Australia’s Leading Ladies Headline International Royal Ascot Entries

Black Caviar (Peter Moody), with the Diamond Jubilee Stakes her most likely target, headlines entries from 11 countries for Royal Ascot’s Group One races and she could lead a female Australian team unprecedented in strength including her stablemate King’s Rose, Ortensia (Paul Messara) and Australia’s champion miler, More Joyous (Gai Waterhouse).

The great Black Caviar needs no introduction and the unbeaten mare is set to ship to the UK at the beginning of June, all being well, following two runs in Adelaide.

Ortensia, entered in both sprints but likely to be campaigned primarily for the King’s Stand Stakes, is in the UK already following her victory in the Al Quoz Sprint in Dubai whilst King’s Rose will run next in Hong Kong and could then ship to the UK, possibly to lock horns again with seven time Group One winner, More Joyous, in the Queen Anne Stakes.

When the pair last met in the Queen Of The Turf Stakes on 7th April, More Joyous had King’s Rose just under three lengths back in third before going on to land Australia’s most prestigious mile race, The Doncaster Handicap (Randwick), under second top weight. Both have also been entered in the Group Two Windsor Forest Stakes which closes next week.

Not to be outdone, Australia’s top two active male sprinters, with Hay List sidelined, are also entered for Royal Ascot in the form of Foxwedge (John O’Shea) and Temple of Boom (Tony Gollan).

Foxwedge had been the model of consistency at Group One level until disappointing due to a throat infection in the recent T J Smith Stakes but had previously defeated Hay List in the William Reid Stakes. He remains on course for the King’s Stand Stakes and possibly the Diamond Jubilee Stakes. The same double is an option for Temple of Boom, who burst onto the Group One scene at the weekend with victory in the Galaxy Stakes at Randwick.

All Three 2012 Global Sprint Challenge Leg Winners Entered For Royal Ascot

Three of the 10 legs of the 2012 Global Sprint Challenge have been run and the winners of all three races are entered for the Diamond Jubilee Stakes (leg 6).

Lightning Stakes (leg 1) winner Black Caviar is obviously the highest profile of them but Japanese Champion, Curren Chan (Takayuki Yasuda), and Bahrain-trained Krypton Factor (Fawzi Nass), could be waiting in the wings to take her on following victories in the Takamatsunomiya Kinen (leg 2) and Dubai Golden Shaheen (leg 3) respectively.

There are only two Group One Sprints in Japan, the Sprinters Stakes and the Takamatsunomiya Kinen, and Curren Chan has won the latest renewals of both of them. She could be joined in the UK by compatriot, Curren Black Hill (Osamu Hirata), who is entered in the St James’s Palace Stakes following a Group Two victory at Nakayama earlier in the month.

Krypton Factor, who has been a revelation in Dubai during the recent Carnival, has leg 4 of the Global Sprint Challenge in Singapore in his sights before Royal Ascot.

The first four home in Dubai’s Group One 5f Turf Sprint on World Cup night, the Al Quoz, are all engaged in the King’s Stand Stakes, including third placed Joy And Fun (Derek Cruz), who is one of five Hong Kong entries across Royal Ascot’s Group One programme.

Also engaged in the sprints for Hong Kong are Little Bridge (Danny Shum), who split Joy and Fun and Curren Chan when fourth in the Hong Kong Sprint in December, and Captain Sweet (John Moore), who was second to Little Bridge in the recent Bauhinia Sprint Trophy

John Moore has also entered versatile stable star, Xtension, for both the Queen Anne Stakes and Prince of Wales’s Stakes whilst Derek Cruz is considering Collection for the Prince of Wales’s Stakes.

 
Legendary US Owner Ken Ramsey Massing His Ranks & Possible First For Asmussen

No one from the US has supported Royal Ascot more loyally than Ken Ramsey, whose famous red and white silks came so close to victory with Cannonball in the 2009 Golden Jubilee Stakes, and he has three horses entered for the Group One races with a promise of more to come as part of Wesley Ward’s two-year-old team.

The star name amongst the Group One trio is Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf winner, Stephanie’s Kitten (Wayne Catalano), who is firmly on course for the Coronation Stakes.

In the colts’ equivalent, the St James’s Palace Stakes, Ramsey has entered Gung Ho (Michael Maker), who was third in the recent Group One Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland, whilst Big Blue Kitten (Chad Brown), third in a Grade One on turf at Gulfstream in February, is engaged in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes.

 
A further exciting prospect for the United States comes in the form of Steve Asmussen’s Great Mills, who was narrowly denied by Perfect Officer in the recent Shakertown Stakes at Keeneland, one of the top early season turf sprints in America. With tremendous early pace, he looks ideally suited to the speed test of the King’s Stand Stakes and could represent the US in what looks a fascinating international contest on the opening day of the meeting.

Asmussen has been champion trainer in the US no less than five times and is possibly best known for training the brilliant Curlin.

Other notable international names that feature at this stage are Overdose (Jozef Roszival) for Hungary and Master Of Hounds (Mike De Kock) for South Africa, whilst three German-trained and 36 French-trained horses have been entered, including QIPCO Champion Stakes winner, Cirrus des Aigles (Corine Barande-Barbe).

Ireland has 63 entries, 43 of which come from Aidan O’Brien’s Ballydoyle powerhouse, including names such as Camelot, Maybe, So You Think, Fame And Glory and Excelebration.

Headlining the home team, of course, is Frankel, who could appear in the Queen Anne Stakes over a mile or step up to 10f in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes.

Entry stakes have been paid by the connections of no fewer than 344 horses across the seven Group One races at Royal Ascot, all of which form part of the QIPCO British Champions Series.

Charles Barnett, Chief Executive at Ascot, said.

"Once again we are delighted to see such a wide range of entries from around the world, headlined of course by Frankel for the home team and Black Caviar from Australia.

“The star names don’t end there, however, and include the Japanese sprint champion, Curren Chan, the Australian mile champion, More Joyous, some fascinating names from the United States, a particularly numerically strong Hong Kong entry and the best from all over Europe.

“It would be wonderful to be able to welcome Gai Waterhouse back with a runner and nothing would give us more pleasure than to see Ken Ramsey achieve his lifelong dream of a Royal Ascot winner. We were lucky enough to have runners from Todd Pletcher’s US stable last year and further ground would be broken if we were able to welcome Steve Asmussen with a runner this time round.

“Interestingly, the winners of all eight thoroughbred races on Dubai World Cup night are entered at Royal Ascot, highlighting the increasing international pull of the Royal Meeting.”

The Battle of the Clerk Vs The PA - less than 2 weeks to go

It’s less than 2 weeks to go now until our Clerk of the Course, Chris Stickels will race against his PA, Beccy Green, for the ‘The Racing to School Frankel Challenge Trophy’ on Wednesday 2nd May.

Here is an update from the duo:

Both Chris and Beccy - along with some other members of the Ascot team - went over to Ireland at the start of the week to promote Royal Ascot to the Flat trainers. This was a huge success but the charity race was constantly at the back of their minds – the pressure is mounting.

Beccy stepped up her training when she had a 1 to 1 session with jockey, Tommy Stack, who rode Red Rum to his third victory in the Grand National whilst in Ireland.

Chris had a training session with Newmarket Racing School yesterday to check he is safe to ride on the 2^nd May and fortunately he passed – great news!

They are both continuing to ride out in the early mornings, getting in as much practice in as possible before the big day. Beccy is going to Garry Moore’s yard tomorrow, though last time she was there, she let a 2 year old loose on the picking ground, we’re hoping for no more dramas on her return.

We still don’t have final confirmation of the horses that Chris and Beccy will be racing on but we’re hoping to announce next week. Follow us @AscotInsider on twitter to be the first to know.

Chris and Beccy have now raised 79% of their fundraising total, for BHEST Racing to School, British horseracing’s free education programme that aims to engage pupils of all backgrounds and ages in the UK by running a wide range of learning activities. They are well on their way to reaching the target of £4000. If you would like to help them reach this target, visit their Just Giving Page.

To witness their battle on Wednesday 2nd May, tickets start from £13.50 in advance for Premier Admission. Grandstand Admission has now Sold Out. To book call 0844 346 3000 or visit ascot.co.uk. 

The Battle of the Clerk Vs the PA – who will win?

One month from today two Ascot members of staff will go head to head on the race track in a bid to raise money for BHEST (British Horseracing Education & Standards Trust).

Our Clerk of the Course, Chris Stickels will race against his PA, Beccy Green, the duo will compete against other aspiring jockeys for the ‘The Racing to School Frankel Challenge Trophy’ on Wednesday 2nd May.

BHEST is a Racing to School charity, British horseracing’s free education programme that aims to engage pupils of all backgrounds and ages in the UK by running a wide range of learning activities.

The rivalry is already fierce in the office, so we're looking forward to a thrilling race on 2nd May, at the Moss Bros Free Raceday.

Learn a little more about these two aspiring jockeys:

Chris – Clerk of the Course

Age: 42
Height: 5ft 7 (May not be exact!)
Weight: 11 stone (May not be exact!)
Name of horse: Not confirmed but it might be Mahadee
Training regime: Ride out twice a week in the mornings and ride either Big Bucks or Yeats aka the equicizers once a week.
Favourite food: A good old fashioned Sunday Roast
Favourite racing hero: Big Bucks
Previous experience: Not ridden in a charity race before
Chance of winning the race: Outside chance
Will you beat Beccy? Of course.

Beccy – PA to the Clerk of the Course

Age: 32
Height: 5ft 9
Weight: Not telling!
Name of horse: This information is top secret at the moment but I will reveal all in a couple of weeks.
Training regime: Occasionally will go for run but probably more like a walk! Ride out 3 times a week early in the morning and ride Big Bucks or Yeats aka the equicizers 2 to 3 times a week
Favourite food: Grapes i.e. Wine
Favourite racing hero: My own horse, Another General.
Previous experience: Ridden in 3 charity races before, came 2nd, 3rd and 5th. I just haven’t won yet.
Chances of winning the race: Well occasionally 100 to 1 are winners! 
Will you beat Chris? Will try even if it kills me.

Follow their training on @AscotInsider over the next month until their big day, when we’ll see who will win the battle of, the Clerk V the PA.

To witness their battle, tickets start from £13.50 in advance for Premier Admission. Grandstand Admission has now Sold Out. To book call 0844 346 3000 or visit ascot.co.uk.

If you would like to make their early mornings and mileage to ride out worth their efforts, you can donate by visiting their Just Giving Page.

Ascot’s Premier Sprint Renamed “Diamond Jubilee Stakes”

Ascot Racecourse is delighted to announce that The Golden Jubilee Stakes has been renamed The Diamond Jubilee Stakes to mark this important milestone in Her Majesty The Queen’s reign.

2012 also marks the 150th anniversary of the inception of The Prince of Wales’s Stakes and this year’s renewal will be run as “The 150th Anniversary of The Prince of Wales’s Stakes”.

“We are delighted to be commemorating The Diamond Jubilee by renaming the Golden Jubilee Stakes,” said Charles Barnett, Chief Executive at Ascot.

“All being well, we will be running the race with the world’s top rated sprinter, Black Caviar, representing Australia in what is historically Europe’s most international race, which would be a wonderful way to begin a new era for The Diamond Jubilee Stakes.

“We celebrated the 200th running of The Gold Cup a few years ago and this year we will be marking the 150th anniversary of Royal Ascot’s most important middle distance race, The Prince of Wales’s Stakes, which has been won by the likes of Rewilding, Vision D’Etat and Manduro in recent years.”

Ends

Press Release: 31st January 2012

For more information, please contact:

Charles Barnett, Chief Executive, Ascot Racecourse:

Tel: 01344 878501

Nick Smith, Head of Communications, Ascot Racecourse:

Tel: 01344 878430 / 07771 791 449 or nick.smith@ascot.co.uk

Dozen Entries For 25th Anniversary Of The Victor Chandler Chase At Ascot

FORPADYDEPLASTERER AIMING TO BECOME THIRD IRISH-TRAINED WINNER OF PRESTIGIOUS CONTEST

The prestigious £105,000 25th Anniversary Of The Victor Chandler Chase, one of Ascot’s premier jump races, is sponsored by Victor Chandler for the 25th consecutive year in 2012. This year’s race, which takes place over two miles and a furlong on Saturday, January 21, has attracted 12 top-notch entries.

Plenty of top-class performers have added their names to the roll of honour, with the great grey Desert Orchid famously seeing off Panto Prince to capture the race in 1989. The contest has also proved to be a good stepping stone to the Queen Mother Champion Chase, with Viking Flagship (1994), Call Equiname (1999), and Master Minded (2009) all completing the double in the same season - Master Minded is also the only horse to capture this race twice, after narrowly fighting off Somersby last year.

Forpadydeplasterer, a 10/1 shot with Victor Chandler, will attempt to become the third Irish-trained horse to win the race, but the first since it was promoted to Grade One level in 2007. The 2009 Arkle winner has not won since that Cheltenham victory, but he has run very well in defeat on a number of occasions since and trainer Tom Cooper was delighted with his third behind Big Zeb at Leopardstown over Christmas.

Cooper, who trains in co County Kerry, said: “You would have to be very happy with his last performance, but for making a mistake at the last he would have been bang there. We will definitely consider the Victor Chandler now.”

Cooper also suggested that Forpadydeplasterer will be aimed at the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March, but will also be given an entry in the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls has a tremendous recent record in the Victor Chandler Chase, winning the past three renewals, and this season he has entered the exciting novice Al Ferof (5/2), and Kauto Star’s half-brother Kauto Stone (6/1). Nicholls revealed yesterday that Al Ferof is his possible representative this year, with Kauto Stone probably waiting for the Grade One Betfair Ascot Chase on February 18.

Nicky Henderson said yesterday that he will be represented by last season’s Arkle Chase runner-up Finian’s Rainbow (11/4), who returned to action season with a narrow success in the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton on December 27. Second and third that day were Philip Hobbs’ Wishfull Thinking (8/1) and Colin Tizzard’s Oiseau de Nuit (25/1), both whom could reoppose.

David Pipe claimed the prize in 2008 with Tamarinbleu, and accounts for one quarter of this season’s entries with Dan Breen (50/1), I’msingingtheblues (25/1), and I’m So Lucky (50/1) all engaged.

The Peterborough Chase winner Gauvain (7/1) has been given an entry by trainer Nick Williams, along with the runner-up Somersby (5/1), whose trainer Henrietta Knight is likely to make a decision on his participation nearer the time.

The entries are completed by Chris Gordon’s King Edmund (50/1), who won a handicap chase over the course and distance at Ascot’s Christmas meeting.

Charlie McCann, Director of Online Public Relations at Victor Chandler, said: “We are delighted with the quality of the entries for the 25th year of our sponsorship of the Victor Chandler Chase.

“The inaugural race was won by the iconic grey Desert Orchid and champion trainer Paul Nicholls has suggested that his novice, the brilliant grey Al Ferof, will be targeted at the 2012 renewal, and we make him our 5/2 favourite.

“The first three home in the recent Desert Orchid Chase will, fittingly, lock horns again and we are looking forward to welcoming the connections of Irish raider Forpadydeplasterer for what promises to be a cracking race.”

To Win the 25th Anniversary of the Victor Chandler Chase, Victor Chandler bet: 5/2 Al Ferof; 11/4 Finian's Rainbow; 5/1 Somersby; 6/1 Kauto Stone; 7/1 Gauvain; 8/1 Wishfull Thinking; 10/1 Forpadydeplasterer; 25/1 I'msingingtheblues; 25/1 Oiseau De Nuit; 33/1 I'm So Lucky; 50/1 Dan Breen; 50/1 King Edmund

Each-way Terms 1/4 Odds A Place 1,2,3. All Quoted, All in Run Or Not

For more information, please contact:

Nick Smith - Head of Communications & International Racing, Ascot:

07771 791 449 nick.smith@ascot.co.uk  

Day 1 of the Ascot Racecourse Facebook Advent Calendar

The festive season is now upon us and Ascot Racecourse would like to spread some festive cheer amongst all of our loyal fans. For 24 days we will be offering you the chance to win some fantastic prizes donated to us by some very kind companies.

Today you could be in with a chance of winning a Digital Photo Frame to show off your photos in style this Christmas courtesy of Sony. It features a 7 inch screen, 128mb memory, wide choice of slideshow viewing modes, multi card slot and a remote control! It’s the perfect Christmas Present!

To be in with a chance of winning this prize, all you need to do is ‘Like’ us on Facebook and answer the following question.

What do you traditionally kiss under at Christmas?

Send your name, address and answer under the subject heading 'Christmas Day 2' to facebook@ascot.co.uk for your chance to win our first prize!

If you’re not so lucky why not visit http://www.sony.co.uk/ for a wide range of Sony products including TV’s, Home Audio systems, Car Entertainment, Portable Audio equipment and Laptops. You never know you might find the perfect gift!

Day 1 Prize Winner is Cheryl Davies from Hereford. Congratulations! 

Ascot Racecourse Advent Calendar Terms & Conditions
1. Competition closes at 11.59pm on Friday 2nd December.
2. Competition only open to ‘fans’ of Ascot Racecourse on Facebook.
3. These terms and conditions apply to all competitions on Facebook (unless and to the extent that) the competition states otherwise.
4. Unless otherwise specified, competition open to UK and Republic Of Ireland residents aged 18 or over except employees of Ascot Racecourse Ltd, Ascot Hospitality, and their associated, affiliated or subsidiary companies.
5. No cash alternative is available and all prizes are non-transferable and non-refundable. Prizes are not for resale and cannot be used for commercial use or use in further promotions.
6. The prize winners will be selected at random by Ascot Racecourse Ltd. Their decision is final in every situation, including any not covered, above and no correspondence will be entered into.
7. The winner(s) will be notified by 3pm on Saturday 3rd December of their prize.
8. Ascot Racecourse Ltd will not pass your personal details to any other organisation without your permission, except for the purpose of awarding your prize if necessary.
9. Use of false name or address, i.e. name, by which the entrant is not usually known, will disqualify them from receiving any prize. All entrants will be notified by e-mail. Ascot Racecourse Ltd can only reply to the e-mail address supplied and cannot be responsible for any change of e-mail address.
10. We reserve the right to amend these rules at any time.
11. Prizes will be sent within 28 days after the competition closes.
12. One entry per household per day.
13. If a prize is not claimed within 28 days it will be offered to another entrant.
14. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.
Promoter: Ascot Racecourse Ltd, Ascot, Berkshire. SL5 7JX.

Ascot Awarded Top Marks in the Enjoy England Quality Assured Scheme

Ascot Racecourse has again been awarded Quality Assured status by Enjoy England, but with an even better score. The accolade assesses the level of customer care and service at visitor attractions across the country from arboreta to zoos. By displaying the easily recognised Enjoy England Quality Rose at the Berkshire track, racegoers can be confident their experience will be of the highest quality.


The Enjoy England Quality Rose was created to reassure customers before they visit their chosen attraction. The criteria is judged by an independent assessor on an annual basis and Enjoy England can then ensure that the standards experienced are as high as possible and the venue is worthy of carrying this auspicious mark. Customers can relax, book with confidence and get on with the real business of having a fantastic day out. The Quality Rose is the mark of England’s official, nationwide quality assessment scheme and is an independent, reliable, impartial assessment of quality covering just about every type of place you might want to stay or visit.

VisitEngland’s Chief Executive, James Berresford said: ‘The team at Ascot Racecourse deserve to be congratulated for achieving such a high score in their Quality Assessment report. As one of the premier racecourses in England, Ascot is leading the industry in delivering excellent standards of customer service and a high quality racing experience to seasoned racegoers and newcomers alike.’

John Blake, Head of Sales and Marketing at the Berkshire track enthused: ‘We are delighted to have been awarded the Quality Rose by Enjoy England. This recognition underpins our status as a first class national tourism attraction. It is especially exciting as it rounds off a wonderful year with Royal Ascot being awarded Gold in the Enjoy England Awards in April,’

Ascot is committed to providing a value-for-money and fun day out for all customers with Royal Ascot, live music, food, wine and beer festivals, family days and world class racing action.

ENDS

For further information, please contact:

John Blake, Head of Sales & Marketing, Ascot Racecourse, 01344 878512, 07917 521429, john.blake@ascot.co.uk, http://www.ascot.co.uk/  

Ascot Racecourse’s Jumps Season Starts With a Bang And a Bump In The Night!

On Saturday 29th October, the 2011/12 Jumps season starts with a bang as Ascot Racecourse once again hosts the United House Group Day and Firework Spectacular, but this year the Family Raceday, has a distinctly spooky feel. The feature race on the day is the £100,000 United House Gold Cup Chase over three miles.

Away from the excitement on the track there will be a host of rides on the Plaza Lawns including where you can experience the thrill of the Superbowl and the Super Star, Gasp on Oxygen or join in with the spooky Halloween theme as you wander round the House of Horrors and of course a number of fun rides for younger racegoers.

There will also be entertainment from Uncle Doom and his Organ of Gloom, Baron Von Grindle has risen from the dead and the resident Ascot Witch will all be on hand as well as some horror make-up, all of which is provided free of charge. Children are also welcome to wear fancy dress throughout the raceday.

Following racing, with toffee apples and candy floss at the ready, Ascot presents a Charity Firework Display in association with the Ascot Round Table, so wrap up warm and prepare for a spectacular show!

Amanda Sharp, a local resident said:

“We had such a great time at Ascot last year we’ve decided to come back again. The adults get to watch some exciting racing action whilst the kids have some fun on the fairground rides and to top it all off we can eat our toffee apples watching the spectacular firework display after racing”

All entertainment is free of charge and accompanied children aged 17 and under go racing for free. Adult tickets start from just £17 per person and can be purchased at www.ascot.co.uk or by calling 0870 727 1234. Generous group and advance discounts apply.

For further information:

John Blake, Head of Sales and Marketing, Ascot Racecourse; 01344 878512 / 07917 521429

 Vicky Paton, Marketing Manager, Ascot Racecourse, 01344 878 523



British Champions Series to Apply For Race Upgrades

British Champions Series will be applying to upgrade the Group 2 QIPCO British Champions Fillies and Mares Stakes, won in fine style yesterday by dual Oaks heroine Dancing Rain, to Group 1 status next month.

Having surpassed the required average rating of 110 for a fillies’ and mares’ race for three consecutive years, the previous two when it was run as the Pride Stakes at Newmarket, the mile-and-a-half contest now meets the criteria to be considered by the European Pattern Committee for elevation to the top level.

An application is also likely to be made to upgrade the Group 2 QIPCO British Champions Sprint, won by the brilliant Deacon Blues, to Group 1 status as well.

“Yesterday exceeded our wildest expectations for the inaugural QIPCO British Champions Day with such high class fields, absolute top class winners and a record autumn Flat crowd for the modern era,” said British Champions Series Chief Executive, Rod Street.

“There is a great deal for us to review over the coming weeks, but one obvious thing we would like to improve is the official status of the two Group 2 races and one Group 3 on the card.

“Clearly we would like to have five Group 1s and after yesterday I don’t think anyone could say that the day does not merit that.

“Whilst it may be difficult to achieve, yesterday’s ratings will have ensured that we made some great strides towards our goal and, as well as applying to upgrade the Fillies and Mares, we also hope that the Sprint might qualify for fast-track elevation given that it does not conflict with the five furlong Prix de l’Abbaye on Arc weekend.

“Different horses tend to run over five and six furlongs and there is considerable logic in having a late season Group 1 sprint over six furlongs as well as five.

“The Group 3 QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup is much more difficult given the presence of the Group 1 Prix Royal Oak at Longchamp next weekend, but we would be delighted if it could achieve Group 2 status in the near future.

“Having had what are arguably the top two stayers in the world finish first and second yesterday, the same one-two from the Group 1 Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, we will have comfortably achieved the requisite rating for the race this year.”

“We are very grateful to the European Pattern Committee to have supported the vision that made yesterday possible and we look forward to working with them to strengthen further the overall autumn European Pattern.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

Alistair Haggis, British Champions Series: 07761 896 500; ahaggis@britishchampionsseries.com

QIPCO British Champions Series – the world’s finest Flat racing

http://www.britishchampionsseries.com/

At The Races to Produce First Ever 3D Horseracing Feature for the QIPCO British Champions Day

At The Races, the dedicated racing channel available in 13 million Sky and Virgin homes, will produce and edit a groundbreaking 3D feature programme to mark the inaugural QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot this Saturday. It will be the first time British horseracing has been filmed in 3D. The feature is a co-production between ATR, QIPCO and the British Champions Series.

The 24 minute film will be used as a centrepiece at a press and industry event to launch the 2012 QIPCO British Champions Series next year and ATR is also in talks with 3D distributors, service providers and hardware manufacturers worldwide about rights to use the feature.

ATR will use 3D specialist production partner, CAN Communicate, to shoot at Ascot on six 3D cameras. Each 3D camera will actually be made up of two cameras set up to capture action from different angles. Two sets of footage will then be displayed to the viewer simultaneously allowing the brain to determine depth and perspective. Bespoke rigs on the ATR production will allow for smooth zooming, something difficult to achieve in 3D broadcast. State of the art post production systems will generate maximum impact and feature-film quality.

ATR, QIPCO and the British Champions Series are also delighted to announce that legendary racing broadcaster, Sir Peter O’Sullevan, will record the voiceover for the film.

Matthew Imi, Chief Executive of At The Races said, "We believe that racing is ideally suited to 3D broadcast. We want to use the latest technology to capture the colour, impact and excitement of this exceptional day and really create something that can help promote QIPCO British Champions Day, Ascot Racecourse and British racing more generally around the world. We are extremely grateful to Sheikh Fahad for QIPCO’s support of the project and also to the British Champions Series for its involvement. It is also, of course, a real honour to be working with Sir Peter O’Sullevan.”

Sheikh Fahad Al Thani said, “We are proud to extend our association with British racing through this film which should encapsulate the most thrilling raceday ever staged in the UK as well as the richest. We want to be associated with excellence and innovation and British Champions Day is shaping up well to deliver that.”

Rod Street, Chief Executive of the British Champions Series, said, "We are delighted ATR has taken this initiative and equally happy to support it. It's a great way to help celebrate what's already been a hugely successful first QIPCO British Champions Series and will launch us into next year with a showcase of what we're sure will be a real spectacle on QIPCO British Champions Day itself."

- ENDS -

For more information please contact:

Matthew Imi

Chief Executive, At The Races

Tel: 0207 420 3203

James Singer

Marketing Director, At The Races

Tel: 0207 420 3218

Queally and Dettori Battle it out for Jockey of the Series Title

DAFA set to benefit if either emerges triumphant

Direct Aid For Africa (DAFA) is set to benefit to the tune of at least £12,500 if either Tom Queally or Frankie Dettori is crowned top jockey in the QIPCO British Champions Series after the final five races are run on QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot this Saturday, 15 October.

The Jockey of the Series will be presented with a specially crafted trophy and a cheque for £25,000 for the charity or charities of his choice after the final race, the QIPCO Champion Stakes, has been run.

Both are currently locked together on five victories apiece after the 30 races run so far, with Queally’s biggest contributor, Frankel (who has supplied him with three wins), looking his best chance to add to that tally in Saturday’s Queen Elizabeth II Stakes sponsored by QIPCO. He also has the probable favourite, Vita Nova, in the QIPCO British Champions Fillies and Mares Stakes and star mare Midday in the QIPCO Champion Stakes.

Likewise Dettori’s biggest contributor, Opinion Poll (who has supplied him with two wins and a second place), appears to be his best chance to enhance his total in the QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup which opens the QIPCO British Champions Day race programme. Dettori is also likely to partner the highly-regarded Dubai Prince in the QIPCO Champion Stakes and Meeznah in the QIPCO British Champions Fillies and Mares Stakes.

Queally currently edges the battle on the strength of his three second places to Dettori’s two, but a victory or second place for likely favourite Opinion Poll would take Dettori into the lead.

If successful, Queally would donate £15,000 to DAFA (Direct Aid For Africa), a charity founded by Newmarket trainer Barney Curley in 1996 to improve the lives of people in the Third World through a range of projects focusing on health care, education and self-help, £5,000 to the Jack And Jill Foundation, which provides care and support for children with severe neurological development issues in his native Ireland, and £5,000 for Save Historic Newmarket, which was formed in 2008 in order to protect and preserve the unique identity of the home of British horseracing.

Dettori would give £12,500 to DAFA and £12,500 to the Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy, which helps young people with special needs to relate more successfully to others and have greater and more appropriate control over their own lives through an interaction with horses.

William Buick has four wins to his name and will be hoping to add to that with Gertrude Bell in the QIPCO British Champions Fillies and Mares Stakes and Nathaniel in the QIPCO Champion Stakes, but he has just the one second place and will therefore need two victories without reply from Queally or Dettori to take the inaugural title.

JOCKEY OF THE SERIES

JOCKEY WINS 2nds 3rds
1 Tom Queally 5 3 0
2 Frankie Dettori 5 2 2
3 William Buick 4 1 1
4 Richard Hughes 2 2 2
5 Hayley Turner 2 0 0

In the event of a tie for the number of winners, the number of seconds and thirds (and, if necessary, lower placings) will be taken into account

CECIL LOOKING GOOD FOR TRAINERS’ TITLE

With six victories to his name, Sir Henry Cecil leads Mahmood Al Zarooni by one winner in the Trainer of the Series table, but with one more second place to his name as well and Frankel, Vita Nova, Twice Over and Midday running for him on QIPCO British Champions Day, he looks nailed on for the inaugural title.

As with the Jockey of the Series, the trainer will receive a special trophy and a cheque for £25,000 for the charity or charities of his choice.

Al Zarooni is set to be represented in two races – with Opinion Poll in the QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup and Dubai Prince and Casamento in the QIPCO Champion Stakes – and would need to win them both without reply from Cecil to top the table.


TRAINER OF THE SERIES

TRAINER WINS 2nds 3rds
1 Sir Henry Cecil 6 3 1
2 Mahmood Al Zarooni 5 2 0
3 Aidan O’Brien 3 5 3
4 John Gosden 3 1 2
5 Richard Hannon 2 3 0
6 David Simcock 2 0 1

In the event of a tie for the number of winners, the number of seconds and thirds (and, if necessary, lower placings) will be taken into account

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

Alistair Haggis, British Champions Series: 07761 896 500; ahaggis@britishchampionsseries.com

QIPCO British Champions Series – the world’s finest Flat racing

http://www.britishchampionsseries.com/

Botti Hoping for Third Time Lucky as Excelebration Takes on Frankel

Excelebration will be racing against Frankel for the third time in the £1-million Queen Elizabeth II Stakes Sponsored by QIPCO at Ascot on QIPCO British Champions Day, Saturday, October 15.

He finished second, beaten four lengths, to Frankel in the totesport.com Greenham Stakes over seven furlongs at Newbury on April 16 and third to Frankel, beaten two and a quarter lengths, in the mile St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot on June 14.

Excelebration has won his other three races this year - the Mehl Mulhens-Rennen (the German 2,000 Guineas - Cologne - Group Two - May 22 - a mile), the CGA Hungerford Stakes (Newbury - Group Two - August 13 - seven furlongs) and the Qatar Prix du Moulin de Longchamp (Group One - September 11 - a mile)

Marco Botti said: “I have to say we are very pleased with the horse - he looks in good order since he came back from France. He had his final piece of work on Saturday and everything went well. He looks healthy and is ready to run

“We are hoping to close the gap with Frankel - whether we will be good enough to beat him, who knows. I am aware it is a difficult task, but that’s racing. In another era without Frankel, we could have been the best miler in Europe. It is still nice to have the chance to take on the best horse in the world. For a young trainer, it is very important to have a good horse that can be part of a big meeting.

“I have heard good things about Frankel. He has had a break since Goodwood and is going to be difficult to beat. If Sir Henry Cecil says Frankel is the best horse he has had, then it’s scary! I can’t see any weaknesses in Frankel and it will be no disgrace to finish second to him again.

“It was a good run in the Greenham Stakes, considering our horse was lacking experience and having his first run of the year. We knew Frankel would beat us, but we just wanted to test our horse.

“The St James’s Palace was a little bit of a rough race and he was beaten two lengths. Our horse has improved a lot since Ascot - he is physically stronger and has grown a bit too.

“I wouldn’t say he was unlucky at Royal Ascot but the race just didn’t pan out for him. He lost ground leaving the stalls and got hampered. He had to chase Frankel and had no chance to find his stride. That was the only time he has every hung. I don’t think we would have won, but I think we could have finished closer to Frankel.

“This will be the third time we meet Frankel - hopefully it will be third time lucky!
“He is very correct and a tough and courageous horse - he always gives his best. He has a great attitude and he is so switched off in his work. Also on the day of the race, he is relaxed - he just walks around the paddock so that is good.
“When he won the German Guineas in Cologne, the ground went a bit soft and it was heavy last time out which was too soft. Jamie Spencer came back and said he got away with it but hopefully we won’t find that ground at Ascot.
“Frankel will have a pacemaker and so there should be a good, even pace which should suit everyone. The straight course should also help Excelebration and l am happy with the weather forecast as he wants good ground.

“He did not cost a lot at the sales - we were lucky to get him. He is a lovely horse and now we need a bit of luck on Saturday.
“It is great to have a horse like Excelebration to run against Frankel and hopefully we’ll run a good race. It is exciting and I am really looking forward to the race. Every trainer hopes for good horses that can go for good races. It is very exciting for the yard.
“We haven’t decided what we will do after Ascot. He could maybe go to Hong Kong but the Breeders’ Cup looks very unlikely as it would come too soon.
“I need to talk to the owners about whether he stays in training next year. I would love to have him back next year as he improved physically throughout the season and in my opinion should make up into a better four-year-old.”
GOING NEWS AT ASCOT

The going at Ascot this morning (Monday 10th October) changed to

Good to Firm, Good in places

from Good.

The GoingStick Readings at 9.30am

Straight: 10

Round 9.9

Weather Forecast

An odd light shower is possible today and tomorrow, with blustery winds until Wednesday - the weather is forecast to be mainly dry during the week.

Watering

Four millimetres are being applied to the straight by boom currently and four millimetres will be put on the round course tonight.

Chris Stickels, Clerk of the Course at Ascot, said at noon: “The strong breeze has dried up the course in the last 24 hours and this has prompted today’s watering.
“I don’t want to be putting on a lot of water on the course at this time of year but we will monitor the situation through the week as the forecast is for mainly dry weather.

“I am looking to offer ground which is a combination of good and good to firm on Saturday.”

EXCELEBRATION (IRE) FACTFILE

3 b c Exceed And Excel (AUS) - Sun Shower (IRE) (Indian Ridge)

Form: 411-21311 Owner: Manfredini, Tabor, Smith & Magnier

Trainer: Marco Botti Breeder: Owenstown Stud Jockey: Jamie Spencer

Excelebration

Excelebration has lived up to his name and that of his sire, Exceed And Excel, with some brilliant performances on the track that make him one of the bargain buys of the century. Bred by Owenstown Stud, the colt was offered for sale at Goffs in November, 2008 and was knocked down to John Walsh Bloodstock for only 15,000 euros. Put through the sales ring once again at the Doncaster St Leger Yearling Sale in August, 2009, trainer Marco Botti secured Excelebration for a relatively modest £20,000. The colt made his debut for Botti and owner Giuliano Manfredini in May, 2010, finishing fourth in a Nottingham six-furlong maiden. He won his remaining two starts as a juvenile, seeing off the smart Belgian Bill at Doncaster in June and then easily landing a conditions race over the same trip at Newmarket in July. Excelebration did not reappear until his three-year-old bow in April, 2011, when he was set a seemingly impossible task against the mighty Frankel in the Group Three totesport.com Greenham Stakes at Newbury. Botti’s charge ran with credit, finishing four lengths second to the subsequent QIPCO 2,000 Guineas hero. The fast improving colt was sent to Cologne for his next outing on May 22, when he toyed with his rivals in soft going to land the Group Two German 2,000 Guineas over a mile by a comfortable seven lengths under Adam Kirby. Next up was Royal Ascot and a rematch with Frankel in the Group One St James’s Palace Stakes. Excelebration was once again vanquished but reduced the margin of defeat to two and a quarter lengths as he finished third in the mile showpiece. Excelebration enjoyed a high summer rest before returning with a smooth six-length victory in the Group Two Hungerford Stakes on August 13. Excelebration’s impressive performance in that Newbury seven-furlong contest prompted Coolmore’s Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith and Sue Magnier to purchase a controlling interest in the colt, at a cost thought to be in excess of £1.5 million. The deal allows Excelebration to race in Manfredini’s colours until the end of 2011, at which point a decision will be made as to whether he races on at four or retires to stud. Excelebration rewarded that investment at Longchamp on September 11 with a first Group One victory in the Prix du Moulin de Longchamp over a mile on heavy going under Jamie Spencer. It was announced in early October that Coolmore had purchased the colt’s dam, Sun Shower, from Hazara Stud in India. Sun Shower is out of Miss Kemble, a half-sister to Group One Irish Oaks winner Princess Pati.

Race Record: Starts: 8; Wins: 5; 2nd: 1; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money: £402,197

Marco Botti

Hailing from one of Italy’s most successful racing families, Marco Botti was born on December 23, 1976. Alduino Botti, Marco’s father, formed a formidable partnership with his cousin, Giuseppe Botti, with the pair being crowned champion trainer in Italy on numerous occasions. As well as riding 48 winners as an amateur in his homeland, Botti worked as assistant trainer to his father and gained further experience under Godolphin’s Saeed bin Suroor, fellow Newmarket trainers Ed Dunlop and Luca Cumani, and Bill Mott in the USA. In 2006 he took out a licence to train from Green Ridge Stables in Newmarket and notched his first winner when the Giuliano Manfredini-owned Ceremonial Jade won a Beverley maiden on June 27 of that year. His first season also produced an initial Pattern race winner as the filly Sesmen won the Group Three Prestige Stakes at Goodwood, while in 2007, his stable star was another juvenile filly, the Group Three Oh So Sharp Stakes heroine Raymi Coya, who was owned by Peruvian football star Claudio Pizarro. In 2009, Botti enjoyed a first top level success when Gitano Hernando annexed the Grade One Goodwood Stakes at Santa Anita, California. This year has seen Botti add a first European Group One and an initial European Classic to his CV thanks to Excelebration, whose tally in 2011 includes the Group One Prix du Moulin de Longchamp, Group Two German 2,000 Guineas and Group Two CGA Hungerford Stakes. Also this year, Fanunalter took the Group Three Investec Diomed Stakes at Epsom on Derby day. Botti’s best season numerically came in 2008 when he saddled 45 winners. He is married to Lucia, a former jockey, and the couple has two children.

No previous runners in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes Sponsored by QIPCO

Cecil, Crisford, Fanshawe and Gosden Talk About Their Hopes for QIPCO British Champions Day

Trainers Sir Henry Cecil, James Fanshawe and John Gosden, plus Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford, were all present today at a press conference at the National Stud in Newmarket to talk about their hopes for the inaugural QIPCO British Champions Day.

QIPCO British Champions Day, run at Ascot this Saturday, October 15, is the richest raceday ever to take place in Britain, with £3 million in prize money.

Please find below quotes on a race by race basis from those present today.

1.50pm £200,000 QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup, Group Three, Two Miles

John Gosden: “People enjoy watching these long races. It sets up the day nicely. We don’t want the first race to be a sprint that is over in a flash.

“The entries look to have good strength in depth. We run Nehaam and it would be lovely if he could get a place. He has won at Ascot before and is a grand horse. He is in good nick.”

Simon Crisford: "Opinion Poll is in tremendous form and has been very, very consistent throughout the whole year, including when he was racing in Dubai.

"He is thoroughly honest and we are very happy with him. Looking at the entries, I would say he could win the race.

"He appreciates a little bit of cut in the ground but ironically some of his best form this year has been on a quick surface. So I don't think the ground is going to be too much of an issue.

"Cavalryman and Darley Sun are possible runners too. Cavalryman has been running over a mile and a half but he hasn't been winning against very high quality middle distance horses.

"So possibly we will give him a chance over a longer trip."

2.25pm £250,000 QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stakes, Group Two, Six Furlongs

James Fanshawe: “We are very lucky to be going there into the race with two horses who have both won at Ascot.

“Everyone is talking about Deacon Blues but don’t forget Society Rock - he has won two out of three at Ascot and the only time he got beat there was by Starspangledbanner in the Golden Jubilee last year.

“Deacon Blues is improving and has been very impressive in his last four races. He would just like a bit of ease in the ground. If the ground did come up fast, we would have to review our decision about whether he runs. I was at Ascot’s last meeting and the going on the first day was beautiful, so if it is like that again we would be happy.

“The plan is for Johnny Murtagh to ride Deacon Blues and Pat Cosgrave will partner Society Rock.”

3.00pm £250,000 QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes, Group Two, One Mile & Four Furlongs

Henry Cecil: “Hopefully, we will run Vita Nova.

“She had a slight hiccup - she either got cast in her box or knocked herself but she has had tests and been x-rayed and seems to have come right. She had been working well before that.

“She will have her final piece of work tomorrow. She is an improving filly and hopefully there is more to come.

“She looks terrific and if everything goes well, we will let her take her chance. As long as there is no jar in the ground, she should be fine.”

John Gosden: “After Henry helped us (Gertrude Bell) win the Lancashire Oaks (referring to when Vita Nova’s saddle slipped) we planned to go for the Prix Vermeille but she had a poor blood count.

“She will retire after Saturday’s race and will visit Oasis Dream. She was the first horse bred by my wife (Rachel Hood) - I said she should give up now!”

3.35pm £1,000,000 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes sponsored by QIPCO, Group One, One Mile

Sir Henry Cecil: “I think I’ve read more about him (Frankel) than I’ve ever said - what more is there to say?

“He was not easy early on but has grown up a lot and has improved physically. He has been going really well.

“It looks like there are one of two good horses in the race and no race is a formality. There is no such thing as a ‘good thing’ but I am very happy with him.

“I also run Bullet Train (the likely pacemaker). It could help me and it could also help everyone else too. Frankel could take up the running at a certain time but we haven’t decided one, two or three things yet.

“I don’t want it to be a crawl and then turn into a sprint. It will depend on how the race is run as to whether it plays to Frankel’s speed or stamina.

“Bullet Train should make it a true run race. He will not go off like hell in front but is there is we need him.

“Frankel is still an improving horse. Hopefully it will be a nicely run race and he will do what we expect.

“It is important for racing have real champions. Sea The Stars, Arkle, Mill Reef and Desert Orchid - you don’t have to be an enthusiast to have heard of them.

“I hope Frankel can be a champion. I still think he will be a better horse next year.

“I think whether he runs on a straight course or round a bend doesn’t matter. Although at least one bend usually helps, I don’t think it’s a material factor.

“Lets let the horse do the talking.

“I respect Excelebration and Immortal Verse. Marco’s horse (Excelebration) has improved and looks like he adored the soft ground when he won in France.

“I think Immortal Verse won nicely last time, when she beat Goldikova. I have some line on her through Timepiece. Goldikova is a brilliant mare but whether she is as quite as good as she was, I am not sure. So, I have assessed where we stand with the French fillies - but I am not telling you my thoughts!”

Simon Crisford: "Poet's Voice also has an entry in the QIPCO Champion Stakes and he has been a little bit disappointing this year as against the form he showed last season.

"But with each race this season he seems to have improved. He is doing well at the moment and now we have got to weigh which is the best race for him.

"I think we will leave the decision as late as possible. Poet's Voice does seem to be coming back to something nearing his best while Rio De La Plata has run well all year."

4.10pm, £1.3 million QIPCO Champion Stakes, Group One, One Mile & Two Furlongs

John Gosden: “The ground was beautiful at Ascot’s last meeting and it would be great if it could prepared like that again on Saturday.

“Although Nathaniel is stepping down in distance, that is not a great concern to me as when he won the King George there was no pace early and it turned into a mile and a quarter race.

“I think Saturday’s race is going to be very much a draw race. I think it will be critical where you are drawn. If you are on the outside, you will be severely compromised. It could get messy going into Swinley Bottom and it won’t be smooth for the jockeys.

“It looks a strong field with great strength in depth - a race to be celebrated.”

Sir Henry Cecil: “I plan to run Twice Over and Midday.

“Both horses are very well and I am delighted with them.

“They have been trained for the race. This is always the best time of the year for Twice Over and he is better than ever - he is jumping out of his skin. Midday is also better in the second half of the seson.

“Both horses are entitled to run and they could both beat each other.

“Midday can get lazy when she is in front. At York, she got left in front early when the O’Brien horse dropped back.

“Both are really coming to themselves and are not there to make up the field.

“I wouldn’t want to pick any other horse in the field. I have my two horses and they are my friends.”

Simon Crisford:"Casamento is rated 7lb higher than Dubai Prince who is on 110 and will need to run to 125+ to win the race.

"But Dubai Prince is the one horse we have within Godolphin whom we have definitely not seen the best of yet.

"He is a quality colt and he is not going to bounce from his victory at Newbury after a long layoff because that was an easy win for him. He is definitely progressing the way we want him to progress.

"It is impossible to judge his form so far and we don't know how good he is. He hasn't claimed any proper scalps yet but he is exciting us and he belongs in that race alongside very good horses. Whether he is good enough to win, we will find out.

"Casamento is really solid, tough, nice horse. He won the Racing Post Trophy last year. It has taken him a few races ro get back to his best but he is workmanlike colt who does not exude huge quality in terms of acceleration. He needs to be wound up a long way from the finish but he comes into this race after a decent victory in France and we would expect him to run well.

"And obviously Poet's Voice could join those two as a third runner. Sheikh Mohammed will decide on the riding plans closer to the race."

SUPPORT FOR QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY

John Gosden

“We know the Flat season cannot start until Cheltenham and Aintree are over and then we get the Craven meeting.

“However, we have never had an end of season championship in Britain although the French rather surreptitiously have tried to make the Arc meeting the European Breeders’ Cup.

“It was not satisfactory the way the season ended in Britain and the QIPCO British Champions Series is just what we needed.

“I am not sure the timing is perfect, but it’s a great concept. It offers a tremendous day’s racing and is something we need.

“Personally, I think the best date for QIPCO British Champions Day would be at the end of the summer festivals, in the first two weeks of September, which would also attract the last of the summer holiday crowd. You would obviously have to get the necessary changes from the Pattern committee - which is hard unless you are French!

“The weather has been kind to us this year - the indian summer is holding up nicely. It’s a great bookend to the season to be able to see Henry’s horse (Frankel).”

Sir Henry Cecil

“It’s a great achievement to have the day. It was badly needed.

“We have the best turf horses here in Europe . They obviously have good horses in America, but they are dirt horses.

“With top-class horses, they need to be brought to a peak five or six times a year and up until now there was nothing to go for at the end of the end of the season except the Breeders’ Cup but it’s very hard to go there.

“For example, Twice Over would have to go for a dirt race at the Breeders’ Cup and has never run on dirt before.”

James Fanshawe

“We have been lucky with the weather this year because in October the ground could go soft, which could distort the results for championship races.

“I would definitely bring the date forward.

“The support of Sheikh Al Thani has been phenomenal.”

 

Simon Crisford

"QIPCO British Champions Day is very important as Britain has not had a day like this at any time in the past.

"It was quite clear that the summer festivals all work well but at this time of year there was a serious need for a huge day.

"As a consequence, we have been very supportive since day one and we have definitely been targeting these races."