Latest news with #CoolmoreStud
New Paper
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New Paper
A driving finish to Deauville G1
DEAUVILLE Sponsored for the first time by the famous Aga Khan Studs, the 2025 renewal of the €1 million (S$1.5 million) Group 1 Prix Jacques Le Marois (1,600m) at Deauville on Aug 17 went right down to the wire, with Diego Velazquez hanging on by a nose to beat the fast-closing Notable Speech. Trained by Irish maestro Aidan O'Brien, the Frankel five-year-old - who had scored four Group wins previously, including his last-start win in the Group 2 Minstrel Stakes (1,400m) at Curragh on July 20 - has reached the pinnacle of his racing career with that first Group 1 victory in France's international feature race. Ridden by Christophe Soumillon, the Irish-bred broke from gate 10 and landed in front in the middle of the 1,600m straight. Japanese raider Go To First (Mirai Iwata) was behind him, while eight other runners were bunched up near the rails. The two gradually closed the gap with the rest on the rails approaching the 1,000m mark, with Soumillon settling Diego Velazquez in third on the outside. His stablemate The Lion In Winter (Ryan Moore) led on the rails, and the Roger Teal-trained Dancing Gemini (Rossa Ryan) sat in second on his outside. After The Lion In Winter faded away at the 300m, it was Diego Velazquez and Dancing Gemini who were locked in a fierce battle up front. With less than 100m to go, Diego Velazquez ($58) looked to have done enough. He finally got the better of Dancing Gemini in a thrilling duel that lasted more than 200m, but they had not reckoned with the extraordinary late burst of the English colt Notable Speech (William Buick). Prepared by Charlie Appleby, the Dubawi four-year-old was unlucky when he was trapped behind weakening rivals in the crucial stages, but he flew home like a rocket along the rails, only to be denied by a nose from the brave Diego Velazquez. Dancing Gemini did his best to hang on for third, another ¾ length away. It was O'Brien's second success in the Prix Jacques Le Marois, after he first won it with Excelebration - who was also ridden by Soumillon - in 2012. He also paid tribute to Diego Velazquez's well-known owner, Sam Sangster of Sam Sangster Bloodstock, after the win. The son of influential British owner and breeder Robert Sangster - one of the three founders of Coolmore Stud - Sangster Jr moved to Australia in 2007 to gain first-hand experience in different areas of the racing industry. He returned to the UK in 2010, and branched into racing syndication a year later before Sam Sangster Bloodstock was established in 2015. "This is a breeding operation that produces very good two and three-year-olds. And of course, he's (Diego Velazquez) a superb model, a willing horse," said O'Brien. "His last run was very good and he really came to himself last week. The Minstrel Stakes have often proved to be an excellent stepping stone - it's a sharp 1,400 metres, and you need to be sharp. "But he's very courageous, yes. And if you think about Ballydoyle's history, and the history of these colours with horses like The Minstrel, who could have imagined that we would have a horse running in Mr Sangster's silks? "It's just incredible, and I'm so delighted for Sam - truly thrilled." Soumillon, who was in his fourth Jacques Le Marois win following his successes aboard Whipper (2004), Makfi (2010) and Excelebration (2012), was taken aback when Notable Speech came swooping late, but was glad Diego Velazquez held on. "I was quite surprised to see William finish so strongly in the end and I nearly got beat," said the top jockey. "When I spoke to (Diego Velazquez's regular partner) Ryan Moore in the jockeys' room, he gave me quite a lot of confidence about him. "I was happy with the draw as he was able to do his own things. He doesn't absolutely need a cover. "I was going really easy until the last 600m and, when he came onto the bridle, he was really cruising. I waited for the right timing to let him go and he responded so well." FRANCE GALOP
Time Business News
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Time Business News
Exploring the Popularity of Turf Racing
Horse racing has been a beloved sport for centuries, celebrated for its speed, elegance, and competitive spirit. Among the various types of horse racing surfaces dirt, synthetic, and turf racing stands out as one of the most prestigious and globally admired forms. Raced on natural grass, horse turf racing has become a fan favorite and an essential part of the international horse racing scene. But what exactly makes turf racing so popular? In this article, we dive into the rise in popularity of turf racing, what sets it apart, and why it continues to captivate audiences and participants around the world. Turf racing refers to horse racing conducted on grass tracks, unlike dirt or synthetic surfaces. Turf courses are known for their natural feel, picturesque aesthetics, and smooth footing for horses. These tracks can vary in length, shape, and incline, often adding a layer of tactical depth to each race. Popular in regions like Europe, Asia, Australia, and parts of North America, turf races host some of the most celebrated events in the sport's history. Turf racing is deeply rooted in the traditions of countries like the United Kingdom, France, and Ireland, where the sport evolved centuries ago. Iconic races such as the Epsom Derby, Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, and Royal Ascot are run on grass, giving turf racing a high level of historical prestige. In regions where turf is the dominant racing surface, it's associated with elite competition, royal attendance, and classy presentation factors that elevate its image globally. There's no denying that turf tracks are visually stunning. The green backdrop, manicured landscapes, and natural setting provide a more appealing experience for spectators, both on site and watching many fans, turf racing offers a more traditional and sophisticated atmosphere compared to the gritty action of dirt tracks. From an animal welfare perspective, turf is generally considered a kinder surface for racehorses. The grass and softer ground help reduce the impact on a horse's legs and joints, lowering the risk of injury. While not without its own risks (especially on rain-soaked or yielding turf), this perceived safety contributes to turf's growing preference among trainers and owners. Turf racing is often less about raw speed and more about tactics, positioning, and timing. Horses need to navigate turns, varying track widths, and field congestion. This complexity creates races that are exciting to watch and rewarding to bet on. Jockeys must use strategic racecraft to win saving ground, judging pace, and timing the final run perfectly. This makes turf racing highly engaging for serious fans and punters. Many of the world's top breeding operations, such as Coolmore Stud, Godolphin, and Shadai Farm, focus heavily on turf bloodlines. As a result, the Thoroughbreds bred specifically for turf racing are often considered the crème de la crème of the sport. In addition, major trainers and owners from Europe, Japan, and Australia concentrate their efforts on turf racing, which further enhances its profile internationally. Turf racing is a cornerstone of horse racing in the UK, France, and Ireland. Nearly all flat races in these countries are run on grass, and the calendar includes world-renowned festivals like Royal Ascot, The Derby, and Arc Weekend. Japan has one of the most lucrative and competitive turf racing scenes in the world. Races like the Japan Cup attract global superstars. In Hong Kong, turf racing at Sha Tin and Happy Valley draws large pools and elite horses. Australian racing is also turf-dominated. Events such as the Melbourne Cup and Cox Plate are run on grass, offering rich prizes and a passionate fanbase. While traditionally a dirt racing country, the U.S. turf racing scene has grown significantly. Tracks like Belmont Park, Keeneland, and Santa Anita Park now host major turf races, including Breeders' Cup Turf events that draw international competition. Turf races often feature larger and more competitive fields, especially in Europe and Asia. For bettors, this means: More value in odds Greater potential for upsets Increased interest in form analysis and track conditions The influence of turf conditions, like firmness or softness, adds another layer of complexity, making turf racing a favorite for experienced punters seeking strategic depth. Turf racing has earned its place as one of the most exciting and prestigious forms of horse racing. With its rich history, strategic challenges, aesthetic beauty, and global popularity, it's no surprise that turf racing continues to captivate fans, breeders, and bettors alike. As the sport evolves, turf racing remains at the heart of some of the world's greatest racing moments and its future looks greener than ever. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
The Journal
21-06-2025
- Business
- The Journal
John Magnier advisor denies being 'kept in the loop' about Tipperary land owners' tax affairs
A SENIOR ADVISOR to bloodstock billionaire John Magnier has denied that he was 'kept in the loop' regarding the tax affairs of the owners of a large tract of land in Tipperary that his boss wanted to buy. Eddie Irwin, the financial advisor at the Coolmore Stud, which Magnier founded, rejected a description of him by counsel for Barne Estate, Martin Hayden SC, as Magnier's 'fixer' and 'right-hand man'. He said Coolmore did not use 'catchphrases or fancy titles' but agreed with counsel that he would be called to work on projects if things went 'wrong'. Irwin, who has 40 years' experience working with Magnier, was called in to aid in securing the Barne Estate deal, which the Magniers believed they had shaken hands on in August 2023 for €15m. However, the Magnier side was ultimately gazumped by Irish-born, US-based construction magnate Maurice Regan, who offered €22.25m. The case centres on Magnier's claim that Regan engaged in a 'full-frontal assault' on the claimed deal to buy the 751-acre tract and that Barne Estate reneged on the deal. The Estate has been held for the benefit of Richard Thomson-Moore and others by a Jersey trust. At the High Court yesterday, Irwin said he met with the benefactor in September 2023 and contacted tax experts from KPMG after the family requested advice. A KPMG tax expert met with the Thomson-Moore family later in the month as a 'favour' to Coolmore, who were large clients of KPMG. Irwin did not attend that meeting, but allegedly sent a WhatsApp message to Magnier claiming that the Thomson-Moores were considering whether to retain the tax expert from KPMG, who was named in court. Advertisement He added that the expert had informed the Thomson-Moore family of what approach he recommended. He denied making an 'off-the-record' remark that the expert would keep him 'in the loop' in return for introducing him to the family. Irwin said that the wording of a WhatsApp message to Magnier, telling him 'off the record' about the family's intention to retain the man, was 'unfortunate' and that what he meant was for Magnier not to share the information. Irwin told counsel that the named expert was an 'innocent, decent and honourable' man, who was being 'defamed' in the court as someone who would keep him 'in the loop' on private tax matters. He said that he did have 'grave' concerns over the tax issue raised by the Thomson-Moore family at the time as it was just before the end of an exclusivity agreement and may not have been a genuine one. Irwin said he sought legal advice following the expiration of the agreement, on 23 September 2023, after he claimed that Regan had contacted Magnier's son-in-law 'angry and abusive' over the handshake deal and said he would outbid the pact by €5m. In early October 2023, with the exclusivity agreement now expired, the local estate agent involved in the sale told the Magniers that the Barne Estate had been subject to a €20m bid. The Magnier side then upped their bid to €16m with a separate, additional offering of €500,000 to establish a trust for a member of the Thomson-Moore family. Irwin said he was told by the auctioneer that the Thomson-Moore's were happy to accept the offer. But the Barne Estate solicitors never sent the contracts and the deal was never done. The Magnier side has sued the Barne Estate, Thomson-Moore and three companies of IQEQ (Jersey) Ltd group, seeking to enforce the purported deal, which they say had been 'unequivocally' agreed. The Barne defendants say there was never any such agreement, as they needed the consent of trustees to finalise any agreement, and subsequently they preferred to sell the estate to Regan, who is not a party to the case. The case continues before Mr Justice Max Barrett next month. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Times
13-06-2025
- Business
- Times
Coolmore Stud dragged into multimillion-dollar ‘doping' row
Coolmore Stud is seeking to extricate itself from a multimillion-dollar legal dispute in New York over a horse that was disqualified from a race in Saratoga, allegedly costing its billionaire owner a fortune in stud fees. Mike Repole claims his horse, Forte, was wrongly disqualified over accusations of doping. The co-founder of Glaceau and BodyArmour, who sold both drinks companies to Coca-Cola for nearly $10 billion combined, is a keen racing fan who invests heavily in the sport. The billionaire argues that Forte broke no rules and also contends in legal papers that the New York State Gaming Commission wrongly allowed the owners of the second-placed horse to act as 'intervenors' during a regulatory hearing over the race. Forte was the subject of a hearing after the race over 'a minor presence of meloxicam [a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug] in blood and urine samples'. The thoroughbred was disqualified from the race and had its winner's purse withheld and distributed to the second-placed horse.
The Guardian
06-06-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Winner takes it all: Pride of Arras channels spirit of 70s for the Derby
Lord Derby and Sir Charles Bunbury, who flipped a coin in 1779 to decide whose name would be attached to a new race at Epsom, would still recognise the Derby's switchback route around the Surrey downs if they could somehow be spirited along for the latest renewal of the Classic on Saturday. While so much else has changed at Epsom since Bunbury's colt, Diomed, was the first winner nearly a quarter of a millennium ago, they would see a kindred spirit in Vimy Aykroyd, the owner of Pride Of Arras, one of the favourites to be the 246th. Enthusiastic owner-breeders, mating the best with the best and then hoping for the best, were the bedrock of thoroughbred racing from its earliest days. For the first 200 years of Classics at Epsom, the typical winners were three-year-olds that had been bred and raced by owners with a lifelong passion for both sides of the game. Breeding a Derby winner was as much of an achievement, if not more so, than having it race in your colours. The old way of doing things was swept aside by new money and sovereign wealth from the end of the 1970s as owners such as Sheikh Mohammed of Dubai and his three brothers compiled huge strings of horses and other major players were forced to compete. The small-scale owner-breeder, driven by the dream of striking it lucky at Epsom in early June, was suddenly an endangered species and as the big-money operations – Godolphin and Ireland's Coolmore Stud in particular – dominated the Derby, it even seemed possible that they might be extinct. As a result, there is a distinct sense of a 70s revival about the sudden emergence of Pride Of Arras as a leading contender. He raced once as a two-year-old, winning a minor race at Sandown in mid-August, and was an 18-1 outsider – and a 66-1 chance for the Derby – when he cantered to post for the Dante Stakes at York last month. One brisk dispatch of a useful field later he was down to 5-1 for Epsom. Aykroyd, who bred Pride Of Arras with her husband, David, has four broodmares at her base in Yorkshire, including Parnell's Dream, a mare who was also born and raised there and raced in her colours. She produced Pride Of Arras, her fourth foal, in 2022 after a mating with New Bay. While the first three were all winners, her latest ticket in the genetic lottery of thoroughbred breeding is a potential jackpot. Pride Of Arras's two-and-a-half minute run for glory is the result of many years of planning, patience and enthusiastic optimism. 'We bought his grand-dam, Kitty O'Shea, privately from Coolmore, and she had several foals and we kept Parnell's Dream,' Aykroyd says. 'She's bred quite a few winners already but nothing of his calibre and we're just incredibly lucky to have bred a horse with enormous potential.' Kitty O'Shea, a daughter of the great stallion Sadler's Wells, was sourced for the Aykroyds by the bloodstock agent Patrick Cooper, David Aykroyd's nephew, who has already been involved with an Epsom Classic winner in Snow Fairy, who took the Oaks in 2010. 'It's down to a lot of patience and a lot of luck,' Cooper says. 'When the Aykroyds wanted to set up a small breeding operation, it was with the intention of breeding mile-and-a-half horses and to try to win the Oaks was the plan, but of course, we'd settle for the Derby. We bought two mares privately and neither was a great success, but the daughter of one of them has become a great success, so it's been 15 years in the making.' Ralph Beckett was an obvious choice to train Pride Of Arras, as the Aykroyds have had horses in the yard since he set up as a trainer nearly a quarter of a century ago. 'I was brought up with Ralph's father as a child, so I've known the family for years and when he started, I decided to have a horse with him. It's gone on ever since,' she says. 'I'm very lucky to have a very good trainer and I'm a bit what will be, will be [about Saturday's race]. I've been in racing since I was born so I've seen all the ups and downs and I'm just very excited about it all.' Epsom 1.00 Sirona 1.35 Docklands 2.10 Ruby's Profit 2.45 Tees Spirit (nap) 3.30 Pride Of Arras (nb) 4.15 Small Fry 5.00 Meblesh 5.40 Circe Musselburgh 1.20 Blackcurrent 1.55 Code Purple 2.30 Alaskan Light 3.10 Jabaara 3.50 Regalian 4.25 Luna A Inbhir Nis 4.55 Top Gun Tina Worcester 1.50 Greenrock Abbey 2.25 Somespring Special 3.05 Leading Force 3.45 Son Of Tyran 4.20 Romany Brown 4.50 Madajovy 5.25 I'm A Starman 5.55 Dollymount Chepstow 5.30 Level Up 6.00 Wateen 6.30 High On Hope 7.00 Ultramarine 7.30 Marisitta 8.00 Eye Of The Water 8.30 You Are Everything 9.00 Doncaster 4.00 Raft Up 4.35 Papa Don't Preach 5.10 Court Of Stars 5.45 Equity Law 6.15 Way Of Stars 6.45 Remmooz 7.15 Superposition 7.50 La Cadalora Hexham 4.05 Present Fair 4.40 Carnet De Stage 5.15 Sean Og 5.50 Mancero 6.20 The Navigator 6.50 Kilmore Rock Lingfield 5.34 Motabaah 6.07 Spirit Of Albion 6.37 Salamanca City 7.07 Momaer 7.40 Fulford Cross 8.10 Amathus 8.40 Queen Of Good News There is an Abba tribute band on the schedule for Epsom's popular music nights later in the year and the back-to-the-70s theme could be a winner on Saturday as well although Aykroyd will not get carried away. 'I don't think ahead [from the Derby],' she says. One step at a time, you can get carried away by thinking ahead and then you get disappointed. I can't see the point of that.' The Derby looks as open as any running this century, with three horses vying for favouritism on Friday afternoon. The strong possibility of rain on Saturday adds a further layer of uncertainty as 19 lightly raced colts – the biggest field for 22 years – prepare for their one and only chance to win the sport's most famous Classic. It is a race with obvious potential for an upset, all the more so if significant rain gets into the ground, when even an 80-1 shot such as Lazy Griff, the Chester Vase runner-up, might suddenly become an each-way proposition. It is a contest where at least two of the three market leaders have significant questions to answer. On the face of it, Delacroix, the Leopardstown trial winner, has plenty to recommend him. He quickened well in his trial, is the chosen ride of Ryan Moore, Aidan O'Brien's stable jockey, from three possibles. Unlike Ruling Court, the 2,000 Guineas winner, it is fair to expect him to get the trip, even if it may not bring much improvement in a colt who is seven races into his career. On the minus side, his last race had little depth, the runner-up has been steered around Epsom and Moore seemed unsure about his ride until late in the day. The view at Ballydoyle seemed to be that The Lion In Winter was their prime contender until his defeat behind Pride Of Arras in the Dante at York, which suggests in turn that the Dante may have been the strongest of the trials. If so, then Damysus, the runner-up, and Nightwalker, who ran on well into fifth from some way off the pace, deserve to enter the conversation, but there is no compelling reason why either colt – with three and five starts respectively – should improve past the twice-raced winner. Pride Of Arras has more scope for progress than any of the beaten horses at York. He is the son of a strong-staying mare with few concerns about stamina and is expected to handle the conditions if the going turns soft. His stable companion, Stanhope Gardens, and the unbeaten French challenger Midak could be significant threats, but at around 9-2, Pride Of Arras (3.30) can emerge from the pack as the 246th winner of the Derby. Epsom 1.00: David Menuisier's Sirona had decent form on an easy surface last autumn and Ryan Moore, who was aboard for her sole win in 2024 in a Listed race at Newmarket, is back in her saddle. Epsom 1.35: The versatile Docklands has not added a win to his record since the Britannia Handicap at Royal Ascot two years ago, but he has been impressively consistent much better company. Sardinian Warrior, who beat him by half a length at Ascot last time, was a length away from a Group One win next time and Harry Eustace's five-year-old faces nothing of that standard here. Epsom 2.10: The high numbers are generally favoured on the straight course when there is ease in the ground and the front-running Ruby's Profit, who made all to win well at Goodwood last time, has a perfect pitch in stall 19. Epsom 2.45: Tees Spirit landed this speed test three years ago, goes on any ground and has a fine draw in stall 16 as he bids for a repeat.
