Likely Fair Grounds date for Breeders’ Cup Classic winner, an extraordinary Champion Hurdle, the retirement of Trevor Denman – all this and more in our weekly digest of recent international racing news
Sierra Leone set for Fair Grounds comeback
USA: Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Sierra Leone is likely to make his seasonal debut in the $500,000 New Orleans Classic on the Louisiana Derby card at Fair Grounds on March 22.
Coolmore’s four-year-old was forced to miss the Saudi Cup with a foot abscess, after which trainer Chad Brown nominated the Oaklawn Handicap on April 22 as a likely starting point.
However, he told the Daily Racing Form that Sierra Leone had come to hand quickly since resuming training. “The horse is ready to run now and I’m not sure I want to wait until April 19,” Brown said. “I’m going to talk to the partners about it.” More here
Highlight of the March 22 card at Fair Grounds is the $1m Louisiana Derby, a major prep on the Kentucky Derby trail, while unbeaten Good Cheer heads the list of Fair Grounds Oaks possibles. More here
Apple Blossom-bound Thorpedo Anna back in world Top 5
USA: Thorpedo Anna, the reigning US Horse of the Year, has re-entered the world Top 5 following her comeback success in G2 company at Oaklawn Park on Saturday [March 8].
Making her seasonal debut in the Azeri Stakes, Thorpedo Anna was sent off 1-10 favorite against four rivals before a workmanlike 3½ victory under regular rider Brian Hernandez.
Trainer Kenny McPeek was using the race as a prep for the G1 Apple Blossom back at Oaklawn on April 12. “Her fitness level needs to go to another level the next race,” he said. “It looked to me like she was getting a little leg weary there and then she re-broke.” More here
Thorpedo Anna stands at #5 in Thoroughbred Racing Commentary’s Global Rankings behind world leader Romantic Warrior. Aussie sprinter Joliestar (#26 from #91, +183pt) was a major mover after winning the G1 Newmarket Handicap at Flemington, while Tom Kitten (#47 from #153, +171pt) enters the Top 50 after touching off nine-time winner Mr Brightside in the All-Star Mile.
Champion Hurdle drama at Cheltenham Festival
GB: As the cliché goes, jumping is the name of the game – as this week’s Cheltenham Festival demonstrated on Tuesday in an incident-packed edition of the Champion Hurdle.
There were gasps from the packed stands as Constitution Hill, the much-touted odds-on favourite for hurdling’s biggest prize, fell four out when seemingly well within himself. The drama was not over, however, as last year’s winner State Man was cruising to victory – only to crumple on landing at the final hurdle, handing the race to unconsidered 25-1 shot Golden Ace (Jeremy Scott/Lorcan Williams). More here
Wednesday’s highlight, the Champion Chase, wasn’t quite so dramatic but still had its moments as hot favourite Jonbon lost all chance with a serious mid-race mistake, while outsider Quilixios fell at the final fence when still battling eventual winner Marine Nationale (Barry Connell/Sean Flanagan). More here
Galopin Des Champs will bid to complete a hat-trick in jump racing’s most prestigious race, the Cheltenham Gold Cup, on Friday’s card.
Trevor Denman retires after 40 years at Del Mar
USA: Legendary race caller Trevor Denman has announced his retirement after 40 years behind the microphone at Del Mar. He will be succeeded by Larry Collmus, the voice of the Triple Crown for NBC Sports.
Denman, 72, started calling races in 1971 in his native South Africa and has missed only one summer meet at Del Mar since 1984. He also called at Santa Anita from 1983-2015 and had stints at Hollywood Park and Fairplex Park.
“This is one of the hardest decisions I have ever made,” Denman said. “But my soul is telling me that now is the time.” More here
• $1m Pacific Classic on Aug 30 tops Del Mar summer meet More here
Royal Ascot option for Aussie sprinter Joliestar
Australia: Winx’s trainer Chris Waller is eyeing up another trip to Royal Ascot after saddling Joliestar win the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington on Saturday [March 8].
The four-year-old recorded an impressive in the G1 event to leave connections considering a visit to Britain’s summer showpiece, where Waller saddled Nature Strip for a famous success in the KIng’s Stand Stakes (now King Charles III Stakes) three years ago.
“It’s on everybody’s list to do and it creates such a profile for a horse,” Waller said. “Obviously Australian sprinters are so good, so we want to try and find as many as we can that can go and then pick out one or two that realistically can win.” More here
Elsewhere in racing …
USA: Record $26m in stakes purses for Churchill Downs spring meet More here
USA: NYRA announces stakes schedule for Belmont Stakes Festival More here
USA: Longtime director of communications Amy Gregory announces Keeneland retirement More here
Japan: Debut runner for JRA’s first female trainer More here
Japan: Arc winner Sottsass arrives for stud duties More here
Australia: Melbourne Cup winner Knight’s Choice misses autumn carnival More here
Australia: Dual G1-winning sprinter I Wish I Win retired More here
Dubai: Final Carnival meeting on Friday [March 14] before World Cup More here
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