Hallo Dandy dies
Hallo Dandy, who won the 1984 Grand National was put down on Monday. The 33-year-old gelding was the oldest surviving National winner and spent the last 13 years at Carrie Humble’s Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre in Lancashire. He was put down following veterinary advice.
Royal Enclose to become less elite
The Royal Enclosure at the 2007 Royal Ascot (19 – 23 June) will be less exclusive, as officials have decided to include entry with “fine dining packages”. Up until now admission has been by invitation from members of four years standing only. But in the latest Royal Ascot brochure passes are included if you buy lunch in four of the racecourse’s 12 restaurants at prices from £530 to £1,410 per person.
Racehorse’s identity in question
Racehorse owner Robert Tierney will learn later this month whether he will face charges for substituting a winning horse for a slower one. Investigators have questioned Mr Tierney about the performances of Green Admiral, an 8-year-old gelding who after failing to win for years, suddenly took two victories in a week last February with many bets. A Horseracing Regulatory Authority inquiry has suggested that Green Admiral might have been substituted by King Crest, the winner of nine previous races.
Record prize money at Newmarket
Newmarket expects to award record prize money this season after reworking its calendar. Although the course will still run 37 meetings there will now be two Friday-Saturday fixtures of 18-19 May and 21-22 September bringing the total prize money to a record £7.4 million.
Justified back on track
Justified, who injured his back in the John Durkan Memorial Chase last month will be schooled at the Curragh this afternoon. The eight-year-old finished third behind Beef Or Salmon in November but has had two months off after it was discovered he had injured a joint in this back. Contacts say he is making a good recovery and will either aim for either the Normans Grove Chase at Fairyhouse or the Kinloch Brae Chase at Thurles.
