Tag: People

Late call-ups don't get any better than a King George VI and Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes invitation to partner international superstar Mishriff, on whom James Doyle has a great chance of winning the £1.25 million (about US$1.5m) Group 1 for a second time this Saturday at Ascot.

As usual, quality rather than quantity is the main theme in Ascot's midsummer highlight, which is part of the 35-race QIPCO British Champions Series, and few middle-distance horses have more of it than Mishriff, who was beaten only by the Derby winner Adayar in last year's race.

Mishriff has already earned more than his five rivals can muster between them, for having won the Prix Du Jockey Club as a 4-year-old in 2020 he added the Saudi Cup and Dubai Sheema Classic at four before registering arguably the performance of the year with his six-length win in the Juddmonte International.

There was plenty of speculation about who might pick up the ride when it was revealed David Egan's retainer had not been renewed after Mishriff's unlucky-in-running Coral-Eclipse second to Valdeni, but Doyle did not hear he had been chosen much before the news was made public on Tuesday.

Doyle, whose season started sensationally with a QIPCO Guineas double on Coroebus and Cachet, confirmed: “I only learned I'd got the ride pretty much at the same time as everyone else. People had mentioned the possibility, and that was nice in itself, but I never like to get ahead of myself and so to actually get the ride was great.”

The 34-year-old, who partnered Mishriff's stable-companion Lord North for John and Thady Gosden in the Eclipse and had a first sit on the 5-year-old on Wednesday morning, added: “I can't say I saw much of Mishriff through the Eclipse, as I was ahead of him on the inside most of the way. I only saw him when he flashed by late on the outside, but I thought that was a top drawer performance and he was probably a shade unlucky.

“The fact he could nearly get his head in front after meeting trouble in running shows he's still at the top of his game. His second to Adayar in last year's King George was another solid run, and he's very versatile.”

Reflecting on the season so far, Doyle said: “It's been great. To kick off on QIPCO Guineas weekend with a Classic double was just amazing. I'd been riding a long time without a British Classic winner, so to suddenly get two of them, back to back, was pretty incredible and a lot to take in.

“Royal Ascot was good too, although I was running out of opportunities and had to wait until the last day for Naval Crown in the Platinum Jubilee, which was brilliant but not 100 per cent expected.”

Doyle has great memories of winning the QIPCO King George on Sir Michael Stoute's Poet's Word four years ago, when he beat his great friend William Buick on Crystal Ocean, and he has also enjoyed some very special days riding for the Gosden stable, which has already won no fewer than five King Georges, all in the last 11 years.

He said: “Winning on Poet's Word was an incredible day. The King George is one of the season's stellar Group 1s obviously and it's a race I always wanted to win. Myself and Will had a good old ding-dong all the way down the straight, and I just came out on top. It was a terrific battle and a very special day.

“I've had some good times obviously riding for the Gosdens too. I've been lucky to ride some very nice horses for them, including Kingman obviously, and Lord North. Kingman was a very special horse and won all of those Group 1s, and I had a great win on Lord North in the Prince of Wales's. I'm excited by the chance to ride another big winner for them.”

Winners aged four and upwards have outscored the Classic generation by 16 wins to six since the turn of the century, and this year the older generation is represented by three more Group 1 winners.

Last year's Arc winner Torquator Tasso, back to form with an easy win in a Hamburg Group 2 last time, would be a third German-trained winner following Danedream in 2012 and Novellist in 2013, while Broome, successful last year in the Grand Prix de Paris and a recent winner of Royal Ascot's Hardwicke Stakes, also merits plenty of respect as the sole representative of Aidan O'Brien. The 2021 Coronation Cup winner Pyledriver, who was second in the same race last month, can be counted upon to run his usual honest race.

However, despite the absence of Derby winner Desert Crown, ruled out by a hoof issue last week, the main dangers to Mishriff could be the lineup's two Classic 3-year-olds.

Unlucky-in-running Cazoo Derby third Westover, a seven-length winner since of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, was briefly odds on in some lists following the Desert Crown news, but he has been joined at the head of the market by Mishriff's stable-mate Emily Upjohn, the short-head Cazoo Oaks second, who would have run in last weekend's Irish Oaks rather than here but for travel issues.

Westover's trainer Ralph Beckett, a former assistant to the late Peter Walwyn, trainer of 1975 King George hero Grundy, has had only one runner previously in the King George – his first Oaks winner Look Here, who was sixth to Conduit in 2010. However, he has dreamed of having a fancied runner in the race since seeing Shergar win as a schoolboy in 1981.

He recalled: “I was there when Ela-Mana-Mou won in 1980, but the one that really left an impression was Shergar's win the following year. I remember they applauded him into the paddock before the race, which is almost unheard of, and as a 10-year-old schoolboy you can imagine how huge an impression that made on me.”

Of Westover, whose rider Colin Keane took over from Rob Hornby at The Curragh, he said: “We are all looking forward to it. At the start of the year none of us could have envisaged Westover getting quite this far, so this is a surprise to all of us, but he's kept on getting better physically and that's where all of the improvement has come from.”

Beckett did not need telling that Keane, who was champion jockey in Ireland for a third time last year, has yet to ride an Ascot winner from 46 rides. He was already aware, but he is not worried about it and said: “Colin gave Westover a good ride in Ireland. He rode him very well, so let's hope for more of the same.”

He added: “As I said the other day, we don't have a stable jockey. We have three jockeys who ride regularly, but if an owner wants someone else then that's up to them. That's the way it works.”

The post James Doyle Excited By Late-Call Up On Mishriff For King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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John Gosden reported Stradivarius to be in enthusiastic form ahead of his bid to win a record fifth Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup (Group 1) next week. After suffering interference under Frankie Dettori in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot under Frankie Dettori, the 8-year-old will line up with Andrea Atzeni on board for the first time since the 2018 renewal at Goodwood.

Gosden, speaking on Warren Hill in Newmarket, said: “Stradivarius is happy, he's well. He's maintained his enthusiasm for the game throughout and enjoys his training. We couldn't really be more pleased with him for a chap at this stage of his career, so we're very much looking forward to it.”

Stradivarius was a late non-runner following a deluge of rain last year and Gosden is keen that the recent dry spell continues into next week.

“We're very hopeful that it's not heavy ground,” Gosden said. “He was at Goodwood in the stables last year, when Thady and I walked the track. The water was lying on the top of the track, and we knew that wasn't for him. It's a pity he couldn't have run because every time he has run at Goodwood, he's won a Goodwood Cup.”

Ahead of what could be his final career start, John Gosden reflected on Stradivarius' longevity.

“You're very lucky to have a horse or a race mare like that ever come to you, and then to enjoy their longevity and their amazing consistency at that top level,” said Gosden. “That is testament to the horse, the breeder, and to have that constitution is pretty remarkable. That is probably what has been so fulfilling and the fact he is rather like she (Enable) was. Expressive, rather outgoing and joyous.”

Stradivarius has won four Al Shaqab Goodwood Cups and three Ascot Gold Cups, but Gosden remembers his first win in each renewal as his two favorite Stradivarius memories.

“His first Goodwood Cup and his first Ascot Gold Cup would be the highlights,” the trainer said. “Winning the Goodwood Cup as a 3-year-old and then the Ascot Gold Cup as a 4-year-old. He's built on that down the years. There aren't many flat horses who stay around like him through the years. I always remember when Rachel and I came back from America, we made a point of getting in the car and taking however long it took to get there to see Desert Orchid run in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. We had a cup of tea and came back. So, it was something like six hours on the road for the sake of being there for half an hour, but it was very much worth it. When you have a horse like that, they are unique, and they need to be celebrated.”

Kyprios and Mojo Star finished ahead of Stradivarius at Ascot, but Gosden is looking forward to the rematch at Goodwood, a track that plays to Stradivarius' strengths.

He said: “It's pretty set who the key horses are (in the Goodwood Cup). We're happy at two miles, two-and-a-half miles. He would run a big race over a mile-and-a-half. So, to that extent I've been pleased with him all along and we're looking forward to it. He's quick on his feet, he's agile. That always helps around Goodwood. It's a downward turning track and he probably enjoys the twists and turns of it, he probably finds it quite entertaining like a fairground ride.”

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Joel Rosario, the reigning Eclipse Award winner as Outstanding Jockey, started the highly anticipated Saratoga meet off exceptionally well with three graded stakes wins including the Grade 1 Diana to earn Jockey of the Week honors. The award, which is voted on by a panel of racing experts, honors jockeys who are members of the Jockeys' Guild, the organization which represents more than 1050 active, retired and permanently disabled jockeys in the United States.

On Friday, trainer Christophe Clement gave a leg up to Rosario on City Man in the G3 Forbidden Apple for 4-year-olds and up. City Man broke from post position nine and was sent to the rail by Rosario, settling in seventh. As the field approached the far turn, Rosario moved City Man to the outside taking command at the eighth pole to win by 2 3/4 lengths in 1:33.76 for one mile on the inner turf. Rosario has now been aboard City Man for four of the horse's five stakes victories.

“I was very comfortable,” said Rosario. “For a second, I was between horses passing the three-eighths, but he was handling everything fine. He put in a good run today.”

On Saturday, Rosario was aboard In Italian, the lightly regarded of four-time Eclipse-Award winner Chad Brown's quartet of entries in the G1 Diana for fillies and mares 4-years-old and up. She proved to be the best, posting a wire-to-wire win in 1:45.06 setting a new track record for the 1 1/8-mile turf event.

“It looked like she was going very easy,” said Rosario who was riding In Italian for the first time. “It looked like she was enjoying everything and it was very easy for her. She was able to turn loose going for home and just took off again.”

Rosario continued his winning ways on Sunday aboard Big Invasion in the G3 Quick Call again for trainer Christophe Clement. Off as the favorite in the field of six, Big Invasion raced in fifth behind a hot early pace before making his move around the far turn to power home a 2 3/4-length winner in a final time of 1:00.80 for the 5 1/2 furlong turf test for 3-year-olds.

“He broke very well and it looked like it was a little speed in front and we set up nice in behind them,” said Rosario. “He did great. Turning for home, I was just a passenger on the best horse in the race.”

Rosario sits atop the Saratoga jockey standings with seven wins and $780,738 in total purses.

Other contenders for Jockey of the Week were Javier Castellano with two stakes wins, Stewart Elliott also with two stakes victories, Florent Geroux with two graded stakes wins and Horacio Karamanos with a stakes win and eight total wins for the week.

The post Saratoga Stakes Triple Nets Joel Rosario Jockey Of The Week Title appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Slade Callaghan, who has recorded nearly 850 career wins, including 31 stakes, has been named the 2022 recipient of the Avelino Gomez Memorial Award.

The coveted Gomez Award is given to the person, Canadian-born, Canadian-raised or regular rider in the country for more than five years, who has made significant contributions to the sport.

It is named in memory of one of the sport's most successful and revered performers. The Cuban-born Gomez died of complications after a three-horse accident in the 1980 Canadian Oaks.

To commemorate his contributions to the sport, a life-size statue of Gomez, who called Toronto home and raised a family there, keeps watch over Woodbine's walking ring. A replica is presented to each year's honouree.

“I was really humbled,” said Callaghan, upon receiving the news he was this year's recipient. “I've been here at Woodbine 28 years and every year I've been here I've seen so many great riders, who have had amazing careers, receive this award. For me to be added to this list is overwhelming. It's also gratifying. I don't know where the time has gone. It's been about 10 years since I was what I'd call semi-retired, riding a few horses, but definitely not full time. I love this racetrack and I love the people. I'm glad I made the decision to ride here.” ​

Callaghan, 51, has enjoyed great success over a riding career that began when he was just 16.

A natural sportsman – he excelled at tennis and squash – Callaghan launched his life in the saddle in his native Barbados, winning his first race in 1986, but a serious shoulder injury, the result of racing accident, sent him to the sidelines for nearly a year.

The setback didn't diminish Callaghan's affinity for horse racing or his determination to get back in the irons. Ten months after the accident he was in the winner's circle again.

In 1994, he made decision to come to Canada with the hope of becoming a regular at Woodbine, a place where his brother, Brett, had also competed.

His first Canadian victory came at Fort Erie that same year. In 1999, Callaghan won 60 races, including six stakes. A fractured vertebra kept him out of action for only a month, and he returned to win the New Providence Stakes in 2000 when he teamed with the aptly named Matter of Courage.

After a 48-win campaign in 2000, Callaghan posted 43 victories in 2001 and 54 in 2002. One year later, he topped the $2 million plateau in purse earnings, marking the fifth straight year he reached that number. In 2004, he posted a career-best 64 wins.

Highlights include winning the 2002 Breeders' Stakes, third jewel in the Canadian Triple Crown series, aboard Portcullis, the 2006 Incitatus Cup aboard Archeress on Barbados Day at Woodbine, as well as the 2008 Grade 1 Woodbine Mile, and 2008 Grade 3 Connaught Cup, both with Rahy's Attorney. Another special triumph came in 2004 when he returned to ride in his homeland and won the country's most prestigious race, the Barbados Gold Cup.

“I've never been a top three, top five rider, but I've always been a solid, hard-working rider. To be recognized with this award is truly one of the best things that I've experienced in my career. It really is nice and I'm very grateful for it. But for me, when I look back on my career, everything comes back to the horses and the people. That's what's it all about. The grooms, the hotwalkers, the valets, the gate crew, exercise riders, trainers, owners, my fellow riders, and everyone who works hard to make the races happen, I'm very appreciative of everyone and what they do. I was also extremely fortunate to have had one agent, Daren Gomez, throughout my career. I can't think of any rider and agent in more recent times who have had that long of a relationship at Woodbine.”

Callaghan, who still picks up the odd mount at the Toronto oval, maintains his connection to the horses and horse racing by working in the barn of his wife, trainer Kelly Callaghan.

As for what the future holds, the veteran rider isn't quite sure. The one certainty is that it will involve Thoroughbreds.

“The horses keep me coming back every day. It's that love of horses. From the time I was a kid, I've had horses in my life. It will remain that way even if I leave Woodbine. Buying and selling horses, that's what I'm leaning towards down the road. I especially love the young horses. I've always enjoyed working with them and they will stay a big part of my life in the next chapter.”

This year's Avelino Gomez Memorial Award ceremony will take place on July 24 at Woodbine, on Woodbine Oaks day.

“To put on the races, it takes a village. You have to thank everyone. I was thinking about my speech on Oaks day, and the one thing that I want to acknowledge is all of the people who work to make racing at Woodbine so great. And I want to thank the horses. They are really the most amazing animals and I really appreciate the connection I have with them.”

Callaghan joins Ron Turcotte, Johnny Longden, Sandy Hawley, Don MacBeth, Chris Rogers, Jeff Fell, Lloyd Duffy, Hugo Dittfach, Robin Platts, Larry Attard, Don Seymour, David Gall, Richard Grubb, Irwin Driedger, David Clark, Jim McKnight, Chris Loseth, Richard Dos Ramos, Robert Landry, Francine Villeneuve, Sam Krasner, John LeBlanc Sr., George Ho Sang, Jack Lauzon, Robert King Jr., Stewart Elliott, Emile Ramsammy, Steve Bahen, Mickey Walls, Patrick Husbands, Quincy Welch, Gary Stahlbaum, Gary Boulanger, Emma-Jayne Wilson, Frank Barroby and Eurico Rosa da Silva as Gomez recipients.

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