Anapurna’s Champions Day option
Oaks heroine Anapurna, gritty winner of the Group 1 Prix de Royallieu at Longchamp on Saturday, could make one final appearance on British Champions Day at Ascot.
The daughter of Frankel has the Group 1 Filly & Mare Stakes on October 19 as an option before she becomes the latest addition to the broodmare band at Meon Valley Stud.
Mark Weinfeld, who spoke to Owner Breeder magazine in July, will assess Anapurna’s wellbeing before making a decision on her future.
October Yearling Sale kicks off
It’s the first day of Book 1 at the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale in Newmarket and a host of international buyers are hoping to spot the next superstar at Park Paddocks.
Pedigree buffs can savour a catalogue full of beautifully bred yearlings that includes relations to outstanding sprinters Blue Point and Battaash, 2,000 Guineas victor Magna Grecia and Breeders’ Cup scorer Line Of Duty.
One sire sure to prove popular is Shamardal, represented on the racecourse this year by three unbeaten Group 1-winning juveniles. He has eight yearlings catalogued, all bred by Rabbah Bloodstock.
Book 1 runs until Thursday, with Book 2 October 14-16, Book 3 October 17-18 and Book 4 October 18-19.
First winner for Tom Ward
Tom Ward, who spent four years as assistant to Richard Hannon, sent out his first winner on Monday when two-year-old debutant Vintage Rascal romped home in the Kaltenburg EBF Novice Stakes at Windsor.
Ward, 29, is based in Lambourn, next door to the yard of Charlie Mann, and has 27 boxes at his disposal. Prior to his time with Hannon, he enjoyed spells with a host of leading operators including Mark Johnston, Alain de Royer-Dupre in France and John O’Shea in Australia.
Vintage Rascal, a son of Nathaniel, looks a useful prospect after his four and a half length success under Tom Marquand for owners Charlie Rosier and Julia Rosier.
Today’s racing
The weather may affect today’s programme with precautionary inspections at both Leicester and Catterick.
Brighton stages a seven-race card while Chelmsford (aw) race in the evening. There is an afternoon of jumps action at Galway in Ireland.
