Newcastle to stage Vertem Futurity Stakes
Following the abandonment of Doncaster’s meeting on Saturday, the BHA has announced that the Vertem Futurity Stakes will be staged at Newcastle on Friday, November 1.
It will be the first time in Britain that a Group 1 event takes place on an artificial surface. However, Newcastle hosted the race back in 1989 – on turf – when the Sir Henry Cecil-trained Be My Chief took the honours.
The Group 3 Horris Hill Stakes, lost from Newbury’s meeting on Saturday, will be run at Newmarket on Saturday, November 2.
Paul Johnson, Head of Racing at the BHA, said: “With the fixtures clearly being at risk yesterday, it was possible to begin to make plans at an early stage to ensure that we are able to save these important and valuable races.
“We are also extremely grateful to ARC, the Jockey Club, HBLB and Vertem for their hard work and generosity in ensuring that we could retain both races and are particularly pleased that both can be staged at the original value.”
Donjuan Triumphant to stand at Haras de la Barbottiere
QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stakes victor Donjuan Triumphant has been retired from racing and will begin a stallion career at Haras de la Barbottiere in France. The deal was brokered by bloodstock agent Richard Venn.
The son of Dream Ahead signed off when scoring at the highest level on his 37th start and in the process became the first Group 1 winner for King Power Racing.
Andrew Balding, who trained Donjuan Triumphant, told the Racing Post: “Donjuan Triumphant was an absolute pleasure to train. He was tough, sound and very talented.
“I think he offers breeders the qualities they look for in a stallion; we will be definitely be supporting him with mares, as will King Power.”
Menuisier strikes down under
Despite being been out of luck in the Group 1 Cox Plate as Danceteria failed to beat a rival behind Lys Gracieux, Pulborough handler David Menuisier enjoyed a significant moment in his career when Chief Ironside captured the Group 2 Schweppes Crystal Mile at Moonee Valley.
Jamie Spencer delivered the son of Lawman at just the right moment, getting up close home to defeat Cliff’s Edge by a short-head.
Phoenix strike for Lady Penelope
Phoenix Thoroughbred has bought the Listed-placed Lady Penelope ahead of contesting today’s Group 1 Criterium International (7f) at Longchamp.
Supplemented for today’s race, the Joseph O’Brien-trained two-year-old was previously owned by Star Bloodstock’s Matt Eves and had finished second in the Listed Harry Rosebery Stakes.
Phoenix Thoroughbred Chief Executive Amer Abdulaziz said: “We’ve been impressed with Lady Penelope’s progress this year. She seems to be getting better with every start, which suggests she might make an even better three-year-old.
“We’re looking forward to seeing her race in our silks at the weekend and if she can show improved form again, we’re hopeful she can go close. Whatever happens, with luck we will have a smart filly on our hands.”
Lady Penelope, a daughter of Night Of Thunder, faces just three rivals in the Criterium International – the Aidan O’Brien-trained pair Wichita and Armory, and Jean-Pierre Carvalho’s Alson.
Longchamp also stages the Group 1 Prix Royal-Oak, with Frankie Dettori and John Gosden teaming up with Lah Ti Dar in the 1m7½f contest. The opposition includes the Martyn Meade-trained Technician and Called To The Bar, who is looking to go one better than his second-placed effort last year.
The Grade 2 Old Roan Chase (2m4f) is the feature on Aintree’s card today, with Grade 1 winners Frodon and Kalashnikov set for an exciting clash at the Liverpool venue. Jumps meetings also come from Wincanton, Wexford and Galway.
