Latest news with #ChampionStakes
New Paper
2 days ago
- Sport
- New Paper
Warrior Gladatorian finally takes Group 1 centre stage
The four Grade 1 races at Greyville in South Africa on July 27 were hotly contested affairs, even if they did not always deliver the hottest results. Top picks got off to a flying start when odds-on fancy Golden Palm ($7) scored an authoritative win under champion jockey Richard Fourie in the first of the quartet of elite contests, the Douglas Whyte Stakes (1,600m), to cement trainer Alan Greeff's reputation as this season's king of juveniles. That trend was, however, bucked in the next three events of the 10-race programme, with all favourites biting the dust. A two-time winner from three starts, Jan Van Goyen (Callan Murray) did draw some support ($38) in the Champion Stakes (1,600m), but the interest was centred more around Tin Pan Alley, Chronicle King and Malmesbury Missile. The Sean Tarry-trained Tin Pan Alley (S'manga Khumalo) briefly poked his head in front, but was left paddling away when Jan Van Goyen shot straight past for the Mike and Mathew de Kock father-and-son team. Grade 2 Golden Horse Sprint winner Tenango (Aldo Domeyer) was the overwhelming favourite in the next, the Mercury Sprint (1,200m), but was upstaged by Buffalo Storm Cody ($49) under an inspired ride by Gavin Lerena for trainer Tony Peter. With two race meetings left in the South African season, Lerena has all but clinched his second title. On 270 wins, he is 17 wins clear of Fourie (253) - despite a double by Fourie, having opened proceedings with I Salute You ($12) for ex-Kranji trainer Peter Muscutt in the Listed Michel Nairac Appreciation Stakes (1,600m). Fittingly, the Mauritian-born Nairac, who was being farewelled as the retiring chief executive officer of Gold Circle and one of South Africa's leading bloodstock agents over many decades, received the perfect send-off with a Group 1 win in the highlight of the day, the Hong Kong Jockey Club Champions Cup (1,800m). Under a vigorous ride by Sean Veale, Gladatorian ($53) came with a well-timed run to touch off Durban July winner and favourite The Real Prince (Craig Zackey) by a neck. Often unlucky with seconds and thirds in Grade 1 and 2 events, the Vercingetorix five-year-old finally beat the jinx in the one that mattered the most for Nairac. The latter shares the 10-time winner with fellow Mauritians, including the estate of late ex-trainer Agasthamuni Gujadhur, in whose burgundy and blue hooped colours the gelding races. When Tellytrack presenter Deez Dayanand referred to the Grade 1 victory as the cherry on the top, Nairac did not skip a beat by recalling a funny anecdote. "I don't like the expression 'cherry on the top'. A friend once pushed my head into the cake," he said. "But, I couldn't ask for better. You couldn't script this any better." The de Kocks would not quite agree with that statement, though. Saddling an unusually small squad of only two runners at the marquee KwaZulu-Natal day, a rare 100 per cent strike rate in Grade 1 events looked on the cards after Jan Van Goyen saluted. Their strongest card remained second favourite Dave The King in the Champions Cup. But, after leading, in search of a three-in-a-row under Murray, South Africa's Horse of the Year wilted to fifth. Much less used to Grade 1 accolades than the de Kocks, winning trainer Stuart Ferrie was having a first taste of such success since taking over his boss Dennis Drier - who bought Gladatorian as a yearling and was his first trainer - two years ago. "To win the Champions Cup, it's unbelievable," he said. "He's run against the best in all his starts since I took over him, except for a few prep runs. "You've got to have the horse. This guy has been our flag bearer, he's been a soldier. "He never puts a foot wrong. Every time you come, you're in with a shout. It's always a bit close, but that's him." manyan@
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Calandagan finally wins his big one as he comes from last to first in the King George at Ascot
LAND GRAB Calandagan finally wins his big one as he comes from last to first in the King George at Ascot Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CALANDAGAN has been called lots of names over the last 12 months, not many of them nice. Well, now he'll forever be known as a King George winner after a performance which silenced the doubters in no uncertain terms. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Calandagan (11-10f) won a King George thriller at Ascot Credit: Getty The horse who long seemed destined to go down as one of the game's great bridesmaids had every opportunity to throw in the towel when Kalpana quickened away and push came to shove. He could have folded like a cheap suit when asked to make a lung-busting run after the filly who'd got first run and was getting 3lb, or hoisted the white flag when eye-balling her in the heat of battle. Instead, he dug deeper than the Channel Tunnel to give his burgeoning trainer Francis-Henri Graffard — a coming force on the world stage — his second King George in a row. Magnifique. Not so the Ballydoyle tactics, which even left Graffard and winning jockey Mickael Barzalona scratching their heads. Here they had the 5-2 second favourite in Jan Brueghel, a horse with abundant stamina who outstayed Calandagan at Epsom two months ago and for whom a strong, end-to-end gallop was vital. Everyone expected the 40-1 rag Continuous to set off on his usual pace-making duties to ensure it wasn't a tactical race. Puzzlingly, he was dropped in behind his stablemate and they ended up going a crawl as Jan Brueghel did the donkey work. It made little sense — not that Barzalona was complaining. He was on the horse with the best turn of foot, so he must have been licking his lips. Mind you, Andrew Balding's fine filly Kalpana showed an impressive burst of her own as she kicked for home at the two-furlong pole. Oisin Murphy moved up going strongly as Jan Brueghel struggled to go through the gears as the pace lifted before she suddenly exploded two or three lengths clear. It looked for the best part of a furlong that Calandagan would be unable to reel her in but, as all the top-class ones do, he quickened once, quickened twice and was going away by a length at the line. He was second in the Juddmonte International, Champion Stakes, Sheema Classic and Coronation Cup — but he's the Chantilly shirker no more. Graffard said: 'I never had any doubts about his will to win, when he's been beaten he has had excuses. 'He was really far back at York last year and he quickened really strongly, probably too late. He was beaten by a good horse in Dubai and at Epsom things didn't go to plan. 'I never thought it was because he didn't want to try and his jockeys have never reported that to me either. 'This is the fifth time Mickael has ridden him, he has been getting to know him and knows what to do on him now. There is no doubt anymore about the horse.' In hindsight, maybe Murphy could have held on for a few more seconds on Kalpana before committing her for home. But Balding was chuffed with the run as she continues to build towards her D-Day in the Arc. He said: 'I'm very proud of her, she's run her heart out again and just been beaten by a good horse. We'll work back from the Arc, now.' It looks like the Juddmonte International at York is next on the agenda for Calandagan, where a mouthwatering showdown with Field Of Gold awaits. Tres bien. 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
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Calandagan finally wins his big one as he comes from last to first in the King George at Ascot
CALANDAGAN has been called lots of names over the last 12 months, not many of them nice. Well, now he'll forever be known as a King George winner after a performance which silenced the doubters in no uncertain terms. Advertisement 1 Calandagan (11-10f) won a King George thriller at Ascot Credit: Getty The horse who long seemed destined to go down as one of the game's great bridesmaids had every opportunity to throw in the towel when Kalpana quickened away and push came to shove. He could have folded like a cheap suit when asked to make a lung-busting run after the filly who'd got first run and was getting 3lb, or hoisted the white flag when eye-balling her in the heat of battle. Instead, he dug deeper than the Channel Tunnel to give his burgeoning trainer Francis-Henri Graffard — a coming force on the world stage — his second King George in a row. Magnifique. Not so the Ballydoyle tactics, which even left Graffard and winning jockey Mickael Barzalona scratching their heads. Advertisement Here they had the 5-2 second favourite in Jan Brueghel, a horse with abundant stamina who outstayed Calandagan at Epsom two months ago and for whom a strong, end-to-end gallop was vital. Everyone expected the 40-1 rag Continuous to set off on his usual pace-making duties to ensure it wasn't a tactical race. Puzzlingly, he was dropped in behind his stablemate and they ended up going a crawl as Jan Brueghel did the donkey work. It made little sense — not that Barzalona was complaining. He was on the horse with the best turn of foot, so he must have been licking his lips. Mind you, Andrew Balding's fine filly Kalpana showed an impressive burst of her own as she kicked for home at the two-furlong pole. Advertisement Most read in Horse Racing Exclusive Exclusive Oisin Murphy moved up going strongly as Jan Brueghel struggled to go through the gears as the pace lifted before she suddenly exploded two or three lengths clear. It looked for the best part of a furlong that Calandagan would be unable to reel her in but, as all the top-class ones do, he quickened once, quickened twice and was going away by a length at the line. He was second in the Juddmonte International, Champion Stakes, Sheema Classic and Coronation Cup — but he's the Chantilly shirker no more. Graffard said: 'I never had any doubts about his will to win, when he's been beaten he has had excuses. Advertisement 'He was really far back at York last year and he quickened really strongly, probably too late. He was beaten by a good horse in Dubai and at Epsom things didn't go to plan. 'I never thought it was because he didn't want to try and his jockeys have never reported that to me either. 'This is the fifth time Mickael has ridden him, he has been getting to know him and knows what to do on him now. There is no doubt anymore about the horse.' In hindsight, maybe Murphy could have held on for a few more seconds on Kalpana before committing her for home. But Balding was chuffed with the run as she continues to build towards her D-Day in the Arc. Advertisement He said: 'I'm very proud of her, she's run her heart out again and just been beaten by a good horse. We'll work back from the Arc, now.' It looks like the Juddmonte International at York is next on the agenda for Calandagan, where a mouthwatering showdown with Field Of Gold awaits. Tres bien. 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. Advertisement
New Paper
22-07-2025
- Sport
- New Paper
July 23 South Africa (Scottsville) form analysis
Race 1 (1,100m) Many first-timers, so keep an eye on the betting. Of those that have run, (12) TULIP FIELDS caught the eye on debut when running on stoutly on the Poly. She is down in distance but should run well. (13) BELLIGERENT improved nicely second time and should be primed for this. (1) LOVE THE USA has not been far back in two starts and gets a 4kg claimer aboard. (3) WINTER BLESSING has had a few chances, but has also shown some ability and run well on this course. Race 2 (1,000m) Many first-timers. (7) MFETHU made a smart debut on this course and jockey Gavin Lerena picks up the ride from the suspended Sean Veale. (9) BOARDWALK BREEZE has been knocking on the door and must have a strong chance on his best effort. Debutants (8) EXOCET and (3) COWBOY COUNTRY have got favourable comments from their trainers and could be best of the first-timers. Race 3 (1,400m) (3) DIRECTOR improved nicely at his second time of asking and, with a handy draw, he should put in a good run. (10) GOOD OMEN has drawn wide, but improved in his last run behind Group 1 Premier's Champion Stakes nominee Ziyan's Pride. (1) GALLIC VICTOR comes from a strong stable and is one to watch in the betting. (8) THIRTEEN FOURTEEN found some market support on debut. Although a well beaten fourth, he should come on with the experience. Race 4 (1,400m) (11) RALPH THE RASCAL has a wide draw to contend with, but came good last run over the course and distance. Although he steps up in class, he still has leading apprentice Brevan Plaatjies aboard with his 1.5kg claim. (1) KIMBALL O'HARA has the best draw, but is 3kg worse off at the weights with Ralph The Rascal for a half-length beating, and seems unlikely to turn the tables. (3) DANCING ON A CLOUD has been disappointing since his maiden win, but gets first-time blinkers which could bring out his best. (7) ROOSTER BRADSHAW came from a long way back to win his last start nicely on the Poly. This longer straight will suit him even better. Watch him. Race 5 (1,600m) An open handicap. (5) UZWANO has won his last two on the Poly with blinkers, but he has also won on the turf. He looks progressive and can do it again. (6) BRISTOL HERCULES is seldom out of the money and goes well over the course and distance. (11) GO GRAYSON GO has a tricky draw to contend with, but gets the benefit of Rachel Venniker's 1.5kg allowance over what looks to be his optimum trip. (7) THE BRIEF has his first outing for a new stable. He comes with useful Highveld form and is one to watch in the betting. Race 6 (1,100m) (8) PRANKSTER was a comfortable winner in his last start on this course and could be difficult to beat in this line-up. (9) TERIYAKI seldom runs a poor race and his last two have been on the Poly starting at long odds. He looks better suited to this trip. (3) NOW I GOT YOU has a handy 4kg claimer on board and is holding form, while (1) JANE'S VISION can be dangerous. Race 7 (1,200m) (1) GOOD TRAVELLER is long overdue, but the handicappers have been reluctant to drop his rating given his consistency. That could change after this. (2) KHETHIWE'S DESTINY is relatively lightly raced, but has some useful from in good company. She gets first-time blinkers and a tongue-tie, and should be competitive in this line-up. (10) MAPHAKA has not been out since January and Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, so his fitness must be taken on trust. However, Cape form is generally a lot stronger than local and he has shed his maiden over course and distance. (11) GORGEOUS GUY has consistent form and won his last start comfortably, but he is up in class. Race 8 (1,200m) Terry Fripp has been looking after Candice Bass-Robinson's runner during Champions Season and he could lead in another winner in (12) MASTEROFTHEDESERT. The gelding has shown up nicely in his two local starts, but has been dropped two points in the handicap, which could be enough to see him home. (9) MAR DEL PLATA seldom runs a bad race and loves this course. (6) IN THE BAG may just have needed his first run for his new stable, while (5) MOYA WA LALIGA has been consistent and gets a 4kg claimer up, which will help his chances of a sixth win.
North Wales Chronicle
17-07-2025
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
Rain required for next Anmaat adventure
The seven-year-old ended last season on a high when getting up late to beat Calandagan and win the Champion Stakes at Ascot, and this season has had to settle for silver twice in the Tattersalls Gold Cup and Prince of Wales's Stakes. Burrows felt the going in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown was not to his liking so swerved that engagement and wants some cut in the ground before sending the son of Awtaad back to the racecourse. He said: 'He's all good, all very good. We're just praying for a little drop of rain at some stage. 'I don't feel he's done anything wrong in either run. I thought it was a bit quick at Sandown and when it went good to firm, firm in places, I was quite pleased that I wasn't tempted. 'We're sort of working back from Ascot, he's in really good form so it would be nice if we did get some rain and we could get him out again. 'We'll have a look at the Juddmonte International, it would be ground dependent and there's obviously Ireland (Irish Champion Stakes) as well, but that's not until September so we'll just have to see. 'There's a bit of rain about this weekend I believe, but how long that will last – who knows? We'll just have to play it by ear.' Remmooz is likely to remain in handicap company after being raised 4lb for his York victory in the John Smith's Racing Handicap. The Blue Point colt is three from four, with his one defeat coming at Group level in the Jersey Stakes, and Burrows is keen to make the best of his rating for the time being. Burrows said: 'Obviously he'd run a tidy enough race at Ascot and up in grade we felt the mile at York would suit him, not so much get him back on track because I don't feel he'd come off track, but it was nice to get another win under his name. 'He's a progressive horse who was unraced as a two-year-old. He's got a decent profile and they put him up 4lb, so he's 102 now. Fingers crossed we can keep going the right way. 'I might give him one more shot in a handicap to be honest, I've not fully decided yet. 'I still feel off 102 we could be competitive in one of those nice handicaps, I'm not 100 per cent certain but it would be more than likely that we would give him one more shot in a handicap.'
