Tribute to the Greatest
Newsletter #14
George talks…BBT Digest
Here are some interesting pieces we have been reading the past week.
Long live the king: Galileo a sire we will never see the like of again. This is best of the Galileo articles online.
A Tribute to a trailblazer: Arazi the hot pot juvenile winner.
Enjoy the most spectacular racing move here:
Thomas talks…People in Racing with Donagh O’ Connor
Fresh from riding out his claim at Dundalk on Monday, I caught up with Donagh to ask him a some questions about his path through racing.
What is your earliest memory of horse racing?
That would have to be going to Point to Points when I was about 6 years old, it was a great buzz as a kid and really gave me the bug from there on.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career?
I would have to say Johnny Levins, he gave me plenty of opportunities (and winners!) which was crucial at an early part of my career. That confidence is essential starting out and his support has continued to this day.
Favourite racing memory?
I went to see Frankel when he won the Champion Stakes at Ascot on his final outing. To see him in the flesh was incredible and the atmosphere in Ascot that day was truly memorable as he quickened past Cirrus Des Aigles.
Frankel runs down Cirrus Des Aigles on Champions Day
Funniest racing moment?
Another jockey and I were finished riding at Dundalk one cold night, we decided to watch the last race coming up the straight. In the middle of the track, two rabbits were spotted ‘romancing’ and barely had enough time to scramble away before being trampled by a wall of horses. The laughter was shared throughout the racecourse!
Life ambitions if you were not in the industry?
That is a hard one to call, I wasn’t great with the books so I would say something sport related anyway. I have keen interests in a lot of them, possibly a soccer player, they seem to have a nice lifestyle!
Connect with us on Twitter
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Just our two fillies chilling after their first day together on the gallops @BoherguyStud Shares still available… https://t.co/Xz30p74EJZ -
RT @sazoconnell: Regardless of which code, this industry never ceases to amaze me! https://t.co/i34HXOQ6g2
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RT @bkav2011: A lovely tribute to the Niarchos family. Great supporters of Irish racing and breeding, including as valued sponsor… https://t.co/N2xoQFMAX0
Charlie talks…Weekend Racing
This weekend sees classic action from The Curragh as The Irish Oaks sees the final fillies classic of the season take place.
Probably the least exciting of the lot to access as Snowfall dominates the race and rightly so after her romp at Epsom. She will be extremely hard to beat but if there are 8 runners declared it might pay to chance Divinely as an each way bet.
Snowfall destroys the Epsom Oaks field
Yes she has over 19 lengths to make up on her stablemate from Epsom but she looked to be all at sea there and didn’t have the best of runs. I can see her getting a lot closer this time. Very hard to find any other potential opposition to the favourite.
Immediately after the Oaks sees the competitive Scurry handicap go to post and Marbling for the Ger Lyons team looks interesting. Bought out of France this filly looks like she will enjoy dropping back to 6 furlongs here. Should be concert pitch now after 2 runs and is bordering on group class. Connections look to be trying to exploit her mark here before she goes back up in class.
Ger Lyons
Alex D finally steps up in trip in the 1 mile 2 furlong Sycamore Lodge Equine Hospital handicap at The Curragh on Sunday and he rates a strong selection on the back of some of his performances in decent handicaps so far this year.
Horses to Follow:
Divinely EW - Irish Oaks - 3.25 The Curragh Saturday
Marbling EW - Scurry Handicap - 4.00 The Curragh Saturday
Alex D - Win - Sycamore Lodge Handicap - 5.00 The Curragh Sunday