Latest news with #Group 1
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Saeed bin Suroor resurgence powers Godolphin to international double
Saeed bin Suroor, one of the world's most decorated horse racing trainers, is enjoying a timely resurgence in recent days, with eye-catching wins in both Germany and the UK signalling a rich vein of form for his Newmarket-based stable. On Sunday, Bin Suroor celebrated Group 1 success in Munich as Tornado Alert stormed to victory in the Grosser Dallmayr-Preis, one of Europe's premier Group 1 races run over 10 furlongs, outclassing older horses on unfamiliar soft ground at Munich‑Riem Racecourse near Munich, Germany. The Too Darn Hot colt, who had already impressed on British turf this season, including a close fourth in the 2,000 Guineas and a runner-up finish at Royal Ascot, looked at home over 10 furlongs despite pre-race concerns about the conditions. Jockey Oisin Murphy gave the Godolphin runner a confident ride, positioning him prominently before making his move two furlongs out. Once in front, Tornado Alert showed his class and stamina, pulling away decisively to win by two and a half lengths. 'Tornado Alert won well and I'm really pleased for him. He's been very consistent this season, always trying hard and showing good form," Saeed said. 'I was a little worried when the rain came and the ground turned soft, but he handled it without any problem today. It's always a good feeling when a young horse keeps improving, and I'm happy for the team and for Godolphin.' Tornado Alert became the fifth Godolphin runner to capture the Grosser Dallmayr-Preis, joining the likes of Kutub, Benbatl, Barney Roy, and Nations Pride on the honour roll. Notably, he is the first three-year-old in the royal blue silks to claim the title. With his adaptability to varying ground conditions now proven, he appears poised for further Group 1 targets over ten furlongs in the months ahead. Then, just two days later, the stable was celebrating again, this time on the opening day of Glorious Goodwood, where Dubai Treasure claimed victory in the EBF Fillies' Handicap under a patient and well-timed ride. The performance further underlined the momentum building behind Bin Suroor's string during this peak summer period. These results mark a welcome return to the winner's enclosure on high-profile stages for Bin Suroor, who has long been a central figure in the Godolphin training ranks. With his base at Newmarket's Godolphin Stable (formerly known as Stanley House Stables) now buzzing, attention will turn to where Tornado Alert lines up next, with more 10-furlong tests likely on the horizon. In a sport where form is everything, Saeed will now be eyeing Europe's late-summer fixtures with growing confidence, buoyed by recent success and the promising form of his stable.
The Australian
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Australian
Jockey Martin Harley keen to resume Cool Archie partnership
A rejuvenated Martin Harley is hoping that gun colt Cool Archie can put him on the map in the same way that mighty mare Winx defined the career of fellow jockey Hugh Bowman. Irish hoop Harley returned to Brisbane on Saturday night after a much-needed holiday back home where he celebrated his epic Group 1 JJ Atkins (1600m) victory on Cool Archie at Eagle Farm last month with family and friends. Of course, Harley doesn't expect the Chris and Corey Munce-trained colt to win a world-record 33 consecutive races like the legendary Winx, but he knows that a quality horse like Cool Archie comes along once in a blue moon. Winx had six different riders during her illustrious career that netted more than $26m in prizemoney before her retirement in April 2019, but she will forever be associated with Bowman and champion Sydney trainer Chris Waller. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Harley's JJ Atkins victory – which broke a 10-year drought since his last Group 1 – was just reward for his hard work, dedication and persistence after overcoming a potentially career-threatening broken neck suffered in a sickening mid-week race fall in 2023. 'The real exciting thing about having a serious injury two years ago to even being not sure if I'd ride again and then for him to do what he did and put me back on the Group 1 map, in a way he certainly has changed my life in different avenues,' Harley said. 'A lot of jockeys can win if they get the right animal but when you stumble across a horse like that, it could be real life-changing moving forward. 'Look at the Winx story regarding Hugh Bowman. And I'm not saying it'll be like that but he could be an Everest horse and (owner) Max Whitby obviously has a slot. 'There could be serious potential going forward so I'll keep my fingers crossed and we'll take it from there. To live the dream like that would be unbelievable.' • Beriman's appeal for concussion protocols to be strengthened Whitby has declared that Cool Archie should be a shoo-in for Australian Two Year Old of the Year honours during a gala ceremony in Brisbane on August 31. 'I would definitely agree and not just because I've been riding him,' Harley said. 'For a horse to go from a maiden to a Group 1 winner in the space of two months - over all different distances and kinds of tracks - he has conquered more than any other two-year-old in Australia this year.' The father-and-son Munce partnership has said that Cool Archie would be spelled for the spring and set for next autumn's $4m Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) at Randwick. It comes after a gruelling winter campaign in which the colt embarked on an incredible five-race winning streak in all conditions. Martin Harley steers Cool Archie home in the Group 1 JJ Atkins at Eagle Farm. Picture: Grant Peters / Trackside Photography • Rutledge's 'omen' win on The Irish written in the stars While Cool Archie is resting, a recharged Harley will be coming down from cloud nine to reset for the 2025-26 racing season in Brisbane which starts on Friday. Looking at the bigger picture, the affable Irishman hopes to travel interstate this spring carnival for a few feature races after proving he can handle the pressure of riding in majors. 'Sydney and Melbourne are tough, there are a lot of good jockeys there, but I'll be putting my hand up for a few rides down south if I can get them,' he said. 'You can get brought back to earth pretty quickly in this game but we showed them we can score at the top level and can get the job done in high-pressure races. 'But I'm definitely not getting too far ahead of myself. I had five Group 1 winners that came pretty quick and then it took another 10 years to crack it for my other one (in the JJ Atkins).' Jockey Martin Harley. Picture: Grant Peters / Trackside Photography • 'This isn't a novelty': Female hoops set up for success In the meantime, Harley can look back at that memorable day on June 14 when his dream of finally winning a Group 1 in Australia became reality. 'I went into the jockeys' room that day and I can honestly tell you, there wasn't one jockey who begrudged me the win,' he said. 'They were that happy for me and that made me even more proud.'
News.com.au
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Rejuvenated Martin Harley hopes gun colt Cool Archie will define his career
A rejuvenated Martin Harley is hoping that gun colt Cool Archie can put him on the map in the same way that mighty mare Winx defined the career of fellow jockey Hugh Bowman. Irish hoop Harley returned to Brisbane on Saturday night after a much-needed holiday back home where he celebrated his epic Group 1 JJ Atkins (1600m) victory on Cool Archie at Eagle Farm last month with family and friends. Of course, Harley doesn't expect the Chris and Corey Munce -trained colt to win a world-record 33 consecutive races like the legendary Winx, but he knows that a quality horse like Cool Archie comes along once in a blue moon. Winx had six different riders during her illustrious career that netted more than $26m in prizemoney before her retirement in April 2019, but she will forever be associated with Bowman and champion Sydney trainer Chris Waller. Harley's JJ Atkins victory – which broke a 10-year drought since his last Group 1 – was just reward for his hard work, dedication and persistence after overcoming a potentially career-threatening broken neck suffered in a sickening mid-week race fall in 2023. 'The real exciting thing about having a serious injury two years ago to even being not sure if I'd ride again and then for him to do what he did and put me back on the Group 1 map, in a way he certainly has changed my life in different avenues,' Harley said. 'A lot of jockeys can win if they get the right animal but when you stumble across a horse like that, it could be real life-changing moving forward. 'Look at the Winx story regarding Hugh Bowman. And I'm not saying it'll be like that but he could be an Everest horse and (owner) Max Whitby obviously has a slot. 'There could be serious potential going forward so I'll keep my fingers crossed and we'll take it from there. To live the dream like that would be unbelievable.' Cool Archie WINS the G1 J.J. Atkins! ðŸ�† @munceracing — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 14, 2025 Whitby has declared that Cool Archie should be a shoo-in for Australian Two Year Old of the Year honours during a gala ceremony in Brisbane on August 31. 'I would definitely agree and not just because I've been riding him,' Harley said. 'For a horse to go from a maiden to a Group 1 winner in the space of two months - over all different distances and kinds of tracks - he has conquered more than any other two-year-old in Australia this year.' The father-and-son Munce partnership has said that Cool Archie would be spelled for the spring and set for next autumn's $4m Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) at Randwick. It comes after a gruelling winter campaign in which the colt embarked on an incredible five-race winning streak in all conditions. • Rutledge's 'omen' win on The Irish written in the stars While Cool Archie is resting, a recharged Harley will be coming down from cloud nine to reset for the 2025-26 racing season in Brisbane which starts on Friday. Looking at the bigger picture, the affable Irishman hopes to travel interstate this spring carnival for a few feature races after proving he can handle the pressure of riding in majors. 'Sydney and Melbourne are tough, there are a lot of good jockeys there, but I'll be putting my hand up for a few rides down south if I can get them,' he said. 'You can get brought back to earth pretty quickly in this game but we showed them we can score at the top level and can get the job done in high-pressure races. 'But I'm definitely not getting too far ahead of myself. I had five Group 1 winners that came pretty quick and then it took another 10 years to crack it for my other one (in the JJ Atkins).' In the meantime, Harley can look back at that memorable day on June 14 when his dream of finally winning a Group 1 in Australia became reality. 'I went into the jockeys' room that day and I can honestly tell you, there wasn't one jockey who begrudged me the win,' he said. 'They were that happy for me and that made me even more proud.'
The Sun
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
I've got a huge 18-1 tip on King George day at Ascot… where we could soon be talking about a new master trainer
ONCE in France it was all about the master trainer Fabre. Now there's Graffard. On Saturday at Ascot Graffard has the chance to do something that Fabre hasn't yet done and land a second Group 1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. 1 This is big. Francis-Henri Graffard, one of the most likeable handlers you could meet, saddles a horse in CALANDAGAN who might just have been much maligned in the mile-and-a-half summer showpiece. For much of his career Calandagan has been ridden as if he's a nutter. Held up miles off the pace. Given loads to do. Because he's been gelded, it's been easy to assume that he's got issues. However, on occasions, Calandagan has managed to win and looked a beast. It was at Royal Ascot last year that the strapping son of Gleneagles came from last - on the home bend - to first to grab the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes. It was quite extraordinary, although not the strongest renewal with the benefit of hindsight. He went on to chase home Anmaat in the Group 1 Qipco Champion Stakes, also at Ascot and again given plenty of ground to make up. This season he was second (well held) in Meydan to Danon Decile and chased home Jan Brueghel when seemingly outbattled in the Coronation Cup at Epsom. Three runner-up spots got some wondering about Calandagan's attitude. But what's important is what happened on June 29 at Saint-Cloud. That day regular partner Mickael Barzalona rode Calandagan like a normal horse, settling in fourth but not that far off the gallop. Ultimately he would go on and hack up in that Group 1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, suggesting he might not be quite the fruitcake some of us might have thought. Fabre has only won the King George once, and that was with the great Hurricane Run in 2006. Graffard, of course, took the big race with Goliath last year. If Calandagan scores he will become the first trainer to land consecutive renewals of the King George with a different horse since Sir Michael Stoute did so via Conduit and Harbinger in 2009/10. This is no one-horse race. But Calandagan only has three rivals and a pacemaker to beat. Taking on the Aga Khan's four-year-old are Jan Brueghel, Rebel's Romance and Kalpana. Aidan O'Brien's Jan Brueghel saw off Calandagan in the Coronation Cup, but as I've said under different tactics here I expect a change in result. That said, Jan Brueghel is crucial and has every chance. Also, he brings with him Continuous, who will set the gallop despite once being a Classic winner in the St Leger. Rebel's Romance is an absolute warrior for Godolphin. He's won nearly £11million in prize money and two Breeders' Cup Turf races along the way. However, he was only third last year and I suspect he will find one or two too good again. He would also like firm ground. Kalpana gets 3lb from her rivals, and she's pretty good for Andrew Balding, landing last season's Group 1 Qipco British Champions Fillies and Mares Stakes at this course. However, she hasn't been good enough this term to defeat Whirl and Los Angeles and she will need more here to score. For many today the big betting race is the International Handicap over 7f. I'll chance OLIVER SHOW for the Billy Loughnane and George Boughey team. A mark of 98 is harsh enough for my hope, but he ran really well in the Lincoln at Doncaster off 95 before never getting involved after a slow start in the Buckingham Palace at Royal Ascot. That 7f will have been short enough in any case for a horse who has raced up to 1m2f. With a normal start and getting back to the Lincoln form he would have an each-way chance. Finally at York all eyes are on the exciting ALMAQAM in the Sky Bet Group 2 York Stakes over an extended 1m2f. I'm all over Ed Walker's stable star here under the excellent Kieran Shoemark. This colt has always been held in high regard and saw off Ombudsman when last seen in the Group 3 Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown. He can go from the front or come off the pace and stays strong. The going is also ideal. Everything is set for a massive run in a decent field. Only slight concern is he does give plenty of weight to the three-year-olds. But he really should win. What a Saturday. Racing fit for a King. 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:
Telegraph
7 days ago
- Sport
- Telegraph
Ascot: King George, Saturday, July 26 – runner guide and tips
Race: King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes When: 4.10pm, Saturday, July 26 Where: Ascot Watch: ITV1 & Sky Sports Racing Class: Group 1 Trip: 1m 4f Horse age: 3yo+ Total prize money: £1.5million 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 Ron Wood's Eclipse verdict CALANDAGAN is an off-the-pace runner who can be a bit tricky, but he gained an overdue first Group 1 success in France on his latest start and he should reverse June's Coronation Cup form with Jan Brueghel. The form danger is Kalpana, but she might not appreciate the drying ground. Check out the Betfred promo code July 2025 Eclipse – Guide to runners and odds 1. Calandagan (4) – 7/4 with Betfred Trainer: Francis Henri Graffard; Jockey: Mickael Barzalona: Group 2 winner over course and distance at Royal Ascot last year. Denied by a cannily ridden Jan Brueghel in the Coronation Cup at Epsom in June, but shaped like the best horse in that race. He's not completely straightforward, but readily won a Group 1 race in France last time out and has strong claims again now. Stable won this last year. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 2. Jan Brueghel (2) – 7/4 with Betfred Trainer: Aidan O'Brien; Jockey: Ryan Moore: Last year's St Leger winner. Had a better position than Calandagan and the ground was on the slow side when defeating the French horse in this season's Coronation Cup at Epsom. Probably won't be quick enough now, on faster going, even with the addition of cheekpieces. ⭐⭐⭐ 3. Kalpana (5) – 9/2 with Betfred Trainer: Andrew Balding; Jockey: Oisin Murphy: Group 1 winner against her own sex here last October, but beaten on both starts this term and the ground may be quicker than she wants. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4. Rebel's Romance (1) – 9/2 with Betfred Trainer: Charlie Appleby; Jockey: William Buick: Terrific old horse, a seven-time winner at the top level. Didn't have the race unfold to suit when third in this last year and most recently won the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes over course and distance at Royal Ascot, but doesn't look up to this now. ⭐⭐⭐ 5. Continuous (3) – 100/1 with Betfred Trainer: Aidan O'Brien; Jockey: Wayne Lordan: Won the 2023 St Leger, but tends to be used as a pacemaker these days and he'll just be setting this up for others. ⭐ Odds courtesy of Betfred and correct at time of writing. 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 When is the next big racing festival? The week-long Galway Festival kicks off in Ireland on Monday (July 28), followed a day later by Glorious Goodwood. Check out the latest Glorious Goodwood free bets and betting offers. The latter is a five-day fixture and is set to feature the Kingman colt Field Of Gold, possibly the best horse in the world, in the Sussex Stakes on July 30, one of three Group 1 contests at the meeting. Ron Wood 2025 horse racing profit/loss If you're looking for online casino bonuses, check out the UK's best online casino sites Star ratings explained ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - confident selection ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - strong fancy ⭐⭐⭐ - fair claims ⭐⭐ - tentative choice ⭐ - minimum confidence
