International Round-up
 

Heart's Cry arrived safely and is in Newmarket for the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes...

Takeover Target getting ready to leave, skipping the Nunthorpe Stakes (York) in favor of the Sprinters Stakes October 1st (Japan).

Falkirk retired...
http://www.thoroughbrednews.co.nz/nz/?id=24786


(Our) Falstaff won the Singapore Derby.

From Racing Post...

Derby glory for ex-Ballydoyle inmate

THE much travelled Our Falstaff,who raced simply as Falstaff prior to his sale to Singapore earlier this year, scored a comprehensive success in this Sing$1 million (£343,000/€498,000) event.

Although the four-year-old, who started his career at Ballydoyle, is no longer trained by South Africa’s leading international trainer Mike De Kock, that particular nation certainly played a major role in the success.

Our Falstaff, sent off just over a 3-1 chance, was ridden by the Hong Kong-based South African Robbie Fradd, who flew in for the ride, and trained by his countryman Patrick Shaw, who lies third in the Singapore trainers’ table.

Falstaff, as he was then, won a race at Nad Al Sheba in February this year before finishing third to King George contender Heart’s Cry in the Dubai Sheema Classic. Gelded six weeks ago, Our Falstaff now has a lucrative victory of his own after running out an emphatic two-and-a-half-length winner from Big Easy.

“Look, this horse has been through the hardest preparation ever,” said Shaw. “He came over from Hong Kong and then raced in the Singapore International Airlines Cup in May. We gelded him only six weeks ago and he’s had no lead up runs to this race. All he's had is a little grass work, so to do what he did just goes to show what a good horse he is.

"It's a really great thrill to win this race and I am very happy not only for myself and his connections but for Robbie – he gave him a super ride.”

Deep Impact update, from Racing Post.....

Deep Impact heading straight to the Arc

by Nicholas Godfrey
JAPANESE superstar Deep Impact is likely tohead straight for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe without the benefit of another run, either at home or in Europe.

The four-year-old, spectacular winner of Japan’s Triple Crown in 2005, is set to arrive in France in mid-August prior to his tilt at the Longchamp showpiece, for which he is a best-priced 5-1 third-favourite.

Although it had been suggested that the son of Sunday Silence would race twice in Europe, probably with a prep run in a race like the Prix Foy, trainer Yasuo Ikee appears to be ruling out that option. “Right now, he will only run one race and that is the Arc,” said the trainer.

“At present, I am totally focused on the main target. The Prix Foy is only about a couple of weeks before the Arc; if the gap was a month and a half to two months it would be a different scenario altogether. However, I don’t feel that there is any need to make him run at every opportunity that comes along.”

Ikee outlined his plans in an interview for the July edition of the Japan Racing Association’s Yushun (itals) magazine, translated from the original on the JRA’s website.

Instead of a prep race, Ikee suggested he was keen to give Deep Impact a racecourse gallop at Longchamp. “Prior to the main event, I want to make Deep Impact to get to know the racecourse ground,” he said. “If we were allowed to run the horse around the Longchamp course, this of course would be a definite plus.”

Quarantine restrtictions mean Deep Impact is likely to arrive in Europe in about a month’s time. “If Deep Impact stays in France for over two months, the quarantine period when we return to Japan may take three months,” explained Ikee. ”If that happens, the horse will end up missing the autumn racing season in Japan. Therefore, in order to limit our stay to less than two months, we count back from the day of the Arc, which is October 1, so I reckon that Deep Impact will leave Japan around August 10. “I’ll be in France for the first 10 days after Deep Impact’s arrival. It will be just like being in Ritto , I will get a feel for the place and return home. As this is likely to be a once in a lifetime chance, I’m using all my energy and hurling myself into the Arc experience!"

Although the King George was at one time considered a possible target for Deep Impact, the Ascot race was soon ruled out, leaving compatriot Heart’s Cry - the horse who inflicted the sole defeat of his career in last year’s Arima Kinen - to do the honours on Japan’s behalf.

Ikee said: “I had discussions with the owner, and eventually we reached the same conclusion that Deep Impact would run in the Arc, rather than Ascot. Our reasoning was that the even surface of the course at Longchamp and the timing of the event best suited the horse.

“Yutaka Take also suggested Longchamp, and it certainly wasn’t the case that Ascot was unsuitable, but that Deep Impact would find the Longchamp course more comfortable.”

Ikee is certainly looking forward to Deep Impact’s appearance in the Arc, which has garnered huge interest at home. “Horsemen all over the world set their sights on this race, and for me too being from overseas, it is the race that I want to win most,” he said. “Even now when I think about actually taking part, it gives me a huge thrill. I will do my best for Japan.”

NEXT year’s Dubai World Cup meeting will take place on Saturday March 24 at Nad Al Sheba.

The Emirates Racing Authority on Monday confirmed the 2006-07 UAE fixture list, featuring a total of 47 meetings spread between four tracks: Nad Al Sheba, Sharjah, Jebel Ali and Abu Dhabi, where racing will take place on Saturdays rather than Sundays.

From Sky Sports.....

ALEXANDROVA IN NASSAU LIST

Ouija Board and Alexandrova feature among a star-studded entry of 29 fillies and mares for the Vodafone Nassau Stakes at Goodwood on August 5.
Alexandrova recently completed the same English and Irish Oaks double that Ed Dunlop's popular mare secured in 2004, and she could bid to provide Aidan O'Brien with his first win in the £200,000 event.

The Ballydoyle maestro is responsible for a further four entries in the 10-furlong test - Race For The Stars, Kushnarenkovo, Queen Cleopatra and Fermion.

Last year's heroine Alexander Goldrun would become only the third dual winner of the race if able to match the feat achieved by Roussalka and Ruby Tiger, and she could be joined by stablemates Tropical Lady and Senora Galilei.

Sir Michael Stoute has landed the contest no fewer than seven times and enjoyed a hat-trick between 2002 and 2004 with Islington, Russian Rhythm and Favourable Terms.

He relies upon Red Bloom and Echelon this time, and the pair could be joined by the fellow Cheveley Park Stud-owned duo of Confidential Lady and Royal Ascot heroine Nannina.

Confidential Lady finished fifth in last Sunday's Irish Oaks, and would be attempting to provide handler Sir Mark Prescott - who has also entered Intrigued - with a third win in the race if making the starting line-up.

Other possibles include Godolphin's Pictavia, John Dunlop's progressive Time On, and Rajeem, who sprung a 50-1 surprise in the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket's July meeting.

Court Masterpiece to the Sussex Stakes.

* * *

Yeah, but do they get a movie?
From AAP...

Grey Swallow Arrives On Thursday

Wednesday, 19 July 2006: Cox Plate contender Grey Swallow is among the first annual shipment of northern hemipshere shuttle stallions due to touch down in Sydney on Thursday.

The flight is carrying stallions valued at more than $300 million who will be standing at stud around Australia this spring.

The flight is bringing US-based stallions from Kentucky, including the recently purchased 2004 Irish Derby winner Grey Swallow.

Grey Swallow is to race in Australia this spring before beginning his stud career next year.

Wadham Park, the big spending new breeding and racing entity with bases in Queensland and Victoria, purchased Grey Swallow from the Dermot Weld stable in a deal reported to be worth more than $4 million.

Wadham Park trainer Dale Sutton will prepare Grey Swallow for the $3 million W.S. Cox Plate at Moonee Valley in October.

Grey Swallow is to be flown through to Melbourne after Thursday's arrival where he will begin his mandatory quarantine confinement of two weeks at the facilities provided at Sandown each spring for international spring carnival runners.

Grey Swallow has come out of a US racing campaign and by serving his quarantine at Sandown his fitness level will be maintained with trackwork prior to him joining the Sutton stable.

The bulk of the stallions on the flight are coming from Coolmore's Ashford Stud in Kentucky.

They include Fusaichi Pegasus, Royal Academy, Johannesburg, Tale Of The Cat, Lion Heart, Hold That Tiger and Dehere.

Vinery Stud's More Than Ready and Widden Stud pair Southern Image and King Cugat are also on the flight.

Greenwood Lake and Monashee Mountain are among the stallions on this flight who will be standing in Queensland.

The charter flight costs almost $2 million and carries 16 handlers and two vets.

The stallions will serve their 14-day quarantine at Eastern Creek in Sydney's west before they are shipped to their various stud destinations to prepare for the start of the breeding season on September 1.

Other charter flights bringing shuttle stallions from Europe and Japan are due in the next two weeks.

Wow! What a flight!!

I wonder what the insurance is like on that one.

The Eagle has landed. :D

Upsetting news from Racing Post.....

Fallon's Breeders' Cup appearance hangs in balance

by Andrew Scutts

THE spectre of Kieren Fallon being banned from riding at the Breeders' Cup loomed large on Thursday following confirmation that he will not be allowed to ride in next month's Arlington Million unless an appeal against his UK ban is successful in the High Court next Thursday.

Losing Fallon's services at the Breeders' Cup would come as a major blow to Ballydoyle trainer Aidan O'Brien, who last week emphasised Fallon's importance to his operation.

O'Brien has saddled Powerscourt to finish first past the post in the last two runnings of the Arlington Million - he was disqualified and placed fourth two years ago under Jamie Spencer - with Fallon on board last year. Ballydoyle's Ace has been mentioned as a possible for the race this year.

However, with eight championship races at Churchill Downs on November 4, Fallon's absence from the Breeders' Cup would hit Ballydoyle harder than an Arlington Park ban.

Marc Laino, executive director of the Illinois Racing Board, which governs Arlington Park, said on Thursday: "If Kieren Fallon isn't successful in appealing his ban in the UK he will not be allowed to ride in Illinois, including in the Arlington Million on August 12 - unless he successfully petitions the courts in the US.

"I have been advised by counsel for the IllinoisRacing Board that there is a possibility he could do that.

"We have a clear, unambiguous reciprocity rule and we will honour the ban imposed by the Horseracing Regulatory Authority. They do not need to ask us to do so.

"There is a policy in the States to honour other racing authorities' licence revocations, so as things stand Fallon will not be able to ride in Illinois. Had he been charged with a minor offence it might have been a different story, but these are very serious charges, and aside fromthe reciprocity issue we are duty bound to uphold the integrity of racing in Illinois. "I cannot speak for other jurisdictions in the US, but my expectation is that they would follow suit and also ban Fallon. As well as through the courts he would have the option of appealing to the Illinois Racing Board. He wouldn't need to appear in person - he can be represented by counsel."

However John Veitch, chief state steward in Kentucky, said on Thursday that no firm decision had been reached by the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority, which governs Churchill Downs.

He added: "If Illinois deny Fallon a licence to ride, we might - and I emphasise the word 'might' - have to honour their decision and follow suit. The legal position is unclear, though, with Fallon able to continue riding in Ireland and France, even though he is currently banned in the UK. We'll see what happens next week before considering the matter further."

A separate issue is whether Fallon would be allowed into the US, even if he successfully appeals his UK ban in the High Court.

Fallon has previously been questioned at a US airport for two hours by US Department of Homeland Security officials, following his arrest on suspicion of 'race-fixing'.

Having since been charged with 'conspiracy to defraud Betfair customers', he could face further grilling by customs officials, both at Shannon Airport - where the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection retains "the right to interrogate any individual travelling to the US", according to a spokesperson - and upon arrival in the US.

Sorry Brockguy... Gentlewave is injured and out for the year.

Rajeem to the Prix d'Astarte, Best Alibi to the Skybet York Stakes.....

Yeats at Goodwood
 

YEATS HEADS CUP CONTENDERS
By Nick Robson, PA Sport

Needless to say Fallon will not be riding the horse at Goodwood if he runs. It is a G2 race and he would have to carry more weight as he is a G1 winner.

Ascot Gold Cup winner Yeats heads 21 entries for Thursday's ABN Amro Goodwood Cup at the Sussex venue.

Aidan O'Brien's one-time Derby favourite was an impressive winner at the Royal meeting and will clash again with a number of his Ascot rivals.

Runner-up Reefscape, High Action (fourth), Sergeant Cecil (fifth) and Guadalajara (sixth) could all reoppose along with eighth-placed Tungsten Strike and ninth Winged D'Argent.

Mick Channon's dual Royal Ascot winner Baddam and Hughie Morrison's 11-year-old Alcazar are also entered.

Mark Johnston has a fantastic record in the race after the exploits of Double Trigger, Royal Rebel and Darasim in recent years and he has earmarked the contest as a possible return for last year's runner-up Golden Quest.

Other interesting contenders include John Gosden's four-year-old Signatory, Sir Michael Stoute's Cover Up and Sir Mark Prescott's Foreign Affairs.

Johannesburg! You're here!!!!!

Must go and jump up and down. :)

Thanks again for the Ace info. Like I said, baaaad feeling about tomorrow so very happy he's withdrawn. Whew!

Hey Johannesburg.....

Any idea why Peeress is skipping Goodwood? A shame....

Thanks!

Sad, sad, sad.

Cup favourite breaks down
By Christian Nicolussi
August 1, 2006

LEICA Falcon, the early favourite for this year's Melbourne Cup, was yesterday rubbed out of the spring carnival after breaking down.

Some of the heartbroken connections of the Corowa-trained gelding were last night drowning their sorrows at a local pub in Albury after being informed by trainer Richard Freyer the horse had bowed a tendon.

Freyer was last night unavailable for comment with daughter Kylie pointing out her father was too upset to speak.

"He's devastated when any of his horses break down," Kylie said.

Vet Jim Vasey, who will operate on Leica Falcon today - using stem cells to replace the damaged tissue in the tendon - said depending on the recovery, the horse could miss the 2007 Cup.

The shock news forced Michael Eskander's betting house to reshuffle its Cup market with AJC Australian Derby winner Headturner elevated to an outright $8 favourite.

Nominations for the $5.1million race on the first Tuesday in November close today.

Eskander's spokesman Damian Ryan said the John Hawkes-trained Headturner was crunched from $11 into $8, followed by fellow Sydney galloper Eremein, in from $13 to $11; AJC Australian Oaks winner Serenade Rose ($15 to $13); and another Hawkes' runner, Railings ($17 into $15).

"It's a bummer Leica Falcon is out because we laid the second, third and fourth favourites," Ryan said.

"Leica Falcon was definitely the most popular horse with punters, with doubles and as a stand-alone. Headturner now looks the best stayer while Eremein is the best weight-for-age horse."

Leica Falcon thundered home to grab fourth in last year's Cup. Jockey Steven King was expected to make the trek to Wodonga next week to ride the horse in a trial with an option to stick with the gelding throughout the carnival.

Owner Margaret Eaton, the principal of a behavioural school in Albury, said she was holding back the tears from fellow teachers when receiving the news after lunch.

"It was pretty tough trying to hold it together all day," said Eaton, who along with partner Alan bred Leica Falcon.

"I told the teachers at the end of the day what had happened and they all understood.

"We were really looking forward to the Cup this year. I knew if he could avoid injury and get there on the day, he'd be hard to beat. I even bought a dress and new hat for the Cup a few weeks ago while attending a behavioural schools' conference in Terrigal."

I'm going to feel like a real idiot, I think, but is that the Lion Heart who placed in Smarty's KY Derby?? For some reason, I thought he'd been injured and euthanized -- if that's not true, then hoorah for my mistake!

He was injured and retired..... happily, a mistake.

I think the only horse from Smarty's Derby who is no longer here is poor Quintons Gold Rush. He had some kind of tumor and died in surgery last January.

Poor baby...

Poor QGR, but good news on LH. I have no idea how I got that into my head! Thanks, MMSC.

Ground is too firm.

She needs a little cut in the ground.

No problem, Irishtrekker.

Johannesburg... does this mean she doesn't run till the Matron Stakes or the QE II? Disappointing..... I love that girl.

YEATS PROVES POETRY IN MOTION
By Martin Kelly, PA Sport

Yeats outclassed the opposition with an emphatic victory in the ABN Amro Goodwood Cup.

Once Mick Kinane took the Aidan O'Brien-trained five-year-old to the front two furlongs out, the race was as good as over.

The 10-11 shot went on to trot up by five lengths from Frankie Dettori on Geordieland (16-1), with Tungsten Strike (25-1) three and a half lengths away in third.


Seb Sanders rousted Foreign Affairs along to set the pace in the Group Two heat over two miles.

Although he led into the straight, he soon gave way as Yeats made smooth progress on the outside.

He soon stamped his authority on the race and powered away from his rivals to follow up his easy win in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot.

Dettori tried to close the gap on Geordieland but to no avail as Tungsten Strike battled away for minor honours.

Sergeant Cecil, who was shuffled back just before the turn for home, stayed on in good style for fourth place

Yeats will probably carry top weight now in the Melbourne Cup.

..... and Fallon won't be allowed to have the mount, damnit.

Lovely win..... again!

Whoo-hoo to Court Masterpiece taking down the young'uns! I've been a backer of this horse for a bit now, too bad I'm not where I could have a bet down on him in the Sussex. As Lady of Venise proved in the US, and Araafa reiterated at Goodwood, a 3yo may dominate their own division, but until they step up against their elders, we don't really know how good they are.

Yeah, it was a pleasure to see him get a win.

* * *

From Sporting Life.....
(feel better, good boy).

ARAAFA LAME AFTER SUSSEX
By PA Sport Staff

Jeremy Noseda has reported that Araafa came out of last Wednesday's Sussex Stakes "slightly lame".

The trainer feels that soreness in the dual Group One winner's left fore was one of several factors behind the Mull Of Kintyre colt's sub-standard display at Glorious Goodwood.

Subsequent tests have at least indicated there are no serious injury concerns and Noseda plans to have his stable star back on the track in September.

"Unfortunately, Araafa finished slightly lame in his left fore," the trainer told his website.

"X-rays and ultrasound scans have revealed no long-term injury and he will be able to continue his campaign in either the Prix du Moulin on September 3 or the Queen Elizabeth II on September 23.

"I feel that there were a number of contributory factors in his below-par performance last Wednesday," he explained.

"Firstly, he chased a suicidal early pace. Secondly, he was totally unsuited by the track. Thirdly, he returned sore on his left fore.

"But we are eagerly looking forward to him resuming his campaign," he concluded.

Fifteen months...... ten races, zero wins. The last was May 5th of last year.

Good luck, Hattan. :)

From Racing Post...


HATTAN HEADING TO HAYDOCK
By Robert Pratt, PA Sport

Hattan could bid for his first success since last season's Chester Vase in the Petros Rose Of Lancaster Stakes at Haydock Park on Saturday.

Clive Brittain's four-year-old has on occasions been campaigned at the highest level since his victory on the Roodee in May of last year and finished eighth of nine behind David Junior in the Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown in July.

But three weeks later he showed some of his old sparkle to finish a decent two-length second to Irish Derby third Best Alibi in the Skybet York Stakes.

And all being well Brittain hopes to run the son of Halling in the Group Three contest at the weekend.

"He ran a good race at York," the Newmarket trainer said. "He's certainly come right back to his best.

"I was pleased with our horse that day because I thought the ground probably was a little bit faster than he would have liked, not that we would have beaten the winner.

"He's taken his race well and he's a probable runner at Haydock.

"And if we can win a Group Three with him we are going along the right lines."

I read that Irridescence is pointed to the Arc.

Yeah, I saw that too..... good luck with Pride in the race.

Rajeem out till the Fall..... I didn't realize the reason she'd been ruled out in the first place (infected heel).

Oh yeah..... other news? IFFRAAJ to the BC.:)

Enforcer to the Juddmonte International, Hala Bek back in training, Hinterland runs on Saturday.....

From Telegraph UK.....

Les Arcs Japan trip under threat
By HOTSPUR (J A McGrath)


Les Arcs, Europe's top sprinter, is in danger of missing two major races in the Far East later this year because of uncertainty surrounding jockey John Egan's application for a licence in Japan and Hong Kong.

The six-year-old is due to contest the six-furlong Sprinters Stakes at Nakayama on Oct 1 but, according to sources, Egan is unlikely to be granted a licence by the Japan Racing Association despite the fact that he has met with officials and was told to formally apply earlier this year.

It is thought that Egan's status in Hong Kong has influenced the JRA into taking a negative stance, but last night he said he had contacted his lawyers to set in motion preliminary talks that could lead to the jockey clearing his name in Hong Kong.

In 2002, Egan was arrested by officers of the Independent Commission Against Corruption investigating alleged corruption in racing, but after answering bail and eventually being given his passport back, he left the former British Territory and has not returned.

"I had answered bail, and I told the ICAC to charge me or let me go. It was costing me a fortune in legal costs to defend myself, and I had no idea how long it (the investigation) would last," Egan explained.

"I have since been in touch with the Hong Kong Jockey Club asking for a letter to vouch that my riding has never been questioned there. I'm not banned in Hong Kong, and I was never banned, so I find it hard to understand the view the Japanese are taking.

"I'd still like to think I'd get my licence in Japan. I've done nothing wrong," he added.

Meanwhile Willie McKay, the owner of Les Arcs, is calling for clarification on whether Egan will be licensed, at the same time warning that if the jockey does not get his 'ticket' then Les Arcs will not be campaigning in the Far East.

The other big race on the gelding's agenda is the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint, over six furlongs this year, at Sha Tin on Dec 10.

"If John has not been banned anywhere, then he should be permitted to ride the horse," said McKay. "If he is not granted a licence for any reason, then we will change plans for Les Arcs, it's as simple as that. We would then aim him at the Betfred Sprint Cup (at Haydock on Sept 2), and next year we would look to taking the horse to Australia for the early legs of the Global Sprint Challenge.

"It will be disappointing if he has to miss two races later this year, as the Global Sprint Challenge offers a good prize and a lot of prestige, and he is doing well in the competition," McKay added.

Following his shock victory in the Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot and the July Cup at Newmarket, Les Arcs has established a big lead in the sprinting division of the Cartier Awards - he is 40 points clear of his nearest rival - and another big-race notch on the belt would make him almost unbeatable in the category.

My, but they're busy these days.....

From Sporting life...

HRA SET TO CHARGE JOCKEY
By PA Sport Staff

A leading jockey has been notified by the Horseracing Regulatory Authority (HRA) that he is to be charged in connection with an investigation into alleged race-fixing, according to the Racing Post.

The well-known rider is a top Flat jockey and the report claims the HRA's investigation also involves a further three Flat jockeys and a former racecourse bookmaker.

But it is believed the investigation does not relate to the City Of London probe which has seen charges brought against 11 people, including six-times champion Kieren Fallon and weighing room colleagues Fergal Lynch and Darren Williams.

Winston is the mystery man.....

From Racing Post.....

Winston to be charged
by Graham Green

ROBERT WINSTON was on Wednesday notified by the Horseracing Regulatory Authority that he is to be charged in the latest corruption case to rock British racing.

The investigation also involves three other less prominent Flat jockeys, one of whom is not currently riding, together with a former racecourse bookmaker based in the Midlands.

It is understood the HRA is planning to name the four jockeys early next week, having sent letters to either them or their legal representatives in the meantime.

It was only last month that Winston was released from bailwithout charge from the long-running investigation by City of London police into alleged race-fixing. It was as a result of that inquiry that 11 individuals, including Kieren Fallon, were charged with offences. It is understood that there is no police involvement in this matter.

Winston, who rode his 100th winner of the year at Pontefract on Wednesday, was ideally placed to win the jockeys’ championship last year until suffering an horrendous fall at Ayr which brought his campaign to a premature end and gifted the title to Jamie Spencer. During the time Winston was out he underwent several operations to rebuild his jaw.

It is understood that Winston has changed his lawyers and will now be represented by London-based Christopher Stewart-Moore, who also acts for Fallon.

The Racing Post, over the last two days, has spoken to each of the other three riders involved in the case, but all denied any knowledge of an investigation. One of the jockeys, not Winston, is believed to have made more than 200 calls to the bookmaker, who is thought to have regularly laid horses to lose on betting exchanges while also offering more generous odds than his rivals about the same horses when operating his racecourse pitch.

In June, jockeys BrianReilly and Dean Williams, together with bookmaker and former owner Owen Churchill, were informed they face a series of charges linked to the laying of ten horses in a 52-day period between December 2004 and February last year.

Both this, and the new case, bear similarities to the Gary Carter affair which resulted in the former champion apprentice and Group 1-winning rider being warned off for five years.

Winston, who was involved in a fall at Pontefract on Wednesday, could not be contacted for a comment on Wednesday night.

Winston gave up his rides at Haydock on Thursday after hurting his leg in a three-horse pile-up.

He is reported to be stiff and sore after being brought down on Packers Hill when Roclette fell about three furlongs out in the Polar Ford Van Centre Maiden Stakes.

However, Winston plans to make a return to action at Newmarket's evening meeting on Friday for three rides before taking part in the Shergar Cup at Ascot on Saturday.

"He'll be back tomorrow night, I should think," said his agent Richard Hale.

"He hurt his leg and he got a bang on the head. He's OK, but the reason he's not riding is because of his leg. It's a bit sore so he's having some physio."

If anyone watches the Apache Cat race, can you please give a visual?

Thanks. :)

From Foxsports AU.....


Racing To Win in track mishap
By Ray Thomas

August 24, 2006 A CLOUD hangs over the participation of Doncaster Handicap winner Racing To Win in the Warwick Stakes at randwick on Saturday after he was involved in a freak accident at trackwork yesterday morning.

Three horses, including Racing To Win and promising stayer Sepia, stumbled and fell in separate incidents when a drain gave way around the 800-metres mark on the cinders trotting track.

Two trackwork riders were also injured.

Racing To Win, the third favourite for the Cox Plate, will be inspected again this morning after removing some skin from his off-fore knee.

Trainer John O'Shea yesterday hoped the gelding would still take his place in the Group II feature, but he said he would act in the best interests of the horse.

"He's got a bit of wear and tear on him but I don't think it will keep him out of Saturday's race," O'Shea said.

"He's been inspected a few times already and I have notified the stewards, who will inspect him on Friday."

Racing To Win spent some time recovering from the fall at the beach yesterday, and O'Shea said the horse appeared to have suffered no harm from the incident.

The Graeme Rogerson-trained Sepia was the first horse involved in the remarkable incident when he was working on the cinders track about 5.30am.

The ground gave way as the horse walked over the concealed drain, leaving a hole in the middle of the track.

About half an hour later, Racing To Win stumbled as he stepped over the same spot on the track.

A third horse, trained by Anthony Cummings, also put a foot in the same hole, but it and Sepia were unharmed.

"Sepia was trotting around on the dirt and he put his foot down and it gave way underneath him and he fell over," Rogerson said.

"Thank goodness he fell over because if he didn't he might have broken his leg.

"You wouldn't believe that two more horses could do it, too."

I never saw this post, but he looked his same old self....

Just a little short for the race. And without blinkers he even looked crazier with that white mask he has. Looks like he has filled out quite a bit.

Ha ha, great description. Thanks.

Sheikh Maktoum's son buys West Virginia
- Mike Welsch, DRF

West Virginia, among the 27 nominees to the Woodward, has been purchased privately by Sheikh Rajid al-Maktoum, the son of Godolphin owner Sheikh Mohammed al-Maktoum, trainer Todd Pletcher confirmed Friday. Sheik Rajid is also the owner of Henny Hughes, the odds-on favorite for Saturday's Grade 1 King's Bishop Handicap.

West Virginia, a New York-bred son of Tomorrows Cat, was previously owned by R. Mary Zuckerman. Pletcher said the 5-year-old will remain in his barn and be pointed for the Grade 2 Brooklyn Handicap on Sept. 16, then the Empire Classic for New York-breds on Oct. 21.

Pletcher said no terms of the sale were disclosed.

Gallops report from Racing Post.....


Sixties Icon in rude health ahead of Leger bid
by Tony Elves

SIXTIES ICON staked his claim for the Ladbrokes St Leger with a smooth success in the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood and, with the race now 13 days away, it was time for some serious work on Racecourse Side Saturday morning.

The soft ground conditions on the Across the Flat gallop appeared made to measure for the Galileo colt and he looked in rude form as he went around six lengths clear of two companions under Mick Denaro.

His preparation appears to be going like clockwork and there will be few, if any, better-bred for the final Classic than the Jeremy Noseda-trained three-year-old, who has been the subject of some significant price cuts for the York race in recent days.

Stablemate Soldier’s Tale hasn’t been seen out since finishing fourth in the July Cup last year, but has been building up steadily in hiswork and looked in good order when going on from his lead horse.

Araafa (Paul Morris) had a rare off-day in the Sussex Stakes but looked more his usual self as he went well with his companion. Targets like the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes will be looming large in his trainer's mind.

The Cambridge Road polytrack was the venue for Ouija Board’s latest work assignment and the ultra game mare flowed in pleasing style for Chris Hinson as she went three or four lengths clear of her lead horse.

Ed Dunlop will let his stable star tell him when she is ready to fire, with the Irish Champion Stakes and Prix Vermeille the contests under consideration, especially the former. Court Masterpiece appears to have come out of his Sussex Stakes success in great order, and he looked in good form when striding on in company with Tabadul.

Nidhaal has yet to add to her score this year but the Observatory filly looked in great trim when working well with Majestic Halo.


Michael Bell was up the Racecourse Side straight with his team, and Flying Childers candidate Hoh Mike worked well with King’s Bastion.

The Fitzroy House trainer is targeting seven-time winner Red Evie at the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown on September 9, and she moved well for Georgina Bell in company with usual work-day partner Redeye Special.

John Gosden will be looking to re-introduce Sleeping Indian in the near future and he looked in good shape when moving better than Iceman in their spin together.

James Fanshawe was another trainer on Racecourse Side and Font (Jamie Spencer) caught the eye when working nicely in company with Cesare and one other.

One to keep an eye on.....

From Sporting Life.....

WELL-BRED GWYN OFF THE MARK
By PA Sport Staff

Aidan O'Brien and Kieren Fallon teamed up to enjoy success with Nell Gwyn in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Fillies Maiden at Tralee.

The Danehill juvenile has a lot to live up to on the racecourse - being a full-sister to the brilliant Rock Of Gibraltar - but today's cosy victory suggests she has at least inherited some of that ability.

Fallon ensured she was always prominent in the one-mile contest and despite having to nudge her along with half a mile still to run, he always looked to have matters in hand.

The pair swung into the straight in second place and when Fallon asked Nell Gwyn to go about her business she soon found her stride and only had to be pushed out to record a pleasing success.

Lady Shanghai (4-1) and Potion (16-1) dead-heated for second.

William Hill installed the winner as a 33-1 chance for next year's 1000 Guineas.

Retirement possible for Soviet Song.....

Musket wins!

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,...-32343,00.html