Who Will Be The Coronation Queen?

Day 4 sees this year’s leading three-year-old fillies take centre stage in the mile Group 1 Coronation Cup.

Sky Lantern, winner of the 1,000 Guineas, and Just The Judge, winner of the Irish 1,000 Guineas, are the clear picks on form, but neither have been done any favours by the draw.

Many judges are preferring to go with Big Break, who ran on well to finish fourth in the Irish Classic on her first run of the year after herself having a poor draw, while French-based pundits have always thought Siyenca would be their best chance of success this week – and she has a good stalls position in four. She had disastrous run in the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches, and is considered to be a far better filly than that performance showed.

The Irish-trained filly Viztoria is also one to put into the mix as a rapidly improving filly, but Sky Lantern has shown exemplary form so far this year and if Richard Hughes can find some cover, get her settled, her turn of foot in the last furlong should prove decisive.

Sandiva can make it three out of three in the Albany
The juvenile fillies start the day off in the Group 3 Albany Stakes, run over 6f.
Richard Fahey’s filly Sandiva has done nothing wrong so far, winning two out of two, the second being a Listed race at Naas in May, which she won without having to be fully extended.  She is a half-sister to Wentworth, fourth in the mile Britannia Handicap yesterday, and should have both the speed and stamina for this.

Leading challengers include Joyeuse, Wonderfully and Wedding Ring.

Go into Battle in the King Edward
The Group 2 King Edward VII (3.05) over 1m4f is the race for the leading middle-distance three-year-old colts who either did not make it to the Derby or who were not quite good enough on race day.

Battle Of Marengo is one from the latter group, though he still finished a creditable fourth at Epsom. He is easily ahead of this field on official ratings, and as long as the Derby effort has not taken too much out of him, he should show his rivals clean pair of heels here. Contributor could be the one to follow him home.


Get Fatt in the Wolferton
There has been early morning money for Fattsota in the 1m2f Wolferton Handicap (4.25), who was a dual winner over course and distance last year.  He was sent on his holidays over the winter to Dubai where he ran twice, finishing second once. He was then out of his depth in the 1m4f Group 3 John Porter Stakes, but subsequently ran well in a handicap at Epsom, despite not handling the track. He looked then as though further should suit and this stiff 1m2f should be ideal.

A Queen’s Vase for Team Cecil?
The Queen’s Vase is being run in memory of Sir Henry Cecil (a race he won eight times) and Lady Cecil will be represented by Disclaimer, who is bidding for a fifth win in succession. Last time out he beat Contributor (runs in the King Edward VII) with some ease, and although he has never run further than 1m3f, his dam won over 1m6f.

Leading Light won a Group 3 last time and although his pedigree does not appeal on the stamina front, he runs in the style of a true stayer.

The market has these two way ahead of the field – most of which look as though they are in this because they have few other options at Royal Ascot – and it will probably prove wise to stick with either or go with both.

Baccarat, Bertiewhittle and Redvers are options in the last
The last on today’s card, the 7f Buckingham Palace Handicap (7f), is another open-looking handicap, with only Enrol (7-1) priced lower than 10-1.

Baccarat won twice over 7f last season and dead-heated over 6f at Ripon in April on his first start in 2013 having not run since June last year. He is clearly a fragile horse to train, and has been raised 10lb for that last success.

Bertiewhittle finished second over course and distance in May in the Victoria Cup behind Excellent Guest, who was ninth in the Royal Hunt Cup earlier this week.  He gets into this on a handy weight and is worth consideration, as does Redvers, fourth in that Victoria Cup and a winner last time on firm ground at Haydock. He is in form and if gets the run of the race – he needs to be held up – is a strong contender.

A Day Fit For The Queen

No reigning monarch has ever won the Ascot Gold Cup; can history be made today?

Sir Michael Stoute and his team will be certainly be hoping that The Queen’s Estimate will be the one to change the course of history. The filly will be searching for back-to-back Royal Ascot wins having won the 2m Queen’s Vase last year, and back-to-back Ascot wins having won the 2m Sagaro Stakes at the May meeting.

This 2m4f trip will be the furthest the filly has eve run, but she acts well here and has every chance. 

One who is guaranteed to stay is Rite Of Passage, winner of this in 2010. The son of Giant’s Causeway does not run much and has not been seen on a racecourse since winning here at the last Champions’ meeting, but that was his only run in 2012 and his talented trainer will have him primed for a big run.

Last year’s winner Colour Vision and third Saddler’s Rock take their chances again, but both would probably prefer a slower surface. One would will enjoy the ground, is stepping up to 2m4f for the first time, but has placed Group 1 form and was second in a Group 2 over 2m at Longchamp last time is Last Train from the Andre Fabre yard.  He has a big chance at a good price.

When Aidan O’Brien openly tells the press which horse is his best two-year-old of the year, it is wise to pay attention – particularly when the trainer has already had already had one impressive two-year-old winner this week.

Coach House is favourite for the Group 1 6f Norfolk Stakes (2.30) and it is probably sensible just to trust the Irishman’s judgement.

However, is worth taking on the current favourite Alive Alive Oh in the Group 2 1m4f Ribblesdale Stakes (3.05) as all her winning form has coming on yielding or soft ground in Ireland. 

Just Pretending is stepping back in class but up in trip after a third in the Irish 1,000 Guineas and has obvious chances on that form, but Winsili could put Prince Khalid Abdullah on the winner’s podium for the first time this week. A beautifully bred filly, she won the Listed 1m2f Swettenham Stud Stakes at Newbury last time when looking a decent filly in the making. 


The Queen has great chances of a quick fire double on the card with Sea Shanty, who is searching a four-timer in the mile Britannia Handicap (4.05). The gelding is on the upgrade and has more improvement to come.

Secret Talent has only run three times, including when second here in May behind the Professor, a subsequent dual Listed winner.  He has already acted well on a fast surface and has always been held in high regard by trainer Hughie Morrison.

The 1m2f Tercentenary Stakes (5.00) could go to the French invader and Aga Khan-owned Shikarpour, who was a good fifth in the Prix du Jockey-Club at the beginning of the month, while our finale, the King George V takes looks an very open race – no horse on the early prices was shorter than 5-1. 

The early favourite is Bold Sniper, another for The Queen (can we believe Her Highness could get a three-timer on the card?), but preference is for the Mark Johnston-trained and Joe Fanning-ridden Royal Skies, who has won his last two with ease despite being hiked up in the weights by the handicapper after the first of those two victories. The son of Dubawi is sure to get the trip in a race won by Johnston and Fanning last year – in fact, Johnston has won this race an incredible four times in the last ten years.

Some Fast Young Ladies Kick Today’s Action Off | Friday 10th May 2013

Some fast young ladies kick today’s action off at a pace with two-year-old fillies battling it over 5f in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Fillies´ Stakes at 5.30pm.

There are a number having their racecourse debuts and the market is going with Oriel from the Richard Hannon yard, which provides an amazing four runners in the field.

Likely to be sent off race favourite, the press vibes ahead of today have been strong for the Highclere Thoroughbred-owned filly, who also holds plenty of big race entries this summer, and is the selection of the stable jockey Richard Hughes.

Hannon’s record with his two-year-olds at Ascot is second to none so don’t put it past the yard to collect the first three places.

Another Winner For The Queen?

We go from one extreme to another in the second with older horses slugging it out over 2m in the Two Circles Handicap (6.00).

The Queen’s staying filly Estimate won at our first Flat meeting of the season and Sign Manual has every chance of giving the monarch a second winner at Ascot this season.  The four-year-old by Motivator won at Newbury last time out, just getting up in the final yards to beat the good yardstick Lieutenant Miller, with Tappanappa in third, Cotton King in fourth and Gabrial’s Star in fifth.  There seems to be no reason why any of these beaten horses would reverse places today.

Sign Manual has gone up 8lb in the handicap for that effort, but looks an improving type now he is running over this longer trip. Homeric will be looking to give Highclere Thoroughbreds a quick double, and is trying this sort of trip for the first time though he is not bred to be suited by it.

Right at the bottom of the handicap, Andrew Balding looks to have found a good opportunity for Silver Samba. The filly by Dalakhani has not won since August last year, but that was the last time she ran over 2m and she is only 4lb above her winning mark then.

Drink a Toast To The Town

Some well-bred three-year-old fillies from some big-name owners contest the Federation Of Bloodstock Agents Maiden Fillies´ Stakes over 1m2f (6.30) and it looks wide open on paper.

A peak at the fillies in the paddock will give some indication as to the most forward, but of those who have run Sharqawiyah finished third last time out, while, in April, Toast of The Town finished seventh and Bohemain Dance eighth behind Banoffee, who won the Listed Chester Oaks and is being supplemented for the Epsom Oaks.

A Democratic Choice

Race fitness could be key to the 6f Royal Ascot Racing Club 15th Birthday Celebration Handicap (7.00) and last season’s progressive handicapper Nassau Storm might just be in need of a sharpener over this spring trip on his first start of the season.

Yeeoow was just touched off for fourth over this trip at Doncaster in April, but Democretes is the choice. He was slightly hampered in running at when second at Goodwood last time over 7f and this stiff 6f should really suit. Crew Cut wears blinkers for the first time and has attracted the services of top jock Jamie Spencer.

Regal Dan Looks Well in at the Weights

Just a head divided Professor and Pay Freeze in a nursery at Newbury last September off level weights before Regal Dan finished a length and a quarter ahead of Professor in April at Newbury when receiving 13lb from the Hannon horse. Regal Dan still has a 7lb sway at the weights and is selected to take advantage in the 7f Ascot Racecourse Handicap (7.40).

Hughie Morrison has a high opinion of Secret Talent and with his team in good form it will pay to take notice of the prices at the bookmakers.

Early Money for Aljmany

Although there are nine meetings in Britian and Ireland today, the springer in the early morning markets was the Luca Cumani-trained Ajmany in our last, the Race, Rattle ´N´ Roll Handicap (8.15).

The son of Kheleyf carries top weight, but sports first-time blinkers and was backed into 3-1, having been put in at 10-1 early doors. Keep an eye on the price and if the money keeps on coming, it’s probably wise not to buck the trend.

Shergar Cup Jockey Chantal Sutherland Retires

The moment has come where I have decided to announce my retirement from being a professional jockey; I almost can’t believe it myself. I’m not sad, but rather looking at another opportunity to begin a new chapter in my life. Looking ahead, I’m excited about new challenges and new opportunities that life has in store for me.

Horse racing has been my life for the past 14 years. I’ve reached many of the goals that I set for myself. I’ve lived out many of the dreams I had as a little girl, back when I was riding my pony, mucking stalls, feeding cows, aspiring to finally become a professional jockey and racing in stakes races on a worldwide stage. I’m so very blessed and grateful of the life that I have lived and career that I’ve had.

This past year or so has been so amazing it’s actually overwhelming having to put it to words. I crossed paths with a horse that happened to change my life. That horse is named Game On Dude and what a horse! He’s a soldier. Together we travelled the world. We won the Santa Anita Big Cap, Goodwood, almost won the Breeder’s Cup Classic; we won the San Antonio, Hollywood Gold Cup, and the Californian. We travelled to Dubai and raced in the world’s richest race, the Dubai Duty Free World Cup. As if that wasn’t enough, I was asked to be the poster girl for Santa Anita and Del Mar racetracks, and had my picture on billboards and magazine covers. I can’t even describe how flattering that is. Another honor for me was being asked to represent Canada and the USA in a worldwide jockey challenge in England, titled The Shergar Cup. To top it all off, I was also able to win on my brother’s horse “Awesome Fire” in the Whonder Where stakes. In an ironic twist of fate, my dad, who started me off in this crazy love affair with horses, is also the proud owner of the last racehorse I will ride.

In the last year I also met and married the man of my dreams. It’s been a whirlwind. I’ve never really had weekends or holidays off, I’ve always spent so much time racing or focused and preparing for racing. Racing takes so much determination, guts, and sacrifice to be on top. I once craved, lived, and breathed racing. I can honestly say now, I’m ready to slow down and enjoy my life. Maybe I’ll cut loose and have a cheeseburger or some pizza. Those types of indulgencies are not allowed, when you constantly have to monitor your weight. Racing is so much hard work and takes so much mental toughness; I can honestly say that I’ve had enough.

I will forever miss my fans. They were always giving me encouragement and making me feel special and successful. I’ve made so many memories and good friends along the way that I can’t even begin to describe. I want to give a special thanks to my agents, valets, and everyone else in this industry that has stood by me.

So now, with the support of my husband, family, and friends I am ending one chapter in my life and starting a new one. I’m excited about my future and the challenges it will bring. I enjoy working hard and striving to achieve goals, so who knows; maybe you will see me pop up somewhere soon.
XO’s
Chantal

Team Rest of the World: Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup

On Saturday 11th August four teams battle it out to win the coveted Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Trophy. Today we focus on the European Team:

The Team Anthem - Status Quo's Rockin’ All Over The World

Yutaka Take (Captain, Japan) - Plain Silks

The subject of national adulation in Japan, where he is the country's top sporting figure, Yutaka Take was born in Kyoto on March 15, 1969, the son of legendary jockey turned trainer Kunihiko Take, who was known as the 'Magician of the Turf'.
He rode his first winner on Dyna Bishop at Hanshin on March 7, 1987, and won 69 races when champion apprentice that year, a record for a first season rider.

Take is an internationally renowned jockey who has travelled extensively and was based in California in 2000 and rode in France during the 2001 and 2002 seasons, before returning to his domestic base. He partnered the great Deep Impact in all of his races, including the 2005 Japanese Triple Crown. Take participated at the 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008 and 2011 Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cups.

He won his first race at Ascot in the 2007 competition, steering the Tony Martin-trained Leg Spinner to success in the Shergar Cup Stayers Handicap.

Take reached another milestone in his career when becoming the first JRA rider to record 3,000 victories. That win, on two-year-old Sky Beauty at Kyoto racecourse, was his 14,288th JRA ride and came 20 years and eight months after the jockey made his career debut. The 5f 7in jockey's numerous notable victories include three in the Japan Cup thanks to Special Week (1999), Deep Impact (2006) and Rose Kingdom (2010).


Previous Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup wins (4): 2007 Leg Spinner; 2008 Strike Up The Band; 2008 Nan's Joy; 2011 Ile De Re

Aaron Gryder (USA) - Hoops Silks

Born on June 5, 1970, Aaron Gryder grew up in West Covina, California, near Santa Anita Racecourse and although he had little contact with horses when he was younger, he was influenced by his father and uncle, who were racing fans, and wanted to be a jockey. He left home aged 13 to learn to ride at the invitation of former jockey Rudy Campas and returned to Santa Anita to ride professionally at the age of 16. The racecourse stewards suggested he got experience at a smaller racecourse, so Gryder chose to improve his riding at Agua Caliente Racetrack in Tijuana, Mexico. He partnered his first winner on January 19, 1987, on Ragin Henry and quickly established himself as a leading jockey at Agua Caliente.

Gryder has made frequent appearances on television, starring on Animal Planet's series "Jockeys" whilst he also offers analysis on TVG. He also had television roles in "Dellaventura" and "The Sopranos". Gryder, also involved with children's charities, is one of the founders and directors of The Giving Circle, originally created to help Hurricane Katrina victims and now helps communities all over the world. Gryder's hobbies include cycling, water sports, running and working out.
The 5ft 6in jockey has partnered 3,556 North American winners (up to July 2), with earnings of over US$111 million and has ridden in Britain once before when American-trained Diamonds Galore finished third in the 1992 Nunthorpe Stakes at York.

Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup debut

Matthew Chadwick (Hong Kong) - Stars Silks

Matthew Chadwick, born on July 12, 1990, is the rising star in Hong Kong racing after a sensational start to his riding career. Chadwick, of Chinese decent, was adopted as a child by Hong Kong-based British couple Jennifer and Chris Chadwick who are both teachers. Matthew's passion for horses and riding was ignited on a holiday to Britain where he rode ponies and, although achieving good grades at school, he signed up for the Hong Kong Jockey Club's training scheme aged 14.

As with many young jockeys, the HKJC sent Chadwick to Australia to gain some experience. He impressed many racing professionals and punters in Australia, riding a further 21 winners before being granted a licence in Hong Kong in December, 2008. He was based with leading trainer Tony Cruz and despite starting late, he ended the 2008/09 season as champion apprentice with 43 winners. The 2009/10 season yielded more success for Chadwick, including his first Group victory on Egyptian Ra in the National Day Cup. In January, 2010, he set a new benchmark when riding out his claim (70 winners) in a one year and three weeks, the fastest in Hong Kong history, while also partnering Egyptian Ra to a second Group Three success in the Chinese Club Challenge Cup. Chadwick ended the season in fourth place in the jockeys' championship.

In February, 2011, he gained his first HK Group One victory on California Memory in the Hong Kong Gold Cup before partnering the grey gelding to an even bigger success in the Group One Hong Kong Cup in December, 2011, becoming the first homegrown jockey to win a Hong Kong International Race. Chadwick has 43 victories on the board this season (up to July 2) and lies fifth in the jockeys' championship. As of July 2, 2012, he has enjoyed a total of 173 winners in Hong Kong.

Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup debut

To find out whether the Rest of the World Team win the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup, purchase a ticket today. Tickets from £26 per person. Generous group discounts available. To book, call 0844 346 3000 or visit ascot.co.uk

QIPCO and British Champions Series Announce New Long-Term Deal

£4m QIPCO British Champions Day on the horizon

 

QIPCO Holding has today signed a new contract to extend its sponsorship of the British Champions Series and British Champions Day for a further five years in an improved deal which enables a £4m QIPCO British Champions Day within the term of the enhanced new contract.

The Day is currently worth £3m, already by far the most valuable raceday in this country.

The improved deal secures ongoing title sponsorship of the QIPCO British Champions Series, including full partnership rights for its starting point at the QIPCO Guineas Festival at Newmarket, the QIPCO Sussex Stakes at Goodwood mid-way through the Series, and the grand finale on QIPCO British Champions Day.

The new agreement will enable British Champions Series to make regular six-figure prize money increases on QIPCO British Champions Day. Significantly, the deal provides additional prize money incentives which elevate the sponsorship levels still further should any of the three non-Group 1 races on QIPCO British Champions Day be upgraded.

The upgrading of these races remains a major short-term goal for the Series and its sponsor, with substantial prize money increases for these races set to follow as soon as this is achieved.

A combination of planned prize money increases and upgrades to all three races could make a £4m QIPCO British Champions Day a reality as early as 2016.

Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani, Chief Executive of QIPCO Holding, said:

“We believe that Britain hosts the world’s best horseracing. We respect and appreciate the heritage of the sport and we would like it to maintain its status as the most important and deep rooted in the world.

“This new deal highlights our commitment to the sport in this country and our desire to make QIPCO British Champions Day the best day’s Flat racing in the international calendar.

“We are still in the early stages of a journey which we hope will contribute to the overall wellbeing of top level Flat racing in this country for many years to come, with the subsequent benefits filtering down to the industry as a whole.

“This objective complements  our own expanding bloodstock and racing operation, in which we have made a very substantial, ongoing investment and which will continue to be based in the UK. 

“The deal reflects the very positive experience that we have enjoyed with British Racing to date, and the pleasure we derive from our association with Britain’s most famous and iconic race meetings such as the Guineas, Derby, Royal Ascot, Goodwood and York.

“We believe that the British Champions Series helps to signpost Britain’s most important and prestigious races to a wider audience and are delighted that it has already contributed to a new broadcast deal for the sport starting in 2013.”

Chris McFadden, Chairman of British Champions Series Limited, said:

“This is fantastic news for British Horseracing. We are absolutely delighted with this new, long-term deal with QIPCO, which puts British Champions Series Limited on a firm financial footing and which will enable us to meet our commercial objectives.

“Our shareholders have made a huge financial investment in delivering the Series and the Day, but none of this would have been possible without QIPCO Holding.

“The Series is a partnership between QIPCO and British Racing and on behalf of everyone involved in the industry in this country, and in particular Newmarket and Goodwood who are thrilled to benefit from the long-term sponsorship of the Guineas Festival and Sussex Stakes, I would like to thank Sheikh Hamad and his brothers for their fantastic ongoing support.”

Rod Street, Chief Executive of British Champions Series, said:

“It took considerable effort and sacrifice to get the concept of British Champions Series and British Champions Day off the ground and QIPCO’s long term commitment reflects the benefits of such innovation.

“Securing a major sponsor is part of virtuous circle of higher prize-money, high quality horses, customer participation and broadcast coverage, all of which safeguards the status of British Flat racing, and a five-year deal gives us the time and resource to grow the Series and Day further.

“The inaugural QIPCO British Champions Day last October attracted six of the world’s ten highest-rated, active horses, something that no other raceday in the world could match last year, and it is vital that we increase prize money as much as possible going forwards to establish the day as a really serious player on the international stage.”

21 Facts About The Aussie Sensation, Black Caviar

Black Caviar is the extraordinary Australian mare who has won all 21 races that she has contested, setting a new modern-day international record for the top level of Flat racing.

Here are 21 facts about her, one for each of her victories:

1. She is the greatest sprinter in the world and the second highest-rated horse on the planet behind the British-trained miler, Frankel. Both horses are set to race in QIPCO British Champions Series races during Royal Ascot, with Frankel targeting the Queen Anne Stakes over a mile on the first day, Tuesday 19 June, and Black Caviar the Diamond Jubilee Stakes over six furlongs on the final day, Saturday 23 June. Black Caviar is then expected to contest the Darley July Cup at Newmarket on Saturday 14 July.

2. The undisputed queen of the turf collected her 20th straight victory in the Sportingbet Classic at Morphetville on 28 April 2012, beating the previous Australasian record of 19 straight wins set by both Desert Gold (1915-1917) and Gloaming (1919-1921) almost 100 years ago.

3. That 20th victory also broke the modern day international record for the top level of thoroughbred racing set by the brilliant USA-trained mare, Zenyatta, who scored 19 consecutive wins before tasting defeat in her 20th and final start. Black Caviar subsequently made it 21 out of 21 in the Distinctive Homes Goodwood at Morphetville on 12 May.

4. Her fastest 200m (one furlong) split is 9.98sec between the 600m & 400m in the 2012 Lightning Stakes (her 19th win). She’s the first horse in Australia to break 10secs for a furlong in an official thoroughbred race, giving her a top speed of 72.14km/h or 45.09mph.

5. Eleven of her 21 victories have been in Group 1 races, the highest class of thoroughbred race, and she has won over five furlongs (1,000 metres) five times, six furlongs (1,200 metres) 15 times and seven furlongs (1,400 metres) once. However, she has never run outside Australia before, so testing herself against the best in Europe on her next start at Royal Ascot is a very brave step to take for her connections and will secure her international superstar status forever if she is successful.

6. Black Caviar cost 210,000 Australian dollars (about £132,000 at today’s rates) and she has now won over £3.6 million in prize money with a potentially very lucrative breeding career ahead of her once she retires. To illustrate this, her half-sister (by the sire Redoute’s Choice) just sold for 2.6 million Australian dollars (£1.64m) at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale – a record price for a yearling filly in Australia.

7. She has won her 21 races by a combined total of exactly 70 lengths – about 560 feet or 170 metres, or the equivalent of about 13 London buses!

8. She has started odds-on favourite in the betting on every occasion except her first ever race on 18 April 2009 at Flemington in Melbourne. The shortest price she started at was 1/33 meaning that if you had put £33 on her to win, your return would have been just £34! The local totalisator has taken numerous $100,000+ bets on her, the biggest being $200,000 at $1.04 when she won the Sportingbet Classic to record her 20th win – the punter’s profit was just $8,000. She is currently available with British bookmakers at 4/9 for the Diamond Jubilee Stakes and a huge number of Australians are expected to back her.

9. She is trained by Peter Moody at his stable at Caulfield racecourse in Victoria, Australia.

10. Luke Nolen has been her jockey in 18 of her 21 races, missing only her first two starts (when she was ridden by 16-year-old apprentice Jarrad Noske) and her first Group 1 victory in the Patinack Farm Classic in November 2010 (when Ben Melham was in the saddle as Nolen was suspended).

11. Black Caviar is owned by a group of life-long friends, Colin and Jannene Madden, Gary and Kerryn Wilkie and Neil Werrett, several of whom go right back to nursery school. They came up with the idea of buying a racehorse when enjoying their annual holiday together on a houseboat on the Murray river, not far from Adelaide. Neil Werrett knew Peter Moody, who, as it happens, had just come back from the sales with a big black yearling filly. They agreed to buy her, adding two others to their syndicate to spread the costs – Jannene Madden’s sister, Pam Hawkes, and another friend, David Taylor.

12. The wife of part-owner, David Taylor, was dead against her husband buying a share of the horse, so he had to do it behind her back – a brave move that paid off big-time and all is forgiven now!

13. Aussie Rules football star, Dale Thomas, who plays for top AFL team Collingwood, had a bet with David Taylor that Black Caviar wouldn’t win 20 consecutive races. Thomas has now fulfilled the terms of the bet by having an image of Black Caviar tattoed on his backside!

14. It was part-owner Pam Hawkes who came up with the Black Caviar’s name. The seafood lover explained: “Black Caviar’s grandmother was called Scandanavia. Helsinge, the name of her mother, is in Scandanavia and that’s where the salmon live. It made sense.” She added: “Besides my husband and children, Black Caviar is the best thing that has ever happened to me. It is a dream come true to have this beautiful horse.”

15. It was Gary and Kerryn Wilkie’s daughter who came up with the jockey’s very appropriate colours – salmon pink with black dots to represent the caviar! Gary said about Black Caviar: “You can’t imagine it. It’s a little surreal. You see the way she affects people, this animal we have equity in, and you just think, ‘How lucky am I’?”

16. When Black Caviar is running, racedays become something of a logistics challenge. The owners, their families and extended friends regularly push the number of attendees up to over 60, but that’s nothing compared with the party that will be at Royal Ascot on 23 June when she is due to contest her next race, the Diamond Jubilee Stakes.  It will number over 150 people!

17. Black Caviar, who was bottle fed as a foal, was born on 18 August 2006 – her sire (father) is Bel Esprit and her dam (mother) Helsinge. She is known in her stable as Nelly.

18. Her height is 16.2 hands (5 foot 4.8 inches or 164.6 centimetres).

19.  She loves swimming and going to the beach.

20. She has a massive fan base in Australia, where she is revered as the greatest racehorse since the legendary Phar Lap died 80 years ago, and her own range of merchandise, from T shirts and baseball caps to ties and key rings. One of her fans made a 30+ hour round trip from Chicago to see her record her 18th victory at Caulfield, staying in Australia for only 24 hours, while thousands of Australians are expected to go racing when she runs in the UK.

21. After her British foray, she will return to Australia to be prepared for the all-important Spring Carnival in Melbourne, where her legions of fans will be looking forward to welcoming “The Wonder from Down Under” back to Australian racing.

An Irish One-Two in the Gold Cup?

There doesn’t appear to be anything good enough to beat Fame And Glory in the Gold Cup, with the rest of the field looking to be running for second spot. Opinion Poll, last year’s runner-up, should go close again, however Saddler’s Rock could give the Irish a big race one-two. The son of Sadler’s Wells should enjoy today’s ground and is trained by John Oxx, who won the race with Enzeli in 1999.

Last Year's Gold Cup Winner, Fame & Glory

At an each-way price, Mississippi could go well in the Britannia Handicap. A lightly raced type, there were reasons for his down the field run last time. Born To Surprise is the early morning favourite – he is dropping down in class after an eighth in the Craven Stakes (G3) when he missed the break, while it is expected that the stiff mile will suit Ralph Beckett’s Frog Hollow.

Tercentenary Stakes runner Tales Of Grimm is a lovely horse who has been given time after winning his sole start as a juvenile and finishing third to today’s rival Stipulate at the end of May. He could give some recompense to trainer Sir Michael Stoute for Carlton House’s defeat yesterday, while Mukhadam is similarly unexposed and this race has been the plan since the colt’s last time out success.

So What Do You Think?

After the wonderful racing on the opening day of Royal Ascot, today’s Group 1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes sees the Dubai World Cup (G1) third and fourth resume battle.

It would be fine swansong for the Aidan O’Brien-trained So You Think (fourth in Dubai) to round off his racing career before he heads back to his native Australia to take up stallion duties, but the Marco Botti-trained Planteur ran with credit in Dubai when third, and again when filling the same spot in the Prix d’Ispahan behind Golden Lilac (last year’s French 1,000 Guineas and Oaks winner) and Cirrus Des Aigles, the globetrotting star and winner of last season’s Champion Stakes.

But this race could see a resurgence to Group 1 form for the Queen’s runner and last year’s Derby third, Carlton House. A strongly run 1m2f should suit really well – the son of Street Cry has only run twice over the trip, winning both times - and success by the Sir Michael Stoute-trained runner would be a fitting victory in the Diamond Jubilee year.

It is also worth taking a look at an each-way price at the US-trained Big Blue Kitten – he is by the best turf stallion standing in the US and is trained by Chad Brown, a highly capable trainer of middle-distance horses.


The opening 7f Jersey Stakes (G3) could see young trainer Roger Varian get off the mark at Royal Ascot with his improving Aljamaaheer, who finished fourth last time out to yesterday’s St James’s Palace Stakes third, Gregorian.


It could end up being a very good day for Varian, who has his Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1) runner-up Nahrain in the Windsor Forest Stakes (G2). She has most to fear from the Group 1 winner Emulous. Both fillies, though, have to shoulder a winners’ penalty, and the record in the race is not good for those carrying such a burden.


Looking elsewhere, Chachamaidee, who finished second in last year’s Sun Chariot Stakes (G1), as well as the Epsom winner and improver Clinical for Sir Mark Prescott, have strong claims.


The Royal Hunt Cup is as ever a competitive handicap, and without the track looking to be carrying a draw bias, it will pay to go with form. Captain Bertie put in an “extraordinary run” (Racing Post) when successful in the Spring Mile earlier this season before winning the Spring Cup, gets in here on a good mark and should like the ground, while Dimension for James Fanswawe is a progressive type. Paul D’Arcy’s Edinburgh Knight is a 7f handicap winner at Ascot and finished fourth in the Lincoln behind Brae Hill


Richard Hannon’s two runners in the race warrant close inspection with King Torus having a first run in a handicap, while Cai Shen finished second in the Britannia Handicap last year, second in the Winter Derby in March and third in a conditions race last time.


Hannon and Mick Channon between them field five for the Queen Mary Stakes (G2). Stable jockey Richard Hughes has plumped for Jubilee Dream for Hannon so she is presumably the first string, while Channon’s Graphic Guest has posted some good form – she beat Hannon’s Hairy Rocket last time - and this race should be run to suit.


Others to consider include Ed Dunlop’s Sheikh Hamdan-owned Sharaarah as this not a usual race for connections to target and so they must be hopeful of chances, as well as the David Wachman-trained Mironica. Wachman’s string has been in good form this spring and this filly is one from one when beating stable mate True Verdict at Naas. That one has since finished second in a Listed event.

#AscotAsks Chris Stickels, Clerk of the Course at Ascot

This week #AscotAsks Chris Stickels, Clerk of the Course at Ascot, ten questions about his role at the racecourse and what he is most looking forward to at this year’s Royal Ascot.

 



Profile

Name: Chris Stickels
Location: Ascot, Berkshire
Occupation: Clerk of the Course at Ascot Racecourse







1. Chris, as Clerk of the Course at Ascot Racecourse, could you explain what your job role entails?

As Clerk of the Course, my fundamental role is to ensure that the Racecourse and track complies with all of the regulations set by the British Horseracing Authority, making it a safe environment for horses, people around them and jockeys.  From about ten days before a meeting, I assess the track and report on the Going and on a raceday I oversee the various racing operations.

2. What was your career path to becoming a Clerk of the Course?

I first started at Folkestone Racecourse as a Groundsman in 1996, then progressed through to Head Groundsman.  From here I progressed into the position of, Clerk of the Course.  I then joined Ascot Racecourse as Clerk of the Course in 2005.

3. A range of terms can be used to describe the ground conditions on a raceday ranging from heavy to firm/hard in some cases. Could you briefly explain the difference of these terms and how it can affect a race?

The Going is the term used to describe how the track is going to ride, which is important to ascertain as it can definitely influence the outcome of a race.  Whether the going is heavy to firm, it will affect a horse’s motion and speed on the track.  For Royal Ascot we aim to start the meeting on Good providing the forecast isn’t wet for the coming week.

4. What are the highs and lows of your job?

The highs are definitely seeing some of the top class horses in the world running here at Ascot and unfortunately the low of my job is when a horse or jockey gets injured racing.

5. In extreme weather conditions, is there much that you can do to protect the turf?

As you can expect, conditions can range from very sunny and hot periods to the freezing lows of winter and torrential rain, so I can give a few examples of how we would try to protect the track;

If we are expecting large amounts of rain there isn’t a whole lot that we can do.  We have used rain covers in isolated areas on occasion; however they aren’t the most effective as they drive the rain into other areas of the racecourse.  It may also be worth noting here that when the weather is very hot, water collected from rain falls in to the top of the grandstand and is pumped into a reservoir.  This water is then used and to irrigate the track to stop it drying out and becoming too hard.

In the colder months we can lay down covers on various parts of the track to protect it from the frost.  Using this cover then maximizes the opportunity for racing to go ahead in the winter.

6. As the job of looking after the racecourse and specifically the track is so vast, you must have a team who you work with?

Yes, we have a team of 13 full time staff including the Head Groundsman and his staff who impeccably look after the grounds around the racecourse, as well as the Stable Manager and of course myself and my PA.  In the summer months we recruit additional staff to help around the racecourse and on a raceday we can have a team of up to 60 ensuring the whole day goes smoothly.

7. Could you give us your daily routine on a Royal Ascot raceday?

I arrive at the racecourse by 5.30am and conduct my first walk of the course to check everything is Ok.  I’ll then head back to the office to announce the Going and deal with any racing enquiries that have arisen.  I will then go and check all the equine facilities and stables before I have some breakfast ready to walk the track again just before racing.
I will also ensure that everyone who needs to be here is onsite, including the officials, doctors and vets and that racing starts on time, overseeing the movement of horses.  Once racing is over, I check the track is fully prepped and repaired for the following day.

8. For someone who is interested in a career in Clerking, could you advise a good way to get into it?

As there are only 60 racecourses in the country, there aren’t too many Clerk of the Course jobs going.  However, I would suggest getting a job in racing and learning about how a racecourse operates in many different ways.  Your interests may then lead on to other thing – you never know!

9. Briefly, what will be your plan of action in the three week lead up to Royal to make sure the track is perfect? (Weather permitting!)

We will be assessing the track daily, monitoring the forecasts and carrying out the final turf management practises.  When we are 10 days out we will water the track accordingly, depending on the forecast and ground conditions, to ensure we have our optimum Going.

10. Finally, what are you most looking forward to at Royal Ascot 2012?

I’m looking forward to seeing last year’s star, Frankel, to start the Royal Meeting with a bang followed by Black Caviar, which will top off what is set to be a fantastic week.

Ascot Announces Straight Course Programme Contingency Plan For Friday 11th May

"With racing on the round course highly questionable for Friday, we took the step of approaching the BHA this morning to look at options to create six straight course races on Friday evening alongside the two round course races, which we may lose. Splitting two races, whilst arguably not ideal, will enable us, if necessary, to provide a six race card as required by the rules of racing."

"We’re very much supporters of the dynamic race planning initiatives that are more and more being adopted by the racecourses and the BHA in situations like this, as demonstrated last week by the quick work all round to move our Sagaro card to the all weather, which was co-funded by the levy board, Ascot and Kempton."

"We will look at how Saturday might work and will announce plans in that respect in the morning."

Said Nick Smith, Head of Communications, Ascot Racecourse.

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.

Win Tickets to Victor Chandler Day Plus The Chance to Choose The Best Turned Out Horse and Present A Trophy

On Saturday 21st January we are giving two lucky people the chance to win tickets to Victor Chandler Day plus the chance to choose the Best Turned Out Horse and present the winning trophy in the Follow @AscotInsider on Twitter Juvenile Hurdle Race.

Victor Chandler Day is our first raceday of 2012 which features the Grade 1, £105,000 Victor Chandler Steeple Chase, arguably Ascot’s best known race over the Jumps. This year Victor Chandler are celebrating 25 years of sponsoring this feature race and to mark the occasion they have commissioned a life-size, Victoria sponge cake of Desert Orchid the inaugural winner of the race which will be cut and given out to racegoers at 3.20pm on Saturday.

To be in with a chance of winning tickets plus this fantastic opportunity to help celebrate the 25th Anniversary, just follow us on Twitter @AscotInsider and re-tweet the following tweet:

#RT to #win tickets to Victor Chandler Day on Sat 21st Jan at #Ascot plus the chance to choose the Best Turned Out & present a trophy.

If you aren’t so lucky, tickets start from £18 per person. Generous Group discounts apply and kids under 18 go FREE. To book, call 0844 346 3000 or visit ascot.co.uk

Ascot Racecourse Terms & Conditions

1. Competition closes at 12.30pm on Friday 13th January.

2. Competition only open to 'followers' of @AscotInsider on Twitter.

3. These terms and conditions apply to all competitions on Twitter (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 Friday 13th January of their prize on Twitter.

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 2 days after the competition closes.

12. One entry per household per day.

13. If a prize is not claimed within 5 days it will be offered to another entrant.

14. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Twitter.

Promoter: Ascot Racecourse Ltd, Ascot, Berkshire. SL5 7JX

Day 21 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.

We are now into our top 5 prizes and today one person could be in with a chance of winning a £250 bet (Over 18’s Only) plus a Paul Nicholls Winter Warmer Gillet Fleeces and 4 runners up will also win a fleece courtesy of our sponsors Betfair. This is your chance to put your betting skills into practice!

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.

In the 12 days of Christmas, what did my true love give to me on the seventh day?


Send your name, address and answer under the subject heading 'Christmas Day 21' to facebook@ascot.co.uk for your chance to win our first prize!

If you're not so lucky why not visit http://www.betfair.com/ and join the world’s biggest betting community. You’ll have the opportunity to bet on your favourite sports, try your chance in the live casino and have a go on your favourite arcade games. Betfair is committed to endorsing the responsible gambling campaign.

Day 20 Prize Winner is Jack Milne from Huddersfield. Congratulations!

Ascot Racecourse Advent Calendar Terms & Conditions

1. Competition closes at 11.59pm on Wednesday 21st 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 6pm on Thursday 22nd 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

Prize Terms and Conditions
1. In order to receive the bet you will need to have a Betfair Account or create one.

2. You must be over the age of 18 to win the bet.

Day 2 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.

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/