Racing International

Dubai Carnival Opens at Meydan Racecourse

susan trevelyan-syke — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:09:00 GMT

The architect's future design, in the aerial view above, of Dubai's new US$2 billion hotel and Meydan Racecourse complex not only shows the vast ambition of the project, but the artistic integrity of its exquisite Arabic design.

The racecourse's 1,750m Tapeta synthetic surface will replace Nad al Sheba's 2,200m Dirt course and will become the new home of the US$10 million Dubai World Cup on March 27 and many other major races.

In fact, there is speculation that the Dubai Racing Club might stage world-class races later in the year which would bridge the seasons between Europe and both the Near and Far East.

They could be staged at the beginning of the Dubai racing season in November and could compete with the Breeders' Cup.

Meydan's racecourse and one floor of the grandstand's corporate section were ready in time for opening day of the Dubai Carnival January 28 and the first leg of the Maktoum Challenge sponsored by Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum's Shadwell Farm.

The eight-race card was worth US$930,000.

It was only fitting that the first race would be a US$55,000 Group 1 for Anglo Arabs at 1,600m. It is the UAE Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1 sponsored by Jazil of Shadwell Farm on Dirt.

The Anglo and Pure Bred Arabian races and Challenge are very popular with local residents and the horses regularly compete in Europe.

Sheikh Hamdan's gorgeous colt No Risk Al Maury FR (Kesberoy) trained by Britain's Gill Duffield, won the event by 3/4 length with his Santhal FR (Djebbel) second and Kandar Du Falgas FR (Kesberoy) ridden by Tadhg O'Shea fourth. Vite Royal USA (Monarch AH) was third.

British jockey Richard Hills made history as the first winning rider on the Meydan Racecourse and earned his 450th victory in the UAE. It certainly pays to be Sheikh Hamdan's retained jockey.

The mile thoroughbred US$200,000 Maktoum Challenge Group 3 sponsored by Invasor ARG, Shadwell Farm, was the highlight of the day as it is a Trial for the Dubai World Cup and Godolphin Mile.

Last-year's runner-up in the DWC and winner of the 1-1/4 mile Group 1 Turf Singapore Airlines International Cup, 6yo Gloria De Campeao BRZ (Impression ARG) won by 1/2 length and is entered in the DWC by his French trainer Pascal Bary.

There is symmetry in the ultra-tough Brazilian horse by an Argentinian sire winning the Trial race sponsored by the great DWC winner from Argentina--Invasor.

Godolphin's favoured twosome My Indy ARG (Indygo) and Midshipman USA (Unbridled's Song USA). Midshipman faded and only managed fourth.

Compensating for the loss, the inimitable Frankie Dettori dictated tactics from the front on Godolphin's Whispering Gallery (Daylami IRE) in the Mustanfar sponsored by Shadwell Farm 1m2f (Handicap) on Tapeta and won by 3-1/2 lengths.

Whispering Gallery was British bred. Four British-based trainers were victorious: Gill Duffield, Luca Cumani, John Best and Jeremy Noseda.

Kieren Fallon won his first-ever Dubai Carnival race on Cumani's Drunken Sailor Ire (Tendulkar USA) in the Dumaani sponsored by Shadwell Farm (Handicap) 1m3f on Tapeta.

Cumani's Monte Alto IRE (Danehill Dancer IRE) was second by 2-1/4 lengths. Lindner GER (Golan IRE) was third by 7-1/4 lengths.

Multiple-UAE Champion Jockey Ted Durcan brought his 25.1 Sir Gerry USA (Carson City USA) to a half-length victory in the 6f (Handicap) Kayrawan sponsored by Shadwell Farm on Tapeta for trainer Best.

UAE jockey Ahmed Ajtebi had a crashing fall and has just been released from hospital.

South African trainer Mike De Kock and jockey Christophe Soumillon teamed for two impressive victories in the UAE 1000 Guineas Trial sponsored by Dayjur of Shadwell Farm (Conditions Race for Fillies), 7f, and the Intadab sponsored by Shadwell Farm (Handicap), 1m1-1/2f on Tapeta.

Four-year-old Raihana AUS (Elusive Quality USA) won the first and 5yo Lizard's Desire SAF (Lizard Island AUS) the second race for owner Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum.

The final race was won by British Jeremy Noseda's Leahurst IRE (Verglas IRE) for owner Mrs Susan Roy in the 7f (Handicap) Daaher sponsored by Shadwell Farm on Tapeta.

These races were the groundbreaking tests for jockeys who must deal with a new surface, a sharp bend, high camber at the bends and a short home straight of only a furlong-and-a-half.

Horses unfamiliar with All Weather surfaces take time to learn action changes and to use different muscles.

The surfaces favour Turf horses over Dirt which is why Rachel Alexandra's owner Jess Jackson will not enter her in the Dubai World Cup.

Jockeys believe speed is essential in the first furlong to gain a good position in the first five and any horse coming from behind is at a disadvantage.

That leaves a serious question of Zenyatta's chances to win on this racecourse as she likes to run last despite having the speed others do not.

Frank Gabriel, CEO of the Dubai Racing Club, is courting Zenyatta as a prime candidate for the Dubai World Cup. Her connections have tentative US racing plans arranged to defend her Breeders' Cup Classic 2009 victory.

Without her presence, Gloria De Campeao has been installed as favourite for the Dubai World Cup after his Trial victory opening night.

Racing International http://www.racingint.com

Dubai's Future Bright with Oil Discovery

susan trevelyan-syke — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:05:00 GMT

Many in the financial world thought they would cash in on Dubai's cash-flow troubles. Fortunately, Abu Dhabi stepped in with a short-term loan and Dubai World went into negotiations with their bankers from a position of greater strength.

Prominent members of Dubai's financial sector expressed shock at the bankers' demands and the damaging international media campaign launched against the country.

Then, large reserves of oil were discovered off the coast and the anti-Dubai campaign damped down.

Another reason Dubai has regained world respect is the exemplary police work from Dubai's Chief of Police (a media genius) and its security forces in exposing 27 Mossad conspirators who murdered a Hamas leader in Dubai.

The country has given warning that "Spies must go."

It appears that Emiratis can manage their own country very well.

Racing International http://www.racingint.com

Rachel Alexandra 2009 Eclipse Horse of the Year

susan trevelyan-syke — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 22:26:00 GMT

   The incredible Rachel Alexandra wipes out the colts in the $1,250,000 Haskell Invitational including Belmont Stakes winner Summer Bird by six lengths in near-record time. Jockey Calvin Borel gives his habitual winning finger.        Photo Bill Denver/Equi-Photo.

When a typical comment on Rachel Alexandra USA (Megdaglio D'Oro USA) winning the 2009 Eclipse Horse of the Year as well as Three-Year-Old Filly is "Rachel Alexandra did through the ballot box what no horse could do on the racetrack." (Jay Privman, Daily Racing Form), it is obvious something has gone wrong with the Eclipse voting process.

The Daily Racing Form suggested there be a Co-HOY Award, but the two other voting organizations (the National Turf Writers Association and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association) voted against it.

Out of 232 voters, three abstained or did not vote. The DRF voted 31-23 for RA, NTWA 71-51 for RA and NTRA 28-25 for RA totalling 130 for RA and 99 for Zenyatta USA (Street Cry IRE).

Controversy lingers over which female is superior and if the Eclipse Committee made a harmful decision having long-term implications for racing.

Voting has revealed we were correct in assuming that Rachel Alexandra would win no matter how many races Zenyatta could win.  East-Coast voting bias triumphed.

Zenyatta's owner Jerry Moss expressed her fans' and his own pained disappointment in a very gracious, but challenging way "Zenyatta has never lost. She's perfect. Nobody beat her on the racetrack. They beat her by proxy."

That sums up how many feel across the world.

Pity that both outstanding females were not celebrated.

In the end, it took away much joy and spoiled what might have been. Also, the controversy detracted from all the other awards.

Rachel's owner Jess Jackson observed that "either horse deserved this award. Together Rachel and Zenyatta won nine Grade 1 races. Together they conquered four of the best groups of males who were running last year. ...there has never been a year like this one for fillies."

Fans also voted Rachel's Grade 1 Woodward Stakes win at Saratoga Racecourse as the New York Racing Association's "Story of the Year".

Zenyatta was voted Older Female and was joined by Gio Ponti as Older Male and Male Turf Horse.

Pity that Europe's Conduit lost Male Turf as he was the best Turf horse with back-to-back Breeders' Cup Turf victories.

As expected, Lookin At Lucky and She Be Wild swept the Two-Year-Old category and Summer Bird and Rachel Alexandra the Three-Year-Old.

Female and Male Sprinters were Informed Decision and Kodiak Kowboy.

France's Goldikova was chosen as Female Turf Horse. She is incomparable.

Mixed Up was the Steeplechase Horse (they should see Kauto Star and Denman).

Godolphin Racing was winning owner, Juddmonte Farms winning breeder.

Jockey Julien Leparoux and Apprentice Jockey Christian Santiago Reyes took their competitive categories.

Rachel's trainer Steve Asmussen was chosen Trainer of the Year (see column below for details of his impressive 2009 record).

The Award of Merit went to owner/breeder William S Farrish of legendary Lane's End Farm. He was Ambassador to the UK under President Ronald Reagan and both he and his wife are close friends of The Queen.

Finally, we at Racing International were very pleased that Monique Koehler, founder of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, was honoured with a Special Award.

TRF is one of the charities RI supports. (http://www.trfinc.org)

Racing International http://www.racingint.com

Females Dominate

susan trevelyan-syke — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 21:14:00 GMT

For the first time in North American history, two females are the leading thoroughbred earners, according to Equibase Company LLC (official database for racing information).

Zenyatta topped the list with $3,330,000 and Rachel Alexandra was second with $2,746,914.

Rachel Alexandra's trainer Steve Asmussen won a single-season record 650 races out of 2,944 starts and earned $21,876,405.

Garrett Gomez was leading jockey with $18,571,171 winnings for 210 out of 967 mounts for the fourth consecutive year.

Michael Gill won 370 races from 2,247 starts and earned $6,669,950 to lead all owners.

Juddmonte Farms Inc was second with 27 wins out of 116 starts and earnings of $6,525,818.

Racing International http://www.racingint.com

Dubai World Cup Invitation for Zenyatta

susan trevelyan-syke — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 21:06:00 GMT

Despite 6yo Zenyatta's connections announcing plans for an exclusive American campaign, they will be invited to compete in the Dubai World Cup.

Frank Gabriel, CEO of the Dubai Racing Club, said it is his aim to "secure a line-up of the highest quality for the Dubai World Cup" and "a horse of the calibre of Zenyatta will be of paramount importance".

Should Zenyatta accept the Club's invitation, she could compete against the outstanding mare Vodka JPN (Tamino Gimlet JPN), winner of the Japan Cup and Japan's Horse of the Year for the second year, in the $10 Million Dubai World Cup.

Other invitees will be Hong Kong winners Vision D'Etat FR (Chichicastenango FR) and Presvis (Sakhee USA) along with US Grade 1 winner Gitano Hernando FR (Hernando FR).

Jess Jackson, owner of Rachel Alexandra USA (Megdaglia D'Oro USA), has already ruled out racing his Dirt specialist on the new DWC Tapeta surface.

Rachel could meet Zenyatta in the $500,000 Apple Blossom Handicap at Oaklawn Park, Hot Springs, Arkansas, on April 3 which would temporarily settle their fans' feud over which female is better.

On the other hand, what a fabulous international race it would be if all three great fillies raced each other in the DWC!

And Goldikova IRE (Anabaa USA) competed in the mile.

Racing International http://www.racingint.com

Zenyatta Not to Race in Dubai World Cup

susan trevelyan-syke — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:47:00 GMT

Trainer John Shirreffs indicated that Zenyatta might return to racing in the $250,000 Santa Margarita Handicap at Santa Anita on March 13 and then the $500,000 Apple Blossom Handicap at Oaklawn Park, Hot Springs, Arkansas, on April 3.

That regime would eliminate the Dubai World Cup on March 27.

Shirreffs indicated that Zenyatta's ultimate goal is to defend her Breeders' Cup Classic title and emulate Tiznow in winning the Classic back-to-back.

Racing International http://www.racingint.com

Zenyatta Shall Race at Six

susan trevelyan-syke — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 10:32:00 GMT

Trainer John Shirreffs and owners Jerry and Ann Moss confirmed on January 16 at Santa Anita that Zenyatta USA (Street Cry IRE) will race at six.

"She seems to be still growing (at 17.5 hands), which is a strange thing to say. ...She's a real star. ...I believe racing needs stars, and we've got one."

Given her outstanding performance in the Breeders' Cup Classic, the logical next race for Zenyatta would follow Curlin's USA (Smart Strike CAN) agenda: the $10 million Emirates Airline Dubai World Cup (Group 1) at the new Meydan Racecourse (Dubai World Cup) on March 27.

Meydan's main track is a synthetic Tapeta Footings surface and 13 of Zenyatta's 14 victories were on synthetic surfaces.

Moss continued "We're open to all kinds of races, but as usual we are going to take it race to race. ...John (Shirreffs) will make a decision as to when she's right and when she should go."

The wildly-emotional excitement of her connections and her fans will help get them past her expected loss Monday of the Eclipse Horse of the Year Award.

Further polls by TVG and the Racing Post (78%) show overwhelming voter preference for Zenyatta over Rachel Alexandra and Gio Ponti for HOY.

This appears to be a shock to Rachel fans, but shows clearly that the Breeders' Cup Classic is accepted as the most important international-class race in the USA and it is respected as such worldwide.

Zenyatta loves to race and she is being allowed to do what she loves best.

If only the connections of Sea The Stars IRE (Cape Cross IRE) would change their minds as well. He, like Lady Z, could never wait to get out on a racecourse and "take them out".

To keep up with the latest detailed news of all of the horses above, join their fan clubs on www.facebook.com and www.twitter.com.

PS: Curlin, twice HOY and highest-earning racehorse at $10.5 million, has produced his first foal--a filly out of Zophie.

Will Zenyatta or Rachel best him in earnings? Or will his filly foal?

Racing International http://www.racingint.com/

Zenyatta's BC Classic NTRA Winner

susan trevelyan-syke — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:21:00 GMT

Sixty-eight percent of voters in the online poll conducted by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association overwhelmingly selected Zenyatta's Breeders' Cup Classic (Grade 1) victory over world-class males as the United States' racing "Moment of the Year".

Of the other 13 entries, Rachel Alexandra's victory over older male horses in the September 5 Woodward Stakes at Saratoga Racecourse gained 10% to finish a distant second just ahead of Mine That Bird's Kentucky Derby win at 9% of the vote.

Racing International http://www.racingint.com

Zenyatta Is Still Working Out

susan trevelyan-syke — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 23:31:00 GMT

Zenyatta wearing her winner's garland at the Breeders' Cup Classic 2009
with jockey Mike Smith and groom Mario Espinoza. Racingfotos

UPDATE: Rumours abound that, if Zenyatta is not named Eclipse Horse of the Year (which she won't be), she will race at six.

Zenyatta's (Street Cry IRE) owner Jerry Moss is having a more than a bit of fun with all the speculation over her continuing workouts at Hollywood Park.

With a recorded 48s per half mile on her last blowout, she looks in fighting form and many hope the 6yo will return to race Rachel Alexandra USA (Megdaglia D'Oro USA) at every distance and every course in the USA to finally settle which is the better female horse.

Moss said trainer John Shirreffs continues to work her out, because she is a powerful athlete who needs exercise and it is too cold to send her to Kentucky for breeding.

Shirreffs said his mare was "breathing fire".

Racing International http://www.racingint.com

IFHA World Thoroughbred Rankings

susan trevelyan-syke — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 23:22:00 GMT

The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities issued their World Thoroughbred Rankings.

Trained and bred in Ireland, 3yo colt Sea The Stars (Cape Cross IRE) is first at 135. He has retired to the Aga Khan's Gilltown Stud where he will stand at 85,000 Euros per

His 2yo half brother out of their late dam Urban Sea has joined STS at Gilltown.

The unnamed colt by Invincible Spirit IRE is said to be very much in the STS' mold.

Mare Goldikova IRE (Anabaa USA), trained by Freddie Head in France, is second in the rankings at 130 and will race again this year at five.

Coolmore's fine twosome who will race this year at four are Rip Van Winkle IRE (Galileo IRE) and Fame And Glory (Montjeu IRE). They earned a 129 and 128 rating respectively.

Zenyatta USA (Street Cry IRE) shared a 128 rating with FAG.

With STS and Lady Z out of the way (if she is outof the way), other horses including Coolmore's twosome have a chance to win major mid-distance races.

Rachel Alexandra USA (Megdaglia D'Oro USA) is the sole 127. RA was rated at 125 in November after her last race, but the international handicappers decided to raise her 2lbs after their December meeting.

Five horses are rated 125: Godolphin's Cavalryman (Halling USA), Conduit IRE (Dalakhani IRE), Gio Ponti USA (Tale of the Cat USA) Youmzain IRE (Sinndar IRE) and Gladiatorus USA (Silic FR).

Conduit has retired to stud in Japan, but eight of the top eleven will race in 2010.

Racing International http://www.racingint.com

Sea The Stars' Trainer Oxx Non-Plussed

susan trevelyan-syke — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 23:16:00 GMT

John Oxx, trainer of Sea The Stars IRE (Cape Cross IRE) said that he expected the 135 ranking, but felt it was not a "true reflection" on the horse's career.

"When (jockey) Mick Kinane says he (STS) never had to exert himself more than 75 per cent of his capability to win any of his races, then you know the rating isn't going to tell the whole story."

Garry O'Gorman, co-chairman of the WTR committee, said "I'd hate to think that our findings might be used to knock on the head the opinion of those who think Sea The Stars was the greatest we've ever seen. We aren't saying they are wrong--not at all."

The committee urged the public to take a more panoramic perspective on relative greatness than merely looking at a horse's rating and they question some of the higher ratings of year's past.

Racing International http://www.racingint.com

Timeform Issues Its Own Ratings

susan trevelyan-syke — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 23:09:00 GMT

Timeform (owned by Betfair) rates the quality of every horse that ran on the flat in Britain plus many foreign-trained horses that raced outside Britain and some who have raced in North America.

The highest ranking horse is the late Sea Bird II (Dan Cupid USA) at 145.

Sea The Stars IRE (Cape Cross IRE) shares a 140 ranking with Dancing Brave USA (Lyphard USA), Sheikh Mohmmed's beloved Dubai Millennium USA (Seeking The Gold USA), the Aga Khan's kidnapped Shergar IRE (Great Nephew) and Vaguely Noble (Vienna).

Cigar USA (Palace Music USA), who raced mostly in the USA, is the highest ranked North American horse at 138 and resides atthe Kentucky Horse Park after failing at stud.

Timeform's Global Rankings place Rip Van Winkle second to STS at 134, Fame And Glory at 133, Goldikova at 132 and Zenyatta at a131.

Rachel Alexandra shares 7-11th position with a ranking of 129 with Mastercraftsman IRE (Danehill Dancer IRE), Oken Bruce Lee JPN (Jungle Pocket JPN) who came second to Vodka in the Japan Cup and Paco Boy IRE (Desert Style IRE).

Vodka JPN (Tamino Gimlet JPN) herself, who beat Oken Bruce Lee and was voted Japan's Horse of the Year for the second year in a row, did not make the cut.

Racing International http://www.racingint.com

Racing Post Handicapper Goes His Own Way

susan trevelyan-syke — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 22:45:00 GMT

In contrast to the IFHA World Rankings and Timeform, the Racing Post issued two lists of top 10: one for Dirt/AW and the other for Turf.

Their bottom cutoff was 124 which meant some lesser horses made it into their top ten.

The RP handicapper gave Sea The Stars the top ranking of 138 on Turf and took a minority position in giving the top
Dirt/AW ranking to Rachel Alexandra at 129.

Zenyatta was relegated to bottom place at only 124 with Big City Man USA (Northern Afleet USA) and Bullsbay USA (Tiznow USA).

It is surprising that STS made it to 138 as the Racing Post handicapper refused to believe STS was as good as his favourite Coolmore horses until STS beat them many times.

It proves that sometimes 'committees' of official handicappers can neutralise preferences of individual handicappers and provide more objective assessments.

Why has the RP handicapper so underrated Zenyatta who beat all his favourite Coolmore horses?

It is inexplicable.

Racing International http://www.racingint.com

Eclipse Award Categories Announced

susan trevelyan-syke — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:33:00 GMT

It goes without saying that Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta will face off for Horse of the Year honours.

Reading many columns by voters (predominately from the East Coast), Rachel Alexandra will win.

The latest childish charge against Zenyatta's connections is that they are using more PR to campaign for their mare.

Ho! Hum!

Since the public is not allowed to participate in the voting, would it not be better that ballots were secret and voters took a vow of verbal and written silence?

On a positive note, Europe is thrilled that Conduit (Male Turf), top-rated female Goldikova and Midday (Female Turf) and Godolphin's Vale of York (2yo Male) have been nominated in their respective categories after their Breeders' Cup successes.

Racing International http://www.racingint.com

Vodka: Japan's Horse of the Year

susan trevelyan-syke — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 23:42:00 GMT

Japan had no question about naming its outstanding 6yo mare Vodka JPN (Tamino Gimlet JPN) Horse of the Year for the second year running and 2009 Best Older Female.

She won three Group 1s in 2009 including a thrilling Japan Cup.

Racing International http://www.racingint.com

Desert Orchid vs Kauto Star?

susan trevelyan-syke — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 13:33:00 GMT

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Pit yourselves against the experts.

Which chaser is the greatest: Desert Orchid or Kauto Star?

http://extras.timesonline.co.uk/pdfs/desertorchidvkautostar.pdf

What is in a Star?

susan trevelyan-syke — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 22:23:00 GMT

Perfection: Kauto Star FR won his fourth consecutive King George VI Chase (Group 1) by 36 lengths and
beat Arkle's record 30 lengths. Photo copyright by David Hastings.

First Sea The Stars IRE (Cape Cross IRE), who retired to stud at three years, beat everything in sight and was so good on the Flat that there is no way to accurately rate him unless the recorded greatest of all Turf horses came back to life.

Today another star, Kauto Star FR (Village Star FR), entered the legendary pantheon of Chasers.

He won his fourth consecutive William Hill King George VI Chase (Grade 1) of 3 miles by 36 lengths.

In doing so, only he and the late, beloved grey champion Desert Orchid (Grey Mirage) won four King Georges, but Dessie did not win them consecutively.

Kauto Star also bested racing idol Arkle's winning-lengths record of 30 lengths by six.

Exuding supreme confidence, he left behind a fine field of 10 others on soft-to-sticky ground (three pulled up) over 18 obstacles with exquisite, springing leaps and breezed home without idling when alone out in front for so long.

All of his critics who, over the years, questioned Kauto Star's jumping and stamina on soft ground had to eat dirt.

As he cantered over the last obstacles in front of Kempton Racecourse's record Boxing Day crowd, he delicately fluttered his front legs as if to show off how good he is.

Racecourse officials said the wildly-enthusiastic crowd came to see him win one of the two most important races for a chaser.

The other is the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March.

Kauto Star is 7-4 favourite to defend his 2009 Cheltenham Gold Cup championship. His only rival and stablemate Denman IRE (Presenting) is on 9-4.

Their trainer Paul Nicholls said KS was fitter than ever and described the nine-year old as the "complete chaser" having pace, speed, style, stamina, perfect jumping and jockey Ruby Walsh.

Nicholls' Madison du Berlais FR (Indian River FR) came second, The Queen's home-bred Barbers Shop (Sadlers' Hall IRE) third and long-time leader, the grey Nacarat FR (Smadoum FR), fourth.

Kauto Star will probably face many of these same horses in the Cheltenham Gold Cup; it is impossible to think, after today's annihilation, he has any rivals but Denman who is "Boss" at home.

The Only Rival: Denman

Denman's beautiful jumping won the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury. Photo copyright by David Hastings.

Other Christmas Weekend Winners

susan trevelyan-syke — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 22:20:00 GMT

A second Kauto Star? Stunning four-year-old Long Run FR won williamhill.com Feltham Novices'
Chase by 16 lengths.      Photo copyright David Hastings.

Nicky Henderson's four-year-old Long Run FR (Cadoudal FR) produced an authoratative 16-length win in the williamhill.com Feltham Novices' Chase (Grade 1) 3m, at Kempton.

Handsome Long Run was widely touted as the new Kauto Star and did not disappoint his owner Richard Waley-Cohen especially with his amateur rider son Sam on board.

Go Native IRE (Double Eclipse IRE) just held a shoulder lead over Starluck IRE (Key Of Luck USA) when he idled in front of the williamhill.com Christmas Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m, at Kempton. Binocular FR (Enrique), whose jumping was spotty, was third.

GN won the Newcastle Hurdle as well and, if he wins the WBX Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, he is in line for a £1 million bonus.

Favourite Sizing Europe IRE (Pistolet Blue IRE) easily took the Bord Na Mona with Nature Novice Chase (Grade 1), 2m1f, at Leopardstown.

Captain Cee Bee IRE (Germany USA) fell at the last fence in a close contest with the winner giving Osana FR (Video Rock FR) second by 5-1/2 lengths and Bobs Pride IRE (Marju IRE) third.

After four successive victories, Sizing Europe is now the Arkle favourite.

To complete an extended Christmas weekend, Paul Nicholls' charges claimed two more major Grade 1 jump races.

Nicholl's second jockey Sam Thomas travelled to Leopardstown with Ged Mason and Sir Alex Ferguson's What A Friend (Alflora IRE) for the Lexus Chase (Grade 1), 3m, and Ruby Walsh went to Newbury with Big Buck's FR (Cadoudal FR).

Joncol IRE (Bob's Return IRE) went off as one of the favourites in the prestigious Lexus and nearly made it only to be denied by What A Friend and Money Trix IRE (Old Vic) for second on the testy ground.

Thomas stayed off the pace, moved at the just the right time and kept his mount straight when the other two drifted. His firmness provided the 1/2 length win over Money Trix.

"He jumps so well, he makes life easy for you. Some people thought he was ungenuine after the way he wandered before the last in the Hennessy (losing to Denman), but that was because he was trying so much," said Thomas.

What A Friend has been lowered to 20-1 for the Totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup and his Hennessy conquerer Denman shortened to 2-1.

Favourite Cooldine IRE (Beneficial) was pulled up and coughed.

Frozen ground forced the Racing UK On Virgin 536 Long Walk Hurdle (Grade 1), 3m1/2f for 4yo+, to be transferred from Ascot to Newbury Racecourse.

In one of the prime hurdles of the season, Walsh produced six-year-old favourite and Ladbrokes World Hurdle champion, Big Buck's (half brother to Long Run), just after Fair Along GER (Alkalde GER) faded.

Diamond Harry (Sir Harry Lewis USA) was always up with the pace and Karabak FR (Kahyasi) came from the rear to make their moves.

Big Buck's was on and off the bridle looking as if he might not make the running on the testing ground, but he rallied to win by 3-1/2 lengths ahead of Karabak and Diamond Harry.

Karabak came second to Nicky Henderson's Zaynar also.

Nicholls said "He (Big Buck's) just did enough and looks rock solid now."  He is solid favourite to retain his World Hurdle title.

And finally, the exceptional mare Voler La Vedette IRE (King's Theatre IRE) who slammed Champion Hurdler Go Native (above) by 13 lengths in a Grade 3, had the last word.

She took the lead in the ITBA FIllies Scheme European Breeders Fund Mares Hurdle (Listed Race), 2m4f, at Leopardstown at the final flyte to win by 2 lengths.

Her trainer Colm Murphy said she will compete in the Toshiba Irish Champion Hurdle on January 21 and may go on from there to either the Kappa Champion Hurdle or the David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Voler La Vedette is 7-2 for the David Nicholson, her likely target, and has been eased to 16-1 for the Champion Hurdle (from 14-1).

The boys may have some competition from the distaff side.

Racing International http://www.racingint.com

Zenyatta Second to Serena Williams

susan trevelyan-syke — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 22:15:00 GMT

Zenyatta enters the winners circle after beating the boys in the
Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita. Racingfotos Limited

Clearly the editor-members of the Associated Press got their priorities wrong when they chose tennis ace Serena Williams over Zenyatta USA (Street Cry IRE) as their top Female Athlete of the Year. Rachel Alexandra USA (Megdaglia D'Oro USA) was seventh.

Zenyatta's winning 14-for-14 record is demeaned when she has to take second place to a human female after beating all the boys (except for the one who didn't show).

She does not even throw tantrums to get attention.

Racing International http://www.racingint.com

Why Zenyatta and Not Rachel Alexandra?

susan trevelyan-syke — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 10:01:00 GMT

Whilst most Americans expect Rachel Alexandra USA (Megdaglia D'Oro USA) to win both the USA Eclipse Best 3yo Filly and Horse of the Year awards given the acknowledged preferences of those voting, international racegoers would have chosen Zenyatta USA (Street Cry IRE) on the basis of her high international 128 rating, 14 wins for 14 career races and her easy victory in the Breeders' Cup Classic against some of the best horses in the world (except for top-rated Sea The Stars IRE (Cape Cross IRE who did not race)).

Her class, authority and style reminded one of STS as was noted by his trainer John Oxx who conceded that Zenyatta would have had a home advantage in a match between the two.

Internationals do not have prejudices against winning in fillies' races, winning races locally, not travelling great distances between racecourses, winning on All Weather instead of Dirt, not competing in certain favourite Eastern races and not racing against and beating one other great filly.

They just look at overall performances against top-quality horses, such as, the international horses in the BCC just as an objective ratings' handicapper would.

That may explain why Associated Press, JDG, TT and Facebook chose Zenyatta.

In no way does it mean that they do not love or admire Rachel Alexandra, but it gives a clue as to why most of us wanted both horses to share the Eclipse HOY award.

We did not want to see one of the two outstanding fillies slighted.

Racing International http://www.racingint.com