INTERNATIONAL TEAM DEFENDS JOCKEY CHALLENGE TITLE

Scenes from the 2012 International Jockeys’ Challenge
(Photos : International Jockeys’ Challenge)

AVIS COACH CHARTER
INTERNATIONAL JOCKEYS’ CHALLENGE
Turffontein Friday 16 November 2012
Clairwood Sunday 18 November 2012

Jack Milner
Racing ExpressCaptain of the international team Richard Hughes made it clear on Friday night they were in South Africa to retain the Avis Coach Charter International Jockeys Challenge title they had captured last year.

“We didn’t just come for a jolly up. We came to win. We feel as jockeys we don’t want to come here just to take the money. We would rather take part and win it,” said Hughes.

Hughes was true to his word. The team comprising Jimmy Fortune, Seamus Heffernan, Joao Moreira, Paul Mulrennan, Tom Queally and Hughes, came away with the honours. They accumulated 336 points while the South Africans, comprising Anton Marcus (captain), Anthony Delpech, Gavin Lerena, Jeff Lloyd, Piere Strydom and Muzi Yeni, finished with 288 points.

Popular Brazilian jockey “Magic” Moreira, who races mainly in Singapore, won the Victor Ludorum with 84 points with Lerena finishing second with 69 points, followed by Hughes (67), Fortune (61) and Marcus (59).

The South Africans started off well enough on Friday when Anton Marcus won the opening leg aboard Desert Sheik but the Internationals struck back when Hughes brought home Tally Blue in the second race of the evening.

At that stage the international team led the locals by 10 points but the rain came down at Turffontein and ended racing for the evening.

It was the international team that began best when Moreira won Race 4 at Clairwood on Sunday aboard Guantanamera, narrowly holding off Fortune on Mike’s Choice with Marcus third on Captain’s Secret.

But the South Africans struck back with intent in Race 5 when Lerena brought home Silver Age ahead of Orbit War and Jeff Lloyd, with Mulrennan third on Occhi Di Lupo.

In Race 7 the international team once again showed their resolve when Posh Boy under Fortune took the lead at the top of the straight to hold off Royal Galaxy (Mulrennan) with Kalmia (Strydom) in third.

Going into the final race of the competition the South Africans trailed by 39 points and there was everything to play for.

Kindle with Delpech up was all the rage to win this but he was so far back that he would have needed to attach a guided missile to get him to the front by the finishing line. Strydom, aboard Gida, slipped through on the inside rail with Maluti on his outside. But it was Heffernan who stayed on better aboard Maluti to beat Gida, with Moreira on Solera third. Kindle flashed up to claim fourth, beaten just two lengths.

On the day Lerena scored the same number of points as Moreira so they shared top honours at the meeting.

The final word goes to SA captain Anton Marcus. “The Avis logo is ‘We try harder’, so we will have to try harder next year and win it back.”

www.internationaljockeyschallenge.co.za

Extract from Racing Express

FRANKEL : AN IMMACULATE ENDING

Click above to watch Frankel winning the QIPCO Champion Stakes (G1)
(Photo : news.com.au)

QIPCO CHAMPION STAKES (G1)
Ascot, Turf, 2012m
20 October 2012

He faced real adversity for the first time in his glory-strewn career yesterday, but Khalid Abdullah’s greatest gift to racing, Frankel (GB) (Galileo) duly overcame unfavorable testing ground and a blown start to sign off victorious in the G1 QIPCO Champion Stakes at Ascot.

Long targeted at the £1.3-million race that could almost have been revamped with him in mind, the sell-out audience and millions glued to TV sets and the internet around the world were made to wait until late morning for him to be confirmed a definite runner after persistent rain in the week had turned the Berkshire turf to heavy in places. Memories of his blitz on Newmarket’s slick surface in last year’s 2000 Guineas led the mind to wonder if he could cope with a slog in these conditions, and the usual flood of cash was stemmed slightly to produce a starting price of 2-11.

As the clouds broke over Ascot in the build-up to this finale, the tension rose in parallel, and a final bout of showers on Thursday into Friday created a crucible in which his champion status would be challenged most acutely. Months of nurture and expert horsemanship saw him enter the buzzy parade ring with nonchalance, and that casual air saw him surrender a normally crucial margin of three lengths out of the stalls. Ian Mongan on Bullet Train (GB) (Sadler’s Wells) dropped anchor in front to allow Tom Queally to ease into the pack, which forced Olivier Peslier on Cirrus des Aigles, to take up the running after 1 1/2 furlongs, with Frankel coasting along in fourth. Bullet Train came back to pester the French raider and was in front again on the approach to the home turn, but by now his customary honest pace-setting role had been shot to pieces, and as Cirrus des Aigles took control with Peslier apparently full of horse at the top of the stretch, Frankel was still over two lengths down.

That deficit had been wiped out with the minimum of effort by the furlong marker, where Queally became animated for the first time, and after administering one slap with the whip with just over 100 yards left to race, immortality was sealed.

His rider, who has played no small part in the success story, was full of admiration afterwards. “I’m so proud of him and it’s been an amazing journey,” Queally commented. “I can’t tell you what it’s meant to be part of it. He’s just getting more and more relaxed as time goes on, and waited until the gates were open. He was slowly away at York, and he was slower today, but I’ve so much belief in the horse and in the past I’ve pushed that to the limit. We lost a length, but a length is nothing to him. He traveled through, and I suppose it’s fair to say that he’s better on better ground, but the turbo, 4x4, everything kicked in. It was pointless getting him on his head before I had to. We were in no rush today, the way the ground was. I was happy all the way and his class really showed today, as I walked the track and I was a little worried about the conditions. Having walked it in the home straight, I knew it wasn’t too heavy for him to quicken up and go about his business. You want every angle covered and everything in your favour, so in that respect there was always a little worry, but he was in great heart today, and he looked a lot better than he did 12 months ago on this day.”

On being Frankel’s jockey, he added, “There is pressure and there’s pressure in all walks of life, but I gladly take that on board. I could stay here all night and tell you what it means to me. The people at Warren Place are one huge family that have pulled together. I don’t get nervous because I’m close to it and I have control, but I can imagine what other people were feeling.” He concluded, “It’s only been a few years, but it’s been a long road and everybody that’s worked with him can take a bow.”

Juddmonte’s Racing Manager Lord Grimthorpe commented, “He’s wonderful - the greatest, isn’t he? He didn’t enjoy that ground as much as he normally does, but he got into a rhythm and was happy. He wasn’t pulling and had a straightforward, trouble-free passage. He had it under control in the straight, but that’s him. He’s brought a whole new generation of people to the sport, and he’s brought wider public recognition to the sport. He was something to savor, the ultimate equine athlete, and I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Khalid Abdullah announced Frankel’s immediate retirement, “That is the end,” he stated simply. It was left to Sir Henry Cecil to pay the ultimate tribute. “He is the best I’ve ever had and the best I’ve ever seen,” he said. “I’d be surprised if there has ever been better.”

Extract from Thoroughbred Daily News

FRANKEL... FRANKLY SUPERIOR.

Sir Henry Cecil and Frankel
(Photo : Daily Mail)

JUDDMONTE INTERNATIONAL STAKES (Gr1)
York, Turf, 2090m
22 August 2012

St Nicholas Abbey is a good horse, his three Group One victories are testimony to that. And that puts Frankel’s annihilation of yesterday’s Juddmonte International (Gr.1) field into perspective. We said it would be a tactical race, and the only thing that remained to be tested of Frankel’s spectacular powers, was his stamina. Team Coolmore brought along two others besides “St Nic” to subject the champion’s stamina to its most severe test to date, and that was evident when Robin Hood stormed to the front, spotting Frankel’s own half brother and pacemaker Bullet Train, a few lengths in the process. Meanwhile, trailing near the back of the field, Frankel tracked Joseph O’Brien aboard St Nicholas Abbey, whose connections obviously felt that a couple of lengths start turning for home up York’s punishing straight, would be a useful advantage.

There are those that would argue that St Nicholas Abbey has never quite lived up to his Coolmore billing, and that this was evident in the fact that he was unable to put away the Godolphin colour bearer, Farhh, but that doesn’t get away from the fact that St Nic is a multiple Group One winner, and he’s earned that status at the expense of some cracking horses. Yes, he’s no Camelot, and this race might’ve been two furlongs shorter than this optimum, but that’s not the point. Throughout the race, Frankel’s jockey Tom Queally was playing the predator. Everyone knew what he was going to do to St Nicholas Abbey. St Nic is pretty, Frankel is a killer. Ears pricked, Frankel broke his adversary’s heart in the straight. Quickly, clinically.

The real point is that in an instant, Frankel had paralysed a Group One field in a matter of strides, and if ever anyone harboured any doubts about his stamina, they were put away over the next two furlongs, as the greatest horse we’ve seen in our lifetimes, strode to an imperious seven length victory, ridden with no greater urging from his rider than his hands and heels and the odd tap down the neck. That he was easing down at the end with three Group One winners in his wake, was the most emphatic and convincing evidence that he is the greatest ever, and it might be another lifetime or two before his equal comes along, if ever. For the record, in compiling a perfect thirteen-for-thirteen, Frankel has put a phenomenal 76 lengths between himself and those that have chased him home, an average winning distance of six lengths per outing.

Frankel’s victory was a triumph of several things. Firstly, it gives hope to those who believe the world will get better. It also fuels the fire of those who like to see order. If racing were first of all an industry, it would be more rational. The corporate world likes good order and forecasts that come true; it thrives on yields and cost effectiveness. Racing is not rational and is seldom cost effective, but Frankel reminded us yesterday, that very occasionally a rare athlete can bring order, vindication and pots of money to those who invest in it. Even the business report on Sky News seemed impressed.

Secondly, it was a triumph of a man over adversity. Frankel’s trainer, Sir Henry Cecil and his twin brother David, are widely believed to be the illegitimate sons of what racing calls the “first” Aga Khan. Cecil was, in his “first” life as a trainer, an extraordinary talent who married the daughter of another equestrian genius, Sir Noel Murless. He had as his patrons the rich and the famous, the landed and the titled. Simultaneously almost, his marriage collapsed, his patrons deserted and he dissolved into an alcoholic haze. Suddenly, he went from champion trainer to “also-ran”. That he stood where he did in York’s Winner’s Circle yesterday, is a tribute to the man, and especially to the adage that where there’s hope, there’s a chance. Racing is a game which is never short of hope, and if there’s one thing its fans enjoy more than a fairytale ending, it’s a great comeback.

Just as flawed people are most times more interesting than saints, so that the outrageous Randolph Churchill always seemed a richer character than his canonised father, so the turf and its people fascinate, quirky and fickle, high-browed and low-browed, it combines the romantic and the tawdry, the glory of a Frankel with the sadness of the passing of a Big City Life.

And finally, this was a timely reminder that, unlike other businesses, no matter your resources, racing is a game which has room for us all. Admittedly Frankel’s owner is man of considerable means, but he is his own man, a competitor, a perfectionist, and a bloody good breeder. Despite the presence in the field of the properties of the leviathans of the game, Frankel has stood his ground manfully. Nay, not manfully; masterfully, and in the process, he has conferred on his owner immortality.

Inevitably, the question is asked about his value, and what his opening stud fee will be when he finally retires. Despite the recession, notwithstanding the gloom-and-doom the Northern Hemisphere wakes to every day, here is something to cheer the hearts of anyone with an appreciation of greatness: he will go to stud the most valuable racehorse the world has known. Of course, it’s highly unlikely he will ever be sold; he is the property of a very rich man, and while that same man was tempted to dispose of the bulk of his interests in Danehill, we doubt he will repeat that mistake twice. For what it’s worth, we would think he would command a fee for openers very close to that of his own illustrious father, Galileo, who stands at €300,000, no questions asked. On that basis, he must be worth somewhere between €250 and €300 million. He has the pedigree, he has the godly good looks, and there’s never been his equal on a racecourse. It would take at least that to tempt Prince Khalid Abdullah into even entertain anything of the sort.

FRANKEL DEFENDS QIPCO SUSSEX STAKES CROWN

Click above to watch an insert on Frankel’s win in the QIPCO Sussex Stakes (G1)
(Photo : Bettor - Footage : HorseRaceEquidia)

QIPCO SUSSEX STAKES (Group 1)
Goodwood, Turf, 1609m
1 August 2012

Before yesterday’s G1 Qipco Sussex Stakes at Goodwood, the only meaningful betting was on the winning distance of Frankel (GB) (Galileo), as his Black Caviar-like starting price of 1-20 was prohibitive to say the least. That said, the bookmakers had no option than to deter the punters, and the inevitable duly occurred with Tom Queally having matters wrapped up once the Juddmonte juggernaut had been allowed to stride past his invaluable 3/4-brother Bullet Train (GB) (Sadler’s Wells) approaching the quarter pole. From there, it was like a piece of exercise on the Newmarket gallops as he glided to a six-length defeat of Farhh (GB) (Pivotal) to make it a dozen outings unbeaten and become the first to win this race twice.

Now with an average winning distance of five lengths in all the Group 1 events he has contested, Frankel has also equaled the record set by Rock of Gibraltar (Ire) (Danehill) of seven consecutive successes at the top level in Europe. In doing so, he set himself up perfectly for his first attempt at further than a mile in the G1 Juddmonte International over an extended 10-furlong trip at York in three weeks’ time. Unfortunately, both Khalid Abdullah and Sir Henry Cecil were absent due to health reasons, but Frankel gave them no cause for concern as he extended his stable’s record of wins in this to seven since 1975.

“Every moment spent on his back is a special one and today was no different,” the humble and talented Tom Queally said after guiding his 18th winner at this level for Sir Henry Cecil. “He’s amazing and he had all the other horses cooked a little after halfway. You don’t have to ask him to do an awful lot, and again he put distance between them without doing anything major from my point of view. It was a nice prep for his next race, and he’s a class apart from anything else at the moment. He does it all very easily and therefore I have a very easy job - all I have to do is steer. He’s turning Group 1 races into processions. The crowd really appreciate him, and it’s important that they do.”

Speaking on behalf of the Juddmonte operation and Warren Place was Teddy Grimthorpe, and he was struggling to summarise afterwards. “Frankel is something else - we are lucky to have him and racing is tremendously fortunate,” he said. “He really is just a remarkable equine. Henry and everyone at Warren Place have done a fantastic job, and it’s been a great effort just to get him absolutely spot on. I think it’s hugely exciting that he’s going to step up in trip now. It’s a new challenge for him and it’s what everybody wants to see him do. I think he’s ready to do it, as he’s much more mature, both mentally and physically. He always works wonderfully and keeps putting it in, so it almost becomes the norm, but we have to enjoy it, as these incredible, exceptional horses are what we come into racing for. Henry has that tremendous feel for horses and Tom has built up a great affinity for the horse now. Earlier on in his career, it was probably Frankel that was telling him what he wanted to do, but now it’s a very good combination.”

Despite the ease of his 12th success, Frankel is set to stay on his current world ranking of 140 pounds, according to the British Horseracing Authority’s Mile Handicapper Dominic Gardiner-Hill. “I’m sure that was exactly what his connections wanted - a stroll on the Downs before he tackles a longer trip for the first time at York in three weeks’ time,” he said. “He went into the race with 32 pounds in hand of Gabrial and he has beaten him 9 1/4 lengths, so initial interpretation of that would be that Frankel ran to a mark in the high 120’s or possibly 130, as he won so comfortably. To achieve the highest rating ever, he needs to run in a race where there’s greater strength in depth, and I feel that he can only do that over 10 furlongs. In his races over the last year, he’s really only ever had one horse to beat - Canford Cliffs in this race a year ago, Excelebration in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, JLT Lockinge and Queen Anne, and Farhh this afternoon - but if the likes of Cirrus des Aigles, Nathaniel and St Nicholas Abbey take him on over 10 furlongs, we should get a real handle on just how good he is.”

Extract from Throughbred Daily News

FRANKEL FAULTLESS IN QUEEN ANNE TOUR DE FORCE

Click above to watch Frankel winning the Queen Anne Stakes (Gr1)…
(Image : The Province - Footage : Hot List HD)

Queen Anne Stakes (Gr1)
Ascot, Turf, 1600m
19 June 2012

Khalid Abdullah’s wonder Frankel (GB) (Galileo) provided a second Royal procession in the G1 Queen Anne Stakes minutes after The Queen’s official arrival at Ascot Tuesday, winning his 11th race by 11 lengths.

Sent of at a remarkable starting price of 1-10, the brilliant bay laid claim to the title of the greatest miler in turf history when extending his superiority over old rival and Group 1-winning benchmark Excelebration (Ire) (Exceed and Excel).

“He’s a great, great horse and is still improving,” commented Sir Henry Cecil after greeting his 74th Royal winner. “People love champions, and I’m pleased he’s done it for them.”

Royal Ascot is an intensely competitive environment, and only a select few are sent off less than evenmoney, but Frankel has long since proved that he is as close to a racing certainty as it is possible to get and punters devoured all odds available until he had reached a Black Caviar (Aus) (Bel Esprit)-like return of 1-10.

His latest performance in Newbury’s G1 Lockinge Stakes a month previously gave credence to his trainer’s outspoken belief that the best horse he has handled throughout his long career had progressed throughout the winter break. The homebred’s early days had been characterized by a gung-ho attitude that was most ruthlessly employed in the G2 Royal Lodge Stakes here at two and in last year’s 2000 Guineas at Newmarket. But the Warren Place team had worked tirelessly to channel his enthusiasm, and race by race the results were becoming clear.

Amenable to restraint here, Frankel settled into an easy rhythm right behind his invaluable 3/4-brother Bullet Train while sandwiched between Godolphin’s free-running Helmet (Aus) (Exceed and Excel) and Excelebration, who was more prominently placed by Joseph O’Brien this time. As soon as Bullet Train started to run out of gas with three furlongs to race, Frankel was allowed some rein and began his familiar surge. Drifting across to the far side as he powered away, he hit the line apparently still full of run.

“I’m relieved, as no horse is a certainty,” Cecil commented. “He did exactly what I thought he would, and he is getting better. He looks as if he’ll stay a mile and a quarter, so we’ll leave our options open but he’s in the G1 Eclipse Stakes at Sandown July 1, G1 Sussex Stakes at Goodwood August 1 and G1 Juddmonte International at York August 22 - we’ll feel our way and he’ll tell me what to do.” Winning jockey Tom Queally added, “He settled and traveled and that was his best performance. He’s amazing and ticked all the boxes - I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”

Joseph O’Brien was left in awe as he trailed on Excelebration. “I thought for a couple of strides I might get close to him, but as soon as Tom pressed the button he quickened up very well,” O’Brien said. “He’s an exceptional horse and very good.”

With champion Black Caviar still waiting in the wings for Saturday’s Diamond Jubilee, Cecil wasn’t eager to compare his titan to the wonder from down under. “I don’t see how people can judge horses from different generations and countries over different distances and put a horse a pound in front of another, but let everybody judge him for what he has done. You can’t compare him with Black Caviar and I’m a great admirer of hers, so let them be champions in their own right. They are good for racing all over the world. I’ve been very fortunate to have good horses and I don’t like to compare my champions - they don’t deserve that - and any winner here is the same. We have to thank the Prince for keeping him in training for another year, but I would think he’ll go to stud next year. It is a question of whether he has three more races or four.”

Frankel was provisionally rated by Timeform at 147 following Tuesday’s tour de force. “The facts are that Frankel’s performance is likely to surpass anything witnessed in Timeform’s 64 year history,” said David Johnson, Timeform’s Flat editor. “To give some perspective on just how phenomenal this effort was, in provisionally rating Frankel 147, we still have Excelebration running more than a stone below his previous best (133). A point worth emphasising is the consistency with which Frankel has produced such performances. This is the fifth time that he has produced a 140+ rating.” The highest-rated horse in Timeform’s history is Sea Bird II at 145.

Extract from Thoroughbred Daily News