Tag Archive for: Roger Varian

Tyrrhenian Sea floors Maljoom in Lingfield feature

Tyrrhenian Sea caused a minor surprise in the BetMGM Tandridge Stakes when comfortably seeing off Maljoom at Lingfield.

Given Maljoom won the German Guineas and was narrowly beaten in the St James’s Palace as a three-year-old, he has always carried a tall reputation. However, he has been hard to train for William Haggas and as a result has been lightly raced.

His ability has never been in doubt, though, and on his last run he was not beaten far in a Group Two on Irish Champions Weekend.

Roger Varian’s Tyrrhenian Sea (5-2) is something of an all-weather specialist and with his flashy almost white mane and tail, has built up a cult following.

Dropping in trip having been mostly campaign over 10 furlongs of late, Jack Mitchell kicked on before leaving the back straight and with Maljoom failing to handle the bend particularly well, the race was over a long way out.

Tom Marquand did manage to straighten the 4-9 favourite up to close to within two and three-quarter lengths of the seven-year-old winner, but the result was never in doubt.

Alan Cooper, racing manager for the Niarchos family’s Flaxman Stables, said: “He really enjoyed himself and looked happy back over a mile. He was given a very good ride from Jack.

“Doing that today opens up more options. I chatted briefly with Roger and he said to regroup in a few days when we’ll map out a programme.

“Obviously there’s Good Friday at Newcastle (Finals Day) and he holds an entry in the Lincoln, so let’s see what we think after a few days to reflect.

“The Winter Derby over a mile and three at Southwell just stretches him, it’s right on his limit. I suspect he won’t be going there, but all options are open.

“I suspect it will be more a mile than stepping back up to a mile and three.”

Varian said: “It was very good to see him win again, obviously that today back at a mile should give us more options.

“I can’t envisage us going back up to 11 furlongs for the Winter Derby, he ran well last year to be third but Jack didn’t feel he quite got home.

“Having seen him back at a mile I wouldn’t think that is on the agenda, so we’ll have a look at what is out there.

“He’s seven now, but he hasn’t had much racing and we’ve looked after him, he’s a real favourite at the yard given his nature and his markings.

“He’s run very good races in defeat so it’s lovely to get another win, it would be lovely to win a Group Three with him.

“If we stay at home there’s the Earl of Sefton, a Group Three, or the Bet365 Mile at Sandown, which is a Group Two. There’s not a lot on the all-weather for him.

“The races on Finals Day are handicaps now so he’d have a huge weight, which wouldn’t be ideal, I’m not sure what we’ll do to be honest. I’m just delighted for the Niarchos family that he’s back winning.”



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Glen Buck stays upwardly mobile with stylish Southwell success

Glen Buck produced a tremendous display to claim the £30 In Free Bets With BetUK Handicap at Southwell, as all-weather racing kept the show on the road on Saturday evening.

Trained by Roger Varian, the six-year-old had impressed in two victories on the all-weather in early 2023, but spent over 600 days on the sidelines before returning to finish third at Wolverhampton in November.

Having blown away the cobwebs during that promising reappearance, he was sent off 5-2 for the feature class three handicap on a bitter Saturday evening in Nottinghamshire, and travelled stylishly through the middle-distance event for Jack Mitchell.

Having cruised into contention, he readily accounted for Andrew Balding’s Old Harrovian at the finish, returning a winning distance of three-quarters of a length which perhaps underestimates the ease of the success, with 11-8 favourite Moon Over Miami only fourth in the hands of Hector Crouch.

Mitchell told Sky Sports Racing: “It was a lovely performance and he’s still a really inexperienced horse.

“The way the race panned out I was in the box seat with loads of cover and everything went really to plan. When I asked him to quicken he was still just a bit unsure about things, but the other horse helped me get competitive and he stuck his neck out.

“He’s galloped right out and you might see him over a bit further in time. Fair play to Roger and his team and hopefully he will be a nice horse to take us through to the (new) season.

“All being well he stays fit and healthy (we will see him again soon), I’m not sure what the plan is but I would like that to be the plan.

“I think a mile and a half would be within range and he’s learning all the time. Today we went up in trip and he kind of jumped into the bridle a furlong down the back and I had to say ‘whoa’ to him and he came back, he’s pretty easy to deal with.”

Crouch may have been out of luck on Moon Over Miami but he enjoyed success aboard Jack Jones’ Star Of Atlantis (100-30) in the Boost Your Acca At BetMGM Classified Stakes, before making all to secure a double on Hugo Palmer’s Misty Sky (9-2) in the Best Odds Guaranteed At BetMGM Handicap.



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Dual Classic hero Eldar Eldarov to stand at Chapel Stud

Dual Classic winner Eldar Eldarov will stand at Chapel Stud in Worcestershire at a fee of £5,000 following a deal brokered by Richard Venn Bloodstock.

Trained by Roger Varian for KHK Racing Ltd, Eldar Eldarov enjoyed perhaps his finest hour in the 2022 St Leger at Doncaster, where he beat New London by two lengths. Earlier that season he had taken the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot.

His four-year-old career was highlighted by another Classic win, this time the Irish St Leger, where he had none other than Kyprios three and a half lengths in arrears.

David Egan celebrates Classic glory at Doncaster with Eldarov (left)
David Egan celebrates Classic glory at Doncaster with Eldarov (left) (Tim Goode/PA)

He was due to run in the Dubai Gold Cup back in March last year, but was withdrawn after another horse kicked out in the stalls and unsettled him, causing him to rear up and hit his head.

Roisin Close of Chapel Stud said: “Firstly, I would like to thank His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa for entrusting us with Eldar Eldarov. I am delighted to be able to bring a horse of this calibre to British breeders. Bred by Lanwades Stud, one of the best in the business, he boasts a pedigree full of top-class racehorses and producers.

“He was an exceptional athlete, and had it not been for a freak accident, he would most likely be out of my league. It is no secret that he suffered a potentially life-threatening injury in Dubai, and it is thanks to his owner’s dedication to his recovery that he is now able to stand at stud. With his welfare a priority, we will be limiting his mare numbers. We will also be offering a limited number of breeding rights.”

She added: “I keep having to pinch myself – having a champion three-year-old stayer and dual Classic winner standing at Chapel Stud is a dream come true!”



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Varian hoping Charyn can be big in Japan on farewell appearance

Roger Varian hopes Charyn has one last chapter to write of his sensational season when he bows out with an “away game” in the prestigious Mile Championship at Kyoto Racecourse on Sunday.

The son of Dark Angel will head to owner Nurlan Bizakov’s stud operation in France following his globetrotting mission to Japan and a race that has always been the preferred option for the colt’s career swansong after landing the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes in style at Ascot.

That British Champions Day success was the fifth time the dashing grey has stuck gold in seven outings this term and having given his connections notable highlights such as a Royal Ascot victory and the Prix Jacques le Marois triumph to celebrate, his final act could well be his toughest, as he ventures to the Far East.

Varian is well aware of the task at hand, but is keen to embrace the challenge of taking on a racing powerhouse in their own backyard with Europe’s leading miler.

Varian said: “He’s been great this year and we’ve had a good journey with him. He’s given us some brilliant days and hopefully there is one more to come.

“The timing of this race worked well after Ascot and it is obviously going to be the last run of his career. He has come out of Ascot so well and we were always keen to come.

“It is a challenge and it’s a sporting challenge. It’s admirable of his owner Nurlan Bizakov to support that challenge. Nurlan is here and is very excited.

A big smile from Silvestre de Sousa as he returns aboard Charyn after the Prix Jacques le Marois
A big smile from Silvestre de Sousa as he returns aboard Charyn after the Prix Jacques le Marois (PA)

“We’re in a global industry and it’s not an easy place to come. The Japanese are very strong globally, but particularly when it is an away game and you are taking them on in their own back yard.

“It’s a very different style and tempo of racing and while Charyn is the highest-rated horse in the race, we’re not underestimating the challenge he faces.”

Although always held in the highest regard, Charyn was a Group-level winner at two, but did not get his head in front at three, despite a number of respectable efforts in deep waters, including against Aidan O’Brien’s Paddington.

However, it is iron constitution and steadfast temperament that has been often been credited as key to his flourishing at four, resulting in three victories at the highest level.

Those characteristics have once again come to the fore as he has made the long trip across the globe, where he will become Varian’s second runner after an unsuccessful tilt at the Japan Cup with Sri Putra in the early part of his training career.

“He’s in great form, he has an unbelievable temperament and a very relaxed mentality,” continued Varian.

“He’s took the long journey and quarantine in his stride. Of course, you never quite know until the gates open, but for all the world he looks in great nick and hopefully that proves to be the case.

“It’s nice to have a good one competing on Japanese soil and we keep our fingers crossed for Sunday.”

Charyn after winning at Royal Ascot
Charyn after winning at Royal Ascot (David Davies/PA)

A central figure in Charyn’s rise to stardom this season has been the ever-present Silvestre de Sousa in the saddle.

However, there will be a replacement in play this weekend with Ryan Moore, who has already put Charyn through his paces since arriving in Japan, taking over steering duties.

“Ryan is going to ride him and that is due to Silvestre not being licensed by the JRA,” added Varian.

“It’s unfortunate for Silvestre that he is unavailable, but Ryan Moore is a pretty good substitute and knows these Japanese tracks very well.”



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Japanese swansong seen as best fit for QEII hero Charyn

Charyn’s well-being will determine whether Roger Varian’s stable star bids to round off his sensational season in Japan’s Mile Championship next month.

Having begun his campaign with a victory on the opening day of the Flat turf season at Doncaster, the son of Dark Angel’s steadfast constitution has seen him add a further four wins and never finish worse than second in seven starts this term.

Having cemented his status as Europe’s leading miler with a third Group One success in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot, connections have their eye on one further outing before he heads for stallion duties at owner Nurlan Bizakov’s stud in France.

The prestigious Mile Championship at Kyoto on November 17 was highlighted as the preferred option for Charyn’s career swansong following his British Champions Day win and plans are being made for a trip to the Far East, provided the colt continues to thrive following his Ascot exertions.

“We’ve been planning for it and if we’re happy with him, we’d love to have a go. If for any reason we’re not happy, he will stay at home,” said Varian.

“The Breeders’ Cup is only 14 days after Ascot and that would be a big ask, while Hong Kong is a bit later in the year. He is retiring this year and by the time Hong Kong comes around, the owner really wants him to be in France at his stud being able to show him to breeders.

Charyn was a winner at Royal Ascot in the summer
Charyn was a winner at Royal Ascot in the summer (David Davies/PA)

“If we are to have another go, then Japan fits from a timeline point of view and it’s a prestigious and valuable race. It’s been in all of our thoughts to take a good horse to Japan and have a go, but it has to be right and as I said straight after the race it’s about the horse’s condition.

“He’s come out of Ascot really well and we will just see how he is in a few weeks. If he was going to the Breeders’ Cup, he would have had to travel this weekend which would be a big ask.”



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Charyn too good for Facteur Cheval in thrilling QEII finish

Charyn claimed a third Group One win in a thrilling finish to the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Qipco British Champions Day at Ascot.

Roger Varian’s grey has been a revelation this year, taking two Group One events including the Queen Anne over course and distance in June.

He was therefore the 13-8 favourite under Silvestre de Sousa and he travelled supremely well before taking the lead with a couple of furlongs to run.

Last year’s runner-up Facteur Cheval put him to the test though, with the French raider briefly looking like he could go on to victory.

However, Charyn found a little extra in closing stages to ultimately assert his superiority and win by two lengths.

Charyn had been beaten twice in six starts this term, failing to reel in a front-running winner on both occasions.

De Sousa said: “It was a relief but I was never concerned and he’s a horse who has always been improving – he should never have got beat.

“It was a thrill and from fast ground to bottomless ground, he has just shown he is a true champion who deserves to be here on a day like this.

“He saw the French horse off and he is a dream horse. I always thought I would find one one day and he has been great.”

Varian added of the victory: “He’s a super horse and that was fantastic.

“Everything went very smooth and it was a lovely race to watch. Silvestre got me a little bit nervous when he was just sat comfortable and you could just see the second coming and just giving him a bit of temptation. Charyn then had to get to work and that’s when he showed his battling qualities, he’s just got everything that horse, he’s very special.

Charyn on his way to Ascot victory
Charyn on his way to Ascot victory (Nigel French/PA)

“He’s just straightforward and I promise you, he has the most amazing constitution. Every time I have run him I have always thought he was too heavy as he holds his condition so well. He’s a wonderful horse, touch wood he’s been very sound and he loves his work and loves his racing. He’s got such a good mentality for the game and the engine to go with it.

“His constitution is really like no other, he takes everything so well and doesn’t waste any energy at home. He may have had a long year, but he doesn’t stress about life at home. He doesn’t waste any energy doing barnstorming pieces of work and he’s super cool – almost to the point you think ‘come on mate!’.

“With a horse like this, he is very special to us and he’s done an awful lot for us. You get special horses and they are all special in their own way, but this one is special with an engine.”

Charyn will retire at the end of the season, but could be set for one more outing overseas depending on how he recovers from his Ascot exertions, with Varian nominating a trip to Japan in mid-November as the preferred option.

He added: “I think it’s already been announced that he will retire at the end of this season to be a stallion for Nurlan Bizakov’s stud operation in France. I, of course, would love him to stay in training but I think that’s not going to be the case.

“We’ll see and I just need to speak with Nurlan and the team. It (another run) could be on the radar but most important is how he is over the next 10 days.

“We would all love to go to Japan. I think if he goes abroad it would be to Japan for the Mile Championship. It’s not cemented, it’s a nice idea but his condition over the next 10 days will be key.”

Charyn has been the star of a somewhat turbulent year for the Carlburg Stables handler that has seen key owner Amo Racing and long-time supporter Sheikh Mohammed Obaid depart the yard.

However, Varian is thrilled that the game son of Dark Angel has been able to keep his Newmarket operation in the spotlight.

He continued: “I think the game matches Charyn. It’s a tough game, ups and downs every month and every week, but I’ve got great people around me, great people at home, support and some wonderful owners.

“I’m very lucky to train some special horses and you pick yourself up when you take a knock, and you get on with it.

“I could reflect on the year and say yes, it’s had its challenges but it’s been a fantastic year; we’ve got one of the top milers in Europe, if not the world, and we’re housing an English Classic winner (1000 Guineas victor Elmalka) amongst plenty of other good stuff, so we’ve had a good year.

“It’s had its ups and downs but we’re here again in the winner’s enclosure on Champions Day.”



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Economics and Charyn headline Champions Day fields

Economics and Charyn are two of the star names still in contention following the second entry stage for the five Group races on Qipco British Champions Day at Ascot.

A total of 151 horses have stood their ground across the Champion Stakes, the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, the British Champions Sprint, the Long Distance Cup and the Fillies & Mares Stakes, with several mouthwatering clashes in prospect.

The William Haggas-trained Economics is the likely favourite for the Qipco Champion Stakes as he bids to supplement his victory in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown last time out. He may not have things all his own way, however, with French ace Calandagan chief among his likely rivals.

Calandagan in action at York
Calandagan in action at York (Mike Egerton/PA)

Aidan O’Brien’s top-class trio of City Of Troy, Los Angeles and Auguste Rodin are also among the 36 horses still in the mix, but all are being readied for alternative targets, namely the Breeders’ Cup Classic, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and the Japan Cup respectively. As expected, King George hero Goliath has been taken out.

Roger Varian’s Charyn will bid to put the seal on his excellent campaign in the QEII, having already struck Group One gold in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot and the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville. He was only narrowly denied a top-level hat-trick in the Prix du Moulin on his most recent outing.

Varian said: “He’s in great form and Ascot, where he was very good in the Queen Anne, is the plan.

“He’s had a terrific season and it might have been even better, as he was arguably a bit unlucky at Longchamp in the Moulin, but at the start of the year we’d have been very happy to settle for what he’s already achieved.”

A big smile from Silvestre de Sousa as he returns aboard Charyn in Deauville
A big smile from Silvestre de Sousa as he returns aboard Charyn in Deauville (PA)

Charyn’s potential opponents among a total of 27 remaining entries include last year’s brilliant winner Big Rock (Maurizio Guarnieri), Metropolitan (Mario Baratti) and Notable Speech (Charlie Appleby).

The October 19 card kicks off with the Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup, in which Kyprios is the star attraction, although he must first come through the Prix du Cadran this weekend.

Last year’s Long Distance Cup hero Trawlerman (John and Thady Gosden) is also among the 26 hopefuls for this season’s renewal, as is his Doncaster Cup-winning stablemate Sweet William and the ever-popular Trueshan (Alan King), who claimed this prize in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

The new kid on the staying block is Al Nayyir, who was touched off by Vauban on his first start for Tom Clover in the Lonsdale Cup at York in August and confirmed that was no fluke with a runaway success in the Listed Rose Bowl at Newmarket last week.

“Al Nayyir looks to have come out of his race at Newmarket nicely and he looks great, so all being well we are heading to Champions Day with him,” said Clover.

“Luke Morris had felt after riding work on him before Newmarket that he’d come forward for York, but even so I can’t say I expected him to win in quite the style he did.

“You sometimes get exaggerated distances on that easy ground, but with a smooth run I hope we can have a good crack at the Long Distance Cup.”

Kinross (Ralph Beckett), Mill Stream (Jane Chapple-Hyam) and Montassib (William Haggas) are three of 33 going forward for the Qipco British Champions Sprint.

Montassib returns under Cieren Fallon after winning the Sprint Cup at Haydock
Montassib returns under Cieren Fallon after winning the Sprint Cup at Haydock (PA)

Montassib won the Sprint Cup at Haydock last month, narrowly defeating the James Fanshawe-trained Kind Of Blue, who has since been snapped up by the Wathnan Racing team.

Fanshawe said: “Kind Of Blue has been in good form since his second in the Betfair Sprint Cup and James Doyle came and had a sit on him on Saturday as he’s now owned by Wathnan Racing. The Champions Sprint at Ascot is the plan for him and it’s a race we’ve won before with both Deacon Blues and The Tin Man.

“Kind Of Blue is out of a sister to Deacon Blues and a half-sister to The Tin Man, so he’s their nephew if you like. They were both four-year-olds when they won on Champions Day and Kind Of Blue is only three, but he’s by Blue Point and a big, strong colt. He hopefully has a bright future.”

The Qipco Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes sees 29 remain in contention with high-profile names such as Bluestocking (Ralph Beckett), Kalpana (Andrew Balding), Opera Singer (Aidan O’Brien), Content (Aidan O’Brien) and Emily Upjohn (John and Thady Gosden) all included.



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Tribalist stuns Moulin big guns with all-the-way success

Mickael Barzalona excelled in the saddle, as he made all aboard the Andre Fabre-trained Tribalist to cause a shock in the Prix du Moulin at ParisLongchamp.

The race was billed as an all-star clash between Charlie Appleby’s 2000 Guineas and Sussex Stakes hero Notable Speech and Roger Varian’s Charyn, who has become one of the leading players at the distance this term.

Aidan O’Brien’s Henry Longfellow was also among the fancied runners, but none of the big guns could land a telling blow as the five-year-old gave Fabre a record-extending eighth victory in the Group One event.

Taking the initiative when leaving the stalls sprightly, Barzalona immediately sent Tribalist – like Notable Speech owned by Godolphin – forward and kept putting the pressure on his rivals throughout the one-mile contest, building up a notable advantage entering the second half of the contest.

With 500 metres to run distress signals were beginning to be shown by those in behind and although Charyn responded gamely to Silvestre de Sousa’s urgings to run on for second, he ran out of turf in his pursuit of the pillar-to-post scorer, who came home with a length and a quarter in hand.

Henry Longfellow was a little further back in third, with Notable Speech only fifth home of the seven.

Fabre told Sky Sports Racing: “It was a fantastic front-running performance, but it was down to Tribalist not the trainer.

“He is just good. Mickael couldn’t do anything else (but what he did), the others let him go.”

When asked if the victory means Tribalist will head to the Prix de la Foret next, Fabre added: “For sure, there is no other option. He could then go to the Breeders’ Cup.”

Varian admitted it was frustrating to see Charyn come so close to bridging the gap to Tribalist in the closing stages, narrowly missing out on becoming the first horse to win the Queen Anne Stakes, Prix Jacques le Marois and Moulin all in the same season.

Charyn was a winner at Royal Ascot earlier in the season
Charyn was a winner at Royal Ascot earlier in the season (John Walton/PA)

He remains Paddy Power’s 5-2 favourite for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Qipco British Champions Day and Varian confirmed the son of Dark Angel will return to the scene of his Royal Ascot triumph seeking to finish the season on a high.

“It was a frustrating watch to be honest, but he has run a great race and when you finish second you have to tip your hat to the winner,” said Varian.

“I think hindsight yes (he got a bit far back). They spotted the winner six or seven lengths turning for home which is very hard to do on this ground.

“Watching the race again, the race developed that way, it wasn’t that way in the first furlong and I think it is the wrong thing to jump on the jockey’s back. The race stretched out from halfway, but he has come out of the pack and almost closed the winner down.

Roger Varian will take Charyn back to Ascot on Qipco British Champions Day
Roger Varian will take Charyn back to Ascot on Qipco British Champions Day (Mike Egerton/PA)

“He has run a tremendous race, I don’t think we can be disappointed at all with his performance. Losing a shoe was probably not ideal, but I think on this ground he is probably not even aware he lost a shoe.

“For me it is not an excuse, it’s just frustrating because I think he has run enormous and I think he ran well enough to win the race but didn’t quite. It’s frustrating, but we congratulate the winner and move on.”

Varian added: “We would love to go to Ascot for the QEII, that has always been his autumn goal and it’s six weeks away so plenty of time. As long as he is sound and healthy there is no reason why he won’t go there.”



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‘A great moment’ – Kingston Hill put Varian on road to Classic summit

Roger Varian is now one of Newmarket’s biggest trainers. But 10 years ago the journey was only just beginning as Kingston Hill gave him a first Classic triumph when storming to St Leger glory.

Varian was already a Group One winner at this point having taken over from Michael Jarvis three years before, but Kingston Hill secured his membership to racing’s most exclusive club of Classic-winning handlers.

Of course, the son of Mastercraftsman had already come close when second in the Derby earlier in the season and his excellent CV meant he arrived at Doncaster as favourite for the world’s oldest Classic in September 2014.

However, his position at the head of the market – and long layoff having skipped the Great Voltigeur on account of firm ground at York – meant there was some trepidation in the air as Varian watched the strapping grey write his name in the Town Moor record books.

Kingston Hill with Roger Varian at home
Kingston Hill with Roger Varian at home (Christ Radburn/PA

Varian said: “I was only three or four seasons into my training career and to win a Classic, whatever was going to happen afterwards, you would always be a Classic-winning trainer and it is something no one can ever take away from you.

“It was obviously a big occasion for us and I remember feeling he was the class horse in the race. He was second in the Derby that year behind Australia and fourth in the Eclipse, and the Leger was his first run after the Eclipse. We had him declared for the Voltigeur at York, but we didn’t run him as it was very fast ground.

“He was going to Doncaster as a class horse and favourite, but he hadn’t run for some time. We thought he should win and when you are thinking that, it makes you a bit nervous.

“When you are young and getting going, those big horses help shape your profile and help attract new owners, so he was great. The story was great and winning the oldest Classic as our first Classic, it was a great moment.”

Not only was Kingston Hill’s victory a significant feather in Varian’s cap, it was also a major moment for owner Paul Smith, someone who had shown plenty of support in the fledgling days of Varian’s training career.

The duo had watched Kingston Hill lead the Derby inside the final quarter-mile before ultimately giving way to Australia – a result that was bittersweet with Aidan O’Brien’s colt sporting the colours of Paul’s father and Coolmore partner Derrick Smith.

Kingston Hill (left) was denied by Australia in the Derby at Epsom
Kingston Hill (left) was denied by Australia in the Derby at Epsom (Adam Davy/PA)

The angst of that Epsom near-miss was somewhat washed away by the delight of simply saddling a horse capable of figuring in the Premier Classic – a contrast to the emotions felt almost 20 years later when King Of Steel filled the same spot on the Surrey Downs.

“I don’t think the occasion was lost on me, it (Doncaster) was a great day,” continued Varian.

“It was great to win it for Paul Smith, who had horses with Michael Jarvis previously and supported me when I took over. We had become very close to Paul and his family, so it was great to win it for Paul.

“We were over the Derby by the time the St Leger came around, and it’s funny as I was caught up in the celebrations a little bit at Epsom as Australia had won in Paul’s father’s colours and Paul was second in his colours.

“At the time you are young and think ‘what could have been’, but equally you are delighted to have had a runner in the Derby who nearly won.

“I think when King Of Steel was second last year, you are more ‘oh god’. When you are younger I guess you don’t feel the disappointment as much as you do when you have been at it a little while.”

Kingston Hill's Racing Post Trophy win marked him as a Classic contender
Kingston Hill’s Racing Post Trophy win marked him as a Classic contender (Anna Gowthorpe/PA)

It should perhaps not have come as a surprise South Yorkshire was the scene of Kingston Hill’s finest hour, having announced himself as a Group One performer the previous season in the Racing Post Trophy.

His class and versatility was evident throughout the 2014 season as he took part in Classic events at a mile, 12 furlongs and a mile and three-quarters, but the one thing Kingston Hill relished most of all was cut in the ground, something which was missing at Doncaster.

Despite taking him to places he could only imagine only a few years prior, Varian cannot help but wonder now and again what might have been if soft ground had appeared in the going description for just one of his many top-level assignments that year.

“He was a great horse and he won the Racing Post Trophy at two,” added Varian.

“He didn’t have things go his way as a three-year-old, he loved cut in the ground and the slowest ground he ever ran on was good ground.

“I think in a different year he may have won another of those good races and in the Derby, yes he was beaten by Australia, but they were a good way clear of the rest.

“Its all ifs and buts, but he was a big horse and he went on to be fourth in the Arc behind Treve after winning the St Leger. He was very good and very good to us, and we will never forget the day he won the St Leger.”

David Egan and Roger Varian  with the St Leger trophy after Eldar Eldarov's win
David Egan and Roger Varian with the St Leger trophy after Eldar Eldarov’s win (Tim Goode/PA)

Doncaster has continued to be a happy hunting ground for Varian and he added to his St Leger tally in 2022 as Eldar Eldarov became his second British Classic winner.

Cut from a slightly different cloth to Kingston Hill, he gave just a glimpse of his potential during his brief juvenile career.

However, he thrived at three, scoring at Royal Ascot before dashing up the Doncaster straight in the hands of David Egan for another special moment in the final Classic of the season.

“Eldar Eldarov had a different profile, he was a slow burner who only ran once at two,” explained Varian.

“But when he won that Nottingham maiden at two, he was very impressive and looked to stay well and I just thought then he could go on to be a Leger horse.

“He did well as a three-year-old and won the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot. He wasn’t quite sharp enough in the Grand Prix de Paris when fourth, but from that moment we targeted the Leger and he was trained for the race.

“I know he wasn’t favourite for the race, but he was one of the fancied runners and it was great to win it again, it was another very special day.”



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‘Complete horse’ Charyn primed for mouthwatering Moulin

Charyn is raring to go for his all-star clash with 2000 Guineas hero Notable Speech, as what Roger Varian describes as the “complete horse” attempts to continue his dream season in the Prix du Moulin.

The four-year-old has enjoyed a stellar campaign winning four of his five starts and confirming himself as one of the leading milers in the world by securing big-race success at both Royal Ascot in the Queen Anne Stakes and at Deauville in the Prix Jacques le Marois.

The son of Dark Angel now faces another stern challenge in the form of Charlie Appleby’s ace and Aidan O’Brien’s Group One-winning juvenile Henry Longfellow, but the Newmarket trainer is relishing the task at hand at ParisLongchamp on Sunday.

A big smile from Silvestre de Sousa as he returns aboard Charyn in Deauville
A big smile from Silvestre de Sousa as he returns aboard Charyn in Deauville (PA)

Varian said: “We’re looking forward to it and we’re enjoying the journey he is taking us on this year.

“The horse seems to be going from strength to strength and you have to look forward to competing in these exciting races and taking on some three-year-olds on Sunday. It will be interesting to see how we do.”

Charyn’s rise to the top of the mile division is somewhat remarkable when you consider that he failed to land a telling blow during his three-year-old campaign.

However, Varian always held plenty of belief in Nurlan Bizakov’s colt and after encouraging signs in the winter were backed up by early-season wins at Doncaster and Sandown, he knew he had a performer who could compete at the highest level.

Varian continued: “We’ve always thought the world of him, hence he had a serious campaign last year. So I would say it is not a surprise to see his progress, but we also know how hard it is competing at the top-table.

Roger Varian is enjoying the journey with Charyn
Roger Varian is enjoying the journey with Charyn (John Walton/PA)

“This time last year it may have been hard to predict but watching him winter and that performance in the spring, albeit in Listed company at Doncaster at March, it just looked like he was starting to become the complete horse.

“I guess that’s what we would say he is, he looks the complete horse now. He’s very mature, he’s very strong mentally and has a good, tough attitude. He’s also very adaptable, he handles different ground and it all seems to come the same to him, whatever the going description.

“He’s just proving to be a very good horse and they are hard to come by. He’s one of them, so we’re going to enjoy it.”

After wowing in the 2000 Guineas, Notable Speech bounced back from St James’s Palace Stakes disappointment at the Royal meeting to strike in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood, reaffirming his position among the elite at this distance.

It will be the first time he will cross swords with Charyn while it is also the first time he will tackle an anticipated softer surface, but the Moulton Paddocks handler is backing his charge to thrive in the French capital.

Notable Speech returned to winning ways at Goodwood
Notable Speech returned to winning ways at Goodwood (Andrew Matthews/PA)

Appleby told www.godolphin.com: “Notable Speech is in great order. The obvious unknown will be the going – they had a lot of rain in Paris on Thursday but hopefully we can have a couple of drying days, while they will be racing on a fresh strip of ground.

“I couldn’t be any happier with Notable Speech in terms of his wellbeing. He showed he was back to what we saw in the 2000 Guineas last time out in the Sussex Stakes, and it’s going to be a very exciting race.

“Charyn looks to be our main opposition but it’s a strong field, as is always the case in these top races.

“We are excited to be part of it and hopefully Notable Speech can maintain his excellent year. This will be the first time he has encountered this type of ground, but we are hopeful he can handle it. It’s always a bit of a guessing game until you’ve actually raced on it.”

Henry Longfellow has yet to find the scoresheet at three, but has top form to his name, including when a neck second to Rosallion at Royal Ascot.

Henry Longfellow winning at the Curragh last year
Henry Longfellow winning at the Curragh last year (Damien Eagers/PA)

Things did not go to plan when sent off favourite to defeat Notable Speech at Goodwood, but the team at Ballydoyle are content to draw a line through that outing.

O’Brien said: “It was (a mess at Goodwood). We could not believe that happened, it was our last thought – we couldn’t see anyone to go (with him).

“It was mad – but that’s just racing. Everyone is entitled to do whatever, but we got it wrong. We didn’t see it happening, it just happened and he was there and couldn’t get out of it. He had to keep going.”

Andre Fabre is the race’s leading trainer and he saddles what could be the best of the French hopes in Tribalist.

Francois Rohaut’s Caramelito is unbeaten in three but this represents the stiffest test of his career, with last year’s Prix de la Foret winner Kelina (Carlos Laffon-Parias) and Christopher Head’s Ramadan completing the field.



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De Sousa backing Charyn to prevail in Moulin battle

Silvestre de Sousa is confident Charyn has all the attributes to come out on top in his Prix du Moulin showdown with Notable Speech at ParisLongchamp on Sunday.

Roger Varian’s four-year-old has been in top form this season, winning four of his five outings and finishing second in the Lockinge.

Having landed the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot, he looked better than ever when scorching to a three-length success in the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville and his big-race pilot believes the best could still be to come from the son of Dark Angel ahead of his return to France.

De Sousa told Sky Sports Racing: “He’s in good form and everyone has been very happy with him in the yard, so I think the preparation for the race has gone very well.

“He does please us at home, he’s very laid-back but when we ask for an effort on the gallops, he always gives 100 per cent – he’s a very genuine horse.

“He’s in a good place this year and everything has gone smoothly.

“He’s been improving all the time and obviously he’s been dominating his races. I haven’t had to get to the bottom of him in every race he runs, so we hope for more improvement and he’s very well.”

A big smile from Silvestre de Sousa as he returns aboard Charyn in Deauville
A big smile from Silvestre de Sousa as he returns aboard Charyn in Deauville (PA)

Charyn will face off against Charlie Appleby’s 2000 Guineas winner Notable Speech and Aidan O’Brien’s Henry Longfellow for the first time as a new cast of rivals attempt to put a dent in the four-year-old’s brilliant campaign.

However, De Sousa hopes Charyn’s versatility can come to the fore in the French capital as he continues his successful association with the Nurlan Bizakov-owned colt.

De Sousa continued: “He’s a very easy horse to deal with and he can go in any kind of ground you ask him. It looks like it will be genuine ground, but if it is on the soft side, it doesn’t matter to him.

“It will be a tough race, none of them are easy at this level, but I’m sure we’ll turn up to play and in good form.

“I have no doubts about the track, he’ll cope with it, no problem.

“It’s what every jockey wishes for, to bump into a nice horse, it’s what helps you to get up in the morning.

“There are some tough rivals and multiple Group One winners, but I hope we can put on a nice show.”



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Varian favouring Sun Chariot date for Elmalka

Elmalka is likely to return to the scene of her thrilling 1000 Guineas success for her next start, with Roger Varian eyeing a Newmarket repeat in the Virgin Bet Sun Chariot Stakes.

Since scooping Classic honours in May, the talented daughter of Kingman has gone on to run with credit in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot when finishing fourth, before testing the waters at 10 furlongs in Goodwood’s Nassau Stakes, filling the same position, beaten just over three lengths.

Varian is taking plenty of encouragement from both of those appearances in defeat and having been pleased with what he has seen from the filly since her run on the Sussex Downs, will now drop back in trip for her next outing.

Although holding an entry for the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown during Irish Champions Weekend, the Carlburg Stables handler is leaning towards waiting until October 5 for the Sun Chariot.

“She’s doing really well and I couldn’t be more pleased with her at the moment,” said Varian.

“I think most likely we will wait for the Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket. I think back in trip, hopefully on a bit of autumn ground, it all makes sense to head there, back to the course and distance of her Guineas win.

Varian (right) celebrating Elmalka's 1000 Guineas victory
Varian (right) celebrating Elmalka’s 1000 Guineas victory (John Walton/PA)

“I’m really pleased with her and I think she ran very well both at Ascot and at Goodwood. Although she hasn’t backed up her Guineas run with another Group One win, I think they were two Group One performances.

“I do think she will win another Group One and I think she will be well-suited to the challenge the Sun Chariot presents to her in October.”



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Angelo Buonarroti begins to justify hefty price tag

Angelo Buonarroti went some way to recouping his seven-figure purchase price with a determined victory in the British Stallion Studs EBF Convivial Maiden Stakes at York.

The chestnut son of American Triple Crown hero Justify cost Kia Joorabchian’s Amo Racing operation €1,000,000 at the Arqana Breeze-Up sale in May and was thrown in at the deep end when making his competitive debut in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Having shaped with promise in being beaten just three lengths into ninth place, Angelo Buonarroti was a 2-1 favourite to come out on top in a maiden with a huge prize fund of £100,000 on the Knavesmire and knuckled down well under a positive ride from David Egan to score by a length and a quarter.

The winner was making his first start for Ralph Beckett after moving from Raphael Freire’s yard since his Royal Ascot outing.

“I was kind of lucky, as he got a stone bruise before the maiden at Goodwood he was supposed to run in and I had to scratch him. The extra time probably was a positive and the track suited him better than Goodwood would have done,” said Beckett.

“He’s a good horse, we kind of knew that already, it just depends on how far we go now.

“He could go a mile this year, I think it will be within his scope, but I don’t know whether he needs to yet.

“I don’t know if we’ll go straight into a Group race, we might go for the Flying Scotsman (Listed race at Doncaster) and work our way up. It just depends on how we feel.”

James Doyle got the fractions spot on as he came with a late run aboard Shadow Dance to win the opening Sky Bet Handicap.

The four-year-old had disappointed on his first run since being gelded at Royal Ascot, but bounced back to run well at Ripon last time out when touched off by Ebor contender Iron Lion.

A 6-1 shot for his latest assignment, Roger Varian’s charge dug deep to beat Lieber Power by a neck.

“Winners at the biggest meetings is what it’s all about. He’s a homebred and he’s a lovely horse. He’s got a big heart and a lot of stamina, and he needed every inch of the trip today,” said Varian.

“We came into the year very hopeful with this horse, he didn’t have a great spring and I ran him at Royal Ascot in the Duke of Edinburgh, he wasn’t quite right that day.

“But the run at Ripon was a step in the right direction, and he should go on and have a good autumn.”

Ed Walker continued his brilliant week in North Yorkshire by landing the Assured Data Protection EBF Fillies’ Handicap with Canoodled.

The six-year-old was stepping up to a mile and a quarter for the first time on the Knavesmire and it seemed to do the trick as the 25-1 shot won by a length and a half under Billy Loughnane.

Walker, recording his third winner of this year’s Ebor Festival following a double on Thursday, said of his latest success: “It was amazing, a real pleasant surprise. She’s a funny filly, she’s quirky and a bit of rain last night helped. She was going up in trip and she jumped, so it’s great.

“We will try and get some black type in the autumn with her, like we did last year.

“We’ve had an amazing couple of days, it’s sort of pinch yourself stuff really. It is one of the hardest meetings in the world, so it’s amazing.”

Treasure Time finished with a flourish to provide proud Yorkshireman William Haggas with a birthday winner in the concluding Sky Bet Mile Handicap.

Volterra and Mount Teide were the two to the fore as the race heated up inside the final two furlongs, but Tom Marquand decided to play his cards late aboard 13-2 shot Treasure Time and it paid off, with the three-year-old powering home to get up and beat the former by a length.

Haggas, opening his account for the week on his 64th birthday, said: “I felt he had a nice trip today, everything went smoothly and I thought he did well to win. He finished well, he stayed the mile well and I’m very pleased.

“He’s a bonny horse, he’s not very big but he has a great brain. He doesn’t need any training now he’s fit, he’s a great performer.

“It’s been an awful week. I’m really pleased with that, but it’s been a tough week for us.”



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Charyn and Notable Speech could cross swords in mouthwatering Moulin

Roger Varian is considering another tilt at French Group One glory with Charyn, meaning a mouthwatering showdown with 2000 Guineas and Sussex Stakes hero Notable Speech could be on the cards in the Prix du Moulin.

Owned by Nurlan Bizakov, the grey colt has hit new heights this season and produced a career-best when he shone in the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville last time out.

There he finished three lengths ahead of Metropolitan to register his fourth victory in five starts in 2024, with it also a second success at the highest level for the four-year-old miler.

A big smile from Silvestre de Sousa as he returns aboard Charyn in Deauville
A big smile from Silvestre de Sousa as he returns aboard Charyn in Deauville (PA)

It was thought the son of Dark Angel could head straight to Ascot for a shot at the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Qipco British Champions Day, but the Carlburg Stables handler has hinted at a run before October’s showpiece meeting at ParisLongchamp on September 8.

“He came out really well (from Deauville), I couldn’t be more pleased with his condition and we are considering the Moulin in a couple weeks’ time,” Varian said.

“The QEII is his big autumn target and it was whether we went straight there or Longchamp on the way, and just looking at his condition and his demeanour and how well he’s come out of Deauville.

“I think we will look at Longchamp on the way to the QEII. The ground doesn’t really concern us at Ascot, he’s one of those remarkable horses that goes as well on good to firm as he does on heavy and vice versa. He doesn’t seem to have a ground preference.

“He is thriving but he has a remarkable constitution, he’s got a great mind and an amazing physique. He was on the go early in March and he doesn’t seem to be tapering off.

“He had a little break after Ascot before the Jacques le Marois and that should stand him in good stead for the autumn.”

Notable Speech returned to winning ways at Goodwood
Notable Speech returned to winning ways at Goodwood (Andrew Matthews/PA)

Firmly on course for a trip to the French capital next month is Charlie Appleby’s Notable Speech, who took full advantage of the absence of Rosallion when bouncing back from his Royal Ascot disappointment at Goodwood.

The Classic winner came through an away day at Newmarket’s July course on Friday morning in pleasing fashion as he prepares for his potential outing on the continent.

Appleby’s assistant trainer Alex Merriam said: “It all went well, it was nothing too serious, it was just to get him away from home on some nice ground. We were all happy and the plan is to go to the Moulin.”



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Shadow Dance confirms he is back on track

James Doyle got the fractions spot on as he came with a late run on Shadow Dance to win the Sky Bet Handicap at York.

The four-year-old had disappointed on his first run since being gelded at Royal Ascot, but bounced back to run well at Ripon last time out when touched off by Ebor contender Iron Lion.

Grey Cuban led the field into the straight, where Qitaal took over only to be swamped by Dark Moon Rising.

The latter had a break on the field with a furlong to run, but when Doyle switched Roger Varian’s grey to the middle of the track he picked up well and had enough in hand to hold the late run of Lieber Power by a neck, with Dark Moon Rising back in third.

“Winners at the biggest meetings is what it’s all about. He’s a homebred and he’s a lovely horse. He’s got a big heart and a lot of stamina, and he needed every inch of the trip today,” Varian said of the 6-1 winner.

“We came into the year very hopeful with this horse, he didn’t have a great spring and I ran him at Royal Ascot in the Duke of Edinburgh, he wasn’t quite right that day.

“But the run at Ripon was a step in the right direction, and he should go on and have a good autumn.

“If you looked at the entries, he was in four places this weekend. Today was as quick as he wants and maybe that little rain last night just took the sting out of the ground. We came to the right race.”

Ed Walker continued his brilliant week in North Yorkshire by landing the Assured Data Protection EBF Fillies’ Handicap with Canoodled.

The six-year-old was stepping up to a mile and a quarter for the first time on the Knavesmire and it seemed to do the trick as the 25-1 shot won by a a length and a half under Billy Loughnane.

Walker, recording his third winner of this year’s Ebor Festival following a double on Thursday, said of his latest success: “It was amazing, a real pleasant surprise. She’s a funny filly, she’s quirky and a bit of rain last night helped. She was going up in trip and she jumped, so it’s great.

“We will try and get some black type in the autumn with her, like we did last year.

“We’ve had an amazing couple of days, it’s sort of pitch yourself stuff really. It is one of the hardest meetings in the world, so it’s amazing.”



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