At The Races @AtTheRaces and SIS sign new deal with Horse Racing Ireland and Irish Racecourses

ATR to retain Irish racing rights until 2017

At The Races today announced that, along with partner SIS, the Company has agreed terms for a new media rights deal with Horse Racing Ireland and the Association of Irish Racecourses that will cover the period from January 2014 to December 2016.

Under the terms of the new agreement ATR will have exclusive, cross platform, non-LBO media rights worldwide to all Irish fixtures. SIS retains all domestic and international betting shop rights under the terms of its current contract with HRI.

The new agreement includes significantly improved terms across multiple media rights revenue lines. At The Races forecasts that its returns to Irish racecourses will more than double in 2014 versus the returns it generates in 2013 for current rights holder SIS. Further growth is anticipated through the term of the agreement from both domestic and international services, particularly via online and new media channels.

As part of the new partnership, ATR has offered HRI/AIR the opportunity to take up a seat on its board. All parties view this as a significant and important new development that will help further the effort to coordinate and align strategies and keep the Irish racing industry integrally involved in the management and direction of its rights exploitation.

Matthew Imi, Chief Executive, At The Races, said:

"We are delighted that our relationship with Horse Racing Ireland, the Association of Irish Racecourses and all twenty six tracks will be continuing next year and beyond. 

"Irish racing forms a significant part of our business and since 2004 an important partnership has formed to which we, our shareholders and UK racecourse partners attach considerable value. 

"Individually, each of the Irish racecourses has its own characteristics and requirements from us as their media partner and we work very hard to ensure that our business objectives are firmly aligned with theirs. 

"Collectively, the racecourses offer a consistent and high quality schedule of Flat and Jump racing across the year which our domestic and international audiences and commercial partners find increasingly attractive. 

"HRI and AIR made it very clear that not only did they feel ATR had done a great job monetising their rights across our current distribution platforms but that they were also excited about the long term potential of the business and we look forward to welcoming their representative onto the ATR Board as we start to roll out our growth strategy."

Paddy Walsh, Chief Executive, Association of Irish Racecourses, said:

"I am very pleased that the AIR, on behalf of all our racecourses, has now agreed terms with ATR/SIS in relation to the sale of the non-LBO rights that we recently offered to the market. 

"This new deal extends our long standing arrangements with both At The Races and SIS and I look forward to all parties benefiting from the partnership approach that we have always adopted in the past."

Penitent heads Greene King Supreme Stakes nine @Goodwood_Races

Penitent returns from a two-month break in the £60,000 Group Three Greene King Supreme Stakes (4.30pm) over seven furlongs on the final day of Goodwood's August Bank Holiday meeting, Sunday, August 25.

The seven-year-old was last seen coming home a creditable eighth behind Declaration Of War in the Group One Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot in June.

David O'Meara's charge developed into a high-class performer last season, annexing a pair of Group Two contests and chasing home Gordon Lord Byron in the Group One Prix de la Foret at Longchamp in October.

O'Meara reported: "Ideally, we could do with a drop of rain but Penitent is in good order.

"He was second in the Foret over seven furlongs last year so the trip will be fine and he is versatile so the track shouldn't be a problem either.

"He doesn't have a penalty and hopefully this is a good opportunity for him."

His eight opponents include the 2011 victor Libranno, one of two representatives for Richard Hannon, Irish raider Custom Cut and the Marcus Tregoning-trained Boom And Bust, who was third in the Group Two bet365 Lennox Stakes at Glorious Goodwood on July 30.

Hughie Morrison saddles talented six-year-old Pastoral Player, while Godolphin will be represented by French Group Three scorer Lockwood.

The line-up is completed by Listed winners Professor and Well Acquainted, and the Michael Attwater-trained Bronze Prince.

The August Bank Holiday meeting gets underway at 5.10pm this evening with a six-race card and continues tomorrow when the highlight is £100,000 Group Two Celebration Mile (3.30pm).

Afsare will be hoping to build on last week's impressive Sovereign Stakes success, but last year's winner Premio Loco, Group One Markel Insurance Nassau Stakes runner-up Thistle Bird, and Group Two scorer Trade Storm are among his seven rivals.

Tomorrow's seven-race programme also features the £40,000 Group Three Whiteley Clinic Prestige Stakes (2.20pm) and the £100,000 Betfair Cash Our Heritage Handicap (2.55pm), both over seven furlongs.

The going at Goodwood is currently Good.

August Bank Holiday Weekend At Goodwood

Goodwood Racecourse stages a 1950s-themed August Bank Holiday weekend, rekindling the nostalgic Summer Holidays of yesteryear. The meeting will showcase a typical 1950s holiday scene complete with its own fully functioning beach, a vintage fish and chip shop and an array of activities for both youngsters and adults.

There will be a fab choice of traditional entertainment on offer ranging from pony racing and a funfair to Lego education and live music. These are ideal family days out with so much to enjoy for all ages, not forgetting plenty of top racing action across all three days including the weekend's highlight, the Betfair Celebration Mile, on Saturday.

Accompanied youngsters under 18 years of age are admitted free to all enclosures over the August Bank Holiday Weekend at Goodwood.

The racing starts late on the afternoon of Friday, August 23 - the perfect way to end the week. Friday evening's meeting offers racegoers the chance enjoy six races before jiving, moving and dancing to live, hip-shaking music by the Class of 58 Rock n' Roll band. The gates open at 3.30pm.

Racing resumes at 2.20pm on Saturday, August 24 with the Group Three Whiteley Clinic Prestige Stakes and that day's magnificent seven-race programme continues until 5.50pm when the Chichester City Handicap brings the action to a close. The gates open at 11.30am.

The Sunday (August 25) is the ideal opportunity to get together with friends and family to enjoy heaps of excitement at the racecourse. The seven-race card commences at 2.10pm and ends at 5.30pm. The seven-furlong Greene King Supreme Stakes, worth £60,000, is the feature race at 4.30pm. The gates open at 11.30am.

Children's entertainment will be plentiful throughout the weekend with a funfair; complete with a Helter Skelter, Wall of Mirrors and a Carousel on offer for youngsters to enjoy as well as a Lego education centre which teaches children a range of skills in an engaging and fun environment, face painting, storytelling, sports games and Invisible cricket. Live music will fill the racecourse with the Kaleidoscope String Quartet taking to the stage in the Richmond Enclosure and The Howard Clarke Jazz Band providing music on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons in the East Parade Lawn. With such a variety of entertainment available, Goodwood Racecourse is the ultimate family day this August Bank Holiday.

To book tickets, please go to www.goodwood.com

 

Eight for Betfair Celebration Mile @Goodwood_Races

- Qawaasem set for Prestige

A high-class field of eight will go to post for the £100,000 Group Two Betfair Celebration Mile (3.30pm) on the second day of the Goodwood's August Bank Holiday meeting, Saturday, August 24.

The line up is headed by the David Simcock-trained Trade Storm, who will carry a 3lb penalty for a Group Two success in Dubai this spring, and recent Group Three Sovereign Stakes scorer Afsare.

Premio Loco and Thistle Bird, who finished first and second last year for Chris Wall and Roger Charlton respectively, lock horns again, while Godolphin is chasing a fifth Celebration Mile with last season's Group One Prix Jean Prat hero Aesop's Fables.

Group Two scorer Shamalgan, representing French handler Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte, Listed victor Stipulate and the Ismail Mohammed-trained Educate complete the octet.

Celebration Mile - Betfair Sportsbook: 3/1 Afsare, 7/2 Trade Storm, 5/1 Thistle Bird, 7/1 Stipulate, 9/1 Premio Loco, 10/1 Aesop's Fables, 10/1 Shamalgan, 12/1 Educate *Each Way 1/5 Odds first 3 places

Betfair Spokesman Barry Orr commented today: "Afsare got his act together last time out and looked really good in doing so and has been popular at the 3/1 mark."

Timeform Ratings (weight-adjusted) - 136 AFSARE, 133 THISTLE BIRD, 132 PREMIO LOCO, 131 TRADE STORM, 129 AESOP'S FABLES, 128 SHAMALGAN, 127 STIPULATE, 124 EDUCATE

The seven-race card gets underway at 2.20pm with the £40,000 Group Three Whiteley Clinic Prestige Stakes over seven furlongs. The eight contenders include impressive six-length course and distance scorer Amazing Maria, and Group Three runner-up Midnite Angel.

Qawaasem also brings Stakes form to the table having been a close second to Majeyda in the Listed Star Stakes over seven furlongs at Sandown on July 25. The daughter of Shamardal had previously beaten a subsequent winner in a six-furlong Newmarket maiden on July 11.

Angus Gold, racing manager for her owner Hamdan Al Maktoum, said: "It was a good run by Qawaasem at Sandown last time. I thought she was going to win and was either beaten by a better filly or just weakened a little bit in the final 80 yards.

"She did everything right and it might turn out that the winner is a good filly but we will see next time.

"The Prestige Stakes looks like a natural progression and Charles Hills is very happy with her. She is a progressive filly by a very good stallion and I'm sure she will run a very decent race."

Other notables include eye-catching Ffos Las maiden winner Valen and Chepstow scorer Wee Jean, who is bidding to give Mick Channon back-to-back wins after Ollie Olga's success last year.

The feature handicap on the card is the £100,000 Betfair Cash Out Heritage Handicap (2.55pm) over seven furlongs. A field of 19 will face the starter including the Richard Hannon-trained Magic City, who is chasing a hat-trick at the course this year, and impressive Newbury handicap scorer Glen Moss.

Betfair Cash Out Handicap - Betfair Sportsbook: 13/2 Glen Moss, 8/1 Magic City, 10/1 Arnold Lane, Galician, Music Master, Loving Spirit, 11/1 Monsieur Chevalier, Shebebi, 14/1 Head Of Steam, Pythagorean, 16/1 Intransigent, Excellent Guest, Heavens Guest, Jacks Revenge, 20/1 bar *Each Way 1/4 Odds first 4 places

Betfair Spokesman Barry Orr commented today: "Glen Moss got the job done easily last time out and although this is a step up, he looked well capable.

"It is a strong renewal and the International Stakes at Ascot may prove key in finding the winner here."

Mount Athos continues his Melbourne Cup preparation in the Listed March Stakes (4.00pm) over 14 furlongs. His six rivals include Royal Ascot victor Camborne, course and distance winner Harris Tweed and French Group Two winner Tac De Boistron, who is making his debut for Marco Botti.

Ground

The going at Goodwood remains Good.

Clerk of the Course Seamus Buckley said today: "We had three millimetres of rain overnight which has helped in maintaining the ground. Today's GoingStick reading is 7.5.

"The going has eased slightly but I am still calling it Good. We have had a dry day today and it is also be forecast to dry tomorrow.

"We should be starting the meeting on some nice ground."

August Bank Holiday Weekend At Goodwood

Goodwood Racecourse stages a 1950s-themed August Bank Holiday weekend, rekindling the nostalgic Summer Holidays of yesteryear. The meeting will showcase a typical 1950s holiday scene complete with its own fully functioning beach, a vintage fish and chip shop and an array of activities for both youngsters and adults.

There will be a fab choice of traditional entertainment on offer ranging from pony racing and a funfair to Lego education and live music. These are ideal family days out with so much to enjoy for all ages, not forgetting plenty of top racing action across all three days including the weekend's highlight, the Betfair Celebration Mile, on Saturday.

Accompanied youngsters under 18 years of age are admitted free to all enclosures over the August Bank Holiday Weekend at Goodwood.

The racing starts late on the afternoon of Friday, August 23 - the perfect way to end the week. Friday evening's meeting offers racegoers the chance enjoy six races before jiving, moving and dancing to live, hip-shaking music by the Class of 58 Rock n' Roll band. The gates open at 3.30pm.

Racing resumes at 2.20pm on Saturday, August 24 with the Group Three Whiteley Clinic Prestige Stakes and that day's magnificent seven-race programme continues until 5.50pm when the Chichester City Handicap brings the action to a close. The gates open at 11.30am.

The Sunday (August 25) is the ideal opportunity to get together with friends and family to enjoy heaps of excitement at the racecourse. The seven-race card commences at 2.10pm and ends at 5.30pm. The seven-furlong Greene King Supreme Stakes, worth £60,000, is the feature race at 4.30pm. The gates open at 11.30am.

Children's entertainment will be plentiful throughout the weekend with a funfair; complete with a Helter Skelter, Wall of Mirrors and a Carousel on offer for youngsters to enjoy as well as a Lego education centre which teaches children a range of skills in an engaging and fun environment, face painting, storytelling, sports games and Invisible cricket. Live music will fill the racecourse with the Kaleidoscope String Quartet taking to the stage in the Richmond Enclosure and The Howard Clarke Jazz Band providing music on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons in the East Parade Lawn. With such a variety of entertainment available, Goodwood Racecourse is the ultimate family day this August Bank Holiday.

To book tickets, please go to www.goodwood.com

Doncaster Racecourse@DoncasterRaces announces Speedy Services Ltd @wearespeedy as new sponsor of the Doncaster Cup at Ladbrokes St Leger Festival

Doncaster Racecourse, home of the Ladbrokes St Leger Festival, today announces a new sponsorship deal with Speedy Services Limited. The company will lend its name to the Group Two feature race on Friday, September 13, 2013, which will now be entitled the Speedy Services Doncaster Cup.

As part of this partnership, the penultimate day of the Festival will now be known as Speedy Services Doncaster Cup Day, with the race forming part of the terrestrial coverage of the meeting via Channel 4 Racing.

Jo Mapletoft, Group Sponsorship Manager for Arena Racing Company said, "Doncaster Racecourse is delighted to welcome Speedy Services as a valued new sponsor of what is not only one of the key races within the Ladbrokes St Leger Festival, but the British racing calendar as a whole. We look forward to working with this recognised brand and thank them for their support."

Steve Corcoran, CEO of Speedy Services Limited, said, "We are delighted to be associated with such an historic race at Doncaster's showpiece Festival. This will provide Speedy Services with the opportunity to promote our values in service quality and operational excellence during an event that reflects the same."

The Ladbrokes St Leger Festival runs from Wednesday, September 11 to Saturday, September 14, 2013, when the Ladbrokes St Leger - the final Classic of the season - is the showpiece event; complemented by many quality feature races.

For further details, please contact Doncaster Racecourse on 01302 304230 or see www.doncaster-racececourse.co.uk. 

The dedicated Ladbrokes St Leger microsite can be found at www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk/st-leger

Prestige plan for Valen @Goodwood_Races

Impressive maiden scorer Valen will step up in trip and class for the £40,000 Group Three Whiteley Clinic Prestige Stakes (2.20pm) over seven furlongs on the second day of Goodwood's August Bank Holiday meeting, Saturday, August 24.

The daughter of Acclamation was an encouraging fifth in a competitive six-furlong maiden at Glorious Goodwood on July 31, and showed the benefit of that experience with an effortless three-length success over the same trip at Ffos Las on August 14.

                                   

Trainer Michael Bell revealed: "Valen came out of Ffos Las fine and is an intended runner in the Whiteley Clinic Prestige Stakes.

                                                                                                           

"She's had an easy week and we will just keep her ticking over between now and the weekend.

"She ran a very nice race from a bad draw at Goodwood under hands and heels and then won impressively at Ffos Las with a horse who was second in a Newmarket maiden back in third.

"Saturday's race looks like a suitable opportunity and the step up to seven furlongs will be to her advantage. She is on an upward curve and hopefully she will give a very good account of herself.

"She has a plenty of scope and I think she is still a bit on the weak side, so she will furnish up nicely over the winter."

Valen could clash with Ed Dunlop's impressive course and distance scorer Amazing Maria, Ascot maiden winner Lilyfire, from the stable of Roger Charlton, and Listed runner-up Qawaasem, trained by Charlie Hills.

The seven-race card also features the £100,000 Betfair Celebration Mile (3.30pm, 14 confirmations), in which Afsare will bid to follow up his facile success in last week's Sovereign Stakes, while the exciting Cape Peron could attempt to atone for a narrow defeat at Glorious Goodwood in the £100,000 Betfair Cash Out Heritage Handicap (2.55pm, 32 confirmations).

Ground

The going at Goodwood is currently Good.

Clerk of the Course Seamus Buckley said: "The GoingStick reading today was 7.8 which is indicative of good ground.

"Conditions have been drying, but there is still plenty of moisture in the ground at present. We will selectively water as necessary to maintain the current conditions.

"The forecast is predominantly dry and warm for the rest of the week with the outside chance of a shower.

"We should hopefully be starting the meeting on good ground."

August Bank Holiday Weekend At Goodwood

Goodwood Racecourse stages a 1950s-themed August Bank Holiday weekend, rekindling the nostalgic Summer Holidays of yesteryear. The meeting will showcase a typical 1950s holiday scene complete with its own fully functioning beach, a vintage fish and chip shop and an array of activities for both youngsters and adults.

There will be a fab choice of traditional entertainment on offer ranging from pony racing and a funfair to Lego education and live music. These are ideal family days out with so much to enjoy for all ages, not forgetting plenty of top racing action across all three days including the weekend's highlight, the Betfair Celebration Mile, on Saturday.

Accompanied youngsters under 18 years of age are admitted free to all enclosures over the August Bank Holiday Weekend at Goodwood.

The racing starts late on the afternoon of Friday, August 23 - the perfect way to end the week. Friday evening's meeting offers racegoers the chance enjoy six races before jiving, moving and dancing to live, hip-shaking music by the Class of 58 Rock n' Roll band. The gates open at 3.30pm.

Racing resumes at 2.20pm on Saturday, August 24 with the Group Three Whiteley Clinic Prestige Stakes and that day's magnificent seven-race programme continues until 5.50pm when the Chichester City Handicap brings the action to a close. The gates open at 11.30am.

The Sunday (August 25) is the ideal opportunity to get together with friends and family to enjoy heaps of excitement at the racecourse. The seven-race card commences at 2.10pm and ends at 5.30pm. The seven-furlong Greene King Supreme Stakes, worth £60,000, is the feature race at 4.30pm. The gates open at 11.30am.

Children's entertainment will be plentiful throughout the weekend with a funfair; complete with a Helter Skelter, Wall of Mirrors and a Carousel on offer for youngsters to enjoy as well as a Lego education centre which teaches children a range of skills in an engaging and fun environment, face painting, storytelling, sports games and Invisible cricket. Live music will fill the racecourse with the Kaleidoscope String Quartet taking to the stage in the Richmond Enclosure and The Howard Clarke Jazz Band providing music on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons in the East Parade Lawn. With such a variety of entertainment available, Goodwood Racecourse is the ultimate family day this August Bank Holiday.

To book tickets, please go to www.goodwood.com

 

Afsare on course for Betfair Celebration Mile @Goodwood_Races

Trainer Luca Cumani is eyeing a quick return for Afsare in the Group Two Betfair Celebration Mile (3.30pm) on the second day of Goodwood's August Bank Holiday meeting, Saturday, August 24, 2013.

The six-year-old is among 14 confirmations for the £100,000 contest after an effortless six-length success in the Group Three Sovereign Stake over a mile at Salisbury on August 15.

It was his first start over the trip since he captured a Newmarket maiden in May, 2010, but the son of Dubawi has proved himself a top-class performer over longer trips, including when an unlucky second in the Arlington Million over 10 furlongs last year.

Cumani reported on Monday: "Afsare has come out of Salisbury in good form and is likely to run in the Betfair Celebration Mile.

"We had been thinking about running him over a mile for a good while, but unfortunately he refused to go into the stalls at Ascot for the Summer Mile (July 13).

"Luckily, he went into the stalls at Salisbury and it was a good performance.

"The track at Goodwood will be no problem and I will be happy if he runs another nice race."

The 14 confirmations include the David Simcock-trained Trade Storm, who will carry a 3lb penalty, last year's winner Premio Loco and Markel Insurance Nassau Stakes runner-up Thistle Bird.

Also among those going forward is the Aidan O'Brien-trained trio of Most Improved, the impressive winner of last season's St James's Palace Stakes, Jersey Stakes scorer Gale Force Ten and QIPCO 2000 Guineas fifth Cristoforo Columbo.

Saturday's seven-race card at Goodwood gets underway with the £40,000 Whiteley Clinic Prestige Stakes (2.20pm) over seven furlongs.

The two-year-old contest, in which subsequent triple Group One winner Sky Lantern finished second last year, has attracted 10 contenders headed by course and distance scorer Amazing Maria, Richard Hannon's Group Three Sweet Solera Stakes runner-up Midnite Angel and impressive maiden winner Valen.

Goodwood's Bank Holiday meeting concludes on Sunday, August 25, when the £60,000 Group Three Greene King Supreme Stakes takes centre stage. A total of 20 horses have been entered for the seven-furlong contest, headlined by Group Two winner Penitent and impressive Group Three Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes victor Montiridge.

Going

The going at Goodwood is currently Good.

Clerk of the Course Seamus Buckley said today: "The course has recovered well since the Glorious meeting and is in excellent condition.

"We had 10 millimetres of rain over the weekend and going is currently good. The forecast for the rest of the week is for drier and warmer conditions."

August Bank Holiday Weekend At Goodwood

Goodwood Racecourse stages a 1950s-themed August Bank Holiday weekend, rekindling the nostalgic Summer Holidays of yesteryear. The meeting will showcase a typical 1950s holiday scene complete with its own fully functioning beach, a vintage fish & chip shop and an array of activities for both youngsters and adults.

There will be a fab choice of traditional entertainment on offer ranging from pony racing and a funfair to Lego education and live music. These are ideal family days out with so much to enjoy for all ages, not forgetting plenty of top racing action across all three days including the weekend's highlight, the Betfair Celebration Mile, on Saturday.

Accompanied youngsters under 18 years of age are admitted free to all enclosures over the August Bank Holiday Weekend at Goodwood.

The racing starts late on the afternoon of Friday, August 23 - the perfect way to end the week. Friday evening's meeting offers racegoers the chance enjoy six races before jiving, moving and dancing to live, hip-shaking music by the Class of 58 Rock n' Roll band. The gates open at 3.30pm.

Racing resumes at 2.20pm on Saturday, August 24 with the Group Three Whiteley Clinic Prestige Stakes and that day's magnificent seven-race programme continues until 5.50pm when the Chichester City Handicap brings the action to a close. The gates open at 11.30am.

The Sunday (August 25) is the ideal opportunity to get together with friends and family to enjoy heaps of excitement at the racecourse. The seven-race card commences at 2.10pm and ends at 5.30pm. The seven-furlong Greene King Supreme Stakes, worth £60,000, is the feature race at 4.30pm. The gates open at 11.30am.

Children's entertainment will be plentiful throughout the weekend with a funfair; complete with a Helter Skelter, Wall of Mirrors and a Carousel on offer for youngsters to enjoy as well as a Lego education centre which teaches children a range of skills in an engaging and fun environment, face painting, storytelling, sports games and Invisible cricket. Live music will fill the racecourse with the Kaleidoscope String Quartet taking to the stage in the Richmond Enclosure and The Howard Clarke Jazz Band providing music on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons in the East Parade Lawn. With such a variety of entertainment available, Goodwood Racecourse is the ultimate family day this August Bank Holiday.

To book tickets, please go to www.goodwood.com

Mutashaded to test Ladbrokes St Leger @DoncasterRaces credentials in Great Voltigeur

The countdown to the £600,000 Ladbrokes St Leger at Doncaster continues with the running of the Group Two Neptune Investment Management Great Voltigeur Stakes at York on Wednesday, August 21.

The 12-furlong contest is one of the leading trials for the Ladbrokes St Leger, with three of the last six runnings producing the winner of the Doncaster Classic.

It is part of the 'road to the St Leger series', sponsored by Neptune Investment Management, which also includes the Group Three Gordon Stakes at Goodwood and a handicap at York in June.

There are 16 horses going forward for this year's Neptune Investment Great Voltigeur Stakes, including the Roger Varian-trained Mutashaded.

The son of Raven's Pass was successful on his only start at two, in a heavy ground, mile maiden at Yarmouth in October, and returned this season with an impressive two and a half length success in a 10-furlong handicap at Sandown in May.

The three-year-old lost his unbeaten record when a staying-on third to Hillstar in the Group Two King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot in June.

Varian reported: "There is a strong possibility Mutashaded will run in the Great Voltigeur providing we are happy with him over the weekend and leading up to Wednesday.

"He has been grand since his run at Royal Ascot and has been training nicely. I feel his work has improved and I am looking forward to running him.

"He is a very inexperienced horse with not many miles on the clock and I think the lack of experience definitely caught him out at Royal Ascot.

"It was a big step up for him that day, but you couldn't help but be pleased with how he ran.

"He is a fine big horse, who ought to be still improving, and the Voltigeur will determine where we go in the autumn. He is in the St Leger but a lot would depend on how he runs on Wednesday."

Mutashaded is a 20/1 chance with race sponsor Ladbrokes for the St Leger, which is run at Doncaster on Saturday, September 14.

His potential opponents at York include the Aidan O'Brien-trained Leading Light, who is 4/1 favourite with Ladbrokes for the world's oldest Classic, one time Derby favourite Telescope and the Godolphin pair of Cap O'Rushes (10/1)and Secret Number (16/1).

About the Ladbrokes St Leger Festival

The Ladbrokes St Leger Festival is the jewel in the crown of horseracing in Yorkshire and the showpiece of Doncaster's social calendar. Racegoers enjoy a delightful blend of history, quality racing and live entertainment across the four-day racing extravaganza. The 2013 renewal takes place from Wednesday, September 11 through to Saturday, September 14 inclusive.

Since the first running of the St Leger in 1776, racegoers from all over the country have been drawn to Doncaster to capture a taste of the unique atmosphere.

The famous Festival is one of the highlights of the Flat racing calendar. The crescendo builds to Saturday, when the flagship event - the illustrious Ladbrokes St Leger - takes centre-stage.

The meeting also features a number of high-class supporting races, highlights being the Crown Hotel Bawtry Scarbrough Stakes on The Crown Hotel Bawtry Opening Day (Wednesday), the DFS Park Hill Stakes on DFS Ladies' Day (Thursday), the Doncaster Cup on Friday and the At The Races Champagne Stakes and OLBG Park Stakes on Saturday.

To book tickets, please contact Doncaster Racecourse on 01302 304230 or go to www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk 

Doncaster Racecourse's dedicated Ladbrokes St Leger microsite can be found at www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk/stleger