Tag Archive for: Robert Havlin

Menuisier Keane on Tamfana Chariot chance

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David Menuisier’s Tamfana will be ridden by a new jockey when she bids to edge out the Gosden-trained duo of Inspiral and Nashwa in Saturday’s Virgin Bet Sun Chariot Stakes.

The three-year-old has held her own all season for owners Quantum Leap Racing, finishing fourth when beaten only a length in the 1000 Guineas and then missing out by an even smaller margin when third in the Prix de Diane.

A step up in trip for the Grand Prix de Paris proved educational as she did not appear to stay, but when dropped back to a mile for Sandown’s Atalanta Stakes, she got her head in front to claim the Group Three in good style.

She will now return to Group One level at Newmarket, this time with a new pilot on board as Oisin Murphy is committed to ride See The Fire for Andrew Balding, leaving four-time Irish champion Colin Keane to deputise in his absence.

“It’s one of the busiest weekends of the year so it’s very difficult to replace a jockey like Oisin at the last minute,” said Menuisier.

“When you’re favourite or fancied in a Group One, you want all the positives on your side.

“There weren’t many top, top, top jockeys available and I’m extremely grateful that Colin decided to come and ride the filly rather than go to the Curragh on Saturday. Luckily she is pretty straightforward so it should be absolutely fine.”

He added: “The Sun Chariot looks a good opportunity for her.

“She’s had a good prep for it, with plenty of time to recuperate between her races, and she ran probably her best race of the season over the course and distance in the Guineas, so it makes perfect sense to go back to the scene of the crime. She goes on any ground, so soft going won’t be any problem for her.”

John and Thady Gosden have two of the most prolific mares in training in Inspiral and Nashwa and will pit them against one another for the first time at the weekend.

John and Thady Gosden's Inspiral
John and Thady Gosden’s Inspiral (Tim Goode/PA)

Inspiral will be ridden by Robert Havlin for the first time since her winning career debut in 2021 having predominantly been the mount of Frankie Dettori in past seasons.

“We wouldn’t want any more rain between now and then, but Newmarket does dry really quick,” he said of the four-time Group One winner and reigning Sun Chariot heroine.

“Her preferred surface is fast ground, she obviously loves fast ground, but she’s coped with a bit slower in previous occasions.

“I led her on a racecourse gallop and Ryan (Moore) was really happy with her, I was happy with the way she quickened away from me and she’d done a nice piece of work the other morning.

“Hopefully the signs are there (for another big run), she’s had plausible excuses for the season so we are hoping we have got her somewhere back to her best.”

Nashwa winning the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood in 2022
Nashwa winning the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood in 2022 (Steven Paston/PA)

Nashwa is the other Clarehaven star to line up for the team and makes a return to action in the race having last been seen at Meydan in March.

She will be ridden as always by Hollie Doyle, who has to forfeit another regular ride to be present and leave James Doyle to team up with Trueshan in ParisLongchamp for the Prix du Cadran.

“It’s been a blow having Nashwa out of action for most of the season and her return has been a long time coming, but these things happen and it’s just great that the team have got her back on track for the Sun Chariot,” she said of Nashwa, who bids for a fourth Group One.

“I’ve only sat on her once since Dubai and that was last week, when she felt great. She’s a filly who in the past has taken a few runs to come to herself, but I was pleased with her and whatever happens here we hopefully have Qipco British Champions Day at Ascot to look forward to in two weeks’ time.”

She added: “It’s just such a shame my two superstars are running at different tracks on the same day, but I can’t be in two places at once. When I missed Trueshan in the Cadran three years ago it was through suspension and James won on him. That was a heartbreaking day, but I can’t complain too much this time.

“I’ll be watching him from Newmarket of course and wishing him well. He’s been such a star for Alan (King) and all of us who have been lucky enough to be connected with him.”

Elmalka and Silvestre de Sousa after winning the 1000 Guineas
Elmalka and Silvestre de Sousa after winning the 1000 Guineas (David Davies/PA)

Roger Varian’s Elmalka, the winner of the 1000 Guineas over course and distance in May, is the mount of William Buick and drops back to the mile after finishing fourth in the Nassau over 10 furlongs when last seen.

“Elmalka is in good form and we are looking forward to seeing her back over a mile on Saturday,” said Varian.

“The Guineas form worked out and in fairness to her she hasn’t done much wrong since, as she ran well at Royal Ascot in the Coronation Stakes (fourth) and she ran well again at Goodwood in the Nassau. Both times were on fast ground and I think she’ll be more comfortable getting her toe in at Newmarket.”

Karl Burke’s Darnation completes the six-strong field.



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Havlin thrilled to be partnering Inspiral in Chariot race

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Robert Havlin could come full circle with Inspiral after being confirmed as the jockey for her potential swansong at Newmarket on Saturday.

The John and Thady Gosden-trained superstar mare is set to make what might well be the final appearance of her illustrious career in the Virgin Bet Sun Chariot Stakes, the Group One race which she dominated by three and three-quarter lengths last year.

It is a busy weekend in the racing calendar, as Newmarket and Ascot host black-type races, while across the English Channel at ParisLongchamp, many of Britain and Ireland’s top talent will contest the two days of the Arc meeting.

With Ryan Moore heading to France, speculation was rife about his replacement until Havlin was confirmed on Thursday morning.

If it proves to be Inspiral’s farewell, it is fitting the 50-year-old Scot is on board after guiding her to victory on debut back in July 2021 at Headquarters – the only time he has ridden her during her 16-start career.

The daughter of Frankel has gone on to win six Group One races and Havlin is thrilled to be the pick of owners Cheveley Park, for whom he won the Lockinge Stakes aboard Audience in May.

“I ride her on Saturday, so that’s good. Obviously she’s a filly I know extremely well,” he said. “She’s won six Group Ones so I think anyone would be delighted to pick up the ride on her.

“It was all up in the air because we didn’t know if Sweet William was going to run in the Cadran or not and where everyone was going. Ryan obviously has to ride Kyprios now, my name was mentioned so it’s nice to be confirmed.

Inspiral was exceptional at Santa Anita
Inspiral was exceptional at Santa Anita (PA)

“I know the filly really well, that was the angle they (owners Cheveley Park) were kind of looking at. I won on her first time out, I’ve ridden her out – I’ve lost count how many times I’ve ridden her work – and I also did some stalls work on her on Monday. Trying to get her out of the stalls a bit quicker, so just tweaking a few things.

“It would obviously be lovely to get the win as it might be her last run and it would be nice to win on her first time and if it was to be her last run.

“Her last couple of pieces of work have been nice and she’s a filly that, apart from her two-year-old career, has never actually been through the whole year without being beaten a couple of times before hitting a winning streak, so let’s hope.

“She’s never been beaten on the Rowley Mile, even though she’s only been there twice, but they were both Group Ones so it’s a track she knows well and we are hoping for a big run.

“When Frankie (Dettori) was on his sabbatical, I was meant to ride her in the Falmouth that year and she got beat at 1-7 and luckily Frankie was back just in time to ride her so I’m glad I didn’t take the ride that day!

“Winning six Group Ones speaks for itself, but when she’s won them she’s been brilliant. She’s demolished fields when she’s won them.

“I think in the Breeders’ Cup, it was amazing to watch last year. That was probably my best memory of her, but I hope my best memory of her is on Saturday.

“Watching the Breeders’ Cup last year was just sensational and she’s given us plenty of good days.”

The jockey merry-go-round continues among Inspiral’s five rivals over the mile, with five-time Irish champion Colin Keane partnering Tamfana for the first time for David Menuisier.

Hollie Doyle misses Trueshan in France to ride Nashwa for the Gosdens and retained owner Imad Al Sagar, while Oisin Murphy is aboard Andrew Balding’s See The Fire.

William Buick is the plum booking for the Roger Varian-trained 1000 Guineas heroine Elmalka and Karl Burke’s Darnation completes the line-up with Sam James on board.



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Chancellor hoping to cash in with Champagne celebration

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Chancellor is aiming to make it three out of three at Doncaster in the Betfred Champagne Stakes on Saturday.

John and Thady Gosden’s juvenile has only met with one defeat, when running too free at Ascot in a Listed race, form which has been subsequently franked.

To get back on track he dropped into calmer waters back on Town Moor, where he had made a winning debut in July, easily beating Brave Mission, who has come out and won since.

“Obviously I’m really looking forward to riding him again as his last two races the form has worked out great,” said his regular rider Robert Havlin.

“It was possibly a step too far, too soon on his second run, but dropped back into a novice last time he won and the second came out and bolted up last week.

“He seems to have taken a step forward since his run and I’m really looking forward to it. The only possible downside is he wouldn’t want the ground too quick.

“The two who beat him at Ascot are both racing in Canada this weekend, so you can only take positives from his form. He’s a class horse and he’s got ability. I rode him Thursday morning and he seems to have stepped forward again.”

Chancellor is by Frankel out of the Cheveley Park Stud Breeders’ Cup winner Queen’s Trust, and their manager director Chris Richardson said: “He likes Doncaster so it makes sense to go back there.

“We will learn a bit more about him, sadly Ascot it didn’t quite happen for him, the saddling enclosure and the fact he was right in the mix of things slightly overwhelmed him.

“This has always been the plan for him.”

Righthere Rightnow created a very favourable impression when winning on his Newmarket debut by five lengths for Richard Spencer.

“He’s in good form and I think he has taken a step forward from his debut win and hopefully he can run well,” said Spencer.

“He’s got a great mind and everything he has done at home has pleased us. We thought he could run a big race at Newmarket on debut, but most of ours would go away for a racecourse gallop before they step on the racecourse proper and he hadn’t had that experience.

“We knew whatever he did on the day he would improve on as it was his first day at school and to do what he did was really pleasing for us knowing there would be improvement to come.

“It’s going to be a warm contest, but hopefully he can run well and fingers crossed we get a bit of luck.”

George Scott’s Bay City Roller is unbeaten in two outings, looking a smart prospect.

Trainer George Scott has a nice prospect in Bay City Roller
Trainer George Scott has a nice prospect in Bay City Roller (David Davies/PA)

“We were keen to get a little bit more experience into him before he stepped into this company which he got at Chelmsford and we’re also pleased to see a little bit of rain we’ve had at the start of the week,” said Scott.

“I’ve been very happy with the way he has been training, he deserves his shot in a race like this. It will probably be a little bit tactical, but he’s very uncomplicated and I will leave it up to Callum (Shepherd) on the day. I’m really looking forward to seeing how he gets on.

“We’ve liked him ever since he started in faster work and even though Saturday is a big day for him, I have every confidence he is going to be a nice horse moving forwards.”

Aidan O’Brien runs two, Aftermath and Monumental, with Hugo Palmer’s Vintage Stakes runner-up Wolf Of Badenoch another with strong claims.



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Sweet William out to take the big prize in Doncaster Cup

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Robert Havlin is confident that Sweet William has all the ability needed to bag himself a major staying prize and it may well come in Friday’s Betfred Howard Wright Doncaster Cup Stakes.

The John and Thady Gosden-trained five-year-old has never been out of the first three in 13 career outings, but he has only won four of them.

His most recent success came at Sandown in the Henry II Stakes and since then he has been placed twice behind Kyprios in the Gold Cup at Ascot and at Goodwood.

With Aidan O’Brien keeping Kyprios at home this weekend, Sweet William has a favourite’s chance.

“He’s getting more straightforward to ride but he is getting more on the lazy side, so he requires plenty of pushing and kicking, whereas he used to travel round on the bridle,” said Havlin.

“He’s better over these sorts of trips (two and a quarter miles) and I felt he was a bit unlucky in the race last year. Trueshan ended up going down the middle of the track on his own and we stayed with the pack. I thought I had a good chance of beating Trueshan that day.

“We’ve finished in front of Trueshan every other time since then, so I’m definitely looking forward to it. He seems in great form at home.

“He’s unlucky that Kyprios is around but this is the first time this season he’s not up against us in a big race, so we’ve avoided him. While he’s not straightforward, he does have tonnes of ability.

“He’s going to win a big one sooner or later, he’s definitely got the ability, it’s just about things falling right.”

Trueshan and Hollie Doyle are a popular combination
Trueshan and Hollie Doyle are a popular combination (Steven Paston/PA)

Trueshan famously needs give in the ground to show his best form, so Alan King was over the moon to see five millimetres of rain fall on Wednesday evening before the meeting began.

Last year’s winner might not be quite the force of old but he did win at Sandown in July and he was fourth in the Goodwood Cup last time out.

King said: “Trueshan had a little break after Goodwood and appears to be back in good shape. I have been happy with his preparation. I hope the ground does not dry out further.”

Also representing the Gosdens is Gregory, who split Sweet William and Trueshan at Goodwood and went on to be a three-length third to Vauban at York.

“I thought he ran really well last time and I think the extra distance here will help. He has probably only got one pace and it’s a good pace, but I think the extra couple of furlongs will make the difference,” said Richard Brown, bloodstock adviser to owners Wathnan Racing.

“He’s tough and he’s such a likeable horse who gives his all. He’s a big horse and I know he’s four, but I still think he will be better next year because he’s a big boy and a lovely horse who always tries and runs his race.

“His stablemate will be a tough nut to crack and Point Lonsdale is an interesting runner and it’s a very good race with the likes of Trueshan in there as well, so we’re looking forward to seeing him run.”

O’Brien runs Point Lonsdale, with Andrew Balding’s Coltrane and Adam Nicol’s Wise Eagle completing the field.



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Audience delivers rousing performance in Lennox Stakes success

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Lockinge hero Audience got back on the winning trail with a dominant display in the HKJC World Pool Lennox Stakes at Goodwood.

John and Thady Gosden’s charge was a shock winner of the first Group One of the season at Newbury, where he made every yard of the running to upstage his fellow Cheveley Park-owned stablemate Inspiral.

Having since finished fifth in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot, the five-year-old was eased in grade and distance for this seven-furlong Group Two and was visually impressive in the hands of Robert Havlin.

In a race in which only two horses were ever really in contention, 4-1 shot Audience sat in the slipstream of the pacesetting Art Power before being unleashed entering the final furlong and the race was soon over as a contest as Havlin’s mount sprinted four lengths clear.

Art Power boxed on to fill the runner-up spot, with 7-2 favourite Kinross – bidding for his third victory in the race following previous triumphs in 2021 and 2023 – making late headway to finish third.

Of the winner, Havlin said: “After he won the Lockinge, I told everyone it was no fluke and they laughed.

“He’s always had a lot of ability. We used to ride him without the hood on but I sat on him on Saturday and he absolutely flew so we thought this was the right time to try him without it.

“He wasn’t very competitive in the Lennox round here last year (finished sixth) but, with the hood off, it really sharpened him up. He’s so controllable now, as well.

“I didn’t think we were going overly quick up the hill but I let him go at the three (furlong marker) and by God, he was fast.”

Audience now looks set to stick at the seven-furlong distance for the City of York Stakes on the Knavesmire next month. Paddy Power cut his odds for that lucrative prize to 7-2 from 12-1.

“Plainly he didn’t quite stay the stiff mile at Ascot,” said Cheveley Park’s managing director Chris Richardson.

“We’ve stuck with Rab (Havlin) the whole way through and the horse continues to thrive and they have a great relationship.

“I was thrilled that Pat Thompson was there at Newbury when he won and I’m sorry that they are not here today, but defying a penalty has certainly given everyone plenty to think about.

“We’ll probably go to York for the City Of York Stakes, where he doesn’t carry a penalty, then it’s all to play for. We’ll look at all those races over his favoured seven furlongs.”

John Gosden added: “He’s matured and the mile’s too stiff at Ascot. He’ll go to the City Of York, he was second in it last year to Kinross. He’ll go there, no penalty. That’s the plan.

“We’ve put him in the Prix de la Foret, last year’s ground would be perfect as it was good to firm. He wouldn’t want traditional Parisian turf.

“He has the speed for a race like the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Del Mar. He could be a horse for it. Travelling would be no problem.

“Rab knows him really well. He rides him most mornings and every time he nearly takes him home!”

Art Power ran a fine race to finish second in the Lennox Stakes at Goodwood
Art Power ran a fine race to finish second in the Lennox Stakes at Goodwood (John Walton/PA)

Tim Easterby was proud of the performance of the admirable Art Power, saying: “He’s wonderful. He’s a pony, but he’s wonderful and tries like hell.

“He’s got an unbelievable temperament. We thought he’d run well. We wanted to run him over a fast seven somewhere; he ran well at York over seven.

“If it had been softer, it would have been better, but he goes on any ground.

“We want to go for the big race at Ascot in October (Qipco British Champions Sprint), but where we go before then, I don’t know. We’ll get him back home first. But he’s a wonderful horse.”



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Havlin ready to seize Irish Derby chance with Ambiente Friendly

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Robert Havlin is well aware he has found himself in an enviable position aboard the talented Ambiente Friendly and is determined to grasp the opportunity, as the Epsom runner-up seeks to go one better in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby.

James Fanshawe’s son of Gleneagles found only the sublime City Of Troy too strong in the Derby and now heads to the Curragh as the bookmakers’ favourite to taste Classic success in the Irish equivalent.

His jockey has an Italian Derby to his name, but a British or Irish Classic has so far eluded one of the elder statesmen of the weighing room, whose experience saw him chosen by the Gredley family to replace Callum Shepherd in the saddle at Epsom.

Havlin retains the partnership with Ambiente Friendly for what represents a rare visit to the home of Irish racing for the 50-year-old.

However, the veteran Scot – who has guided a plethora of John Gosden superstars through the early part of their careers – has full faith in his mount handling the stamina test the Curragh presents, having been impressed with his maturity since his fine performance in the premier Classic.

“I’m really looking forward to Sunday and he’s come out of Epsom really well,” said Havlin, whose season continued on the crest of a wave when he guided Audience to a surprise all-the-way success in the Lockinge Stakes.

“Being a breeze-up horse, it can go one way or the other, but he’s taken it unbelievably well and it’s like he’s matured overnight.

“I rode him Thursday morning and he felt great, I’ve ridden him a few times this week. Thursday morning he was bucking and kicking, but then he lobbed up the canter out of my hands the whole way.”

Robert Havlin is confident in Ambiente Friendly
Robert Havlin is confident in Ambiente Friendly (John Walton/PA)

He went on: “It’s a while since I’ve ridden a mile and a half at the Curragh, it was quite a lot of years ago. I think now he’s so relaxed – he’s unbelievably relaxed – I don’t think the track will pose any threats.

“I’m unbelievably lucky to fall upon him, not in the best circumstances I suppose, but you have to take these opportunities with both hands.”

There is no City Of Troy standing in Ambiente Friendly’s way this time, but Ballydoyle will still be well represented, with Epsom third Los Angeles leading the assault.

Havlin is happy to see the Derby hero head elsewhere for now, but despite having just over three lengths in hand over Los Angeles on the Surrey Downs, he is respectful of the challenge that rival poses as they lock horns for a second time.

Ambiente Friendly (yellow) chased home City Of Troy at Epsom
Ambiente Friendly (yellow) chased home City Of Troy at Epsom (Adam Davy/PA)

“Ambiente Friendly didn’t have a hard race at Epsom so we are hoping he can go there, has improved again and can finish in front of Los Angeles again,” continued Havlin.

“Los Angeles would be entitled to get a bit closer this time, he went down on his sword at Epsom and the Curragh might suit him a little bit better, but I’m really looking forward to the rematch.

“There’s no City Of Troy this time and it would be nice to meet him somewhere down the line to test the water again, but we can leave that for another day.”

As well as Los Angeles, Aidan O’Brien will saddle Grosvenor Square, Epsom ninth Euphoric and King Edward VII Stakes fifth The Euphrates in a bid to extend his imperious race record.

Los Angeles finished third at Epsom
Los Angeles finished third at Epsom (Bradley Collyer/PA)

However, it is clearly the mount of Ryan Moore who has the best chance of giving the master of Ballydoyle Irish Derby number 16.

“The Curragh looks like it should suit him,” said O’Brien of Los Angeles.

“He’s come out of Epsom really well, we couldn’t be happier with him really, so we’re looking forward to running him.

“We’ve been happy with him since, this is his third run of the year, so hopefully he can improve again (to make up the ground on Ambiente Friendly).”

On the ground for Los Angeles, O’Brien – who first landed the Curragh showpiece with Desert King in 1997 – added: “I think it should be fine, it was quick enough in Epsom.

“He’s a very big horse and racing is only going to improve him, mentally and physically, we think. He’s a big, honest, straightforward horse, we think.

Desert King was Aidan O'Brien's first Irish Derby winner
Desert King was Aidan O’Brien’s first Irish Derby winner (PA)

“He’s hardy and he’s fresh, but he’s very genuine and he relaxes very well. He’s obviously by Camelot and they have plenty of nervous energy. That’s the way they are and that’s what makes them good, I think.

“We’re very happy with everything he has done since then.”

Of his others, O’Brien said: “Grosvenor Square is a lovely, big horse, but he was a little bit backwards when we ran him at Chester.

“He’s just ready to start again so hopefully he runs a nice race.

“The Euphrates ran a nice race at Ascot and hopefully he comes forward again, we think he’ll improve as the year goes on, the same for Euphoric.”

Ger Lyons’ Keeper’s Heart bolsters the Irish hand in their bid to keep the first prize on home soil, but there is not just Ambiente Friendly making the trip from the UK.

Roger Varian has always spoken highly of Matsuri and the Sheikh Mohammed Obaid al Maktoum-owned son of Sea The Stars is pitched into deep waters following his impressive Leicester novice success, with the in-form James Doyle expecting this race to provide an acid test of his potential.

Happy days! James Doyle pictured with Henry Winkler at Royal Ascot
Happy days! James Doyle pictured with Henry Winkler at Royal Ascot (David Davies/PA)

He said: “His win (at Leicester) in the first part of the year, he was a bit keen, but it was a nothing contest and we didn’t learn much. Visually he looked like he could gallop.

“It’s not an easy race to step into, but his home work has been good.”

Doyle is still on a high after winning four times at Royal Ascot, all in the colours of his new retainer of Wathnan Racing.

He added: “It was brilliant, now I’m back down to earth with Carlisle and Beverley and the smaller tracks!

“But it’s good, they’re running well and the boss is happy – that’s the main thing.

“You always want more though, however many you win.”

Sunway and Oisin Murphy
Sunway and Oisin Murphy have formed a great team (PA)

David Menuisier’s Sunway completes the line-up, as the French Derby seventh takes a second bite of the Classic cherry.

Having competed over 10 furlongs at Chantilly, Oisin Murphy now feels the time is right to test the son of Galiway over further and is optimistic he can get involved at the business end.

“I felt the last day I was too far back off a slow pace and he’s been crying out for a little bit further,” said the former champion.

“I rode him on Tuesday, David Menuisier is very happy with him, as am I. He’s drawn eight of eight, but that doesn’t concern me. I’m hoping he’ll run a career best.

“On ratings, he’s not out of the race and if he runs up to his best, which the signs are good for, he’ll go well.”



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Sweet William and Havlin on the mark in Henry II Stakes

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Robert Havlin highlighted why he is a jockey in demand when partnering Sweet William to victory in the Chasemore Farm Henry II Stakes at Sandown.

Having claimed Group One glory on board Audience in the Lockinge last weekend, the veteran jockey remained in the spotlight after being booked to ride Ambiente Friendly in the Derby.

He was at his best when cajoling the John and Thady Gosden-trained Sweet William (5-2) into this two-mile Group Three contest late on before getting the better of a battle with Caius Chorister.

Ryan Moore set out to make the running on Metier, with Trueshan and Chesspiece also taking up a prominent position.

The order stayed much the same until the home straight when Trueshan moved on, but Caius Chorister and Sweet William were travelling noticeably better in behind.

That pair went on to pull clear over the final furlong, but it was Sweet William who just came out on top by a head.

Sweet William was cut to 16-1 from 33-1 with Coral for the Ascot Gold Cup and is 14-1 with Betfair and Paddy Power for that two-and-a-half-mile marathon.

Havlin said: “He didn’t really travel for most of the race, but the further we went, the more he came on the bridle.

Robert Havlin is having a great time of things
Robert Havlin is having a great time of things (John Walton/PA)

“We put a visor on him today just to switch things up and it was a reversal with Caius Chorister from last time, when she pounced on me.

“I was able to keep an eye on everything in the race from where I was.

“He’s a hard horse to get there late, because he’s not really got that much of a turn of foot, so I don’t know how much he’s actually had in the tank there but he’s very talented and he got the job done.

“I think the further he goes, the better he goes. He’s untested beyond two miles but for me, I definitely think he’ll get two and a half miles.”

Referencing the Derby, in which he replaces Callum Shepherd on Lingfield winner Ambiente Friendly, the 50-year-old Scotsman said: “It was like getting six numbers on the lottery, it came out of the blue.

“I’ve got sympathy for Callum. At the end of the day I’m not listening to anything that’s been said, I’m not reading anything about it because I don’t want it to distract me.

“I was (riding him out in Newmarket), I did two canters, I’ll do the same tomorrow morning. He felt good.”

Meanwhile, the Cauis Chorister team are looking forward to a rematch in the Gold Cup.

“She ran a really good race, she nearly won – she didn’t, but it doesn’t matter,” said trainer David Menuisier.

“It’s a prep race for bigger things down the line. To me she’s better on quicker ground than this sort of ground, especially at this level because it really tests her stamina.

“I am delighted, she really belongs here. People were doubting her which they are allowed to, I think she put them straight this time around.”

Owner Clive Washbourn added: “It’s mindboggling, I love this horse. We’re going to the Gold Cup and that’s that, we’ve got to have a go!

“She doesn’t like this ground so that was a really gusty performance from her. Good to firm is better for her. I can’t moan, as you know I bred her. She’s amazing.

“What a week I’ve had, I bred the winner of the 2000 Guineas in Germany (Devil’s Point). But I love this mare.”



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‘Lovely surprise’ for Robert Havlin as he secures Ambiente Friendly ride

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Robert Havlin said it was “a lovely surprise” to be booked to ride leading Betfred Derby fancy Ambiente Friendly, replacing Callum Shepherd aboard the Epsom contender.

The James Fanshawe-trained colt was among the rank outsiders for the premier Classic until he ran riot in the Lingfield Derby Trial earlier this month.

He was partnered with aplomb by Shepherd on that occasion, but owners Bill and Tim Gredley have decided to replace him with the more experienced Havlin, who rode the second Group One winner of his career on Saturday when giving 22-1 shot Audience a fine front-running ride in the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury.

It will be Havlin’s third ride in the Derby, with the 50-year-old spending the majority of his career connected to the John Gosden yard as Frankie Dettori’s understudy.

“It was a lovely surprise to pick the ride up and obviously I’ve got a lot of sympathy for Callum, I’ve been in that situation myself, as have plenty of other people,” said Havlin.

“Unfortunately in this game it happens from the top to the bottom and somebody’s good luck is always someone else’s bad luck.

“My main interest now is to find out as much about the horse as possible before next Saturday.

“He’s a lovely horse, you can feel he’s got class about him. He takes hold of the bit, I know he runs in a ring bit, but it’s handy in a race of this nature because you can get a position.

“His profile is good, he’s ultra-progressive. He obviously needed the run in the Feilden (when fourth) like every Newmarket horse did at that meeting, but you’d have to be impressed with the way he came down the hill, cornered and then picked up when asked at Lingfield.

“He ticks a lot of boxes, he has less questions to answer than some, he ticked nearly every box in one day. He’s lightly-raced, a late-maturing type and his best days are still in front of him.”

Explaining the decision, Tim Gredley told Tattersalls: “It’s absolutely nothing more than it’s a big day and we wanted to use someone with a lot of experience.

“Robert has ridden a few winners for us recently and is fresh off winning a Group One at the weekend so his confidence is high, it’s nothing more than that.

Ambiente Friendly was most impressive in the Lingfield Derby Trial
Ambiente Friendly was most impressive in the Lingfield Derby Trial (Steve Paston/PA)

“Callum has been brilliant and will still ride our horses – if he wants to.

“It’s a big day for us and we wanted to make a call that we had someone who had dealt with this situation a lot of times, so that is the reason we went with Robert.

“He hadn’t ridden him before, but strangely enough he was meant to ride him a couple of times at home but couldn’t for whatever reason.

“I don’t think he’s a complicated horse and once he’s away from Newmarket he will be fine. I’m hoping it will be a good fit.”



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