February 2015 FINISH LINE Cheltenham & Three Counties Race Club magazine Time waits for no man CONTENTS

Editors introduction 3 Guest column: Paul Kealy 4-5 Paddock watchers club night 6-8 Club news & forthcoming events 9 Jessica Lamb column 10-11 Edward Gillespie OBE column 12 Tipster competition 13 Richard Davis award 13 John Hales column 14-15 Liam Treadwell column 16-17 Richard Hoiles column 18-19 Kim Bailey column 20 Chepstow competition 21 Jo Collinson column 22-23 Tony Coleman’s trip to Meydan 24-27

2 WELCOME… Overall my emotions feel like I’ve a nagging can forget the Mullins horses, all Festival betting sense of loss. I don’t know a racing season markets will now be affected by whatever horse without AP, I do know I’ll never see anyone AP McCoy gets on board, would you forgive remotely like him ever again. yourself for not backing AP in his final Gold Cup? If he wins, will Prestbury Park ever have I’m so glad I chose at the last moment to go witnessed a reception like it? to Newbury. I didn’t know I’d literally be stood alongside Rishi Persad as he dropped his We may have AP for just 11 more weeks, no bombshell, I was simply intending to say well doubt wherever he rides during this swansong done to AP for bagging his 10th season with 200 winners, but there it was.....”I’m going to tell you something else, Rishi. It’s going to be the last time I ride 200 winners....I’m going to be retiring at the end AP gathers himself to give Rishi AP embraces the applause – will there be one last hurrah of the season”. Persad the world exclusive in the Gold Cup? And so the racing he will fill racecourses as he goes on his farewell world was shook to the core, suddenly we’d all tour, go see him, you will never see the like of forgotten Sire De Grugy’s tumble and we were him again. coming to terms at life without AP. As if we needed more drama, the champion was then So, to our February magazine, I’m delighted to dumped on the floor by Goodward Mirage in advise of the return of Jessica Lamb on pages the very next race.... a reminder of the inherent 10-11 and our special guest columnist, the dangers he has faced day in day out for 20+ Racing Posts betting editor Paul Kealy, who gives years. us four to follow at the Festival. Don’t forget our Clubs AGM at 7.30pm on February 18. I normally 24 hours later McCoy sent the Leopardstown sign off saying enjoy the crowds into delirium saying “you can’t fight racing, this month, like never fate and it was obviously meant to be the before we really should. way things happened,” as under a trademark driving finish he took Carlingford Lough to a JP Enjoy the racing McManus inspired double when landing the Steve Ennis Irish Hennessy Gold Cup for the first time, he’s now 10/1 for the Gold Cup. For a moment you

3 replays (sometimes with an online stopwatch on the go) and researching quotes, but I wouldn’t swap it for GUEST the world. As in everything you do, you get out what you put in, COLUMN and by the end of those two weeks I feel incredibly well prepared, not only for what will be a roller coaster CTCRC have extricated Paul Kealy from a four-day battle with the bookmakers but also for the darkened room to undertake this months few Cheltenham preview nights I’m lucky enough to guest column. Paul has been working be asked to take part in. around the clock to support the Racing Post’s preparations in compiling the 2015 I am not particularly confident when it comes to Guide. talking in front a large room of people and if the subject was anything other than racing I’d be THIS magazine’s members hardly need reminding completely lost, but it’s amazing how the nerves that the focal point of the entire jumps season is the evaporate when you know exactly what you need Cheltenham Festival and it will come as no surprise to say. the story is the same at Racing Post HQ. In Galway last year I was doubly nervous as I was part Everything cranks up a gear straight after the of the panel for Barney Curley’s preview night run Christmas festivals at Kempton and Leopardstown, in aid of his charity, Dafa, and earlier in the year I’d and for me it starts with a weekly ante-post column criticised him in print for the methods used in pulling for the Weekender in the first week in January. off an almighty gamble. But February is when the pace really begins to When the great man was asked what he thought of quicken and I spend the first two weeks of this month my views I wanted to make myself as small as possible locked away at home preparing comments for all the (not easy at the best of times). And when he began his contenders for the Grade 1 races for our Cheltenham response by saying: “I think most journalists are very moderate human beings,” I really wanted the ground to swallow me up. However, he quickly moved on to declare he thought that, year in, year out, I was always the best prepared person on the panel. You can imagine the waves of relief pouring over me. We went on to have a great night full of banter. I’ll be back in Galway on March 2 and it will then be Barney Curley & – neither man suffers fools onto Dublin two days later, where the reception is sure gladly when being a panellist at the preview nights to be hot when I start pulling apart some of the claims of the -trained horses, especially as Ruby Festival Betting Guide, which will be out later this Walsh, not a man to suffer fools, will also be on panel. month. Still, as a tipster who is supposed to concentrate on This is not exactly a glamour job as it revolves around value, how can you tip every Mullins-trained favourite sitting at my computer for hours on end studying going? Take Douvan, the opening Irish banker in the form on Racingpost.com, watching countless race Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

4 He is a 2-1 shot having beaten a 136-rated three-miler for the Supreme. over two miles by just three and three-quarter lengths Forget worrying over whether Sprinter Sacre or Sire De last time out. Okay, he did it with ridiculous ease, but Grugy can bounce back and instead back Champagne last year’s winner Vautour went into the race following Fever for the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase. a ready victory over a 150-rated rival in the Grade 1 He comes alive at Cheltenham and has already come Deloitte at Leopardstown and he went off at 7-2 at within a head of winning three 2m championship Cheltenham. races there. If there’s one downside to working at the Post, it’s Vautour will be all the rage for the JLT Novices’ Chase, that come the big meeting itself I’ll be stuck in the but his form is nothing like as strong as that of Ptit Zig, office, putting the finishing touches to all the tipping who is by some way the best British chaser this pages, including Pricewise, instead of soaking up the season. If Paul Nicholls doesn’t get the monkey off his atmosphere at Prestbury Park. back sooner, Ptit Zig can become his first festival chase In 27 years at the Racing Post I have never managed to winner since Kauto Star in 2009. make it to more than one day a year and often don’t go Finally, No More Heroes is too big at 10-1 for the Albert at all. Still, there’s a buzz around the office that makes it Bartlett. He scoped badly after his recent defeat and is all worthwhile - not to mention two massive TVs on the a Gold Cup horse of the future. wall and another two on my desk. Still, the completion of day one of the guide made me realise just how wonderful it would be to be there on a most fascinating opening day. Will Mullins make it three in a row in the Supreme? Will he make it three in a row on the day? Left: Ptit Zig – will he be Paul Nicholls’ first Festival chase winner since After Douvan it will be Un De Kauto Star? Right: Un De Sceaux.....”he is bombproof” Sceaux in the Racing Post Arkle Good luck and I hope you enjoy a great festival. (and he is bombproof, by the way) followed quickly by and the remarkable Hurricane Fly in the I’m ready. Are you? Stanjames.com . Paul Kealy Is Faugheen a machine? The jury is out for me until he The 192 page 2015 Cheltenham Festival comes up against something that can be remotely Guide is on sale from February 20, it can be considered as Champion Hurdle class. pre ordered for £12.99 on 01933 304858, As for bets, I’ll be taking on every short-priced favourite quote FBCH15, or via racingpost.com/shop other than Un De Sceaux and here’s one a day for you to consider. Jollyallan may have lost his unbeaten hurdles record to Garde La Victoire at Sandown recently, but he ran an excellent race for a horse who wants better ground and a good pace. He’s terrific each-way value at 16-1

5 PADDOCK WATCHERS Recommended reading for wannabe CLUB NIGHT Paddock Watchers

There was standing room only for our sell out his own. He got chatting to Gerald Delamere, evening of meeting ‘Paddock Watchers’ at our a well-known tipster and form man who was a CTCRC Club night on January 21 feature writer on the, at the time, Sporting Life Weekender. In addition, he was also given lots of Our guests were Ken Pitterson and Stuart advice by Channel 4’s Jim McGrath. Redding and the evening was chaired by Melissa Jones, Racing Correspondent of the Due to his ongoing connection with Delamere, Gloucestershire Echo who herself came second he was asked to write a column for him when he in a national newspaper tipsters competition was on holiday. Things went from there and 16 last year, she was literally pipped at the post years later, he is still writing for the Weekender, by Paul Kealy’s 33/1 shot on the last day of the but these days on a weekly basis, as well as competition. being a Paddock Judge with William Hill radio - that sounds like my sort of job! Melissa first asked how both Ken and Stuart had got into racing. Ken had always been interested Stuart works part-time as an Economist at in racing, and used to go with friends. Gradually Oxford University, he writes on a regular basis they stopped going and he was left to go on for Racing and Football Outlook, and as a freelancer for the Racing Post writing the spotlight comments. He always had a passion for racing and originally worked for Raceform where he made a few contacts and happened to be at the right place at the right time for his Racing Post work. Stuart said that Emily Weber of the Racing Post is impossible not to respect, she knows racing inside out. In addition, Melissa is keen on Carlingford Lough for the Gold Cup at 20/1 Andy Ayres, a former RP

6 Spotlight writer, who now works behind the look ready and enthusiastic. You need to judge scenes at The Sun is someone else that he looks your horse against all the others. up to. His favourite racehorse is Desert Orchid. It’s also important in bumpers in particular to He tends to work as ‘spotlight’ 1 or 2 days a watch your horse go down to the start, for signs week. His strategy was to build the race around of greenness. Also watch their action . If they one or two notable ones, using his paddock have a high knee action they would be better knowledge as well as looking at the form book. on softer and heavy ground. If a lower action they are generally better on a faster ground The conversation then turned to what was the topic of the evening – what to look for in the Some trainers target bumpers so there horses paddock. The are likely to be most important more wound criteria is The most important up than others. the horses One’s to look demeanour. Is out for include: the horse on criteria is the horses Warren Greatrex, his or her toes? and Rebecca Do they look demeanour. Is the horse Curtis. A Nicky buzzy? You want Henderson to ensure that on his or her toes? horse is they are saving generally their energy for unlikely to the race. was mentioned as a improve for their debut bumper run, whilst Alan horse who earlier in his career used to sweat. King’s traditionally do improve. He is now a lot calmer, saving his energy for the Both Ken and Stuart tended to have special races. As always there are exceptions to the rule places at the paddock at each racecourse to so it’s important to understand if a particular watch. The advice was to keep the sun behind horse, has a trait which for some would be a you and both preferred to view from an elevated negative but which can actually be a positive for position, whilst Timeform paddock pundits them. The big racing occasions can also make always look at a horse at ground level. a difference to a horse. Sometimes they can look very different in the pre-parade to in the Ken and Stuart recommended a book to pass paddock. It is something that can be seen a lot on to everyone if you wish to develop your in flat racing. paddock watching skills, called ‘Horses Talk, it pays to listen’ by Trillis Parker, (available via Ken feels he has an edge in bumpers and novice Amazon from £3.31) hurdles, as there is not much form to go on so paddock inspection is key. He highlighted an Knowing your horses and their trainers is also example of a maiden hurdle at Newbury. There essential to would-be paddock watchers. For are usually all shapes and sizes on display and example, Willie Mullins horses are not necessarily a horse would need to be 95-100% fit. Look impressive in paddock appearance, but that out for a tight stomach, and in particular good doesn’t mean it is a negative. When Jonjo’s muscle lines down their hindquarters.. Also, look horses weren’t running well, they looked out of for horses that are healthy in their coats, and sorts, being somewhat dull in their coats and

7 lethargic. They would run well to a point but and ,a horse trained with one weren’t finishing their races. race in mind, were his fancies, while Melissa liked Carlingford Lough. Some trainers are worth watching at certain times of the season. Nigel Twiston-Davies’ are usually worth watching first time out in September and October. Watch out for him at the early season Perth Some trainers are worth meetings. Charlie Longsdon is also one watching at certain to watch in the early season. Whilst , is a slow starter with his times of the season... horses traditionally hitting form in mid- November onwards. With regard to the Champion Hurdle, Faugheen Discussions moved on to the Cheltenham had impressed everyone at Kempton, whilst The Festival, More Of That has apparently had a wind New One didn’t in his last run, and the fact that op since his last run, and according to Ken, he is the race is run on the old course is a negative still the one to beat in the World Hurdle. Stuart too. It would be unwise to discount whose would want to see him first before making festival form is very sold and he is being trained his mind up, he wondered whether his win at to peak at the right time. Cheltenham last season had broken him. Others mentioned were Sego Success in the The panel thought that Bob’s Worth is unlikely National Hunt Chase, it is a race that his trainer, to win another Gold Cup and that his run over , likes to target. Whilst John’s Spirit the Christmas period in Ireland wasn’t that who has very good course form was a value encouraging. Ken feels that the Gold Cup is very bet for the Ryanair Chase. The Young Master open this year and that Silvianco Conti isn’t top is one to note for the RSA Chase as well as of his list especially at the prices. He doesn’t going forward to next season and beyond think he’s a Cheltenham horse. Road To Riches where he could develop into a Gold Cup contender. He is improving physically and has really blossomed this season, he reminds Stuart of Midnight Chase. Ken is keen on Tea For Two, though he may not run at the Festival, his future lies over fences, his hurdling is work in progress, but he is an improving type and is a chaser on looks. Claire Abbatt

Sego Success has won his last two chases and is fancied by Ken for the National Hunt Chase at 10/1

8 CLUB NEWS & FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Racing Calendar February like to help please contact Doug Miles on 07515 703058. Doors open at 6.00pm Wednesday 11th Chepstow Tuesday 17th Taunton St. Richard’s Hospice Preview Evening Wednesday 18th Ludlow A small number of tickets remain for this Friday 20th Warwick evening fundraiser where Gina Bryce will be Saturday 21st Chepstow joined by Dr. Richard Newland, Paddy Brennan, Thursday 26th Ludlow Richie McLernon and Alan Lee as a panellist. Friday 27th Newbury Please call Alison Parkes on 01905 763963 if you Saturday 28th Newbury would like tickets. March Saturday 7th Chepstow Club News Sunday 8th Warwick Monday 9th Stratford New committee members Tuesday 10-13th Cheltenham The committee would like extend their thanks Philip Hobbs stable visit & racing at to Claire Abbatt who has stepped down from Taunton the committee and offer a warm welcome to new committee members David Bishop and A ballot for places on this trip, February 17, has Rosemarie Davies. If any other club members been drawn. Trip costs £6.00. Please contact would like to join the committee you’re all Sarah Matthews on 07729 847724 if you have welcome, just contact Doug Miles on 07515 any questions. 703058. Club Trips to Ireland Following our AGM we will have a fascinating Peter Collier took a group of 10 club members evening where we are joined by jockeys Chris to Leopardstown earlier this month – good fun Maude, James Peel and Robert Skinner who was had by all. There are several further trips all competed in the prestigious 2014 Mongol planned, if you would like to join Peter on a Derby. Robert Cooper will chair the evening. future trip just call 07802 228559 CTCRC Charity giving 2014 Festival Preview – The Centaur Our Club treasurer Colin Nelson has advised AP McCoy, (so this means we will have a full that we are delighted to report that 2014 house), Philip Hobbs, Jessica Lamb and Alan Lee proved to be a record breaking year for the will be among our panellists on Sunday March 8. Clubs fundraising efforts for our various racing Many thanks to all members who are supporting charities. We issued exactly £8,000 in 2014, this event, we will gratefully welcome more many thanks to everyone who supported our volunteers to support the evening. If you would fundraising.

9 gears for two miles, he just has so much strength JESSICA that from the front he can win over that trip. The fall at Leopardstown at Christmas will put LAMB some off, though trainer Willie Mullins found an issue in his muscles that could have been the cause of him not repeating his Navan beginners’ COLUMN chase exhibition - and he has since won at Leopardstown making him a worthy favourite CTCRC extend a warm welcome back to for the JLT Novices’ Chase. Jessica Lamb who gives us an insight into some of the likely challengers from Ireland In the same colours, that of Rich and Susannah who will be staking their claims at next Ricci, the five-year-old Douvan has been months Festival. touted as Vautour’s successor. Speaking on the Morning Line, Walsh said the Sky Bet Supreme I VIVIDLY remember the first time I saw JLT Novices’ Hurdle favourite was quicker than his Novices’ Chase favourite Vautour jump fences. stablemate, going on to compare him to leading I have watched horses jumping fences, coloured, Stan James Champion Hurdle hope Faugheen natural, big and small, since I was five years old: as well. 24 years later, this memory sticks. He explained: “Vautour had a huge amount of

Left: Champagne Fever – will he take the Champion Chase? He should! Right: Shark Hanlon, hoping for success with Hidden Cyclone

It’s not the sight that resounds through my pace and a massive stride. I ended up making brain, but the feeling of not being able to take it on him in the Supreme because he doesn’t my eyes away. Captivated by fluidity, accuracy have a huge turn of foot whereas Douvan would and a bouquet of flair. definitely have more gears. Added to his drama is his keenness. As jockey Ruby “Faugheen as a novice was quite weak and Walsh alludes to, he doesn’t actually have enough probably didn’t jump as well as Douvan.”

10 don’t mean that in relation to integrity, I mean that she is so articulate and open that it is very rare a race does not go as she says it will for one of her horses. Doyle always said that fences would crown the one-time leading contender and that has proven true this season. This is a division that is strong in Ireland this year and Le Vent D’Antan impressed when making a lot of the running to win at Leopardstown at Lieutenant Colonel is likely to be the leading Irish Christmas. That was a beginners’ chase with the challenge in the World Hurdle quality of field you could see in a Graded event Of all the Mullins “what ifs” still remaining, soon and he was always in control, looking the one that I have the strongest view on is professional and confident. Champagne Fever. The Champion Bumper Ireland also has a strong hand again in the and Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner showed Ladbrokes World Hurdle. Take a moment to in the King George that he lacks the stamina reflect on the desperately early death of 2013 for a strong 3m and, with the Champion Chase winner Solwhit in a schooling hurdle late last looking wide open, dropping back would seem year, then look no further than Lieutenant the most logical move. Colonel. The Ryanair Chase runner-up Hidden Cyclone should also go for this race. Michael Mee’s star has excelled the twice he has been to Cheltenham, “Champagne Fever.... preceding his festival second with third in the Paddy Power Chase. He is already dropping back would a Grade 3 and Grade 2 winner over 2m and trainer Shark Hanlon’s frustration be the logical move” with his lack of Grade 1 win was palpable at Leopardstown at Christmas. “I just cannot get a Grade 1 at all,” he said. “Not Dedigout and Monksland have both returned with this fellow, not with any of them. He’s run from injury looking bang on form, but all their a cracker, but it just wasn’t his day again. I don’t form only serves to boost Lieutenant Colonel’s, know what we’re going to do.” with the Hatton’s Grace and winner excelling in his second season over He knows that the Tied Cottage Chase winner hurdles. He has soundly put the Ladbrokes has a top-level win in him; perhaps the decent World Series Hurdle winner Jetson in his place ground and the hill in the Champion Chase will twice and, pending Willie Mullins’s decision on give the County Carlow trainer his wish. Annie Power, has to be Ireland’s number one A horse I’ve liked all along is Le Vent D’Antan, hope of regaining the World Hurdle title. not least because his trainer Liz Doyle is, in my Jessica Lamb opinion, the most straight handler there is. I

11 EDWARD GILLESPIE

COLUMN “that’s my lot”. It took several hikes to the Poles to overcome his frustration of not Cherish AP’s Gift being able to get back after injury and decide for himself the route of the open-top bus tour. When Rishi Persad directed his microphone towards AP McCoy after his win aboard Mr Mole at Newbury, After only a few days, AP will know that the only what we could have guaranteed would be a few reason he had to say those words at Newbury nice words about the horse and his modest chances was to hear them himself and, by telling us, to be in the Champion Chase became a “did he really say reminded every minute of every day that he has that?” moment. That he would retire at the end of the made that decision and there is no going back, like season was not a shock in itself with 20 titles in the Jamie Spencer, or he will cheating our emotions. bag but giving us several weeks to savour the process He is going to absolutely hate the next few weeks. was generous beyond words. After 20 years of slipping unnoticed from car park to weighing room and back, every inch will be lined For two decades, AP has been the ever-present with well-wishers and autograph hunters. It will drive backdrop to the sport, seldom taking the spotlight him to distraction but he must grin and bear it. The himself but churning out the winners, week in week very worse that could happen is that the distraction out, as an accumulator. Images of him celebrating a will affect his concentration and an uncharacteristic major win are remarkably thin on the ground – Don’t error will force a final twist to the story. Push It’s , ’s Gold Cup among the few. Months have gone past with hardly The chances of his closing-down tour lasting to the an AP big Saturday winner and there have even been end of April and Sandown are very remote. He will periods when he was riding at ‘the other meeting’. be there, I am sure, but in a suit, having called it a day Yet, from Monday to Friday another half dozen singles at Aintree, hopefully after lifting the Grand National would be chalked into the record books. trophy but more likely picking himself off the turf one last time. Either way, he’ll be slipping quietly into Flash, AP is certainly not and there were times in Alder Hey Hospital to see the sick children before he my role as a promoter of the sport when his style goes home. prompted thoughts that Jump racing was on a roll despite its Champion rather than because of him. AP will be agonising over the cameras being on Just think where it might be today if him when they should be on the winners and his had won 20 titles. But that’s exactly why John was colleagues in their moment of glory. Already he will never likely to do that. He doesn’t have the patience be thinking whether he wants to be that distraction and, half way round in a Handicap, his mind would from those who are going about their business to stray onto how he was going to fit in a game of the professional standards he set. Don’t count on football before going to the theatre that evening. AP him making it as far as Aintree. He’s already won the would be totally focused on the diminishing number National. What has he got to prove? Cherish every of strides before the next flight of hurdles. moment but don’t wait for great accomplishments on the big stages. Travel the highways and byways to John’s riding career came to an abrupt end when he the remote provinces of our sport. That is where you was strung upside down by one stirrup. There was will find the real McCoy. no ‘final few weeks’, nor for who stepped off one at Aintree, safe and sound, and said Edward Gillespie, OBE

12 TIPSTER COMPETITION UPDATE

COMPETITION LEADERBOARD ctcrc.co.uk, selecting Events and then Tipsters SCORES TO END DEC 2014 Competition. 1 TONY COLEMAN B 200 If you have any questions about your entry, or its 2 PAUL JONES A 195 status, please contact Tony Coleman either on 3 STEVE TAYLOR G 165 07795 146242 or by e-mail at 4= DAVID BATEMAN B 160 [email protected]. 4= JIM CLARK C 160 6 BERNARD HOLTHAM A 155 7 DAVID SHEPHERD-CROSS B 152 8= TONY COLEMAN H 150 8= JOHN RICH B 150 RICHARD 8= MARTIN WITHINSHAW C 150 The entry scoring most points in December DAVIS AWARD was David Shepherd-Cross who just managed to hold on to top position with 95pts ahead of For the Top Conditional Jockey riding at Cheltenham, 7 competitors on 85pts with 3 other entries a Chepstow, Ludlow, Stratford, Towcester, Warwick and further 5pts behind. Worcester during the period 27th April 2014 – 25th April 2015 Our congratulations go to David, who wins the (Sponsored by the Cheltenham and Three Counties £10 monthly prize. Race Club & Midlands Racing Club) COMPETITION LEADERBOARD Scoring: a Winner 10 points, a Second 7 points, a SCORES DEC MONTH Third 4 points, a Fourth 2 points. 1 DAVID SHEPHERD-CROSS B 95 1st Sean Bowen 181 pts 2= TONY COLEMAN B 85 2= BERNARD HOLTHAM A 85 2nd Peter Carberry 140 pts 2= DEAN SHANNON C 85 3rd Trevor Whelan 132 pts 2= JAMIE SHARP D 85 4th Nico De Boinville 124 pts 2= PAUL SMITH F 85 2= STEVE TAYLOR G 85 5th Conor Shoemark 105 pts 2= GILLIAN WALKER D 85 Latest placings (up to and including 3rd 9= DAVID BATEMAN C 80 February 2015) 9= TONY COLEMAN A 80 9= MARTIN WITHINSHAW C 80 Richard Davis was a talented jump jockey tragically killed in a fall over fences in 1996. Please don’t forget that you can track the status of your entries on-line by accessing www. This award is named in his memory.

13 Column header picture courtesy of John Grossick. JOHN HALES COLUMN

We had a very nice holiday in Barbados Georgie was which we shared with Georgie and Paul pleased to Nicholls, Roy and Margaret Moody, George say that in and Violet Hutchinson and my son Robert 2004 she had and his wife Helen plus my daughter Lisa. more Grade 1 winners than At our Villa we were well supported by Foggy Paul. In fact Paul ( Ian Fog) and Nell Buckler who were based at did not have a Coral Reef and we all enjoyed the hospitality grade 1 winner of Andy Stewart at his lovely Barbados home. that year and One of the highlights was the Carribean cruise Georgie won organised by Paul, but whatever we did the the Grade 1 conversation invariably centred around National finale 2 mile Hunt racing with some very enjoyable moments Georgie Nicholls – Grade 1 hurdle race and interesting discoveries. How about this for a winning trainer at the Welsh question in a racing quiz. Grand National meeting at Chepstow. Later on In which year did Georgie Nicholls have Paul reminded us that it was Georgie’s only ever more grade one winners than her husband grade 1 winner. Pride was restored. Paul? Another very important day was the 17th One evening and out of curiosity I asked Georgie January when Dodging Bullets took on Sprinter had she trained Point to Pointers. Georgie was Sacre. Andy Stewart invited us to his very nice quick to respond that she also had a license and home to watch the race on his new extra large trained under rules. When Paul was not listening

Coral Reef Beach Club, Barbados, a fine place to go in January

14 TV with HD and many more extra features. In his absence he kindly invited me with my Champagne was served from 9.00am and we friends to watch the race. The outcome was all sat down to watch the race. It was a very nice disappointing with Ibis Du Rheu running with picture and it was a superb setting in 86 degrees the choke out and never settling. Having seen with air conditioning and watching the horses this horse race in France I am confident you will go down to post. At this moment the TV broke see a much better performance next time in a down and as much as Andy tried he could not proper run race. get the picture back. My wife and I returned to the UK on the 27 Andy’s 10 inch square tablet came to the rescue January and on the 28 January Fascino Rustico with 10 people gathered round to watch an ran at Newcastle. We were very pleased with this excellent race. The outcome was very good performance as he beat a good horse Zip Top for Paul with a very worthy winner on the day. trained by John Ferguson and ridden by AP. His jumping was very much improved and he has now earned the right to go for the Betfair race In which year did at Newbury. On that day he is likely to be joined by Unioniste in the 3 mile chase followed by Al Georgie Nicholls Ferof a week later at Ascot in the 2mile 5 furlong race. The outcome of these races will determine have more grade one the targets for the Festival and Aintree. winners than her We can also look forward to the next race for Rob Robin who is showing a lot of ability in husband Paul? training and the debut for the unraced “Be Daring” by Dom Alco. When the dust had settled and Paul had come I hear on the grapevine that the construction down from the Chandelier it was generally work at Cheltenham is likely to be completed for agreed that the Sprinter was still the one to beat the Paddy Power meeting in November. If true at the festival. this is excellent news and Iam sure we will have a stadium that we will all be very proud of. On the 24th January Paul and Georgie had returned to the UK and Andy was in Antigua. John Hales

Dodging Bullets delighted Paul with the Grade 1 defeat of Sprinter Sacre at Ascot

15 LIAM TREADWELL COLUMN

Earlier in the season Liam Treadwell gave I reckon he will be even better between 2m 5f or us a number of horses to follow whom he 3m. He’s definitely still progressing. thought may do well in the season, this Burtons Well month I caught up with Liam who gave us He won his only race in a class 4 novice a half term report to find out how they’re hurdle on the bridle at 20/1, the horse he beat getting on. comfortably was Buckhorn Timothy who is now Venetia Williams horses rated 133. He has had a hold up in his training so we’ve been patient with him. He’s well bred, Otago Trail but he’s generally still a weak horse and is still He’s been very impressive with the two rides growing so we’ll be patient with him. He’s one he has had, winning by 15l and 23l respectively. to look after as he has genuine potential to fulfil. He’s rated 133 and has an entry in the Supreme Novices although he’s more likely to be held Saroque back as he is still a baby and quite weak. He He was placed in his first two hurdle races won a bumper on heavy over 2m2f and will then took a crashing heavy fall when leading probably be seen to best effect over further in in January in a race won by Monkerty Tunkerty. future. That said, I schooled him today and he nearly pulled my arms out, so he seems none the Sand Artist worse for his recent mishap. He’s rated 128, he What do they say….”horses can make fools of feels great on the gallops so hopefully next time you”, well this guy is doing his best, the whole out he can continue on the up curve. yard have been left scratching their heads with this fella. He can jump, he’s great on the gallops James Evans and yet when he turns up at a racecourse he Desilvano chooses to do none of the above. He’s rated 73, James deserves great credit in some excellent has been placed in two of his three races, but placing of this horse, he began in the autumn looks like he may continue to make mugs of us with a very creditable second place at 33/1, then as we try and place him in a race to win. went onto have three wins in a row, which have Baradari seen him earn best price quotes of 33/1 for the He’s a much more interesting proposition. He’s Albert Bartlett. He is basically still a big baby, gone up 6lbs so far and is rated 140. He won a but is maturing physically and mentally with grade 1 at Ascot beating Lyvius in January, the each run. At Ascot, in particular, he knuckled step up in trip worked after being outpaced in down and battled out gamely to win from two the Greatwood in November. He got 2m 3f, but out, then followed up by a pillar to post victory

16 at Catterick over 3m where he won as he liked. pieces all fall together he can take a big prize this He’s improving at a rate of knots, although he spring at one or more of the Festivals. Michael may need more experience to tackle the Albert has deliberately kept him fresh for Cheltenham. Bartlett. Wherever he goes, he’s one to follow.

Next Sensation At Cheltenham Winners Enclosure Other horses to note Desilvano, right, quickens from the last to win at Aso was a little disappointing in the Betfair Ascot under Liam Hurdle, we like him a lot, he deserves a crack in a Michael Scudamore big handicap at Cheltenham and may go for the County Hurdle. Corner Creek Houblon Des Obeaux has done very well this Michael has said to keep the faith with this one season and continues to progress. He’s a better as his recent form has been disappointing. He’s horse than last year and he came eighth in last still maturing and is mentally backwards, with years’ Gold Cup so deserves his place in the line- time, better ground and the sun on his back, up, soft ground would give him a lively chance. Michael is hopeful for the horse to develop further. Tenor Nivernais disappointed last time out but needs to learn to relax better, he will be stepped Next Sensation up in trip and we remain happy that he’s got Next Sensation is hoping to go three better in plenty of winning in him. this years’ Grand Annual Tango Du Juilley tipped up last time out, that’s He has a quote of 100/1 for the Champion probably cost him a place at Cheltenham as he Chase, more realistically a quote of 16/1 in the needs more experience, but he is another with Grand Annual might look generous come March time who will do well. 13. What we know is he has speed to burn, he jumps and wears his heart on his sleeve. So far, Liam Treadwell the evidence of his runs are disappointing in that his potential hasn’t yet been realised, but he has a BIG win in him. He’s dropped 3lb to 143, but this season he is more relaxed. Were it not for the hold up at the start of the Grand Annual last year Michael thought he would have won, but he was simply too buzzy. I rode behind him on Drumshambo that day and couldn’t believe how quick he had set off, leaving the field, who were also charging, a good 20 lengths in arrears. If the

17 RICHARD At times at major meetings the burden appeared a heavy one. The pain etched into HOILES those gaunt features after Valiramix’s death in the 2002 Champion Hurdle a particularly haunting image. He has only been leading rider COLUMN at the Festival twice, the last as long ago as 1998, “This will be the last time I will ride 200 but it is at the coalface where his dedication and winners Rishi, I am retiring at the end of relentless pursuit of winners yielded rewards the season”. that will never be surpassed. Titles were often wrapped up by the end of summer jumping, Those words uttered by A.P McCoy a few nothing seeming to give him more satisfaction moments after 3 o’clock on Saturday 7th February than persuading some hairy yak that they not caused shockwaves the like of which I have never only wanted to jump but were required to win witnessed on a racecourse. Television running in order to satisfy this particular task master. orders, carefully crafted to circumnavigate the immovable obstructions of commercial breaks My personal McCoy highlight will be the and off air times, were thrown to the wind. In privilege of calling what may prove to be his the Press Room the air was thick with journalists sole Grand National win on Don’t Push It in frantically imploring the need for more space 2010. The sheer number of runners and chaotic from reluctant football obsessed sports editors, nature of the race means it has escaped several whilst social media hummed and twittered with top riders and when lady luck deserted Clan recorded eavesdropped conversations as those Royal and Butlers Cabin in quick succession at who had played any sort of role in the McCoy Becher’s second time round, it seemed he may story were sought for comments by presenters be another. When Don’t Push It ensured it would and scribes alike. not be a box that remained unticked the whole of celebrated, whilst the The presence of agent Dave Roberts on the fact the race also provided first successes for JP racecourse should have been some sort of McManus and Jonjo O’Neill, no doubt provided clue. The man who makes Greta Garbo look a even more satisfaction in repaying the support real party animal was on hand to pay eloquent and loyalty of two of the biggest influences of tribute as were family and colleagues but McCoy’s later career. it still took a while for the enormity of the announcement to sink in. Many will no doubt have their own personal highlights when McCoy persuaded a horse For a whole generation Tony McCoy has been you backed to prevail against the odds but for champion National Hunt jockey. It will be the those who wish to take some time to enjoy the 20th time at the end of this season that his name brilliance of A P McCoy here are the five races will be etched onto the trophy by an engraver that for me sum up the career of the greatest in danger of repetitive strain injury. By his own National Hunt jockey of all time. admission it is, like for so many, the fear of failure and the high self-imposed standards that have 5. Deano’s Beeno . Ascot driven the success. Every tooth and nail finish, 2002. every character to cajole, every pip squeaked in a A horse with whom McCoy had a long and relentless drive for success with failure taken hard. sometimes controversial history. This day he persuaded Deano’s to not just set a string gallop

18 but also to challenge the far less experienced ruffle the favourite’s feathers McCoy seized on Thierry Doumen on Baracouda as to when to a last flight error to wear the Champion down set off in pursuit. Even though Baracouda got close home. The success typified as well the there to challenge, the effort involved coupled approach of that other great career influence, with the strength of McCoy in the saddle meant trainer . Deano’s Beeno prevailed. 1. Wichita Lineman William Hill Handicap 4. Mountain Tunes Towcester 7th Chase Cheltenham 10th March 2009. November 2013. The race widely acknowledged to be McCoy’s McCoy’s landmark 4000th victory and one finest ride. In the helter skelter of a Festival that showed his refusal to ever accept defeat handicap he partnered the favourite Wichita until the race is run. With the expectations of a Lineman who repeatedly compromised his pursuing entourage of journalists pens poised chances by a series of slow cumbersome to record history, he produced a tour de force momentum losing leaps which saw him under which is accompanied by, in my opinion, one pressure a long way from home. Another error of the best ever pieces of race commentary three from home looked to have ended any courtesy of John Hunt. chance and no one would have blamed any rider for accepting what looked the inevitable. That has never been in McCoy’s make up and he drove the horse at the last two and up the hill to record what remains one of the most unlikely victories in Festival history.

Mountain Tunes win typified all that is great about the champion

3. Don’t Push It. Grand National Aintree 10th April 2010. The victory that ensured when Tony’s career Wichita Lineman’s win in 2009, how did he do it? is discussed in years to come there is never There are still a few months left to revel in the a pause followed by... ‘but he never won a talents and drive of AP McCoy. Hopefully with National did he?’. the burden of expectation now lifted, the game 2. Pridwell 4th April 1998 face may slip a little more often in that period and he may fully appreciate the admiration in which The day he bloodied the nose of one of the he is held not just throughout racing but within best hurdlers of the modern era, Istabraq. In sport as a whole. Never has a man conquered the desperate ground he squeezed every last ounce demons of fearing failure so comprehensively. His out of Pridwell the only defeat Istabraq suffered records will never be broken. in a sequence of 18 victories. Appreciating the need to make the race a real battle in order to Richard Hoiles

19 KIM BAILEY COLUMN

Well where do you start? AP McCoy hints Encore winning at Plumpton brought up Number that there is life after racing and on 44 for the season. David Bass, who has been February 7, after riding his 200th winner Jason Maguire and AP McCoy’s understudy in the of the season he allows the public into his yard has certainly been in the winners. A good mind by saying that this is going to be his jockey? I think so. last season. For those of you who read my column you Most jockeys ride and then walk away from racing will know that I push my web site as hard as saying that’s that. Not AP, he has commitments possible and one of the reasons why is to try and to trainers, owners and punters alike and he will encourage people to join up and become and honour those commitments until the end of owner. Over the last few months I have been the season, then off he goes. pushing the GSTTKPA Charity Not a man to let people down; horses Allez Encore and King we must now bask in his glory Simba as much as I dare without and treasure any winners that boring people, sadly not many come from under him in the have listened! coming months. Yes,’The AP Since my last wittering’s Clare bandwagon’ will roll on for a few and I have been away, which more weeks. is not something trainers I have been in racing long normally do but you only enough to have seen Fred live once. The opportunity to Winter, Stan Mellor, John David Bass a good rider with 24 spend ten days in South Africa Francome, Richard Dunwoody winners already was a dream come true and and now AP ride and I can safely we were not disappointed as it say, especially having used most of them, that AP was just unbelievable. I love animals and to see was and is the best all rounder. We have all been those beautiful creatures you only see on TV privileged and lucky to have seen him at his best. or at Zoos in real life was just stunning. It was a magnificent break and now we head to the last Sadly who was not at his best and that was Harry half of the season, Cheltenham beckons and the Topper. HT has had a miserable 12 months with preparations are being finely tuned. I look forward ground conditions against him and on Saturday, to sharing how we get on next month. even though his new jockey Barry Geraghty was impressed, he found the faster ground too fast for Kim Bailey him. Sadly he came home lame and will now miss Kim Bailey Racing Ltd, Thorndale Farm, the rest of the season, I just hope we do get the chance to see him race again. Andoversford, Cheltenham, Glos. GL54 4LL T: 01242 890241 F: 01242 890193 Our season carries on with the winners and Allez M: 07831 416859

20 WIN A DAY AT THE RACES COMPETITION

This months question for the chance to win Two The question for February is: Premier Enclosure Badges for any meeting of On what date is Chepstow holding its your choice, except the , at Irish Raceday? is given below. Please post your entries to reach Tony Coleman Each month the first correct entry drawn by Friday 6th March 2015 at: from those received in time will be awarded a voucher which can be redeemed for the Premier 14 Ridge Green, Shaw, West Swindon, SN5 5PU Badges direct with the racecourse office. alternatively, e-mail him at [email protected] The winner of the January Competition was NB: Please remember to include your current Geoff Robbins , who correctly answered that the membership number and postal address with price of Chepstow’s NH only Annual Members’ you entry. Badge for 2015 is £240. Our congratulations, along with a voucher for two Premier Enclosure Badges to Chepstow, have been sent to Geoff .

21 JO COLLINSON COLUMN

Temperatures have been cold with snow, ice season before. Ledgy had a late summer holiday and, and heavy frosts. Sparkly scenes, especially on January 10th, he had his first run for six months. white ones, appear picturesque but are far from I had a brilliant day at Kempton Park. Will Kennedy pleasant to work in. rode and Ledgy won like he had round Worcester – looking as if he would be tailed off and just staying on, You slip, slide and have to resort to spreading snatching victory on the line by a short head. I ran over shovelfuls of grit everywhere. You have to dig the snow to him too soon and did not even know he had won to one side. Your toes go numb and your fingers hurt. until they announced it over the loudspeakers. Will I suffer from pesky chilblains, which itch unbearably as gave him a great, patient ride. Once a week, Will rides they warm up. out two lots and is always helpful if you have been sent I cannot wait until spring arrives and, of course, the racing on your own, as I had been at Kempton. Will Festival will be here with it! came out to saddle Ledgy so he technically saddled that winner too! Since Mont Royale’s win back in November, we had a lengthy wait for another winner – fifty days to be It was the perfect day as Ledgy also won me the best precise. After a few placings, it was the home-bred turned out. I was jammy as nothing else had a plaited Rose Revived who broke our seemingly endless mane and tail. Ledgy was feeling fresh, strutting along drought. ‘Rosie’ built on a very promising second and dragging me along! We had had such a miserable round Newbury, to win at Ludlow. She is a quirky time without any winners; I felt quite emotional and character and is ridden daily by Paddy Cowley, who definitely wiped away a tear or two. This was far from is the right lad to cope with her kicking, bucking and a “big” winner, but it meant a lot. Will Kennedy later general cantankerous antics. Karolina Packová looks won on one of Dr Newland’s in the same fashion – so it after Rosie and was proud to lead up her first winner definitely was a perfect day for us both. in England. Karolina is 21 and from the Czech Republic, The day was made even more memorable by Join The where she worked in racing. She also looks after Last Clan winning the Pertemps Qualifier at Warwick, giving Shadow, Ivy Gate and Touch Back. conditional Paddy Cowley his first ever winner. ‘Clanny’ Lost Legend is one of my ‘original’ horses. I have is a hero – the loveliest horse with the sweetest looked after Ledgy since my second day, when he was nature. Possibly Paddy was helped out by the loose brought in from the field. This Irish-point winner was horse but, to be honest, it far from mattered. Paddy is fat, with an unkempt mane and a tail nearly dragging from Cumbria and came to Jackdaws Castle from the on the ground. He won one last summer and four the Northern Racing College at 16. He has worked hard for

22 three seasons and deserves success. In his honour (any and Champagne Present. Last summer, she had excuse) we had a quiet celebration down the Plough! considerable success with On The Record too. Clanny won again under Paddy up at Wetherby, where My association with It’s A Doddle began long before a few members of his family had gone to watch. I even knew him. In October 2006, I led up a bumper Beg To Differ and Mackeyre End (who is co-owned winner round Aintree: Super Nick trained by Nigel by Diana Whateley, owner of Wishful Thinking and Twiston-Davies, owned by Trevor Hemmings and Menorah) also added to a steady tally of winners. Lost ridden by David England. Then, last year, I received a Legend had been our 60th winner of the season. It is text from my friend Davey Collins, who had gone to nowhere near to our 130 plus winners of last season, work for Donald McCain but worked previously for but it just makes those amazing seasons much more Ronnie O’Leary in County Clare. The text said Super appreciated. Nick’s half-brother was coming to Jonjo’s and that he was a lovely horse. By coincidence, I had a gap so was A fortnight later, Ledgy ran in the Great Yorkshire able to look after Doddle. I rode him lots too and loved Chase and finished a gallant fifth, again staying on him. He was grouchy in the stable but outside he was a gentleman: never fresh, quiet and obedient. Anyway, a fortnight ago, Doddle retired and was rehomed via head travelling lass Laura’s sister Kelly Morgan. He will have a lovely new life hunting, hacking and maybe some ‘pointing in the future. I was sorry Doddle went, but so happy he has a new home. Denisa Vackova also said farewell to her beloved Lost Legend brought the yards dry spell to an end to It’s a Doddle and me Flinstone. Owned by great relief from everyone a syndicate called the Jackdaws Castle Crew, he strongly on ground too soft for his liking. He won the had finished second back in the summer but was best turned out again. I am on a bit of a roll with best unsuccessful since. Denisa had bonded with ‘Flinny’ turned out prizes as I have won two with Ledgy and so was sad when he was put on the lorry with the one up at Catterick with Less Time – but I probably will Wetherby runners and dropped off en route at the not win another for months! Northern Racing School in Doncaster. Hopefully, he On January 23rd, Petra Kopecká had a winner with the will be teaching the wannabe jockeys a thing or two. superbly named Spookydooky at Doncaster. (Our At It is always sad to see our horses go but then it is great Reception finished second!) Spooky is a favourite – when they get retired. There has been much bad Petra dotes on him, forever feeding him carrots. Petra press about where ex-racehorses end up but a lot are was so happy with his win, especially as she rides him rehomed and make successful riding horses. In this line every day. From the Czech Republic, Petra has worked of work, horses do come and go. As Doddle went, my here for just over a year and came over having never Don’t Be Late returned from holidays over in Ireland. worked with racehorses. Now, she rides out and is in He looks really well, strong and shiny in the coat. charge of swimming the horses, as well as looking after Spooky, Onthewesternfront, Steps And Stairs, Eastlake Jo Collinson

23 TONY COLEMAN’S TRIP TO MEYDAN

Background Horseracing began in the Emirate in October 1981, when a dusty Camel Track hosted the first It is a tradition of ours to celebrate our wedding thoroughbred race meeting, organised by the anniversary by travelling to warmer climes, given office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin our anniversary falls on January 18. This year, Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Lesley having just passed her 70th birthday and Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. myself eagerly (?) awaiting the same milestone in April, we determined to go the extra mile and Some 10 years later, in early 1992 the Dubai take in a two-centre holiday. Racing Club was established under the chairmanship of Colonel Ali Khamis Al Jafleh, a The first leg really arose as a result of the UAE Air Force commander. March 1992 saw the opportunity to have a stopover in Dubai en official opening of Nad Al Sheba Racecourse, route to Mauritius. where the highlight was the appearance of Imagine our surprise, then, when Lesley some of horseracing’s biggest stars at the time - discovered that there was a Thursday evening jockeys Lester Piggott and Willie Carson. meeting at Meydan whilst we were in town. A year later, in March 1993, Nad Al Sheba hosted What a result, and an opportunity we couldn’t the inaugural Dubai International Jockeys’ resist! Challenge (DIJC). Five groups of two jockeys To provide a little history behind what is now were invited to compete, with senior riders the world’s largest facility the representing USA, Europe, Australia, Japan and following information may be helpful. the United Arab Emirates.

24 This event eventually paved the route for the The impression, on approaching Meydan creation of the Dubai World Cup (DWC), The racecourse, is similar to that when approaching a first being held in 1996, and thrust both Nad large International airport. Al Sheba and the UAE onto the global stage Our taxi took us to the front entrance of the as American wonder horse, Cigar, claimed the Meydan hotel complex, an integral part of the inaugural running. In 2010 the Dubai World Cup helped introduce the iconic Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse, thus replacing Nad Al Sheba, to the racing and sports world and this is the new home for the Dubai World Cup in addition to being the world’s largest integrated racing facility. The whole development includes a nine-hole golf course and the 7.5 million m² Meydan Racecourse. It also includes the Meydan Marina, The Meydan – the world’s first five-star track- side hotel with 285 rooms - two race tracks and the Grandstand, which itself comprises a hotel, racecourse, where a doorman offered us a TONY COLEMAN’S TRIP TO MEYDAN restaurants, a racing museum and 72 corporate buggy ride to the ticket office. suites for entertaining throughout the year. En route, the buggy driver pointed out a huge It has a 2,400 metre left-handed turf race track flock of birds, thousands of them, flying in and a left-handed 8.75-furlong (1,750 metres) formation and stopped so that we could take a Tapeta synthetic dirt course. photo. The racing season annually begins in November and is highlighted by the Dubai World Cup Carnival that starts in January and features some of biggest names in racing for the duration, culminating with the world’s richest day in racing – the Dubai World Cup - with over US$26.25 million in prize money . It was to one of the DWC Carnival events that we were able to go, on Thursday January 15. The Visit Meydan itself is not the easiest area to access from Dubai but we were able to work out a route that enabled us to avail ourselves of the We had previously been advised, on line, that Metro service from our hotel in Deira to the entry tickets ranging from free to 500Dhs Dubai Mall. From there it was very easy, and (approx. £100) each - dependent on our cheap, to catch a taxi to the racecourse, a trip of requirements, would be available from the some twenty minutes. ticket office on the day. We opted for Premium

25 parking for 8,600 cars. The Racecourse provides a 1,750m Dirt track and a 2,400m Turf track. First impression, on entering the main Grandstand, is one of understated opulence. Classy, and definitely not cheap in appearance. In addition to the Ground Floor access there is Lower Ground access and six additional tiers above Ground Level. I suspected that you needed to be a Sheikh, or similar, to gain access there given the amount of security in evidence. The Owners and Trainers had to “make do” with their own enclosure - albeit on the Ground Floor Level. Irrespective of the price paid, including free access, there is seating available to everyone, in addition to standing enclosures. Other than children playing, or the occasional family group choosing to sit on the grass or concrete in the standing enclosure, everyone was seated (why wouldn’t you with a seating capacity of 60,000)? Seats were very conveniently laid out Grandstand seats (50 Dhs) which were situated in banks ten wide by twenty rows deep, each immediately opposite the winning line. seat having armrests and ample legroom. One had to admire the thoughtfulness that had Having obtained our tickets, clamped to gone into the comfort applied throughout a branded lanyard, we approached the the whole venue. I guess that the Arabian oil Grandstand entrance to be greeted by revenues more than helped in the first instance Information Bureau staff from whom we learned even though, today, oil only accounts for 4% of that for our £10 entry fee we were entitled to a Dubai’s GDP. racecard each plus a lottery-style ticket which allowed us entry to a Pick 6 Pool plus a Tricast The paddock, and winner’s and unsaddling Competition spread over six of the seven races enclosures are situated directly in front of to be run, free – since betting is illegal here. the premium seating areas, which was most convenient for us first-timers. Claiming to be the largest racecourse facility in the World, there is little to argue with that Considering that alcohol is not generally when considering that Meydan Racecourse permitted in public areas in Dubai and restricted provides a splendid array of first-class hospitality mainly to hotels, I was very surprised to find that offerings within the state-of-the-art structure. all types of alcoholic beverage, from beer to The Meydan Racecourse is unlike any other in the wine and even hard spirits, were freely available. World. Spanning 1.5 kilometres, the spectacular Not only that, the drinks, once ordered, were Grandstand facility is situated under a crescent- served to you at your seat, each seat having its shaped roof, encased with solar panels, with own drinks holder. Moreover, for just 100Dhs seating for 60,000 spectators plus additional (that’s a tenner to you and I) we enjoyed a most generous standing room enclosures and covered satisfying meal plus two beers, also served at our

26 seats. Now that’s what I call a very civilised way was a generous 650Dhs (£130). to go racing, as a certain Mr McCririck would say. Prior to every race, for which the prize money One other noticeable feature was the pristine ranged between £60,000 and £150,000, the horses were paraded slowly in front of the Grandstand with at least 3 outriders present. With most races on the 7 race programme starting on the far side of the racecourse, the field was able to access the start via a long underpass that surfaced midway to the start in the centre of the track. All round visibility was excellent from all areas of the racecourse enclosures, and supplemented by the largest on-course television screen I have ever seen - my guess is that its total length was in excess of 100 metres. cleanliness throughout the whole racecourse. Alongside this screen was a huge electronic Obviously this is partly due to there being no digital time board, leaving no-one in doubt as to betting slips to be discarded. The 500Dhs (£100) the overall race time. With sectional split times mandatory penalty for littering anywhere in being displayed on one of the sections of the Dubai appears to work, why don’t we do it in television screen, as well as communicated by the UK? Even so, several staff were on hand the racecourse commentary, those who follow to sweep the steps and gangways and, most such information were well served. particularly, to regularly polish the handrails that accompanied each gangway throughout the Of course, with the World Cup Carnival Series evening. As I said before, pristine cleanliness. of meetings being the precursor to the World Cup meeting on March 28, it was not surprising As the start of the evening approached, the first at all to see the quality of racing on offer, and I race being at 6.45pm, it was quite gratifying to find will long remember and value the experience. that Rishi Persad was on hand to conduct pre-race So, too, will I remember the competitiveness of interviews, in addition to announcing the winning the night’s events - encapsulated perfectly in connections to collect their respective prizes. To the final race, when four necks separated the this ignorant racegoer, the absence of any Arabic first five horses home. A special and memorable announcements on the racecourse was most odd, spectacle indeed. Should if not a mystery. Identification of the horses prior you ever find yourself in to any jockey mounting his ride was also far clearer Dubai, a visit to this amazing than in the UK. Each of the lads, or lass, parading racecourse is an absolute their horse wore a tabard that clearly displayed, on MUST. both chest and back, the racecard number of that horse. Tony Coleman Best turned out prizes for every race on the card

27 Publication No. 294 - February 2015 President: Alan Lee Vice President: Alastair Down www.ctcrc.co.uk [email protected] Regular club meetings held at: The New Victory Club, Burlington House, Lypiatt Road, Cheltenham, GL50 2SY. 01242 690351 The next magazine will be online and posted to members in mid-March. The newsletter is now in colour – for colour version please download from the website.

Club officers – Names & addresses: Doug Miles Steve Ennis Chairman Newsletter Editor [email protected] 07767 228866 07515 703058 [email protected] Peter Collier Phil Bradley Vice Chairman 01242 820596 [email protected] David Bishop 07802 228599 [email protected] Judith Woolliams Rosemarie Davies Secretary [email protected] 7, St Mary’s Road, Cirencester, Glos, GL7 1AW [email protected] Antonia Lord 01285 659023 01386 833385 [email protected] Colin Nelson Treasurer Mike Lawrence 87, Roman Hackle Avenue, 07739 223248 Cheltenham, Glos, GL50 4ST [email protected] [email protected] 01242 578634 Newsletter Designed by Ian Scovell Sarah Matthews Membership Secretary Loxley Cottage, Long Marston, Stratford on Avon, Warks, CV37 8RH Stable visit details email [email protected] Membership enquiries to [email protected] 07729 847724