Friday 30 September 2011

ARC WEEKEND IN THE RACING POST SATURDAY OCTOBER 1st 2011

THE RACING POST SATURDAY OCTOBER 1st 2011
RACING POST WEEK MONDAY SEPTEMBER 26th to SUNDAY OCTOBER 2nd 2011

C4 LIVE THE MORNING LINE 7.55am to 855am EVERY SATURDAY
A WORTHY INTRODUCTION TO A DAY AT THE RACES  
DON'T MISS IT 


FULL PREVIEWS of some cracking racing, featuring the first day at Longchamp, returning Leger hero ARCTIC COSMOS and some big names from the jumps world.

PRICEWISE (The Punters Champion) aims to ensure his followers have some fun in the autumn sun

RICHARD HUGHES with the latest in his absorbing series views from the saddle

TONY MORRIS with a look back on CHARLOTTOWN and MICHAEL JARVIS

SPOTLIGHT'S invaluable horse-by-horse guides


 RACING POST ARC DAY SUNDAY OCTOBER 2nd 2011

AN ARC DAY SPECIAL FEATURING PRICEWISE, JOHN GOSDEN YOUR COMPLETE BIG-RACE GUIDE AND MUCH MORE. DON'T MISS IT.

THE RACING POST FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 30th 2011 ON THE EVE OF THE ARC MEETING IN PARIS

THE RACING POST FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 30th 2011
RACING POST WEEK MONDAY SEPTEMBER 26th to SUNDAY OCTOBER 2nd 2011 

QATAR PRIX de L'ARC de TRIOMPHE 2011
HEARTS WILL BE RACING THIS WEEKEND IN PARIS

Today's Racecards: Ascot, Fontwell, Hexam, Wolverhampton, Dundalk and Gowran Park



“POST WRITERS explain why Paris is the only place to be on the first weekend in October

DAVID CARR “ Stoute concern as fast-ground fears mount for WORKFORCE last year’s Arc hero eased for repeat as the mercury rises. Watering was taking place at Longchamp last night amid fears that the ground may be too quick for WORKFORCE  to bid for a historic second straight Qatar Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe victory on Sunday. The track was officially good to soft yesterday morning but temperatures reached 29C in Paris and the course was set to be watered again overnight, with an average of  5mm being applied. The aim is to provide good ground for tomorrow, while the rail will be moved out by 20m in the home straight to preserve fresh ground for Sunday.”



RACING TV DEAL UNDER SCRUTINY
“Why the sport will be having a long look at renewing its contract to pay C4 to screen the action. Special Report.


MURLESS MEMORIES AT ASCOT
“Top Newmarket trainers eye prize named after one of their finest, Sir Noel Murless.
 
RP TIPPING with all the day’s best bets.


ARAZI

Thursday 29 September 2011

THE RACING POST THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 29th COUNTDOWN TO ARC 2011



RACING POST THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 29th 2011
RACING POST WEEK MONDAY SEPTEMBER 26th to SUNDAY OCTOBER 2nd 2011
VISIT OUR ARC MEETING SITE TODAY: RACINGPOST.com/arc
 http://arc-de-triomphe.racingpost.com/ 

MASKED MARVEL AND MEANDRE SUPPLIMENTED FOR THE ARC
http://arc-de-triomphe.racingpost.com/news/horse-racing/marvel-and-meandre-added-to-arc-field-of-16/923766/LA/

TODAY'S RACECARDS: Warwick, Bangor, Wolverhampton and Kempton Park

JULIAN MUSCAT (RP 28.09.11) ARC challenger SO YOU THINK "Stable form has to be a concern for SO YOU THINK fans."

NICHOLAS GODFREY: ARC challenger SO YOU THINK .... SO WILL HE STAY over 1m4f
at 3.15pm on Sunday.

“THINK HE’LL GET THE TRIP?
International editor NICHOLAS GODFREY “asks the experts down under whether former Aussie champion SO YOU THINK – winner of seven Group 1 races at 1m2f – can excel at the Arc trip of 1m4f ….

“Three words will virtually suffice to encapsulate the Australian view about any doubts emanating from the northern hemisphere surrounding SO YOU THINK’S aptitude for the Arc distance. No worries, mate.”
BART CUMMINGS trainer of SO YOU THINK  http://www.bartcummings.com.au/
BART CUMMINGS CAREER http://www.bartcummings.com.au/overview.asp
SO YOU THINK INFO http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/So_You_Think


J MARGARET CLARKE TURFCALL
Bloodhorse literate owners behind  SO YOU THINK’S pioneering adventure
THE LIFE AND TIMES OF  SO YOU THINK 5 9-5
Born in New Zealand, raced in Australia,  purchased by Coolmore now trained in Ireland, raced in Ireland, raced in Britain, on Sunday SO YOU THINK to challenge in Paris to win the Arc.

We do not know yet who is to partner SO YOU THINK in the Arc in Paris on Sunday.

 SO YOU THINK needs a rider who is accurately in tune with his every need,  his every step, his every move if he is to win the 2011 Arc. A partner who can ensure a safe passage for SO YOU THINK throughout the running of this race, a race that is known to cut up rough more times than otherwise.
 

Every care needs to be taken at all times in and around the starting stalls experience
BLUSHING ET'S EXPERIENCE
LIVE LINK








Wednesday 28 September 2011

THE RACING POST WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 28th 2011 REGULATORS ON WHIP RULES



RACING POST WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 28th 2011
RACING POST WEEK MONDAY SEPTEMBER 26th TO SUNDAY OCTOBER 2nd 2011

TODAY’S RACECARDS: Salisbury, Newcastle, Nottingham, Kempton and Sligo

British Horseracing Regulation conclude their investigation into the purpose and use of the whip and it’s acceptable use in and around horses, four decades late. How does the saying go? “Better late than never ….?”

In perspective, how are these New Whip Rules to be transcribed into the present Rules of Racing?


In perspective, how are these New Whip Rules to be perceived by the many bloodhorse illiterate stewards?

BBC Breakfast yesterday had Lee Mottershead (Racing Post) and Tim Morris (Veterinary) on live regarding the use of the whip. Morris declared to one and all ‘that horses don’t feel pain.’  Who is this man? Wherever is this man at .... to make such a statement as this? How much is Morris being paid to make this announcement, and by whom? 

THE CHANTILLY GALLOPS WITH THE MIGHTY FRENCH ARC HOPES




COUNTDOWN TO THE ARC
SCOTT BURTON joins the world’s press on the Chantilly gallops to see SARAFINA put through her paces as the home team continue their preparation for Sunday’s Arc .....
“Amid a media scrum the Aga’s  ‘ real lady ’ does her elegant turn.”
RELIABLE MAN on drift after ground warning."

Potential Arc Runners 2011

Runners - 2011 Arc de Triomphe

http://www.arc-de-triomphe.net/runners.html




COUNTDOWN TO THE ARC -  TALK FROM THE TRACKS
JOHN RANDALL  - THE ROTHSCHILD FAMILY
TWO INFLUENTUAL RACING DYNASTIES Banking aristocrats still a major European force.
“The Rothschilds and the Wertheimers  are two powerful families represented in Sunday’s Arc. JOHN RANDALL charts the history of the Rothschilds.
“The Rothschilds have been prominent racehorse owners since Victorian times, and this years Group 1 winners and Arc hopes NATHANIEL and MEANDRE show that they are now as successful as ever.
“Members of the English and French  branches  of the banking dynasty have owned great champions SARDANAPALE,  LA  FARINA,  BRANTOME,  BLUE PETER and EXBURY, and winners of the Derby, King George, Arc and most of the other top races in Europe ....  ROTHSCHILDS HORSERACING DYNASTY
http://www.tbheritage.com/Breeders/FR/Rothschild/Rothschild1.html
http://www.oxfordtimes.co.uk/lifestyle/history/4466008.The_Rothschilds__racing_heritage/


COUNTDOWN TO THE ARC - TALK FROM THE TRACKS
JULIAN  MUSCAT THE WERTHEIMER FAMILY
Horses and Chanel brand combine in sweet scent of success
JULIAN, traces the fascinating history of a famous racing and breeding  enterprise that is now in its centenary year.
THE WERTHEIMER FAMILY and some interesting websites
"IT PROMISES to be quite a day. First up is GOLDIKOVA, who bids farewell to her doting French fans on Sunday before her tilt at a fourth successive Breeders’ Cup Mile. And following along is GALIKOVA, who bids to carry the same blue and white silks to victory in the Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe. It says much about GOLDIKOVA that her younger half-sibling is reduced to the role of  supporting act. Yet that won’t bother the Wertheimer brothers, even though GALIKOVA’S Arc chance computes to single-figure odds. The owner -breeders of both horses are far happier away from the limelight ….” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldikova
HORSERACING A UNIQUE AND REMARKABLE SPORT




Tuesday 27 September 2011

THE RACING POST TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 27th 2011 BHA to ANNOUNCE THEIR CHANGES TO THE WHIP RULES

THE RACING POST TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 27th 2011
RACING POST WEEK MONDAY SEPTEMBER 26th TO SUNDAY OCTOBER 2nd 2011 
TODAYS RACECARDS: Ayr, Chepstow and Sedgefield

MILL REEF AND THE ARC

"STEVE DENNIS recalls with Ian Balding and Geoff Lewis the Arc paragon who was the horse of a lifetime. Trainer Ian Balding and Jockey Geoff Lewis recall a magical Autumn day at Longchamp when the Derby, Eclipse and King George hero wrote himself into racing history. It was like he simply floated over the ground."

IAN BALDING “I was asked what the highlight of my career was, I was diplomatic, but to be honest it was the Arc. Forty years ago. Does it really seem that long? “Wow, time flies, doesn’t it,” says Geoff Lewis, prompted into reminiscence by the imminent anniversary.

 
GRAHAM DENCH and SCOTT BURTON.  “NATHANIEL a major doubt for Arc over ground fears. Ascot could benefit as odds are cut for Champion Stakes

“LONGCHAMP’S loss appears likely to be Ascot’s  gain as John Gosden yesterday confirmed that NATHANIEL’S participation in Sunday’s Qatar Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe is in serious doubt due to the likelihood of unusually fast ground in France ….



JAMES BURN and STUART RILEY   BIG GUNS BEWARE
“WHY recent history tells us market leaders SARAFINA, SO YOU THINK and WORKFORCE are up against it in the Paris spectacular ….


LEWIS PORTIOUS  
“British Horseracing Authority (BHA) to reveal changes to rules on use of whip.

“THE BHA will today announce curbs to the use of the whip in a move that has signalled the end of Towcester’s radical plan to prevent jockeys using them in any races at the track.


“The comprehensive review was sparked by controversy surrounding the aftermath of the Grand National 2011 in which winning jockey Jason Maguire received a five- day ban for excessive use of the whip aboard Ballabriggs, and grew into an industry-wide debate, polarising opinions on both sides on what has always been a highly charged and emotive issue….

 

Monday 26 September 2011

THE RACING POST MONDAY SEPTEMBER 26th 2011 COUNTDOWN TO ARC DAY SUNDAY OCTOBER 2nd LONGCHAMP PARIS


 RACING POST MONDAY SEPTEMBER 26th to SUNDAY OCTOBER 2nd 2011
RACING POST WEEK MONDAY SEPTEMBER 26th to SUNDAY OCTOBER 2nd 2011

TODAY’S RACECARDS  Ffos Las, Hamilton, Bath, and Roscommon.

THE BIG ARC COUNTDOWN STARTS TODAY
TO BE RUN AT LONGCHAMP IN PARIS ON SUNDAY OCTOBER 2nd 2011
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g187147-i14-k2991122-Prix_de_l_Arc_de_Triomphe_Longchamp-Paris_Ile_de_France.html


INTERVIEW  ALAIN DE ROYER-DUPRE
MY PAIR OF ACES  "Alain de Royer-Dupre talks about his star duo SARAFINA and RELIABLE MAN.

"SCOTT BURTON meets a trainer who has drawn on decades of experience to plot an Arc campaign for SARAFINA and RELIABLE MAN. Preparing his two star pupils to reach the top of the class.
“Moments before Arc favourite SARAFINA blew away her opposition in the Prix Corrida at St- Cloud in May, Alain de Royer-Dupre could be seen pacing the balcony behind the owners’ private boxes, craning his neck for a view of the television pictures through the press box window, a view surely far less revealing than the one afforded by his binoculars. Now, as I pick my way past a pair of dozing Labradors before entering his dining room, he appears once again in a state of nervous anxiety ……  


JON LEES and DESMOND STONEHAM 
"SNOW backed to reign in Arc as Paris bathes in sunshine.
“FRANKIE DETTORI’S proud unbroken run of involvement in the Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe looks set to continue, with the jockey first in line to partner SNOW FAIRY if she gets the nod for Longchamp on Sunday. But at the same time the rain-free weather forecast for Paris was heightening DETTORI’S prospects of making his 24th consecutive appearance in Europe’s most prestigious all - age race, it was threatening to undermine the challenge of not only NATHANIEL, whose trainer John Gosden would prefer ground with some juice, but RELIABLE MAN, who was yesterday eased a point to 7-1 by Stan James. …..
 
“Average temperatures for the rest of the week in Paris are set to hover around 26c and
 
Longchamp’s clerk of the course Christian Delporte said yesterday “There is forecast to be no
 
rain at Longchamp until after the weekend. We will water the track, probably on Tuesday or
 
Wednesday …
 
 
..
NICKY HENDERSON OWNERS’ DAY THE 2011/12 JUMPING SEASON, PEEPING THROUGH THE AUTUMN SUNSHINE AT SEVEN BARROWS -  PLUS  ALL THE LATEST on LONG RUN …… and the rest of his team in an extensive stable special
RODNEY MASTERS runs the rule over the parade of strong talent on show at
Seven Barrows , Gold Cup Hero LONG RUN has strengthened over the summer, and is likely to have a ‘home’ game on his local course at Newbury sandwiched between attempts to replicate last season’s wins in the William Hill King George v1 Chase and Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup.
“Nicky Henderson told 275 guests at his annual owners’ day in Lambourn yesterday that the Grade 2 Aon Chase over 3 miles in February was likely to feature as part of LONG RUN’S post-Christmas schedule.
“With Tony McCoy and Barry Geraghty looking on in admiration , a noticeably stronger LONG RUN concluded the Seven Barrows  parade of 90 horses. …..

Horseracing In Paris



ALL ROADS LEAD TO THE ARC IN THE RACING POST THIS WEEK
TOMORROW THREE IS THE MAGIC NUMBER
"Three-year-olds have won 14 of the last 17 challenges to win the Arc. We look into the reasons for the Classic generation’s dominance.

WEDNESDAY THE FINAL PREPERATIONS
"French correspondent SCOTT BURTON  reports from the gallops as the field takes shape.





THURSDAY   SO FAR SO BAD
"We ask Australian racing experts whether SO YOU THINK will find the 12 furlongs of the Arc too big a test of his stamina.

FRIDAY  SUN AND SEINE
“If your off to Paris this weekend our writers pass on some tips for what makes the city so special.

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY    WHAT A WEEKEND
"Great racing wherever you look, culminating with the big one on Sunday-PRICEWISE (The Punters Champion) leads our expert team of tipsters into battle with the bookies.
 
RACING POST – BE IN THE KNOW
 
Shttp://www.sportspromedia.com/news/prix_de_larc_de_triomphe_attracts_ten_year_sponsor/

·         ponsorship boost for European horse racing

23 September 2011 | Sponsorship,Horse Racing,Europe
Qatar Petroleum (QP) has announced its sponsorship of this year's Qatar Arabian World Cup and bookmaker William Hill has renewed its support of the Ayr Gold Cup Festival. Read more...

HORSERACING A UNIQUE AND REMARKABLE SPORT

Sunday 25 September 2011

THE RACING POST SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25th 2011 JOHN OXX TALKS TO STEVE DENNIS

RPSUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25th 2011
RACING POST WEEK MONDAY SEPTEMBER 19th to  SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25th 2011

JOHN OXX  has unleashed some smart-looking-two year-olds as he bids to find a worthy successor to SEA THE STARS. But, as STEVE DENNIS  finds, he has other matters on his mind.


“On the day the trainer’s classic contender AKEED MOFEED faces a big test, Oxx talks to Steve Dennis in a major interview.

“IRELAND doesn’t have a God-given right to retain its good name for racing and breeding just because we have a great love of the horse. It only takes a few bad decisions and the house of cards begins to come down.

“His horses do the talking for him, but when John Oxx opens his mouth  it’s always wise to listen. He chooses his words carefully and unhurriedly, the way he trains the horses at his yard on the far side of the Curragh.

“The understated, unruffled, almost unobtrusive Oxx is a reluctant witness before the all seeing eye of the media. He would rather be left to train in peace but is conscious of his duty in this respect, conscientious in carrying them out. When you enjoy the sort of success Oxx can lay claim to the world will beat a path to your door whether you like it or not.

“He has won two Derby’s, two Arc’s, two King George’s, two Irish Derby’s a Breeders’ Cup Mile, and in the mighty SEA THE STARS trained the king of horse luck allows once in only a very few lifetimes. Oxx is a wanted man , and he gives himself up with a good grace.

“I’m not a media person, I don’t particularly like it at all,” he said, “I’m just not comfortable with it, but I’ve come to realise that it’s part of the game.

“A few years ago I was getting SINNDAR ready for the Derby, and I was thinking  ‘I won’t talk to anybody, they can all go to hell’, and then I thought ‘well that’s not the way to play it, just deal with it’ and so that is what I did. “Nowadays it’s more important than ever to give people information and try to make the sport interesting for them, to ignite or maintain their interest. By the time SEA THE STARS come along I was ready for it.

“It was only after the Arc that there was a huge media interest in the horse. Until he left and went to stud we had someone here every day with a tape recorder or a camera. In the end there were so many people wanting to see him that we had to get them altogether in a group and do it that way. “It was all an extra worry, really. You couldn’t keep it up for very long and run a business at the same time.”

“Running the business is what Oxx prefers, what he has been doing for more than half his life. His father John had been very successful as a trainer, winning eight Irish Classics (four Oaks, three St Legers, 2000 Guineas), and Oxx was only 29 -… “It was young enough, but at that age you think you know it all, think your old at 29- when he took over the license at the Currabeg yard in 1979.  It took him a while to establish himself, the patronage of the Aga Khan at the end of the 1980’s and the emergence of the first truly international  star in Ridgewood Pearl in 1995 vouchsafing him entry into the top echelon. The likes of SINNDAR, ALAMSHAR and AZAMOUR kept him there, while SEA THE STARS  assured him lifetime membership. This season has been solid if unspectacular, a decent strike- rate and some gratifying successes including the Doncaster Cup with SADDLER’S ROCK and the Blandford
Stakes with the improving MANIEREE.  No stars, maybe, but there is a twinkle in Oxx’s eye.

“The horses have been slotting into their races nicely and we’ve had a couple of two-year- 
olds showing a bit of promise. We’re not always fighting out the Classics like some others, we don’t have that number of quality horses. Some years we have a Group 1 horse, some years we don’t. No there was no sense of anti-climax after SEA THE STARS because he was a one -off,  you don’t expect it to be repeated.


“ The following season I had my worst bunch of horses for 25 years or so, a very ordinary .
year. I don’t get over excited about the good times and don’t get too downhearted about the bad times. I try to keep on an even keel, a realistic outlook. If Aiden O’Brien had a bad year with no good horses he’d feel the difference because he’s used to constant success, but with us we don’t. If it happens we’re glad of it.

"We’ve had some very good ones in the last 20 years and we can’t expect another SEA THE STARS, but if we could get one or two like the others it would be very nice indeed.

"Which inevitably leads us towards BORN TO SEA , whose career/column inches  ratio is already dangerously unbalanced owing to his being half- brother to SEA THE STARS (and, of course, GALILEO). The last son of URBAN SEA, he carries the sun-yellow silks of Christopher Tsui and made a splash on his debut when winning the Listed Blenheim Stakes at the Curragh this month.

"Comparisons are odious at the best of times and especially invidious in this case, given the colt’s inexperience and the size of the horseshoes he will be expected to fill. Oxx is the ideal man to quell the hype without diluting the dream.

“It’s very early days,” he says. “He isn’t in the same box as his half- brother, I don’t like doing that. He has enough to do to follow the other horse as it is without putting them in the same stable. He could have run in April if we’d wanted, he’s a more precocious type and would have learned very quickly. We had him ready to run at the Irish Oaks meeting, but he got a touch of sore shines that week and was off for a few weeks. No harm done, he’s had a race and there is time for one- more- he should get reasonable ground at Leopardstown in the Killavullan.

“He’s always looked very nice, like his half brother, very good- looking, well balanced, a good mover, athletic, always been promising. He’s a bit more rounded, close-coupled, and that’s the INVINCIBLE SPIRIT in him. He’s already 16.1hh and well made.

“No-one can expect the mare to produce another one like SEA THE STARS, but if he could just have enough in him to win something good along the way it would be great. There’ll be a job at stud for him somewhere whatever he does.

“We’re just thinking race to race and day to day at the moment, and it’s in the lap of the gods where we’ll end up.”

“Oxx also has impressive maiden winner AKEED MOFEED – a leading contender for today’s Beresford Stakes-in the yard and adds, with a typical disclaimer: “We didn’t have such promising horses at this time last season. Mind you, we have plenty of two- year- olds who aren’t so exciting.”

“A bright horizon then, on a local level. But Oxx has always favoured a wider perspective and doesn’t see similarly encouraging signs in Irish racing as a whole. His concern for the ongoing stability of the industry gained a wider audience last spring, when his reaction to the “unpatriotic, unacceptable, anti-Irish racing” comments of Paddy Power CEO Patrick Kennedy in an all-party committee meeting at the Irish parliament surprised many with it’s vehemence.”

“Bookmakers are very clever people, very successful businessmen who have done great work for themselves,” he says. “But the fact is that they’re evading a lot of tax by going offshore and getting away with murder, and betting exchanges are the same. They keep using the
red herring that they don’t need racing, that they have enough business without it, but if you took racing away from them they’d all fall down.”


“OXX never seems the type to become rattled, but although his words are chosen in the habitually measured way there is no mistaking the urgency behind them . “Sure things aren’t as bad for Irish racing as they were in the late 197o’s early 1980’s. The structure and administration of racing so much better than it was back then , when prize—money was only modest, there was little wealth in the country and no wealthy owners.

“Although prize-money has dropped  it’s still at a reasonable level and we can still hold on to our owners, just about. The standard of the horses in training is much higher too, mainly because of Ballydoyle, a very large fish in a relatively small pond.

“We’ve a good industry despite everything. It’s taken many years to build it up and it’s come along way, but we could loose it in a few years if the income stream is not resolved.

“Ireland doesn’t have a God-given right to retain it’s good name for racing and breeding just because we have a great love of the horse. It only takes a few bad decisions and the house of cards begins to come down.”

“Oxx is very dependant on foreign owners, confesses to concern that should prize-money decline further his owners may look to have their horses trained in a more rewarding jurisdiction. The situation in Britain has the potential to deepen the gloom.

“It’s important for Ireland that British racing is strong because they go hand in hand together.

“Bookmakers don’t mind if the racing is rubbish and prize-money is low, but that won’t keep owners owning and people buying yearlings.

“At least the betting industry is thriving and making money. If there was no way of seeing any money coming in at all would be far worse. What worries me is that the people running the bookmaking firms may have short –term objectives. I hope they have a longer-term vision.

“It’s the one business that has boomed in recent years –surely there is enough money for the betting operators, the government and ourselves if solutions can be found .”

“It would be a shame to conclude in such downbeat style but the mood lightens – as it always must-with a walk around the yard . BORN TO SEA looks out over his door, a bright bay lure that draws us closer.

“There is no greater pleasure that training a top horse, to me that is the best reward for the work.

“Winners are important, everyone needs them, they keep everyone happy, but the quality horses are what you want to have around the place and if we get another it will be gratefully received.”

“He opens the stable door, takes of the colt’s rug, and we admire BORN TO SEA’S sleek frame.”Here’s your first visitor ,” Oxx mutters. One day there may be many more; they will be dealt with calmly and courteously . Oxx may not relish the prospect, but it isn’t just the horses who do the talking at Currabeg.”


“A winning sequence that may never be matched …..
“FINE horses have come and gone, but for John Oxx the presence of SEA THE STARS will linger forever, one of those horses who don’t so much define a trainer’s career as hallmark it in perpetuity.

“Guineas, Derby, Eclipse, International, Irish Champion, Arc – six races in six months, a winning sequence that may never be matched. Oxx shepherded the colt safely to his destiny.”

“Every race was so important – to choose one is a little like being asked to choose one of your children over the others.

“The Guineas was vital, we were so keen to give him his chance in the race because we knew he had plenty of speed but he had to demonstrate it, which would mean everything to him as a stallion. As the season went on we realised he had so much speed he could go any distance, but he needed the Guineas to set him up. He ran a temperature on March 17th so it was an even harder task for him, but because of his constitution he overcame it. He looked a little light after the Guineas – a photograph of him taken ten days after the race is completely different to the photograph taken ten days after the Arc.

“He had a lot more weight on him then, had grown and matured, but the Guineas took a bit out of him because it was rushed and consequently he had to work hard, it's never easy  going there without a prep run anyway.

“Then the Derby, no horse has done the Guineas-Derby double since NASHWAN, so it was great to achieve that. After that the Eclipse a hard race for a horse of that age -
I remember Henry Cecil telling me he thought that the horse might be beaten in the Eclipse, because he’d had so many good three-year-olds beaten in the race over the years. 

“Every race was an extra hurdle, a bigger event. The Irish Champion, it was the only time he ran at home and there was a huge crowd at Leopardstown . He had a wonderful level of support, people were telling me they had come just to see the horse in the flesh.

“And at the end he looked unbeatable going into the Arc. Mick Kinane was very confident , said it was hard to believe he was getting better. It looked like he couldn’t lose – but sure,  a horse can always lose.
"The way the race panned out made it more exciting to watch, I wasn't too anxious at the time but everyone else was. What a great relief, it would have been such a shame had he fallen at the last hurdle. (so to speak) When you think back, the whole thing was just a dream."



OXX ON TURNOVER
“My clients like to move their horses on at the end of their three-year-old careers, which means that every year half the yard is two-year-olds. It also means there are hardly ever any four-year-olds around the place, and consequently very few opportunities to win one of those nice older-horse races at home and abroad. I did win the Gold Cup at Ascot with ENZELI , but he was one of the very few who weren’t sold. It limits us a little, but that’s the way it is. We’re a selling yard, and we can’t just keep the best ones and sell the rubbish because it would leave us with no credibility at the sales.”



OXX ON CONTINUITY  
“MICK KINANE is here twice a week to ride work and is still the great asset he always was. On the equine front, we tend to be sent horses from the same families by the Aga Khan, which is nice because we’ve a feel for the relatives, we know their quirks and capabilities, and can give the owner better feedback.”



OXX ON PERKS
“ My favourite part of the job? I like looking at the horses, observing their behaviour, watching them progress. I simply enjoy being around them.”

END


Friday 23 September 2011

THE RACING POST SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 24th 2011

THE RACING POST SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 24th 2011
RACING POST WEEK MONDAY SEPTEMBER 19th to SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25th 2011


C4 Live Link Please use this link for todays racing
http://turfcallmorningline.blogspot.com/2011/09/c4-morning-line-755am-to-855am-every.html

THE RACING POST FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 23rd 2011 DAY TWO of the NEWMARKET CAMBRIDGESHIRE MEETING

THE RACING POST FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 23rd 2011
RACING POST WEEK MONDAY SEPTEMBER 19th to SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25th 2011

TODAY’S TV ACTION DAY TWO NEWMARKET CAMBRIDGESHIRE MEETING

TODAY’S RACECARDS Newmarket, Haydock, Worcester, Wolverhampton, Listowel, Dundalk and France.
£3 MILLION COULD BE YOURS TODAY
"All you need to get to work on winning a record Tote Jackpot on the high-class TV card at Newmarket, including all the form and Spotlight’s unrivalled horse-by-horse guide Card starts page 58

ANDREW SCUTTS “FRANKIE OUT TO LIGHT UP NEWMARKET
http://www.racingpost.com/horses2/cards/meeting_of_cards.sd?crs_id=38&r_date=2011-09-23

C4 LIVE ACTION FROM NEWMARKET  THE FIRST 4 RACES  1-15, 1.50, 2.25, 3.00.
C4 LIVE NEWMARKET TURF Qipco Champions Series Race.
2.25 Nayef Joel Stakes  (Group 2) (Class 1) for 3yo+ over 1m winner £56,710
WIN: RANSOM NOTE 4 9-3 partner MICHAEL HILLS handler presenter? trainer Charles Hills for H R Mould 4-1 from POET'S VOICE 4 9-3
PRICEWISE 4-1 winner RANSOM NOTE
C4 LIVE NEWMARKET TURF
3.00 Shadwell Fillies’ Mile (Group 1) (Class 1) for 2yo fillies over 1m
winner £92,720.54 what the trainers say ..... 
WIN:  LYRIC OF LIGHT 2 8-12 partner FRANKIE DETTORI handler presenter? trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni for Godolphin 2-1f from SAMITAR 17-2  from FIRDAWS 3-1


RPTIPPING SPECIAL PRICEWISE sorts out the best value bets for today.
TOM SEGAL the Punters Champion has this to say on Fillies Mile (3.00)
“My feeling is that FALLEN FOR YOU may turn the tables on LYRIC OF LIGHT but I certainly wouldn’t bet on it and for me the better betting opportunity comes in the Nayef Joel Stakes (2.25) “When he’s good, POET’S VOICE is very good, as he showed with a tenacious display to land the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth 11 Stakes at Ascot last year. Godolphin’s son of DUBAWI also boasts two wins at today’s Group 2 level. However, at his return to action in the Betfair Celebration Mile at Goodwood last month he showed the Mr Hyde in his personality, taking a nip at BEACON LODGE before fading to finish last. GODOLPHIN hopeful the good POET’S VOICE will turn up. Yes the true POET'S VOICE did turn up, only to find Pricewise selection RANSOM NOTE  just too good for him.
JMC Turfcall
The Fillies mile (3.00) is interesting because it is a two year old race, involving  fillies who still have a lot more developing  and learning to do.  A very interesting race to watch closely.  A race for the note book, all runners in this will make up into an interesting study for your future reference. FIRDAWS  out to challenge for this £92,720.85 first prize from Roger Varian and his Team at Kremlin House Newmarket. ALBAMARA owned and bred by Miss K Rausing by Galileo-Albanova.  Paul Cole trainer of SWINGLAND does not run so looks like eight are set to go to post this afternoon. Watch out for SWINGLAND and include her in your study.

COMING UP IN THE RACING POST
TOMORROW It’s Cambridgeshire day and we’ve got all you need to crack one of the hardest puzzles in racing.
Pricewise with his pick of the best value bets
Gerald Delamere’s invaluable in-depth analysis 
Spotlight’s insightful  runner-by-runner guide
The most comprehensive form guide anywhere 
“RICHARD HUGHES IN THE SADDLE “He’s got the inside track on BEST TERMS, the hot favourite for the Cheveley Park.”
 
PEBBLES ”One of the great fillies of modern times is remembered  in TONY MORRIS’S Giants of the Turf.”
Clive Brittain trained PEBBLES, he won the (1.15) here at Newmarket this afternoon the Sakhee Oh So Sharp Stakes (Group 3) (Fillies) (Class 1) for 2yo's over 7f winner £19,281.40 with ALSINDI 2 8-12 partner TOM QUEALLY handler presenter? trainer Clive Brittain for Saeed Manana 5-1jf from QUESTING 5-1


SUNDAY “Ireland doesn’t have a God-given right to retain it’s good name for racing and breeding just because we have a great love of the horse”.
An unmissable RPSUNDAY  interview with the highly respected John Oxx

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