Bin Suroor Salutes Legendary Lammtarra

{SCPinterestShare href=https://form.virtualformguide.com/racing-news/international/62386-bin-suroor-salutes-legendary-lammtarra.html layout=standard image= desc=Lammtarra, the unbeaten winner of the Derby, King George and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in 1995, has died at... size=small}

Lammtarra, the unbeaten winner of the Derby, King George and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in 1995, has died at the age of 22.

Godolphin's Saeed bin Suroor led the tributes to Lammtarra, describing him as one of the best he has ever trained.

Originally trained by the late Alex Scott as a two-year-old, he won the blue riband at Epsom in the care of Bin Suroor after Scott was murdered in September 1994, a month after the son of Nijinsky had won the Washington Singer at Newbury.

He raced in the name of Sheikh Mohammed's nephew Saeed Maktoum Al Maktoum as a juvenile before being part of Godolphin in his Classic season, during which he added the two all-aged middle-distance championships of Europe to his Epsom laurels.

"It is very sad. He is one of the best horses I have trained," Bin Suroor said.

"He won the Epsom Derby, the King George and the Arc. Very few horses have managed to win those three races.

"He was a great horse, it is sad to lose him and we will miss him, but he will be remembered forever."

Darley said the chestnut was euthanised at Dalham Hall Stud following a short illness.

Lammtarra was ridden by Walter Swinburn at Epsom, then Frankie Dettori took over at Longchamp for the Arc.

Mukhadram Eclipses All At Sandown

{SCPinterestShare href=https://form.virtualformguide.com/racing-news/international/62377-mukhadram-eclipses-all-at-sandown.html layout=standard image= desc=One of the unluckiest of top-class horses finally gained his Group One reward when Mukhadram slipped away from his opponents... size=small}

One of the unluckiest of top-class horses finally gained his Group One reward when Mukhadram slipped away from his opponents in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown.

Trainer William Haggas could not hide his delight after the five-year-old's career-defining moment after near misses in the Prince of Wales's Stakes, Dubai World Cup and the 2013 Eclipse when he was hampered by the ultimately successful Al Kazeem.

Mukhadram often attempts to dominate from the outset, but on Saturday he had Somewhat to carry out the leg-work for him.

Paul Hanagan found the race unfolding perfectly as he kicked clear with more than two furlongs (400m) remaining and still retained a two length advantage over Trading Leather by the post.

With rain falling earlier in the afternoon, it proved a little too wet for 5-2 favourite The Fugue, who ran sixth.

Haggas wants to make Mukhadram into a blue-chip stallion prospect for owner-breeder Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum.

"I'm absolutely thrilled to bits, he so deserves to win a good race," Haggas said.

"He was unlucky last year, he probably wasn't the winner, but the winner lay over him and it cost him second.

"He has stamina in his pedigree, he's a resolute galloper, and I'd like to ask Sheikh Hamdan if I can run him in the King George.

"It's three weeks away, and we'll enjoy the moment first.

"I have always wanted to have a go at the King George, I thought if he was going to improve a bit it would be at a mile and a half (2400m).

Jim Bolger was pleased with the run of last year's Irish Derby winner Trading Leather after he was beaten in a messy affair at the Newmarket Guineas meeting. The first two could now meet again at Ascot.

"I'm delighted with his effort after the Newmarket debacle," he said.

"We'll look at the King George and later on the Arc and the Irish Champion Stakes."

The Fugue's rider William Buick said the ground conditions were squarely to blame for her effort.

"The ground has become loose and she doesn't like it, simple as that," Buick said.

Frankel Foal Fetches More Than $2 Million

{SCPinterestShare href=https://form.virtualformguide.com/racing-news/international/62258-frankel-foal-fetches-more-than-2-million.html layout=standard image=http://www.virtualformguide.com/aapnews/TuesJun17_FrankelFoal_400x300.jpg desc=The first progeny of Frankel to be sold at public auction has fetched STG1.15 million ($A2.1 million) in a package... size=small}

The first progeny of Frankel to be sold at public auction has fetched STG1.15 million ($A2.1 million) in a package which includes his mother Crystal Gaze.

Ireland's Coolmore snapped up the colt and his dam who is in foal again to Frankel.

MV Magnier, son of Coolmore Stud owner John Magnier, began the bidding and kept going until he secured the pair.

Frankel Foal (right) and its mother Crystal Gaze (left).Frankel Foal (right) and its mother Crystal Gaze (left).

"He has been bought for a racing partnership, and there are four different people in it," Magnier said.

"It's a nice, strong colt and the lads really liked it."

Frankel, who was trained by the late Henry Cecil, set the course alight until he retired unbeaten at the end of the 2012 season.

Owned by Saudi prince Khaled Abdullah, Frankel bowed out in terrific style with his 14th win from 14 races in the prestigious Champion Stakes at Ascot in 2012.

He now commands a stud fee of STG125,000 ($A228,164).

Crystal Gaze and her foal were offered by Tweenhills Stud which is owned and managed by David Redvers.

"It seems like an awful lot of money to pay for a horse and it's a bit sad to see the whole package go, as the mare is a sweetheart," Redvers said.

Gai Waterhouse, who is in England to watch her latest acquisition Bremner run in the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot, paid STG330,000 ($A602,354) for four-year-old gelding Cafe Society.

The inaugural Goffs London sale mainly featured breeze-up two year-olds and horses in training.

Waterhouse, who trained former English stayer Fiorente to win last year's Melbourne Cup, will assess Bremner before deciding whether to set him for this year's Cup or to wait another year.

Angel Gabrial Could Be Melbourne Cup Bound

{SCPinterestShare href=https://form.virtualformguide.com/racing-news/international/62335-angel-gabrial-could-be-melbourne-cup-bound.html layout=standard image= desc=Angel Gabrial has put himself in the mix for the Melbourne Cup with victory over Suegioo in the Northumberland Plate.Both... size=small}

Angel Gabrial has put himself in the mix for the Melbourne Cup with victory over Suegioo in the Northumberland Plate.

Both horses are owned by Dr Marwan Koukash who has come to Australia for the past two years with Mount Athos who was fifth in the Cup in 2012 and third last year.

Koukash plans to return with Mount Athos and is now hoping Angel Gabrial can get his rating high enough to be a starter.

"I think Angel Gabrial can win a Group race now, he's won that easily off 96," Koukash told Racing UK.

"We'll definitely think about Melbourne because he handles all types of ground.

"He's not far off the rating needed."

Trainer Richard Fahey said he would be happy to make the trip with Angel Gabrial who was beaten by Suegioo in the Chester Cup.

"Whether he'd get in, I don't know, but I'd love to have a runner out there, he's that sort of horse," he said.

Koukash said Angel Gabrial and Suegioo could clash again in the Goodwood Cup or the Ebor Handicap.

The Marco Botti-trained Mount Athos made a winning return last month in a 2700m Listed race at Newbury.

Botti will look at running Mount Athos in the Caulfield Cup as his lead-up to Flemington.

Brown Panther, raced by his breeder Michael Owen, is also likely to head back to Australia.

He has raced three times since last year's Cup, winning two races and finishing fourth in the recent Ascot Gold Cup won by Leading Light.

Cafe Society, who finished third in a Listed race at Royal Ascot for new trainer Gai Waterhouse, could have one more start in England before he is transported to Australia with new stablemate Bremner.

Waterhouse bought Cafe Society just days before Royal Ascot but is uncertain whether he is a Cup contender this year or next.

Estimate Shines In Newmarket Gallop

{SCPinterestShare href=https://form.virtualformguide.com/racing-news/international/62251-estimate-shines-in-newmarket-gallop.html layout=standard image= desc=Hopes of a Gold Cup repeat for Estimate at Royal Ascot have risen markedly after the Queen's mare shone in... size=small}

Hopes of a Gold Cup repeat for Estimate at Royal Ascot have risen markedly after the Queen's mare shone in a piece of work in Newmarket.

The five-year-old has only been seen once since her famous triumph 12 months ago when she became the first horse running in the colours of a reigning monarch to lift the historic staying championship.

Her trainer Sir Michael Stoute admitted earlier in the week that a setback had hindered her progress but he was expecting a bold defence of her crown.

Estimate and Ryan Moore worked with Hillstar on the Al Bahathri Polytrack on Saturday.

"She's not as tuned as last year with the Sagaro run, but then she's with a master trainer," the Queen's racing manager John Warren said.

"Sir Michael rang me to say she had done a really nice piece of work.

"She did a serious piece about ten days ago and needed a couple of pieces of fine-tuning, but he said 'we're where I need to be'."

Trainer Marco Botti says Tac De Boistron will not take his place in the race if he considers the ground too fast for the seven-year-old who won the Sagaro Stakes impressively over the course on soft ground in the spring.

"I've checked the forecast and there's no rain at all on the cards, but they did have some last night," Botti said.

"We will monitor the ground. If it's good to firm I don't think he'll run. We would like to run, but it depends on the ground."

Tac De Boistron had a campaign in Australia in 2012 with Mick Kent but was unplaced in the Geelong and Melbourne Cups in which he struggled on the firm tracks.

Ryan Moore Leading Jockey At Royal Ascot

{SCPinterestShare href=https://form.virtualformguide.com/racing-news/international/62293-ryan-moore-leading-jockey-at-royal-ascot.html layout=standard image= desc=Three strong favourites justified their status on the last day at Royal Ascot on Saturday to give bookmakers one final... size=small}

Three strong favourites justified their status on the last day at Royal Ascot on Saturday to give bookmakers one final pounding - yet one of their own was responsible for much of their woes.

The damage was done by a horse owned by David Power, who co-founded the dynamic Paddy Power betting chain 25 years ago.

From the moment he left the stalls there was never much doubt Slade Power, the 7-2 favourite, would win the Diamond Jubilee Stakes.

And that after the same owner's Sole Power landed some hefty bets to win the King's Stand Stakes on day one of the meeting.

Slade Power underlined the prowess of his Irish trainer, Eddie Lynam, who enjoyed his third winner of the week.

In addition to Sole Power, Lynam also saddled Anthem Alexander to win the Queen Mary Stakes.

Between them, Slade Power and Sole Power have now won more than STG2 million ($A3.65 million).

Their successes all but mirror the fortunes of the Paddy Power business. The company has spread its tentacles as far afield as Canada and Australia in posting worldwide turnover of 6 billion euros ($A9 billion)last year.

"You think it's too much to believe you might have one winner, so to have two is sensational," Power said.

"We were happy just to have two runners here."

Lynam, meanwhile, played down his achievement of saddling three winners during the meeting from his small string of horses.

"I enjoy having winners here more than anywhere else, but it's just coincidence to have had three here this week," Lynam said.

"I just happened to have the best horse in each of those races."

On another day of unbroken sunshine, Ryan Moore rode three more winners to secure the honours as the week's leading jockey. And Sir Michael Stoute, for whom Moore rides, claimed the trainer's title after Telescope and Arab Spring added to his winning haul.

Telescope showed why he has been so highly rated by connections with a spread-eagling triumph in the Hardwicke Stakes.

The five-year-old prevailed by seven lengths, in the process posting the longest winning margin of the week.

Arab Spring, for his part, defied top weight in the Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes and looks ready to contest stronger races throughout the northern summer.

Stoute inched out John Gosden in a count-back for the trainers' accolade after the pair ended the week with four winners apiece. Gosden reached that mark in the Chesham Stakes when Richard Pankhurst - whom he trains for his wife, Rachel Hood - ran clean away with the prize.

Appropriately, Moore brought the curtain down by winning the final race, the Queen Alexandra Stakes, aboard the Willie Mullins-trained Pique Sous.

However, the race ended in tragedy when Tiger Cliff collapsed soon after he passed the winning post in fourth place.

Veterinary examination revealed the horse had suffered a heart attack in much the same spot where Thomas Chippendale met with the same fate after winning the Hardwicke Stakes on this day 12 months ago.

Moore, who was at the top of his game throughout the week, said his only regret was not riding a winner for Queen Elizabeth.

"It has gone really well and I'm delighted because this is our shop window," Moore said.

"Most of the horses ran as we expected, although it's shame I couldn't ride a winner for the Queen."

Moore finished second on both Estimate and Bold Sniper for a monarch whose daily enjoyment of Royal Ascot helped to draw increased attendances over the five days.

California Chrome's Owner Lashes Out

{SCPinterestShare href=https://form.virtualformguide.com/racing-news/international/62207-california-chrome-s-owner-lashes-out.html layout=standard image= desc=California Chrome's Triple Crown dream ended in heartbreak at Belmont with owner Steve Coburn criticising the winner's connections for not... size=small}

California Chrome's Triple Crown dream ended in heartbreak at Belmont with owner Steve Coburn criticising the winner's connections for not running in the first two legs.

Coburn's beloved Chrome, the unlikely champion he and Perry Martin bred for about $10,000, had set US racing alight with victories in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes.

But the final jewel in the Triple Crown escaped him on Saturday (Sunday AEST), as he finished equal fourth in a race won by a fresh-legged Tonalist whose connections had bypassed both the Derby and Preakness.

California Chrome suffered a hoof injury but it was not considered serious.

"This is his third very big race," Coburn said of California Chrome's five-week Triple Crown odyssey.

"These other horses, they always sat them out. I'm 61 years old and I'll never see in my lifetime another Triple Crown winner because of the way they do this.

"It's not fair to these horses that have been in the game since day one.

"To have somebody come up like this, this is a coward's way out," Coburn said. "This is a coward's way out."

Tonalist's owner Robert Evans would not rise to those remarks, saying Tonalist missed the Wood Memorial and the Kentucky Derby because of illness.

He credited US-based French trainer Christophe Clement with getting the horse ready for an unexpected May 10 victory in the Peter Pan Stakes at Belmont.

"Christophe Clement did a good job of getting him ready for the Peter Pan and he surprised me," Evans said.

"It wasn't a very nice day, there were thunderstorms, lots of rain and a muddy track and he just galloped and that's the clue he was a good horse because he was only three-quarters fit. So we had four weeks to get ready for this and Christophe had him just right."

Evans did not relish the role of spoiler in a sport that hasn't seen a Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978.

"We loved California Chrome. We hoped he would win the Triple Crown," Evans said. "But we love our horse too."

Certainly Evans can sympathise with what Coburn and the rest of Chrome's connections are feeling.

Evans' father owned Pleasant Colony, who in 1981 finished third in the Belmont Stakes after winning the first two legs of the Triple Crown.

"I came in 1981 to the Belmont. We had high hopes for Pleasant Colony, I've been where Steven Coburn's been and it's not fun when you don't win," he said.

Evans said the change he would make to the Triple Crown would be to spread the races out more. Currently a fortnight separate the Kentucky Derby and Preakness in May, with the Belmont three weeks after the Preakness.

"It's better for the horses and it would be better to promote it, I think," he said.

"Racing has a problem in that it doesn't believe in marketing or selling itself and it should do more of that."

Slade Shoots For Diamond Glory

{SCPinterestShare href=https://form.virtualformguide.com/racing-news/international/62280-slade-shoots-for-diamond-glory.html layout=standard image= desc=Slade Power will aim to give trainer Eddie Lynam a famous sprint double in Saturday's Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal... size=small}

Slade Power will aim to give trainer Eddie Lynam a famous sprint double in Saturday's Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.

With stable stalwart Sole Power winning the King's Stand on Tuesday for the same owners, the Power Family, it would certainly be a noteworthy achievement if his stable companion could win the six-furlong (1200m) Group One on the closing day of the meeting.

Connections opted not to back Sole Power up to attempt the double achieved by Australian horse Choisir in 2003.

Slade Power will face 14 rivals, including several strong contenders from his homeland led by Tom Hogan's globetrotter Gordon Lord Byron.

The winner of the Group One George Ryder Stakes in Australia in March, Gordon Lord Byron was unplaced over a mile (1600m) at Sha Tin last month. He is reunited with William Buick.

Aidan O'Brien runs two in Darwin and the improving three-year-old Due Diligence.

There is also a challenger from France in the shape of Eric Libaud's American Devil.

Aljamaaheer, who was among the leading performers over a mile last term, has reverted to sprinting this year and represents Roger Varian.

Medicean Man, trained by ex-pat Australian Jeremy Gask and fourth in the King's Stand on Tuesday, will make his second appearance of the week.

Nasal Strip Controversy For Chrome

{SCPinterestShare href=https://form.virtualformguide.com/racing-news/international/62096-nasal-strip-controversy-for-chrome.html layout=standard image= desc=California Chrome's trainer Art Sherman has raised the startling possibility the colt could miss the final leg of the Triple... size=small}

California Chrome's trainer Art Sherman has raised the startling possibility the colt could miss the final leg of the Triple Crown because of New York rules barring nasal strips.

If California Chrome were to win the Belmont Stakes on June 7, he would be the first Triple Crown winner in 36 years.

The idea that the charismatic horse can pull off the signature achievement has the thoroughbred racing world abuzz.

For years, racing lovers have said the sport needs a superstar in the mould of Secretariat or Seattle Slew to mitigate declines in attendance and mainstream interest.

California Chrome's connections have seemed as excited at the possibility as anyone. But that didn't stop trainer Art Sherman from raising doubts when asked about the New York policy.

"Hey, we might have a little controversy here," the 77-year-old Sherman said as he bantered with reporters at Pimlico the morning after California Chrome's Preakness win.

The New York State Gaming Commission responded in a statement saying they had not received any application for the nasal strips to be used.

"If a request to use nasal strips is made, the decision on whether to permit them or not will be fully evaluated and determined by the stewards," the statement said.

It wasn't clear how serious Sherman was, and he did say he could not speak for the horse's co-owners, Steve Coburn and Perry Martin.

"It might be an issue," he said. "I'm not saying it will be."

The Flair equine nasal strip is similar to adhesives used by some professional athletes who say the strips, worn across the bridge of the nose, help them breathe in the heat of competition.

Sherman said Martin raised the idea of using the strip for California Chrome, and the trainer believes it has helped.

"I think it gives him that extra oomph," he said.

"Anytime you can have a good air passage, it means a lot."

The issue highlights an enduring frustration in thoroughbred racing - the arcane differences in rules from state to state.

California, Kentucky and Maryland, for instance, have no regulations prohibiting the use of nasal strips, which have been common in the sport for about 15 years. In New York, the strips are allowed in harness racing but not for thoroughbreds, although the decision ultimately lies with stewards governing each track.

The Fugue Music To Lloyd-Webber's Ears

{SCPinterestShare href=https://form.virtualformguide.com/racing-news/international/62274-the-fugue-music-to-lloyd-webber-s-ears.html layout=standard image= desc=The Fugue has sprung a surprise in the Group One Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot leaving last year's... size=small}

The Fugue has sprung a surprise in the Group One Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot leaving last year's horse of the year, French filly Treve, trailing in her wake.

The Fugue, owned by musical impresario and composer Andrew Lloyd-Webber and his wife Madeleine for whom it was their 10th winner at Royal Ascot, coasted home in a new track record under Norwegian-born William Buick.

"It's the best day of our racing career," purred Lloyd-Webber on Wednesday.

His wife said she had hoped he had had a cold as Lloyd-Webber had never been present when she won her previous three Group Ones only when she had flopped as she did in the Epsom Oaks two years ago.

"I even had a tie pin with her name on it but I was refused permission to wear it," the 66-year-old chortled.

For trainer John Gosden it was his second big winner in as many days as he landed the St James's Palace Stakes on Tuesday with Kingman.

Treve, who carried all before her last year climaxing with Europe's most prestigious race the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, was never going well and was pushed along by Frankie Dettori two furlongs out but failed to accelerate and finished third with Irish raider Magician taking second.

Treve's trainer Criquette Head-Maarek cut a worried figure after the race even though her filly and Magician also broke the old track record.

"Frankie said she didn't move well atall and I also noticed her action was wrong so we will have to take a look at her when we get her back to Chantilly," she said.

Dettori, who missed the ride on her in the Arc last year because he broke his ankle in a freak fall days before the race, said he knew the game was up even before they broke from the stalls.

"She wasn't right going down to the start so there must be something wrong with her," said the exuberant Italian.

"I knew my fate at the three furlong marker. It's not the Treve we all know and love."

California Chrome In Triple Crown Bid

{SCPinterestShare href=https://form.virtualformguide.com/racing-news/international/62085-california-chrome-in-triple-crown-bid.html layout=standard image= desc=California Chrome has won the Preakness Stakes to seize a chance at US flat racing's elusive Triple Crown.Ridden by Victor... size=small}

California Chrome has won the Preakness Stakes to seize a chance at US flat racing's elusive Triple Crown.

Ridden by Victor Espinoza, the Kentucky Derby winner held off Ride On Curlin down the straight at Pimlico and will now head to the June 7 Belmont Stakes with the opportunity to become just the 12th horse to sweep the coveted treble.

The last horse to achieve the feat was Affirmed in 1978 and since then a dozen others have won both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness only to come up empty at Belmont in the 1-1/2 mile (2400m) race dubbed The Test of the Champion.

Trainer Art Sherman admitted the three races in five weeks was a tall order, but he was delighted with what the chestnut three-year-old showed him in the Preakness (1900m).

"I'll tell you, it's quite a thrill," the 77-year-old Sherman said.

"I knew he had to run harder (in) this race. Just watching him perform, coming back in two weeks, I was a little concerned. But I'll tell you one thing, he's a real racehorse.

"I'm hoping the mile and a half is up his alley, too."

The Preakness was the sixth win in a row for California Chrome who justified his status as the odds-on favourite in the 10-horse field.

Espinoza said it was mentally exhausting trying to decide how to position his mount early in the race.

California Chrome broke beautifully from the gates and Espinoza stayed just off the pace and had plenty in reserve for a late move.

Ride On Curlin, ridden by Joel Rosario, finished strongly but didn't have enough to catch him.

Social Inclusion, the second favourite with Luis Contreras aboard, was third.

"It's an awesome feeling," Espinoza said. "He's just an amazing horse."

Espinoza has reason to know, however, how hard it is to close out the Triple Crown.

He rode War Emblem to victory in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness in 2002, only for the horse to stumble almost to his knees out of the gate at Belmont Park.

Although he recovered to briefly take the lead, the effort cost too much and he faded to finish eighth.

The last horse to arrive in New York with a Triple Crown chance was I'll Have Another in 2012, and he didn't even make it to the starting gate.

He was scratched on the eve of the Belmont Stakes with career-ending tendinitis.