pedigree suggests that she may cope with the step up in distance; she is a half-sister by Derby winner Authorized to Made In Japan, winner of the two-mile Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Darley-bred Ambivalent, who would be a first DFS Park Hill Stakes winner for trainer Roger Varian with his first runner, stayed on well to beat last year's Park Hill Stakes runner-up Set To Music at Newmarket last month.
The only filly in the field to have contested a Classic this year has been Kailani, seventh to Was in the Oaks after beating DFS Park Hill Stakes rival Hazel Lavery by seven lengths at Newmarket in May. She has since finished down the field in the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot but, as another daughter of stamina influence Monsun, may be suited by the longer distance.
The sole Yorkshire-trained candidate is last year's fourth Cracking Lass, from the Richard Fahey stable. The Whipper five-year-old was third in a Listed contest at York last month on her seasonal reappearance.
ROCK AND VISION III: THE DECIDER
The Group Two Doncaster Cup is not only the oldest of the season's three great marathon races, but also the longest-established contest that still takes place under the Rules of Racing. It was established in 1766, 41 years before the Ascot Gold Cup (Group One) and 42 years before the Goodwood Cup (Group Two). The three races are known as the Stayers' Triple Crown, with Double Trigger in 1995 the most recent to achieve the feat.
The 10-runner Stobart Doncaster Cup on Friday will feature the decider between this year's Ascot hero Colour Vision and Saddler's Rock, successful at Goodwood. The two four-year-olds are closely matched; Saddler's Rock finished third at Ascot and Colour Vision third at Goodwood.
Colour Vision has the higher official rating, 117 to his rival's 115. But the positions are reversed as far as Timeform is concerned, with Saddler's Rock judged at 138 and Colour Vision 134. The Gold Cup winner, the only one in the field with a 4lb Group One penalty, carries 9st 5lb and his nine rivals 9st 1lb.
Saddler's Rock, trained in Ireland by John Oxx, will be racing for the 11th time. The son of Sadler's Wells burst on the elite staying scene in the Stobart Doncaster Cup 12 months ago, which he won by four lengths from Opinion Poll, runner-up in the Gold Cup last year and again this year. Previously he had shown himself markedly progressive, winning his maiden at Tipperary, a good stayers' handicap at Leopardstown and then running third to high-class older horses Fictional Account and Fame And Glory in a Listed race at the Curragh.
This year, after a warm-up at the Curragh, he was less than a length behind Colour Vision at Ascot, after an interrupted preparation and a tactical, slowly-run race that patently did not suit. Next time at Goodwood, with a strong gallop, he showed his true colours with a career-best length defeat of Askar Tau. But most recently, doing too much in front too soon on soft ground under Niall McCullagh, he finished unplaced in the Lonsdale Cup at York. Johnny Murtagh is back in the saddle this time as Saddler's Rock bids to become the first back-to-back winner since Millenary dead-heated with Kasthari in 2004 and won outright in 2005.
The Stobart Doncaster Cup will be Colour Vision's 20th race. The Rainbow Quest grey, trained by Saeed Bin Suroor for Godolphin, established his progress from handicap company with his close third to then-reigning Gold Cup winner Fame And Glory and Opinion Poll in last year's QIPCO Long Distance Cup, and then started this year at the same Group Three level by beating Red Cadeaux at Kempton, his prep for the Gold Cup.
At Ascot, Frankie Dettori rode a perfect tactical race to beat Opinion Poll, also for Godolphin, by half a length. On Friday Silvestre de Sousa will replace Dettori, who will be serving the last of three days' suspension.
Further spice is added to the Stobart Doncaster Cup by the presence of Marcus Tregoning-trained Askar Tau, winner of the race three years ago; of John Dunlop-trained Times Up, seventh at Goodwood before bouncing back to form in the Lonsdale Cup, when he was chased home by another of Friday's rivals, High Jinx; and of last year's St Leger winner John Gosden-trained Masked Marvel, trying to become only the fourth winner of the Classic in 100 years to follow up in the Doncaster Cup, after Prince Palatine, Singapore and Millenary.
GOING CHANGED BEFORE FINAL RACE
Jon Pullin, Clerk of the Course at Doncaster, changed the going to Good, Good to Soft in places, after the sixth race. Previously it had been changed to Good, from Good to Firm, after the first race.
"We had some rain, more than had been forecast, and we talked to the jockeys, who said it was riding on the easy side of good," said Pullin. "The rain opened it up a little.
"But once the clouds around today have cleared the forecast is dry from tomorrow with temperatures of 18 to 20 degrees. We'll see how it goes tomorrow and change if necessary."
GOING CHANGED BEFORE RACING
Jon Pullin, Clerk of the Course at Doncaster, has changed the going before racing to Good to firmfrom good to firm, good in places.
Pullin said: "The ground has just dried out a little bit more this morning. We have had a few spots of rain and will see what we get later today.
"I will talk to the jockeys today and tomorrow and then make a decision about whether to water or not."
GOING NOW GOOD
Following rainfall, the going at Doncaster was changed to GOOD all over following the first race.
GOING
The going at Doncaster for day one of the 2012 Ladbrokes St Leger Festival, Welcome To Yorkshire Day, is:
GOOD TO FIRM, GOOD IN PLACES (WATERED)
There was watering over the weekend with an average of 20 millimetres applied to the track.
GoingStick readings at 9.00am today:
Overall 9.1
Stands' Side 8.9
Far Side 9.1
Clerk of the Course Jon Pullin reported today: "There will be a drop of rain around this afternoon, but not as much as was originally forecast - we will just have to see what the weather brings us.
"Temperatures today should hit a high of 15/16 degrees Celsius.
"The forecast from tomorrow onwards is for conditions to be dry and warmer, with daytime temperatures of 18 to 20 degrees Celsius."
LADBROKES MARKET MOVERS
Ladbrokes report the following movers for the opening dayof the 2012 Ladbrokes St Leger Festival
First race: The Arena Structures Nursery
No. 3 Red Avenger 9/4 from 11/4
No. 5 Hipster 6/1 from 7/1
Second race: The Napoleons Casinos & Restaurants Conditions Race
No. 2 Ribaat 11/10 from 5/4
Third race: The Scarbrough Stakes
No. 8 Roicead 16/1 from 20/1
No. 10 Valbchek 5/1 from 7/1
Fourth race: The Clipper Logistiocs Leger Legends Classified Race
No. 9 Patriotic 9/2 from 5/1
Sixth race: The Elements MediSpa Handicap
No 13 Magic City 13/2 from 7
Seventh race: The BJS Handicap
No 13 Haajes 6/1 from 13/2
No 21 Nomoreblondes 25/1 from 33/1
LADBROKES ST LEGER FESTIVAL, 2012, DONCASTER
RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVI CE
WELCOME TO YORKSHIRE DAY, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
Race 1 - Arena Structures Nursery - Winning & Placed Quotes
REGAL DAN TAKES THE OPENER
The Ladbrokes St Leger Festival has always been a favourite of the Hills family and this year's four-day spectacular got off to the best possible start for the team when Regal Dan landed the opening Arena Structures Nursery.
Trained by Charlie Hills and ridden by Michael Hills, the Dark Angel colt battled well in the final furlong to hold off the strong late challenge of 5/2 favourite Red Avenger by a head.
Charlie Hills said: "He has really stuck his head out today. Michael said he got there a bit earlier than he wanted to and had to commit him. The horse has shown a good attitude to hang on.
"He was up in trip today but he stepped up to six at York last time, when he was arguably a bit unlucky and Kieren Fallon said that day the horse will stay seven. He was not wrong.
"The horse is going the right way and can hopefully win again. I think we'll stick to seven furlongs and look for another nursery for him.
"We have some nice two-year-olds to look forward to this week. One Word More goes in the conditions race on Friday while Reyaadah goes in the May Hill. Reyaadah's form has been franked with Sky Lantern winning the Moyglare although she will be meeting the Godolphin horse, Certify, again."
Robin Trevor-Jones, travelling head lad to Ed Dunlop, said of second-placed Red Avenger: "He ran really well. He took a bit of time to pick up and I should think the step up to a mile will suit him."
GOING AFTER THE FIRST
Michael Hills, on board the winner Regal Dan, said: "Beautiful, though if the rain keeps up it will change."
William Buick, jockey of second-placed Red Avenger, said: "It is not to far off good at the moment."
Michael Murphy, rider of third Prince Regal, said: "It is lovely at the moment."
James Millman, on board fourth Shahdaroba, said: "Good."
Franny Norton, rider of Hunting Rights, said: "It is ok at the moment, but if the rain keeps up it is going to open up a lot."
Jim Crowley, partner of Hipster, said: "Good."
Paul Mulrennan, on board Bonnie Lesley, said: "Good."
Paul Hanagan, rider of Mirlo Blanco, said: "Good."
Race 2 - Napoleon Casinos & Restaurants Conditions Stakes - winner and placed quotes
COUR VALANT UPWARDLY MOBILE
Cour Valant won the six-furlong Napoleon Casinos & Restaurants Conditions Stakes by a decisive two lengths but has left his trainer Noel Quinlan with something of a headache. "I'm a bit stuck," said the Newmarket-based Irishman, "as there's not much left in the book here over six furlongs. We may have to go to France or Ireland with him."
The two-year-old Bahamian Bounty colt, previously a ready winner of his maiden, looks a smart and improving youngster but holds no fancy entries, despite having been held in high regard. "We've always liked him but he came to the yard late and he got too fit too quickly and we couldn't hold the weight on him," said Quinlan. "We had to go a bit delicate with his training and go back to feeding him yearling cubes just to get a bit of beef on him.
"I was worried when Richard Hughes came back after the first and said that the ground had gone slow because our horse wouldn't want it slow, so it can't be as slow as what they were saying.
"He is very professional and he won like the way he did last time out - he was up there handy but he can do it both ways really."
The step up to Group Three level may be a possibility at Saint-Cloud later in the season, ground allowing. "We'd already earmarked Lewisham for that, assuming it would be soft," added Quinlan, "but we could enter this lad as well, which would give us options."
Cour Valant, bred at Plantation Stud near Newmarket, may also be entered in the Horses-in-Training Sale at Newmarket next month. "He's definitely a trading horse," said Quinlan, "Anyone can buy him if they want him.".
Rider Neil Callan liked what he felt. "He jumped straight into the bridle and with the one next to him being a bit keen, I didn't want him taking him on at that point," he said. "So I let the other one go and got mine back to his girth and he settled. He's tough, genuine and straightforward and he tries."
Second-placed Upward Spiral, previously fourth in the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot in June, acquitted herself well after a three-month absence. "She has run pretty well as she was coming back from a break today," said trainer Tom Dascombe. "Jamie [Spencer, rider] said she was a bit keen early doors and ran a bit fresh. She did have a long break over the summer so she could well run again this season if we can find something."
Race 3 - Scarbrough Stakes - Winning Quotes
SOLE GETS A CONFIDENCE BOOSTER
Sole Power, who enjoyed his finest hour when winning the Group One Nunthorpe Stakes at York in 2010, made a welcome return to the winner's enclosure when landing the Listed Scarbrough Stakes over five furlongs at Doncaster today.
Partnered by Johnny Murtagh, the five-year-old did not enjoy the clearest of passages but once he saw daylight inside the final furlong he powered right away to score by an ultimately comfortable length and a half.
Sole Power's last win had come in the Group Two Temple Stakes at Haydock Park in May, 2011.
Successful trainer Edward Lynam said: "I think anyone backing a Group One winner in a Listed race at 11/4 was very brave.
"It's a long way to the Abbaye, Hong Kong and Dubai which will be his targets. After he ran at York last time, he was very buzzy at home and just needed a run to settle him down and get his confidence back.
"He deserved to win again today. We have been aiming high and he has been running consistently well since his win in the Temple last season.
"My only instructions to Johnny today were to switch him off and he was very cool on him."
Asked if he was always confident that the horse would get up, Lynam responded: "No. I'm a moderate trainer and I'd be a worse jockey!"
Johnny Murtagh added: "Sole Power likes to be held up and have a target to aim at.
"He's a very fast horse with a good turn of foot and the ground was just about OK for him today."
Race 3 - Scarborough Stakes - placed quotes
JWALA ONE FOR NEXT YEAR
The connections of Jwala are now dreaming of next year, following their filly Jwala's fine second spot in the day's feature, the five-furlong Scarborough Stakes. The white-faced daughter of Oasis Dream followed a hat-trick up the ranks, from her maiden at Wolverhampton last December to a dead-heat in a Class three three-year-old contest at Goodwood last month, with her open-age Listed second to a proven Group One performer.
"She's run an absolute cracker," said trainer Robert Cowell. "It was touch and go whether we ran her, rated 93, but she's very progessive and her work since Goodwood has been very good. She has bags of scope and she's going to be a serious contender for top races next year."
Jwala was bred at the Watson family's Manor Farm Stud near Oakham, a fourth-generation member of her family at the Rutland nursery.
Cowell's other runner, the former Group One winner Kingsgate Native, finished a creditable seventh on his first run for more than a year and his first for his present trainer. "Richard [Hughes, rider] said he found the ground a bit loose," he said, "and he was up against race-fit horses. We'll perhaps go to Newbury for a Group Three, or there is the Rous Stakes at Ascot. We'll keep it fairly low-key for the rest of the season."
Race 4 - Clipper Logistics Leger Legends Classified Stakes - winner quotes
KINANE NOSES IT
Mick Kinane is now two for two since his retirement, having followed victory in the Charity Race at Aintree with success in today's Clipper Logistics Leger Legends Classified Stakes. But it was by only a nose that the 53-year-old Irishman repelled George Duffield, 12 years his senior, in the mile contest.
Kinane, on Patriotic, sent his mount to the front before the final furlong, and only just held on as Duffield, on Elijah Pepper, pounced. "He just wouldn't go away," said Kinane. "Mine was travelling beautifully and picked up well when I asked, but I probably moved a bit too soon and I was treading water in the last 100 yards.
"George kept quiet as he was coming to me - he didn't want to let me know he was there, the old fox - and I honestly thought he'd got me on the line. But mine must have had his head down and we just nicked it. It was a great bit of fun and I hope we all gave something to the day."
Kinane rode his first winner, Muscari, at Leopardstown in March 1975, and still rides out twice a week for his old guv'nor John Oxx. "It keeps me involved and there's no better way to keep fit by riding a racehorse." he said.
Patriotic was Kinane's second ride for trainer Chris Dwyer, having partnered Livius into seventh place in a handicap at Epsom on Derby Day 2001, two races after he rode Galileo to victory in the Derby. "He rode to instructions and I might ask him again," smiled the Newmarket trainer, "but I thought George had got it."
Race 4 - Clipper Logistics Stakes - Placed Quotes
SO CLOSE GOR GENTLEMAN GEORGE
George Duffield enjoyed one his finest days in saddle when taking the 1992 St Leger on User Friendly and the 65-year-old almost gained another success on Town Moor when Elijah Pepper was the nose runner-up in the Clipper Logistics Leger Legends Classified Stakes.
Duffield said: "In another stride I would have got there.
"I thought Mick (Kinane) was going to beat me easily at one stage but my horse then really picked it. He just didn't quite get there.
"It's been another great day and I've really enjoyed it."
A further four and a half lengths back in third was Handheld, who was partnered by Tony Clark.
Clark, who won the International at York in 1989 on Il De Chypre, said: "He finished really well for me and has given me a great ride.
"It couldn't have gone better. I would like to thank trainer Ed De Giles for giving me such a good ride with this horse - it's been a great day.
"I thought I was going to get there at one stage but in the end he has just stayed on."
Dale Gibson, who helped organise the race through his role at the Professional Jockeys Association band came 13 on Alhaban, said: "I had a terrific time and I'm not blowing too much!"
LEGENDS TALK AFTER THE LEGER LEGENDS RACE
Mick Kinane, on the nose winner Patriotic, when told that he hadn't quite lost it yet, said: "Not quite, there are little bits of it there, just."
George Duffield, who was second on Elijah Pepper, was fined £300 by the stewards for using his whip above the specified limit. The stewards are reportedly giving the fine to the two charities benefiting from the Leger Legends.
Tony Clark, on third Handheld, said: "I loved it. I thought I was going to win but just got a little tired at the end. Horse and rider!"
Luke Harvey, on fifth Hail Promenader, said: "Absolutely fantastic fun, I really really enjoyed it."
Gay Kelleway, on sixth Hawaana, said: " I am on the committee and we have been planning this for nearly a year and we have got a good lot of jockeys this year. It was a shame about the ground, it was a little bit soft, but we couldn't do anything about that. Everybody enjoyed it and everybody was very clean (with their language) apart from George Duffield. It is good for the sport, we need characters. Most of those jockeys I rode against, I was second to Willie (Ryan in the apprenticeship). I suspect I will be roped into it again because I am about the only female jockey retired. It was wonderful and I really enjoyed it."
Kevin Darley, on seventh Save The Bees, said: "I enjoyed it, we went really quick early on but with my horse I think it was a case of the jockey getting tired before the horse."
Tom O'Ryan, on eighth Muftarres, said: "It was a great thrill. My horse travelled well for a long way and gave me a great ride but just flattened out a bit, he wants really fast ground, but what a wonderful occasion."
John Reid, on ninth Chookie Avon, said: "That was good. My horse gave me a lovely ride - probably a mile is a furlong to far for him. I enjoyed it and he was a nice horse for this sort of thing."
Nick Connorton, on 10th Sir Francis Drake, said: "That was great and it brought back a lot of memories."
Ollie Pears, on 11th The Ducking Stool, said: "My horse wants further - but that was great."
Gary Bardwell, on 12th Pirate Chest, said: "It was really good - shame I blew up before the horse."
Dale Gibson, on 13th Alhaban, said: "I went a good gallop and the old horse just looked after himself. It was great that Mick (Kinane)and George (Duffield) fought out the finish."
Julie Krone, on 14th Sunnyside Tom, said: "I enjoyed it very much. It was really interesting this year because once I was beaten it was a release and I could just relax. I was really left out last year, being from across the pond and not really knowing anyone but this year I felt it was almost like a homecoming and the way the event has grown and the money that is raised is great. It just a wonderful event and didn't Mick (Kinane, winner) look great, there are no indignities in his old age. When we were at the post and the starter started to call out the names of the jockeys and it literally made my heart pump faster when my name was called out with the others. It was surreal with my name being among those legends. I almost got watery eyed and thought, seriously this little girl from Michigan ends up at Doncaster with these legends. I think I have been asked to come back to and would love too even though when I started training for this my muscles were hurting and I was stiff and sore and I said I was never going to get back on a horse!"
Allan Mackay, on 15th File And Paint, said: "My horse was a bit keen and I should have dropped him in but there was no pace where I was. I loved taking part."
Jamie Osborne, on 16th Gunner Will, when asked how it had gone, said: "Slowly."
Race 5 - Kat Communcations Knowledge About Telecoms Conditions Stakes - Winning Quotes
OUTSIDER CHIEFTAIN GIVES LINES ANOTHER TOWN MOOR SUCCESS 50 YEARS AFTER HETHERSETT
Proud Chieftain, the complete outsider of the five runners in the 10-furlong Kat Communications Knowledge About Telecoms Conditions Stakes, gave Exning trainer Cliff Lines a 16/1 success at Doncaster today. The four-year-old saw off all comers to score by a length and a quarter from last year's winner Cai Shen.
Lines, now in his second spell training, has spent a lifetime in racing having previously worked for Major Lionel Holliday, Sir Noel Murless and Sir Michael Stoute. During his time working for Holliday, Lines led up the 1962 St Leger winner Hethersett while when with for Stoute he rode the likes of Shergar, Sonic Lady and Shareef Dancer in their work.
Speaking after Proud Chieftain's success today, Lines said: "He is very gutsy.
"I told Darryll (Holland) if there was not a good pace to just go off and make it and that's what he's done. I couldn't be more pleased.
"We thought he wanted soft ground but it turned out there was a problem with his feet. His feet are good now and I was pleased when the rain fell.
"I only have two horses in training. I was at Doncaster in 1962 when I led up the St Leger winner Hethersett."
Race 6 - Elements MediSpa Handicap - winner quotes
BORN TO GO TO DUBAI
Born To Surprise got his career back on track in the Elements MediSpa Handicap with a well-executed run from off the pace under Jamie Spencer to win by a length and a quarter. It was the colt's first success since breaking his maiden on the track in April.
"We've always liked him," said trainer Michael Bell of the three-year-old, "but he's not been the easiest to train. He's a bit toey and excitable and a horse like that can go the wrong way mentally. But my head lad Richard Simpson rides him daily and has done a great job with him. He's a wonderful quiet horseman and has been the making of the horse."
Born To Surprise, a strapping big son of Darley stallion Exceed And Excel, carries the colours of Dr Ali Ridha, a Maktoum family associate. "Dr Ali is Sheikh Mohammed's doctor," said Bell, "and so I should think the horse will be going out to Dubai in due course. He's a very talented horse and a big scopey one too and he'll do well out there. He's getting on 16.3 hands and he's only just growing into a man now."
Race 7 - BJS Handicap - Winning Quotes
RAIN HELPS EVEN
Local Retford-based handler Scott Dixon was double-handed going into today's final race, the five-furlong BJS Handicap, and the rain helped 20/1 chance Even Stevens take the prize.
The four-year-old was partnered by Italian ace Mirco Demuro and put the race to bed over a furlong from home, powering on to score by a length and three-quarters.
Dixon said: "I can't say we really fancied him. His work at home has been great but his turf form is not as good as his all-weather form.
"He hasn't been in great form of late and I fancied our other runner Six Wives better today. However, the ground changed substantially throughout the afternoon and the slower surface definitely suited him.
"I don't know where we will go now. We will try and find something for him on this ground although he has been on the go for a while now and will need a break soon.
"Southwell will be starting again soon but I think he will be only eligible for about two races there with his rating now."
LADBROKES ST LEGER FESTIVAL 2012, DONCASTER
RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE
WELCOME TO YORKSHIRE DAY, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
FIRST RACE RESULT
2.00pm ARENA STRUCTURES NURSERY
Class 2, £15,000 guaranteed. For 2yo, 7f. Weights: highest weight not less than 9st 7lb; minimum weight 7st 12lb. Penalties: after September 1, each race won 6lb. Penalty value: 1st £9,703.50; 2nd £2,887.50; 3rd £1,443.00; 4th £721.50
1) REGAL DAN (IRE) (Nick Browne, Paul McNamara, Hon Mrs Napier) Charilie Hills 2-9-03 Michael Hills [4] 9/2*
2) RED AVENGER (USA) (Ronald Arculli) Ed Dunlop 2-9-04 William Buick [2] 5/2 Fav*
3) PRINCE REGAL (T & J Partnership) Alan Jarvis 2-8-07 Michael Murphy (7) [7] 13/2*
4) SHAHDAROBA (IRE) (The Links Partnershi[p) Rod Millman 2-9-07 James Millman [8]
5) MIRLO BLANCO (IRE) (FLFS Ltd) Richard Fahey 2-8-11 Paul Hanagan [10]
6) HUNTING RIGHTS (USA) (Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum) Mark Johnston 2-9-04 Franny Norton [11]
7) HIPSTER (R Roberts, Mrs Ralph Beckett) Ralph Beckett b2-9-03 Jim Crowley [3]
8) CLAUDE GREENWOOD (Amanda Rawding) Sylvester Kirk 2-9-00 Richard Hughes [9]
8 ran Non-Runner: Bravo Youmzain (Self Certificate, Coughing), Naughtybychoice (Travel)
*Withdrawn: Bonnie Lesley - Rule 4 applies 10p in the pound on all bets
Breeder: Yeomanstown Stud Breeding: b c Dark Angel (IRE) - Charlene Lacy (IRE) (Pips Pride)
Time: 1.27.01 Distances: hd, ½, 3 ½, 2 ¼, ¾, nk, 48
Tote Win: £4.90 Places: £2.10 £1.40 £1.70 Exacta: £16.40
Winning trainer:-Name: Hills, Charles Born: September 29, 1978 Trains: Wetherdown House, Lambourn, Hungerford, Berkshire Background: son of legendary trainer Barry and half-brother to trainer John and jockeys Michael and Richard. Briefly worked for his father after leaving school before heading to Australia when 18 to work for Peter Hayes and Gai Waterhouse. Returned to Britain for a spell with James Fanshawe before becoming assistant to his father. Took over the licence following his father's retirement in August, 2011. First Runner (and First Winner): Blaise Chorus, 32 for Slots Maiden Fillies' Stakes, Kempton Park, August 22, 2011 (ridden by Michael Hills) First Group Winner: Ransom Note - Nayef Joel Stakes, Newmarket, 24/09/11 Wins (2011): 20 Wins This Year:41
Winning jockey:-Name: Hills, Michael Patrick.Born: Newmarket, 22/1/63 Apprenticeship: With Jeremy Hindley. First winner: Sky Thief (Nottingham 13/8/79) Classic wins: (1) Derby (1996 Shaamit) Other major wins include: Irish Classic Wins (2): Irish 1,000 Guineas (1993 Nicer, 1999 Hula Angel) Other Big Race Wins Include: Champion Stakes (2002 Storming Home), Dewhurst Stakes (1985 Huntingdale, 1988 Scenic (dh), 1999 Distant Music), Fillies' Mile (1989 Silk Slippers), Haydock Sprint Cup (1997 Royal Applause, 2007 Red Clubs), King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes (1996 Pentire), Lockinge Stakes (1997 First Island), Middle Park Stakes (1993 First Trump, 2007 Dark Angel), Nassau Stakes (1997 Ryafan), Nunthorpe Stakes (1988 Handsome Sailor, 2005 La Cucaracha), Sun Chariot Stakes (2006 Spinning Queen), Sussex Stakes (1996 First Island), Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp (1988 Handsome Sailor), Prix d'Ispahan (1997 Sasuru), Prix Jean Prat (1999 Golden Snake), Prix Morny (1994 Hoh Magic), Hong Kong Cup (1996 First Island), Irish Champion Stakes (1995 Pentire), Matron Stakes (1987 Pixie Erin ), National Stakes (1986 Lockton), Pretty Polly Stakes (2000 Lady Upstage), Premio Vittorio di Capua (1995 Nicolotte), Dubai Golden Shaheen (2003 State City), Northern Dancer Turf Stakes (2010 Redwood) Other details: champion apprentice 1983 Royal Ascot wins: 16 First Royal Ascot win: King Edward VII Stakes (June 15, 1993 Beneficial) Major Royal Ascot wins: King's Stand Stakes (2010 Equiano), Gold Cup (1994 Arcadian Heights), Queen Anne Stakes (1995 Nicolotte), Prince of Wales's Stakes (1996 First Island), Coronation Stakes (1997 Rebecca Sharp, 2005 Maids Causeway), King Edward VII Stakes (1993 Beneficial, 2001 Storming Home), Ribblesdale Stakes (2006 Mont Etoile) Wins (1988-2011): 75; 77; 61; 64; 91; 86; 88; 73; 80; 84; 61; 94; 73; 58; 66; 57; 66; 56; 69; 50; 47; 57; 45; 36 Wins in 2012: 23
SECOND RACE RESULT
2.30pm NAPOLEONS CASINOS & RESTAURANTS CONDITIONS RACE
Class 2, £15,000 guaranteed. For 2yo which have not won a Class 1 race, 6f. Weights: colts and geldings 8st 11lb; fillies 8st 6lb. Penalties: for each Class 4 race won 2lb; for each Class 3 race won 4lb; for each Class 2 race won 6lb (nursery handicaps excluded for the purpose of penalties) (penalties cumulative and maximum penalty 12lb). Allowances: horses which have never run 3lb Penalty value 1st £9,337.50; 2nd £2,796.00; 3rd £1,398.00; 4th £699.00; 5th £349.50; 6th £175.50
1) COUR VALANT (David O'Rourke) Noel Quinlan 2-8-13 Neil Callan [1] 7/2
2) UPWARD SPIRAL (Qatar Racing) Tom Dascombe 2-8-08 Jamie Spencer [6]5/2
3) RIBAAT (IRE) (Hamdan Al Maktoum) Roger Varian 2-8-13 Paul Hanagan [5] 6/5 Fav
4) THREES GRAND (Paul Dixon) Scott Dixon 2-8-06 Mirco Demuro [2]
5) TOMMY'S SECRET (Jane Chapple-Hyam) Jane Chapple-Hyam 2-8-11 Brett Doyle [4]
6) TOP BOY (Brian Johnson (Northamptonshire)) Derek Shaw 2-8-11 Franny Norton [3]
6 ran
Breeder: Plantation Stud Breeding: b c Bahamian Bounty - Gee Kel (IRE) (Danehill Dancer (IRE))
Time: 1m 13.36s Distances: 2, nk, ½, ½, 6
Tote Win: £4.70 Places: £2.50 £1.30 Exacta: £13.70
Winning Trainer:-Name:Quinlan, Noel Based: Grange House Stables, Hamilton Road, Newmarket, Suffolk Background: He took over the training license from his brother Mick in January 2011.Number Of Wins (2011) : 21 Wins This Year: 12
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