Latest news with #Juddmonte
Irish Examiner
4 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Townend set to keep up strike rate
Limerick and Fairyhouse previews Champion-jockey Paul Townend might strike on his only ride in Limerick, the Willie Mullins-trained Keep Up, in the RAYN Safety & Security Mares Maiden Hurdle. This daughter of Storm The Stares has raced only twice, but impressed when turning over odds-on favourite and subsequent winner Jerry From Kerry on her debut at Roscommon last August, forging clear in the closing stages to triumph by five and a half lengths. That performance earned Keep Up a crack at the listed 'Mucklemeg' at Gowran Park in October, always a competitive end-of-summer contest. And, although she failed to make an impression, she fared better than better-fancied stable-companion Carmeletta Vega in filling fifth spot behind Aruntothequeen and Mozzies Sister (a subsequent hurdle winer and placed in Grade 1 company). The strength of that form is reflected in the fact that Keep Up, twenty-three lengths clear of the sixth, finished just three-quarters of a length behind Paddy Twomey's Seo Linn, who has progressed to win a listed mares event in Cheltenham and. Grade 2 in Aintree. Sure to be well-schooled for her hurdling bow, Keep Up should prove too strong for the consistent, Gordon Elliott-trained Emily Love. Later, Kiln Time, in the familiar Bowe colours, should be noted in the Franke Dunworth Handicap Hurdle. A winner, off 81, at Naas three runs back, he has since finished third to Wyoming Baby in Cork and, last time, filled fourth spot in a handicap chase won by Riggs in Wexford. Back over hurdles here, with Cian Quirke again in the plate, Kiln Tim should reward each-way support. We also have flat action in Fairyhouse where the Ger Lyons-trained Juddmonte filly Sapphire Princess will be expected to open her account, at the third attempt, in the End Of School Year Maiden. This Kingman filly was made odds on for her debut in a seven-furlong Cork maiden but failed to cope with Dermot Weld's Bella Isabella. Dropped back in trip, she sought compensation on the same track three weeks ago but came up short, finishing third, beaten six lengths, behind City Of Memphis and Bonus Time. At the weekend, Bonus Tiem landed a six-furlong Curragh maiden while City Of Memphis, supplemented to the race, finished a creditable fifth to Laske Victoria in the Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas. On that basis, Sapphire Princess should take plenty of beating here, with Sun Soldier the most likely threat.
Daily Mail
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Field of Gold claims Irish 2,000 Guineas crown to atone for British blow - after John and Thady Gosden's prospect faltered at Newmarket
Compensation came thundering down the outside in a flash of grey brilliance. Field Of Gold was born to win a 2,000 Guineas and while this was not the one connections craved in Newmarket, it was still wildly rejoiced. Field Of Gold went down as one of the unluckiest losers of Newmarket's Guineas in the modern era, running out of ground as he relentlessly tried to peg back eventual winner Ruling Court. The failure to deliver ultimately cost Kieran Shoemark his job with John and Thady Gosden. The Gosdens are now using 'the best jockey available' for big races; seven days earlier they had turned to Oisin Murphy for the successful spin on Lead Artist in the Boylesports Lockinge Stakes and this time they charged Colin Keane to execute the plan for them in the first Irish Classic of the year. Keane, one of the best in the business, was never going to disappoint on a Curragh course he knows so well and there was never a second when you did not think Field Of Gold was going to trample all over his rivals. His price — evens — was a gift. This colt stands out because he is big and imposing but he has a change of gear like his father, Kingman, who also agonisingly missed out at Newmarket in 2014 before gaining atonement at the Curragh. This particular apple has not fallen far from the tree. Owned by Juddmonte, the leading bloodstock organisation, Field Of Gold led home another Juddmonte runner, Cosmic Year, but in reality, this was a one-horse race. His level of superiority was there for all to see, as connections felt it should have been at Newmarket three weeks earlier. 'I was sorry to get beaten in the British Guineas when he finished so well,' said Gosden. 'But to come on a plane and see something different, he'll have learned a lot, and they grow in mentality and in stature. 'Colin rode him beautifully. I was concerned he might over-race with no cover on the outside, but I told Colin if he relaxes on the way to the start, he should relax on the way back. When he quickened he went, and it took two or three strides and he was off.' It would be fascinating to see what would happen if Field Of Gold and Ruling Court meet again. The latter's rider, William Buick, watched on with interest from Haydock, where he rode a 401-1 four-timer, the highlight being Mgheera in the Temple Stakes.
Powys County Times
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Powys County Times
Keane backing White Birch for Tattersalls Gold Cup defence
Colin Keane will be gunning for a second Curragh Group One success of the weekend in the Tattersalls Gold Cup, when his old ally White Birch defends the trophy they claimed so impressively together 12 months ago. On that occasion, John Joseph Murphy's popular grey ran out an emphatic victor over Auguste Rodin and another Aidan O'Brien-trained Classic winner in Los Angeles is rated his biggest rival this time. White Birch was having his first outing since that triumph when edged out by last year's Irish Derby hero here in the Mooresbridge Stakes recently and their quick rematch promises to be just as thrilling. Keane, who enjoyed an easy success in the Irish 2,000 Guineas on Field Of Gold, told Tattersalls: 'White Birch had a very good first run back having been off the track for nearly a year and you'd like to think he would have improved from the run by all accounts. 'He has come out of the race very happy, and everyone is looking forward to having him out again. 'He loves the Curragh and although it's one of the strongest renewals of the race, he's coming there in good nick and any rain that falls will help him. 'I'm looking forward to getting back on him.' Leading the British hopes is Andrew Balding's Kalpana, winner of the Group One Fillies & Mares Stakes on Champions Day at Ascot on her final start last term and the current ante-post favourite for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. She was an intended runner in the Middleton Stakes at York for her return to action, but an unsatisfactory scope put paid to that plan and she has been rerouted to the Curragh instead having shaken off that ailment. 'She's all good, York was obviously Plan A and this is Plan B,' said Barry Mahon, European racing manager to owner and breeder Juddmonte. 'It's probably as deep a Tattersalls Gold Cup as I can remember, it's a very, very strong renewal with multiple top-class horses in there. 'We're hopeful of a good run, it's her first run back this year and it's over 10 furlongs, which is probably short enough for her. 'I think we'll learn a bit more about her and it'll set her up nicely for a nice campaign as a four-year-old.' Owen Burrows' Anmaat is another British-trained challenger and he too makes his seasonal debut having signed off last term with a Group One success in the Champion Stakes on the same Ascot card. Angus Gold, racing manager to owners Shadwell, said: 'It will be great to see him in action again, they've done a great job with him at home. 'He's an elder statesman now and he did very well for himself over the winter and they've done very well to get that off him. 'To be fair to the horse, he's such a star, he loves his job and he still seems as enthusiastic as ever. 'He's bound to need the run, but equally he's as well as he can be at home. He's as fit as he can be without a run. 'We've had a bit of rain in Ireland, good ground would be perfect for him and hopefully he'll go there with a very good chance. 'It looks a red-hot race and I think that's a consequence of the ground being so fast everywhere else.' Clive Cox runs Ghostwriter and Karl Burke has entered Prix Ganay third Royal Rhyme to complete the British contingent.
Irish Times
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
Colin Keane makes no mistake as Field Of Gold trounces Irish 2000 Guineas rivals at the Curragh
Field Of Gold secured impressive classic consolation at the Curragh on Saturday when landing the Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas. An unlucky runner up under an overconfident ride in the Newmarket Guineas earlier this month, Field Of Gold won Ireland's first classic of 2025 under replacement jockey Colin Keane. The evens favourite beat another Juddmonte owned horse Cosmic Year by almost four lengths with Hotazhell first of the home team in third. It was a second win in the race for Keane who also carried the Juddmonte colours to success on Siskin five years ago. READ MORE Ireland's champion jockey was drafted in to replace Kieran Shoemark who was axed as No. 1 rider to trainers John & Thady Gosden after Field Of Joy's Newmarket defeat. Shoemark was on duty in Goodwood on Saturday, forced to endure watching his former mount sweep to a hugely impressive classic victory that only served to underline how unfortunate he'd been when beaten a neck by Ruling Court at Newmarket. Keane revealed afterwards he had spoken to his English colleague about the colt, describing Shoemark as 'an absolute gentleman' in his advice on the colt. He added: 'When he went through the line like that, that was as good of a feeling as I've got off a horse for a long time; just so straightforward and powerful to sit on. 'Kieran said he used to be keen and fresh last year. He has done a marvellous job getting him to relax to be fair now. I've just stepped in for today.' It was a generous sentiment but the ruthless reality at the elite level is that second chances are rare. Shoemark knows better than most how Field Of Gold is likely to be always 'a what might have been' horse for him. Colin Keane on Field of Gold after winning The Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho The Englishman admitted to being over-confident at Newmarket. Saturday's €500,000 classic underlined once again Keane's capacity to not make errors when it matters most. Drawn on the outside of the nine runners, Keane's major task turned out to be settling Field Of Gold. With a third Juddmonte runner, Windlord, helping to cut out a moderate pace, the favourite ranged up outside the two pole and when asked to quicken the race was quickly over. On top of Westover's 2022 Derby success, it was a third Curragh classic in Juddmonte's colours for Keane who has established his credentials as the operation's 'go to' replacement rider. Prince Saud bin Khalid, son of Juddmonte's legendary founder Khalid Abdualla who died in 2021, was at the Curragh to watch his classic one-two. He can look forward to possibly more Group One glory on Sunday with Swelter (1000 Guineas) and Kalpana (Tattersalls Gold Cup). It could hardly have been a more opportune moment to shine then for Keane, the six-time Irish champion jockey, who at 30 could be on the verge on the sort of international impact seen in the past through Michael Kinane and Johnny Murtagh. The capacity to cut out excuses is priceless in the pressurised environment of Group One competition and Keane's ability to at least make it appear to keep it simple continues to get advertised. John Gosden, who trained Field Of Gold's sire Kingman to avenge an unlucky Newmarket defeat in the Curragh Guineas in 2014, nominated Royal Ascot's St James's Palace as a likely next target for his latest classic hero, and probably with the Irishman on board. Prince Saud bin Khalid Abdullah, owner of Field of Gold, in the parade ring after winning The Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA 'It's not my decision but I wouldn't see any reason to change it, I'll talk to Barry [Mahon] who manages with Juddmonte and take it from there,' he said. 'The owner is keen to go up to 10-furlongs but I said hang on, maybe one more race at a mile.' Having also finished runner up with Jonquil in the French 2000 Guineas, success at the Curragh was important for all concerned with Juddmone, including Gosden whose decision to dispense with Shoemark generated plenty of reaction. 'It's a sense of relief more than anything. Like his father it didn't go quite right at Newmarket, but it went right today. 'He's quickened up well and shown a lot of class. The second horse is a very good horse, the third horse is a Group One winner, so I think the form is incredibly solid. 'Drawn on the wing is often tricky, you can be a little keen, so I very much wanted him to just switch off. Colin said cantering down he was relaxed and there were no instructions, I just said ride him as you find him,' he commented. 'I was sorry we got beaten in the English Guineas, but he finished so well. To get on a plane and come here and see something different, they are young horses only three, so he would have learned a lot from this. They grow in stature and in mentality. 'It's probably a very good thing he came here and Colin rode him beautifully. He seemed very fresh saddling and then we couldn't find a shammy so we were late to the parade ring. 'In truth I was concerned he might over-race with no cover on the outside but I told Colin if he relaxes going down he should relax coming back. He rode him just right. I told him 'you have no instructions, ride it as you find it'. 'He rode him beautifully, he's the best horse and he quickened up well and a very good horse was second to him and Hotazhell was third. When he quickened, he went. He takes two or three strides and he's off,' Gosden added. Ryan Moore on Skukuza wins The QuinnBet Emerald Mile Handicap. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho It was the highlight of a lucrative classic day for cross-channel raiders. Forced to settle for second in trying to ride a first Irish classic winner, Oisin Murphy picked up Group Two consolation in the Weatherbys Greenalands Stakes on board James's Delight. The 22/1 shot beat another British outsider, Lethal Levi by a short head. Ryan Moore landed the opener on an impressive Ballydoyle newcomer Brussels and also struck in the €100,000 mile handicap on Ed Dunlop's Skukuza. It was a first success at HQ in some time for the trainer who saddled an Irish Oaks treble through Lailani (2001), Ouija Board (2004) and the Moore ridden Snow Fairy in 2010. There was a home victory in Sunday's other black-type contest, the Listed Al Basti Orby Stakes, when the 5/4 favourite Trustyhourinstinct thrived on rain-softened conditions to score by four lengths. 'He always turns up and runs his race. He was behind Los Angeles here the last day, it was a very credible run, and dropping down into Listed class today he's won impressively. 'He's well enough handicapped over hurdles but he doesn't really jump with great fluency. He'll probably stick to the Flat. 'He's a very solid Listed/Group 3 horse and he pays his way every year. We've ran him internationally a few times as well and we might look at that again at a later date,' said his trainer Joseph O'Brien.
Irish Examiner
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Classic redemption beckons for Field Of Gold in the Irish 2,000 Guineas
Field Of Gold can earn compensation for his near miss at Newmarket by taking the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas, the first Irish Classic of the season, on Saturday afternoon at the Curragh. John and Thady Gosden's colt won two of his four outing as a juvenile and was most impressive in the Craven on his return to action. On the back of that, he was sent off favourite for the Newmarket 2000 Guineas but his late charge for glory came up just shy of Ruling Court. He took a little time to find full stride on that occasion but finished off to great effect and there is every chance this track will help bring out the best in him. He probably isn't a mile ahead of the opposition, but his Newmarket effort sets the standard, and he can emulate his sire, Kingman, who won this in 2014. Scorthy Champ and Expanded were disappointing at Newmarket and there wasn't enough in their efforts to suggest they could improve enough to win this just three weeks later. Hotazhell was a Group 1 winner at two and is interesting on his return to action, while the unbeaten Cosmic Year may carry his head high, but he is a smart sort, worthy of respect. Windlord is one of the outsiders, and third choice of three in the Juddmonte colours, but he can outrun his odds. He isn't entirely straightforward, which he showed when hanging left in the straight at the end of the Classic Trial at Sandown, but he has plenty of ability and if allowed to race prominently and not in a pacemaker role, he could cause an upset. The nap on the card goes to Himalayan Heights in the Tulfarris Hotel And Golf Resort Handicap. Always a smart sort, he looked much improved when winning on his return, after being gelded, and there is every reason to expect further improvement despite him having to run off a career-high mark of 93. In the Group 2 Weatherbys Ireland Greenlands Stakes, Storm Boy is an obvious starting point, but the Australian import is hard to assess. The market will speak volumes with regard to his claims but regardless of which way he trends, Iberian makes plenty of each-way appeal. Unlucky last time, on his first run after wind surgery, the make-up of the race should suit, and he has leading claims. Sunday is Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas day and Aidan O'Brien can claim an 11th win in the race courtesy of Lake Victoria. During her juvenile season, she won three Group 1s, but her trainer admitted from an early stage of this season that it would be a struggle to get her to the Newmarket Guineas. In the end, she managed to turn up there but looked like a filly who badly needed the outing. Beaten just two and a half lengths into sixth place behind Desert Flower, she ran a superb race, and with much improvement expected, she will be hard to beat. Flight, who finished runner-up in Newmarket, seems not to have been given the credit she deserves. She raced in a small group on the near side of the track, away from the group which contained five of the first six home, and ran a huge race to be beaten just a length by Desert Flower. She has the scope to improve further and should not be dismissed lightly. The Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup is a superb race on paper, and it may pay to side with the only filly in the race, Kalpana. The Andrew Balding-trained Juddmonte filly developed rapidly last season, and it culminated in that classy success in the Champion Stakes at Ascot. She is dropping back in trip just a touch but has always shown plenty of pace, so that shouldn't be an inconvenience. There is every reason to expect further progress from the four-year-old and she can prove too sharp for Los Angeles and White Birch.
