Latest news with #Charlie Appleby
Khaleej Times
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
July Festival delivers historic milestone for Dubai's Godolphin stable
At Newmarket, the long-established heartbeat of British flat racing, Godolphin added another significant chapter to its illustrious racing story with a weekend to remember at the July Festival. The Dubai-owned stable proudly celebrated its 450th Group 1 triumph, while retained jockey William Buick marked his 2,000th career win. The defining moment came on Friday as Cinderella's Dream, a filly bred in the royal blue tradition of excellence, stormed to a stirring victory in the Group 1 Falmouth Stakes to mark Godolphin's 450th top-level win since the stable was founded in 1993. Trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by Buick, Cinderella's Dream showed trademark grit and class as she fended off a determined challenge from Irish raider January, pulling half a length clear at the finish. 'This filly is all class,' said Buick, who was celebrating his 60th Group 1 win with Godolphin. 'She gave everything, and it's days like these that make the job so rewarding.' The victory was the centrepiece of a sensational Friday treble for the Appleby-Buick axis, with King's Charter landing the Heritage Handicap and Distant Storm taking the Weatherbys British EBF Maiden Stakes. Buick joins Racing Royalty But before Cinderella's Dream stole the show, Thursday had already delivered a moment of personal significance for Buick. In the Group 2 Princess of Wales's Stakes, his masterful ride aboard El Cordobes brought home a victory that sealed his 2,000th British win, a milestone that cements the 36-year-old Norwegian-born jockey as one of the modern greats of the weighing room. 'I'm incredibly proud,' Buick said. 'To do it here at Newmarket, for Charlie and Godolphin, it means everything. I owe so much to my family, and to everyone at Godolphin who has supported me since I joined as a stable jockey in 2015.' Since then, Buick has won the British jockeys' title in 2022 and 2023, and ridden more than 150 winners in each of those championship years, including one in the coveted Epsom Derby in 2018 aboard the legendary Masar. The three-day July Festival ultimately reaffirmed Godolphin's deep resources and competitiveness, although Saturday brought mixed fortunes. The day's big story came from outside their camp, as former jockey-turned-trainer Richard Hughes delivered a shock result in the Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai July Cup (G1), saddling rank outsider No Half Measures to a stunning victory, two decades after he won the same race aboard Oasis Dream. Notable Speech, Godolphin's star miler and 2,000 Guineas winner who went into the race as the favourite, couldn't replicate that form and finished sixth in the six-furlong sprint. Al Basti's Commitment to Racing Race sponsor Al Basti Equiworld, a prominent equine industry supplier based in Dubai, was established in 1998, demonstrates a strong global commitment to top-level horse racing through both marquee sponsorships and holistic investment in racing communities worldwide. Spanning Britain, Ireland, New Zealand, and Dubai, their support includes high-profile races as well as grassroots initiatives like jockey development schemes, reflecting a dedication to nurturing the sport's future. Back at Newmarket, Godolphin did not leave the final day's race empty-handed. In the Group 2 Superlative Stakes, two-year-old Saba Desert overcame a stuttering start to power home under Buick, sealing Godolphin's eighth win in the race's history. The win was a nod to former champions like Dubawi, Master of the Seas, and Native Trail, who used the race as a springboard to elite careers. Trainer Appleby hinted at high hopes for the young Dubawi colt: 'Saba Desert did everything we could have asked for, he's a colt with real potential. He wasn't straightforward today, but that often brings out the best in the good ones.' With targets like the G1 National Stakes or Dewhurst now under discussion, Saba Desert may well be the next headline act from a stable that is showing no sign of slowing down. By the Numbers: Godolphin & Buick 450 Group 1 wins worldwide for Godolphin since its founding in 1993. 2,000 Career British wins for William Buick after Thursday's Princess of Wales's Stakes. 10 Group 1 wins for Godolphin in the 2025 season to date. 60+ Group 1 victories by Buick in Godolphin colours since 2015. 2 British Champion Jockey titles in the Godolphin colours for Buick (2022, 2023).
Khaleej Times
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Cinderella's Dream a reality as Godolphin strikes landmark 450 Group 1 win
The historic July Course at Newmarket Racecourse in the UK delivered a storybook script for Dubai's Team Godolphin, as two extraordinary days of racing saw them add another Group 1 victory, notch their 10th top-tier win of 2025, and witness a career-defining moment for their leading rider, William Buick. At the heart of Friday's drama at the storied racetrack, which comprises undulating terrain and a famous dip about two furlongs from home, was the courageous Cinderella's Dream, who brought the Godolphin silks storming home in the Group 1 Falmouth Stakes, the feature race of the day. The four-year-old daughter of Shamardal, a product of blue-blooded breeding, proved once again why she's one of the most talented fillies in training when outbattling a quality field to claim her first elite European success. The win also marked a landmark 450th Group 1 victory for the Dubai-owned stable, a number that reflects decades of global dominance. Buick, full of praise, called Cinderella's Dream 'all class,' as she fought off Aidan O'Brien's January in a thrilling stretch duel, giving away 9lbs and still finishing half a length clear. 'I am delighted with Cinderella's Dream. Everyone involved with her said she has been ticking all the boxes over the last 10 days or so,' said trainer Charlie Appleby Cinderella's Dream's win was part of a sensational Friday treble for the Appleby-Buick partnership, which also included King's Charter in the Heritage Handicap and Distant Storm in the Weatherbys British EBF Maiden Stakes. But it was Thursday that delivered a personal milestone for Buick himself. Steering El Cordobes to victory in the Group 2 Princess of Wales's Stakes, the 36-year-old rider with Scottish and Scandinavian roots, chalked up his 2,000th British winner. This staggering achievement places him firmly among the sport's modern greats. 'I am very proud. Thanks go to a lot of people, my family first and foremost, as you cannot do it without them,' Buick told the Godolphin website. 'Thanks to all the owners, trainers and stable staff who have helped me, especially Charlie and Godolphin, over the last 10 years. It has been hanging over me for a while, so to do it at this meeting for Charlie and Godolphin means the world. Buick, who has been Godolphin's retained rider since 2015, has captured some of the sport's biggest prizes, including the 2018 Derby aboard Masar and consecutive 2,000 Guineas with Notable Speech and Ruling Court. Together, the past two days have not only reaffirmed Godolphin's supremacy on British turf but also showcased the enduring power of loyalty, class, and excellence that are embedded in the team's identity.
Telegraph
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
ITV horse racing tips: Saturday July 12 – Ascot, Newmarket, York
Ron Wood's selections: NAP: More Thunder (2.50, Newmarket) 1pt win @ 6/4 with Betfred ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Next best: Jakajaro (4.50, Ascot) 1pt win @ 14/1 with Betfred ⭐⭐⭐ Others: Snow Light (1.40, Newmarket) 1pt win @ 7/4 with Betfred ⭐ Flight Plan (2.00, York) 1pt win @ 10/1 with Betfred ⭐⭐ Miss Nightfall (2.12, Newmarket) 1pt win @ 9/4 with Betfred ⭐⭐⭐ Quddwah (2.22, Ascot) 1pt win @ 11/4 with Betfred ⭐⭐ Washington Heights (2.35, York) 1pt win @ 2/1 with Betfred ⭐⭐⭐ Archivist (3.10, York) 1pt win @ 3/1 with Betfred ⭐⭐⭐ Fifth Column (3.25, Newmarket) 1pt win @ 5/2 with Betfred ⭐⭐⭐ Al Qareem (3.45, York) 1pt win @ 13/8 with Betfred ⭐⭐⭐ Italy (4.00, Newmarket) 1pt win @ 8/13 with Betfred ⭐⭐⭐ Spy Chief (4.35, Newmarket) 1pt each-way @ 18/1 with Betfred ⭐⭐⭐ Odds provided by Betfred and correct at the time of writing. Stars denote strength of selection (max 5). If you already have a Betfred account and are looking for a new bookmaker to use for this week's racing, check out more free bets from the best betting sites, reviewed by our experts. 1.40, Newmarket – Maiden Fillies' Stakes (7f) This is the first of 12 races being shown live on ITV1 in a bumper broadcast that runs from 1.30pm to 5.10pm on Saturday and covers three tracks. As a maiden contest, it is not an obvious one for free-to-view TV coverage, but it kicks off the final day of the Newmarket July Festival and last year it was won by Desert Flower, who landed this season's 1,000 Guineas. Her trainer, Charlie Appleby, has two newcomers in this latest running and stable jockey William Buick rides SNOW LIGHT, suggesting she is the preferred hope to Dancing Flower, the other Dark Angel daughter. There are, though, some other potential good 'uns in here, so this is a race to play tentatively, if at all. Selection: Snow Light 1pt win @ 7/4 with Betfred 2.00, York – Class 2 Handicap (1m) Blue For You will be trying to win this race for a third year in a row. But preference is for FLIGHT PLAN, who won a Group 3 in 2023 and showed he is still capable when taking the Thirsk Hunt Cup in May. Forget his latest outing, when he had an unhelpful draw and the ground was too slow for him at Epsom. This test is good for his forward-going style, York being a flat turning track and with the going fast. Selection: Flight Plan 1pt win @ 10/1 with Betfred Go to site > 2.12, Newmarket – Fillies' Handicap (Class 2, 7f) There is still better to come from MISS NIGHTFALL, who shaped well when second in a 7f Goodwood handicap against male rivals on her reappearance. She then went off 16/5 favourite for the Sandringham at Royal Ascot, a short price in a 25-runner handicap, and although she finished only sixth she had too big a task in coming from off the pace, again shaping with promise. 2.22, Ascot – Summer Mile (Group 2, 1m) Three winners from this year's Royal Ascot line up in this race, namely Haatem (Wolferton), My Cloud (Royal Hunt Cup) and Never So Brave (Buckingham Palace). However, QUDDWAH won this contest last year and may be the answer again. He was below form in the Queen Anne at the Royal meeting, but that was a muddling race and he had earlier won a Longchamp Listed event. Before winning this in 2024, he had landed an Ascot Listed race, narrowly defeating Docklands, who won this year's Queen Anne. Selection: Quddwah 1pt win @ 11/4 with Betfred Go to site > 2.35, York – City Walls Stakes (Listed, 5f) This drop in class should do the trick for WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, who usually contests Group races, most recently finishing seventh of 20 in the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot. Kevin Ryan's runner has some good course form. 2.50, Newmarket – Bunbury Cup (Heritage Handicap, 7f) Just about the biggest eyecatcher of the week at Royal Ascot last month, MORE THUNDER is hard to ignore now. This William Haggas charge made up a huge amount of ground for a close second when 3/1 favourite in the 6f Wokingham handicap, and jockey Tom Marquand briefly had a slight tack issue in the closing stages. The horse had won his two previous starts in 6f handicaps at Newmarket's other course since joining Haggas and this step back up a furlong will help him, keeping in mind he won over 1m 2f when trained by Sir Michael Stoute. Our NAP More Thunder gets to race off the same mark as at Ascot, so is 3lb well in, and Haggas has him Group 1-entered. 3.10, York – John Smith's Cup (Heritage Handicap, 1m 2f) Haggas has another strong chance in a big handicap with a former Stoute inmate, this time with ARCHIVIST. The selection has won his previous two starts, most recently a mile handicap at this venue, for which he is penalised, leaving him 2lb well in. This Dubawi colt was a bit headstrong last time, so could do with settling over this longer trip, but he ought to be fine and just looks better than his mark. 3.25, Newmarket – Class 2 Handicap (1m) This is a cracking little handicap for three-year-olds. Charlie Appleby, who has a good record in this race, has a couple of promising representatives in Bedouin Prince and Secret Theory – the latter defeated the aforementioned Archivist when conceding 7lb at Nottingham in April. However, it is another Godolphin-owned runner, FIFTH COLUMN for John and Thady Gosden, who marginally makes most appeal. The selection was one of only two horses the Gosdens had entered in the Group 1 Dewhurst last season, the other being the top-class Field Of Gold, who shares the same sire, Kingman. Fifth Column was proving frustrating, but he won his first two starts this year after being gelded, notably the Esher Cup at Sandown when he defeated Seraph Gabriel, who was then a nose away from victory in the Golden Gates at Royal Ascot. Fifth Column ran at Ascot as well. He was 'only' seventh in the Britannia handicap, but the best of 10 runners who raced on his part of the track and he still looks well handicapped. 3.45, York – Silver Cup (Group 3, 1m 6f) AL QAREEM was second in this event last year and improved to a high-class level when running away with a course-and-distance (C&D) Listed race last time. He has previously looked best suited by slow ground, but conditions were quick last time. If there are any worries, it could be an issue that this comes only four weeks on from such a big effort and that he might not want fast conditions again. But he is the outstanding form horse. That most recent level was boosted when third-placed El Cordobes, beaten by nine-and-a-half lengths, won a Group 2 at Newmarket on Thursday. 4.00, Newmarket – Superlative Stakes (Group 2, 7f) Aidan O'Brien has had the winner of this race four times, most notably with subsequent Derby winner City Of Troy in 2023, and the trainer has a bright prospect this time in ITALY, who was an odds-on victor of a Leopardstown maiden on his debut. That form was boosted when the runner-up, Thesecretadversary, was second in the Listed Chesham at Royal Ascot. Italy is expected to improve loads and is just preferred to Saba Desert, one of two runners for Charlie Appleby. Saba Desert was an odds-on winner of a Sandown maiden on his debut, a race that the same trainer won with Native Trail before that one's success in this contest in 2021. Appleby has triumphed in the Superlative five times. 4.35, Newmarket – July Cup (Group 1, 6f) For a big-field sprint, there are not actually many frontrunners in this edition of the July Cup – and there is a fair chance that the rapid SPY CHIEF, from stall 14 of 15, can show the way towards the far rail. This Kingman gelding, for the Gosdens, made all in a 6f Yarmouth novice on his third start, winning by five-and-a-half lengths, before running second in the 7f Group 3 Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot just nine days later. Nothing could live with him early on in the Jersey – he was soon clear up front. He could not see it out, hanging left as he faded. But he has had another three weeks since then, and this 6f event will be much more of a speed test than the Ascot race. His connections have seen enough to supplement him into the July Cup at a cost of £36,000, and he has the added help – considering he went left late on last time – of being drawn near the left-side rail. 4.50, Ascot – Heritage Handicap (5f) This competitive sprint handicap completes the ITV action and our next-best pick JAKAJARO looks to have decent claims. This ex-Irish-trained runner has dropped quite a bit in the handicap in just four unplaced outings since joining Robert Cowell, having been bought for 200,000gn last October. However, his first two starts for his current trainer came in Dubai, which can be excused. He then probably needed his run at Windsor in June, which came after 100 days off, and his most recent contest at Newcastle, when he showed up well from the front, was promising. Jakajaro did not quite see that out, but Jamie Spencer takes over now and will probably hold him up, which could make the difference. Selection: Jakajaro 1pt win @ 14/1 with Betfred If you want to find more odds and offers, take a look at our list of the best betting sites and free bets Today's racing (Flat unless stated) Dundalk 1.20-5.15 Limerick 1.32-5.00 Newmarket 1.40-5.10 Ascot 1.45-5.20 York 2.00-5.25 Chester 4.20-7.10 Salisbury 5.40-8.20 Hamilton 5.50-9.00 What does NAP mean? Nap is a word used in betting circles to describe a prediction that a tipster thinks has a particularly strong chance of winning. Many horse racing tipsters pick out a 'nap of the day', which is their favoured selection from all the races across the different meetings. The term nap derives from the French card game Napoleon. When players of this game thought they had a particularly strong hand that they would win with, they would shout 'Napoleon'. What is an each-way bet? An each-way bet is a popular type of wager, particularly with horse racing fans. It is essentially two bets, both of which have the same size stake. An each-way bet features one bet on the selection to win and the other bet on the selection to place. So a £10 each-way bet will cost you a total of £20. There will be one £10 bet on the selection to win and another £10 on the selection to place. It's a popular bet because it offers punters the chance of a return, even if the horse in question fails to win. Bookmakers will pay out at a stated percentage of the odds for a place finish, for example one-fifth of the starting price (SP) for finishing in the first three. The more runners there are in a horse race, the more places will be on offer. In races that feature lots of runners, the horses will be available at bigger odds, making an each-way bet a wise choice. Star ratings explained ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - confident selection ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - strong fancy ⭐⭐⭐ - fair claims ⭐⭐ - tentative choice ⭐ - minimum confidence
Telegraph
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
ITV horse racing tips: Friday, July 11
Ron Wood's selections NAP: Celandine (2.45, York) 1pt win @ 5/11 with Betfred ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Next best: Venetian Sun (2.25, Newmarket) 1pt win @ 8/15 with Betfred ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Others: King's Charter (1.50, Newmarket) 1pt win @ 5/2 with Betfred ⭐⭐⭐ Dubai Treasure (2.10, York) 1pt win @ 7/2 with Betfred ⭐⭐⭐ Champagne Prince (3.00, Newmarket) 1pt win @ 13/2 with Betfred ⭐⭐⭐ January (3.35, Newmarket) 1pt win @ 9/4 with Betfred ⭐⭐⭐ Odds provided by Betfred and correct at the time of writing. Stars denote strength of selection (max 5). If you already have a Betfred account and are looking for a new bookmaker to use for this week's racing, check out more free bets from the best betting sites, reviewed by our experts. 1.50, Newmarket – Heritage Handicap (1m 2f) In this opener on day two of the Newmarket July Festival, and the first of six races live on ITV1 (1.30-4pm), the most appealing option in a decent contest for three-year-olds is the Charlie Appleby-trained KING'S CHARTER. This Kingman gelding probably needs to improve on his reappearance success in a mile Doncaster novice, albeit the runner-up won at Ffos Las on Wednesday – and he ought to progress given his breeding, he goes for a top yard and is still unexposed. The selection cost €650,000 as a yearling and he is a half-brother to, among others, Group 1 winner Skitter Scatter. His dam Dane Street was a useful winner over this 1m 2f trip. Selection: King's Charter 1pt win @ 5/2 with Betfred Go to site > 2.10, York – Class 3 Handicap (7f) Another Godolphin runner, Saeed bin Suroor's DUBAI TREASURE is the pick in this one. This lightly raced filly has won on her previous two starts, which were separated by 11 months. They both came on all-weather tracks, most recently a Class 4 Lingfield handicap, but she showed useful form on turf as a two-year-old. York, a flat turning track with quick ground, should suit her forward-going style. It's likely that there is still more to come from her. 2.25, Newmarket – Duchess of Cambridge Stakes (Group 2, 6f) VENETIAN SUN should follow up her success in the Group 3 Albany at Royal Ascot and extend her unbeaten record to three. Her debut win at Carlisle was gained at the expense of Argentine Tango, who has won both her starts since, most recently a Newmarker Listed race, and she lines up in this contest as well. The selection is considered an exceptional talent by her connections and she is doing everything right so far. Her sire, Starman, was an impressive winner of the 2021 Group 1 July Cup over course and distance (C&D). 2.45, York – Summer Stakes (Group 3, 6f) Our nap CELANDINE won the Group 2 Lowther over C&D on fast ground last summer, defeating Time For Sandals, who landed this season's Group 1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot. This Ed Walker-trained runner has been off since finishing only fifth in the Group 1 Cheveley Park at Newmarket last September, when the going was unsuitably soft, and a throat infection ruled her out at Ascot. However, her trainer, who is in good form, reports the filly has been working extremely well with Mgheera (Group 2 winner this year) and Balmoral Lady (Listed winner this year), so much so that they were considering supplementing Celandine for Saturday's Group 1 July Cup. With the form in the book, the positive reports and with conditions to suit, she should be going well. 3.00, Newmarket – Heritage Handicap (Class 2, 1m 6f) Align The Stars and Endless Victory were selected on these pages at Royal Ascot. The former did not get much of a run in finishing seventh in the 2m 4f Ascot Stakes, and the latter could not get up after getting behind in the 1m 6f Copper Horse stakes. Both those runners still have some upside, but CHAMPAGNE PRINCE shaped better than them at the Berkshire course. He finished only just ahead of Endless Victory in the Copper Horse, but did a lot more early running, also drawn wide but racing forwardly in a race where the runners meet a sharp turn soon after the start. Jane Chapple-Hyam's charge travelled as well as any. He did not see it out, but had been off for four months – and this son of Lope De Vega should be able to conserve more energy this time. The four-year-old colt is rated 10lb lower on turf than on the all-weather and looks capable of making that count. 3.35, Newmarket – Falmouth Stakes (Group 1, 1m) JANUARY travelled best of all in the Group 1 Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot. Her finishing effort was a bit weak – she was only third – but this daughter of Kingman is a big filly who was late starting the season, and that was just her second start of the campaign. This Aidan O'Brien-trained runner can probably improve, and the Coronation form is preferred to that of the Duke of Cambridge Stakes at Royal Ascot, from which the winner, second and fourth-placed runners line up in this contest, headed by Crimson Advocate. Selection: January 1pt win @ 9/4 with Betfred Go to site > Today's UK and Irish racing (Flat unless stated) Newmarket 1.50-5.20 Ascot 2.00-4.55 York 2.10-5.40 Kilbeggan (NH) 4.25-8.00 Cork (NH) 5.12-8.15 Chepstow 5.35-8.40 Chester 5.55-8.55 What does NAP mean? NAP is a word used in betting circles to describe a prediction that a tipster thinks has a particularly strong chance of winning. Many horse racing tipsters pick out a 'NAP of the day', which is their favoured selection from all the races across the different meetings. The term NAP derives from the French card game Napoleon. When players of this game thought they had a particularly strong hand that they would win with, they would shout 'Napoleon'. What is an each-way bet? An each-way bet is a popular type of wager, particularly with horse racing fans. It is essentially two bets, both of which have the same size stake. An each-way bet features one bet on the selection to win and the other bet on the selection to place. So a £10 each-way bet will cost you a total of £20. There will be one £10 bet on the selection to win and another £10 on the selection to place. It's a popular bet because it offers punters the chance of a return, even if the horse in question fails to win. Bookmakers will pay out at a stated percentage of the odds for a place finish, for example one-fifth of the starting price (SP) for finishing in the first three. The more runners there are in a horse race, the more places will be on offer. In races that feature lots of runners, the horses will be available at bigger odds, making an each-way bet a wise choice. If you're looking for casino bonuses, we've ranked UK welcome offers Ron Wood 2025 horse racing profit/loss Star ratings explained ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - confident selection ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - strong fancy ⭐⭐⭐ - fair claims ⭐⭐ - tentative choice ⭐ - minimum confidence
BBC News
10-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Buick reaches 2,000 wins - then eyes another 1,000
William Buick rode his 2,000th British winner and immediately targeted another 1, 36-year-old brought up the landmark with victory on El Cordobes, trained by Charlie Appleby, in the Princess of Wales's Stakes at kicked clear in the final three hurdles to record a two-length win over Wimbledon Hawkeye."It's a great milestone and we're looking for the next thousand now," Buick told BBC Sport."It's a big achievement. It's longevity, hard work, dedication that gets you to those numbers."Probably the most important thing is support from trainers, owners, my family and the horses themselves. Without them, none of those things can happen." 'A golden period for jockeys' Buick, born in Norway but based in Newmarket for Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin team, is the sixth jockey currently riding to reach 2,000 British winners, but none of those have made it to 3, turned professional in 2006 and said he hopes to carry on riding at the top level for another decade."You want to keep going. I'm in and around my prime in my career, at the age of 36, soon to be 37," said Buick, who won the 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas in May with Ruling Court and Desert Flower respectively."Touch wood, I've got many more good years left in the saddle and I want to really make it count."We've had Ryan (Moore) and Frankie (Dettori) and plenty of other names in the waiting room - we are in a golden period of jockeys at the moment."So we need to embrace it, keep going and keep making it special."
