Latest horse racing news from UK, Ireland, and around the world.

Anaisa aces the rest in Champion Two Yrs Old Trophy at Ripon

/in /by

Tim Easterby landed his second Listed race in a matter of days when Anaisa shocked her rivals in the British Stallion Studs EBF Ripon Champion Two Yrs Old Trophy Stakes.

The lowest-rated runner in the seven-strong field, the teak-tough Ardad filly had only run in a valuable sales race at Newmarket on Saturday.

Sent off a 12-1 chance, David Allan could be spotted travelling noticeably well two furlongs out and it was a matter of if the split would come in time.

When it did, Anaisa was good enough to take advantage, beating another of the outsiders, Awraad by half a length.

The betting suggested it would be a shootout between George Boughey’s Amorim, who clearly did not act on the track, and Simon and Ed Crisford’s Al Shaham, a dual course and distance winner who surprisingly was beaten a long way out.

Easterby had struck at York at the weekend, in the Julia Graves Roses Stakes with Revival Power, but was winning this contest for the first time since 2004 with Space Shuttle.

Easterby said: “She’s so tough. She ran in the sales race the other day but she was drawn one so she had no chance.

“She ended up running a blinder to finish sixth. I was a little worried about running her again, but we’d already declared her and I bred her so I was keen to try to get some black type as her half-brother is in the sales at Newmarket – he’s really nice, he’s by Mattmu.

“She ended up winning it quite nicely. Dave said they went really hard so he just sat in and filled her with confidence.

“I still have the mare, but I was too tight to put her in the Redcar Two-Year-Old Trophy!”

The course enclosure was packed to the rafters
The course enclosure was packed to the rafters (Nick Robson/PA)

While still falling some way short of the 10,000 plus who attended the Great St Wilfrid card nine days ago, a healthy crowd of over 7,000 were present on a sunny Bank Holiday Monday at the Garden Racecourse.

However, as a healthy percentage of those were for the course enclosure in the middle, traffic tailbacks in both directions were up to an hour long. Jockey Shane Gray missed a ride in the circumstances, while others had to jump out of their car and run the last bit to the track.

With three races still to go, the course announcer advised that it would take longer than normal to leave the course.

“We don’t have an exact crowd figure yet, but we’re looking at over 7,000. We’d usually get the upper end of 5,000,” said clerk of the course Jon Mullin.

“What has obviously helped is the weather forecast, it’s not a surprise and for once people have been able to plan accordingly.

“Because of that it obviously took people longer to get into the course, which is unfortunate, and what we couldn’t do anything about was we had a car breakdown early in the day.

“Even without that it would have been busy getting in, but that obviously compounded matters.

“I’ve never seen the course enclosure as busy as it is today in my years here, but when the weather is like this it’s a great place to take a picnic and sit in the sun.”

Mullin added: “It has been an eventful day all told, we’ve had two cardiac incidents before racing, the air ambulance came but it was decided against using it, as well as other medical incidents for the doctor to deal with throughout the day.”

‘Dream horse’ Sir Busker set to enjoy happy retirement

/in /by

Connections of the evergreen campaigner Sir Busker have paid tribute to their grand servant after he bowed out following his 60th career start at York on Saturday.

The nine-year-old has been trained by William Knight and owned by the leading racing partnership Kennet Valley Syndicates throughout his eight seasons in action, collecting over £660,000 in prize-money to dwarf the €25,000 sum he was purchased for as a yearling.

A seven-time winner who was also the runner-up on 12 occasions, the gelding took his owners to many a big meeting and did them proud time and again – notably winning the Silver Royal Hunt Cup at the 2020 Royal meeting.

He hit upon a rich vein of form in 2022, when a profitable spell in the Middle East was followed by creditable efforts in the Lockinge and the Queen Anne before a well-deserved victory in the Group Two York Stakes.

Connections’ fearless campaigning was rewarded once again in the Juddmonte International at the same track later in the term, where he finished third behind Baaeed and Mishriff in what was arguably a career-best performance.

It was during a later trip to Dubai that he would suffer an eye injury that almost saw him lose the eyeball itself, but with an operation and the care of Knight’s team he was nursed back to health to resume his career.

A win back at York last term was therefore an emotional event for his owners, and after crossing the line for a 60th time at the weekend they have decided the moment is right to call time on his career and allow him to step into a new role as a hack and galloping nanny to his younger stablemates.

“It was great to see him on Saturday, I know it wasn’t the result we all wanted but he came back safe and sound and that is the most important thing,” said Sam Hoskins of Kennet Valley Syndicates.

“That was his 60th race, he was won over £660,000 in prize-money and he has just been the dream syndicate horse. It has been an amazing journey along the way.

“He started off as a two-year-old rated in the 70s and he went up to those lofty ratings when winning the York Stakes in 2022 and finishing third to Baaeed in the Juddmonte International.

“He nearly lost an eye in Dubai as a seven-year-old, he lost all his condition and when he came back he didn’t seem like the same horse.

“He gradually put that condition back on and started running well on the all-weather, then he came back and won at York last year and gave us all an incredible day.

“He nearly won at Sandown this season but in the end the ground was a little too quick, and it was a little too quick for him at York too.

“It’s the right moment for him to bow out and I’m delighted that he’s going to stay on at William Knight’s to lead the babies.

“He will be William’s hack, it’s lovely that he and everyone in the yard will get to still see him and he can hopefully impart his knowledge on the younger horses.

“He’s much-loved in the yard, they’ve always done such a fantastic job with him over the years and he absolutely loves being there.

“He’s quite well known in Newmarket, people like picking him out of the string in the morning. He’s just been an amazing, amazing horse – the dream horse for a syndicate.”

Hannon hoping Rosallion might get chance to shine at the Breeders’ Cup

/in /by

Richard Hannon sees Rosallion as a horse that would be ideally suited to the Breeders’ Cup, should owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid agree with his trainer regarding a trip to Del Mar.

Last year’s Irish 2,000 Guineas and St James’s Palace Stakes winner has found victory as a four-year-old elusive so far, finishing second in both the Queen Anne Stakes and Sussex Stakes before taking fourth in the newly-upgraded City of York Stakes at the weekend.

Speaking on Nick Luck’s Daily podcast, Hannon conceded: “His run was disappointing, I watched it again over the weekend, he got his head down and battled and tried his best, but he didn’t quite run to what he has been doing in his last two races.

“We’ll have to dust ourselves off and look at where we are going to go next. I’ve always thought he would be very adaptable to the Breeders’ Cup Mile, with the way he travels and his speed.

“I honestly think he would go round there like Scalextric, but then again you’re relying on getting a good draw and if he does that he would have early speed and with two bends he’d be able to kick off the last bend. I’ve always thought he’d be very hard to beat in a Breeders’ Cup.

“I talked to Sheikh Mohammed Obaid this morning, I don’t think the Moulin… it comes a little quick and I don’t want to go to a race like that off the back of this so close to it.

“I’d love to go to the Breeders’ Cup, but let’s see how it goes. We’ve also got to think of him as a stallion and I think it’s essential that we win somewhere.”

Publish in line for what could prove highly-informative Solario Stakes

/in /by

Publish is on course to return to the familiar territory of Sandown after he stood out among a stellar set of names entered for the BetMGM Solario Stakes on Saturday.

The son of Kingman was edged out on debut at the Esher track in July, but soon set the second straight when impressing back at Sandown later that month and heads into this Group Three event with his star firmly on the rise.

John and Thady Gosden’s colt is already as short as 10-1 in places for next year’s 2000 Guineas and could now follow in the footsteps of both his father and Clarehaven stablemate Field Of Gold by claiming the Solario.

Barry Mahon, European racing manager for owners Juddmonte, said: “This was the initial plan and hopefully that remains the same so we will look forward to seeing him again.

“He’s a beautiful horse, a very big horse and he’s probably more of a three-year-old type. John and Thady have both said he’s not a horse to over-race this year, he’s all about next year.

“He could be exciting, I know he has only won a maiden but we’re hopeful he is able to make the jump into the next grade.”

It was one of Charlie Appleby’s string that denied Publish on debut and the Moulton Paddocks handler could unleash stylish Newmarket novice winner Pacific Avenue in a race he won with subsequent Derby hero Masar in 2017).

Other notables in the 11-strong possibles list include Andrew Balding’s Chesham winner Humidity and the Simon and Ed Crisford-trained Zanthos.

The latter, a daughter of Sioux Nation, cost €1million at the breeze-up sales earlier in the year and it was easy to see why as she scorched to a three-length victory in her July course debut.

She could now be a rare filly to take on the colts in this race, as her team search for the right opportunity to set up high-ranking events later in the season.

“She’s super well and we still haven’t quite figured out what we’re doing with her yet,” said Ed Crisford.

“The fillies’ races at the Curragh (Debutante Stakes) and Goodwood (Prestige Stakes) came a bit quick for her and it would have been bringing her back just two weeks later.

“We’re happy to enter in the Solario against the colts and then see what we think and there’s also novice options.

“We want to run her again before the Rockfel if we can and we just need to take it step by step.”

Green Impact set to miss rest of season

/in /by

Jessica Harrington has been forced to rule Green Impact out for the remainder of the season.

A smart juvenile, he beat Delacroix in his maiden and in the Champion Juvenile Stakes at the Curragh.

This season he finished sixth to Ruling Court in the 2000 Guineas before winning a Listed race which teed him up for a crack at the Irish Derby.

Sixth again there, he was last seen finishing fourth in the Sky Bet York Stakes, but he picked up an injury on the Knavesmire.

“Green Impact won’t run again this season. He got an injury in York,” said Harrington.

“He’ll be back next year.”

Fellow smart juvenile Hotazhell, who also beat Delacroix in the Futurity Trophy at Doncaster, has had a frustrating season waiting for his preferred soft ground.

He has not been far away in three Group Ones, the most recent of which was the Saratoga Derby where he was beaten a length and three-quarters into fourth.

“We’re waiting with Hotazhell and he could run at the Irish Champions Festival, he could go to France and there is also British Champions Day,” said Harrington.

“We’ll run him when we get suitable ground.”

Charlie Johnston banking on break in weather to spark St Leger dream

/in /by

Charlie Johnston is praying for rain, as he counts down the days until Lazy Griff goes for Betfred St Leger glory at Doncaster next month.

The Middleham Park Racing-owned colt has already given his connections a real thrill when placing in both the Derby at Epsom and Irish equivalent this summer, but Johnston has always felt the extended stamina emphasis of the oldest Classic would play to his stable star’s strengths.

Content to head straight to Town Moor fresh, Johnston was a keen observer of York’s Great Voltigeur Stakes last week. Although it is conditions in South Yorkshire that are giving him most concern.

Johnston said: “Doncaster is coming round quick, it’s only 19 days – not that we’re counting them down.

“All is good apart from the weather and surely this summer will end at some point and the rain will come because we will need it.

“It was a fairly easy watch the Voltigeur for us, nothing too scary came out of that and I think if we can get a bit of ease in the ground then we will be really looking forward to Doncaster.”

The defeat of Lazy Griff’s dual Derby conqueror Lambourn at York saw his Aidan O’Brien-trained stablemate and Goodwood Cup scorer Scandinavia harden as favourite for the final Classic of the year.

The Kingsley Park challenger is now 11-2 second-favourite with the race sponsors, a position Johnston feels is a fair reflection of his claims, as the Middleham handler relishes another crack at the cream of Ballydoyle on September 13.

Johnston continued: “Even before the Voltigeur, I knew where we stood with Lambourn and I could see reasons why we could reverse that scoreline up in distance and on slower ground.

“We have no idea where we stand with Scandinavia and we’re under no illusions that he looks to set a high bar.

“But I do think we’re rightfully second-favourite now and his biggest danger and we’re looking forward to that challenge.”

Racing Bulletin for 25/08/2025

/in /by

Latest News and Features

Your first 30 days for just £1

Today's Racing

Click on course names to view our course guides. Click on race times to access that racecard. Times highlighted in yellow are free races of the day.

Ripon

Good

 13:30 14:05 14:40 15:15 15:50 16:23 16:58 17:33
Epsom Downs

Good

 13:35 14:10 14:45 15:20 15:55 16:28 17:03
Southwell

Standard

 13:45 14:15 14:50 15:25 16:00 16:33 17:08 17:38
Chepstow

Good

 13:53 14:28 15:03 15:38 16:13 16:48 17:23
Downpatrick

Good

 13:58 14:33 15:08 15:43 16:18 16:53 17:28
Cartmel

Good

 14:20 14:55 15:30 16:05 16:43 17:18
Ballinrobe

Good

 16:38 17:13 17:43 18:13 18:43 19:13 19:43 20:13

Today's Featured Article

Ripon Draw & Pace Bias

Today's Feature of the Day is...

Pace Maps for ALL races

Good luck!


‘He was racing’s Mr Nice Guy’ – Bruce Raymond dies, aged 82

/in /by

Bruce Raymond, one of the greatest jockeys of his generation and more recently a renowned racing manager for some of the biggest owners in the sport, has died at the age of 82.

Raymond’s first big win came aboard Rainstorm in the 1962 Newbury Autumn Cup, and he also won the July Cup, the Nunthorpe, the Ayr Gold Cup and guided the unconsidered Blue Judge to a runner-up finish in the 1993 Derby. Three victories in the Haydock Sprint Cup came his way, including Sheikh Albadou in 1992.

While a Classic victory ultimately proved elusive, he enjoyed a fine partnership with Michael Jarvis, including winning the 1985 Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot aboard Bob Back, with the pair beating Pebbles (Steve Cauthen) and Commanche Run (Lester Piggott).

Bob Back and Bruce Raymond (right) beat Pebbles and Commanche Run at Royal Ascot
Bob Back and Bruce Raymond (right) beat Pebbles and Commanche Run at Royal Ascot (PA)

On retiring from the saddle he was to become assistant to Joe Mercer as racing manager for Sheikh Maktoum Al Maktoum and his associates.

When Mercer retired, Raymond assumed the role of racing manager to Rabbah Bloodstock, with the likes of Saeed Suhail, Jaber Abdullah and Saeed Manana amongst the leading owners he represented.

Former jockey Philip Robinson became assistant to his great friend and colleague in 2018 and paid tribute to a man he described as a “second father” and “racing’s Mr Nice Guy”.

He told the PA news agency: “He’s going to leave a big, big hole in my heart and also in the heart of plenty of people in racing. He was racing’s Mr Nice Guy and I don’t know anyone with a bad word to say about him.

“He’s sort of been like a second father to me ever since my father died. He was close to my father and has been a very close friend of mine and a great work colleague.

“He was someone who could find something funny in even the worst things and he could cheer up the day no matter what the circumstances, he was a joy to work with.

“He was a people person and a joy to be around. He could make you smile, even on the saddest of occasions.”

Bruce Raymond was part of the team that guided Desert Crown to glory in the Derby
Bruce Raymond was part of the team that guided Desert Crown to glory in the Derby (Tim Goode/PA)

Although the closest Raymond came to winning the Derby was when second aboard Jim Bolger’s aforementioned 150-1 outsider Blue Judge, he twice entered the hallowed Epsom winner’s enclosure as racing manager to Suhail, thanks to the exploits of Kris Kin in 2003 and more recently Desert Crown in 2022.

Suhail’s colours were also carried to Group One glory a day before Raymond’s death when the Andrew Balding-trained Never So Brave perhaps fittingly claimed the City of York Stakes.

“I was sad in a way because I knew he would have been so happy had he been OK to watch Never So Brave, it would have been massive for him,” continued Robinson.

“I was sad driving home from York thinking Bruce had probably missed this and I know exactly what he would have been like had he been watching.

“He had many great days in the job and I know how much enjoyment he got when Desert Crown won the Derby, that was a massive great lift for him.”

Ancient Egypt continues progression at Goodwood

/in /by

Charlie Johnston believes Ancient Egypt “could be the real deal” after he remained unbeaten at Goodwood on Sunday.

The Frankel colt cost 1,100,000 guineas as a yearling and after impressing on debut at Beverley last month, looked to face some useful opposition as he attempted to carry a penalty to success in the British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes on the Sussex Downs.

Sent off 11-4 in the hands of Rowan Scott, he produced a professional display, racing prominently and knuckling down well in the closing stages to not only repel his rivals but suggest a bright future lies ahead.

Johnston is already dreaming of what the Amo Racing-owned colt could achieve when reaching his peak next season, but for the meantime could allow Ancient Egypt to continue climbing the pyramid in Newmarket’s Group Two Royal Lodge Stakes on September 27.

“It’s a bit of an overused phrase, but it’s never easy to give away a penalty in novice race,” said the Middleham trainer.

“I felt he needed more experience before he went up in grade and he’s a bit of a playboy, as you saw in the stalls he had a bit of a go and also while saddling, so mentally he’s still quite immature.

“I think there is a lot of improvement still to come and he’s a very exciting horse for next year in particular.

Charlie Johnston (left) with Ancient Egypt and other connections after victory at Goodwood
Charlie Johnston (left) with Ancient Egypt and other connections after victory at Goodwood (Steven Paston/PA)

“He’s well-entered and all of our eyes will probably turn to the Royal Lodge next which looks an obvious place to go. But we’ll need to be confident it is the right thing for the horse and we’ll see how he comes out of this and progresses at home.

“I would be very keen not to over-face him too much this year with a view to next year because I do think he could be the real deal, but if we think he is ready he could reappear in the Royal Lodge.”

Earlier on the card, Tribal Chief (15-2) booked his ticket to Newmarket’s bet365 Cambridgeshire on the same afternoon as the Royal Lodge after notching a welcome local success for David Menuisier in the Virgin Bet A Good Bet Handicap.

Celebration time for back-to-form Jonquil

/in /by

Colin Keane delivered Jonquil at the perfect moment to return to winning ways in the Virgin Bet Celebration Mile at Goodwood.

Winner of the Greenham Stakes on his seasonal return, the career of Andrew Balding’s talented colt has somewhat stalled since finishing second in the French 2,000 Guineas earlier in the summer.

After suffering defeats at Royal Ascot over six furlongs and at this venue over seven in the Lennox Stakes, the son of Lope De Vega relished this second try at a mile on the Sussex Downs.

https://x.com/itvracing/status/1959627029751468183

With Keane showing patience, the 3-1 chance was nursed into contention by Juddmonte’s retained rider, before battling past Ralph Beckett’s course winner Saqqara Sands late on for a neck success.

Barry Mahon, Juddmonte’s European racing manager, said: “It’s a huge result and credit to Andrew and the team down at Kingsclere.

“He was nearly a Classic winner but for the barest of margins and obviously we then made an error of judgement dropping him back to six furlongs and it’s just taken us a little while to get him back on track.

“He’s firmly back on track today and the great thing was Colin felt he could maybe get a little bit further, which opens a few more avenues.

Jonquil with Colin Keane (left) after winning at Goodwood
Jonquil with Colin Keane (left) after winning at Goodwood (Steven Paston/PA)

“We’ll have to look at the programme book and see what’s available, but he’s definitely a horse you who you wouldn’t shy away from another furlong.

“It probably wasn’t the strongest-run mile and going a better pace he may even get the mile better, but he’s a talented colt and it will be exciting to work out where we go next.

“It most definitely has to be the aim to get him back in Group One company before the end of the year, he was a nose away from being a Classic winner so we’ll be working towards Group Ones. He’s won a Group Two now so the next logical step would be to go Group One.”

Precise moment comes with Prestige Stakes victory

/in /by

Precise proved well named as she enhanced her reputation by taking perfect aim at the Virgin Bet Prestige Fillies’ Stakes at Goodwood.

Off the mark at the second attempt at Cork earlier this month, Aidan O’Brien’s youngster was sent off 5-2 second-favourite on this raiding mission in the hands of Wayne Lordan.

Never far away from the pace, the daughter of Starspangledbanner fought her way to the front with a furlong to run and showed a tremendous attitude to repel the persistent challenge of Sir Mark Prescott’s 13-8 market leader Moon Target, scoring by three-quarters of a length.

It was O’Brien’s first win in the Group Three event, a race that serves as a ‘win and you’re in’ for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies’ Turf at Del Mar in November. Paddy Power make her 25-1 from 40s for next year’s 1000 Guineas.

Lordan said: “She’s a very professional filly, she ran over six furlongs at Fairyhouse the first day and learned plenty and then stepped up to seven furlongs and won her maiden quite well.

“We always thought she could win her maiden at six and then go up in trip, but as it happened she won her maiden at seven. She has pace and what you like about her is when I get down into her she gets seven quite well.

“She looked comfortable and when I hit the front about a furlong out she pricked one ear so she was hanging on to a little bit which is always a nice sign as it shows she wasn’t doing the full limit, so that was good.”

Precise in action at Goodwood
Precise in action at Goodwood (Steven Paston/PA)

On possible future plans, he added: “I’ll leave running plans to them (Aidan and the owners), they’ve been at it years and do it very well, I’m happy to just turn up when I’m asked to.

“She’s a filly with pace, but like I say, we always thought seven would be a nice trip for her and today she travelled good. She hit the line well enough where you would think going up another furlong would be an option as well.”

Moon Target went into the race with a lofty reputation after impressing at both Newmarket and Yarmouth so far this summer.

However, she never quite looked at ease on the track and was unable to join the Heath House master’s Red Camellia on the roll of honour, instead joining the handler’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe heroine Alpinista on the list of those beaten in this race when well fancied.

Moon Target lost her unbeaten record
Moon Target lost her unbeaten record (Steven Paston/PA)

“I thought there was a lot to be disappointed about because I hoped she would win,” Prescott told ITV Racing.

“She’s a long-striding filly and I just felt little bits and pieces went wrong, I still thought she would beat Aidan’s filly a furlong out but she kept on going very well.

“I always thought early on she was a firm ground filly and I’m maybe wrong, but she’s got a very long action so perhaps Goodwood doesn’t suit her as much as Newmarket and Yarmouth and perhaps it’s more that than the ground, that’s just my theory.

“She will run in the Fillies’ Mile probably and hope she can do better there. I was disappointed she was beat, but she probably ran OK.”

Venetian Sun shines against the colts in Prix Morny

/in /by

Karl Burke was left in awe of Venetian Sun’s brilliance as the filly saw off the colts to remain unbeaten in a star-studded Sumbe Prix Morny at Deauville.

Owned by Brighton & Hove Albion’s Tony Bloom along with Ian McAleavy, the daughter of Starman was the only filly in the six-strong line-up, as she ventured to France in a bid to add to her Royal Ascot victory in the Albany Stakes and Duchess of Cambridge triumph at Newmarket.

American raider Outfielder set the early fractions seeking to give Wesley Ward a fourth win in the race, but as that rival checked out with a furlong to run, Clifford Lee was beginning to make his challenge aboard Venetian Sun who had travelled smoothly in the slipstream of Aidan O’Brien’s Coventry Stakes hero Gstaad.

Charlie Appleby’s Wise Approach was another to make late progress but Venetian Sun was ultimately too tough to crack for her high-class rivals as she showcased her electric turn of foot once again to raise her reputation to yet another level and give her big-race pilot a first winner in elite company.

It was the second time Burke has tasted success in the six-furlong Group One after Unfortunately landed the spoils in 2017 and his second big winner of the summer at Deauville after Fallen Angel’s Prix Rothschild success.

Burke said: “That was absolutely brilliant, unbelievable, she’s a superstar filly. I’ve been saying for a while she’s a special filly and I think she has proven that today.

“The whole race went exactly how we thought and hoped it would and Cliff got her in a lovely rhythm. She’s so relaxed and once she’s in behind she falls asleep and then she’s got that electric turn of foot.

“It’s a first Group One for Clifford, he probably should have won the German Derby last month but just missed out so I’m delighted for him as well.

Clifford Lee aboard Venetian Sun at Royal Ascot
Clifford Lee aboard Venetian Sun at Royal Ascot (John Walton/PA)

“I’ve been very lucky to train a lot of good fillies like Quiet Reflection, then Laurens and Fallen Angel, but at this stage of her career she would be way ahead of them.

“She’s doing things on the gallops at home that a two-year-old filly should not be doing and then she goes and keeps winning as well.”

Venetian Sun was made Coral’s 6-1 favourite for next year’s 1000 Guineas on the back of her triumph in France and will now put Classic aspirations to the test when stepping up to seven furlongs in the Curragh’s Moyglare Stud Stakes on September 14 – a race the Spigot Lodge handler won with Fallen Angel two years ago.

Burke added: “Hopefully she can come out of this well and we can go to the Moyglare and then we will know if we can make a plan for running over seven furlongs or further for next year.

“I would be amazed if she doesn’t get the seven furlongs well and to be honest I’ve always thought she would be better over seven furlongs.”

Daryz defeat has left connections with decisions to make

/in /by

Connections of Daryz are heading “back to the drawing board” after the previously unbeaten colt failed to fire in the Juddmonte International at York.

Having impressed in winning each of his four starts in France, Francis-Henri Graffard’s three-year-old headed for the Knavesmire in a bid to go one better than his stablemate Calandagan managed 12 months ago when second to City Of Troy.

But after racing keenly in a race that was blown apart by the pacesetting 150-1 shot Birr Castle, the son of Sea The Stars weakened late on and passed the post last of six runners behind the decisive winner Ombudsman.

Nemone Routh, racing manager for the Aga Khan’s French studs, said: “Obviously it was a very strange race and I don’t think that really helped him because he was the least exposed and possibly the most immature horse in the field.

“We were all so happy there was a pacemaker in there and thought it was going to be a truly-run race and then that happened, but take nothing away from the winner – he did win fair and square and that’s a sign of a proper Group One horse when they can adapt to races panning out in different scenarios.

“We came out of it thinking if we’d run Calandagan he’d have been fine as he never pulls and those seasoned Group One horses know how to cope, but Daryz isn’t there yet – he’s still a bit of a baby.

“He took a little bit of a hold as they weren’t actually travelling very fast. He did kind of flatter halfway up the home straight and we thought he was going to run a big race, but then fell in a bit of a heap because I think he’d maybe done a bit too much early on.

“I just think his immaturity caught him out really. We hope he’ll have learned from it and we’ll learn from it too. He’s come out of the race fine as far as I’m aware, it was just a bit frustrating as we didn’t really learn very much.”

Connections of Daryz had been eyeing a possible tilt at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, but with opportunities for him to run again between now and Europe’s premier middle-distance contest limited, plans are up in the air.

“He certainly wouldn’t go straight to the Arc off that run, so we’re slightly scratching our heads regarding what to do with him,” Routh added.

“The Prix Niel will come too quickly, I don’t think we can even consider that, but the other option is the Prix du Prince d’Orange (September 14) and we thought we might run Calandagan in that, so we’ve really just got to sit down and figure it all out and decide what we’re going to do.

“We were thinking of that race to prepare Calandagan for the Champion Stakes at Ascot, but we need to figure out whether we want to take a look at the Arc with Daryz or not as if he is going to take a look at the Arc, we need to run him again to prove that’s where he should go.

“We’re slightly back to the drawing board and we’ll make a decision in the next week or so.”

Aidan O’Brien eyeing Leger date for Derby hero Lambourn

/in /by

The Betfred St Leger appears to be the most likely next port of call for Lambourn after the dual Derby winner’s defeat in the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York on Wednesday.

Trainer Aidan O’Brien raised Britain’s oldest Classic and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe as possible options for his Epsom and Curragh hero prior to his trip to the Knavesmire, but the son of Australia was beaten into fifth place at Group Two level.

The Ballydoyle handler houses the red-hot favourite for the St Leger in Goodwood Cup winner Scandinavia, but Lambourn is also under serious consideration for the Doncaster showpiece on September 13.

O’Brien said: “The Voltigeur was only a sprint down the straight and was a waste of a race really. They only hacked and it was just a day at the races.

“It is very possible that he will go for the St Leger. He didn’t even blow after the race. We just needed to get a race into him.”

On the same day Lambourn could be in action at Doncaster, O’Brien plans to saddle Delacroix for what he hopes will be a third successive clash with Ombudsman in the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.

Delacroix was a narrow winner when the pair met in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown in early July, but Ombudsman turned the tables in a fascinating Juddmonte International on Wednesday after the latter’s pacemaker Birr Castle slipped the field before being reeled in late.

Of Delacroix, O’Brien added: “He’s good, hopefully it will be back to Leopardstown and hopefully John (Gosden) and Sheikh Mohammed will come (with Ombudsman), we’ll have something to look forward to then.

“York was just a Mickey Mouse race really.”

Racing Bulletin for 24/08/2025

/in /by

Latest News and Features

Your first 30 days for just £1

Today's Racing

Click on course names to view our course guides. Click on race times to access that racecard. Times highlighted in yellow are free races of the day.

Naas

Good

 13:40 14:15 14:50 15:25 16:00 16:35 17:10
Goodwood

Good to Firm

 13:50 14:25 15:00 15:35 16:10 16:45 17:20
Beverley

Good to Firm

 14:05 14:40 15:10 15:45 16:20 16:55
Yarmouth

Good to Firm

 14:10 14:45 15:20 15:55 16:30 17:05

Today's Featured Article

Punting Pointers: Naas Racecourse

Today's Feature of the Day is...

Pace Maps for ALL races

Good luck!


Your first 30 days for just £1