British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Arvika Ligeonniere led home a one-two for trainer Willie Mullins as he swept to an easy all-the-way victory in the Normans Grove Chase at Fairyhouse.
The Rich Ricci-owned nine-year-old bounced back after being pulled up in the Queen Mother Champion ...
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Tags ‘British Horseracing Authority’
Rasen joy for National heroes
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Crabbie's Grand National heroes Dr Richard Newland and Leighton Aspell were straight back to winning ways at Market Rasen.
Twenty-four hours on from Pineau De Re's triumph in the world's greatest steeplechase at Aintree, the trainer, jockey and owner John Provan returned to action in the rather more tranquil surroundings of the Lincolnshire track.
Having hosted the press at his Worcestershire yard in the morning, Newland, accompanied by Provan, arrived by helicopter weighed down by several bottles of champagne.
First to strike for Newland was the Ali Sterling-ridden Dalmo (13-8 favourite), who made just about every yard of the running to land the Racing UK Lady Riders' Selling Handicap Hurdle in Provan's white, green and black colours.
"They all count!" said Newland. "I've got no voice left now after yesterday and now that one. I thought Ali did really well there."
Provan said: "They are all sweet. I've been drinking champagne on a regular basis since straight after the National, we were even drinking it in the chopper. You could say we were on cloud nine!"
Newland then teamed up with Aspell to take the feature �12,000 Double M Novices' Chase with Ardkilly Witness.
The 8-11 favourite was second to Smad Place earlier in the season and was a gallant runner-up in the valuable Betfred Masters at Sandown. Another trip to the Esher venue is now on the cards, for the former Whitbread Gold Cup.
"I'd hoped he'd do it like that," said Newland. "His novice status ends in two months so I wanted him to have one more run against novices as he'll be in handicaps the rest of his life.
"His target is the bet365 Chase. I've only got 12 horses and a lot seem to be staying chasers, but I haven't specifically looked for them, it's just how they've turned out."
Aspell had a fall from Newland's Regal D'Estruval in the Wet Wet Wet Performing 16th August Handicap Chase, but happily both horse and rider emerged none the worse.
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Aspell giving it his best shot
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Grand National-winning jockey Leighton Aspell felt his time away from the sport made him appreciate every aspect of it even before hitting the headlines with Pineau De Re at Aintree on Saturday.
Aspell, 37, lost his appetite for the game at the end ...
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Dalmo joy for National heroes
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
The saying is little fish are sweet but when you have just won the Crabbie's Grand National perhaps all other races pale into insignificance.
While it would be pushing it to suggest that Dr Richard Newland and owner John Provan enjoyed the success o...
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Dalmo joy for National heroes
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
The saying is little fish are sweet but when you have just won the Crabbie's Grand National perhaps all other races pale into insignificance.
While it would be pushing it to suggest that Dr Richard Newland and owner John Provan enjoyed the success o...
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Date awaited for start hearing
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
It is likely to be a couple of days before a date is announced for the referral hearing into the start of the Crabbie's Grand National.
The hearing was passed on to the British Horseracing Authority after jockeys chose not to go back to see the stew...
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Murphy praise for supreme Aspell
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Trainer Pat Murphy paid a glowing tribute to Leighton Aspell following his triumph aboard Pineau De Re in the Crabbie's Grand National at Aintree on Saturday.
Murphy has been one of Aspell's biggest supporters during his riding career and trained Su...
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Long team plot another run
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Long Run could well run again in the not too distant future despite suffering a crunching fall at the ninth fence in the Crabbie's Grand National at Aintree on Saturday.
The former Cheltenham Gold winner was leading the field along with Across The B...
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Alvarado to have another go
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Alvarado is in line to return to Aintree next year after delighting connections by finishing fourth in the Crabbie's Grand National on Saturday.
The nine-year-old, who ran on stoutly after jumping the final fence in ninth position, was giving owners...
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Double delight for Brassil
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Trainer Martin Brassil has spoken of his delight at the performance of Double Seven in finishing third behind Pineau De Re in the Crabbie's Grand National at Aintree on Saturday.
The prolific winner, only an eight-year-old, was sent off the 10-1 joi...
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Balthazar heading to France
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Philip Hobbs has pencilled in a cross-country race in France for Balthazar King after his terrific performance in finishing second to Pineau De Re in the Crabbie's Grand National at Aintree on Saturday.
The 10-year-old has had a superb season, begin...
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Viewing figures please Channel 4
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Channel 4 executives expressed their delight at viewing figures for the Crabbie's Grand National won by Pineau De Re on Saturday.
The world's greatest steeplechase reportedly attracted a peak audience of 8.5 million (56 per cent share of viewing), m...
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Newland eyes Pineau repeat
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Dr Richard Newland is already looking forward to seeing Pineau De Re defend his crown in next year's Crabbie's Grand National following his brilliant display at Aintree on Saturday.
The 11-year-old produced prodigious leaps at the final two obstacle...
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Creek mows down hotpot Barley
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Bow Creek turned in a brave front-running display under Joe Fanning to cause an upset in the feature 32Red International Trial Stakes at Lingfield.
The Richard Hannon-trained Barley Mow was the 8-13 favourite on his first appearance since finishing ...
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Creek mows down hotpot Barley
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Bow Creek turned in a brave front-running display under Joe Fanning to cause an upset in the feature 32Red International Trial Stakes at Lingfield.
The Richard Hannon-trained Barley Mow was the 8-13 favourite on his first appearance since finishing ...
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Duke edges home in thriller
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Duke Of Lucca got the better of the rallying Vino Griego to come out on top in a pulsating climax to the Betfred TV Handicap Chase at Aintree.
With Our Mick running with more enthusiasm than has been the case in recent starts at the head of affairs,...
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Race start referred to BHA
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
An inquiry into the start of the Crabbie's Grand National was referred on to the British Horseracing Authority after jockeys chose not to participate in the on-course hearing.
Officials called an inquiry after the starter reported the riders had lin...
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Race start referred to BHA
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
An inquiry into the start of the Crabbie's Grand National was referred on to the British Horseracing Authority after jockeys chose not to participate in the on-course hearing.
Officials called an inquiry after the starter reported the riders had lin...
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National glory for Pineau
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Leighton Aspell clearly made a wise decision to make a U-turn from retirement as the jockey in his most successful season to date rose to new heights when Pineau De Re forged five lengths clear of Balthazar King in the Crabbie's Grand National at Ain...
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Maarek returns to action
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Group One winner Maarek makes his first start for Evanna McCutcheon in the Listed Cork Stakes over six furlongs.
McCutcheon has taken over training of the seven-year-old but was involved with his preparation last term when acting as assistant to for...
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Meade issues Apache warning
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Noel Meade has warned that Apache Stronghold might need the run when he returns to action in the Coolmore NH Sires Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse.
The Milan gelding hasn't run since November after meeting with a setback, and Meade isn't sure if he will...
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Ryan hopes for a Foildubh repeat
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
John Ryan has high hopes that Foildubh can repeat last year's victory in the Normans Grove Chase at Fairyhouse.
The Templemore handler believes he has his stable star back on top form ahead of the Grade Two contest.
The 10-year-old faded badly when third behind Un De Sceaux over timber at Navan in January but Ryan regrets running his charge then, just 15 days after finishing a respectable sixth in the Lexus Chase.
"He's in tremendous form. I ran him back too soon after the Lexus when he was taking on Un De Sceaux on desperate heavy ground," said Ryan.
"I shouldn't have run him - I'm really sorry I did but it's one of those things. He got a very bad cut on the hind leg then and credit to my vet Rob Morris, who did a brilliant job on him - it took a bit of time. Paul Carberry has schooled him recently after racing at Leopardstown and Thurles. He's lovely and fresh and that's when he's at his best.
"He was only beaten eight lengths in the Lexus and ran well in it. We're hoping to win on Sunday - he won it last year. I think we might have beaten Arvika Ligeonniere at Clonmel (in November) only for a mistake two out."
Arvika Ligeonniere heads the six-runner field and will be bidding to bounce back to winning ways after another poor Cheltenham effort last month. Trainer Willie Mullins has a strong hand in the �37,500 contest with Twinlight and Turban also set to line up.
Tony Martin saddles Grand Annual winner Savello and is hoping the race doesn't come too soon after his battling success at Cheltenham.
"We're very happy with him. He's in good form and we're hoping he gives a good account of himself," said Martin. "He's won in that ground before and it's just a matter of whether he's got over Cheltenham but we've been pleased with him since."
The field is completed by the sole mare Kates Benefit, who takes a big step up in class after a beginners chase success at Gowran Park last month.
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Hobbs thrilled with Balthazar run
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Trainer Philip Hobbs was full of praise for Balthazar King after the 10-year-old finished a brave second to Pineau De Re in the Crabbie's Grand National.
Best known for his exploits in cross-country races, Balthazar King finished only 15th in the sh...
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Gilltown sire Azamour put down
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Multiple Group One winner Azamour was humanely put down at the Aga Khan's Gilltown Stud in Ireland on Saturday.
Trained by John Oxx, the son of Night Shift won the Beresford Stakes as a juvenile before claiming the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal ...
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King strikes with Balder
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Alan King secured his third winner of the Grand National meeting as Balder Succes played the starring role in the Doom Bar Maghull Novices' Chase.
Winner of the Kingmaker Novices' Chase at Warwick and the Pendil Novices' Chase at Kempton, Balder Suc...
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Whisper pulls out the stops
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Whisper wore down At Fishers Cross to grind out victory in the Silver Cross Stayers' Hurdle at Aintree.
At Fishers Cross was the 11-8 favourite following a fine third in the World Hurdle at Cheltenham, with Nicky Henderson's Whisper a 4-1 shot, grad...
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Foil bids for more Grove glory
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
John Ryan believes Foildubh is back on song ahead of his defence in the Normans Grove Chase at Fairyhouse on Sunday.
The 10-year-old faded badly when third behind Un De Sceaux over timber at Navan in January but Ryan regrets running his charge then,...
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Carberry fit to ride Dude
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Paul Carberry has been cleared to ride Monbeg Dude in this afternoon's Crabbie's Grand National at Aintree.
The jockey was hurt following a fall from Kauto Stone in what turned out to be an eventful renewal of the Topham Chase on Friday. He went to ...
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Fontana in big-race follow-up
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Lac Fontana benefited from a typically power-packed Tony McCoy ride to clinch the Pertemps Network Mersey Novices' Hurdle at Aintree.
The Paul Nicholls-trained five-year-old was the 9-2 favourite for the two-and-a-half-mile Grade One, stepping up in...
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Tinkler cleared for National ride
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Andrew Tinkler will take the mount on Hunt Ball in this afternoon's Crabbie's Grand National at Aintree.
The rider was reported to have knocked his wrist when unshipped from Tanks For That at the 12th fence in the Topham Trophy on Friday, but has be...
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Walsh handed Vesper mount
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Katie Walsh will partner Vesper Bell in this afternoon's Crabbie's Grand National at Aintree.
Willie Mullins' runner was due to be ridden by Mikey Fogarty, but he was ruled out after sustaining a back injury in a fall at the track on Friday.
That l...
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Melodic tuned up for Stayers’
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Nick Scholfield is confident the step up to three miles will not be a problem for Melodic Rendezvous in the Silver Cross Stayers' Hurdle at Aintree today.
Jeremy Scott's stable star has enjoyed another fine campaign so far, winning the Elite Hurdle ...
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Moss camp target Mersey paradise
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
John Flint is keeping his fingers crossed the heavens open at Aintree as stable star Kayf Moss bids for Grade One glory in the Pertemps Network Mersey Novices' Hurdle today.
Following handicap victories at Ffos Las and Leicester, the six-year-old co...
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Bailey hunting second success
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
The Rainbow Hunter will bid to give Gloucestershire trainer Kim Bailey a second Grand National success today 24 years on from Mr Frisk's record-breaking victory in the race.
The horse was unfortunate in last year's renewal when parting company with ...
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Injured Fogarty misses National
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Mikey Fogarty will miss the ride on the Willie Mullins-trained Vesper Bell in the Crabbie's Grand National at Aintree after fracturing two vertebrae in his back in a fall on Friday.
The jockey could be sidelined for up to 12 weeks following his tumb...
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Trifolium chasing Maghull glory
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
The form of the Arkle Trophy took a battering at Aintree on Thursday, but Charles Byrnes is hoping Trifolium can give it a boost in the Doom Bar Maghull Novices' Chase at Aintree.
The disappointing performances of Arkle hero Western Warhorse and the...
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Jockeys hurt in Topham drama
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
A number of jockeys, including Paul Carberry, face an anxious wait to see if they will be passed fit to ride in the Crabbie's Grand National at Aintree.
Carberry, who is due to partner leading fancy Monbeg Dude in the showpiece event, was one of fou...
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Townend bids to be king on Prince
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Paul Townend, so often in the shadow of Ruby Walsh, gets his big chance to make headlines of his own with the potentially plum ride on Prince De Beauchene in the Crabbie's Grand National at Aintree.
Dual National winner Walsh broke his arm at the Cheltenham Festival, leaving stable number two Townend to take the ride on a horse that has missed the last two runnings through injuries of his own when he would have been a leading contender.
"Touch wood, he jumps well at home. He's never run over the National fences before and has missed the last two when it's been his aim," said former Irish champion Townend, who bagged a Grade One prize at the meeting on Boston Bob on Friday, in the same colours of Graham Wylie.
"The trip is a bit of an unknown, but I think he will stay. He ran a nice race in the English Hennessy but faded out of it with a big weight, and was running well in the Lexus until he made a mistake.
"He brings a touch of class, has a lovely racing weight and if he gets into a rhythm, you never know. He's a good horse in his own right and it's nice to have a ride in the race with a nice squeak like he has. I'm hoping to get a nice ride off him."
Owner Robert Waley-Cohen and his jockey-son Sam have enjoyed great success over the Aintree fences but it could all pale into insignificance if Long Run wins the first �1million renewal. The nine-year-old is searching for his own piece of history as no horse as ever won the King George, the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the biggest race of them all in Liverpool.
The Nicky Henderson-trained nine-year-old may not be the force of old, but there is no doubt he has been given a chance by the handicapper.
"Myself and Sam have enjoyed plenty of luck over the fences in the past, but I still get a tingle ahead of the National as it's a great race," said Waley-Cohen snr.
"Clearly he has deteriorated since his days of beating Kauto Star and Denman in the Gold Cup, but he has been handicapped accordingly. All you can wish for is a clear run and then take it from there."
Henderson is four-handed as he seeks to win the great race for the first time, with Hennessy winner Triolo D'Alene, Hunt Ball and Shakalakaboomboom completing his party.
He said: "It's a good little squad to come in with. It's a race that has eluded us. We've had a few close shaves, but not for a bit. We've not quite had the right kit for it, but this year there are four boys that fit the bill and we're entitled to be here."
Tony McCoy chose Double Seven, trained by Martin Brassil, ahead of Ted Walsh's Colbert Station as his mount for his boss J P McManus.
Brassil, who won the National with Numbersixvalverde in 2006, said: "Everything seems to have gone well with him and we're happy to be here. I just hope they don't get too much rain. The ground is very important to him and if it went heavy there'd be no point in even running him. Hopefully it's no worse than good to soft."
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Buckley not keen on Kentucky bid
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Owner Michael Buckley has all but ruled out a crack at the Kentucky Derby for his UAE Derby winner Toast Of New York.
He feels it will be too much to ask for a growing three-year-old colt to travel to America just a few weeks after his journey to Du...
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Aintree joy for Josses
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Cheltenham Festival runner-up Josses Hill went one better with an authoritative display in the International Festival For Business 2014 Top Novices' Hurdle at Aintree.
Having found only the hugely impressive Vautour too strong in the Supreme Novices...
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Beat claims Sefton success
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Beat That returned from a break in style to claim Grade One glory in the Doom Bar Sefton Novices' Hurdle at Aintree.
Not seen since finishing second at Sandown in early December, the six-year-old was 6-1 to complete a treble on the day for trainer N...
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Ma stars in Henderson treble
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Ma Filleule turned in a springheeled display over the Grand National fences to claim the Crabbie's Supporting Everton In The Community Topham Chase at Aintree and headline a sparkling treble for Nicky Henderson and Barry Geraghty.
Having chased home...
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Bob bags Melling prize
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Paul Townend has carved out a niche by deputising for Ruby Walsh and he finally gained Grade One recognition in Britain with a wonderfully timed challenge on Boston Bob in the Betfred Melling Chase.
Although he has multiple big-race wins to his name...
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Gowran gets the go-ahead
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Flat racing at Gowran Park on Saturday goes ahead after the track passed a Friday afternoon inspection.
Waterlogging had been a concern and prompted officials to check conditions.
However, the course was found fit for racing and the fixture will go...
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Holy hits Mildmay target
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Holywell galloped his rivals into submission to run out an impressive winner of the Betfred Mobile Mildmay Novices' Chase at Aintree.
Jonjo O'Neill's smart hurdler took a while to get the hang of things over fences, but has hit top form since the tu...
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Solwhit team pleased by recovery
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Solwhit is set to return to action next season after missing the entire winter campaign through injury.
The 10-year-old, who has had more than his share of setbacks, is enjoying a break after recovering from the fetlock problem that has kept him off...
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Further injury woe for Madden
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Niall 'Slippers' Madden faces about four months on the sidelines after breaking a leg in a heavy fall at Clonmel on Thursday.
The jockey was hurt when Pipe Down, trained by his father Niall, fell at the fifth fence in the Go Racing In The South East...
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Mullins has confidence in Prince
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Prince De Beauchene finally gets his chance in the Crabbie's Grand National after being forced to miss the last two renewals through injury.
Ireland's champion trainer Willie Mullins believes it would be dangerous to leave the 11-year-old out of cal...
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Monbeg ready for National challenge
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Monbeg Dude would be a hugely popular winner of the Crabbie's Grand National for Herefordshire trainer Michael Scudamore.
Last season's Welsh National hero is part-owned by former England rugby union international Mike Tindall, husband of the Queen'...
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Waley-Cohens in for the Long haul
British Horseracing Authority | 10 years ago
Owner Robert Waley-Cohen and his jockey-son Sam have enjoyed tremendous success over the Aintree fences but it could all pale into insignificance if Long Run wins the first �1million renewal of the Crabbie's Grand National tomorrow.
Katarino twice claimed the Fox Hunters', Liberthine landed the Topham Chase and was fifth in the National, while Oscar Time also came very close when second in the main event. As recently as Thursday, Warne led from pillar-to-post to give the Waley-Cohens another success in the Fox Hunters'.
Long Run is searching for his own piece of history as no horse as ever won the King George at Kempton, the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the biggest race of them all in Liverpool. While the Nicky Henderson-trained nine-year-old may not be the force of old, there is no doubt he has been given a chance by the handicapper.
"There are always nerves ahead of the National, ahead of all the big races, and I think if there aren't you are in the wrong sport. Myself and Sam have enjoyed plenty of luck over the fences in the past, but I still get a tingle ahead of the National as it's a great race," said Robert Waley-Cohen.
"Clearly he has deteriorated since his days of beating Kauto Star and Denman in the Gold Cup, but he has been handicapped accordingly. All you can wish for is a clear run and then take it from there."
Sam Waley-Cohen, who remains an amateur rider, said: "We schooled him over the National-type fences last week and he jumped really well. He's in great form."
Henderson also runs Hunt Ball, who after a truncated spell in America has returned as good as ever, as he showed when not beaten far in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham
His jockey Andrew Tinkler said: "He's a very nice horse to be associated with. Things didn't work out in America for him, but he's been an absolute joy since he came to Seven Barrows. He's got a lots of enthusiasm and has taken to the National-style fences really well at home. There are huge question marks about whether he will stay with the weight he has, but I'm still really, really looking forward to it."
The Seven Barrows team are also represented by the Hennessy winner Triolo D'Alene and Shakalakaboomboom, who jumped superbly in the National two years ago but appeared not to last the distance.
Tony McCoy faced a choice between the Ted Walsh-trained Colbert Station, who unseated him at the Chair last year, and Double Seven, winner of the Munster National and trained by Martin Brassil, who saddled Numbersixvalverde to glory in 2006. The jockey finally went for Double Seven, with Brassil hoping for no more rain.
"Everything seems to have gone well with him and we're happy to be here. I just hope they don't get too much rain. The ground is very important to him and if it went heavy there'd be no point in even running him. Hopefully it's no worse than good to soft," said the County Kildare handler.
"I'm not sure I'd given his jockey a whole lot of thought, I left all that up to the best judge in the business. Tony has ridden him before so it's not as if he is going in blind. The form of his Munster National win was done no harm when Spring Heeled won the Kim Muir, so that was nice to see."
Walsh said of Colbert Station: "Last year he didn't run a good race in it. He was never really travelling and he jumped a bit erratic, this year hopefully he'll take to it a bit better."
Teaforthree gave connections a huge thrill when third 12 months ago and is another who appears to have been leniently treated. The 10-year-old ran a perfectly respectable race in the Gold Cup and trainer Rebecca Curtis thinks he heads to Aintree in even better shape than last year.
"He took to the Grand National fences last year. Teaforthree likes the ground on the softer side of good. Everybody thinks he needs heavy ground, but he doesn't. I thought he ran a blinder in the Gold Cup, it was the ideal prep run. We didn't want to go seven weeks after his run at Ascot and I think it put him spot-on," said the Newport handler.
"He looks really tight without being over-drilled. I'd have to say I think he's in better form than last year. He ran a great race at Ascot, it usually takes him two or three runs to hit peak form. It's one of those races where you need lots and lots of luck, so we just hope for that."
There were no non-runners at the 9am Friday deadline, which means the four reserves - Goonyella, Soll, Night In Milan and Minella For Value - have been eliminated.
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