Latest from Horse & Hound in Kempton-park

Racing mourns, pays tribute and promises review after three horses fatally injured on one day

Lucy Elder — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 17:58:35 +0000

Tributes have been paid and reviews will be carried out after three racehorses died in separate incidents at Kempton Park on Saturday (10 January).

Kalif Du Berlais, Wertpol and Peso sustained fatal injuries in separate races.

A British Horseracing Authority (BHA) spokesperson said the BHA will analyse each incident in detail through its fatality review process.

The Paul Nicholls-trained Grade One winner Kalif Du Berlais unseated jockey Harry Cobden at the ninth fence in the Grade Two Coral Silviniaco Conti Chase and sustained a fatal injury.

Mr Nicholls said he was devastated by the loss.

“He was a beautiful horse who had already brought so much joy to his owners and our team, crowned by a brilliant victory at Aintree last year. He showed such immense talent and promise, with a bright future ahead of him and we were lucky to train him in Ditcheat,” he said.

“Our deepest condolences go to his owners, Ged Mason, Sir Alex Ferguson, The Hales Family, Paul Hogarth and Peter Done and our team who cared for him at home, Sasha who looked after him and Olive who rode him every day.

“Racing can be unbearably hard at times. Rest easy Kalif.”

Wertpol’s trainer Harry Derham paid tribute to the four-year-old, who was fatally injured in a fall in a hurdle race earlier that day.

“He was a bright talent who was fresh and happy doing his work every day, often playing around and expressing himself. He loved his job and I am so sad for his Heart of the South syndicate, who are the most wonderful group of people,” he said.

“Racing at times can at times be a painful sport and today has been a tough day for a number of connections.”

Peso, a seven-year-old owned by Patrick Doyle and trained by Jonjo and AJ O’Neil, was pulled up by his jockey ahead of the eighth fence in a handicap chase.

The BHA spokesperson paid tribute to the three horses and said the BHA is “deeply saddened” by the fatalities.

“Our thoughts are with the connections of the horses, including the owners, trainers and the racing grooms, who looked after and cared for them throughout their lives and will be most affected by their loss,” he said.

“Each of the horses was attended immediately by the veterinary team on the racecourse, who quickly assessed the extent of the injuries and the most appropriate course of action.”

The spokesperson added: “The BHA will now analyse each of the incidents in detail through our fatality review process. This involves an in-depth review into every fatality that occurs on a raceday, with input from experts including veterinarians, racecourse teams and participants.

“At this stage there does not appear to be any common factor that can be attributed to these incidents, with each of the injuries different in nature and sustained in unique circumstances.”

“But as is the case where there is more than one fatality at a single race meeting, the BHA will also initiate its additional review process to assess all relevant factors in conjunction with the racecourse and determine whether there may be any causal links.

“These processes are part of wider and ongoing efforts across British racing to continually improve safety and reduce avoidable risk of injuries and fatalities.”

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Behind the stable door with The Jukebox Man: ‘He’s proved himself in the Champions League’

Jennifer Donald — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 08:30:35 +0000

The Jukebox Man was the star of Christmas 2025, winning the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day after an exhilarating battle with his rivals.

The impressive sight of four of the greatest chasers clearing the last in near-unison and battling to the finish has been woven into sporting history. As legendary jockey Davy Russell commented in his opinion piece in Horse & Hound this week, “So many people were shouting for so many different horses, it was fantastic.”

At only eight years old, the Ben Pauling-trained The Jukebox Man is a relative newcomer to the top tier of the sport. But he and jockey Ben Jones have forged an endearing and hugely successful partnership with their King George triumph coming in the wake of several Graded successes and high-profile placings.

The son of Ask was bred by Paul Cunningham and was snapped up by Ben Pauling after the young horse won his first point-to-point in 2022.

So what is The Jukebox Man like at home? What does owner Harry Redknapp say about his “dream horse”? Could the celebrations continue to the Cheltenham Festival in March, as he is among the Cheltenham Gold Cup entries? Here is what connections have to say about the heroic and much-loved The Jukebox Man.

The Jukebox Man (second left, with Ben Jones in the saddle) goes on to win the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day 2025. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The Jukebox Man: “a power-packed package”

“The most wonderful thing about The Jukebox Man is that he is so versatile,” says trainer Ben Pauling. “You can make the running or you can drop in. He is not afraid of a battle. He has enough class and ability to run over any trip.

“He used to lug left in behind horses – he was just a bit green and gawky – but Ruby Walsh said after he ran at Newbury that fences have made this horse a lot faster and he is right. People crib him for jumping left but when he goes right-handed he is as straight as a die. He is just a bit of a character with a big engine and a big heart.

“I don’t know of a more economical jumper than when he is on song. He has not lost a modicum of distance over any fence. Jumping is his biggest forte and he seems to land running. At Haydock Park he showed exuberance; he’s a power-packed package of aggression and ability.”

Jockey Ben Jones also offers full credit to The Jukebox Man’s work rider Ollie Wardle.

“The Jukebox Man has always had the right engine and we just gave him some time and let him fill out,” he says. “I’m still not 100% sure we have got to the bottom of him. He is such a professional.”

The Jukebox Man has “outgrown all expectations”. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The Jukebox Man enjoys a spin on the gallops with Ollie Wardle. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Owner Harry Redknapp: “He’s taken on the Real Madrids and Barcelonas”

For owner Harry Redknapp, former manager at Portsmouth, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United, it is “a dream to have a horse as good as The Jukebox Man”.

“He wasn’t five hundred thousand pounds or anything like that, but he has outgrown all our expectations,” he says. “Ben Pauling said [before the King George], ‘Harry, I’ve got him in such great form and he has come on a bundle from the Haydock Park run.’ He had him spot on.

“I was so proud just to have a runner in the King George, but to have the winner is special. What a race, what a finish and what courage he showed. It’s right up there with my best achievements – we have gone into the Champions League, taking on the Real Madrids and the Barcelonas. The Jukebox Man proved he can compete with them, and win against them. The guts the horse showed was amazing.

“I love racing, I love the game and people in it, so to have a winner on the big stage is fantastic.”

The Jukebox Man hacks out with Ollie at home. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

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Huge crowds at race meetings over the Christmas period is great news for the sport, says Davy Russell

Davy Russell — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 10:28:06 +0000

Three-time Irish champion jockey and twice Grand National winner Davy Russell on some thrilling races in England and Ireland over the festive period – and being grateful to Irish politicians

Christmas racing on both sides of the Irish Sea was brilliant this year. The King George VI Chase at Kempton was a real highlight – from the turn in, everyone who had an interest in one of the horses had a winning chance, it was that close. So many people were shouting for so many different horses.

The King George result came down to a mere bob of the head, underlining just how important the whole race is – it’s vital not to miss [a stride at] a fence or get out of position early on when the margins are so tight.

Cheltenham Festival and Grade One winner Gaelic Warrior (third) ran his race, Jango Baie (fourth) came out of the contest with credit and last year’s winner Banbridge showed his liking for Kempton and put in a seasonal best to be second.

The Jukebox Man was exceptional though and it was a brilliant result for everyone involved with him, all of whom are real characters. Having Harry Redknapp as owner adds another bit of spice to the story.

Their success marked a changing of the guard and is brilliant for the sport. Ben Jones is a real up-and-coming jockey and, while the hard-working Ben Pauling is obviously an established trainer, he’s been trying to make the breakthrough to winning these big races and he’s done it now.

An uncertain future

Kempton’s future is a real worry, with continued talk about the track’s sale for development. This has been rumbling for a long time so The Jockey Club needs to concentrate on investing in and highlighting its other premier tracks. Hopefully the huge attendances at this year’s Christmas Festival will help Kempton’s cause – it was a theme that continued at racecourses everywhere over the festive period.

Leopardstown was unbelievable with a young crowd of racegoers and a party atmosphere, while I’ve never experienced anything like Tramore on New Year’s Day – it was on fire, which is absolutely brilliant for the sport. With more exciting meetings coming up, including the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park, I hope we see more of the same.

The big race in Ireland over Christmas, the Savills Chase at Leopardstown, wasn’t disappointing exactly but I feel the King George was a deeper race to this Irish showpiece where we saw big names getting beaten. It looks as if there’s a change coming in that section – these things come in waves and we’ve seen the same horses for a while now.

When I looked at the race, I thought a new name might be crowned as we’ve seen most of the other horses for so long and there has to be a change somewhere. I fancied the winner, Affordale Fury with Sam Ewing riding, for that reason and it was great that his trainer Noel Meade got his day in the sun because he’s a great horseman.

Gordon Elliott’s 18 winners at Christmas was an unbelievable achievement and he claimed some big pots too. Gordon always tends to lead the trainers’ championship at this time of year, then Willie Mullins takes over in the new year, but there’s a slightly different feeling to it this year.

Gordon excelled over the Christmas period and with a successful Dublin Racing Festival and a couple of other good meetings, he could be playing a bigger role in the championship this time around.

Another horse you’d give huge credit to was the Barry Connell-trained Marine Nationale in the Grade One chase at Leopardstown. He was almost on the floor, coming to a complete standstill, at an early fence and yet I was really impressed how he came back and finished just half a length behind winner Solness.

Romeo Coolio also caught the eye in the novice chase there. He really toughed it out under Jack Kennedy and whether the form is good enough or not I don’t know, but he showed his liking for racing with a brilliant attitude.

Being bullied out

My family and I enjoyed a good bit of hunting over Christmas and we’ll be getting plenty more in over the next few weeks. I really appreciate how lucky we are in Ireland that our government stood up for hunting and its future is now secure, whereas the opposite is happening in England.

In December, the Irish Parliament overwhelmingly overturned a bill to ban hunting and it was very pleasing to hear politicians speak in favour of our country life and the importance of our way of living, whereas English politicians seem to be bullying the country out of hunting. It’s sad to see.

● What was your experience of Christmas racing? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance for your thoughts to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

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Harry Redknapp’s The Jukebox Man wins thrilling King George VI Chase on Boxing Day

Carol Phillips — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 17:48:50 +0000

Former Premier League football manager Harry Redknapp had an anxious wait at Kempton Park on Boxing Day to hear whether his own The Jukebox Man had won the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase in a photo finish.

Jockey Ben Jones had no such concerns and celebrated after passing the post between Banbridge and Gaelic Warrior. He turned out to be correct – although the result was closer than he initially believed, being awarded to his Ben Pauling-trained ride by the official distance of just a nose.

“It is a dream, to have a horse that good,” Mr Redknapp told ITV Racing. “To come here on King George day and I was so proud to just to have a runner here, but to have the winner is special.

“What a race he’s won. When they came to him, I thought he was beat and would finish fourth. But he’s come again and the guts the horse has shown is just amazing.”

Turning into the final straight all eight runners were in contention as the steadily run race turned into a sprint.

The Jukebox Man jumped the third last with a narrow lead from Djelo; at the second last four horses rose together, then Banbridge stretched his nose in front over the final fence.

But the race was not over and The Jukebox Man galloped back into pole position as he, Banbridge and Gaelic Warrior flashed past the post in this ultra-competitive edition of the famous Group One.

Ben Jones, who was riding in the race for the first time, said: “I thought I’d won by a head, I didn’t think I had anything to worry about, but then the girls got to me and they thought it was a lot closer than I thought.

“Full credit to Ben, Harry and Ollie [Wardle, who rides the horse out at home]. He’s always had a right engine and just to give him some time to fill out – I’m still not 100 per cent sure that we’ve got to the bottom of him. It’s brilliant. I’m just delighted for everyone at home.”

Trainer Ben Pauling added: “This means everything, we’re always trying to elevate ourselves to the next level. When you’ve got good horses you want them to perform on the big days. I was delighted it was a proper ding-dong of a race, and you want to win the good ones.

“Harry has been an exceptional owner for me. I’ve always had huge faith in this horse and so has Harry. This is the best we’ve achieved to date.”

King George VI Chase 2025 results

The Jukebox Man, ridden by Ben Jones, trained by Ben Pauling
Banbridge, ridden by Sean Bowen, trained by Joseph O’Brien
Gaelic Warrior, ridden by Paul Townend, trained by Willie Mullins
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How to watch the King George VI Chase live from anywhere in the world

georgia.guerin@futurenet.com (Georgia Guerin) — Thu, 25 Dec 2025 09:30:53 +0000

Watch the King George VI Chase on TV this Boxing Day and get a front-row seat for one of the most popular sporting events over the Christmas period.

The King George VI Chase Day at Kempton Park stages some of the most important races in the Jumps calendar – not only the famous Grade 1 showpiece, the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase, but also the Christmas Hurdle and Kauto Star Chase.

At a glance

King George VI Chase dates: 26 December 2025
TV coverage: ITV (UK, FREE), Racing TV or Sky Sports Racing
Watch King George VI Chase from anywhere: Use this NordVPN deal

How to watch the King George VI Chase

ITV will screen all the action live and for free, while Racing TV (Sky channel 424/Virgin Media 536) and Sky Sports Racing (Sky channel 415/Virgin Media 519) will broadcast via their subscription-based services.

Free ITV coverage

ITV Racing will broadcast racing from Kempton – as well as Aintree and Wetherby – on ITV1 from 12:30–15:00. You can watch on TV or online via ITVX.

The King George VI Chase will start at 14:30.

How to watch the King George VI Chase live from anywhere

Coverage on ITVX is geo-blocked outside the UK. A VPN, though, will get you your usual coverage from anywhere in the world.

A Virtual Private Network can alter your device’s digital location, bypassing geo-restrictions and unlocking your equestrian streams wherever you happen to be. VPNs also work wonders for your internet security, encrypting your information to keep you safe online.

There are many VPN providers out there, with some more reliable and safe than others. We’d suggest using a paid-for service such as NordVPN, where you can get 74% off, which offers a 100% risk-free money back guarantee. If you’re not happy with the service any time within the first 30-days, then you can cancel with no penalties at all.

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‘It’s dream stuff’: perfectly executed plan pays dividends for King George VI winner

Gemma Redrup — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 15:24:25 +0000

Irish raider Bainbridge pounced late on Il Est Francais, who had led from flag fall until the final fence, to top the Ladbrokes King George VI results at Kempton today (26 December).

The Joseph O’Brien-trained eight-year-old, who is owned by long-term racing supporter Ronnie Bartlett, was ridden by Paul Townend today. It was a well-executed plan by the trainer and connections as this race became this horse’s target after his Champion Chase win at Punchestown in April.

“It’s dream stuff to win a King George,” said Mr O’Brien, son of the great trainer, Aidan. “It’s really special and I grew up watching races like this. Paul gave him a great ride and I feel a bit for JJ [Slevin], who has an association with the horse but had commitments in Ireland.

“It is a special win – he’s been a special horse for a number of years and is such a dream. Speed is emphasised here more than some places and I think that panned out well for him, but I did think Il Est Francais had gone and won. Paul got him into a great rhythm which helped him to stay.”

Paul Townend said: “I felt I could catch Il Est Francais – I thought it was really on at the second-last.”

Prior to today, the last time Banbridge ran over three miles was when finishing 12th of 14 runners in the Sefton Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree in April 2022.

“Stamina was a question mark going into this so I was conscious to keep a hold of him,” continued Paul.”

French runner Il Est Francais, who won the Grade One Kauto Star Novices’ Chase on this day last year for trainers Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm, owners Richard Kelvin-Hughes and Hara De Saint-Voir and jockey James Reveley, put considerable distance between himself and the rest of the field for the majority of this year’s King George VI. His jumping was exemplary, bar the last, where he got in a little tight, which cost him momentum and gave the advantage to the fast-approaching Banbridge.

“It’s a shame because he pinged every fence but he was running out of petrol two out and I couldn’t ask him for a big one at the last, but I still felt I might win,” explained James, who ultimately finished second, 1¾ lengths down. “He ran his heart out.”

The Venetia Williams-trained L’Homme Presse run a great race to finish 11¾ lengths behind the winner in third under Charlie Deutsch. This was a valiant performance by this nine-year-old, owned by Dfa Racing, having last been seen finishing fourth in this year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup in March.

“He ran really well on his first run back,” said Charlie. “The front two managed to keep going but he ran all the way to the line and I was over the moon with him.”

The 11/4 favourite, Spillane’s Tower, who is six years old, ran a little greenly under Mark Walsh for trainer James Joseph Mangan to finish fifth in the King George VI results, while The Real Whacker ran a solid race under Gavin Sheehan for trainer Patrick Neville to finish fourth.

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Which horse has won more King George VI Chases than any other, plus other key facts about this historic Boxing Day race

Gemma Redrup — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 16:30:43 +0000

On Boxing Day (26 December), we will be treated to the sight of some of the greatest National Hunt horses currently in training in the UK going head-to-head in the King George VI Chase, a horse race that has become synonymous with Boxing Day.

Here are 13 things you need to know about this great race…

1. The King George VI Chase first ran in 1937 and was named after the newly crowned king.

2. The first race was won by Southern Hero who, to-date, remains the oldest winner of the race at 12 years old.

3. It is held during the Christmas Festival at Kempton Park Racecourse in Surrey.

4. The race is over a distance of three miles and consists of 18 chase fences.

5. It was only run twice before World War II, during which Kempton Park was closed for racing and used as a prisoner-of-war camp.

6. The most successful horse to run in the King George VI is Kauto Star (pictured top alongside Long Run), who won it a remarkable five times (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011).

7. The leading jockey of the King George VI Chase is Ruby Walsh, who won it five times — all aboard Kauto Star.

8. The leading trainer over the race’s history is Paul Nicholls — See More Business (1997, 1999), Kauto Star (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011), Silviniaco Conti (2013, 2014), Clan Des Obeaux (2018, 2019) and Bravemansgame (2022).

9. The great grey, Desert Orchid won the race four times before bowing out in the 1991 race. He attended Kempton Park to parade every Boxing Day until his death in 2006, aged 27.

10. It is a Grade One race and this year offers £148,098 in prize money to the winner.

11. The race will be shown live on ITV and RacingTV at 2.30pm.

12. The current betting market for the 2024 running of the race has Spillane’s Tower, who is trained by Irish trainer James Joseph Mangan, as the favourite, in what is a top class line-up for this season’s renewal.

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Who are the runners in the 2024 race?

Let’s take a look at this year‘s runners and riders, plus their odds, so that if you fancy it, you can have a flutter.

These runners and riders, plus the odds, are correct as of 23 December. Odds may vary depending on your bookmaker.

Horse: Spillane’s Tower | Jockey: Mark Walsh

Trainer: James Joseph Mangan | Odds: 7/2

Horse: Grey Dawning | Jockey: Harry Skelton

Trainer: Dan Skelton | Odds: 5/1

Horse: Il Est Francais | Jockey: James Reveley

Trainer: Noel George & Amanda Zetterholm | Odds: 5/1

Horse: Banbridge | Jockey: TBC

Trainer: Joseph Patrick O’Brien | Odds: 6/1

Horse: Corbetts Cross | Jockey: Mr Derek O’Connor

Trainer: Emmet Mullins | Odds: 12/1

Horse: L’Homme Presse | Jockey: Charlie Deutsch

Trainer: Venetia Williams | Odds: 12/1

Horse: Envoi Allen | Jockey: Rachael Blackmore

Trainer: Henry De Bromhead | Odds: 16/1

Horse: Bravemansgame | Jockey: Harry Cobden

Trainer: Paul Nicholls | Odds: 20/1

Horse: Juntos Gananmos | Jockey: Felix De Giles

Trainer: D Cottin | Odds: 22/1

Horse: The Real Whacker | Jockey: Gavin Sheehan

Trainer: Patrick Neville | Odds: 33/1

Horse: General En Chef | Jockey: Benjamin Gelhay

Trainer: Noel George & Amanda Zetterholm | Odds: 100/1

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How do I place a bet on the King George VI Chase?

Follow our complete guide on how best to bet to find out more.

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Kim Bailey: ‘Is it time for the King George to leave Kempton Park?’

Kim Bailey — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 10:28:16 +0000

Kim Bailey shares ideas for a King George shake-up – to boost entries and crowd figures

Jump racing is in full swing and every weekend there is another big race to enjoy on our TV screens. Two weeks ago, at Haydock, we watched the Venetia Williams-trained Royale Pagaille win the Betfair Chase at Haydock. His owner Rich Ricci celebrated his 100th Grade One winner – that’s some feat.

On the same card our Trelawne won the Graduation Chase – a big relief to all of us at Thorndale considering he was last seen falling at the Cheltenham Festival in the Ultima, won by his stablemate Chianti Classico.

Last weekend Paul Nicholls landed another Coral Gold Cup with Kandoo Kid at Newbury – having not won this race since the mighty Denman in 2009.

Up at Newcastle Nicky Henderson added his ninth Fighting Fifth Hurdle – not with the expected Constitution Hill, but Sir Gino. Constitution Hill was due to run but following a disappointing workout with Sir Gino he was subsequently found to be lame.

This weekend we have the Becher Chase at Aintree over the Grand National fences (we hope to run Chianti Classico), the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown and so it goes on right through December.

Time for change?

Yes, it is a hugely busy time for jump racing in the run-up to and over Christmas, with the pinnacle being the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton. But is the great race losing some of its appeal?

The public numbers at last year’s big-race meeting were marginally up from the previous year. But look at the figures. A crowd of 29,204 was recorded for Desert Orchid’s final King George appearance in 1991, compared to 11,703 last year.

One does wonder about the calculators used by racecourses, but it is indisputably true that the post-Covid attendances for British racing’s top winter prize have been very low.

Last year ’s attendance was fractionally up on the 2021 and 2022 totals, but significantly down on the 19,645 five-year average from 2015 to 2019. Even allowing for changes in the way crowd figures are recorded, that represents a big drop.

Then look at this year’s field. It lacks that wow factor you’d expect for this great race. Ten days ago Willie Mullins scratched all his entries, so the field size is down to 16 and only half of those are probable runners. Why? The sad factor here is that of the top 30 three-mile chasers, nearly 25 are trained in Ireland. This is the nub of the problem.

The King George is one of racing’s biggest draws and it is imperative we stop this race sliding even further down the ratings of good races. Kempton is looking tired as a racecourse – not helped by rumours that parts of the land around were being sold for building.

Perhaps it is time for a change – especially if Kempton cannot fill the racecourse as of old.

Charlie Brooks has been championing in his Telegraph articles to move the race to Ascot. They already have a hugely successful Christmas meet the weekend before Christmas, but Ascot is the ideal track to stage this prestigious race. It has the capacity, and good transport routes to the racecourse.

Oh, for a magic wand and a chance to rewrite the programme book. Yes, Ascot over Christmas. A two-day meeting with huge prize money and graded races to challenge the Irish and fill races with runners that take each other on because of the financial incentive. It’s only a dream, but who knows!

● How can we attract more entries to Britain’s top races? Let us know your thoughts at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and country, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

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A career-best double for young jockey, on a horse he produced at the start: ‘An amazing day that meant so much’

Jennifer Donald — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 08:30:38 +0000

Warwickshire trainer Dan Skelton’s team enjoyed an unforgettable afternoon on Saturday (13 January) racking up an outstanding career best-equalling six winners across three racecourses.

At Warwick, Dan’s younger brother Harry Skelton was in the saddle to triumph on Etalon in the two-runner novices’ chase, followed by 5/4F Grey Dawning in the Grade Two Trustatrader Hampton Novices’ Chase. This dual bumper winner has a huge engine and was racking up his second win since switching to fences for owner Robert Kirkland.

Meanwhile at Wetherby, Mount Tempest landed the William Hill Epic Value Handicap Chase under Fergus Gillard, while Ben Sutton conjured his fourth winning performance out of Santos Blue in the William Hill Pick Your Places Handicap Hurdle.

Not to be outdone in the team’s tally of successes, stable jockey Tristan Durrell’s smile lit up Kempton Park as he enjoyed the greatest day of his flourishing career with his first winning double. He opened proceedings with victory on Flegmatik in the New Bet-In-Race With Coral Handicap Chase, and followed up on 33/1 shot Jay Jay Reilly, named after his owner John J Reilly, in the 19-runner Coral Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle.

“It was an amazing day and meant so much – I’m at Dan’s every day and we’re a close-knit team,” Tristan tells H&H. “It means so much to do it for the team.”

While he was in action at the Surrey track, Tristan wasn’t able to watch much of the racing elsewhere but he kept track of all of Team Skelton’s results coming through on his phone.

“When I went out for my prize giving for the Lanzarote, they announced that they’d just made it six winners, so that was a really good moment,” says Tristan.

Jockey Tristan Durrell: “I think Flegmatik loved running off with me!”

Tristan describes the nine-year-old chestnut Flegmatik as being on “a going day” in Kempton’s 3m chase.

“I think Flegmatik loved running off with me most of the way round!” he says. “He was enjoying himself so much and jumping so well. He jumped me to the front, perhaps a bit sooner than ideal, but it obviously worked, so you can’t complain about that.”

The dust had barely settled before Tristan rode an absolute masterclass to guide 33/1 shot Jay Jay Reilly to glory in the £100,000 Lanzarote Hurdle, punching the air in delight after crossing the line. Dan may have been on holiday for the momentous day, but Jay Jay’s winning owner John Reilly acknowledged being part of “a brilliant day for the Skeltons”.

“Jay Jay Reilly had been a bit out of form this season, but we thought he’d improve back over hurdles and he’s been so fresh and well at home that we thought he’d run a big race,” says Tristan. “It was a nice surprise that he won, though.

“I couldn’t believe he was travelling so well turning in – I tried to hold on to him for a bit, but at some point you have to move on and try to win the race, so I was just glad he stuck his neck out all the way to the line.”

From the start: “We always knew he had a big race in him; he’s got his day”

“I actually broke Jay Jay Reilly in with Nick Pearce – he was a great help when I started at Dan’s and gave me rides point-to-pointing,” reveals Tristan Durrell. “We used to break the horses together and Jay Jay was one of our graduates, so it’s nice he’s gone on and won a big race – we always knew he had a big one in him! So he got his day.”

Tristan says he has wanted to ride for “as long as I can remember” and caught the racing bug when he got his first racing pony.

“After that I was mad keen to be a jockey,” he says, his parents also having been involved in racing and pointing and his grandfather Ian Cox was a clerk of the scales and “loved racing”.

“Saturday was by far the best day of my career so far – it was my first time riding a double and on a day like that for the team, it was just unreal.”

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‘He’s got the biggest heart’: horse who cost just €850 wins dramatic King George VI

Gemma Redrup — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 16:44:56 +0000

There was shock and triumph in the Ladbrokes King George VI results at Kempton today (26 December) with relative outsider Hewick taking the spoils.

Trained by Irishman John Joseph “Shark” Hanlon and ridden by the in-form Gavin Sheehan, Hewick, who went off at 12/1, secured victory despite looking beaten in the earlier stages of the race and hitting an in-running high of 550/1.

“If it wasn’t the King George, I probably would have pulled him up,” Gavin told ITV Racing. “I knew he stays and stays and I wasn’t able to get going. There’s only a certain amount of questions you can ask and if they aren’t answering, you can’t ask.

“Shark said before he’s probably the smallest horse here but he’s got the biggest heart. I was absolutely delighted when I was told that Shark was getting me on Hewick. It was a no-brainer.

“To come here and do it like that was just amazing. I’m gobsmacked – that’s a King George and it’s not a race easy to win.”

Hewick’s victory for owner T J McDonald has added to his impressive CV, which includes wins in the Durham National, bet365 Gold Cup, Galway Plate, Grand National Hurdle at Far Hills and Oaksey Chase. It is a remarkable roll of honour for a horse who cost just €850.

“I told Gavin that Hewick would stay all day,” said Shark. “They went very hard at the front and he struggled to lay up with them, but he stays all day. Gavin and the horse were amazing. We’ll go straight to the Cheltenham Gold Cup with him now.”

Last year’s winner, Bravemansgame, finished second under Harry Cobden for trainer Paul Nicholls and owner Bryan Drew, one-and-a-half lengths adrift of Hewick.

“He ran a lovely race,” said a visibly disappointed Harry afterwards.

Paul Nicholls said of Bravemansgame: “Harry (Cobden) said he was getting a bit of toe from the other horse (Shishkin) for as long as he could then the other horse had an unfortunate incident, and that interfered with him and that stopped him dead and cost him any chance then.

“He has run a good solid race. It is a case of ifs and buts. He was staying on strongly again and picked up the crumbs. I’ve never doubted that he stays. He is better on better ground. We will get him fresh and well now and go to Cheltenham.

“I don’t think he needs to go to Newbury as he has had three hard races. Unfortunately, he got stopped dead in his tracks today, but you can’t make excuses as incidents happen and he wasn’t good enough on the day.”

13/8 favourite Allaho finished a head behind Bravemansgame in third for trainer Willie Mullins, jockey Paul Townend and owner Cheveley Park Stud.

There was total disbelief when the well-fancied Shishkin, who is trained by Nicky Henderson, stumbled and unseated Nico De Boinville just after the second last. The multiple Grade One winner started the race without mishap having refused to race last time out, and looked well in contention to take the win until the incident.

A very dejected Nico said after the race: “I’m very proud of the horse and these things happen.”

Nicky Henderson says he still plans to send Shishkin to the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March. Speaking of the unseat of Nico, Nicky said: “I think they say, ‘that’s racing!’

“I was delighted with him until then. To be fair Nico and I had discussed the start [of the race] at length but we hadn’t really discussed the rest of the race. But he was having a good time, he was jumping great.

The Real Whacker was fourth under Sam Twiston-Davies, while fan favourite Frodon gave Bryony Frost a great round of jumping, but ultimately finished a distant fifth.

‘It’s fantastic and I like being at the top of my game’: Paul Nicholls trains a record 13th King George VI winner

Gemma Redrup — Mon, 26 Dec 2022 15:42:38 +0000

The incredibly exciting prospect Bravemansgame came out on top in the Ladbrokes King George VI results at Kempton today (26 December 2022).

Bravemansgame, ridden by Harry Cobden and trained by Paul Nicholls, went off at a price of 11/4 as second favourite to L’Homme Presse, to win comfortably by 14 lengths.

“This horse has now got a way of going where I can get into the race with him behind the bridle – he used to be too keen,” explained 23-year-old Harry, for whom this was a second King George VI victory, when speaking to ITV Racing. “I’ve worked out how to ride him, Paul has got spot him on. He’s a very good horse and every bit as much of a stayer as I thought he was going to be. This is a great day.

“It means a lot. The last one I won was in 2018 [on Clan Des Obeaux] and I definitely didn’t appreciate it as much as I should have done. It sounds a bit silly but now I’m 23, I appreciate these big days as they don’t come around that often.”

Harry expanded on the plans for Bravemansgame, a seven-year-old, who is owned by John Dance and Bryan Drew.

“We have learnt that he doesn’t take lots of racing very well – he puts a lot into it and then goes quite light so he doesn’t want many more runs than four each year,” said Harry. “If he was mine, I would now be taking him straight to the Gold Cup [without a run in-between].”

Paul Nicholls, who has now trained a record 13 King George VI winners, confirmed this would be the plan for Bravemansgame, who now has three Grade One victories to his name.

“It was a hell of a race. They went a good gallop and old Frodon gave them a good lead. Bravemansgame stayed on strong and showed his strengths. He is just a maturing horse and we have trained him for today. He’s not been the easiest to train, but we know him now and he will go straight to the Cheltenham Gold Cup [in March]”.

The favourite, L’Homme Presse, trained by Venetia Williams and ridden by Charlie Deutsch, jumped to his left throughout the right-handed race, impeding Bravemansgame at times, particularly in the initial stages of the race. L’Homme Presse ultimately unseated Charlie at the last, but neither horse nor jockey were the worse for wear.

“L’Homme Presse jumped out left across Bravemansgame a fair bit, but as a jockey, you don’t want to take a pull and put your horse in behind in that kind of race,” explained Paul. “So Harry ended up just going a bit wider so that L’Homme Presse didn’t impede him so much.”

Frodon, who is also trained by Paul Nicholls, finished third under Bryony Frost, going off at a price of 18/1.

“I’m very proud of Frodon as he’s 10 years old, going on 11,” said Paul. “I love this sport and you always have to look forward and look back.

“It’s fantastic and I like being at the top of my game. I have to give special mentions to Clifford Baker, who has been my head lad for years, Scott Marshall, who rides Bravemansgame every day and Harry, who is an ever-improving young jockey – it’s amazing.”

Venetia Williams’ other runner in this race, bar L’Homme Presse, was Royale Pagaille, who finished second under Tom Scudamore – they went off at a price of 12/1.

Eldorado Allen was fourth under Brendan Powell for trainer Joe Tizzard, while Ahoy Senor, who has had some issues jumping in the past, looked to jump around nicely enough to finish fifth for Scottish trainer Lucinda Russell under Derek Fox.

‘This lad has always had the promise to deliver something like this’: rank outsider scoops King George VI victory

Gemma Redrup — Sun, 26 Dec 2021 16:00:29 +0000

A rank outsider came out on top in the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton today (26 December). Here is the full King George VI result from the 2021 renewal of the race.

Tornado Flyer, who was ridden by Danny Mullins and trained by Danny’s uncle, Willie, went off at a price of 28/1 to win comfortably by nine lengths (pictured).

“I didn’t think he was totally out of this,” explained Danny to ITV Racing of the eight-year-old, owned by the TFP Partnership. “This was as competitive a race that has been run all year in England and this lad has always had the promise to deliver something like this, so I knew we had a squeak. Going away from the stands for the second time, I was starting to come alive and halfway down the back, I was able to just keep taking him back and filling him up.”

Tornado Flyer, who is by Flemensfirth, last won a race in December 2019, but before today had clocked over £182,000 in prize money.

“When you’re riding for Willie, you’ve always got a chance, no matter what price they go off at,” said Danny. “2021 has been a fantastic year for me with loads of winners at the big festivals – it’s great and the King George is one of the big ones of the season.”

Irishman Danny, who before today hadn’t ridden a winner at Kempton, scooped a double when another outsider, Jacamar, won a handicap chase earlier on in the card.

Asterion Forlonge, another runner trained by Willie Mullins, was handily placed in second coming to the last fence, but fell when landing too steeply. Both he and his jockey Bryan Cooper walked away from the fall.

Clan Des Obeaux, who won this race in 2018 and 2019, ultimately finished second for trainer Paul Nicholls and jockey Harry Cobden. Paul Nicholls also trained Saint Calvados, who finished third.

2021 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Minella Indo, who went off favourite under Rachael Blackmore for trainer Henry De Bromhead was pulled up, and the 2020 winner of this race, Frodon, who was once again ridden by Bryony Frost, finished fourth. Both of these runners went very quickly in the early stages of the race, and former jockey Ruby Walsh analysed the race by saying “they went far too hard early on and you only get paid at the winning post”.

Frodon and Bryony Frost provide Christmas fairytale with King George VI victory

Gemma Redrup — Sat, 26 Dec 2020 18:16:05 +0000

After what has been a very unusual festive period for most due to coronavirus restrictions, the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase today (26 December) delivered something of a Christmas fairytale result, with Frodon providing a somewhat surprising win under Bryony Frost (pictured).

Jumping off handily and dominating from start to finish, the pair defied their 20/1 starting price to land the Grade One at Kempton Park racecourse by 2¼ lengths.

“We’ve just won the King George!” Bryony exclaimed afterwards. “I’ve had the absolute best time going round on Frodon — he’s just smashed everyone’s expectations. What a Christmas present he has given his owners, Mr and Mrs Vogt.

“He’s what you dream of as a little girl — he was absolutely epic and I’m so grateful to Paul [Nicholls] for letting me ride Frodon.

“Paul’s travelling head girl said to me that he was in great form and I could not believe it coming to the line — I had to double check we weren’t meant to be going round again.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

This win meant that Bryony also surpassed the current record of the number of National Hunt winners ridden by a female jockey, and becomes the all-time leading female jump jockey.

“I talked to my brother, who is currently in the US last night and he said ‘how cool would it be if you broke the record on Frodon in the King George’,” Bryony explained.

This win also marked a 12th for trainer Paul Nicholls in this race, and he continues to be the winning-most trainer of the race.

“That was amazing and I wasn’t expecting it,” Paul admitted, with his more favoured runners, Clan Des Obeaux and Cyrname finishing sixth and pulled up respectively.

“Frodon loves it around here and my instructions to Bryony were to just go as quickly as she could and to keep jumping. I’ve done serious work with him over the past three weeks after he didn’t run particularly well in the Many Clouds Chase at Aintree [5 December] and he’s thrived off it. What a remarkable horse he is.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Owners Mr and Mrs Vogt were understandably delighted with the result.

“It’s amazing and we can’t believe it. He was up for it and he was never headed. What a surprise it was,” Mr Vogt explained.

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Waiting Patiently ran gallantly finishing second under champion jockey Brian Hughes for trainer Ruth Jefferson and owner Richard Collins. The result was a great training performance given that the nine-year-old was last seen on the track on 7 December 2019.

“Waiting Patiently’s owner has been amazing as he has had time off, but he’s just run his heart out. He ran absolute blinder of a race and has done nothing wrong,” said Ruth.

The 2018 and 2019 winner of this race, Clan Des Obeaux, who went off 85/40 favourite, finished third after he made a few mistakes. The disappointments of the race were Cyrname and Lostintranslation, who were both pulled up, while Santini finished a below-par fifth.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find out more about getting the magazine delivered to your door every week.

Racing safe amid fresh proposals to build houses at Kempton

Lucy Elder — Wed, 05 Feb 2020 18:23:36 +0000

New plans to build houses but preserve racing at Kempton Park have been revealed by the Jockey Club.

The original 2017 proposal to build thousands of homes on the dual-purpose Surrey track, which would have made around £100m for the Jockey Club, were shelved by Spelthorn Borough Council in autumn 2019. The decision was owing to the fact that “the harm to the green belt is not outweighed by the proposed development”.

A new, smaller-scale, development has now been proposed by the Jockey Club and developers Redrow Homes to the council.

If accepted, it would allow both National Hunt and all-weather Flat racing to continue at the venue, which is home to the King George VI and runs +60 race meetings each year.

This would involve only previously developed land being built on and would retain all racing facilities to continue as today, including both the jumps course and the all-weather track.

A statement from the Jockey Club said the objective of the proposal “remains to attempt to secure much-needed funding to invest in British racing, while helping to meet stated local housing targets”.

The council is looking to build 15,000 new homes in the borough and in the Jockey Club’s original proposal, the organisation earmarked the millions it would make from the sale for boosting facilities at Sandown and Newmarket, prize money and investments in horse and human welfare.

“We have respected the position of Spelthorne Borough Council throughout their local plan process with relation to Kempton Park,” said Sandy Dudgeon, senior steward of the Jockey Club.

“Having weighed up the latest information, we have now put forward another option alongside the original full site for their consideration.

“A healthy, sustainable and well-funded sport for the long term can only be achieved by investing in our sport. The need for British racing to raise significant funding to enable this is perhaps even more vital now than when our original proposals were announced.”

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Julian Larkin, group planning director of Redrow Homes, added: “The new homes would contribute to meeting Spelthorne Borough Council’s identified housing need and help reduce the need to remove land from the green belt in less sustainable locations across the borough.

“We look forward to discussing the planning representations with the council and wider community as the local plan consultation progresses.”

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Clan Des Obeaux delivers impressive King George double

Hannah Lemieux — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 20:10:52 +0000

The Paul Nicholls-trained Clan Des Obeaux claimed back-to-back victories in the Grade One Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton Park today, 26 December.

The seven-year-old son of Kapgarde jumped and travelled well throughout the race, and was stablemate Cyrname’s main challenger turning in for home.

The 11/2 chance pulled 21 lengths clear of his rivals, under Sam Twiston-Davies, after the penultimate fence to win the Boxing Day feature.

It was a record 11^th victory in the King George for the winning trainer, who also trained the race favourite and eventual runner-up, Cyrname.

The Willie Mullins-trained runner, Footpad, finished five lenths behind Cyrname in third, while the Betfair Chase victor, Lostintranslation, who is trained by Colin Tizzard, pulled up before the third-last.

The Venetia Williams-trained 28/1 shot, Aso, led the field during the early stages before dropping out of contention to finish fourth, under Charlie Deutsch.

“Cyrname just didn’t seem to have his normal zest, he just ran a bit flat and I was never really happy after he’d jumped a couple and Harry [Cobden] said the same,” said Paul.

“Clan Des Obeaux has had a great preparation for this race, and I’ve always said he’s a better horse this year — he’s a year older and he’s stronger. If he keeps going forward, we could put him in the Gold Cup picture. The key to him is to keep him fresh, so we could go straight to Cheltenham with him.”

The winning jockey was teaming up with the Ditcheat trainer having left the yard’s number one job in 2018.

He added: “I just sat and steered, although the race didn’t go as I imagined it would, but at the same time to come home in front — well it’s beautiful.”

Don’t miss our full report from the Boxing Day racing action at Kempton Park in the 2 January issue of Horse & Hound.

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Plans to build houses on popular racecourse shelved

Lucy Elder — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 18:29:00 +0000

Kempton Park racecourse is no longer being considered as a location for a large-scale housing development.

In January 2017, the Jockey Club made the shock announcement that the home of the King George VI could be sold for housing.

The organisation submitted the Surrey racecourse, which hosts both jump and all-weather fixtures, to Spelthorne borough council for “redevelopment consideration” following the council’s call for sites on which to build 15,140 homes.

The Jockey Club had earmarked the potential £100 million from Kempton’s sale for boosting facilities at Sandown, Newmarket, prize money and investments in horse and human welfare.

However the latest update on the Spelthorne Local Plan, published this week as part of a consultation that runs from 5 November until 7 January, does not include the racecourse as one of its preferred sites.

The reasoning behind this is because of the harm to the green belt.

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The council’s document states:“Overall the large scale of development [on Kempton Park racecourse would] make a positive contribution to parts of the preferred spatial strategy as it would enable the council to deliver a significant quantum of homes in a reasonably sustainable location.

“A development of this size, through a master plan approach, would enable a holistic schemes to be designed with the opportunity to integrate it with the wider environment.

“Benefits have been identified from the proposed country park and provision of new community infrastructure.”

But it adds that the 94-hectare site plays an “integral role” as green belt land.

“The loss of this site from the green belt would risk the merging of Spelthorne with Greater London and this would also significantly alter the character of the area,” states the document.

“The benefits of the proposed scheme have been weighed up against the negative impacts identified and it has been concluded that the harm to the green belt is not outweighed by the proposed development. Discount from consideration. Do not take forward.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Paul Nicholls claims tenth King George VI victory with surprise win

Hannah Lemieux — Wed, 26 Dec 2018 18:59:05 +0000

Former champion trainer Paul Nicholls won his tenth 32Red King George VI Chase courtesy of Clan Des Obeaux following a dramatic renewal of the Grade One feature race at Kempton Park on Boxing Day (26 December).

Under young jockey Harry Cobden, enjoying his first win in the big race, the six-year-old son of Kapgarde battled it out with the Colin Tizzard-trained Thistlecrack, the 2016 victor, up the home run.

The pair drew clear of the 2018 Gold Cup winner Native River, who finished third, and 12/1 shot Clan Des Obeaux held on to win by 1½ lengths.

Paul, who won the race five times with Kauto Star and twice apiece with See More Business and Silviniaco Conti, said: “After Haydock [in the Betfair Chase where Clan Des Obeaux finished fourth], I said to Harry ‘What are you going to ride in the King George? You’ve got a headache now’ and he said ‘there is only one horse I am going to ride and that is Clan Des Obeaux, he is on top-class form and he’ll come on’ and Harry was right. You have to have a real stayer to win this race — you look at the horse he’s beaten there [Thistlecrack], that is a serious horse. Haydock did Clan Des Obeaux a lot of good and made a man of him, and Harry gave him a peach of a ride.”

Harry, who is Paul’s number one stable jockey, added: “I’ve grown up watching the King George, and I never thought I would be in the position to ride a winner in it — I’m speechless. I was flat out the whole way; I knew Thistlecrack would tow us down to the last fence. Clan Des Obeaux never does anything in front, so it was a bold decision to hold onto him for as long as possible. When I did say ‘go’ he pricked his ears — it was fantastic.”

Clan Des Obeaux’s stablemate, Politologue, finished eventual fourth in the incident-filled three-mile contest, which saw the Betfair Chase winner Bristol De Mai and Waiting Patiently crash out just before heading onto the second circuit.

Coneygree set the pace from the outset but blundered and unseated his jockey Sean Bowen two out, while the favourite Might Bite ran disappointingly, weakening three out to finish eventual seventh. His trainer, Nicky Henderson, revealed afterwards that the 2017 winner had indeed bled and was being treated by the vets.

There was upset in the Grade One Unibet Christmas Hurdle, when the Nicky Henderson-trained Verdana Blue beat her stablemate, the dual champion hurdler Buveur D’Air.

The short-priced favourite, who runs in the famous green and gold silks of JP McManus, was shaken up before the last by Barry Geraghty, before being caught on the line by Verdana Blue, under Nico de Boinville, in a photo finish.

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine — out every Thursday.

Might Bite claims King George VI glory

Hannah Lemieux — Tue, 26 Dec 2017 19:22:03 +0000

Might Bite, Nicky Henderson’s quirky but ultra talented star, dominated his rivals in the 32Red King George VI Chase at Kempton Park today (26 December).

Twelve months ago, the eight-year-old dramatically crashed out at the last fence in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase with victory in his sights.

Today, under Nico de Boinville, the RSA Chase victor — who went off the 6-4 favourite — put in an assured round of jumping over the three-mile trip and the pair ran four lengths clear before the third-last fence. The eventual runner-up, 50-1 shot Double Shuffle, put in a gallant challenge and closed the gap on the winner to finish a length behind.

The Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained Bristol De Mai was vying to claim the second leg of the £1million Chase Triple Crown bonus, after winning the Betfair Chase at Haydock by a huge margin. Under Daryl Jacob, he made most the running in today’s feature race, however had weakened by three out when blundering to finish eventual sixth.

Last year’s King George winner, Thistlecrack, held on to finish fourth, while Tea For Two took eventual third under Lizzie Kelly.

“He was jumping me into the lead, so instead of taking a pull I thought I’d let him go and enjoy it,” said the winning jockey. “He’s given me a terrific spin and I’m delighted.”

Nicky Henderson compared the good-looking son of Scorpion’s presence to that of Sprinter Sacre.

“He has a lot of charisma — you can’t help but love him. He’s so gorgeous and he likes to show off.

“He jumped beautifully all the way and he enjoys doing that — he’s so exuberant.”

Breakthrough for Frost

Bryony Frost made her first ride in a Grade One a winning one when claiming the 32Red Kauto Star Novices’ Chase aboard Black Corton — a sixth triumph for the pair since July.

The 22-year-old conditional jockey, who is attached to the Paul Nicholls yard, became only the second female in Britain or Ireland to ride a Grade One winner over fences — Lizzie Kelly was the first to do so, in the same race two years

ago.

Don’t miss the full report from Kempton Park and Chepstow in the 4 January issue of Horse & Hound.

Tributes paid to racing groom who died at Kempton Park

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 10:33:11 +0000

Tributes have been paid to the “hugely enthusiastic and dedicated” racehorse groom who died at Kempton Park on Saturday evening (14 October).

Ken Dooley, who was in his 50s, sustained a serious head injury while tending to a horse in the stables.

His employer, West Sussex-based trainer Amanda Perrett, said Mr Dooley was a very experienced employee.

“It is with huge sadness that I can confirm we lost our friend and colleague Ken Dooley after an incident in the stable yard at Kempton last night,” she said in a statement.

“Ken had been with us for seven years and was a very special member of our close-knit family business at Coombelands.

“He was an excellent employee, very experienced with racehorses having worked all of his life with them as a jockey, trainer and jockey coach around the world. He was always first into work in the morning, hugely enthusiastic and dedicated to his horses and a very much valued and integral member of our team.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.”

The trainer thanked her own and Kempton staff, as well as the paramedics who came to Mr Dooley’s aid.

A Surrey Police spokesman said the force will be investigating the circumstances of Mr Dooley’s death, but that it is not being treated as suspicious.

British Horseracing Authority (BHA) chief executive Nick Rust said: “I am sure that I speak for everyone at the BHA and in British horseracing when I state that we are truly devastated about the events which unfolded at Kempton Park.

“Our sympathies go to the family, friends and colleagues of the individual who has lost his life, and the entire industry will join in mourning over this tragedy.

“We owe so much in our sport to the racing grooms who provide such first class care and attention to our horses. The love and attention they give to their mounts is unconditional and comes with that small but ever-present level of risk that exists when working with large animals. This only serves to make their dedication so much more praiseworthy.”

A National Trainers Federation spokesman said the federation has been supporting and advising the trainer.

“The death of a stable employee at Kempton Park Racecourse is a tragedy that touches all in racing,” he added. “Reactions across the sport testify to the close bonds that unite us in our common passion and from the National Trainers Federation, we send our condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased.

“Mercifully, fatal accidents in the course of caring for racehorses in Britain are rare and we acknowledge and salute the commitment of stable employees across the country who devote their working lives to their horses.

“British horseracing is fortunate to have an excellent support system for its people and this is at the disposal of anyone in times of need. The 24-hour Racing Support Line can be contacted on 0800 630044.”

Shock plans to build houses on Kempton racecourse

Lucy Elder — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 15:30:55 +0000

Kempton Park looks set to be sold for housing, The Jockey Club has revealed in a shock announcement today (10 January).

The Jockey Club is submitting the racecourse to the Borough of Spelthorne for “redevelopment consideration” following the council’s “call for sites” on which to build 15,140 homes.

Racing is expected to continue at Kempton until at least 2021, with Sandown Park taking over hosting the King George VI when the time comes.

If planning is given the green light, The Jockey Club is hoping to secure “in excess of” £100 million for investment in British racing. The organisation has also revealed its plans to invest more than £500 million into the sport over the next 10 years.

“The Jockey Club is governed by Royal Charter to act for the long-term good of British Racing,” said Roger Weatherby, senior steward of The Jockey Club.

“The decision to submit our estate at Kempton Park for consideration in the local plan is unique and has not been taken lightly.

“Our board of stewards are horsemen and, having carefully considered what we can achieve in the long-run from doing so, are unanimously of the view that British racing is better served by us doing so.

“Horsemen and customers alike will enjoy the benefit of numerous projects nationwide that result from the record investment proposals we unveil today, which include investments at each of our racecourses and training grounds throughout the country.”

How will the money be spent?

The investments include plans to “transform” Sandown by investing in its facilities, track and race programme.

A new floodlit all-weather racecourse is also on the cards for Newmarket, to replace Kempton’s all-weather fixtures. Kempton’s jump fixtures will be split between other racecourses across the country.

A boost for prize money and investment in both equine and human welfare has also been pledged.

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“A new purpose-built all-weather course on The Links in Newmarket to replace that at Kempton Park would be ideal for the thousands of horses trained at the home of racing and beyond, as well as shortening the working day for racing’s people there,” added Mr Weatherby.

“I am also particularly pleased that The Jockey Club will be even better placed in the coming years to provide further support to important causes, such as racing’s welfare and education programmes.

“As ever our intention is for our sport to benefit to the greatest extent possible.”

British Horseracing Authority’s reaction

Nick Rust, chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) said it “acknowledges and understands” the reasons behind the decision.

“The BHA will work with The Jockey Club in the development of their plans, to ensure that the long-term interests of the sport — and its grassroots — are best served in the coming years, with a particular focus on safeguarding the future health of jump racing,” he said.

Mr Rust added the proposal for the Newmarket all-weather track would need to go through the usual process for the addition of new racecourses.

This includes submitting an application for approval by the BHA board and ensuring the course meets all necessary licensing criteria.

‘You’ve all seen what he’s capable of’: Thistlecrack takes King George glory

Hannah Lemieux — Mon, 26 Dec 2016 18:27:37 +0000

Thistlecrack outjumped his stablemate, Cue Card, to win the prestigious King George VI Chase at Kempton today (26 December) in remarkable style.

The Colin Tizzard-trained novice chaser was facing only his fourth start over fences and it was his first run outside of novice company.

Paul Nicholls’ Silviniaco Conti led the field of five initially, before Thistlecrack and last year’s winner Cue Card came to the fore during the second circuit.

Under a brilliant ride from Tom Scudamore, Thistlecrack did produce a few usual exuberant jumps during the three-mile race — drawing gasps from the Kempton crowds. However, a sudden burst of speed round the final bend carried them clear from the rest of the field, to win by three-and-a-quarter lengths to Cue Card — a close-fought second.

“He’s on his own. Between myself, my father and grandfather we’ve had about 3,000 winners and he’s the best one of the lot. I never imagined it would be as easy as that,” said Tom of the John and Heather Snook-owned gelding.

Dorset trainer Colin Tizzard, who’s been on spectacular form this season and had the fortunate dilemma of both horses running in the £209,000 Grade One Christmas showcase, added: “They’ve done very well — I’ve sat on the fence for six weeks but you’ve all seen what Thistlecrack is capable of.

“It was just a matter of his jumping — it was brilliant when he was long and brilliant when he was in tight.”

It may have been an easy win for the eight-year-old son of Kayf Tara, but behind him there was a battle for the runner-up spot.

Cue Card, under his regular jockey Paddy Brennan, just held on by a short head to dual King George victor Silviniaco Conti.

Lizzie Kelly and Tea For Two held on for a close fourth, while the Nicky Henderson-trained Josses Hill finished fifth.

The two Colin Tizzard stable stars could go head-to-head in the Cheltenham Gold Cup at the Festival in March — for which Thistlecrack is now favourite.

Look no reins: Jockey sits tight in hurdle race

Hannah Lemieux — Thu, 12 May 2016 14:15:03 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Jumping a chase fence during a hurdle race — without reins — was not exactly conditional jockey Harry Bannister’s plan when he was legged up onto Vif Argent at Kempton Park.

However, the jockey’s skills in the saddle were tested to the limit when he found himself reinless after the first hurdle, during the eight-runner race.

“I was coming down to the first hurdle and he took off way too early and dived through the hurdle. His head hit the floor and I was thrown forward on to his ears, it was at that point I lost my reins,” said Harry, who was riding the Andrew Reid-trained gelding for the first time. “I grabbed the buckle of the reins before realising both reins were on the right-hand side of his neck and the bridle was now just over one ear.”

With no means of pulling the seven-year-old to the left, the horse veered right, away from the field, and on to the chase course, with a brush fence — approximately 4’6″ in height — fast approaching them.

“I didn’t actually think he would take the jump on — I thought he might slow down. I was trying to reach down and get the reins back over his head, but I think that just made him go faster,” Harry told H&H.

“When I realised he was going to take the jump on, I stopped trying to get the reins back and just grabbed hold of his mane. He jumped the fence beautifully!”

With the chase and hurdle courses at Kempton sharing bends, horse and jockey — with the reins now wrapped around Vif Argent’s front leg — re-joined the field.

“About five strides before the next hurdle, the reins snapped. At this point I wasn’t really panicking, I was just focusing on staying balanced and keeping ourselves out of trouble as much as possible,” recalled Harry, who is conditional jockey for Lambourn-based trainer Warren Greatrex.

“We carried on for near enough a full circuit with the rest of the field before the bend coming round to the grandstand, where we broke away from the field again. This time he went straight for the white rail, which he tried to jump,’ said Harry. “But about a stride off he jibbed slightly and lost momentum, which meant we both ended up on the floor.

“During the race, I was more worried about how I was going to stop him and also about not getting in the way of the other runners — it could have been really nasty, but thankfully we both got up from it absolutely fine.”

Inspired by the King George? 4 dream equestrian properties on Kempton’s doorstep PICTURES

Madeleine Silver — Sun, 27 Dec 2015 08:25:36 +0000

If you were inspired by the King George VI chase yesterday (26 December), perhaps it’s worth taking a look at these gorgeous horsey properties a stone’s throw from Kempton Park Racecourse so that you don’t have far to travel next time around.

1. Warehams Farmhouse, Surrey

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Distance to Kempton racecourse: 23 miles

For you: a six/seven-bedroom house, dating from 1780, with beautifully landscaped gardens and grounds.

For the horses: four stables, a tack room, horse walker, mobile shelters, plenty of hard standing for parking, and planning permission to extend the stable complex. Set in 30.88 acres.

What’s the damage? £4m

Agent: Knight Frank

Telephone number: 01483 610308

Visit: www.knightfrank.co.uk

2. Hampdenfields, Buckinghamshire

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Distance to Kempton racecourse: 40 miles

For you: a six-bedroom house dating back to the early 17th century, positioned towards the end of a long bridleway, with a self-contained guest suite.

For the horses: three stables, a tack room and 20x40m arena. Set in over six acres.

What’s the damage? £2.35m

Agent: Fine & Country

Telephone number: 01844 343131

Visit: www.fineandcountry.com

Continued below…

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

4 dream equestrian properties complete with luxurious solariums PICTURES

Here are four equestrian properties complete with solariums to dream about

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

4 dream equestrian properties for sale with indoor schools PICTURES

Here are four equestrian properties complete with indoor schools to dream about

3. June Farm, Surrey

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Distance to Kempton racecourse: 32 miles

For you: an eight-bedroom Grade II-listed house with a tennis court and swimming pool.

For the horses: 18 loose boxes forming a courtyard and within an American barn, a hay barn, feed room, tack room, rug room, solarium, horse walker and sand school. Set in 24.71 acres.

What’s the damage? £6m

Agent: Strutt & Parker

Telephone number: 020 7318 5190

Visit: www.struttandparker.com

4. Russley Acres, West Sussex

(Image credit: Jane Howard)

Distance to Kempton racecourse: 34 miles

For you: a substantial detached modern home, with six bedrooms plus three mobile homes.

For the horses: an American barn plus an adjoining courtyard, with a total of 26 stables, plus a 20x40m floodlit arena. Set in 27 acres.

What’s the damage? £1.75m

Agent: Rural Scene

Telephone number: 01264 850700

Visit: www.ruralscene.co.uk

Next week: Equestrian properties for sale with big entertaining spaces

Ref: Horse & Hound; 24 December 2015

Cue Card wins a thrilling King George VI Chase

Amy Mathieson — Sat, 26 Dec 2015 17:32:31 +0000

Cue Card won the King George VI Chase at Kempton this afternoon (26 December) in a thrilling renewal of the race.

Colin Tizzard’s stable star battled it out to the line with Irish raider Vautour, culminating in a photo finish. But it was a home win, with Cue Card just taking the prize.

“It’s the best feeling in my whole career,” said rider Paddy Brennan. “I feel very proud today. I’d like to thank Cue Card and all the staff. He’s run a true race.”

The nine-year-old gelding has now won two out of three legs of the million pound bonus; the newly introduced triple crown of chasing set up by Jockey Club Racecourses. The first leg was the Betfair Chase at Haydock last month, with the final one the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March.

“It’s fantastic. He’s a brilliant horse,” said proud trainer Colin Tizzard.

“Going to last if he’d met it on good stride he would have won by length and a half,” he said.

“He looks like a Gold Cup horse now. He’s had a hard race today so I don’t know if he’ll run again before then. He was all out on the line, but it’s so lovely that he relaxes in a race. It’s absolutely brilliant.”

It was a first win in four attempts for the popular gelding, who has seemed to have a new lease of life this season. Colin’s horses have been moved to a new barn, which, as well as a wind operation, appears to have made a difference.

Two-time winner of the race Silviniaco Conti set off in front and shared leadership with Willie Mullins’ Vautour for much of the first circuit. He dropped back, leaving Vautour ahead and in a comfortable position coming for home. Favourite Don Cossack took a crashing fall at the second last leaving Cue Card and Vautour in battle over the last and to the winning post.

Earlier in the day Faugheen showed he was back in form with an impressive win the Grade One Christmas Hurdle. Ridden by Ruby Walsh and trained by Willie Mullins the 1-4 favourite beat The New One by seven lengths. He lost his unbeaten record in the Morgiana at Punchestown to stablemate Nichols Canyon on his season debut, but owner Rich Ricci revealed the gelding had lost 15kg since the run.

Lizzie Kelly makes history for female jockeys

Amy Mathieson — Sat, 26 Dec 2015 17:29:53 +0000

Lizzie Kelly made history at Kempton Park this afternoon (26 December) by becoming the first female jockey to win a Grade One chase in Britain.

Lizzie was riding Tea For Two at the London track in the Grade One Kauto Star Novice Chase.

“It’s awesome,” said Lizzie. “I’m delighted. He showed everyone what he’s worth. Two out I thought we were going well and we then outjumped Southfield Royale. He showed some turn of foot today.

“I’m really happy with him.”

The 9-4 shot is trained by her stepfather Nick Williams and owned by her mother Jane.

The win was a historic one for women, with no female jockey having ridden a Grade One chase winner before today.

Lizzie’s mother Jane said it was an important day for women in the sport.

“It,s important to get women in racing and show that girls can do it too,” she said.

She added that they’d been aiming at Kempton. Lizzie was narrowly denied a Grade One win with Aubusson in France last month when beaten by Thousand Stars.

Lizzie and Tea For Two beat Southfield Royale, ridden by Noel Fehily by 4 lengths.

Lizzie, who is 22, also rides for Neil King.

“This is Lizzie’s day,” added Jane.

Female jockeys have been in the spotlight recently, with AP McCoy last month suggesting they should receive a weight allowance to encourage trainers and owners to book them. However, Lizzie’s ride here and Nina Carberry’s recent win at Cheltenham have raised awareness of women in the sport, which has traditionally been dominated by men.

Also last month the profile of women jockeys was further boosted by Michelle Payne’s 100-1 victory in the Melbourne Cup.

In 2011 Flat jockey Hayley Turner became the first female to win a Group One outright with Dream Ahead. The rider surprised fans this year by retiring.

6 ways to blow away the Christmas cobwebs

Amy Mathieson — Tue, 22 Dec 2015 09:05:52 +0000

By the end of Christmas Day, you’ll have watched so much TV you’ll be afraid your eyes have gone square and you have moulded to the sofa. You’ll be so full of turkey you will barely be able to move and the thought of another mince pie will make you want to rejoice and cry in equal measure.

Fear not — step away from that chocolate tree decoration, put down that glass of mulled wine — H&H is here to help.

Here are six activities to give you an equestrian fix over the festive period

1. Support your local hunt

Blow away the cobwebs at your local hunt’s Boxing Day meet. Whether you’re flying the hedges, following on foot or just catching up with supporters over a glass of port at the meet, enjoy the fresh air and the exhilaration of the sport.

2. Head to the races

Some of the best National Hunt racing happens over the Christmas period, so shake off that sherry hangover with a day at the track. The King George at Kempton is a highlight with top racing and is the perfect way to spend Boxing Day with the family.

Further south? Wincanton also hosts a Boxing Day fixture, meanwhile the Welsh National takes place at Chepstow on 27 December.

You might even win enough to fund your New Year’s Eve party plans…

3. Work off that Christmas pud

A Christmas jumper will hide a multitude of sins, however, if you’re feeling a little overindulged then a long hack is the perfect remedy — add in some faster work and you’ll burn around 250 calories an hour. And for that extra fitness kick, pick up that pitchfork and get shovelling — a thorough mucking out session can burn up to 450 calories we’re told.

Continued below…

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Feeling festive? Here are the ‘12 Days of Horse-mas’

4. Watch some equestrian telly

After all that mucking out, riding, walking and grooming, you’re tired out. It must be time for another hot chocolate and turkey sandwich. You’ve practically forgotten what the sofa looks like it’s been so long…. Dig out those equestrian oldies for a family film-fest. National Velvet, Black Beauty or Channel 4 Racing — you’ll be fighting over the remote.

5. Relax with a good book

It’s cold outside. Granny’s asleep on the sofa and the kids are occupied with their new Xbox/train set/football. Why not settle down with one of the equestrian books you were given for Christmas? Santa didn’t bring you one?

6. There’s an app for that

If you got a new tablet or phone for Christmas, it’s time to explore some new apps. Brush up on your stable management, learn a dressage test — and most importantly download the latest digital issue of Horse & Hound.

Kauto Star to rest under his statue at Kempton Park

Amy Mathieson — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 16:25:58 +0000

A box of Kauto Star’s ashes are to be laid to rest under his statue at Kempton Park.

The record-breaking ex-racehorse sustained fractures to his neck and pelvis in the paddock on Wednesday 24 June and was put down on Monday 29 June at Valley Equine Hospital in Lambourn.

The statue, paying tribute to the record-breaking five-time King George winner, was commissioned by Kauto Star’s owner Clive Smith. It was unveiled on Boxing Day last year.

It was created by equestrian sculptor Charlie Langton — who produced a similar one of Yeats that stands in the parade ring at Ascot.

“The statue will be positioned in the parade ring for all racegoers to admire. Kauto Star is synonymous with the race and we look forward to having our own Kauto Star in situ for many years to come,” said a spokesman for Kempton at the time.

The horse was cremated in Cheltenham on Monday (6 July). It has not yet been confirmed when the ashes will be taken to Kempton.

The statue is one of two commissioned by Kauto’s owner.

“I have a similar one in my garden, so I can see and remember him every day,” Clive told H&H last week.

The 15-year-old gelding had been living at event rider Laura Collett’s yard since his retirement from racing in 2012.

As well as winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup twice (2007 and 2009) Kauto Star won the King George at Kempton five times — in 2011 breaking the record set by legendary grey Desert Orchid.

The horse won armies of fans through his successes and was one of the most popular horses of recent times.

Kauto Star was trained in Somerset by Paul Nicholls during his racing career. He retired in October 2012 and moved to Laura’s yard in Lambourn where he was hacked and schooled frequently.

“He’s left a large hole in the yard that will never be filled, there won’t be another one like him,” Laura told H&H.

The rider has since spoken of feeling “bullied and hurt” after the death of the horse, which caused a storm of conspiracy theories on social media.

“It’s been a harrowing week but I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone has shown their kind support,” she wrote on Twitter yesterday (Tuesday 7 July).

Meet conditional jockey Lizzie Kelly [H&H VIP]

Horse & Hound — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 12:05:09 +0000

Marcus Armytage meets a remarkable conditional female jockey with a university degree — and an unstoppable appetite to make it to the top

On Saturday (10 January), 21-year-old conditional Lizzie Kelly hit the headlines again when she rode her mother Jane Williams’ Tea For Two to a wide-margin victory in the William Hill Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton.

It was a big weekend for the former University of Winchester student — on Monday she had a 5.30am start on the first day of her new job as conditional jockey to Marlborough trainer Neil King.

How did it all start?

When Mum was married to my father we didn’t have ponies so I was taken to a riding school in Kings Nympton, Devon, from the age of two. When Mum and Nick [Williams, step-father] started training I was riding out one lot for them before school aged 13 and four lots at the weekend. I rode about 50 point-to-point winners.

Most jockeys leave school and go straight into racing. You went to university for three years?

Yes. I went straight there from school without a gap because I knew if I didn’t go immediately I’d never get there. I studied event management and got a 2:2, although Mum still thinks I got a 2:1. If I hadn’t gone I doubt I’d have become a professional jockey. It gave me three years of my own time. I rode out every morning and weekends, rode in point-to-points and was able to take holiday jobs with Willie Mullins. It gave me great experience, taught me to fend for myself and to be a bit more selfish.

Was the original plan event management then?

Originally I wanted to work in the event management side of racing. It’s already big and growing. If I could combine the two it would be brilliant. I’m setting up something with my best friend trying to get students racing. It’s something on the side that is a bit academic to keep my mind occupied when I’m riding.

How pivotal was your win with Aubusson in the Neptune Investment Management novices’ hurdle at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day 2014?

New Year’s Day was the day it all started. That day I proved to myself I could mix it with the professionals. It was a great confidence booster. He’s a lovely horse and a lovely person. You can do anything with him. At home he’s like an old hunter, he’s the kindest, dopiest horse ever but on a racecourse he means business. Tea For Two is a bit edgier — that’s probably the Kayf Tara in him. He’s another lovely horse, very genuine, a bit trickier at home because he’s lively. Mum’s horses are all part of the family, which is why it means so much when we do have big winners — she worries about them every day.

What’s next for Aubusson and Tea For Two?

Mum and Nick are humming and hawing about Cheltenham. Their horses tend to like the soft and win well in the winter, we all get excited and then the ground turns for Cheltenham. Aubusson will win plenty of races so if he doesn’t go it isn’t the end of the world. It would be hard not to be impressed with Tea For Two — it wouldn’t have mattered if I had been a stone overweight and that is the nail in the coffin as far as handicaps are concerned. What he’d go for is interesting. Would he win one from the top of the handicap? My brother Chester’s input is usually invaluable. He’s only 17 and still at school but he’s a walking formbook.

How did the job with Neil King come about?

He has made a big impression with the start he’s made since moving to Jim Old’s old yard from Newmarket [in May last year] and I had been riding out for him a couple of times a week. It’s one of those strange coincidences. My boyfriend, Danny Burton, is an amateur with Alan King, a field away. I’m very conscious it is important you have a life, and a job has to fit in with everything else. I am the type of person who needs that sort of support off the racecourse to give 100% on it.

Last week you got a two-day ban for flicking a horse a couple of times a long way clear at Leicester. Why was that?

I don’t think the BHA [British Horseracing Authority] is having a great time with its whip rules at the moment what with calling in Aidan Coleman two weeks after the Welsh National (see Richard Johnson, right). I was so far in front the horse started thinking he needn’t do any more.

Do you think there’s a glass ceiling in jump racing for female jockeys?

I’ve always tried to ride like a lad. If you look at a race in which Nina Carberry rides you can’t tell her apart from the lads. As for injury, some are lucky and some are plagued by it. So far, touch wood, I’ve been lucky. I can only speak for myself. There are a lot of things in racing in which it doesn’t matter whether you are male or female. You don’t need to be male to see a stride. But I think you should always be aware that you are a girl. There is also a bit of stigma because I’m a trainer’s daughter. There are advantages like ladies’ races and media interest. You can either work with it realising you might not quite get as far as you could if you were a male, or you give up. It’s up to the individual.

You seem very comfortable with the media. Does that come from your mum?

Both my parents are beautiful speakers. I read in church and did a lot of drama at school, so it’s probably a mix of being taught and having a bit of eloquence in the genes. People like to hear what jockeys have to say, they like an insight to the good times, the bad times, behind the scenes. It’s so important a jockey can talk confidently. People always remember Mick Fitzgerald saying after winning the National that it was “better than sex”. It was brilliant, not planned. It’s important that people try to talk.

This interview was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (15 January 2014)

Silviniaco Conti wins the King George for a second time

Amy Mathieson — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 16:37:07 +0000

Silviniaco Conti took the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton for the second year running — securing a ninth win in the race for trainer Paul Nicholls.

The eight-year-old gelding travelled strongly throughout the race, jumping cleanly under a positive ride from Noel Fehily.

The pair led from the start, mostly tracked by Champagne Fever, who tired towards the end under Ruby Walsh, to finish fourth.

Silviniaco Conti won by 4 1/2 lengths from David Pipe’s Dynaste in second, ridden by Tom Scudamore. A further 5l back in third was another Nicholls horse, Al Ferof, who also finished third in the 2013 race.

“He’s a hell of a good horse,” said Fehily of Silviniaco Conti. “He proved today what a good horse he is whatever the ground, he’s gone a good gallop the whole way.”

Silviniaco Conti, who was sent off 15-8 favourite, jumped boldly and had a good rhythm for the whole three miles. He now heads to the Cheltenham Gold Cup, although Nicholls has not yet decided whether the gelding will have another run between now and March.

“He was really good today, he’s a much improved horse and we now look forward to Cheltenham.

““He gallops and stays and he’s very fit,” said Nicholls — who also won the King George five times with Kauto Star and twice with See More Business.

Dynaste put in a solid performance under Tom Scudamore. Tom had earlier in the day won at Wincanton on Batavir, and had arrived at Kempton in a helicopter in order to take part in the feature race.

Al Ferof ran on strongly for Sam Twiston-Davies for third, and the grey, who runs in the yellow, white and red silks of John Hales, owner of Nick Skelton’s showjumping star Arko, may now head to the Champion Chase at Cheltenham.

Cue Card came home fifth, Johns Spirit was sixth, Wonderful Charm was seventh.

Menorah made a bad error on the way home, finishing eighth, while Philip Hobbs’ other charge Wishfull Thinking pulled up.

Earlier in the day Coneygree, trained by Mark Bradstock, provided jockey Nico de Boinville with his first Grade One win in a drama-packed Kauto Star Novices’ Chase,

Favourite Saphir Du Rheu fell, as did Sausalito Sunrise, while Creepy pulled up and Carraig Mor unseated Noel Fehily.

Meanwhile, Faugheen put in an outstanding performance in the williamhill.com Christmas Hurdle winning by 8l to Purple Bay and confirming his position as favourite for March’s Champion Hurdle.

Silviniaco Conti wins King George VI Chase

Amy Mathieson — Thu, 26 Dec 2013 17:49:16 +0000

Silviniaco Conti took the King George VI Chase at Kempton today (26 December 2013), giving trainer Paul Nicholls his 8^th win in the race.

The 7-year-old gelding, who was sent off at 7-2, won from Betfair Chase winner Cue Card.

Cue Card, trained by Colin Tizzard, jumped confidently and made all the running, tracked by Silviniaco Conti. The leading 2 were ahead of the field nearing the end of the race and Cue Card looked set to win, before weakening after the 2^nd last — allowing Silviniaco Conti to pull away. He won by 3½ lengths under Noel Fehily.

Paul Nicholls’ other runner, Al Ferof, ridden by H&H columnist Daryl Jacob, finished 3rd.

Riverside Theatre and Champion Court made mistakes early on, unseating riders Barry Geraghty and Ian Popham at the 5^th fence, while Sam Waley-Cohen and Long Run parted company at the last.

It was an 8^th King George win for trainer Paul Nicholls, who also took the race twice with See More Business and a record 5 times with Kauto Star.

The latter looked full of beans as he paraded at Kempton with rider Laura Collett.

“I thought Joe [on Cue Card] had got away from me, but this horse is as tough as nails. I’ve never ridden a Gold Cup winner, but I hope he is one. To win a King George is unbelievable,” said Noel Fehily after the race.

Paul added: “I’m delighted. He stays forever this horse.”

Silviniaco Conti is now joint-favourite for the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March, alongside last year’s winner Bobs Worth.

“Better ground and a bit further should suit him,” added Paul.

Joe Tizzard said he was “chuffed to bits” with runner-up Cue Card.

“He got into a lovely rhythm, and fair play to Noel, there are no excuses,” he said.

Kauto Star delights crowds at Kempton Park

Carol Phillips — Thu, 26 Dec 2013 17:48:45 +0000

After winning the King George VI Chase an amazing 5-times during his racing career, Kauto Star returned to his spiritual home at Kempton Park earlier today (26 December) to parade in front of his adoring fans.

Here are our favourite social media posts marking the occasion.

Kauto Star in his stable at Kempton! pic.twitter.com/Osm9BvmphHKauto Star in his stable at Kempton! pic.twitter.com/Osm9BvmphH— Laura Collett (@CollettEventing) December 26, 2013— Laura Collett (@CollettEventing) December 26, 2013

Another photo of Kauto Star, this time with eventing partner @CollettEventing pic.twitter.com/NQ1M8lwk8YAnother photo of Kauto Star, this time with eventing partner @CollettEventing pic.twitter.com/NQ1M8lwk8Y— Channel 4 Racing (@Channel4Racing) December 26, 2013— Channel 4 Racing (@Channel4Racing) December 26, 2013

Post by Channel4Racing.

Well someone had his oats this morning! Kauto Star @kemptonparkrace earlier with @CollettEventing pic.twitter.com/m4jdCndBJMWell someone had his oats this morning! Kauto Star @kemptonparkrace earlier with @CollettEventing pic.twitter.com/m4jdCndBJM— The Jockey Club (@TheJockeyClub) December 26, 2013— The Jockey Club (@TheJockeyClub) December 26, 2013

Kauto Star to parade at Kempton Park on Boxing Day

Amy Mathieson — Tue, 24 Dec 2013 16:00:30 +0000

Popular ex-racehorse Kauto Star is to parade at Kempton on Boxing Day.

The 5-times winner of the King George VI Chase will strut his stuff for fans before racing on 26 December.

He will be parading in hand in the paddock at midday, and later will lead the runners out with rider, eventer Laura Collett, before the King George.

“We are delighted to be welcoming Kauto Star back to Kempton Park on Boxing Day,” said Kempton’s Phil White.

“He is such a special horse and a big part of the recent history of the William Hill Winter Festival. It is a great opportunity for racegoers to see this equine hero again at the home of his 5 King George VI Chase victories.”

And as a further honour to the King George record holder, owner Clive Smith has commissioned a statue of Kauto Star.

It will be unveiled next year and will be produced by equestrian artist and sculpture Charlie Langton.

“Owning Kauto Star has been the thrill of a lifetime and to be able to present a statue of him to Kempton Park, to celebrate his great wins is truly heart-warming for me,” said Clive.

“Being remembered in this way is nothing less than he deserves. My very talented, beautiful horse with a lovely quiet temperament and a tremendous will to win; the horse of a lifetime.”

Long Run wins second King George VI Chase

Amy Mathieson — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 16:55:06 +0000

Long Run and Sam Waley-Cohen have regained their Kempton crown, claiming their second King George VI Chase win.

The pair pipped the Philip Hobbs-trained Captain Chris to the post, taking the race by just a neck in a thrilling finish this afternoon (Wednesday 26 December).

Long Run, trained by Nicky Henderson, set off the 15-8 favourite of the Grade 1 race.

Despite a couple of jumping mistakes on the way round, the seven-year-old dug deep in stamina sapping conditions to win.

The heavy ground made for a testing battle in the closing stages of the race and a mighty leap by Captain Chris at the last landed the 16-1 shot temporarily in front under Richard Johnson, before he was caught on the line by the favourite.

Seven-year-old grey Grands Crus, trained by David Pipe, finished 14 lengths back in third with Tom Scudamore. Martin Keighley’s Champion Court, who travelled well throughout the race before tiring on the way home, finished fourth.

“He was so brave,” said Sam Waley-Cohen. “I had to keep asking him and I asked him early and perhaps too much as he was so tired and so brave. It means so much to us, this is why we do it. I can’t put it into words — it’s so special. It’s an honour and a pleasure.”

Sam’s father, and Long Run’s owner, Robert Waley-Cohen, added: “We’ve had such fun with him, he’s been wonderful to us. I wasn’t absolutely sure he’d got up to start with, but it’s fantastic.”

It was the second win of the day for amateur jockey Sam, who also won aboard the Nicky Henderson-trained Rajdhani Express.

Long Run, who won the rescheduled 2010 race [held in January 2011 due to bad weather], finished second to Kauto Star in the race last year, being held off by just one and a quarter lengths.

And popular five-times King George winner Kauto Star was also at Kempton today looking in good health parading before racing alongside new rider Laura Collett.

Kauto moved to event rider Laura’s Wiltshire yard earlier this month to embark on his second career in the world of dressage, with the help of top trainer Yogi Breisner.

London racecourses swap furlongs for metres in metric makeover

Horse & Hound — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 17:42:35 +0000

London racecourses are testing the use of metric weights and distances during the Olympics to make the sport more accessible to younger adults and overseas visitors.

Metre markers are being featured as well as furlong markers at Kempton Park, Epsom Downs and Sandown Park, while the weights of the jockeys are being measured in kilos, alongside traditional stones and pounds.

The idea was developed by Racing For Change, a body created to make Britain’s horseracing industry more attractive to the widest possible audience.

It believes that Imperial measures confuse some younger adults, particularly as the majority of the UK population and the world now uses metric measures.

Rod Street of Racing For Change said: “Racing’s unique language is an asset and part of its heritage and appeal, but we do think that the use of both metric and imperial measures will help us to explain the sport better to our international visitors and younger adults.

“Imperial measures don’t mean a great deal to kids and tourists, so it makes sense to test the use of metric information.”

A spokesman for Racing for Change added: “We’ve had positive and negative feedback. Younger adults see it as long overdue while a few senior citizens are horrified!”

For more information visit www.racingforchange.co.uk.

Kauto Star wins fifth King George

Horse & Hound — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 15:44:13 +0000

The 11-year-old Kauto Star thrilled a huge Boxing Day crowd at Kempton with a magnificent display of jumping to break Desert Orchid’s record and win a fifth William Hill King George VI Chase under Ruby Walsh.

Trained by Paul Nicholls, the French-bred dual Gold Cup winner lost his Christmas crown to Long Run last year. But, despite being five years older than Long Run, Kauto Star held him off by a length this time.

Walsh had Kauto Star positioned on the outside well up with the early leaders, Golan Way and Nacarat, and Sam Waley-Cohen tracked them on Long Run. But Kauto Star’s jumping was so extravagant that, with a circuit to go, he was in front and travelling beautifully. By the fourth fence from home, Kauto Star was four lengths clear and Waley-Cohen was having to ask Long Run for an effort.

Kauto Star, who started at 3-1, jumped the final fences perfectly and just tired a touch on the run-in, allowing the staying-on Long Run to get to his tail.

The crowd erupted as Kauto Star passed the post in front – he may not be grey, but he is just as popular as Desert Orchid in his hey-day.

“He’s amazing,” said Paul Nicholls. “I knew we had him in serious order. He’s just the best.”

Ruby Walsh joked: “He’s got the hang of it now, hasn’t he?”

Owner Clive Smith’s other runner in the race, the dual Champion Chase winner Master Minded, pulled up lame and was taken off for treatment.

Special guests to mark Kempton Park’s opening meeting

Horse & Hound — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 17:29:43 +0000

A special day of racing will take place on Sunday 16 October to celebrate the new season at Kempton Park.

Not only does “Jump Sunday” have seven races, but spectators will have the chance to see special guests and take behind the scenes tours.

Prolific winner Binocular, who took the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Park in 2009 and the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham the following year, will parade in front of the crowds.

Jockey Sam Waley-Cohen, who triumphed aboard Long Run in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2011, will also be talking about his hopes for the forthcoming season.

Spectators will have the opportunity to walk the final furlong with one of the top jockeys riding on the day before the first race.

There will also be around 40 spaces on a behind the scenes tour of the racecourse visiting the commentary box, weighing room, parade ring and Stewards Box where there will be a talk regarding how integrity is maintained in the sport.

To take part on the tour or furlong walk spectators need to sign up at reception on the day.

Managing director of Kempton Park Amy Starkey said: “We are eagerly anticipating the launch of the new Jumps season at Kempton Park and are delighted to welcome Binocular and Sam Waley-Cohen as special guests on the opening day of the season.”

Tickets start from £12 booked in advance. Visit: www.kempton.co.uk or tel: 08445 793008

Mascot Grand National moves to Kempton Park

Horse & Hound — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 10:56:24 +0000

The “Grand National” is to be switched to Kempton Park racecourse for the first time next May.

However Sunbury racegoers will not be seeing the likes of Don’t Push It and Ballabriggs soaring over fences, but instead a field of brightly coloured mascots jostling for victory.

First run in 1999 at Huntingdon racecourse, the madcap Mascot Grand National features up to 100 mascots as they race over the final furlong of the turf track, complete with small hurdles.

Kempton Park’s Amy Starkey said: “We’re delighted to be bringing the Mascot Grand National to Kempton Park and it will be bigger and more exciting than ever before.

“We hope to attract new mascots to the event from all over the south of England.

“The mascots are really enthusiastic about it too because it’s an occasion when they can all gather, raise money for charity and meet their fans.

“The football mascots are especially passionate about it.”

Scheduled for 7 May 2012 the race has not been without its controversies over the years with accusations of gamesmanship, attempted betting coups involving a Commonwealth Games gold medallist and “ringers” being involved.

In 2001 Freddie the Fox was first past the post however he was disqualified after it was revealed he was actually Matthew Douglas — a semi finalist at the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000.

Two-years later a £10,000 betting coup was foiled when the foot fell off “Sedge the Field Mouse” who was actually Commonwealth Games gold medal winning sprinter Allyn Condon.

Tweet Lady wins for virtual owners at Kempton

Horse & Hound — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 15:13:27 +0000

Tweet Lady — the horse “virtually owned” by racing fans on Twitter — recorded her first win last night (Tuesday 16 August) at Kempton Park racecourse.

The two-year-old filly, trained by Rod Millman in Devon, is the first racehorse to involve huge numbers of virtual owners through Twitter.

The scheme was launched by Racing for Change in June to open the opportunity of ownership to a wider audience.

Through Twitter she tweets regular updates on her life at the yard and training regime — with a little help from James Millman, Rod’s son and Tweet Lady’s jockey.

The filly’s virtual owners, who pay nothing to get involved, have the chance to win owners’ badges when she races by registering on the website.

Tweet Lady, who has 1,400 followers, won at 16-1 last night by a length from the Ralph Beckett-trained Continuity.

For more information visit: www.thepeopleshorse.co.uk

Follow Tweet Lady on Twitter @peopleshorse

King George VI Chase postponed until 15 January

Horse & Hound — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 10:58:57 +0000

The William Hill King George VI Chase has been re-scheduled for Saturday 15 January, after attempts to stage the race today (Monday 27 December) had to be abandoned due to a frozen track.

Kauto Star’s attempt to achieve a record-breaking fifth victory in the race will now take place at Kempton Park racecourse on William Hill Lanzarote Hurdle day instead.

Kempton Park’s managing director Amy Starkey said: “We are naturally bitterly disappointed to have lost the William Hill Winter Festival to the severe winter weather. Everyone at the racecourse did all that they could to get racing on, but the elements defeated us.

“Though it has not taken place at Christmas as we expected, the whole of racing can now start looking forward once again to Kauto Star’s bid to win a record-breaking fifth William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton Park.”

Announcements about race times and admission prices are expected to be made this week. All advance bookings for the William Hill Winter Festival will be refunded.

Toby Coles’ diary: A bitter lesson learnt the hard way

Horse & Hound — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 11:52:57 +0000

Last Wednesday saw Nineteensixtysix depart for a new life in Gloucestershire. He has been an extremely painful lesson for me, but one that will never be forgotten. We had bought him this spring as a breeze-up horse. Unfortunately, I paid for him rather than the new owner.

A couple of months later, after naming the horse Nineteensixtysix, the owner decided that he was not for them. Nineteensixtysix had undergone a gelding surgery and numerous other ailments, all of which tightened the belt on one’s practically non-existent bank balance. Nineteensixtysix, therefore, became one of Coles Racing’s assets.

This stunning-looking gelding by Encosta Da Lago (AUS) did have one use, as I was to give a share of him to one of my best friends as a wedding present, all costs paid! Unfortunately, he did not have the mind to be a racehorse (Alex, do not fear, I’ll find you another one) so at a massive loss to Coles Racing he has gone to a friend in Gloucestershire where he will learn another trade within the horse world.

On Thursday we had a little respite from Jack Frost’s grip and we were able to gallop all the older horses. It was a relatively encouraging morning with some glimmers of hope for the New Year. It is about time that I told you that Coles Racing is on the move, albeit not very far, to a yard just 300yd from where it is based now.

Yard move on the way

My present landlord and landlady, Mr and Mrs Rae Guest, have been the very best landlords that I could have had. It is from the continued support of owners old and new that this move has come about. My numbers have swollen past the capacity that I have at the moment. It was on Thursday that the new yard went under the scrutiny of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) inspector. Thankfully, it has passed and I will become a licensed trainer from Cedar Lodge Stables in the New Year.

Overnight the temperatures had plummeted and now Newmarket Heath had become one’s very own little winter wonderland. As I gingerly approached the yard, in anticipation of any damage caused by the previous days’ exploits galloping, I somehow managed to end up on my arse, not once, but twice, leaving the car park. All the horses had come through their work without an injury. On Friday the BHA had decided to put on an all-weather bumper card at Kempton Park on Tuesday where Charlie’s Boy would run in the first race.

On Saturday the weather closed in even more and I decided that Saturday would be Sunday (it is quite fun playing God sometimes). On Saturday evening I was to take the yard to “the dogs” for an evening watching the dish-lickers at their finest. Sadly, even these hardy pedigree pooches had succumbed to the weather and we went out for dinner instead. It was a fun evening amalgamating those associated with Coles Racing and those involved at Cedar Lodge, namely Mrs O’Neill, my future landlady, and her motley crew.

Messy but effective

On Sunday morning, I did something I had learnt last year in the depths of winter in America. We mucked out straight on to the yard creating a passable path for horse and rider from the stables to the Heath (see picture above). It may not sound terribly becoming, but it is extremely practical and a great way to prevent an accident.

I must congratulate and thank all those involved with the Jockey Club Estates in keeping the gallops and Heath fully functional. They do an amazing job in both keeping the grounds open and dealing with ever annoying trainers who consistently break the rules. Many of my schoolmasters would tell you that I am not adverse to getting into a little bit of trouble through my need for complete autocracy!

On Sunday I had somehow managed to second another of racing’s beauties to work for me. This time it was not to be Francesca Cumani, pitting her fitness against Cotton King, nor Amanda Zetterholm riding a piece of work, but an apprentice in the form of Leonna Mayor. However, my plan of doing some serious work on my street credibility fell fairly flat on its face as there was not another sole on the Heath.

By Monday one was beginning to feel rather like the abominable snowman while out on the horses. On returning to the yard one had lost the feeling in one’s hands and were fearful of our feet smashing like glass when jumping off our mounts. However, it was rather amusing that when we returned from first lot, both girls riding out with me had frozen hair and eyelashes! The horses’ manes were white and their whiskers were frozen solid for it had been at least -11 overnight.

Monday also saw the arrival of two new inmates for Coles Racing. Both had ventured down from the north so when encountering the tropical temperatures of the Midlands they must have thought that they had gone on holiday to Barbados. A fine idea in anybody’s mind as a result of the weather that we are encountering now. My perpetual loathing of the snow is unsurprisingly increasing day by day.

What’s up with Charlie’s Boy?

Tuesday started at an ungodly hour when I collected the little horse box I hire to take Charlie’s Boy south to Kempton where he was to run in the first race, a National Hunt bumper over two miles. Previously he had run at Uttoxeter and had stopped as if shot three furlongs from home. Unfortunately, he did the same again today and we will have to do some serious diagnostic work with the vet to find out what has stopped him.

In my view, it could only really be one of two things to stop him that quickly. Firstly, bleeding from the lungs. We, however, know that he did not do this as he was given an endoscopic examination after the race, looking down the trachea where no blood was found. The second is the dislodging of his soft palate because of holding his breath when put under stress. If this is the reason it will be a rare case as he makes no noise as in most cases the noise is described as a roar, hence the term roarers.

Kauto Star wins King George VI Chase for fourth year in a row

Horse & Hound — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 17:48:02 +0000

Kauto Star made jump racing history at Kempton today when he won a record fourth consecutive William Hill King George VI Chase.

Desert Orchid won the race four times but in five years and now just about the only thing the late great grey still has over the Paul Nicholls-trained modern great is in a popularity contest.

It was, however, by far Kauto Star’s most impressive win of the four and he was probably facing his strongest opposition yet in the race — only Denman was missing. He relished the strong gallop and came home like a fresh horse a distance clear of Madison Du Berlais and Barbers Shop, with long-time leader Nacarat putting in a game effort in fourth. All of them were out on their feet in the scramble for the line, while Kauto Star was already jig-jogging half way back to the winner’s enclosure.

“He was brilliant,” said trainer Paul Nicholls, who was winning the race for a sixth time, also a record. “Since Haydock he’s been blooming. Everything at home suggested it. With targets like this and the Gold Cup you don’t have them at their best for their first run.

“He’s a real little professional now, he jumps, he’s relaxed, he’s grown up. He’ll be a hard horse to beat here next year and if he stays sound he’ll be hard to beat at Cheltenham — I don’t care what [horses] he’s up against. It was testing enough out there today and I don’t even think that [mud] will stop him at Cheltenham in this form.”

Ruby Walsh, in the saddle on all four occasions, never had a moment’s worry. “You think some of the hard races he’s had would be starting to catch up with him, but he just gets better,” he said.

Don’t miss H&H’s full report from Kempton, on sale Thursday 7 January, 2010

New Breeze Up Bonus scheme to encourage racehorse ownership

Amy Mathieson — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 14:29:51 +0000

A new £500,000 bonus scheme has been launched to encourage racehorse buyers at breeze up sales this season.

Breeze up sales allow potential purchasers to judge for themselves prior to the sale how well a horse can gallop.

The first 40 winners of two–year-old maiden, conditional or stakes races worldwide bought from breeze up sales in Britain, Ireland and France in 2009 will each win an added £10,000 on top of the normal prize-money.

Twenty races carrying a £5,000 bonus are also available.

The breeze up Bonus is funded by the horses’ vendors and the sales companies and all seven breeze up sales in 2009 in Britain, Ireland and France are included.

The first chance to take advantage of the incentive is at Goffs Kempton Breeze Up on Friday, 6 March.

All 75 ready-to-race two-year-olds at the sale will be eligible for the new bonus.

Henry Beeby chief executive of Goffs said: “Prize-money remains the primary issue for buyers of racehorses and it is wonderful that vendors and auctioneers have worked together to address the challenge in such a proactive way.

“As the first breeze up of the season Kempton buyers are at a real advantage to benefit from the bonus scheme. This sale has a proven record of producing winners, many within just weeks of purchase, and there have been a very high number of individual buyers associated with these winners.”

Harry Findlay, joint owner of Gold Cup winning horse Denman, said: “I think it’s a great idea and on a mathematical basis, for anyone buying a horse at the right price it has to be a massive incentive.”

Leading sires represented in this year’s catalogue at the Goffs Kempton Breeze Up include Acclamation, Bahamian Bounty, One Cool Cat, Danehill Dancer, Elusive City, Exceed & Excel, Giants Causeway, Green Desert, Invincible Spirit, Khaleyf, Kyllachy, Nayef, Oasis Dream, One Cool Cat and Verglas.

For more information visit: www.goffs.com

Participating Breeze Ups are:

Goffs Breeze-up at Kempton (6 March)

Doncaster Breeze-up Sale (7- 8 April)

Tattersalls’ Craven Breeze-up sale (14 – 16 April)

Tattersalls’ Guineas Breeze-up sale 30th April – 1 May)

Arqana 2YO Breeze-up Sale (9 May)

Goffs Breeze-up at Dundalk (12 May)

Goresbridge Breeze-up Sale (25 May)

For more information visit: www.breezeupbonus.com

Horses killed and jockeys injured in 5 horse pile-up at Kempton

Horse & Hound — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:27:12 +0000

Two jockeys are recovering in hospital after a 5 horse pile-up at Kempton Park that killed 2 horses.

The accident happened at the half way stage of the 1m apprentice race on Wednesday night (30 July).

Apprentice Jamie Jones is reported to be in a “stable condition”. He has broken three vertebrae but it is understood that he can move his legs and there is no spinal cord damage.

Mark Coumbe has a bruised lung and arm injuries as well as two broken vertebrae. But it is also reported that he too can move his legs and there is not thought to be any spinal cord damage.

Both jockeys were taken to St Peter’s Hospital, Chertsey, but Jamie has since been transferred to St George’s Hospital, Tooting.

During the race Jamie’s mount the Steve Gollings-trained Kaballero clipped heels and brought down 4 others, including Mark’s horse Towy Girl, trained by Tony Collings.

Racehorses Towy Girl and Gay Kelleway’s Arctic Desert died.

Betfair supports harness racing after £80,000 is bet on Kempton

Amy Mathieson — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:44:22 +0000

Betfair is calling for harness racing to be staged on the four Sundays in 2009 with no televised racing fixtures following the success of the first harness race at Kempton on 16 July.

Punters placed more than £80,000 on the race with the online betting site.

Two thousand racegoers watched the race at Kempton Park and the race was aired live on Racing UK.

Tony Calvin from Betfair told H&H: “Our expectations were minimal — but as it turned out more than 1,000 people placed bets on the harness race.

“We were completely taken unawares. There is definitely potential if it is supported by one of the horseracing channels. It could provide a new interest for the racing fraternity and certainly gets our backing.”

Harness racing to make its debut at British racecourses

Horse & Hound — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:00:00 +0000

Trotters will be taking to the track for the first time at two British racecourses to boost the popularity of the sport in the UK.

Traditionally known as trotting, harness racing attracts thousands of spectators abroad but is not well-known in the UK and does not often take place at mainstream racecourses.

In the next two weeks, harness racing fixtures are scheduled at Kempton Park and Hereford racecourses.

At Hereford an entire harness racing fixture is planned on 13 July — with eight trotting races run in association with the British Harness Racing Club (BHRC).

Stella Havard from the BHRC told H&H: “It’s a great way to complement traditional racing. Harness racing is very strong in the Hereford area and North Wales. We’ve attracted so many entries from top-class horses from the UK and Ireland that we will have to ballot.”

At Kempton Park there will be one race after the scheduled evening Flat racing on 16 July. Drivers are yet to be confirmed, but president of the BHRC Lord Lipsey is to take part.

A spokesman from Kempton Park said: “We are always looking for something different to offer our customers and harness racing seemed ideal.”

At both events, drivers in single-seater sulkies — a lightweight two-wheeled racing cart — will be racing over a mile.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (10 July, ’08)

London’s racecourses stay open despite foot-and-mouth

Horse & Hound — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 11:47:08 +0000

Four racecourses and one racehorse trainer lie within the new foot-and-mouth (FMD) surveillance zone. But all can continue with business as usual, provided they carry out appropriate biosecurity measures.

Racing continued at Kempton Park last night — just miles from the foot-and-mouth outbreak in Egham, Surrey — but every car and horsebox coming onto the racecourse was disinfected.

Racing will also continue at Ascot, Sandown Park and Windsor — with vehicle disinfection also a priority.

One trainer lies within the FMD 10km surveillance zone, but the British Horseracing Authority has allowed him to continue to have runners, provided he carries out “appropriate biosecurity measures” on his horses before they leave the yard.

Arab racing silver jubilee

Trevor Cooper — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 10:56:52 +0000

The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) is to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Dubai International Arabian Race Day with an additional race on 4 July at Kempton Park.

The Silver Jubilee Premier Handicap Stakes, which will be run over a distance of 1 mile 2 furlongs and offer £10,000 in prize money, is open to purebred Arabians rated up to 105.

Bill Smith, director of the ARO, said: “The Dubai International Race Day has changed almost beyond recognition in its stature and popularity in recent years, but we are keen to recognise our heritage, and Kempton Park shares our history of staging top class Arabian Racing.”

The first 1000 race-goers to arrive at Kempton on Wednesday will receive special free gifts.

The race day was originally conceived as a championship event for Arabian racing in the UK and was first run at Kempton in 1982. It then switched to Newbury, where ARO has its headquarters, in 1999.

Racing Week: WANTED — Grand National ride

Horse & Hound — Fri, 31 Mar 2006 12:54:11 +0000

Jockey Richard Johnson remains without a ride for the John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree (8 April). However, it is possible that his search will soon come to an end, thanks to champion owner David Johnson.

Most of the other top riders have already been linked with mounts for this year’s race but when Philip Hobbs’ decided to withdraw Monkerhostin a few weeks ago, Johnson was left without a ride. Johnson has already attempted the National nine times but is yet to score a win. His closest effort was in 2002, when he was runner up in What’s Up Boys.

David Johnson’s horses are trained by Martin Pipe and he is set to be represented at the National by both Therealbandit and last year’s fourth It Takes Time, on whom Johnson finished fourth in the Becher Chase in November.

UK racecourses unite to help suffering horses

Equine welfare charity The Brooke has launched a Courses for Horses Racecourse Club, and invited all 59 UK racecourses to join. The initiative forms part of the Brooke’s 2006 Courses for Horses fundraising campaign to help horses suffering most in the world. Racecourses joining the club will be pledging to raise a minimum of £1,000 each throughout the year for the Brooke.

More than three-quarters of Britain’s racecourses have signed up — Bangor-on-Dee agreed within days of hearing of the initiative. Scottish Racing, Arena Leisure, Northern Racing and Racecourse Holdings Trust racecourses quickly followed suit. In addition, so far, 14 independents have also joined the Courses for Horses Racecourse Club.

“So far we’ve had an overwhelming response from racecourses,” says Mike Baker, chief executive of the Brooke. “Last year Courses for Horses raised more than £134,000, which helped us reach some 26,000 horses that support the livelihoods of more than 150,000 people overseas. We urge all racecourses to sign up to this important campaign, and do what they can to help suffering horses overseas. If every racecourse signs up that would generate a minimum of £59,000, which Betfair will double.”

In a new partnership deal Betfair — the Brooke’s headline Courses for Horses sponsor — has pledged to match each pound generated by racecourses. By the end of the year, Betfair hopes to raise a total of £250,000 for the Brooke from this and other fundraising activities.

The Brooke helps half a million horses, donkeys and mules tirelessly working for some of the poorest communities in the world. From Afghanistan to Jordan, Kenya to Guatemala, the Brooke’s teams of mobile veterinary units reach the most vulnerable equine animals providing help where it is most needed.

Ouija Board to go international

Ouija Board is likely to have her whole five-year old campaign geared to international events, according to trainer Ed Dunlop. The filly has only raced twice in Britain since winning the 2004 Oaks .

The star mare finished fourth in the Dubai Sheema Classic at Nad Al Sheba on Saturday with Kieron Fallon. Dunlop deemed the outcome unsatisfactory and there is speculation as to whether Fallon with retain the ride.

Dunlops maintains that the mare will now be aimed for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes in Hong Kong next month or the Singapore Airlines International Cup in May.

Seven of Ouija Boards most recent races have been outside the UK and last year her campaign finished with a win in the Hong Kong Vase, which she won under Fallon.

No National run for Fondmort

Fortmont will not be running in the Grand National (8 April). Instead the Cheltenham winner can be seen in action in either the Betfair Bowl or the Meeling Chase during the Aintree meeting. Doubts over the gelding’s stamina have led owner Bill Brown and trainer Nicky Henderson to make the decision. It is likely that the gelding will run in another Cheltenham fixture later in April – the £50,000 Faucets for Mira Showers Silver Trophy Chase.

Lord Coe to turn on Kempton’s lights

Lord Sebastian Coe will turn on the lights at Kempton’s floodlit meeting on 21 April. The former MP and Olympic athlete is the chairman of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games. Kempton is promoting itself as London’s first floodlit racecourse.

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‘He’s got the biggest heart’: horse who cost just €850 wins dramatic King George VI

“If it wasn’t the King George, I probably would have pulled him up,” Gavin told ITV Racing. “I knew he stays and stays and I wasn’t able to get going. There’s only a certain amount of questions you can ask and if they aren’t answering, you can’t ask.

“Shark said before he’s probably the smallest horse here but he’s got the biggest heart. I was absolutely delighted when I was told that Shark was getting me on Hewick. It was a no-brainer.

“To come here and do it like that was just amazing. I’m gobsmacked – that’s a King George and it’s not a race easy to win.”

Hewick’s victory for owner T J McDonald has added to his impressive CV, which includes wins in the Durham National, bet365 Gold Cup, Galway Plate, Grand National Hurdle at Far Hills and Oaksey Chase. It is a remarkable roll of honour for a horse who cost just €850.

“I told Gavin that Hewick would stay all day,” said Shark. “They went very hard at the front and he struggled to lay up with them, but he stays all day. Gavin and the horse were amazing. We’ll go straight to the Cheltenham Gold Cup with him now.”

“He ran a lovely race,” said a visibly disappointed Harry afterwards.

Paul Nicholls said of Bravemansgame: “Harry (Cobden) said he was getting a bit of toe from the other horse (Shishkin) for as long as he could then the other horse had an unfortunate incident, and that interfered with him and that stopped him dead and cost him any chance then.

“He has run a good solid race. It is a case of ifs and buts. He was staying on strongly again and picked up the crumbs. I’ve never doubted that he stays. He is better on better ground. We will get him fresh and well now and go to Cheltenham.

“I don’t think he needs to go to Newbury as he has had three hard races. Unfortunately, he got stopped dead in his tracks today, but you can’t make excuses as incidents happen and he wasn’t good enough on the day.”

A very dejected Nico said after the race: “I’m very proud of the horse and these things happen.”

Nicky Henderson says he still plans to send Shishkin to the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March. Speaking of the unseat of Nico, Nicky said: “I think they say, ‘that’s racing!’

“I was delighted with him until then. To be fair Nico and I had discussed the start [of the race] at length but we hadn’t really discussed the rest of the race. But he was having a good time, he was jumping great.

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“It means a lot. The last one I won was in 2018 [on Clan Des Obeaux] and I definitely didn’t appreciate it as much as I should have done. It sounds a bit silly but now I’m 23, I appreciate these big days as they don’t come around that often.”

Harry expanded on the plans for Bravemansgame, a seven-year-old, who is owned by John Dance and Bryan Drew.

“We have learnt that he doesn’t take lots of racing very well – he puts a lot into it and then goes quite light so he doesn’t want many more runs than four each year,” said Harry. “If he was mine, I would now be taking him straight to the Gold Cup [without a run in-between].”

Paul Nicholls, who has now trained a record 13 King George VI winners, confirmed this would be the plan for Bravemansgame, who now has three Grade One victories to his name.

“L’Homme Presse jumped out left across Bravemansgame a fair bit, but as a jockey, you don’t want to take a pull and put your horse in behind in that kind of race,” explained Paul. “So Harry ended up just going a bit wider so that L’Homme Presse didn’t impede him so much.”

“I’m very proud of Frodon as he’s 10 years old, going on 11,” said Paul. “I love this sport and you always have to look forward and look back.

“It’s fantastic and I like being at the top of my game. I have to give special mentions to Clifford Baker, who has been my head lad for years, Scott Marshall, who rides Bravemansgame every day and Harry, who is an ever-improving young jockey – it’s amazing.”

Venetia Williams’ other runner in this race, bar L’Homme Presse, was Royale Pagaille, who finished second under Tom Scudamore – they went off at a price of 12/1.

Eldorado Allen was fourth under Brendan Powell for trainer Joe Tizzard, while Ahoy Senor, who has had some issues jumping in the past, looked to jump around nicely enough to finish fifth for Scottish trainer Lucinda Russell under Derek Fox.

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Tornado Flyer, who is by Flemensfirth, last won a race in December 2019, but before today had clocked over £182,000 in prize money.

“When you’re riding for Willie, you’ve always got a chance, no matter what price they go off at,” said Danny. “2021 has been a fantastic year for me with loads of winners at the big festivals – it’s great and the King George is one of the big ones of the season.”

Irishman Danny, who before today hadn’t ridden a winner at Kempton, scooped a double when another outsider, Jacamar, won a handicap chase earlier on in the card.

Asterion Forlonge, another runner trained by Willie Mullins, was handily placed in second coming to the last fence, but fell when landing too steeply. Both he and his jockey Bryan Cooper walked away from the fall.

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