HIGH PRAISE FOR CARTIER AWARDS HOPE ST NICHOLAS ABBEY

CARTIER RACING AWARDS MEDIA RELEASE


A new hope is rising in the west. The radiant light of the all-conquering Sea The Stars is still very strong but the sport is now heralding the dawning of St Nicholas Abbey, who greatly enhanced his claim to the Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt Award with an exciting victory in the Group One Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster on Saturday, October 24.

Trained in Ireland at the famous Ballydoyle stables, St Nicholas Abbey has been expertly nurtured by Aidan O’Brien to win each of his three career starts and now finds himself in contention for Cartier honours.

The Cartier Racing Awards recognise excellence in horseracing. Now in their 19th year, the awards are the sport’s equivalent of the Oscars and are determined by points earned in Pattern races combined with the opinions of a panel of racing journalists, as well as votes from readers of the Racing Post and The Daily Telegraph.

European horseracing’s most prestigious accolades will be presented during a glittering ceremony before invited guests at Claridge’s Hotel in Mayfair, London, on the evening of Tuesday, November 17, 2009.

Following his Group One triumph, St Nicholas Abbey is joint-top in the Pattern race standings for the Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt Award, alongside stable companion Alfred Nobel, Arcano and Awzaan. Each have 48 points.

The Montjeu colt is now winter favourite for the 2010 Derby. Horseracing fans and pundits alike were left eulogising on Saturday as St Nicholas Abbey swept aside a top-class field of his peers with a decisive burst of speed that took him to success by three and three quarter lengths. He had already won the Group Two Beresford Stakes at the Curragh in September, a race that Sea The Stars also won as a juvenile.

With Sea The Stars retired to a career at stud, all eyes and many hopes will now be pinned to St Nicholas Abbey as racing seeks a new hero.

Having accrued a Cartier Awards’ record of 272 points, Sea The Stars himself is likely to collect the Cartier Horse of The Year Award and Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt Award after a stellar unbeaten season that yielded Group One successes in the Stan James-sponsored 2,000 Guineas, Investec Derby, Coral-Eclipse Stakes, Juddmonte International Stakes, Tattersalls Million Irish Champion Stakes and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Ask (48 points) emerged as a late candidate for honours in the Cartier Stayer category after a last-gasp victory over Schiaparelli (54) in the Group One Prix Royal-Oak at Longchamp on Sunday, October 25. Earlier this season, the Sir Michael Stoute-trained six-year-old won the Group One Coronation Cup and Group Two Yorkshire Cup and finished third to stablemate Conduit in the Group One King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes sponsored by Betfair at Ascot.

Alandi heads the Cartier Stayer division with 58 points, two ahead of the great Yeats who landed an historic fourth Ascot Gold Cup in June and has now retired.

The Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita on November 6 and 7 could yet determine some Cartier Awards, with the Older Horse category still very much to be decided. The Breeders’ Cup Mile-bound Goldikova has 104 points but faces a strong challenge from Fleeting Spirit who has 96 points and heads for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint.

The three-year-old colts, Rip Van Winkle (92) and Mastercraftsman (136) who are trained by O’Brien, are also destined for Santa Anita with probably the Breeders’ Cup Classic and Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile on each horse’s respective agenda. O’Brien is planning to run some of his leading two-year-olds at the Breeders’ Cup as well.

Harry Herbert, Cartier’s racing consultant, commented today: “Just as we bid farewell to one star, we see the emergence of another potential champion. St Nicholas Abbey has a long way to go to match the achievements of Sea The Stars but the manner of his Racing Post Trophy win means that we can all spend the winter months dreaming and hoping.

“But before we start thinking of next year’s classics, there is the matter of the Breeders’ Cup to attend to. European horses performed exceptionally at Santa Anita last year and it looks as though another very strong challenge will be mounted.

“The meeting could well decide the Cartier Older Horse Award with Goldikova bidding to emulate the great Miesque and win another Breeders’ Cup Mile, and Fleeting Spirit on course to attempt a Breeders’ Cup Sprint victory not achieved by a European horse since Sheikh Albadou in 1991.

“As we draw towards the conclusion of a memorable season, we can reflect on the exceptional performances that have characterised the 2009 campaign and look forward to honouring the heroes of the sport at Claridge’s on November 17.”

For more information, please contact Harry Herbert, Cartier’s racing consultant (01488 669166), Sarah Carlsen of Cartier (020 7408 5740) or Mark Popham of Racenews (020 7704 0326)


THE CARTIER AWARDS 2009
(points earned in Pattern races up to and including October 25, 2009)


CARTIER HORSE OF THE YEAR
SEA THE STARS 272
MASTERCRAFTSMAN 136
GHANAATI 120
FAME AND GLORY 112
SARISKA 109


CARTIER TWO-YEAR-OLD FILLY
SPECIAL DUTY 64
HIBAAYEB 40
MISHEER 40
LILLIE LANGTRY 36


CARTIER TWO-YEAR-OLD COLT
ALFRED NOBEL 48
ARCANO 48
AWZAAN 48
ST NICHOLAS ABBEY 48


CARTIER THREE-YEAR-OLD FILLY
GHANAATI 120
SARISKA 109
STACELITA 96
ELUSIVE WAVE 78


CARTIER THREE-YEAR-OLD COLT
SEA THE STARS 272
MASTERCRAFTSMAN 136
FAME AND GLORY 112
RIP VAN WINKLE 92


CARTIER OLDER HORSE
GOLDIKOVA 104
FLEETING SPIRIT 96
VISION D’ETAT 92
AQLAAM 76


CARTIER STAYER
ALANDI 58
YEATS 56
SCHIAPARELLI 54
ASK 48


CARTIER SPRINTER
FLEETING SPIRIT 96
ART CONNOISSEUR 48
BORDERLESCOTT 43
KINGS APOSTLE 40
TOTAL GALLERY 40




Please find a full list of the past winners at the Cartier Racing Awards below.


2008 - CARTIER RACING AWARDS

Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt: Mastercraftsman
Cartier Two-Year-Old Filly: Rainbow View
Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt: New Approach
Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly: Zarkava
Cartier Sprinter: Marchand D’Or
Cartier Stayer: Yeats
Cartier Older Horse: Duke Of Marmalade
Cartier Horse of the Year: Zarkava, owned by HH the Aga Khan
Cartier/Daily Telegraph Award of Merit: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum


2007 - CARTIER RACING AWARDS

Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt: New Approach
Cartier Two-Year-Old Filly: Natagora
Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt: Authorized
Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly: Peeping Fawn
Cartier Sprinter: Red Clubs
Cartier Stayer: Yeats
Cartier Older Horse: Dylan Thomas
Cartier Horse of the Year: Dylan Thomas, owned by Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor
Cartier/Daily Telegraph Award of Merit: The Niarchos Family


2006 - CARTIER RACING AWARDS

Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt: Teofilo
Cartier Two-Year-Old Filly: Finsceal Beo
Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt: George Washington
Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly: Mandesha
Cartier Sprinter: Reverence
Cartier Stayer: Yeats
Cartier Older Horse: Ouija Board
Cartier Horse of the Year: Ouija Board, owned by Lord Derby
Cartier/Daily Telegraph Award of Merit: Peter Willett


2005 - CARTIER RACING AWARDS

Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt: George Washington
Cartier Two-Year-Old Filly: Rumplestiltskin
Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt: Hurricane Run
Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly: Divine Proportions
Cartier Sprinter: Avonbridge
Cartier Stayer: Westerner
Cartier Older Horse: Azamour
Cartier Horse of the Year: Hurricane Run, owned by Michael Tabor & Sue Magnier
Cartier/Daily Telegraph Award of Merit: Henry Cecil


2004 - CARTIER RACING AWARDS

Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt: Shamardal
Cartier Two-Year-Old Filly: Divine Proportions
Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt: Bago
Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly: Ouija Board
Cartier Sprinter: Somnus
Cartier Stayer: Westerner
Cartier Older Horse: Soviet Song
Cartier Horse of the Year: Ouija Board, owned by Lord Derby
Cartier/Daily Telegraph Award of Merit: David & Patricia Thompson


2003 - CARTIER RACING AWARDS

Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt: One Cool Cat
Cartier Two-Year-Old Filly: Attraction
Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt: Dalakhani
Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly: Russian Rhythm
Cartier Sprinter: Oasis Dream
Cartier Stayer: Persian Punch
Cartier Older Horse: Falbrav
Cartier Horse of the Year: Dalakhani, owned by HH the Aga Khan
Cartier/Daily Telegraph Award of Merit: Lord Oaksey


2002 - CARTIER RACING AWARDS

Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt: Hold That Tiger
Cartier Two-Year-Old Filly: Six Perfections
Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt: Rock Of Gibraltar
Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly: Kazzia
Cartier Sprinter: Continent
Cartier Older Horse: Grandera
Cartier Stayer: Vinnie Roe
Cartier Horse of the Year: Rock of Gibraltar, owned by Sir Alex Ferguson & Sue Magnier
Cartier/Daily Telegraph Award of Merit: Prince Khalid Bin Abdullah
Cartier Special Award: Tony McCoy

2001 - CARTIER RACING AWARDS

Cartier Two-Year-Old Filly: Queen's Logic
Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt: Johannesburg
Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly: Banks Hill
Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt: Galileo
Cartier Stayer: Persian Punch
Cartier Sprinter: Mozart
Cartier Older Horse: Fantastic Light
Cartier Horse of the Year: Fantastic Light, owned by Godolphin
Cartier/Daily Telegraph Award of Merit: John Magnier


2000 - CARTIER RACING AWARDS

Cartier Two-Year-Old Filly: Superstar Leo
Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt: Tobougg
Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly: Petrushka
Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt: Sinndar
Cartier Stayer: Kayf Tara
Cartier Sprinter: Nuclear Debate
Older Horse: Kalanisi
Cartier Horse of the Year: Giant’s Causeway, owned by Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor
Cartier Millennium Award of Merit: HM the Queen
Cartier/Daily Telegraph Award of Merit: HH the Aga Khan


1999 - CARTIER RACING AWARDS

Cartier Two-Year-Old Filly: Torgau
Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt: Fasliyev
Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly: Ramruma
Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt: Montjeu
Cartier Stayer: Kayf Tara
Cartier Sprinter: Stravinsky
Cartier Older Horse: Daylami
Cartier Horse of the Year: Daylami, owned by Godolphin
Cartier/Daily Telegraph Award of Merit: Peter Walwyn



1998 - CARTIER RACING AWARDS

Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt: Aljabr
Cartier Two-Year-Old Filly: Bint Allayl
Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt: Dream Well
Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly: Cape Verdi
Cartier Sprinter: Tamarisk
Cartier Stayer: Kayf Tara
Cartier Older Horse: Swain
Cartier Horse of the Year: Dream Well, owned by the Niarchos Family
Cartier/Daily Telegraph Award of Merit: the Head Family


1997 - CARTIER RACING AWARDS

Cartier Two-Year-Old Filly: Embassy
Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt: Xaar
Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly: Ryafan
Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt: Peintre Celebre
Cartier Stayer: Celeric
Cartier Sprinter: Royal Applause
Cartier Older Horse: Pilsudski
Cartier Horse of the Year: Peintre Celebre, owned by Daniel Wildenstein
Cartier/Daily Telegraph Award of Merit: Sir Peter O'Sullevan


1996 - CARTIER RACING AWARDS

Cartier Two-Year-Old Filly: Pas De Reponse
Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt: Bahamian Bounty
Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly: Bosra Sham
Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt: Helissio
Cartier Stayer: Nononito
Cartier Sprinter: Anabaa
Cartier Older Horse: Halling
Cartier Horse of the Year: Helissio, owned by Enrique Sarasola
Cartier/Daily Telegraph Award of Merit: Frankie Dettori


1995 - CARTIER RACING AWARDS

Cartier Two-Year-Old Filly: Blue Duster
Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt: Alhaarth
Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly: Ridgewood Pearl
Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt: Lammtarra
Cartier Stayer: Double Trigger
Cartier Sprinter: Hever Golf Rose
Cartier Older Horse: Further Flight
Cartier Horse of the Year: Ridgewood Pearl, owned by Mrs Sean Coughlan
Cartier/Daily Telegraph Award of Merit: John Dunlop


1994 - CARTIER RACING AWARDS

Cartier Two-Year-Old Filly: Gay Gallanta
Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt: Celtic Swing
Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly: Balanchine
Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt: King's Theatre
Cartier Stayer: Moonax
Cartier Sprinter: Lochsong
Cartier Older Horse: Barathea
Cartier Horse of the Year: Barathea, owned by Sheikh Mohammed
Cartier/Daily Telegraph Award of Merit: Marquess of Hartington


1993 - CARTIER RACING AWARDS

Cartier Two-Year-Old Filly: Lemon Souffle
Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt: First Trump
Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly: Intrepidity
Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt: Commander in Chief
Cartier Stayer: Vintage Crop
Cartier Sprinter: Lochsong
Cartier Older Horse: Opera House
Cartier Horse of the Year: Lochsong, owned by Jeff Smith
Cartier/Daily Telegraph Award of Merit: Francois Boutin


1992 - CARTIER RACING AWARDS

Cartier Two-Year-Old Filly: Lyric Fantasy
Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt: Zafonic
Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly: User Friendly
Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt: Rodrigo De Triano
Cartier Stayer: Drum Taps
Cartier Sprinter: Mr Brooks
Cartier Older Horse: Mr Brooks
Cartier Horse of the Year: User Friendly, owned by Bill Gredley
Cartier/Daily Telegraph Award of Merit: Lester Piggott


1991 - CARTIER RACING AWARDS

Cartier Two-Year-Old Filly: Culture Vulture
Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt: Arazi
Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly: Kooyonga
Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt: Suave Dancer
Cartier Stayer: Turgeon
Cartier Sprinter: Sheikh Albadou
Cartier Older Horse: Terimon
Cartier Horse of the Year: Arazi, owned by Allen Paulson & Sheikh Mohammed
Cartier/Daily Telegraph Award of Merit: Henri Chalhoub

END

COUNTDOWN TO RACING POST TROPHY AT DONCASTER SATURDAY OCTOBER 24th 2009

Excitement is building to fever pitch ahead of tomorrow's Racing Post Trophy. The Doncaster showpiece has attracted a field replete with high achievers and intriguing dark horses, and after the Middle Park Stakes fell to Awzaan, a colt whose pedigree suggests he may not stay beyond sprint distances, and the exposed Beethoven scrambled home first in a below par-looking Dewhurst, it looks as though it could be the most informative trial for next year's Classics.
This year is the 20th anniversary of the Racing Post's support of the Group 1 event, and to mark the milestone the newspaper has this week been celebrating the superstars to have emerged from the race under its sponsorship. And there's plenty to celebrate, with no fewer than 20 subsequent individual top-level winners, including four Epsom Derby heroes, among the graduates. The race also deserves plenty of credit as one of the first stepping stones to a successful career in the stallion ranks.
From the first winner of the race under the Racing Post banner, Be My Chief, who provided the Grade 1 winner Donna Viola and became damsire of Hong Kong superstar Viva Pataca, through to the most recent scorer with foals of racing age, Motivator, whose first crop of two-year-olds this year has yielded the May Hill Stakes heroine Pollenator, the event has thrown up more than its fair share of good sires. Among the best achievers in the breeding shed have been Celtic Swing, a dazzling 12-length winner of the 1994 renewal who sired the outstanding pair Six Perfections and Takeover Target, and 2001 winner High Chaparral, who is compiling a strong stud record with progeny such as Unsung Heroine and Golden Sword. So as this year's winner crosses the line tomorrow afternoon, we could be looking not just at a future Classic winner, but at a Classic sire too.--------------------------------------------------------------


Click here for the full card
Don't miss Pricewise's column with the value bets in tomorrow's Racing Post and online from noon with Pricewise Extra.----------------------------------------------------------


Maiden winner of the weekTertiary2yo b cSingspiel - Allez Les Trois (Riverman) Trainer: Saeed Bin SuroorOwner: GodolphinBreeder: DarleyRace: EBF / Sapphire Anniversary Maiden StakesSingspiel may not be known as a rich source of two-year-old talent, but his juveniles have been in flying form recently. Not only did the Darley stallion provide the Fillies' Mile heroine Hibaayeb in September, but he also enjoyed a continental two-year-old Group race double at the weekend when one son, Zeitoper, won the Prix de Conde at Longchamp and another, Glad Tiger, landed the Preis der Winterfavoriten at Cologne. Tertiary's debut victory in a competitive maiden race at Brighton on Thursday provided the icing on the cake. The colt is a half-brother to Prix du Jockey-Club scorer Anabaa Blue, to the Listed-winning pair Reunite and Measured Tempo, and to Al Ishq, the dam of last season's top French miler Tamayuz. He shares his maternal grand-dam Allegretta with none other than Sea The Stars.
--------------------------------------------------------------Bloodstock quotes to noteCause for optimism"Stiff challenges remain and it would be wrong to pretend that everything is now rosy, but the past two weeks have demonstrated an enduring global appetite for the sport of racing which has been a pleasure to see"Edmond Mahony reflects on the end of two weeks of action at the Tattersalls October yearling saleRacing Post, October 17Trust in luck"It's easy to look like an expert when things just happen to turn out well"Seamus Murphy, breeder of Racing Post Trophy contender Morana, concedes that good fortune played a big part in his successRacing Post, October 19Best by a mile"Ghanaati was an exceptional filly. I've been very fortunate in that I've been associated with some very high-class milers, but she's the best I've ridden over that trip. She was awesome."Richard Hills toasts the recently retired 1,000 Guineas and Coronation Stakes heroine GhanaatiRacing Post, October 20Bargain of the day"I have bought the horse on spec - I didn't come to the sale expecting to buy him, but I am always open to a good deal and I thought he would sell for three times as much"French bloodstock agent Guy Petit, who bought Kauto Star's yearling half-brother by Priolo for only ?20,000 at the Arqana October yearling saleRacing Post, October 20Casting off the cast-offs"We usually get horses in training but I decided to have a change of tack this year and, instead of trying to improve other people's cast-offs, to go for yearlings who have the potential to be anything"Trainer David Pinder adjusts his strategy at the Doncaster October yearling saleRacing Post, October 21Act One, scene two"It is a great boon for jumps breeders that Shadwell and the other shareholders have allowed him to be moved to Bill Bromley's [Wood Farm Stud]"Highflyer Bloodstock's David Minton on the decision to tranfer Act One to the dual-purpose stallion ranksRacing Post, October 22Linamix leaves it late"The Pride Stakes was a landmark occasion not just for Ashalanda's trainer and jockey. The filly comes from the 15th crop of her now retired sire, Linamix, who was twice champion in France and has been responsible for winners of 73 European Pattern races - but this was the first such success to be registered on a British course"Tony Morris describes how Ashalanda ended a hoodoo for her sire LinamixRacing Post, October 22Superior premium"When you get 75 per cent on top of prize-money for winning a two-year-old race it makes a difference, and it means that one and a half wins will cover a year's training expenses"Robert Nataf of Horse France, purchaser of Wednesday's top lot at the Arqana October yearling sale, a daughter of Whipper for ?125,000Racing Post, October 22--------------------------------------------------------------


JONJO O'NEIL STABLE TOUR ON RPTVOur cameras delve inside Jackdaws Castle to take a look at the trainer's string, including classy chaser Alberta's Run.WATCH NOWDon't forget - Paul Nicholls stable tour in Monday's paper.

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SEA THE STARS: The Story of a Perfect Racehorse Edited by Sean MageeThe perfect book on the perfect racehorse. This is the full life story of what many consider the best racehorse ever to run on the Flat. He captured the hearts of racegoers all over the world, with his unflappable temperament and awesome ability. This is a must read. SPECIAL PRICE: £15 - RRP £20 Free p&p for UK customers ORDER NOW
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LIFE IN TECHNICOLOURWe're celebrating going full-colour every day from this Saturday with a BUMPER week of brilliant pullouts in the Racing Post.MONDAY - PAUL NICHOLLS STABLE TOUR PULLOUT: the one you've all been waiting for, plus the insight from the leading Irish yard of Noel MeadeTUESDAY - JUMPS PULLOUT: An unbeatable 24-page preview of the jumps season. Interviews with Gordon Elliott and Tim Vaughan plus Matt Williams twenty to follow and loads moreTHURSDAY - SEA THE STARS 16-PAGE COMMEMORATIVE PULLOUT: The legend in all his glory in this stunning full-colour picture-led pullout, with great new content and featuresFRIDAY - 20 YEARS OF ALL-WEATHER RACING ANNIVERSARY PULLOUTDON'T MISS A DAY OF THE RACING POST NEXT WEEK!

RACENEWS BRITISH RACING REVIEW CHAMPIONS DAY NEWMARKET SAT:17.10.2009

BRITISH CHAMPIONS’ DAY NEWMARKET SATURDAY OCTOBER 17 2009


WALLIS HAPPY WITH CROWD SIZE ON GREAT DAY FOR LEGENDARY TRAINERS
Newmarket’s managing director Stephen Wallis said he was happy with a crowd of 12,500 for Champions’ Day.
Wallis said: "That number is similar to last year, and bearing in mind we are down on hospitality numbers for obvious reasons connected to the economy, we are very happy with the figure.
"It has been a great day’s racing, and it was wonderful to see the reception given to Henry Cecil following Twice Over’s victory in the Emirates Airline Champion Stakes, and to John Dunlop after Akmal won the closing Jockey Club Cup to become his 250th winner at Newmarket.
"Champions’ Day has really lived up to its name."

MYSTERY PUNTER SCOOPS A NEAR MILLION-POUND PAYOUT THANKS TO NEWMARKET WINNER
Last week's winner of the totescoop6 added to his fortune by taking the Bonus Fund as well this afternoon.
The punter, who was the only person to scoop the Win Fund of £671,136 last Saturday, chose the 9/2 favourite Darley Sun in the totesport.com Cesarewitch at Newmarket and watched as the horse won what looked an typically tough renewal of this famous handicap with consummate ease to land another £287,630 from the Bonus Fund.
The winner, a regular totescoop6 player on Betfair, has today taken his total haul to a massive £958,766 - and almost became a member of the prestigious totescoop6 millionaires club.
David Craven, Managing Director of Totepool, said: "To pick six winners in one day is one thing, but to then add the winner of a fiercely competitive 32-runner handicap is a great achievement and our congratulations go out to the mystery punter for scooping nearly £1 million.
"I am sure he could not believe his eyes at the ease in which this horse netted him another great windfall of nearly £300,000."
A total of £200,006 was bet into Saturday’s pool but there were no winners, so the win fund rollover for next Saturday is £70,030, with a further £30,012 in the bonus fund.
There were 46 winners of the place fund, each of whom picked up £869.90.
Win Fund rollover £70,030
Bonus Fund rollover £30,012

A SEASON OF STARS AT NEWMARKET
From the daffodil days of spring to the first frosts of autumn it has been a season of stars at Newmarket’s two racecourses - a Sea The Stars season.
In early May, just a few weeks after Mon Mome had become a rare 100-1 winner of the John Smith’s Grand National, Flat racing needed a class act to wrest the limelight from its jumping counterpart. It sought a star and found one, the great Sea The Stars, who lined up for Newmarket’s stanjames.com 2000 Guineas as a colt of promise, but comfortably conquered his peers and teed up one of one of racing’s great journeys.
His one-a-month romp through some of Europe’s most famous contests started with that Rowley Mile rout of Delegator and Gan Amhras, was followed by a day to remember at the Vodafone Derby, included memorable beatings of ten-furlong specialists and finally the hammering of all-comers in Europe’s richest race, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. It surely won’t be long before his sons and daughters come to Newmarket to follow in his famous footsteps.
In mid-April Sea The Stars was still limbering up at John Oxx’s Curragh stables, and Fantasia was the talk of the town following her win in Newmarket’s Leslie Harrison Memorial Nell Gwyn Stakes. Victory by seven lengths in a leading trial slaked the thirst of Flat devotees, and when Delegator took the banshahousestables.com Craven Stakes it was game on for the Guineas - in hindsight, finishing second to Sea The Stars was a fine effort.
Ghanaati, a twice-raced filly from Barry Hills’ Lambourn stable, beat Cuis Ghaire and Super Sleuth in the stanjames.com 1000 Guineas and later won Royal Ascot’s Coronation Stakes, while an early test of the country’s leading sprinters saw Amour Propre win the stanjames.com Palace House Stakes.
Back in third was Fleeting Spirit, who became the darling of the July course when racing switched from the Rowley Mile. Lining up in the Darley July Cup, the Jeremy Noseda-trained Fleeting Spirit jinked a little when bursting clear of the pack, but straightened for the line and won comfortably. Main Aim, who runs in today’s Victor Chandler Challenge Stakes, finished runner-up ahead of South African representative JJ The Jet Plane. Australian star Scenic Blast, who had been so impressive when winning Royal Ascot’s King’s Stand Stakes, could do no better than tenth.
This was not the only top-class performer in action at the July meeting, for Goldikova’s Etihad Airways Falmouth Stakes victory bore the hallmark of a brilliant filly, while Arcano’s TNT July Stakes win and Silver Grecian’s success in the Meydan Superlative Stakes stamped them as leading juveniles. Arcano’s subsequent victory in the Darley Prix Morny was narrowly gaineds but boosted when Rowley Mile action resumed at the Cambridgeshire meeting.
Special Duty, who had been second to Arcano in France, took the Electrolux Cheveley Park Stakes in the manner of a filly who will take some stopping in next year’s Guineas, while Awzaan’s Shadwell Middle Park Stakes win was his fourth in succession and suggests he will be back at Newmarket on the first weekend in May.

FOND MEMORIES OF A FABULOUS YEAR
Champions’ Day marks the culmination of another year at Newmarket involving memorable races on the Rowley Mile and joyous occasions on the July Course.
Managing director Stephen Wallis describes his role as a "privilege and pleasure" and adds: "It’s made inspiring by the horses and the people who work here. The staff at Newmarket are a fantastic team and they make my job so much easier."
Asked about his personal highlights from the 2009 season, Wallis says: "Sea The Stars and Ghanaati, the winners of our classic races, must top the list, and Goldikova’s victory on the July Course was very special, but one thing I’ve learned in my second year as MD is how good the two-year-old racing is at Newmarket.
"Two Godolphin juveniles, Poet’s Voice and Alzeer, who won Saturday afternoon maiden races on the July Course, and Treble Jig, who did the same for Sir Michael Stoute’s stable, stand out - they are the sort of horses to sustain you through the winter."
For clerk of the course Michael Prosser, ‘green shoots of recovery’ refer to grass growth not the economy. He says: "It’s been an unusual year in terms of the weather. We watered for the Craven Meeting, then right through the spring and even the first meetings on the July Course, yet we had no need to irrigate for the July Festival - which is rare - nor for the first six of eight days on that track in August. That was a bizarre and unusual scenario, and then we had a very dry September.
"I’ve been clerk here for nine seasons and there have been two years that were particularly tough due to climatic conditions. In 2003 it was dry throughout, but in some respects that was easier than this year, because all the weather forecasts were accurate - there was no rain coming so we just watered.
"This year there have never been any easy decisions to make, but fortunately we have an excellent team who can respond to the conditions that present themselves. In the last eight seasons we have spent a lot of money upgrading machinery, on staff training and the irrigation system, which is now the best in the country. A succession plan means that if any member of staff is sick or off work someone else is trained to step into their shoes."
As the Newmarket season nears its conclusion - there is one more two-day meeting at the end of October - Prosser’s work load shows no sign of abating. He says: "It’s been a fascinating week because I have received more phone calls about the ground and weather than for the previous 34 race meetings. It’s been hectic and pressurised, which I admit I enjoy, and the staff have done a marvellous job with the ground."
Asked for a racing highlight to savour, Prosser says: "If you look at the horses Sea The Stars beat this year’s Guineas was a vintage. The Darley July Cup fills me with joy because we have worked very hard to become involved in the Global Sprint Challenge - we have international aspirations and we attracted Scenic Blast and Takeover Target from Australia, JJ The Jet Plane from South Africa and a fine winner in Fleeting Spirit.
"The two-year-old races on the July Course were very strong - Arcano, Silver Grecian and Misheer will take high-rank in the juvenile ratings - while the Cheveley and Middle Park Stakes were top-class, and in the same year that is rare.
"One horse that particularly caught my eye was Al Zir, who won a maiden for unraced two-year-olds in early August. In nine seasons the only horse I’ve seen win a maiden with that ease was Motivator." Praise indeed.

HILLS PEAKS AT HIS HOME COURSE
Before racing today
As the season draws to a close in Newmarket with just one meeting still to be run on 30 and 31 October, Richard Hills is way out in front in the race for leading jockey honours at his home course. His 11 wins on the Rowley Mile have included the stanjames.com 1000 Guineas with Ghanaati and the Shadwell Middle Park Stakes on Awzaan, both for his long-term patron Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum.
"I think I’ve been leading jockey here a couple of times before but to start the year with an extremely good Craven Meeting and then a Guineas success was wonderful," said Hills. "The course is only three minutes from my house, this is my home town where I was born and it’s the HQ of racing so it’s pretty special to me."
Today Hills teams up with Ghanaati’s half-brother Mawatheeq in a bid to land the Emirates Champion Stakes for the third time. His prior wins were also for Sheikh Hamdan, aboard Nayef and Haafhd, both now stallions at Shadwell’s Nunnery Stud in Norfolk.
Hills said: "Mawatheeq is a really nice horse and he’s been improving all year. Obviously it’s a big step up for him today but we wouldn’t have supplemented him if we didn’t think he was capable of winning so I’m expecting a big run."
Hills shared the honours with fellow Newmarket-based jockey Ted Durcan for the most number of winners at the July Course this summer, with both riders recording 11 victories. Close behind them was Ryan Moore on 10 and he will be chasing Hills hard at the Rowley Mile, where he has ridden seven winners so far this season. Last season’s Champion jockey, Moore is in pole position again in the overall table with 139 winners during the flat turf season. Hills is behind him in third on 87, with Richard Hughes dividing the pair with 106 winners. With such an exceptional card on offer today at Newmarket, it’s no surprise that all three of this season’s leading jockeys will be seen in action on the Rowley Mile today. Hills is booked for six rides while Hughes and Moore have five each.
After a highly successful raid on Shadwell Day at the Cambridgeshire Meeting, it’s no surprise that Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum is the leading owner at Newmarket this year with 19 winners spread across the Rowley Mile and July Course. Aside from Mawatheeq in the Champion Stakes, he is also represented by Ouqba in today’s opener, the Victor Chandler Challenge Stakes, and by last-time-out Newmarket winner Tabassum, who advertised her Classic potential with victory in the Sakhee Oh So Sharp Stakes just over a fortnight ago and is set to line-up today in the Lotus Evora Rockfel Stakes.
"Sheikh Hamdan really does support Newmarket now - we’ve got well over 200 horses in training here. That number has increased through the last few years and it’s paying dividends now," added Hills.
John Gosden, who sends out four runners from his Clarehaven Stables today, leads the way for the trainers with 17 wins from the two courses. His closest rival is Richard Hannon, who had a winner and two seconds at HQ yesterday to give him a total of 14 wins for the season.

Race 1 - Victor Chandler Challenge Stakes
GLEAM WELL UP TO THE CHALLENGE
Champions’ Day 2009 began with a local success on the Rowley Mile when Arabian Gleam, trained by Jeremy Noseda, recorded a game victory in the seven-furlong Group Two Victor Chandler Challenge Stakes.
Having seen off the challenges from Godolphin’s Donativum and Ashram, the five-year-old held on from the fast-finishing Ouqba to register a neck verdict. He was a 7/1 chance.
Jeremy Noseda said: "That was very good. He has now won a Group Two race in each of the last three years and is a tough, honest horse who always tries his best.
"The good ground today really helped him. When the ground is really fast, he just feels it a bit but when it is genuinely good ground with a bit of ease, he is a good, solid performer.
"I will have a word with the owner (Saeed Suhail) and Bruce (Raymond, racing manager to the owner) but I would think that’s it for this season. He could go out to Dubai over the winter - I think the new Tapeta surface out there should suit him.
"He got jarred when he ran at Royal Ascot and then the ground was fast all summer. We sent him to Doncaster (where Arabian Gleam was attempting to win the Group Two Park Stakes for the third year in a row) and even though the ground wasn’t really right for him, he still ran well and was a shade unlucky.
"Credit must also go to Johnny Murtagh. He makes a big difference to this horse as he really gets a tune out of him. It is a always an advantage to have him on board."
Johnny Murtagh added: "Champions’ Day has started well! I thought that I had some good rides coming here today and this is the first one. Fair dues to Jeremy, who said that he was in good shape and he was today - he has done it well.
"He always runs well at this time of year. Doncaster is usually his place but he missed last out last time and thankfully he was able to make up for it today.
"It’s beautiful ground. There is a nice covering of grass. I am looking forward to the rest of the day - I thought that I would come here and ride a good few winners. The first one has gone in so hopefully I can do the same with the rest."

First race - The Victor Chandler Challenge Stakes
Placed quotes
SHADWELL TEAM DISAPPOINTED AS OUQBA JUST MISSES OUT
Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum and Richard Hills are leading owner and jockey respectively at Newmarket this season but 5/1 shot Ouqba could not add to their excellent record despite finishing very strongly to be second to Arabian Gleam by a neck.
Angus Gold, racing manager to owner Sheikh Hamdan, indicated that Ouqba is very likely to remain in training next year and said: "I’m disappointed for the horse because he deserved to win and he should have won it but Richard (Hills) held his hands up and said he should have picked up earlier."
Gold added: "But he finished off very well and he’s a cracking little horse."
Ted Durcan, who rode third-placed Donativum for the Godolphin team, said: "He’s run a solid race - he went to win it but levelled out."
Frankie Dettori, rider of beaten 7/2 favourite Ashram, said: "He needs to get his own way and he didn’t get it today."

GOING AFTER THE FIRST RACE
Johnny Murtagh on the 7/1 winner Arabian Gleam, said: "It is beautiful ground with a nice covering of grass."
Richard Hills, jockey of the neck second Ouqba, said: "Nice ground."
Ted Durcan, on the third Donativum, said: "It is lovely quick ground."
Ryan Moore, rider of the fourth Main Aim, reported: "Fast ground."
Richard Hughes, jockey of Asset, described the ground as "Better than yesterday, it is close to perfect."
Frankie Dettori, jockey of Ashram, said: "It is perfect good to firm ground."
Kevin Manning, jockey of Cuis Ghaire, described the ground as "Good fast ground."

Jumeirah Dewhurst Stakes
Winner’s quotes
BEETHOVEN BEST AS BALLYDOYLE BOSSES DEWHURST
Ireland’s champion trainer Aidan O’Brien ran four horses in the Jumeirah Dewhurst Stakes, Europe’s top race for two-year-old colts, and saddled the first, second, fourth and 14th.
Beethoven, a rare Ballydoyle booking for champion jockey Ryan Moore, scored by a neck at 33-1 from his 20-1 stablemate Fencing Master - both horses are from the first crop of Coolmore Stud stallion Oratorio who was trained at Ballydoyle. O’Brien, who also had the 4/1 chance Steinbeck who finished fourth under stable jockey Johnny Murtagh, said Beethoven’s next outing will be at Santa Anita’s Breeders’ Cup meeting, where he could run in the Juvenile on Pro-Ride or the Juvenile Turf.
Moore said: "He travelled very well, picked up nicely and was going away at the end. It’s a bit of a surprise.
"To be fair to the horse it was his first time in a visor. He picked up nicely, stayed on and fought hard at the end.
"He was always travelling really well. I had him in behind Kevin Manning's horse and he quickened up really well at the end.
"It shows the strength they have at Ballydoyle in the two-year-old department and how tough it was for Johnny - in horse races anything can happen."
O’Brien said of Beethoven, who was wearing a first-time visor on his tenth run of the season: "He’s very tough this fellow and he’s progressing all the time. He’s been getting better with every run, even though his form figures don’t suggest it - he’s like his dad [first-season sire Oratorio] who was progressive, progressive, progressive.
"During the week Joseph [O’Brien’s son] was riding him and said there’s loads in there, put a visor on him and maybe sharpen him up a bit. Ryan gave him a marvellous ride - we booked him during the week."
Of once-raced Fencing Master, O’Brien said: "He’s a smart horse. We thought he could run a big race and he’s been working well.
"I’m delighted with Steinbeck [who made the early running] - Johnny said in an ideal world he would have liked a lead, but he jumped [from the stalls] and the natural quickness got him there. He got a little tired but you have to be over the moon."
Ballydoyle’s strong hand in the juvenile colts’ division includes another Breeders’ Cup candidate, Alfred Nobel, plus St Nicholas Abbey, who is a possible for the Racing Post Trophy and Jameer.
Beethoven was quoted at 20-1 for next year’s 2000 Guineas by Paddy Power and 25-1 by Skybet.

Moore picks up suspensions
Champion jockey Ryan Moore picked up a two-day whip ban following his victory on Beethoven in the Jumeirah Dewhurst Stakes.
The stewards found the rider had used his whip with excessive frequency and without allowing his mount time to respond. They suspended him on Saturday, 31 October and Sunday, 1 November.

Race 2 - Jumeirah Dewhurst Stakes - Placed Quotes
XTENSION "HAS A PART TO PLAY" NEXT YEAR
Trainer Clive Cox came agonisingly close to landing the biggest win of his career when Xtension finished third, beaten a neck and a nose, in the Group One Jumeirah Dewhurst Stakes.
However, Cox was still thrilled with Xtension, his first horse placed in Group One company, and has his eye firmly set on 2010 for the Xaar colt.
Cox said: "Obviously we would like to have won, but he has run a great race in defeat and I am very happy.
"He has always given the impression that he stays well, and so it has been proved today.
"He just takes a while to warm up in his races and he will be better the further he goes. He has not had a rigorous campaign and fills me with excitement for next year.
"Next year he will be targeted at the Guineas and I think he may even get further in time. He has a part to play.
"He has a wonderful temperament and is a joy to deal with. It is just great for the team at home."

Third race - The Emirates Airline Champion Stakes
Winner’s quotes
CECIL GIVES NEWMARKET FAITHFUL CAUSE FOR CHEER
There could be no more popular winner on Newmarket’s Rowley Mile than one trained by Henry Cecil and particularly when that success comes in the feature race of the day, the Emirates Airline Champion Stakes. The Khalid Abdulla-owned Twice Over rose to the occasion in admirable fashion and sparked a rousing reception as he returned to the winner’s enclosure having provided Cecil with his third Champion Stakes victory and the first since Bosra Sham in 1996. He is now the joint most successful current trainer in the Group One contest along with Barry Hills. Twice Over finished second to New Approach in last year’s Emirates Airline Champion Stakes.
"He needed that and I was a bit worried about the ground today as he likes it a bit softer," said the winning trainer. "It’s lovely for Prince Khalid Abdulla - he’s a very supportive man and he’s been very loyal to me. Jane, my wife, is not here today but if I didn’t have Jane I wouldn’t be here.
"It doesn’t matter how good (horses) are, if they are not enjoying themselves mentally they won’t do it," Cecil added. "I think he’s a better horse than last year, he’s improved with age. He has confidence now and he’s been working really well."
Reacting to the announcement of an objection lodged by the rider of the runner-up, Richard Hills, Cecil said: "I’m not worried. I wouldn’t have objected to that, I’m a sportsman."
Jockey Tom Queally has enjoyed a tremendous season with Group One winners for Michael Bell (Art Connoisseur) and Jeremy Noseda (Fleeting Spirit) but he was particularly thrilled to land the Champion Stakes for his boss Cecil.
"This is something special riding a big winner for Henry - I could hear the cheers as I was coming in," said Queally. "Twice Over hasn’t got home very well in some of his races but we can’t doubt what he’s done in the last furlong there.
"This horse deserves it - he has had so many near misses. Thankfully, the race went well and I got a nice run through. We got his confidence right back up with the last couple of runs and it paid off today.
"Henry could see it in his work in the mornings and he was bullish coming into to the race, even though he was a big price. There were better fancied horses today but Henry obviously saw something that nobody else did
"I just hope next year can be as good again. You need a lot of luck but I’ve had a lot of support from all the team at Warren Place and Henry has stood by me. He’s given me every chance. I got a good kick out of winning this. It’s reward for all those early mornings, watching your weight and long hours in the car. This is what it’s all about, those five seconds after you cross the line. It’s all about confidence and it’s great to be holding my own. As the year’s gone on I’ve been riding better horses. I just want to keep working away."

ONE-DAY BAN FOR QUEALLY
Tom Queally picked up a one-day ban (Saturday, October 31) following his winning ride on Twice Over in the Emirates Airline Champion Stakes.
Following an objection by Richard Hills, who finished second on Mawatheeq, the stewards held that Queally had allowed his mount to drift right when not sufficiently clear and cause interference, due to careless riding on his part. However, the stewards also held that Queally’s actions had not improved his position so they did not alter the result.

Emirates Airline Champion Stakes
Quotes
FAME BUT NOT GLORY FOR IRISH DERBY WINNER
Fame And Glory, trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Johnny Murtagh, started favourite for the Emirates Airline Champion Stakes, but could do no better than sixth as victory went to Twice Over.
Irish Derby winner Fame And Glory, who later chased home Sea The Stars in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown, had his pace-setting stablemate Set Sail in sight during the early stages of the contest, but could not quicken in the final furlong.
Murtagh said: "He got a bit tired, but it’s been a long season. Maybe he might need a little more ease in the ground when racing over a mile and a quarter.
"A half a mile down I was niggling along and I thought maybe he would keep going. He did, but it was only at the one speed."

Fourth race - The totesport Cesarewitch
Placed quotes
PIPE DEPUTISES AT FLAT RACING’S HQ AS MAMLOOK GIVES TEAM ANOTHER GOOD DAY OUT
Martin Pipe and Peter Deal are more familiar with the winner’s enclosure at Cheltenham but they were delighted to be filling the runner-up spot at Newmarket courtesy of the tough Mamlook, who attempted to reel in the runaway winner Darley Sun.
"That was fantastic, he did really well. We’re all pleased. Richard (Hughes) gave him a good ride and he stayed on really well," said Martin Pipe, representing his son David.
"He’ll go jumping now but David hasn’t given me my instructions," he joked. "We’ve had some great days out with him. The boss is at Cheltenham so he sent me here."
Pipe, who has won the totesport.com Cesarewitch twice with Heros Fatal and Miss Fara, also saddled Royale Rationale and Raslan, who finished 17th and 27th respectively.
Barney Curley, who trains just a stone’s throw from the Rowley Mile on Newmarket’s Hamilton Road, was responsible for third horse home, the 16/1 shot Sereth.
"I’m very happy with him, he ran well. It was a good effort and I’ve no complaints," said Curley.

Race 3 - Emirates Airline Champion Stakes - Placed Quotes
TREGONING A FRACTION DISAPPOINTED, SARISKA WILL BE BACK NEXT YEAR, GOSDEN DUO RUN OUT OF STAMINA
Mawatheeq went close to giving the combination of owner Hamdan Al Maktoum, trainer Marcus Tregoning and jockey Richard Hills a second Emirates Airline Champion Stakes victory, but although the Danzig colt finished well, he was unable to peg back Twice Over and went down by half a length. Richard Hills lodged an objection, on the basis that Twice Over’s rider Tom Queally had taken his ground, but this was overruled by the stewards.
Trainer Marcus Tregoning, who saddled Nayef to victory in 2001, said: "I am a fraction disappointed as I thought we would win.
"Having said that he has run a cracking race. He just got a bit outpaced and maybe wasn’t suited by the undulating course. I think he may be better over 12 furlongs.
"He was finishing best of all, but the winner had flown by then. He stays in training next year."
Back in third, beaten a further length, was Sariska, winner of both the Epsom and Irish Oaks, and her trainer Michael Bell was happy enough.
The master of Fitzroy House said: "I am chuffed to bits as today wasn’t her trip or her ground.
"She is best with some give in the ground and over 12 furlongs as her victory in the Irish Oaks showed. Conditions have just not been in her favour this autumn.
"I think next year when she races back over 12 furlongs on her ground, she will be hard to beat in any race and we will look at races like the Coronation Cup and King George.
"I am very proud of her."
John Gosden saddled both the fourth Pipedreamer and Virtual, who came home eighth.
He said: "Pipedreamer ran a blinder as 10 furlongs is just a shade too far for him. He won the Cambridgeshire here over nine furlongs and that is his perfect trip. His stamina just ran out today.
"Virtual also ran well. It was an end to end gallop today and his stamina is just stretched over 10 furlongs as well. He was the last horse off the bridle but just doesn’t quite see out the trip."

Race 4 - totesport.com Cesarewitch - Winning Quotes
THE ‘GOOD THING’ COMES GOOD
Darley Sun was the proverbial ‘good thing’ in the £160,000 totesport.com Cesarewitch and unlike many before him, he lived up that billing with an impressive five-length victory to reward those who had supported the 9/2 favourite.
The first three-year-old to score since Spirit Of Love in 1998, Darley Sun came into the race on the back of a second place in the Group Two Doncaster Cup and carrying just 8st 9lb today, minus apprentice Andrea Atzeni’s 3lb allowance, was always travelling well and came with a strong run to overhaul Sereth, while Mamlook stayed on late to take second place.
Successful trainer David Simcock said: "He stays extremely well, that is his greatest asset, and when he saw daylight today he stayed on really well.
"We knew all the positives in our favour today. He has travelled well today and is a good-actioned horse. That was a nice way to finish the season. All I have been thinking about in the last five days is the things that can go wrong.
"While he is not a big or robust horse, he has good wind and will fill out over the winter. He is a very straightforward horse to train.
"Next season he will be aimed at the Cup races with the Ascot Gold Cup as his ultimate target. He will go into those race unpenalised. He stays well, but just has that bit of toe as well. He lengthened today and was not stopping. We have always known that he wants extremes of distance.
"He is a typical young stayer and has progressed with racing and experience. He is a very confident horse now. It is nice to have something to look forward to next year. You need that.
"The jockey is very good - I wanted a jockey who could do the weight. It is massively important. It is our sixth year - the first three years were very quiet and we have progressed in the last three years - we need a high-profile winner like this. We have some horses and hopefully this will take us another step further."
Andrea Atzeni added: "He gave me such a confident feeling all the way today and is such a strong horse. He will be a lovely horse for next year.
"I tried to switch him to the left, but he didn’t want to go, so we went right instead and it has all worked out."

totesport.com Cesarewitch (Heritage Handicap)
Fourth-place quotes
PEARCE EYES CESAREWITCH 2010 FOR GAME MARE DAYIA
Newmarket trainer Jeff Pearce has a long-term plan for Dayia, who finished fourth in today’s totesport.com Cesarewitch - the 2010 version.
Pearce said: "I’m absolutely delighted and if we had soft ground, or good to soft, we would have been very close. I doubt we would have beaten the winner [Darley Sun] - I think he’s a Group horse - but we would have been a good second.
"I can’t fault my mare and we’re all delighted. The Racing Post [Spotlight] form guide says she’s never run over two miles, but she’s won bumpers at Huntingdon and Sandown over that trip.
"She won’t go jumping, although we might keep that one up our sleeve. Her owner, Lady Green, will breed from her one day, but we’ll come back here next year and have another go at this race - and might win if it’s soft.
"I’ll look for another race for her this season - she had a long break during the summer because of firm ground."
Pearce has enjoyed a good year with 28 victories on turf and the all-weather, bettering his 2008 total by one, and he said: "We’d like to take Tamagin [a Goodwood Listed winner this season and also second in the Group 2 Diadem Stakes] to Hong Kong for the big sprint if he gets an invitation."

Lotus Evora Rockfel Stakes
Winner’s quotes
LATE SHOW PROVES TOO MUCH FOR ROCKFEL RIVALS
Music Show, a 25-1 outsider ridden by Kieren Fallon, powered through late to capture the Lotus Evora Rockfel Stakes, a performance that was in sharp contrast to an unplaced effort at Ayr last month.
The Mick Channon-trained daughter of Noverre was drawn on the unfancied side on that occasion, but her trainer admitted he could give no specific reason for the defeat. Today’s effort was much sharper, and followed up two earlier victories at Bath.
Channon said: "I don’t know what happened at Ayr but she never ran her race. I don’t know what went wrong.
"It was a worry that she might do the same again, but we never lost faith in her and Tony Culhane [who had ridden her in previous races] said she was a good filly. The point is you want them to do it on the track.
"After she won at Bath we were thinking of the [Electrolux] Cheveley Park Stakes, but that defeat made us take a step back. That might have been a good thing in hindsight, but we know what we’ve got now.
"It’s nice to get lucky for [owner] Jaber Abdullah again which is very pleasing, and while Tony Culhane did nothing wrong on the filly I know what Jaber wants, so we booked Kieren a couple of weeks ago to make sure we got him."
Music Show was given a quote of 20-1 by Paddy Power for next year’s 1000 Guineas.

Fifth race - The Lotus Evora Rockfel Stakes - Placed quotes
BOLGER HAPPY WITH ATASARI, GOLD LOOKING FORWARD TO TABASSUM NEXT YEAR
Jim Bolger looks to have another smart filly on his hands in Atasari, who showed plenty of battling qualities to take second in the Group Two Lotus Evora Rockfel Stakes, beaten a neck by Music Show.
The Irish handler said: "She is improving all the time.
"She wasn’t suited by a mile on heavy ground at the Curragh last time and preferred the ground here today.
"She is a lovely filly with a great temperament and her sire (Whipper) is doing well in his first season."
Angus Gold racing manager to Sheikh Hamdan, owner of 4/6 favourite and third-placed Tabassum, said: "She’s done absolutely nothing wrong at all this year and is a lovely filly to add to our team of Classic hopefuls for next season.
"She’s very small, very tough and all heart."

Manning picks up suspension
Jockey Kevin Manning was given a one-day ban by the stewards after he was found guilty of using his whip with excessive frequency when riding Atsari in the Lotus Evora Rockfel Stakes. Manning will be sidelined on Saturday, 31 October.
In this same race the stewards ordered the winner, Music Show, to be routine tested.

Sixth race - The Pride Stakes
DE ROYER DUPRE HAILS A ‘NEW STAR’ WORTHY OF THE RACE NAMED FOR PRIDE
Christophe Lemaire was still nursing the injured shoulder which forced him to miss the Arc meeting but that didn’t prevent him swooping late with Ashalanda to take the second running of the race named in honour of another top-class filly for whom he was the regular rider.
"I’m a bit sore but it’s not the fracture, it’s the muscles around it but we need to suffer and it was worth it for a filly like that," said Lemaire, who boasts an outstanding record at the Rowley Mile, which includes back-to-back victories in the Emirates Airline Champion Stakes aboard Pride and Literato and a Classic win with Natagora in the stanjames.com 1000 Guineas last season.
"I really wanted to get back for the Champions’ meeting so I’m really happy to be here today, just a bit disappointed with Never On Sunday in the big race but the Prince’s (Aga Khan’s) filly was very genuine and I’m very glad to have won today.
"In addition, I’m very, very happy to have won Pride’s race."
Alain de Royer Dupre trained Pride for the race’s sponsors Mr and Mrs Sven Hansson and he also handles the career of Ashalanda for her breeder, the Aga Khan.
He said: "I didn’t want to miss this race because of Pride. Ashalanda has shown she can stay. She’s a long-distance horse and that’s why we came here. She’s very fresh because she’s only run three times - she’s a new star.
"She can run on all sorts of ground, softer ground is probably a bit better."

Pride Stakes - Placed Quotes
FIRST THEN SECOND FOR CAPELLA
Crystal Capella went very close to winning the Group Two Pride Stakes for the second year in succession.
The four-year-old Cape Cross filly looked to have the race in the bag before being worn down by Ashalanda in the final stride, going down by a short-head.
Trainer Sir Michael Stoute said of the 7/4 favourite: "That was a great run.
"She has had a messy year, after injuring herself in her box back in June. She will stay in training next year."
Saphira’s Fire, who was third last year for Willie Muir’s stable, had to be content with that spot once again when ridden for the first time by Hayley Turner - the filly’s regular rider, Martin Dwyer, is suspended.
Muir said: "She’s a Group 1 filly, but she’s been ill all year. Everybody keeps saying she’s an outsider and deserves to be 50/1, but go through her form last year. She won first time out, then took the Pretty Polly without breaking sweat, was injured in the Oaks and then finished third in this race.
"This season she’s been plagued by a virus that has affected all my horses - she’s had everything go wrong with her, including ringworm. She ran quite well in the Lancashire Oaks earlier this summer, and on the way here I said to Hayley, ‘This filly is not a 50/1 chance’. Hayley has just come in and said: "I should have won, and if I’d know the filly I would have done. I was sitting last in a slowly-run race and met every bit of traffic in the race". I said ‘Don’t blame yourself, at least we know we’re back to form’. We could go to Dubai next and we’ll keep the filly in training next year."

Race 7 - Jockey Club Cup - Winning Quotes
AKMAL BRINGS UP 250 AT NEWMARKET FOR JOHN DUNLOP
John Dunlop’s first training success came with Tamino in the 1966 Palace House Stakes and the long-standing Arundel handler celebrated his 250th success at the course when Akmal landed then two-mile Group Three Jockey Club Cup, the concluding event on Champions’ Day.
Partnered by Richard Hills, the 9/4 favourite ran his usual game race from the front and held on well to deny Nehaam by half a length. It was virtually a re-run of the Listed Directa Sign Noel Murless Stakes at Newmarket on October 1, when Akmal defeated Nehaam by three-quarters of a length.
Dunlop, who was greeted by many well-wishers in the winner’s enclosure, commented: "It’s wonderful to reach this landmark at Newmarket, where I trained my first-ever winner, Tamino in the 1966 Palace House Stakes.
"Akmal started humbly this season but loves firm ground, stays well and is very brave. Richard rides him superbly well.
"That is the end of him for this season but we will have to be ambitious with him next year and think about a Cup race."
John Gosden said of second placed, Nehaam, who also runs in the colours of owner Hamdan Al Maktoum: "It’s the Noel Murless Stakes all over again.
"The winner had an easy lead, we got to got him and he went on another half-length so it’s lovely for John (Dunlop) and his 250th winner.
"I am glad we had the 1-2. We were told by Sheikh Hamdan that one of us had to win no matter what so we’ve done that."

GOING FOR CHAMPIONS’ DAY IS GOOD, GOOD TO FIRM IN PLACES
After a dry night in Newmarket the going for Champions’ Day has changed to good, good to firm in places.
Clerk of the Course Michael Prosser said: "We’re racing on a fresh strip of ground today in the home straight, with the stalls set on the stands’ side.
"The going stick reading for that fresh ground in the home straight is 8.0 and on the Beacon Course (Cesarewitch, Jockey Club Cup and Pride Stakes), the reading is 8.3."
He added: "Thankfully, the stiff breeze we had yesterday has dropped and it should drop even more this afternoon. We could even have the odd sunny spell."

POSSIBLE CHAMPIONS’ DAY LANDMARKS
- Frenchman Christophe Lemaire and Richard Hills are the two joint most-successful riders in today’s Emirates Airline Champion Stakes, with two wins each. In today’s race, Lemaire partners Never On Sunday, with Hills taking the ride on Mawatheeq.
- Barry Hills has won the Emirates Airline Champion Stakes more than any other current trainer, registering three victories. He is unrepresented today but either Henry Cecil, who saddlles Twice Over of Sir Michael Stoute, who is represented by Doctor Fremantle, could join him on three winners if they were to train the winner.
- Surprisingly, neither Godolphin nor Aidan O’Brien’s mighty Ballydoyle stable have lifted the Emirates Airline Champion Stakes. Today Godolphin is represented by Campanologist, with O’Brien running Fame And Glory and Set Sail.
- Jim Bolger would become the winning-most current trainer in the Jumeirah Dewhurst Stakes if either Chabal or Free Judgement were to succeed. The Irish trainer, who has won the last three renewals of Europe’s premier two-year-old contest, is currently tied on three winners with Andre Fabre and Barry Hills.
- Michael Hills has won the Jumeirah Dewhurst Stakes on four previous occasions, making him the most successful current jockey. Today he partners Silver Grecian. Kevin Manning, who has ridden each of the last three winners trained by his father-in-law Jim Bolger, would join Hills on four winners if Chabal were to win.
- Trainer Mark Johnston runs Yes Mr President, Keenes Day and Alanbrooke in today’s totesport.com Cesarewitch. If any of that trio were to succeed, it would make Johnston the winning-most current trainer in the historic handicap following the victories of Spirit Of Love (1998) and Contact Dancer (2004). Currently Johnston is tied with Nicky Henderson on two successes.
- Sir Michael Stoute currently leads the trainers’ championship with earnings of £3,292,853 followed by Aidan O’Brien on £2,600,595, Mark Johnston on £2,515,782, Richard Hannon on £2,497,050 and Saeed bin Suroor on £2,424,158. All stables are represented at Newmarket today and with a record £1,206,000 on offer in prize money, Champions’ Day could well have a significant impact on final standings.

MARKET MOVERS
Race 1 - 1.50pm Victor Chandler Challenge Stakes
Main Aim - 11/2 from 13/2 (Coral)
Cuis Ghaire - 4/1 from 5/1 (Ladbrokes & Sky Bet), 4/1 from 11/2 (Coral), 7/2 from 11/2 (totesport)
Race 2 - 2.25pm Jumeirah Dewhurst Stakes
Buzzword - 12/1 from 16/1 (totesport)
Dick Turpin - 14/1 from 16/1 (Ladbrokes)
Silver Grecian - 7/1 from 8/1 (Ladbrokes)
Steinbeck - 4/1 from 5/1 (Coral)
Xtension - 6/1 from 7/1 (Sky Bet), 11/2 from 13/2 (totesport)
Race 3 - 3.00pm Emirates Airline Champion Stakes
Doctor Fremantle - 10/1 from 11/1 (Sky Bet)
Barshiba - 33/1 from 66/1 (Sky Bet)
Race 4 - 3.40pm totesport.com Cesarewitch
Fair Along - 12/1 from 16/1 (totesport)
Royal Rationale - 12/1 from 16/1 (totesport)
Race 5 - 4.15pm Lotus Evora Rockfel Stakes
Champagnelifestyle - 7/1 from 9/1 (totesport & Sky Bet)
Distinctive - 9/2 from 5/1 (Coral)
Tabassum - 5/6 from 10/11 (Ladbrokes), 4/5 from 5/6 (Sky Bet)
Race 6 - 4.50pm Pride Stakes
Ave - 15/2 from 17/2 (Sky Bet)
High Heeled - 13/2 from 9/1 (totesport)

SEVERAL CHANCES FOR GODOLPHIN ON CHAMPIONS' DAY

The Maktoum family’s tremendous support of Champions’ Day stretches back well over two decades and continues to this day, both in terms of sponsorship and through support of the race programme at Newmarket.

One of the few Group One races to have eluded the family’s Godolphin operation is the Emirates Airline Champion Stakes, although Halling went close in the famous royal blue silks, only finding the great filly Bosra Sham too strong in 1996.

This year, the ‘Boys in Blue’ run Campanologist in the 10-furlong event. Successful in the Group Two King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot last season, the four-year-old has been a model of consistency and trainer Saeed bin Suroor believes the colt has earned another crack at a top level prize.

He said: “Campanologist tries his hardest all of the time and he has been doing some nice work recently. We thought that he deserved another chance in Group One company but it looks like it will be a tough race for him.”

Godolphin is also represented in the Group One Jumeirah Dewhurst Stakes, with Buzzword lining up for the seven-furlong contest. Placed in Group One company in France earlier this month, the Pivotal colt has never been out of the first three in his life and is sure to reward his supporters with another game performance tomorrow.

Saeed bin Suroor continued: “I thought Buzzword ran a good race at Longchamp last time out and he came back from that run in really good order.

“He’s a really tough horse who takes his racing well and he is improving all of the time.

“It’s obviously going to be a tough race but I have been pleased with his preparation and he has the class to run well on Saturday.”

Opening the action on Champions’ Day is the Victor Chandler Challenge Stakes over seven furlongs, in which Godolphin is triple handed with the progressive Ashram, winner of his last two starts, last season’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf hero Donativum and tough campaigner Asset.

Godolphin’s trainer revealed: “Ashram looks like he is an improving horse based on his last two races and he looks in very good form at the moment.

“He will like racing over seven furlongs on good ground and I think that we have found the right race for him. He ran a couple of good races at Newmarket this time last year and I think that he goes into Saturday’s race with a great chance.

“Asset shows plenty of speed in his races but he has run some very good races over seven furlongs so we thought that he deserved another chance at seven furlongs.

“He has been working well and he will also appreciate the good ground.

“Donativum ended last year with victory at the Breeders’ Cup and he has been a little disappointing this season - there was quite a lot of expectation on him.

“He tries in all of his races and he ran well last time out at Newmarket. He will have no problem with seven furlongs and he goes into the race in good order.”

Baila Me was a smart performer in Germany last season and on her first start for Godolphin at Ayr last month she shaped well behind stablemate Prince Siegfried in the Listed Doonside Cup at Ayr.

Tomorrow the filly steps up in class for a crack at the Group Two Pride Stakes, although Saeed bin Suroor believes she may still come on for the run.

He said: “Baila Me has been coming along nicely in recent weeks and I was pleased with her first start of the season at Ayr.

“She has a very good level of form in Europe and she will enjoy stepping back up to a mile and a half.

“She goes into the Pride Stakes in good order and I am expecting her to run well, although she is improving all of the time and she will be better for the run again.”

Bringing Champions’ Day to a close is the Group Three Jockey Club Stakes over two miles, a race Godolphin captured in 2008 with Veracity.

Urban Poet has taken a while to show his best form for Godolphin, but he proved that stamina was his forte with a victory over two and a quarter miles at Pontefract last time out.

Saeed bin Suroor said: “Urban Poet won last time and I think that victory gave him a bit of confidence.

“The two-mile trip should suit him and he looks in good heart at the moment. I think he will need to improve to become a real Cup horse but his future is certainly over longer distances.”

For more information please contact:

Michael Prosser, Clerk of the Course and Director of Racing, 07802 844 578

Tony Rushmer, Racing PR Manager, 07702 579 382

www.newmarketracecourses.co.uk

COUNT DOWN TO NEWMARKET CHAMPIONS DAY 17.10.2009

ALL THE NEWS FROM TODAY’S CHAMPIONS’ DAY PRESS CONFERENCE

JOHN GOSDEN, JOHN RYAN, DAVID SIMCOCK, MARCUS TREGONING AND RYAN MOORE TALK ABOUT THEIR HOPES FOR TOMORROW

The countdown to Champions’ Day is now almost complete, with less than 24 hours to go before the highest-class raceday of the year is held on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket.

A press conference was today held in the Sponsors’ Lounge at the racecourse in which Newmarket-based trainers John Gosden, John Ryan and David Simcock spelled out their hopes for Champions’ Day along with the reigning champion jockey Ryan Moore. Marcus Tregoning also spoke to the conference via telephone link.

John Gosden

In the feature £376,500 Emirates Airline Champion Stakes (3.00pm), John Gosden saddles both Pipedreamer and Virtual.

The master of Clarehaven stables said: “Pipedreamer was beaten a nose by Tartan Bearer at Sandown early in the season and didn’t come out of the race very well.

“He didn’t run from May until the Prix Dollar at Longchamp (on October 3) but that wasn’t by choice - these things happen to horses as they do to athletes but he has come back in great form now.

“Some riders going along the canters in Newmarket have a Kleenex tissue in their pocket and pieces fly out. When he sees something like that he likes to jump after it which isn’t a good idea so he will be wearing a sheepskin noseband again tomorrow.

“We got him handicapped to win the Cambridgeshire over a mile and one, and probably that is his perfect trip. Aidan has got a pacemaker in and they will probably go a good pace, but they don’t always pay attention to pacemakers. They are only pacemakers and it is not always wise to chase them! We will see what happens.

“I asked Jimmy Fortune to ride Virtual as I specifically trained him for this race (Seb Sanders partners Pipedreamer) and he also won the Lockinge on him. He knows him well. Seb Sanders has won on Pipedreamer and it’s very important to know a horse.

“Personally, I wouldn’t say there isn’t anything between them. Virtual has been trained for this race while it is something of an afterthought for Pipedreamer.”

High Twelve is Gosden’s representative in the £317,350 Darley Dewhurst Stakes (2.25pm), with Kieren Fallon taking the ride.

Gosden continued: “Kieren has never seen the horse but the owner specifically wanted him to ride the horse. The owners pay the training fees and I don’t have a retained jockey so we do what the owners want.

“We had a problem at Ascot. He behaved beautifully but then got it into his head that he wanted to run on the straight mile rather than the round mile! By the time he got there, he had run out of puff and run his race already. I think he ran exceptionally well, coming from last to finish fourth because it was his second race of the afternoon by then.

“We brought him down here to school him. You can’t rehearse a race but I think we’ve rehearsed just about everything else.”

John Ryan

John Ryan has enjoyed his best-ever season with his stable star being Silver Grecian, winner of the Group Two Meydan Superlative Stakes at Newmarket’s Champagne Lanson July Festival and a fast-finishing third on his latest start in the Group Two Champagne Stakes at Doncaster on September 12.

Ryan said: “Silver Grecian has been a flag-bearer for us this season. He came back from a long break - we went against the grain and put him out in a field with a gelding and gave him a chance to grow.

“He has done nothing but improve. The run at Doncaster was always going to be a stepping stone - he was not trained all-out to win that day. We will find out how good he is tomorrow but I can honestly say he has never been better and has had the perfect preparation. I couldn’t be happier.

“Newmarket will definitely suit him better than Doncaster. This is where we have always planned to run him as it suits him so well - if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.”

Marcus Tregoning

Marcus Tregoning endured a torrid time in the first half of this season but has enjoyed a wonderful autumn and took the decision to supplement the Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum-owned Mawatheeq for the Emirates Airline Champion Stakes at a cost of £30,000. The same combination of owner, trainer and jockey Richard Hills landed this race eight years ago with Nayef.

Tregoning revealed: “I couldn’t be more pleased with Mawatheeq. Tadhg O’Shea rode him this morning and said he looked great. He worked over five furlongs on grass this morning on ground which I hope will be similar to Newmarket.

“He looks a picture and is ready to run his best. I think it gives you an advantage having a fresh horse - you can often find a few pounds with a horse who has had a light campaign like he has had.

“I am not worried about his lack of experience. He showed plenty of courage when he won the Cumberland Lodge at Ascot and I know Richard Hills is very keen on him.

“He is a Danzig half-brother to Ghanaati and 10 furlongs should be fine for him. He has got to be in there with a chance. I don’t know how he would handle the ground if it came up soft but I think he would be OK. I remember when we had Dayjur, who was also by Danzig, we were worried about soft ground but he was fine on it. In any case, it is hardly ever proper soft ground at Newmarket.

“We also run Arwaah in the Pride Stakes (4.50pm). She won her maiden easily last time and is a nice filly. She has taken a long time to come to herself. We don’t have much time left this season so thought it was worth a crack at this race.

“Kieren Fallon rides Oasis Knight for us in the Jockey Club Cup (5.25pm). Kieren thought he would have won on him at Ascot if he had ridden him differently. Now he has ridden him, we are hopefully in with a chance.”

David Simcock

David Simcock could have the most lucrative victory of his career if Darley Sun were to triumph in the £160,000 totesport.com Cesarewitch (3.40pm), the historic two and a quarter mile handicap on Champions’ Day.

The three-year-old is set to carry 8st 9lb, with apprentice Andrea Atzeni set to take 3lb off. He looks to be the proverbial ‘good thing’ having finished second in the Group Two Doncaster Cup last month on his latest outing.

Simcock said: “Darley Sun is in good order. We have had this race in mind for him since he won at Salisbury in June.

“I couldn’t be happier with him although the fact that he is a relatively inexperienced three-year-old is a massive concern. He has probably not raced in a field of more than 12 runners and is now set to run over two and a quarter miles in a 34-runner race. He is not a particularly robust horse and is a boy among men.

“He is probably the classiest horse in the race. He is well in, improving and stays well.

“We could get hustled during the race and I will tell Andrea to ride him with a lot of confidence.

“I wouldn’t say he has a favourite’s chance, but he has a very good chance.

“We booked Andrea Atzeni as we thought Blue Bajan (the original top-weight) was going to run and I didn’t want to be left without a jockey who couldn’t do 7st 11lb easily. Chris Catlin put up 1lb overweight at Doncaster which annoyed me, although it probably didn’t make any difference.

“When the weights went up, most of the other jockeys already had mounts and Andrea had been in to ride him, so we stuck by him.”

Ryan Moore

The champion jockey ran through each of mounts on Champions’ Day.
Main Aim (who runs in the opening £107,150 Group Two Victor Chandler Challenge Stakes): “He got a bad bump when he ran in the July Cup which maybe dented his confidence and he has also had a couple of little issues. He may have just twisted something. I don’t think it’s the strongest Challenge Stakes ever and he should take all the beating. I’ve not sat on him since Goodwood but I understand his work has been good.”

Doctor Fremantle (runs in the £376,500 Emirates Airline Champion Stakes): “He has won three Group races this year and his only bad run was on fast ground at Ascot. He gave 8lb to an Oaks winner (Look Here) when he won last time and I think he can run a big race. He is a horse that only ever does enough and has probably been underestimated. I think he’ll definitely be involved.”

Woolfall Treasure (run in the £160,000 totesport.com Cesarewitch): “He can hit a flat spot in a race when he runs at tracks like Goodwood and Ascot, so Newmarket may suit him better. Apart from David’s horse (Darley Sun), I don’t think there are many unexposed horses in the race.”

Crystal Capella (attempting to win the £100,000 Group Two Pride Stakes for the second year in succession): “She jumped nicely but was a bit keen when she ran at Longchamp last time. I couldn’t get her balanced and we had no luck. This race probably comes a bit quick after Longchamp and we are on something of a recovery mission. On form though, she is the best horse in the race.

“Ave (trainer Sir Michael Stoute’s other runner, who Richard Mullen rides) is improving but may want a bit more juice in the ground.

“Doctor Fremantle is the horse I am most looking forward to riding tomorrow.”

For more information please contact:

Michael Prosser, Clerk of the Course and Director of Racing, 07802 844 578

Tony Rushmer, Racing PR Manager, 07702 579 382

www.newmarketracecourses.co.uk

CARTIER AWARDS MEDIA RELEASE OCTOBER 8 2009

Sea The Stars wins the Arc 2009

STARS ILLUMINATES EUPHORIC LONGCHAMP TO SET CARTIER RECORD

SPECIAL DUTY AND AWZAAN LAY CLAIM TO CARTIER JUVENILE AWARDS


Paris, “La Ville-Lumiere”, basked in the after-glow of Sea The Stars following the brilliant colt’s dazzling triumph in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp on Sunday, October 4.



Debate will rage as to whether Sea The Stars is the greatest thoroughbred to grace the turf but the undeniable fact is that the exceptional three-year-old has not only become the first horse to win the stanjames.com 2,000 Guineas, Investec Derby and Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, he has also accrued more points than any other horse in the history of the Cartier Awards.



The Cape Cross colt, whose dam, Urban Sea, won the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in 1993, has a remarkable 272 points for his exploits in Pattern races this year, being unbeaten in six races all at Group One level and including two Classics.



The Cartier Racing Awards recognise excellence in horseracing. Now in their 19th year, the awards are the sport’s equivalent of the Oscars and are determined by points earned in Pattern races combined at the end of the season with the opinions of a panel of racing journalists, as well as votes from readers of the Racing Post and The Daily Telegraph.



European horseracing’s most prestigious accolades will be presented during a glittering ceremony before invited guests at Claridge’s Hotel in Mayfair, London, on Tuesday, November 17, 2009.

Sea The Stars went to post for the Group One Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with a huge weight of expectation resting upon his powerful shoulders. The John Oxx-trained colt faced his greatest test as he sought to win a Group One contest for the sixth successive month, having begun his campaign in May. With victories in the Coral-Eclipse Stakes, Juddmonte International Stakes and Tattersalls Millions Irish Champion Stakes also in the bag, Sea The Stars had already established himself as the dominant force in Britain and Ireland and was seeking to augment his status against the best that Europe could muster.



Veteran jockey Mick Kinane strained his biceps to settle an exuberant Sea The Stars in the early stages of the mile and a half contest but by the time the field turned for home, the colt was galloping to a fluent rhythm. With the race approaching its climax, Kinane asked his charge to quicken and the colt responded with a rapid extension of his flowing stride that swept him to an historic victory that illuminated the Bois de Boulogne and left exultant racegoers grasping for adequate superlatives.



Sea The Stars now holds a seemingly unassailable advantage in both the Cartier Horse of The Year and Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt categories.

The great Yeats (56) made his final racecourse appearance at Longchamp on Sunday when contesting the Group One Prix du Cadran. The only horse to have won the Ascot Gold Cup four times, Aidan O’Brien’s charge ran with credit but was beaten into third behind the Oxx-trained Alandi (58), who now leaps to the head of the Cartier Stayer category.



A thrilling Sunday in Paris also saw Fleeting Spirit (96) extend her lead in the Cartier Sprinter division, although Jeremy Noseda’s filly had to settle for the runner-up berth in the Group One Prix de l’Abbaye behind Total Gallery (40), who represented the Stan Moore stable. Nunthorpe Stakes winner Borderlescott (43) was approaching top gear and closing on Total Gallery when he was hampered and lost momentum at a crucial stage. The popular gelding finished an unlucky sixth.



There was plenty of action in the Cartier Two-Year-Old divisions last week with Group One contests at Newmarket on Friday and Longchamp on Sunday.



Special Duty (64) crossed the English Channel from Chantilly to give French trainer Criquette Head-Maarek her fourth victory in the Group One Electrolux Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket. The filly is now top of the Cartier Two-Year-Old Fillies’ division after drawing clear of the Clive Brittain-trained Misheer, who is level on 40 points with her stablemate, the Group One Fillies’ Mile winner Hibaayeb. The O’Brien-trained Group Two winner Lillie Langtry (36) captured the lucrative Timeform Fillies’ 800 at Newmarket on Saturday.



Awzaan looked impressive when winning the Group One Shadwell Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket on Friday. Mark Johnston’s charge is now level on 48 points with the O’Brien-trained Group One Phoenix Stakes winner Alfred Nobel and Group One Prix Morny victor Arcano, trained by Brian Meehan. Closing on that trio is the Aga Khan-owned colt Siyouni (44), victorious in the Group One Prix Jean Luc Lagardere at Longchamp on Sunday.



Irish 2,000 Guineas and St James’s Palace Stakes winner Mastercraftsman warmed up for the Breeders’ Cup with victory in the Group Three Diamond Stakes at Dundalk on Friday, October 2. The Ballydoyle colt is second to Sea The Stars in the Cartier Horse of the Year and Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt standings with 136 points. Fame And Glory (112) is third in the latter category, while stablemate Rip Van Winkle has 92 points.



Stanjames.com 1,000 Guineas heroine Ghanaati (120) remains top of the Cartier Three-Year-Old Fillies category after finishing second to Sahpresa in the Group One Kingdom Of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday. Sariska has 97 points, one more than Stacelita, seventh in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.



Goldikova (104) suffered a shock defeat when third to Varenar in Saturday’s Group One Prix de la Foret at Longchamp. The brilliant filly still heads the Cartier Older Horse category ahead of Fleeting Spirit, Arc disappointment Vision d’Etat (92) and the retired Aqlaam (76).



Harry Herbert, Cartier’s racing consultant, commented today: “Sea The Stars proved again on Sunday in Paris that he is an exceptional talent and an extraordinary champion. As with Zarkava and Dylan Thomas before him, Sea The Stars’ historic victory in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe looks almost certain to have clinched the coveted Cartier Horse of the Year award.



“There is always a buzz around at this time of year and, Sea The Stars aside, the two-year-olds are feeding that excitement. Special Duty, Awzaan, Lillie Langtry, Siyouni and Rosanara all displayed their Cartier Racing Awards credentials at the weekend.



“With Champions’ Day at Newmarket still to come and the possibility of Sea The Stars heading to California for the Breeders’ Cup, the season still has plenty more highlights before the Cartier Racing Awards are announced in London on November 17.”



For more information, please contact Harry Herbert, Cartier’s racing consultant (01488 669166), Sarah Carlsen of Cartier (020 7408 5740) or Mark Popham of Racenews (020 7704 0326)





THE CARTIER AWARDS 2009 LATEST POINTS

(points earned in Pattern races up to and including October 4, 2009)





CARTIER HORSE OF THE YEAR

SEA THE STARS - 272

MASTERCRAFTSMAN - 136

GHANAATI - 120

FAME AND GLORY - 112

GOLDIKOVA - 104





CARTIER TWO-YEAR-OLD FILLY

SPECIAL DUTY - 64

HIBAAYEB - 40

MISHEER - 40

LILLIE LANGTRY - 36





CARTIER TWO-YEAR-OLD COLT

ALFRED NOBEL - 48

ARCANO - 48

AWZAAN - 48

SIYOUNI - 44





CARTIER THREE-YEAR-OLD FILLY

GHANAATI - 120

SARISKA - 97

STACELITA - 96

ELUSIVE WAVE - 78





CARTIER THREE-YEAR-OLD COLT

SEA THE STARS - 272

MASTERCRAFTSMAN - 136

FAME AND GLORY - 112

RIP VAN WINKLE - 92





CARTIER OLDER HORSE

GOLDIKOVA - 104

FLEETING SPIRIT - 96

VISION D’ETAT - 92

AQLAAM - 76





CARTIER STAYER

ALANDI - 58

YEATS - 56

PATKAI - 40

SCHIAPARELLI - 38





CARTIER SPRINTER

FLEETING SPIRIT - 96

ART CONNOISSEUR - 48

BORDERLESCOTT - 43

KINGS APOSTLE - 40

TOTAL GALLERY - 40





Please find a full list of the past winners at the Cartier Racing Awards below.





2008 - CARTIER RACING AWARDS



Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt: Mastercraftsman

Cartier Two-Year-Old Filly: Rainbow View

Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt: New Approach

Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly: Zarkava

Cartier Sprinter: Marchand D’Or

Cartier Stayer: Yeats

Cartier Older Horse: Duke Of Marmalade

Cartier Horse of the Year: Zarkava, owned by HH the Aga Khan

Cartier/Daily Telegraph Award of Merit: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum





2007 - CARTIER RACING AWARDS



Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt: New Approach

Cartier Two-Year-Old Filly: Natagora

Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt: Authorized

Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly: Peeping Fawn

Cartier Sprinter: Red Clubs

Cartier Stayer: Yeats

Cartier Older Horse: Dylan Thomas

Cartier Horse of the Year: Dylan Thomas, owned by Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor

Cartier/Daily Telegraph Award of Merit: The Niarchos Family





2006 - CARTIER RACING AWARDS



Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt: Teofilo

Cartier Two-Year-Old Filly: Finsceal Beo

Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt: George Washington

Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly: Mandesha

Cartier Sprinter: Reverence

Cartier Stayer: Yeats

Cartier Older Horse: Ouija Board

Cartier Horse of the Year: Ouija Board, owned by Lord Derby

Cartier/Daily Telegraph Award of Merit: Peter Willett





2005 - CARTIER RACING AWARDS



Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt: George Washington

Cartier Two-Year-Old Filly: Rumplestiltskin

Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt: Hurricane Run

Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly: Divine Proportions

Cartier Sprinter: Avonbridge

Cartier Stayer: Westerner

Cartier Older Horse: Azamour

Cartier Horse of the Year: Hurricane Run, owned by Michael Tabor & Sue Magnier

Cartier/Daily Telegraph Award of Merit: Henry Cecil





2004 - CARTIER RACING AWARDS



Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt: Shamardal

Cartier Two-Year-Old Filly: Divine Proportions

Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt: Bago

Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly: Ouija Board

Cartier Sprinter: Somnus

Cartier Stayer: Westerner

Cartier Older Horse: Soviet Song

Cartier Horse of the Year: Ouija Board, owned by Lord Derby

Cartier/Daily Telegraph Award of Merit: David & Patricia Thompson





2003 - CARTIER RACING AWARDS



Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt: One Cool Cat

Cartier Two-Year-Old Filly: Attraction

Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt: Dalakhani

Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly: Russian Rhythm

Cartier Sprinter: Oasis Dream

Cartier Stayer: Persian Punch

Cartier Older Horse: Falbrav

Cartier Horse of the Year: Dalakhani, owned by HH the Aga Khan

Cartier/Daily Telegraph Award of Merit: Lord Oaksey





2002 - CARTIER RACING AWARDS



Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt: Hold That Tiger

Cartier Two-Year-Old Filly: Six Perfections

Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt: Rock Of Gibraltar

Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly: Kazzia

Cartier Sprinter: Continent

Cartier Older Horse: Grandera

Cartier Stayer: Vinnie Roe

Cartier Horse of the Year: Rock of Gibraltar, owned by Sir Alex Ferguson & Sue Magnier

Cartier/Daily Telegraph Award of Merit: Prince Khalid Bin Abdullah

Cartier Special Award: Tony McCoy





2001 - CARTIER RACING AWARDS



Cartier Two-Year-Old Filly: Queen's Logic

Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt: Johannesburg

Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly: Banks Hill

Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt: Galileo

Cartier Stayer: Persian Punch

Cartier Sprinter: Mozart

Cartier Older Horse: Fantastic Light

Cartier Horse of the Year: Fantastic Light, owned by Godolphin

Cartier/Daily Telegraph Award of Merit: John Magnier





2000 - CARTIER RACING AWARDS



Cartier Two-Year-Old Filly: Superstar Leo

Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt: Tobougg

Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly: Petrushka

Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt: Sinndar

Cartier Stayer: Kayf Tara

Cartier Sprinter: Nuclear Debate

Older Horse: Kalanisi

Cartier Horse of the Year: Giant’s Causeway, owned by Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor

Cartier Millennium Award of Merit: HM the Queen

Cartier/Daily Telegraph Award of Merit: HH the Aga Khan





1999 - CARTIER RACING AWARDS



Cartier Two-Year-Old Filly: Torgau

Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt: Fasliyev

Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly: Ramruma

Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt: Montjeu

Cartier Stayer: Kayf Tara

Cartier Sprinter: Stravinsky

Cartier Older Horse: Daylami

Cartier Horse of the Year: Daylami, owned by Godolphin

Cartier/Daily Telegraph Award of Merit: Peter Walwyn





1998 - CARTIER RACING AWARDS



Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt: Aljabr

Cartier Two-Year-Old Filly: Bint Allayl

Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt: Dream Well

Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly: Cape Verdi

Cartier Sprinter: Tamarisk

Cartier Stayer: Kayf Tara

Cartier Older Horse: Swain

Cartier Horse of the Year: Dream Well, owned by the Niarchos Family

Cartier/Daily Telegraph Award of Merit: the Head Family





1997 - CARTIER RACING AWARDS



Cartier Two-Year-Old Filly: Embassy

Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt: Xaar

Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly: Ryafan

Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt: Peintre Celebre

Cartier Stayer: Celeric

Cartier Sprinter: Royal Applause

Cartier Older Horse: Pilsudski

Cartier Horse of the Year: Peintre Celebre, owned by Daniel Wildenstein

Cartier/Daily Telegraph Award of Merit: Sir Peter O'Sullevan





1996 - CARTIER RACING AWARDS



Cartier Two-Year-Old Filly: Pas De Reponse

Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt: Bahamian Bounty

Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly: Bosra Sham

Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt: Helissio

Cartier Stayer: Nononito

Cartier Sprinter: Anabaa

Cartier Older Horse: Halling

Cartier Horse of the Year: Helissio, owned by Enrique Sarasola

Cartier/Daily Telegraph Award of Merit: Frankie Dettori





1995 - CARTIER RACING AWARDS



Cartier Two-Year-Old Filly: Blue Duster

Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt: Alhaarth

Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly: Ridgewood Pearl

Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt: Lammtarra

Cartier Stayer: Double Trigger

Cartier Sprinter: Hever Golf Rose

Cartier Older Horse: Further Flight

Cartier Horse of the Year: Ridgewood Pearl, owned by Mrs Sean Coughlan

Cartier/Daily Telegraph Award of Merit: John Dunlop





1994 - CARTIER RACING AWARDS



Cartier Two-Year-Old Filly: Gay Gallanta

Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt: Celtic Swing

Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly: Balanchine

Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt: King's Theatre

Cartier Stayer: Moonax

Cartier Sprinter: Lochsong

Cartier Older Horse: Barathea

Cartier Horse of the Year: Barathea, owned by Sheikh Mohammed

Cartier/Daily Telegraph Award of Merit: Marquess of Hartington





1993 - CARTIER RACING AWARDS



Cartier Two-Year-Old Filly: Lemon Souffle

Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt: First Trump

Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly: Intrepidity

Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt: Commander in Chief

Cartier Stayer: Vintage Crop

Cartier Sprinter: Lochsong

Cartier Older Horse: Opera House

Cartier Horse of the Year: Lochsong, owned by Jeff Smith

Cartier/Daily Telegraph Award of Merit: Francois Boutin





1992 - CARTIER RACING AWARDS



Cartier Two-Year-Old Filly: Lyric Fantasy

Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt: Zafonic

Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly: User Friendly

Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt: Rodrigo De Triano

Cartier Stayer: Drum Taps

Cartier Sprinter: Mr Brooks

Cartier Older Horse: Mr Brooks

Cartier Horse of the Year: User Friendly, owned by Bill Gredley

Cartier/Daily Telegraph Award of Merit: Lester Piggott





1991 - CARTIER RACING AWARDS



Cartier Two-Year-Old Filly: Culture Vulture

Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt: Arazi

Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly: Kooyonga

Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt: Suave Dancer

Cartier Stayer: Turgeon

Cartier Sprinter: Sheikh Albadou

Cartier Older Horse: Terimon

Cartier Horse of the Year: Arazi, owned by Allen Paulson & Sheikh Mohammed

Cartier/Daily Telegraph Award of Merit: Henri Chalhoub



END