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Savethelastdance Heads 11 For The Oaks

Eleven fillies will line up for Friday's G1 Betfred Oaks as Aidan O'Brien trimmed his numbers to three for the Epsom Classic including the certain favourite Savethelastdance (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). Other than the trio taken out by the Ballydoyle handler which include the Listed Haras De Bouquetot Fillies' Trial S. scorer Warm Heart (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), the other notable withdrawal was Dance In The Grass (GB) (Cracksman {GB}) from the Charlie Johnston stable. Heading the opposition to the Listed Cheshire Oaks winner Savethelastdance, who as expected will have the assistance of Ryan Moore from stall four, is Lady Bamford's G3 Musidora S. winner Soul Sister (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) who has drawn the “lucky” stall 10 under Frankie Dettori on his last Oaks ride. Fellow John and Thady Gosden-trained Running Lion (GB) (Roaring Lion) is in the largely-unfavourable stall two. In the card's G1 Dahlbury Coronation Cup, a high-class quintet include Juddmonte's G1 Irish Derby hero Westover (GB) (Frankel {GB}) and the fellow group 1 winners Emily Upjohn (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) and Hurricane Lane (Ire) (Frankel {GB}).

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Sammes Tabbed Epsom GM, Crespi Named Goodwood Racecourse Director

Tom Sammes has been appointed as the new General Manager of Epsom Downs Racecourse while James Crespi returns as the new Racecourse Director of Goodwood Racecourse after eight years away from the Goodwood Estate.

Sammes, 33, has been employed as Head of Strategy at The Jockey Club since September 2021, leading commercial strategic projects as well as planning to drive long-term revenue growth for the business. A graduate of Bristol University, he worked previously in similar roles in golf for the PGA European Tour and the Ryder Cup.

He takes up his position at Epsom Downs, effective immediately, working alongside Crespi ahead of the latter's move to Goodwood Racecourse in mid-June, after the conclusion of The Derby Festival.

James is no stranger to West Sussex having previously spent 10 years at the Goodwood Estate working across the motor sport and music events before becoming General Manager at Goodwood Racecourse. After a spell as Chief Operating Officer at West Wittering Estate PLC, Crespi became the General Manager of Epsom Racecourse as part of The Jockey Club.

Crespi, who is replacing the outgoing Jon Barnett, will take up his position June 19.

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Death of Gold Cup Winner Rite Of Passage Confirmed

The Irish National Stud has confirmed the passing of 2010 Ascot Gold Cup hero Rite Of Passage (GB) (Giant's Causeway–Dahlia's Krissy, by Kris S). He was 19.

INS CEO Cathal Beale said, “Coming on the back of the recent loss of Kicking King, it is a sad day to report the passing of Rite Of Passage. He was a lovely, gentle horse who lived out his days receiving the greatest of care from all the team here. He will be deeply missed by all of us.”

Trained by Dermot Weld for owner Dr. Ronan Lambe, Rite Of Passage placed twice at the Cheltenham Festival, finishing third in the 2009 Champion Bumper and the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle the following season. Following a three-month break, the Newsells Park Stud-bred returned to win at the Royal meeting under Pat Smullen. Rite Of Passage ran twice more after that success, winning the 2012 British Champions Long Distance Cup off a 510-day break on what was the final outing of his 12-race career.

“He was difficult to keep sound, but he was an extremely talented and courageous racehorse,” recalled Weld. “His performance in the Gold Cup was one of the best for many decades.”

“He had a wonderful retirement in the National Stud, he looked magnificent and his fabulous care is a great credit to the team at the National Stud. When I went to see him recently, he came straight over to me and reminded me of what an outstanding individual he was.”

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Record Number of Races as Action Resumes in Ta’if

The new Saudi Arabian racing season begins on June 1 at King Khalid Racecourse in Ta'if, where the programme has been “significantly expanded”.

With an earlier resumption to racing in 2023, an extra 54 races have been scheduled through to the close of the season on October 7. From a record total of 486 races, 187 will be for local and imported horses (up from 147), 193 for locally-bred horses only (up from 188) and 108 for Purebred Arabian horses (up from 49).

The Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Cup and the Listed King Faisal Cup take place on Saturday, September 2, with the Ta'if Derby 20 days later. Prize-money for each of the Thursday meetings has been increased by 25%.

“The growth of racing in Ta'if for the 2023 season further demonstrates our aim to develop the sport of horse racing in Saudi Arabia and underscores our commitment to securing a bright future for Purebred Arabian racing,” said Prince Abdullah Bin Khaled Al Saud, chairman of the JCSA's Technical Committee.

“The expanded fixture list as well as the significant increase in prize-money offers trainers more opportunity for all categories of horse.

“Our 193 races tailored specifically to locally bred horses supports our all-important domestic breeding industry and Purebred Arabian horses now have more than double the opportunity when compared to last season.

“Coupled with our juvenile racing schedule we see Ta'if as a significant season in its own right, but it also serves as an excellent launch pad to the Riyadh racing season and gives visitors the chance to view the equine superstars of tomorrow.”

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