Hernando has died from a Heart Attack aged 23

HERNANDO, 1990 - 2013 

Twenty-three year old dual Group One and French Derby winner HERNANDO has died from a heart attack at Lanwades Stud, where he spent his entire very successful stud career.

Conceived at Lanwades, HERNANDO was by NINISKI, who, contrary to many observer's expectations, turned out to be the great NIJINSKY's best stallion son, being Champion First Season Sire in 1984, Leading British-based Sire (Worldwide), 1991 - 93 and siring the winners of well over 1,000 races, including 10 individual Group One winners.

HERNANDO, bred and raced by the Niarchos Family, was trained as a 2- to 4- year-old by the late Francois Boutin, and after the latter's death, as a 5-year-old by John Hammond.

HERNANDO won 7 of his 21 races, including the Prix Lupin (10f) and the French Derby, both Gr.1, the Gr.2 Prix Niel and the Prix Gontaut-Biron, Gr.3, twice; he was also second by a short head (to CARNEGIE) in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (for which he started favourite) as well as in the Irish Derby and the Turf Classic Invitational at Belmont Park. His winnings when retiring from racing were just short of $3 million, and he was the highest stakes-winning colt ever in Europe to that date.

Officially rated the Champion 3-year-old in France in 1993, HERNANDO went on to be the Joint Champion Older Horse in Europe and the USA in 1994.

At stud, HERNANDO surpassed all expectations, in spite of only once covering in excess of 80 mares in a breeding season; to date siring the winners of over 1,230 races and more than £21 million (€26m; $32m), including 6 individual Group 1 winners (to end 2012). HERNANDO was the leading British-based sire in Europe in 2002 and now has established sire sons of his own, most notably SULAMANI [sire of MASTERY, Italian Derby and English St Leger, also GOING SOMEWHERE (BRZ), won Gr.1 GP Carlos Pellegrini in 2012], HOLDING COURT (in Saudi Arabia) and GITANO HERNANDO (in South Africa).

HERNANDO sired two French Derby winners: HOLDING COURT and SULAMANI; also LOOK HERE (The Oaks), CASUAL CONQUEST (Gr.1 Tattersalls Gold Cup), GITANO HERNANDO (Gr.1 Singapore International Cup; Gr.1 Goodwood Stakes), RAINBOW PEAK (Gr.1 Gran Premio del Jockey Club) and other Group winners SAMANDO, ARVADA, MR COMBUSTIBLE, ALIANTHUS, HANAMI, HERBORISTE, ATLANDO, HARRIS TWEED, AKDARENA, INDIAN DAFFODIL, SONGERIE, ASIAN HEIGHTS, JUST WONDER and TAU CETI.

To date, HERNANDO is the sire of 78 lifetime 2-year-old winners and 250 lifetime 3-year-old winners.

HERNANDO's yearlings have made up to 400,000 guineas and in 2012, his yearling son out of OVAL OFFICE, bred by Lanwades and sold by Staffordstown, topped the Goffs Sportsman Sales when purchased by Stephen Hillen for €75,000 - he is now trained by David Simcock in Newmarket.

Now emerging also as a significant broodmare sire, HERNANDO leaves a number of daughters at stud around the world (including Group winners AKDARENA and SONGERIE at Lanwades).

"HERNANDO had been retired from his stud duties since the close of the 2011 stud season, and his final produce are now yearlings. He was a most charming character, always kind and co-operative, and he is very sadly missed by us all at Lanwades. I particularly wish to thank the horse's owner/breeders, the Niarchos family, for entrusting him to us at Lanwades, and to his devoted handler, Steve McKeown, who has looked after HERNANDO at Lanwades for 17 years" said Kirsten Rausing, owner of Lanwades Stud.

HERNANDO has been buried next to his stud companion, Champion racehorse and sire SELKIRK, at Lanwades. 

Al Jahouris String Continues To Fire as Laamaa Claims Group 3

Laamaa continued the remarkable season being enjoyed by his owner and breeder Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his main trainer Majed Al Jahouri by winning the Group 2 middle round of the Arabian Triple Crown, the 2200m feature race at Abu Dhabi on Sunday evening.

Harry Bentley was in the saddle on the winner and said: “Stamina was the issue for most of us and he has stayed well over this longer trip than he has been racing in France. The runner-up and third are both nice types and highly regarded so it has to be a good performance and a highly promising introduction to the UAE. He should be able to build on this.”

It was a double on the card for owner and trainer after the earlier victory of Jarnin in the 2200m conditions race with Kieren Falllon aboard the winner.

The only Thoroughbred race on the card was the concluding 2200m prep race for the Group 3 Emirates Championship, which will be run over the same course and distance on March 17.

It was won well by Malthouse for the in form duo of trainer Satish Seemar and stable jockey Richard Mullen who said: “He won well the last time we were here, beating Dr Faustus who has franked the form before failing to fire at Meydan and being well beaten. This was a good effort and he will surely be a big contender in the Abu Dhabi Championship itself. Hopefully we will be back here in three weeks with a big chance.”

Racing opened with a 1600m maiden in which Champion Jockey Tadhg O’Shea was victorious aboard Errada for trainer Ernst Oertel. The winning jockey said: “She ran well enough the first time and has done well to win here – we did not have a good draw and she is still a big baby who really stuck her head out when it mattered and is very much learning her trade. Hopefully she will go on from here.”

The Jaber-Bittar-trained Monawer may have been asked to concede weight to his 10 rivals in the Emirates Colts’ Classic but, under Pat Cosgrave the colt comfortably shrugged off his impost. His jockey said: “He is a nice horse as we already knew and the penalty was not enough to stop him. It would be nice to think he can build on this and improve further.”

The 2200m conditions race for ‘private owners’ went to the powerful combination of trainer Eric Lemartinel and jockey Gerald Avranche, courtesy of AF Qamoos.

NIGEL TWISTON-DAVIES REFLECTS AHEAD OF THE FESTIVAL

Grange Hill Farm, Naunton, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

Nigel Twiston-Davies is looking forward to The Festival: "I am feeling really quite happy - nobody is expecting an awful lot. It wasn't fun in the build-up when Commander was favourite for the Gold Cup. Everybody thought he would win and so did I - in a way only things can go wrong then. When you are not expected, it is more fun the better you do rather than a kick in the nuts when you get beat.

 

"We have the Commander back and some very, very nice novices so it is looking good. We have not the firepower (that some stables have) or the money to go out and buy expensive horses so its is nice when my cheapies come and do the job. It is hard work but more satisfying.

"It would be lovely to have 150 horses but I don' think it will happen. Being a trainer is better than working for a living like you boys do (referring to the media)! You are at home and I am lucky enough to have my own place, which I share with the banks I am afraid. It is OK. I could do without the stresses but it is a good way of life.

"I am very pleased with how the season has gone - I didn't think we would have a good season at all. I did not think we had enough good horses but they have excelled themselves.

"We have just over two weeks to The Festival and things can go wrong between now and then - anything can happen. Two years ago Imperial Commander seemed in the form of his life and then went and burst a blood vessel - bang, the end of your dreams. He was travelling every bit as well as anything in the race - that's life.

"I am really proud of Sam (his son) - he does a wonderful job (as stable jockey). I have not spoken to Willy about riding at Cheltenham. I think he feels if he keeps coming back then people will not take him seriously as a Flat jockey and he is determined to give the Flat 100 per cent. It would be silly to have a fall or something.

Synopsis - One of the leading Jump trainers, Nigel Twiston-Davies has an excellent record at his local track Cheltenham, with 13 victories at The Festival and 24 at The Open (since 1990). He recently achieved his 1,500th winner.

He enjoyed a dream final day at The Festival in 2010 when Imperial Commander won the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup, Baby Run, ridden by Twiston-Davies' son Sam, took the CGA Foxhunter Chase and Pigeon Island was successful in the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase.

He is the only current trainer to have saddled two winners of the John Smith's Grand National - Earth Summit (1998) and Bindaree (2002). Carl Llewellyn, who won on Earth Summit, has been his business partner since 2009.

Sons Sam, born on October 15, 1992, and Willy, born December 1, 1994, are both jockeys. Sam is stable jockey to his father, while Willy has partnered 29 winners on the Flat as an apprentice plus had success over jumps.

Born - Crickhowell, Abergavenny, May, 16, 1957 

Background - father William was a farmer; went to Radley school, alongside other future trainers such as Kim Bailey, Oliver and Simon Sherwood and the late Mikey Heaton-Ellis.

Worked for handlers such as Richard Head, Fred Rimell, David Nicholson and Kim Bailey when riding as an amateur, registering 17 wins under Rules and the same number in point-to-points.

Starting training in 1981 combining farming with a permit (someone who trains only their family's horses); took out a full licence to train in 1989 in partnership with Peter Scudamore.

First winner as a trainer -  Last Of The Foxes, Hereford on February 3, 1982 (which he also rode).

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL WINS (13)

William Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle (1994 Arctic Kinsman)

JLT Specialty Handicap Chase (1992 Tipping Tim)

John Oaksey National Hunt Chase (2009 Tricky Trickster)

Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle (1993 Gaelstrom, 2004 Fundamentalist)

RSA Chase (1993 Young Hustler)

Pertemps Final (2000 Rubhahunish, 2008 Ballyfitz)

Ryanair Chase (2009 Imperial Commander)

JCB Triumph Hurdle (1998 Upgrade)

Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup (2010 Imperial Commander)

CGA Foxhunter Chase (2010 Baby Run)

Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase (2010 Pigeon Island)

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL WINS BY YEAR

1992-1 JLT Specialty Handicap Chase (Tipping Tim)

*1993-2 Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle (Gaelstrom), RSA Chase (Young Hustler)

1994-1 William Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle (Arctic Kinsman)

1998-1 JCB Triumph Hurdle (Upgrade)

2000-1 Pertemps Final (Rubhahunish)

2004-1 Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle (Fundamentalist)

2008-1 Pertemps Final (Ballyfitz)

2009-2 John Oaksey National Hunt Chase (Tricky Trickster), Ryanair Chase (Imperial Commander)

2010-3 Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup (Imperial Commander), CGA Foxhunter (Baby Run), Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase (Pigeon Island)

*winner of The Irish Independent Leading Trainer Award (along with Nicky Henderson & Martin Pipe)

OTHER BIG RACE WINS INCLUDE:

Argento Chase (2008 Knowhere)

Bet365 Gold Cup (2000 Beau)

Betfair Chase (2010 Imperial Commander)

Betfred Becher Handicap Chase (1993 Indian Tonic, 1995 Young Hustler, 1998 Earth Summit, 2010 & 2012 Hello Bud)

Champion Irish National Hunt Flat Race (1998 King's Road)

Coral Scottish Grand National (1992 Captain Dibble, 1994 Earth Summit, 2009 Hello Bud)

Coral Welsh National (1997 Earth Summit, 2003 Bindaree)

Hennessy Gold Cup (2000 King's Road)

John Smith's Aintree Hurdle (2008 Mister Morose, 2010 Khyber Kim)

John Smith's Grand National (1998 Earth Summit, 2002 Bindaree)

Ladbrokes World Series Hurdle (2000 Rubhahunish)

Long Walk Hurdle (1993 Sweet Duke, 1996 Ocean Hawk)

Paddy Power Gold Cup (1992 Tipping Tim, 2008 Imperial Commander, 2010 Little Josh),

Racing Post Handicap Hurdle (2009 Khyber Kim)

Rewards4racing Cleeve Hurdle (1998 Mistinguett)

StanJames.com International (2009 Khyber Kim)

williamhill,com Christmas Hurdle (1997 Kerawi)

williamhill.com Feltham Novices' Chase (1992 Dakyns Boy, 2004 Ollie Magern)

BUMPER HORSE

PURE SCIENCE (IRE)

5 ch g Galileo (IRE) - Rebelline (IRE) (Robellino (USA))

Form: 14 Owner: Raymond Mould Breeder: Castlemartin Stud & Skymarc Farm

Summary

A 160,000 guineas yearling by champion Flat sire Galileo out of Group One winner Rebelline; did not run on the Flat when with Barry and Charlie Hills but made a winning debut in a 12-runner bumper at Warwick in January when scoring by nine lengths. Improved effort when stepped up to Listed company at Newbury on February 9.

Jump Race Record: Starts: 2; Wins: 1; 2nd: -; 3rd: -; Win & Place Prize Money: £2,359

Last Run

Stayed on when fourth of 10 in a Listed bumper at Newbury (soft) on February 9, beaten 11 lengths by Oscar Rock.

Aimed at

Weatherbys Champion Bumper

Nigel Twiston-Davies said: "By Galileo, he is a very smart horse. He is in the bumper if he gets in. He may not because he got beat the other day at Newbury - they went too slow for him then."

 

NOVICE HURDLERS

AFRICAN GOLD (IRE)

5 b g King's Theatre (IRE) - Mrs Dempsey (IRE) (Presenting)

Jump Form: 121111   Owner: Ron Bauer   Breeder: Frank Motherway

Summary

Won sole bumper start at Stratford in May, 2012; unbeaten in four hurdles starts since chasing home Ballybough Pat in a novices' hurdle at Carlisle in October, winning novices' hurdles at Wetherby and Doncaster either side of two handicap hurdle successes at Newbury.

Jump Race Record: Starts: 6; Wins: 5; 2nd: 1; 3rd: -; Win & Place Prize Money: £27,177

Last Run

Won a two and a half mile novices' hurdle at Doncaster (soft) by four lengths from Close Touch on February 7.

Entries at The Festival      Distance Value

Pertemps Final        3m   £80,000

Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle      3m   £120,000

Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle   2m 5f  £50,000

Nigel Twiston-Davies said: "I would have thought it is the Albert Bartlett for him. He has done everything we wanted of him this season. He is lovely - I really like him.

"He is superb. I think the extra distance and better ground will improve him a lot. I am hoping in years to come that he will be another Imperial Commander type. He is a great big strong horse.

"The horses do it themselves - they are growing up and learning - that is the thing."

MASTER OF THE SEA

6 b g Misternando - Sea Gale (IRE) (Strong Gale)

Jump Form:34-4661111   Owner: R J Rexton    Breeder: B D Darrer

Summary

Two runs in bumpers last season. This season, a progressive hurdler who has won his last four races and gone from a handicap rating of 92 to 142 in the process. He made all to win by five lengths over two and a half miles at Hereford on December 5 when sent off the 4/1 favourite and followed up with a short-head verdict over Bathwick Brave in a Ascot novices handicap hurdle on December 8. Stepped up two furlongs in distance at Wincanton on January, he was a decisive winner by five lengths in another handicap. He went to Newbury on February 9 for an extended three-mile handicap hurdle and was driven out to win by four lengths.

Jump Race Record: Starts: 9; Wins: 4; 2nd: 0; 3rd: -1; Win & Place Prize Money: £23,975

Last Run

Beat 17 opponents at Newbury on February 9 over three miles and half a furlong; sent off at 8/1; won by four lengths from Captain Sunshine.

Entries at The Festival      Distance Value

Coral Cup        2m 5f  £80,000

Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle   2m 4f 110y £50,000

Nigel Twiston-Davies said: "He has been a revelation this season, going up a lot in the handicap. He will go for the Coral Cup at The Festival.

"We have not got to the bottom of him yet - he keeps improving. I would be very excited about the Coral Cup."

RANSOM NOTE

6 b g Red Ransom (USA) - Zacheta (Polish Precedent (USA))

Jump Form: 73  Owner: Raymond Mould Breeder:  Rabbah Bloodstock Limited

Summary

High-class performer on the Flat for Barry and Charlie Hills, winning seven of his 23 starts including the Group Two Joel Stakes over a mile at Newmarket in September, 2011. Beaten 38 lengths on his hurdling debut at Kempton Park in November, 2012, but shaped better when a close third in a jumpers' bumper at Lingfield on January 29.

Jump Race Record: Starts: 2; Wins: -; 2nd: -; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money: £477

Last Run

Third of eight in a two-mile jumpers' bumper at Lingfield (Polytrack) on January 29, beaten three quarters of a length.

Entries at The Festival      Distance Value

William Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle     2m 110y £120,000

Stan James Champion Hurdle      2m 110y £400,000

Nigel Twiston-Davies said: "He has had a knock - on a joint - and I don't think will be going to The Festival."

THE NEW ONE (IRE)

5 b g King's Theatre (IRE) - Thuringe (FR) (Turgeon (USA))

Jump Form: 1161-1112  Owner: Sarah Such  Breeder: R Brown & Ballylinch Stud

Summary

High-class performer in bumpers last season, winning three from four including the John Smith's Champion Bumper at Aintree after finishing sixth in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at The Festival. Also three from four over hurdles this season, capturing a minor event at Newton Abbot on October 1 and the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle Cheltenham 18 days later before returning from a slight break to land the Grade Two Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle by 16 lengths at Warwick on January 12. Tasted defeat for the first time over hurdles on Festival Trials Day at Cheltenham on January 26.

Jump Race Record: Starts: 8; Wins: 6; 2nd: 1; 3rd: -; Win & Place Prize Money: £59,866

Last Run

Second of five in the Grade Two Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle over an extended two and a half miles at Cheltenham (heavy) on January 26, beaten a neck by Fisher's Cross after leading before the last.

Entries at The Festival      Distance Value

William Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle (March 12)   2m 110y £120,000

Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle (March 13)  2m 5f  £120,000

Nigel Twiston-Davies said: "He will be going for the Neptune Hurdle and is in good nick.

"The big difference this time is that it will not be desperately heavy ground. He has obviously got a huge burst of speed and  in hindsight we probably used it a bit too soon last time.

"He will probably take it up going to the last I would expect. There is no point sitting there, making a mistake at the last and getting run out of it. It is difficult but the ground cannot be as horrible as it was last time.

"I would hope all my horses have good chances but he would be the shortest-priced and the bookies are cleverer than most of us so maybe he is our best chance.

"There will be pace in the race. I don't really worry about the others - on the day I will obviously but we have just got to go there as fit as we can - what will be will be."

NOVICE CHASERS

SAME DIFFERENCE (IRE)

7 b g Mr Combustible (IRE) - Sarahs Reprive (IRE) (Yashgan)

Jump Form: 143371-234136   Owner: Mrs R Vaughan  Breeder: Mrs Marie Fenlon

Summary

Point-to-point winner in Ireland; smart novice hurdler last season, winning two of his six starts, as well as finishing third in Grade Two contests at Warwick and Doncaster. Scored at the fourth time of asking over fences in a three-mile novices' event at Leicester on January 8, before finishing third, beaten three and a quarter lengths, to Unioniste in a competitive novices' chase at Newbury on February 9. Most recent run was at Kempton on Saturday when, stepped up in class, he ran in the Racing Plus Handicap Chase and finished a respectable sixth of 13.

Jump Race Record: Starts: 12; Wins: 3; 2nd: 1; 3rd: 4; Win & Place Prize Money: £23,208

Last Run

 

Beaten sixteen lengths by Opening Batsman in the £100,000 Racing Plus Handicap Chase at Kempton Park on February 23. Made the running to the fifth and then chased the leader before finding no extra three out.

Entries at The Festival      Distance Value

JLT Specialty Handicap Chase      3m 110y £90,000

John Oaksey National Hunt Chase     4m  £85,000

RSA Chase        3m 110y £150,000

Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase    3m 1f 110y £60,000

Nigel Twiston-Davies said: "I wasn't really disappointed with his run on Saturday. I think he ran a good race - a novice against old handicappers. He was running on well at the end and is in the four-mile race (John Oaksey National Hunt Chase) and I would have thought we would look at that."

TOUR DES CHAMPS (FR)

6 b/br g Robin Des Champs (FR) - Massada (FR) (Kashtan (FR))

Jump Form: 1F32P06-1F81F13  Owner: Raymond Mould  Breeder: Bruno Vagne

Summary

Hurdle win came on debut at Stratford in October, 2011, from seven starts over the smaller obstacles. Improved over fences this season with three wins from seven starts, including a valuable handicap chase success at Ludlow in December. Scored by 31 lengths at Ffos Las in February and was stepped up in grade when last of three finishers to Rocky Creek in the Grade Two Reynoldstown Novices' Chase at Ascot on February 16.

Jump Race Record: Starts: 14; Wins: 4; 2nd: 1; 3rd: 2; Win & Place Prize Money: £29,654

Last Run

Third of three finishers behind Rock Creek in the Grade Two Reynoldstown Novices' Chase over an extended three miles at Ascot (soft) on February 16, beaten 13 lengths.

Entries at The Festival      Distance Value

JLT Specialty Handicap Chase      3m 110y £90,000

John Oaksey National Hunt Chase     4m  £85,000

RSA Chase        3m 110y £150,000

Nigel Twiston-Davies said: "He is in the various races -we don't know where we are going with him yet but he has done really well this season.

"The weights are coming out this week for the handicaps - which races will he get in and what are they looking like? We will declare him in all of them and then have a think. He is improving - he made a bad mistake at Ascot last week and could have run a big race there because he really stays on. Hopefully, he is a RSA horse bit if he is he will definitely win the three-mile handicap (JLT Specialty Handicap Chase JLT Specialty Handicap Chase)."

CHASER

IMPERIAL COMMANDER

12 b g Flemensfirth (USA) - Ballinlovane (Le Moss)

Form: 146173/114/161/P251U/1P/2 Owner: Our Friends In The North Breeder: Laurence J Flynn

Summary

Top-class chaser. Imperial Commander was an emphatic eight-length winner on his only start between the flags at Summerhill in April, 2005. He made his debut for Nigel Twiston-Davies at Cheltenham in October, 2006, when he posted a convincing eight-length victory in an extended two-mile bumper. He gained his first success over hurdles in January, 2007, recorded a convincing 18-length verdict in a novices' contest at Newcastle. He made just three appearances in the 2007/08 campaign, all at Cheltenham, including an all-the-way success in a beginners' chase at The Showcase, and another front-running victory in a novice contest at The Open.  He returned to Cheltenham for his first start of the 2008/09 term, making a winning handicap chase debut in the Grade Three Paddy Power Gold Cup. Six of his eight career wins have come at Cheltenham including two at The Festival - the 2009 Ryanair Chase and the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup a year later when beating the mighty Denman by seven lengths. Won the Grade One Betfair Chase at Haydock in November, 2010, but pulled up lame when defending his crown in the 2011 Gold Cup. Ran a gallant race in defeat after 22 months off the track in the Argento Chase at Cheltenham when narrowly beaten.

Race Record: Starts: 20: Wins: 8; 2nd: 2; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money: £707,073

Last Run

Close second of 10 in the Grade Two Argento Chase over just short of three and a quarter miles at Cheltenham (heavy) on January 26, beaten half a length by Cape Tribulation close home.

Entries at The Festival      Distance Value

Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup      3m 2f 110y £550,000

Nigel Twiston-Davies said: "His preparation has all gone very smoothly - I couldn't be more pleased. I want to give him a racecourse gallop somewhere this weekend - he is looking lovely.

"I was hoping to take him to Newbury on Saturday but they won't let us - they want us to go on Sunday. If I cannot find anywhere on Saturday or earlier this week then I might go on Sunday.

"It was an astonishingly good run at Cheltenham. If you had offered me that second I would have been delighted because he had such a bad run up to it - the fact that he had fractured a splint bone and had been swimming a lot but there is no substitute for cantering. He had only four weeks of cantering beforehand and that is not really enough. He was not fit that day and he ran a superb race.

"I cannot see him being an awfully lot worse than he was when he won the Gold Cup, despite being three years older. He seems in very good nick. The others in the Gold Cup have not won a Gold Cup before except for Long Run.

"Any trainer is only as good as his horses and Imperial Commander is a very good horse. I am not taking any credit.

"Someone will have to explain the bounce theory to me. He is not coming back very quick - this is six weeks after his run. He has been let down a bit after his second - he did not do anything the week after and we have brought him back gently. I cannot see that being an issue. I have not seen the bounce factor in other horses."

NIGEL ABOUT HIS OTHER HORSES

Astracad is a possible for the Byrne Plate or the Grand Annual.

Ackertac, fifth last year in the Pulteney Land Investments Novices' Handicap Chase, could go for the Byrne Group Plate or back to the novice event.

Hunters Lodge is a possible for theKim Muir.

Mad Moose is in everything and will go for the Byrne Plate or the Grand Annual.

Changing Times could go for Jewson Novices' Chase.

Pigeon Islandwon the Grand Annual in 2010 and he may go for that race again. He has been very consistent in all the top races, earning prize money for being placed. He is in the form of his life really.

The Cockney Mackem, second in the Pulteney Land Investments Novices' Handicap Chase last year, should be going for the same race. He is in good form. He had a bit of a setback earlier this season and has only run once over hurdles when he ran well despite not liking the soft ground. He had a colic operation but a relatively simple one - they opened him up and his guts unravelled themselves. I am quite excited by him.

Billie Magern could be in the JLT Specialty Handicap Chase over three miles.

According To Trev is my fancy for the Pertemps. The drier the ground the better his chance. He does not have much weight and his form will better than in recent races if the ground improves.

Double Ross is in the Pertemps and the Coral - he has done nothing wrong this season and is in really good form.

Kayf Aramis - he will turn up in the Pertemps Final for the fifth time. He is in good heart.

Tuesday, March 12- entries

Ransom Note, William Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle

The New One, William Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle

Tour Des Champs, JLT Specialty Handicap Chase

Same Difference, JLT Specialty Handicap Chase

Ackertac, JLT Specialty Handicap Chase

Billie Magern, JLT Specialty Handicap Chase

Major Malarkey, JLT Specialty Handicap Chase

Ransom Note, Stan James Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy

The Cockney Mackem, Pulteney Land Investments Novices' Handicap Chase

What A Warrior, Pulteney Land Investments Novices' Handicap Chase

Ackertac, Pulteney Land Investments Novices' Handicap Chase  

Wednesday, March 13- entries

Same Difference, John Oaksey National Hunt Chase

Hunters Lodge, John Oaksey National Hunt Chase

Tour Des Champs, John Oaksey National Hunt Chase

The New One, Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle

Tour Des Champs, RSA Chase

Same Difference, RSA Chase

Master Of The Sea, Coral Cup

Double Ross, Coral Cup

Imperial Leader, Coral Cup

Thursday, March 14- entries

Changing Times, Jewson Novices' Chase  

Double Ross, Pertemps Final

African Gold, Pertemps Final

Kayf Aramis, Pertemps Final  

According To Trev, Pertemps Final

Kaylif Aramis, Pertemps Final

Little Josh, Ryanair Chase

Mad Moose, Byrne Group Plate

Ackertac, Byrne Group Plate

Astracad, Byrne Group Plate

Pigeon Island, Byrne Group Plate

Little Josh, Byrne Group Plate

Hunters Lodge, Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase

Billie Magern, Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase

Same Difference, Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase

Friday, March 15- entries

According To Trev, Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle  

African Gold, Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle

Imperial Commander, Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase

Master Of The Sea, Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle

African Gold, Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle

Imperial Leader, Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle

Double Ross, Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle

Pigeon Island, Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase Challenge Cup

Mad Moose, Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase Challenge Cup

Astracad, Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase Challenge Cup

 THE FESTIVAL 2013

First Day - Champion Day

Tuesday, March 12, 2013 (Old Course)     Distance Prize Money

1.30 William Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle (Grade One)  2m 110y  £120,000

2.05 Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase (Grade One)  2m  £150,000

2.40 JLT Specialty Chase (Handicap) (Grade Three)    3m 110y £90,000

3.20 Stan James Champion Hurdle (Grade One)   2m 110y  £400,000

4.00 Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Steeple Chase (Handicap) 3m 7f  £50,000

4.40 OLBG Mares' Hurdle (Grade Two)     2m 4f  £85,000

5.15 Pulteney Land Investments Novices' Handicap Chase (Listed) 2m 4f 110y £60,000

          TOTAL £955,000

Second Day - Ladies Day

Wednesday, March 13, 2013 (Old Course)     Distance Prize Money

1.30 John Oaksey National Hunt Chase (Amateurs)   4m  £85,000

2.05 Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle (Grade One) 2m 5f  £120,000

2.40 RSA Chase (Grade One)     3m 110y £150,000

3.20 Sportingbet Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade One) 2m  £350,000

4.00 Coral Cup (Handicap Hurdle) (Grade Three)   2m 5f  £80,000

4.40 Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Grade Three)  2m 110y £75,000

5.15 Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Grade One)   2m 110y £60,000

TOTAL £920,000

Third Day - St Patrick's Thursday

Thursday, March 14, 2013 (New Course)     Distance Prize Money

1.30 Jewson Novices' Chase (Grade Two)    2m 4f  £100,000

2.05 Pertemps Final (Handicap Hurdle) (Listed)   3m  £80,000

2.40 Ryanair Chase (Grade One)     2m 5f  £275,000

3.20 Ladbrokes World Hurdle (Grade One)    3m   £275,000

4.00 Byrne Group Plate (Handicap Chase) (Grade Three)   2m 5f  £90,000

4.40 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase (Amateurs) 3m 1f 110y £60,000

5.15 St Patrick's Derby (Charity Flat Race)    1m 5f  -

TOTAL £880,000

Fourth Day - Gold Cup Day

Friday, March 15, 2013 (New Course)     Distance Prize Money

1.30 JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade One)     2m 1f  £120,000

2.05 Vincent O'Brien County Handicap Hurdle (Grade Three)  2m 1f  £80,000

2.40 Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (Grade One)    3m  £120,000

3.20 Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup (Chase) (Grade One)   3m 2f 110y £550,000

4.00 CGA Foxhunter Chase Challenge Cup (Amateurs)  3m 2f 110y £40,000

4.40 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle   2m 4f 110y £50,000

5.15 Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase (Handicap) (Grade Three) 2m 110y £90,000

TOTAL £1,050,000

TOTAL PRIZE MONEY AT THE FESTIVAL OF £3,805,000

(UP £425,000 ON 2012 TOTAL OF £3,380,000)

AVERAGE RACE VALUE £140,925

(£125,000 IN 2012)

Arabians Contest Middle Leg of UAE Triple Crown

The official highlight of Sunday’s Abu Dhabi meeting is the Group 2 middle round of the Arabian Triple Crown and seven have been declared for the 2200m Purebred Arabian feature. Trainer Ernst Oertel saddled four winners at the previous meeting in the Capital two weeks ago with Champion Jockey Tadhg O’Shea on three of them and they combine with Shayel Aldhabi. A filly, she has won all four of her starts locally, including the Emirates Fillies’ Classic a fortnight ago.

That was over 1600m and she has to prove her stamina for this longer trip, under a penalty, but does appear highly progressive. Her jockey concurs. “I have won three times on her over 1600m so this is a big step up in trip but I think she will stay,” said O’Shea. We also have Najm Alemarat in the race and he is a good colt so it was a tough choice, especially as she is penalised, but it is hard to desert the filly after those three wins.”

Najm Alemarat was also in action two weeks ago, headed on the line in the UAE Arabian Derby by O’Shea on another stablemate Skoop, over Sunday’s course and distance. He has at least proved he stays this trip but he was well beaten by Shayel Aldhabi in their previous clash, over 1600m, but is weighted to at least finish closer this time.

Local debutant Laamma, trained by Majed Al Jahouri for Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, represents powerful connections and has to be respected, having won in his native France where he also ran some good races in defeat.

The main support race is the 1600m Emirates Colts’ Classic and Hab Nessnas is another of the Oertel/O’Shea winners from a fortnight ago back in action. He is joined among the full field of 16 by stable companions Benyan and Mashahed.
The weights are headed by the penalised Jaber Bittar-trained Monawer who has actually beaten all three of the Oertel runners this season, as well as his own stable companion Sabbaq who looks another to fear.

Wald Johnny looked a useful prospect winning on debut over 1400m and should appreciate the step back to 1600m having appeared not to stay 2200m last time.

The only Thoroughbred race is the 2200m prep for the Group 3 Abu Dhabi Championship on March 17th and Mulaqat, who won that big race in 2008, has to give weight to 13 rivals having won a Jebel Ali conditions race last March.

James Doyle rides for Dhruba Selvaratnam and HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who were all in double form at Jebel Ali on Friday, but, now a ten-year-old, Mulaqat may struggle to defy his penalty against the likes of Averroes, four years his junior and who registered a career best effort when a close fourth to Opinion Poll in last year’s Group 3 Dubai Gold Cup at Meydan.

He may have been slightly flattered on that occasion but is better than he has been able to show in two starts this season and is yet another live chance for Messrs Oertel and O’Shea. The jockey said: “He stays a lot further so the trip could be a bit sharp for him but they normally go quick at Abu Dhabi so hopefully his stamina can come into play as he has a touch more class than most in the race.”

Russian Rock Claims Second Jebel Ali Sprint Prep

Owner Fathi Esaed Mohd Egziama, trainer Musabah al Muhairi and stable jockey Wayne Smith continue to dominate proceedings at Jebel Ali and combined to win the 1000m prep for the Listed Jebel Ali Sprint for a second year running with Russian Rock.

Their star sprinter went on to win the track’s third and final feature race last season, completing a clean sweep for connections in the process after Treble Jig had won both the Jebel Ali Stakes and Sprint. He has repeated his victories in both races already this season and Russian Rock will surely be hard to beat in the big race two weeks from now having successfully carried a penalty on this occasion to beat most of his most serious rivals in a fortnight – when he will not be penalised.

Smith was happy to track old adversary Kilt Rock until halfway when he asked his mount for a challenge, within 200m they had stormed clear and never looked likely to be caught, despite Kilt Rock refusing to give up and, to his credit, he was closing at the line.

“He produced a really good turn of foot today,” said Smith, beaming from ear to ear. “This track just brings out the very best in him and he has beaten a very useful field here as we know Kilt Rock is very good here.

“A repeat win here and again in two weeks have been his main agenda all season and there must be a chance we will then get a chance to contest one of the Dubai World Cup night sprints.”

Dhruba Selvaratnam, who trains on the track, has not enjoyed the greatest of seasons but doubled his tally and that of racecourse owner and his main patron Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum with a brace of victories in 1400m handicaps. Stable jockey James Doyle was aboard both Forjatt and Kessraa and said: “The horses have not been running badly but plenty of them are just high in the handicap after our good season last time. Most have been running well in defeat and this double is a great fillip for the whole yard and hopefully we can finish the season strongly.”

Trainer Satish Seemar and stable jockey Richard Mullen enjoyed Dubai World Cup Carnival success at Meydan with Unbridled Ocean on Thursday and continued their good season with the smooth victory of Kaiss in the concluding 1600m handicap. Mullen said: “It has been another good weekend in what has been, on the whole, a good season. Kaiss likes it here and has been in decent form so it is nice to get his head back in front.”

Qannaas won a 1600m maiden at the previous meeting for HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who generously sponsored the feature and the race won by Forjatt, and followed up in a handicap over the same course and distance. The owner’s retained jockey Paul Hanagan was in the saddle for Champion Trainer Ali Rashid Al Raihe.

Racing opened with HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Emirates Horse Breeders’ Society Challenge, an 1800m conditions race for Purebred Arabians which was won by Sam Hitchcott on the Gill Duffield-trained Borkan Al Zaboir.