Circus Maximus survives stewards’ inquiry to land Prix du Moulin
It was a dramatic edition of the Group 1 Prix du Moulin at Longchamp on Sunday when the Aidan O’Brien-trained Circus Maximus survived a stewards’ inquiry to capture the event despite interfering with runner-up Romanised.
Romanised looked as if he was going to follow up his triumph in the Prix Jacques le Marois as he hit the front a furlong from home but Circus Maximus rallied under pressure to take the lead. As he did so, the colt drifted left and carried Romanised with him before edging home to score by a nose.
The stewards reviewed the finish yet the result was upheld. Robert Ng, owner of Romanised, will contest the findings.
Speaking to the Racing Post, trainer Ken Condon said: “He’s spoken to myself and to Rupert [Pritchard-Gordon, racing manager] and they’re going to lodge an appeal, based on visual evidence and what he’s seen.
“He’s in Hong Kong but he’s taken time to view it. He’s a great sportsman but thinks it’s a pretty cut and dried case. To be fair to the horse and to his record and career, that’s what’s going to happen.”
Simcock and Spencer’s American raid successful
Jamie Spencer’s short trip to America proved to be more than worth the long flight after he partnered the David Simcock-trained Spanish Mission to victory in the Jockey Club Derby Invitational Stakes (1m4f) at Belmont Park on Saturday evening.
Despite breaking poorly from the gate, Spencer kept his mount at the back before making his move two furlongs from home. The son of Noble Mission stayed on strongly to deny Pedro Cara by a nose.
Dobbin to have first runners since April
Following a respiratory virus which has laid her yard low since April, trainer Rose Dobbin will saddle her first runners in five months at Perth today.
Dobbin’s runners include Lady London in the Rewarding Ownership With The ROA Novices’ Handicap Chase and California Soul in the TGO Creative Design, Print And Web Handicap Hurdle.
The Racehorse Owners Association sponsors five races on the card at Perth, where it is also hosting an Industry Ownership Day and regional meeting.
Other meetings in Britain today include a jumps card at Newton Abbot, a Flat fixture at Brighton and an all-weather evening meeting from Wolverhampton. Over in Ireland, Listowel stages a Flat meeting with the Listed Listowel Stakes (1m1f) the feature race on the card.
Keeneland September Sale begins
The yearling sales season continues in America as the Keeneland September Sale gets underway today.
Our Bloodstock Editor Nancy Sexton has previewed the sale, including lots to keep an eye on, and you can read it here.
