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Articles by Maddy Playle
Twenty-Year-Old Loughnane Named Britain's Champion Jock
Billy Loughnane said he wanted to go jumping around Ascot with joy after being crowned the youngest champion jockey in more than a century. "It's a bit overwhelming," the 20-year-old said. "I want to go jumping around the racecourse. It's going to be a day I cherish for a long time. I've dreamed of this since I was a boy and for it to come true today is amazing.
Osborne First Woman to Ride a British Classic Winner
Saffie Osborne became the first woman to ride a British classic winner aboard Highwayman in the St. Leger Stakes (G1) at Doncaster Racecourse. Osborne, 24, is having an exceptional season and only became aware she was riding in the race earlier this week, with the colt's trainer Joseph O'Brien jocking her up aboard the listed winner at the last moment.
British Betting Coup Tied to Fair Hill Controversy
A six-figure betting coup was pulled off in betting shops in Britain Aug. 9 after four out of five horses from the same training center won in the United States. Three of the runners were trained by Angel Quiroz, with The Great Amira (16-1) landing the first leg by a whopping nine lengths at Monmouth Park before Tepeyac (19-5) doubled up in the next race. Scootaloo , Quiroz's third runner, could finish only fourth at Saratoga Race Course.
Kalpana Upsets Calandagan in King George
Kalpana produced a hugely authoritative display to reverse last year's King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) form with Calandagan . The Andrew Balding-trained 5-year-old mare is a dual group 1 winner over King George course and distance after victories in the last two runnings of the British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes (G1), and this time at Ascot she beat the boys convincingly under Colin Keane.
Masquerade Ball's Trainer Confident Before King George
Japanese ace Masquerade Ball has yet to reach the ceiling of his abilities, according to his trainer, as he prepares for a rematch with Calandagan in a scintillating King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) July 25. Last year's Tenno Sho (Autumn) (G1T) winner pushed the French champion to a head in an epic conclusion to the Japan Cup (G1T) in November, and his trainer Takahisa Tezuka is confident of an even better performance in their second confrontation.
Comanche Brave Proves Fierce in July Cup
Comanche Brave landed a stellar running of the July Cup (G1) for Donnacha O'Brien and first-time rider Billy Loughnane on July 11 over 6 furlongs at Newmarket. The 4-year-old Wootton Bassett colt showcased his form in the Middle East and Hong Kong this year before landing the Greenlands Stakes (G2) at the Curragh in May and finishing seventh in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (G1) last time.
Blue Bolt Strikes, Defeats Precise in Falmouth Stakes
Blue Bolt landed a first top-level success in the Falmouth Stakes (G1) July 10 when downing the favorite Precise at Newmarket. The 4-year-old Blue Point filly won the Duke of Cambridge Stakes (G2) at Royal Ascot last month and built on that effort with a polished performance on the July course, when she was always positioned prominently by Colin Keane and stretched 2 lengths clear of Precise in the mile turf race.
Benvenuto Cellini, Christmas Day Rematch in Irish Derby
Ryan Moore has decided to stick with Benvenuto Cellini in the June 28 Irish Derby (G1) in a rematch against stablemate Christmas Day , with eight runners declared for the showpiece at the Curragh. Epsom Derby (G1) winner Christmas Day delivered over soggy ground to spring a shock at Epsom and will again be partnered with Ronan Whelan.
Giavellotto Edges Kalpana for Hardwicke Stakes Win
Giavellotto 's victory in the June 20 Hardwicke Stakes (G2) was a story of patience and perseverance for Oisin Murphy, but it was a race that fellow rider Christophe Soumillon will want to forget. Murphy, the five-time British champion jockey, regularly chases Ryan Moore in the race to be leading rider at Royal Ascot, but it took him until the fifth and final day and the 26th attempt to get off the mark. When he asked, it was an old friend who answered.
Ward Has High Hopes for Royal Ascot Contingent
Wesley Ward believes he is bringing some heavy artillery to the Royal Ascot meet next week, and has particularly lofty hopes for Outfielder in the Commonwealth Cup Stakes (G1). The United States trainer is a mainstay at the big meet and will bid to add to his impressive tally of 12 winners, having missed the fixture last year. "I'm so excited and we're ready to go," Ward said. "Knowing how tough Ascot is getting each and every year, I'm bringing some extremely high-quality horses.
Japan Cup Rematch Set for Ascot in July
The rematch between Calandagan and Masquerade Ball is on after connections of the Japanese star confirmed their plan to run in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) at Ascot Racecourse July 25. Calandagan came out on top by just a head in a memorable duel at Tokyo Racecourse in the Japan Cup (G1T) in November, a victory which helped propel him to the titles of Cartier Horse of the Year and Longines World's Best Racehorse.
Joao Moreira predicts June Take will play pivotal role in FWD QEII Cup
Joao Moreira has no doubt June Take will be a key player in an outstanding renewal of the HK$30 million G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) on Sunday (26 April). The four-time Hong Kong champion jockey has returned to Hong Kong on a short-term licence and will partner his first Group 1 rides since making the move back to the city on FWD Champions Day.
Tezuka confident Masquerade Ball in peak condition for FWD QEII Cup test
By Maddy Playle Takahisa Tezuka believes Masquerade Ball is in peak condition as the final touches are made in his preparation for the HK$30 million G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) on Sunday (26 April). Tezuka said the four-year-old had settled into his new surroundings well on his first international journey. Watch every race on FWD Champions Day at Sha Tin live on Sky Sports Racing (Sky 415 | Virgin 512) on Sunday 26th April.
‘Super Legend’ Romantic Warrior Chases Hong Kong Triple Crown Glory
Danny Shum believes Romantic Warrior will have to beat the strongest HK$30 million G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) field in two decades if he is to become a four-time winner of the race at Sha Tin on Sunday (26 April). The world’s highest-earning racehorse won the main event on FWD Champions Day in 2022, 2023 and 2024 and, while a Middle Eastern campaign took priority last year, this time the race comes en route to a Triple Crown bid at home in Hong Kong.
‘Super Legend’ Romantic Warrior Chases Hong Kong Triple Crown Glory
Less than a year after fetlock surgery, gelding could become a Hong Kong Triple Crown victor with a win in Sunday’s G1 QEII Cup Romantic Warrior, under James McDonald, wins the Hong Kong Gold Cup (G1) to secure two-thirds of the Hong Kong Triple Crown Hong Kong Jockey Club photo View post: ‘Super Legend’ Romantic Warrior Chases Hong Kong Triple Crown Glory View post: Ka Ying Rising Towers Over Chairman’s Sprint Prize Field View post: Emergency Order: Oklahoma Commission Places 171 Quarter...
Hong Kong: Masquerade Ball is ready to take on Romantic Warrior
Christophe Lemaire believes Masquerade Ball, his mount in Sunday’s Group 1 FWD QEII Cup at Sha Tin, has the potential to rank among the greats. Lemaire, who has partnered legends such as Almond Eye and Equinox in his time riding in Japan, retains the utmost faith in the Tenno Sho Autumn (G1) winner as he makes his first run since finishing an agonizing runner-up in the Japan Cup (G1) in November. The jockey said: “He’s still a young horse.
Champions Day: Murphy faces Romantic Warrior, Ka Ying Rising
Oisin Murphy is relishing the opportunity to take on the might of Hong Kong with Romantic Warrior and Ka Ying Rising lying in wait on Sunday's FWD Champions Day at Sha Tin. The five-time British champion jockey will be reunited with Royal Champion for the Group 1 FWD QEII Cup after sealing a Group 1 breakthrough for the 8-year-old in the Neom Turf Cup (G1) in Saudi Arabia in February.
Eustace banks on fresh approach to unlock Docklands in FWD Champions Mile
By Maddy Playle Harry Eustace believes a different preparation can unlock an improved performance from Docklands in the HK$24 million G1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m) on 26 April. The six-year-old is no stranger to Hong Kong as he has run in the last two editions of the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m), including a smart fourth-place finish behind Voyage Bubble in December. Watch every race on FWD Champions Day at Sha Tin live on Sky Sports Racing (Sky 415 | Virgin 512) on Sunday 26th April.
Royal Champion seeks more overseas success in the FWD QEII Cup
By Maddy Playle Karl Burke believes Romantic Warrior will need to be at his best to defeat an on-song Royal Champion in the HK$30 million G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) on 26 April.
BHA Weighing Room Upgrades Will Be 60% Complete by May
It is expected that 60% of weighing room upgrades that were deemed necessary by the British Horseracing Authority will be completed by early May once more racecourses have started their flat turf seasons. After a Racing Post expose last April, the BHA imposed various deadlines for important work that addresses issues such as placement of equipment, availability of hot water, damp and mold, and appropriate facilities for female jockeys.
Jockeys Frustrated With False Starts at Cheltenham
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.
'Always Up For The Fight': Voyage Bubble Repeats In Hong Kong Mile
Voyage Bubble proved he more than belonged on the billing for the Longines Hong Kong International Races alongside two greats when a herculean winner of the HK$36-million Longines Hong Kong Mile (G1) on Sunday at Sha Tin.
Newnham confident My Wish can rebound in G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile
By Maddy Playle and Jim McGrath Breakthrough Group 1 success is in the sights of My Wish as last year’s Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) hero bids to step up to the elite level in the HK$36 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m) on Sunday (14 December).
Lemaire warns rivals not to overlook Embroidery in LONGINES Hong Kong Mile
By Maddy Playle Do not underestimate the three-year-old filly Embroidery in Sunday’s (14 December) G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m) was the message from Christophe Lemaire on Tuesday (9 December). The top rider will hunt for a second victory at the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races this weekend, having partnered Pride to success in the 2006 G1 Hong Kong Cup (2000m), and he retains the utmost belief in his mount for the LONGINES Hong Kong Mile.
Voyage Bubble to bid for more G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile glory
By Maddy Playle Only superstars win back-to-back editions of the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m), and Voyage Bubble will endeavour to join exalted company at Sha Tin on Sunday (14 December). Monopolize, Good Ba Ba, Beauty Generation and Golden Sixty make up the short list of those to have landed consecutive runnings of the HK$36 million prize, but Voyage Bubble would be a deserving addition to the elite group.
Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint Third Khaadem Continues World Tour In Hong Kong Sprint
No 9-year-old horse has ever won the HK$28 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m), but Khaadem is no ordinary horse. He defied odds of 80/1 for a sensational victory in Britain’s premier sprint, the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (1200m), in 2023 and became the race’s oldest winner when successful as an 8-year-old last year.
Khaadem’s global revival continues with LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint bid
No nine-year-old horse has ever won the HK$28 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m), but Khaadem is no ordinary horse. He defied odds of 80/1 for a sensational victory in Britain’s premier sprint, the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (1200m), in 2023 and became the race’s oldest winner when successful as an eight-year-old last year.
Multiple Group 1 Winner Hawk Wing Dies of Colic at 26
The superb miler Hawk Wing has died at age 26 due to colic, according to reports in Japan. The son of Woodman was a top-class and popular miler at a golden time for Ballydoyle after the turn of the millennium. He won the 2001 National Stakes (G1) as a juvenile and finished runner-up behind two of his illustrious stablemates, Rock Of Gibraltar and High Chaparral, in the Two Thousand Guineas (G1) and Epsom Derby (G1).
Amo Racing Names Dettori Ambassador
Frankie Dettori will not stray far from racing in his upcoming retirement as the legendary jockey has been announced as Amo Racing's global brand ambassador. The rider shocked with news of his imminent retirement Oct. 29 ahead of the Breeders' Cup this weekend, and it emerged that he would be undertaking a new role with Amo Racing Oct. 30. Dettori enjoyed his most notable success for Kia Joorabchian's burgeoning ownership enterprise when successful in the 2023 Champion Stakes (G1) aboard .
Arc Hero Daryz to Remain in Training in 2026
Nemone Routh, racing manager of the Aga Khan Studs in France, said: "Daryz has taken his race very well and is in good form following his top-class performance. He is a beautiful horse who resembles his sire and has a great constitution. He progressed throughout the season and we are very much looking forward to seeing what he can accomplish next year." Daryz was unraced at 2 and only made a winning debut at Longchamp in April.
O'Brien Quartet Formidable in Fillies' Mile
Trainer Aidan O'Brien has entered four fillies in the Oct. 10 Fillies' Mile (G1) at Newmarket Racecourse, with the Prestige Fillies Stakes (G3) and Moyglare Stud Stakes (G1) winner set to be joined by , , and . Precise is currently the 10-1 second favorite for next year's One Thousand Guineas (G1) over the Fillies' Mile course and distance next May, with O'Brien's Prix Marcel Boussac (G1) winner -who was not among the 11 declarations for Friday's race-heading the betting at 8-1.
Sahlan Upsets Prix du Moulin, Eyes Breeders' Cup Mile
The 3-year-old was supplemented for the contest by trainer Francis Graffard and provided him with a second group 1 within half an hour after 's strike in the Grosser Preis von Baden (G1) in Germany. The Al Shaqab Racing colt could only finish ninth behind in the French Two Thousand Guineas (G1) in May, but reversed that form in emphatic style after landing the Prix Daphnis (G3) on his latest start. "Today was a big challenge," Graffard said.
Stewart's Goliath Conquers Grosser Preis von Baden
Last year's King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) winner returned to winning ways at the group 1 level when landing the Grosser Preis von Baden (G1) in Germany Sept. 7. The 5-year-old was beaten by a head in a group 3 contest at Deauville Aug. 16, but he put that effort behind him with a powerful performance. He traveled strongly before taking up the running in the home straight and swiftly accelerated clear of Dubai Honour .
Unbeaten Royal Ascot Winner Amiloc to Miss King George
will not be confirmed for the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) July 26, with his trainer Ralph Beckett keen to give him more time to recover from his Royal Ascot exertions. The 3-year-old had been a general 10-1 chance for Ascot's middle-distance showpiece behind Calandagan and Jan Brueghel after landing last month's King Edward VII Stakes (G1), but will not take up his place.
Gosdens, Moore Take Royal Ascot Meet Titles
John and Thady Gosden were crowned the leading trainers at the Royal Ascot meeting, with their brilliant week headlined by 's superstar performance in the June17 St James's Palace Stakes (G1). The father-and-son combination finished the week with five winners having also scooped the two feature races June 18 and 19, with winning the Prince of Wales's Stakes (G1) and landing the Gold Cup (G1).
Camille Pissarro Headlines Prix du Jockey Club
Aidan O'Brien believes the best is yet to come from , who is set to spearhead a strong Ballydoyle duo in the Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby, G1) June 1 at Chantilly Racecourse. The colt, who ended his juvenile campaign with top-level success in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (G1) on Arc day, finished third behind stablemate in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains (French Two Thousand Guineas, G1) May 11.
Tastiera stamps his class on sparkling international field to land FWD QEII Cup
Tastiera was triumphant on his return to Sha Tin as Japan`s 2023 G1 Tokyo Yushun (2400m) hero dominated a thrilling renewal of the HK$28 million G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (27 April). The five-year-old showed his aptitude for top-class racing in Hong Kong when third to Romantic Warrior in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) in December.
Hong Kong: Japan-based Prognosis can step out of shadow
He has finished second to local champion Romantic Warrior for the last two years but with Hong Kong’s middle-distance star an absentee from the Group 1, US$3.6 million QEII Cup at Sha Tin on Sunday, Japanese star Prognosis could finally be set for his crowning moment.
Japanese star Prognosis primed to break out from Romantic Warrior’s shadow in G1 FWD QEII Cup
He has finished second to local champion Romantic Warrior for the last two years but with Hong Kong’s middle-distance star an absentee from the HK$28 million G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (27 April), Japanese star Prognosis could finally be set for his crowning moment.
Graffard bullish mighty Goliath can reign supreme over Japanese rivals in Sunday’s FWD QEII Cup
Francis-Henri Graffard retains resolute belief in Goliath as the five-year-old bids to become the first French winner of Sunday’s (27 April) HK$28 million G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) since Jim And Tonic in 1999. The Chantilly trainer arrived in the nick of time to see his stable star exercise on the sodden dirt course at Sha Tin on Friday morning (25 April) and was pleased with what he saw.
Christophe Soumillon in search of more Sha Tin success in Sunday’s G1 FWD QEII Cup
Christophe Soumillon has already won several of Hong Kong’s greatest prizes and the rider will hope to snare another on Sunday (27 April) when French star Goliath lines up for the HK$28 million G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin. Belgian-born Soumillon won the Hong Kong Derby (2000m) aboard local champion Viva Pataca in 2006 and has shown his prowess in numerous Group 1 races at Sha Tin since, landing the LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m) on two occasions.
Resolute Racing's John Stewart Hopes Goliath Can Launch Global Tour De Force In Hong Kong
Central Kentucky-based owner and breeder John Stewart is hoping Goliath can kickstart an ambitious international campaign with victory in the HK$28-million FWD QEII Cup (G1) next Sunday at Sha Tin. The mastermind behind the burgeoning racing empire Resolute Racing moved to purchase the French-trained star after his 25-1 success in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (G1) at Ascot last July.
Royal Ascot Next Target for Believing
Royal Ascot will be the next destination for George Boughey's globetrotting pupil as the trainer sets his sights on more group 1 success. The 5-year-old mare won her first race at the highest level at the ninth attempt in the April 5 Al Quoz Sprint (G1T) at Meydan Racecourse, and while that was enough to gain the best black type for her new owners-the Coolmore partners and John Stewart's Resolute Racing-Boughey now has Ascot in his sights.
Admire Daytona Prevails In UAE Derby Thriller, Earns Kentucky Derby Berth Original
Japan’s recent dominance in the $1-millon UAE Derby continued Saturday at Meydan as Junko Kondo's Admire Daytona scraped home from Heart Of Honor in a thrilling finish, earning himself a berth in the Kentucky Derby (G1). A son of triple Grade 1 winner Drefong, Admire Daytona made all of the running but was pushed to the limit in the closing stages and only just held on by a short head.
Rebel's Romance has taken Buick on a global journey
As a dual Champion Jockey, Godolphin’s retained rider and the winner of over 100 Group 1 races worldwide, William Buick has sat on a lot of great racehorses. He has yet to partner one just like Rebel’s Romance, however, who in an ambitious and storied career has so far contributed seven wins to his big-race tally and a raft of memories.
Dubai World Cup: Favorite Forever Young draws post 5
Forever Young, winner of the Group 1 Saudi Cup, drew stall 5 for Saturday’s $12 million Dubai World Cup (G1). A relaxed Yoshito Yahagi said of his stable star, "We thought (beforehand) that the wider we got, the better. I didn't want stall 1 or 2 for him so he gets a fair race, though it's not a big matter anyway." 2023 Dubai World Cup winner Ushba Tesoro will break from stall 4. He drew eight when successful two years ago.
Classic-Winning Trainer Houghton Dies at 84
Classic-winning former trainer Fulke Johnson Houghton has died at the age of 84. Johnson Houghton took over from his mother Helen, who as a woman was not the official license holder, at Woodway Stables in Blewbury aged 20 in 1961. He trained more than 1,200 winners during a sparkling 46-year career and was responsible for several stars of the track in the 1970s, including the 1978 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes (G1) winner Ile de Bourbon.
Richard Fahey Looks To Upset Romantic Warrior With Spirit Dancer In Hong Kong Cup
Richard Fahey is heading into Sunday’s LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (G1) at Sha Tin with high hopes Spirit Dancer can derail Romantic Warrior’s bid for a third win in the event. Fahey is hunting for a third marquee success with Spirit Dancer this year after two lucrative trips to the Middle East. The 7-year-old Frankel gelding's customary late flourish saw him secure the Neom Turf Cup (G2) in February and land a second Bahrain International Trophy (G2) last month.
Marco Botti encouraged by Oisin Murphy’s vote of confidence as Giavellotto targets LONGINES Hong Kong Vase
Oisin Murphy has been an instrumental figure in Giavellotto’s career and the rider believes Marco Botti’s stayer is the perfect fit for the HK$24 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (2400m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (8 December). While Giavellotto has been ridden by Hong Kong jockeys both past and present in Neil Callan and Andrea Atzeni, it is Murphy who partnered him to win a second G2 Yorkshire Cup (2771m) in May and the G2 Princess of Wales’s Stakes (2400m) in July.
Lugal spearheads three-strong Japanese challenge in LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint
Only Japanese horses have been able to stop the local talent in the LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) in recent years and the Land of the Rising Sun will launch a three-pronged assault on Sunday’s (8 December) HK$26 million prize. Just superstar Lord Kanaloa and Danon Smash have been able to prevent a clean sweep for the home team in the last 12 runnings and Lugal heads a strong Japanese team this time around.
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