Latest news with #OfGold
The Herald Scotland
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Perfect opportunity for Shoemark Classic redemption
'I'm delighted to have 'King Shoey' on board and he knows her better than anyone, he knows her off by heart,' said Watts. Basher Watts with Shes Perfect at Charlie Fellowes' stables (Basher Watts) 'It's very exciting and she did her last piece of work on Wednesday. Hopefully all the Is are dotted and Ts crossed and she's ready to go. 'Zarigana could be very special and just beat us fair and square again, but a lot didn't go our way last time and I would love to see her get a little bit of cover just off the pace. We're not just going there to take part, we're going to give it a proper go.' Shoemark's performance aboard 2000 Guineas favourite Field Of Gold was subject to wide debate, with the rider subsequently losing his position as number one jockey to John and Thady Gosden after the Clarehaven team announced they would be adopting a 'best available' policy moving forward. However, Watts is hoping Shes Perfect could provide the perfect tonic for the 29-year-old as he gets the chance for Classic redemption in the French capital. Kieran Shoemark aboard Field Of Gold (Mike Egerton/PA) 'Kieran has done so much for us as a syndicate and it is the cherry on top of a special weekend for us to have him on board her – one man's loss is another's gain,' continued Watts, with Shoemark also poised for the leg up on Fellowes' French 2000 Guineas candidate Luther. 'There's so many possible fairytale stories for us on Sunday and Charlie has never won a Group One before, it will be my first-ever Group One runner with just the second horse I've had and Kieran has obviously had a bit of a rough week, so it could be huge for everyone – we're nervous but also very excited.' Watts has developed a strong following on TikTok and Instagram and set up Basher Watts Racing on the back of his social media success and interactions with followers. Zarigana wins the Prix de la Grotte at ParisLongchamp!🇫🇷 The regally-bred filly shows a lovely turn of foot to put the race to bed for @GraffardRacing and Mikael Barzalona! — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) April 13, 2025 Many of his followers have become members of the racing club and they are preparing to take ParisLongchamp by storm. 'It's absolutely unbelievable to be heading over again and there were 22 of us last time but near 60 of us this time and you just get a sense around the yard that this is the pinnacle, this is the big one,' added Watts. 'For me, the trial was the pressure race and we had spoken about having to suck it up if she was beaten 10 lengths or finished last. We were always hopeful she was a group horse but we didn't quite know and she definitely threw her hat in the group mix and now we can hopefully enjoy Sunday.'
BBC News
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Gosden eyes 2000 Guineas win with Field Of Gold
John Gosden will saddle leading contender Field Of Gold as the top trainer looks to finally win the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on 74-year-old, who set up as a trainer nearby in 1989, has won all four of the other British Classics and more than 3,000 races in training alongside son Thady, he hopes his impressive Craven Stakes winner can close the missing gap in his illustrious CV."It has never weighed on my mind. It seems to be glaring to everyone else but not to me," said Gosden senior."It's nice to have a horse who at the moment is favourite, but it doesn't mean that you're going to win it."Field Of Gold heads 11 contenders for the big Appleby's Ruling Court is another leading fancy after a six-length victory in Dubai in March, with the Godolphin handler also fielding Shadow Of Light, winner of both the Middle Park and Dewhurst Stakes last Court is the choice of first jockey William Buick, with Mickael Barzalona taking the ride on Shadow Of also has a third runner in the Saeed bin Suroor-trained Tornado O'Brien, seeking an 11th 2000 Guineas victory, has Dewhurst runner-up Expanded as his sole Harrington's Green Impact and the Joseph O'Brien-trained Scorthy Champ complete the Irish second Wimbledon Hawkeye represents James Owen while fourth-placed Benevento also features, along with Yah Mo Be Eleven runs for owners that are all current or former Brighton and Hove Albion footballers, including James Milner and Danny Welbeck. 2000 Guineas runners and riders Benevento David EganExpanded Ryan MooreField Of Gold Kieran ShoemarkGreen Impact Shane FoleyRuling Court William BuickScorthy Champ Dylan Browne McMonagleSeagulls Eleven Tom MarquandShadow Of Light Mickael BarzalonaTornado Alert Silvestre de SousaWimbledon Hawkeye Harry DaviesYa Mo Be There Jamie Spencer
