Monday’s racing round-up includes the sale of a top European four-year-old and major changes to the 2024 Cheltenham Festival…
Goliath was the latest name to join the Resolute Racing roster as John Stewart sets his sights on making an impact internationally with his expanding setup. The Francis-Henri Graffard-trained four-year-old caused an almighty shock when bolting up in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot in the summer and remains on course for the 62nd Preis von Europa in Germany this Sunday, before an ambitious tilt at the Japan Cup on November 24.
John and Thady Gosden's exciting Chancellor could be rerouted to the Royal Lodge Stakes following his late withdrawal at Doncaster on Saturday. The Cheveley Park Stud-owned juvenile was well fancied for the Group 2 Champagne Stakes on the Town Moor, but he was automatically withdrawn when nudging the stalls open with his head, suffering a cut to his mouth in the process.
Franny Norton, an evergreen star of the weighing room, has announced that he will retire from race riding after his final rides at Chester on Saturday. Well-known for his tactical know-how and front-running style, Norton quickly developed the nickname 'King of Chester', winning more races at the Cheshire venue than any other jockey. After a career spanning 36 years and featuring nearly 2000 winners, it seems only fitting he will retire at the track where he's partnered over 150 horses to victory.
The Racing Post revealed today that The Turners Novices' Chase will lose its Grade 1 status and become an open novice handicap chase at next year's Cheltenham Festival. The race was introduced to the festival in 2011 as the Golden Miller Novices' Chase. The Turners Novices' Chase has come under scrutiny for its field sizes and its impact on the other Grade 1 novice chases at the meeting in recent years.
Trainer Ian Williams enjoyed his first success at the unique track Laytown whenIvasecret sailed to victory at the once-a-year beach racing meeting. The fixture is the only official race event to take place on a beach in Britain and Ireland. The well-backed 7/4 market leader Ivasecret raced kindly in the hands of top Irish jockey Seamie Heffernan before quickening clear for a commanding six-length success.
