Tragic news from Britain where ex-BHA chief Joe Saumarez Smith has died, only 12 days after relinquishing his post
Laurel River to miss Saudi Cup
Saudi Arabia: Dubai World Cup winner Laurel River is the latest in a spate of big-name absentees from the Saudi Cup, having been ruled out after a setback. He joins top US performers Sierra Leone, White Abarrio, Locked and Soul Of An Angel in missing the $20m contest on February 22.
“He had a small setback in training and missed his intended workout for the Saudi Cup,” said trainer Bhupat Seemar. “We will keep him in Dubai and aim him at the Dubai World Cup.”
Speaking to Thoroughbred Daily News, Juddmonte’s US general manager Garrett O’Rourke explained: “Just a knock apparently but it prevented him from getting in a critical workout before traveling.” More here
• Saudi Cup is Romantic Warrior’s sole dirt option says Danny Shum More here
• Argentine-breds target Saudi Cup for local owner More here
East Avenue on Kentucky Derby trail
USA: The road to the Kentucky Derby goes way down yonder in New Orleans this weekend with the $500,000 Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds, the first prep race to offer 50 qualifying points for America’s greatest race.
Heading a 13-runner field is Godolphin G1 winner East Avenue (Brendan Walsh/Tyler Gaffalione), looking to regain the winning thread after a bad stumble at the break which cost him any chance in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, where he was sent off favorite.
Godolphin USA director of bloodstock MIchael Banahan said: “East Avenue had a nice break after the misadventure of the Breeders’ Cup. He started back breezing at the start of the year and hasn’t missed a beat. Brendan is very pleased with him and expects him to perform very well on his three-year-old debut.”
On the same card, Eclipse Award finalist Good Cheer is looking to maintain her unbeaten record in the G2 Rachel Alexandra Stakes. More here
• Pletcher Derby hopeful Vassimo tests positive More here
Death of ex-BHA chief Joe Saumarez Smith, aged 53
GB: Joe Saumarez Smith, the former chairman of the British Horseracing Authority, died on Tuesday [Feb 11] – only 12 days after stepping down from the senior position in British racing administration. He was 53.
Saumarez Smith had been diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer in June 2023 yet continued to fulfil his role until last month, when his health worsened.
The BHA issued a statement paying tribute to its former leader, saying: “Throughout a long and distinguished career in racing Joe was a passionate and dedicated supporter of the sport, combining that drive with great diplomatic skills to promote racing at home and abroad. We will miss him terribly.” More here
Star riders Purton and Ho among four jockeys injured at Sha Tin
Hong Kong: Several jockeys were injured after an incident-marred day at Sha Tin on Sunday [Feb 9] – including the record breaker Zac Purton, who faces at least four weeks on the sidelines after surgery on a broken toe.
Seven-time HK champion Purton, who recently broke the all-time record for wins in the region, was injured in a three-horse pile-up in Race 9, which also left Angus Chung and Keith Yeung on the injury list. More here
Vincent Ho, best known as the rider of former world #1 Golden Sixty, spent a night in intensive care with head injuries and minor fractures to his shoulder and neck after a fall in the sixth race on the card. Ho was discharged from the ICU on Tuesday.
With a shortage of jockeys available over the next few weeks, the Hong Kong Jockey Club has granted short-term licences to Derby-winning rider Richard Kingscote, Irish-based Declan McDonogh and top Queensland rider James Orman. Hollie Doyle, Tom Marquand and Ryan Moore will also be in Hong Kong for specific racedays. More here
• South African trainer Brett Crawford moving to Hong Kong More here
King’s Gambit joins Wathnan team for Qatar feature
Qatar: Wathnan Racing have snapped up classy four-year-old King’s Gambit ahead of the HH The Amir Trophy in Doha on Saturday [Feb 15], the Thoroughbred highlight of the three-day Amir’s Sword Festival in Doha.
King’s Gambit, who will be ridden by Mickael Barzalona, will stay in Harry Charlton’s yard while running in the colours of rising force Wathnan, who would dearly love success at what is their premier ‘home’ fixture. More here
A cosmopolitan field for the $2.5m centrepiece at Al Rayyan is headed by Godolphin’s dual Breeders’ Cup winner Rebel’s Romance, who is bidding to complete back-to-back successes. More here
Elsewhere in racing …
USA: Breeders’ Cup tickets on sale April 23 More here
USA: Santa Anita to increase prizes from Feb 28 More here
USA: Convictions in museum trophy heist – 12 years later More here
Japan: Derby winner Danon Decile set for Dubai Sheema Classic More here
GB: Grand National weights revealed More here
GB: Bahrain extends July Festival sponsorship for five years More here
Australia: Door open for Pride Of Jenni return More here
Dubai: Runners from seven countries contest Friday card More here
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