Racing Review of the Year: Part I

The Classic Generation

At the start of June, with France and Germany having already crept cautiously back into play after the COVID full-stop, Britain joined in with the beginning of a flourish of catch-up fare. In under a week of racing, we had a new star to gaze at, and time experts were in awe of Bjorn Nielsen’s English King (Fr) (Camelot {GB}). While he looked super-slick in the Listed Lingfield Derby Trial, he was to be given the justifiably dreaded number one draw at Epsom and gave up any chance in the first handful of yards in the blue riband itself. His tardiness was punished by a performance of front-running power rarely seen in the Derby from Serpentine (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), whose rise from obscurity to the sacred heights was astonishing even given that he emanated from Aidan O’Brien’s Ballydoyle stable. Neither English King nor Serpentine were able to finish in the first three again, while the other main players at Epsom also disappeared almost without trace, giving the Coronavirus renewal a shabby look in general.

Arguably the best horse to come out of the Classic was Mogul (GB) (Galileo {Ire}), whose finest hours came in the international tests of the G1 Grand Prix de Paris and G1 Hong Kong Vase. Beaten convincingly by Pyledriver (GB) (Harbour Watch {Ire}) in York’s G2 Great Voltigeur S., the classiest member of the millionaire offspring of Shastye (Ire) (Danehill) shot up the rankings on Sunday and it will be fascinating to witness the clashes between the prides of Ballydoyle and Willie Muir’s Lambourn base in 2021. If the Derby was a disappointing affair, the G1 2000 Guineas, held four weeks earlier, at least stood up where the juvenile form was concerned as Qatar Racing’s Kameko (Kitten’s Joy) held off the ill-fated Wichita (Ire) (No Nay Never) and 2019 champion Pinatubo (Ire) (Shamardal) at Newmarket. Pinatubo came up short again next time in Royal Ascot’s G1 St James’s Palace S. behind Palace Pier (GB) (Kingman {GB}) before landing the G1 Prix Jean Prat and finishing runner-up in the G1 Prix du Moulin de Longchamp to another high-class son of Kingman in Persian King (Ire). None of the first three home in the Guineas will  be with us next term for varying reasons and that situation was confounded with the recent announcement that the G1 St Leger hero Galileo Chrome (Ire) (Australia {GB}) has also been retired.

Aidan O’Brien will have much to look forward to over the winter, however, as Love (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) will be back after a brief but electrifying campaign which saw her become the latest and possibly the easiest 1000 Guineas-Epsom Oaks double act. Denied a run in the G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe as the ground began to deteriorate rapidly across Europe from the end of September, she was spared the ordeal faced by the likes of Enable (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) and Stradivarius (Ire) (Sea the Stars {Ire}) at ParisLongchamp. It was Gestut Schlenderhan’s G1 Deutsches Derby hero In Swoop (Ire) (Adlerflug {Ger}) who ended up in the mix of the year’s best European Classic winners as he earned second in the Arc.

In France, the John Gosden-trained Mishriff (Ire) (Make Believe {GB}) upstaged the G1 Poule d’Essai des Poulains winner Victor Ludorum (GB) (Shamardal) in the G1 Prix du Jockey Club on the day that Fancy Blue (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) denied the G1 Coronation S. winner Alpine Star (Ire) (Sea the Moon {Ger}) and the G1 Irish 1000 Guineas heroine Peaceful (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in a strong edition of the G1 Prix de Diane. The Niarchos Family’s Alpine Star, who had the misfortune to run up against Palace Pier in the G1 Prix Jacques le Marois, and Tarnawa (Ire) (Shamardal) in the G1 Prix de l’Opera, where the G1 Prix Jean Romanet and GI Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf heroine Audarya (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) was back in third, could prove to be the most intriguing of all the French Classic players to emerge next season.

Of Ireland’s Classic winners, there is a sense that they operated below the usual level in 2020. Khalid Abdullah’s G1 Irish 2000 Guineas winner Siskin (First Defence), the aforementioned Peaceful, the Oaks heroine Even So (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) and Derby scorer Santiago (Ire) (Authorized {Ire}) all failed to win again. That underlines a general weakness in Classic form throughout the year, with all the customary patterns and staging posts disturbed or wiped out by the Spring lockdown. The last-named was unable to subdue his compatriot Galileo Chrome in the Leger, but he is being trained with the staying “Cup” races in mind in 2021 and looks tailor-made for the division Aidan O’Brien has reaped such rich dividends in.

The Older Horses

This was supposed to be the year of Enable, as Juddmonte’s monarch returned to her stomping ground, but it actually turned out to be the year of Ghaiyyath (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}). In the mould of former Godolphin greats such as Dubai Millennium (GB), Daylami (Ire) and Fantastic Light, he established himself centrally in the firmament with an astounding front-running performance in the G1 Coronation Cup, which was switched to Newmarket just days after the British Flat season had launched. While his subsequent successes in the G1 Coral-Eclipse at Sandown and G1 Juddmonte International at York may have achieved loftier ratings, the world champion of 2020 was never more visually impressive than on his European comeback. It will be a long time before the Coronation Cup is either graced by such a presence or is staged at the Suffolk venue which contrasts so greatly with Epsom and so the uniqueness of this event will live long. Enable ended up rated six pounds below him, which seemed perfectly fair given that her campaign was highlighted by a win in a three-runner G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth S.

That the old jewel in British racing’s crown could deteriorate to such an extent gives major cause for concern, even allowing for the strangeness of the year and a mix of circumstance. Ascot’s QIPCO Champions Day was also blighted, this time by the weather as the worst of October’s promise of dour conditions came to light. While respected commentators questioned the views of connections of well-beaten fancied horses that the ground was desperate, the eclipse of Stradivarius, Magical (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), Lord North (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Palace Pier cast a shadow over the current edition. Addeybb (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}) was one of a quartet of geldings to plunder the group prizes open to them and that surely was not ideal at a meeting designed to showcase the breed. Stradivarius, whose tame exit from the action in the G2 QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup gave cause for concern, will be back at the track in June hoping for better ground as he bids for a fourth Gold Cup.

Champions Day saw the continued rise of Hollie Doyle, who was nominated for the coveted BBC Sports Personality of the Year award and already the recipient of the Sports Journalists’ Association Sportswoman of the Year among others. At this stage, she is almost guaranteed to become the first female champion jockey in her native country with her momentum set to continue at a relentless pace. A Classic win in 2021 too, perhaps? Cieren Fallon, Jr., who took the G1 July Cup on Oxted (GB) (Mayson {GB}), is another young rider on the rise with his style so reminiscent of his oh-so-talented father.

Other headline acts in 2020 were Shadwell’s high-class miler Mohaather (GB) (Showcasing {GB}), who won a G1 Sussex S. which stands up to any recent renewal, the same operation’s imperturbable sprinter Battaash (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) and Peter Brant’s Arc hero Sottsass (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}). Battaash will be back again next term, bidding to add to his remarkable tally of four Group 1s and four editions of the G2 King George S. in which he is nigh-on unbeatable. Saeed Suhail’s G1 Haydock Sprint Cup hero Dream of Dreams (Ire) (Dream Ahead) will also be back

After the retirement of Magical was announced on Dec. 22, Ireland now has another star mare in His Highness The Aga Khan’s Tarnawa. Her trio of victories in the G1 Prix Vermeille, G1 Prix de l’Opera and GI Breeders’ Cup Turf mark her as special, and her lethal turn of foot will be a major asset as she looks to add to her haul next year. The Arc, which was arguably within her sights this year, will surely be in 2021, and if Dermot Weld can keep her at this level she could be the one to provide him with that missing monument. Time will tell whether the much-discussed three-pound mares’ allowance stands, but while it does the likes of Tarnawa and Love will always have a distinct edge in top competition.

Dark Horses

The ‘lurkers’ who just failed to make it in 2020 but could be big presences next year include Shadwell’s G3 Geoffrey Freer S. winner Hukum (Ire) (Sea the Stars {Ire}), Kirsten Rausing’s G1 Yorkshire Oaks runner-up Alpinista (GB) (Frankel {GB}), David Ward’s promising sprinter Starman (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}) and Godolphin’s 2000 Guineas fourth Military March (GB) (New Approach {Ire}). Also, a Sir Michael Stoute special perhaps? Saeed Suhail’s impressive novice winner My Frankel (GB) (Frankel {GB}), who heads into a 4-year-old campaign lightly-raced and unexposed. Sounds like a few we’ve known in the past.

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‘Happy To Get Out Of The Bubble’: Soumillon Emerges From COVID-19 Quarantine To Ride In Hong Kong

Sidelined from two of the most prestigious meetings in the world because of COVID-19, Belgian ace Christophe Soumillon is anxious to make up for lost opportunities – and time – when he resumes with a full book of rides at Sha Tin on Sunday, Dec. 20.

Diagnosed with COVID-19 shortly before the Breeders' Cup meeting at Keeneland on Nov. 7, the 10-time French champion surrendered a winning ride on Tarnawa in the US$4 million Breeders' Cup Turf.

Salting the wound, Soumillon also watched Order Of Australia – another confirmed mount – post an upset victory in the US$2 million Breeders' Cup Mile.

Unable to gain clearance to leave quarantine as scheduled in Hong Kong because of health protocols, Soumillon then forfeited the ride on Normcore, who claimed the HK$28 million LONGINES Hong Kong Cup under Zac Purton.

Compounding the situation, Soumillon also lost the winning ride on Lucky Patch at Sha Tin at the same meeting.

But, exhibiting an attitude which has impressed his peers and Hong Kong Jockey Club officials, Soumillon is squarely fixed on future positives rather than pondering negatives from the past.

“I knew they (Normcore and Lucky Patch) were gonna run well, probably win. I was ready to see, even a bit, Admire Mars fighting with Golden Sixty. That didn't happen,” he said after the Happy Valley trials this morning (Dec. 18).

“But, anyway, I came here to try my best. I knew had some good rides. Last Wednesday, at Happy Valley, I lost five winners, so the same.

“I'm coming here to compete and do my best. Unfortunately, the rules are the rules.

“I get positively tested in the US.

“I already lost this year the Breeders' Cup, I could win the French Derby, I could win the Arc. I could win many big races and I couldn't be on the horse at the right time some times because we didn't take the greatest decision and sometimes because you get the COVID-19.

“But some people are very sick and couldn't get back well after getting the disease, so it doesn't matter.

“I work enough to know that if I keep going like this, I will find other big winners in the future.

“I lost something, but I learnt different things so it's gonna make me stronger at the end of the day.

“Hopefully I'm gonna get some good rides on some very good horses, that's the target at the end.

“I just want to go back riding races, going to the winners' circle and doing what I do best.”

Such is Soumillon's appeal among owners and trainers, he is fully booked through Jan. 1, 2021, starting with a complement of 10 rides on Sunday.

“Really happy to get out of the bubble, finally I can do what I really love every day – riding horses and competing with other jockeys,” he said.

“Very excited to be racing on Sunday and my feelings are very good. I'm fit and well and ready to go.”

Proving every cloud has a silver lining, Soumillon has used the time in isolation pro-actively, building fitness and spending hours poring over replays and form.

“Because I was locked up for more than two weeks now, maybe three (weeks), I've had the time to look at the races properly and analyze every horse's trackwork and the way they are improving a lot,” he said.

“It was quite good in that way.

“My first two race days are fully booked and it's the same now until the first of January, so I feel a lot of good support from the owners and trainers.

“I just hope now I can do my job again, like I did before.”

Soumillon is hopeful Ballistic King is among his best chances to add to his tally of 110 Hong Kong winners in the Class 2 Bellflower Handicap (1400m).

“We didn't have the best draw (barrier 9), but the horse looks in form,” he said.

“He got beat not far away the last few races, just hoping he can jump out of the gates quite well.

“He looks a bit of a one-paced horse but he looks in form. I think he's going to run good.”

Synonymous with Hong Kong top-liners Viva Pataca, Bullish Luck, Good Ba Ba and Perfect Partner, Soumillon will belatedly start a two-month contract, grateful to be heading back into the fray.

“The opportunity is great, but unfortunately I got the disease,” he said.

“Now I'm fine, I'm 100 percent right I just hope things will go back as they to normal.”

Soumillon partners Bella Baby, Smart Thinker, Glenealy Generals, King Dragon, Resolute, Speed Fay Fay, Super Power Man, Winning For All, Perfect To Great and Ballistic King.

Sunday's 10-race fixture kicks off at 1pm with the Class 5 Sunflower Handicap (1000m).

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Breeders’ Cup Winner Tarnawa Remains In Training, To Target 2021 Arc De Triomphe

The Aga Khan's 4-year-old Breeders' Cup Turf winner Tarnawa will remaining in training through her 5-year-old season, according to the Irish Times. The daughter of Shamardal gave trainer Dermot Weld his first Cup winner this year, and the trainer hopes to target the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in 2021.

“The plan is for Tarnawa to stay in training next year, which is good news,” Weld told the Irish Times. “We will look forward to training her for [an] autumn campaign again which will hopefully include the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.”

An eight-time winner from 14 career starts, Tarnawa has three G1 wins to her name.

Read more at the Irish Times.

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Breeders’ Cup Presents Connections: ‘I’ll Never Forget It As Long As I Live’

Stable lad Dean Sinnott has exercised several very nice horses for trainer Dermot Weld over the past six years, including 2016 Group 1 Epsom Derby winner Harzand, but he said he's never felt one quite like Tarnawa. The Aga Khan's homebred 4-year-old daughter of Shamardal went undefeated in 2020, including a triumphant victory over male rivals in the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Turf on Nov. 7 at Keeneland race course in Lexington, Ky.

It was a first Breeders' Cup victory for the 28-year-old Sinnott, as well as for top Irish trainer Weld and 2020's champion Irish jockey Colin Keane.

“It was my first time bringing a horse to America, and we all had a bit of luck on our side,” Sinnott said, his lyrical tone rising to accentuate the emotion of the moment. “In the test barn (after the win) my phone was just buzzing away in my pocket, and it was actually Dermot Weld himself and he couldn't have been happier; it was a very special win for him.”

Coming into the Breeders' Cup off wins in the G1 Qatar Prix Vermeille and G1 Prix de l'Opera Longines, Tarnawa was sent to post as the third choice in the talented field of 10. She was facing 2018 Breeders' Cup Turf runner-up and world-traveler Magical, Group 1 winners Mogul and Lord North, as well as top American hopes Channel Maker and Arklow.

She lost her footing a bit at the start of the 1 1/2-mile contest, and Keane guided Tarnawa over to the rail to save ground along the rail near the rear of the pack. The filly worked her way out to the five-path and moved up into fifth near the head of the lane, but still had nearly four lengths to make up.

Sinnott was watching from the rail, cheering Tarnawa home as she powered to a one-length victory over Magical.

The field for the 2020 Breeders' Cup Turf makes its way around the Keeneland turf course

“When she came into the home straight my heart began to beat a little bit quicker,” Sinnott remembered. “I tell ya, I was nice and calm, but I think I just jumped off the wall and let a few rolls out. The emotions got the best of me. It was an incredible moment, and I'll never forget it as long as I live. It was brilliant to do what she'd done.”

Everything had gone well since Tarnawa arrived in the United States over a week before the race, from her morning gallops under Sinnott, gate schooling, and her attitude in the stall. Stable lads in Europe are both the exercise rider and the groom, so Sinnott knew the filly was as well prepared as possible for the biggest test of her career.

“In a strange sort of way, I was more anxious for her to not let herself down,” said Sinnott. “Things were going very well, everything according to plan, and we were expecting a big run. I was just hoping that she would do herself justice.

“It was just a fairytale plan.”

Born in Wexford, Ireland, Sinnott has worked around horses for as long as he can remember.

“At my home place in Ireland we've always had young horses and mares,” the lad said. “One year I decided I might try riding a few. It was madness maybe, but we kind of progressed into actually trying to make a living out of it. I don't think we made too much of a bad decision!”

Sinnott went first to a local trainer's yard to learn how to ride, then attended the racing academy at the Curragh for a year before he was sent to a trainer in France for further schooling. Sinnott spent 2 1/2 years with trainer Connor O'Dwyer, also from Wexford, before the full-time opportunity to ride for Weld came about six years ago

Today, Sinnott rides out for several other trainers early in the morning at the Curragh, then works for Weld, then rides a few other mounts during lunch hours. He also rides a few races both on the flat and over jumps, and even rode over timber in the United States for Leslie Young during a three-month span two years ago.

With all that experience, it isn't hard to see why Sinnott would be entrusted with a promising filly like Tarnawa. He has been aboard her all season and said she's actually pretty easy to work around.

“She's a very straightforward filly, as honest as you get,” Sinnott said. “It's unbelievable, I've never ridden a horse that has passion as she does… She's after establishing a big fan base in Ireland.”

When Sinnott returned home this week, he was required to begin a 14-day quarantine due to pandemic restrictions. He also had to pass a COVID test before traveling to the United States for the Breeders' Cup, but said the extra steps were all worth it in the end.

“It was an unbelievable result,” Sinnott said. “We were fairly confident, but as you know it was such a competitive race. We figured if she runs well, we'll be happy, but to go and win was really incredible.

“She's actually after winning me heart. I've been lucky enough to ride very good horses in the yard, like Harzand, but this one is by far the best one I've ever ridden.”

Dean Sinnott (right) with the victorious Tarnawa

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