Why do they make so many entries? It's just such a waste of money. That is one thing i will never understand, and they also said they would cut down on doing that this year :rolleyes:

and Spanish Moon is in there........ that is like you trying to choose between Ace and Rakti :D :p

Oh geez..... head is now spinning.....

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/153287.html

Sheikh Steps in to Save Racing on Channel 4

Horse racing: An intervention by the wealthiest name in racing means coverage on Channel 4 for the next two years is virtually assured. The future of racing coverage on Channel 4 television appears to be secure for the next two years, after the station entered into exclusive negotiations on a sponsorship deal for its programming with Dubai Holding, a company which is almost wholly owned by Sheikh Mohammed. The deal will guarantee coverage of 80 days' racing on Channel 4 in 2008 and 2009.

Dubai Holding incorporates a number of companies involved in developing and promoting Dubai both as a business center and a holiday destination. Since it is not concerned with bookmaking, Dubai Holding will be allowed advertisement time at the beginning and end of Channel 4's Morning Line program on Saturdays, in addition to the start and close of the live racing coverage. It will also have short "bumper" slots at the beginning and end of commercial breaks.

It has been clear for several weeks that a sponsor was likely to be found for Channel 4's coverage, following Tote sport's decision to pull out of its current agreement at the end of this year. It had been widely assumed, though, that another betting company would be the most natural fit, with firms including Betfair and Paddy Power believed to be involved in preliminary talks.

However, Sheikh Mohammed has often used racing to promote Dubai in the past, via his Godolphin operation and such initiatives as the Dubai World Cup, and in effect he has now stepped in to bankroll Channel 4's output.

Hannah Walker, Channel 4 Racing's public relations officer, said yesterday that the Sheikh's involvement would not compromise the programs editorial standards. "This is a fantastic consumer brand," Walker said, "and the fact that it involved no editorial restraints [in respect of the Gambling Act], so that it can sponsor the complete schedule was one of the deciding factors.

"We have enjoyed a great working relationship in the past with sponsors such as Totesport. They have never placed any editorial requirements on us or vice versa, and I can't see any reason why that would happen now."

The exact sum paid by Dubai Holding to secure the sponsorship remains confidential - "it's a significant sum," Walker said, "and that's all we are prepared to say." However, it is widely believed that Channel 4 were asking for £4m over two years, and the final deal is unlikely to be far short of that figure.

What remains to be seen is whether the new deal will bring about any major changes in the style or substance of Channel 4's coverage. A number of the programs presenters, including John McCririck and Derek Thompson, have been part of its coverage for 20 years or more, but Walker stressed yesterday that Andrew Franklin, C4 Racing's director is "always trying to groom new stars".

"Channel 4 Racing is a strong product and it has its loyal viewers," Walker said. "You could say that if something isn't broken don't fix it, but we do have editorial reviews every year. Channel 4 Racing can only change and evolve if the sport changes and evolves, but it might be a good idea to canvass ideas on our programming."

McCririck, who is the face of British racing as far as many casual observers are concerned, was thrown off a TV chat show yesterday for saying to Chris Tarrant's estranged wife, Ingrid: "You must be terrible in bed for Chris to leave you."

Walker said: "We have a contract with him for our terrestrial racing coverage, as we do with all our presenters, but outside Channel 4 Racing we don't have any controlling power over them.

"It was improper behavior, but I believe it was dealt with in a proper manner. Like a headmaster and a naughty schoolboy, John McCririck had a good public whip-down by Alan Titchmarsh."

Did you here that they have even bought into the Nasdaq :confused:

As i am not American, i'm not quite sure what that means to your country, but it seems like a strange decision from whoever let them buy into it. I have heard from a few people and they are far from happy.

It was good to hear somebody stepped into sponsor C4 racing....... i hope they don't make any changes, however because it is a great format.

So, have you decided yet....... Ace or Rakti???? :D

It's offical...... Godolphin injure both horses AND humans.

I am currently lame after having the ligaments in my foot damaged when a Godolphin batsman smashed the ball at my foot from close range....... OUCH! At least it wasn't broken, which i had feared at the beginning.

I guess now isn't the proper time to ask if Simon Crisford was there? :p

Oh and Rakti is THE greatest horse I've ever seen but Ace-ie, well..... he's up there too.:)

Crisford was too scared, apparently :D

It was just the stable lads and a couple of chefs, they are all good lads, and most of them are very good cricketers.

I tried asking one guy who is the 'yard supervisor' of the yard where the top horses are stabled how all the good horses were and what plans they had..... the only response i got was a look and a smile :D at least i tried.

That's it Godolphin..... buy another good horse and rule him out of racing anymore this year. This is pathetic!


From racing post.....

Laureate to join Godolphin


by Andrew King


POET LAUREATE, second to Irish Wells in the Grand Prix de Deauville on his most recent outing, was on Sunday confirmed as Godolphin's latest recruit.

At the same time, the three-year-old was ruled out of this Sunday's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, for which he had been a general 33-1 chance.

Godolphin's racing manager Simon Crisford said on Sunday: "Poet Laureate is at a pre-training yard, from where he'll be joining us to race next year. He won't run again this season."

The colt raced four times for Andre Fabre in Sheikh Mohammed's colours, winning twice - including a Listed race at Deauville in August - and finishing runner-up on his other two outings.
Crisford also confirmed that this year's Prix de Diane heroine West Wind will join Godolphin trainer Saeed Bin Suroor's string for 2008.

He said: "West Wind hasn't joined up with us yet, but has been transferred to Godolphin and will run for us next year."

Like Poet Laureate, West Wind has been racing in Sheikh Mohammed's silks, for trainer Alex Pantall.

In addition to Poet Laureate and West Wind, Creachadoir, Laureldean Gale, Al Shemali, Accountforthegold and Gothenburg have all been recent additions for Godolphin.

***************

Gothenburg has looked like a very good horse in his three starts this year. They better not ruin him!!!!

They won't!

* * *

I must be dreaming.....:)

http://www.timeform.com/godolphinnew...6&racenumber=2

Well, i will believe that when i see it!

As for that race..... well, like i will say again, didn't the operation say they would stop making multiple entries in races such as this?? :rolleyes: It's stupid to do so. They won't run anymore than three of them, so what's the point. I suppose it all depends which ones aren't injured at the time.

Someone once asked me about this horse.....

Here...

RACE 2 LONGCHAMP 07/10/07

1.50 THE PRIX MARCEL BOUSSAC - CRITERIUM DES POULICHES ROYAL BARRIEREDE DEAUVILLE (Group 1) (Turf)
£300,000 2yo F 1m
CONFERENCE CALL 2 b.f
8-11
P. BARY, FRANCE

Mr K. Abdulla
Green, pink epaulets, white sleeves, pink cap 118 p
GAGNOA (IRE) 2 b.f
8-11
Y. DE NICOLAY, FRANCE

Aleyrion Bloodstock Ltd
Grey, maroon sleeves, grey armlets 107 p
SAVETHISDANCEFORME (IRE) 2 b.f
8-11
A. P. O'BRIEN, IRELAND

Mr D. Smith, Mrs J. Magnier, Mr M. Tabor
Purple, white seams, striped sleeves, purple cap 95 p
GIPSON DESSERT (USA) 2 br.f
8-11
J-C. ROUGET, FRANCE

Ecurie I. M. Fares
Beige and brown check, quartered cap 117 p
PEACE ROYALE (GER) 2 b.f
8-11
A. WOHLER, GERMANY

Filly Syndikat
Red, grey and red check sleeves, quartered cap 116
LAURELDEAN GALE (USA) 2 b. or br.f
8-11
SAEED BIN SUROOR

Godolphin
Royal blue 131 p
MAD ABOUT YOU (IRE) 2 b.f
8-11
D. K. WELD, IRELAND

Moyglare Stud Farms Ltd
Black, white sleeves, red cap, black star 120 p
MACELLYA (FR) 2 ch.f
8-11
X. NAKKACHDJI, FRANCE

X. Nakkachdji
Light blue, red stripe, striped sleeves, red cap 107 p
BELLE ALLURE (IRE) 2 ch.f
8-11
RUPERT PRITCHARD-GORDON, FRANCE

Ronchalon Racing (UK) Ltd
Light blue and grey (halved), sleeves reversed, hooped cap 114
JOFFE'S RUN (USA) 2 ch.f
8-11
B. J. MEEHAN

Mr Andrew Rosen
Neon pink, green diabolo, striped sleeves, pink cap, green visor 110 p
DON'T FORGET FAITH (USA) 2 b.f
8-11
C. G. COX

Mr S. R. Hope And Mr S. W. Barrow
Dark blue, light blue triple diamond, sleeves and cap 119
ANNIE SKATES (USA) 2 ch.f
8-11
JANE CHAPPLE-HYAM

Mr Michael H. Watt
Khaki, dark green cap 97 p

Annie Skates, to give Mr Greeley back to back winners of this race.

Mad About you or Savethisdance.....

* * *

RACE 4 REDCAR 06/10/07 TRW 114 124 123 120 129 (Av 122)
4.10 THE WEATHERBYS PRINTING GUISBOROUGH STAKES (Listed) (1) (Turf)
£26,000 added 3yo+ TWFA 3 9-11 7f
1 RISING SHADOW (IRE) 6 b.g
9-03
T. D. BARRON
Paul Fessey
Drawn 4 Mr G. Morrill
Red, white epaulets, white sleeves, red spots, hooped cap 124
2 ADVANCED 4 b.c
9-00
K. A. RYAN
N. Callan
Drawn 8 T. Doherty and McHeen
Red, white hoop, emerald green sleeves 137
3 APPALACHIAN TRAIL (IRE) 6 b.g
9-00
I. SEMPLE
Tom Eaves
Drawn 2 (b) G L S Partnership
Royal blue, yellow seams, halved sleeves, royal blue and yellow quartered cap 129
4 CARADAK:cool: (IRE) 6 b.h
9-00
SAEED BIN SUROOR
Seb Sanders
Drawn 1 Godolphin
Royal blue 135
5 JACK SULLIVAN (USA) 6 ch.g
9-00
G. A. BUTLER
Paul Hanagan
Drawn 5 (b) The International Carnival Partnership
Dark green, dark green and white check sleeves, white cap 126 +
6 KILWORTH (IRE) 4 gr.c
9-00
SAEED BIN SUROOR
D. O'Donohoe
Drawn 7 Godolphin
Royal blue, white cap 122
7 RACER FOREVER (USA) 4 b.g
9-00
J. H. M. GOSDEN
Richard Mullen
Drawn 3 (b) Mr Mohamed Obaida
Royal blue, red epaulets, striped cap 133
8 PASSION FRUIT 6 b.m
8-09
C. W. FAIRHURST
Dean McKeown
Drawn 9 G. H. & S. Leggott
Emerald green, white sleeves, black cap 110
9 RAHIYAH (USA) 3 ch.f
8-07
J. NOSEDA
Ted Durcan
Drawn 6 H.E.Sheikh Rashid Bin Mohammed
Dark blue, white cap 115 +

Damn I love Rahiyah but my boy Caradak needs this.....

* * *
Echo!

RACE 6 LONGCHAMP 06/10/07 TRW 129 137 130 129 134 (Av 132)
3.30 THE PRIX DANIEL WILDENSTEIN CASTEL MARIE-LOUISE DE LA BAULE (Group 2) (Turf)
£130,000 3yo+ TWFA 3 9-10 1m
1 GLORIA DE CAMPEAO (BRZ) 4 b.c
9-03
P. BARY, FRANCE
I. Mendizabal
Drawn 5 Mr S. Friborg
?
2 RACINGER (FR) 4 b.c
9-03
F. HEAD, FRANCE
D. Bonilla
Drawn 6 Mr P. Goral
Purple, white stars, purple sleeves, white stars, white cap 130
3 SPIRITO DEL VENTO (FR) 4 b.g
9-01
J-M. BEGUIGNE, FRANCE
O. Peslier
Drawn 7 Mr L. Ciampi
Red, light blue cross-belts and sleeves, red cap 129
4 SMART ENOUGH 4 gr.c
9-01
M. A. MAGNUSSON
K. Fallon
Drawn 10 East Wind Racing Ltd
Royal blue, yellow epaulets, diabolo on sleeves 126
5 PRIDE OF NATION (IRE) 5 b.h
9-01
L. M. CUMANI
Jamie Spencer
Drawn 1 Equibreed S.R.L.
Orange, royal blue chevron, sleeves and cap 131
6 BERTRANICUS (FR) 4 br.g
9-01
L. A. URBANO-GRAJALES, FRANCE
C. Soumillon
Drawn 3 Mr J. Gispert
Red and royal blue stripes, quartered cap 126
7 ECHO OF LIGHT :) 5 b.h
9-01
SAEED BIN SUROOR
L. Dettori
Drawn 9 Godolphin
Royal blue 138
8 BLYTHE KNIGHT (IRE) 7 ch.g
9-01
J. J. QUINN
Graham Gibbons
Drawn 4 Maxilead Limited
Yellow, black chevron and sleeves, black and yellow hooped cap 130
9 DECADO (IRE) 4 b.c
9-01
KEVIN PRENDERGAST, IRELAND
D. P. McDonogh
Drawn 11 Mrs Catherine O'Flynn
White, emerald green star, diabolo on sleeves, yellow cap 125
10 KILOMETRE NEUF (FR) 4 b.c
9-01
F. DOUMEN, FRANCE
S. Pasquier
Drawn 2 Uplifting Bloodstock Ltd
Yellow, yellow and light blue halved sleeves, yellow cap 123 +
11 HOLOCENE (USA) 3 b. or br.c
8-11
P. BARY, FRANCE
C. P. Lemaire
Drawn 8 Niarchos Family
Dark blue, light blue cross belts, striped sleeves, white cap 128 ?

Good luck tomorrow Caradak, Echo of Light and Bold Glance! :)

Caradak beaten - what have they done with him? He USED to be a good horse.

Echo Of Light beaten - forgot to watch the race

Stage Gift beaten

Abydos beaten

Not a good day at all for the boys in blue.

At least he came in 3rd and behind two that I like so it's not as horrible as it could have been for me.

Appalachian Trail
Rahiyah
My Boy

Oh well.

I don't want to sound mean, but today's race was only a listed race at Redcar (basically a handicap). Caradak should be winning races like this stood on his head.

I just expected him to win today, so i didn't take much notice until i was flicking through the results. They have to be VERY disappointed with that.

I haven't seen a race in France today (kept missing them) so i can't tell you anything about Echo Of Light. Ground may have been too soft for him, but that's just a guess.

Forgot about Creachadoir....... he actually won, which i was very happy about. I didn't see the race though, only the result. I heard he was impressive, but i'm not sure how true that is.

Just watched a replay of Echo's race. He had no excuses i'm afraid. He got to the front and looked like he would power clear, but as soon as Racinger challenged him, he folded tamely to finish about fifth or sixth.