Firstly let’s have a look at the Pegasus World Cup which in 2017 unseated the Dubai World Cup as the world’s richest race. The event was brought to list by the owner of Gulfstream Park in Florida Frank Stronach. The race takes place on a dirt track over 1 mile and 2 furlongs and is for 4 year old and above mares and colts.
Just to enter your horse in the race it will cost the owners $1 million, this is to ensure that only serious contenders compete in the race. The inaugural event paid $12 million to the winner, but in 2018 this was upped to $16 millon in prize money.However in 2019 the race dropped to $9 million and in 2021 it was only worth $3 million.
As mentioned above, pipped to the world’s richest race is the Dubai World Cup. This race attracts some of the best 4 year old racehorses in the Northern Hemisphere and a large amount of 3 year olds from the Southern Hemisphere. The race is ran over 2000 metres on the dirt at Meydan Racecourse in United Arab Emirates and the prize money is a huge $10 millionwith the 2021 race being worth $12 million.
Onto The Everest next. In 2017 this new race was introduced and became Australia’s richest race ahead of the Melbourne Cup. It is ran over 1200 metres at Randwick Racecourse in Sydney. An entry fee of $600,000 is paid by each owner as the race only has 12 slots so the best of the best can run. However unusually, the fee is not paid for a specific horse, instead each slot can be sold by the buyer to other trainers and owners. The race is worth $10 million, with the 2020 race being worth $15 million.
Next we have The Breeders Cup Classic. The race is for 3 year olds and older and is ran in North America with it being ran once in Canada at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto in 1996. It is ran over 1 and 1/2 miles on the dirt.The prize money is a huge $6 million.
We then move on to the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. The race is ran over 2400 metres on turf at Longchamp Racecourse in Paris, France. It is for three year olds and older. The race regularly brings together the best horses from the United Kingdom, Ireland and continental Europe. The prize money is €5 million with the winner receiving €2,857,000 in 2021.
Next up, the Japanese Derby which is also known as the Tokyo Yushun. It is ran over 2400 metres on turf and is open to 3 year old colts and fillies. The race has traditionally heavily restricted participation by non-Japanese horses, with only a very very small number of foreign bred or trained horses able to compete in the race. Since 2017 the race has been worth ¥432,000,000 which in today’s currency exchange works out to $3,927,486.96 which is £2,858,329.18.
We then have the Dubai Turf which is ran over 1 mile, 1 furlong at Meydan Racecourse during their Dubai World Cup night. and it is open to 3 year olds and older from the Southern Hemisphere and 4 year olds and older from the Northern Hemisphere. The prize money currently stands at $6 million which with today’s exchange works out to around £4,407,390.
Next up, I want to mention the Dubai Sheema Classic, which shares all of the same entry requirements as the above Dubai Turf, with the only difference being that this is targeted at more middle distance horses and is ran over 1 mile and 4 furlongs at Meydan. Again, the prize money currently stands at $6 million which with today’s exchange works out to around £4,407,390.
The final one I want to mention is the Melbourne Cup which in Australia is known as the ‘race that stops a nation’. This is a race for 3 year olds and older and is ran over 3,200 metres at Flemington Racecourse. In 2020 the race was worth 8,000,000 Australian Dollars which is roughly equivalent to £4,286,977.60.
So there we have just a few of the world’s richest races. I know there are plenty more that pay big money so maybe a part 2 will follow soon! I am really enjoying being back writing so I hope you all enjoyed this on and I will see you all next Saturday for a new post!
Part One of today’s post is all about Darius. Darius was a South African horse who was born in 1910. I couldn’t find out much information about him, however he was a horse with quite some record. In South Africa around the 1920’s there were two USA geldings who were racking up some incredible figures. Firstly George de Mar who raced 333 times winning 60 of them and secondly Seth’s Hope who raced 327 times winning 62 of them, which is very impressive. But what caught my eye about Darius was the fact he didn’t retire until 1929, at 19 years old after racing for 17 consecutive years.
Without even looking at his race record, can we just appreciate that he was racing for 17 years until he was 19 years old and that in itself is some record. But now let’s take a look at his race record itself. Darius ran in 236 races, winning 42 times, finishing second in 38 races and finishing third in 29 races. Meaning 99 out of the 236 races he finished within the top 3.
Personally, I have never heard of a horse racing for so many years and especially not until he was 19. I just wanted to share this little story.
Moving on to part two of today’s post and we head to Hereford for this section. On February 29th 1992 Hereford Racecourse held their February Novice Selling Hurdle and it was quite possibly the worst race ever.
The race was over 2 miles and 3 furlongs and had 13 runners declared. Interesting none of the 13 had actually ever managed to finish in the first three of any race they had ran in… So the race ahead could be interesting.
Nine of the 13 failed to finish with 6 of them being pulled up, two falling and one unseating the rider. So now we look at the final four runners, the only ones to finish. The last of the four was Northern Glint who tailed off but still made it round. In third was a 50/1 shot who finished ‘at one pace’. In second was a 20/1 shot who ‘found no extra on the flat’. And the winner was the 50/1 shot Arr Eff Bee whose form figures were PPPBand went off virtually unbacked. He was ridden by Ian Lawrence and trained by Peter Smith and took 5 minutes 12.4 seconds to complete the race – this was 29.8 seconds slower than the average time.
Unsurprisingly to most – the horse attracted no bids after the race and went unsold.
On to part 3 of today’s post and it’s a pretty interesting one from the other side of the world. This time we head to Australia. In 1987, the Stewards of the Western Australian Turf Club banned Perth based trainer George Way for 20 years after he was found guilty of doping two of his horses Brash Son and Hollydoll Girl with a drug nicknamed ‘elephant juice’ – Etorphine, which was so strong that it would be able to tranquillise an elephant.
But the worst part of it all was the fact that the the Western Australian Turf Club chairman John Roberts was the owner of Hollydoll Girl – one of the horses that the trainer had been drugging. He was said to be pretty embarrassed by the whole thing and didn’t comment on it beyond this.
So there we have it, I wanted to share these stories but with them being so short I decided putting them all into one post would be the best thing to do, so I hope you all enjoyed and I will see you next Saturday at 11amfor a brand new post!
When we first arrived, we got the chance to walk around and meet some of the stable stars with Charlie and his team around to ask questions and to speak to everyone about the horses in question. I met some lovely horses including an old favourite of mine Glen Forsa. There were quite a few people at the visit including a lot of families and children, who were all meeting the horses and enjoying their afternoon.
Charlie then paraded 32 of his horses out the front for everyone to see. Here we got to see the horses on parade as well as having Charlie explain what each horse had already done and what the plans were for them. The one thing I have always found so incredible is when a trainer can name every horse, their history, their plans, their bloodline and everything in between. I can barely remember what I did last week, let alone 32 horses and everything you need to know about them, but Charlie knew everything and it was really interesting to hear him talk about future plans for his horses. He did explain 2 horses would run on Tuesday at Fontwell and he thought they both had a decent shot of winning, Glimpse Of Gala and Midnight Jewel and in the end, as predicted by Charlie, they both ended up winning. Now onto the horses he paraded…
Almazhar Garde Kapgarde x Loin De Moi Owner: Kate & Andrew Brooks
Potentially he will go through the novice hurdle route and then potentially return to chasing.
Beyond The Clouds Peintre Celebre x Evening Owner:Robert Aplin
Potentially a run at Kelso in December and maybe go to America.
Byzantium Lad Yeats x Socialite Girl Owner: Stormy Milan Syndicate
Once the rain turns up he will go chasing.
Carlow Farmer Stowaway x Supreme Fivestar Owner: Cracker Syndicate
Going chasing over 3 miles.
Castle Robin Robin Des Champs x Coco Opera Owner: Bradley Partnership
Novice chasing when the ground softens up.
Due Reward Westerner x Long Acre Owner: Charlie Longsdon
Was brought on Wednesday 8th September from Gigginstown at Doncaster. Charlie said rated around 133 in Ireland. Still very new to the yard so plans will be set out once an owner is found, right now Charlie still owns him.
Eclair On Line Dream Well x Odeline Owner: Eclair On Line Syndicate
Got injured last October so hasn’t ran in over a year. Will go chasing when the ground goes soft.
Freethinker Libertarian x Supreme Magical Owner: The Free Thinkers
Ready to run in around 3 weeks.
George Bancroft Australia x Extensive Owner: JP McManus
Brought by Charlie recently, JP McManus brought from Charlie around the time of visit. Plan is to go juvenile hurdling.
Unnamed3 Year Old Getaway x Missusan
Brought from Ireland in the summer. Will run in a bumper in the spring.
Glen Forsa Mahler x Outback Ivy Owner: TP Radford
Chasing over 3 miles – Possibly a Grand National horse.
Glencassley Yeats x Reseda Owner: Grant Leon
Interesting fact – He was the last winner before the country went into lockdown in March 2020 when winning at Wetherby. Novice hurdling this season.
Glimpse Of Gala Passing Glance x Apple Days Owner: The Tweed Clad Fossils
Won on Tuesday (after the visit) in a Novice Hurdle.
Haas Boy Diamond Boy x Naker Mome Owner: Malcolm Olden
Unraced – Potentially a bumper in October.
If I Say Free Eagle x Wandering Star Owner: Charlie Longsdon
She was brought around 6 weeks ago at Doncaster from David Redvers, he recommended her to Charlie. Has won a point to point bumper, Charlie thinks she will go for a mares only bumper in October and then onto a listed race.
Just Your Type Morozov x Enistar Owner: Tyrone Hanlon
He will be aimed towards some big staying chases over the next season. Charlie said after his back operation he was the first horse he rode again as he trusts him the most in his yard.
Thinque Tank So You Think x Azharia Owner: The Charlie Longsdon Racing Club
Ran at Newton Abbott on Friday(after visit) and finished 9th. Plan is to run every 3 weeks or so.
Lyrical Genius Milan x Rheinland Owner: Thackray, Ogilvy, Longsdon
Novice hurdling once it rains, if not enough rain he will run in a bumper. 3 mile chaser in the making.
Maninsane Salutino x Don’t Fall Owner: Barrels Of Courage
He fell back in February where he broke a couple of ribs and punctured his lung. He was placed in intensive care and it was touch and go for a little while. Thankfully he is okay now. He has done some pre-training with Claire Hart and will now go on to a Maiden Hurdle around October.
Midnight Jewel Midnight Legend x Follow The Dream Owner: Ms GE Morgan
Won on Tuesday at Fontwell (after visit) – Will eventually be a chaser.
Moon King Sea The Moon x Maraba Owner: Merriebelle Irish Farm Limited
Given a rating of 115, Charlie thinks he is well handicapped and will be ready to run by mid October and he will be visiting the winning enclosure this season.
Oscar Montel Oscar x Montel Girl Owner: Robert Aplin & Stratford Racecourse
Was brought over from Ireland in May, has ran 5 times and not finished outside of the top 3. He will go to Market Rasen for a Chase or to Warwick for a Hurdles race.
Present Storm Presenting x Sunami Storm Owner: Robert Aplin
Charlie said the jockey Brian Hughes admitted he got it wrong in the last race as he lost a stirrup. She will have 1 or 2 more runs before having a winter break. (She is declared on Tuesday 21st for the 3:20 at Warwick with Brian Hughes riding.)
Rivarros Agent Secret x Rive Sarthe Owner: 100 Not Out
Arrived from Ireland late last year. Needs 1 more run for a handicap mark. Chasing on slow ground will be his future.
Saint Dalina Saint Des Saintsx Dalina Owner: Alan Halsall
Started the season rated 108, finished it rated 130. Will go chasing over 3 miles as well as some black type races.
Stroll On By Walk In The Park x Liss Croga Owner: Old Gold Racing
Unraced horse. He was brought over from Ireland in the Spring and will be aimed for a bumper in the Autumn.
Supremely Lucky Milan x Lucky Supreme Owner: Malcolm Olden
Needs to build up his confidence, Charlie would like to take him chasing as his current hurdle mark may make it tough to win some big hurdle races.
Tea For Free Court Cave x Golan Gale Owner: Mrs Susan Monkland
Arrived from Ireland in the Spring after winning an Irish Point to Point. He will go hurdling on good ground before eventually going chasing over 2.6-3 miles.
Teenage Dirtbag Fame And Glory x Tavadden Owner: The Saddleworth Players
Charlie said he thinks the penny had only just dropped with this horse and he now understands what he is doing. He thinks he travelled too well last time as he did not know what to do when he hit the front. He wll be back on a racecourse very soon.
The Mighty Arc Arcadio x Funcheon Lady Owner: Leon & Thorton Families
He will go chasing when the ground is a little softer, around late October. He has shown plenty of speed so Charlie thinks he may suit 2 miles 4 furlongs.
The Wise Traveller Getaway x Butterfly Betty Owner: The Endeavour Racing Syndicate
Won English Point to Point end of last year, has had a wind op since his last run and will need another tidy up of his wind before his first run. He will run in a maiden hurdle, then possibly go down the handicap route, however long term goals are to send him over fences.
Unnamed 4 Year Old Westerner x Beneficial Breeze
Taken a long time to get ready, plans to go for a bumper before going hurdling later this Autumn. Western Zethra may be his name.
We then headed over to the schooling ground where Kielan Woods and Paul O’Brien schooled 3 horses each. When you get to be so close to the fences they jump, it’s an incredibleexperience and it’s brilliant to hear Charlie talking to the jockey’s about various things as they go too.
Little Bruce Yeats x Lady Rolfe Owner: The GPS Partnership
In his career he has won the North Yorkshire National as well as coming second at 66/1 in the Listed Summer Cup at Uttoxeter. Charlie says he will continueto run in staying chases and go to the Cross Country races at Cheltenham in the Autumn.
Illegal Model Stowaway x She’s So Beautiful Owner: Alan Halsall
The plan is for him to go chasing on soft ground and he will be aimed at some staying chases later in the season. Charlie thinks he is a Midlands National or Welsh National horse.
Vivas Davidoff x Lavircas Owner: Nigel M. Davies
He finished 5th in the Cross Country at Cheltenham in November 2020, however he’s not seen out the trip since. He has had a recent wind operation.Charlie said he would run at Warwick on the 21st of September or Market Rasen on the 25th of September. (He is declared for Tuesday 21st at Warwick in the 3:55 with Jonathan Burke riding.)
Nightfly Midnight Legend x Whichway Girl Owner: Mrs DPH Flory
She won last time out at Stratford in March. She will run a couple more times over fences, but long-term she will become a broodmare for her owners.
Train Hill Subtle Power x Aljapip Owner: Old Gold Syndicate
He was recently brought by the Old Gold Syndicate from Swanee River Partnership and will be advertised to buy shares soon. He has finished 2nd in his last two runs and Charlie thinks it won’t be long until he goes one better.
Guetapan Collonges Saddler Maker x Saturne Collonges Owner: JP McManus
He is rated 108 after winning twice earlier this year. Charlie has said he will now go chasing and he believes he is a staying chaser in the making and he will possibly develop into a regional National type horse.
Overall, I had a brilliant afternoon and so did everybody there. I hope you all got the opportunity to visit a yard this past week for #NationalRacehorseWeek and if you haven’t then hopefully the chance will arise for you. I highly recommend anyone to visit a stable and see the behind the scenes and how loved these animals are. I am so grateful I get given the chance to spend so much time around these loving and talented horses.
Quick side note before I finish: I will be back with the Racing TV’s Raceday team on September 29th from Nottingham taking you behind the scenes. It’s been a little while since I last worked with them so I’m very excited to get back to it. If you don’t already follow the page then head over and do so. @raceday.rtv on Instagram and @raceday_rtv on Twitter.
I hope you all enjoyed this post and I will see you Saturday the 2nd of October at 11am for a brand new one!
Diane Crump was born on May 18th in1948 to Walter and Jean Crump in Milford, Connecticut. When she got a little older, her family moved to Oldsmar Florida and at 13 years old she began taking riding lessons.
At 20 years old on February 7th in 1969, Diane Crump became the first woman to compete as a professional jockey in a pari-mutuel race in the United States at Hialeah Park Race Track. However it wasn’t all smooth running for her.
In 1968, two women had been forced out of horse races they had been entered in to after male jockeys threw rocks at the trailers used as locker rooms by the women and threatened to boycott the race day if the women participated so Diane knew, she also would not have it easy.
There was so much hostility towards her that she needed a police escort to get to the track, guiding her though a very angry crowd of people who were shouting things such as ‘go back to the kitchen and cook dinner’ amongst other sexist comments.
Diane Crump ignored the constant abuse thrown at her and she did indeed ride her horse Birdle ‘n Bit. She finished 9th in the 12 horse race and when she returned, there were cheers of support for her. Just two weeks later, Diane rode her first winner.
In 1970, Diane became the first female jockey to ride in the Kentucky Derby. She won the first race on the card that day and then in the Kentucky Derby on board Fathom, she finished 15 out of 17.
In the early 70’s Diane received invitations to ride in Puerto Rico and Venezuela. In a race in Puerto Rico, she realised the male jockey behind her was holding onto her saddle, basically getting a free ride during the race. She began to hit him with her stick and they spent the remainder of the race hitting each other, however the male jockey pulled away and ended up winning the race.
In 1985, Diane retired from the saddle after riding 235 winners (she is officially only credited with 228).
On February 1st 1989, Diane suffered a broken leg, ankle and ribs from a riding accident and was hospitalised for 10 days. Her leg was broken in 6 or 7 different places and the doctors told her she would never be able to ride again.
In 1991 she began to work as a trainer for a small yard at Middleburg Training Center in Virginia, however in 1992 she returned to riding up until 1998 before finally retiring completely from racing in 1999and beginning to run her own equine sales business living in Virginia.
I thought it was so sad when I read this story that she was treated so awfully by the race-goers, but I have a lot of admiration for her for continuing to pursue her dream as well as opening the sport up to women for years to come. If she hadn’t been brave enough to stand up to the sexist abuse, who knows how differently the sport could have been.
I love the fact that sexism within racing no longer exists, whether you’re male or female you get equal opportunities to take part and succeed if you put the work in and that is proven by the success of those like Bryony Frost, Hollie Doyle, Rachael Blackmore and so many more.
I had never heard of Diane before researching this post, so I hope I have taught you all a thing or two with today’s post and I will see you Saturday morning at 11am for a new post.
Welcome to a new post here at zoelouisesmithx.com! Ahead of today’s renewal of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes let’s take a look at the history of the race, some records in the race and a little look at today’s runners.Let’s get right into it!
The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes is a Group 1 flat race which was inaugurated in 1951. The race is open to horses aged three and older. It is ran at Ascot racecourse in England over a distance of 1 mile, 3 furlongs and 211 yards and takes place in July each year. In 2020 the race was worth £400,000 with the winner receiving £226,840.
The race was formed as a result of an amalgamation of two separate races at Ascot, the first being the King George VI which was a 2 mile contest for three year olds held in October and the second being the Queen Elizabeth in honour of his wife which was a one and a half mile contest over one and a half miles held in July. The idea was raised by Major John Crocker Bulteel who was the Clerk of the Course at Ascot, who wanted to create an international race over one and a half miles for horses aged 3 or older. So the first ever run took place on July 21st in 1951.
In 2009, Betfair started to sponsor the race and its prize fund was increased from £750,000 to £1,000,000 and is now Britain’s second richest horse race, with a purse exceeded only by The Derby.
In 2011, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes became part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series, so the winner now earns an automatic invitation to compete in the same year’s Breeders’ Cup Turf.
So let’s take a look at some of the previous winners!
The first winner in 1951 was 3 year old Supreme Court who won for jockey Charlie Elliott, trainer Evan Williams and owner Vera Lilley.
Skipping forward again, in 1970 Nijinsky won at 3 years old for Lester Piggott, Vincent O’Brien and Charles Engelhard, with 3 year old Mill Reef winning in 1971 for Geoff Lewis, Ian Balding and Paul Mellon. In 1973 and 1974 Dahlia won the race at 3 and 4 years old respectively for trainer Maurice Zilber and owner Nelson Bunker Hunt with Bill Pyers riding in 1973 and Lester Piggott in 1974.
Skipping forward again, in 1981 the brilliant Shergar won the race at 3 years old for Walter Swinburn, (Sir) Michael Stoute and HH Aga Khan IV. Skipping to 1997 and 1998 now where Swain won the race for trainer Saeed bin Suroor and owners Godolphin, in 1997 at 5 years old for jockey John Reid and in 1998 at 6 years old (one of two horses to win this at 6 years old) for Frankie Dettori.
In 2001, the late, great Galileo won the race at 3 years old under Michael Kinane for Aidan O’Brien and Magnier / Tabor. In 2011 Nathaniel won at 3 years old for William Buick, John Gosden and Lady Rothschild. In 2015 Postponed won at 4 years old for Andrea Atzeni, Luca Cumani and Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum.
In 2016 Highland Reel won at 4 years old for Ryan Moore, Aidan O’Brien and Magnier / Tabor / Smith. In 2017, 2019 and 2020 Enable won the race at 3, 5and 6 years old (second of two to win this race at 6 years old) for Frankie Dettori, John Gosden and Khalid Abdullah. In the middle in 2018 Poet’s Word won at 5 years old for James Doyle, (Sir) Michael Stoute and Saeed Suhail.
So now onto some records in the race.
Firstly the oldest horse to win this race is joint between Swain and Enablewho were both 6 years old when winning the race.
The most successful horse with 3 victories is Enable who won in 2017, 2019 and 2020.
The are two leading jockeys in the race both with 7 victories. Firstly Lester Piggott who won with Meadow Court (1965), Aunt Edith (1966), Park Top (1969), Nijinsky (1970), Dahlia (1974), The Minstrel (1977)and Teenoso (1984). And secondly Frankie Dettori who has won with Lammtarra (1995), Swain (1998), Daylami (1999), Doyen (2004) and Enable (2017, 2019, 2020).
The leading trainer with 6 victories is Sir Michael Stoute with Shergar (1981), Opera House (1993), Golan (2002), Conduit (2009), Harbinger (2010) and Poet’s Word (2018).
The leading owner, including part ownership, with 6 wins is Michael Tabor with Montjeu (2000), Galileo (2001), Hurricane Run (2006), Dylan Thomas (2007), Duke of Marmalade (2008) and Highland Reel (2016).
Now onto this years runners… Please not all odds are via Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of writing this post. (11pm on Thursday 22nd July 2021)
Of course we have the 5/4 favourite Love for Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore and I think she will be my pick this weekend. I think she’s a very impressive horse and has won over course and distance. I know Ryan can get into some questionable positions sometimes but I think Love is good enough to get him out of a tricky situation. She hasn’t lost a race since October 2019, winning the 1,000 Guineas, Oaks, Yorkshire Oaks and Prince of Wales’s since then. I really like the look of her and I, personally, will find it hard to bet against her.
Although, saying that this is a really competitive race. There are only 6 horses declared but between them they have won 11 Group 1’s and 4 Classics, so a very impressive line up and it should be a brilliant, competitive race, so let’s take a look at the other 5 runners.
Lining up alongside Love we have 9/4 shot Adayar for Charlie Appleby and William Buick. He’s ran the distance before and won The Derby just last month, so again another classy horse.Possibly more to offer after his Derby win and William Buick seems to be in good form also so I wouldn’t be surprised if he came close here.
Next up we have LoneEagle for Martyn Meade and Frankie Dettori – currently a 5/1 shot. He came second by just a neck in the Irish Derby just a month or so ago clear of the 3rd placed horse. Again another horse you can’t rule out and Frankie Dettori has a habit of coming to the forefront in the big races so with him taking the ride anything is possible here.
We then have Mishriff for John & Thady Gosden and David Egan – currently around the 8/1 mark. Mishriff was very impressive the beginning of the year when winning the Saudi Cup and a Group 1 in Meydan and when returning to the UK he finished 3rd just a neck from Addeybb in the Coral Eclipse. Again not a horse we can rule out here, maybe 8/1 is a big price for a horse that could go very well here. He has won over this distance before, the big occasion won’t affect him at all and he and David seem to have a pretty good relationship so maybe one to watch.
We then have the 11/1 shot WonderfulTonight for David Menuisier and Oisin Murphy. She has won course and distance before, winning 5 out of 9 races she has had in her career. Interestingly William Buick has rode her the last two times out, in which she won both, but here Champion Jockey Oisin Murphy takes the ride. Now Oisin is in top form lately and he cannot be ruled out whichever horse he rides. Is she as good as some of the others in this race? Maybe not. Could she still win here though if everything goes in her favour? Absolutely.
The final horse in the race is of course another Aidan O’Brien horse. Would this even be a Group 1 without multiple Aidan O’Brien horses? We have Broome at 28/1 under Wayne Lordan. For me 28/1 seems a big price, the second string horse for Aidan O’Brien but by no means a bad horse at all. Broome seems to have been around forever hasn’t he? Pretty impressive career so far and I don’t feel like he’s quite finished winning just yet. There are definitely better horses in the race here, but I definitely couldn’t rule him out. He won last time out in France over a very slightly longer distance of 1 mile 4 furlongs and he could very well win again here.
For me any of the 6 could win this race, they are all extremely talented horses and not one of them can be ruled out, however I am personally going with Love. I really do love her as a horse and I think she will show, once again, just how good she is. I couldn’t back against her, however any of the other 5 could win. It looks to be an absolutely brilliant renewal this year and one thing is for sure… If the running is as competitive as it looks on paper then we’re in for a very exciting race.
This years renewal looks to be an absolute cracker and I can’t wait to see who comes out on top. I will see you all Wednesday evening at 6pm for my last scheduled midweek post. If you did not see my previous post last weekend, from August I will only be doing 1 scheduled definite post on a Saturday and some extras throughout but not a guaranteed post every Wednesdayas my current schedule just does not allow me the time to get two posts I am happy with up each week without burning myself out.
Welcome to a new post here at zoelouisesmithx.com! Today I am bringing to you a brand new post about a miraculous horse from the early 20th century and when I read about it, I knew I wanted to share his story. So without further ado, let’s get right into it.
Humorist was born in 1918 to Polymelus out of Jest. He was a chestnut colt with a broad white blaze and was described to have a ‘kind and intelligent’ temperament. He was bred by his owner Jack Barnato Joel who was a South African mining magnate and horse breeder.Humorist was sent to Jack’s private trainer Charles Morton at Letcombe Bassett in Berkshire.
When in training, Humorist confused his trainer and owner as he would switch from traveling easily to struggling in a matter of strides. Charles Morton would go on to say ‘all the time I felt there was something wrong with him… He would be perfectly well one day and listless the next’. It would only be after Humorist’s death that the reasons for this would be revealed.
In 1920, Humorist became one of the best two year olds of his generation when he won three times and finished second twice in five starts. His debut came in the Woodcote Stakes at Epsom in June where he won by a neck, however he looked to have been set for an easy victory, the closeness of the finish confusing his connections once again.
Humorist was then found to be suffering with a cough so he ended up missing his intended target at Royal Ascot. His return came in the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster where he was beaten by a neck by Lemonora. Humorist then went on to win the Buckenham Stakes and Clearwell Stakes pretty impressively before heading to Newmarket for the Middle Park Stakes, where he was beaten by a neck by Monarch.
Moving into 1921 and now three years old, Humorist headed straight for the Classic 2000 Guineas without having a trial run beforehand. He started as the favourite of twenty six runners. He led the race well into the closing stages and looked like a clear winner, however he abruptly finished third behind Craig an Eran and Lemonora. The audience were less than impressed and many started to question his courage, however his jockey Steve Donoghue insisted there had to be a physical explanation.This being said, trainer Charles Morton changed Humorist’s training regime, working him very lightly in the lead up to the Derby.
Humorist went into the Epsom Derby as the second favourite at 6/1 with only Craig an Eran at a shorter price, going off as the 5/1 favourite. He tracked the leaders before being sent by Steve Donoghue through a gap on the rails and into the lead just two furlongs from the finish. He held off a sustained challenge from Craig an Eran to win by a neck.
After the race, Humorist appeared to be distressed and unsteady and had to spend the night in the racecourse stables before he was well enough to be transported back home.
The plan for Humorist was to head to Royal Ascot next, however during his preparations he was found to be bleeding from his nostrils so it was decided to rest him and miss Royal Ascot again.
In late June, Humorist was painted by artist Alfred Munnings, however just hours later he was found dead in his stable, in a pool of his own blood.
An autopsy was performed and it revealed that Humorist had been suffering from chronic tuberculosis, this would have affected him for months prior to his death. This diagnoses explains the concerns that his trainer had in regards to his sudden change when running and also the concerns of his jockey who knew something was not right. Essentially, this diagnoses means that Humorist had been running with one lung for the majority of his very short career, including his victory in the Epsom Derby. Steve Donoghuepaid tribute to Humorist saying:
He gave me everything he had when it must have been agony for him. No horse ever showed greater courage.”
Humorist was buried at his owner, Jack Barnato Joel’sChildwick Bury Stud near St Albans.
To this day, many rate Humorist as one of the best horses of all time, but definitely one of the best of his generation.
What an absolute warrior of a horse. Of course in today’s day and age when there is an issue with a horse, straight away vets are in and doing everything they can to get to the bottom of it, but baring in mind this was in 1921 and it was a far less advanced time and the chances of them being able to detect this would have been a lot lower.
It breaks my heart knowing he was giving everything he had, whilst in excruciating pain and he managed to achieve everything he did.
This was a new story for me, so I hope you all took something from this post that you didn’t know before. I will see you Saturday morning at 11am for a new post!
Welcome to a new post here at zoelouisesmithx.com! Quick side note before we get into this post… From next month I will only be posting one post per week. I have loved writing 2 each week, but now with other projects in the works I just don’t have the time to write two posts a week which are high quality and I am happy to publish. I would much rather post once a week and it be the best it can be than to post two low standard pieces of work. So that means I will be posting Wednesday 21st, Saturday 24th, Wednesday 27th and Saturday 31st and then from August my first post will be the 7th followed by a post every Saturday from then until the end of the year. However special posts about the history of races before they are run will still go up so some weeks I will be writing multiple posts. I’m sorry I have had to cut down but I just feel like this is the best option so I can avoid a burn out. Of course if anything changes and I have the time then I will write more posts but I am just cutting down to a guaranteed 1 post a week opposed to 2, anything I can write up and post additional to that will be a bonus. So with all that being said… Today we will be seeing the renewal of the Irish Oaks so let’s have a look at the history of the race as well as a little look at today’s prospects.
The Irish Oaks is a Group 1 flat race which takes place in Ireland at the Curragh Racecourse. It is open to three year old fillies and is ran over 1 mile and 4 furlongs. The race takes place in July each year and is the equivalent of The Oaks which is a famous race in England. The 2020 race was worth €230,000 with the winner receiving €142,500.
The race was established in 1895 however was originally contested over 1 mile. Itwas in 1915 that it was extended to its present 1 mile and 4 furlongs.
The first winner of the race in 1895 was Sapling with Latharna winning the first race over the current distance in 1915. Other early winners include The Kiwi in 1921, Santaria in 1932, Foxcroft in 1934, Superbe in 1939, Masaka in 1948, Amante in 1958 and Merry Mate in 1966.
In more recent times Godetia won in 1979 for Lester Piggott, Vincent O’Brien and owner Robert Sangster. Give Thanks won in 1983 for Declan Gillespie, Jim Bolger and owner Mrs Ogden White. In 1988 there was a dead heat calledwhen Diminuendo for jockey Steve Cauthen and trainer Henry Cecil crossed the line at the same time as Melodist for jockey Walter Swinburn and trainer (Sir) Michael Stoute both for owner Sheikh Mohammed.
In 1997 and 1998 jockey Johnny Murtagh and trainer John Oxx won the race. In 1997 with Ebadiyla for owner HH Aga Khan IV and in 1998 with Winona for Lady Clague.In 2002 Margarula won under Kevin Manning for trainer Jim Bolger and owner Jackie Bolger.
In 2004 Ouija Board won under Kieren Fallon for Ed Dunlop and owner the 19th Earl of Derby. Kieren then won it again in 2006 on Alexandrova for Aidan O’Brien and owners Magnier / Tabor / Smith. The next two years being won by Aidan O’Brien also. In 2007 with Peeping Fawn ridden by Johnny Murtagh for Tabor / Magnier and in 2008 with Moonstone again ridden by Johnny Murtagh for Magnier / Tabor / Smith.
In 2010, Ryan Moore won the race on board Snow Fairy for Ed Dunlop and Anamoine Ltd. With Frankie Dettori winning it in 2011 on board Blue Bunting for Mahmood Al Zarooni and Godolphin.
In 2015, the late, great Pat Smullen won the race on board Covert Love for Hugo Palmer and the Fomo Syndicate. With the brilliant Enable winning it in 2017 for Frankie Dettori, John Gosden and Khalid Abdullah.
The last three winners have been Sea of Class in 2018 for James Doyle, William Haggas and Sunderland Holding Inc, Star Catcher in 2019 for Frankie Dettori, John Gosden and Anthony Oppenheimer and Even So in 2020 for Colin Keane, Ger Lyons and Magnier / Paul Shanahan.
Now onto some records.
The leading jockey with 6 wins in the race is Johnny Murtagh who won with Ebadiyla in 1997, Winona in 1998, Petrushka in 2000, Peeping Fawn in 2007, Moonstone in 2008 and Chicquita in 2013.
The leading trainer, also with 6 wins in the race is Sir Michael Stoute who has won with Fair Salinia in 1978, Colorspin in 1986, Unite in 1987, Melodist who won in a dead heat in 1988, Pure Grain in 1995 and Petrushka in 2000.
The leading owner (since 1960 – Including part ownership) is Susan Magnier who has won with Alexandrova in 2006, Peeping Fawn in 2007, Moonstone in 2008, Bracelet in 2014, Seventh Heaven in 2016 and Even So in 2020.
A quick look at this years runners. Please bare in mind I am writing this post at 10pm on 16/07/2021 and all odds are correct at time of writing– via Ladbrokes.
Currently the 2/7 favourite is Snowfall for Aidan O’Brien. Ryan Moore will ride this stable star, opposed to Frankie Dettori who rode her back in June when they won the English Oaks at Epsom.
There is then Nicest at 8/1 for Donnacha O’Brien and Gavin Ryan. Divinely at 10/1 for Aidan O’Brien and Wayne Lordon. Willow at 10/1 for Aidan O’Brien and Seamie Heffernan. Mariesque at 33/1 for Joseph O’Brien and Shane Crosse. La Joconde at 40/1 for Aidan O’Brien and Emmet McNamara. So a pretty big section of the entries belong to the O’Brien family with only Party House at 40/1 for G M Lyons and Colin Keane and Ahandfulofsummers at 66/1 for J A Stack and Chris Hayes in the declarations away from the O’Brien family.
Personally, I would say you have to go for Snowfall, however you can’t rule any of them out. However I would go for Snowfall to become the latest horse to win both the English and Irish Oaks, the first since Enable in 2017. She was impressive last time out, stable jockey Ryan Moore takes the ride this time and I think they’ll win pretty comfortably. Let me know over on Twitter who you think will win!
I hope you all enjoyed this one, good luck with your bets today and I will see you all in my next post on Wednesday evening at 6pm!
Welcome to a new post here at zoelouisesmithx.com! Before we get started I’d like to apologise for not posting on Saturday. If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram you’ll have seen I was away in Newmarket over the weekend with the Racing TV’s Raceday team and I had no opportunity in the build up to write a post I was happy with so I would rather not post at all than post a low quality post. However I am back today with a new post. Today I am looking at the Happy Valley Racecourse Fire, which is the worlds worst sporting disaster in history. When I read about the tragedy I knew I wanted to share it as it is not something I knew about before recently.I don’t think it will be a long post but I wanted to share it all the same.So without further ado, let’s get into it.
Happy Valley Racecourse was first built in 1845 to provide horse racing to the British people in Hong Kong. The area in which it was built was previously swampland however it was the only suitable flat ground on the island, so to make way for the course, the Hong Konggovernment prohibited rice growing in villages surrounding the area.The first race meeting took place in December 1846.
On February 26th 1918, it was the second day of the annual ‘Derby Day’ meeting and it started like any other race day. To accommodate extra spectators for the big meeting, a temporary Grandstand was built.
The horses were coming out for the first race The China Stakes when shouts and screams were heard coming from the temporary Grandstand and people were seen rushing from the stand onto the main racecourse. Suddenly there was an explosive noise followed by a string of crackling noises and then the Grandstand started to lean towards the road before collapsing. The Grandstand was sheltering a small village of food stalls, bars and bookmakers so when it collapsed it resulted in knocking over food stalls and causing a fire when bamboo matting was set alight.
Immediately the district’s fire department was called, however this was such a huge incident that the marine police were also called up to help fight the fire.
By the following day, it was reported by the Hong Kong Telegraph that there had been 576 confirmed deaths. However most of the dead bodies had became so unrecognisable and were unable to be identified and were therefore assumed to be ‘Chinese’. A nearby hospital called Tung Wah Hospital offered their assistance by arranging for labourers to collect the bodies and taking them to a nearby area to be buried.
A Chinese-styled memorial site known as Race Course Fire Memorial was built in the Chinese cemetery which now stands before the East Stand of the Stadium. It was declared a momentum in 2015.
It is now widely believed that 614 people died making it one of the worst sporting disasters in history.The below images are very rare photos of the event that were sold in 2019 in a photo album at auction for £4000.
I know this is a short one but I wanted to share it because it’s truly a heart breaking situation. Nobody leaves their house to go anywhere not knowing if they will return home. Over 600 people went to a sporting event which they were all clearly really looking forward toand it ended up with them not returning home which is heart breaking. I couldn’t find it in my research but I would be interested in knowing how much work went into the aftermath by the Jockey Club to find out why and how this happened because the Grandstand should have been safe to hold that many people without collapsing. Also interesting to note, in my research I did find that no Jockey Club member or employee died in the event. Many news articles I read also said that although it was one of the biggest disasters in Hong Kong’s history, the Jockey Club knew it was going to be ‘bad for business’ and tried their best to cover up the small details and not allow a scandal to commence as they did not want to lose the race course. Whatever they chose to do, it clearly worked as they still have the racecourse.
I hope you found this one interesting to read and maybe learned something new. I’ll see you Saturday at 11am for a new post!
Welcome to a new post here at zoelouisesmithx.com! Today’s is a very interesting story I wanted to share, it may not be a long post but it’s one I wanted to share so let’s just jump straight into it.
In 2006, extreme ‘daredevil’ sports were all the rage in America. Thousands of people were watching sports where lives were at risk, so the management at Calder Racecoure in Miami Gardens decided they wanted to be a part of the action. So in July 2006, they announced their first ever ‘extreme day’ at the races, promising that this day at the races would be like nothing anyone had ever seen before. Long races, short races, backwards races, foot races – you name it, they included it. They were set at bending every rule they could. The Calder President Ken Dunn told the American press at the time:
We may get some people in the industry laughing at us, thinking it’s silly. But it has generated talk and that’s good.”
When the day arrived, the only extreme event taking place was the weather. The rain had made conditions on the track unsafe as well as keeping fans away, which was their whole point of the event. So they decided to try again later in the year, so they rescheduled their promotion to the 25th of November 2006.
The event included:
The Fast N Furious Stakes – Two furlongs on dirt The Methusela Starter Stakes – For 5 year olds and older King George’s Wrong Way Starter Stakes – 1 & 1/4 miles on turf going the opposite direction The Gray Pride Stakes – Starter stakes restricted to horses that were gray or roan in colour (worth $45,000) The World’s Fastest Daily Double – Two races run simultaneously on the dirt and turf courses A 70 yard foot race between jockeys
The day didn’t quite go as planned with only 7,000 people showing up to the event and challenges along the way including jockeys protesting that the King George should be ran on the turf, not the dirt like initially planned.
But the highlight of the entire day was the World’s Fastest Daily Double. One was ran on the turf and another on the dirt, finishing just 36 seconds apart. The hardest job being left to the announcer Bobby Neuman who was given the task of calling both races at the same time. Later telling American press:
I just went back and forth as much as I could. I wanted to have fun with it and be as confusing as possible. I didn’t want to focus on one race more than the other.”
To this day, the record has never been beaten and I highly doubt it ever will. However everybody was talking about the event which meant Calder continued the event in 2007, however cancelling it in 2008 as it didn’t attract any many people as they thought it might, it only gained them more national media attention.
Overall, I thought this was a crazy story and had to share it. I hope you all enjoyed and I’ll see you Saturday for my next post at 11am.
Welcome to a new post here at zoelouisesmithx.com! Ahead of today’s renewal let’s take a look back at the history of the Eclipse Stakes.
The Eclipse Stakes is a Group 1 flat race which is ran at Sandown Park in Great Britain. It is ran over 1 mile, 1 furlong and 209 yards and is open to horses aged 3 or older. It takes place in July each year.It was first ran in 1886. In 2020 the race was worth £250,000 with the winner receiving £141,775.
The first winner of the race in 1886 was Bendigo who was 6 years old. Tom Cannon Sr was riding for trainer Charles Jousiffe and owner H. T. Barclay.
Both the 1892 and 1893 contests were won by Orme. In 1892 at 3 years old for jockey Georg Barrett and in 1893 at 4 years old for jockey Morny Cannon. Both times the trainer was John Porter and the owner was the 1st Duke of Westminster.
In 1897 and 1900 the Prince of Wales won the race. Firstly in 1897 with Persimmon who was 4 years old with John Watts riding and Richard Marsh training. Then in 1900 with Diamond Jubilee who was 3 years old with Herbert Jones riding and Richard Marsh training again.
In 1910 there was a dead heat called. Here Lemberg who was 3 years old for Bernard Dillon, Alec Taylor Jr and Alfred W. Cox and Neil Gow, also 3 years old, for Danny Maher, Percy Peck and the 5th Earl of Rosebery both claimed the win.
Now skipping forward a few years, in 1951 Lester Piggott won the race on board 3 year old Mystery for Percy Carter and Mme Edward Esmond. He won again in 1955 on board 4 year old Darius for Harry Wragg and Sir Percy Loraine. Againin 1957 on board 3 year old Arctic Explorer for Noel Murless and Giles Loder.
In 1965 Queen Elizabeth II had a winner in the race when her 4 year old horse Canisbay won with Stan Clayton on board for trainer Cecil Boyd-Rochfort.
In 1976 Trepan finished first, however after being disqualified for testing positive for a banned substance, the race was awarded to 3 year old Wollow who was ridden by Gianfranco Dettori for Henry Cecil and Carlo d’Alessio
Skipping forward quite a few years, in 1995 and 1996 Halling won the race. In 1995 at 4 years old for jockey Walter Swinburn and in 1996 at 5 years old for jockey John Reid. Both times for Saeed bin Suroor and Godolphin.
Moving into the new millennium sees Aidan O’Brien win the race for the first time with 3 year old Giant’s Causeway under George Duffield for owners Magnier / Tabor.
In 2007, Notnowcato at 5 years old won for Ryan Moore, Sir Michael Stoute and A. & D. de Rothschild.
At 4 years old, Nathaniel won the race in 2012 for William Buick, John Gosden and Lady Rothschild. With Golden Horn winning at 3 years old in 2015 for Frankie Dettori, John Gosden and Anthony Oppenheimer.
In 2018 Oisin Murphy won the race on board 3 year old Roaring Lion for John Gosden and Qatar Racing. Followed in 2019 by Enable at 5 years old for Frankie Dettori, John Gosden and Khalid Abdullah. With the latest winner in 2020 being 5 year old Ghaiyyath for William Buick, Charlie Appleby and Godolphin. – To note in 2020 due to alterations due to the COVID 19 Pandemic, 3 year olds were excluded from the race.
Onto some records in the race, starting with the most successful horses. These all have 2 wins in the race: Orme in 1892 & 1893, Buchan in 1919 & 1920, Polyphontes in 1924 & 1925, Mtoto in 1987 & 1988 and Halling in 1995 & 1996.
The leading jockey is Lester Piggott who won the race 7 times: Mystery IX in 1951, Darius in 1955, Arctic Explorer in 1957, St Paddy in 1961, Pieces of Eight in 1966, Wolver Hollow in 1969 and Artaius in 1977.
We have two leading trainers, both with 6 wins each. Alec Taylor Jr with: Bayardo in 1909, Lemberg in 1910 (deadheat), Buchan in 1919 & 1920, Craig an Eran in 1921 and Saltash in 1923.And Sir Michael Stoute with: Opera House in 1993, Ezzoud in 1994, Pilsudski in 1996, Medicean in 2001, Notnowcato in 2007 and Ulysses in 2017.
The leading owner with 6 wins is Godolphin: Halling in 1995 & 1996, Daylami in 1998, Refuse to Bend in 2004, Hawkbill in 2016 and Ghaiyyath in 2020.
So onto this years renewal, it is a very small field but a very talented field. (All odds are correct on Ladbrokes at time of writing this post 8:30pm on 02/07/2021).
The current favourite is the 6/4 shot Mishriff for John & Thady Gosden with David Egan riding. Last time out was on the 27th of March when winning by only a neck at Meydan over 1 mile, 4 furlongs and 11 yards. The time out before that was at Riyadh when winning the Saudi Cup by 1 length on February 20th. In both runs he was ridden by David Egan so it’s nice to see David be given the opportunity to take the reins on home soil.
The next horse in the line up is currently 13/8, St Mark’s Basilica for Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore. Another very talented horse, he’s won the French Guineas and French Derby double. This is only the second time Ryan Moore has been on board, the first time being on September 13th last year at the Curragh over 7 furlongs when they finished 3rd.Also interesting to note that he is the only horse who has never won over this distance, unlike the other 3.
The third in the list is Addeybb who is currently 11/4 for Tom Marquand and William Haggas. He is actually the only horse who has won over both course and distance which may be something to note – he has also won 4 Group 1 races. Another thing to note is that he is 7 years old and no 7 year old has ever won this race before. Since the 21st of March 2020 Tom Marquand is the only jockey to have rode this horse, so clearly they know each other very well, since then they have won 5 out of the 7 races they’ve had, finishing 2nd in the other 2.
The final horse in the line up is a 25/1 shot El Drama for Andrea Atzeni and Roger Varian. He has won over this distance previously, however last time out in the French Derby he was less than impressive when finishing 15th out of 19 horses. He is quite an unexperienced horse with only 5 runs under his belt, winning twice, placing 3rd twice and 15th in the French Derby. However in these colours, we’ve seen Andrea Atzeni enter the winners enclosure many many times so would it really be that much of a surprise?
All in all, I would love to see Mishriff win for David Egan – that is what my heart is saying. However I am going with St Mark’s Basilica for Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore. He has been pretty impressive the last twice we’ve seen him this year, both times winning by a length and 3 quarters. All in all, I think any of the 4 could win, it wouldn’t surprise me whoever wins. Who do you fancy? Let me know over on Twitter!
Thank you so much for reading this post and I will see you all Wednesday evening at 6pm for a brand new one!
zoelouisesmithx 