Tag: York

Night Of Thunder’s Highfield Princess Dominates The Nunthorpe

Placing herself in a different stratosphere of sprinters, John Fairley's Breeders' Cup-bound homebred Highfield Princess (Fr) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) powered to glory in Friday's G1 Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe S. at York only a dozen days after her tour de force in the 6 1/2-furlong G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest. Returning to the scene of her emphatic G2 1895 Duke of York S. success May 11, the 5-1 shot enjoyed an ideal lead throughout the early stages from the three-years-younger The Platinum Queen (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}) before taking the measure of that juvenile a furlong from home. Giving everything for Jason Hart, the John Quinn-trained bay hit the line with 2 1/2 lengths to spare over the long-time leader, with Emaraaty Ana (GB) (Shamardal) regaining his form 1 1/2 lengths further away in third.

 

“She's definitely getting quicker,” Hart said of the winner, whose win guarantees her an entry into the $1 million Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, with the Nunthorpe part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series. “She gave me my first group one winner a couple of weeks ago and it probably means more today to do it on home soil. I was really confident, the two-year-old was giving us a nice tow and I thought I'd be able to pick her up whenever I wanted really. I thought if I could just hold her together for the middle part of the race she'd finish her race off.”

Not only is Highfield Princess the first to complete the Maurice de Gheest-Nunthorpe double, this second career outing over Britain's minimum trip also resulted in her becoming the since Handsome Sailor (GB) in 1988 to follow up a win in the Duke of York here. Her trajectory is one of the year's great racing stories, with a sixth in Royal Ascot's G1 Platinum Jubilee S. June 18 her only reversal since a second to the handicapper Tone The Barone (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) in a conditions event which was a belated first try at this distance on Wolverhampton's Tapeta Mar. 19.

Harnessing all the indomitable spirit which saw her conquer Royal Ascot's Buckingham Palace H. over seven furlongs last June, the bay who had also captured the Listed Queen Charlotte Fillies' S. on Chelmsford's Polytrack early the next month and finished second to Space Blues (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the G2 City of York S. at this festival 12 months ago has achieved a level of versatility which few can manage. Four runs on from her success over seven in Newcastle's All-Weather Fillies' and Mares' Championships Conditions S. Apr. 15, she was readily handing one of the season's fastest juveniles The Platinum Queen a remarkable 24 pounds advantage en route to subduing a clutch of five-furlong specialists like Royal Aclaim (Ire) (Aclaim {Ire})–the disappointing 5-2 favourite who was sixth–and Khaadem (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}).

John Quinn has his sights set on Keeneland in November, with a trip to ParisLongchamp beforehand. “It took her quite a while to learn her trade,” he said. “We put her in the Foret and the Abbaye, so all being well two more runs in either of those and then the Breeders' Cup. She's got loads of tactical speed and five and a half furlongs around two bends will be right up her alley.”

“When she was starting out, I said to John [Fairley] that she won't win a maiden so we'll get her categorised and go from there. When they gave her 57 I thought 'oh heck, we can't get her in a 0-55!',” Quinn added. “Her progress year in and year out and been astounding. This means everything. It's better than winning the lottery. To win here at York, with all my family here, it's fantastic.” Fairley added, “Her story is one of the most epic stories in the history of thoroughbred racing. To do what she has done in two years is incredible and to win a Nunthorpe by two and a half lengths! Hardly anyone does that. She bit me this morning, that's how I knew she was feeling good, but I didn't think she'd win like that.”

Tim Palin, syndicate manager for Middleham Park Racing, said of The Platinum Queen, “The weight-for-age might be a little bit generous and whether we can come back and replicate that in the future only time will tell, but I think she's going to give us plenty of fun. She's got the Abbaye entry and you wouldn't know whether the ground in Paris will suit her or not. You would have thought that would be the logical place to go.” Kevin Ryan's son and assistant Adam said of Emaraaty Ana, “He's taken his time to recover from running in Dubai earlier in the year, but he was more himself in the July Cup and has come here a fresh horse and has run his race. Hopefully now he can go on to Haydock now and defend his crown in the Sprint Cup.”

Foaled at Haras du Camp Benard in Normandy, Highfield Princess, is out of the 18,000gns Godolphin cast-off Pure Illusion (Ire) (Danehill) whose son Cardsharp (GB) (Lonhro {Aus}) was successful in the G2 July S. and placed in the G1 Middle Park S., G2 Gimcrack S., G2 Richmond S. and G2 Norfolk S. The second dam Saintly Speech (Southern Halo) took the G3 Princess Margaret S. and is also the second dam of the G3 Park Express S. and G3 C. L. Weld Park S. winner Chrysanthemum (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}), who in turn produced the G3 Sandown Classic Trial scorer Cunco (Ire) (Frankel {GB}). Pure Illusion's 2-year-old colt Highfield Viking (GB) (Aclaim {Ire}) was bought back by Fairley at 40,000gns at the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 3.

Friday, York, Britain
COOLMORE WOOTTON BASSETT NUNTHORPE S.-G1, £533,750, York, 8-19, 2yo/up, 5fT, :57.18, g/f.
1–HIGHFIELD PRINCESS (FR), 138, m, 5, by Night of Thunder (Ire)
1st Dam: Pure Illusion (Ire), by Danehill
2nd Dam: Saintly Speech, by Southern Halo
3rd Dam: Eloquent Minister, by Deputy Minister
(29,000gns RNA Ylg '18 TATDEY). O/B-Trainers House Enterprises Ltd (FR); T-John Quinn; J-Jason Hart. £302,690. Lifetime Record: G1SW-Fr, 29-11-5-5, $1,022,792. *1/2 to Cardsharp (GB) (Lonhro {Aus}), GSW & G1SP-Eng, $355,619. Werk Nick Rating: A+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–The Platinum Queen (Ire), 114, f, 2, Cotai Glory (GB)–Thrilled (Ire), by Kodiac (GB).
1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE, 1ST G1 BLACK TYPE. (57,000gns 2yo '22 TATBRG). O-Middleham Park Racing XV; B-Tally Ho Stud (IRE); T-Richard Fahey. £114,756.
3–Emaraaty Ana (GB), 141, g, 6, Shamardal–Spirit of Dubai (Ire), by Cape Cross (Ire). O-Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum; B-Rabbah Bloodstock Limited (GB); T-Kevin Ryan. £57,432.
Margins: 2HF, 1HF, 1. Odds: 5.00, 4.50, 12.00.
Also Ran: Khaadem (Ire), Dragon Symbol (GB), Royal Aclaim (Ire), Lazuli (Ire), Raasel (GB), Acklam Express (Ire), Flotus (Ire), Clarendon House (GB), New York City (Ire), Winter Power (Ire). Scratched: Ainsdale (GB), Ebro River (Ire). Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.

 

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Girl Power In The Nunthorpe

Five-furlong sprints used to be the dominion of the powerhouse colts and geldings, but recent years have seen a shift in the dynamic and that could hardly be better expressed than the line-up for Friday's G1 Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe S. at York. Four of the top five in the betting are fillies or mares and that doesn't even include last year's impressive winner Winter Power (Ire) (Bungle Inthejungle {GB}) who trades around the 20-1 mark which would have been inconceivable following her career-best here 12 months ago.

Unusually, position of hot favourite is filled by a 3-year-old with only three career starts to her name, but in a renewal lacking a standout Sheikh Juma Dalmook Al Maktoum's Royal Aclaim (Ire) (Aclaim {Ire}) is one of those that will continue to attract support until the bubble bursts. The rapid juvenile The Platinum Queen (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}), the the G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest heroine Highfield Princess (Fr) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) and the 'TDN Rising Star' Flotus (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) complete the formidable distaff cast in a fascinating clash.

Strangely, the Listed City Walls S. seems to be the key piece of form again as it was in 2021 when Winter Power served notice of her prowess over this fast five-furlong strip. This time, Winter Power had to surrender as Royal Aclaim took up the mantle with an impressive display July 9 and it is easy to see why the punters have been seduced by the filly who bids to provide her owner with a notable Ebor Festival double following the Lowther win of Swingalong (Ire) (Showcasing {GB}) on Thursday. “I've got every confidence in her and in her ability, but at the end of the day she's an animal and she's got to have some luck in running,” trainer James Tate told QIPCO British Champions Series.

“She's the least experienced runner in the field, and that includes the 2-year-old, but she's like nothing we've ever had through our stable gates before–she's completely different,” Tate added. “In three runs, she's achieved a rating of 108 and beaten two Group 1 winners. Yet, to be quite honest with you, she's never been fully fit, as she is now. I expected her to win at York but I didn't know she'd win quite as easily as that, given that she wasn't 100% fit. It was obvious after a furlong or two that she would win. For a filly to win a Nunthorpe she probably needs to be something like 114, and the six pounds she needs to improve on the York form is just two lengths. Can she improve two lengths? I really think and hope so.”

 

Queen Bee?

Two-year-olds added to this mix always create an extra vibe and this time it is a strange one, with Middleham Park Racing's The Platinum Queen entering the fray with no black-type to boast of. Only 13th behind Dramatised (Ire) (Showcasing {GB}) on her sole attempt in the G2 Queen Mary S. at Royal Ascot on June 15, the bay proved that running all wrong with powerful displays in a novice over this course and distance July 8 and in Goodwood's Alice Keppel Conditions S. July 27, where she broke the juvenile track record set minutes earlier in the Molecomb by Trillium (GB) (No Nay Never). With all the weight-for-age and sex allowances in her favour, she has the significant bonus of Hollie Doyle in the saddle as she bids to emulate Lyric Fantasy (Ire) (Tate Gallery) who was the last juvenile filly to succeed 30 years ago. Acapulco (Scat Daddy) was second in 2015, so the portents are strong for a big effort. “She's improved with racing, which we thought she would. She just wants to go faster all the time, so we're trying to channel that but she's in great nick,” trainer Richard Fahey said. “It's extremely game of the owners, I hope they get a run for their money–I'm sure they will.”

 

Beware The Princess

Very few sprinters can come off success in the 6 1/2-furlong G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest and follow up here over five, but Highfield Princess (Fr) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) is looking increasingly a sprinter that is capable of the unusual. Showing the kind of pace at Deauville Aug. 7 that would have been potent over the minimum, she did the same on this track when taking the G2 1895 Duke of York S. May 11 and will be giving her all once again. The Simon and Ed Crisford-trained Flotus is another aggressive front-runner reverting to five, having scored at the track in the G3 Summer S. last time July 8 and tried this trip just the once. Of the remainder, the July 29 G2 King George S. one-two Khaadem (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) and Raasel (GB) (Showcasing {GB}) come into play in along with 'TDN Rising Star' Dragon Symbol (GB) (Cable Bay {Ire}), who was third here 12 months ago and who has enjoyed a confidence boost in a Hamilton conditions event July 30.

 

What Next From Stradivarius?

There is no longer-running retirement story than that of Stradivarius (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), with Bjorn Nielsen seeming to further extend the date each time he is interviewed. After the 8-year-old's superb performance when touched off in the July 26 G1 Goodwood Cup, it is not hard to see why he should want to extend the brilliant career of the horse so endeared to the York faithful. Frankie had waved them goodbye after the May 13 G2 Yorkshire Cup, but in a twist the chestnut returns to the Knavesmire under Andrea Atzeni for what may not even be his final visit on Friday. Already successful six times from six outings here, including in three renewals of the G2 Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup, one of history's elite stayers looks set to have his desired fast ground with the storms so far missing York. “He's enjoying life as much as ever and he's bouncing around the place,” John Gosden commented. “He's got a pretty good record at most tracks, but York obviously suits him particularly well with it's long straight and he's never been beaten there.”

 

King Waits Again

   In what has become a perpetual state for Alan King, he waits on the rain for Trueshan (Fr) (Planteur {Ire}) with more hope than expectation. Having finally bent to running the G1 Prix du Cadran and G1 Goodwood Cup hero on ground quicker than ideal in defence of his crown in the latter contest on the Sussex Downs, the trainer was rewarded with a third behind Kyprios (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Stradivarius which was commendable but probably below his exalted standard when the ground is testing. “He'll only run if it rains, it's as simple as that,” he said in his latest update. “There's some rain coming through, but we don't know what quantity so we'll just have to see what the morning brings.” Fourth in the Goodwood Cup, Coltrane (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) is one who could yet emerge as a threat even if Trueshan is absent, which also applies to Lady Blyth's G2 Prix Maurice de Nieuil and G3 Henry II S. winner Quickthorn (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) in a strong edition set to test Stradivarius's endurance more than the betting would suggest.

 

Royal Standard In The Gimcrack

There is a fascinating G2 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack S. in prospect, with the Hays' impressive G2 Richmond S. winner Royal Scotsman (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) needing to defy a three-pound penalty as a result of his Goodwood exploits July 28. That was no hindrance to Lusail (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) last year and to Rock Of Gibraltar (Ire) in 2001, so if the best that has passed through the Whatcombe stable of the Coles for some time follows suit we are talking about a genuine Group 1 performer in the making. “He's in very good form and we think he's improved since Goodwood. Physically we think he looks bigger,” Oliver Cole warned. “We just thought travel-wise it was easier to go to York than Deauville [for the Morny] and we're thinking about the future with him. He handled quick ground in the Richmond and I think there was bit of cut in the ground the day he won his maiden there, so I think he's pretty versatile.”

 

The Triple Threat

While Royal Scotsman gives all the signals that he is top-class, he will certainly have to prove it here taken on by a trio of unbeaten colts who have all flashed major talent. Godolphin's 'TDN Rising Star' Noble Style (GB) (Kingman {GB}) had Royal Scotsman back in fourth on debut at Ascot May 7 and was ante-post favourite for the Coventry in which the Coles' runner ended up third, only to miss out due to a setback. His return defeat of Mill Stream (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) over this six-furlong trip at Newmarket July 29 was boosted by the runner-up's effort in a strong renewal of the G3 Acomb S. on Wednesday and Charlie Appleby is hoping he can follow through on his significant early promise. “He looked very smart when winning his maiden at Ascot, but I was not entirely happy with him coming into the Royal meeting so we missed his intended target there,” he explained. “I'm a believer that sometimes missing those type of races in the summer can benefit them in the second half of the season. He had his break, then he came back under a penalty in a Newmarket novice. We got the job done but, most importantly, we could see improvement for that run. His work has been good. He's definitely come on for that experience. The Gimcrack is the right race for him now, but in time, I think he will benefit for stepping up in trip.”

 

Burke Has Another Strong Hand

After Thursday's G2 Lowther S., it is increasingly essential to pay due diligence to the entries of Karl Burke in the 2022 pattern races for 2-year-olds and his duo here are headed by Nick Bradley Racing and Elaine Burke's well-regarded unbeaten Marshman (GB) (Harry Angel {Ire}). Denied a crack at Royal Scotsman in the Richmond due to a setback, arguably the best out so far from the first crop of his talented sire is here just a week after his 8 1/2-length success in a Thirsk novice over this trip Aug. 12. “We always thought Marshman was a nice horse, but he showed us a bit more than what he had been doing at home when he got left in the stalls first time out and still absolutely bolted up,” Burke said. “The Richmond might not have worked out for us anyway, but he was lame on the morning of the race and I was keen to get another run into him then before we went for a black-type race. He took us a little bit by surprise with how he did it at Thirsk. We weren't surprised that he won, but it was a very good performance on the clock and obviously visually it was very good as well.”

 

Making A Point

Richard Fahey saddles the third colt with a two-for-two record in the Gimcrack, with Clearpoint (GB) (Ardad {Ire}) by the same sire and carrying the same Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum silks as the stable's dual triple Group 1 winner Perfect Power (Ire). His form stands up well against Marshman from his novice win on debut at Ayr May 30 and he was able to defy a penalty dropping back to five furlongs in a novice at Newcastle June 25. “It's a good Gimcrack this year, it's probably the best Gimcrack I've seen for years,” Fahey commented. “I do like the horse though and we'll find out on Friday where we are with him.”

 

Also…

York's valuable British Stallion Studs EBF Convivial Maiden S. sees a line-up of 20, with Ballydoyle responsible for the Aug. 6 Curragh maiden runner-up Salt Lake City (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in the race they used to introduce Stravinsky in 1998. At Salisbury, Godolphin's 'TDN Rising Star' Flying Honours (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) puts his reputation on the line in the Listed Longines Irish Champions Weekend 10-11 September EBF Stonehenge S. Off the mark by 9 1/2 lengths in a seven-furlong novice at Sandown July 27, the relative of Lammtarra looks a genuine Derby prospect at present.

 

Click here for the fields.

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Son Of Heartache On Deck In York’s Convivial Maiden

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Friday's Observations features a son of dual group winner Heartache (GB) (Kyllachy {GB}).

 

16.45 York, Mdn, £80,000, 2yo, 7fT
Aidan O'Brien trainee SALT LAKE CITY (IRE) (Galileo {Ire}), a son of G2 Queen Mary S. and G2 Flying Childers S. victrix Heartache (GB) (Kyllachy {GB}) loaded up with Group 1 entries, makes a quick reappearance after running second on debut at the Curragh earlier this month. His 18 opponents in this renowned Convivial Maiden include Martin Webb Racing's hitherto untried Ubettabequick (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), a daughter of G3 Zukunfts-Rennen placegetter Above (Fr) (Anjaal {GB}) who was the joint highest-priced filly at last year's Arqana October sale when knocked down for €350,000, from the Nigel Tinkler stable; Paul Hancock's Kevin Philippart de Foy trainee Sigmund (Ire) (Awtaad {Ire}), who is a half-brother of G1 Grosser Preis von Bayern-winning stakes producer Temida (Ire) (Oratorio {Ire}); P D Smith Holdings Ltd's Richard Fahey debutant My Harrison George (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), who is a half-brother to G1 Irish 1000 Guineas and GI E.P. Taylor S. heroine Just The Judge (Ire) (Lawman {Fr}); and Jaber Abdullah's fellow newcomer Hi Royal (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), who is a Kevin Ryan-trained son of G1 Sun Chariot S. winner Majestic Roi (Street Cry {Ire}).

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David Menuisier: ‘One Door Closed But Another Opened’

 

David Menuisier is not a man to concentrate on the past. The stable has been in the news over the fact that Phillipa Cooper of Normandie Stud decided to move stable star Lionel (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) to John and Thady Gosden after his poor performance in the G1 Irish Derby.

   However, while Menuisier has had his say on the high-profile split in this week's Q&A, he explained that he has closed the chapter on the situation and is keen to move on.

   There are few better ways to move on from the hammer-blow of losing the best horse in your yard than receiving support from a major owner-breeder, which is exactly what has happened, with Guy Pariente joining the stable.

   Along with revealing his excitement about teaming up with the man who stands Galiway (Fr), Menuisier speaks about his high hopes for rapidly-progressive Caius Chorister (Fr) (Golden Horn {GB}), on track for the Melrose H. at York on Saturday and much more in this week's TDN Conversations.

 

Brian Sheerin: It's a big weekend ahead with Caius Chorister (Fr) (Golden Horn {GB}) bidding for a six-timer in the prestigious Melrose H. at York. What are the expectations like ahead of Saturday?

David Menuisier: I am hoping that she is going to win, obviously. She is a nice filly. She took us all by surprise, really. When she was rated in the 50s, I thought she would win a race but I couldn't say at that point that she would become what she has become. If the winning streak was to stop now, then fine, because she owes us absolutely nothing. But it just feels like there is more to come. The way she won at Goodwood, dropping back in trip, which wasn't easy for her, she did exceptionally well to win there. She actually won pretty easily despite the winning margin because Benoit [De La Sayette] controlled the race. She was magnificent at Goodwood and the step up in trip at York should be in her favour because she is stoutly-bred on the damside–her mother stayed two miles standing on her head. We are very hopeful that the step up in trip could bring about even more improvement.

BS: She even had enough gas left in the tank to unship Benoit after the line at Goodwood!

DM: Exactly–that will teach him to gather his reins next time! Benoit is banned for Saturday so that's why we went for Pat [Cosgrove], because he has won on the filly before. But, anyway, the filly is uncomplicated and she does her own thing. You just have to get your fractions right on her because she is so generous. She gets into her stride and you just need a guy who knows how quick he is going, really.

BS: It's funny that you describe her as uncomplicated as I would have had her down as slightly quirky.

DM: No. She wants to get on with things but she's really not quirky at all. In the mornings, she really is a super kind and a super chilled horse. Yes, when she goes racing, she can be a little bit keen going to the start and things like that but she's really not that complicated.

BS: So there's no wizardry involved in her training and no special routine that has helped to unlock this huge improvement?

DM: She goes out with the string as normal and, frankly, she probably does less than the others because she's not the biggest. She's quite tiny so she doesn't do a lot of exercise–we just keep her ticking over. But she's a very strong horse for her size and that's why you have to find the right rhythm in her races because she would make your arms go numb if you tried to pull out of her. The second time she won at Epsom, Benoit let go of her a little bit, just before the seven-furlong pole, because I think his arms were a little bit dead!

BS: She may be straightforward but her owner, Clive Washbourn is certainly colourful. I've seen him on course in Ireland a few times and he clearly gets a good kick out of the game.

DM: Yes, I think the filly is definitely more straightforward than the owner! I think it's fantastic for racing to have people like Clive involved. Obviously he has been a great supporter of our yard and we have had a lot of success. He's been quiet the past couple of years so it's good that he can bounce back to fame and glory after those barren years. Also, he bred Caius Chorister, and she is the first homebred of his. Not only that, but the dam, Corpus Chorister (Fr) (Soldier Of Fortune {Ire}) is actually the first yearling that I ever bought when I started training. More than people realise, Caius Chorister is making us proud for many reasons.

BS: Was the original plan to sell Caius Chorister as I see she was led out unsold at Goffs as a foal?

DM: He made the right decision not to sell but, in the meantime, he actually sold the dam in foal to Belardo (Ire) for just €3,000 to go to Sweden. He's made somebody very happy.

BS: It could get even better for the Swedes as I see Caius Chorister has some fancy entries beyond York.

DM: We've made a couple of fancy entries for her because we just don't know when she will stop improving. I could not have guessed that she would improve by 40lbs so God knows, if she improves by another 15lbs, she could be right there with the best fillies in the country.

 BS: It must be huge to have one like her to look forward to, especially after the news broke that Lionel (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) has been moved to John and Thady Gosden.

DM:  Well, I would rather have both of them but I don't have a choice in the matter. Things are what they are; owners make decisions–stupid decisions–but it's their problem. I just want to focus on the people who back us and support us on the good and the bad days. Many of our clients, if not all of them, have backed us from the very early days. I don't want to speak about the people who are just with us for a fling. I'm not in this for a fling. I am in it for the long run so I'd rather focus on the people who deserve my attention.

BS: But on that, were you surprised by some of the comments that were made by Phillipa Cooper of Normandie Stud, who said the reason behind the decision for the move was made, in part, on welfare grounds. I know you came out with a very famous French saying on Twitter, 'Quand on veut tuer son chien, on dit qu'il a la rage,' which translates to 'When one wants to kill his dog, one tells everybody he has rabies,' in response to that.

DM: I can sleep well at night but the comments regarding welfare were absolute rubbish. The ground at the Curragh [for the Irish Derby, in which Lionel finished down the field] was very nice. It was lovely, fast ground, but it didn't suit the horse. There is no welfare issue regarding that. As for the horse, he doesn't even know what the vet looks like because he never even had the slightest little hiccup. The only time he sees the vet is to get his vaccinations. So, when somebody talks about welfare, yes I am surprised. It doesn't matter. People can make up what they want to in order to justify their own decisions, which is absolutely fine. This is a chapter in my life that is closed and I am ready to open up more chapters with people who will support us in the long run.

The other comment that was made was on betting, something like, 'I [Cooper] would have taken evens that the horse would be with John Gosden by the end of the year.' This is a legitimate comment, because people are free to move horses whenever they like and, if they felt that I wasn't going to do a good job with the horse in 2022, maybe they should have moved the horse before that.

BS: On that, you say you are happy to move on with people that will support you in the long run. I saw you were at Arqana last week. Did you buy anything there?

DM: We bought two. I bought a lovely Churchill colt (lot 246) for new clients. They went to €120,000 to get him and he's from a good family. I also bought a lovely Walgeist (GB) filly (lot 309) out of a Kitten's Joy mare. She will make a lovely 3-year-old. We also managed to get a top French owner, Guy Pariente, on board. He bred and owned Restiadargent (Fr) (Kendargent {Fr}), who nearly beat Black Caviar (Aus) at Royal Ascot one year, so one door closes and another opens. I am delighted to have the support from people like that. He sent me lot 140, a lovely colt by Galiway (Fr).

It's funny, when I worked for Criquette Head, his mother Danzigaway (Danehill) was there. It's a small world. Guy Pariente stands Galiway so he wants to promote him in the United Kingdom. So that's what he's trying to do. I used to train one of the best Kendargents in the UK, Blue Cap (Fr), who also improved something like 40lbs with us. The owner may send us some Gokens (Fr) as well so it's an exciting project.

 BS: How important is it as a trainer to put yourself out there and get these owners?

DM: I'm not a beggar. All of the people who have joined the yard have decided to be here. I don't go out on the lash to try and make contacts. I don't go to the sales and tell people how beautiful and handsome they are. All of the people in our yard came here themselves and, by the same token, they decided to leave on their own accord as well. We have always taken a view that the horses will speak for us. If people like what they do and like the way we function, then great. If not, I am more than happy for them to go elsewhere. I don't want 200 horses in training. We are more than happy with 50-70 horses in training. We have really good staff and it's a pleasure to get up in the morning rather than have headaches that we should not have with people who are not fully committed to the yard. That's the bottom line.

BS: From Thundering Blue (Exchange Rate) to Wonderful Tonight (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}), the stable has managed to produce one, if not a couple of flag-bearers every season.

DM: What can I say? When you are good, you are good!

 BS: You are the Eric Cantona of horse racing!

DM: The very first horse we trained was Slunovrat (Fr) (Astronomer Royal). He was the last homebred from my parents. He started off with a rating of 54 and ended up at 89. He was the first one and we have had a fair few good ones since. As we speak, we have Migration (Ire) (Alhebayeb {Ire}) cantering up the gallop in front of me. He is another stable star who didn't show much at two but keeps on improving. Even this year, he's only had one run, but was second in the Spring Cup at Newbury. I mean, what a race that was. That's what I want to carry on doing. I want to do the best with the horses that I have rather than chase the horses who are elsewhere. I don't want to get the wrong people in the yard and am happy with what I have got. Obviously, any owner is welcome here but, what I don't want is a big owner with 30 horses who could dissemble all that we have built.

BS: Will you be at Doncaster next week?

DM: It may be a cliche but Doncaster is more for the speedier types and I don't really have the clients for that. Most of my clients would prefer, as I do, middle-distance horses. We have more choice going to Tattersalls or Arqana for those sorts of horses. I try to focus on what I know and on what has worked before.

BS: What else have you got to look forward to this season?

DM: Migration is on his way back and I am hopeful that he will be ready for the Balmoral H. on Champions Day at Ascot. That's the big target. Sir Bob Parker (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}) is also on the mend. He finished third in the G2 Prix Greffulhe behind Onesto (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) so that form is not looking too bad now. He got a little chip in his hind fetlock and, while I don't think he will race again in Europe this year, we are looking at running him in Dubai this winter. That's exciting. Flyin' Solo (GB) (Roderic O'Connor {Ire}) could also be one for Dubai. We also have a nice bunch of youngsters coming through.

BS: And finally, why England? You were born in France but decided to set up in the South of England.

DM: Why England? For the beautiful weather and the food! I am only joking. I worked for John Dunlop for six years and I felt it was making a lot of sense to set up here as I fell in love with the area and with British racing. I thought, if I can set up as a trainer, it would make the most sense to set up here. People think France is amazing because of the prize-money but there are many things that they don't see. For example, the red tape is unbelievable. The employer's laws and things like that are an absolute nightmare. I think I have the best of both worlds in the South of England. It's very hard to find clients in France as well. The programmes in Britain and France are quite complementary of each other and I am not too far from the boat if we want to take one over there, which we have done in the past. England is based on the handicap system and, once they reach a certain level, they can run for better money, whether that is here or in France, Germany or wherever. Obviously, travelling horses has become a little bit more complicated because of Brexit, but I think it will just get easier and easier in time.

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