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Articles by Liam Headd
Goliath Wins Third Group 1 in Preis von Europa
Resolute Bloodstock and Philip Baron Von Ullmann's Goliath added another group 1 to his brilliant CV as he emphatically returned to winning ways in the Preis von Europa (G1) Sept. 27 at Cologne in Germany. Last victorious in a group 2 at Chantilly in May, the Francis Graffard-trained 6-year-old finished a close third in the Hardwicke Stakes (G2) at Royal Ascot in June, but was 11 lengths behind Kalpana when he was last seen in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) July 25.
All-Time Earnings Leader Romantic Warrior Retired
Peter Lau Pak Fai's Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior , who won 15 times at the highest level, has been retired due to a leg injury. Trained by Danny Shum, the 8-year-old won 24 of his 31 races and amassed more than $35.4 million in prize money, making him the highest-earning Thoroughbred in history. His first top-level stakes victory came in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup (G1) at Sha Tin in April 2022.
Ward's Royal Ascot Winner Bacio Heads Nunthorpe Field
The rain has arrived at York at a particularly inopportune moment for all three of the highly rated foreign challengers in the Aug. 21 Nunthorpe Stakes (G1), even if few of the home-based trainers are dancing with delight either now that conditions have eased.
Blue Bolt Secures Second Group 1 Win in Prix Rothschild
Blue Bolt continued her unbeaten season with a victory in the Prix Rothschild (G1) at Deauville, Aug. 2, a second group 1 victory of the summer as she confirmed the Falmouth form by again defeating Precise . The Andrew Balding-trained 4-year-old, who last month beat her Aidan O'Brien-trained rival by 2 lengths at Newmarket, made it 4-for-4 in 2026 with a half-length success under Colin Keane.
Globe-Trotting Group 1 Winner Khaadem Retired at Age 10
Charlie Hills described Khaadem as a "horse of a lifetime" after announcing the retirement of his dual group 1-winning star following his run at Royal Ascot last month. The 10-year-old, who amassed prize money of more than $2.7 million across 47 starts, became the first horse since Right Boy in 1959 to register back-to-back victories in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (G1) when winning at the royal meeting in 2024. He also raced four times in the United States.
Gstaad Looks for First Win of Year in Irish Guineas
Gstaad will face nine rivals in the Irish Two Thousand Guineas (G1) as he attempts to go one better than his Newmarket Racecourse second at the Curragh May 23. The son of Starspangledbanner continued his record of finishing in the first two in every appearance when he was beaten 2 3/4 lengths by Bow Echo in the Two Thousand Guineas (G1).
Derby vs Oxford predictions: Rams to continue late play-off push
Derby are eighth in the Championship table, five points off the play-off places Oxford are 22nd in the standings, two points from safety Recommended bet: Derby to win & both teams to score Derby continue to battle it out for a play-off spot and they will hope to boost their chances with a victory against Oxford at Pride Park on Saturday. The Rams had won three of their last four matches before suffering a 2-1 defeat at promotion rivals Southampton on Saturday.
Leeds vs Wolves predictions: Whites to secure crucial victory
Leeds are unbeaten in their last five games in all competitions Wolves have lost their last three away games, conceding seven goals in that period Recommended bet: Back Leeds to win and both teams to score Leeds United caused a huge shock away to 10-man Manchester United on Monday night when they returned to Yorkshire with a massive three points.
Bristol City vs Norwich predictions: Spoils to be shared at Ashton Gate
Bristol City are 10th in the Championship table on 58 points Norwich are ninth in the standings, above the Robins only on goal difference Recommended bet: Draw Time is running out for both Bristol City and Norwich to make a late surge into the play-off spots in this season’s Championship, as the pair prepare for Saturday’s meeting at Ashton Gate. The pair are locked on 58 points, 10 points behind sixth-placed Hull City with just four games of the campaign remaining.
Dewhurst Winner Gewan Suffers Fatal Training Injury
Andrew Balding announced the death of Dewhurst Stakes (G1) winner and classic hope Gewan after the colt sustained a fatal injury during a racecourse gallop at Kempton April 9. The 3-year-old son of Night of Thunder was the 6-1 third-favorite for next month's Two Thousand Guineas (G1) at Newmarket after winning three of his four starts as a juvenile and being crowned European champion juvenile for 2025.
Constitution Hill Ruled Out of Champion Hurdle
Constitution Hill will not run in next month's Unibet Champion Hurdle after Nicky Henderson ruled his stable star out of a jumps return, with his future now lying solely on the flat. The 2023 Champion Hurdle winner had dramatically drifted for his Cheltenham target Feb. 25 with the outcome of a crucial schooling session in Lambourn unknown.
Dettori Wins in Uruguay in Latest Farewell Tour Stop
Frankie Dettori once again treated a bumper crowd to a flying dismount after the legendary rider chalked up another winner on his farewell tour in South America. After riding Grand Candyman to victory on the first leg of his tour at San Isidro in Buenos Aires last month, Dettori followed up with another winner in Uruguay Jan. 7 courtesy of an impressive front-running display by the Roberto Solanes-trained Soy Poronguero.
True Love Breeders' Cup Bound After Cheveley Park Win
Having broken her maiden in the Queen Mary Stakes (G2) at Royal Ascot, True Love looked a top-level winner waiting to happen when pulverizing her rivals in the Railway Stakes (G2) in July but was on a recovery mission after suffering a shock defeat at 1-4 in the Phoenix Stakes (G1) on her previous start. "She's a big powerhouse," O'Brien said.
Godolphin's Ruling Court Succumbs to Laminitis
This year's Two Thousand Guineas (G1) winner Ruling Court has died following complications with the foot disease laminitis. His trainer Charlie Appleby said: "Everyone at Godolphin is deeply saddened by the loss of Ruling Court. He gave everyone a fantastic day at Newmarket in May and he will be sorely missed.
Minnie Hauk Picks Up Third Group 1 with Yorkshire Oaks
Minnie Hauk stormed to victory to land the Yorkshire Oaks (G1) and provide Aidan O'Brien with his fifth triumph in six previous years. Sent off as 8-15 favorite in the four-runner contest, the daughter of pulled clear of , while her stablemate Garden Of Eden finished in third ahead of Qilin Queen . It's a third successive top-level success for Minnie Hauk, who landed the Oaks (G1) at Epsom and the Irish Oaks (G1) at the Curragh.
U.S. Jockey Davis Ready for Ascot Debut in Shergar Cup
Jockey Katie Davis has promised not to just make up the numbers in the Aug. 9 Shergar Cup and will be calling upon a certain Frankie Dettori for last-minute instructions before her Ascot debut. Born in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., the 33-year-old is a multiple stakes-winning jockey in the U.S. and is set to make her first appearance across the Atlantic when she joins the Rest of the World team, which includes Karis Teetan and Hugh Bowman, in the 24th edition of the competition in Berkshire.
Crimson Advocate, Cinderella's Dream Headline Falmouth
Duke of Cambridge Stakes (G2) one-two and face off in a fascinating rematch after both were declared for the July 11 Falmouth Stakes (G1) at Newmarket Racecourse. A length and three-quarters separated the duo at Royal Ascot last month, with the former emerging victorious and now set to bid for her first group 1 triumph in the mile contest. The Wathnan Racing-owned Crimson Advocate has improved since stepping up to a mile, having won the Queen Mary Stakes (G2) two years ago over five furlongs.
American Affair Quickest of All in King Charles III
The progressive American Affair produced a powerful performance to hold off Frost At Dawn and strike in the King Charles III Stakes (G1) for Scottish trainer Jim Goldie June 17. Frost At Dawn, a 4-year-old daughter of bred in Kentucky by Rabbah Bloodstock, was the first to break away from the pack when approaching the final stages, but it was Paul Mulrennan and American Affair who stayed on the strongest to land the top-level contest.
Docklands Prevails in Queen Anne Thriller to Open Ascot
bounced back to go one better and cause a 14-1 shock as he narrowly denied in the Queen Anne Stakes (G1) June 17 to open the Royal Ascot meeting in thrilling fashion. Trained by Harry Eustace and ridden by Mark Zahra, last year's Queen Anne runner-up battled it out to the line alongside Rosallion and came out on the right side of a photo-finish, despite his jockey dropping his whip. "Everyone kept scaring me about the whip rules," Zahra said.
Queen Anne Stakes Field Likely t Live Up to Hype
Selling a group 1 as competitive can be a cop-out, a subtle way of implying the race lacks its usual quality. That billing contradicts the top-tier field assembled for this open, yet red-hot Queen Anne Stakes (G1) and the stage is set for Royal Ascot to explode into life. In the past seven runnings of the Queen Anne, six horses produced a Racing Post Rating of 121 or higher. Five of these have already reached an RPR of at least 122.
Heart of Honor Owner Reflects on 'Crazy' U.S. Journey
Owner Jim Bryce has described his United States adventures with Heart of Honor as "crazy" and is relishing more international trips with his dirt star following a well-earned break. The Jamie Osborne-trained colt finished fifth of nine when attempting to become the first European-based horse to win the Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico Race Course last month.
Prat to Ride Facteur Cheval at Royal Ascot
Top United States jockey Flavien Prat has been snapped up to partner French raider Facteur Cheval in the Prince of Wales's Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot June 18. The French-born rider, who has been based in the U.S. since 2015, will ride the 6-year-old for the first time when he lines up in the feature race on day two of the royal meeting. Trained by Jerome Reynier, Facteur Cheval will make his fourth appearance at Ascot.
Rosallion Heads Star-Studded Lockinge Stakes at Newbury
Ace miler will face eight runners as he looks to make a winning return in the Lockinge Stakes (G1) May 17 at Newbury Racecourse. He is joined by stablemate as Richard Hannon bids to match his father's record of three wins in the race. Rosallion, a 4-year-old son of , was last seen landing the St James's Palace Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot in June 2024, completing a group 1 double after his victory in the Irish Two Thousand Guineas (G1).
Doyle Becomes Britain's All-Time Leading Female Jockey
Hollie Doyle praised Hayley Turner after surpassing her former weighing-room colleague as the winningest female jockey in Britain following her 1,023rd victory on Brindavan at Ascot Racecourse May 10. Doyle, 28, passed 100 winners for the first time in 2019 and reached 1,000 domestic winners in March. She ended that 2019 campaign with 116 winners, passing the previous 100-winner benchmark set in 2008 by Turner, who retired in April alongside announcing she was pregnant.
Nick Rockett Leads Mullins' 1-2-3 in Grand National
Ireland-bred Nick Rockett led home a spectacular and historic 1-2-3 finish for an emotional Willie Mullins in the Grand National Handicap Chase as he denied stablemate I Am Maximus back-to-back victories at Aintree Racecourse April 5. An outpouring of joy followed from the dominant champion trainer with his son, Patrick, the winning rider. Nick Rockett was sent off at 33-1 and held off a late challenge from 7-1 I Am Maximus, who finished ahead of stablemate Grangeclare West, also 33-1.
Wimbledon Hawkeye Favored in Final British G1 of Year
Wimbledon Hawkeye will face seven rivals in the Oct. 26 Futurity Trophy Stakes (G1) at Doncaster, with chief market opposition , , and Detain also declared for Britain's final top-level contest of the season. Trained by James Owen for The Gredley Family, Wimbledon Hawkeye is a general 7-2 shot for the mile contest after recording an impressive victory in the Royal Lodge Stakes (G2) at Newmarket Racecourse last month.
Hollie Doyle Picks Up Win No. 1,000
Classic-winning jockey Hollie Doyle has no plans to slow down after celebrating her 1,000th victory. Doyle, 27, achieved the career milestone when partnering Leyhaimur in the six-furlong nursery Sept. 3 at Goodwood. "When I started my career, never did I imagine I'd ride this many winners," Doyle told Racing TV. "I'm really grateful for all the support I've had from trainers, owners, and my agent, who has done a great job for me so far.
Charyn Accelerates to Unstoppable Jacques le Marois Win
staked his claim to be the best miler in Europe Aug. 11 as he added the Prix Jacques le Marois (G1) to his victory in the Queen Anne Stakes (G1). The Irish-bred will now have a chance to prove himself the best miler in the world as his victory earned him an automatic berth and free entry to the $2 million Breeders' Cup Mile (G1T) at Nov. 2 thanks to the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series.
Auguste Rodin, Rebel's Romance to Meet in King George
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Auguste Rodin, Rebel's Romance to Meet in King George
will spearhead Aidan O'Brien's squad in the July 27 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) at Ascot Racecourse as the master trainer bids for a fifth victory in the 1 1/2-mile midsummer showpiece. O'Brien, who has previously won the race with Galileo (2001), (2007), (2008), and (2016), will hope to see Auguste Rodin continue his form after he bounced back to land the Prince of Wales's Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot last month.
Gemini Star heads Thursday's three picks
| Thursday 25th July 2024, 8:28am Thursday 25th July 2024, 8:28am There’s a six-race card from Newbury on Thursday evening featuring five handicaps and a maiden fillies’ stakes on what should be a cracking night of action at the Berkshire venue. The first race gets underway at 18:15, running through to the last at 20:45, and there are a trio of selections in my Newbury tips.
Police Confirm Suspect in Hunt Family Murder
Police in the United Kingdom have confirmed that a man suspected of killing the wife and two daughters of BBC racing commentator John Hunt has been arrested on suspicion of murder. Kyle Clifford, 26, was arrested the evening of July 11 in relation to the shocking triple murder that occurred in Bushey, Hertfordshire, July 9, where Hunt's wife, Carol, and his two daughters, Hannah and Louise, were killed in a crossbow attack.
Haydock Park Tips: Go Loco with Lobo on Thursday
| Thursday 4th July 2024, 8:49am Thursday 4th July 2024, 8:49am Of the seven meetings across the UK & Ireland on Thursday, it's the flat card at Haydock - which runs from 14:10-16:45 - that's the focus of my attention. I've picked out a trio of Haydock Park tips, including a hat-trick seeker in the final race of the afternoon.
Kempton Park Tips: Cracks to be crowned king
| Wednesday 3rd July 2024, 18:09pm Wednesday 3rd July 2024, 18:09pm We have a very busy day of racing action on our hands on Thursday, with seven meetings taking place across Britain and Ireland to cater for everyone’s tastes. The sole all-weather fixture of the day takes place at Kempton (17:15-20:45), where there will be a seven-race card and the going is expected to be standard to slow.
Emily Upjohn Out to Defend Title in Coronation Cup
Epsom isn't the easiest course to negotiate, but Emily Upjohn is clearly a natural and the return is definitely in her favor. But we haven't seen much of her in recent months. That is a question we can't answer with any certainty as she finished only fifth in the Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) at Meydan on her sole start this year in March. "She ran a really good race there," said John Gosden. "It's not easy getting the fillies ready in the winter, but she ran a lovely race.
Toulouse vs Montpellier Prediction, Odds & Betting Tips
| 2nd May | 2 mins read Friday night provides a mid-table clash from Ligue 1 as southern outfits Toulouse and Montpellier go head-to-head at the Stadium de Toulouse (6pm). Both teams find themselves in good form heading into this encounter as they have done enough in recent weeks to make sure they won’t go through the rigours of a nail-biting end to the season in a relegation dogfight.
Ayr Tips: Global Humor can add to Ayr tally
| 2nd May | 3 mins read It's a six-pack of racing action across Britain and Ireland on Thursday, with the Flat dominant in the UK, while the Punchestown festival holds sway on the Emerald Isle. There's a six-race afternoon offering from Ayr, with the Scottish venue set to race from 1:52-4:35. We've selected three to follow on the afternoon at Ayr, including course regular Global Humor for the track's leading trainer, Jim Goldie.
Thursday Racing Tips: Willie Mullins horse overpriced in the Stayers' Hurdle
| 2nd May | 3 mins read Flat racing holds sway across Britain and Ireland on Thursday with six meetings taking place across the afternoon and into the evening. However, our main focus will be on the stunning Punchestown festival which is the sole jumps card. First off is Ayr before they go to Lingfield, Redcar, Punchestown, Doncaster and Chelmsford.
Redcar Tips: Roberto Caro to make bright start for new connections
| 1st May | 3 mins read Thursday is a busy day of Flat racing in Britain, with five meetings across the afternoon and evening including the six-race offering from Redcar. The seaside Yorkshire venue races from 13:42-16:27, with testing conditions expected to make the ground 'soft; heavy in places'. We have selected three horses to follow on the card, including the promising Roberto Caro for new trainer Seb Spencer.
Lingfield Park Tips: Lady M can be the Star Of the show
| April 04 | 3 mins read A busy Thursday awaits on the racing front, with six meetings across Britain and Ireland - including one from Lingfield Park, where they race from 13:50-17:00 on the Polytrack. Among our Lingfield Park tips is David O'Meara's Star Of Lady M, who has Daniel Tudhope in the plate.
Thursday Racing Tips: Chief to dominate his rivals from the front
| April 03 | 3 mins read Jump racing holds sway across Britain and Ireland on Thursday, with six meetings taking place across the afternoon and into the evening. Lingfield opens up the action on the Flat, before racing on the turf at Southwell, Naas and Warwick. There is an evening jumps meeting at Clonmel and an all-weather card from Wolverhampton. Amongst our Thursday fancies is one for trainer Archie Watson, who looks well ahead of the assessor. So - for our Thursday Racing Tips, kindly read on.
Granada vs Valencia Prediction: Visitors can grind out victory
| April 03 | 3 mins read Valencia have endured a tricky few weeks in La Liga but have a good opportunity to return to winning ways when they visit lowly Granada at Los Carmenes on Thursday (19:00). The visitors have won just one of their last six games but their opponents Granada have won only twice all season in the league and are in the relegation zone, 14 points from safety.
Football Bet of the Day: High-scoring affair fancied between duo
| April 03 | 2 mins read Manchester United and Chelsea endured disappointing results over the weekend and will be hoping to bounce back as they face each other at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea have struggled to make any progress under Mauricio Pochettino and remain in the bottom half of the Premier League table after drawing 2-2 with the ten men of Burnley on Saturday.
Former Owner, Steinhoff CEO Jooste Dies at 63
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments.
Former Owner, Steinhoff CEO Jooste Dies at 63
Markus Jooste, the former leading owner forced out of racing after being at the center of South Africa's largest corporate fraud in history, has died at the age of 63 in South Africa after sustaining a gunshot wound. Local media reports say it was self-inflicted. Jooste owned horses and raced with trainer Aidan O'Brien in various countries. At one time had between 150 and 250 horses in training in South Africa, including some in partnerships.
Point-to-Point Rider Kirkby Dies in Fall at Charing
Keagan Kirkby, a West Country point-to-point rider and a member of Paul Nicholls' team, has died following a fall at Charing point-to-point in Kent on Sunday. Kirkby, 25, joined Nicholls' yard in 2019 and had been an integral part of the team, having been shortlisted for the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards this year.
Shortlist for 2024 United Kingdom's TIEA Awards Out
A ceremony for the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, organized by the British Horseracing Authority and sponsored by Godolphin, celebrates the hard work and dedication of employees from the racing and breeding industry. A judging panel revealed a shortlist of ten nominees for each of the six categories and will now begin the second round, which will leave three for each category.
Without a Fight Tops Former Stablemate in Caulfield Cup
Simon Crisford was proud of despite the heartbreak of watching him suffer a narrow defeat to former stablemate in a thrilling Caulfield Cup (G1) Oct. 21 at Caulfield. Simon and his son Ed trained Without A Fight for three seasons, which culminated with a run in last year's Melbourne Cup, before the 6-year-old then remained in Australia under the guidance of Anthony and Sam Freedman. Their former inmate came back to haunt them, winning by a head in the prestigious group 1 handicap.
Summerghand Bids for Consecutive Ayr Gold Cups
Jockey Danny Tudhope believes might be peaking at the right time again before his attempted defense of his Ayr Gold Cup crown Sept. 23. The David O'Meara-trained 9-year-old defeated by a length 12 months ago and he is back for another crack at the £180,000 contest. No horse has won back-to-back runnings of the Ayr Gold Cup since Heronslea won the 1930 and 1931 runnings, but Tudhope thinks his mount is set to run another big race.
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