Green aiming to make Classic Impact for Harrington
A first win in one of the five Classics on British turf is now on her radar and in Green Impact, who won two of his three juvenile starts including a Group Two verdict over recent Ballysax Stakes scorer Delacroix, she has a horse who is being targeted at a Guineas-Derby double.
All systems go for Green Impact who confirms the form with Delacroix, quickening nicely to land the Group 2 @KPMG_Ireland Champions Juvenile Stakes for @Jessica_Racing under Shane Foley ✅@BreedersCup | #itallcomesdowntothis pic.twitter.com/r8ZCocAuiV
— Leopardstown RC (@LeopardstownRC) September 14, 2024
'Everything has gone according to plan, he's travelled over well and he's in great order,' said Harrington.
'I'm very happy with him, he's done everything he had to do and it looks like they're putting plenty of water on the track, so hopefully it should be good, fast, safe ground.'
There is a suggestion that Green Impact could be more at home over longer trips as a three-year-old, but Harrington is quite happy to start him off over the Rowley Mile, adding: 'He showed plenty of pace last year and it's not as though they'll go slow in the Guineas, they'll go a good gallop.
'I think he will end up being a middle-distance horse, but you've got to start somewhere and if all goes well, that (the Derby) is the plan.'
Scorthy Champ with jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle after winning the National Stakes (Niall Carson/PA)
Another from Ireland is Joseph O'Brien's Scorthy Champ, who signed off his juvenile campaign with a Group One success in the Vincent O'Brien National Stakes.
O'Brien, who rode Camelot to win the 2000 Guineas in 2012, said: 'We've had a good preparation and we're looking forward to it. It's great to be taking part with a live contender for the Guineas, hopefully we have a nice horse for the future and we're excited to get his season started.
'It's a 2000 Guineas and you have all the contenders from last season and this season. It looks like most of them are turning up and that's what you expect, the best of their generation, and at this stage of their careers we're going to see who the best one is.
'He's matured physically and if anything he is even a bit heavier than maybe we'd like him for his first run back, but that's probably a good way to have him.
'We won't have any concerns about the trip and the ground, so we're very much looking forward to it.'
Charlie Appleby is double-handed in his bid for a third 2000 Guineas success in four years, with William Buick picking the impressive Meydan winner Ruling Court over last season's Dewhurst hero Shadow Of Light, who will be ridden by Mickael Barzalona.
When asked whether it was a difficult choice for his stable jockey, Appleby said: 'For sure – they're two totally different animals.
'Ruling Court has already run and won over the mile and in that respect he was always mooted as our Derby horse – he's the only entry we've made so far.
'Subsequently, he came into the Guineas picture and as we know, wherever you finish in a Guineas, it's a great trial for the Derby as long as you feel that when you step up to a mile and a half it's going to bring about further improvement.
'That was Will's mindset, he is our Derby horse, he sees out the mile well and he looks fantastic.'
Shadow Of Light winning the Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket (Mike Egerton/The Jockey Club)
The concern for Shadow Of Light appears to be whether his stamina will stand up the test, with his trainer adding: 'He came up here and had a nice gallop (at the Craven meeting) and what he has done is sharpen up – he's showing us his natural pace from last year.
'In doing that it obviously enhances the question over whether he'll stay the mile. We're confident on what we saw last year in the Dewhurst when he won his race and kept going, but at home we are seeing a lot of natural pace, so Will has gone with the one that he feels will see that mile out well.'
Expanded looked like being Aidan O'Brien's potential third string earlier in the spring, with The Lion In Winter and Twain also in the reckoning, but as they have fallen by the wayside, it is left to the Dewhurst runner-up to fly the Ballydoyle flag.
O'Brien said: 'We were preparing him for the Curragh on Monday (Tetrarch Stakes) as we'd decided we were going to split him and Twain up with a view towards the Irish Guineas.
'Twain then had a little setback earlier this week which meant he couldn't run. He's good again now and we'll look towards the Irish Guineas with him if he's OK.
'Expanded is in good form and ran well in the Dewhurst last year, but he even ran in that with the view of him being second-string as it was so soon after his first run. We thought it would do him good for next year.
'Then we had to pull out The Lion In Winter and he landed in the front rank, which wasn't really fair to him. He's been thrown into the front rank again.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Glasgow Times
an hour ago
- Glasgow Times
Medal awarded day of Bradford City stadium fire up for sale
Bradford City defender Tony Clegg's winner medal is set to be sold at McTear's Auctioneers in Glasgow on June 19 as part of its Sporting History Auction. Tony was part of the club's 1984/85 Third Division title-winning team. Read more: Rangers legend Davie Cooper memorabilia to be auctioned The season ended in heartbreak on May 11, 1985, when the Valley Parade fire claimed the lives of 56 fans and injured hundreds more. Tony said: "This medal represents the pinnacle of my footballing career, but it's impossible to separate it from the heartbreak we all experienced that day. "I've kept it for four decades, and I now feel the time is right to pass it to someone who understands both the pride and the pain tied to that season." The fire, which started during the match against Lincoln City, is still one of the most tragic days in British sporting history. (Image: Supplied) Brian Clements, managing director at McTear's, said: "This is not just a medal, it's a deeply emotional artifact from a defining moment in English football history. "We are honoured to handle its sale." Tony's time at Bradford City included one of the most unusual moments in the club's history. Read more: Former Rangers star Gattuso set to leave managerial position During an away match against Hull City late in the 1984/85 season, goalkeeper Eric McManus was injured just four minutes into the game. With no substitute available, Tony stepped in to play in goal and kept a clean sheet as Bradford secured a 2-0 win. Tony played for Bradford City from 1983 to 1987, scoring two goals in his 48 league appearances. His medal is expected to fetch between £700 and £1,000. McTear's Sporting History Auction will also include Old Firm medals, rare football shirts, early match tickets, and programmes. More information and a full catalogue of items can be found on McTear's Auctioneers website.
South Wales Argus
2 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
LTA announces commitment to equal prize money by 2029
For the first time this year, all the LTA's grass court events will feature both men and women's tennis as part of a commitment to give British fans the opportunity to watch the best players, men and women, on home soil and bring women's tennis to a larger audience. The HSBC Championship at Queen's Club will stage a women's WTA 500 and a men's ATP 500 event, whilst the Lexus Eastbourne Open will stage a women's WTA 250 and a men's ATP 250, both tour events of the same level. This year, the events will be providing not just the same experience for fans and players, but a move to true equal prize money over time for the players involved. There are currently material differences between the prize money levels on the women's WTA and men's ATP tours. Whilst the minimum prize money levels are set by the tours themselves, the LTA, with the full support of the WTA, has chosen to significantly uplift the WTA prize money at Queen's and Eastbourne in 2025 and will fully close the gap between WTA and ATP prize money at these events no later than 2029. This year the WTA 500 prize money at the HSBC Championships will rise to a record $1.415m. The HSBC Championships will be the highest paying WTA 500 event, of its draw size, in the world this year. The WTA 250 prize money at the Lexus Eastbourne International will rise to $389,000 – making this the highest paying WTA 250 event anywhere on the tour. Scott Lloyd, LTA Chief Executive said: 'We are making significant increases this year to the women's prize money at Queens and Eastbourne and want to achieve equal prize money as soon as possible. 'The LTA is committed to growing women's tennis, both at professional and grass-roots level and this move is an important part of that commitment. This year fans will be able to enjoy both men's and women's tennis on the biggest stages that we can offer and we want to develop the tournaments so that the women's events deliver a path to profitability and greater visibility for the sport. 'We aspire to play a leading part in the growth and development of women's tennis globally, and we'll continue to explore new ways in which we can do this.' Portia Archer, WTA CEO said: 'We fully support the LTA's initiatives to increase the women's prize pot at its events, with a goal of achieving parity in the longer term. WTA athletes deliver consistently engaging and powerful games on court to entertain courtside fans and worldwide audiences. 'This move sends a powerful message that the women's game is valued and will inspire new generations of girls picking up racquets to know their endeavours will be recognised.'
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Liverpool face Florian Wirtz dispute with Bayer Leverkusen as 7 exits confirmed
Liverpool are prominent in the transfer market this summer after conducting minimal business 12 months ago and the Reds are keen to land Florian Wirtz in the coming weeks Liverpool have wasted little time getting busy in the transfer market this summer. The Reds have already brought Jeremie Frimpong to the club from Bayer Leverkusen but have more on the agenda for Arne Slot. Florian Wirtz is top of the list as the Anfield side attempt to come to an agreement with Leverkusen once again. A British record deal awaits if Liverpool can iron out any discrepencies with a deal expected to go through. The club are also looking to land Milos Kerkez as Slot looks to reinforce at full-back. After conducting minimal business for his first season, the Dutch boss is set to leave his imprint on the squad. There are sure to be players follow Trent Alexander-Arnold out of the club too. Luis Diaz, Harvey Elliot and Darwin Nunez, among others, all face uncertain futures. Mirror Football takes a look at the latest Liverpool transfer news and rumours below. Robertson speaks out Andy Robertson is not worried about the prospect of competition from Milos Kerkez at left-back next season. The Bournemouth star looks set to arrive at Anfield this summer, while Robertson has just a year remaining on his contract. The Scotland international has confidence in himself to continue to challenge for a place and believes he still has a lot to give. "We're not daft, it looks as if a deal could potentially be done," Robertson told BBC Scotland. "But, until that is done, I've not even given that a second thought. I back myself, I've got confidence in my own ability and that drives me forward. "I've had eight fantastic years at Liverpool in terms of winning trophies, being a mainstay in the team, which I'm incredibly proud of. I'm not getting any younger, I can't change my age, but I still believe I've got a lot to give and that's what I focus on. "I focus on myself - you can't focus on other people or who you're competing with. I still believe I have a hell of a lot to give for however many years I can keep going. My body feels good at the minute. "I can't tell you how I'll feel at 33 or 34, but I can tell you, at 31, I feel excellent. I've been fit for every game, I've not missed a training session and that's not a sign of someone who is slowing down. "I've got a year left at Liverpool, I'm looking forward to a switch off, I'm looking forward to a holiday and then I'll look forward to pre-season. What the future holds after that? I've not given it too much thought." Wirtz drama Florian Wirtz is set to be at the centre of a 'million-dollar dispute' when he completes his transfer to Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen. According to a report from BILD, the German side are set to receive plenty of attention from Koln as they attempt to ensure they receive all the money they are entitled to. "Of course, we are looking into it," Wolf said on Radio Cologne. "We know what we are entitled to and will fight for it. We're looking at this with both eyes. We'll benefit from it. The higher the sum Liverpool is willing to pay, the better for us." Per FIFA's rules, any club that has played a role in a player's development between the age of 12 and 23 will receive five per cent of any transfer fee in compensation. Wirtz trained with Koln for nine-and-a-half years from the age of seven. Koln are said to be planning to argue that Wirtz's 'training' period concluded long before he turned 23 as a result of him earning his Leverkusen at 17 and becoming a Germany international when he was 18. This is in hope of proving they are entitled to the maximum amount of compensation from any transfer. The side could be due around £6.3m if Liverpool end up paying Leverkusen's £126m asking price. Koln are set to engage with the FIFA Clearing House to ensure the highest payout possible. Liverpool confirm exits Liverpool have announced that seven players have left the club following the expiration of their contracts. Academy products Dominic Corness, Louis Enahoro-Marcus, Harry Evers, Lee Jonas, Jakub Ojrzynski, Jacob Poytress and Reece Trueman will all be released by the new Premier League champions and search for new clubs. The Reds meanwhile, have offered new deals to eight young players. Kareem Ahmed, Emmanuel Airoboma, Keyrol Figueroa, Kyle Kelly, Michael Laffey, Wellity Lucky, Terence Miles and Ranel Young, all have the opportunity to extend their stays.
