Frankie Dettori’s defeat on Snowfall adds intrigue to next month’s race and may entice British and Irish visitors to returnSome Arcs revolve around whether there is anything to beat the favourite. Others have no obvious favourite at all. It’s a matter of opinion, but personal preference is for the latter and after four years in which, both in victory and defeat, it was all about Enable, this year’s race is shaping up to be a four-cornered affair at the very least.Snowfall’s unexpected defeat by Teona in the Prix Vermeille was, in some respects, an ideal result with the Arc itself in mind. Frankie Dettori offered an excuse for her below-par performance afterwards – well, he seemed to blame Hollie Doyle...
The public has till midnight on Monday to have their say on the whip consultation ordered by the British Horseracing AuthorityThere is still time for racegoers and punters who have yet to contribute to the British Horseracing Authority’s consultation on the whip, which launched on 1 July, to ensure that their voice is heard. But not much. The main public phase of the process – an online questionnaire which can be accessed here – closes at midnight on Monday, before moving on to “detailed discussions with relevant individuals, alongside focus groups with volunteers” ahead of expected publication of a final report with recommendations on rules and penalties early next year.Having completed a submission a few days ago, I would guess...
The doughty campaigner begins his fifth Flat season and can deliver victory despite a 337-day absenceJumping fans often complain that Flat horses are rushed off to stud much too quickly, but Stradivarius was a winner last weekend and Benbatl (3.35), another seven-year-old “entire”, is back to start a fifth season on the level in the Group Two Celebration Mile at Goodwood on Saturday.Saeed bin-Suroor’s doughty campaigner finished fifth behind Wings Of Eagles in the 2017 Derby, has three Group One wins to his name and while he has not run for 337 days, he won off an almost identical break in September 2019. Continue reading...
The doughty campaigner begins his fifth Flat season and can deliver victory despite a 337-day absenceJumping fans often complain that Flat horses are rushed off to stud much too quickly, but Stradivarius was a winner last weekend and Benbatl (3.35), another seven-year-old “entire”, is back to start a fifth season on the level in the Group Two Celebration Mile at Goodwood on Saturday.Saeed bin-Suroor’s doughty campaigner finished fifth behind Wings Of Eagles in the 2017 Derby, has three Group One wins to his name and while he has not run for 337 days, he won off an almost identical break in September 2019. Related: Talking Horses: Goodwood and York crowds offer hope for racing recovery Goodwood 1.15 Willoughby Bay 1.50 Clitheroe...
Mark Johnston’s grey can keep jockey in with a chance of banking £100,000 in the Sunday Series at HaydockTommy G is the last horse standing with a chance of picking up the £100,000 bonus for winning at all three Sunday Series fixtures after Rising Star was scratched from the fillies’ handicap at Haydock Park on Sunday due to the rain-softened ground.He should remain competitive off a 5lb higher mark but faces a stern opponent in Fairmac (6.15), whose jockey, Ben Curtis, is also chasing a six-figure bonus. Curtis rode two winners at the first fixture two weeks ago and Mark Johnston’s grey can keep him in with a chance to bank £100,000 for riding seven winners at the Sunday Series...