Racing week: Jockey pledges £2,000 to catch horse slasher
Former champion jockey John Francome has joined the list of animal lovers offering rewards for information after a horse was attacked.
Francome, now a Channel 4 racing pundit, has offered £2,000 for information about the attack of former racehorse Pilgrim. The animal had to be destroyed after suffering severe facial injuries in his field at Billingborough Fen on 11 February.
Pilgrim’s owner Kylie Tidwell, 23, has been inundated with offers of support following the incident. One individual has said that if his reward is not taken up, he will donate his £500 to help Tidwell purchase a new horse.
If you have any information please contact the police on 01522 532222.
First-timer wins at Fakenham
Daneil Naidu, 16, won the Fakenham amateurs’ charity race (16 February), despite being thrown to the ground moments before starter’s orders.
The jockey, who has been riding for little over a year, was unseated before the start when his horse Renege the Joker reared. After catching the horse, Naidu went on to win the race, marking an excellent start to his racing career.
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Kauto Star is Cheltenham favourite
Kauto Star is hot favourite for the Cheltenham Gold Cup (16 March) with sponsors Totesport, following news that Grade 1 winner In Compliance will not be running.
Totesport cut Kauto Star to 6-4 (from 7-4) in the wake of trainer Michael O’Brien’s decision not to run In Compliance. O’Brien has decided to aim In Compliance for the Guinness Gold Cup at Punchestown next month.
Australia’s leading horse gets Ascot invite
El Segundo, Australia’s leading older horse has been invited to run at Royal Ascot this year. Up until now El Segundo has not even travelled to Adelaide or Sydney and whether he will travel to the UK is still undecided.
Chepstows turns to jumpers
Chepstows, the online stallion auction forum, will be holding its first jumps sire auction today. Mare owners wishing to register should visit chepstows.com while stallion owners should call 07739 589046.
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