Today’s racing
Six-time Grade 1 winner Footpad is the star turn on the Thurles card today as the seven-year-old returns from an eight-month absence in the Listed Boomerang.ie Chase (2m6f).
Trained by Willie Mullins for owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, Footpad was last seen finishing down the field in the Ryanair Chase at this year’s Cheltenham Festival after breaking blood vessels.
Winner of the 2018 Arkle, Footpad will be up against four rivals today – the Jessica Harrington-trained Jetz, Henry de Bromhead’s Balko Des Flos, the Gordon Elliott-trained Mala Beach and Margaret Flynn’s Oh Me Oh My.
Jumps meetings are also staged at Market Rasen and Wincanton today while Chelmsford and Newcastle both hold all-weather cards. In the UAE, Meydan hosts a six-race card.
Chrome heading to Japan
The syndicate that owns multiple Group/Grade 1 winner California Chrome has reached an agreement with the JS Company of Japan to sell the eight-year-old.
Taylor Made Stallions, which stands California Chrome, announced the news on Wednesday with the deal subject to the Japanese government’s quarantine and exportation requirements being met.
The deal ensures that the California Chrome Syndicate will have the first right of refusal if the son of Lucky Pulpit is ever sold and upon his retirement from covering duties, he will live out the rest of his life at Taylor Made in Kentucky.
Duncan Taylor, President and CEO of Taylor Made, said: “We were approached by representatives of the buyer and being that California Chrome is owned by a 50-share syndicate, the offer was presented to the shareholders for a vote.
“Ultimately, the results were in favour of moving forward with the sale.
“California Chrome is the best horse we have ever owned, and he will now have the opportunity to have offspring performing in three different countries.”
