Lord North | Horse Racing Free Tips

Breeders’ Cup: Godolphin Wins Third Straight John Deere Award For Outstanding Breeder

Strengthened by victories from She's a Julie, Lord North (IRE) and Essential Quality, Godolphin has won its third consecutive John Deere Award, honoring the outstanding breeder of the 2020 Breeders' Cup World Championships and the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series.

The John Deere Award, presented by Breeders' Cup Limited and NTRA Advantage, emphasizes the contributions of breeders to the Breeders' Cup program. The industry's breeders provide funding for the purses for the World Championships through the annual nominations of foals and stallions.

NTRA Advantage and John Deere will award a John Deere TS Gator Utility Vehicle to Godolphin.

The John Deere award winner is determined by the breeder who received the highest number of first-place finishes in Graded/Group stakes in the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series of 81 stakes races in nine countries, and in the 14 Breeders' Cup World Championships races (13 Grade 1 events and one Grade 2), which was held this year at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Ky. Each Grade/Group 1 win was worth 10 points; Grade/Group 2 wins were worth six points; Grade/Group 3 wins were worth four points; and listed stakes wins were worth two points.

Godolphin-bred runners earned 40 points by winning four Group/Grade 1 races in England and the United States. Godolphin finished 10 points in front of both Coolmore Stud and Northern Farm/Northern Racing, which tied for second place with 30 points each.

Godolphin's run to the title began on June 13 when the 5-year-old mare She's a Julie, a bay daughter of Elusive Quality out of Kydd Gloves by Dubai Millennium (GB), captured the Ogden Phipps Stakes at Belmont Park, which was “Win and You're In” for the Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1). Just four days later, the 4-year-old gelding Lord North, a bay son of Dubawi (IRE) out of the Giant's Causeway mare Najoum, gave Godolphin its second victory in the competition when he won the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot. The Prince of Wales's Stakes was a Breeders' Cup Challenge Series race which earned Lord North a free berth into the Longines Breeders' Cup Turf (G1).

In the fall at Keeneland, the 2-year-old colt Essential Quality secured the John Deere title for Godolphin. The striking gray/roan son of Tapit out of Delightful Quality by Elusive Quality took the “Win and You're In” Claiborne Breeders' Futurity on Oct. 3, which earned him an automatic starting position in the TVG Breeders' Cup Juvenile presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. One month later, Essential Quality won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile by three-quarters of a length.

“Godolphin's third consecutive John Deere Award is a true testament to their longtime success among international breeders,” said Dora Delgado, Breeders' Cup Chief Racing Officer and Executive Vice President. “We congratulate His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the entire Godolphin team, and we are grateful to this organization and the continuing commitment from all Thoroughbred breeders around the world who support the Breeders' Cup racing and nomination programs.

“We are also very proud of our partners John Deere and NTRA Advantage for recognizing the importance of the breeding industry with the sponsorship of this award,” added Delgado.

“The Breeders' Cup and John Deere's commitment to International Racing reflects the goals and ambitions of the global Godolphin breeding program to strive to compete at the highest level,” said Jimmy Bell, President, Godolphin USA. “Godolphin is honored to be recognized with this award.”

“John Deere would like to once again congratulate Godolphin on this excellent achievement for the third consecutive year,” said Auston Till, Manager Partner Sales, John Deere Ag & Turf. “We are thrilled to award a John Deere Gator™ Utility Vehicle for this outstanding accomplishment.”

The overall competition for the John Deere Award played out at the sport's highest level, as progeny of Coolmore and Northern Farm/Northern Racing also demonstrated standout performances in their deadlock for the runner-up spot. Coolmore-bred Group 1 winners won three Breeders' Cup Challenge Series races, beginning with Love (IRE), who won the Darley Yorkshire Oaks at York on Aug. 20; Magical, who took the Irish Champion Stakes on Sept. 12 at Leopardstown; and Shale (IRE), winner of the Moyglare Stud Stakes on Sept. 13 at The Curragh.

Offspring from Northern Farm/Northern Racing also won three Group 1 Breeders' Cup Challenges races, all in Japan. Almond Eye (JPN) won the Victoria Mile on May 17 at Tokyo Racecourse, Gran Alegria (JPN) took the Yasuda Kinen at Tokyo on June 7, and Chrono Genesis (JPN) captured the Takarazuka Kinen at Hanshin Racecourse on June 28.

The post Breeders’ Cup: Godolphin Wins Third Straight John Deere Award For Outstanding Breeder appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

Godolphin Wins Third Straight John Deere Award As Outstanding Breeder of Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series

Strengthened by victories from She’s a Julie (Elusive Quality), Lord North (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Essential Quality (Tapit), Godolphin has won its third consecutive John Deere Award, honoring the outstanding breeder of the 2020 Breeders’ Cup World Championships and the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series.

The John Deere Award, presented by Breeders’ Cup Limited and NTRA Advantage, emphasizes the contributions of breeders to the Breeders’ Cup program. The industry’s breeders provide funding for the purses for the World Championships through the annual nominations of foals and stallions. NTRA Advantage and John Deere will award a John Deere TS Gator Utility Vehicle to Godolphin.

The John Deere award winner is determined by the breeder who received the highest number of first-place finishes in Graded/Group stakes in the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series of 81 stakes races in nine countries, and in the 14 Breeders’ Cup World Championships races. Each Grade/Group 1 win was worth 10 points; Grade/Group 2 wins were worth six points; Grade/Group 3 wins were worth four points; and listed stakes wins were worth two points.

“The Breeders’ Cup and John Deere’s commitment to International Racing reflects the goals and ambitions of the global Godolphin breeding program to strive to compete at the highest level,” said Jimmy Bell, President, Godolphin USA. “Godolphin is honored to be recognized with this award.”

The post Godolphin Wins Third Straight John Deere Award As Outstanding Breeder of Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

European Breeders’ Cup Report: Gosden Trio In Good Form, O’Brien Trainees Take To The Track

John Gosden's trio of Breeders' Cup contenders were the first horses to leave the quarantine barn Thursday morning at Keeneland. Thady Gosden (assistant trainer to his father John) was at the training track to watch the horses train. The trio galloped two circuits of the training track.

Frankie Dettori rode Terebellum (Filly & Mare Turf) who reported the filly to be “all good, she's very well in herself.”

Daniel Harrap, who looks after Terebellum, reported: “she's done great since she arrived in Keeneland. She has eaten very well, her temperatures are good, and her exercise work has been very pleasing.”

Thady Gosden who flew into Keeneland yesterday said: “its great to be here, unfortunately my father won't be making the trip this year. The horses looked great this morning so we're all looking forward to the weekend now.”

Mehdaayih (Turf) was ridden by Andrea Pina who described the filly's workout as “very, very good.”

Lord North (Turf) was ridden by Benario Goncalves de Palva who once again showed great enthusiasm in his training with de Palva saying, “he's bouncing, in great form.”

Safe Voyage (Mile) went onto the training track by himself and did a very light canter. John and Sean Quinn were again trackside and Safe Voyage was ridden by Jason Hart.

Hart said: “He's in good order, we did a nice breeze yesterday so he's had an easy day today to freshen him back up.”

The Lir Jet (Juvenile Turf) did a strong canter for a circuit around the training track.

Trainer Michael Bell said: “that's perfect, he's ready to race.”

Siskin (Mile) went on to the training track under race day jockey Colin Keane. The two did a strong canter for 1 ½ circuits.

Keane said: “he's in great form, really pleased.”

Ubettabelieveit (Juvenile Turf Sprint) once again took the eye on the training track. Partnered by race day jockey Rowan Scott he had a walk around the track and then had a light canter.

His trainer Nigel Tinkler, who has made a great impression on the locals with his sense of humor, said: “Good, that's him spot on for tomorrow. Happy.”

Aidan O'Brien's 10 horses cleared quarantine Wednesday evening and went out on to the main track. They split into two groups of six and four. They did a canter of the main track before heading back to the barn.

Superstar filly Magical (Turf) looked incredibly calm taking in the surroundings.

Andrew Balding was trackside to see Kameko (Mile) along with Qatar Racing manager David Redvers.

Balding said: “I'm pleased to be here. I've had runners at Keeneland in the past so it is great to be back at what is a fantastic racecourse.”

Race day jockey Oisin Murphy said: “We breezed for four furlongs on the turf. The ground was lovely, just kicking the top off but it's fairly fast underneath. His lead changes were very natural. He never overexerts himself in his work, but he felt really good.”

Glass Slippers (GB) (Turf Sprint) was another to canter around the turf ridden by race day jockey Tom Eaves.

Trainer Kevin Ryan said he “couldn't be happier with her. She's really well in herself and Tom said she gave him a lovely feel.”

After exercise, a number of European horses went for a paddock school. They included Kameko, Glass Slippers and Ralph Beckett's Juvenile Turf contenders, Devilwala (IRE) and New Mandate (IRE).

The post European Breeders’ Cup Report: Gosden Trio In Good Form, O’Brien Trainees Take To The Track appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

Lir Can Fly, But Can He Go The Mile?

LEXINGTON, KY–Tuesday brought about another bright but cool morning in Lexington, and the European Breeders’ Cup contingent-all bar the Ballydoyle brigade, which touched down in Lexington late on Monday evening and will be ensconced in quarantine until Thursday-had another opportunity to stretch their legs at Keeneland. The English and Irish Guineas winners Kameko (Kitten’s Joy) and Siskin (First Defence) were among those who took to the training track for the second straight day, with Kameko once again catching the eye in a light gallop just as dawn broke. Siskin once again displayed his well being by throwing in a periodic hop and swivelling his head to take in all the sights as he went about his work, but the Ger Lyons trainee looked a picture of good health and appears to have taken his travels well.

Five Europeans-GII Juvenile Turf Sprint entrant Ubettabelieveit (GB) (Kodiac {GB}) in addition to the fillies Audarya (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Glass Slippers (GB) (Dream Ahead), Miss Amulet (Ire) (Sir Prancealot {Ire})) and One Master (GB) (Fastnet Rock {Aus})–tested the Keeneland turf course for the first time on Tuesday.

G1 Prince of Wales’s S. winner Lord North (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) was a standout among the John Gosden trio as he took to the training track alongside stablemates Terebellum (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) and Mehdaayih (GB) (Frankel {GB}), and the GI Turf contender traveled enthusiastically on the bridle without being overeager through an easy gallop. Trainer Ralph Beckett, having arrived in Lexington on Monday night, was aboard a pony to oversee his GI Juvenile Turf runners New Mandate (Ire) (New Bay {GB}) and Devilwala (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}). The G2 Royal Lodge S. winner New Mandate galloped freely ahead of his barnmate Devilwala, who was fourth in the G1 Dewhurst S. last out. Both horses are campaigned by owners relatively new to the game: Marc Chan bought New Mandate from a partnership headed by Beckett and Alex Elliott after a handicap win at Sandown in August, while Devilwala is among a talented bunch of 2-year-olds for Kia Joorabchian’s Amo Racing.

New Mandate landed in gate two for Friday’s Juvenile Turf at Monday evening’s post position draw and Devilwala in 13, the only horse to the inside of Qatar Racing’s The Lir Jet (Ire) (Prince of Lir {Ire}). The Lir Jet’s trainer Michael Bell was on hand to supervise his first Breeders’ Cup starter on Tuesday, having landed the evening before, and he was philosophical about the draw.

“The draw could have been kinder, but people seem to say you’re better off drawn wide than out low. Time will tell,” he said. “I watched the [2015 Juvenile Turf] when Hit It A Bomb won here, and he won from post 14 and had a great ride from Ryan Moore, so we hope Oisin [Murphy] can do the same.”

The Lir Jet skipped over the training track for the second straight morning on Tuesday, and Bell said he is pleased with how the colt has taken his journey.

“He seems very happy in himself and he’s eating well, which is the most important thing when they’ve traveled, because it can be a bit disruptive for them,” the trainer said. “But he looks in very good form when he’s out on the track in the morning. We’ve kept him on the training track just to keep a lid on him but he couldn’t have traveled better.

It was somewhat serendipitous circumstances that saw The Lir Jet land in Bell’s yard earlier this year; the colt was bought privately by Bell’s son Nick from pinhooker Robson Aguiar after the breeze-up sales were delayed in the spring. Sheikh Fahad came calling after The Lir Jet set a five-furlong track record when winning at Yarmouth on debut two days after racing in Britain resumed on June 3, and the colt carried Qatar Racing’s colours when beating Wesley Ward’s Golden Pal (Uncle Mo) in the G2 Norfolk S. at Royal Ascot. The Lir Jet, from the first crop of Ballyhane Stud’s fellow Norfolk winner Prince of Lir, was somewhat unlucky to be beaten when second in the G2 Prix Robert Papin on July 19 and the G1 Phoenix S. on Aug. 9, and according to Bell didn’t quite handle the Newmarket dip when fifth in the G1 Middle Park S. on Sept. 26. He steps up to a mile for the first time on Friday.

“He was a bit unlucky in the photograph in the Papin when it was heads up, heads down; the dice didn’t roll the right way for him because he was in front just before and just after the line,” Bell said. “He ran in Ireland in the Phoenix S. and stayed on very well but got slightly hampered and finished off very well over six furlongs. He ran at Newmarket and was a bit unbalanced coming down the hill, so this flatter track will suit him better. But he finished off his race very well over six, so we’re hopeful he’ll get the mile.”

“It would be a fantastic achievement,” Bell said of a potential Breeders’ Cup win. “It’s not going to be easy; we’re under no pretensions that he’s a warm-order favourite. We’re taking a punt at the trip, but if he does stay he’ll be in the mix because he has the class and he can certainly run to a higher rating over a mile if he stays. But we’ll only find that out on Friday.”

The post Lir Can Fly, But Can He Go The Mile? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post