Tag: Derby

Runners & Riders – Epsom Derby 2021

Matthew Steeples selects three ‘dark horse’ options for the Epsom Derby 2021 at 13/1, 8/1 and 15/1 as well as options for three earlier races

Sometimes referred to as the ‘Blue Riband,’ the Epsom Derby is considered the best of the five Classics.

Inaugurated in 1780 and originally sponsored by the Earl of Debry, this 1 mile, 4 furlongs and 6 yards Group 1 flat race is open to three-year-old colts and fillies. It inspired the 1952 film Derby Day starring Michael Wilding and Anna Neagle and aside from having been won by Lester Piggott nine times, its leading trainer has been Aidan O’Brien with eight winners to date.

In 2019 and 2020, O’Brien scored victories with Anthony Van Dyck and Serpentine and today the heavily backed favourite is his single runner, Bolshoi Ballet at 3/2 (Radio 4, The Sun NAP, GG.co.uk, Daily Mail ‘Robin Goodfellow’ and ‘Gimcrack’ NAP).

Opting for slightly ‘darker horses,’ my selections for this cracking spectacle and three earlier races follow.

Roger Varian hopes to land the Cazoo Derby with Third Realm “after waiting seven years to find the ‘right horse’ following Kingston’s Hill’s second place” in 2014, according to the ‘Daily Mail’s’ Marcus Townend. Varian has branded the Sheik Mohammed Obaid owned horse “a relaxed character” and “a cool dude.”

The £1.125 million Group One Cazoo Derby is considered the jewel in the crown of British flat racing and of Charlie Appleby’s One Ruler, ‘Wigan Today’ remark: “The forgotten horse in the line-up. Sixth in the 2000 Guineas, but the step up in trip should be the making of him. An interesting each-way player.”

4.30pm Epsom Downs – The Cazoo Derby (12 runners, 3 places)

Roger Varian trained Third Realm at 13/1 from 14/1 earlier (The Sun ‘Longshot’)

The Sun states: “Can spring a surprise in the Derby. He won the Lingfield Trial fair and square and is one of the few in the field with proven staying power.”

Racing Post remarks: “Convincing winner of Lingfield Derby Trial (soft); a handy type who can improve further.”

Also in the same race, J. S. Bolger trained Mac Swiney at 8/1 from 15/2 earlier (RP Ratings, Daily Express, The Star, Daily Record)

Greg Wood for Guardian offers: “On balance, and unless his price drifts abruptly, Bolshoi Ballet looks worth opposing with an each-way alternative, and Hurricane Lane and Mac Swiney are the most obvious candidates with the form and potential to make them plausible winners. Mac Swiney’s odds began to contract as the ground eased on Friday but 11-2 is still a fair price for a colt who had enough class to land a Guineas last time but will surely be better still at 12 furlongs.”

Racing Post adds: “Two Group 1 wins on testing going, the latter in Irish 2,000 Guineas; likely to stay 1m4f.”

Also in the same race, James Doyle – Charlie Appleby combo One Ruler at 15/1 from 22/1 earlier (Sporting Life)

Matt Brocklebank for Sporting Life shares: “The value may now lie with ONE RULER, one of Charlie Appleby’s trio, who also enjoys ease underfoot and isn’t badly position either ‘out wide’ in stall 11 (they turn right-handed to begin with, don’t forget).”

“He ran consistently as a two-year-old and his juvenile form ties in really well with some of the other leading Derby contenders in that he beat Maximal a length and a half in a Sandown maiden, with that horse subsequently beaten a length into second behind Hurricane Lane at Newbury in April, and signed off in October with a narrow defeat to Mac Swiney in desperate conditions in the Group One Vertem Futurity Trophy at Doncaster.”

“Prior to that he’d beaten subsequent top-class winner Van Gogh in the Group Three Autumn Stakes at Newmarket, form that has worked out quite nicely with the fourth Megallan pushing Hurricane Lane close in the Dante last month. He ran consistently as a two-year-old and his juvenile form ties in really well with some of the other leading Derby contenders in that he beat Maximal a length and a half in a Sandown maiden, with that horse subsequently beaten a length into second behind Hurricane Lane at Newbury in April, and signed off in October with a narrow defeat to Mac Swiney in desperate conditions in the Group One Vertem Futurity Trophy at Doncaster.”

“Prior to that he’d beaten subsequent top-class winner Van Gogh in the Group Three Autumn Stakes at Newmarket, form that has worked out quite nicely with the fourth Megallan pushing Hurricane Lane close in the Dante last month. He’ll travel into it better than most, I suspect, and it’s well worth highlighting the fact Appleby’s sole Derby success to date came via Masar, who was a 16/1 drifter on the day based on the fact many (even those closest to him) doubted his stamina for 12 furlongs after a good third in the Guineas.”

Racing Post less enthusiastic: “Chased home Mac Swiney on final 2yo run; not guaranteed to stay 1m4f on pedigree.”

Turning to earlier races at Epsom Downs, I also suggest:

2pm Epsom Downs (8 runners, 3 places)

Mark Johnston trained Chase The Dollar at 17/2 from 8/1 earlier (The Sun ‘Each Way Thief’, SPOTLIGHT, Racing Post)

The Sun suggests: “He went close at Newcastle last time and looks on a fair weight in an open contest.”

Racing Post adds: “This race may principally concern Patient Dream and the Mark Johnston runners King Frankel and CHASE THE DOLLAR… Battled to a narrow defeat at Newcastle (1m2f, AW) latest; can make further improvement.”

Oisin Murphy – Ralph Beckett combo Patient Dream at 14/5 from 11/4 earlier (Racing Post ‘Ace Tipster’, Daily Telegraph, Daily Express, The Star, Daily Record)

Keith Melrose for Racing Post muses: “Beat a host of subsequent improvers at the track last time and is bound to be suited by this step up in trip.”

Racing Post adds: “8.5f win here on reappearance; races freely but he’s bred to be well suited by 1m2f+.”

At The Races concludes: “It may be worth taking him on with the course experience of PATIENT DREAM here though. Ralph Beckett’s showed a real liking for this idiosyncratic venue when successful over shorter last time and the step up in trip could help him overcome a 7lb hike.”

2.35pm Epsom Downs (8 runners, 3 places)

Oisin Murphy on Parent’s Prayer at 19/4 from 9/2 earlier (Radio 4, TOPSPEED)

Racing Post remarks: “Listed winner on soft last October; might not be far away.”

3.45pm Epsom Downs (19 runners, 5 places with Ladbrokes ’The Grid’)

Tony Carroll trained Recon Mission at 17/2 (The Sun ‘Each Way Thief’, Guardian)

The Sun says: “He won well here last time and not all horses handle this helter-skelter track. He can strike again.”

Greg Wood for Guardian reserves: “Recon Mission and Ray Dawson were ready winners over track and trip in April and Tony Carroll’s gelding has a fair chance of a follow-up from a 3lb higher mark.”

Racing Post adds: “Won in April (good) on the second of two C&D starts; best form would see him thereabouts.”

Hans Solo Berger at 18/1 from 16/1 earlier (Racing Post ‘Dark Horse’)

Sam Hardy for Racing Post muses: “Consistent type who looks potentially well handicapped given he is rated 5lb higher on the all-weather. Jockey George Wood is bidding for his third win aboard the Chris Wall-trained six-year-old.”

Racing Post adds: “Ran well at Ascot in April but hasn’t been back here since one go in 2018.”

Also in the same race, Oisin Murphy – Andrew Balding combo Stone Of Destiny at 15/2 from 7/1 earlier (POSTDATA, The Sun, Daily Telegraph, GG.co.uk)

The Sun shares: “Consistent and another good run at Goodwood latest.”

Racing Post says: “Close 2nd over 5f at Goodwood latest; a slow starter who will need luck in running.”

At The Races less enthusiastic: “It usually pays to focus on those drawn high. Stone Of Destiny is one such horse but his tendency to start slowly is a big negative.”

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Happy racing.

June 5, 2021
Mocking The Dockers
Welsh ‘mock castle’ once occupied by notorious spendaholic Lady Docker for sale for £2.85m; the Dockers were turfed out in 1956 after it was discovered they’d lavished the equivalent of £1.3m today of company money on the place without permission
- Alleged inspiration for ‘The Pink Panther’ film, Norah Docker (AKA ‘Naughty Norah’ and ‘Lady Muck’) described herself as “an artificial blonde, among thousands of artificial blondes searching for stardom.”
- Of her second husband, Sir William Collins, chairman of Fortnum & Mason, she announced: “He was 69, I married him for his money.”
- Lady Docker used her third husband Sir Bernard Docker’s company money to create Daimler cars upholstered in zebra hide – “because mink is too hot to sit on.”
- The couple also plundered the company to buy Glandyfi Castle in Wales and spent an equivalent of £1.3 million of today’s money on it.
- The Grade II listed, early 19^th century ‘mock castle’ became a small hotel and is currently for sale for £2.85 million.
The best known ‘occupants’ of Glandyfi Castle, an early 19^th century ‘mock castle’ eleven miles from Aberystwyth in Mid Wales, were Birmingham Small Arms Company (BSA) managing director and Daimler chairman Sir Bernard Docker and his notoriously decadent wife, ‘Naughty Norah.’

The Dockers, a “spendaholic” pair said to be the inspiration for the 1963 film The Pink Panther, lavished the equivalent of £1.3 million of today’s money buying and altering the castle in 1949 – the very same year they were robbed of £1.9 million of diamonds in today’s money at their Mayfair home also.

Sir Bernard and Lady Docker lived at Glandyfi until 1956 when it was discovered that they’d plundered the company through the presentation of vast expenses. Aside from the castle, Lady Docker had lavishly created five show ‘Docker Daimler’ show cars covered in gold and upholstered with amongst other things zebra hide. When asked why she had done such, she coyly responded: “Because mink is too hot to sit on,” but subsequently after these and the castle had to be returned, the couple bought a Bentley Continental as revenge.

Now, today, Grade II listed Glandyfi (pronounced ‘Glandovey’) is for sale for what seems like a comparatively reasonable sum of £2.85 million, but it now comes minus the “glitzy” additions made by the Dockers. The Regency Gothic style stone and slate main building extends to 8,280 square feet over four floors and provides 5 reception rooms, 10 double bedrooms and 10 bathrooms and in addition comes with a courtyard with guest accommodation, a 1 bedroom lodge and a range of disused barns.

Externally, aside from a mature landscaped garden, the 31.43 acre plot includes a walled former kitchen garden, grazing land and woodland, but what is most impressive is the setting of what James Delingpole termed “not so much an austere, toff’s castle as a theme-park recreation of one” with “undoubtedly the most magnificent view from any house I know in Britain.”

Speaking to Anne Ashworth of The Times last time the allegedly haunted castle was placed for sale in July 2019, current selling agent Belinda Hutchinson-Smith of Strutt & Parker – whom also was involved in marketing the property to the current owners, the Holmes family, back in 2007 when she worked at Savills – stated:

“It was surreal [in 2007]. We were in a time warp. Almost nothing had changed since the Dockers moved out in the 1950s. There were 1950s newspapers strewn across the dining tables and in the bedrooms, books were left open on bedside tables. But, at the same time, the house had a magical feeling.”

In comments to the BBC in September 2014, when the former Docker one-of-one 1954 Daimler ‘Stardust’ was sold at auction for £110,000, Glandyfi’s current owner Maureen Holmes remarked:

“[Sir Bernard and Lady Docker] were clearly living the dream. From the red and white marble fireplaces to a path through the woods made entirely of upturned gin bottles, the castle oozed excess.”

“The older people around here who remember them say they were unbelievable, almost mythical figures. At a time when everyone else was still on rationing, the Dockers were thundering through the lanes in limousines made out of gold and silver.”

“The irony is, that whilst the locals felt the Dockers’ perceived wealth meant that they were utterly removed from the community, in actual fact they probably had no more money than anyone else in the area.”

Lady Docker pictured in one of the opulent ‘Docker Daimler’ show cars she commissioned her husband’s company to create; the most famous of the examples was known as the ‘Golden Zebra’ – this 1955 Daimler two-door coupé based on the DK400 chassis featured metal trim pieces plated in gold instead of chrome, an ivory dashboard and zebra-skin upholstery.

Thrice married Lady Docker (1906 – 1983), born Norah Turner and also variously Norah Callingham and Lady Collins, was born in Derby and began her career as a hostess at the Café de Paris in London. In Lancashire, her name is still used as a derogatory substitute for ‘Lady Muck’ and in spite of her once extravagant lifestyle, she died in poverty at the not so chi-chi Great Western Royal Hotel in Praed Street, Paddington, London.

In one of her last interviews, Lady Docker remarked: “I have always had the persistence to march on. I will continue to do that, until the day I die.” In spite of her reduced circumstances, she is said to have “retained a remarkable joie-de-vivre, downing glasses of pink champagne to the last.”

English poet Thomas Love Peacock got married at Glandyfi Castle in 1820; Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan stayed at the property whilst filming ‘Springwatch’ in 2012.

The Names & Numbers – Glandyfi Castle, Glandyfi, near Machynlleth, Ceredigion, Powys, Mid Wales, SY20 8SS, United Kingdom

October 2020 – Relaunched for sale for £2.85 million ($3.69 million, €3.15 million or درهم15.54 million) through Strutt & Parker.

June 2019 – Listed for sale for £2.85 million ($3.69 million, €3.15 million or درهم15.54 million) through Strutt & Parker with 31.43 acres of land.

2012 – Whilst filming the BBC’s Springwatch, presenters Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan stayed at the castle. Strachan wrote in the guest book: “I couldn’t imagine a nicer, more comfortable place to stay… I felt like a princess in my amazing room.” Packham added: “Staying at the castle has been a total treat. Hospitality, fine food, wonderful environment, views to die for and history.”

Late 2000s to September 2019 – Operated as an 8 bedroom “informal and relaxed [hotel and wedding venue] without any stuffiness or restrictions” by a theatre designer named Maureen Holmes and her family.

May 2007 – Offered for sale for £1.25 million ($1.62 million, €1.38 million or درهم5.94 million) through Savills with 43 acres of land on behalf of the late owner, one Mrs Betty Piper (1914 – 2006).

January 1964 – The building is given a Grade II listing, reference 9874, and is described as “the only example [of a] Georgian country house in picturesque castellated style in the county.”

1956 – Following discovery of the Dockers’ “profligacy” and their removal from BSA, the castle is sold.

1949 – Purchased by Birmingham Small Arms Company Limited for the use of Sir Bernard and Lady Docker for the sum of £12,000 or the equivalent of £427,000 ($552,000, €471,000 or درهم2 million) today. The company then lavished £25,000 or the equivalent of £890,000 ($1.2 million, €983,000 or درهم4.2 million) today on “opulent renovations of the home.”

1906 – Following the death of Charles Jeffreys, the castle and its lands pass out of the hands of that family after 114 years.

1820 – English poet Thomas Love Peacock (1785 – 1866) married Jane Griffith (also known as Jane Gryffydh) at the castle. His fellow poet and friend Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792 – 1822) referenced Peacock’s wife “the milk-white Snowdonian Antelope.”

Early 19^th century – Built to the designs of an unknown architect for George Jeffreys, High Sheriff of Cardiganshire in 1819 on an estate acquired by his great uncle, Edward, in 1792.

Some of Lady Docker’s Notable Remarks

Of herself, as she moved to London to seek fame and fortune:

“An artificial blonde, among thousands of artificial blondes searching for stardom.”

Of her vision in life:

“[To] bring some happiness back to a world left hollow by the horror of two world wars… We bring glamour and happiness into drab lives. The working class loves everything I do.”

Of her father:

“A self-made man.”

Of her male “targets” and those she viewed to be husband material:

“Through my life, I set both my sights and my price high.”

Of her chairman of Fortnum & Mason second husband, Sir William Collins:

“He was 69, I married him for his money.”

Of her third husband, Sir Bernard Docker:

“I deliberately trapped him.”

When asked to justify why she covered the seats of a 1955 Daimler in zebra skin:

“Zebra, because mink is too hot to sit on.”

On the loss of the ‘Docker Daimlers’ when they were taken away from her and her husband:

“It’s not the loss of the gold cars that makes me feel like this… And weren’t they fun? They were like my children… No, it’s that lovely party I was planning for 25,000 of the company’s workers for my 50th birthday. A tiptop affair – and now it’s all off. How could they do this to [Sir Bernard] after 17 years? Why, he’s such a hard worker that he even had a direct line to the firm from our yacht.”

Of Prince Rainier of Monaco after her son was banned from his son’s christening and she decided to burn the Monacan flag:

“I’m at war with Rainier.”

To the captain of the liner the Queen Elizabeth:

“This ship is being run by a bloody Communist! Don’t you dare touch me, you bloody Communist!”

Of some miners she invited on her yacht:

“The dear boys, I just loved them! It proved conclusively to me that the social barrier only exists in the mind.”

Of a Monaco casino employee she had allegedly assaulted:

“It was a good sock I gave that man, and he deserved it.”

Of the people of Jersey:

“They are the most frightfully boring, dreadful people that have ever been born.”

PICTURED TOP: Glandyfi Castle and the estuary beyond; Sir Bernard and Lady Docker at the castle.

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October 5, 2020
Runners & Riders – The Oaks and The Derby 2020

‘The Steeple Times’ analyses the selections for a somewhat damp double at Epsom on ‘Super Saturday’; we suggest enjoying The Oaks and The Derby 2020 at home

After having enjoyed the return to racing with ‘Royal Ascot At Home’ last month in spite of the inclement weather, punters are in for another treat (again without the help of ‘Him Upstairs’) in the form of The Oaks and The Derby 2020 at Epsom Downs in Surrey. It just happens to coincide with the pubs reopening for ‘Super Saturday’ and we hope that there are no mishaps on either the course or in those establishments also.

Beginning with the Investec Oaks at 3.40pm – first run in 1779 and legendarily won nine times by Frank Buckle on occasions between 1797 and 1823 – this one mile, four furlongs and six yards race is restricted to three-year-old fillies.

Today, only 8 horses (out of a maximum of 20) will run and for the first the favoured horse is the Sir John Gosden-Frankie Dettori combo Frankly Darling at 13/8 (The Sun, Daily Mail ‘Gimcrack’, Daily Mail Robin Goodfellow, Racing Post ’Newmarket NAP’, At The Races, GG.co.uk) with Love as the alternative at 11/10 (Guardian).

As a very much more exciting option, Radio 4 is going with the least favoured of the eight runners and we might do the same and pray for a comeback with an each way on Sir John Gosden’s second runner in the race, Tiempo Vuela at 100/1 from 80/1 earlier and 40/1 much earlier. Of her, the Racing Post says: “Folded tamely when favourite at Newmarket (well behind Queen Daenerys) last time.”

In the Group 1 flat race, the Investec Derby at 4.55pm – which was first run in 1780 and which was immortalised in the 1952 film Derby Day starring Anna Neagle and Michael Wilding – 16 three-year-olds (out of a maximum of 20) will battle it out over one mile, four furlongs and six yards in what is considered one of the greatest races in the world.

The Bjorn Nielsen owned entry with Frankie Dettori riding English King at 7/2 (Racing Post ‘Ace Tipster’, At The Races) is the favoured option this year, though Qatar Racing’s Oisin Murphy-Andrew Balding combo Kameko at 5/1 is a horse that appears on fine form having excelled in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket recently (The Telegraph, Daily Mail ‘Gimcrack’ NAP).

Of English King, Keith Melrose for the Racing Post says: “His Lingfield win was impressive and the draw is not a hugely major issue some are suggesting” whilst ‘Templegate’ for The Sun remarks of the anything but a turtle on the track Kameko: “There’s always a big question about stepping up to the Derby trip from that mile and his pedigree suggests it may be a stretch. But he travels supremely and that could get him home.”

As well as definitely going for an each way on Kameko, we might also opt for a second each way on the A. P. O’Brien trained Russian Emperor at 5/1 from 11/2 earlier (Radio 4, Guardian, At The Races).

Whilst the Racing Post remarks of him: “Looked a stayer when winning Group 3 over 1m2f at Ascot; should do well at 1m4f,” Chris Cook of the Guardian adds: “Russian Emperor is fancied to make his powerful finish count. The step up to this distance looks perfect for him and it also helps that there should still be some cushion in the ground after this week’s rain, because he is not the type to race handily and will probably have a dozen or more still in front of him at the home turn.”

Happy racing and please dear readers, just avoid ending up at A&E this ‘Super Saturday.’

Watch the day’s action live and enjoy The Oaks and The Derby 2020 and other races on ITV1 from 1.25pm.

Pictured top: Kameko ridden by Oisin Murphy winning the Qipco 2000 Guineas at Newmarket in June. Murphy is one to watch today with rides in both the The Oaks and The Derby 2020. In the 3.40pm, he will be on Bharani Star (40/1) for Phoenix Thoroughbreds.

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The Oaks and The Derby 2020 will see action just as exciting as is portrayed in the 1952 film ‘Derby Day.’ The film was directed by Herbert Wilcox and featured his third wife Anna Neagle in the star role as Lady Helen Forbes. The film was launched with a promotion at Epsom Downs Racecourse itself.

The star of the show at The Oaks and The Derby 2020 – Frankie Dettori is favourite to win the Investec Derby this year on English King.

July 4, 2020
Runners & Riders – Gold Cup Day at ‘Royal Ascot At Home’

‘The Steeple Times’ analyses the selections for a somewhat damp Gold Cup Day at ‘Royal Ascot At Home’ – very much a day to stay indoors and watch Stradavarius, Frankie Dettori and Sir John Gosden

Rain could shake everything up today at ‘Royal Ascot At Home’ – as this year’s closed doors meeting has been branded – and though Stradivarius will not especially love any significant downpours, he is the horse that will surely be the highlight of Gold Cup day.

Trained by the Sir John Gosden, ridden by Frankie Dettori and owned by Bjorn Nielson, here is a horse seeking to secure a Royal Ascot hat-trick. Speaking to the Daily Mail’s Marcus Townend, Sir John commented: “He is in good form” whilst GG.co.uk concluded: “Stradivarius, and Frankie Dettori of course, are the undoubted top bill on day three of Royal Ascot 2020.”

Obvious Options

1.50pm – Wolferton Stakes (15 runners) – Ryan Moore and A. P. O’Brien’s Sir Dragonet at 12/5 has been branded as “among Thursday’s worthy support acts” (GG.co.uk).

Racing Post not especially enthusiastic: “Shade disappointing since close fifth in last year’s Derby but still has time on his side.”

3.35pm – Gold Cup (8 runners) – The horse of the day is Stradivarius at 8/11 (The Telegraph, The Sun TREBLE).

Racing Post concludes: “Top-class stayer, including winning this race for the last two years; hard to beat.”

4.40pm – Sandringham Stakes – Sir John Gosden’s African Dream at 13/8 (The Telegraph, Guardian). As Simon Rowlands of At The Races sensibly concludes: “The very short price makes him unplayable to me.” Watch and enjoy.

Chris Cook of the Guardian comments: “It is hard to resist the claims of African Dream, who ran way above her rating when second at Newbury last week. Whether she can reproduce that effort in these very different circumstances is a fair question but her connections give her every chance.”

Darker Horses

1.15pm – Golden Gates Handicap (16 runners) – Sticking with the combo of the Dettori-Gosden dream team, Hypothetical is an appealing each way at 9/2 from 4/1 earlier (Radio 4).

Racing Post says: “Opening mark is reasonable and profile points to strong potential for improvement” with their verdict being: “Despite the big field Acquitted makes a good bit of appeal. Hypothetical may be next best, ahead of Maori Knight.”

‘Templegate’ for The Sun adds: “Hypothetical comes from John Gosden and Frankie Dettori and is dropping in class after a solid fourth in the Group 3 Classic Trial at Sandown on comeback. He went well until the lack of a recent run appeared to take its toll. It would be a surprise if he doesn’t take a step forward from that.”

3.35pm – Gold Cup (8 runners) – An each way on the James Doyle-Charlie Appleby combo Cross Counter could be a more appealing each way at 11/1 (The Sun ‘Next Best’).

Racing Post says: “Held behind Stradivarius when in the frame in this (4th) & at Goodwood (3rd); could be 2nd.”

4.10pm – Britannia Stakes (24 runners) – An each way on Ralph Beckett’s Great Ambassador at 12/1 (Guardian NAP, At The Races) could be worthwhile.

Chris Cook of The Guardian says: “His final outing as a juvenile suggested Great Ambassador was in line for a big three-year-old season. From a hot yard and drawn on the favoured side, he is on a handy rating in view of some of his form, which includes a close second in Pyledriver’s maiden.”

Hugh Taylor for At The Races says: “Great Ambassador had five runs as a 2yo and might look too exposed for a race like this, but those runs really do stand up to close inspection… I think he’s capable of proving much better than his current mark when everything drops right, and although he lacks a recent run, he looks well worth chancing on his reappearance, especially from a potentially handy draw… He carries a 5lb penalty here, but goes up 12lb from Saturday, and given he’s a keen-going type who promises to be well suited by the demands of a big-field handicap, he has clear claims here.”

Racing Post adds: “Hacked up on final 2yo start; should stay 1m; enters calculations.”

Also in the 4.10pm – Britannia Stakes (24 runners) – Our wildcard is Richard Hannon trained Ziggle Pops at 22/1 from 20/1 earlier (Radio 4).

Racing Post says: “Came home strongly to beat a few of these in 7f AW handicap; up 5lb; should stay 1m.”

With no Ladies Day fashion parade due to lockdown, today is one to stay indoors, pour yourself a glass of something special and enjoy a happy afternoon’s racing. Cheers to y’all!

Watch Gold Cup Day at ‘Royal Ascot at Home’ on ITV1 from 1.30pm to 5pm.

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Stradivarius won his second G1 Gold Cup at Royal Ascot in 2019.

June 18, 2020
Fahad Takes Flight

Blow to British racing as Sheikh Fahad places his Longholes operation in Newmarket, Suffolk up for sale for £6 million to spend more time in California

The impact of the coronavirus pandemic was always going set to cause havoc for the racing industry, but alongside news this week that prominent racehorse owners the Rooney family are to quit National Hunt racing for good, it has been announced that 30-year-old Sheikh Fahad Bin Abdullah Al Thani has put his Longholes stud, near Newmarket in Suffolk on the market.

Billed as a place for “preparing champions” and run by a “dedicated team” focused on pre-training and rehabilitation, Longholes was founded by the Accrington born “playboy” textile heir and racehorse breeder Sir George Bullough (1870 – 1939) in the 1920s and bought by Sheikh Fahad in 2013.

Sheikh Fahad Bin Abdullah Al Thani chats with David Redvers in 2016.

Sheikh Fahad wiht his brothers Sheikh Hamad, Sheikh Suhiam and Sheikh Khalifa.

Sheikh Fahad and his wife Sheikha Melissa with the late Roaring Lion.

Sheikh Fahad won the Corinthian Challege at Leopardstown on the Gordon Elliott trained Brutal in October 2017.

Comprising of 217 acres of paddocks, schooling grounds and a 6-furlong gallop, the “renowned Newmarket stud farm” – which is 16 miles from Cambridge and 70 miles from London – includes not only 88 boxes, but also what has been described as a state-of-the-art “feel good factor” spa with hydro and water treadmill facilities amongst other things. There is a stud manager’s house, a guest cottage, a pair of staff bungalows and a pair of workers’ log cabins also.

Of why the property is now for sale, David Redvers, racing and bloodstock advisor to the Sheikh – whom married an American named Melissa Margolis in 2018 and is choosing to spend more time in California as a result – told the Newmarket Journal on Friday:

“Sheikh Fahad purchased Longholes in 2013 with a view to turning the attractive and historic stud farm into a state-of-the-art pre-training and rehabilitation establishment servicing the requirements of his own Qatar Racing and also the wider training centre of Newmarket. Seven years later and Longholes boasts an incredible array of modern facilities, an outstanding team of committed and highly trained professional staff and a client list that boasts many of the most recognised names in horse racing, eventing and show jumping.”

“Sheikh Fahad is proud of what has been achieved at Longholes but a change in his own personal circumstances means that the farm’s exciting future now needs to be in another’s hands.”

Speaking to Nick Luck of Racing TV in April 2019, Sheikh Fahad remarked:

“We love horses, we’ve grown up with horses, me and my brothers. The idea was always to build something for the future, hopefully the long-term future, for generations to come. I’d like to see my kids grow up into a dynasty of breeding operations, of racing operations that they can take on from there.”

“I watched I think, my early memories… I watched Channel 4 Racing, I think the Cheltenham Festival. It was very different to racing back home. We only had one racetrack and it was flat racing and they go round in the circle. My dad was the leading Arab racehorse owner in the country, so he won everything. It seemed like it was that easy to do and I started watching racing here and I saw all the different racecourses and National Hunt. And we don’t have National Hunt back home, so I was very curious about the whole industry. I wanted to learn as much as possible from every angle of it.”

“I think the quality of racing, as you watch racing around the world, the biggest quality of racing is in England and Ireland in terms of top-class racing… It is good for the breed, it shows the best horses to breed onwards. The classics in Britain always prove to be the best source of that.”

Of the flaws of British racing in general and perhaps hinting at a move to spending more time participating in American racing, the Sheikh continued:

“It needs to up its game. It needs to find ways to attract more people into the sport. At the moment we are very grateful for the Sheikh Mohammeds in the business… Without Sheikh Mohammed [Bin Rashid Al Maktoum], this year would have been a disaster for a lot of people. The thing is that British racing needs to find more ways to attract quality. I think quality is very important.”

“If you look at, for instance, Japanese racing, they have got a two-tier system. They have the JRA and the NRA. The JRA is the elite class of racehorses and horse racing and I think if you don’t break your maiden as a three year-old, then I think, that horse is not allowed to run in the JRA anymore. They have to go down to the NRA. Why can’t that some way be explored in British racing? We can’t be racing, I think you’re asking people to race for two grand or three grand… whilst in Australia they have Saturday races with a minimum of a hundred grand a race. And in America, maidens are worth a hundred grand. And in California, I’ve got horses, and it seems ridiculous that, if you are taking a business point of view of racing and you open your books, that it would be ridiculous to have horses [in Britain] in comparison to there. The only reason we’re racing here is for the quality and prestige that we have at the moment, but you can’t rest on that. You have to change.”

Later, in September 2019, the Sheikh’s Californian trainer, Simon Callaghan, told The Racing Post:

“Sheikh Fahad is upping his interest in racing in America. He’s spending more time in California, so he wants to go after some of these high-end colts and go down the road of the Derby, we hope… I think his Californian wife has something to do with it.”

Agents Windsor Clive seek £6 million ($7.5 million, €6.8 million or درهم27.4 million) for Longholes and offer it as a whole or in two lots. For the firm, George Windsor Clive remarked: “We’re still bringing Longholes to the market in these strange times [in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic] so that buyers can react quickly once restrictions are lifted.”

For now, the other European racing operations of the Sheikh and his brothers and their Qatar Racing Ltd. company – which includes a presence at the David Redvers owned Tweenhills Farm in Gloucestershire and their own Spring Lodge stud farm in County Limerick – remain unaffected.

Notable Results for Qatar Racing Limited – January 2016 to December 2020

2yo turf: Roaring Lion – 36 wins and 64 placed from 218 runs.

3yo turf: Roaring Lion – 40 wins and 45 placed from 222 runs.

2yo AW: Kameko – 10 wins and 23 placed from 72 runs.

3yo AW: Fierce Impact – 12 wins and 36 placed from 96 runs.

Pictured top: Sheikh Fahad Bin Abdullah Al Thani with his wife Sheikha Melissa Al Fahad.

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April 11, 2020
Epsom: The Oaks and the Derby

The Tout’s tips for the Oaks and the Derby

Frederico Tesio, a pre-eminent Italian breeder, who owned and bred Ribot one of the all time greats maintained that there is only one important piece of wood in the world and that piece of wood is the winning post at Epsom on the downs just ten miles south of London.

(more…)

May 31, 2013
Video of the Week: The Queen morphs

The Queen’s life in 3 minutes and 24 seconds

This week we must thank Dan Large for having alerted us to an amazing YouTube video showing Her Majesty The Queen’s life in 3 minutes and 24 seconds.

Elizabeth II

Created by “an old retired guy who likes to play with computers” named “HerBunk” and using the technological wizardy of FantaMorph, the video has attracted nearly 6,000 likes and 300 dislikes. We look forward to hearing what readers of The Steeple Times make of it.

Watch the video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8nJhG1xE5o&feature=share

October 25, 2012
Michael “Mick” & Mairead Philpott

Six of their children tragically died in a fire at their small semi-detached home in Allenton, Derby in May 2012. They blamed everyone but themselves and were rightly convicted of manslaughter. “Shameless Mick,” a father of 17 by five women, and his wife are certainly prime examples of all that is wrong about Britain today.

June 12, 2012
Singing for a Diamond

Music fit for The Queen

In recent days, Gary Barlow’s albumn Sing has topped the UK album charts with sales of 40,000 copies.

Two hundred and ten musicians, including the African Children’s Choir and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Band, helped record this special tribute to The Queen. Produced by Barlow with the assistance of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Gareth Malone, Sing also features Prince Harry on the tambourine, Hayley Westenra, Alfie Boe and the Military Wives choir. Sing will be performed this evening at a special concert at Buckingham Palace in the presence of Her Majesty.

Another tribute I was alerted to came from a singer named Anton Lorien who contacted me via Twitter. He was approached in 2011 by the British Monarchist League who asked him to produce a song for a lady he describes as having: “Given her life selflessly to the people of Britain and the Commonwealth.”

Mr Lorien’s song, Like A Diamond, is available to download on iTunes but I wholeheartedly recommend that you watch the video clip available above. It contains some wonderful footage of The Queen and the clip at 3:33 where our Monarch runs to watch her racehorse is especially worth seeing.

Gary Barlow pictured with Prince Harry on the tambourine working on Sing

Both Sing and Like A Diamond capture the feelings of our nation brilliantly. Be sure to sing along tonight.

For more information about Anton Lorien’s Like A Diamond, go to: http://www.antonlorien.com

For more information on Gary Barlow & The Commonwealth Band’s Sing, got to: http://www.jubileesing.com

June 4, 2012
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of the Commonwealth Realms

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II governed as constitutional monarch of 16 sovereign states and headed the 54-member Commonwealth of Nations. Supported by her gaffe prone husband, “Brenda,” as Private Eye nicknamed her, served steadfast through good times and bad. She liked to drive a little quickly when given control of the wheel of a Range Rover and also found washing up relaxing. This monarch like no other will never be forgotten.

June 3, 2012