Jack Haynes

Estrange  gained her first group 1 victory with smooth success in the Pretty Polly Stakes (G1) at the Curragh June 27. Danny Tudhope's mount, owned by Cheveley Park Stud, traveled up well on the outside in the straight and asserted herself approaching the final furlong for a convincing success. Epsom Oaks (G1) winner Thundering On  looked to be making a serious challenge in the final 2 furlongs, but her effort petered out and she weakened into fourth late on.

Cheltenham Festival races that begin on bends were pinpointed as a key problem by jump jockeys March 14 in the wake of a string of unsatisfactory starts during jump racing's biggest four days of the season. False starts were a recurring theme at the meeting for the second year running and were labeled "embarrassing" by seven-time champion jump jockey John Francome.

The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1)-winning team of Mickael Barzalona, Francis Graffard, and Aga Khan Studs continued their awesome autumn when Calandagan landed the Champion Stakes (G1) Oct. 18 at Ascot Racecourse. In a race in which Godolphin and Coolmore pacemakers ensured an honest gallop, Calandagan picked up best from the rear of the field to beat by 2 1/4 lengths. and finished third and fourth.