Royal Ascot - Black Caviar day

It was nearly the blunder from Down under when Australian rider, Luke Nolen, decided to prematurely put his hands down as he thought that the race was over. The silence that fell over the crowd in the last few strides was deafening and people look at each other asking whether the superstar had won. It was a serious case of premature ejockalation and a mistake that would have ensured that the diminutive pilot would have been banned for 42 days. The cheering that greeted the filly on her arrival at the winners enclosure was fantastic with all and sundry celebrating. The Queen made the visit down to the enclosure and the horse nuzzled up to her. A truly wonderful sight. She then handed out the prizes to the winning connections.

It has been the most fantastic week in racing with equine superstars coming from many countries to win. The big four, who were all odds on, put in great efforts with Fame and Glory the only one to blot his copy book. The other three, Frankel, So You Think and Black Caviar all followed the script, with Black Caviar giving us a few sober moments in the international party. 

Royal ascot should be a must on every persons racing calender.

Until next year……. when the champagne wears off.

Photos from the last day at Royal Ascot

The Queen and Prince Phillip

 Funny man Michael Mcintyre

 Hardwicke Stakes winner Sea Moon ans Ryan Moore

 Princess Eugenie

 Bonski, myself, Egyptian cross dresser,Mike Abboud,Dr Gary Baitz Sarah, Young Santo and Tubs Riddell

 Ex Spurs and Chelsea football star, Gus Poyet

Black Caviar Day

Saturday is Black Caviar day with record crowds expected and thousands of Aussies coming to watch the equine superstar. Aussie...Oy...Oy.....Oy. Move over Kylie Minogue there is a more popular girl from down under. Ever since I have been involved in racing in the UK never have I seen such a frenzy about a visiting horse. The famous racecourse is fully booked and even though there are other Australian attractions today the nation will come to a standstill to watch the Wonder from Down Under come and give the poms a whipping at the game they invented. Melbourne is supplying large TV screens to accommodate the crowds expected and Aussie pubs all over the Uk are gearing up for the onslaught. Black Caviar is hoping to make it 22 out of 22 and win her first race on Foreign soil. One headline suggested it was the day of reckoning for Australia's First Lady. Here are some stats courtesy of the British Racing Post.

Age 5

starts and wins 21

Prize money in Pounds 3,630,401

Group 1 victories 11

Aggregate winning lengths in G1s. 30.25 Times starting odds on 19 Jockeys to have ridden her 3 Shortest winning price 1-33 Biggest winning distance 6 lengths. Heaviest  weight in Kilos 580

That is an amazing fact file and the world wants to witness her move to immortality. I have no doubt that she will be cheered home wildly by every nation and not just the Aussies.

She has drawn 15 out of 15 and there is a possibility that she will encounter going that she has never raced on before but the opposition have never put up performances to suggest they can bring about the unthinkable and beat her. It is now 10 thirty in the morning and the sun is out with a light breeze drying out the Berkshire track. There are a few ominous clouds gathering to witness the race.

When the filly arrived at her base, Abington Place, two weeks ago the media and press were told that no one would have access as the rights had been sold. A large van was used to cover up her unloading. The anti paparazzi tactics were successful and no one but close connections were allowed in. On Tuesday morning the press were finally allowed to see her and they were impressed by the pieces of work she had put in. By common consent she is the finest female sprinter to have ever graced our racetracks.

Legendary trainer Bart Cummings described her as having the neck of a duchess and the arse of a cook....not since the hero of the great depression, Pharlap, has a horse so captivated people.

All in All, it is all about Black Caviar and let's hope when the champagne kicks in later....we will be toasting another success.

Wrap up from day 4

While no one was going to upstage the likes of Frankel And Black Caviar, the excitement that surrounded the Royal winner yesterday was very special. The crowds thronged down to the parade ring to see the Queens, Estimate, win the Queen Vase. When the Queen came down to the paddock to greet her well bred filly the crowd started cheering and burst into song. A visibly pleased Queen was given the winning trophy by her beaming husband, Duke Of Endinburgh. The public had supported her into clear favourite and once jockey, Ryan Moore, had eased her into the lead up the stretch the fanfare started.

Earlier in the day we had seen another O'Brien horse come up short in the King Edward the VII.

Having had a very good day on Wednesday with a brace of winners, things went pear shape for the master of Ballydoyle. Astrology seemed to bring all the best form into the race and the general racing public had no doubt that he would prevail rather handsomely against what looked like inferior opposition. It looked as if the demands of a tough Investec Epsom Derby had taken its toll with the horse being the first to feel the heat up the straight. He compounded very quickly and was just cantering when he crossed the line. Up front at this stage, it looked like a battle supreme between the Henry Cecil pair, Thomas Chippendale and full brother to Frankel, Noble Mission. Sir Robert Ogden was in fine spirit to lead in his winner.

In the Coronation Stakes, Fallen For You became another surprise winner of a feature when she came through to win. The fancied runners, Homecoming Queen, Samitar and Laugh Out Loud all failed to fire and were well beaten. Trainer John Gosden had a fabulous day and is now clear on the Royal Ascot trainers list. His young rider, William Buick, had a fine day as well and leads the jockeys equivalent.

Until later when the champagne kicks in.......

Some photos from Day 4 at Royal Ascot

Sporting purple today, the Queen arrives...

Sheik Mohammed arrives

Bonski and John Gosdon

David Walliams

The Queen in the winner's box!

 The Queen's horse Estimate 

 My old mate Mick Cannon

The Brains Trust

Royal Ascot - Day 4

Some more inclement weather greets race goers for day four of the Royal Ascot meeting. The sun is due to come out again this afternoon.

The feature on the day is the Coronation Stakes, a group one over a mile. Mick Channon the only trainer to deny the powerful O'Brien stable a clean sweep of the classics has two excellent runners in the race and could come away with the winner.He saddles Irish 1000 guineas winner, Simitar and the Dettori ridden, Laugh Out Loud. This is a race which will go a long way to sort out who the is best three year old filly. The filly that I like is Homecomig Queen who romped home at Newmarket on ground similar to that of today. I think that she is worth a bet.

In the King Edward VII Stakes I am confident that Astrology will be a difficult horse to beat. His third in the Epsom Derby behind stable mate, Camelot should be enough to see him home here. He led the field in the Derby and had most of them off the bit into the stretch. He finished well clear of Thought Worthy, who opposes him again. His win on soft ground in the Dee Stakes in his penultimate start was impressive. His biggest danger could come from the Henry Cecil inmates, Noble Mission and Thomas Chippendale. Noble Mission is a full brother to the Mighty Frankel and Thomas Chippendale is doing good work at home.

The opening event is the Albany Stakes over 6 furlongs and most of the serious money has been for Newfangled. He does look like the likely winner even though many scribes are suggesting that The Gold Cheongsam will find good support today and could win this. He is currently at 14/1 and represents solid each way value. Another who comes in to the reckoning is Agent Allison a 6/1 shot.

A horse who has been especially prepared for a race today is Mijhaar who runs in the Wolferton Handicap over 2000mts at 5.25 (SA time) It has been receiving continued support and should be considered.

The Queen has another's chance of reaching the winners circle with Estimate in the Queens Vase G3. Michael Stout trains the daughter of Monsun with leading Royal Ascot rider, Ryan Moore,in the saddle. The form horse in the race is Athens but there is reportedly a stamina doubt with him. The well bred Minimum Risk is also finding support and looks to have more stamina than others.

Until later when the champagne kicks in......... again !

Wrap of Day Three

The Gold Cup turned out to be a success for Godolphin and Frankie Dettorie. It was Frankie's first winner in 41 rides and the excitement was etched all over his face after his famous dismount. Fame and Glory was all the rage and ran no sort of race, failing to quicken in the later stages and many punters including myself were left to throw our tickets in the garbage. The two Godolphin horses, Colour Vision and Opinion Poll fought out a tough finish with the two horses coming together and making contact in the final stages of the marathon event. Having a good look at the head on I was left wit the feeling that the result could be reversed in either France or South Africa. Objection rules differ from Country to Country and some sort of uniformity would be good. The runner up had come from behind Frankie and in going by the winner had drifted out under a hard ride and made contact with the runner up causing the momentum to be lost. At this precise stage Betfair were laying 15/1 Colour Vision and one to ten Opinion Poll.

The Irish struck early in the day when promising Princess Highway trotted up in the Ribblesdale. Tubs Riddell, still one of the shrewdest operators in Blighty had confidently voiced his opinions on the winner and he helped us make it a winning day. The three year old scene for fillies is still unclear but after this performance, Princess Highway might just be regarded as the best of her generation. Time will tell.

The emergence of Germany as a major force in global racing received a major boost when Energiser won the Tercentenary Stakes under jockey Adrie De Vries. I had never heard of him as well. Who can forget Danedream's superb win in the Arc. Germany is here to stay, just watch the Euro championship.

William Haggas, a great friend of South Africa and it's racing provided race goers with a wonderful win when his favourite, Fast or Free won the Brittania Stakes rather comfortably. Ryan Moore drove the filly out under a light weight and is now favourite to win the Royal Ascot jockeys championship.

The Norfolk Stakes was won by Reckless Abandon giving jockey Adam Kirby his first Royal Ascot winner. Kirby rode his first winner in 2004 and had his best season last year with 115 winners.

It was good to catch up with Mike Cattermole the celebrated commentator and presenter for a couple of drinks. We were also invited in for a couple more with Mark Johnson and his family. It was good to see his son Charlie who was last seen propping up the bar at my stables months ago. Their horse Fennel Bay stayed very inch of the trip to win the last race. My winning ticket was firmly ensconced in my vacuous wallet. Rishi Persad is always good value and is a celebrity presenter who always makes plenty of time for the masses.

Until later when the champagne kicks in.....

Photos from day 3 at Ascot

The Queen Arrives

Myself and Celebrity Presenter, Rishi Persad

Cindy and Andrew Riddell; Tipster Extraordinaire

SA bound presenter David Raphael

Lena and Werrett ; part owners of superstar Black Caviar

The Queen handing out a first place prize to Sheik Mohammed

Interviewing Frankie Dettori

The Camera man; Chris Erb and Production leader, Simon Burgess- two superstars. Strange lurker in the background.

Mike Cattermol, legendary presenter and commentator, with 3 unknown admirers

Trainer Mark Johnson & client Huggy Livingstone, book-ended by Fatboy and Slim

 William Haggas

   

Rishi Persad wedged between Captain Haddock & Tintin. Where's Snowy ?

Royal Ascot - Day 3

Day three of Royal Ascot and overcast weather greets racegoers as they stream on to the course for ladies Day.

In the 5 furlongs Norfolk stakes, Cay Verde is the 3/1 favourite and is trained by my mate Mick Channon. Leading Australian jockey, Craig Williams gets a chance to ride his first Royal Ascot winner. It will not be easy for them because Richard Hannon who is a master with young horses has two interesting runners in Annunciation and Mister Marc. Son in law Richard Hughes has elected to ride Annunciation and I believe that he is on the wrong one. Mister Marc gave Tuesday 's Coventry Stakes winner, Dawn Approach a good race in a listed race in Ireland. Another with big chance is Reckless Abandon who soundly beat Annunciation.

The Ribblesdale looks a tricky race and the John Gosden trained, The Fugue, looks to be a leading light. She had way too much to do in the Investec Oaks, when coming from way off in a slow run race. The Stable is in good nick with Joviality having won yesterday. The Queen has a runner in the race with a filly called Momentary and Hayley Turner gets to ride her. Dermot Weld the Irish trainer has a very good filly in Princess Highway who defeated Oaks winner, Was, in the Blue Wind Stakes. It does look competitive but I feel that The Fugue could be the girl to beat.

The big race of the afternoon is the Gold Cup, a marathon run over 3600 mts and last years winner Fame And Glory is even money favourite to reprise the success of last year. He is from the powerful O Brien stable whose superstar, Yeats, won this race four years in a row and his statue adorns the parade ring at ascot. Fame and Glory looks as if he is another wonderful stayer and most pundits are confidently tipping him to win again. After the stable's Excellent day yesterday it is difficult to see him getting beaten. If there is to be a different result then Godolphin might be able to come up with the winner as they have two talented stayers in Colour Vision and Opinion Poll. The mercurial, Frankie Dettori has decided to ride Colour Vision who was originally trained up north by Mark Johnston. Colour Vision had run a progressive third behind Fame And Glory and stable mate Opinion Poll in Ascot's Long Distance Cup. Opinion Poll Had won the Dubai Gold Cup under Frankie and it must have been a tough decision to elect to ride Colour Vision. I believe that Fame and Glory will be able to win his second Gold Cup.

Until later when the champagne kicks in .... again

Photos from Day Two at Ascot

The Queen arrives for the second day of Ascot...

   

The Egyptian cross-dressing jockey and Ed Jordan

'So You Think' entering the winner's circle

Aussie Brad Blanks and myself

Crowds gather to sing-a-long at the band stand 

 Myself, vet John McVeigh and Michael

Sign of the day:

Jenson Button

Hard at work

Here's to day three!

Day 2

Day two has proved to be another great success with the feature race, The Prince of Wales, going to odds on favourite, So You Think. Initially this New Zealeand bred raced in Australia winning a trail of group 1's before relocating to Ireland to be trained at Ballydoyle by Aidan O'Brien. He has travelled around the globe to enhance his mighty reputation and has been booked to fly back to COOLMORE Australia for Stud duties. Many of the race goers were hoping that the Queens upcoming star, Carlton House,could dethrone the champion. Funnily enough, the Queen has not had a group 1 winner since the mid seventies with a horse called Dumfernline. With it being the Jubilee year many of the Brits were hoping for things to change for the Queen. The race itself was a very good one with So You Think setting sail for home at the top of the straight. Carlton house quickened up equally well and loomed large on the inside but Sou You think is a buzz saw and found more to give his young rider, Joseph O'brien, his first group one winner at Royal Ascot. So you think was winning his tenth group one and has taken his earnings above 5 million pounds.

Everyday, after the race meeting thousands congregate around a huge bandstand waiving British flags to sing a medley of favourite English songs. The singing can be heard for miles around as fashionably dressed racegoers sing along covering favourites like, Hey Jude, You'll Never Walk Alone, New York New York and a slew of others. These Brits know how to celebrate and support the monarchy. The owners and trainers car park is full of picnic spots with parties going on until late in the night. Champagne is certainly the order of the day as flashy taxi's and chauffeurs wait patiently. On the periphery we have the Gypsies trying to sell minute bouquets for some money. They are persistent and out in their droves.

One of the amazing things is the way hundreds of racegoers drink champagne on the train out to the races. Many are tipsy before they touch terra firma for the uphill walk to the race course. Splendidly dressed people sit down on any available lawn to picnic and have lunch before going on to the course to greet the Queeen and sing the National Anthem. passionate people these Poms. There is a wonderful Police presence and any unruly behavior is quickly and efficiently contained.

Conclusions from yesterday and thoughts on Day 2 at Ascot

Well, well, well. There were two processions at Royal Ascot yesterday, one with the Royal party and close buddies and one by the invincible Frankel. The Queen's carriage had four horse power but the horse power that Frankel produced left an indelible mark on all those who witnessed his annihilation of a group one field. The crowd sang the national anthem for the Royal party and then Frankel proceeded to achieve the highest rating for a thoroughbred. The 147 rating has certainly raised the bar and many witnesses believe that he can achieve 150 when he goes over a mile and a quarter. You had to be there to see the power and pace of this long striding, average sized horse.

A rather gaunt Sir Henry Cecil looked delighted and relieved when he welcomed his champion back. A decision will be made as to where he races next depending on how he comes out of this race. The options include the Coral-Eclipse, Sussex states, Juddmonte International  or the Queen Elizabeth II stakes.

In today's Prince of Wales Stakes, many people believe that the Queen's Carlton House can beat hot favourite So You Think. It looks to be a great match between the two and being the Queen's Jubilee year, the locals from Blighty are hoping to topple the Irish superstar. For my money, I think So You Think will win.

In the Queen Mary Stakes, trainers Richard Hannon and Mick Shannon have five of the 27 runners and between them have won this race 8 times. This group 2 race for juveniles over 5 furlong is always going to be tricky with a big field. Mironica is Ireland's only runner and bids to give them a third victory since this race was raised to group two status nine years ago. I am probably leaning towards the fittingly named Jubilee Diamond.

In the Windsor Forest Stakes, a group two race over a mile, there is a lot of talk about Nahrain. Her second in the Breeder's Cup meeting last season following her group one success in France has made her a clear selection for some of the punters. Against her is the impressive Emulous, she has won her last four races including the group one Matron Stakes in September. Both of them give 5 pound to the rest of the field. No winner of this race has ever been able to give a five pound penalty and win. So looking at the others, you might think the winner there. One of those to consider is Chachamaidae. All in all quite a tough race.

Let's hope day two brings as much excitement as the last one.

Until later, when the champagne kicks in...

Pictures from Royal Ascot Day 1

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 
and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

Go Frankel

Prince Charles and Camilla

John McCririck Esq

Bon and Guards

Francesca Cumani daughter of trainer Luca Cumani 

Queen in the crowds

Me and the Egyptian Cross dressing Jockey, Michael Abboud

Bookmakers Graham and Grant

Mike Abboud's brother & sister,
 Sayid and Aminah over from Tahrir Square.

Filming sensibly

Michael Owen

Paul Scholes

Frankel

Frankel with jockey Tom Queally and Trainer Sir Henry Cecil

Bon Family

Enjoying some refreshment