Month: April 2021

Buick Opts For Master of the Seas in Guineas

Jockey William Buick has decided to ride G3 Craven S. hero Master of the Seas (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the G1 QIPCO 2000 Guineas on May 1, Godolphin announced. Godolphin's retained jockey opted for the G2 Superlative S. hero, instead of One Ruler (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), who will be the mount of James Doyle. The latter has not raced since running second in the G1 Vertem Futurity Trophy S. in October.

“Five days out from the Guineas, I couldn't be happier with them,” said trainer Charlie Appleby, who also has stakes-winner and three-time Group 3-placed Naval Crown (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) entered in the first Classic of the UK season, on the Godolphin website. “One Ruler has been progressing nicely at home, while Master Of The Seas has gone to the races and put the score on the board.

“It wasn't an easy call for William, who rode Master Of The Seas in the Craven and then sat on One Ruler in a routine gallop at Moulton Paddocks last week.

“William asked some serious questions of Master Of The Seas in his race, and he was pleased with the response. I believed that's what clinched it in the end. Of course, the final call comes at declaration time on Thursday.”

One Ruler will be making his 3-year-old bow in the Guineas and won the G3 Autumn S. over the Rowley Mile last October.

“Things have also gone well with One Ruler,” Appleby added. “He is well in himself, and his work has been pleasing.

“Kieren Fallon, who has been riding him all winter, took him for a routine gallop at Moulton Paddocks on Saturday, and he was pleased. Kieren won the Guineas five times, so it's great to have a rider with that experience on the team.”

Other Godolphin Classic aspirants have had their next starts mapped out as well. Craven second and 'TDN Rising Star' La Barossa (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) is being aimed at the G1 French 2000 Guineas on May 16.

“He has done well since the Craven, and it is best to put a line though his previous run in France in the G1 Criterium International at Saint-Cloud [when fifth, beaten six and a quarter lengths]. He did not like the heavy ground.”

Unbeaten Hurricane Lane (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), who has won a novice at Newmarket last October and a 10-furlong Newbury contest on Apr. 16, will target the G2 Dante S. at York on May 13. G3 Sandown Classic Trial second and third Adayar (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) and Yibir (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), will head to the Lingfield Derby Trial or Dante and the Chester Vase, respectively.

“We are very encouraged by the signs so far and excited with what we have,” Appleby said of his 3-year-old Classic prospects. “We are always looking for the next 3-year-old champion, and we are very happy the way this group are developing.

“The Dante is usually a very good trial for the Derby, and Hurricane Lane is worthy of having a crack at it. On all evidence so far, Adayar is going to appreciate stepping up in trip, which could be in the Lingfield Derby Trial. But he doesn't want the ground too quick, so he has the Dante at York as alternative.

“I was very pleased with Yabir's seasonal debut. He is only going to get better when he gets to a mile and a half, which he will get in the Chester Vase, his next race.

“I also plan to send Wirko (Ger) (Kingman {GB}) [Epsom's Listed Blue Riband Trial winner] to Chester for the Dee S. It will be more good experience for him. The Epsom race was a 'Win and You're In' for the Derby–we already know he can handle the track.”

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Arqana Breeze-Up Moved To Doncaster

For the second straight year, the Arqana Breeze-Up Sale will be staged at Goffs UK's Doncaster sales complex in light of coronavirus-inflicted travel restrictions. The sale was originally slated for Deauville on May 13 and 14, and will now take place at Doncaster on May 28, with the breeze show on May 26.

The decision to move the sale was prompted by the fact that 80% of the 2-year-olds catalogued are based in Ireland, and thus the personnel accompanying them to France would have had to undertake a strict two-week hotel quarantine. As has become customary since the pandemic began more than a year ago, telephone and internet bidding will also be available.

Arqana President Eric Hoyeau said, “First of all, we would like to acknowledge the flexibility and understanding of all our vendors in this situation. We were looking forward to a return of the Breeze Up to Deauville but in the current context and after having looked at all the possible solutions, the organisation of the sale at Doncaster will be much simpler for a large majority of them. We would also like to thank Goffs, whose entire UK team has adapted to accommodate our sale. As with last year, we will do everything possible to welcome everyone in the best possible conditions. We will also continue to offer many opportunities for buyers to bid who could not make the trip. The entire Arqana team remains at the disposal of both buyers and vendors to answer any questions and to help with their organisation.”

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ARCI, Beshear, KHRC Release Statements on John Ward’s Passing

The Association of Racing Commissioners International, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission all released statements Monday reflecting on the passing of GI Kentucky Derby-winning trainer John Ward.

“On behalf of the ARCI and John's many friends in the regulatory network, permit me to express our immense sadness and condolences to Donna and John's family upon learning the news of John's passing,” said ARCI President Ed Martin. “John Ward was a gentle giant in horse racing and was committed to our horses, everyone who cares for them, our riders, and all who are involved in and love our sport. He was a man of utmost integrity, common sense and determination who had a heart and a wonderful way about him no matter who you were. I made the mistake of once introducing John as a Hall of Fame trainer. He humbly corrected me. But in my humble opinion, based on his life's achievements, he should be in the Hall of Fame.”

“John was a good friend and a great ambassador for horse racing in the state of Kentucky,” said Beshear. “His experience as a trainer and horseman gave him a unique vision to lead the KHRC into a new and prosperous era. He will be missed by the entire horse racing community. Donna and his entire family are in Britainy and my prayers.”

“John was a really good guy,” added Marc Guilfoil, current KHRC Executive Director. “He challenged us in the office to think outside the box and come up with some very good policies and procedures that we still follow today. I guarantee you can search every history book in the country and you'll not find another person who served at the executive director of any commission in the United States, ever, that was also a Derby winning trainer. That's pretty special.”

The post ARCI, Beshear, KHRC Release Statements on John Ward’s Passing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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