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Appleby Named Flat and International Trainer of the Year

Trainer Charlie Appleby was named the 2021 British Champion Flat Trainer at the Horserace Writers & Photographers Awards (HWPA) Derby Awards at the Royal Lancaster in London on Monday evening. The 46-year-old was also named the Champion International Trainer, sponsored by the International Racing Bureau.

The retained trainer for Godolphin based at Moulton Paddocks in Newmarket, Appleby celebrated 17 Group/Grade 1 victories internationally in 2021, including five British Group 1s, four QIPCO British Champions Series races and a trio of Breeders' Cup victories. The Trainers' Championship runs from New Year's Day to New Year's Eve every year, and is based on prizemoney won in that period. Currently, Apple's prizemoney is £4,888,314 through Sunday, Dec. 5 before the UK's cards began on Monday. He is £570,507 ahead of Andrew Balding.

He sent out runners to win at the highest level in Canada, France, Ireland and the United States in 2021. Some of his best winners in 2021 include G1 Derby and G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth S. hero Adayar (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), G1 Irish Derby, G1 St Leger, and G1 Grand Prix de Paris victor Hurricane Lane (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) and Native Trail (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), who won a brace of juvenile Group 1s.

Appleby said, “It's huge for myself and the team at Moulton Paddocks. Most importantly, from the get-go back in 2013, we set our stall out on what we'd like to try to achieve and that was getting the success back into Godolphin and getting the big race winners on the board, while also taking on stallions and broodmares to bolster the future.

“We began growing steadily with winners and then the nicer horses started to come into the yard. Thankfully, we've been able to make the most of it. The success over the last three to four years has improved year on year after a breakthrough year in 2018 with Masar (Ire) winning the Derby and Cross Counter (Ire) winning the G1 Melbourne Cup.

“Going into the start of this season we were confident our 3-year-olds had wintered well as 2-year-olds, but like everyone in the spring you're trying to get a feeling of what you're dealing with. We felt early doors that our middle distance horses were coming to the fore and on the evidence of the trials we were very competitive. We went on to win the Derby, the Irish Derby, the King George and ended up with the St Leger on British soil, so we really did tick all the boxes.”

Creative Force (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) captured the G1 British Champion Sprint S. for Appleby, who added, “I'd have to say the King George win gave us the most satisfaction this year. We were very lucky to win the Derby again, but to repeat history in terms of Adayar going on to win the King George, which hadn't been done in 20 years, that was a very proud moment for the team. A lot of people here at Moulton Paddocks took a lot of pleasure from that.”

Overall, Appleby has had 113 domestic winners, at a strike rate of 29%, and 196 places in 2021 from 389 runs.

Newmarket-based jockey Buick, retained rider for Appleby and close runner-up in this year's Flat Jockeys' Championship, said, “It's a fantastic achievement for Charlie and very well deserved. I feel very privileged to be working so closely with him and the great team at Moulton Paddocks and Godolphin. Charlie's management of his horses and team has been a pleasure to witness and his CV as a young trainer is outstanding. Many congratulations Charlie.”

Charlie's wife, Aisling, said, “As a family all five of us are very proud of Charlie and this award. He may have missed a few Pony Club meets and bath times but this makes it all worthwhile.”

Hugh Anderson, Chief Operating Officer at Godolphin (UK and Dubai) said, “Everyone at Godolphin is delighted for Charlie and very proud of his success this season. It has been a superb year for Godolphin and he has led the charge with his handling of superstars like Adayar, Hurricane Lane and Native Trail as well as his exceptional campaigning across the Atlantic and elsewhere. He fully deserves the accolade of champion trainer and now joins the greats of the sport. We couldn't be happier for him and his whole team.”

Appleby's trio of Breeders' Cup winners were: Modern Games (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the GI Juvenile Turf, Space Blues (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the GI Mile and Yibir (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the GI Turf. That threesome joined earlier Grade I winners at Woodbine among his outstanding season of international scorers: Albahr (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the GI Summer S., Wild Beauty (GB) (Frankel {GB}) in the GI Natalma S. and Walton Street (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}) in the GI Pattison Canadian International S.

Adrian Beaumont said, “It has been an amazing year for international racing, especially given the extra protocols caused by Covid. British based trainers have won major races in Bahrain, Canada, Dubai, Saudi Arabia and the States as well as throughout Europe. It is remarkable that John and Thady Gosden won the world's richest race, the Saudi Cup with Mishriff (Ire) (Make Believe {GB}), but didn't win our award due to Charlie Appleby's stellar season.”

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Global Views: Promoting Racing is Everyone’s Duty

In Global Views, Godolphin Flying Start trainees provide insight into practices experienced and observations taken on their worldwide travels. Trainee Lachlan Pethica discusses ways the industry can attract new fans.

Attracting a new and diverse audience is of paramount importance if racing's popularity is to avoid demise. This remains a topical discussion in the industry and is being acted upon across the world; however, individual participants must collaborate to ensure the ongoing success of the sport.

To an 'insider', our industry is often perceived as open and accessible, where passionate people can interact with the stars of the show both equine and human. In some respects this is true; however, to the uninitiated person, racing can undoubtedly appear opaque and uninviting. Take the paddock on race day for example; people dressed in their finery stand amongst the stars of the show, with little to no interaction with everyday racegoers. This symbolic divide represents those 'in the know' and those not so learned. Our sport's complex race card and jargon do not promote inclusion and instead have the potential to scare away newcomers. If we can expand what it means to be 'a racing person', we'll move swiftly towards a brighter future.

The term 'racing person' is to many a badge of honour and rightly so; we're all proud to be involved in this great game. We're an industry of committed and passionate people. At times, though, one must wonder if our industry is too much a coterie which appears out of bounds to others. If we can expand our horizons on what it means to be 'a racing person' and foster a greater sense of belonging, we'll be far better placed for what will be a challenging future. The more we open the door and remove the veil of secrecy and some of the barriers of entry to our sport, the sooner we open the door to a new and diverse audience.

Many in the industry have already recognised this opportunity. Take for example the Irish National Stud and its Irish Racehorse Experience, which is as awe-inducing to an 8-year-old as undoubtedly it is for a 68-year-old. The tourist attraction opened earlier this year to rave reviews, taking visitors on a journey from the birth of a foal through the sales, onto a trainer and eventually into the winner's circle. Visitors are taught about the life cycle of the horse, the incredible physiological capacity of Thoroughbreds, equipment and tack and even the history of 'the punt.' For conventional 'racing people' and the less experienced alike, this is a phenomenally enjoyable experience which is invaluable to our industry. The more touchpoints we can have with young people throughout their development and older folk alike, the better positioned we are as an industry to convert them into regular racegoers and participants.

Programmes such as the Newmarket Pony Academy help to foster an understanding of the horse, not just racing. Targeted at primary school-aged children, the programme offers a week-long experience to local schools and combines essential learning such as reading and writing with horses and their care as the principal focus. Based in the heart of the British Racing School, participants are indirectly exposed to racing, building an appreciation for both the leisure and the racing horse. The deeper the relationship with the horse, the better positioned our industry is to convert young people into racing fans. Any opportunity we can give children to learn about and enjoy horses, the better served our industry is.

The power of these initiatives is immense, but without industry buy-in their impact is limited. It is incumbent upon every industry participant to acknowledge the benefits of an open relationship with the public. The divisive undertones of our sport are harmful to our future and in changing times, we too must adapt. We should be promoting our work to the masses to humanise our industry; the rise of digital initiatives like Thoroughbred Tales is a demonstration of what can be achieved through openness and humanisation. No longer is it acceptable to be passive; every participant has a duty to promote racing to the best of their ability and foster interest. We're an industry of excitement which people from a host of backgrounds are intrigued by. To convert these people to new racegoers and participants, and retain them, we must work to avoid our parochial tendencies.

Many will point to the success of syndicates as a measure of racing's changing ways; this is undeniable. Is there enough cultural diversity among these newcomers? Changing the definition of what it means to be 'a racing person' can only serve to grow our influence in broader societal groups. No longer can we allow the status quo to stymie our future growth. It's time for racing and its participants to show their wares to a group beyond the current microcosm. Our future depends on it.

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Sinister Minister Colt Runs to Billing in Champions Cup

Favoured to become the first Group 1 winner for his sire in the G1 Champions Cup, T O Keynes (Jpn) (Sinister Minister) followed the money and crossed the wire six lengths to the good of 2020 winner and Japanese Champion Dirt Horse Chuwa Wizard (Jpn) (King Kamehameha {Jpn}) at Chukyo on Sunday.

Priced at 2-1, the 4-year-old colt rated kindly in sixth as Group 1-winning white mare Sodashi (Jpn) (Kurofune {Jpn}), making her dirt bow, opened up to lead past the winning post and into the first turn. Positions were unchanged on the backside and the chestnut was poised to pounce exiting the final bend. Sodashi was swarmed by rivals inside the quarter-mile marker and T O Keynes found a gap at the perfect time to take the lead shortly thereafter. He sped away from his rivals to win comfortably, with Chuwa Wizard, who was second in the G1 Dubai World Cup earlier this year, closing from off the pace to take second, 3/4 of a length in front of stalker Another Truth (Jpn) (I'll Have Another). Sodashi faded to 12th.

“Though the JBC Classic result was disappointing due to the slow start, he broke smoothly today, thanks to the gate practice he went through at the stable,” said Kohei Matsuyama. “I was able to ride him in good rhythm and he responded remarkably well turning the fourth corner, so everything was perfect. I think he's a very strong horse and I'm glad I was able to bring out his strong performance.”

Second in the Listed Betelgeuse S. at Hanshin last December, the colt ran sixth in the G1 Tokyo Daishoten at Oi just nine days later on Dec. 29. He opened 2021 with a win in the muddy Nagoyajo S. in March and claimed his first group victory with a score in the G3 Antares S. on Apr. 18. He stretched his winning streak to three when taking the June 30 Listed Teio Sho, and, given a break, ran fourth in the Listed JBC Classic at Kanazawa on Nov. 3.

Pedigree Notes
One of 11 black-type winners-three at the group level–for his sire, T O Keynes has become the most decorated runner for the 2006 GI Toyota Blue Grass S. hero.
T O Keynes is the fourth foal and fourth of five winners for his placed dam. Maxim Café has since produced colts by Copano Rickey (Jpn) in 2019 and 2021, with the juvenile christened Copano Austin (Jpn). She is a half-sister to black-type winner and G3 Leopard S. third Tamano Brunette (Jpn) (Deep Sky {Jpn}).

Sunday, Chukyo, Japan
CHAMPIONS CUP-G1, ¥194,860,000, Chukyo, 12-5, 3yo/up, 1800m, 1:49.70, gd.
1–T O KEYNES (JPN), 126, c, 4, Sinister Minister
                1st Dam: Maxim Café (Jpn), by Manhattan Café (Jpn)
                2nd Dam: Cafe Pinoko (Jpn), by Jade Robbery
                3rd Dam: Pinochet, by Storm Cat
1ST GROUP 1 WIN. O-Tomoya Ozasa; B-Yanagawa Farm (Jpn);
T-Daisuje Takayanagi; J-Kohei Matsuyama. ¥103,402,000.
Lifetime: 15-8-2-2. Werk Nick Rating: A++. Click for the
   eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Chuwa Wizard (Jpn), 126, h, 6, King Kamehameha (Jpn)–
Chuwa Blossom (Jpn), by Durandal (Jpn). O-Shinobu Nakanishi;
B-Northern Farm (Jpn); ¥40,972,000.
3–Another Truth (Jpn), 126, g, 7, I'll Have Another–Kyoei Truth
(Jpn), by Fuji Kiseki (Jpn). 1ST GROUP 1 BLACK-TYPE.
O-Normandy Thoroughbred Racing; B-Okada Stud (Jpn);
¥25,486,000.
Margins: 6, 3/4, NK. Odds: 2.30, 3.60, 114.40.
Also Ran: Inti (Jpn), Sunrise Nova (Jpn), Auvergne (Jpn), Meisho Hario (Jpn), Suave Aramis (Jpn), Air Spinel (Jpn), Casino Fountain (Jpn), Cafe Pharoah, Sodashi (Jpn), K T Brave (Jpn), Clincher (Jpn), Sunrise Hope (Jpn), Danon Pharaoh (Jpn).
Click for the JRA chart & video or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.

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Shadwell Draft Propels Final Session as Tattersalls December Ends

Demand for bloodstock continued in Newmarket on Thursday, albeit at a lower price bracket, as Adaalah (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), a member of the Shadwell draft, brought 82,000gns to top the fourth and final session of the Tattersalls December Mare Sale as the curtain fell on the sales season at Park Paddocks for 2021.

Thanks in part to larger drafts from the aforementioned Shadwell, Juddmonte and Godolphin, the former pair having lost their patrons earlier this year, turnover at the December Mare Sale was in excess of 60 million gns, with 788 lots sold from 964 offered (82%) for an aggregate of 62,412,700gns. This was an improvement of 45% on the sale total from 2020. Both the entire sale's average and median were also up at least 30%, with the former at 79,204gns (+35%) and the latter at 26,000gns (+30%).

Four mares made seven figures led by Waldlied (GB) (New Approach {Ire}) (lot 1839) at 2.2 million gns, and followed by 2-million gns buy Cayenne Pepper (Ire) (Australia {GB}) (lot 1840). Sunday Times (GB) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) (lot 1810) and Flotus (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) (lot 1798) rounded out the quartet at 1.8 million gns and 1 million gns, respectively.

Consigned as lot 2277, Adaalah, in foal to Eqtidaar (Ire), was purchased by Najd Stud. A daughter of the dual listed winner Muteela (GB) (Dansili {GB}), who was also second in the G3 Supreme S. and G3 Oak Tree S., Adaalah's stakes-winning and dual group-placed granddam Nufoos (GB) (Zafonic) is responsible for G1 Middle Park S. hero Awzaan (GB) (Alhaarth {Ire}), G3 Sweet Solera S. victress Muraaqaba (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) and the stakes-placed Hajras (Ire) (Dubai Destination).

“We don't know plans yet, I need to call Saudi and find out,”said Saud Al Qahtani, who was bidding on behalf of Najd Stud's Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Abdulaziz. “She may stay here with other mares or she may ship to Saudi. We have also bought lot 1790, Under The Stars (Ire) (300,000gns), who is in-foal to Frankel (GB). They may stay with Ted Voute, who, of course, reared this year's champion Mishriff (Ire) (Make Believe {GB}).

Adaalah's foal of 2021 was knocked down for 15,000gns by BBA Ireland at the Tattersalls December Foal Sale.

“This mare is by Oasis Dream, which was very attractive for us,” continued Al Qahtani, who also signed for two other mares on Thursday, among them Shadwell's winning Etaab (Street Cry {Ire}) (lot 2328), in foal to Muhaarar {GB}, for17,000gns. “He is a good broodmare sire. She has had a very nice foal this year by the same stallion. We are hoping to build a significant operation in Europe.”

Another Shadwell consignee, Sareeha (Ire) (Shamardal), caught the eye of JD Moore at 52,000gns. Lot 2379, out of the winning Saraha (GB) (Dansili {GB}), has one run to her name. The second dam is the Listed Prix Charles Laffitte victress Kareemah (Ire) (Peintre Celebre) and this is the extended family of champion and Shadwell royalty Lahudood (GB) (Singspiel {Ire}).

“She is for a client, we like her profile and she is by Shamardal,” JD Moore said. “She looked green on her start at Chelmsford in September. We will make plans when she gets to her new yard.”

Completing the top three lots was Brook Stud's Golden Wattle (Ire) (Australia {GB}) (lot 2294). Charlie Peate acquired the 3-year-old after she left the ring for 40,000gns. Her dual Group 3-winning dam Chrysanthemum (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}), who was also third in the G1 Pretty Polly S., already has G3 Classic Trial winner Cunco (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) to her credit.

Thursday's session benefitted from Shadwell's offerings, with five of the top 10 lots hailing from that consignment. Of the 163 fillies or mares offered, 105 sold (64%) for a gross of 845,700gns. The average increased to 8,054gns and the median was also up to 5,000gns, gains of 59% and 67%, respectively.

Taking a fortnight of selling into account, a staggering total of 1,667 lots sold from 2,034 offered (82%) across the Tattersalls December Yearling, Foal, and Mare Sales. The gross was 98,781,700gns, up 35% on 2020's 73,353,300gns during the first year of the covid pandemic. The average and median were also higher than their 2020 counterparts-59,257gns average (+20%) and 25,000gns median (+25%).

At the conclusion of the 2021 Tattersalls December Mares Sale, Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony commented, “Beginning with Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale, the 2021 Tattersalls sales season has consistently outperformed expectation and the global demand throughout this week's December Mares Sale has seen the momentum sustained to the very end.

“Record medians at both the December Yearling Sale and December Foal Sale demonstrated the extraordinary depth in all sectors of the market and we have seen that replicated over the past four days with buyers from throughout the world all contributing to a sale which has not only comfortably surpassed last year's returns but also the pre-pandemic levels of 2019.

“The 2021 Tattersalls December Mares Sale has produced turnover well in excess of 60 million guineas, 45% higher than last year, wide-margin gains in average and median, an impressive clearance rate above 80% and an unprecedented 164 fillies and mares which have sold for 100,000 guineas or more. Annual turnover at Tattersalls has leapt from 260 million guineas in 2020 to more than 320 million guineas this year, a figure bettered only twice and a clear demonstration of a wider industry which has quickly regained confidence and vibrance after the rigours of last year.

“The four outstanding seven figure lots, Waldlied, Cayenne Pepper, Sunday Times, and Flotus, all paid tribute to the consistent demand for bloodstock of the highest quality which has been the feature of the 2021 Tattersalls sales season, but the real highlight has been the opportunity to welcome back so many international buyers to Park Paddocks. The Tattersalls December Mares Sale showcases the very best breeding stock to be found in Europe, and the easing of travel restrictions has seen the return of the uniquely international atmosphere to this historic fixture with international buyers competing at all levels of the market. Buyers from America, Australia, France and Japan have been particularly prominent and the throng of overseas participants have faced strong competition throughout from their British and Irish counterparts.

“As well as recognising the massive contribution from the buyers we must also pay tribute to the consignors who every year make the Tattersalls December Sale a highlight of the international bloodstock sales calendar. The major consignments from Godolphin, Juddmonte Farms and Shadwell Estates, as well as the dispersal of Sir Robert Ogden's fillies and mares, proved to be hugely popular and the support of the top consignors from Britain, Ireland and France has yet again been rewarded with the unrelenting global demand which has long been the hallmark of Europe's premier sale of breeding stock.”

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