CHELTENHAM ANNOUNCES THE 12 RIDERS TAKING PART IN THE ST PATRICK'S DERBY AT THE FESTIVAL

Cheltenham Racecourse announces the names of the 12 riders who will participate in the St Patrick's Derby at The Festival, in aid of Cancer Research UK. The Flat race, over one mile and five furlongs, takes place on St Patrick's Thursday, March 14, run as the seventh race of the day.

 

Over the past three years in excess of £650,000 has been raised for Cancer Research UK at The Festival and the charity race, won last year by Olympic Three Day Event rider Tina Cook on Pascha Bere, trained by her brother Nick Gifford, will be the centrepiece of the fundraising for Cancer Research UK on St Patrick's Thursday.

The 12 jockeys for the 2013 charity race, selected from over a hundred applications, include riders based in England, Ireland and France with a wide range of equestrian skills. Competitors from England include Sky Sports broadcaster Alex Hammond and Phillip Hemmings, the son of well known racehorse owner Trevor Hemmings. James Fenton, a member of An Garda Siochana Irish Police, is one of the riders representing Ireland and Equidia presenter Sally Ann Grassick, although Irish herself, lives and works in France.

Phillip Hemmings expressed his delight at being selected. He said: "I am thrilled and excited to have been picked to ride at The Festival and to be raising money for Cancer Research UK. It is a tremendous honour to ride at Cheltenham, the home of Jump racing, where my father has experienced many wonderful moments."

The 12 riders taking part are:

Phillip Hemmings (30, from Telford, Shropshire), is the son of Trevor Hemmings, owner of Grand National winning horses Hedgehunter and Ballabriggs, and Festival victors Trabolgan and Albertas Run. Phillip is the director of one of Britain's leading National Hunt studs, Wood Farm Stud in Shropshire, which he took over in July 2012 when Bill Bromley retired. Phillip has ridden in a bumper for champion trainer Paul Nicholls, taken part in two hunter chases and won a point-to-point in Ireland for Eugene O'Sullivan.

Alex Hammond (38, Swindon), is a presenter for both Sky Sports News and At The Races. Since joining Sky Sports News in 2003, Alex has become a regular presenter on the daily show, 'Good Morning Sports Fans'. Alex has also worked on radio for Talksport, written a racing column in the Daily Mail and writes a weekly piece on skysports.com for SkyBet. Alex rides out regularly for Oxfordshire-based trainer Lawney Hill and champion trainer Paul Nicholls in Somerset and has gained valuable experience riding in over 50 amateur Flat races.

James Fenton (37, Fermoy, Co Cork, Ireland), is from a large family of racing enthusiasts in Fermoy, Co Cork and can regularly be found riding out for his uncle, David Fenton as well as local trainer Pat Flynn. James is a member of An Garda Siochana, Ireland's national police service, currently stationed in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, attached to the detective unit. James' wife Joanne, lost a member of her family to cancer in 2011 and James is riding in the Cancer Research UK Charity race at The Festival in their memory.

Harriet Bond (20, Shipton Oliffe, Glos), is an accomplished event rider based in Gloucestershire, close to Jonjo O'Neill's Jackdaws Castle stables, where she regularly rides out on her mother's horses. Harriet, a History of Art student at Kingston University, has competed in charity races at York, Goodwood and Newmarket and is looking forward to riding at Cheltenham where her boyfriend, jockey Richie McLernon, is a regular rider. Harriet has the full support of her family and various family businesses such as BMI and Bond Aviation Group.

Brian Bunyan (45, London),originally from Kildare Town in Ireland juggles a busy corporate life, as a director in the Financial Markets Division of Standard Chartered Bank in London, with his passion for racing.Brian is making a comeback to race riding after 25 years since his last ride. During his school days, he rode four winners as an amateur jockey at Punchestown, Leopardstown and Killarney and has three horses in training in Ireland. In 2011 Brian ran the London Marathon for Racing Welfare and is active in raising money for Standard Chartered Bank's in-house charity(Seeing is Believing), which has raised more than $50million to treat preventable blindness in developing countries.Brian has personal motivation for raising money for Cancer Research UK as he lost his father to cancer.His father (Arthur) worked in horseracing for more than 60 years and with a small string had considerable success, including training Local Whisper to win the Tattersall Gold Cup at the Punchestown Festival. Brian's brother Darren, who is now training in Ireland, will provide him with a horse for the race.

Alison Royston (38, Whixley, York), has been inspired to ride in the Cancer Research UK St Patrick's Derby as she lost her mother-in-law to Myeloma, an incurable form of bone marrow cancer, in November 2012. Alison is currently employed as the Head of Football Administration for Leeds United Football Club, having previously fulfilled the same role for the FA Premier League and is delighted that the Leeds United Fitness Coach has agreed to put her through her paces with a specially tailored fitness programme ahead of her big day at The Festival in March! Alison has been riding since she was three years of age taking part in a variety of equestrian disciplines, and currently rides out at Ben Haslam's yard in Middleham, North Yorkshire where she has two horses in training. The cheers will certainly be heard in Leeds if Alison is able to live out her dream and ride a winner at The Festival.

Lucy Watson (32, London), is Digital Subscriptions Manager for the Racing Post and has gained valuable experience on the racecourse riding in point-to-points and working for Yorkshire trainer Tim Walford. Lucy has taken up the challenge of riding in the St Patrick's Derby to support her mother who, in the last 18 months, has been diagnosed with the rare form of cancer, Sarcoma. Lucy would like her mother to watch her ride at Cheltenham, a place they both hold dear in their hearts.

Mark Holder (47, Bristol),has fantastic memories of Cheltenham Racecourse from when his father, Richard Holder, won the Triumph Hurdle at the 1989 Festival with Ikdam and hopes that March 14 this year will prove an equally memorable occasion. As a child, Mark lost his best friend to cancer, and is hugely motivated to raise as much money as he can for Cancer Research UK. Mark has ridden in point-to-points, over hurdles and on the Flat as an amateur, but hasn't competed in any type of race for over 25 years. Mark keeps himself fit by riding out for trainer Michael Blake, who may also provide him with a mount for the race.

Grainne Loughnane (27, Navan, Co Meath, Ireland), is a solicitor for Walsh & Co and currently enjoys riding and competing on 2006 Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Newmill. Grainne is hoping to ride Newmill in the St Patrick's Derby and reports that his owner, Mrs Mary Hayes, is excited about the prospect of her champion returning to Cheltenham to take part in another race at The Festival. Grainne is an experienced rider who has ridden as an amateur in point-to-points, hunter chases and bumpers and regularly hunts with the Ward Union and Meath Harriers.

Rachael Harding (25, Marlborough, Wiltshire), works for the Tedworth Hunt in Wiltshire and has ridden all her life. Rachael's mother Heather Ridley trains point-to-pointers and has herself battled with cancer over the years and Rachael's father Mick died in January 2012 following a long battle with cancer. Rachael looks forward to the support of her many friends and family who will enjoy following her campaign.

Andrew Croskery (30, Ditcheat, Somerset), works for champion trainer Paul Nicholls in Ditcheat. Andrew has worked for some of the top National Hunt trainers including Willie Mullins and Donald McCain and is currently training his own point-to-pointer. Andrew was diagnosed with cancer of the salivary gland at 27 and following surgery and radiotherapy was able to return to work in January last year. Riding at The Festival would be the highlight of his career to date and he is looking forward to raising money for Cancer Research UK following all the support he received whilst undergoing his own treatment for the disease.

Sally Ann Grassick (29, Lamorlaye, France), originally from Ireland, but now lives and works in France, is a presenter and journalist for the French racing channel Equidia. She currently holds an amateur licence in France and has ridden in various races over the past five years, winning one last year for Andre Fabre and Sheikh Mohammed on French Oaks day at Chantilly. Cancer Research UK is a charity close to Sally Ann's heart as her father died from skin cancer four years ago.

Cheltenham Racecourse's Regional Director, Ian Renton, said: "We have been delighted with the success of the St Patrick's Derby at The Festival which has helped Cancer Research UK raise an incredible amount of money over the last three years. The riders that have taken part have been seriously competitive and the race has proved a popular addition to what is already a great day's racing."

Frances Milner, Director of Supporter Led Fundraising at Cancer Research UK, added: "We are truly delighted to be involved in this very special charity event at The Festival. Over the past three years the charity race, on St Patrick's Day at Cheltenham, has raised a staggering amount of money for our lifesaving research. We're really looking forward to yet another successful race this year.

"The money raised through the charity race and our wider partnership with the racecourse will make a real difference to the vital work of our scientists, doctors and nurses, who are all working to help us beat cancer sooner. We wish all of the participants the best of luck and hope that they enjoy the day."

About Cancer Research UK

● Cancer Research UK is the world's leading cancer charity dedicated to saving lives through research.

●  Cancer Research UK receives no government funding for its life-saving research. Every step it makes towards beating cancer relies on every pound donated.

●  The charity's pioneering work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has helped save millions of lives.

●  Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of the progress that has already seen survival rates in the UK double in the last forty years.

●  Cancer Research UK supports research into all aspects of cancer through the work of over 4,000 scientists, doctors and nurses.

●  Together with its partners and supporters, Cancer Research UK's vision is to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

For further information about Cancer Research UK's work or to find out how to support the charity, please call 0300 123 1022 or visit www.cancerresearchuk.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. 

Godolphin Saddle First Runners of UAE Season At Dubai World Cup Carnival

The 2013 Dubai World Cup Carnival gets underway at Meydan this evening with the first of 11 meetings, culminating in Dubai World Cup night on Saturday March 30.

On an evening presented by Longines, there are seven races highlighted by the opening rounds of the Al Maktoum Challenge.

The Thoroughbred version has been elevated to Group 2 status this year, while the Purebred Arabian equivalent is a Group1 contest and the first race on the card. Both races are over 1600m on the All Weather track.

Ten have been declared for the Thoroughbred Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1 with Godolphin doubly represented by Saeed bin Suroor saddling Out Of Bounds and Mahmood Al Zarooni relying on Fulbright.

Godolphin racing manager, Simon Crisford said: "Out Of Bounds was with Godolphin before and was a promising horse in America who has been off just over a year now, but Fulbright is a new recruit. We are looking forward to starting off Fulbright in what looks a competitive race and the Dubai World Cup Carnival is always a very important part of our year.”

Doug Watson trains Barbecue Eddie, twice a course and distance winner already this season but stepping up in class. The American-born handler said: “He has won well on both occasions and proved he stays 1600m well. This is obviously a lot tougher but we were ruled out of the Godolphin Mile late on last year and that is his target again this year.

"We will find out a lot on Thursday but we have a good draw and I am looking forward to running him in this class.”

The horse is owned by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum whose retained jockey, Paul Hanagan has elected to ride Mufarrh for Champion Trainer, Ali Rashid All Raihe. Hanagan explained: “We actually have three in the race but Mufarrh made a very pleasing comeback when third having been off the track for over a year. That was a good run as was his previous one when second in the 2011 Godolphin Mile and I expect a big run from him.”

International flavor is added by UK raider Fanunalter trained by Marco Botti, the Pat Shanahan-prepared Colliding Worlds from Ireland and Bahrain’s Muraweg, who is conditioned by Fawzi Nass.

The main Thoroughbred support race is the 1800m Al Rashidiya Trial and nine have been declared, including another Godolphin new recruit in the shape of the Bin Suroor-trained Sharestan.

“Sharestan is also making his first start for us in the Al Rashidiya Trial and he too has been going well at home,” said Crisford.
Al Raihe’s 2010 Group 1 Dubai Duty Free winner, Al Shemali looks a big danger, along with Rerouted, trained by South African Mike De Kock, by far the most successful international trainer in the history of the Carnival.

However, it may be that So Beautiful is a bigger danger for Watson, Hanagan and Sheikh Hamdan. Watson explained: “He is a really nice horse having his first start for us and we have been looking forward to running him as he is an exciting prospect and a great addition to our yard.”

The same connections also combine in the Group 1 Purebred Arabian version of the Maktoum Challenge Round1 with Quite A Show who was a course and distance winner last time when giving weight to his eight rivals.

Watson said: “That was a good effort last time under the penalty. Again this is obviously a better race but he meets them on level terms. Areem has been in great form and Tzar Du Paon is a new horse to the Emirates with good form but we are very hopeful.”

60 ENTRIES FOR SKY BET CHASE AT DONCASTER

- MOORE AND LAVELLE TARGET £75,000 CONTEST ON JANUARY 26

Bold Sir Brian, trained in Scotland by Lucinda Russell, heads a magnificent entry of 60 horses, up from 45 last year, for the £75,000 Listed Sky Bet Chase over three miles at Doncaster on Saturday, January 26, 2013.

The seven-year-old, who is a 14/1 chance with race sponsor Sky Bet, has won five of his eight chase starts and made it two from two this season with an impressive 16-length success in the Listed Future Stars Chase at Sandown on December 7. This facile display on his first attempt at three miles has left connections harbouring Cheltenham Gold Cup ambitions.

Last year's third Fruity O'Rooney (20/1)represents trainer Gary Moore and was arguably unlucky not to win in 2012 after his rider's saddle slipped four out when he held a clear advantage. He has continued in good form this season, coming home seventh in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury on December 1 and third behind Katenko (12/1) in a competitive handicap chase at Sandown on January 5.

Moore revealed: "Fruity O'Rooney is very much likely to run in the Sky Bet Chase. It's been so far, so good since with him since his run at Sandown at the weekend and I am very pleased with him.

"He bumped into a well-handicapped horse on Saturday and he is always better going left-handed but no damage was done. He got good money for being third and he was also dropped three pounds.

"He was unlucky not to win the Sky Bet last year and is one pound lower now. I think he has a good chance and he deserves a big one.

"He is an amazing little horse because he goes on any ground but I think he is better on better ground."

Emma Lavelle could be represented by Court By Surprise (14/1), who pulled out all the stops to win a competitive handicap chase by a nose over the course and distance on December 15, and Qianshan Leader (25/1), who finished fifth in the Sky Bet Chase last season.

Lavelle revealed: "We are looking at the Sky Bet Chase for Court By Surprise. He has been in super form since his win there in December and I thought about running him at Sandown but the ground was too soft.

"He likes nicer ground and that's why Doncaster seems to suit him quite well because it tends to be a bit better up there.

"He has gone up four pounds for his win and with them all finishing in a bit of a heap, the handicapper hasn't killed him for it. He was in front quite a way from home at Doncaster and he probably doesn't want to be in front too long.

"He had a wind operation over the summer and that seems to have really helped him. Beforehand, he was only running half a race and it has made a massive difference to him that he has been able to breathe consistently throughout his races.

"Qianshan Leader is only a possible runner at this stage. He has had a disaster of a season so far in that he is a top of the ground horse, but there hasn't been any of that around.

"He hasn't done much as a result and he is a horse we would think about running, whereas it is very much the target for Court By Surprise."

Calgary Bay (20/1) came from near last to win the 2012 renewal when in the care of Henrietta Knight and is now trained by Mick Channon.

Paddy Power Gold Cup runner-up Walkon (12/1)is one of three entries for trainer Alan King after filling the same position behind Unioniste in the Paul Stewart IronSpine Charity Challenge Gold Cup back at Cheltenham in December. King is also responsible for lightly-raced 10-year-old Hold On Julio (14/1)and 2011 Becher Chase scorer West End Rocker (33/1).

Last season's Grade Two Argento Chase winner Midnight Chase (33/1)has also been entered, while Martin Keighley could be represented by King George VI Chase fourth Champion Court (8/1 favourite).

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls captured the Sky Bet Chase in 2009 with Big Fella Thanks and has five possible contenders this year, headed by Grade Two victor Pacha Du Polder. The Ditcheat handler could also saddle The Knoxs (14/1), Rolling Aces (12/1), Harry The Viking (16/1) and Cedre Bleu (20/1).

Donald McCain has made three entries, headed by progressive novice Red Rocco (14/1)and 2011 Grand National hero Ballabriggs (33/1), while Jonjo O'Neill could be represented by Mister Hyde (12/1), who won a competitive handicap chase at Kempton over Christmas.

Other notable entries include Paddy Power Gold Cup third Nadiya De La Vega (16/1), David Bridgwater's exciting young chaser Wyck Hill (12/1) and impressive Rowland Meyrick chase scorer Cape Tribulation (14/1), trained by Malcolm Jefferson.

Sky Bet Chase - Sky Bet opening prices

8/1 Champion Court; 12/1 Walkon, Katenko, Rolling Aces, Mister Hyde, Wyck Hill; 14/1 Bold Sir Brian, Cape Tribulation, The Knoxs, Red Rocco, Quartz de Thaix, Hold On Julio, Court By Surprise; 16/1 Pacha du Polder, Nadiya de La Vega, Harry The Viking, Misstree Dancer; 20/1 Calgary Bay, Duke of Lucca, Fruity O'Rooney, Ikorodu Road, Cedre Bleu, Summery Justice, Pentiffic, Lively Baron, Chartreux; 25/1 Golden Chieftain, Carruthers, Shoegazer, Saint Are, Galaxy Rock, Quentin Collonges, Qianshan Leader, Sizing Santiago, Hunters Lodge, Captain Americo; 28/1 Cappa Bleu, Alvarado, Corkage; 33/1 Midnight Chase, Ballabriggs, West End Rocker, Mr Moonshine, Tullamore Dew, Prophete de Guye, Do It For Dalkey; 40/1 Silver By Nature, Hector's Choice, Always Right, Tatenen, Auroras Encore, Baile Anrai, Beneficial Reform, Matuhi; 50/1 Cootehill, De Boitron, Billie Magern, Riguez Dancer, Gullible Gordon; 100/1 Merigo

Each-Way Terms: 1/4 the odds - 1, 2, 3, 4

Michael Shinners, Racing PR Manager for Sky Bet, commented: "In what looks a tremendous renewal of the Sky Bet Chase with a number of in-from horses, Champion Court heads the betting after his excellent fourth in the King George. 

"With the ground drying at Doncaster, we are hoping for a full field and a cracking race with some future pointers for both Cheltenham and Aintree."

The Sky Bet Chase has a safety limit of 22 runners. Weights will be revealed on Wednesday, January 16.

THE SKY BET CHASE

Class 1, Listed Race, £75,000 Total Prize Fund. 2.40pm, Doncaster, Saturday, January 26, 2013. For five-year-olds and upwards, three miles. Entries closed January 8, entries revealed January 9 (60 entries), weights revealed January 16. Penalties: after January 13, a winner 5lb. Five-day confirmations January 21, final declarations, 10.00am, January 24. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including Monday, January 7, 2013.

Form  Horse    Age Owner     Trainer

1/R2-U15 ALVARADO (IRE)  8 William & Angela Rucker  Fergal O'Brien

3/1PPU-0 ALWAYS RIGHT (IRE)  11 John Wade    John Wade

12-U0P4 AURORAS ENCORE (IRE) 11 D Pryde, J Beaumont & D van der Hoeven Sue Smith

11F01-0 BAILE ANRAI (IRE)  9 Massive    Ian Williams

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

2F14P-5 BENEFICIAL REFORM (IRE) 8 Martin Tedham    James Ewart

P35F-0F BILLIE MAGERN  9 Exors of the late Roger Nicholls Nigel Twiston-Davies

1114-11 BOLD SIR BRIAN (IRE) 7 Alexander Trotter   Lucinda Russell

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

411-051 CAPE TRIBULATION  9 J David Abell    Malcolm Jefferson

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

4423P-2 CAPTAIN AMERICO (IRE) 11 D Coppola & James Ewart  James Ewart

00-R001 CARRUTHERS  10 The Oaksey Partnership  Mark Bradstock

150-41F CEDRE BLEU (FR)  6 Paul Barber & David Johnson  Paul Nicholls

3122-24 CHAMPION COURT (IRE) 8 Martin Boothright   Martin Keighley

30/F4-12 CHARTREUX (FR)  8 Roger Brookhouse   Tom George

43F543 COOTEHILL (IRE)  9 Felicity Griffin    Nigel Twiston-Davies

100-040 CORKAGE (IRE)  10 The Scarth Racing Partnership  Keith Reveley

3P62-31 COURT BY SURPRISE (IRE) 8 Nick Mustoe    Emma Lavelle

3602-30 DE BOITRON (FR)  9 Mrs J Morgan & Mrs Lindsey Shaw Ferdy Murphy

112P4-2 DO IT FOR DALKEY  11 G S Brown    Lucinda Russell

2511-20 DUKE OF LUCCA (IRE) 8 Mrs Lesley Field   Philip Hobbs

325-003 FRUITY O'ROONEY  10 Heart of the South Racing  Gary Moore

3P0-42P GALAXY ROCK (IRE)  9 Michael & John O'Flynn   Jonjo O'Neill

13-51P3 GOLDEN CHIEFTAIN (IRE) 8 Brocade Racing   Colin Tizzard

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

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

3201-P4 HECTOR'S CHOICE (FR) 9 James and Jean Potter   Richard Lee

110-35U HOLD ON JULIO (IRE)  10 Mr & Mrs F Bell, N Farrell, A Marsh Alan King

05-1133 HUNTERS LODGE (IRE) 7 Exors of the late Roger Nicholls Nigel Twiston-Davies

11P-405 IKORODU ROAD  10 W J Odell    Matt Sheppard

04-F021 KATENKO (FR)  7 Andrew Brooks    Venetia Williams

105-131 LIVELY BARON (IRE)  8 Trevor Hemmings   Donald McCain

030U-06 MATUHI   10 Willsford Racing Incorporated  David Pipe

011-506 MERIGO (FR)   12 Raymond & Anita Anderson Green Andrew Parker

F310-3P MIDNIGHT CHASE  11 Lady Clarke    Neil Mulholland

54-6113 MISSTREE DANCER  9 Sarah Faulks    Nick Williams

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

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

3/10-13U NADIYA DE LA VEGA (FR) 7 J P McManus    Nicky Henderson

51F1-P2 PACHA DU POLDER (FR) 6 The Stewart & Wylie Families  Paul Nicholls

F0-0001 PENTIFFIC (NZ)  10 P Sinn, P Lawrence, L Sutcliffe, M Smith Venetia Williams

P-30015 PROPHETE DE GUYE (FR) 10 Elegant Clutter Ltd   James Evans

64115-P QIANSHAN LEADER (IRE) 9 The Pick 'N' Mix Partnership  Emma Lavelle

4P0-112 QUARTZ DE THAIX (FR) 9 ROA Arkle Partnership   Venetia Williams

3/212P-0 QUENTIN COLLONGES (FR) 9 Neville Statham & Family  Henry Daly

212-211 RED ROCCO (IRE)  6 Glen's Fools 2    Donald McCain

F0144-6 RIGUEZ DANCER  9 Let's Live Racing   Ferdy Murphy

20-4311 ROLLING ACES (IRE)  7 David Martin, Ian Fogg & Paul Barber Paul Nicholls

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

153F12 SHOEGAZER (IRE)  8 Wayne Clifford    David Pipe

21/0010/- SILVER BY NATURE  11 G S Brown    Lucinda Russell

13F213 SIZING SANTIAGO (IRE) 7 Yeh Man Partnership   Peter Bowen

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

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

15001-F THE KNOXS (IRE)  10 Andrea & Graham Wylie  Paul Nicholls

0PP-U23 TULLAMORE DEW (IRE) 11 Give Every Man His Due  Nick Gifford

345P-22 WALKON (FR)   8 McNeill Family    Alan King

P1FP-3P WEST END ROCKER (IRE) 11 Barry Winfield & Tim Leadbeater Alan King

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

60 entries 

HENDERSON QUINTET HEADS 40 ENTRIES FOR BETFRED CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP

FRENCH IMPORT MAIL DE BIEVRE EXCITES GEORGE

The countdown to The Festival 2013 heats up today with the unveiling of the entries for the Grade One Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup, which takes place on Gold Cup Day, Friday, March 15 and boasts a record prize fund of £550,000 (up from £500,000 in 2012).

            A total of 40 entries have been received for chasing's Blue Riband, which takes place over an extended three and a quarter miles, with Nicky Henderson responsible for five contenders. The master of Seven Barrows looks to hold a particularly strong hand as his hopefuls include Betfred's 3/1 favourite Bobs Worth, winner of this season's Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury and unbeaten in four outings at Cheltenham including at the last two Festivals. Henderson has also entered the 2011 scorer Long Run, who finished third in 2012 and won the King George VI Chase for a second time at Kempton Park on Boxing Day. Finian's Rainbow, successful at The Festival last season in the Sportingbet Queen Mother Champion Chase, could step up in distance, while Henderson's two other entries are last season's Ryanair Chase scorer Riverside Theatre and Roberto Goldback.

            The days of Kauto Star and Denman may now be over but reigning champion trainer Paul Nicholls still has a strong team for 2013, including Silviniaco Conti, who recorded an impressive first Grade One victory in the Betfair Chase at Haydock Park in November and the revitalised Tidal Bay, who defeated Ireland's best chasers in the Grade One Lexus Chase at Leopardstown on December 28. Kauto Stone, Kauto Star's half-brother, and What A Friend complete Nicholls' quartet of entries.

            A dozen entries hail from Ireland, including Betfred's 5/1 second favourite Sir Des Champs. The Willie Mullins-trained seven-year-old landed the Jewson Novices' Chase at last year's Festival and was a staying-on fourth behind Tidal Bay at Leopardstown. Flemenstar appeared to find three miles the limit of his stamina in the Lexus Chase, when he finished a close third to Tidal Bay and First Lieutenant, but trainer Peter Casey has stated he wishes to give the eight-year-old another try at the distance in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown on February 9 before deciding on a target at The Festival.

            An intriguing entry is the Tom George-trained Mail De Bievre. The eight-year-old was a high-class performer in France, where his successes included the Grade Two Prix Murat over two miles and six furlongs in April, 2010. However, Mail De Bievre has not been seen out since finishing fourth over hurdles at the same venue in September, 2011.

            George said today: "Mail De Bievre has been with me for a couple of months. He came over from France a year ago and did his pre-training with Chloe Roddick before joining me.

            "He is a very exciting horse to have in the yard. He had an injury but touch wood hopefully he has got over that. We are just taking things one step at a time with him. So far, everything is going according to plan.

            "The plan is to go for the Denman Chase at Newbury with him as that looks a good place to start. You don't know with horses until they run, but he looks right and is showing us all the right signs. Newbury will tell us where we are with him.

            "His form in France is the best. I asked the handicapper just out of interest what his mark would be and they said as his last mark in France was 175, they would now rate him 160 due to the time he has been off the track." 

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CAMACHO TO STAND AT MICKLEY STUD FOR 2013

Exciting young sire Camacho is to join the stallion roster at Richard Kent's Mickley Stud in Shropshire for the 2013 breeding season, standing for a fee of ,2,750 (October 1 terms).

The son of Danehill, who was champion three-year-old sprinter, has already made a bright start to his stud career thanks to black-type winners such as 2013 1,000 Guineas contender Winning Express, a Listed scorer last year for Ed McMahon who was runner-up in the Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes.

The high-class sprinter Humidor, a Listed winner who finished a close fourth in last season's Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes, Group 3 Fred Darling Stakes heroine Puff, Roses Stakes winner Star Rover and Harry Rosebery Stakes scorer Arctic Feeling have been among his other flagbearers.

Yearlings by Camacho, a sibling to Gimcrack Stakes winner Showcasing, were also in high demand at the 2012 sales, making prices of 85,000,70,000 etc.

Richard Kent of Mickley Stud: AI have followed Camacho's career with great interest from the start and I am excited to be able to stand him in 2013. He has proved adept at siring sharp, precocious runners and offers everything commercial breeders are looking for in a stallion.

AHe is popular with trainers and has built an enviable record from his runners so far. With some exciting three-year-olds and two-year-olds to run for him in 2013, his reputation looks sure to keep growing.

Camacho will stand alongside Captain Gerrard, Multiplex, Overbury and Phoenix Reach at Mickley Stud for the 2013 season. www.mickleystud.com

Dubai World Cup Carnival opening programme to be presented by Longines

The opening night of the 11-programme Dubai World Cup Carnival racing season will get under way on Thursday January 10 and will be presented by esteemed Swiss watch making brand Longines.

Heading the six-race card will be the Group 2 US$250,000 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1 to be held at 1600 metres on the all-weather surface for Thoroughbreds. It will be accompanied by the Purebred Arabian version of the race, the Group 1 US$55,000 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1 over the same distance. The night will also provide racing excitement on the turf for the first time this season, with the US$125,000 Al Rashidiya Trial that will be contested over 1800m.

“As we begin the Dubai World Cup Carnival season we are most pleased to welcome and thank Longines for their support in presenting tonight’s racing,” said Mahlih Al Basti, Chairman of the Meydan Racing Committee.

“Longines commitment to racing is international and reflects the dedication and passion that is shared by the Dubai Racing Club and Meydan. We not only thank them for their participation with the opening night of the Dubai World Cup Carnival but also recognise their valued support for events such as HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup, the Dubai Show Jumping Championship, and the Dubai Sheema Classic, a prized race on the Dubai World Cup programme.”

Longines Vice President of Sales, Charles Villoz said: “We are proud to be again the official timekeeper for the Dubai World Cup Carnival, culminating in the famous day of racing, the Dubai World Cup.

"In the framework of our partnership with Meydan Group, we are excited to experience the thrill of the races at the amazing Meydan Racecourse.”
Admission is free to the public areas of Meydan Racecourse and hospitality tickets start at Dh25, gates open at 5pm and the first race starts at 6.30pm. For further details please contact: +971 4327 2110 or ticketoffice@dubairacingclub.com.
For behind the scenes news and views from Dubai Racing Club, follow us on Twitter at @DRC_Meydan and like us on facebook by clicking here: http://tinyurl.com/b8dqu5w

Singapore’s Burridge set to strike again

Trainer Targets More Dubai World Cup Carnival Success

As the man who holds the record for the highest strike rate of 2012, Steven Burridge has a lot to live up to at this year’s Dubai World Cup Carnival as he opens his seasonal account this week.

The Singapore-based trainer enjoyed a dream start to his Dubai career last season, achieving a 33.36 per cent strike rate with a string of just four horses. That translates to four wins from 11 runs and becomes all the more impressive when you consider that only three of his horses actually ended up in the winner’s enclosure.

Given the level of success he enjoyed while in Dubai last year it is perhaps not unexpected that Burridge has come back for more. What may be surprising however is that the Australian former jockey has opted for a completely different raiding party to the one that bought him so much success last term.

Burridge’s wins in 2012 came via Dark Matter, Ip Man, who has since been renamed El Padrino after owners were threatened with a lawsuit from people associated with the film of the same name, and handsome old campaigner, Captain Obvious. Yet this season Burridge has opted for Dubai debutants, Benji’s Empire, the Irish maiden, Tiger Stripes, the promising Devil’s Cut and Freezemaster.

“They are all horses that we thought would go well in Dubai,” says Burridge, who rode more than 1,000 winners. “The others did very well for us last season and Captain Obvious went on to race in Japan, but he was getting a bit high in the ratings by the end.”
Benji’s Empire and Freezemaster both run at the opening Dubai World Cup Carnival meeting this Thursday.

“Benji’s Empire has had seven wins for 39 starts and has really started to come good over the last season,” says Burridge. “He’d done a few things wrong but over the last 12 months he’s come into himself and become really consistent in his racing.”

Benji’s Empire has won over 1000m and 1400m and is looking at a race over the minimum trip on Thursday while Freezemaster, a winner over 1400m and 1600m in Singapore, is likely to line up over 1400m.

Devil’s Cut, who gifted Burridge with his 400th win as a trainer when winning the $65,000 Fort Canning Park Stakes over 1100m of Kranji’s Polytrack in September, is set to make his debut at the second Dubai World Cup Carnival meeting on January 17, alongside stablemate, Tiger Stripes.

“Devil’s Cut is definitely the one that I’m most looking forward to,” says Burridge of his charge who has recorded three wins for five starts over 1100m and 1200m. “He’s only lightly raced, he ran second on his first start but he didn’t jump well and was a really green so we put him away for a few months. When we got him back to the track he won first up and then he won his second start back, so he’s an exciting prospect.”

Tiger Stripes represents an unknown quantity to Burridge. The horse, which ran into second place on his last two starts and has been placed in Group company in Ireland, flew from the UK to Dubai and will join Burridge’s yard in Singapore following his Dubai World Cup Carnival campaign.

“This season we are not coming over with proven horses, they are down in the ratings a little bit but we just feel that these are horses that could do well in Dubai,” says the trainer who comes to the Dubai World Cup Carnival on a high having recently claimed the Group 1 Yang Di Pertua Negeri Gold Cup in Penang, Malaysia, ​with Hint.

Burridge, who will jet back and forth between Singapore and Dubai during the Dubai World Cup Carnival, is relying on assistant Mick Lockett, who also oversaw his horses in Dubai last season. Jockey, Stephen Baster, is expected to ride.