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Saturday 3 August 2013

Factfiles for Markel Insurance Nassau Stakes contenders Sky Lantern and Just The Judge @Goodwood_Races



SKY LANTERN (IRE) FACTFILE
Breeding: 3 gr f Red Clubs (IRE) - Shawanni (Shareef Dancer (USA))
Breeder: Tally-Ho Stud
Born: January 27, 2010
Owner: Ben Keswick
Trainer: Richard Hannon
Jockey: Richard Hughes                                                                       
Form: 112218-2112

* Trying beyond a mile for the first time today in the Markel Insurance Nassau Stakes.
goodwood* Runner-up, beaten a neck, after suffering interference in running, when second in the mile Group One Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket on July 12. Connections appealed against the decision of the Newmarket stewards to leave the placings unaltered but did not manage to overturn the verdict.
* Dual Group One winner in 2013, having taken the first fillies' Classic, the QIPCO 1000 Guineas over a mile ,at Newmarket on May 5 and Coronation Stakes over the same distance at Royal Ascot on June 21.
* Endured a luckless run when eighth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Santa Anita, USA, in November, 2012.
* Also enjoyed Group One success as a two-year-old in 2012, landing the Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh, Ireland, in September.
* Won first two starts - a six-furlong Goodwood maiden and the Listed Sprint Stakes at Naas, Ireland.
* Sold for 75,000 guineas as a yearling at Goffs in September, 2011. Half-sister to Group Three winners Arctic and Shanty Star, Listed  scorer Hinton Admiral plus useful handicappers Shropshire and Mystic Man.
Starts: 10; Wins: 5; 2nd: 4; 3rd: -; Win & Place Prize Money: £676,355

Ben Keswick
Born: 1972 Background: Has a degree in agricultural economics and food marketing from Newcastle University plus an MBA from INSEAD. Was appointed Chairman and Managing of Jardine Matheson Limited, a British conglomerate based in Hong Kong, in April, 2012, a position formerly held by his father Simon. Jardine Matheson Limited, founded in 1820, has involvement with engineering and construction, transport, insurance brokering, property, retail, restaurants, hotels, motor vehicles, financial services, mining and agribusiness. Among the company's best-known assets are the Mandarin Oriental hotel chain and most of the buildings in Hong Kong's Central district. Keswick is married with four children aged 10, 8 and 5 (twins).The family owns the 18,000 acre grouse estate, Huntill near Brechin in Scotland. The 2013 Sunday Times Rich List estimates the Keswick family to be worth £2.375 billion, making them the 28th richest in Britain. First involved in racehorse ownership under his own name in 2010 through Arrow Storm, trained by Tom Dascombe, who won a seven-furlong seller at Lingfield Park on Polytrack in 2011 when he purchased his only other horse Sky Lantern, trained by Richard Hannon, who has now won over £650,000. Classic Wins: QIPCO 1000 Guineas (2013 Sky Lantern) Big-Race Wins: Moyglare Stud Stakes (2012 Sky Lantern), Coronation Stakes (2013 Sky Lantern)

Richard Hannon
Born: Lewes, East Sussex, on May 30, 1945 Background: Has been training since 1970 when he took over the licence on the retirement of his father Henry (Harry). Originally, Hannon trained solely from stables at East Everleigh in Wiltshire but, due to the increase in the size of his string (264 in 2013), he also has a base at nearby Herridge, a stud farm when bought over 20 years ago, where he lives. He is married to Jo and has six children - the triplets Richard jr (his assistant trainer), Henry and Lizzie (who is married to stable jockey Richard Hughes) - Fanny (who is married to trainer Sylvester Kirk), Claire and Julie. First Winner: Sir Nuilli over hurdles at Chepstow on March 30, 1970. Ampney Prince provided his initial winner on the Flat in a Newbury maiden on April 17 the same year. First Pattern race victory: Crespinall ,1972 Princess Elizabeth Stakes at Epsom. The same filly went on to win the Markel Insurance Nassau Stakes at Glorious Goodwood later that season - his first Goodwood triumph. British Classic Wins (4): QIPCO 2000 Guineas (Mon Fils 1973, Don't Forgot Me 1987, Tirol 1990), QIPCO 1000 Guineas (Sky Lantern 2013). Irish Classic Wins (3): Irish 2,000 Guineas (Don't Forget Me 1987, Tirol 1990, Canford Cliffs 2010) Other major wins include: Falmouth Stakes (1991 Only Yours, 1993 Niche, 1994 Lemon Souffle, 1995 Caramba), July Cup (1992 Mr Brooks), Lockinge Stakes (1993 Swing Low, 2010 Paco Boy, 2011 Canford Cliffs), Moyglare Stud Stakes (1993 Lemon Souffle, 2012 Sky Lantern), Nunthorpe Stakes (1992 Lyric Fantasy), Prix de l'Abbaye (1992 Mr Brooks), Prix du Cadran (1993 Assessor), Prix Royal-Oak (1992 Assessor), Prix Maurice de Gheest (2000 Bold Edge), Cheveley Park Stakes (2006 Indian Ink), Gran Criterium (2007 Scintillo), Prix de la Foret (2008 Paco Boy), Prix Jean Prat (2010 Dick Turpin), Champagne Stakes (1986 Don't Forget Me, 2011 Trumpet Major, 2012 Toronado), St James's Palace Stakes (2010 Canford Cliffs), Royal Hunt Cup (2008 Mr Aviator), Wokingham Handicap (1990 Knight Of Mercy, 1994 Venture Capitalist), King Edward VII Stakes (1992 Beyton), Queen Mary Stakes (1981 Fly Baby, 1992 Lyric Fantasy, 1993 Risky, 2006 Gilded, 2011 Best Terms), Coronation Stakes (2007 Indian Ink, 2013 Sky Lantern), Diamond Jubilee Stakes (1992 Shalford), Queen Anne Stakes (2009 Paco Boy, 2011 Canford Cliffs), Coventry Stakes (1989 Rock City, 2009 Canford Cliffs, 2010 Strong Suit), Coronation Stakes (2007 Indian Ink, 2013 Sky Lantern), Markel Insurance Nassau Stakes (1972 Crespinall, 1995 Caramba) QIPCCO Sussex Stakes (2003 Reel Buddy, 2010 Canford Cliffs, 2013 Toronado) Champion Trainer: 1992, 2010 and 2011. He has sent out at least 100 winners in 22 of the last 23 years in Britain, with his best total being 218 in 2012 Total Goodwood Wins: 251 (more than any other trainer ever) (71 at Glorious Goodwood) (at the beginning of the final day - Saturday, August 3, 2013). In 2010 he smashed the record for most wins at Glorious Goodwood with nine successes over the five days and has already amassed seven this year.

Richard Hughes
Born: January 11, 1973. Background: Served apprenticeship with father Dessie, a former top-class National Hunt rider who trains in Co Kildare and won the 2004 and 2005 Champion Hurdles at Cheltenham with Hardy Eustace. Had first win on Viking Melody at Fairyhouse on April 6, 1988, a month after his initial ride. He moved to Britain in 1994. He was Prince Khalid Abdullah's retained jockey from 2001 to the end of 2007. He is stable jockey for Richard Hannon, to whose daughter Lizzie he is married (they have two children, Harvey & Phoebe). The 5ft 9in Hughes has, like his father, also ridden winners over jumps but concentrates on the Flat. At Windsor on October 15, 2012, he rode seven winners from a possible eight and became only the second jockey after Frankie Dettori to partner seven winners at a single meeting (Dettori had seven wins from seven rides at Ascot in 1996). Writes a weekly column in Racing Post and his autobiography "A Weight Off My Mind" was published in May, 2012, when he admitted to being a former alcoholic. Banned for 50 days when riding in India in February last year, delaying his return to action in 2012. Accolades: British champion jockey 2012. Has ridden 26 Royal Ascot winners. British Classic Wins (2): QIPCO 1000 Guineas (2013 Sky Lantern), Investec Oaks (2013 Talent) Other major wins include: Irish 2,000 Guineas (2010 Canford Cliffs), Poule d'Essai des Poulains (2004 American Post), Poule d'Essai des Pouliches (2002 Zenda), Prix de Diane (2003 Nebraska Tornado), Derby Italiano (1996 Bahamian Knight), July Cup (2003 Oasis Dream), Coronation Stakes (2007 Indian Ink, 2013 Sky Lantern), Queen Anne Stakes (2009 Paco Boy, 2011 Canford Cliffs), St James's Palace Stakes (2010 Canford Cliffs), Haydock Sprint Cup (2004 Tante Rose), King's Stand Stakes (1995 Piccolo), Lockinge Stakes (2010 Paco Boy, 2011 Canford Cliffs), Prix Jean Part (2010 Dick Turpin), Cheveley Park Stakes (2006 Indian Ink), Falmouth Stakes (2010 Music Show), Nunthorpe Stakes (2003 Oasis Dream), Moyglare Stud Stakes (2012 Sky Lantern), Matron Stakes (1998 Tadwiga), Prix du Moulin (2003 Nebraska Tornado), Critérium de Saint-Cloud (2006 Passage of Time), Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (2008 Youmzain), Prix du Cadran (1998 Invermark), Prix d'Ispahan (2001 Observatory), Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère (2003 American Post, 2012 Olympic Glory), Gran Premio d'Italia (1995 Posidonas), Premio Vittorio di Capua (1996 Mistle Cat), Markel Insurance Nassau Stakes (2012 The Fugue), QIPCO Sussex Stakes (2010 Canford Cliffs, 2013 Toronado), Total Goodwood Wins: 148 (48 at Glorious Goodwood) (at the beginning of the final day - Saturday, August 3, 2013). Racing UK Top Jockey at Glorious Goodwood for the last three years - 2012 (4 wins), 2011 (5 wins) & 2010 (9 wins) - starts today on six winners for the week.
 
JUST THE JUDGE (IRE) FACTFILE

Breeding: 3 br f Lawman (FR) - Faraday Light (IRE) (Rainbow Quest (USA))
Born: April 19, 2010
Breeder:  Mrs J Dempsey
Owner: Qatar Racing Limited & Sangster Family
Trainer: Charlie Hills
Jockey: Jamie Spencer
Form: 111-213

* Stepping up in distance for the £200,000 Group One Markel Insurance Nassau Stakes over just short of 10 furlongs today, following three excellent Group One performances over a mile in 2013.
* Third behind Sky Lantern and Kenhope on her latest outing in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot on June 21.
* Provided trainer Charlie Hills and owner Qatar Racing Limited with a first Classic success in the Irish1,000 Guineas at the Curragh on May 26, when she comfortably beat Rehn's Nest by a length and a half.
* Beaten half a length by Sky Lantern on her seasonal return when filling the runner-up spot in the first British fillies' Classic, the QIPCO 1000 Guineas at Newmarket on May 5.
* Unbeaten in three starts as a juvenile, headed by a decisive win in the seven-furlong Group Two Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket in October.
*. Cost 50,000 euros as a yearling at the Goffs Orby Sale when bought by Adrian Nicholl from BBA Ireland.
Starts: 6; Wins: 4; 2nd: 1; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money: £324,730

Qatar Racing Ltd
Background: Headed by Sheikh Fahad Al Thani, who was born in June, 1989, and is a son of Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani, a former prime minister of Qatar and brother of the country's Emir. While Sheikh Fahad races as Pearl Bloodstock, Qatar Racing Limited also includes his brothers Sheikh Hamad and Sheikh Suhaim. Sheikh Fahad did his A-Levels in London and a three-year BBA in business administration at the London campus of the Geneva-based Europa University. He approached bloodstock agent David Redvers in February, 2010, about dipping his toe into racehorse ownership. He enjoyed great early success capped by a victory for Dunaden in the 2011 Melbourne Cup. Other flagbearers include that year's Windsor Castle Stakes winner Frederick Engels and Cheveley Park Stakes heroine Lightening Pearl. Through their family company QIPCO, the brothers back the British Champions Series and various top-level races including the QIPCO Sussex Stakes at Goodwood. Their stallions at Redvers' Tweenhills Stud in Gloucestershire comprise of  Makfi and Harbour Watch, while there are a band of broodmares too. The brothers now have over 180 horses in training in Britain, France, Ireland, Germany, America and Australia and are looking to gain an ownership licence in Japan. Last year they bought Robins Farm Stables in Surrey, where trainer Olly Stevens is based.

Charlie Hills (Faringdon Place, Lambourn, Berkshire)
Born: September 29, 1978 Background: son of legendary trainer Barry and half-brother to trainer John and former jockeys Michael and Richard. Briefly worked for his father after leaving school before heading to Australia when 18 to get experience with 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. Royal Ascot Win (1): Albany Stakes (2013 Kiyoshi), Irish Classic Win (1): Irish 1,000 Guineas (2013 Just The Judge) Other major wins include: vision.ae Rockfel Stakes (2012 Just The Judge)
Total Goodwood Wins: 3 (0 at Glorious Goodwood)

Jamie Spencer
Born: June 8, 1980, County Tipperary. Background: Son of trainer George Spencer, who trained Winning Fair to win the 1963 Champion Hurdle; went to school with Fozzy Stack, son of trainer Tommy, and rode ponies at their yard as a child. First winner on Huncheon Chance for Ian Ferguson at Downpatrick on May 11, 1996. Sprang to prominence by winning 1998 Irish 1,000 Guineas on Stack-trained Tarascon at age of 17 when apprenticed to Liam Browne, through whose hands likes of Mick Kinane, Mark Dwyer, Tommy Carmody and Stephen Craine had also passed. Spencer was brought over to Britain by the Stack family friend, Barney Curley, to ride Magic Combination to win over hurdles at Kempton in January, 1999. Survived stewards' enquiry to take 2002 Weatherbys Champion Bumper at Cheltenham on Edward O'Grady-trained Pizarro but then concentrated on the Flat. Began a two-year contract with Luca Cumani in 2002. Signed up by the Coolmore team to ride as first-choice rider to replace Mick Kinane in 2004. Handed in his notice at Ballydoyle in 2005 to go freelance. Retained jockey for Jim & Fitri Hay between 2010 and 2012; signed a two-year deal, which commenced on January 1, 2013, to ride for Sheikh Fahad Al Thani, whose horses run under the Pearl Bloodstock and Qatar Racing banners. Formerly married to Channel 4 Racing presenter Emma Spencer. Accolades: Champion Apprentice -Ireland (1999), Champion Jockey - Britain (2005, 2007 - dead-heated with Seb Sanders). British Classic Wins (2): Investec Oaks (2009 Sariska), Ladbrokes St Leger (2003 Brian Boru). Other major wins include: Irish 1,000 Guineas (1998 Tarascon, 2002 Gossamer, 2013 Just The Judge), Irish Oaks (2009 Sariska), Ascot Gold Cup (2011 Fame And Glory), Arlington Million (2011 Cape Blanco), Champion Stakes (2005 David Junior), Coral-Eclipse (2006 David Junior), Criterium de Saint-Cloud (2001 Ballingarry), Dubai Duty Free (2006 David Junior), Fillies' Mile (2001 Gossamer), Haydock Sprint Cup (2005 Goodricke), Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (2011 Cape Blanco), Lockinge Stakes (2007 Red Evie), Man O'War Stakes (2011 Cape Blanco), Matron Stakes (2006 Red Evie), Moyglare Stud Stakes (2000 Sequoyah), Middle Park Stakes (2004 Ad Valorem), Northern Dancer Turf Stakes (2011 & 2012 Wigmore Hall), Nunthorpe Stakes (2002 Kyllachy), Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp (2006 Desert Lord), Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (2004 Oratorio), Prix Maurice de Gheest (2001 King Charlemagne), Racing Post Trophy (2008 Crowded House), Singapore Airlines International Cup (2001 Endless Hall), St James's Palace Stakes (2007 Excellent Art), Tattersalls Gold Cup (2004 Powerscourt), Prix Du Moulin (2011 Excelebration)
Total Goodwood Wins: 45 (11 at Glorious Goodwood)

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