Racing week: Trabolgan out of King George
Hennessy hero Trabolgan has been ruled out of the King George VI Chase by trainer Nicky Henderson. His participation in the Cheltenham Gold Cup is also in question after the discovery of a foreleg problem.
A scan has revealed mild changes within the tendon fibre pattern. The horse will continue gentle exercise and his Gold Cup campaign will be reconsidered in a month’s time.
Lucinda Green joins Amlin Plus
Six-times Badminton winner Lucinda Green is now a board member of bloodstock insurers Amlin Plus Limited.
“Lucinda has an iconic reputation in the bloodstock world, established by an illustrious riding career,” said David Ashby, director of Amlin Plus. “We are delighted that she has accepted the offer to join the Board of Directors.”
Amlin Plus specialises in insurance coverage for thoroughbred breeding and racing stock, together with high value sport horses. The company sponsors National Hunt trainer Philip Hobbs as well as jockeys Richard Johnson, Richard Qunn and Andrew Thornton.
Lucinda Green said: “I’m delighted to be appointed to the board of Amlin Plus and am very much looking forward to working with the team to further develop the company. In only a few years Amlin Plus has established an outstanding reputation both in England and abroad for its expertise and ability in supporting top level competition and racehorses.”
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Knight looks to the future
The racing world will say a final farewell to Best Mate at Cheltenham this Saturday, but life goes on for Henrietta Knight. She is giving Impek an unexpected run in next year’s Cheltenham Cup. The nine-year-old has scored on his last two starts, including the Peterborough Chase last month when he won by an impressive five lengths. Impek is also on course for the Stan James King George VI Chase at Sandown on Boxing Day.
Rakti on top form
Rakti is reported to be back to top fitness after enduring a bad journey to the Far East for the Hong Kong Mile at Sha Tin on Sunday. This six-time Group 1 winner will be having his 26th and final race before retirement.
Trainer injured
Trainer Pam Sly suffered a punctured lung and fractured five ribs in a gallops accident that left her unconscious. Sly is recovering in Peterborough hospital after the accident while riding work on Fullards, one of her three runners at Huntingdon yesterday. The horse stumbled when he caught his foot in a hole and sent Sly to the ground.
Thomas insists innocence
Sam Thomas insists he is not a “brutal rider” after being banned for three days for improper riding on Zaffamore in the feature Viscount Boyle Memorial Challenge Trophy at Ludlow.
The jockey was found guilty under Rule 153, Instruction H18 headed ‘Lame or Exhaused Horses’ when he asked nine-year-old Zaffamore to jump the last fence more than two minutes after refusing.
The move won Thomas fifth place and netted connections prize money of £420. Thomas claims he was giving Zaffamore, who has had problems with wind in the past, a chance to get his breath back. He is now banned from 19-21 December but is considering an appeal.
Racing tackles suicides
Recent suicides in racing have led to the formation of a group to investigate underlying triggers and potential industry-specific threads. On 1 December, a meeting was held between organisations including Racing Welfare, the Samaritans, police, social services, and the Newmarket Trainers Federation.
Racing Welfare chief executive Cedric Burton said: “This is the first step to understanding the deaths of three stable lads” — all friends, and none previously showing obvious signs of distress.
In addition, he said the pooling of knowledge (in and out of racing) would start the process of assessing the “social health of the racing community” and help determine if anything could be done to prevent such cases.
Earlier this year, Racing Welfare and the Samaritans, set up a helpline. Next year it plans to introduce a mentoring system within racing yards. These moves are linked to the June 2004 Stable and Stud Staff Commission inquiry chaired by Lord Donoughue.
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