Sunday’s racing round-up includes the result of the Velka Pardubice…
Crisford, the joint-handler of yesterday’s Cesarewitch runner-up Manxman, has came out to offer a sense of his disappointment at the prospect of winner Alphonse Le Grande’s pending disqualification. Following Saturday’s race, winning jockey Jamie Powell was sent to the steward’s room on account of his excessive use of the whip. It was ascertained that Powell had used the stick ten times over the two-mile two-furlong trip, which is four more times than is permitted under the rules of racing on the flat. If Alphonse Le Grande is disqualified, the £90,000 prize pot will be awarded to connections of Manxman. This is of little solace to backers of Crisford’s charge, however, given that bets are settled according to the weighed-in result given on the day.
Derby hero City of Troy is due to retire to Coolmore’sflagship stud at Fethard in Ireland, putting to rest any speculation that he would be sent to America to stand alongside his sire Justify. O’Brien’s star colt is a hot 2-1 favourite to win at Del Mar next month, in what is sure to be his most challenging assignment yet. For the Coolmore team, it represents a chance to prove his credentials on dirt as well as turf. A stud fee will be announced at an undisclosed time.
In a thrilling renewal of the marathon Velka Pardubice chase that resulted in a photo finish, Sexy Lord, running for Czech trainer Martina Ruzickova, got up on the line to claim first prize. Irish contender Coko Beach for Gigginstown House Stud and Gordon Elliot looked to be in contention before parting company with jockey Keith Donoghue three obstaclesout from the finish. Fellow Irish handler John McConnell’s entry Streets of Doyen unseated early in the race, in what seemed to be a jumping test too far for his gelding.
While offering very little in terms of plans for the future, Ralph Beckett’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe heroine has been ruled out of another run this season, according to Barry Mahon, who heads up the European wing of Juddemonte’s racing operation. The daughter of Camelot, therefore, will not run on either British Champions Day at Ascot or at the Breeders’ Cup before a decision is made as to her future either on the track or as a broodmare.
Champion jockey elect Oisin Murphy brought up 200 winners on Sunday afternoon at Goodwood. Eventual winner Qetaifansurvived a stewards’ enquiry to claim victory. The last time Murphy rode 200 winners in a year was 2019. He is the only rider to have achieved the feat this season.
