Wandering Eyes

Two-time Triple Crown-winning trainer Bob Baffert has become an official ambassador for Jockeys and Jeans, an all-volunteeer group which raises funds for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund through a yearly event and stallion season sale. “I met Bob in his office at his barn at Santa Anita and discussed the role of a Jockeys and Jeans Ambassador,” said the group’s President, Barry Pearl “Without hesitation, Bob turned and looked at me and said, ‘I would be proud to accept such an honor.'” Baffert joins Hall of Fame Ambassadors Ron Turcotte, Laffit Pincay, Jr., Chris McCarron, Jorge Velasquez and active riders, Edgar Prado, Javier Castellano and Mike Smith. “I was once a jockey so I know how important it is to support fallen riders,” Baffert said after the marathon signing. “I’ve hit the ground a few times myself.” View the full article

Officials at the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance have announced that 34 Thoroughbred aftercare operations have been given TAA accreditation with immediate effect. The list includes 27 that were re-accredited and seven that have received accreditation for the first time. TAA-accredited organizations undergo a thorough application and inspection process prior to accreditation being awarded to ensure they meet the TAA’s Code of Standards, which covers five key areas: operations, education, horse health care management, facility standards and services, and adoption policies and protocols. Facility inspections are conducted at all facilities housing Thoroughbreds for each organization. Ongoing updates and re-inspections are required of all organizations as a condition of TAA accreditation. The 34 organizations that received accreditation this year are: After The Races, Bright Futures Farm, CANTER Michigan, Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare Inc., Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, Down the Stretch Ranch, Equestrian Inc., Equine Advocates Inc., Equine Rescue and Adoption Foundation Inc., Final Furlong, Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program, Friends of Ferdinand Inc., Galloping Out, Harmony and Hope Horse Haven Inc., Heart of Phoenix Equine Rescue Inc., Hidden Acres Rescue for Thoroughbreds, Illinois Equine Humane Center, Los Angeles Pet Rescue, Mitchell Farm, Oklahoma Thoroughbred Retirement Program, Our Mims Retirement Haven, Out Side In Inc., R.A.C.E. Fund, Remember Me Rescue, RVR Horse Rescue, Second Chance Thoroughbreds, Second Stride Inc., Square Peg Foundation, Susan S. Donaldson Foundation, The Foxie G Foundation Inc., Thoroughbred Athletes, Thoroughbred Retirement Network of Louisiana, Tranquility Farm, and War Horses at Rose Bower. View the full article

Haras d’Etreham has released its fees for its four-strong stallion roster in 2019, with Wootton Bassett (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}) leading the way at €40,000, double what he has stood for the last two seasons. Wootton Bassett’s best son, Almanzor (GB), stands his second season at an unchanged fee of €35,000, while Australian reverse shuttler Scissor Kick (Aus) (Redoute’s Choice {Aus}) drops to €6,000 and Elusive City (Elusive Quality) will command €5,000. The fee hike for Wootton Bassett comes off the back of another prosperous year both on the racetrack and in the sales ring. He has five new stakes horses and two new Group 1 horses: Patascoy (Fr), second in the G1 Prix du Jockey Club, and Wootton (Fr), third in the G1 St James’s Palace S. Wootton Bassett’s current 2-year-old crop, his last small crop at 43, is headed by the G3 Prix de la Rochette winner The Black Album (Fr). The sire’s 2018 yearlings, his last crop bred at €6,000, averaged €84,000 with 12 selling for over €100,000, with a top price of 425,000gns. Wootton Bassett’s current yearling crop numbers around 80. “With Wootton Bassett, two years ago he was at €20,000 and last year we thought, ‘should we go up to €25,000, €30,000?'” Explained Haras d’Etreham’s Nicolas de Chambure. “But we thought, ‘let’s give the breeders one more year to get to him at €20,000.’ This year he has proven on the racetrack and in the sales ring that he was worth going to the next level, so we decided to take him up to €40,000.” Almanzor, Europe’s champion 3-year-old colt of 2016, heads into his second season at stud riding the momentum of a full book of 140 mares last year. “We were lucky to syndicate him and he’s been very well supported by all his shareholders from England, Ireland, France, Germany and the U.S.,” de Chambure said. “He was very well received and we did a deal with Cambridge Stud so he’s been in New Zealand the last few months, and he’ll be back around Christmas. He’s a beautiful horse and he’s going to throw some very good-looking foals.” De Chambure said the deal with Cambridge Stud involves each entity supporting the horse in the other hemisphere. “We agreed that we would buy a couple of yearling fillies in the south with Cambridge to support the horse, and they’d do the same in the north,” he explained. “It’s a real partnership with them and we’re really working together to make the stallion and make it work for both of us.” Etreham, in turn, reverse-shuttles Arrowfield’s Scissor Kick. Buyers will get the chance to lay their eyes on his first Northern Hemisphere foals at this year’s breeding stock sales. “The breeders that have used him the first year, a lot of them came back and he’s going to have his first group of foals at the sales this year in Deauville,” de Chambure said. “It will be good to see his foals exposed to the market, and to more breeders and agents. I think when people see them they’ll become more aware of the horse and his pedigree, being a son of Redoute’s Choice, who is doing so well in Australia. With the quality of his foals, I expect him to cover a nicer and bigger book of mares next year.” De Chambure pointed out that Wootton Bassett is limited to 130 mares and Almanzor to 140, and he said this is an important policy for Etreham. “You’re protecting your horse–the health of your horse and their ability to cover in the long term, especially if they’re shuttling; that’s not the case for Wootton Bassett, but still you’re thinking about their health in the long term.” “And, you’re creating a bit of royalty for your shareholders, and the breeders using the horse,” he said. “You’re not flooding the market with foals; you’re creating a bit of value. We saw it this year with Wootton Bassett. He had a bigger crop of yearlings but still within our limits, which is 130, and they’ve been really well received. I think more and more people, when they make their bookings and talk to you about the stallion, they enjoy the fact that you’re limiting the stallion. They feel the product is going to be something different, a bit special.” “The other reason is that we have a great risk of overproduction in our business the last few years. I think it’s our responsibility as stallion owners to limit them. It’s helping the stallion, it’s helping the market and it’s helping the industry as a whole.” De Chambure has been in Kentucky this week attending the Breeders’ Cup and the sales at Fasig-Tipton and Keeneland. Haras d’Etreham signed for one mare-the 3-year-old Smashing Serena (Violence), a half-sister to multiple graded winner Doubles Partner (Rock Hard Ten) from the family of Serena’s Song-in partnership with Meridian International and Runnymede Farm, and de Chambure said he sees the investment in American mares as an avenue to spread risk and access American-based stallions. “I think there are stallions here that are very good and worth taking back to Europe,” he said. “We’ll keep a few mares here and breed them to either turf or dirt stallions, and we can either sell them or keep them, raise them here or raise them in Europe. This mare will be bred to Into Mischief, I think, and we’ll probably sell the progeny in America.” View the full article

The catalogue for the Arqana December Breeding Stock Sale, featuring a filly foal by Dubawi (Ire) out of MG1SW Just the Judge (Ire) (Lawman {Fr}) (lot 175), is now available online. A total of 1030 lots have been catalogued, with 505 broodmares, 183 fillies, 328 foals and two stallions set to go under the hammer at Deauville from Dec. 8-11. One of the stars of the show, the Just the Judge filly, a full-sister to the €1.4 million Arqana August Yearling Sale topper, is one of 62 lots from the La Motteraye Consignment. Others of note from that consignment include lot 33, Embroidered Silk (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), herself a half-sister to New Zealand Group 1 winner Willie Cazals (Ire) (Aussie Rules) and MGSW & MG1SP Joanna (Ire) (High Chaparral {Ire}), carrying to Caravaggio; and International Love (Ger) (Kamsin {Ger}) (lot 164), a half-sister to German champion Iquitos (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}). Talisa (Ire) (Pour Moi {Ire}) (lot 5), a half-sister to MG1SW Fidelite (Ire) (In the Wings {GB}) in foal to Shalaa (Ire), sells from the Aga Khan Studs draft. Among the other 29 lots in the consignment is the unraced Sawakiyna (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) (lot 29). She is out of G1SW Sagawara (GB) (Shamardal). Ecurie des Monceaux, who sold A Raving Beauty (Ger) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) a year ago prior to multiple Grade I successes Stateside, has a 15-strong draft headed by Ma Cherie (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) (lot 168), a half-sister to MGISW Zagora (Fr) (Green Tune) in foal to Caravaggio and Let’s Misbehave (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}) (lot 188), a half-sister to none other than High Chaparral (Ire) (Sadler’s Wells) carrying to sire-of-the-moment War Front. Guy Pariente’s Haras de Colleville sends a draft of 22 foals and broodmares to Deauville, and the standout lot is lot 138, a son of Frankel (GB). The colt is out of listed winner and Group 3 placed Restiana (Fr) (Kendargent {Fr}), herself a full-sister to MGSW Restiadargent (Fr) (Kendargent {Fr}), who ran third in the G1 Diamond Jubilee S. Wertheimer and Frere’s consignment consists of 13 fillies and 12 mares, including lot 28, Sahel (Ger) (Monsun {Ger}), a sister to G1SWs Schiaparelli (Ger), Samum (Ger) and Salve Regina (Ger) and the dam of Sortilege (Ire) (Tiger Hill {Ire}) in foal to Golden Horn (GB), as well as Tiberias (Fr) (Galileo {Ire}) (lot 50), a sophomore half-sister to two-time Group 1 winner Silasol (Ire) (Monsun {Ger}). Cantiniere (War Front) (lot 59), out of MGSW & G1SP Up (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) is one of 17 fillies and broodmares from the Godolphin draft. Twelve wildcard slots will be available for last-minute entries. View the full article

A total of 232 horses of all ages have been catalogued for the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic December Mixed Sale, to be held Tuesday, Dec. 4 at the Maryland State Fair Grounds in Timonium. The sale begins at 11 a.m. The catalogue contains racing and racing/broodmare prospects, in-foal mares, weanlings. “We have a larger catalogue on offer this year, with good quality among the racing/broodmare prospects and in foal mares,” said Midlantic Director of Sales Paget Bennett. “We also have 103 weanlings catalogued–eligible for a variety of state-bred premiums–that will be attractive to both regional and national foal buyers.” For the second consecutive year, the December Mixed sale will also feature a horses-of-racing-age section. “The inaugural Horses of Racing Age Supplement was an overwhelming success last year, generating tremendous interest from owners and trainers in our racing-rich Midlantic region,” continued Bennett. “It’s the perfect venue to offer horses coming off competitive performances, while creating new racing opportunities for stables ahead of the new year. Last year’s graduates have already made more 350 starts to date.” The catalogue can be viewed online and print copies will be available at all Fasig-Tipton offices beginning Nov. 8. View the full article

I’ll Have Another (Flower Alley–Arch’s Gal Edith, by Arch), who won the 2012 GI Kentucky Derby (see below) and GI Preakness S. only to be scratched from a shot at the Triple Crown, will return from Japan and will stand the 2019 breeding season at Ballena Vista Farm in Ramona, California. He will command a fee of $6,000 live foal as the property of the farm. Trained by Doug O’Neill for owner Paul Reddam, the $11,000 Keeneland September yearling and $35,000 OBS April juvenile posted wins in five of his seven career appearances, including a narrow defeat of Creative Cause (Giant’s Causeway) in the GI Santa Anita Derby for his first top-level success. The chestnut came from off the pace to reel in Bodemeister (Empire Maker) in the Derby and repeated the feat at Old Hilltop to score by a neck. He was diagnosed with tendinitis the morning of the Belmont and was immediately retired. He bankrolled $2,693,600 and was the Eclipse Award-winning 3-year-old of his generation. “I’ll Have Another was an absolute beast; his competitive nature, his high energy and tremendous stride helped him win two classics and a championship,” O’Neill said. Purchased to stand at Big Red Farm on the island of Hokkaido, I’ll Have Another has sired 119 winners to date, including the Group 3-placed runners Win Gerbera (Jpn) and Sigrun (Jpn). “I truly consider bringing champion I’ll Have Another back to the states as one of the most satisfying and one of the best things I’ve ever done in the thoroughbred industry,” said Ballena Vista owner Donald Cohn. “He is a magnificent specimen and a true champion racehorse, the likes of which we in California have never had the opportunity to stand.” WATCH: I’ll Have Another winning the 2012 GI Kentucky Derby View the full article

A bay colt by Tamayuz (GB) out of Laftah (Ire) was easily the top lot during the second day of the Goffs Autumn Yearling Sale, selling for €50,000 to Kevin Ross Bloodstock. The Lumville Farm-consigned lot 496 is out of a full-sister to G3 Sceptre S. heroine Music Box (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) and to SW Ektihaam (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), who was second in the G2 Dante S. Two colts and a filly all made €24,000 each, with Lumville also consigning a filly (lot 572) by Sea The Moon (Ger) from the family of MGSW and MG1SP Banimpire (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) which was knocked down to Filip Zwicky; Jossestown Farm’s lot 542, a Requinto (Ire) half-brother to listed winner Justice Belle (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}) selling to MCR Bloodstock; and Hyde Park Stud struck for a colt by Sir Percy (GB) (lot 551) from the draft of Staffordstown. The last-named is out of Miss Katmandu (Ire) (Rainbow Quest), a half-sister to MGSWs Asian Heights (GB) (Hernando {Fr}) and St Expedit (GB) (Sadler’s Wells). During Tuesday’s session, 147 (59%) sold from 249 offered and grossed €774,400. The average was €5,268 (-19.4%) and the median registered at €2,700 (-40%). Cumulatively over two days of selling, 300 yearlings (60%) changed hands from 504 offered for an aggregate of €1,641,750. The overall average and median were €5,473 (-21%) and €3,000 (-36%), respectively. “There is no disguising that the last two days have been hard work for everyone as the market has proved highly selective as evidenced by the clearance rate of 60%,” said Goffs Chief Executive Henry Beeby. “Trade has mirrored that at other sales of a similar category across Europe this autumn although it remains the case that the stand out lots enjoyed plenty of competition. How much the uncertainty or threat of Brexit is contributing is anyone’s guess as, like everyone, we are so sick of the lack of clarity in this connection but there is no doubt that it appears the supply-demand ratio is out of kilter again. Working in tandem with Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, Goffs will continue to do our level best to attract the broadest group of buyers to our sales and it was pleasing to see significant groups from Scandinavia, Eastern Europe and Italy competing with buyers from USA, China and the UK for the yearlings that appealed the most.” View the full article

Lot 85, Hurricane Harry (SAf) (Trippi) topped the Nov. 4 Emperors Palace Ready to Run Sale when selling to Nic Jonsson for R2.3 million (US$162,598/£124,152/€142,448). Consigned by Summerhill Sales, the bay is a half-brother to Grade 1 winner and young Summerhill stallion Rabada (SAf) (Brave Tin Soldier). The colt was one of five lots to bring R500,000 (US$35,347/£26,986/€30,962) or more from 89 lots sold of 104 catalogued. The 2-year-olds grossed R16,715,000, with an average of R187,809 (-18.5%). Down by 13.3%, the median was R130,000. “It was a resounding success whose performance exceeded our expectations by some way,” said Bloodstock South Africa’s Gary Grant. ” We are also seeing a trend of increased participation from foreign buyers which is heartwarming for both our vendors and BSA.” View the full article

HUGH Bowman has been suspended for a month for three charges relating to his second-placed ride on Marmelo in the Melbourne Cup. View the full article

Le Havre (Ire) (Noverre–Marie Rheinberg {Ger}, by Surako {Ger}), one of the top sires in France, will stand for €45,000 at Haras de Montfort and Preaux in 2019, the stud announced Tuesday evening. Responsible for 11 stakes horses in 2018 and six stakes winners led by G3 Sky High S. victor Auvray (Fr), the 12-year-old has accrued 23 black-type winners to date and 39 stakes horses in his career. Among his three Group 1 winners are dual Classic heroines La Cressonniere (Fr) and Avenir Certain (Fr), who each completed the G1 Poule d’Essai des Pouliches/G1 Prix de Diane double. He stood for €60,000. “Le Havre is having a great year again with 11 stakes performers and some great results at the yearling sales,” said Mathieu Alex of Haras de Montfort et Preaux. “Having one filly selling for 850,000gns at [Tattersalls October] Book 1 was exceptional and shows all the confidence investors have in him. Le Havre is a proven Group 1 sire, able to produce top performers at all distances. We look forward to see the next crops on the track as they are out of the best mares he has covered so far.” Standing his second season in 2019 at Haras de Montfort and Preaux is The Queen’s G3 Acomb S. hero Recorder (GB) (Galileo {Ire}–Memory {Ire}, by Danehill Dancer {Ire}) at an unchanged fee of €6,000. “Recorder is a very good-looking horse and has been very popular in 2018, his first year at stud, covering 152 mares including 62 black-type performers or dam of black-type performers,” Alex said of the chestnut who will be well supported by The Royal Studs once again in 2019. “We are thrilled to be standing such an exciting stallion and are very grateful of Her Majesty’s support.” View the full article

Claiborne stallion Blame (Arch-Liable, by Seeking the Gold)’s fee has been raised to $30,000 for 2019. The 2010 GI Breeders’ Cup Classic hero and Eclipse winner has sired 13 stakes winners in 2018 led by Grade I winners Fault and Marley’s Freedom and other GSWs Maraud, Miss Kentucky and Beyond Blame. Fault was knocked down to Shadai Farm for $1.2 million at the Fasig-Tipton November Sale Sunday. Among all North American fifth-crop sires cumulatively, the three-time Grade I victor sits second behind only Quality Road (Elusive Quality) by number of stakes horses and graded stakes horses. 2017 Classic heroine Senga also numbers among his top-flight winners. The 12-year-old stood for $12,500 in 2018. View the full article

MELBOURNE, Australia–Though the heavens opened over Flemington, rain failed to stop play and the race that stops a nation delivered a result which has long eluded Sheikh Mohammed and Godolphin. In the interlude between torrential showers, the sun made a brief appearance to shine brightest on Charlie Appleby and his rising young star Cross Counter (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}), who had trailed the field the first time the runners passed the post but conjured a magical flying finish under Kerrin McEvoy to snare the G1 Lexus Melbourne Cup. Once the field had turned for home, there looked a decent chance that the Cup would go to Britain for the first time, though the identity of the likely recipient changed swiftly. A Prince Of Arran (Ire) (Shirocco {Ger}), backing up just three days after his G3 Lexus S. win, swung off the bend in a canter as early leaders capitulated but he was quickly under threat from Marmelo (GB) (Duke Of Marmalade {Ire}), another to have been out the back for much of the race but who sneaked up the inside to deliver a menacing run under Hugh Bowman. The late flash of speed from younger legs carrying a lighter weight proved the undoing of Hughie Morrison’s challenger, but those advantages aside, it was still a dazzling victory from Cross Counter on just his eighth start. A wall of horses contrived to block his challenge but ultimately could not contain his withering final attempt once steered wide and clear by McEvoy. The 3-year-old’s slashing win in the spring sunlight set the seal on a golden run for Godolphin which started with Masar (Ire) (New Approach {Ire}) in the spring of another hemisphere and victory in another major race which had long seemed out of reach: the Derby. From Masar to Cross Counter, the sense of satisfaction will have been deepened by the fact that these are homebred sons of Darley stallions from families nurtured for several generations. In short, the stuff of dreams for every major breeding operation. “This is huge,” said Appleby, shaking raindrops off him as he struggled to absorb Godolphin’s 30th Group 1 win of the season and a 12th for his own stable so soon after the most recent success of Line Of Duty (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) at the Breeders’ Cup. “This is huge for everybody. For me, of course, this is the biggest thing along with the Derby. This year has just been one of those amazing years. I don’t want it to end, really. Unfortunately we all start back on zero on Jan. 1.” He continued, “This is everybody’s dream. This is all down to Sheikh Mohammed. He’s the one that’s given us all the encouragement to take the chances in what we do internationally. We’ve campaigned over here the last three years now. We’ve been competitive but we’ve learnt more on each trip what will make us more competitive on the day.” Cross Counter’s canny partner McEvoy joined elite company in becoming the ninth jockey to win the Melbourne Cup three or more times. The boy from Streaky Bay has come a long way since he first rode to Cup glory on Brew (NZ) in 2000 and the intervening years have included a stint as a retained Godolphin jockey in the UK as well as another Cup win aboard Almandin (Ger) two years ago. “I’m so lucky to be able to ride light in these handicaps and to get support from these big stables and it’s a real honour to do it in Sheikh Mohammed’s colours. Charlie’s put a lot of faith in me, putting me on his horses out here, and it was great to be able to repay that today,” he said. “I was back a bit further than I wanted. I knew that I was full of running–I was on the back of Yucatan but he seemed to be empty. At the 400 [metre mark] I knew I had to go my own way, and I was full of running. At the furlong I thought ‘mate, is this happening again?'” While Godolphin celebrated, Appleby’s fellow British trainers were left to rue what might have been, but took pride in their contribution to a memorable trifecta for the international visitors. Hughie Morrison, grappling with the delight of a terrific run from Marmelo coupled with the agony of such a near miss, said, “Great ride, great horse, he came from almost last to first, almost got knocked over by the injured horse, but he came through beautifully and ran down the leader, and then we got run down by what would have been the St Leger winner, I suspect. It’s fantastic to be second in a Melbourne Cup, and second when you’ve nearly won, but I have to give Charlie his due. I always thought, as a 3-year-old, [Cross Counter] was the horse to worry about.” Marmelo’s jockey Hugh Bowman, who may have won four Cox Plates on Winx (Aus) but is yet to win the Cup, added, “I thought I had it. I went through at the right time, we had them all covered, but he’s just been beaten by the handicap.” For Charlie Fellowes, whose A Prince Of Arran held on determinedly for third, the morning deluge had dampened his hopes along with the turf. “On that ground possibly he just got tired in the last furlong but he’s run a huge race,” he said. “There was a point there that I thought we might have the Melbourne Cup but Charlie Appleby has just done the most unbelievable job this year and huge congratulations to him and his team. It’s great that an English trainer has finally won this race. When the rain came this morning I was gutted, and for [A Prince Of Arran] to run a race like that on ground that we know is not his bag is an unbelievable credit to him.” A tragic postscript to proceedings came by way of the injury to Thecliffsofmoher (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), who broke his shoulder just before the post on the first circuit, severely hampering Avilius (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) as he faltered. The Aidan O’Brien-trained 4-year-old was subsequently euthanised and jockey Ryan Moore was unhurt. It is 25 years since Vintage Crop (GB) became the first international winner of the Melbourne Cup and just as the race holds the country in its thrall at 3 p.m. on the first Tuesday of November, it has increasing allure for those from many other nations. The stamina-laden runners of European pedigree have been the dominant force of recent years and this time 11 of the 24 hailed from overseas stables. Six of the first 10 are trained in Europe, with Cross Counter becoming the first British-trained name on a roll of honour which includes winners from Ireland, France, Germany and Japan. It is a trend which will certainly continue. The Australians will of course be reluctant for the Melbourne Cup to become the race that eludes a nation, but it is nevertheless paid the greatest compliment by such worldwide interest. View the full article

There is no doubt the Evan Williams yard is going through a transitional period. With stable stalwart De Faoithesdream retired and fellow poster boys Court Minstrel and Buywise likely to follow suit in the near future, this season represents a changing of the guard for a trainer blessed with a handful of promising youngsters. The 2017-18 campaign would certainly have been considered a success with prize-money a near career-best £783,136, up by around £185,000 from the previous season – an achievement that bears greater significance considering two particular blows the yard suffered in December last year. In the space of just over a fortnight, smart novice chaser Gayebury and talented novice hurdler Evening Hush both fell foul of career-ending injuries on the track. Williams says: “These things happen in racing. You just have to take your medicine and move on.” Two of the stable’s four-year-olds who stood out in bumpers in the spring were debut winner Mick Manhattan and the mare Crackle Lyn Rosie, who showed great potential when running second to potentially smart Nicky Henderson-trained rival Lust For Glory. “We have a lovely bunch of young horses,” says Williams, “although it’s difficult at this stage to gauge just how good they all are. Several will be coming out over the next few weeks and could be anything.” It is customary for Williams to have a staying chaser in mind for major handicap riches later in the season, but by his own admission a candidate has yet to come forward. He says: “I’d love to have a horse for one of the Nationals but I probably don’t right now. We’re focusing on youth and I’m excited for the season ahead.” Stable profile Trainer Evan Williams Yard Fingerpost Farm Where Llancarfan, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales Started training 2003-04 Horses in yard 81 Members of staff 25 Travelling head lad David Burchell jnr Stable jockey Adam Wedge Conditionals Conor Ring, Mitchell Bastyan, Lewis Gordon Amateurs Isabel Williams, Ellis Collier Office William Williams, Cath Williams Website evanwilliamsracing.co.uk Twitter @EWilliamsRacing WINNERS IN BRITAIN 2017-18 52 2016-17 51 2015-16 70 2014-15 63 PROFIT/LOSS TO A £1 STAKE 2017-18 -£144.49 2016-17 -£157.01 2015-16 +£12.95 2014-15 -£52.30 TOTAL PRIZE-MONEY 2017-18 £783,136 HORSES Annie Bonny Five-year-old mare Black Sam Bellamy (sire) – Queenoz (dam) Owner: Mrs C Williams Form figures: 1-5 Racing Post Rating: 100 (hurdles); Official rating: – She’s a grand little mare who won her sole point-to-point but I still don’t know a massive amount about her. We’re learning all the time with her and will continue down the novice hurdle route. Aqua Dude 8g Flemensfirth – Miss Cozzene Mr & Mrs William Rucker F320/1P- RPR 143c OR 139c He’s a promising horse but won’t run this season. It was unfortunate because he cut into a tendon last year and will need a fair bit more time to recover from that. Arcade Attraction 4g Arcadio – Tobetall RER Williams Unraced He’s a young horse but I couldn’t tell you if he’s good, bad or ugly right now. He’s entered up in novice hurdles in the coming weeks. If I could sum up last season in one word . . . Solid. Billy Bronco 7g Central Park – Nan Mr & Mrs William Rucker 14/3428- RPR 124c OR 119c He would have gained a lot of useful experience last season and didn’t do a whole lot wrong, but just wasn’t the quickest learner in the world. He ran okay in the Midlands National at Uttoxeter but I’m not sure he stayed the trip after travelling nicely there. He’s stronger now and could be a good staying horse somewhere down the line. Bold Plan 4g Jeremy – Kings Orchid Mr & Mrs William Rucker 12- RPR 109b OR – He won his point-to-point and ran a really good race when second in his bumper at Wincanton. He must have a good constitution because he was so fresh when he came over. We didn’t expect a massive amount going into the race and he surprised us. We’ll go novice hurdling with him. Burn Baby Byrne 5m Malinas – Top Of The Dee RER Williams 22-1213 RPR 98b OR – This former pointer has a good attitude and ran nicely in a bumper at Ludlow recently, staying very well. We’ll tick away in mares’ hurdles. Buywise 11g Tikkanen – Greenogue Princess T Hywel Jones 4/8610U- RPR 158c OR 145c He did us proud again last season, winning the veterans final at Sandown, and things clearly didn’t go to plan in the Grand National. He’ll start off over hurdles in the next few weeks and we’ll see if the old boy retains his ability. He’s been a joy to train over the years. No10 Buywise – Leighton Aspell wins The Veterans’ Handicap Chase (The Final Of The 2017 Veterans’ Chase Series) Sandown Pk 06/01/2018 ©cranhamphoto.comCarouse 3g Excelebration – Terre Du Vent Richard Abbott & Mario Stavrou 2 RPR 97h OR – He was quite handy on the Flat and ran okay on his first start for us at Ludlow but it was a strange race. The favourite was in behind and an outsider won, getting a good positive ride that probably caught us out a bit. He’ll certainly improve for the run and should win a nice little hurdle this season. Cesar Collonges 6g Fragrant Mix – Prouesse Collonges Mr & Mrs William Rucker 5/41025- RPR 118h OR – He’s a big, strong horse who managed to win over hurdles last year but jumping a fence should be the making of him. He’s bred to get a trip, so winning over two miles last season definitely bodes well. He’ll go straight into novice chasing over further than two miles. Chooseyourweapon 5g Flemensfirth – Definite Love Mr & Mrs William Rucker 1/1143- RPR 132h OR 130h He’s a nice, strong horse and did well to win two novice hurdles last year. He’s a big boy and won’t be out too early because he wants plenty of cut in the ground. It’s been a dry autumn and when the ground gets soft he’ll go novice chasing. Clyne 8g Hernando – Lauderdale David M Williams 324413- RPR 155h OR 152h He finished the season off well and his best run was probably his last run at Aintree. He’s been a very prolific horse over the years. I’d say we’ll campaign him in three-mile hurdles. He wouldn’t be one for chasing as he’s not even a good jumper of a hurdle. He’s been placed in a top-level hurdle, so I can’t see any sense in running over fences now. There’s no doubt he could be placed in Graded hurdles this season. Race in focus Clyne has been a good horse for us and we’re eyeing up the bet365 Hurdle at Wetherby on Charlie Hall day next month. He’s never run over three miles but the trip might unlock some improvement. CLYNE with A Wedge wins Handicap Hurdle at Uttoxeter 17-318.Cotton Jenny 7m Craigsteel – Rose N Alice Billy Bates 235232 RPR 121c OR 120c She’s a genuine girl but has probably suffered by consistently running well in novice chases and the handicapper has her a bit too high for her to win. She’ll rectify that in time but she needs to fall down the weights. Court Minstrel 11g Court Cave – Theatral Mrs Janet Davies 80-0077 RPR 155h OR 131h We thought it would probably be his last run at Chepstow recently. Age is catching up with him but he did run a solid race there and came out of it well. We’ll persevere with another run or two and see how he goes but he’s not far away from enjoying a long, honourable retirement. He’s been a smashing horse but clearly doesn’t have the same zip he once had. It’d be great to go out on a win and we probably won’t ask him to race through the winter. Court Royale 5g Court Cave – Windsor Dancer Mrs Janet Davies 2-33F3 RPR 104h OR 110h It’s just taken a bit of time for the penny to drop with him. He ran well in a Ludlow bumper and the form has worked out well with Kim Bailey’s Vinndication looking very smart. He hasn’t run as well since, however. We’ll tick away on tracks like Bangor where the ground shouldn’t get too bad as he wouldn’t want it too soft. Crackle Lyn Rosie 4f Kayf Tara – Native Sunrise RER Williams 23 RPR 93 OR – She did nothing wrong in her bumper – the winner looked smart and she must have run well to finish second. She travelled really nicely into the race at Fontwell [on Wednesday]. We’ll see how she comes out of it before making a plan. De Dollar Man 7g Vinnie Roe – Dollar Bay Mr & Mrs William Rucker 39/4124- RPR 141c OR 135c His novice chasing form was pretty strong and he did nothing wrong last year, although he was racing on exceptionally deep ground all year. With a bit of better ground he should show us a bit more than last year. He’s a very tough and genuine horse and I think there could be a fair bit more to come from him over fences somewhere down the line. Esprit Du Large 4g No Risk At All – Tuffslolyloly Mr & Mrs William Rucker Unraced We can see from his home work that he has a good attitude and he’ll start off in bumpers. He’ll be a lovely horse over hurdles in time and will make a chaser further down the line. Rival to watch I feel Defi Du Seuil might bounce back this season. Things obviously didn’t go to plan last year but he’s still a wonderful horse. Philip Hobbs would have given him a nice holiday over the summer to freshen him up and it’ll be interesting to see where they go because he was a brilliant juvenile. Firebird Flyer 11g Winged Love – Kiora Lady RER Williams P/3F889- RPR 144c OR 112c He’s not the force of old but we’ll run him on soft ground in the winter and see if he can be competitive. If he shows any signs of not enjoying the game anymore we won’t hesitate to retire him. Go Long 8g Hurricane Run – Monumental Gesture Mr & Mrs William Rucker 3/12/P/43- RPR 133h OR 127h He’s really lightly raced for his age and I still don’t feel he’s had a real chance in life because he’s always had little niggly issues. I think he’s got plenty of ability if we can get a clear run at things. I hope to go chasing with him this year as he’s schooled quite well over fences at home. There’s definitely talent there, he just needs a bit of luck to be seen to best effect. Grania O’Malley 5m Beat Hollow – Oh Susannah Ms S Howell 2-31313 RPR 121h OR 118h She’s been a grand mare for us this summer. She’s tough and genuine but needs a sound surface to thrive. She’ll be back out in the new year when the ground quickens. Gwalia 5g Beat Hollow – Payphone David M Williams 222-3 RPR 105b OR – He’s a nice horse and ran consistently in bumpers last year. He ran pretty well in his maiden hurdle on his return and he’s probably one to have fun with round the lesser tracks. Holdbacktheriver 6g Presenting – Fairy Lane WJ Evans Racing 325261- RPR 120h OR 122h He’s a big, cumbersome type who did well to win a hurdle race. I’d imagine we’ll go chasing at some stage but he’s still a novice over hurdles, so we could make use of that. He definitely wouldn’t want the ground to be too quick and it might be a little while before he comes out. Star quality John Constable 7g Montjeu – Dance Parade Walters Plant Hire Ltd 29-7530 RPR 156h OR 150h He’s a really good horse on his day and ran a couple of smashing races for us last year. We experimented with chasing on better ground but in hindsight he’s no chaser and it dented his belief. I’d say he might take a little bit of getting back because having a crack over fences really didn’t help him. We’ll tick along and rebuild his confidence because there’s so much talent in there. JOHN CONSTABLE with D Russell 1st in Swinton handicap hurdle at Haydock 13-5-17.Khanisari 4g Dark Angel – Kadayna Pos Partnership 2 20 RPR 100b OR – He looks a nice recruit as his bumper form in Ireland is working out well, but I doubt we’ll see the best of him until he matures more. Kilcullen Bellamy 6m Black Sam Bellamy – Fenney Spring Mrs C Williams F/143-4 RPR 100h OR 110h Her mark over hurdles perhaps looks a bit too high for what she’s achieved so far. A fence will help her and we’ll go straight down that route this season. King’s Odyssey 9g King’s Theatre – Ma Furie Mr & Mrs William Rucker 30/3333- RPR 148c OR 139c He was great last season and clearly loves Cheltenham. He was third in three really competitive handicaps there but probably runs too consistently for his own good. He deserves to win a big prize. Mack The Man 4g Flemensfirth – Nifty Nuala Mr & Mrs William Rucker 8- RPR 94 OR – He pulled too much in his bumper and will need to settle better. He comes from a good family and will go novice hurdling. Marble Moon 6g Millenary – Royal Marble Emrys Jones & Partner 75-1111 RPR 118h OR 118h He’s been a revelation for us this year. He hates soft but loves good ground and has racked up a really good sequence. He’s surprised us a bit. The handicapper should have his measure now, though. Market Road 8g Tikkanen – Clydeside WJ Evans Racing 114F-4U RPR 115c, 113h OR 108c, 108h He had a wonderful time again last season but is far from straightforward. I do think he could win again off his mark because the handicapper has never been too harsh with him. He’s the type that just does enough in his races and isn’t overly hard on himself, which is a good trait to have. Mick Manhattan 4g Blue Bresil – Normanville Walters Plant Hire Ltd 1- RPR 110b OR – He did well to win his bumper on his debut, handling soft ground very well that day. He’s a good, tough horse and we’ll try to win a novice hurdle with him on soft ground this winter. Morianour 7g Valanour – Moriane T Hywel Jones 2/6254-3 RPR 119c OR 115c He ran okay over fences but he’s very difficult to get right. He probably wants cut in the ground to be seen at his best and we’ll persevere over fences with him. North West Wind 5g Shirocco – Crystal Ballerina RER Williams 38P-433 RPR 107h, 102c OR 106h, 103c I genuinely don’t know what trip he needs. He looks slow over two miles, he looks slow over two and a half miles and over three miles he doesn’t seem to stay. He’s a tricky one. I’m sure he’ll win races but over what trip I’ve no idea. On Tour 10g Croco Rouge – Galant Tour T Hywel Jones 9F62-65 RPR 146c OR 138c He’s been another good servant for us but there’s no doubt he’s badly handicapped. He performed well on his comeback at Chepstow and could be competitive in the winter but he’s another to need a bit more weight off his back. ON TOUR (Centre red Cap) ridden by Mitchell Bastyan wins at Aintree 11/11/17 Photograph by Grossick Racing Photography 0771 046 1723Oscar Sunset 11g Oscar – Derravarra Sunset Geoff & Anne Price 3P2/7P-P RPR 142h, 144c OR 117h, 127c He’s a grand old boy. He’s had a couple of problems off the track but he seems to retain plenty of enthusiasm for the game despite his age. He seems the type to come back and be competitive somewhere down the line when we can get him match-fit. Oxwich Bay 6g Westerner – Rose De Beaufai David M Williams 21F2P4- RPR 124h OR 120h He had a good start, terrible middle and bad end to last season. I think he could improve for a fence. I feel he was very unlucky last year, so we’ll find our way over the larger obstacles. Padge 9g Flemensfirth – Mona Vic Mr & Mrs William Rucker U30/P5P- RPR 134h, 149c OR 124h, 143c He’s a funny old fella. We’ve had loads of little problems with him as well. There’s no doubt he has ability but he’s a very difficult horse to get right. We’re going to have another go and I really do like him because I know there’s a big engine in there. Peterborough 5g Fuisse – Peony Girl Norwester Racing Club & Partner 1/8-32 RPR 102h OR – He won his point and did nothing wrong in two nice runs over hurdles but it’s difficult to get a handle on just how good he is. I see him as a long-term prospect and wouldn’t even worry about this season. I think he can win a hurdle race and, although he’s not a big, robust horse, another summer on grass will be the making of him. Pobbles Bay 8g Oscar – Rose De Beaufai David M Williams 15/974P- RPR 147c OR 131c He travelled really well in the Welsh National last year but didn’t quite get home. Perhaps I went to the Welsh National a year too soon as it probably emptied him. It would be nice to go back to a race like that somewhere down the line but we need to get his confidence back to where it was. We’ll start off somewhere small when he’s a bit more enthusiastic. He’s definitely talented. Positively Dylan 7g Multiplex – Wou Oodd Mrs Janet Davies 33U1F2- RPR 143c OR 137c He’s a really tough horse. He suffered with a couple of problems and as a result can be a little hit or miss in the jumping department but can be dangerous when he gets conditions in his favour. Prime Venture 7g Primary – Next Venture Mrs Janet Davies 4086-06 RPR 143h, 129c, OR 137h, 137c I felt the handicapper gave him a hard time for winning a moderate race at Ffos Las and he paid the price in better company at the spring festivals, although he acquitted himself well. We’re going chasing with him this season and, although he’s not a big horse, he’s related to a few chasers. Radical Archie 7g Prince Arch – Radical Gunner Mrs Janet Davies 66/7PP1- RPR 111h OR 110h He did well to win a bad race on very bad ground at Uttoxeter. He’s had a lot of trouble with his feet over the years and I’d imagine he needs soft ground to be at his best. We’ll try him over a fence this season and see how he gets on. Silver Streak 5g Dark Angel – Happy Talk L Fell 12U6-11 RPR 141h OR 145h He’s a really gutsy horse with a likeable attitude. He puts his head down and battles when he has to and has already won two really nice handicaps for us. I was really impressed with his Welsh Champion Hurdle victory on his first start of the season and he seems the type who could progress again. Grey horse in centre is SILVER STREAK with Adam Wedge 1st in Pertemps Network Swinton handicap hurdle at Haydock 12-5-18.Skewiff 6m Doyen – Skew Mrs Janet Davies 61-4253 RPR 117h OR 118h She’s a pleasant enough mare and ran well behind a nice mare of Henry Daly’s when last seen. We’ll go chasing with her because the programme book nowadays means there are so many opportunities for mares over fences. Still Believing 10m Blueprint – Im A Believer RER Williams 8-56711 RPR 135c OR 114c She’s a funny little thing. She has no pedigree and no looks but seems to pop up when you need a winner. We were going to stop with her but she came out of the woodwork to help us out at Chepstow. She’s nothing really going for her apart from the fact she’s a very game little girl. Dark horse The Last Day 6g Oscar – The Last Bank Mr & Mrs William Rucker 19/1341- RPR 130h OR 128h He had a lovely season last time and ran a couple of very nice races to remain unbeaten at Chepstow. Chepstow is a real specialist’s track. It takes a certain type of horse to act around there and he proved he loves the place. Really he’s not a hurdler, so we’ll go chasing with him this year. I think he can take big steps forward over fences and I’m really quite sweet on him for the season ahead. Tornado In Milan 12g Milan – Julika Mrs C Williams 32411-2 RPR 142h, 140c OR 136h, 136c He’s a tough old boy and has been great to have around over the years but he can’t keep winning at his age. He’s done his job and we’ll crack on again until he’s had enough. Tossapenny 5g Presenting – Blueanna Mr & Mrs William Rucker 1/2224- RPR 125h OR 126h You can put a line through his last run on really soft ground at Warwick and he didn’t do anything but try his hardest for us after winning his point. He’s a nice horse and will want a fence in time but we’d dearly love to win a hurdle race. He’s a good-ground horse rather than a soft-ground one. He was probably inexperienced enough last year and has strengthened up. Virginia Chick 6g Nickname – Sweet Jaune Mrs C Williams 011121- RPR 124h OR 123h He kept progressing in moderate races this summer but we’re not sure where to go now. He’s not very big, so I’m not sure if he’ll jump a fence, but it’s difficult to know what I can expect him to do. He’s undoubtedly had a brilliant season, though. He’s very genuine and handles cut in the ground but probably doesn’t have much in hand with the handicapper. Voodoo Doll 5g Getaway – Voodoo Magic RER Williams 133822 RPR 128h OR 124h He’s had a good summer. I thought he was useless, to be honest. The guys in the yard kept telling me he wasn’t and they were proved right. He’s been having a lovely time of it on good ground, so we might put him away soon. Horse to follow Chooseyourweapon They obviously thought a bit of this horse last season, pitching him into a Grade 2 at Warwick after a couple of minor wins, but he didn’t appear to get home, or over further on his next start at Chepstow. The old adage ‘whatever he did over hurdles was a bonus’ definitely applies to this scopey gelding and he’s going to be an interesting prospect once the ground changes. He might not want to go beyond 2m4f, though. Pietro Innocenzi The post Evan Williams Stable Tour appeared first on RaceBets Blog EN. 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14:05 Exeter A cracking renewal of the Haldon Gold Cup, despite there only being five runners, as all five would have to be given a chance. Paul Nicholls has saddled the winner three times since 2010 and runs both Diego Du Charmil and San Benedeto in attempt to visit the winners’ enclosure once again. Diego Du Charmil runs well fresh but is yet to get his nose in front in three attempts over similar trips, while San Benedeto hasn’t won for a while but has winning form on fast ground and had a run over hurdles last month to blow away any cobwebs. Ozzie The Oscar is three from five over fences and arrives for an in-form trainer and jockey but steps up slightly in trip, while God’s Own is a previous course and distance winner and gets on well with Paddy Brennan but would probably prefer softer conditions. Given the above I am happy to side with Theo who is unbeaten in five with Sam Twiston-Davies in the saddle, has a 50% winning strike rate over fences, will love the forecast faster conditions and arrives with his stable in excellent recent form. THEO (WIN) Exeter 13:00 – Cotswold Way (WIN) 13:35 – Zoffany Bay (WIN) 14:05 – Theo (WIN) 14:40 – Coup De Pinceau (WIN) 15:15 – Belmount (WIN) 15:45 – Farm The Rock (WIN) 16:15 – Norse Light (WIN) Fairyhouse 12:20 – Coral Blue (WIN) 12:50 – Monbeg Worldwide (WIN) 13:25 – Roaring Bull (WIN) 14:00 – Redwood Boy (WIN) 14:30 – Chateauneuf Du Pap (E/W) 15:05 – Vinabell (WIN) 15:40 – Here For The Craic (WIN) Kempton 16:30 – Pike Corner Cross (WIN) 17:00 – Ours Puissant (WIN) 17:30 – Originaire (WIN) 18:00 – In The Cove (WIN) 18:30 – Exchequer (E/W) 19:00 – Related (E/W) 19:30 – Tin Fandango (WIN) 20:00 – Landue (WIN) Redcar 12:15 – King Of Comedy (WIN) 12:45 – Dal Horrisgle (WIN) 13:20 – Jazzy Girl (E/W) 13:55 – Tommy G (WIN) 14:25 – Awake My Soul (WIN) 15:00 – Lady Alavesa (WIN) 15:35 – Buonarroti (WIN) 16:05 – Gilmer (E/W) Wolverhampton 12:05 – Celtic Manor (WIN) 12:35 – Peters Pudding (E/W) 13:10 – Gulland Rock (WIN) 13:45 – Althassel (WIN) 14:15 – Captain Lars (WIN) 14:50 – Arrowzone (WIN) 15:25 – This Girl (WIN) 15:55 – Celtic Artisan (E/W) The post Picks From The Paddock Best Bet – Tuesday 6th November appeared first on RaceBets Blog EN. View the full article

Star Australian jockey Hugh Bowman will miss the ride on Werther in the Group Two Jockey Club Cup as well as the International Jockeys’ Championship at Happy Valley after copping a one-month suspension from the Melbourne Cup. Bowman was slapped with three charges – careless riding, excessive whip use and weighing in more than half a kilogram heavy – for his effort on runner-up Marmelo on Tuesday, with stewards opting to out him for a total of 35 meetings. The ban means the... View the full article

LITTLE showcases the fighting Australian spirit like a Melbourne Cup day with harsh weather conditions. View the full article

STAR jockey Hugh Bowman has been handed a 35-meeting suspension for actions during his ride in the Melbourne Cup. View the full article

Veteran jockey Douglas Whyte wants to send departing trainer Michael Freedman out in style on Wednesday night when he hops aboard the lightly raced Bellagio. Whyte has ridden the horse twice this season already, but concedes a gear change along with giving the horse his first start at Happy Valley is one of the few options left available to Freedman for what he describes as an “awkward horse”. While he has finished strongly over 1,200m and 1,400m trips, the four-year-old has... View the full article

THE Melbourne Cup has again been marred by the death of a horse, this time the Irish-trained The Cliffsofmoher. View the full article

After trying for 20 years, global goliath Godolphin finally secured its first Melbourne Cup as Cross Counter flashed over the top of his rivals for star jockey Kerrin McEvoy, while Hong Kong champion Zac Purton came fourth with Finche. It ended a long run of near misses for Sheikh Mohammed’s team in blue, who had run second on three occasions (Central Park in 1999, Give The Slip in 2001 and Crime Scene in 2009) and also finished third twice with Beekeeper (2002) and Hartnell (2016). The... View the full article

UPDATE: AN incredibly lucky story has emerged from the Melbourne Cup with one punter turning $3 into over $114,000 in just one bet. View the full article

CROSS Counter claimed the 2018 edition of the Melbourne Cup. Here are Trevor Marshallsea’s studs and duds from the big race. View the full article

SOME were happy for the winner, some didn’t like the track, and some blamed their horses. View the full article

CROSS Counter has edged out the field to take the 2018 Melbourne Cup, sending punters around the world wild as the race that stops the nation gripped Flemington. View the full article

THE MELBOURNE CUP is done and dusted. View the full article