Sunday's Meetings Chepstow N/H 7 Races 12:15-3:30p.m. Naas N/H 7 Races 12:25-3:40p.m. Plumpton N/H 7 Races 12:35-3:50p.m. Racecards At The Races Sporting Life Racing Post Good Luck
Two really nice graded races at Naas (assuming they pass the morning inspection) starting with the Racing Post Novice Chase moved to this new slot from Leopardstown over Christmas (and demoted to Grade 2). I really like Ile Atlantique in this - he was very impressive on chase debut and I think chasing will really be his game. Then we have the Lawlors of Naas which looks a strong renewal on paper with 2 potential top-notchers in Jasmin De Vaux and The Yellow Clay. One to watch and enjoy.
Darren Yates has sold The New Lion to JP McManus. The horse will remain in training with Dan Skelton (not sure, but I can't remember him training one for McManus previously)
When I read this I thought that was so short sighted of the owner. However having dug out a few articles on the subject Yates plans to leave horse racing ownership altogether by the end of the season so fair enough I suppose. If it was me I’d want to keep him though especially if I’d previously shelled out the sort of sums Mr Yates has previously done for what have turned out to be complete duds. Plumpton lost their big meeting this morning and Chepstow abandoned after 2 races too. More farce? Keiran Burke has the right idea. He sends one of his, What Path, to Cagnes Sur Mer for a £100k Group 3 chase today. I hope he is rewarded for his efforts.
Any guesses as to the purchase price??? Got to be more than the Regent's Stroll auction record surely. A million pounds?!? Got to be around that mark surely I would have thought. Old boy Yates has got a few other horses so I take it they will be put up for sale shortly. Should get a fair bit, as well, for the mare Cherie D'Am - her being a Listed winner and Grade 1 placed she should realise a fair sum. A real asset to an broodmare band.
Not sure we will ever find out re the sale price but yes, I imagine it would be getting on for 7 figures. Light Up The Dark was a very appropriate winner of the Naas bumper - a right old blizzard blowing across the track made it very murky indeed.
On the subject of ownership I see Bravemansgame’s former owner (John Dance) is in a little bit of bother with the authorities. I recall he had to cut all ties to his racehorses a while back as he/his company was being investigated by the FCA. It appears it’s got a lot more serious now as he’s been tried for robbing his clients of around £60 million. He’s out on bail though which just proves my theory that if you decide to pursue thievery as a career go big. Dont **** about with shoplifting or nicking the christmas club money.
Yeah if he'd nicked a loaf of bread to feed his family he'd be doing time. The super rich get away with murder.
Media reports are stating that the purchase price was £900,000 with the addition of 'bonus payments if in the future The New Lion wins major races'. Although what the amount of these bonuses are and what the 'major races' are (although I'm sure we can guess) it doesn't state.
I quite liked his idea of going for the Champion Hurdle - there have certainly been worse runners over the years. In fact in last year's Champion Hurdle won by State Man there were 3 runners rated lower than The New Lion's current mark of 147 - Colonel Mustard (146), Iberico Lord (143) and Luccia (140) - with the latter named finishing a fine 3rd.
I'd rather see him romp home in the Novice Hurdle and see if he's good enough for the CH next year. I don't think he's achieved anything approaching CH level so far
