ROYAL ASCOT PRESS CONFERENCE – THURSDAY – JUNE 12, 2014
Chris Stickels, Clerk of the Course at Ascot Racecourse, reported today that the weather is set fair until at least Thursday of next week, mid-way through Royal Ascot 2014 which starts on Tuesday, June 17.
He said at the Royal Ascot press conference, held at the Jockey Club Rooms in Newmarket: “For the first time in a number of years, the weather does looked like it is going to be settled from now until at least Thursday of next week – dry and warm.
“The going is currently Good, Good to Firm in places and we started watering yesterday when we put 10 millimetres on the straight. We also put four millimetres on the round course last night.
“This is the first time we have watered the course since August of last year. The aim would be to start Royal Ascot on Tuesday on similar ground that we have got now – Good, Good to Firm in places – and it is highly likely we will put some more water on, maybe tomorrow but certainly over the weekend at some point.
“Every year I have been here, we have had to water for Royal Ascot before now. We have had a good spring for the course, which drains very well. The rain then has helped the grass growth and it has been very mild too – the course is in excellent shape.”
Trainers Sir Michael Stoute and Mike de Kock spoke about their Royal Ascot hopes, while Harry Herbert and Hannah Wall talked about the prospects of horses representing Al Shaqab Racing and Qatar Racing respectively (see below).
Eight American challengers for Royal Ascot are due to land at 5pm and arrive in Newmarket by 8pm. The charter flight set off from Indianapolis. The horses will be stabled at Clive Brittain’s yard.
Sir Michael Stoute has trained Her Majesty The Queen’s Estimate to win at two successive Royal Ascots, taking the Queen’s Vase in 2012 and the Gold Cup last year.
The Newmarket trainer said today: “The Gold Cup victory was so welcomed by the entire racing fraternity and by all those who follow racing.
“Estimate is not straightforward – it is a big team effort with her, from the girl who does her to the girl that rides her, etc. The win last year was so good for racing so it ranks very highly with me.”
The five-year-old mare, successful on four of her eight starts, goes back to Royal Ascot next week for the Gold Cup on Thursday (June 19) without a prep run.
The trainer explained: “The preparation has not been easy because we have had problems. There has been a muscle problem with her right hind (leg), which is why she has not had a preparatory run.
“So we are under pressure but there has been some good progress in the last month. I think it is a very tough Gold Cup this year so it is a tough assignment but I think we will run very well.
“The Queen has had so many losers during her life that she does not get carried away.”
Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare winner Dank could run against the colts in the Group One Prince of Wales’s Stakes on Wednesday (June 18) or wait until Ireland’s Pretty Polly Stakes.
Sir Michael commented: “Dank is in very good shape. We have confirmed her in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes this morning but she also has an alternative in the Pretty Polly at the Curragh the following weekend. We haven’t decided yet.
“I know that James Wigan (owner) prefers the Pretty Polly, but it would be nice to have a crack at the Prince of Wales’s Stakes. We will look at the opposition. I think she would get her ground at Royal Ascot.”
Abseil has been backed down to favourite for the £175,000 Royal Hunt Cup on Wednesday (June 18) but Sir Michael warned that the lightly-raced colt might not get in the field.
He said: “Abseil is not certain to make the cut. He has a 5lb penalty for winning last weekend but he will be at the bottom of the 97s. I just hope he gets in because I think he has a great chance and the track would suit him ideally.
“Telescope goes for the Hardwicke (Group Two, Saturday, June 21). He has been coming up against Noble Mission who has been a big improver this year and obviously handles heavy ground well.
“Telescope will be better on a faster surface and he will have a good chance in the Hardwicke.
“There is Integral as well in the Duke of Cambridge (Group Two, Wednesday, June 18) and Russian Realm in the seven-furlong handicap (Buckingham Palace) on the Friday (June 20). We also have Radiator in the Sandringham (Handicap, Wednesday, June 18).
“Snow Sky will hopefully go for the King Edward VII Stakes (Group Two) on the Friday (June 20). He is back cantering – he just sprained his near-fore joint before the Derby.”
Sir Michael Stoute (Newmarket, Suffolk)
Background: born on October 22, 1945, in Barbados, where his father was chief of police, Michael Stoute came to Britain in 1965 to nurture his love of racing. Joined trainer Pat Rohan at Malton before moving to Newmarket three years later to work for Doug Smith and then Tom Jones. Took out a public licence to train in 1972, recording his first success that year when Sandal won at Newmarket on April 28. Trains at Freemason Lodge in Newmarket.
Accolades: British champion trainer 10 times – 1981, 1986, 1989, 1994, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006 and 2009; knighted in 1998 for his services to sport and tourism in Barbados.
British Classic Wins (15):
Investec Oaks (1978 Fair Salinia, 1987 Unite).
Investec Derby (1981 Shergar, 1986 Shahrastani, 2003 Kris Kin, 2004 North Light, 2010 Workforce), QIPCO 1000 Guineas (1989 Musical Bliss, 2003 Russian Rhythm).
QIPCO 2000 Guineas (1985 Shadeed, 1988 Doyoun, 1997 Entrepreneur, 2000 King’s Best, 2001 Golan),
Ladbrokes St Leger (2008 Conduit).
Royal Ascot – 68 Royal Ascot wins and is the most successful current trainer at the five-day meeting. His major victories include:-
Gold Cup (1978 Shangamuzo, 2013 Estimate),
Prince Of Wales’s Stakes (1981 Hard Fought, 1991 Stagecraft),
King’s Stand Stakes (1981 Marwell),
Diamond Jubilee Stakes (1985 Dafayna),
Coronation Stakes (1986 Sonic Lady, 1987 Milligram, 1998 Exclusive, 2003 Russian Rhythm),
St James’s Palace Stakes (1989 Shaadi),
Queen Anne Stakes (2000 Kalanisi, 2001 Medicean, 2002 No Excuse Needed)
Other Major Wins Include:
Irish 1,000 Guineas (1986 Sonic Lady).
Irish 2,000 Guineas (1989 Shaadi).
Irish Derby (1981 Shergar, 1983 Shareef Dancer, 1986 Shahrastani).
Irish Oaks (1978 Fair Salinia, 1986 Colorspin, 1987 Unite, 1988 Melodist (dead-heat), 1995 Pure Grain, 2000 Petrushka).
Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (2003 Islington, 2013 Dank).
Breeders’ Cup Turf (1996 Pilsudski, 2000 Kalanisi, 2008 & 2009 Conduit).
Coral-Eclipse (1993 Opera House, 1994 Ezzoud, 1997 Pilsudski, 2001 Medicean, 2007 Notnowcato), Dubai World Cup (1997 Singspiel).
Japan Cup (1996 Singspiel, 1997 Pilsudski).
King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes Sponsored By QIPCO (1981 Shergar, 1993 Opera House, 2002 Golan, 2009 Conduit, 2010 Harbinger).
Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (2010 Workforce).
Estimate (IRE)
Breeding: 5 b m Monsun (GER) – Ebaziya (IRE) (Darshaan)
Breeder: H H The Aga Khan’s Studs S C
Born: April 4, 2009
Owner: The Queen
Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute
Form: 7/1133/117-
* Aiming for a second consecutive victory in the Group One Gold Cup, over two and a half miles, on Thursday, June 19.
* Provided one of highlights of The Queen’s ownership career when winning Group One Gold Cup at Royal Ascot on June 20, 2013 and giving her owner a 22nd Royal Ascot success.
* Only appeared once subsequently when seventh, beaten three lengths, in Group Three QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup over two miles at Ascot on QIPCO British Champions Day, October 19, 2013.
* Captured Group Three Longines Sagaro Stakes at Ascot in May, 2013.
* A half-sister to 1999 Gold Cup winner Enzeli and to 1997 Group One Irish Oaks heroine Ebadiyla, she was bred by the Aga Khan and given to Her Majesty The Queen.
* The highlight of four three-year-old outings was when winning the Queen’s Vase over two miles at Royal Ascot on June 22, 2012. Won her first race, a 12-furlong Salisbury maiden, on May 6, 2012.
* Had one outing as a two-year-old, finishing seventh in a mile Leicester maiden in September, 2011.
Starts: 8; Wins: 4; 2nd: 0; 3rd: 2; Win & Place Prize Money: £285,268
Dank (GB)
Breeding: 5 b m Dansili – Masskana (IRE) (Darshaan)
Breeder: London Thoroughbred Services Ltd
Born: March 6, 2009
Owner: James Wigan
Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute
Form: 2/(1)91215/13111-3
* Entered in Group One Prince Of Wales’s Stakes over 10 furlongs on Wednesday, June 18.
* Staying-on third on reappearance in Group One Dubai Duty Free over nine furlongs at Meydan, Dubai, on March 29.
* Enjoyed a superb 2013 campaign, culminating with two 10-furlong Grade One victories in the US – the Beverly D Stakes at Arlington Park on August 17 and the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Santa Anita on November 2.
* Also successful in Group Two event at the Curragh and Group Three event at Newmarket last year.
* Close third at Royal Ascot on June 19, 2013, beaten three quarters of a length by Duntle in Group Two Duke Of Cambridge Stakes over a mile.
* Won three of six races in 2012, taking a Kempton Park Polytrack maiden on April 25, winning an Ascot on July 28 and capturing the Group Three TBA Atalanta Stakes at Sandown Park on September 1, all over a mile.
* One start as a two-year-old when second in a seven-furlong Newbury conditions race at Newbury in September, 2011.
Starts: 13; Wins: 7; 2nd: 2; 3rd: 2; Win & Place Prize Money: £1,400,407
Abseil (USA)
Breeding: 4 b c First Defence (USA) – Intercontinental (Danehill (USA))
Breeder: Juddmonte Farms Inc
Born: February 10, 2010
Owner: Khalid Abdullah
Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute
Form: 3121
* Lightly-raced and entered in Royal Hunt Cup, the great mile handicap at Royal Ascot on June 18. Currently the ante-post favourite.
* Impressed when successful in valuable mile handicap at Epsom Downs on June 6.
* Runner-up after being slowly away in mile Chester handicap on May 9.
* Easily landed mile maiden at Yarmouth on April 21.
* Made debut in Kempton Park Polytrack mile maiden on April 1 and finished third.
* Out of dual US Grade One scorer Intercontinental.
Starts: 4; Wins: 2; 2nd: 1; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money: £30,381
Telescope (IRE)
Breeding: 4 b c Galileo (IRE) – Velouette (Darshaan)
Breeder: Barronstown Stud
Born: January 25, 2010
Owner: Highclere Thoroughbred Racing – Wavertree
Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute
Form: 21/121-22
* Never out of the first two in seven starts andentered in Group Two Hardwicke Stakes over 12 furlongs on June 21.
* Runner-up to Noble Mission on both outings this year, beaten nine lengths in 10-furlong Group Three Gordon Richard Stakes at Sandown Park on April 25 and two and a quarter lengths in Group Huxley Stakes over same distance at Chester on May 8.
* Won Group Two Great Voltigeur Stakes over a mile and a half at York on August 13, 2012, final of three runs that year.
* Beaten a short-head on debut in Ascot seven-furlong maiden in September, 2012 and won Newmarket mile maiden later that month.
Starts: 7; Wins: 3; 2nd: 4; 3rd: -; Win & Place Prize Money: £137,932
Hannah Wall, assistant to Qatar Racing’s David Redvers, racing and bloodstock manager for Qatar Racing, Qatar Bloodstock and Pearl Bloodstock, talked about plans for Royal Ascot.
She mentioned Lightning Thunder, runner-up in both the QIPCO 1000 Guineas at Newmarket and the Irish 1,000 Guineas, first – a Group One Coronation Stakes prospect on Friday, June 20.
“Lightning Thunder is fine after the Irish Guineas – she had a tough race at Newmarket and another tough race in Ireland on ground she would not have liked. She is working again this morning and Olly (Stevens) is a 100 per cent happy with her.”
Another filly in the Coronation Stakes is Kiyoshi. Wall said: “Kiyoshi had a very untimely infection of the hock just on the eve of travelling up to Newmarket for the 1000 Guineas and she missed the Irish Guineas as well.
“She is fine and back working. She worked on Tuesday and will do so again on Saturday. She is still in the Coronation Stakes and will probably have an entry in the Jersey Stakes (Group Three, Wednesday, June 18) as well. Her participation in the races has not been decided yet. It depends on how she works on Saturday.
“She is happy and sound and did a nice piece of work on Tuesday. She is a filly we think a huge amount of and we feel she has improved. We won’t be rushing her.
“Both Hot Streak and Pearl Secret will run in the King’s Stand Stakes (Group One, Tuesday, June 17), with Jamie (Spencer) on Hot Streak and Richard Hughes on Pearl Secret. Both are absolutely fine after Haydock. Hot Streak is amazing for a three-year-old in that division (sprinting). He is infinitely tough and seems to have incredible maturity, both mentally and physically. He won at Haydock from Pearl Secret that day on ground neither would want.
“Kevin (Ryan) says Hot Streak is one of the best horses he has ever trained. Kevin is happy with Hot Streak and so is David Barron with Pearl Secret. Things did not go right for Pearl Secret at Newmarket and he raced closer to the pace at Haydock. There is not much between the two sprinters and both are in good form ahead of Royal Ascot.”
Turning to two-year-olds Likely and Mind of Madness, Wall remarked: “Likely will have a couple of Royal Ascot entries and we were very pleased with how she won her maiden. She was a breeze-up filly and she has an incredible temperament for racing. She did not need the experience on her debut as she knew what to do perfectly well. She has plenty of speed.
“Mind Of Madness won a Newmarket and was beaten the other day. He is by Azamour and out of a very speedy Oasis Dream mare, who is a great speed influence on Mind Of Madness. He has natural cruising speed and is likely to run in the Windsor Castle (Listed, June 17).”
Qatar Racing/Pearl Bloodstock
Background: Headed by Sheikh Fahad Al Thani, who was born in June, 1989, and his brothers. They are sons of Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani, a former prime minister of Qatar and brother of the country’s former Emir.
Sheikh Fahad did his A-Levels in London and a three-year BBA in business administration at the London Campus of the Geneva-based Europa University. He approached bloodstock agent David Redvers in February, 2010, about dipping his toe into racehorse ownership.
Racing as Pearl Bloodstock, he enjoyed great early success capped by a victory for Dunaden in the 2011 Emirates Melbourne Cup at Flemington, Australia. Other flagbearers include that year’s Windsor Castle Stakes winner Frederick Engels and Cheveley Park Stakes heroine Lightening Pearl.
They won last season’s Irish 1,000 Guineas with Just The Judge, owned the 2013 Investec Oaks runner-up Secret Gesture and Pearl Bloodstock’s Side Glance won the 2013 Mackinnon Stakes.
Through their family company QIPCO, the brothers back Britain’s Champion Series and plenty of top-level races including both the British and Irish Champion Stakes and for the first time this year the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.
Their stallions standing at Redvers’ Tweenhills Stud in Gloucestershire are Makfi, Harbour Watch and Havana Gold. They recently bought a farm in Co Limerick in Ireland. They have an international brand of broodmares and over 200 horses in training in Britain, France, Ireland, Germany, America, Australia and Japan. Last year they bought Robins Farm Stables in Surrey, where trainer Olly Stevens is based.
Sheikh Fahad completed the 2014 London Marathon as part of a team raising money for Racing Welfare.
Side Glance – Queen Anne Stakes
Breeding: 7 br g Passing Glance – Averami (Averti (IRE))
Breeder: Kingsclere Stud
Born: March 15, 2007
Owner: Pearl Bloodstock Ltd
Trainer: Andrew Balding
Form: 12/4651312/3113147/53133226/4473615-745
*Globetrotter who secured a deserved Group One victory in the 10-furlong Longines Mackinnon Stakes at Flemington, Australia, in November.
*Finished fourth in the last two renewals of the Group One Dubai World Cup and took third in the Grade One Arlington Million in August, 2013.
*Beaten 11 ½ lengths into third by the mighty Frankel in the 2012 Queen Anne Stakes.
*Dual Group Three winner in Britain.
Race record: Starts: 34; Wins: 8; 2nd: 4; 3rd: 7; Win & Place Prize Money: £1,543,358
Hot Streak (IRE) – King’s Stand Stakes or Diamond Jubilee Stakes
Breeding: 3 ch c Iffraaj – Ashirah (USA) (Housebuster (USA))
Breeder: Barry Noonan
Born: February 22, 2011
Owner: Qatar Racing Limited
Trainer: Kevin Ryan
Form: 115312-31
*Made all the running under Oisin Murphy to land the five-furlong Group Two Temple Stakes at Haydock Park on May 24.
*Third to Sole Power on his seasonal return in the Group Three Pearl Bloodstock Palace House Stakes at Newmarket on May 3.
*Won three of his six starts last season, including Ascot’s Group Three BMW Cornwallis Stakes by five lengths. Also second to Astaire in the Group One Middle Park Stakes over six furlongs at Newmarket.
Race record: Starts: 8; Wins: 4; 2nd: 1; 3rd: 2; Win & Place Prize Money: £174,411
Pearl Secret – King’s Stand Stakes
Breeding: 5 ch h Compton Place – Our Little Secret (IRE) (Rossini (USA))
Breeder: Whitsbury Manor Stud & Pigeon House Stud
Born: March 25, 2009
Owner: Qatar Racing Limited
Trainer: David Barron
Form: 1/1119/3-182
*Bounced back to form when chasing home Hot Streak in the Group Two Temple Stakes at Haydock Park on May 24, having finished only ninth in the Pearl Bloodstock Palace House Stakes earlier the same month.
*Ran just once last season, staying on to be third to Shea Shea in the Group One King’s Stand Stakes.
*Only other run at the highest level yielded t ninth behind Ortensia in the 2012 Nunthorpe Stakes.
Race record: Starts: 9; Wins: 5; 2nd: 1; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money: £111,544
Lightning Thunder – Coronation Stakes
Breeding: 3 b f Dutch Art – Sweet Coincidence (Mujahid (USA))
Breeder: Alun Douch
Born: February 10, 2011
Owner: Mohammed Al Kubasi & Pearl Bloodstock Ltd
Trainer: Olly Stevens
Form: 1124-22
*Beaten three lengths into second by Marvellous in the Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Curragh on May 25.
*A fast-finishing second to Miss France in the QIPCO 1000 Guineas at Newmarket on May 4.
*Won two of her four starts at two.
Race record: Starts: 6; Wins: 2; 2nd: 3; 3rd: -; Win & Place Prize Money: £170,328
Kiyoshi – Coronation Stakes
Breeding: 3 b f Dubawi (IRE) – Mocca (IRE) (Sri Pekan (USA))
Breeder: Lowther Racing
Born: March 5, 2011
Owner: Qatar Racing Limited
Trainer: Charlie Hills
Form: 4112d3-
*Missed intended return in QIPCO 1000 Guineas with a setback.
*Stormed to victory in last season’s Group Three Albany Stakes at the Royal meeting, beating Sandiva by three and three quarter lengths on June 21.
*Disqualified and placed third in the seven-furlong Group One Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh in September before filling the same position in the Group One Cheveley Park Stakes back over six furlongs later the same month.
*Also has option of Group Three Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot 2014.
Race record: Starts: 5; Wins: 2; 2nd: -; 3rd: 2; Win & Place Prize Money: £80,102
Purr Along – Duke Of Cambridge Stakes
Breeding: 4 b f Mount Nelson – Purring (USA) (Mountain Cat (USA)
Breeder: Moyns Park Estate And Stud Ltd
Born: April 5, 2010
Owner: Qatar Racing Limited & Newsells Park Stud Ltd
Trainer: Johnny Murtagh IRE
Form: 13128/84455-1
*Made an impressive start for new connections with a smooth half-length success in the Group Three Lanwades Stud Stakes over a mile at the Curragh on May 24.
*Knocked down to David Redvers for 1,000,000 guineas at Tattersalls in December, 2013.
*Won a Group Three contest a Deauville in August, 2012, and also runner-up in that season’s Group Two May Hill Stakes for previous trainer William Muir.
Race record: Starts: 11; Wins: 3; 2nd: 1; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money: £105,018
Mind Of Madness (IRE) – Norfolk Stakes or Coventry Stakes
Breeding: 2 b c Azamour (IRE) – Sioduil (IRE) (Oasis Dream)
Breeder: Jacqueline Norris
Born: March 12, 2012
Owner: Qatar Racing Limited
Trainer: David Brown
Form: -12
*Second to the highly-regarded Adaay in a six-furlong novice contest at Yarmouth on June 3, beaten three quarters of a length.
*Impressed on debut when beating previous winners easily in a five-furlong conditions event at Newmarket in April.
Race record: Starts: 2; Wins: 1; 2nd: 1; 3rd: -; Win & Place Prize Money: £9,649
Likely (GER) – Queen Mary Stakes
Breeding: 2 ch f Exceed And Excel (AUS) – La Pilaya (GER) (Pivotal)
Breeder: Stiftung Gestut Fahrhof
Born: February 5, 2012
Owner: Qatar Racing Limited
Trainer: David Brown
Form: -1
*Justified strong market support with an emphatic five-length success in a five-furlong Carlisle maiden on May 26.
*Topped the 2014 DBS Breeze Up Sale after being knocked down for £340,000.
Race record: Starts: 1; Wins: 1; 2nd: -; 3rd: -; Win & Place Prize Money: £3,235
Last year’s Cartier Horse Of The Year Treve is set to spear-head Al Shaqab Racing’s team at Royal Ascot in the Group One Prince Of Wales’s Stakes on Wednesday (June 18). Treve, the five length winner of the 2013 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, lost her unbeaten record when going down by a short-neck to Cirrus Des Aigles on her seasonal debut in the Prix Ganay at Longchamp on April 27.
“She came out of her last race very well,” said Al Shaqab’s racing advisor Harry Herbert. “Criquette (Head-Maarek) called me the next day and said Treve hadn’t left an oat which was encouraging after a tough race on sticky ground against a great racehorse.
“It has all been really encouraging news since, the way she’s been training. I spoke to Criquette yesterday and touch wood she’s more than happy with the filly. Ascot has been the plan from the beginning and we’re nearly there. You’d have to think she’d go on good to firm ground although extremes are always an issue. The trainer is confident Treve will go well on faster ground.
“Of course, it’s disappointing that she got beat (in the Prix Ganay). I think Treve had got Cirrus Des Aigles beat that day then Christophe Soumillon got to the rail on that sticky ground and that was worth a length or so. She still ran a great race and the winner had had a couple of runs beforehand and has done brilliantly since.”
Assessing Treve’s attributes, Herbert added: “She’s a fantastic mover, Frankie describes her as having the most extraordinary action of any horse he’s ridden. He says it’s the way she keeps her body very still and the movement below gives him an unbelievable feel.
“I first saw her in December and the Motivators can be a little light-framed but when I saw her she was an absolute monster, she was so not what I was expecting. The most notable thing about her is her depth of girth and shoulder – it is a remarkable physique. She’s very intelligent but can be tough to be around – she lets you know who is boss in the box. But that’s part of her brilliance.”
After next week, Treve could head to the £1-million King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes sponsored by QIPCO at Ascot towards the end of July.
“We’ll see how we go,” added Herbert. “Criquette put it wonderfully, she said if Treve likes Ascot then we’ll go back. The King George is the natural race for her and we’ve seen some great fillies and mares take this route.
“She’s taking her training well but it is one step at a time. But personally I’d love to see her come to the King George. It would be a perfect race for her in many ways. Criquette believes Treve can do that, the Vermeille and the Arc. It is one step at a time.”
Other Al Shaqab hopes include Toronado in Tuesday’s Queen Anne Stakes and The Wow Signal in the same day’s Coventry Stakes.
“Toronado is absolutely fine and been given plenty of time,” said Herbert. “He looks amazing. Both he and Treve are physically monsters, they are beautiful horses with great physiques.
“I saw Toronado the day before yesterday and physically he looks absolutely spot on. He’s hard and well, moving beautifully and his work has been extremely good. Team Hannon reckon they have him spot on for the Queen Anne and this has been his target for many months.
“The Wow Signal goes to the Coventry. We bought him privately through the bloodstock agent Richard Knight. You never quite know what you’re buying when a horse wins that well on debut. But the form since purchase has been sensational, which is great to see.
“John (Quinn) is mad about the horse and thinks he’s very good. I just wouldn’t want the ground to get overly quick, that’s the only slight question mark.”
Saturday’s Investec Woodcote Stakes winner Baitha Alga could be out in Thursday’s Norfolk Stakes.
“He didn’t lose any weight or condition in the Woodcote and is a very smart tough two-year-old,” added Herbert. “He goes for the Norfolk (Thursday, June 19), which also gives a bit more time. Duncan Moir, Al Shaqab’s vet looked at him, and said to run him.”
Herbert is also managing director of Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, who will be represented next week.
“Telescope (in the Hardwicke Stakes on Saturday, June 21) is our big hope,” said Herbert. “He’s in great form – he’s back over a mile and a half on better ground and we’d be hopeful of a shout and maybe a dance.
“Wrangler would go for the King George V Handicap (Thursday, June 19) but the ground could be an issue – we don’t want to go if it’s too fast. He’s a very exciting horse and we want to look after him.
“We’ve also bought into Bazzana who won impressively at Windsor and the form of his previous Newmarket run was good. She’s a really tough filly.”
Al Shaqab Racing
Al Shaqab Racing represents the racing interests of Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani, a brother of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Al Shaqab takes its name from an historic battle between the Qataris and the Ottoman Empire in 1893.
The racing operation was officially launched in November, 2013 although Sheikh Joaan raced horses, both thoroughbred and Arabian, in his own name previously, both in Qatar and in Europe. His first thoroughbred winner was Fatih Al Keir at Dax on August 22, 2012.
Sheikh Joaan owns Haras de Bouquetot in Normandy, France, where the stallions Planteur and Style Vendome currently stand. Al Shaqab paid a record 5 million guineas at Tattersalls in 2013 for a sister to the 2012 Oaks winner Was, named Al Naamah and in training with Andre Fabre.
The Hon Harry Herbert is Al Shaqab’s racing advisor in Europe with Bradley Weisbord representing Al Shaqab’s affairs in the USA. Frankie Dettori is the organisation’s retained rider.
Treve, winner of the French Oaks, Prix Vermeille and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in 2013 is Sheikh Joaan’s best horse to date. Olympic Glory, winner of the 2013 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot and 2014 Lockinge Stakes at Newbury and Toronado, winner of the 2013 QIPCO Sussex Stakes, also run under the Al Shaqab banner.
At the start of 2014, Al Shaqab purchased a share in the 2013 Investec Derby winner Ruler Of The World.
Toronado (IRE) – Queen Anne Stakes
Breeding: 4 b c High Chaparral (IRE) – Wana Doo (USA) (Grand Slam (USA))
Breeder: Paul Nataf
Born: February 20, 2010
Trainer: Richard Hannon
Form: 111/14216-
*Top-class miler last season, finishing fourth in QIPCO 2000 Guineas, second in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot before a decisive half-length success over Dawn Approach in the QIPCO Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.
*Has not run since trailing home last of six in the Juddmonte International Stakes over an extended 10 furlongs at York on August 21.
Race record: Starts: 8; Wins: 5; 2nd: 1; 3rd: -; Win & Place Prize Money: £374,002
Treve (FR) – Prince Of Wales’s Stakes
Breeding: 4 b f Motivator – Trevise (FR) (Anabaa (USA))
Breeder: Haras du Quesnay
Born: April 7, 2010
Trainer: Criquette Head-Maarek FR
Form: 1/1111-2
*Crowned Cartier’s Horse Of The Year for 2013 following a breathtaking five-length success in the Group One Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp in October.
*Also captured Group One Prix de Diane Longines at Chantilly on June 16 last year in a course record time, after which she was purchased by Sheikh Joann Al Thani, and the Group One Qatar Prix Vermeille on September 15 at Longchamp.
*Lost unbeaten record on her seasonal return in the Group One Prix Ganay at Longchamp on April 27, beaten a short-neck by Cirrus Des Aigles.
Race record: Starts: 6; Wins: 5; 2nd: 1; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money: £2,937,971
Ruler Of The World (IRE) – Hardwicke Stakes
Breeding: 4 ch c Galileo (IRE) – Love Me True (USA) (Kingmambo (USA))
Breeder: Southern Bloodstock
Born: March 17, 2010
Owner: Al Shaqab Racing, Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien IRE
Form: 1115273-0
*Enjoyed career highlight when winning the 2013 Investec Derby under Ryan Moore, scoring by a length and a half from Libertarian.
*Rounded off 2013 with good third in Group One QIPCO Champion Stakes at Ascot.
*Disappointed on reappearance when 13th in Dubai World Cup on Tapeta at Meydan in March.
*Galileo half-brother to Duke Of Marmalade, whose haul of five Group Ones includes Prince Of Wales’s Stakes and King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.
*A share was sold to Al Shaqab Racing ahead of the 2014 season and Ruler Of The World now runs in their colours.
Starts: 8; Wins: 3; 2nd: 1; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money: £1,008,493
Bunker (IRE) – King Edward VII Stakes
Breeding: 3 br c Hurricane Run (IRE) – Endure (IRE) (Green Desert (USA))
Breeder: Lynn Lodge Stud
Born: January 24, 2011
Trainer: Richard Hannon
Form: 121-5
*Fifth to The Grey Gatsby in the Group Two Dante Stakes over an extended 10 furlongs at York on May 15, beaten three and three quarter lengths.
*Finished last season with a gutsy short-head victory over subsequent Group One winner Karakontie in the Listed Prix Francois Boutin over seven furlongs at Deauville in August.
*Also has option of Group Three Queen’s Vase over two miles at Royal Ascot 2014.
Race record: Starts: 4; Wins: 2; 2nd: 1; 3rd: -; Win & Place Prize Money: £41,880
Baitha Alga (IRE) – Coventry Stakes
Breeding: 2 b c Fast Company (IRE) – Tawaafur (Fantastic Light (USA)
Breeder: Theresa Killen
Born: February 19, 2012
Trainer: Richard Hannon
Form: -211
*Commanding two-length winner of the Listed Woodcote Stakes over six furlongs at Epsom Downs on June 7.
*Off the mark at the second time of asking in a six-furlong maiden at Chester on May 31.
*Also has option of Group Two Norfolk Stakes.
Race record: Starts: 3; Wins: 2; 2nd: 1; 3rd: -; Win & Place Prize Money: £31,409
The Wow Signal – Coventry Stakes
Breeding: 2 b c Starspangledbanner (AUS) – Muravka (IRE) (High Chaparral (IRE))
Breeder: Mrs T Stack
Born: February 27, 2012
Trainer: John Quinn
Form: -1
*Purchased by Al Shaqab Racing after a nine-length victory in a six-furlong maiden at Ayr on April 21.
*From limited first crop of 2010 Diamond Jubilee Stakes hero Starspangledbanner.
Race record: Starts: 1; Wins: 1; 2nd: -; 3rd: -; Win & Place Prize Money: £4,205
Harry’s Dancer (IRE) – Queen Mary Stakes
Breeding: 2 b f Kodiac – Dance On (Caerleon (USA))
Breeder: Mrs Adelaide Doran
Born: February 2, 2012
Trainer: John Quinn
Form: -1
*Impressive five-length winner of a five-furlong Thirsk maiden on May 17, after which a share was purchased by Al Shaqab Racing.
Race Record: Starts: 1; Wins: 1; 2nd: -; 3rd: -; Win & Place Prize Money: £4,205
South African trainer Mike de Kock is hoping that last year’s King’s Stand Stakes runner-up Shea Shea can go one better on Tuesday (June 17).
“It was disappointing last year,” said de Kock. “It looked like he was going to win then got run out of it. It was a race we’d really targeted and a big deal for us. We’re back again for another crack at it. His preparation has been good this year, but he is obviously a year older. We were a lot easier on him in Dubai so hopefully he’s a fresh horse.
“I haven’t studied the race too much. I know there are some up and coming horses and Sole Power, who beat him last year, but a lot of the names are horses he’s run against quite a lot. It’s not an exact science bit we’ve got him fit and well.
“To win at Ascot would be massive for us because of the long road to get here. It’s not every day that you’ve got a horse to run at Royal Ascot, never mind one that could be competitive in the betting. Not only for me and my team, it would mean a lot to our industry back home, showcasing our horses. Any exposure we get is fantastic for us.
“Winning would be a big reward for everybody, not only me. There’s a big team behind me and Mary Slack has made a big investment buying Abingdon Place (in Newmarket) and fixing it up into the lovely property it is now. There would be a sense of achievement for everybody to have a Royal Ascot winner.”
Soft Falling Rain will run in the Queen Anne Stakes (Tuesday, June 17) and de Kock added: “He didn’t travel well back from Dubai and had a temperature – 10 important days were lost. It’s not ideal. No trainer wants to go into any Group One having had a day when you’re not able to do what you wanted to do.
“But he’s a high-class animal and I hope he can get away with it. He likes it firm and fast, which it sounds like he’ll be getting, and I hope he’ll be in the first four. That’s the type of ground he loves.
“Whether he’s good enough to beat the likes of Toronado remains to be seen. He’s got really solid Group Two form in Dubai and Europe and Group One form in South Africa but he’d have to up his game against these smart horses.
“He was supposed to go the Lockinge but didn’t run because he missed some crucial work. It’s never ideal going into races, not having done exactly what you’d like but we’ve got to have a crack. His run at Newmarket last year (when winning the Group Two Nayef Joel Stakes) was quite impressive.”
Shea Shea (SAF) Factfile
Breeding: 7 b g National Emblem (SAF) – Yankee Clipper (SAF) (Jallad (USA))
Breeder: Klawervlei Stud
Born: September 26, 2007
Owner: Brian Joffe & Myron Berzack
Trainer: Mike de KockSAF
Form: 231151/12613136/11/011242-13
*Set to line up in the King’s Stand Stakes for a second time, having gone down by neck to Sole Power in the five-furlong Group One last year. Worked on Newmarket’s July Course on June 10 in preparation for Royal Ascot.
*Performed admirably in two subsequent British Group One starts last season, coming home fourth in the Darley July Cup at Newmarket and chasing home Jwala in the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes at York.
*Close third on latest start, beaten a neck and a head by Amber Sky and Ahtoug, in the five-furlong Group One Al Quoz Sprint Powered By IPIC at Meydan on March 29 – a race he won comfortably in 2013.
*Transferred to Mike de Kock in late 2012 after establishing himself as one of South Africa’s leading sprinters when trained by Geoff Woodruff. Won the Grade One Computaform Sprint over five furlongs at Turffontein in April, 2012, and also scored over six furlongs in the Grade One Golden Horse Casino Sprint at Scottsville in May, 2011.
Race Record: Starts: 24; 1st: 11; 2nd: 4; 3rd: 4; Win & Place Prize Money: £854,436
Brian Joffe & Myron Berzack
Background: Brian Joffe, 66, is the CEO of Bidvest plc, an international services, trading and distribution company, listed on the JSE, South Africa and operating on four continents, employing over 100,000 people. He co-founded the group of companies in 1988, having qualified as a chartered accountant in 1972. He was one of the Sunday Times’ top five businessmen in 1992 and was voted South Africa’s Top Manager of the Year in 2002 in the Corporate Research Foundation’s publication “South Africa’s Leading Managers”. He was awarded the South African Chapter of the Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Award 2003. Racing Interests: Joffe’s interest in racing stems from his father, who owned several horses. He describes himself not a major owner but more of “social investor” in horses, although he admits to investing in 100 horses before finding Shea Shea, including spending almost 3-million rand (nearly £200,000) on one horse that never won. Shea Shea is named after Brian’s grandson, who was a toddler when trainer Geoff Woodruff paid 550,000 rand (a little over £35,000) for the son of National Emblem on behalf of Joffe and Myron Berzack at the 2009 Emperor’s Palace National Yearling Sale. Myron Berzack, 66,was the chief executive of Bid Industrial Products & Commercial Products of Bidvest until 2011, when he left the group to pursue other interests. He is currently chairman of Voltrex Holding and a non-executive director of Powertech and Amalgamated Appliance Holdings. Racing Interests: Long-standing owner in South Africa and Singapore. Co-owner of 2002/03 Highveld filly of the year Icy Air. Big Race Wins Include: Golden Horse Casino Sprint (2011 Shea Shea), Computaform Sprint (2012 Shea Shea), Al Quoz Sprint (2013 Shea Shea)
Mike de Kock SAF (Summerveld, Durban, South Africa)
Born: February 13, 1964 Background: Raised within a stone’s throw of Newmarket Racecourse in South Africa. Drafted into the Equestrian Unit of the South African defence force in 1981 and became a riding instructor. Started out in racing as assistant trainer to Ormond Ferraris before moving on to Robbie Sage and finally Ricky Howard-Ginsberg. Took over Howard-Ginsberg’s stable upon the trainer’s death in 1989. Married to Diane, daughter of dual South African champion jockey Johnny Cawcutt and niece of former trainer Lesley Cawcutt. Diane is responsible for the pre-training yard at Randjesfontein, while son Mathew also works for Mike. Has done well in Dubai where he usually has a strong team for the Dubai World Cup Carnival. Accolades: Champion Trainer in South Africa (7 times – 1998/99, 2001/2002, 2005/06, 2007/08, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2011/12), has trained 99 Group/Grade One winners (up to June 6, 2014) Big Race Wins Include: J & B Met (1999 Horse Chestnut, 2000 Badger’s Coast, 2012 Igugu), South African Derby (1999 Horse Chestnut, 2004 Greys Inn, 2009 Bouquet Garni, 2010 Irish Flame), Durban July (2002 Ipi Tombe, 2004 Greys Inn, 2010 Bold Silvano, 2011 Igugu), Dubai Duty Free (2003 Ipi Tombe, 2004 Right Approach), Audemars Piguet QEII Cup (2006 Irridescence, 2008 Archipenko), Dubai Sheema Classic (2008 Sun Classique), Hong Kong Cup (2008 Eagle Mountain), Singapore Cup (2010 Lizard’s Desire), Al Quoz Sprint (2013 Shea Shea), Jebel Hatta (2014 Vercingerorix), Hong Kong Champions Mile (2014 Variety Club) Global Sprint Challenge runners (British Legs): King’s Stand Stakes (2013 Shea Shea 2nd) Diamond Jubilee Stakes – (2007 Drayton 5th, 2009 J J The Jet Plane 4th) Darley July Cup – (2007 Drayton 11th, 2009 J J The Jet Plane 3rd, 2013 Shea Shea 4th) Other Royal Ascot runners: Queen Anne Stakes (2003 Victory Moon 7th), Gold Cup (2008 Thundering Star 8th), Royal Hunt Cup (2013 David Livingstone 5th)
Soft Falling Rain (SAF) Factfile
Breeding: 5 b h National Assembly (CAN) – Gardener´s Delight (USA) (Giant´s Causeway (USA))
Breeder: Highlands Farm Stud (Pty) Ltd
Born: September 16, 2009
Owner: Hamdan Al Maktoum
Trainer: Mike de KockSAF
Form: 1111/(1)(1)(1)210-(0)(2)
*Entered in the Queen Anne Stakes and worked with Shea Shea on Newmarket’s July Course on June 10 in preparation for the mile contest.
*Set to make a second appearance at Ascot after finishing 11th on unsuitably soft ground in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Sponsored by QIPCO) on British Champions Day in October. Had been entered in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at last year’s Royal Meeting, but missed the first half of the European campaign following a busy start to the year in Dubai.
*Runner-up on most recent start, going down by a length to subsequent Hong Kong Champions Mile winner Variety Club in the Group Two Godolphin Mile Sponsored by Meydan Sobha on Tapeta at Meydan on March 29.
*Made three appearances in Britain in total last season, decisively winning the Group Two Nayef Joel Stakes at Newmarket in September and taking second on his first outing for nearly five months in the Group Two Betfred Hungerford Stakes at Newbury in August.
* Posted three superb victories on the Tapeta of Meydan, Dubai, in 2013 , culminating with a game three-quarters of a length success over older and more seasoned opposition in the Group Two Godolphin Mile Sponsored by Etisalat on March 30.
*Started his career with four turf wins in South Africa, including when slamming the opposition by four and a half lengths in the six-furlong Grade One SA Nursery at Turffontein in April, 2012.
Race Record: Starts: 12; 1st: 8; 2nd: 2; 3rd: -; Win & Place Prize Money: £711,109
Hamdan Al Maktoum
Born: December 25, 1945. Background: eldest surviving brother of the ruling family of Dubai. Deputy Ruler of Dubai as well as being the Minister of Finance and Industry of the United Arab Emirates. Attended Bell School of Languages in Cambridge, England, between 1967 and 1968. Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates between 1971 and 1973. Racing Interests: Around 500 horses globally carry his distinctive silks of blue with white epaulets, blue and white striped cap, and are trained in Britain mainly by Ed Dunlop, John Gosden, William Haggas, Charlie Hills, John Hills, Mark Johnston, Sir Michael Stoute, and Roger Varian. Also has horses trained in America, Australia, Dubai, South Africa, Ireland and France. Has owned 12 British Classic winners, headed by Nashwan (1989 2000 Guineas and Derby) and Salsabil (1990 1000 Guineas and Oaks). His latest was Taghrooda in the 2014 Investec Oaks. His stars around the world include At Talaq and Jeune, who won the Melbourne Cup in 1986 and 1994 respectively, and US champion Invasor, who won the 2006 Breeders’ Cup Classic and following year’s Dubai World Cup. Also owns Shadwell Stud in Norfolk and Beech House Stud in Newmarket, as well as studs in Ireland and Kentucky. Shadwell has over 250 mares worldwide and stands more than a dozen stallions globally. Major Royal Ascot wins include: St. James’s Palace Stakes (1991 Marju, 1995 Bahri), Coronation Stakes (1985 Al Bahathri, 2009 Ghanaati), Queen Anne Stakes (1992 Lahib), Prince of Wales’s Stakes (1994 & 1995 Muhtarram, 2003 Nayef), Gold Cup: (1990 Ashal), King’s Stand Stakes (1990 Dayjur), Golden Jubilee Stakes (1996 Atraf, 2002 Malhub)
Mike de Kock SAF (Summerveld, Durban, South Africa)
Born: February 13, 1964 Background: Raised within a stone’s throw of Newmarket Racecourse in South Africa. Drafted into the Equestrian Unit of the South African defence force in 1981 and became a riding instructor. Started out in racing as assistant trainer to Ormond Ferraris before moving on to Robbie Sage and finally Ricky Howard-Ginsberg. Took over Howard-Ginsberg’s stable upon the trainer’s death in 1989. Married to Diane, daughter of dual South African champion jockey Johnny Cawcutt and niece of former trainer Lesley Cawcutt. Diane is responsible for the pre-training yard at Randjesfontein, while son Mathew also works for Mike. Has done well in Dubai where he usually has a strong team for the Dubai World Cup Carnival. Accolades: Champion Trainer in South Africa (7 times – 1998/99, 2001/2002, 2005/06, 2007/08, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2011/12), has trained 99 Group/Grade One winners (up to June 6, 2014) Big Race Wins Include: J & B Met (1999 Horse Chestnut, 2000 Badger’s Coast, 2012 Igugu), South African Derby (1999 Horse Chestnut, 2004 Greys Inn, 2009 Bouquet Garni, 2010 Irish Flame), Durban July (2002 Ipi Tombe, 2004 Greys Inn, 2010 Bold Silvano, 2011 Igugu), Dubai Duty Free (2003 Ipi Tombe, 2004 Right Approach), Audemars Piguet QEII Cup (2006 Irridescence, 2008 Archipenko), Dubai Sheema Classic (2008 Sun Classique), Hong Kong Cup (2008 Eagle Mountain), Singapore Cup (2010 Lizard’s Desire), Al Quoz Sprint (2013 Shea Shea), Jebel Hatta (2014 Vercingerorix), Hong Kong Champions Mile (2014 Variety Club) Global Sprint Challenge runners (British Legs): King’s Stand Stakes (2013 Shea Shea 2nd) Diamond Jubilee Stakes – (2007 Drayton 5th, 2009 J J The Jet Plane 4th) Darley July Cup – (2007 Drayton 11th, 2009 J J The Jet Plane 3rd, 2013 Shea Shea 4th) Other Royal Ascot runners: Queen Anne Stakes (2003 Victory Moon 7th), Gold Cup (2008 Thundering Star 8th), Royal Hunt Cup (2013 David Livingstone 5th)
Wesley Ward
(Glendora, California, & Gulfstream Park, Florida)
Born: March 3, 1968, Saleh, Washington State Background: grandson of long-serving New York outrider Jim Dailey and son of former apprentice and trainer Dennis Ward. Left school at 14 and moved to New York to ride when he was just 15. Enjoyed a sensational first season, partnering 335 winners and becoming leading jockey at the Belmont, Aqueduct and Meadowlands fall meetings. Receiving the Eclipse Award for leading apprentice when he was just 16 in 1984. Spells riding in Italy, Singapore, Malaysia, Illinois and Canada followed and Ward was in the plate when subsequent Kentucky Derby hero Ferdinand lost his maiden tag in 1985. A growth spurt and weight problems forced Ward to quit riding in 1989. Training career: assisted his father for four years prior to starting out on his own in 1991. Accolades: Became the first US-based trainer to saddle a winner at Royal Ascot when Strike The Tiger won the Windsor Castle Stakes at odds of 33/1 on June 16, 2009. Responsible for One Hot Wish, who set a new world record for of 48.87 seconds for 4.5 furlongs on her debut at Keeneland in April, 2007. Became only the third American-based trainer to win a European Group One when No Nay Never captured the Prix Morny at Deauville in August, 2013, following Leo O’Brien (Fourstars Allstar, 1992 Irish 2,000 Guineas) and Bert Michell (Count Reigh, 1929 Coronation Cup). Royal Ascot Record: 2009 STRIKE THE TIGER (WON WINDSOR CASTLE STAKES), JEALOUS AGAIN (WON QUEEN MARY STAKES), Yogaroo (9th Norfolk Stakes), Aegean (9th Albany Stakes), Honor In Peace (16th Chesham Stakes), Cannonball (4th King’s Stand Stakes. 2nd Golden Jubilee Stakes); 2010 Metropolitan Man (9th Windsor Castle Stakes); 2011 Holiday For Kitten (13th King’s Stand Stakes), Italo (23rd Coventry Stakes), Gentlemans Code (4th Windsor Castle Stakes), Gypsy Robin (7th Queen Mary Stakes), Everyday Dave (11th Norfolk Stakes); 2013 NO NAY NEVER (WON NORFOLK STAKES), Sweet Emma Rose (2nd Queen Mary Stakes), Ogermeister (15th Windsor Castle Stakes).
Wesley Ward’s Potential Royal Ascot Runners
SPANISH PIPEDREAM (USA)
Breeding: 2 b f Scat Daddy (USA) – Doc’s Leading Lady (USA) (Doc’s Leader (USA))
Breeder: Hurstland Farm Inc & James Greene Jr
Born: April 19, 2012
Owner: Hat Creek Racing
Trainer: Wesley Ward USA
Form: (1)
*A daughter of Scat Daddy, who is also the sire of last season’s Norfolk Stakes and Prix Morny winner No Nay Never. Aimed at Group Two Queen Mary Stakes (Wednesday, June 18).
*Made all to take a four and a half-furlong Polytrack maiden by four and a quarter lengths on debut at Keeneland on April 24.
*Owned by Hat Creek Racing syndicate that includes Wes Welker, a wide receiver with the Denver Broncos American football team. Welker and Ward recently enjoyed notable success this year with Undrafted, who won the Grade Three Jaipur Invitational Stakes at Belmont Park on June 7. Undrafted is now set to head to Europe for the Darley July Cup at Newmarket on July 12.
Race Record: Starts: 1; 1st: 1; 2nd: -; 3rd: -;
SUNSET GLOW (USA)
Breeding: 2 gr/ro f Exchange Rate (USA) – Perfectforthepart (USA) (Dynaformer (USA))
Breeder: Gayla Rankin/GLR Ranch
Born: February 20, 2012
Owner: Ten Broeck Farm Inc
Trainer: Wesley Ward USA
Form: (2)1
*Rallied well after breaking slowly to take second, beaten four and a half lengths by stable companion Lindy, in Tapeta maiden over four and a half furlongs at Presque Isle Downs on May 13. Aimed at Albany Stakes (Friday, June 20).
*Not fully extended when posting a cosy two-length success on turf in a five-furlong maiden at Belmont Park on June 6.
Race Record: Starts: 2; 1st: 1; 2nd: 1; 3rd: -;
LINDY (USA)
Breeding: 2 b f War Front (USA) – Dattts Lady Di (USA) (Proud Citizen (USA))
Breeder: Bret Jones
Born: January 24, 2012
Owner: Hat Creek Racing
Trainer: Wesley Ward USA
Form: (1)
*By War Front, who sired two winners at Royal Ascot last season – Declaration Of War in the Queen Anne Stakes and War Command in the Coventry Stakes.
*Broke sharply and made every yard when gained a four and a half-length success in a Tapeta maiden over four and a half furlongs at Presque Isle Downs on May 13.
*Also part-owned by Wes Welker.
Race Record: Starts: 1; 1st: 1; 2nd: -; 3rd: -;
TO BE DETERMINED (USA)
Breeding: 2 b f Elusive Quality (USA) – Katori (USA) (Dixie Union (USA))
Breeder: Rose Hill Farm, Sean Speck & Barbara Speck
Born: April 3, 2012
Owner: Ten Broeck Farm Inc
Trainer: Wesley Ward USA
Form: (3)
*Disputed the early running before weakening to finish third on only start in dirt maiden over four and a half furlongs at Churchill Downs on May 9. Aimed at Group Two Norfolk Stakes (Thursday, June 19).
Race Record: Starts: 1; 1st: -; 2nd: -; 3rd: 1;
CROWN THE KITTEN (USA)
Breeding: 2 b c Kitten’s Joy (USA) – Queen Stephanie (USA), (Proud Citizen (USA))
Breeder: Kenneth & Sarah Ramsey
Born: March 28, 2012
Owner: Kenneth & Sarah Ramsey
Trainer: Wesley Ward USA
Form: 2
*Homebred by leading US owners Ken and Sarah Ramsey, whose colours were carried by the 2009 Golden Jubilee Stakes runner-up Cannonball (also trained by Wesley Ward). Aimed at Listed Chesham Stakes (Saturday, June 21).
*Stayed on to take second, going down by two lengths to stable companion Sunset Glow, on debut in five-furlong turf maiden at Belmont Park on June 6.
Race Record: Starts: 1; 1st: 1; 2nd: -; 3rd: -;
HOOTENANNY (USA)
Breeding: 2 b c Quality Road (USA) – More Hennessy (USA) (Hennessy (USA))
Breeder: Barronstown
Born: March 17, 2012
Owner: Ken Donworth, Ben McElroy & Wesley A Ward
Trainer: Wesley Ward USA
Form: (1)(3)
*From the first crop of Quality Road, a four-time Grade One winner over a mile and nine furlongs Aimed at Listed Windsor Castle Stakes (Tuesday, June 17).
*Forged clear in closing stages to win a four and a half-furlong Polytrack maiden by four and a quarter lengths at Keeneland on April 17.
*Faded to third after leading in the Listed Rollicking Stakes over five furlongs on dirt at Pimlico on May 17.
Race Record: Starts: 2; 1st: 1; 2nd: -; 3rd: 1;
CORDERO (IRE)
Breeding: 2 b c Giant’s Causeway (USA) – Half Queen (Deputy Minister)
Breeder: Half Queen Syndicate
Born: February 2, 2012
Owner: Rashard Lewis/Coolmore
Trainer: Wesley Ward USA
Form: unraced
*Set to make his debut in the Listed Chesham Stakes over seven furlongs at Royal Ascot on June 21.
*Half-brother to 2003 US champion juvenile filly Halfbridled, who tasted Grade One success in the Del Mar Debutante Stakes and the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies.
*Part-owned by Coolmore (as was last year’s Norfolk Stakes winner No Nay Never) and Rashard Lewis, who plays basketball in the NBA for Miami Heat.
Rosalind (USA) Factfile
Breeding: 3 ch f Broken Vow (USA) – Critics Acclaim (USA) (Theatrical (IRE))
Breeder: Hurstland Farm Inc, James H Greene Jr & Pin Oak Stud LLC
Born: April 13, 2011
Owner: Landaluce Educe Stables
Trainer: Kenny McPeek USA
Form: 1(3)(2)(3)(4)-(3)(1)(4)
*Entered at Royal Ascot in both the G1 Coronation Stakes (1m, June 20) and the G2 Ribblesdale Stakes (1m 4f, June 19), although yet to race further than an extended mile.
*A US$70,000 purchase at the 2012 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky July Yearling Sale. Made winning debut with impressive victory in mile turf maiden at Ellis Park, Kentucky, in August, 2013.
*Subsequently established herself as one of North America’s leading juveniles last season with a string of excellent runs, finishing second in the Grade One Alcibiades Stakes on Polytrack at Keeneland and third, beaten just over half a length after stumbling at the start, on dirt in the Grade One Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies’ at Santa Anita.
*Dead-heated with Room Service in the extended mile Grade One Ashland Stakes on Polytrack at Keeneland on April 5.
*Fourth (beaten 12 lengths) on most recent start in the Grade One Longines Kentucky Oaks, also over a mile and half a furlong, on dirt at Churchill Downs on May 2.
*Set to arrive in Britain on the evening of Thursday, June 12, on a flight from Indianapolis to Stansted. Rosalind will wear a thermal suit for her journey, similar to that worn by Black Caviar on her successful trip to Royal Ascot in 2012.
Race Record: Starts: 8; 1st: 2; 2nd: 1; 3rd: 3; Win & Place Prize Money: £368,103
Landaluce Educe Stables
Ray Struder established Landaluce Educe (literally Landaluce Remembered in Latin) in 2010 and the stables take their name from the 1982 US champion juvenile filly Landaluce, who died of a bacterial infection at the end of her two-year-old campaign. Struder, who grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee, was left wheelchair-bound following an American football injury and transferred to San Deigo State University to take advantage of the better wheelchair access and warmer weather. While studying at San Diego, he saw Landaluce easily win the Del Mar Debutante Stakes and the Anoakia Stakes at Santa Anita before her untimely death. Heartbroken by her death, Struder decided that he would name his stables after Landaduce, although he would have to wait 28 years to become an owner. After setting up a successful engineering firm back in Tennessee, Struder approached Kenny McPeek with a plan of buying and racing fillies, with the aim of not only owning but also breeding a Grade One winner. His first horse – Niji’s Grand Girl – won twice at Churchill Downs and Gulfstream Park while Volcat captured the Grade Three Virginia Oaks at Colonial Downs in 2012. Rosalind became his first Grade One winner when dead-heating in the Ashland Stakes. Although his stables are registered at Struder’s hometown of Knoxville, all of his fillies and broodmares are based in Kentucky.
Kenny McPeek USA – Lexington, Kentucky
Born: August 2, 1962, Fort Chaffee, Arkansas Background: grew up in the heart of American thoroughbred country at Lexington in Kentucky. He played American football and baseball at Tates Creek High School in Lexington and, after graduating in business administration from the University of Kentucky, he was set on a career in the racing industry. After gaining experience as a hotwalker for Shug McGaughey, he took out a training licence in Kentucky in 1985 and shot to prominence with $20,000 purchase Tejano Run, who finished third in the 1994 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and second in the following year’s Kentucky Derby. McPeek tasted Classic glory via the ex Brian Meehan-trained Sarava in the 2002 Belmont Stakes and among his other flag-bearers have been Repent, Take Charge Lady, She’s A Devil Due, Harlan’s Holiday, Prince Arch, Dream Empress, Noble’s Promise and Rosalind. Hard Buck won three stakes races in the US and was runner-up in both the Dubai Sheema Classic at Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, and the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot. The trainer has enjoyed over 100 stakes winners with nearly half of those coming in Graded company including 10 Grade One triumphs to date. McPeek is married to Sue and they have a daughter, Jennifer Lynne. McPeek took a break from training between 2005 and 2006 to concentrate on his other job as a bloodstock agent and during this time purchased subsequent Preakness Stakes, Breeders’ Cup Classic and Dubai World Cup winner Curlin for $57,000. On his return to training, he converted the old Pillar Stud in Lexington to a new training establishment, which he re-named Magdalena, having been inspired to break away from the American practice of training on the track following his visit to Ascot with Hard Buck and a subsequent trip to Australia where a 20-minute conversation with trainer Lee Freedman convinced him of the benefits of training from his own place rather than on racetracks. McPeek has launched his own successful horseracing app – “Horse Races NOW”. Royal Ascot Record: 2010 Tiz My Time (3rd Albany Stakes), Noble’s Promise (5th St James’s Palace Stakes), Casper’s Touch (3rd Chesham Stakes)
Ancil (USA) Factfile
Breeding: 5 b h City Zip (USA) – Le Grand Belle (USA) (With Approval (CAN))
Breeder: George Pruette
Born: April 26, 2009
Owner: Scott Farmer & Kathy Thompson
Trainer: Joan Scott USA
Form: (4)223(0)5/(3)(5)(1)(4)(1)(2)/1(4)(4)138-108
*Flying from Indianapolis to Stansted on Thursday, June 12, to prepare for the Group One King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot on June 17.
*Five-time winner on Tapeta and turf in the USA, most notably when breaking the course record with a blistering performance in the non-graded Turf Dash Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs on March 1, in which he clocked 54.88s in the five-furlong contest. Bridgetown (Todd Pletcher) won the same race before finishing 12th in the King’s Stand Stakes in 2011.
*Beaten six lengths in total when last of 12 on turf in the Grade Three Shakertown Stakes over five and a half furlongs at Keeneland on April 12.
*Eighth on latest appearance in five-furlong Grade Three Twin Spires Turf Sprint at Churchill Downs on May 2.
Race Record: Starts: 21; 1st: 5; 2nd: 3; 3rd: 3; Win & Place Prize Money: £148,912
Joan Scott (Woodbine & Tampa Bay Downs)
Joan Scott, 47, grew up in Penn Laird, Virginia, and started showing hunters and jumpers after her parents gave her a pony called Tuesday when she was eight. Moved to Kentucky aged 19 to work with Saddlebreds but got jobs working at Keeneland Sales and breaking thoroughbreds at Margaux Stud. Travelled to England to work for Bob McCreery at Stowell Hill Stud for a summer in 1990 and then spent the following summer at the Head family’s Haras du Quesnay in Normandy. Also rode out at Newmarket and for John Oxx in Ireland. Only experience of racing in the UK was a day at Salisbury. Returned to the US full-time in 1992 to become work rider for leading trainers Bud Delp, Elliott Walden, Carl Nafzger, Nick Zito and Hal Wiggins, who oversaw the early career of Rachel Alexandra. Set up on her own in 2002 and enjoyed notable early success with Grade Two scorer Freefourinternet, who was sixth behind Six Perfections in the 2003 Breeders’ Cup Mile. Scott was the co-owner/trainer of Dr Zic, successful in the Grade One Vinery Madison Stakes at Keeneland in April, 2010. Was formerly married to trainer Eddie Kenneally. Scott, who winters her horses at Tampa Bay Downs, recently relocated to Woodbine from Keeneland.
Scott Farmer & Kathy Thompson
Ancil was purchased by Scott Farmer and Kathy Thompson in the spring of 2013 after breeder George Pruette decided to sell the colt due to ill health. The son of City Zip is the first horse that either Farmer or Thompson has owned. Scott Farmer is president of Aurora Pools and Spas, a company that sells swimming pools and hot tubs in Lexington, Kentucky. Kathy Thompson is retired and lives in Brooksville, Florida.<< Back to Racing Headlines
