Untitled Document

Enjoy the excitement of scratch cards online:

Sea The Stars retired!

In an official announcement made by trainer John Oxx at lunchtime today, after in depth consideration of an attempt at the Breeders Cup Classic at Santa Anita, the decision has been made not to go to California, and after six consecutive Group One victories, Sea The Stars is to be retired from horseracing with immediate effect.

John Oxx also indicated in his statement he had no idea of the intentions of owner Christopher Sui with regard to a future stud career for Sea The Stars.

However, as the son of Cape Cross is likely to be the most sought after sire in many years, his owner will no doubbt be inundated with offers over the coming weeks.

Loudspeaker system introduced today.

After a successful trial dduring the spring, from today, the starter at every national hunt meeting in Britain will be using a portable public address and loudspeaker system to aid with the starting procedure. Permanent systems at Aintree and Cheltenham have proved effective over several years, but the new portable system will help jockeys to hear instructions when there are large noisy fields of runners , or alternatively, when the wind is drowning out normal voice instructions.

The lightweight system has been tested for endurance and use in bad weather conditions, and the BHA are hopeful it will prove to be a very useful tool in getting national hunt races off on time.

Blue Bajan switched to Jockey Club Cup.

Having discussed options with connections this morning, Andy Turnell has decided to remove top weight Blue Bajan from the Cesarewitch in favour of a run in the Group 3 Jockey Club Cup. Discussing the move Turnell said,

"We did not mind him carrying top weight in the Cesarewitch, but having to give a minimum of nine pounds to all his rivals was an impossible task. He has come on since his run at Chester, and with Michael Hills available to ride, we thought we might as well take our chance in the Jockey Club Cup."

"Providing he picks up no niggles at Newmarket, we will probably then go back to hurdling, and he could have a run at Wincanton prior to going on to his main target of Kempton's Christmas Hurdle."

Ground the key to Johnston Cesarewitch runners.

Discussing his three runners in this Saturday's Totesport sponsered Cesarewich, Yorkshire based trainer Mark Johnston has made it quite clear, the prevailing ground at Newmarket will determine their respective chances,

"The weather is the key. Yes Mr President will need some rain if he is to be at his best, but alanbrook and Keenes Day both need it to stay dry. Originally the weather forecast suggested rain this week, but now they are not so sure. As a result,I wouldn't like to speculate at this time which of my three would have the best chance on Saturday."

Ground conditions also determine Al's participation.

Mark Johnston is not the only trainer scanning the weather forecasts for the remainder of the week. Trainer John Queally has confirmed Al Eile will only run in Saturday's Cesarewich if there is some rain at Newmarket before the weekend. The nine year old dual purpose campaigner suffered injury problems last season, and despite a useful run on the all weather at Dundalk, he did not recover sufficient fitness to land the Aintree Hurdle for a fourth consecutive year.

Queally has made it clear he will not risk Al Eile on fast ground, so if no rain materialises to change the going at Newmarket, the contingency plan is to go for the November Handicap at Leopardstown before going back over timber in the wbx.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle.

However, on a more positive note, fellow Irish raider Bahrain Storm has been confirmed as a definite runner in the Cesarewich after having a positive scope this morning.

Bell hands out another Sariska ground warning.

Despite ensuring this week Kieran Fallon gets another home gallop opportunity to get acquainted with dual Oaks winner Sariska ahead of Saturday's Emirates Airlines Champion Stakes, trainer Michael Bell has also handed out a provisional warning that Sariska will not run at Newmarket on Saturday if the ground is faster than good.

Current dry spell putting Jack debut on back burner.

Emma Lavelle was particularly keen to give top class hurdler Crack Away Jack his debut over fences in alternative Beginners Chases at Either Kempton's Sunday meeting, or at Exeter next Tuesday. But the current dry conditions have made the going at both tracks good to firm, and the trainer is not prepared to risk her bright chasing prospect on unsuitable ground. Discussing her options, the trainer said,

"I understand they are watering at Kempton, and we will take a look on Saturday, but I am not prepared to risk Crack Away Jack on fast ground, and from all accounts, Exeter is very unlikely, as it is reported to be even faster for next Tuesday's beginners chase." Lavelle added,

"It is all very frustrating, but we have to put the welfare of our horse first."

Larger obstacles for Weapons Amnesty.

Weapons Amnesty, the Charles Byrnes' trained winner of the Albert Bartlett Memorial Hurdle at this year's Cheltenham Festival is due to have his first run over fences in tomorrow's Ambassador's Beginners Chase at Punchestown. When asked about Weapons Amnesty's chances, Byrne commented,

"He has schooled particularly well at home, and the ground at Punchestown is perfect. Although I expect he will require three miles in time, I am confident he will acquit himself well over tomorrow's shorter trip of two and a half miles."

When asked to speculate about his Aintree and Rabo Bank Champion Hurdle winner Solwit, Byrnes said,

"He is getting there on the home gallops. I guess the Cheltenham Champion Hurdle will be his main target, but he will have to prove himself first. At this stage, I'm not sure where we will go initially, but we might give him a 'pipe opener' on the flat."

Chabal added to Godolphin build up.

It would seem Sheikh Mohammed is determined to overhaul Sheikh Hamdan al Maktoum at the head of next year's British owners table, for it has been confirmed his Godolphin organisation have now arranged the purchase of Chabal out of Jim Bolgers stable immediately following his last race for Current connections in Saturday's Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.

With Kingsfort having already been purchased out of Kevin Prendergast's yard by GGodolphin, the Chabal acquisition means Sheikh Mohammed has now bought the first and second placed juveniles in this year's Vincent O'Brien Memorial National Stakes, and with his existing crop of two year olds, the Godolphin organisation are now ideally placed to compete on level terms with the major owners seeking next year's Classic honours.

It is understood, after running his last race for present connections on Saturday, Chabal will then remain in Newmarket, and will immediately transfer to the nearby Godolphin yard.

Sir Michael dismisses Conduit rumours.

A rumour about the health of Conduit ahead of his attempt to retain his Breeders Cup Turf crown led to several bookmaking firms extending his odds late yesterday afternoon, but in a firm rebuttle this morning, Sir Michael Stoute has dismissed the rumours, saying,

"Conduit is fine, and if there were anything wrong, I would hope I would be the first to know."

Hearts of Fire to be aimed at Newmarket 2,000 Guineas.

Hearts of Fire has become the standard bearer for Pat Eddery's emergence as a top echelon trainer. The first to provide him with a Listed win, the juvenile has since gone on to provide Eddery with his first Group victory, and on Sunday, the ultra progressive two year old gave Eddery his first Group 1 success in the Gran Criterium in Milan.

With connections now having decided to put their youngster away for the winter, Eddery must give half a thought as to whether Hearts of Fire will develop even more, and so become the three year old to give him a first Classic win in the 2010 flat season.

For the best odds and the best anti post markets:

Betfair

==================================

Archives: