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Articles by Peter Scargill
Darkness Falls Shines in Dewhurst Stakes
Many questioned the logic of dropping Darkness Falls back from a taxing 1 1/8-mile race at Leopardstown Racecourse to go 7 furlongs in Europe's premier colts' 2-year-old race, the Dewhurst Stakes (G1). Surely a juvenile with such abundant stamina, who had never raced at less than a mile, would not have the pace to beat Desert Castle , winner of the Champagne Stakes (G2), and Coventry Stakes (G2) scorer Great Barrier Reef ? Yet on Oct.
Four-Time Grade 1 Winner Nations Pride to Stud in India Original
A stud responsible for breeding a number of India's best performers is seeking to extend its influence under new leadership with the purchase of four-time top-level winner Nations Pride to stand as a stallion. Sohna Stud bred and raced the likes of Indian Derby winner Jacqueline and triple Indian Turf Invitational Cup winner Juliette for founder Sultan Singh before his death last November.
Coup for India as G1 Winner Sosie Joins Poonawalla Stud
India's leading breeding operation Poonawalla Stud is celebrating a coup after securing four-time group 1 winner Sosie to stand as a stallion next year. Ajay Anne of New Approach Bloodstock, who brokered the deal, said the capture of Sosie for Poonawalla Stud represented "the highest profile racehorse bought out of training to stand in India." Anne said: "It's incredibly exciting and a great credit to Mr. Zavaray Poonawalla.
TripAdvisor Adds Animal Welfare Warning for Racetracks
A decision by the travel website TripAdvisor to prevent the sale of tickets and experiences associated with British live horse racing events on its platforms has been called "surprising and troubling" by the British Horseracing Authority, which has written to the company asking it to reconsider the classification.
Racing's Reappearance in Mainland China Delayed Further
Racing in mainland China will not begin next month as planned after the Hong Kong Jockey Club said competitive action at Conghua had been "postponed to a later date." While horses have been stabled and trained at Conghua and barrier trials have taken place at the course in Guangdong province since it was established by the HKJC in 2018, no competitive racing under rules has happened in China since 1999.
Racing's Return to Mainland China Delayed Further
Racing in mainland China will not begin next month as planned after the Hong Kong Jockey Club said competitive action at Conghua had been "postponed to a later date." While horses have been stabled and trained at Conghua and barrier trials have taken place at the course in Guangdong province since it was established by the HKJC in 2018, no competitive racing under rules has happened in China since 1999.
Diamond Necklace Sparkles in Nassau
If Bow Echo had to overcome difficulties to keep his unbeaten record at Glorious Goodwood, it could hardly have been more simple for Diamond Necklace to do the same in the Nassau Stakes (G1) July 30 at Goodwood Racecourse "It was very easy really," Ryan Moore said afterward, his pithy summary perfectly covering how little doubt there was that Diamond Necklace would add to her top-level victories in the Prix Marcel Boussac (G1), Poule d'Essai des Pouliches (G1), and Prix de Diane (G1).
Likely Impact of New Prime Minister on English Racing
Andy Burnham is set to focus on "the daily priorities facing people across the country" when he becomes prime minister July 20. Having been confirmed as Labour leader Friday following Sir Keir Starmer's resignation last month, Burnham will take over at 10 Downing Street and begin appointing members of his first cabinet.
Sky Sports Buying ITV's TV, Streaming Services
With Sky striking a deal to buy the TV and streaming services of ITV for £1.6 billion (approx. US$2.1 billion), the question most people have been asking is—what will happen to the programs I watch? For racing fans it is particularly relevant because ITV has been British racing's terrestrial broadcast partner since 2017. Sky and ITV believe the deal, which is subject to regulatory approval, will make them more competitive against big streaming giants such as Netflix, Disney, and Amazon.
Soumillon's Eight-Day Suspension Reduced to Five Days
Christophe Soumillon's ban for riding to benefit a stablemate has been reduced to five days from eight on appeal after the disciplinary panel concluded that while his ride on Puerto Rico aided Gstaad , it was not his intention to do so.
BHA Restrictions Lifted on Quarantined Yard
Restrictions placed on Mel and Phil Rowley's training yard following the discovery of equine influenza in a vaccinated Thoroughbred at a nearby stable have been lifted. The British Horseracing Authority has enforced strict biosecurity measures across Britain because of the heightened prevalence of equine flu in mainly non-vaccinated non-Thoroughbreds this year, including canceling a fixture at Plumpton last month after the disease was confirmed at a livery yard adjacent to the track.
Bahrain International Trophy Elevated to Group 1 Status
Bahrain will stage its first group 1 this year after the nation's flagship Bahrain International Trophy (G1) was upgraded. Prize money for the 2026 running has also increased to $1.5 million. This year's 2000-meter (about 1 1/4 miles) turf race takes place Nov. 13 at the Rashid Equestrian & Horseracing Club's Sakhir Racecourse.
Aidan O'Brien Earns 14th Royal Ascot Trainer Title
Aidan O'Brien held off a sustained challenge from his son, Joseph, to claim the leading trainer title at Royal Ascot for a 14th time. O'Brien ended the week on seven winners, having become the first trainer to saddle 100 winners at the meeting when Scandinavia hauled in Trawlerman to win the Gold Cup Stakes (G1).
Almeraq Defeats International Cast in Jubilee Thriller
Almeraq defeated Satono Reve by a nose with Joliestar a short head back in third in a pulsating finish to the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (G1) June 20 at Royal Ascot. Owned by Shadwell Estates, the family of the late Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, Almeraq was ridden by Tom Marquand in place of the operation's retained rider Jim Crowley, who continues to recover from a serious leg injury sustained when the horse was a faller at York last year.
Kentucky-Bred Scandinavia Edges Trawlerman in Gold Cup
Kentucky-bred Scandinavia provided trainer Aidan O'Brien with his 100th winner at Royal Ascot by edging out defending winner Trawlerman in the final strides of a scintillating Gold Cup Stakes (G1) June 18 at Ascot Racecourse. The victory marks the first time in 33 years that a horse bred in the United States has captured the Gold Cup.
Ombudsman Sparkles in Royal Ascot Showdown
Ombudsman once again showed his scintillating turn of foot to win the June 17 Prince of Wales's Stakes (G1) at Ascot Racecourse for a second year running with Minnie Hauk second and Daryz third. Joint-trainer John Gosden summed up the performance by saying: "Overall I thought it was one of the great performances of his career." The race could not have set up more perfectly for Ombudsman.
Unbeaten Bow Echo Edges Gstaad in St. James's Palace
English Two Thousand Guineas (G1) winner Bow Echo clung on to victory in the St. James's Palace Stakes (G1) June 16 at Royal Ascot, holding off Irish Two Thousand Guineas (G1) winner Gstaad to maintain his unbeaten record. Winning jockey Billy Loughnane admitted after the race that Bow Echo won in spite of the ride he gave the horse. Despite being squeezed at the start, posted on the outside around the bend, and potentially in front earlier than he wanted, Bow Echo would not be denied.
Royal Ascot Shocker: Ten Bob Tony Wins Queen Anne
Ten Bob Tony landed yet another shock in the Queen Anne Stakes (G1) as he overhauled front-runner Opera Ballo to win the opening race of Royal Ascot at 59-1 in North American pari-mutuel pools. It had seemed as though Opera Ballo had burned off all his opponents from the front under jockey Billy Loughnane, but Ten Bob Tony and More Thunder , who had been at the back of the pack through the first half of the race, came charging through in the closing stages.
Bow Echo Magnificent in Two Thousand Guineas Victory
This was supposed to be an underwhelming Two Thousand Guineas (G1)—one where the quality had been sucked out by withdrawals, injuries, and blowouts. In the May 2 event at Newmarket Racecourse, we saw a future champion jockey deliver a precision ride for an emerging force among flat racing's elite trainers on a horse who could well dominate this season. Few have captured the opening classic of the season in the manner Bow Echo did this one.
I Am Maximus Lands Second Grand National
I Am Maximus became the first horse since Red Rum to regain the Grand National Steeplechase Handicap (NH-3) as the gambled-on 9-2 favorite provided trainer Willie Mullins with victory in the race for a third year in a row April 11 at Aintree Racecourse. Ridden by Paul Townend, who scored on I Am Maximus in 2024 and was second on him again last year, I Am Maximus ran down Jordans, who had kicked clear going to the second-last fence, after the elbow to take the prize for owner J.P. McManus.
Chelmsford's Future in Doubt After License Loss
Chelmsford's future has been thrown into huge doubt after the racecourse lost its license to host fixtures and its upcoming meetings, including the high-profile Good Friday card April 3, were cancelled. Last week, Great Leighs Estates Limited, the company that operated the track, went into administration, with its March 26 meeting able to go ahead only after special dispensation was provided by the British Horseracing Authority and the administrator, Begbies Traynor.
BHA Unveiling New Camera Technology at Its Racecourses
Glory or despair in photo-finishes at the Cheltenham Festival this week will be clearer than ever before after the British Horseracing Authority announced an upgrade to the camera equipment at all racecourses. Following a successful trial, new Lynx cameras have been brought in for all British races which the BHA is promising will "significantly improve the clarity of photos" used for deciding places.
Court Extends Dettori's Bankruptcy by a Year
Frankie Dettori's bankruptcy has been extended by 12 months with the former rider said March 5 to have not complied with orders requiring him to give full disclosure of his assets. Dettori, who retired last month, was made bankrupt in March last year and had been due to be automatically discharged March 17. However, at a hearing in the specialist insolvency court in London Thursday, an application was made by the trustees overseeing the process to extend the bankruptcy for a further year.
Engelbrecht-Bresges issues warning over 'exponential' black market growth
By Peter Scargill Black market betting is “rampant” on an international scale and domestic gambling regulators need to think globally to tackle it, the Asian Racing Conference (ARC) was warned on Tuesday.
Court Orders Release of Sands of Mali Certificates
Steve Parkin has been compelled by the Irish High Court to release covering certificates for mares in foal to Sands Of Mali after the owner-breeder had blocked the process as part of his dispute with his former racing and bloodstock adviser Joe Foley.
Coolmore Approved to Campaign Horses in Japan
Coolmore will break new ground by having its first horses trained in Japan this year, after Sue Magnier was granted an owner's license by the Japan Racing Association. Magnier, wife of Coolmore supremo John Magnier, is set to be represented by Chesapeake Bay, an unraced 3-year-old colt by out of Marsha, who the owners bought for 6 million guineas in 2017, and by a second Frankel, a filly out of Shadow Hunter called Snowscape.
British Jockey Club Increases Prize Money for 2026
Jockey Club prize money will exceed £60 million for the first time in 2026, with an extra £3 million going towards purses compared to last year. A total of £61.47 million (approx. US$84.8 million) in prize money will be raced for, up from £58.1 million in 2025, with the organization investing in the top and developmental ends of the sport in line with the broader approach being taken by British racing.
Arc-Winning Jockey Starke Announces Retirement
Andrasch Starke, Germany's most successful jockey and who also claimed numerous big-race successes on the international stage, has announced his retirement aged 52. Starke's finest moment in the saddle came when guiding to victory in the 2011 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1). The following year he teamed up with the same filly to win the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) at Ascot.
Arc Chief Not Expecting Tracks to Change Data Stance
Martin Cruddace said he would be "very surprised" if racecourses changed their position on the ownership of raceday data rights that has led to a stand-off with the British Horseracing Authority and a hold-up in the creation of a new independent board for British racing.
Dettori Firms' Liquidation Leaves Creditors Unpaid
No money is expected to be available to creditors from the liquidation of Frankie Dettori's companies, leaving the taxpayer out of pocket by more than £750,000. Dettori, 55, revealed in March last year that he had been made bankrupt by His Majesty's Revenue & Customs as a consequence of unpaid tax resulting from his involvement in a tax avoidance scheme.
Dubawi Breeder Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum Dies
Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, the breeder of Dubawi and owner of star performers including 1998 Epsom Derby (G1) winner High-Rise, as well as Postponed and , died Dec. 29. A cousin of Sheikh Mohammed, the ruler of Dubai and founder of Godolphin, Sheikh Mohammed Obaid's death was confirmed to directors at Darley in a Dec. 29 note.
Riders in United Kingdom to See 3.5% Mount Fee Increase
Jockeys will receive a 3.5% pay rise Jan. 1 with the Racehorse Owners Association admitting the extra cost would be "unwelcome" for owners. A flat jockey will receive £173.54 ($234.08) for each ride from next Thursday, with a jump jockey earning £235.90 ($318.23) per ride. In addition, fees given to riders when their intended mount is a non-runner will rise to £86.77 on the flat and to £117.95 over jumps.
Kempton Park's Future Up in the Air
An agreement made with housing developer Redrow to retain an option to build on Kempton Park was made "in the best interests of racing," according to a key figure in the discussion. Kempton Park is the home of the Road to the Kentucky Derby Condition Stakes, a qualifying race on the European/Middle East Road to the Kentucky Derby contested each February that awards points on a 20-10-6-4-2 scale to the top five finishers.
Epsom Derby Purse to be Increased in 2026
Next year's Epsom Derby (G1) will be worth £2 million (approx. US$2.675 million) as part of a £6 million investment by the Jockey Club (UK) to reinvigorate Epsom and Britain's premier classic, with the aim of attracting a crowd of 100,000 for the festival by 2030.
Epsom Derby Purse to be Increased to £2 million in 2026
Next year's Epsom Derby (G1) will be worth £2 million ($2.675 million) as part of a £6m investment by the Jockey Club (UK) to reinvigorate Epsom and Britain's premier classic, with the aim of attracting a crowd of 100,000 for the festival by 2030.
Rosallion Retires, Joins Darley Stallion Roster
Richard Hannon hailed as "a horse of a lifetime" after the trainer said the three-time group 1 winner had been retired. Owned and bred by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid, Rosallion's finest moment came in last year's St James's Palace Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot where he defeated and , winners of the 2023 Vincent O'Brien National Stakes (G1) and of the 2024 English Two Thousand Guineas (G1), respectively.
Ghostwriter's Story to Continue in Pegasus Turf
Ghostwriter is being aimed at the $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational (G1T) at Gulfstream Park in January. The 4-year-old son of Invincible Spirit was purchased on the eve of Royal Ascot for £2 million ( about $2,712,592 )by Amo Racing and went on to finish third in the Hardwicke Stakes (G2). His next start was due to be in the Princess of Wales's Stakes (G1) at Newmarket's July meeting, but he was withdrawn before the race, having reared over in the pre-parade ring.
Barnavara Holds on to Win Prix de l'Opera
According to her rider, is a filly who wears her heart on her sleeve. In contrast, the man on top may well have had his heart in his mouth in the dying strides of the Prix de l'Opera (G1) Oct. 5 as challengers thundered down on him from all angles. Shane Foley knows that running from the front is what suits Barnavara best, and it has helped her climb impressively through the grades with a listed, group 3 and, most recently, a group 2 success.
Puerto Rico Eyes Breeders' Cup After Lagardere Win
Aidan O'Brien and Christophe Soumillon completed the juvenile group 1-double on Arc day Oct. 5 as dominated the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (G1) from the front, holding and at bay for a 2 1/2 length success. This was a tenth Lagardere to go with O'Brien's six wins in the fillies' Prix Marcel Boussac (G1), although it was only the second time the Ballydoyle trainer had won both on the same card, 20 years after Rumplestiltskin and Horatio Nelson doubled up.
Daryz Pounces Late to Take Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
overhauled favorite Minnie Hauk just strides from the finish to win the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1) Oct. 5 in the colors of the late owner-breeder, the Aga Khan. Trained by Francis Graffard and ridden by Mickael Barzalona, who were both winning the race for the first time, Daryz forced his head in front just in time after Minnie Hauk had initially stretched clear in the final furlong and a half.
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.
Gosdens Fined for Ketamine Positives
The father-son trainer duo of John and Thady Gosden have been fined £3,000 after two of their horses tested positive for the banned substance ketamine last summer. The breaches were found to be the result of cross-contamination from a female staff member who was a recreational user of the drug. In a statement, the Gosdens said they "remain committed to the highest standards of care and integrity in their operations and are taking every possible step to avoid any recurrence".
Murphy to Continue Riding Despite Court Charges
Jockey Oisin Murphy has been fined £70,000 and banned from driving for 20 months after pleading guilty to driving over the limit for alcohol. In response to the guilty plea, the British Horseracing Authority said the rider's behavior "fell a long way short of the standard we expect of all licensed individuals" and that new conditions would be placed on his license. However, he would remain free to continue riding.
Britain, Ireland See Foal Crops Decline
Falling foal crops in Britain and Ireland have been identified for the first time by Tattersalls as a major risk factor for the business in the latest sign of growing concern at the ongoing drop off in horses being bred to race. Figures published last year by Weatherbys showed a 9.5% drop in the number of foals born in Britain and Ireland during 2025, the most significant drop year-on-year for more than a decade.
Legendary British Trainer Barry Hills Dies at 88
Barry Hills, one of the outstanding trainers of his generation and the founder of a major racing dynasty, has died at the age of 88.
Epsom Derby-Winning Trainer Paul Cole Retires
Oliver Cole said he is "looking forward to the future" after his Derby-winning father, Paul, announced his retirement with immediate effect June 25. Paul Cole, 83, has been based at the Whatcombe estate since 1986 and is passing the training business across at an opportune moment, according to Oliver, 44, who joined his father on the license in 2020. Oliver Cole said: "It's a big decision for him, but the business is going well and it's a nice position for him to be able to fully hand things over.
True Love Takes Queen Mary; American Lennilu Third
gave Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore a second 2-year-old winner of the week at Royal Ascot with an authoritative performance in the June 18 Queen Mary Stakes (G2). Second to subsequent Coventry Stakes (G2) winner on her previous outing, True Love asserted in the closing stages, having been taken off her feet in the opening couple of furlongs. However, as the race reached its closing stage, True Love began to pull herself back into the race and came to the fore at the furlong pole.
Gstaad Overwhelms 19 Other Juveniles to Win Coventry
In his stakes debut and second start overall, 2-year-old earned a decisive victory in the Coventry Stakes (G2) with a yawning three-length gap back to the placed horses in the opening 2-year-old contest of the week June 17 at Royal Ascot. The 7-2 favorite, who raced in the nearside group, broke free of his rivals with a furlong and a half to go and powered clear up the center of the course in the style of a horse head and shoulders above his opponents.
Field Of Gold, Ruling Court Reunite in St. James Palace
is the favorite to avenge his Newmaket defeat by and Thady Gosden believes the son of Kingman has plenty in his favor in the St James's Palace Stakes (G1) at Ascot Racecourse June 17. He put that Two Thousand Guineas (G1) disappointment behind him when streaking away under Colin Keane at the Curragh, while this has been a late change of plan for Charlie Appleby's Ruling Court after he was taken out of the Derby equation on the day of the Classic at Epsom.
Ghostwriter Bids to Upset Deep Tattersalls Gold Cup
Trainer Clive Cox is confident can build on his comeback performance in Dubai and mount a strong challenge in the May 25 Tattersalls Gold Cup (G1) at the Curragh. Owned by Jeff Smith, Ghostwriter finished fourth in the Dubai Turf (G1T) at Meydan Racecourse on Dubai World Cup (G1) night last month, with the three horses in front of him all having had the benefit of a run.
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