EXCITING ENTRIES UNVEILED FOR CHAMPIONSHIP NOVICE HURDLES AT THE FESTIVAL

Meeting - The Festival, Dates - Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, March 12 - 15

First race -1.30pm each day

Tickets available from www.cheltenham.co.uk or by calling 08445 793 003

The entries are revealed today (Thursday, January 31) for the four championship novices' hurdles run at The Festival from Tuesday, March 12, to Friday, March 15.

A total of 94 entries have been received, including 30 from Ireland and two from France, for The Festival curtain raiser, the Grade One William Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle over two miles. Jezki, trained in Ireland by Jessica Harrington and now owned by J P McManus, heads the possible contenders after two impressive Grade One victories at Fairyhouse and Leopardstown in December. He is 7/2 favourite with sponsor William Hill. Un Atout (7/1) is one of seven entries for Irish champion Jump trainer Willie Mullins, while the home challenge features River Maigue, Dodging Bullets, Melodic Rendezvous and Puffin Billy.

The last two named horses are also among the 119 entries for the Grade One Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle, run over an extended two and a half miles on Wednesday, March 13. Jonjo O'Neill's potential representatives include Taquin Du Seuil, who won the Grade One Challow Novices' Hurdle at Newbury, while Nigel Twiston-Davies has entered The New One. Among the 35 Irish-trained entries is Grade One Navan Novice Hurdle victor Pont Alexandre and facile Grade Two Slaney Novice Hurdle scorer Rule The World, from the stable of Mouse Morris.

Festival Trials Day winner At Fishers Cross headlines 107 entries for the Grade One Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle over three miles on Friday, March 15. He could clash again with course and distance winner Coneygree, while David Pipe's nine entries include Grands Crus' full-brother Gevrey Chambertin, who is three from three over hurdles. Ireland's challenge is once again led by a formidable team from the stable of Willie Mullins, which includes Pont Alexandre, dual hurdle winner Ballycasey and last season's Wetherbys Champion Bumper hero Champagne Fever.

Anonis, trained by Willie's former sister-in-law, Margaret (Mags) Mullins, has been entered for all three races but his trainer is yet to decide his Festival target. The lightly-raced seven-year-old fell when still travelling well in a Grade Two at Leopardstown on Sunday won by Pont Alexandre, but had previously looked a horse of considerable potential with comfortable successes at Leopardstown over Christmas and in a Listed bumper at Cheltenham in November.

Mags Mullins revealed: "I'm not sure which race will be his target yet - I will leave that to Barry (Connell, owner) - but he is just a little bit sore at the moment and we will just have to see how he is over the next few days.

"He looked as if he might have given the winner a race on Sunday and it was disappointing to fall as it does take its toll. I don't know if I will be able to get another run into him into him before Cheltenham as it's getting a bit close now.

"He is definitely good enough to go to Cheltenham - I think he is very good - and if I have him right, we will definitely be going to The Festival.

"Barry was talking about the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle or the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle but he looked good when he won his bumper at Cheltenham over two miles. I thought he would win that race at Cheltenham because he beat that good horse of Tony Martin's in a schooling bumper two weeks before so I was very confident - I didn't go over to Cheltenham for a holiday!

"The form of his maiden hurdle win at Leopardstown is working out very well - four or five winners have come out of it - and it would have been lovely to get a clear round on Sunday as the fall has left me in no man's land."

The Grade One JCB Triumph Hurdle, run over an extended two miles for four-year-olds on Friday, March 15, has attracted a total of 58 entries. Nicky Henderson has annexed five JCB Triumph Hurdles and his five entries include Festival Trials Day victor Rolling Star, while champion Jump trainer Paul Nicholls' six entries feature dual course winner Far West and Irish Saint. The 15 Irish contenders are headed by Our Conor, trained by Dessie Hughes, and Diakali, who is one of seven engaged for Willie Mullins.

 PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR FULL MEDIA PACK

Impressive Sharestan Lines Up For US$200,000 Group 2 Al Rashidiya

Thursday’s DUBAL-sponsored meeting of the 2013 Dubai World Cup Carnival is highlighted by the Group 2 Al Rashidiya, an 1800m turf contest for which ten have been declared and, on paper at least, looks by far the best race of the season to date.

Three weeks ago, at the opening meeting, the Saeed bin Suroor-trained Sharestan was the impressive winner of the trial over the same course and distance and, with Silvestre De Sousa again in the saddle, he looks certain to be a popular Pick Six selection. Bin Suroor also has Do It All and Aesop’s Fables among the declarations and is seeking a fifth win in the race first contested in 2000.

“They are three nice horses,” said the Godolphin trainer. “Sharestan obviously has the advantage of that run when he really pleased us and he has been in great form since. His last piece of work was very good and we hope he is improving.

“This will be a first start for us with Aesop’s Fables and we like him a lot. His work has been good and we are looking forward to getting him on the track, while Do It All will probably need this run.”

Fellow Godolphin handler, Mahmoud Al Zarooni saddles City Style, twice a Meydan winner last year before excelling in defeat in Group 1 company – when second to Master Of Hounds in the Jebel Hatta on Super Saturday and third in the US$5million Dubai Duty Free on Dubai World Cup night.

Al Zarooni sounds hopeful rather than confident though and said: “Obviously conditions are fine but I just think he is going to need this first run back having been off since July.”

It is not all about Godolphin though and HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum is responsible for three runners, all trained locally, with his retained jockey, Paul Hanagan choosing to ride So Beautiful, runner-up to Sharestan in the trial and trained by Doug Watson. The American also saddles Albaasil for the owner and said: “The trial did not really pan out for So Beautiful but he ran on well once clear in the straight. Hopefully we can get a clear passage this time.

“Albaasil has been off over 300 days but is as fit and ready as we can get him without a race and this has always been his first major target.”

The owner’s second jockey, Dane O’Neill, rides the Ali Rashid Al Raihe-trained Derbaas, winner of Abu Dhabi’s National Day Cup on his most recent outing.

Like Bin Suroor, South African Mike De Kock is also seeking a fifth win in the race, and he relies on The Apache who will be having his first start for the yard. The trainer said: “He is probably better over a bit further and our horses from South Africa have generally been needing their first run. That said, he is as straight as I can get him at home so he should give a good account.”

Irish raiders Light Heavy and Fanunalter, trained in the UK by Italian, Marco Botti, complete the field.

84 FOR 2013 JOHN SMITH'S GRAND NATIONAL AT AINTREE

WILLIAMS HOPES CAPPA CAN GIVE WALES FIRST SUCCESS SINCE 1905

 

The 166th running of the world's greatest chase, the John Smith's Grand National, has attracted a high-class entry of 84, an increase of two on the 2012 figure.

With a prize fund of £975,000, the John Smith's Grand National remains the most valuable jump race in Europe and among the richest in the world.

The Aintree contest will take place over the new distance of four miles, three furlongs and about 110 yards on Saturday, April 6, with the start moved closer to the first fence. The maximum permitted field is 40 runners, with up to four reserves on standby.

Seven-time champion jump trainer Paul Nicholls landed his first John Smith's Grand National in dramatic fashion last year when Neptune Collonges got the better of Sunnyhillboy by a nose in the closest finish ever seen to the great race.

Neptune Collonges was retired following his famous victory but Sunnyhillboy (20/1 with Betfred, official betting partner of the 2013 John Smith's Grand National) could bid to go one better. The 2012 third and fourth, Seabass (20/1) and Cappa Bleu (25/1), are both entered again.

Trainer Evan Williams, based in the Vale of Glamorgan, has confirmed Cappa Bleuis on course for a second tilt at the John Smith's Grand National.

The lightly-raced 11-year-old encountered trouble in running last year and his trainer believes the experience will have stood him in good stead ahead of this year's renewal.

Williams commented: "The John Smith's Grand National has been the plan for Cappa Bleu ever since he crossed the line last year.

"He ran a very promising race last year. He got a few bumps along the way and was lucky to stand up with some loose horses and fallers around him. I thought he did incredibly well to finish as close as he did.

"He is a very unexposed horse and his inexperience probably caught him out last year, but hopefully he will benefit from that this time around.

"Everything has been very good with him since his comeback at Carlisle (second of five in November) and, given the way the weather has been, I am delighted we managed to get the run into him when we did.

"Since he ran, it has been very wet and very heavy ground doesn't suit him. When he encountered that for the first time in the Welsh National in 2011, it took me a long time to get him back after that.

"I didn't want to run him in that sort of ground again this season because I want to get him to Aintree as fresh as I possibly can.

"He holds entries this weekend but he will be entered everywhere as I am very keen to get another run or two into him before Aintree. I will give him every opportunity to run but, as I have said all season, if the ground is very heavy, he won't run."

Cappa Bleu is one of eight entries trained in Wales, along with recent Welsh National second Teaforthree (Rebecca Curtis), Always Waining, who has won the last three runnings of the John Smith's Topham Chase over the Grand National fences, Gullible Gordon and Mumbles Head (all with Peter Bowen) and 2011 Scottish Grand National winner Beshabar, Saint Are and Tartak (all with Tim Vaughan).

The only horse trained in Wales to win the John Smith's Grand National was Kirkland way back in 1905.

Nicholls has four chances to gain a second John Smith's Grand National this year, headed by Tidal Bay(20/1). The 12-year-old has been revitalised since joining the Somerset handler and landed the Grade One Lexus Chase at Leopardstown, Ireland, over Christmas. Nicholls could also be represented by What A Friend (25/1) and Harry The Viking (25/1), who are both part-owned by Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, as well as Join Together (20/1), who was second over the famous fences in the Betfred Becher Chase in December.

Jonjo O'Neill, who went so close with Sunnyhillboy last year having trained Don't Push It to win in 2010, has five entries in 2013. In addition to Sunnyhillboy, the Gloucestershire-based handler could also be represented by the multiple Grade One scorer Albertas Run, Cheltenham Festival winner Alfie Sherrin, Lost Glory and Mister Hyde.

The name McCain is synonymous with the John Smith's Grand National, with the late Ginger McCain sending out the great Red Rum to three Grand National victories in the 1970s followed by Amberleigh House in 2004 and his son Donald enjoying success with Ballabriggs in 2011. Ballabriggs, sixth in 2012, is one of five entries for Donald McCain this year along with Across The Bay, Cloudy Lane,who has run three times in the John Smith's Grand National and won the John Smith's Fox Hunters over the big fences last season, Fabalu and Weird Al.

The progressive Wyck Hill, successful on four of his last six starts, comes from the stable of David Bridgwater. As a jockey, Bridgwater finished second in the 1996 Grand National on Encore Un Peu.

There are a total of 32 Irish-trained entries, with Ireland's champion jump trainer Willie Mullins having seven hopefuls, more than any other handler. The Mullins septet includes the leading contenders Prince De Beauchene, a winner over the Mildmay course at the 2011 John Smith's Grand National meeting and On His Own, who was still travelling well in third when falling at Becher's on the second circuit of last season's John Smith's Grand National. The duo are the 16/1 joint favourites with Betfred. Mullins saddled Hedgehunter to land the Aintree showpiece in 2005.

Another Irish trainer to have previously sent out the winner of the John Smith's Grand National is Ted Walsh, who was triumphant with Papillon in 2000. He has two strong contenders this year, including last year's third Seabass, ridden by his amateur rider daughter Katie, and Colbert Station (20/1), who entered the reckoning for the John Smith's Grand National when taking a valuable handicap chase at Leopardstown over Christmas.

Gordon Elliott enjoyed a dream start to his training career when Silver Birch collected the 2007 John Smith's Grand National and his six entries this year include the high-class Jessies Dream, who has not been seen out since finishing second in the 2011 Grade One RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival behind the Jessica Harrington-trained Bostons Angel.

The last two winners of the Irish Grand National - Organisedconfusion (2011) and Lion Na Bearnai (2012) - are also engaged, while leading owner J P McManus has seven possibles spread across five trainers.

There is one entry from France,experienced chaser Odysseas, who is trained by Yann Porzier.

Nigel Twiston-Davies is the most successful current trainer in the John Smith's Grand National, having enjoyed two successes with Earth Summit (1998) and Bindaree (2002). He has four entries this year, headed by the 2010 Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Imperial Commander (25/1), who made an excellent return to action on Saturday, January 26 following nearly two years when just touched off in the Argento Chase at Cheltenham.

David Pipe, who saddled Comply Or Die to win the John Smith's Grand National in 2008, also has four to choose from including the talented performer The Package, while Venetia Williams, trainer of the shock 100/1 winner Mon Mome in 2009, has three possible starters - Katenko, the winner of his last two races, Summery Justice and Pentiffic.

It is 23 years since Kim Bailey landed the Grand National with Mr Frisk and the trainer has one entry this year, The Rainbow Hunter, successful on two of his last three starts.

Weights for the John Smith's Grand National are framed by the British Horseracing Authority's Head of Handicapping, Phil Smith, and will be revealed at the annual John Smith's Grand National launch on Tuesday, February 12.

The John Smith's Grand National is the only race in the calendar where the handicapper is permitted to use his own discretion and judgment, rather than relying on central ratings.

 

John Baker, North West Regional Director, Jockey Club Racecourses, commented: "It is very satisfying to see the number of entries for the John Smith's Grand National has been maintained.

"Interest in the great race clearly remains as strong as ever among owners and trainers.

"The quality of the entries also shines through with multiple Grade One winners Tidal Bay and Albertas Run, while the Irish-trained contingent looks very powerful.

"Everyone now eagerly awaits the unveiling on the weights on Tuesday, February 12."

LATEST ODDS FROM BETFRED - OFFICIAL BETTING PARTNER OF THE 2013 JOHN SMITH'S GRAND NATIONAL

16/1 On His Own, Prince De Beauchene; 20/1 Colbert Station, Join Together, Katenko, Seabass, Sunnyhillboy, Tidal Bay; 25/1 Beshabar, Cappa Bleu, Harry The Viking, Imperial Commander, Roberto Goldback, Roi Du Mee, Teaforthree, The Package, What A Friend; 33/1 Across The Bay, Albertas Run, Alfie Sherrin, Ballabriggs, Balthazar King, Big Fella Thanks, Bostons Angel, Frisco Depot, Lambro, Lion Na Bearnai, Organisedconfusion, Oscar Time, Outlaw Pete, Romanesco, Saint Are, Tofino Bay, Weird Al, Wyck Hill; 40/1 Call The Police, Jessies Dream, Little Josh, Lost Glory, Magnanimity, Mister Hyde, Planet Of Sound, Quel Esprit, Quiscover Fontaine, Quito De La Roque, Tarquinius; 50/1 Always Waining, Any Currency, Auroras Encore, Becauseicouldntsee, Bob Lingo, Chicago Grey, Cross Appeal, Forpadydeplasterer, Joncol, Mr Moonshine, Ninetieth Minute, Pandorama, Problema Tic, Quinz, Rare Bob, Shakervilz, Summery Justice, Swing Bill, Tartak, The Rainbow Hunter, Treacle; 66/1 Backstage, Calgary Bay, Cloudy Lane, Midnight Chase, Odysseas, Pearlysteps, Pentiffic, Poker De Sivola, Soll, Viking Blond; 100/1 Fabalu, Gullible Gordon, Major Malarkey, Matuhi, Mortimers Cross, Mumbles Head, Tatenen.       

¼ 1-2-3-4 - All Quoted 

John Smith's Grand National Specials

9/4 Irish-trained winner

4/1 Willie Mullins-trained winner

6/1 Andrea & Graham Wylie-owned winner

6/1 Paul Nicholls-trained winner

12/1 Barry Geraghty-ridden winner

12/1 Female-ridden winner

12/1 AP McCoy-ridden winner

12/1 Ruby Walsh-ridden winner

16/1 Donald McCain-trained winner

Win Only - Singles Only

JOHN SMITH'S GRAND NATIONAL - SPECIALS

9/4 Irish-trained horse to win Grand National

4/1 Willie Mullins to train Grand National winner

6/1 Andrea & Graham Wylie to own Grand National winner

6/1 Paul Nicholls to train Grand National winner

12/1 Barry Geraghty to ride Grand National winner

12/1 Female Ridden to ride Grand National winner

12/1 Tony McCoy to ride Grand National winner

12/1 Ruby Walsh to ride Grand National winner

16/1 Donald McCain to train Grand National winner

Win only. Singles only.

BREAKDOWN OF ENTRIES BY TRAINER WITH PAST SUCCESSES IN THE JOHN SMITH'S GRAND NATIONAL

7 Entries

Willie Mullins IRE (2005 Hedgehunter)

6 Entries

Gordon Elliott IRE (2007 Silver Birch)

5 Entries

Donald McCain (2011 Ballabriggs)

Jonjo O'Neill (2010 Don't Push It)

4 Entries

Paul Nicholls (2012 Neptune Collonges)

David Pipe (2008 Comply Or Die)

Nigel Twiston-Davies (2002 Bindaree, 1998 Earth Summit)

3 Entries

Peter Bowen

Philip Hobbs

Dessie Hughes IRE

Tim Vaughan

Venetia Williams (2009 Mon Mome)

2 Entries

Noel Meade IRE

Sue Smith

Tom Taaffe IRE

Ted Walsh IRE (2000 Papillon)

1 Entry

Kim Bailey (1990 Mr Frisk)

David Bridgwater

Mick Channon

Tom Cooper IRE

Rebecca Curtis

Henry Daly

Tom George

Tom Gibney IRE

Noel Glynn IRE

John Halley IRE

Jessica Harrington IRE

Nicky Henderson

Jo Hughes

Martin Keighley

Charlie Longsdon

Martin Lynch IRE

Arthur Moore

Neil Mullholland

Tom Mullins IRE

Ferdy Murphy

Colm Murphy IRE

John Needham

Paul Nolan IRE

Yann-Marie Porzier FR

Richard Rowe

Evan Williams

 

THE 2013 JOHN SMITH'S GRAND NATIONAL

Class 1, Grade 3, £975,000 total prize fund. 4.15pm, Aintree, Saturday, April 6, 2013, four miles, three and a half furlongs. For seven-year-olds and upwards who, up to and including March 18, 2013, have been placed first, second, third or fourth in a chase of three miles or more and which are allotted a rating of 120 or more by the BHA Head of Handicapping following a review of the horses entered and after taking account of races run up to and including February 10, 2013. Horses who are not qualified for a rating in Great Britain or Ireland at closing may also be entered. Such horses may be eligible for a weight providing the handicapper is satisfied that the horse's racecourse performances up to and including February 10 would merit a minimum rating of 120. To qualify, horses must have run at least three times in chases run under the Rules of Racing of the same Recognised Racing Authority up to and including February 10, 2013. At the handicapper's discretion, such horses may be allocated a rating. The decision of the BHA Head of Handicapping shall be final. The British Horseracing Authority has modified Rule (F)42.2.1 for the purposes of this race, such that racecourse performances up to and including Sunday, February 12, may be taken into account. A novice horse shall only be qualified to run in this race if it has run a minimum of three times in chases in Great Britain, Ireland or France in accordance with Rule (F)42.5. Highest weight 11st 10lb - no penalties after publication of the weights. Entries closed January 29, entries revealed January 30 (84 entries), weights revealed February 12, first scratchings' deadline February 26, second scratchings' deadline March 19. Five-day confirmation stage April 1, final declaration stage 10.00am, April 4. Maximum field size of 40, plus four reserves. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Monday, January 28.

Form  Horse    Age Owner     Trainer

P3-1120 ACROSS THE BAY (IRE) 9 Scotch Piper Syndicate   Donald McCain

P12/123- ALBERTAS RUN (IRE)  12 Trevor Hemmings   Jonjo O'Neill

0513-30 ALFIE SHERRIN  10 J P McManus    Jonjo O'Neill

044001- ALWAYS WAINING (IRE) 12 Mr & Mrs Peter James Douglas  Peter Bowen

3-614U4 ANY CURRENCY (IRE) 10 Cash Is King    Martin Keighley

2-U0P45 AURORAS ENCORE (IRE) 11 D Pryde, J Beaumont & D P van der Hoeven Sue Smith

P/5000/P- BACKSTAGE (FR)  11 MPR & Capranny Syndicate  Gordon Elliott IRE

121/46-P BALLABRIGGS (IRE)  12  Trevor Hemmings   Donald McCain

P0F1-12 BALTHAZAR KING (IRE) 9 The Brushmakers   Philip Hobbs

2F-63PP BECAUSEICOULDNTSEE (IRE) 10 Noel Glynn    Noel Glynn IRE

1/U121/5- BESHABAR (IRE)  11 Middleham Park Racing X & Ann Burrows Tim Vaughan

440/-U31 BIG FELLA THANKS  11 Crossed Fingers Partnership  Tom George

051130  BOB LINGO (IRE)  11 J P McManus    Tom Mullins IRE

P-06F22 BOSTONS ANGEL (IRE) 9 Elder Scouller    Jessica Harrington IRE

5110-P4 CALGARY BAY (IRE)  10 Camilla Radford   Mick Channon

234-F21 CALL THE POLICE (IRE) 10 DD Racing Syndicate   Willie Mullins IRE

P//1334-2 CAPPA BLEU (IRE)  11 William & Angela Rucker  Evan Williams

2B-0U63 CHICAGO GREY (IRE)  10 John Earls    Gordon Elliott IRE

40//2161- CLOUDY LANE  13 Trevor Hemmings   Donald McCain

413-521 COLBERT STATION (IRE) 9 J P McManus    Ted Walsh IRE

1P-4PP0 CROSS APPEAL (IRE)  7 John Corr    Noel Meade IRE

120-25F FABALU (IRE)   11 Tim Leslie    Donald McCain

64-2P15 FORPADYDEPLASTERER (IRE) 11 Goat Racing Syndicate   Thomas Cooper IRE

21B-4FP FRISCO DEPOT  9 Waley-Cohen, Burke, Broughton, Broughton Charlie Longsdon

0/44-060 GULLIBLE GORDON (IRE) 10 Yeh Man Partnership   Peter Bowen

112P-P0 HARRY THE VIKING  8 Sir Alex Ferguson, Ged Mason, R Wood & P Done Paul Nicholls

51U/1P/-2 IMPERIAL COMMANDER (IRE) 12 Our Friends in the North  Nigel Twiston-Davies

30/1122/- JESSIES DREAM (IRE) 10 David Johnson    Gordon Elliott IRE

11P3-02 JOIN TOGETHER (IRE) 8 Ian Fogg & Paul Barber   Paul Nicholls

20-3523 JONCOL (IRE)   10 Kay Browne    Paul Nolan IRE

4-F0211 KATENKO (FR)  7 A Brooks    Venetia Williams

01236-1 LAMBRO (IRE)  8 Byerley Thoroughbred Racing  Willie Mullins IRE

10511-P LION NA BEARNAI (IRE) 11 The Lock Syndicate   Tom Gibney IRE

6P00-1F LITTLE JOSH (IRE)  11 Tony Bloom    Nigel Twiston-Davies

011611  LOST GLORY (NZ)  8 J P McManus    Jonjo O'Neill

PP-5220 MAGNANIMITY (IRE)  9 Gigginstown House Stud  Dessie Hughes IRE

4P2P-26 MAJOR MALARKEY (IRE) 10 Baker, Dodd & Cooke   Nigel Twiston-Davies

030U-06 MATUHI   10 Willsford Racing Incorporated  David Pipe

310-3P4 MIDNIGHT CHASE  11 Lady Clarke    Neil Mulholland

04-1311 MISTER HYDE (IRE)  8 Bensaranat Club & W McLuskey Jonjo O'Neill

1P-2215 MORTIMERS CROSS  12 John Needham    John Needham

0-23602 MR MOONSHINE (IRE) 9 Sue Smith    Sue Smith

1133FP MUMBLES HEAD (IRE) 12 Karen Bowen    Peter Bowen

1F-3F60 NINETIETH MINUTE (IRE) 10 Dermot Cox    Tom Taaffe IRE

33F425 ODYSSEAS (FR)  10 Mrs Jean Porzier   Yann Porzier FR

4P1/B1F- ON HIS OWN (IRE)  9 Andrea & Graham Wylie  Willie Mullins IRE

F5U-540 ORGANISEDCONFUSION (IRE) 8 Grace Dunlop    Arthur Moore IRE

632/4-4U OSCAR TIME (IRE)  12 Robert Waley-Cohen/Sir Martin & Simon Broughton Martin Lynch IRE

05r316  OUTLAW PETE (IRE)  9 J P McManus    John Halley IRE

11/P10/-0 PANDORAMA (IRE)  10 R J Bagnall    Noel Meade IRE

30/F2PP- PEARLYSTEPS  10 The Glazeley Partnership  Henry Daly

0-00016 PENTIFFIC (NZ)  10 P Sinn, P Lawrence, L Sutcliffe, M Smith Venetia Williams

5/230-53 PLANET OF SOUND  11 Charles Lloyd-Baker   Philip Hobbs

(0)6U1/-50 POKER DE SIVOLA (FR) 10 David Johnson    Ferdy Murphy

351/51-1 PRINCE DE BEAUCHENE (FR) 10 Andrea & Graham Wylie  Willie Mullins IRE

1211-5F PROBLEMA TIC (FR)  7 Jo Tracey    David Pipe

F1113-0 QUEL ESPRIT (FR)  9 Red Barn Syndicate   Willie Mullins IRE

131P/PP- QUINZ (FR)   9 Andrew Cohen    Philip Hobbs

4010F-6 QUISCOVER FONTAINE (FR) 9 J P McManus    Willie Mullins IRE

13-3361 QUITO DE LA ROQUE (FR) 9 Gigginstown House Stud  Colm Murphy IRE

053B0-6 RARE BOB (IRE)  11 D A Syndicate    Dessie Hughes IRE

000-1U3 ROBERTO GOLDBACK (IRE) 11 Simon Munir    Nicky Henderson

511112  ROI DU MEE (FR)  8 Gigginstown House Stud  Gordon Elliott IRE

U1F102 ROMANESCO (FR)  8 Annie Flora Joan Bowles  Gordon Elliott IRE

4U01-F4 SAINT ARE (FR)  7 David Fox    Tim Vaughan

1//11113- SEABASS (IRE)  10 Gunners Syndicate   Ted Walsh IRE

0-12136 SHAKERVILZ (FR)  10 Wicklow Bloodstock Limited  Willie Mullins IRE

1/21B-00 SOLL    8 Derrick Mossop   Jo Hughes

1P/1/401- SUMMERY JUSTICE (IRE) 9 Mrs H Brown    Venetia Williams

P012-5P SUNNYHILLBOY (IRE)  10 J P McManus    Jonjo O'Neill

00P-P14 SWING BILL (FR)  12 David Johnson    David Pipe

1P1142 TARQUINIUS (FR)  10 Mrs M Furlong    Gordon Elliott IRE

50-6440 TARTAK (FR)   10 Power Panels Electrical Systems Ltd Tim Vaughan

0/015U-6 TATENEN (FR)  9 The Stewart Family   Richard Rowe

P11-062 TEAFORTHREE (IRE)  9 T437     Rebecca Curtis

5/5/4-14P THE PACKAGE  10 David Johnson    David Pipe

04-311P THE RAINBOW HUNTER 9 May We Never Be Found Out Partnership Kim Bailey

541-121 TIDAL BAY (IRE)  12 Andrea & Graham Wylie  Paul Nicholls

1-12141 TOFINO BAY (IRE)  10 Gigginstown House Stud  Dessie Hughes IRE

51423F- TREACLE (IRE)  12 Bjorn Nielsen    Tom Taaffe IRE

FP-023P VIKING BLOND (FR)  8 Caroline Mould    Nigel Twiston-Davies

13PF-4P WEIRD AL (IRE)  10 Brannon Dick Holden   Donald McCain

4P/33F0- WHAT A FRIEND  10 Ged Mason & Sir Alex Ferguson Paul Nicholls

11F2-11 WYCK HILL (IRE)  9 SAB Partnership   David Bridgwater

84 entries

32 Irish-trained

1 French-trained 

DUBAL Sponsors High-Class Dubai World Cup Carnival Card

State-owned Dubai Aluminium (“DUBAL”) renews its long-term partnership with Meydan Racecourse on Thursday evening 31 January 2013, by sponsoring an exciting card headed by the featured Group 2 Al Rashidiya over 1800m, on the turf.

With a card worth an impressive US$930,000 in prize money DUBAL is one of an elite raft of sponsors that put their support behind the 11 race days of the world-renowned Dubai World Cup Carnival.

DUBAL’s Vice President of Corporate Relations & International Affairs, Khalid Buhumaid said: “A world-class aluminium smelter, and the nation’s industrial flagship, DUBAL is proud to sponsor Dubai Racing Club’s annual Dubai World Cup Carnival again in 2013. By partnering with this high profile event for the last seven years, DUBAL has successfully promoted the social and economic growth of Dubai — to the benefit of the Emirate’s cosmopolitan population. Together, we shine.”

Malih Lahej Al Basti, Boardmember & Chairman Racing Committee Meydan Group, said: “DUBAL has been a valued supporter of racing in the UAE since 2006 and we are very happy to welcome the company back to Meydan Racecourse this Thursday.

“DUBAL fully understands the importance of forging partnerships and the success and growth of horseracing in this country is thanks in large part to the vision and willingness of Dubai’s business leaders to put their names behind the sport.

“DUBAL is one of the key companies that has helped nurture the sport of kings.”

DUBAL owns and operates world's largest single-site aluminium smelter using pre-bake anode technology. Built on a 480-hectare site in Jebel Ali, the major facilities within DUBAL’s smelter complex comprise a one million tonne per annum primary aluminium smelter, a 2,350 megawatt power station (at 30°C), a large carbon plant, casting operations with a capacity in excess of one million tonnes per annum, a 30 million gallon per day seawater desalination plant, laboratories, port and storage facilities. Widely acknowledged as a leading corporation, a preferred supplier and employer of choice, DUBAL is consistently a substantial contributor to economy of the emirate and the nation.

272 horses in running for World’s richest race

DUBAI RACING CLUB Defending champion, Monterosso heads a star-studded list of nominations for the US$10m Dubai World Cup on March 30, which also includes Kentucky Derby winner, Animal Kingdom, Pacific Classic star, Dullahan and South African supermare, Igugu. The 18th running of the world’s richest race has attracted 272 nominees, from 11 countries at closing of the free nominations. Among them are 184 from the UAE, 27 from the US, 18 from South Africa, 11 from Japan, seven from Great Britain, four from Hong Kong and two from Singapore. From the US is the Eclipse Award-winning Breeder’s Cup Ladies’ Classic and Beldame Invitational heroine, Royal Delta. The Dale Romans-trained duo, Dullahan and 2012 Breeder’s Cup Classic victor, Little Mike have also been nominated and are expected to have runs on the March 9 Super Saturday card en route to Dubai World Cup day. Like many Dubai World Cup nominated horses, both also hold nominations for the Dubai Duty Free, sponsored by Dubai Duty Free and the Dubai Sheema Classic, presented by Longines. Following on from the memorable victory of Victoire Pisa in 2011, there is strong Japanese representation in the Dubai World Cup day nominations, headed by four-time Grade 1 winner, Gentildonna in the Dubai Sheema Classic and high-class sprinter, Lord Kanaloa, who holds a nomination for the Dubai Golden Shaheen, the third leg of the 2013 Global Sprint Challenge. Igugu, Mike de Kock’s highly-anticipated champion mare is one of 18 Dubai World Cup nominations from the South African. She has also been nominated for the two Group 1 US$5m turf races, the Dubai Duty Free, which has attracted 304 nominations and the Dubai Sheema Classic, which has 266 nominations, including 2011 Melbourne Cup and 2012 Caulfield Cup winner, Dunaden. Also in the Dubai World Cup running from the South African’s stable are a number of Ballydoyle graduates including 2012 Jebel Hatta winner and Dubai World Cup eighth, Masterofhounds, Juddmonte International third, Await The Dawn, Group 2 winner, David Livingston and 2011 Irish Derby and US Secretariat Stakes winner, Treasure Beach and 2012 UAE Derby winner Daddy Long Legs. Hero of Argentina’s 2012 Premio Classico General Belgrano and the Breeder’s Cup Marathon, Calidoscopio, trained by Guillermo Frenkel, holds nominations for the Dubai World Cup and the Dubai Gold Cup, sponsored by Al Tayer Motors. Indian filly, In the Spotlight has also been handed a Dubai Gold Cup nomination. A number of familiar names have once again been nominated to the nine-race card which represents the most valuable day of horseracing in the world. Dubai World Cup Carnival star, Barbecue Eddie, trained by Doug Watson, who has now won four on the bounce, has been nominated to the Godolphin Mile, sponsored by Etisalat, a race that he had to be withdrawn from in 2012 after suffering a fever in the preceding days. “In 2002 we had 87 horses nominated for the Dubai World Cup at the free nominations stage, this year we have 272,” said Martin Talty, International Manager, Dubai Racing Club. “The nominations shouldn’t be used as an assessment of the quality of the ultimate field, but the large increases over the years do serve to demonstrate the status that this flagship race, and indeed all the races on the Dubai World Cup day, has attained all over the world. “A total of 23 countries are represented in these nominations for our programme of six Group 1 races, two Group 2s and one Group 3 outing worth a combined $27,25m in prize money. I look forward to following the progress of all the nominated horses as we draw nearer to the big day on March 30.”

Apprentice, Saeed Al Mazrooei Opens Account With Abu Dhabi Victory

Only in the starting line-up due to a non-runner, first reserve, El Wasmi made virtually all under apprentice Saeed Al Mazrooei to claim in victory the only Thoroughbred race at Abu Dhabi this evening (Sunday).

Out of any traffic problems in front, Al Mazrooei’s mount, which is trained by Ali Rashid Al Raihe, went clear about 300m out in the 1600m Handicap and was always holding off the late challenges of Entifaadha and Musaafer, both trained by Musabah Al Muhairi for HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Al Mazrooei, who won on the same horse over 1400m at Meydan last season, said: “I was told to try and make all and the plan has worked well. The boss has the horses in great form and it is nice to open my 2013 account.”

The opening race was a 1400m maiden restricted to those making their debut and very few were ever able to get involved. Turning for home, Royston Ffrench looked to have the race in safe keeping on the Ali Rashid Al Raihe-trained Udine Du Pouy but they could not withstand the late challenge of Silvestre De Sousa on Wald Johnny.

Trained by Ibrahim Al Hadhrami, the winner had been prominent until Ffrench’s mount quickened 400m out and De Sousa said: “He has needed that 1400m to really get going and the first two could be quite nice.”

Trainer and jockey completed a double when Gabas Noor, a 1400m handicap winner last week, coped with a drop to 1200m to lead nearly all the way in a 1200m handicap. Well drawn in four, De Sousa was keen to get his mount to the front and they held on grimly in the closing stages to withstand the challenge of Richleau.

De Sousa said: “We know he stays further so from the low draw we were keen to be positive and he showed plenty of dash before staying on well.”
Having won the opener, De Sousa almost completed a quick double in the following 1600m handicap on AF Kamaash but they had no answer to Daragh O’Donohoe on the Jaber Bittar-trained Talmoud. Never far off the pace, O’Donohoe’s mount quickened well 300m out and held on well.

The jockey said: “I probably hit the front sooner that I wanted but he was going well and I did not want to disappoint him. That is my first 2013 winner so it is nice to get back in the winner’s enclosure.”

The trainer later completed a double in the concluding 2200m conditions race, arguably the best of the Purebred Arabian action, with Kerkouan yet another winner on the card to make most with Adrie De Vries in the saddle on this occasion. The jockey said: “From a poor draw we did well to get across and he has enjoyed it out in front and responded gamely in the straight when the challengers appeared.”

Former Champion Jockey Wayne Smith was in the saddle on Magik Du Paon, trained on the track by Eric Lemartinel and who led close home to land a second 1200m handicap. Settled off the pace, he was produced to challenge in the final 100m and denied Zells Fred under apprentice Sam James.

FENTARA HANDED TOWTON OPTION AT WETHERBY ON SATURDAY

Fentara could step up in the class for the £30,500 Grade Two totepool.com Towton Novices' Chase (3.20pm, 14 entries), the highlight of totepool Irish Day at Wetherby this Saturday, February 2.

The eight-year-old mare, trained at Sheriff Hutton by Tim Walford, has progressed in each of her four starts over fences, placing on two occasions at Newcastle, falling when in contention at Catterick before winning impressively last time out by 38 lengths at Kelso on January 13.

Walford said today: "Fentara is a possible runner in the totepool.com Towton Novices' Chase but I want to see what the opposition is like before committing to the race. She is rated 127 and I think you need to be rated 137 but we will see what's in because she will like the ground.

"She is in really good form at the moment and seems to be improving with every run, but she is still a bit novicey. The cheekpieces helped her concentrate at Kelso and the only mistake she made was at the last but Daryl (Jacob) blames himself for that.

"We have got the EBF Mares' Final at Newbury in the back of our minds for her but it's at the end of March and we don't know what the ground is going to be like. She needs it soft and will be put in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Chase at Cheltenham as well and we will see what materialises."

The 14 entries for totepool.com Towton Novices' Chase, run over three miles and a furlong, also include Venetia Williams' Grade Two Rising Stars Novices' Chase victor Houblon Des Obeaux, smart novice hurdler Ambion Wood and last season's impressive Grade Two John Smith's Hurdle hero Restless Harry.

Donald McCain has a trio entries headed by Cheltenham scorer Super Duty and Real Milan, who has recorded comfortable successes at Carlisle and Ayr, while Somerset-based David Pipe could saddle Exeter winner Buddy Bolero and Goulanes. 

Local trainer Sue Smith has three possible representatives, Fill The Power, Vintage Star and Yurok, while another Yorkshire handler, Tim Easterby, has Fourjacks engaged.

The totepool.com Towton Chase has an impressive roll of honour, featuring good horses such as Wayward Prince, Weird Al, Ollie Magern, Royal Emperor, Escarteifigue and Mr Mulligan, who subsequently won the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Totepool Irish Day also features the £18,000 Play totescoop6 At totepool.com Handicap Chase (3.55pm, 21 entries) over an extended two and a half miles and the prestigious Wilmot-Smith Memorial Cup (1.35pm, 21 entries), one of the first significant hunter chases of the season.

Gates open at 10.30am with the action getting underway at 1.00pm.

The Irish-themed marquee in the Paddock Enclosure is open to all racegoers and features the Ceilidh House Band and dancers. Advanced bookings for the 'Irish Experience' can be made right up to the meeting. For £22 this includes Paddock Enclosure admission, voucher for the full-colour racecard, a pint of Guinness, a beef & Guinness meal and a discounted tote betting voucher.

GOING

The going at Wetherby is currently:

Soft (Heavy in places), with areas of water standing in the back straight.

Clerk of the Course Jonjo Sanderson said: "The course was covered in five inches of snow on Saturday and yet by Sunday morning it had all completely thawed, which has resulted in the water standing in the back straight. 

"The forecast is for up to 15 millimetres of rain by the close of play on Tuesday and then, hopefully, a more settled end to the week. 

"Obviously, we'll monitor the situation with the standing water and keep everyone updated. 

"Hopefully, as most of the snow in this part of the world has thawed, the river levels will continue to drop and the water recede from the track as the week progresses."