Paterson Inducted Into Aintree Hall Of Fame

Late Aintree Chairman Rose Paterson, who died last June, was on Saturday inducted as an Aintree Legend. She joins distinguished figures from the jumps racing world including Ginger McCain, Sir Peter O'Sullevan and Jenny Pitman.

Paterson's husband Owen Paterson, MP for North Shropshire, announced the launch of the Rose Paterson Trust, which will raise funds for suicide prevention causes.

“For us it's just a very sad day,” he said. “Normally we'd have come in early and we'd have walked the course and she'd be picking out all the details, and she's not here. But what we've done–and I pay massive tribute to my three children–we've set up the Rose Paterson Trust. Our very simple aim is to raise money for suicide prevention and to publicise that in the next 90 minutes someone will take their life–which is nearly 15 jumbo jets per year. We feel very strongly that this should be talked about more and if we can possibly prevent one single family going through the extreme anguish that we went through.

“The reaction of racing has been quite extraordinary and I'd like to thank everyone who has pledged so far. We will put the money forward to projects and charities which we hope will prevent suicide and might just save that one family.

“Could I thank you all very much for the immensely kind reaction to what's happened. We look forward to coming back for future years and we'll be very proud to see Rose sitting proudly on the wall as an Aintree Legend.”

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Gordon Elliott Cooperating With IHRB Regarding Disputed Photo

Three-time Grand National-winning trainer Gordon Elliott is fully cooperating with the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB)'s inquiry into a disputed photo allegedly displaying Elliott sitting on a dead horse, the BBC reported on Sunday. The image, which some believe to be digitally altered, appears to show Elliott making a peace gesture while sitting on a dead horse lying on its side and captioned “new work rider”.

“I'm aware of a photo circulating on social media,” the trainer tweeted late on Saturday night. “The IHRB have been in contact with me regarding this photo and I will be cooperating fully with their investigation.”

On Sunday evening, Elliott released another statement in addition which reads: “I would like to address the speculation and rumours that have been rife since an old photo of me began circulating on social media yesterday afternoon.

“Firstly, I apologise profoundly for any offence that this photo has caused and can categorically state that the welfare of each and every horse under my care is paramount and has been central to the success that we have enjoyed here at Cullentra.

“The photo in question was taken some time ago and occurred after a horse had died of an apparent heart attack on the gallops. I appreciate that an initial viewing of this photo suggests it is a callous and staged photo but nothing could be further from the truth.

“At what was a sad time, which it is when any horse under my care passes away, my initial reaction was to get the body removed from where it was positioned.

“I was standing over the horse waiting to help with the removal of the body, in the course of which, to my memory I received a call and, without thinking, I sat down to take it. Hearing a shout from one of my team, I gestured to wait until I was finished.

“Such background information may seem trivial at this time and will not allay the concerns of many people both within and outside the world of horse racing.

“However, I feel it is important to provide people with some context surrounding this photo. To the racing community, to anyone who has worked with and loves horses and to anyone offended by this image I cannot apologise enough.

“Horse welfare and the care and attention to detail involved is absolutely at the core of everything we do here and both myself and all of my team pride ourselves on those standards.

“Again I apologise for any offence caused and ask people to consider this statement as opposed to the various falsehoods and misinformation being circulated on social media.

“At this time I would like to stress that I continue to extend my full cooperation with the ongoing IHRB investigation.”

Early on Saturday the IHRB said that it was “aware of an image circulating on social media and the matter is under investigation.”

An IHRB spokesman added to the BBC on Sunday,” The investigation is ongoing and will be dealt with as quickly as possible.”

The British Horseracing Authority has been made aware of the situation and is in contact with the Irish authorities.

Said a BHA spokesperson, “We hope the Irish authorities will quickly confirm how this shocking picture originated. Respect for horses is a fundamental value of our sport, contrary to the impression in this picture. The IHRB have assured us that the investigation will be carried out as quickly as possible and that they will keep us informed as more information becomes available.”

Elliott is currently readying a strong squad of horses to contest the upcoming Cheltenham Festival. Among his stable is two-time Grand National winner Tiger Roll (Ire) (Authorized {Ire}) who is targeting the Cross-Country Chase there before a potential record-equaling third National at Aintree in April.

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‘Would Not Be A Better Turf Course In The Country’: Fair Hill Opens After Renovations

The new Turf Course at Fair Hill was used for the first time yesterday since improvements to the track were completed this year. Fair Hill-based trainer, Graham Motion galloped his three 2020 Breeders' Cup contenders, Mean Mary, Alda, and Invincible Gal, along with last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf winner, Sharing, giving the course its first run.

Construction on the historic track began in 2019 and took just over a year to finish. The one-mile course was realigned for consistent width and the turns were widened. An advanced irrigation system was installed for efficient drainage and the surface was replaced with a Kentucky Bluegrass Mix. New distance poles, finish pole and running rails were also erected to give it a fresh look.

“There would not be a better turf course in the country right now without exception,” said Motion. “Everyone was very pleased with how it handled, particularly the grade down the backside and up the front side. The turf is in beautiful shape.”

The Turf Course at Fair Hill is part of the newly constructed Special Event Zone at Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area in Cecil County. Owned by the State of Maryland, the venue also features a new Ian Stark-designed cross-country course, updated timber course and new competition arenas built within the turf track's infield. The enhanced turf track will offer more opportunities for training, as well as the potential to host more racing days at Fair Hill in the future.

The investment in the facility by the State of Maryland addressed Fair Hill's aged equestrian infrastructure and ensures the opportunity to sustain Fair Hill's future as one of the premier equine sports venues in the world. The Fair Hill Foundation is currently leading Proud Past – Infinite Future, The Campaign for Fair Hill, to raise private funding to leverage and match state funds for the $20 million project.

Initially designed by William du Pont, Jr. in the late-1920s, The Turf Course at Fair Hill was modeled after the original design of Aintree Racecourse in England. Completed in the 1930s, the track hosted its first race in 1934. It has held many notable Steeplechase events throughout its history including four of the six runnings of the Breeders' Cup Steeplechase (1986-1988, 1991) and the American Grand National in the 1970s.

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