Latest news with #Grade1
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Alessandroni: Congrats Was More Than Just A 'Useful' Sire
Alessandroni: Congrats Was More Than Just A 'Useful' Sire originally appeared on Paulick Report. I was sad to hear of the passing of Congrats. He was a reliable and honest racehorse and, in my opinion, an influential sire who was too often overlooked. On the track, Congrats won seven of his 26 starts, giving him a 26 percent win rate - higher than the industry average. In this industry, though, wins rarely tell the whole story. Throughout his career, Congrats had an ITM% ("In The Money" meaning finishing first-third) of nearly 60 percent (57.7 to be exact), which is way above the average. His earnings per start were just under $40,000 and over a lengthy career that resulted in nearly $1 million in total all this, he never got his coveted Grade 1 win (though he was second in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Handicap). What he did do, however, was show up every race, many at the highest level of the world's stage, and perform. In over half of those races, he brought home a hefty paycheck. That is an extraordinary career for a racehorse. The kind that keeps the lights on, if you a sire, though, he was often called "useful," a term that has become industry code for "good not great," as if it denotes some sort of failure. He wasn't flashy. He didn't get you a sale topper. What he did do is produce the same higher-than-average results as a sire as he did on the track. As a sire, Congrats produced 1,552 runners of which 1,293 started and 932 found the winner's circle - 60 percent runners-to-winners. In that group were also 4 G1 winners. As a broodmare sire, his daughters are carrying on that same tradition - the most notable being globetrotting Japanese superstar Forever Young. Forever Young is a two-time G1 winner and earner of over $15 million, including a third place finish in the 2024 Kentucky Derby. He is also the damsire of Kentucky Oaks winner, Shedaresthedevil, an earner of over $2 million with multiple G1 victories to her name. Horses like Congrats are the cornerstone of not only our industry, but of the modern Thoroughbred breed. Congrats progeny are also highly sought after in the sporthorse world due to their reliability and consistency. Congrats, and in turn, his descendants deserve to be labeled as far more influential than simply "useful".In short, consistency equals results, and results, especially above-average ones, should always be given the respect they deserve. "Useful," while an accurate term, could be better replaced by consistent, reliable, productive, or, better yet, far too often, our industry focuses on the flashy "man of the hour" stallion. With both breeders and end user buyers (someone buying to race), far too often, that approach leads to a disappointing return on investment due to the high stud fee or purchase price driven by this commercial obsession with what is posh at the can be skewed, but numbers don't and racehorses like Congrats are the backbone of our industry and, as such, deserve our respect in the breeding shed and sale ring. So, if you're heading to one of the quickly approaching yearling sales this year or getting a head start on your 2026 matings, consider the successful career of Congrats and double-check your numbers - you may find horses on your short list that you never expected. This story was originally reported by Paulick Report on Jul 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
‘He's so slick' – Willie Mullins' potential next superstar slashed to joint-fav for Cheltenham after ‘impressive' debut
The trainer has already identified his top target CROCKETT ROCKET 'He's so slick' – Willie Mullins' potential next superstar slashed to joint-fav for Cheltenham after 'impressive' debut Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A POTENTIAL Willie Mullins superstar the trainer has dubbed 'so slick' has been slashed for Cheltenham after just one run. The brilliantly-bred Davy Crockett was an easy winner on his hurdles debut at Galway on Monday. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up Bred in the purple, Davy Crockett (Camelot x Annie Power) strikes at short odds in the @Galway_Races Festival opener for for Willie Mullins, Mark Walsh and JP McManus 🥇 — Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 28, 2025 1 Owner JP McManus, left, and trainer Willie Mullins, right, with Mark Walsh after Davy Crockett won well on his hurdles debut at Galway Credit: Sportsfile Sent off just 1-2 under jockey Mark Walsh, Davy Crockett, who is by Guineas and Derby winner Camelot and out of Mullins' awesome Annie Power, won by two-and-a-half lengths. He extended well when out in the clear but still left plenty of room for improvement in the jumping department. Mullins liked what he saw though - and so did bookies, as they cut him to 14-1 joint-fav from as big as 33s for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle. Davy Crockett, who is owned by JP McManus and Susan Magnier and a half-brother to dual Grade 1 winner Mystical Power, heads the market for the Festival opener next March with Mullins' Champion Bumper winner Bambino Fever. While he could revert to the Flat, Mullins confirmed his more immediate future lies over hurdles. And he set out an early target his team will work back from - possibly with a view to rocking up at Cheltenham next March. The Closutton boss told Racing TV: "For a horse only having his second run on a track, he was very good. "He was so slick with his jumping apart from at the second last. "Those novices are so fast, he was going faster than the others and he just missed it. "But he was perfect at the last and he looks a real nice prospect with his pedigree. "I want to plan a path to the (Grade 2) Royal Bond in November. "He's not the biggest horse - not a chasing type - but he looks a real hurdler. "He's more a Flat/hurdle type horse and maybe we could go back on the Flat with him. "But the way he jumped there I'd say he'll make a fine hurdler. "A lot of horses in his position would have thrown in the towel after the sticky jump but he didn't." Gold Cup-winning jockey Walsh was just as complimentary. He said: "He was a bit novicey. We were trapping down to the second last and Davy Crockett got a bit unsighted and just galloped into it. "I loved the way he picked up after that and winged the last. Plenty of improvement likely. "He had been keen in his bumper but settled grand until he got a bit lit up in second half of the race. "He'll learn in time, he's not a big horse but there's an engine in there." 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.
IOL News
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Dean Kannemeyer's master plan steered The Real Prince to stunning Durban July victory
The Real Prince, ridden by Craig Zackey, was crowned king at Hollywoodbets Durban July in Greyville on Saturday. Photo: Leon Lestrade Independent Media Image: Leon Lestrade Independent Media In a thrilling display befitting his majestic name, The Real Prince captured the crown at the 129th running of the Hollywoodbets Durban July on Saturday at Greyville. The 18/1 shot delivered a performance that will be remembered for years to come and propelled master trainer Dean Kannemeyer to his fourth victory in South Africa's premier horse race. In front of an electric crowd at Greyville, the son of Gimmethegreenlight edged out race favourite Eight On Eighteen in a heart-stopping finish. After the race, Kannemeyer reflected on the strategy with a flicker of pride. 'You must come in at the right time with the right weight and the right draw — and we nailed it. This was always the plan.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ With a precisely executed strategy, The Real Prince surged ahead when it mattered most, overcoming a late charge from Eight On Eighteen to clinch the title. The finish left the crowd on the edge of their seats. The runner-up, trained by Justin Snaith, showcased fierce determination despite the narrow loss. A three-time Grade 1 winner, Eight On Eighteen had hoped to become the first three-year-old to win both the WSB Cape Met and the Durban July in the same season. Only five horses have achieved this prestigious double: Kommetdieding (2022), Igugu (2012), Pocket Power (2009), London News (1997), and Politician (1979). Winning jockey Craig Zackey was beaming as he reflected on his maiden Durban July triumph. 'It's incredible,' he exclaimed, giving credit to The Real Prince's class. 'I think if he had one run in between, he would have won a bit more comfortably, but there were no races that suited him, and we couldn't afford the penalty.' There had been concerns that The Real Prince might be under-raced for Saturday's showpiece, but strategic preparation proved key. 'Where were we going to place him? "The first time we tried him over a mile, he won by six lengths. Great run in the Drill Hall,' Kannemeyer added. 'If we ran him in the Gold Challenge and he came fourth, the handicapper is going to be looking for you. You must come in at the right time with the right weight — and we got the right draw.' The Real Prince propels trainer Dean Kannemeyer to his 4th @HWBDurbanJuly victory. The Real Prince proudly represented his lineage, outperforming Eight On Eighteen & honouring his family. An impeccable ride by jockey Craig Zackey. Congratulations to Khaya Stables. — Dean Kannemeyer Racing (@RaceKannemeyer) July 5, 2025
New Paper
05-07-2025
- Sport
- New Paper
July 6 South Africa (Turffontein) form analysis
Race 1 (1,400m) (3) EIGHT HATS did not go unnoticed in a Grade 1 over 1,200m last time, staying on well after early interference to be beaten a little over five lengths. On the evidence of that performance, she could have more to offer stretching out to this distance. (9) OPEN SESAME would have come on from her debut third in a 2YO fillies race over 1,160m at Turffontein, and should have a strong say in this. (1) ALTA CAPITANA was outrun late by (7) PRINCESS KEIRA over course and distance last time but should turn the tables on 2kg better terms. The latter is a Reserve Runner in a 2yo Grade 2 on HWB Durban July day. Race 2 (1,400m) This extended distance will likely favour (4) SHADOWFAX who is good value to confirm his superiority over (2) JAN VAN GOYEN whom he beat late by three parts of a length over 1,160m at Turffontein last time even if the latter is weighted to avenge that defeat on 3kg better terms. (1) BLIZZARD QUEST justified market support when stepped up in trip on his reappearance as a gelding at Greyville over 1,600m, and should have more to offer, even with the step back in trip. Mike and Adam Azzie's maiden (7) RADIO STAR, second in both starts over this course and distance, is not taken lightly in receipt of 3kg. Gavin Lerena sticking with him is a solid pointer. Race 3 (1,600m) (4) RADICCHIO had excuses for finishing behind that rival last time and deserves a reward for his consistency. (2) FIRE 'N FLAMES was outclassed in a KZN Grade 1 last month but will be more competitive at this level under these conditions. (6) SILENT WAR has a bit to find at the weights but is dangerous to discount under 50kg. (3) GIMMEANOTHERCHANCE has found form recently and another three-point drop in the ratings should stand him in good stead. Race 4 (1,000m) Promising 2yo (4) CONSTELLATION was not winning out of turn last time when fitted with a tongue-tie. With further headway, he could be leniently treated, so it could pay to follow his progress. Older rivals (2) IT'S PERSONAL and (3) HEMISPHERE are closely matched. Both have form and experience to test the youngster. Returning (1) SEA WOLF completes the shortlist. Race 5 (1,100m) (1) CHASING HAPPINESS and (8) WHISTLE THE TUNE acquitted themselves very well in a 1,200m Grade 1 five weeks ago. The latter finished a close-up fourth and 1.10 lengths ahead of her familiar foe who is 2.5kg better off. Both will play leading roles if reproducing those performances. Consistent (7) QUANTUM THEORY deserves to get his head in front after three consecutive runner-up finishes, while course-and-distance winner (6) DREAMLAND also has legitimate each-way credentials. Race 6 (1,800m) (2) WAR REPORTER sparked signs of improvement last time when finishing fourth having dropped slightly in the ratings. So another forward showing is expected off a slightly reduced mark. (6) ROSY LEMON should not be written off, especially over a distance she enjoys. She has been a real model of consistency. (3) FUTUREWOLFF and (5) FLAG BEARER are also consistent and versatile hard-knockers with the form and experience over this trip to trouble the selection. Race 7 (1,800m) (1) FIRE ATTACK ran second in a course-and-distance Grade 1 before beating older rivals en route to Grade 1 glory in March. Grade 3 Sea Cottage Stakes is up his alley. (3) CHOISAANADA is bidding to complete the Highveld's 3yo Winter Series clean sweep. On the evidence of his first and second leg victories over HWB Durban July runners Immediate Edge and Confederate, he could be better suited to this extended distance. (4) KAMENSKY is a mile specialist who has always held his own in this type of company. There is no reason why he cannot handle the rise in distance by another 200m. (6) PUMPKIN PIE is another progressive sort who is not without a say in this.
Irish Daily Mirror
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Oisin Murphy to ride in €636,000 race day after court appearance
Oisin Murphy is booked to ride in the Belmont Derby Invitational Stakes on Friday - and is set to jet off to America shortly after appearing in court. The Kerry jockey is to appear at Reading Magistrates' Court on Thursday on charges of drink driving and failing to take a roadside test after a car crash in April. Murphy was charged by postal requisition on June 19 with one count of driving a motor vehicle while over the prescribed limit of alcohol and one count of failing to co-operate with a preliminary test at the roadside by Thames Valley Police. The charge is in connection with a single vehicle road traffic collision at about 12.05am on April 27 when a grey Mercedes A Class left the road and crashed into a tree in Hermitage, West Berkshire, the force said. Murphy has been booked to partner New Century for owners Qatar Racing, who the British champion jockey is retained rider for, in the Grade 1 at Saratoga on Friday. The $750,000 (€636,000) contest is run over 1m1f and has a post time of 10.45pm Irish time. Murphy rode New Century in all seven of his starts when he was trained in the UK by Andrew Balding. He also steered the three-year-old to Grade 1 success in Canada last September when winning the Summer Stakes at Woodbine. New Century has since moved to American trainer Brendan Walsh and finished third on stable debut under Irad Ortiz Jr in the Grade 1 American Turf Stakes back in May. Murphy has ridden more winners than any other jockey in the UK this year and leads the jockeys championship with 55 victories. He rode five winners at Royal Ascot last month. The British Horseracing Authority said in a statement after the announcement of the charges: "The BHA is aware of an update issued by Thames Valley Police this afternoon regarding Mr Oisin Murphy. "We are now seeking to gather as much information as possible in order to consider what, if any, implications there are as a result of this development." Murphy has four rides at Thirsk on Wednesday, but isn't in the saddle on Thursday, the day he is due in court. He will return to England from the States for six rides at Sandown on Saturday, including Almaqam in the Group 1 Coral-Eclipse.
