Chrome Just Perfect for Japan a Look Back at One of the Big Bloodstock Stories of the Year

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A special look at some of the best-read stories from thoroughbred racing.com in 2020

Chrome just perfect for Japan A look back at one of the big bloodstock stories of the year

Also inside: Prince Bandar exclusive on events at the Saudi Cup / The sad history of racism in US racing / The man who tore up the rule book to strike gold on the other side of the world / The farrier who can change a horseshoe in seconds / Almond Eye is 2020’s World No.1 Why California Chrome is so appealing to Japanese breeders

Nancy Sexton | April 06, 2020

California Chrome: “Our company has been looking Much fanfare accompanied the retirement of for the new stallion, a ‘big name’ such as him,” says Keisuke Onishi, of the JS Company. Photo: Laura California Chrome to Taylor Made Farm in Kentucky Donnell/Taylor Made in 2017. His was a story that had resonated with the casual American racing audience; the inexpensively produced California-bred who had taken on the world with venerable trainer Art Sherman at his side.

TRC Best-read 2020 / California Chrome / Prince Bandar / The sad history of racism in American racing / Striking gold on the other side of the world / 3D printed horseshoess / Almond Eye / P2 Best-read 2020 / California Chrome / Prince Bandar / The sad history of racism in American racing / Striking gold on the other side of the world / 3D printed horseshoess / Almond Eye / P3 In an era where a brief racing career right of refusal if California Chrome is ever in his first season at a fee of 4 million yen has come to be considered nothing sold, and upon retirement from breeding, ($37,000). out of the ordinary, California Chrome he can live out the remainder of his life at “Our company has been looking was almost a throwback to another Taylor Made). for the new stallion, a ‘big name’ such time, his 27 starts consisting of 16 wins, Look back to the Keeneland as him, and I noted a number of his including seven in G1 company. A $14.8 September Sale, however, and the yearlings were bought by Japanese million earner, the son of Lucky Pulpit foundations for such a move was in buyers at the Keeneland September came close to ending the Triple Crown place. California Chrome might be by Sale,” says Onishi. drought, with victories in the Kentucky far the richest-earning horse among “He will cover at least 150 mares. He Derby and Preakness Stakes preceding this group of freshman sires but, when it has been very popular with breeders. a fourth in the Belmont Stakes. There came to commercial appreciation, he fell They are impressed with him. We need was also that winning raid on the Dubai in the shadows of Frosted, Nyquist and good support from breeders to help him World Cup while a foray onto turf yielded Runhappy, to name but a few. succeed earlier on the track in Japan, a win in the G1 Hollywood Derby. As it was, he returned an average and therefore we need large numbers Horses like California Chrome, especially at Keeneland of $92,833 for 30 sold, a of mares to breed in the first three years ones so tough and versatile, don’t come figure that was fuelled by deep interest here.” along very often. Indeed, co-owner and from Japanese buyers. The list includes He adds, “I have seen lots of his breeder Perry Martin was quoted in late Shadai Farm (paid $180,000 for a filly out yearlings and weanlings at the sales in 2016 as boldly stating, “I hope and expect of the G1-placed Right There), Capital the U.S. I have an image that they could that he’s going to displace Tapit as the top System Co. ($200,000 for a filly out of be more successful in Japan than other United States sire.” stakes winner Somethinaboutbetty), countries. Most of their details were Martin had just dropped close Kanayama Holdings Co. ($260,000 for quite average - they are not so heavy to $3 million with Taylor Made on a filly out of G2 winner Warbling) and or light, not so strong or narrow. I think potential mates for California Chrome Ryotokuji Kenji Holdings ($235,000 for a this characteristic probably suits the at that year’s Keeneland November filly out of stakes winner Celtic Chant). Japanese racing style.” Sale. Meanwhile, outside the bubble In fact, Japanese buyers accounted The announcement of California of his own connections, interest was for four of the stallion’s top six yearlings Chrome’s purchase in November understandably running high, with at that sale. prompted such a volume of traffic to the a number of high-profile breeders JS Company website on the day that it seemingly happy enough to forgive his Important factor went down for several hours. modest background and support the California Chrome possesses many of Since then, the JS Company have horse at an opening fee of $40,000. the assets appealing within Japanese kept fans well informed of California Yet four seasons on and California racing, notably soundness, durability Chrome’s movements via social media, Chrome resides in Japan. What happened? and versatility to go with his immense including his arrival to Arrow Stud on Last November, The California Chrome talent. And, while some American January 29. Unfortunately, several Syndicate reached an agreement with investors may have eyed his pedigree weeks later the horse developed minor the Japanese agency JS Company Ltd - by Lucky Pulpit out of a Not For Love enteritis - an inflammation of the small to purchase California Chrome for stud mare - warily, his background is at intestine - but recovered quickly. duty at Arrow Stud on the island of least free of Sunday Silence and Halo, California Chrome joins a wide- Hokkaido. Although no official price has an increasingly important factor to a ranging roster at Arrow Stud that ever been disclosed, it was evidently an Japanese industry that is saturated with includes Japanese Classic winners and offer too good to refuse, and so it was such blood. some familiar American names. that California Chrome was on his way to For those reasons, California Arrow already boasts one Japanese Japan before he had even had a runner Chrome’s sale to Japan could work Derby hero in the 2014 winner One And and much to the disgruntlement of his out well for all involved. In addition, Only and last year added another Derby fan base. (As part of the agreement, the as Keisuke Onishi, of the JS Company, string to its bow in Roger Barows. The California Chrome Syndicate has the first outlines, he is set to gain strong support son of Deep Impact won last year’s

“I hope and expect that he’s going to displace Tapit as the top United States sire”

TRC Best-read 2020 / California Chrome / Prince Bandar / The sad history of racism in American racing / Striking gold on the other side of the world / 3D printed horseshoess / Almond Eye / P3 iconic event in a fast time and was on The latter was purchased by the JS California Chrome and Victor Espinoza winning the 2016 Dubai World Cup at Meydan. Photo: Michele course for a crack at the Arc when injury Company from Coolmore for the 2019 MacDonald curtailed his career. season and was warmly received at a “He is very popular because he is by fee of 2 million yen ($18,500). Deep Impact and has a good female “One of the stud directors is very pedigree - he is closely related to Horse interested in the Harlan’s Holiday line,” of the Year Gentildonna,” says Onishi of says Onishi. “So I was looking for the the horse, whose fee has been set at 1.2 chance to buy a good horse from his Unexpected, a half-brother to last million yen ($13,000). “The breeders are line, for example Majesticperfection, season’s G1-winning 2yo Bast who also remembering how Roger Barows Goldencents and Shanghai Bobby cost $325,000 last September. Several won the Derby - in an incredible race - especially Shanghai Bobby as he have also made their way to Europe, record, a faster time than Duramente.” was champion 2yo, which was very notably a half-sister to G3 Acomb Stakes attractive for us. winner Valdermoro and a colt out of Another level “Also his U.S.-breds have been Summertime Friend; both were bought European breeding is represented by running well in Japan [where he is at Keeneland as breeze-up prospects Neoattraction, a winning son of Montjeu the sire of seven winners from eight by Tom Whitehead of the Irish-based bred by Floors Stud out of their brilliant runners], which helped. So he was very Powerstown Stud, also the pinhooker of miler Attraction, while a collection popular last year, breeding over 100 this year’s G2 Fountain Of Youth Stakes of names familiar to an American mares.” winner Ete Indien. audience includes Sinister Minister, In California Chrome, however, And, of course, there are those the 12¾-length winner of the 2006 G1 Arrow Stud have taken it to another currently preparing to race in Japan. Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland, Lani, level. Their movements will be keenly the 2016 Belmont Stakes third whose As you would expect, the majority watched across that jurisdiction and American campaign took in each of the of his 105-strong first crop are based with any luck, they will go on to justify Triple Crown legs, and champion 2yo in the U.S. and include several the faith shown in California Chrome by Shanghai Bobby. well-connected types, including his new owners.

TRC Best-read 2020 / California Chrome / Prince Bandar / The sad history of racism in American racing / Striking gold on the other side of the world / 3D printed horseshoess / Almond Eye / P4 Best-read 2020 / California Chrome / Prince Bandar / The sad history of racism in American racing / Striking gold on the other side of the world / 3D printed horseshoess / Almond Eye / P5 THE FASTEST BREEDERS' CUP CLASSIC WINNER EVER.

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The inaugural running of the $20 million Saudi Cup was an epic global sporting event: a celebration of the Thoroughbred, Saudi Arabia and the internationalisation of the sport

Competitors and fans from all over the Now that the sand has settled on the The result of the Saudi Cup, won by Maximum world congregated in the desert at the two-day festival, its organiser, HRH Prince Security, is now being looked into by a Saudi investigative committee. “We will be fair but strict, splendidly developed King Abdulaziz Bandar bin Khalid Al Faisal, chairman of the and we will not make an exception,” says Prince Racetrack in Riyadh in the last weekend Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA), spoke Bandar. “It is very important to us that there are no of February. exclusively to TRC’s George Dudley about question marks about the winner of the first Saudi Cup.” Photo: Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia/Doug While stupendous prize money may this year’s event and his hopes for SC2021. DeFelice have been the initial headline-maker, Part one of the interview is published organisers were at pains to remind here. In part two, which will be posted onlookers that horses are central to on Sunday, Prince Bandar discusses the Arabian culture and the history of the jockeys’ challenge the day before the Kingdom, which began developing its main event, the Saudi Cup undercard, own horseracing industry over 50 years plans and hopes for next year’s festival ago and plans to harness the success of - and any lessons to take away from the the Saudi Cup to accelerate it. inaugural event. George Dudley: What were your It was, of course, very helpful that the Prince Bandar in relaxed mood. “People really general impressions of how country opened up international visas liked Maximum Security,” he says. “They were rooting for him at the same level as some of the Saudi Cup 2020 went? Were you and so on. The stars aligned, if you will, Saudi-owned horses.” Photo: Jockey Club of surprised about the extent of so it had every chance to be successful. Saudi Arabia/Martin Dokoupil the international support for Yes, there was very attractive prize the card, or was it in line with money, but I believe that alone does not what you expected? guarantee a successful event or the level Prince Bandar: The role of the Saudi and quality of international participation racing events that a lot of international Cup was always to be an international that came to Saudi Cup 2020. We were trainers and jockeys have participated event to begin with. This was an idea very happy with this representation, in. This familiarity certainly helped that the management of the JCSA had which we feel gives us an even stronger attract the level of horses that came. been working on before I got involved boost for the future. We have spent quite The one area that we were really about two or three years ago. a bit of time, post-race, getting feedback worried about was obviously the turf When they presented that idea, we from all of the participants. track, because that has never been done looked at the new general government Something that we don’t talk a lot before [in KSA]. We were not sure how policy, which was very supportive about is that people within the racing that would turn out, but now that the of international sporting events. We industry are quite familiar with Saudi race is done, and [with] the level and thought that here was an opportunity Arabia. They sell a lot of horses to this quality of the track that we have, I think for our race. They said absolutely [there part of the world and, for the past 50 we now have a chance to really push the was]. years, there has been major local horse turf racing to another level.

TRC Best-read 2020 / California Chrome / Prince Bandar / The sad history of racism in American racing / Striking gold on the other side of the world / 3D printed horseshoess / Almond Eye / P8 Best-read 2020 / California Chrome / Prince Bandar / The sad history of racism in American racing / Striking gold on the other side of the world / 3D printed horseshoess / Almond Eye / P9 There is an industry – on the breeding side, training and all other linked services. The goal is to make it larger and in line with international standards, which is what we are working on.

You said you have had some How was the visibility and When we met in Saratoga last feedback from the participants reaction within the Kingdom year, you said the ultimate goal and your own team. What have - to the event generally and to was developing an industry you been told worked well the impressive international in KSA. You touched on that and what might need minor response? saying that there is an influx of improvements for next year? It was a big event, one of the larger ones young trainers and owners – It’s wonderful to boast about in the KSA. It attracted a different crowd where do you feel that you are everything that is good, but the key to to other events that are happening in this progression, or are you anything one does is to look at what within the Kingdom. still in the nascent period of you can improve on. Those are the You must appreciate that equine development? elements that we are now focusing on sports as a whole – and the horse – is Horseracing has been going on in Saudi and we hope to present in 2021. very much part of the culture here: it Arabia for 50 years. It was one of the few The turf and dirt track, the is very much part of the literature and sports that was accessible to both men infrastructure and the quarantine area day-to-day language, even as part of the and women in this part of the world, were all world-class. And seeing that we religion. even then. It was the exception. were on par with them. It therefore wasn’t really that difficult There is an industry – on the breeding From an infrastructure point of to get people behind such an event. You, side, training and all other linked view, there are a couple of things of course, have people that are excited services. The goal is to make it larger that we are working on for 2021 about horseracing and then others with and in line with international standards, specifically related to the equine side whom it doesn’t really register with. which is what we are working on. To of things: Improving the capacity of I think that events such as the do that we are partnering with owners the quarantine area, streamlining the Saudi Cup, on a local level, definitely and trainers specifically to see how link between the quarantine area and highlighted the sport and made it we can generate programmes within the racetrack, developing new raceday more visible. As we become more of KSA. We are also looking at how we barns, a new owners and trainers area, a mainstream sport here, it will also can make younger people join the improvements to the paddock, the attract attention to other international industry. We have so many things going regulatory side and hospitality. events. People will start to follow on at the same time that it’s sometimes It is important to make that whole certain jockeys, trainers and horses and overwhelming! movement within the racetrack become much more aware of racing We didn’t start from zero – we are more streamlined, comfortable in Europe, the United States. People not at, say, one percent - we are actually and ultimately a more pleasant here are already opening up to racing in a lot further down the line. This is not area to be. And we are now signing Japan. because of myself or anyone who is contracts regarding all infrastructure I think that it went a long, long way involved now, it has been 50 years in the improvements ahead of 2021. to promoting the sport in general on a making, but we recognise that we have a This investment is not just for the global level and promoting the activity long way to go. Saudi Cup, but because of our plans to on a local level. This year, we have never We are bringing our standards to move horseracing to a really different had as much attention and interest international level and we have specific level locally. This is in line with moving from new young trainers and owners regulations in place. Elements of that KSA from [an International Federation wanting to come into horseracing. This were seen in the Saudi Cup. We are of Horseracing Authorities] part III is what we want to push and keep that very, very strict when it comes to the country to a part I country in the momentum going on, as we develop the use of prohibited substances and horse coming years. race. welfare. The same standards apply

TRC Best-read 2020 / California Chrome / Prince Bandar / The sad history of racism in American racing / Striking gold on the other side of the world / 3D printed horseshoess / Almond Eye / P9 I really hope that the U.S. moves more aggressively when it comes to issues like this: it is good for the sport and all of us Lancade winner 100. German around the world. The U.S. constitutes almost 50 percent of 1.000 Guineas, Gr.2 Thoroughbred racing and breeding globally. So, what happens in the U.S. affects all of us and. as it moves in one way, so do we.

across the board, not just when the On the other hand, I am really This depends on two factors. One international competitors visit us. encouraged that the U.S. specifically is how quickly we can move with The support that we are getting are undertaking an indictment like this global pandemic happening, from the government is really making this. the other factor is how willing life easier for us, so, I think, we are I really hope that the U.S. moves other agencies – because this is www.bbag-sales.de halfway there with just a few small more aggressively when it comes happening in another jurisdiction Classic tweaks needed. to issues like this: it is good for the and goes back to 2018 but what we sport and all of us around the world. are interested in is how this affects On the night, the Saudi Cup The U.S. constitutes almost 50 the Saudi Cup – are to being open could not have been more percent of Thoroughbred racing and with us on a timely basis. I am amazing with such a splendid breeding globally. So, what happens certain that they will work with us contenders performance by Maximum in the U.S. affects all of us and. as it because it is in their interests. Security. How do you feel moves in one way, so do we. Once all this has happened, now in the light of the cloud Taking this [catching dopers] we will look at all of the evidence, hanging over the horse seriously can only benefit any along with all the testing that we because of the Jason Servis of us involved in horseracing. have done, which has also been indictment? In one sense. I am really, really slowed down because we are We were very happy with how the happy that they are moving more using an international testing site Miss Yoda race went and the quality of the field. aggressively in this direction. and that has been shut down because winner 162. Henkel-Preis der Maximum Security was a horse that I hope for more rigid, stricter rules of Covid-19. We are able to push Diana - German Oaks, Gr. 1 captured the imagination and hearts of in terms of horse welfare. The U.S. through – but very slowly, in this people all around the world, especially matters, it just simply matters. It is respect – and we will make a after the Kentucky Derby. a key jurisdiction for international decision that is fair to everyone. We were very excited to have horseracing. At the end of the day, it is what Maximum Security come to the Saudi Here, we have our own it is. Whatever the results are, Cup. Again, the horse performed regulations and rules, but having whatever recommendation the amazingly. He dug in when it counted, something happen like this no investigative committee comes up pushed and beat a group of horses doubt made us take a step back to with, we will be fair but strict, and that were the best to race last season. see how we can be fair to the horse, we will not make an exception. He really proved himself. the owners and all of the other It is very important to us that That is on one hand. participants in the race. We don’t there are no question marks about It is also worth mentioning that the want any ambiguity or suspicion or the winner of the first Saudi Cup. Talk to us and we will assist you! team around Maximum Security were question marks over the winner of We will publish the findings and the a big hit in KSA: people liked the horse. the first Saudi Cup. methodology we used, as well as The son of the trainer that rode him We are pursuing this very the reasoning behind why we took every day became a celebrity. They vigorously. We have created an such a decision. So, there will be no were wonderful guests here in the investigative committee that has ambiguity whatsoever. Sales Dates 2021 Kingdom and people really identified started its work. Obviously this is While I would rather not have had with not only the horse, but the people being hindered by Covid-19, but I this happen at the Saudi Cup, it also Spring Breeze Up Sale – 4th June around him. They were rooting for expect them to come to a definitive gives us an opportunity to show that Maximum Security at the same level as recommendation in the coming we are very serious about what we Premier Yearling Sale – 3rd September some of the Saudi-owned horses. months. are doing. October Mixed Sales – 15th and 16th October TRC Best-read 2020 / California Chrome / Prince Bandar / The sad history of racism in American racing / Striking gold on the other side of the world / 3D printed horseshoess / Almond Eye / P10 Best-read 2020 / California Chrome / Prince Bandar / The sad history of racism in American racing / Striking gold on the other side of the world / 3D printed horseshoess / Almond Eye / P11 Lancade winner 100. German 1.000 Guineas, Gr.2

Classic www.bbag-sales.de contenders

Miss Yoda winner 162. Henkel-Preis der Diana - German Oaks, Gr. 1

Talk to us and we will assist you! Sales Dates 2021 Spring Breeze Up Sale – 4th June Premier Yearling Sale – 3rd September October Mixed Sales – 15th and 16th October TRC Best-read 2020 / California Chrome / Prince Bandar / The sad history of racism in American racing / Striking gold on the other side of the world / 3D printed horseshoess / Almond Eye / P11 The sad history of racism in American racing Carly Silver | September 07, 2020

Racism is in sharp focus in all areas of life at present, and horseracing is no exception - witness the decision that ‘My Old Kentucky Home’, a song associated with slavery, should not be sung but just played by a solo bugler before Saturday’s Kentucky Derby. But how much racism has there been in the sport in the past? And how much still exists? Here, in the first part of a two-part report, renowned historian Carly Silver lays out the facts ...

The lawn jockeys of Saratoga: What message does their presence at the entrance to racecourses send to black visitors?

TRC Best-read 2020 / California Chrome / Prince Bandar / The sad history of racism in American racing / Striking gold on the other side of the world / 3D printed horseshoess / Almond Eye / P12 Best-read 2020 / California Chrome / Prince Bandar / The sad history of racism in American racing / Striking gold on the other side of the world / 3D printed horseshoess / Almond Eye / P13 people of color to see themselves But each summer, one place did represented in that way?” take Black workers aplenty: the She recalled, “In recent years, racetrack. Many Black men were we’ve seen, even before the death employed primarily working for white of George Floyd, we’ve seen owners and trainers as grooms, people push back on what seemed stable hands, hostlers, hot walkers, to people of color an obvious and everything in between. In fact, offensive figure on the lawns of during the 18th and 19th centuries, white America, and white allies Black jockeys dominated racing, and accomplices standing up and winning every major race from Latonia saying, ‘Oh, my gosh, even if I didn’t to Saratoga — first while they were realize this before, I’m going to end enslaved, then as emancipated men. this now.’ For centuries, enslavers utilized the “And not just in Saratoga but enslaved as stable boys and grooms, across the greater Capitol region, regarding them as possessions trained there’s been some call for that to to take care of other highly-prized end.” creatures: their expensive steeds. Yet Saratoga is the scene of the And the same realities still pervade same systemic anti-Black violence horseracing today. Miles summarized, seen elsewhere in America. “The labor is done by people of color When spectators first enter many Miles added, “While the murder and those that reap the rewards are racetrack entrances in the United of George Floyd seemed to be a white men. It is the history of America States, they are met by caricatures of catalyst for what happened across that this country was built off the Black men: lawn jockeys. the country, the reason we’ve been free labor of Black people and white David Pilgrim, Vice President for able to sustain this fight locally, people — specifically heterosexual, Diversity and Inclusion at Ferris State as well as across the nation, is cisgendered white men — were the University in Michigan and founder because there were local murders ones that received all the profits. of the Jim Crow Museum, noted lawn that happened in every single The reason America is the wealthiest jockeys began as depictions of Black community. And, for Saratoga, it nation in the world is because of servants in subservient poses and was the murder of Daryl Mount in the history of free labor. Saratoga caricatured faces. 2018 that people are still calling for racetrack is not different.” Thus, by displaying lawn jockeys justice …” Then, enslavers chose certain men — many of which have been When Saratoga Race Course as their jockeys — the best riders, the painted white in an attempt to opened in 1863, Black racegoers smallest men. After all, as Katherine literally whitewash their history — a were not allowed in. As the wealthy Mooney noted in Race Horse Men, “a racecourse is sending a message to white elite flocked to the town jockey could be starved down to an black visitors: “You are not welcome each summer, gambling abounded, exact weight that suited his owner’s here.” providing job opportunities; as purpose” (Mooney 49). Sometimes, Jamaica Miles (pictured), co- the status of gambling fluctuated enslaved individuals were promoted founder of the All of Us organization, in New York State, however, Black to be trainers, but they were still advocates for racial justice across Saratogians found themselves commodities, just ones carrying the Capitol region of New York. She once again sidelined in poor- ‘commensurately high price tags’ wondered rhetorically of these lawn paying jobs and segregated from appropriate to their skill sets jockeys, “What does it mean for white workers. (Mooney 40).

“In recent years, we’ve seen, even before the death of George Floyd, we’ve seen people push back on what seemed to people of color an obvious offensive figure on the lawns of white America”

TRC Best-read 2020 / California Chrome / Prince Bandar / The sad history of racism in American racing / Striking gold on the other side of the world / 3D printed horseshoess / Almond Eye / P13 The more things change, the of the capacity for strategy that his This bronze of the first Kentucky Derby winner, white rival invariably exhibits and Aristides, stands in Churchill Down’s courtyard, just more they stay the same behind the Twin Spires grandstand. The horse was A disturbing article in The Brooklyn utilizes.” trained and ridden by black men. Photo courtesy Daily Eagle of August 24, 1871, Once emancipated, Black men Deborah Mac amply illustrates the contemporary continued to dominate the sport prejudice levied against Black riders. as trainers and jockeys. Ansel That summer, a standout Williamson trained horses for racehorse named Longfellow, his enslaver, Robert Alexander, had won fans’ hearts, earning the and continued to do so after Brown sent out Kentucky Derby nickname ‘King of the Turf’. When emancipation. Williamson is winner Baden-Baden and two Longfellow lost a match race to perhaps best known for sending out Kentucky Oaks winners. old rival Helmbold, the Eagle Alexander’s Aristides — with young At only 18, Isaac Burns Murphy claimed, “Longfellow was ridden Black jockey Oliver Lewis aboard — won four races in one day. He and overworked by his negro jockey. to win the inaugural Kentucky Derby. came east that summer of 1879, Helmbold’s white jockey virtually Williamson also trained two Travers pointing towards the race that finessed him into victory.” winners. still crowns the Saratoga meet Of Longfellow’s Black rider, the Another individual initially — the Travers Stakes. The big commentator added, “He can run enslaved by Alexander’s family favorite that day was Spendthrift, a plain race with many contestants earned acclaim on and off a horse. “the new prize of New York well enough. But he cannot do the Edward Dudley ‘Brown Dick’ financier and turfman James R head work of a white man, except in Brown blazed a path of wins aboard Keene,” noted the late Pellom the abstraction of chickens and the Asteroid and scored in the 1870 McDaniels III, Assistant Professor destruction of bacon. The South has Belmont Stakes aboard Kingfisher of African American Studies at lost about all of her champion races, (who won that year’s Travers for black Emory University, in his excellent simply because the superb riding trainer Raleigh Colston) for Daniel biography of Murphy, The Prince of of the n***** is relied upon, instead Swigert, then transitioned to training. Jockeys.

TRC Best-read 2020 / California Chrome / Prince Bandar / The sad history of racism in American racing / Striking gold on the other side of the world / 3D printed horseshoess / Almond Eye / P14 Best-read 2020 / California Chrome / Prince Bandar / The sad history of racism in American racing / Striking gold on the other side of the world / 3D printed horseshoess / Almond Eye / P15 SALES DATES 2021 February Sale October Yearling Sale February 4 - 5 Book 1 October 5 - 7 Broodmares, Fillies/Horses Europe’s Premier Yearling Sale in Training & Yearlings Featuring the £20,000 Tattersalls Craven Breeze Up Sale October Book 1 Bonus April 12 - 14 Book 2 October 11 - 13 Europe’s Premier Breeze Up Sale Book 3* October 14 - 15 Guineas Breeze Up Book 4* October 15 - 16 & Horses In Training Sale *Featuring the £150,000 Tattersalls April 29 - 30 October Auction Stakes Two Year Olds & Horses In Training Autumn Horses July Sale In Training Sale July 5 - 9 October 25 - 29 Horses/Fillies In Training, The World’s Largest Horses Broodmares, etc. In Training Sale August Sale December Sale August 30 - September 2 Yearlings November 22 Horses/Fillies In Training, Foals November 24 - 27 Broodmares, etc. Breeding Stock November 29 - December 2 Broodmares, Fillies/ Horses In Training, etc.

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TRC Best-read 2020 / California Chrome / Prince Bandar / The sad history of racism in American racing / Striking gold on the other side of the world / 3D printed horseshoess / Almond Eye / P15 Instead, Murphy beat Spendthrift Many young Black jockeys also Prominent black jockeys Jimmy Winkfield (left) aboard Falsetto. excelled at Saratoga. James ‘Jimmy’ and Isaac Murphy. Images provided by the Keeneland Library After his Travers triumph, Murphy Lee rose to fame after sweeping all six was unstoppable. In 1883, he won races on a single Churchill Downs card in an astounding 11 of 28 starts at 1907, an American first. Contemporary the Saratoga meet. He won three newspapers dubbed him “a real Kentucky Derbys (1884, 1890 and sensation”, while also demeaning the 1891), four of the first five American talented athlete as “the colored boy”. Another young trailblazer was James Derbys, a heart-stopping edition of Heading east to Saratoga the next ‘Soup’ Perkins. In 1894, the 14-year- the Suburban Handicap in 1890 on summer, Lee captured the 1908 Travers old jockey won five out of six races Salvator, and seven races on the aboard Dorante. The Buffalo Morning in a single day at Saratoga, plus the Dwyer brothers’ grand Kingston. Express of August 12 praised Lee for a following year’s Derby aboard Halma. There were few obstacles he “perfect ride”. Willie Simms rode two of Edward could not conquer. According to In 1892, Azra’s win in the Kentucky Brown’s former trainees, Ben Brush and some calculations, Murphy won Derby made 15-year-old Alonzo ‘Lonnie’ Plaudit, to Derby wins in 1896 and 1898 628 of his career 1,412 starts — an Clayton the youngest rider to ever win respectively; he added the Preakness astounding that Classic. That record still holds aboard Sly Fox in 1898. 44 percent. today. The pair, who had annexed the Isaac Lewis, who piloted Montrose Murphy didn’t just triumph in his 1891 Champagne Stakes, polished off to victory in the 1887 Run for the Roses, sport, he served as a role model for their Derby win with triumphs later that won the 1891 Saratoga Cup aboard other young Black jockeys. year in Churchill’s Clark Handicap and Los Angeles. Ed West and John ‘Stokes’ Jimmy Winkfield replicated Saratoga’s Travers, adding the Alabama Stoval each won the Spinaway and Murphy’s feat of back-to-back Stakes at Saratoga aboard Ignite for Alabama with two different horses, while Derbys, landing the 1901 Derby a remarkable double. In 1895, George ‘Spider’ Anderson garnered his aboard His Eminence and the 1902 Clayton won the Saratoga Flash own Alabama win in 1891 with Sallie Derby aboard Alan-a-Dale. Stakes aboard Onaretto. McClelland. Shelby ‘Pike’ Barnes won

TRC Best-read 2020 / California Chrome / Prince Bandar / The sad history of racism in American racing / Striking gold on the other side of the world / 3D printed horseshoess / Almond Eye / P16 Best-read 2020 / California Chrome / Prince Bandar / The sad history of racism in American racing / Striking gold on the other side of the world / 3D printed horseshoess / Almond Eye / P17 There had been “a quietly formed combination to shut him out”, and “horse owners who expected to win races would find it to their advantage to put up the white riders”.

the 1890 Alabama on Sinaloa II, plus men as “common stereotypes”, aimed Clayton was arrested in 1901 for the 1889 Travers Stakes on Long at humiliating them and supporting striking a spectator, a German-born Dance; Roy ‘Tiny’ Williams won the the myth of white supremacy man named Henry or ‘Harry’ Bolomey, Midsummer Derby in 1891 on Vallera. (McDaniels 391). Black riders were with his whip. He was pulled from the denied work; the change to white race and a white man, John Bullman, Segregation survives and riders was regarded as the natural got the mount instead. thrives order of things. The Courier-Journal of Some reports indicated Bolomey By the turn of the 20th century, white January 21, 1912, claimed waspishly verbally assaulted Clayton first. authorities began to systematically that “three decades ago the negro Bolomey took the case to court and exclude Black men and women from was in his zenith” as a jockey. requested the equivalent of $300,000 sports in which they’d long excelled. A July 29, 1900, New York Times in damages. He made a habit of suing In Black Collegiate Athletes and the piece entitled Negro jockeys shut wealthy companies for cash. Neoliberal State: Dreaming from out: Combination of white riders to Even Murphy was targeted. Bended Knee, Albert Bimper Jr, bar them from the Turf discussed When he collapsed after losing the Senior Associate Athletic Director for the paucity of Black horsemen. At 1890 Monmouth Handicap, reports Diversity and Inclusion at Colorado each successive New York meet, began circulating, in person and in State University, noted the post- the author noted, fewer and fewer publications, that he’d been drunk. emancipation successes of Black Black riders rode in each race The track’s executive committee athletes were soon countered by while “comparatively newcomers found no evidence to support that organized racist suppression. He monopolize[d] the riding”. conclusion. In fact, much evidence referred to examples of how “anti- Why? There had been “a quietly suggested that either Murphy’s severe Black beliefs were met with an formed combination to shut him out”, jockey’s diet took its toll, or he had institutional structure advancing anti- and “horse owners who expected been poisoned. Black policy to functionalize racism to win races would find it to their Still, “because of his color”, Murphy and normalized racist beliefs” (10). advantage to put up the white riders”. “had become a pariah to whites”, Jamaica Miles remembered of Who organized this blockade? who didn’t “empathize with the her own childhood, “My father used Rumor had it the culprits were white treachery of the situation nor endorse to take me to the racetrack, and I jockeys, supported by white owners, an investigation into the facts” can remember as a child wanting to trainers and venerated horsemen. (McDaniels 364). see the horses — your typical little Black jockeys not only stopped girl with her dad, wanting to see the getting hired to ride horses but even horses.” As a child, she wondered if began meeting with accidents on the all jockeys were Latinx, not knowing track and interference; any owner or An associate editor at HarperCollins, about the great Black jockeys of trainer wanting to win a race put up a Carly Silver, whose writing on history or the “colorism and degrees white rider. And, indeed, owners were Thoroughbred racing has appeared on of separation from whiteness” those “content to accept the new order” of TRC, the Blood-Horse, Thoroughbred riders had to navigate historically. things. Daily News, America’s Best Racing and Historian John Drobnicki noted Such efforts to exclude Black New York Breeder, has been writing that, when praising Lonnie Clayton, jockeys proved sadly effective. for Turf publications for 16 years. publications emphasized the lightness Jimmy Winkfield was forced to Also an authority on ancient history, of his skin — associating his abilities move overseas to get work, where he Silver has written for Smithsonian, with a lighter skin tone. thrived. John Stoval was demoted Narratively, The Atlantic, Atlas Obscura, Lithographs, cartoons, and articles to exercise rider after he shot a white Archaeology magazine, JSTOR Daily, began to circulate depicting black man in apparent self defense. Lonnie and History Today, among others.

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TRC Best-read 2020 / California Chrome / Prince Bandar / The sad history of racism in American racing / Striking gold on the other side of the world / 3D printed horseshoess / Almond Eye / P18 Best-read 2020 / California Chrome / Prince Bandar / The sad history of racism in American racing / Striking gold on the other side of the world / 3D printed horseshoess / Almond Eye / P19

A4 GFS.indd 1 27/11/2020 10:43 Racing history was made Ground-breaker: down under last Saturday, when Russian Camelot became the first Northern the man who tore Hemisphere-bred 3-year- old to land an Australian up the rulebook Derby (and there have been 852 of them since 1855). The son of Epsom Derby to strike gold on winner Camelot was foaled on March 29, 2017, making him a huge 172 days younger the other side of than runner-up Dalasan, and 144 days younger than the world any other runner.

Minty Farquhar | May 15, 2020 The victory was not only sweet for connections in Australia, but also for Jeremy Brummitt, the man responsible for persuading trainer Danny O’Brien to look beyond the European horses-in-training market and consider the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale as a viable source of Australian G1 winners.

Great British Racing International spoke with Brummitt in the wake of his purchase’s historic victory to find out more about his thinking behind the audacious plan and his hunger to prove that it was no fluke.

Jeremy Brummitt: his vision for the largely untapped potential of the European yearling market for Australian buyers has not gone unrecognised. Photo: Bridget Kirkwood

TRC Best-read 2020 / California Chrome / Prince Bandar / The sad history of racism in American racing / Striking gold on the other side of the world / 3D printed horseshoess / Almond Eye / P19 Jeremy Brummitt’s résumé is not lacking in variety. Now a bloodstock consultant for a number of loyal clients who rely on his expertise at the sales, Brummitt has zig-zagged his way across the racing and bloodstock industry, bringing together lessons learnt from time spent in a diverse range of roles. He has done stints as assistant trainer, both at home to Robert Baker and in America to both David Whiteley and Rick Violette; he has earned his stripes in stud life under the auspices of Taylor Made Farms, Britton House Stud, Tartan Farms, Bob McCreery and Neville Dent; he even relied on his professional gambling abilities for one 5-year period. Today, alongside his bloodstock consultancy business, he advises Heatherwold and Clearwater Studs in Brummitt is undaunted by the prospect Russian Camelot when he was a yearling at Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 1 in 2018, when Jeremy England and co-manages Enterprise of veering from the well-trodden path in the Brummitt purchased him for 120,000 guineas on Investment Scheme-turned-syndicate name of trying to break new ground. behalf of Danny O’Brien. Photo: Lee Ann Imboden Quantum Leap Racing, which has “The world wouldn’t progress without successfully converted a number of blind people trying something new,” he remarks. investors into committed owners. “Vincent O’Brien sent Sir Ivor to Pisa for the Brummitt’s wide range of experience winter before he won the Guineas, and he’d has cultivated in him a confidence already been a champion trainer many blessing to find an unraced colt that could and a fearlessness – that is not to say a times.” begin his career in Australia and ultimately recklessness, by any means – when it comes Despite 90 percent of his client base being win the Melbourne Cup. to going where few have gone before. domestic, Brummitt has his finger firmly on “I convinced Danny that it was best to Perhaps this confidence and fearlessness the pulse of the international bloodstock go with untried stock and let him develop have granted him the liberty to think scene and is always on the lookout for them himself,” he explains. “I don’t really outside of the box, something that has been opportunities that others may not see, let do business with many tried horses. I focus highlighted in the racing press over the past alone be prepared to take. Australia has been on undamaged goods. So, we bought two seven days in the wake of Russian Camelot’s on his radar for a long time. horses two years ago and three last year, victory in the G1 South Australian Derby last “I’ve always been keen on trying to and we were just very lucky that the first one Saturday produce horses for Australia because I out of the box was Russian Camelot. Even The colt, who Brummitt purchased for thought there’s been a weakness there for allowing for the fact I think we’ve got superior 120,000 guineas on behalf of Australian some time, and we tried hard, it took a long bloodstock, you’ve got to get lucky to get a trainer Danny O’Brien at Tattersalls October time for us to get it going actually. Gallic horse with the capacity to do this.” Yearling Sale Book 1 in 2018, became the Chieftain and Lord Fandango were bought by In referring more than once to the part first Northern Hemisphere-bred 3-year-old OTI off us after we raced both of them up here that luck may have played in this particular to land an Australian Classic. Given the age and then sold them down there. That was the story, Brummitt shows a down-to-earth disadvantage, the feat has been heralded as start of it all.” humility. He also refers more than once to extraordinary, and Brummitt’s vision for the Granted, there is nothing ground-breaking the praise that O’Brien (pictured overleaf) largely untapped potential of the European in sourcing European horses-in-training deserves for the way he has nurtured the yearling market for Australian buyers has not who can go on to excel down under. The horse since he first arrived in his care shortly gone unrecognised. significant emphasis on breeding speed after selling as a yearling. “I think it gives me a big edge,” Brummitt into Australian pedigrees over the past few “The success of Australians in staying says, reflecting on the long and winding decades has left many of the jurisdiction’s races there is limited by both the pedigrees road that led him to buying horses. “There’s bloodlines lacking in the stamina that is found and the trainers,” he suggests. “Danny’s nothing wrong with an old-fashioned long in abundance in their British, Irish and French handling of this horse has been confident apprenticeship, and I think I understand the counterparts. Multiple G1 winner Hartnell and and exemplary and he’s been prepared to likely issues facing every stage of the process. Melbourne Cup winners Fiorente and Green do things in a different way. In fact, the most So, when I go to a sale, I understand that a Moon are just three examples highlighted in impressive thing about Danny’s handling is vendor has had to do to show his horse in this TRC article last October. not the fact that he was able to it, but that the best light, and I think I understand what It was, however, a venture into the he was prepared to do it in a different way. a trainer is frightened of having to deal with unknown when Brummitt arrived at Park Because not many people are prepared to try and what he can deal with.” Paddocks in October 2018 with O’Brien’s something different.”

TRC Best-read 2020 / California Chrome / Prince Bandar / The sad history of racism in American racing / Striking gold on the other side of the world / 3D printed horseshoess / Almond Eye / P20 Best-read 2020 / California Chrome / Prince Bandar / The sad history of racism in American racing / Striking gold on the other side of the world / 3D printed horseshoess / Almond Eye / P21 O’Brien, meanwhile, put on his own display Camelot’s Classic feat, but he is already Russian Camelot: “The Melbourne Cup is an obvious race for him now,” says Danny O’Brien. of humility when telling the Racing Post, “We looking forward to returning to Tattersalls Photo: dannyobrienracing.com.au brought the horse across from England and come October to give it his best shot. brought the training manual too.” Unfortunately for him, he suspects he may One gets the feeling that, in O’Brien, no longer be the only person around the already a Melbourne Cup winner with 2019 ring looking for stock to take straight down to certain areas of the downs for 24 hours to hero Vow And Declare, Brummitt has found a to Australia. allow for the race meeting to be staged. like-minded soul, someone who is also willing “I think it’s inevitable that more people “The reason it’s the most important race to stray from the tried-and-tested formula in will try this,” he says. “The nature of the in the world is it’s without a doubt the most search of something bigger and better. bloodstock business is people look over searching examination of a flat racehorse,” “I was very lucky when I partnered up their shoulder and copy the most recent Brummitt explains. “They have to run on with Danny because I got the right man. success, which explains why trainers have a right lead up a hill, a left lead downhill, He’s obviously a very talented trainer and 20 horses one day and 250 the next year, they have to stay a mile and a half, they’ve adaptable,” he says. “You’ve got to get the and why stallions cover 30 mares and 150 got to be quick enough to hold a position, right trainer – you can’t make enough of that. the next. So I’m sure there will be a lot of when they’re getting tired they’ve got to be The horse is only half the equation. The man people coming over to try and emulate it. balanced enough to race in a straight line who’s training it is the other half.” “I hope that Danny and I will repeat the against the camber. Brummitt, who still cites buying 2011 feat and, what anyone else manages to do, “But, over and above all that, when they St Leger winner Masked Marvel for Bjorn I hope they’re a neck and a head behind us, come out of the racecourse stable box it’s Nielsen (more recently, the owner of that’s all,” he adds, the chink of the glint in his at least an hour before they come out of the Stradivarius) as his career highlight, is not eye practically audible down the phone line. stalls and they’ve got to go all the way down getting carried away with excitement over In the immediate future, the Russian the track in the middle of 100,000 people and this most recent coup. Far from it, in fact, Camelot team await a confirmed date for roundabouts and funfairs. as he quickly points out that he does not the Derby at Epsom, which has been the “Endurance, temperament, constitution: consider the Russian Camelot story a truly dream all along but which is now looking all of those are examined in the Epsom Derby successful one just yet. more like an impossible dream, given that and are not examined to the same extent in “I don’t believe we’ve got the job done. The the British Classic looks set to be run in July any other race. There is no substitute.” job’s in November, not in May, but we’re a long or August. Importantly, Brummitt also believes that way down the track. I don’t think anybody, “Once we get a date, we will still look the whole exercise has revealed that the even if you’re very self-confident, which I am, at the Derby, but the Melbourne Cup is an world’s most famous race remains just that. and you prepare very carefully, which we did, obvious race for him now,” O’Brien reported “The fact that a group of Australians have you don’t expect to hit the goal first time. It’s earlier this week. recognised how important the attempt is, satisfying, but it doesn’t prove anything doing Regardless of whether Russian Camelot that is significant,” he concludes. it once, that’s my view. You’ve got to keep makes it across the world to contend the doing it. I hope this comes off and goes all the race or not, Brummitt remains delighted Russian Camelot’s victory certainly had an way to fruition in November, but it still might with Tuesday’s announcement that the race impact in the TRC Global Rankings this week. be a fluke unless you can go back and do it is due to be run at its traditional Epsom Trainer Danny O’Brien climbs 18 places to #67 again. It’s my ambition to prove this isn’t.” home this year after the local Conservators (a gain of 5pts), sire Camelot is up six places Time will tell whether Brummitt can of Epsom and Walton Downs approved the to #45 (+3pts) and jockey John Allen rises nine unearth another yearling to emulate Russian Jockey Club’s proposals to restrict access places to #35 (+9pts).

Laura King | April 01, 2020

Derek Poupard working on classy Godolphin sprinter On The Warpath. Photo: Laura King

TRC Best-read 2020 / California Chrome / Prince Bandar / The sad history of racism in American racing / Striking gold on the other side of the world / 3D printed horseshoess / Almond Eye / P22 Best-read 2020 / California Chrome / Prince Bandar / The sad history of racism in American racing / Striking gold on the other side of the world / 3D printed horseshoess / Almond Eye / P23 It was to the surprise of precisely no-one that the 2020 Dubai World Cup Carnival was hugely successful for Charlie Appleby. The Godolphin trainer sent out 20 winners from just 70 runners, an astonishing strike rate.

The ever-modest world #1 attributed the success at the truncated carnival to having a great backroom team. And a key member of that team is farrier Derek Poupard. The chatty South African spends three months in Dubai each winter, preparing Appleby’s horses at their base, Marmoom Stables, in the desert, 45 minutes’ drive from the centre of the city and Meydan. What is largely unknown is that the majority of Appleby’s horses are trained without shoes, wearing them only on race days to comply with the rules. That is part of Poupard’s strategy: make the foot as natural as possible. Thinking along those lines has led the 56-year-old to his latest invention - a cast-on carbon fibre interface to of years, so I’m trying to get away The 3D printing machine in Derek Poupard’s which an aluminium shoe can be from that. I think this is the closest Dubai workshop screwed, meaning a change of shoes we’re going to get, right now, to in mere seconds, Formula 1-style. putting a shoe on without nails.” How to create it? 3D printing, of To attach the carbon fibre plate course. to the foot, Poupard uses a casting “This is something I’ve been tape, similar to that used to create “It’s especially useful for the working on for the past few months,” human fracture casts. compromised foot,” he explains. says Poupard, 56, who has a small 3D “The casting tape is very similar “Sometimes they don’t have a printing machine in his workshop at to the cast they put on when you complete [hoof] wall to nail into, or Godolphin, for whom he has worked break your arm, and it’s a product they get corns, or sore feet, so we like for ten years. “I’ve got a filament I’ve been working on for two years to try and help them in some way. here which is printing out what I’ve now,” he says. “A very light layer of Here in the desert, we have a great designed on the CAD [Computer glue is put on, then the casting tape, environment for training horses and Aided Design] package on the iPad. and then the barbs that you see we train them barefoot, but those It builds the item you’ve designed [around the edge of the shoe] are I can’t train barefoot I like to put a in layers of 0.04mm. There are 400 what keep the [carbon fibre] shoe system like this on, because it avoids layers, which takes a long time - on.” using nails. When you take all this off, about four hours. While Poupard stresses the the foot is still natural underneath. “The end product is a flexible technology isn’t necessary for most “When [On The Warpath] arrived, interface of carbon fibre, which I can horses, he has used it successfully he had a very bad foot abscess, which use as a template base for a shoe to on several Godolphin trainees, resulted in the bone being scraped. be screwed onto without nails. We’ve including high-class sprinter On The With what I’ve developed and the been nailing shoes on for thousands Warpath and G2 winner Magic Lily. interface, it takes me less than a

TRC Best-read 2020 / California Chrome / Prince Bandar / The sad history of racism in American racing / Striking gold on the other side of the world / 3D printed horseshoess / Almond Eye / P23 minute to change his shoe from a Yarbrough sees the project as having This custom-printed, rounded, low-contact normal shoe to a bar shoe, if I so plenty of possibilities for use with equine medical shoe (above and below) “removes torsional stress and takes away the friction on the wish. It’s useful for horses who wear surgery. foot and the bone” and helps get a fracture patient their shoes out and have bad feet in “The options for this are endless,” he out of the cast faster, says Dr Tom Yarbrough, the that it creates a lot of depth to the says. “For example, you could custom- senior surgeon at Dubai Equine Hospital. Photos: Derek Poupard foot, is very strong and works very make extensions for crooked leg foals, well.” do something for flexor tendons. If you The invention has also been used can think it, he can print it. The only limit with some success in critical injury is our creativity.” cases, on which Poupard has been Designed in the desert and rolled out working with Dr Tom Yarbrough, across the world? These could well be the senior surgeon at Dubai Equine shoes of the future. Hospital. He describes a version that can be used to alleviate the pressure on a fracture patient’s hoof. “We have designed and custom- printed a low-contact shoe,” says Yarbrough. “It’s similar to a ballerina spinning on their toe – they can spin because there’s not much contact with the ground. We have designed a shoe which is rounded and looks like half a ball. It removes torsional stress and takes away the friction on the foot and the bone. The horse can spin nicely on it, which gets him out of the cast faster and back home faster. “Also, because of the way it’s cast on, it’s easier to put on a horse. If you have a fracture, then it can’t feel www.tomstrust.org.uk very good having someone put a nail into it.”

TRC Best-read 2020 / California Chrome / Prince Bandar / The sad history of racism in American racing / Striking gold on the other side of the world / 3D printed horseshoess / Almond Eye / P24 Best-read 2020 / California Chrome / Prince Bandar / The sad history of racism in American racing / Striking gold on the other side of the world / 3D printed horseshoess / Almond Eye / P25 RUSSIAN CAMELOT GROUP 1 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN DERBY GROUP 1 UNDERWOOD STAKES PURCHASED AT TATTERSALLS OCTOBER YEARLING SALE BOOK 1 BY JEREMY BRUMMITT FOR 120,000GNS

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GBRI is the British horse racing industry’s designated first point of contact for overseas individuals interested in becoming part of the world’s leading racing and bloodstock industry. greatbritishracinginternational.com TRC Best-read 2020 / California Chrome / Prince Bandar / The sad history of racism in American racing / Striking gold on the other side of the world / 3D printed horseshoess / Almond Eye / P25 Correct as of 22nd December 2020 Photo credit: Bronwen Healy Photography Almond Eye The TRC Global Rankings World Champion of 2020

James Willoughby | December 03, 2020

Five clear: Almond Eye takes The Japanese super mare Almond Eye will end the year the Japan Cup ahead of Triple Crown hero Contrail as the #1 ranked racehorse in the world by TRC Global (6, second left), Fillies Triple Crown winner Daring Tact (second right), last year’s Rankings. No horse can match the combination of her Japan Cup runner-up Curren Bouquetd’or (white cap, expansive portfolio – encompassing no fewer than nine centre) and 2019 Hong Kong Vase champion Glory Vase G1 wins – and her resounding end to the campaign. (right). Photo: Japan Racing Association

TRC Best-read 2020 / California Chrome / Prince Bandar / The sad history of racism in American racing / Striking gold on the other side of the world / 3D printed horseshoess / Almond Eye / P26 Best-read 2020 / California Chrome / Prince Bandar / The sad history of racism in American racing / Striking gold on the other side of the world / 3D printed horseshoess / Almond Eye / P27 Despite racing just four times in 2020, she Ghaiyyath, and Magical, who is scheduled took place on a sound surface. Full won G1s at a mile, a mile and a quarter to have one more run - in Hong Kong on credit to him, but he disappeared to and a mile and a half. And her form is rock December 13.), Almond Eye galloped stud before his credentials were put to solid for the following reasons: across the line at Tokyo to answer every the test in autumn championships – no The horses she has beaten have question she had been set with a flourish reason to doubt his best figures but we an outstanding record when she is that surely entitles her to be regarded are ranking horses here, not simply rating not around – the same aspect that as the most fitting for the title of world their best performances, and we give distinguished Frankel and a sure sign of championship racehorse 2020. credit to horses the more they reduce the a horse who deserves to be regarded as The problem for some is they cannot uncertainty over where they truly belong a champion. rate her as such. in the hierarchy. In the Japan Cup on November 29, she We would argue that collateral form Magical had beaten Ghaiyyath on the had male (Contrail) and female (Daring Tact) ratings fail to capture the true quality square at Leopardstown before Tarnawa Japanese Triple Crown winners in her wake; of Japanese racing – under Japanese zoomed past her in the Breeders’ Cup that pair have dominated large fields of conditions. We have seen Japanese horses Turf. Was it in the mind of Ghaiyyath’s their own age and sex repeatedly. The first get massive ratings from the Longines connections that a similar fate was likely five – including last year’s G1 Hong Kong World’s Best Racehorse system outside on the cards for him? Vase winner Glory Vase – were clear. of Japan, such as Just A Way (2014 G1 We have shown before that Japanese In the G1 Tenno Sho (Autumn), she was Dubai Turf at Meydan) in and A Shin Hikari horses as a group are far from over- followed home by Fierement, who had (2016 G1 Prix d’Ispahan at Longchamp), represented in the world’s Top 100 by TRC won the Tenno Sho (Spring) twice, and and we would argue that the exchange of Global Rankings. Chrono Genesis, who was coming off a ratings points for lengths does not line up Going into the Japan Cup, we had hugely impressive six-length win in the G1 between Europe and Japan. Contrail at #1 because our machine- Takarazuka Kinen. So many big figures in Europe take learning system could not find a horse And, her only defeat was a second place with cut in the ground on tough, who had beaten so many talented place to another brilliant filly, world #14 galloping courses. It is much easier for horses without losing to one of them. Gran Alegria, in the G1 Yasuda Kinen over a horse to win by a wide margin – and But we pointed out that the Japan Cup a mile. That runner went on to show the thus receive a maximal figure – when was a very difficult spot for him after a kind of acceleration rarely witnessed runners are tiring badly behind it. But draining win in the G1 Japanese St Leger when landing the G1 Mile Championship, Japanese races mostly take place on very at 15f. And he ran an absolute screamer and before that she had taken out the G1 firm surfaces and wide margins are the in second, surrounded by mares in 1-3-4 Sprinters Stakes. exception rather than the rule. who were receiving fully 5lb. He is now All this covers directly or indirectly world-ranked 5. virtually every good race in Japan. In short, Ghaiyyath’s credentials not put There is plenty more to come from Almond Eye has displayed her dominance to the final test him, and word is that his connections are over the herd like no other racehorse The 2020 Japan Cup was run in 2:23. determined to show it to the world in 2021. on the planet. But her influence is not Compare that with the winning time of But 2020 belongs to Almond Eye. She confined to her home country: On her only Sottsass in the Arc of 2:39. is now bound for the paddocks, but her start in Dubai, she cleared away from the That difference of 16 seconds is nearly name will always be invoked when great $6 million G1 Dubai Turf field before idling a furlong and a half! If many Japanese Japanese horses are discussed – and in front – very much her trademark. races went on for an extra 16 seconds, rightly so. While other outstanding horses the winning margins would be trebled What a horse she has been. around the world either don’t have a or quadrupled. And this means that the Her cruising speed, temperament, CV with anything like the same breadth whole ratings network is compressed, adaptability to different distances, turn of and depth (Authentic, Tarnawa, Tiz The rather than expanded as it is in Europe. foot and will to win are all exemplary. She Law, Maximum Security) or are leaving Ghaiyyath has the accolade of the retires as the highest-earning Japanese question marks over their dominance world’s highest-rated horse. He was a horse of all time. as they depart the scene (Enable, top-notch runner, and his finest exploits Sayonara, TRC world champion.

Japanese races mostly take place on very firm surfaces and wide margins are the exception rather than the rule.

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Thoroughbred racing has its rankings of the world’s leading horses and the world’s best races, but the sport is devoid of meaningful classifications of the humans involved, the jockeys, the trainers, the owners.

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TRC Best-read 2020 / California Chrome / Prince Bandar / The sad history of racism in American racing / Striking gold on the other side of the world / 3D printed horseshoess / Almond Eye / P28 Best-read 2020 / California Chrome / Prince Bandar / The sad history of racism in American racing / Striking gold on the other side of the world / 3D printed horseshoess / Almond Eye / P29 Sign up for our free newsletter

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Join the conversation on social media... /ThoroughbredRacingCommentary @TRCommentary TRC Best-read 2020 / California Chrome / Prince Bandar / The sad history of racism in American racing / Striking gold on the other side of the world / 3D printed horseshoess / Almond Eye / P29 20 December 2020 Trainers

Rank Name Country Points

1 Chad C Brown USA 1073 Horses 2 Charlie Appleby Great Britain 1065

Rank Name Country Points 2 John Gosden Great Britain 1065 1 Japan Almond Eye JPN 1344 4 Aidan O'Brien Ireland 1041 2 Great Britain Enable GB 1295 5 Brad H Cox USA 1036 3 France Ghaiyyath IRE 1286 6 Bob Baffert USA 1026 4 Hong Kong Golden Sixty AUS 1281 7 James Cummings Australia 1010 4 Ireland Tarnawa IRE 1281 8 Chris Waller Australia 1009 6 Japan Contrail JPN 1273 8 Jamie Richards New Zealand 1009 7 Ireland Magical IRE 1266 10 Grant & Alana Williams Australia 998 8 Sottsass FR France 1264

9 Love IRE Great Britain 1258 Owners

10 Japan Gran Alegria JPN 1252 Rank Name Country Points 11 USA Authentic USA 1251 1 Godolphin Australia 1075 12 USA Monomoy Girl USA 1248 2 Coolmore Partners Ireland 1054 13 USA Tiz The Law USA 1245 3 Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum Great Britain 1051 14 Great Britain Palace Pier GB 1242 4 Silk Racing Co Ltd Japan 1045 15 USA Maximum Security USA 1241 5 Peters Investments Et Al Australia 1029

Juddmonte Farms / Prince Khalid 6 Great Britain 1022 Abdulla Jockeys 7 Gary Barber Et Al USA 1018

Rank Name Country Points 8 White Birch Farm / Peter Brant Et Al USA 1017

1 Frankie Dettori Great Britain 1092 9 Sunday Racing Co Ltd Japan 1016

2 Christophe Lemaire Japan 1083 10 Madaket Stables Et Al USA 1014

3 William Buick Great Britain 1056 Sires 4 Joel Rosario USA 1052

5 Irad Ortiz Jr USA 1051 Rank Name Country Points

6 Ryan Moore Great Britain 1046 1 Galileo Ireland 1074

7 Flavien Prat USA 1041 2 Dubawi Great Britain 1072

7 Zac Purton Hong Kong 1041 3 Lord Kanaloa Japan 1046

9 Pierre-Charles Boudot France 1040 4 Deep Impact Japan 1041

10 James McDonald Australia 1033 5 Shamardal France 1038

11 Javier Castellano USA 1025 6 Sea The Stars Great Britain 1036

12 Florent Geroux USA 1022 7 Teofilo Australia 1024

13 Hugh Bowman Australia 1021 8 Lope De Vega Australia 1023

13 Yuga Kawada Japan 1021 9 Uncle Mo USA 1022

15 Mickael Barzalona France 1018 10 Into Mischief USA 1018

TRC Best-read 2020 / California Chrome / Prince Bandar / The sad history of racism in American racing / Striking gold on the other side of the world / 3D printed horseshoess / Almond Eye / P30