Shagraan bounced back to form with a game success in the William Hill Beverley Bullet Sprint Stakes.
The Mick Appleby-trained chestnut had not got his head in front for almost a year, and although collecting several placings term his progression had not always been constant.
Under Kevin Stott he stepped back down to five furlongs at Listed level on the Westwood, and enjoying forward-thinking tactics he showed plenty of speed to claim a two-and-a-quarter-length victory at 15-2 from Adrestia.
“He’s done it very well, we were a bit disappointed with him last time but he missed the break,” said Appleby of his fourth-placed Hopeful Stakes effort at Newmarket.
“I said to Kevin today to try to push him out of the stalls and go forward with him, he’s given him a great ride.
“The stiff five furlongs suits him, he’s been a little bit disappointing this season but he’s bounced back today.
“He’s very quick, we’ll have to have a look around and see what there is for him now, but he’ll run again this season.”
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Ryan Moore may miss the rest of the Flat season with a stress fracture to his femur.
Moore was booked to ride at the Curragh on Saturday, but was taken off all his mounts by midday.
Moore is retained jockey for Aidan O’Brien’s powerful Ballydoyle yard, with the Coolmore operation now facing the prospect of being without one of the world’s best jockeys for the business end of the campaign, with countless big races on the horizon.
Aidan O’Brien with Ryan Moore (Niall Carson/PA)
O’Brien said: “Ryan is good, he was having plenty of trouble with his right leg since Irish Derby weekend.
“They were doing everything to it to try to get it right, but they couldn’t get it right so he went for scans and an X-ray on it yesterday. He has a fracture in his femur.
“Since the Irish Derby weekend he’s been struggling with it, but he’s been doing his best with it.
“When they found a stress fracture in his femur that was the answer. There is only one thing that is going to fix it and that’s time.”
When asked if he expected him to ride again this season, O’Brien said: “He’d be very lucky, I’d say.
Ryan Moore with Queen Camilla at York earlier this month (Ian Forsyth/PA)
“We’ve plenty of jockeys and the lads are all there, Wayne (Lordan) is gone (suspended) for Irish Champions Festival at the moment, but all the usual people, yhey’re all there, so everyone will row in.”
He went on: “Ryan runs a lot and they think it could be running and that might have originally started it. Then in Germany, when he was going to the start on the filly (Garden Of Eden at Dusseldorf) she whipped around and he landed on his feet and it could have aggravated it and opened it up.
“They have been treating him for a lot of different stuff, the back of his knee and they thought he had burst something at the back of his heel, and they thought it might be ligaments and all this different stuff.
“It was only when he got whatever kind of a scan he had yesterday that they realised he had a fracture to his femur, so that was that.
“In all fairness to him, he’s been riding for probably two months with a fracture to his femur. Talk about concrete, that man is concrete. But with a little bit of time, he’ll be back.”
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Publish will not line up in Saturday’s BetMGM Solario Stakes at Sandown due to unsuitable ground.
The John and Thady Gosden-trained colt was due to be one of the headline acts in the Group Three contest after running an eyecatching race on debut at the Esher track, before returning to the same venue three weeks later to break his maiden.
However, with 16 millimetres of rain having fallen at Sandown on Friday morning, the going was changed to soft after the fifth race on the track’s afternoon card, prompting connections to withdraw the likely favourite.
His absence leaves Charlie Appleby’s Pacific Avenue as the new market leader after he inflicted a surprise defeat on stablemate Wild Desert when making a winning debut at Newmarket in June.
Charlie Appleby saddles Pacific Avenue in the Solario Stakes (John Walton/PA)
Appleby, who has trained three previous Solario winners, said: “This is a race we have done well in in recent seasons, Pacific Avenue worked nicely on Saturday and the form of his last run has worked out very well.
“The second horse (Wild Desert) came out and was third in the Superlative Stakes and the third, fourth and fifth have come out and won well, so we are going there with a horse that will hopefully be competitive.
“He hasn’t been out since winning his debut in June, but he is in good shape at home and we do feel that the seven furlongs at Sandown will suit him well.
“He is a horse we have always liked and if he could go and hopefully win on Saturday, we could look towards something like a Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere possibly, but that is pie in the sky stuff at the moment and the focus for now is on the Solario.”
Too Darn Hot colt He’s Waliim is an interesting contender for James Tate, turning out 17 days after blitzing his rivals by upwards of six lengths on his introduction at Beverley.
Tate said: “Obviously he was very impressive and he’s a horse we’re excited about, but we’re aware that we are throwing him in at the deep end somewhat, so fingers crossed he can swim.
“His home work had been very smart before Beverley so we were expecting him to win, but they don’t always run up to their homework, so it was nice that he did.
“It’s a field full of unknowns on Saturday and you don’t quite know whether you’re taking on next year’s Guineas winner or a horse that wins the Solario and doesn’t win another Group race, it can vary.
“But we’re happy with our horse, seven furlongs around a bend with a uphill finish and quick-ish ground should suit us down to the ground, so we’ll find out a lot.”
Humidity winning the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot (John Walton/PA)
Other hopefuls include Andrew Balding’s Chesham winner Humidity, who bids to bounce back from a disappointing effort in Goodwood’s Vintage Stakes, and Clive Cox’s A Bit Of Spirit, who has won twice and finished second twice in four starts.
Richard Brown, adviser to Humidity’s owners Wathnan Racing, said: “Andrew seems very happy with him and he said he has worked particularly well since Goodwood.
“I don’t think the track suited him particularly well at Goodwood and I’m hoping Sandown and the stiff seven will be more to his liking as I think he will get further in time.
“This is obviously a very strong renewal, as you would expect, but I think the race will set up much better for him than at Goodwood and he will be hitting the line strong.”
Of A Bit Of Spirit, Cox said: “He’s in very good form. He stepped up to a mile last time at Salisbury in the Stonehenge and was beaten by a very nice horse (Morris Dancer).
“We’ll be very happy to step back to seven furlongs at Sandown, he’s in great nick and we’re really looking forward to it.”
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After getting back to winning ways at Killarney, Red Letter creeps up in distance for the Snow Fairy Fillies Stakes at the Curragh on Saturday.
Ger Lyons’ filly was a high-class juvenile who began her three-year-old campaign as a Classic hope and although unable to land a blow in the 1000 Guineas earlier in the season, her latest efforts have seen her get back on track.
Although narrowly beaten by Jessica Harrington’s reopposing hat-trick seeker Barnavara at Navan in June, Red Letter made a welcome return to the winner’s enclosure in Listed company last month, with connections now keen to test the daughter of Frankel over further in this nine-furlong Group Three.
“She’s in good form, Ger is happy with her and we’ve had rain in Ireland, which will help,” said Barry Mahon, European racing manager for owners Juddmonte.
“We’ve been gung-ho all year to go up in trip and this is our first step on that route, so hopefully it will suit. We were heading for a mile and a quarter and this race appeared, so we said we’d go that way and we’re firmly on route to going a mile and a quarter with her.
“I thought she was game and gutsy to win the last day in Killarney, where she needed every yard of the mile, so we’re hopeful we’ll have a good run from her on Saturday.”
John and Thady Gosden’s York Listed winner Sand Gazelle is an interesting contender, with Daniel Tudhope making the trip to Ireland for just ride, while Dermot Weld won the race with Tarawa 12 months ago and attempts to repeat the dose with Meadow Court Stakes runner-up Azada.
Sand Gazelle is the sole British challenger in the Snow Fairy Stakes (Steven Parson/PA)
Pat Downes, general manager for owner the Aga Khan’s Irish studs, said: “Any rain would certainly help as she enjoys a bit of ease in the ground and she’s in great form, so we’re looking forward to letting her take her chance.
“It was a good run behind One Look last time and the ground that day was probably a shade quicker than ideal for her. If the forecast rain has arrived, it should make the ground lovely for her.”
There is also Group Three action in the Heider Family Stables Round Tower Stakes where Aidan O’Brien looks for a sixth victory in 10 years with course-and-distance winner Mission Control.
In opposition is Adrian Murray’s speedy Ipanema Queen, who showed toughness from the front when a Listed course winner recently and now heads back up in distance with her trainer expecting another bold show.
Ipanema Queen (left) is a dual winner at the Curragh (Niall Carson/PA)
Murray said: “She’s progressing nicely and going forward the whole time and I’m sure she will run a big race.
“I’m more than happy to go back up to six furlongs with her. She’s one that we’re kind of looking at the Breeders’ Cup at the backend of the year with. She’s got a lot of likeable qualities and she’s a nice filly going forward.”
Ballydoyle appear to hold all the aces in the Newtownanner Stud Irish EBF Stakes, with Sugar Island and Moments Of Joy the standout names in a field of seven.
In the Paddy Power Supporting Cancer Trials Ireland Irish Cambridgeshire, Ryan Moore teams up with William Haggas’ Lincoln winner Godwinson as they seek another valuable prize.
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Kevin Philippart de Foy is excited to see Cathedral run for the first time in his name when she heads to Sandown for the BetMGM Atalanta Stakes on Saturday.
Despite not adding to her impressive debut success from last autumn, the high-class three-year-old has caught the eye many times in defeat for previous handler Ralph Beckett – including when fourth in the Coronation Stakes – and reverts to a mile on her first outing for Amo Racing’s principal trainer.
“She’s a smart filly and I think she got a bit stuck in the ground in France with the trip a little bit far, so conditions on Saturday should suit her better, providing we don’t get too much rain,” said Philippart de Foy.
“The filly arrived in very good shape from Ralph and we have just kept her ticking along.
“She has some good form and ran a great race at Royal Ascot in the Coronation Stakes. She is definitely an exciting filly for the future.”
The likely favourite is Andrew Balding’s Blue Bolt, who brought up a hat-trick when landing the Listed Coral Distaff over course and distance in July, and will be partnered once again by Colin Keane from a wide draw in stall 11 as she now steps up to Group level.
“She’s been very progressive all year and has had a little break since her win the last day,” said Barry Mahon, European racing manager for owners Juddmonte.
“She appears in good form, Andrew’s happy with her. It’s probably not the greatest of draws out in 11, so she’ll have to overcome that, but she’s in a good space and the team at Kingsclere are happy, so we’re hopeful she’ll progress from here.”
Blue Bolt is joined in the line-up by another Juddmonte-owned contender, with the Beckett-trained Skellett also bringing course-and-distance form to the table having won the Fortune Stakes last autumn.
Mahon added: “She’s had a bit of a frustrating season with a few niggly little hold-ups. It’s obviously two and half months since we saw her last when she was disappointing at Epsom and Ralph is happier with her now, she’s in good form and any rain they get at Sandown would probably be beneficial to her.
“She is a filly that is capable of turning up in a race like this, but she might just need a bit of rain to show her best.”
Meanwhile, Roger Varian is intrigued to see how the unbeaten Lady In Spain gets on in her belated seasonal return, as she makes her first appearance at both Group level and on turf in Esher.
Varian said: “There’s a lot to look forward to with Lady In Spain, she’s really talented.
“We met a setback with her after she won at Deauville in December, so we’ve had to be patient, but she’s training really well now and she’s a lovely filly.
“Although she’s a four-year-old, she’s only had the four lifetime starts and I think she’s training and looking better than ever.
“We’re really excited about her heading into the autumn and who knows, maybe next year as well.”
Of the remainder, Ollie Sangster’s 1000 Guineas runner-up Flight drops in grade after three runs at the highest level this term, while John and Thady’s Gosden’s impressive Epsom scorer Spiritual was also seen at the top-table in her most recent outing and is now reverting to slightly calmer waters.
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Publish has some big boots to fill when he bids to provide his connections with back-to-back victories in the BetMGM Solario Stakes at Sandown on Saturday.
A huge eyecatcher when second on his debut at the Esher venue in early July, John and Thady Gosden’s juvenile comfortably went one better on his return three weeks later and now faces a step up to Group Three level over the same course and distance this weekend.
The Gosdens and owner-breeders Juddmonte not only teamed up to land the Solario with Publish’s sire Kingman in 2013, but also struck gold with this year’s Irish 2,000 Guineas and St James’s Palace Stakes scorer Field Of Gold 12 months ago, so it is no surprise that hopes for their latest candidate are high.
“The Solario is a race that has had a big roll of honour and Publish is a horse we like. He looked good in his two maidens runs, so we’re looking forward to seeing what way he can step up into Group company in what looks a deep enough renewal,” said Juddmonte’s racing manager Barry Mahon.
“He’s had a nice break since his last run and John and Thady picked this route, they’ve used it in the past, so we have to be hopeful that he should be capable of a good run, all being well.”
Gosden senior has saddled a record seven winners of this race in all, with Breeders’ Cup Classic hero Raven’s Pass (2007) and multiple Group One winner Too Darn Hot (2018) also among them.
Field Of Gold winning last year’s Solario Stakes (Steven Paston/PA)
Mahon added: “I think it’s John’s go-to race if he has a nice horse and I’m sure if you look back through the years, there’s plenty there that didn’t win too.
“But if he has a nice two-year-old it seems to be his preferred route, so let’s hope he’s good enough to continue the good run.
“As we know October is action-packed for two-year-olds, so we’ll find out whether we’re good enough to compete in one of the big races or whether you have to lower your sights a little bit.”
Charlie Appleby counts subsequent Derby hero Masar (2017) among his three previous Solario winners and is this year represented by Pacific Avenue, who inflicted a surprise defeat on stablemate Wild Desert when making a winning debut at Newmarket in June.
Charlie Appleby saddles Pacific Avenue in the Solario Stakes (John Walton/PA)
“This is a race we have done well in in recent seasons, Pacific Avenue worked nicely on Saturday and the form of his last run has worked out very well,” said Appleby.
“The second horse (Wild Desert) came out and was third in the Superlative Stakes and the third, fourth and fifth have come out and won well, so we are going there with a horse that will hopefully be competitive.
“He hasn’t been out since winning his debut in June, but he is in good shape at home and we do feel that the seven furlongs at Sandown will suit him well.
“He is a horse we have always liked and if he could go and hopefully win on Saturday, we could look towards something like a Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere possibly, but that is pie in the sky stuff at the moment and the focus for now is on the Solario.”
Too Darn Hot colt He’s Waliim is an interesting contender for James Tate, turning out 17 days after blitzing his rivals by upwards of six lengths on his introduction at Beverley.
Tate said: “Obviously he was very impressive and he’s a horse we’re excited about, but we’re aware that we are throwing him in at the deep end somewhat, so fingers crossed he can swim.
“His home work had been very smart before Beverley so we were expecting him to win, but they don’t always run up to their homework, so it was nice that he did.
“It’s a field full of unknowns on Saturday and you don’t quite know whether you’re taking on next year’s Guineas winner or a horse that wins the Solario and doesn’t win another Group race, it can vary.
“But we’re happy with our horse, seven furlongs around a bend with a uphill finish and quick-ish ground should suit us down to the ground, so we’ll find out a lot.”
Humidity winning the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot (John Walton/PA)
Other hopefuls include Andrew Balding’s Chesham winner Humidity, who bids to bounce back from a disappointing effort in Goodwood’s Vintage Stakes, and Clive Cox’s A Bit Of Spirit, who has won twice and finished second twice in four starts.
Richard Brown, adviser to Humidity’s owners Wathnan Racing, said: “Andrew seems very happy with him and he said he has worked particularly well since Goodwood.
“I don’t think the track suited him particularly well at Goodwood and I’m hoping Sandown and the stiff seven will be more to his liking as I think he will get further in time.
“This is obviously a very strong renewal, as you would expect, but I think the race will set up much better for him than at Goodwood and he will be hitting the line strong.”
Of A Bit Of Spirit, Cox said: “He’s in very good form. He stepped up to a mile last time at Salisbury in the Stonehenge and was beaten by a very nice horse (Morris Dancer).
“We’ll be very happy to step back to seven furlongs at Sandown, he’s in great nick and we’re really looking forward to it.”
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My Cloud puts his growing reputation on the line when he heads to Deauville for the Barriere Prix Quincey on Saturday.
Roger Varian’s four-year-old made it four wins on the bounce when landing the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot. Held in the highest regard by connections, with an entry for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes later in the season, he faces the acid test of his big-race credentials in France.
“He’s a nice horse and a horse we’re very excited about moving forward through the autumn and also looking ahead to next year,” said Varian.
“It’s a Group Three and I’m delighted with how he’s training and looking forward to seeing how he gets on.”
Connections have had to remain patient since the son of Blue Point struck at the Royal meeting in June, but they are taking encouragement from some of the season’s other stars that My Cloud can take the required next step in his career.
Varian explained: “We never mind waiting if there is a reason to wait, you can’t get too frustrated and he’s a horse with a big future who will be very important for us – if we could have run since Ascot we would have done.
“I think he will take us to some nice races, he has a huge engine and we’ve seen the likes of More Thunder and Never So Brave start off in handicaps before moving on to bigger things this season.
“William Haggas’ horse (More Thunder) all but won the Wokingham and Andrew Balding’s (Never So Brave) won the Buckingham Palace at Royal Ascot and they have both gone on and proven themselves in Pattern company. Hopefully My Cloud can follow their lead, starting at Deauville on Saturday.”
Kevin Ryan’s Volterra, the Charlie Hills-trained Cicero’s Gift and David Menuisier’s Devil’s Point are other British-trained hopefuls in the Group Three event, while Menuisier will also be represented on the card by Sunway in the Lucien Barriere Grand Prix de Deauville.
The Group Two is also the next step for Henri-Francois Devin’s Derby fourth New Ground, who was last seen finishing third in the Grand Prix de Paris.
Barry Mahon, racing manager for owners Juddmonte, said: “It’s a nice opportunity, with not many runners. He’s been in Deauville for the last week and has settled into the environment well and seems to be enjoying himself.
“It’s a nice opportunity for him to stake his claim and tell us whether he’s ready for something big in the autumn or not. He’ll need to settle a bit better than he has on his last couple of starts and a small field in Deauville should give him an opportunity to do that.”
The other Pattern-race action on the card is the Group Three Barriere Prix de Meautry where Ed Walker’s Balmoral Lady and George Boughey’s Pontefract Listed Winner Rosy Affair represent the British raiders.
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Ruling Court, winner of the 2000 Guineas earlier in the season, has been euthanised following complications due to laminitis, Godolphin have announced
Trained by Charlie Appleby, the Justify colt formed one half of a memorable Guineas weekend for Moulton Paddocks in May, as he saw off top-class rival Field of Gold to scoop Classic honours 24 hours before stablemate Desert Flower repeated the dose in the 1000 Guineas.
A tilt at the Derby was scuppered by soft ground on the day at Epsom, but Ruling Court went on to finish third in both the St James’ Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot and a high-class renewal of the Coral-Eclipse – a run which would be the final outing of a six-race career that also saw him win the Jumeirah 2000 Guineas at Meydan in March.
Appleby told www.godolphin.com: “Everyone at Godolphin is deeply saddened by the loss of Ruling Court.
“He gave everyone a fantastic day at Newmarket in May and he will be sorely missed. I would like to thank all of the team, who did everything they could to save him.”
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Evergreen sprint star Regional is ready to fire in the William Hill Beverley Bullet Sprint Stakes on Saturday.
The seven-year-old is the hero of Edward Bethell’s Middleham Stable and has flown the flag for the young trainer at the highest level, including winning the Group One Sprint Cup at Haydock in 2023.
He may be yet to win since, but he has hit the frame time and time again in the top sprints and was fourth when most recently seen in the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville.
“Hopefully the rain stays away, but we’ve got a good draw (three) and we’ll keep our fingers crossed,” said Bethell.
“He seems in really good nick so we’re looking forward to it, he just does what he has to do every day and you hardly know he’s there. He’s such a professional horse.
“He has never, ever let us down. He’s an absolute legend and we’re all lucky to be a part of him.”
Clive Cox is set to saddle two runners in the Listed event, with the 2023 winner Kerdos coming into the race following a luckless bid for the Nunthorpe at York last week.
“Kerdos lost a shoe last time, but he has come out of the race well, if we got the heavy storms that would really suit him,” said the trainer.
“If we don’t get them then it will still be good to firm and I really don’t know how much that would be to his liking.”
Cox’s second runner is Redorange, who has never failed to come home in the money this year when progressing from handicaps to the Listed Prix du Cercle at Deauville, in which he was second.
“He’s run some super races, both at Goodwood and Ascot as well as at Deauville last time out,” said Cox.
“He’s come back well from France and we’re very pleased with him.”
Elsewhere in the field is Simon and Ed Crisford’s Adrestia, with further runners including William Haggas’ First Instinct, David O’Meara’s Star Of Lady M and T J Kent’s Habooba.
Robert Cowell’s Clarendon House has been declared, although he is becoming increasingly awkward when it comes to leaving the stalls, while Mick Appleby’s Shagraan and Paul Midgley’s Elegant Erin complete the field.
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Field Of Gold has stepped up his recovery from the injury he suffered at Goodwood last month, with connections targeting the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot as the stage for his return.
Narrowly beaten in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, John and Thady Gosden’s Juddmonte-owned grey looked set to dominate the mile division after scintillating victories in both the Irish Guineas and the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.
He was long odds-on to complete the same Group One hat-trick achieved by his brilliant sire Kingman in Goodwood’s Sussex Stakes in late July, but finished a disappointing fourth behind his pacemaker Qirat, who caused the shock of the season with a 150-1 success.
Field Of Gold in the parade ring before the Sussex Stakes (Andrew Matthews/PA)
It soon transpired Field Of Gold had suffered a significant joint injury and he required some time on the sidelines, but having now returned to full work an outing on Qipco British Champions Day at Ascot appears to be firmly on the agenda.
“He’s on the road to recovery, John is very happy with him and he’s cantering every day,” said Juddmonte’s racing manager Barry Mahon.
“He’s not done any fast work and he’s probably heading towards Champions Day, I would imagine. Hopefully the ground isn’t too soft and that’s where we’ll see him next.
“The Prix du Moulin and the Irish Champion Stakes are obviously coming too soon because he hasn’t done any fast work since the Sussex, but he’s doing steady canters, he’s sound and the joint has tightened up well and the team are very happy with his well-being.
“The fact that we’re not going to have him ready to run in September, there’s no point in rushing, so we’ll take our time and wait for Ascot – the QEII looks the most obvious race for him.”
Jonquil got back to winning ways at Goodwood (Steven Paston/PA)
The Juddmonte team have yet to finalise plans for another high-class three-year-old colt in Jonquil, who bounced back to winning ways in the Group Two Celebration Mile at Goodwood last weekend, but his preference for a sound surface could mean he will be getting his passport stamped.
Mahon added: “He’s won a Group Two, options are very limited and we may have to go on our travels because he wants fast ground.
“We just haven’t mapped out a plan for him with the owners yet, but we’ll do that in the next few days.”
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Thurles racecourse has been saved until at least March 2026 following a meeting between Horse Racing Ireland and owners the Molony family on Thursday.
It was announced on August 1 the course was to close with immediate effect after the Molony family, who had owned the track since the early 1900s, decided to retire from racing.
Ireland’s only privately-owned racecourse, Thurles had 11 scheduled fixtures for the 2025/26 season.
A joint-statement from HRI and the Molony family said: “Following a positive meeting this afternoon between Horse Racing Ireland and the Molony family, Thurles Race Company will facilitate the continuation of horse racing at Thurles Racecourse until March 2026, with operational responsibility of the racecourse passing to Horse Racing Ireland.
“Today’s agreement, made possible in conjunction with the Association of Irish Racecourses, the IHRB, and the support of the wider industry, will see Thurles Racecourse fulfil its 11 fixtures through to March 2026, resuming as scheduled on Thursday, October 9.
“Keeping Thurles operational until March of next year affords all interested parties time to consider a longer-term plan for the racecourse.”
Multiple champion trainer Willie Mullins was among those who expressed their disappointment when the original closure news broke, saying at the time it had come as a “major shock”, adding: “It will be a huge blow for Irish racing, more specifically Irish jump racing and winter jump racing.
“Thurles is a track that always had beautiful ground in the winter when other tracks couldn’t.”
https://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/2.41065945-scaled.jpg12802560Geegeez Newshttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngGeegeez News2025-08-28 16:33:492025-08-28 16:33:49‘Positive meeting’ leads to continuation of Thurles
Roger Varian’s patience could be rewarded when his London Gold Cup hero Saddadd takes the next step of his promising career at Sandown on Saturday.
The exciting son of Pinatubo, who is closely related to Ed Walker’s star performer Almaqam, has like many been kept on the sidelines on account of the dry summer since his taking display at Newbury in May.
However, the Carlburg Stables handler is now hoping conditions can prove suitable in Esher for the talented three-year-old to serve a reminder of his potential in the Read Meg Nicholls’ Blog At betmgm.co.uk Handicap.
Varian said: “We’ve been waiting for the ground with Saddadd and I thought we got away with the ground at Newbury in the London Gold Cup. Hopefully Sandown can catch a few of those forecast showers and he can race on a nice kind surface on Saturday.
“He’s a horse with a big future and he is a big, burly horse, so who knows he might be a bit rusty on Saturday, but hopefully not and he’s been training nicely and he’s a lovely horse for the future.”
A considered approach is also hoped to pay dividends with Raammee who set plenty of tongues wagging with the style he won his opening outing at Kempton.
Carrying the same colours of Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum as Saddadd, it took Varian until the August of his three-year-old season to unleash the son of Persian King, but he delivered in spades with a fast-finishing display that hints at a bright future.
He is set to be kept to calm waters for the time being, with Varian saying: “He’s a lovely horse and I think we’ll turn up in a novice somewhere in September then take it from there.
“We’ll take it slowly and he’s required a degree of patience as you can imagine and we were rewarded with a promising debut effort. We’re now looking forward to seeing how he can build off that.”
https://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/2.80170097-scaled.jpg12802560Geegeez Newshttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngGeegeez News2025-08-28 16:06:212025-08-28 16:06:21Saddadd returning to the fray at Sandown on Saturday
Leading owner Kenny Alexander, former head of the parent company of Ladbrokes, is among 11 people who have been charged as part of an investigation into the provision of gambling services in Turkey.
Alexander, 56, of Perth in Scotland, the former chief executive of the then GVC Holdings, now known as Entain, was charged with conspiracy to defraud and conspiracy to bribe between 2011 and 2018, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said.
Alexander’s colours have become a familiar sight after big races in recent years, most notably through the brilliant mare Honeysuckle, who won the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2021 and 2022.
Lee Feldman, 57, of East Hampton, New York, United States, the former chairman of the firm, was also charged with conspiracy to defraud and conspiracy to bribe during the same period.
Also charged with the same offences are Richard Cooper, 64, from London, Robert Dowling 50, from Horsham, West Sussex, James Humberstone, 52, of Olney, Milton Keynes, Raymond Smart, 59 of Castel, Guernsey, and Richard Raubitschek-Smith, 49, of Harpenden, Hertfordshire.
Scott Masterton, 57, of Tetney, Grimsby, is charged with conspiracy to defraud and conspiracy to bribe, fraudulent trading, cheating the public revenue and acting as a director of a company when undischarged bankrupt.
Alexander MacAngus, 64, of Grouville, Jersey is accused of conspiracy to defraud, while Caroline Roe, 48, from Staincross, Barnsley is charged with conspiracy to defraud, conspiracy to bribe, fraudulent trading and fraudulent evasion of income tax.
Robert Hoskin, 54, of Gibraltar, is charged with perverting the course of justice in February 2024.
The first hearing in the case will take place at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on October 6.
Richard Las, director of HMRC’s fraud investigation service, said: “This has been a complex and international investigation.
“These are serious charges that relate to conspiracy to defraud, bribery, cheating the public revenue, evasion of income tax and perverting the course of justice among others.”
Entain said in a statement: “The company has not been charged and none of the individuals charged are currently employed by the company or its group.”
https://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/2.65866641.jpg8521704Geegeez Newshttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngGeegeez News2025-08-28 13:55:162025-08-28 13:55:16Leading owner Kenny Alexander among 11 charged over gambling services in Turkey
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