Latest news with #RoyalLodge
The Irish Sun
02-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Unbeaten horse ‘who never stops improving' sparks huge Derby shake-up with shock £75,000 entry in Epsom race
AN unbeaten superstar who 'never stops improving' has sparked a huge Derby shake-up - after being supplemented at a cost £75,000. The Francis-Henri Graffard-trained Midak, who is owned by the family of the late Aga Khan, is one of 20 still in the £1.5million race. Advertisement 1 Aidan O'Brien's Delacroix is the Derby fav - but is proving easy to back as one of 20 confirmed for the £1.5million Epsom race Credit: PA Three from three in his career and seemingly destined for greatness, the Footstepsinthesand colt was one of two added to the race on Monday. Juddmonte stumped up the massive figure to add the Henri-Francois Devin-trained New Ground as well. Aidan O'Brien confirmed 9-4 favourite Delacroix, Lambourn and Ruling Court, Charlie Appleby's 2000 Guineas winner, stood his ground too. Advertisement He's been the one for money in recent days with Delacroix a slight drifter having previously been hammered in. Dante winner Pride Of Arras for Ralph Beckett was among those confirmed as well. Seven horses in all were withdrawn, including James Owen's Royal Lodge winner Wimbledon Hawkeye and O'Brien's Shackleton. Betfred spokesperson Matt Hulmes said: "We have added unbeaten Prix Greffulhe winner Midak into our betting at 14-1 while Juddmonte's New Ground is available at 16-1. Advertisement Most read in Horse Racing "It is only fitting that the famous green and red silks of the late His Highness Aga Khan are carried in the Betfred Derby in a year we remember him. "The addition of these two French contenders is fantastic news for the race. "It affirms the Betfred Derby as the leading test of a thoroughbred, enhances the race and provides another consideration for punters to a fascinating renewal". While Coral's David Stevens added: "At this stage it looks as if Ryan Moore will be on board Delacroix in Saturday's Derby. Advertisement "And if that is the case his mount looks certain to start favourite, although Ruling Court has closed the gap at the head of our betting as the Godolphin colt seeks his second Classic win." Latest 9-4 Delacroix 4-1 Pride of Arras, Ruling Court 6-1 The Lion In Winter 10-1 Damysus 12-1 Lambourn 14-1 Midak 16-1 Stanhope Gardens 20-1 Nightwalker, New Ground 33-1 Tornado Alert 50-1 Tennessee Stud 66-1 Puppet Master. Sea Scout, Tuscan Hills, Lazy Griff 100-1 Al Wasl Storm. Green Storm, Nightime Dancer 200-1 Rogue Impact 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: Advertisement Read more on the Irish Sun 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.
South Wales Guardian
27-05-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Guardian
Ghostwriter to step up in search for success
Clive Cox's four-year-old has been something of a nearly horse since winning the Royal Lodge at two, running well in the Guineas, French Derby, Eclipse and the International at York without getting his head in front. This year began with another solid effort in Dubai, but after clipping heels just beyond halfway in Ireland he never looked like winning and Cox thinks now is the time to go further with him. 'He was on the back foot a little after clipping heels but that said I think the pace was so strong, it was a very fast time,' said Cox. 'I'm looking forwards to stepping him up in trip. I think after seeing that performance and seeing how he has matured mentally, that is the next step now. 'He's performed well enough without managing to get his head in front once again, but hopefully stepping up in trip will allow him to show a little bit more progress. 'I'm not quite sure where we'll do that, we'll see how he comes out of the race first. 'It wasn't ideal clipping heels as Rossa (Ryan) reported, but I'm not looking for any excuses. It was a strong race and it was another good performance, just not quite good enough on the day. 'Stepping up in trip, with maturity, is something we've talked about before and I think now is the time to take that step.'
Powys County Times
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Powys County Times
Ghostwriter to step up in search for success
Ghostwriter is to step up in trip after finishing sixth in the red-hot renewal of the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh. Clive Cox's four-year-old has been something of a nearly horse since winning the Royal Lodge at two, running well in the Guineas, French Derby, Eclipse and the International at York without getting his head in front. This year began with another solid effort in Dubai, but after clipping heels just beyond halfway in Ireland he never looked like winning and Cox thinks now is the time to go further with him. 'He was on the back foot a little after clipping heels but that said I think the pace was so strong, it was a very fast time,' said Cox. 'I'm looking forwards to stepping him up in trip. I think after seeing that performance and seeing how he has matured mentally, that is the next step now. 'He's performed well enough without managing to get his head in front once again, but hopefully stepping up in trip will allow him to show a little bit more progress. 'I'm not quite sure where we'll do that, we'll see how he comes out of the race first. 'It wasn't ideal clipping heels as Rossa (Ryan) reported, but I'm not looking for any excuses. It was a strong race and it was another good performance, just not quite good enough on the day. 'Stepping up in trip, with maturity, is something we've talked about before and I think now is the time to take that step.'
Leader Live
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
Ghostwriter to step up in search for success
Clive Cox's four-year-old has been something of a nearly horse since winning the Royal Lodge at two, running well in the Guineas, French Derby, Eclipse and the International at York without getting his head in front. This year began with another solid effort in Dubai, but after clipping heels just beyond halfway in Ireland he never looked like winning and Cox thinks now is the time to go further with him. 'He was on the back foot a little after clipping heels but that said I think the pace was so strong, it was a very fast time,' said Cox. 'I'm looking forwards to stepping him up in trip. I think after seeing that performance and seeing how he has matured mentally, that is the next step now. 'He's performed well enough without managing to get his head in front once again, but hopefully stepping up in trip will allow him to show a little bit more progress. 'I'm not quite sure where we'll do that, we'll see how he comes out of the race first. 'It wasn't ideal clipping heels as Rossa (Ryan) reported, but I'm not looking for any excuses. It was a strong race and it was another good performance, just not quite good enough on the day. 'Stepping up in trip, with maturity, is something we've talked about before and I think now is the time to take that step.'
Rhyl Journal
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
Ghostwriter to step up in search for success
Clive Cox's four-year-old has been something of a nearly horse since winning the Royal Lodge at two, running well in the Guineas, French Derby, Eclipse and the International at York without getting his head in front. This year began with another solid effort in Dubai, but after clipping heels just beyond halfway in Ireland he never looked like winning and Cox thinks now is the time to go further with him. 'He was on the back foot a little after clipping heels but that said I think the pace was so strong, it was a very fast time,' said Cox. 'I'm looking forwards to stepping him up in trip. I think after seeing that performance and seeing how he has matured mentally, that is the next step now. 'He's performed well enough without managing to get his head in front once again, but hopefully stepping up in trip will allow him to show a little bit more progress. 'I'm not quite sure where we'll do that, we'll see how he comes out of the race first. 'It wasn't ideal clipping heels as Rossa (Ryan) reported, but I'm not looking for any excuses. It was a strong race and it was another good performance, just not quite good enough on the day. 'Stepping up in trip, with maturity, is something we've talked about before and I think now is the time to take that step.'
