Jamie Kah, Jack Christopher and Doug O’Neill feature in our weekly digest of recent international racing news
Kah and Doyle headline Hong Kong jockeys’ event
Hong Kong: The world’s top two female jockeys, Jamie Kah and Hollie Doyle, will compete against each other for the first time after being invited to take part in the 2022 Longines International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) at Happy Valley [Dec 7].
Kah and Doyle, record breakers in Australia and Britain and both aged 26, will join a stellar line-up for the event which will also include James McDonald, the #1 jockey in the TRC Global Rankings, Ryan Moore, a two-time winner – plus Hong Kong champion Zac Purton, who will be seeking a fourth triumph in what is the most prestigious jockeys’ contest of its type.
Doyle’s husband Tom Marquand, second last year, will also take part along with Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Jye McNeill, France’s Mickael Barzalona and Japan’s Yuga Kawada. Three other spots are reserved for local riders.
Jack Christopher retired to Coolmore America
USA: Triple G1 winner Jack Christopher has been retired and will stand at a fee of $45,000 alongside his sire Munnings at Coolmore America’s Ashford Stud.
Unbeaten around one turn, the three-year-old won his three G1s in dominant fashion, taking the Champagne Stakes at two, the Woody Stephens by 10 lengths and the H Allen Jerkens Memorial. He suffered his only defeat in six starts when third in the Haskell Invitational.
Trainer Chad Brown said: “Jack Christopher was an exceptional talent. I’ve never had a dirt horse with such brilliance. He never disappointed us in a workout or a race and was just a pleasure to train.”
Four internationals to line up in Japan Cup
Japan: A trio of horses from France – Grand Glory, Onesto and Simca Mille – plus unbeaten Tunnes, a half-brother to Arc winner Torquator Tasso from Germany, will comprise a four-strong international challenge for the Japan Cup [Nov 27].
The Aidan O’Brien-trained Broome will not travel while Irish Oaks winner Magical Lagoon has been ruled out after finishing last in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup, in which brothers Cristian and Mirco Demuro rode the one-two as Geraldina beat Lilac. The latter dead-heated for second with Win Marilyn.
Doug O’Neill hit with 60-day ban for positive test
USA: California trainer Doug O’Neill has been banned for 60 days (30 suspended), fined $10,000 and placed on a one-year probation from May 1, the date one of his runners tested positive for a prohibited substance at Golden Gate Fields. Worse Read Sanchez, third in a minor stakes on May 1, tested positive for local anaesthetic Hydroxy Lidocaine.
The Platinum Queen to be offered for sale
GB: Prix de l’Abbaye winner The Platinum Queen will be the first G1-winning two-year-old this century to go under the hammer at the Tattersalls December Mares sale after she was added as a wild card by Middleham Park Racing. The speedy daughter of Cotai Glory was last seen finishing 11th of 12 from a wide draw when well fancied for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint.
French police seek sterner action against Soumillon
France: France’s Gaming Police have asked France-Galop to issue an indefinite suspension to Christophe Soumillon or increase his ban to six months over the incident in which he elbowed jockey Rossa Ryan out of the saddle during a G3 race in September. Soumillon is serving a 60-day ban but, in a letter seen by Jour de Galop, the police said the jockey’s action was dangerous and had attracted worldwide attention which had portrayed French racing in a bad light.
Elsewhere in racing …
USA: Chad Brown receives conditional discharge after pleading guilty to harassment More here
USA: Rich Strike returning to Churchill Downs for Clark More here
Australia: Moody apologies after audio of trainer slating jockey is leaked More here
Australia: Royal Ascot could be on Artorius agenda again in 2023 More here
Australia: Jockey Martin Harley relocates to Queensland More here
Australia: G1-winning jockey turned trainer retires due to heart condition More here
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