Tag Archive for: Goldikova

Goldikova honoured with Hall of Fame entry

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Goldikova will be amongst the latest inductees to the racing Hall of Fame on Qipco British Champions Day.

Trained by Freddy Head and ridden by Olivier Peslier throughout her career, the outstanding mare was a winner of 17 of her 27 races, 14 of which were at Group One level.

Owned and bred by the Wertheimer brothers, Alain and Gerard, Goldikova was the dominant force over a mile during her career, claiming a record four Prix Rothschild wins and also scooping the Prix d’Ispahan twice, the Prix de la Foret and the Prix du Moulin.

Goldikova’s success was not limited to France and she also won the Falmouth Stakes and Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot, while she will be remembered by many for her three successive Breeders’ Cup Mile titles – missing out on a fourth by only a length on her final career start.

The Wertheimer brothers, via their Wertheimer and Frere Partnership, commented: “We are very touched and honoured by the upcoming induction of our champion Goldikova into the Hall of Fame and this mark of distinction reflects the value of her career.

“Winner of 17 races including 14 Group Ones, she is the only one who has managed to win at the Breeders’ Cup three times in a row. She also won two main English races over the mile in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket and, of course, a legendary Jacques le Marois in the summer 2009 at Deauville.

“Having her statue at our farm in France, a permanent photo at the main entrance of Deauville’s racetrack, an induction to the American Hall of Fame few years ago and now, this valuable one at the English Hall of Fame represents a lot to us, our team and all those involved in what she achieved.”

Joining Goldikova in the Hall of Fame is Injured Jockeys Fund pioneer Jack Berry.

Berry, a former jockey and trainer whose tireless charity work has been invaluable to his fellow riders, is just the third person to be recognised within the Special Contributor category after Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Khalid Abdullah.

Dubai Millennium will also be honoured after winning a public vote.



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Kelina team keen on Stateside trip

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Prix de la Foret scorer Kelina could get the chance to evoke memories of Goldikova if lining up at the Breeders’ Cup next month.

Trained by Carlos Laffon-Parias, the daughter of Frankel has won four of her nine career starts and left a couple of Group One disappointments in the past when conquering defending champion Kinross to strike at ParisLongchamp.

Connections are now eyeing a run in the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Santa Anita, a race owner-breeders the Wertheimer brothers have a fine record in thanks to the all-conquering Goldikova.

“If everything goes well, and if she gets in the race of course, then we will try and run in the Breeders’ Cup Mile with her – that is the plan,” said Pierre-Yves Bureau, racing manager for the owners.

“I think the mile and the track at Santa Anita with good ground, which we know is important for her, will suit.

“I think she has enough speed to go for this race and with good ground and the performance she did the other day, hopefully she will be up to that level.

“Of course we don’t know what the field will be, but its a big race so it is probably going to be a really strong field and hopefully she can show the best of her ability.”

Kelina will be attempting to follow in illustrious footsteps when she bids to carry the blue and white colours to another famous victory at the end-of-season showpiece in California.

And it is somewhat fitting that the three-year-old will take to the track in Santa Anita – the scene of the first of Goldikova’s three-straight victories in the Breeders’ Cup Mile.

“It is true that there is a close link with the Breeders’ Cup because of Goldikova, but there has also been Halfbridled and Kotashaan,” continued Bureau.

“Especially in Santa Anita, I think that is where Goldikova did her best performance and it is a special race.

“The most important thing is the filly can show her best. She has a lot of talent, but she needs to get in the race first, then a good draw and then we will see who she has to fight with.

“It would be very nice if she could do something good over there.”



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