On the weekend, Glorious Goodwood typified what this thread is all about .... "International Racing." How thrilling was it to see the Japanese mare Deirdre take out the G1 Nassau Stakes? Here's hoping that the win will see many more raiders from that part of the world. I loved the warmth in the race caller's voice as the big mare emerged from the pack. Wonderful stuff. Red, blue band, white sleeves.
There's an interesting sidelight to 18 year old Khadijah Mellah's win aboard Haverland in the Magnolia Cup. The Australian rider Georgia Connolly said that when Haverland rushed by her, she heard young Khadijah crying as she went for home. Nice one.
Battaash winning the King George Stakes from the Queenslander Houtzen. I wish someone here in Australia had the balls to try and get Battaash over to Sydney for the $14,000,000 The Everest. The investors who've already bought the $600,000 slots do deals owners of top quality horses. They then come to some form of prize money split. First past the post gets gets $5,800,000. All horses get prize money. Last receives $175,000.
The G1 Whitney Stakes at Saratoga was won by Mckinzie. The victory earned him a walk up start in the Breeders Cup Classic at Santa Anita in November.
The Henri-Alex Pantall-trained French King made it fours straight wins this year when he won the G1 Grosser Preis von Berlin at Hoppegarten on Sunday. The Sheikh Bin Khalifa owned son of French Fifteen was ridden a treat by Olivier Peslier. No 3. Maroon, white spots, maroon and white striped sleeves.
The Ken Condon trained Romanised won the G1 Prix Jacques le Marois on Sunday at Deauville. Billy Lee handled the big horse well, delivering the owners their second G1 race, their first being the Irish 2000 Guineas. Blue, red sleeves, red and blue cap. No.3.
How sad is it when a purse of 300,000 Euros can only attract a field of five? The Lyons trained, Keane ridden Siskin made it 4 from 4 last Friday when he won the G1 Keeneland Phoenix takes at the Curragh. No 4, Green and pink, white sleeves.
The Arlington Million went to North America's highest rated horse, Bricks And Mortar. In making it 6 wins in a row, 5 of which have carried G1 status, Bricks And Mortar was ridden to perfection by Irad Ortiz Jr. The win took the horse's winnings to just over 3,000,000 pounds. No 3, Red and white, quartered cap.
Is this the best 2yo we’ve seen this season? Put the Coolmore colts to the sword that’s for certain. They’re saying Middle Park is target.
The 2019 G1 European Trotting Championships for Mares was run in Sweden yesterday. The event went to the odds on shot Uza Josselyn. She certainly has a bold stride. No 2, in the blue and white. Fast forward to 11:15.
Propulsion, endearingly known as The Plug, showed that age is no barrier when it comes to class. Last weekend he made it back to back wins in the G1 Aby Stora Pris in Sweden. In winning, the US bred champion took his equivalent earnings in sterling to better than 2,500,00. He absolutely bolts in. He started a 1-2 favourite. No 9, Blue and white. He sits 2 out and 3 back. Fast forward to 14:15.
The third leg of the Canadian three year triple crown was run last weekend at Woodbine. The Breeder's Stakes went to the second favourite Tone Broke who beat off the odds on shot Avie's Flatter. Tone Broke looked well beaten but rallied in the last furlong. No 5, black and red.
I don't think a horse in the world could have beaten Battaash in the G.1 Nunthorpe yesterday. A sensational performance. 55:90.
Last Sunday's G 2 Prix de Deauville. The race was won by the Olivier Peslier ridden Ziyad. No 6, blue and white. Raced just behind the leader.
Young apprentice Mikaela Claridge passed away today when thrown from a spooked horse during early morning work in country Victoria. She was just 22. please log in to view this image
Twenty four hours ago, the lady above, Mikaela Claridge, lost her life while working a horse. This afternoon in Darwin, another lady passed a way after being thrown to the track in a race. Melanie Tyndall was galloped on by a following horse. 32 year old Melanie was also a police officer. We go through the form guide on a daily basis, giving next to no thought when it come to the dangers that riders face in the pursuit of their careers. It's a dangerous game. R.I.P. Melanie Tyndall. please log in to view this image