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The Irish Sun
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Racehorse owned by TikTok star Big John that costs £60 a share branded ‘terrible' after beating one rival in three races
A RACEHORSE owned by TikTok star Big John has been branded 'terrible' after beating just one rival home in three races. Shares in two-year-old filly Bosh Soldier cost £60 each and give you 0.05 per cent of the horse. Advertisement 3 Viral TikTok star Big John is co-owner of a horse punters can buy a share in for £60 - but is yet to return a penny on the track 3 The social media sensation found fame with his massive Chinese orders 3 Bosh Soldier has beaten just one horse in three runs and lost by a combined 97 lengths - but could prove a totally different animal now she qualifies for handicaps Viral sensation Big John, who has found fame for his colossal Chinese orders and 'Bosh!' catchphrase, has been used in promotion of the runner. Wearing ill-fitting silks, a jockey cap and goggles, he appeared in one video championing the filly and said: "I'm Big John and I'm here to see the Bosh Soldier!" But after being bought by 14-time Champion Jumps Trainer Paul Nicholls' daughter Meg for a shade over £24,000, Bosh Soldier is yet to earn a penny on the track. Trained by the respected George Boughey, who won the 1,000 Guineas with Cachet in 2022, Bosh Soldier has raced three times. Advertisement She finished last of seven on debut at Yarmouth in May when sent off 18-1 under former Champion Apprentice jockey Billy Loughnane. Her next outing came a month later at Chelmsford when she finished last again over six furlongs at odds of 66-1. Then, at Newmarket this month, Bosh Soldier was sent off 150-1 under jockey Grace McEntee for a seven furlong maiden for fillies. She was always behind and finished totally tailed off, beaten a massive 50 lengths with only one horse behind her. Advertisement Most read in Horse Racing Bosh Soldier qualifies for an official rating now and she may well prove a totally different prospect thrown into handicaps. Especially as shrewd trainer Boughey has shown in the past he knows exactly how to place one to win. But Bosh Soldier's performances - and the cost of shares - have caught the attention of some punters. Especially given she has been beaten a combined 97 lengths on her three runs. Advertisement One punter said she had looked 'terrible' on the track while another wrote on X: "This filly has been running like Big John has been riding her himself." What the owners say about Bosh Soldier Anyone can buy a share in Bosh Soldier, with prices starting at £60. Here's what Racing Club, who run the syndicate, have to say about the horse... Calling all Bosh Soldiers! Introducing our first horse to be based in Newmarket, Bosh Soldier, who is in training with Classic winning trainer George Boughey. This stunning chestnut filly is in collaboration with John Fisher, AKA Big John – hence the name Bosh Soldier! The two-year-old has a striking pedigree, having been sired by Sergei Prokofiev, who was a Group 3 winner and placed in Group 2 Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot . Since being sent to stud, he has sired the likes of Arizona Blaze (Group 3 winner and Group 1 runner-up) and Enchanting Empress (Listed winner). Sergei Prokofiev's sire Scat Daddy was a two-time Grade 1 winner and has been a phenomenal source of producing horses with plenty of raw speed. With plenty of pace in her pedigree, we're confident that Bosh Soldier will have the speed to blitz her rivals! Bosh Soldier is our first horse in training in Newmarket, which is considered the 'headquarters' of horse racing, as well as being our first horse with trainer George Boughey. The Group 1-winning trainer has gone from strength to strength since saddling his first winner in 2019, and we cannot wait to see him train Bosh Soldier, who looks set for a productive two-year-old campaign in 2025. The syndicate consists of 2,000 shares, with each share purchased equating to a 0.05 per cent shareholding in Bosh Soldier. In fairness, Racing Club VIP, who run the syndicate, have made clear before each of Bosh Soldier's runs that they have been about her gaining experience. And prior to her most recent outing, Boughey said: "Bosh Soldier is yet to show on the track what she's been showing us at home. "She's still a work in progress, but she's got ability." Advertisement Syndicates are a great way to get into racing and this year has shown how good the horses can be. Middleham Park Pacing have finished runner-up in the Derby and Irish Derby with Lazy Griff, winning more than £500,000 in the process. While social media star Basher Watts won the French 1,000 Guineas with Shes Perfect - before the result was overturned in the stewards' room. So while Bosh Soldier is yet to return a profit, there is hope for the future at least. Advertisement And she has some eyecatching entries. Bosh Soldier has been put in the Somerville Auction Stakes at Newmarket on August 23, where victory is worth more than £50,000. And she could line up in October's Tattersalls October Auction Stakes, where a win would net owners £80,000. Either of those would certainly pay for a few takeaways. Advertisement FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. . Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Read more on the Irish Sun Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Scottish Sun
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Racehorse owned by TikTok star Big John that costs £60 a share branded ‘terrible' after beating one rival in three races
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A RACEHORSE owned by TikTok star Big John has been branded 'terrible' after beating just one rival home in three races. Shares in two-year-old filly Bosh Soldier cost £60 each and give you 0.05 per cent of the horse. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Viral TikTok star Big John is co-owner of a horse punters can buy a share in for £60 - but is yet to return a penny on the track 3 The social media sensation found fame with his massive Chinese orders 3 Bosh Soldier has beaten just one horse in three runs and lost by a combined 97 lengths - but could prove a totally different animal now she qualifies for handicaps Viral sensation Big John, who has found fame for his colossal Chinese orders and 'Bosh!' catchphrase, has been used in promotion of the runner. Wearing ill-fitting silks, a jockey cap and goggles, he appeared in one video championing the filly and said: "I'm Big John and I'm here to see the Bosh Soldier!" But after being bought by 14-time Champion Jumps Trainer Paul Nicholls' daughter Meg for a shade over £24,000, Bosh Soldier is yet to earn a penny on the track. Trained by the respected George Boughey, who won the 1,000 Guineas with Cachet in 2022, Bosh Soldier has raced three times. She finished last of seven on debut at Yarmouth in May when sent off 18-1 under former Champion Apprentice jockey Billy Loughnane. Her next outing came a month later at Chelmsford when she finished last again over six furlongs at odds of 66-1. Then, at Newmarket this month, Bosh Soldier was sent off 150-1 under jockey Grace McEntee for a seven furlong maiden for fillies. She was always behind and finished totally tailed off, beaten a massive 50 lengths with only one horse behind her. Bosh Soldier qualifies for an official rating now and she may well prove a totally different prospect thrown into handicaps. Especially as shrewd trainer Boughey has shown in the past he knows exactly how to place one to win. But Bosh Soldier's performances - and the cost of shares - have caught the attention of some punters. Especially given she has been beaten a combined 97 lengths on her three runs. One punter said she had looked 'terrible' on the track while another wrote on X: "This filly has been running like Big John has been riding her himself." What the owners say about Bosh Soldier Anyone can buy a share in Bosh Soldier, with prices starting at £60. Here's what Racing Club, who run the syndicate, have to say about the horse... Calling all Bosh Soldiers! Introducing our first horse to be based in Newmarket, Bosh Soldier, who is in training with Classic winning trainer George Boughey. This stunning chestnut filly is in collaboration with John Fisher, AKA Big John – hence the name Bosh Soldier! The two-year-old has a striking pedigree, having been sired by Sergei Prokofiev, who was a Group 3 winner and placed in Group 2 Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot. Since being sent to stud, he has sired the likes of Arizona Blaze (Group 3 winner and Group 1 runner-up) and Enchanting Empress (Listed winner). Sergei Prokofiev's sire Scat Daddy was a two-time Grade 1 winner and has been a phenomenal source of producing horses with plenty of raw speed. With plenty of pace in her pedigree, we're confident that Bosh Soldier will have the speed to blitz her rivals! Bosh Soldier is our first horse in training in Newmarket, which is considered the 'headquarters' of horse racing, as well as being our first horse with trainer George Boughey. The Group 1-winning trainer has gone from strength to strength since saddling his first winner in 2019, and we cannot wait to see him train Bosh Soldier, who looks set for a productive two-year-old campaign in 2025. The syndicate consists of 2,000 shares, with each share purchased equating to a 0.05 per cent shareholding in Bosh Soldier. In fairness, Racing Club VIP, who run the syndicate, have made clear before each of Bosh Soldier's runs that they have been about her gaining experience. And prior to her most recent outing, Boughey said: "Bosh Soldier is yet to show on the track what she's been showing us at home. "She's still a work in progress, but she's got ability." Syndicates are a great way to get into racing and this year has shown how good the horses can be. Middleham Park Pacing have finished runner-up in the Derby and Irish Derby with Lazy Griff, winning more than £500,000 in the process. While social media star Basher Watts won the French 1,000 Guineas with Shes Perfect - before the result was overturned in the stewards' room. So while Bosh Soldier is yet to return a profit, there is hope for the future at least. And she has some eyecatching entries. Bosh Soldier has been put in the Somerville Auction Stakes at Newmarket on August 23, where victory is worth more than £50,000. And she could line up in October's Tattersalls October Auction Stakes, where a win would net owners £80,000. Either of those would certainly pay for a few takeaways. FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Scottish Sun
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Jockey banned for role in ‘biggest race-fixing storm ever' beaten by 40-1 outsider on first ride back in 14 years
FAIR'S FAIR Jockey banned for role in 'biggest race-fixing storm ever' beaten by 40-1 outsider on first ride back in 14 years A JOCKEY banned from racing for his role in the 'biggest race-fixing storm ever' was beaten by a 40-1 outsider on his first ride back in 14 years. Greg Fairley beat William Buick to the Champion Apprentice title in 2007 and looked all set for superstardom in the saddle. 2 Greg Fairley was banned for 12 years for his role in a race-fixing storm... but returned for the first time at Ayr on Monday Credit: PA:Empics Sport 2 The jockey was caught out wide, far right, on Superior Council - as 40-1 outsider South Road sprung a major surprise He would go onto Group 1 glory and massive prize money earnings of £2.8million on the track over a few short years, banging in 381 winners in Britain alone. But his career looked done and dusted in 2011 when he was hit with a colossal ban for two of the most serious rules breaches. He was found guilty of riding a horse to lose - 'failing to obtain the best possible placing' - and passing on inside information for reward. A total of 11 people were sanctioned by the BHA for what at the time was called the 'largest race-fixing ring ever exposed in British racing history'. Fairley and fellow jockey Paul Doe were warned off for a dozen years, while two owners were banned for 14 for betting on their horses to lose, 'corrupting' jockeys in the process. Fairley last rode 14 years ago but, having served his time and been regranted a licence by the BHA, he made his comeback at Ayr on Monday. The ring that led to 66 years of bans - what happened? By Sam Morgan GREG Fairley was part of what at the time was called 'the biggest race-fixing ring ever' in British racing. He and fellow rider Paul Doe were hit with 12-year bans following a BHA probe. While Kirsty Milczarek, who was the girlfriend of six-time champion jockey Kieren Fallon, was banned for two years and Jimmy Quinn got a six-month suspension. Five others - Nick Gold, Peter Gold, Shaun Harris, David Kendrick and Liam Vasey - were also found guilty of 'corrupt or fraudulent practice'. Vasey, Kendrick and Harris were banned for five, four and three years respectively, while the Golds were later banned for seven and five years respectively as part of a separate investigation. The probe found that owners Maurice 'Fred' Sines and James Crickmore - who were given the biggest 14-year bans - were the leaders of the ring that netted almost £280,000 from ten races. The case all centred around horses being backed to lose races between January and August 2009. BHA director Paul Scotney said at the time: "The investigation uncovered a network through which Sines and Crickmore engaged in betting activity, in particular with two riders, Paul Doe and Greg Fairley, that impacted on seven of the 10 races in question. "In the BHA's history, the scale and complexity of this case is unprecedented." Fairley, who would go onto become a tree surgeon, found more controversy after the ban. There were calls for him to repay £1,500 spent on teaching him to how to use a chainsaw as part of a jockeys' retraining scheme. But it was later deemed 'impractical' to pursue him for the money. Scottish trainer Iain Jardine gave Fairley, who in his own words ran away' back home to Scotland to run a tree surgery business before the BHA announced his ban, the ride on 4-1 Superior Council. The six-year-old gelding, who had finished first and second on his two most recent starts, had been backed into as short as 3-1 before drifting slightly before the off. But despite jumping well from the stalls he found little in the 6f race and finished eighth pf 16. Former Amo Racing jockey Kevin Stott was on the winner - two-time Grand National champ Lucinda Russell's 40-1 South Road. In a statement written before his return, Fairley addressed his past ban and said it's all now behind him as he focuses on winning again. Fairley wrote: "Fifteen years ago I chose a path that was wrong and paid a justifiably significant price for my poor decisions. "I'm incredibly grateful to the licencing committee of the BHA for giving me a second chance. "I would also like to thank Sandy Thomson, Iain Jardine and Charlie and Mark Johnston who have all been very supportive." FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
The Irish Sun
07-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Jockey banned for role in ‘biggest race-fixing storm ever' beaten by 40-1 outsider on first ride back in 14 years
A JOCKEY banned from racing for his role in the 'biggest race-fixing storm ever' was beaten by a 40-1 outsider on his first ride back in 14 years. Greg Fairley beat William Buick to the Champion Apprentice title in 2007 and looked all set for superstardom in the saddle. Advertisement 2 Greg Fairley was banned for 12 years for his role in a race-fixing storm... but returned for the first time at Ayr on Monday Credit: PA:Empics Sport 2 The jockey was caught out wide, far right, on Superior Council - as 40-1 outsider South Road sprung a major surprise He would go onto Group 1 glory and massive prize money earnings of £2.8million on the track over a few short years, banging in 381 winners in Britain alone. But his career looked done and dusted in 2011 when he was hit with a colossal ban for He was found guilty of riding a horse to lose - 'failing to obtain the best possible placing' - and passing on inside information for reward. A total of 11 people were sanctioned by the BHA for what at the time was called the 'largest race-fixing ring ever exposed in British racing history'. Advertisement Fairley and fellow jockey Paul Doe were warned off for a dozen years, while two owners were banned for 14 for betting on their horses to lose, 'corrupting' jockeys in the process. Fairley last rode 14 years ago but, having served his time and been regranted a licence by the BHA, he made his comeback at Ayr on Monday. The ring that led to 66 years of bans - what happened? By Sam Morgan GREG Fairley was part of what at the time was called 'the biggest race-fixing ring ever' in British racing. He and fellow rider Paul Doe were hit with 12-year bans following a BHA probe. While Kirsty Milczarek, who was the girlfriend of six-time champion jockey Kieren Fallon, was banned for two years and Jimmy Quinn got a six-month suspension. Five others - Nick Gold, Peter Gold, Shaun Harris, David Kendrick and Liam Vasey - were also found guilty of 'corrupt or fraudulent practice'. Vasey, Kendrick and Harris were banned for five, four and three years respectively, while the Golds were later banned for seven and five years respectively as part of a separate investigation. The probe found that owners Maurice 'Fred' Sines and James Crickmore - who were given the biggest 14-year bans - were the leaders of the ring that netted almost £280,000 from ten races. The case all centred around horses being backed to lose races between January and August 2009. BHA director Paul Scotney said at the time: "The investigation uncovered a network through which Sines and Crickmore engaged in betting activity, in particular with two riders, Paul Doe and Greg Fairley, that impacted on seven of the 10 races in question. "In the BHA's history, the scale and complexity of this case is unprecedented." Fairley, who would go onto become a tree surgeon, found more controversy after the ban. There were calls for him to repay £1,500 spent on teaching him to how to use a chainsaw as part of a jockeys' retraining scheme. But it was later deemed 'impractical' to pursue him for the money. Scottish trainer Iain Jardine gave Fairley, who in his own words ran away' back home to Scotland to run a tree surgery business before the BHA announced his ban, the ride on 4-1 Superior Council. The six-year-old gelding, who had finished first and second on his two most recent starts, had been backed into as short as 3-1 before drifting slightly before the off. Advertisement Most read in Horse Racing Exclusive But despite jumping well from the stalls he found little in the 6f race and finished eighth pf 16. Former Amo Racing jockey Kevin Stott was on the winner - two-time Grand National champ Lucinda Russell's 40-1 South Road. In a statement written before his return, Fairley addressed his past ban and said it's all now behind him as he focuses on winning again. Fairley wrote: "Fifteen years ago I chose a path that was wrong and paid a justifiably significant price for my poor decisions. Advertisement "I'm incredibly grateful to the licencing committee of the BHA for giving me a second chance. "I would also like to thank Sandy Thomson, Iain Jardine and Charlie and Mark Johnston who have all been very supportive." FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. . Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here. Advertisement
Irish Daily Mirror
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Dettori says Irish rider 'most talented' young jockey: 'A natural talent'
Frankie Dettori has named Billy Loughnane as "the most talented" of the young jockeys coming through at the moment. The Irish youngster, 19, who is based in Britain, has been working his way up the ranks over the past few years, having transitioned to professional flat racing at 16 following a number of years pony racing. He was crowned British flat racing Champion Apprentice in 2023, having ridden over 100 winners in his first year. He also secured the British All-Weather Champion Apprentice titles in both the 2022–23 and 2023–24 seasons. Champion jockey Oisin Murphy described him as 'the most talented rider I have ever seen at his age', and Dettori has also praised the youngster. The Stake ambassador said: "Obviously Oisin Murphy, William Buick and James Doyle are already established, as is Ryan Moore. I would say the youngest one is Billy Loughnane. He's a charming guy. He listens. He's willing to learn. Horses run for him. "For a young jockey with that little experience, he seems very mature already. He's quite tall, so he's going to work at his weight more than anybody else, but I think he's a natural talent. To me, out of the young guys, he's the most talented and has a bright future." He added: "When I started, obviously it was Pat Eddery, Steve Cauthen and Willie Carson as the dominant people when I grew up. Pat came along and then I came along and now there's Oisin Murphy and William Buick. "There's always going to be someone that people can relate to. I did my section of fame and now I can let somebody else take over. Like I said, it'll always be someone because racing is popular and will always be popular."
