Untitled Document

Now you can order everything from your weekly shop to mobile phones and insurance with:

Nicholls nominates Big Bucks as his banker.

In a wide ranging interview this afternoon Paul Nicholls came out with a triple strand of thoughts ahead of the Cheltenham Festival - He was hopeful Denman would recover his top form in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. He was confident Masterminded was back to his best ahead of the attempt to land a third successive Queen Mother Champion Chase. Finally, he rates Big Bucks as his banker winner from the Ditcheat yard, and seems almost certain his charge has the beating of everything else in this year's renewal of the Ladbrokes sponsered World Hurdle.

Twiston Davies happy with prime Cheltenham prospects.

In a show of confidence earlier today, trainer Nigel Twiston Davies indicated he was very happy with both Kyber Kim and Imperial Commander ahead of their respective engagements in the Smurfit Capa Champion Hurdle and Totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Discussing Kyber Kim, Twiston Davies said,

"He's very happy and he is working very well at home. I hope the staying types will set the race up for us, and we'll come storming along at the end."

The Gloucestershire based handler also had an up-beat report on Cheltenham Gold Cup prospect Imperial Commander, saying:

"He seems in very good condition ahead of the race, and while there don't seem to be many questions over Kauto Star, but there must be over Denman after his performance the other day. I would advise Imperial Commander's supporters to ignore his run in the King George, as he hit one really hard early on and did well to stay on his feet. Now we are heading back to his favourite track, so let's see what happens."

Banker does not deter a host of competition.

Unbeaten Irish raider Dunguib may be most punters idea as the banker for the first race on this year's Cheltenham Festival card, but 65 other sets of connections are still prepared to lay down a challenge at today's latest scratching stage for the Spinal Injuries Supreme Novices Hurdle.

Indeed, all of what may be considered to be his major rivals: Get Me Out Of Here, Menorah, Oscar Whisky, and Blackstair Mountain stand their ground.

However, Totesport Trophy Hurdle winner Get Me Out Of Here is also still engaged in the Neptune Investment Management Novice Hurdle, in which there are 69 entrants after today's decleration stage, with Right of Passage, who finished third to Dunguib in last year's Weatherbys Champion Bumper, currently heading the market.

Mill Chief, who puts his reputation on the line in this weekend's Adonis Hurdle at Kempton Park, and last weekend's Grade 2 hurdle winner Alaivan, are amongst the 51 acceptors still involved in this year's JCB Triumph Hurdle.

The albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle has 61 entrants after today's scratching stage, and the market is still headed by the unbeaten Tell Massini, who also happens to have two Cheltenham victories to his credit already.

Long Run connections still keeping options open.

While all the vibes suggest Nicky Henderson's outstanding french import Long Run will go for the RSA Chase at this season's Cheltenham Festival, connections have decided at today's latest scratching stage to also leave him in the running for the Arkle Trophy.

Long Run is now one of the remaining 36 acceptors for the latter race, but with the likes of - His stable mate Riverside Theatre, Eddie Harty's Captain Cee Bee, Henry de Bromhead's Sizing Europe, and Henrietta Knight's Somersby all still involved, it would seem Long Run would have less competition if he takes the RSA option, where his main rivals amongst the remaining 34 entrants would appear to be stable mate Punchestowns, Weird Al, Knockara Beau and Diamond Harry.

However, the dark horse in the mix for the RSA Chase could still be Mikael D'Haguenet, for although last year's Ballymore Properties Hurdle winner has still to have his first public outing over fences, it is interesting Ireland's leading national hunt trainer Willie Mullins has still left himn amongst the entrants for this year's three mile Grade One contest.

Webber believes Rupert has each way claims.

Banbury based handler Paul Webber thinks his Time For Rupert has good each way claims in this season's Ladbrokes World Hurdle at Cheltenham. While Webber admits Big Bucks is hard to oppose, he points out Time For Rupert has already won at Cheltenham this season, and his five length second to a revitalised Tidal Bay in his last outing also involved him in giving 4 pounds to the winner.

Discussing the each way clains of his gelding, Webber said,

"Big Bucks looks like a nailed on winner if nothing untoward happens to him in the race, but Time For Rupert has genuine each way claims on his best form, and if the going hfor the World Hurdle happens to come up soft, I would give my horse a very good chance of finishing in the first three."

Group One target for Leahurst in Dubai.

Having already watched Leahurst collect two victories in the Dubai Carnival of Racing, Jeremy Noseda has decided to let his charge have a crack at the Group One Golden Shaheen - the race forming one of the supporting races to the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse on 27 March.

Worcester racecourse fined over medical lapses.

An official BHA inspection of the medical facilities at Worcester Racecourse conducted during the race meeting on 24 June 2009 found medical equipment records were not accurate, and certain prescribed medical equipment was not available in the Jockeys Medical Room, nor in the ambulances used to accompany races in progress on the course. As this was a breach of several of the Rules of Racing, the racecourse executive were referred to a BHA Disciplinary Panel meeting which sat today.

The findings of today's Panel were - the racecourse executive were indeed in breach of several of the Rules relating to the storage of correct medical equipment, and also to the Rules relating to accurate record keeping, and a fine of £5,000 was imposed on the racecourse executive.

Bowen has faith in Mumbles Head.

Peter Bowen has today shrugged off the last two disappointing performances by his nine-year-old novice chaser Mumbles Head, saying:

"After his poor efforts at Haydock and Wetherby, we discovered he had been under the weather with a throat infection, and he is now having a bit of a recouperation break. He is entered in the Grand National, but with his low handicap weight, I don't think he will get into the last 40 horses. If that is the case, we will probably go for the Topham Trophy this year, and hope to work our way into next year's National. I do think Mumbles Head will make up into a top class staying chaser, and people really should disregard his last two runs."

Doncaster cancel inspection as meeting gets early green light.

With the forecast snow for a large section of Northern England failing to materialise overnight, Doncaster Clerk of the Course David Williams was able to dispensw with his intended 8.00 am inspection, and today's national hunt card was given an early green light

Having walked the track at first light, Williams commented,

"It made a pleasant change to walk the course early in the morning in a comparitively 'tropical' +2 degree air temperature. The going is generally good to soft at present, but with rain still falling, and the effects of the ice still in the track, I expect it willride soft to sticky."

Ayr to inspect early on Thursday.

The South West of Scotland was still subject to a frost of -5 degrees last night, and although warmer temperatures and possible rain and sleet are due today, Ayr Clerk of the Course Hazel Petlinski pointed out this morning,

"Our trak still has several major frozen patches, and we are unraceable at present. It will take some time for the frost to come out of the ground, and a teatime inspection today would be fairly pointless, so I will take a look at 6.45 am on Thursday morning, and hopefully the warmer conditions will have done the trick."

Accused man will face further charges.

The man accused of being responsible for the arson attack which caused the deaths of two young apprentice jockeys last September is now likely to face additional charges.

Peter Brown, 37, from School Croft, Brotherton, North Yorkshire, appeared at Leeds Crown court yesterday, and was charged with the murders of promising apprentice jockeys Jamie Kyne (18), and Jan Wilson (19).

The deaths of the two young jockeys shocked the racing world, and tributes were paid at racecourses, yards, and other equine centres throughout Britain and Ireland.

Richard Mansell QC, the prosecuting council, indicated the prosecution intended to add the alternative

charges of manslaughter and arson with intent to endanger life to the existing two counts of murder.

Brown appeared in the dock wearing a dark suit and tie and a white shirt. He only spoke to confirm his name, and he was then remanded in custody until his next appearance.

The trial is listed to commence at Leeds Crown Court on 26 April, and is expected to last two weeks.

No Bliss in Dubai.

French trainer Francois Doumen has shelved plans to allow Kasbah Bliss to run in this year's Sheema Classic in Dubai on 27 March. Instead, he will now prepare his stable star for a crack at the Ascot Gold Cup in June.

In a strange reversal of the usual trend, former top class hurdler Kasbah Bliss, who finished second and fourth in two Cheltenham World Hurdles, has been converted into a high class performer on the flat, winning at Group 2 level, and having been placed in Group 1 contests.

Describing the projected season for Kasbah Bliss, Douman suggested,

"He does not like soft grouhnd, and this means we will not be racing him before the end of April. I have one or two options for him, with the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier being a distinct possibility. But to be frank, I would be quite happy if I can just get one good race into him before Ascot."

Reflecting on his decision not to go to Dubai, Doumen said,

"I think I got cold feet. I know they are doing their best out there, but it is a nbew grass track, and I am not sure of its quality for this year's races, and I suppose I would rather wait for another year."

Moskova likely to go for Irish races.

Moskova was a clear 9 length winner of yesterday's Fairyhouse feature - the Dunshaughlin Hurdle - but despite having entries at Cheltenham, trainer Paul Nolan is thought to be preferring keeping his mare in Ireland for possible runs in the Irish Grand National, or the Ashbourne Mares Chase , both run in Apirl.

Shalanaya to have Group One campaign.

A winner of the Group 2 Prix de L'Opera during 'Arc weekend' in 2009, Shalanaya is said to have wintered well and to be highly regarded by owner HH The Aga Khan. Consequently, the news Shalanaya is to undertake a Group One campaing during 2010, starting with the Prix Ganay on 02 May, is worth a note for those who follow european racing.

A Punchestowns win can get you free entry to the Punchestown Festival.

Punchestown racecourse today announced details of an exciting new promotion that could see the track reimburse Irish National Hunt Festival tickets purchased between now and St. Patricks day should the Nicky Henderson trained horse ‘Punchestowns’ win the RSA chase at Cheltenham.

The initiative could see thousands of racegoers attend the Punchestown Festival for free this April should its equine mascot land the Royal and Sun Alliance Chase on Wednesday 17 March at the Cheltenham Festival.

Punchestowns is the current favourite for the Grade1, 3 mile chase and is trading at 3/1 with Ladbrokes. Trainer Nicky Henderson, who has enjoyed plenty of success over the years at the Irish National Hunt Festival, commented on the initiative

“I think it is a great idea and a great incentive. I promise to do my best to win with Punchestowns at Cheltenham and then lots of racegoerscan have a great time at the Punchestown Festival for free. We will be going and the plan is to bring Punchestowns with us!”

When asked how the horse’s preparations were going Henderson said

“He has only had two runs over fences and although they were very good we would have preferred another before going to Cheltenham. He did make one mistake which was well publicised but we are all entitled to one mistake”.

On launching the initiative Punchestown’s General Manager Dick O’Sullivan said

“We have been handed a brilliant opportunity here with a top class horse carrying the Punchestown name. We see this as a novel way to give something back to the loyal clients of Punchestown and where better than in Cheltenham with Punchestowns!

The Punchestown Irish National Hunt Festival runs from Tuesday 20 to Saturday 24 April. Group Packages are available from just €29pp, General Admission €30, Reserved Enclosure Admission €40, Student and Senior Citizen Admission just €18.

*To avoid any confusion, Racingsight would emphasise this offer is open to General Admission and General with reserved Enclosure Admission tickets purchased between 9am Wednesday 24 February and 2pm Wednesday 17 March. Terms & Conditions apply.