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Remounting banned after 02 November!

The British Horseracing Authority has today confirmed that from 2nd November 2009 the remounting of horses after the start shall be banned. The ban does not apply to unseatings at or on the way to the start where the attending doctor and veterinary officer are able to confirm that no injury has been sustained by horse or rider.

The issue of remounting was last considered in 2005 by the Horseracing Regulatory Authority, which was responsible for regulation before the creation of the Authority. This followed on from the high profile incident of Kauto Star being remounted in a Novices’ Chase at Exeter, after which he was found to be injured. At the time the HRA did not introduce an outright ban on remounting but strengthened the existing Rules relating to it.

Since then, the instances of remounting have reduced significantly, dropping from 40 in 2004 to just nine in 2008. Of those nine that were remounted in 2008, five won prize money totalling just over £7,000.

Paul Struthers, Media Relations Manager for the Authority, said:

“This rule change is the result of a recommendation from our Welfare and Training Group, which was approved by our Board, because of the indisputable risk to both horse and jockey.

“It seemed perverse that a jockey who had fallen in a race needed to be cleared by the Racecourse Medical Officer before riding again that day but could remount a horse having fallen without being given the same clearance.

“Of course there are possible consequences to racing if no result is returned in a high profile race, coupled with the potential loss of prize money earnings. However, the risks of allowing remounting to continue far outweigh the possible downsides, particularly given that all bets are void if there are no finishers in a race and that there are few instances of remounting anyway.”

Irish Distillers pull out of Fairyhouse National sponsership.

Although confirming they will honour their committment for 2010, Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard have today announced they are to end the Powers Whiskey brand's ten year association with the Irish Grand National. Irish Distillers state this is due to a change in emphasis with regard to the Powers Whiskey brand, and although they will continue to sponser the Powers Whiskey Gold Cup at the Fairyhouse Easter meeting, they feel in the future they would prefer to look at promotional options other than the Irish Grand National for the Powers Whiskey brand.

While thanking Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard for their many years of generous sponsership, Fairyhouse executive confirmed they are now actively seeking a replacement sponser for what many people consider is an Irish institution.

Bolger confident Chabal can maintain Dewhurst record.

Jim Bolger has a fabulous record in the Dewhurst Stakes, having won it four times in the last five years, and the trainer is ouzing confidence his National Stakes runner up Chabal can add another victory to the already outstanding record in the Group 1 contest. Discussing his chances, Bolger said,

"He has definitely improved since the National Stakes, and he should enjoy the course at Newmarket. I think he could be a classic horse next year, and I am very hopeful he can keep up our great record in the Dewhurst."

Henderson describes worst three months of his life.

In his first public interview since incurring a three month ban from racing as a result of a banned substance being found in the post race bloodwork of the Queen's Moonlit Path, Lambourn based trainer Nicky Henderson has described the thirteen week period of disqualification as the most miserable time of his life. In his interview, Henderson commented,

"Sitting in front of the Disciplinary Panel was very intimidating, and the whole thing made me feel like a criminal. I am sure some people will insist that I am a criminal after what has happened, but I can assure them there was no intention of improving the performance of the Queen's horse, and I am very thankful the Queen has seen fit to keep some of her horses in training at Sevenbarrows." Henderson added, "For thirty years I kept a spotless license, but then due to a mix up in our medicine regime, I have ended up with a conviction on my training license, and I have to say, it has made me very unhappy over the last three months. Now I just want to get back into action, and hopefully put this whole incident behind me, but to be honest, I don't think I will ever entirely get over what has happened."

In a separate statement, Henderson confirmed he has parted company with James Main as his stable vet.

British pair work well ahead of Caulfield Cup.

Luca Cumani's Cima de Triomphe, and Godolphin's Kirklees, were both reported to have worked well in training sessions held on soft ground at Sandown Park racecourse in Victoria. Eye witness accounts suggest both horses look in excellent shape ahead of their first Australian engagement in the Caulfield Cup on Saturday week, and the positive news could well act as a catalyst to attract support to the pair in the anti post market for the race.

Cosgrave to winter in South Africa.

Having accepted an invitation to ride for South African trainer Mike de Kock, from November Jockey Pat Cosgrave will swop the cold winter days at the four current British all weather racecourses in favour of the warmer conditions of a South African summer.

As if wintering in South Africa were not enough to make many of his british counterparts somewhat envious, it appears Cosgrave could also take in an extended trip to Dubai, where he could ride for De Kock in next spring's Dubai Festival of Racing.

Major juveniles stand their ground in Racing Post Trophy.

At today's 'scratch' stage, seventy juveniles have stood their ground for Doncaster's Racing Post Trophy on 24 October.

Godolphin currently have eight entries, with Al zir and recent acquisition Kingsfort thought to be their main players.

Aidan O'Brien's large contingent seems to be headed by Group 2 Beresford Stakes winner St Nicholas Abbey, although Cape Blanco, Joshua Tree and Viscount Nelson would all seem to have claims based on recent outings. But perhaps his most interesting horse could still prove to be Steinbeck, who earlier in the season was rated by some judges as the best juvenile in the Ballydoyle line-up.

The form of this year's Group 3 Acomb Stakes has proved to be rock solid, and this would certainly give John Dunlop's Elusive Pimpernel every chance if he has continued to progress since his York run.

Peter Chapple Hyam's Coordinated Cut was green when winning his first outing at Doncaster, but he is held in high regard, and he should add extra spice to a race which could prove to be the number one trial for the 2010 Epsom Derby.

Fallon very happy after Sariska spin.

Kieran Fallon enjoyed his first spin aboard Sariska on the Newmarket watered gallop this morning. However, trainer Michael Bell confirmed Fallon thinks the filly needs some exercise after being absent from the track since mid August, and Bell indicated Sariska will have another gallop on the Peat Moss track ahead of her intended run in the Emirates Airlines Champion Stakes on Saturday week. Discussing his fillies chances of running, Bell said,

"It seems from the weather forecast we are in for considerable rain over the next couple of weeks, and if this materialises in the Newmarket area, it is all to Sariska's benefit, and providing there is sufficient cut, I would think she will be a definite runner."

Gosden considering Breeders Cup options for Dar re mi.

Although Dar re mi is favourite for the Breeders Cup Fillies and Mares Turf event at Santa Anita at the start of next month, trainer John Gosden admits he is considering the option of re-opposing Conduit in the mile and a half Breeders Cup Turf,

"Her fifth place in the 'Arc' proved Dar re mi is currently the best filly in Europe, and although we have her entered in the Fillies and Mares Turf Race at Santa Anita, she was so close to last year's Breeders Cup Turf winner Conduit at the end of Sunday's race, I must confess we are tempted to re-oppose Conduit in this year's Breeders Cup Turf. All I can say at this stage is I will hold further discussions with Lord and Lady Lloyd Webber, and then we will make an announcement nearer the time."

Head receives green light for Goldikova defence.

French trainer Freddie Head had been positive all week about Goldikova's defence of her Breeders Cup Mile crown, and having talked things over with connections, the handler has today confirmed receipt of the green light to prepare the four year old filly for a return run at Santa Anita.

Stacelita finished for season.

Following her dead heated seventh position in Sunday's Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe, trainer Jean Claude Rouget has been instructed to put Stacelita away for the winter, but the handler is said to be very happy the leading three year old french filly is to be kept in training as a four year old, and he is reportedly already making plans for a racing programme which will see her being aimed specifically at next year's 'Arc'.

Dunguib to make hurdling debut this month.

Despite his disqualification from first position in the Punchestown Champion Bumper due to the discovery of a banned substance in his blood, Dunguib proved at Cheltenham and to some extent Punchestown, he was the best bumper horse around last season. Consequently, handler Philip Fenton is delighted his six year old is showing good things in pre season training, and Fenton is very hopeful Dunguib will have his first novice hurdle outing before the end of October.

Fairyhouse to offer adult race-goers up to 20% discount.

Fairyhouse are delighted to announce a new pricing structure for the remainder of 2009. Highlights of the new pricing structure will see admission to the Winter Festival dropping to just €15 on Saturday 28 November and €20 on Sunday 29 November, representing a saving of almost 20% on 2008 prices. Mid week fixtures will also drop from €15 to €10 for adults (Wednesday 04 November and Wednesday 02 December). OAP and student concessionary rates remain at €10 for all meetings, while under 16’s are free to all meetings.

Caroline Gray, General Manager of Fairyhouse Racecourse commented:

“We are delighted to announce the price cuts which represent savings of almost 20% on 2008 levels. We understand that some of our loyal customers are being badly affected by the economic downturn and hope that this measure will in some way recognize and reward their loyalty to Fairyhouse. Equally, we hope that the new reduced prices will encourage new customers to experience the thrill of National Hunt racing at Fairyhouse for the 2009 season. The highlight will be the Winter Festival on 28 and 29 November, featuring three Grade 1 races on the Sunday, sponsored by Bar One Racing. In addition, a further 20% discount is available for customers who book online on www.fairyhouseracecourse.ie.”
Fairyhouse has also launched a new Super Saver Deal for the Winter Festival. For just €25 on Saturday 28 and €30 on Sunday 29 November, the package includes admission, racecard, pint of Guinness, 6oz beef burger and €5 tote voucher, as well as a private bar facility. The package is available to groups of 10 and over and must be pre-booked on www.fairyhouseracecourse.ie.

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