Barry Connell’s Marine Nationale is a rarity at the Dublin Racing Festival this weekend in that he is the red-hot favourite for the Goffs Irish Arkle and not trained by Willie Mullins.
Ireland’s champion trainer generally flexes his muscles at the meeting and of the eight Grade One contests across the two-day fixture, Mullins houses the ante-post market leaders for every race but this one.
The exciting Gaelic Warrior, so impressive at Limerick over Christmas, was suggested as a possible challenger, but Mullins will instead look to Facile Vega to lead his team.
Everything has gone smoothly for Connell, though, with his unbeaten Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner from last season seemingly holding all the aces.
“We’ve had a clear run with the horse, everything has been good with no hiccups,” said Connell.
“He looks the one to beat on all known form and ratings and so forth. It’s a small field and he’s a course and distance winner already, so that in itself is a positive.
“He loves jumping and I think the ground will probably dry out, I think it’ll be no worse than yielding ground and this horse goes on anything from good ground to soft ground, so that’s not going to be an issue.
“Normally Willie doesn’t say anything, but he got everybody excited about a big clash with Gaelic Warrior and then changed his mind at the last minute.
“We can only talk about our own horse and we’re happy to take on whoever turns up.”
Connell went on: “He’s the first horse that I’ve had that has the ability that he has. We haven’t got to the bottom of him yet.
“He’s very straightforward, which is massive when you get into these big festivals, you know he isn’t going to boil over and give the race away because he’s too nervous about things. He never turns a hair.
“Touch wood, he seems to have the full package and it’s our job to keep him sound.”
Facile Vega was put in his place last time out by Gordon Elliott’s Found A Fifty in a Boxing Day Grade One and the two clash again.
“He’s in good form, he came out of the race very well, so we’re looking forward to running him again,” said Elliott.
“There’s six declared in it, Facile Vega and Barry Connell’s horse, who was very good the last day, so he’s the horse we’re all going to have to beat. We’re looking forward to running him and it looks a good race.”
As for Mullins, the final gameplan was made due to the way Facile Vega has been working since his defeat, as it had looked as if he would be stepping up in trip.
“Marine Nationale is obviously the horse to beat. He was very good over Christmas and has just had the one run over fences,” said Mullins. “But I’m much happier with Facile since Christmas.”
The champion trainer also runs Il Etait Temps and multiple Grade One winner Sharjah, while outsider Senecia completes the field.
David Noonan maintains his partnership with Gary Moore’s Le Patron as the pair seek a second Grade One victory this season in the Virgin Bet Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase at Sandown.
Having won the Henry VIII over two miles in early December, Moore is happy to step his charge back up in trip and, given he was not entered for the Arkle, connections seemingly view him as a horse for middle distances.
With stable jockey Jamie Moore still on the sidelines, Caoilin Quinn and Niall Houlihan have been riding the majority of the string, but as Noonan did the steering last time out, he has been entrusted with the ride once again.
“He was pretty good when he won at Sandown last time,” said Moore.
“He’s had a bit of a break with this race in mind, but he’s got to prove it again now.
“I think moving back up in trip is a benefit. When he won first time, and I know it wasn’t a very clever race he won at Fontwell, but it was only good ground that day and I think he will be fine on it.
“David keeps the ride, as I like continuity. He knows where his feet are and he has been good over fences, so I hope he is on Saturday as well.”
Venetia Williams won the race two years ago with L’Homme Presse, who went on to win at the Cheltenham Festival, but it remains to be seen if her Djelo can scale those heights.
He looked very good in winning his first three over fences but then Charlie Deutsch had the misfortune of being knocked out of his saddle at the very first fence in the Lightning Novices’ Chase last time out.
“He’s fine since Lingfield and Charlie gave him another pop over the fences on Thursday morning,” said Williams.
“We hope for a bit better luck this time and obviously, as you would expect for a Grade One, it’s a strong race, but he deserves to take his chance.
“This is a much stronger race than anything he has been in before but it is to be expected.”
The Paul Nicholls-trained Hermes Allen could not get close to French star Il Est Francais at Christmas but his time still compared favourably to those in the King George later on the card.
“He couldn’t lay a glove on the hugely impressive Kempton winner Il Est Francais, who looked like a machine on Boxing Day,” Nicholls told Betfair.
“But he kept on to finish second and I’m sure a stiff two and a half miles will suit him well. There should be plenty of pace, which will be in the favour of Hermes Allen, who worked pleasingly on Thursday morning.”
Hermes Allen had previously recorded a convincing victory at Newbury on his debut over fences, with the reopposing Nickle Back six and a half lengths behind in second.
Jamie Snowden’s Colonel Harry finished just over a length behind Le Patron in the Henry VIII and has subsequently stepped up in trip to win the Grade Two Towton at Wetherby.
“He’s had a wonderful season over fences so far and just got touched off in the Henry VIII,” said Snowden.
“He improved for going up in trip when winning the Towton last time out and we’ll now have another crack at a Grade One at Sandown.
“It looks a very competitive race, but our chap is in great order; he’s fresh, he’s well and bounced out of Wetherby, and fingers crossed he can run another decent race.”
Colonel Harry sports the same colours as those of Coral Gold Cup winner Datsalrightgino, who suffered a fatal fall at Cheltenham last weekend.
“It was not nice for anybody and to lose a wonderful horse like Datsalrightgino was very hard and very tough for the whole team, the owners and everyone, but hopefully we can bounce back here,” said Snowden.
In a spectacular display of cricketing prowess, Australia claimed a convincing eight-wicket victory in the first One Day International (ODI) against the West Indies at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Debutant Xavier Bartlett stole the show with an extraordinary bowling spell, and Cameron Green's exceptional all-round performance guided Australia to a comprehensive win.
Xavier Bartlett, making his ODI debut, showcased his talent by dismantling the West Indies' top order with a remarkable 4 for 17. This performance marked the second-best figures on ODI debut for Australia, placing him just behind current selector Tony Dodemaide. Bartlett's ability to swing the ball both ways troubled the West Indies batsmen, setting the tone for Australia's dominance.
Matthew Lee, Director of the Jamaica Badminton Academy, drew parallels between Bartlett's impactful debut and the academy's commitment to nurturing talent. "Just like in badminton, where a player's debut can shape their entire journey, Bartlett's remarkable introduction to ODI cricket showcased the impact a debutant can have on the game."
Bartlett, along with fellow debutant Lance Morris, became the first pair of Australian debutants to open the bowling in an ODI since 2016. Bartlett's early breakthroughs, including a magical outswinger that dismissed Justin Greaves, left the West Indies struggling at 59 for 4.
The West Indies, anchored by Keacy Carty's career-best 88 and Roston Chase's gritty 59, managed to post a total of 231. However, Bartlett's spell had already set up the victory for Australia.
Josh Inglis provided a fiery start to Australia's chase with a quick-fire 65 off 43 balls. Inglis's aggressive approach set the tone, smashing ten fours and a six, and his whirlwind knock allowed Cameron Green to settle into the innings. Steven Smith's unbeaten run-a-ball 79 and Green's composed 77 not out guided Australia to victory with 11.3 overs to spare.
Despite the West Indies showing resilience with half-centuries from Carty and Chase, Bartlett's brilliance and Green's all-round show ensured Australia took a 1-0 lead in the series.
The MCG witnessed a dominant performance from Australia, with Bartlett's debut spell earning him well-deserved accolades. As the series progresses, cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate more exciting contests between these two cricketing giants. The West Indies, though faced with a setback, will look to bounce back in the upcoming ODIs, showcasing the resilience that makes cricket a thrilling and unpredictable sport.
Gaelic Warrior will clash with highly-regarded stablemates Fact To File and Grangeclare West in the Ladbrokes Novice Chase at Leopardstown on Sunday.
Having decided against taking on Marine Nationale in the Irish Arkle over two miles and one furlong on Saturday, Willie Mullins instead runs Gaelic Warrior over an extra four and a half furlongs.
It is by no means an easy option, though, with Fact To File, so impressive in beating Zanahiyr last time out, and Grangeclare West, unbeaten in two over fences and a six-length winner of a Grade One, in opposition.
The two other runners in the race are both trained by Gordon Elliott. American Mike, who beat Fact To File on their respective chasing debuts, and Found A Fifty, although he is declared for the Irish Arkle 24 hours earlier.
There are also only five in the Ladbrokes Dublin Chase, with Mullins responsible for four.
El Fabiolo is a hot favourite having skipped the rearranged Clarence House. His three stablemates taking him on are all owned by JP McManus in Dinoblue, Sant Roi and Gentleman De Mee. Henry de Bromhead’s Captain Guinness is the only other runner.
Mullins is responsible for three of the five in the Chanelle Pharma Irish Champion Hurdle.
State Man, looking for a repeat win, will again clash with Impaire Et Passe, who chased him home at Christmas. Echoes In Rain is the other Mullins runner.
Bob Olinger and rank outsider Fils D’oudairies complete the quintet.
The other Grade One action sees Mullins’ Ballyburn clash with Gordon Elliott’s Farren Glory.
Ballyburn is a hot favourite but Farren Glory is unlucky not to be a dual Grade One winner already, having won the Royal Bond before travelling much the best in the Formby at Aintree when falling two out.
De Bromhead’s Slade Steel is another nice prospect among the 10 runners.
Gigginstown House Stud will be looking to potential future stars to provide them with more great memories at the Dublin Racing Festival.
The racing operation of Ryanair supremo Michael O’Leary is no stranger to success at Leopardstown’s flagship meeting, winning the feature Irish Gold Cup with both Conflated and Delta Work in recent years, and also picking up the Irish Champion Hurdle with Apple’s Jade.
The 2022 hero Conflated will be back again to do battle with Galopin Des Champs in the feature event of Saturday’s card, but the main hopes of success lie earlier in the day, when both Storm Heart and Predators Gold head into their respective contests as betting favourites.
Both trained by Willie Mullins, it is Predators Gold who could give Gigginstown the perfect start to the meeting in the Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle, with the five-year-old stepping up in trip following his Grade One runner-up effort over two miles behind Caldwell Potter at Christmas.
“He won his maiden over two and a half miles, then came back in trip at Christmas,” said Eddie O’Leary of Gigginstown.
“His run over two was very good but this is very much more his trip. We will see where we are with him.”
Predators Gold is immediately followed by ultra-impressive Punchestown scorer Storm Heart, who now faces the acid test of his capabilities in a red-hot running of the McCann FitzGerald Spring Juvenile Hurdle.
“He won a maiden hurdle and won it well, but this is the next level and it will tell us where we are,” continued O’Leary. “Hopefully he is lucky and we get to see where we are.”
There will not be an appearance from the exciting Gordon Elliott-trained bumper prospect Jalon D’oudairies, who seems destined to head straight for the Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival.
However, stablemate The Enabler looks a useful alternative for the Donohue Marquees Future Stars I.N.H. Flat Race following convincing victories at Punchestown and Navan.
The Cullentra House handler’s Conflated will again feature in the Irish Gold Cup, as he bids to get his own ticket to Prestbury Park stamped in a race he caused an 18-1 shock two years ago.
“Conflated is entitled to go there again and after this he will be going to either the Ryanair or the Cross Country at Cheltenham,” added O’Leary. “Hopefully he puts up a good showing.”
Jamaican-born United States-based top-flight jockey Shaun Bridgmohan is booked for his first ever ride at Caymanas Park on Saturday.
The 44-year-old Bridgmohan, who won the 1998 Eclipse Award as the most outstanding apprentice in United States racing, is listed to ride the Philip Feanny-trained four-year-old Fearless One in Division One of the George HoSang Trophy feature on the nine-race card. The George HoSang Trophy races listed as races seven and eight over 5-1/2 furlongs (1,100m).
Bridgmohan, who migrated to the United States at age 13 from Spanish Town, first worked in Florida as a hot-walker, groom and exercise rider before starting his riding career on graduating from high school, earning his first win at Calder Race Course in August 1997.
He has twice won six races on a card in North America, first at Aqueduct in 1998 and again in 2007 at Fair Grounds in New Orleans, in his fairly decorated career.
In fact, it was during his breakout season in that he first won six races at Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, New York, finishing that year as the winner of the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Apprentice Jockey.
The second Jamaican to ride in the Kentucky Derby in 2006, Bridgmohan created history in the event in 2014 alongside his countryman, Rajiv Maragh, finishing second and fourth, aboard Commanding Curve and Wicked Strong, respectively. Richard Depass was the first Jamaican to ride in the derby.
Aiming to add another feather to his impressive résumé of more than 3000 victories in the United States, where he twice finished 17th in national earnings, Bridgmohan's presence will certainly delight fans as he graces Caymanas Park with his riding prowess.
Bridgmohan will also be a guest speaker at a Jamaica Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Foundation (JTHF) fundraiser set for Jamaica Officers’ Club, Up Park Camp, on Monday, February 5.
Shanice Beckford knew adjusting to life in Australia would take some doing, but knowing the opportunity that was there to be grasped, she did not hesitate to make the move when West Coast Fever called.
Just as Beckford expected, the first two weeks in Perth took its toll, but she is just about getting ready to turn the proverbial corner ahead of what she hopes will be a very successful debut stint in the Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) League.
“The first two weeks were difficult for me, but I must say it has been quite fun. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a strong emphasis on family-oriented activities. I'm really loving the environment so far. Despite some initial struggles with my sleeping patterns, I'm gradually settling in. Overall, everything is going pretty well and I'm feeling quite content with my decision to join this club,” Beckford told SportsMax.TV.
To her credit, Beckford adapted quite quickly and judging by her bubbly and energetic movements in training so far, the talented goal-attack is merely just getting started where taking on a significant workload and displaying her usual craftiness on court is concerned as she fits into the new environment.
“I am learning to be patient with myself and to trust my coaches, teammates, and the process as I gradually work my way into the team. I am taking my time to improve and find my place in the different combinations,” Beckford shared.
“Although, I am still adjusting to the time zone, when it comes to training, it's a whole different ball game. Moreover, it's been good as I have enough time to recover, and I don’t have to worry about rushing to work or getting home late at night, like the challenges we face back home in Jamaica. I felt like after the first two weeks, everything became a little easier to handle,” she added.
Despite the fact that she has honed her skills in a fairly successful career spanning 10 years, Beckford, 28, was eager to not only parade her skills in the SSN, but also to continue her development outside of the Sunshine Girls setup, and for her West Coast Fever represents the perfect fit.
“Being in this environment will provide me with the necessary structural skills and resources to unlock a new level of potential in my netball career. So far, it's been going well, although, I can’t stress this enough, the first two weeks were a bit of a struggle as I had to get back into the groove and adapt to the standards and way of playing of the Fever team. However, I'm getting there and I'm pretty excited to see how much this experience will enhance my skillset and develop me as a player by the end,” the soft-spoken player noted.
With the start of the season still just over two months out, Beckford expressed excitement at the prospects for her and Fever’s teammates – which includes compatriots Jhaniele Fowler and Kadie-Ann Dehaney –to find success and, by extension, lay a solid foundation for a possible future at the club, as she has not ruled out the idea of an extension on her one-year contract.
The Dan Ryan-coached West Coast Fever, which won the title in 2022, will open their campaign in this, the eight edition of the SSN against Giants on April 13.
“I'm feeling very optimistic about this fresh crop of girls. It's an entirely new-look team, with many new players joining the ranks alongside some of our more seasoned members. Despite the differences in experience and style, we're blending together seamlessly and making excellent progress so far,” Beckford said.
“So, I am prepared to do my best to get the job done, no matter what condition I am in. Everyone wants to play in the finals at the end of the season, but I know it won't be easy. Therefore, I am keeping an open mind, embracing the journey, and taking things one session at a time and it will be the same approach come game time,” she declared.
Having so far achieved all that she set out to when she just launched her career as an 18-year-old, Beckford pointed out that adding a SSN title to her accolades, would be the icing on top.
She has so far won Commonwealth Games medals in 2014, 2018 and 2022, along with Fast5 medals in 2013, 2017 and 2018, as well as a Netball World Cup medal last year. All this is complemented by her 2015 stint in England’s Superleague.
“Personally, winning the SSN title would be an incredible moment that I wouldn't be able to explain right now. Let’s just say it would be the icing on the cake, and I know the West Coast Fever family would be thrilled with the victory,” she ended.
In the vibrant world of badminton, the Jamaica Badminton Academy stands as a beacon of excellence, cultivating young talents and charting a course for success on both national and international stages. Led by the dynamic duo of Matthew Lee and Kenneth Anglin, the academy is not just a training ground for shuttlecock enthusiasts but a nurturing space that combines athletic prowess with educational opportunities.
"The Jamaica Badminton Academy is dedicated to providing a holistic platform for children to thrive in the world of badminton," shared Matthew Lee, the Director of the academy, alongside Kenneth Anglin. "Our mission goes beyond developing top-level athletes; we aim to instill essential values such as discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship."
Recently, Lee proudly shared the academy's remarkable achievements. "We currently have a lot of players selected to the national teams, especially for juniors. In the recent national junior championships, we had four medallists, including the remarkable Zoelle Jamel securing the Under 15 Girls Championship. This showcases the undeniable growth and potential of our talented athletes."
As the academy gears up for upcoming local tournaments, including the Tournament of Kings/Queens, Doubles Mania, Junior Classics, and the All Jamaica Super Series, Lee emphasized the pivotal role these events play in talent development. "Our unique schedule features multiple events, allowing young players to gain valuable experience in badminton tournaments. A new ranking system is set to be implemented (by the local governing body), providing players with the opportunity to earn points, leading to higher-tier tournaments and international representation," he stated.
Looking towards the global stage, the Jamaica Badminton Academy has its sights set on the XXXII PAN AM JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS 2024 and the CARIBACO International Junior Championships. "We are particularly targeting the Junior Pan American Games, and we have designed a special training program for our high-performing athletes. Additionally, we are actively seeking sponsors to support these players' representation on the international stage," Lee explained.
The academy extends a warm welcome to players from primary, prep, and high schools to join their training programs. Beyond honing badminton skills, this presents a unique opportunity for children to enhance university applications, pursue scholarships, and unlock future job opportunities.
As the badminton calendar unfolds, marked by exciting local tournaments and international competitions, the Jamaica Badminton Academy is poised to make waves, leaving an indelible mark on the global badminton landscape. "Our academy believes in playing bold and reaching for the stars," concludes Director Matthew Lee. The shuttlecock soars, and with it, the dreams of young athletes under the tutelage of a visionary academy that believes in nurturing talent with passion and purpose.
Upcoming Tournaments:
Local Tournaments:
February 24th - 25th: Tournament of Kings/Queens
March: Club League, JG X Bad Boys Invitational
April 20th - 21st: Doubles Mania
May 18th - 19th: Junior Classics
July: Summer Swing
September: Club Knockouts
November 9th - 10th & 16th - 17th: All Jamaica
December 7th - 8th: Super Series
International Tournaments:
July 11 - 13: XXXII PAN AM JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS 2024 TEAM EVENT CONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
July 15-19: XXXII PAN AM JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS 2024 - U13 - U17 CONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
July 15-19: XXXII PAN AM JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS 2024 - U19 CONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
August 21 - 25: CARIBACO International Junior Championships
Jack Jones’ An Bradan Feasa looks to take the next step in his promising hurdling career at Musselburgh on Sunday.
The four-year-old was previously trained by Joseph O’Brien before making his debut for new connections at Cheltenham in November, where he chased home James Owen’s highly-regarded Burdett Road in a Grade Two Triumph Hurdle Trial.
His next outing was a return to the same track the following month, where he contested a lesser Triumph trial and prevailed by three lengths as the favourite.
The Fred Winter at the Festival has always been the goal for An Bradan Feasa and he will prepare for that with a run in the bet365 Scottish Triumph Hurdle this weekend, a Listed contest for four-year-olds.
“He had a quiet week or 10 days after Cheltenham and then we got him back into his work, he’s had a mini break but this has always been the aim from a long way,” said Jones.
“He’s fit, well and happy, he’s schooled a couple of times and Tom (Bellamy) is going to come and school him tomorrow morning for the finishing touches and then he’ll travel up Saturday.
“He’s all good to go, Musselburgh looks a suitable opportunity and we’re very happy with him.
“I’m pleased we managed to schedule a little break in and he’ll go out there with a very good chance. The Paul Nicholls horse (Liari) is level with us on ratings, so it should be between the two of them, without being overconfident.”
Of his Cheltenham aspirations, the trainer added: “We’re aiming for the Fred Winter, and we’ll enter him in the Triumph, but we’re keeping expectations sensible and the owners are agreed on that one.
“We’ve always been working back from the Fred Winter.”
Cricket West Indies (CWI) proudly announces the upgrade of Shamar Joseph from his current Franchise contract to a CWI International retainer contract. This decision comes in recognition of Joseph's outstanding performance and invaluable contribution to the recent historic victory against Australia on their home soil in Brisbane, marking Australia's first defeat to the West Indies since 1997.
Enoch Lewis, CWI Director and Chair of the Cricket Development and Performance Committee expressed, "As exhilarated as we are, it is also dutiful to elevate Shamar Joseph to a CWI International retainer contract. His extraordinary talent and steadfast dedication serve as the cornerstone of our team's recent triumph at the Gabba, and such promise merits its due recognition. Shamar has not just been rewarded with a retained contract he has earned it.”
"Shamar Joseph's remarkable debut series showcased his prowess with 13 wickets in two matches, including a match-winning spell of 7 for 68 in the decisive second test. His performance, coupled with his dedication, exemplifies the spirit of West Indies cricket."
Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, remarked, "Shamar's elevation to a CWI International retainer contract reflects his potential and the bright future ahead for West Indies cricket. We have also offered Chemar Holder a franchise contract as we double down on securing the best fast-bowling talent available. We are excited to see both men continue to excel.”
"With these contract upgrades, CWI reaffirms its commitment to nurturing talent and fostering excellence within the team. Shamar Joseph's journey exemplifies the promising future of West Indies cricket, and we look forward to his continued success. Meanwhile, we will continue to support Chemar Holder who returned from injury rehabilitation and has shown signs of eagerness to be reintegrated at the highest level.”
The full list of Men’s International retainers for 2023/24 are:
CONTRACTED PLAYERS
West Indies Men
Queen Mother Champion Chase favourite El Fabiolo will captain Simon Munir and Isaac Souede’s Dublin Racing Festival team as the unbeaten chaser heads to Leopardstown a red-hot favourite for Sunday’s Ladbrokes Dublin Chase.
Originally set to contest Ascot’s abandoned Clarence House Chase, Willie Mullins’ ace two-miler will seek riches closer to home as he looks to supplement his victory in the Irish Arkle at the two-day meeting 12 months ago.
El Fabiolo went on to add to his Grade One tally at both the Cheltenham and Punchestown Festivals and following a successful comeback run in Cork’s Hilly Way Chase, the odds-on shot will be seeking to solidify his spot at the top of the market for the Champion Chase in just under six weeks’ time.
“The team will probably have about nine runners, but he’s the only one who will be a hot favourite for us and is our best chance,” said Munir and Souede’s racing manager Anthony Bromley.
“He’s training well and was in great form leading up to the Clarence House two weeks ago – and the team are all happy with him still, so let’s hope we cannot fluff our lines.”
Sunday will also see Impaire Et Passe, another of the owners’ 2023 Cheltenham Festival heroes, lock horns with State Man for a second time in the Chanelle Pharma Irish Champion Hurdle, attempting to overturn a three-and-a-quarter-length beating from when they met in the Matheson Hurdle at Christmas.
A strong second-day squad will see Closutton’s James Du Berlais drop back in trip for the valuable O’Driscolls Irish Whiskey Leopardstown Handicap Chase.
Meanwhile, the day ends with Stuart Crawford bidding to provide Munir and Souede with a third-straight victory in the concluding Coolmore N.H. Sires Hurricane Lane Irish EBF Mares I.N.H. Flat Race with wide-margin Down Royal scorer Mongibello.
“James Du Berlais ran really well at Christmas in the three-mile handicap chase,” continued Bromley.
“We’re dropping back to two-miles-five on Sunday in the €150,000 race. We’re hoping dropping a couple of furlongs works the oracle, as he showed up well for a very long way and went very well at Christmas and I would be hopeful of a bold show, but it’s a hugely competitive handicap chase.”
He went on: “Mongibello was second on her debut in a Listed bumper and then won very well at Down Royal in a race that is starting to work out.
“There will be plenty more fancied than us in the race, but I think she will run a really solid race and we’ve had a bit of luck in the race with the colours in the past.
“Two years ago, the Crawfords won it with Lily Du Berlais and last year the Mullins father-and-son team won it for us with Fun Fun Fun. It may be asking a bit to make it a hat-trick in the race but Mongibello certainly won’t let us down.”
Hopes for the opening day rest on Intellotto in a red-hot renewal of the Grade One McCann FitzGerald Spring Juvenile Hurdle and Ayiko in the concluding Donohue Marquees Future Stars (C & G) I.N.H. Flat Race, with the Dublin Racing Festival arriving at the ideal time for the in-form ‘double green’ team.
They have enjoyed plenty of success over the last seven days, with a double at Naas last Sunday followed by talented novices Anotherway and Mistergif impressing in midweek.
Some of those victors could be set for a step up to better things next time, with Naas bumper winner Jasmin De Vaux set to be pointed towards the Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival following his commanding 15-length romp.
“Jasmin De Vaux was a Crawford graduate and we purchased him from Stuart and sent him to Willie and he looked very good in the bumper on Sunday,” said Bromley.
“I imagine all roads lead to Cheltenham for him. You could probably pick holes in the form of the bumper but it was the manner in which he did it which was impressive and he’s a really exciting horse to look forward to.”
A day later, it was Anotherway who was representing the team with distinction as he sauntered his way to success at Punchestown, a win that meant an awful lot to connections.
Bromley explained: “Anotherway was extremely pleasing because he had severe complications after being gelded as a three-year-old and had to have two big operations, life-saving operations, and to even get him on the track at Christmas was brilliant.
“He blew up a bit then, but he certainly showed the benefit of that at Punchestown and that gave me as much pleasure as anything.
“He is Concertista’s half-brother as well, so that is quite nice and it was a very poignant winner. I don’t think he will necessarily go to Cheltenham but he will be racing at some sort of festival in the spring I suspect.”
You Wear It Well remains on course for a crack at more Cheltenham Festival glory in the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle after running with credit in defeat at Doncaster last weekend.
Jamie Snowden’s charge produced her best effort as a novice at Prestbury Park when making all to see off 20 rivals in Grade Two company last March, scoring at generous odds of 16-1 under Gavin Sheehan.
She kicked off this term by getting the better of Luccia at Wetherby over two miles before being a well-beaten favourite in the rearranged Fighting Fifth at Sandown.
Snowden opted to step her up to an extended three miles in the Warfield Mares’ Hurdle, with a change of tactics deployed, as she was held up at the back early on.
You Wear It Well came through to challenge Marie’s Rock at the final flight but just found the 2022 Mares’ Hurdle winner too strong on the run-in.
“I think we just got beat by a better horse on the day in that set of circumstances,” said Snowden.
“It was our first try at the trip and the ground was a little bit quicker than ideal. It turned into a little bit of a sprint from three out and we had a bit of ground to make up.
“But Marie’s Rock is rated 150, we’re rated 140, we were carrying the same weight and we only got beat a length and a half, so it was a decent performance and I was glad to get that run into her, it was a nice run.
“The Mares’ Hurdle is the plan and we might look at the Warwick race (February 10) on route.”
William Haggas has decided to keep the King and Queen’s Desert Hero closer to home for his first outing of 2024, with Royal Ascot once again on the agenda before a potential trip to Australia at the end of the year.
The chestnut sparked fabulous scenes last June, providing his owners with their first winner at the big meeting in the King George V Stakes.
He went on to win at Glorious Goodwood and finish third in the St Leger, after which Haggas was contemplating a Melbourne Cup tilt.
That was put on the backburner but the Newmarket handler was considering sending him out to Australia in the early months of the new year, given the success he has had with the likes of Addeybb and Dubai Honour Down Under.
However, those plans have now been shelved and Haggas told RadioTAB Australia: “We decided definitely that His Majesty’s horse will not be coming to Sydney in the autumn.
“We may well come down at the backend of the year in your (Australian) spring, but I just felt he needed a bit more time and they (his owners) concurred.
“Possibly (the Melbourne Cup) or possibly something in Sydney, we’ll see.
“We are going to concentrate on going to Royal Ascot for the Hardwicke Stakes, which will be his first major target.
“He’s done very well this winter. He will benefit from all the time he can get. It’s ‘do we press the button now or wait a bit’ and we plumped for the second option, we’re going to wait a bit.
“He’s pretty useful, he got better and better last year and we think he’s done better again this winter, so I am very pleased with him.”
Haggas will be represented in the big Australian races once again by Dubai Honour, who won both the Ranvet Stakes and the Queen Elizabeth Stakes last year before finishing a fine third to Romantic Warrior in the QEII Cup in Hong Kong.
“He’ll go into quarantine on February 15. We’re looking at the same two races as last year,” said Haggas.
“I probably shouldn’t have run him in the Eclipse, as he’d been on the go for a while, but there were only four runners and I thought he ran well for a long way in the Champion Stakes.
“To be honest, his whole summer was based around getting him in top shape to come to you (Australia) in February/March.
“He will be the same horse he was, I hope.
“I’d like him to come back for two years. If all goes well this year and he runs competitively, then basically it will be all the same again.”
Two more could travel with Dubai Honour, as Post Impressionist, winner of the Old Borough Cup, and Mujtaba, last seen finishing second in the Huxley Stakes in May, are both pencilled in.
“Post Impressionist will run in the Sydney Cup, he’s been bought by Lloyd Williams. He’s in really good shape,” said Haggas.
“Mujtaba might well go. I’m really pleased with his condition. He’ll either go Ranvet or Tancred and then hopefully Queen Elizabeth.
“He’s never won a Stakes race, in his only start last year he was second in a Group Two and then got colic.
“He’s a good age, he’s six but has only run nine times in his life.”
West Indies wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva has taken the reins from Darren Bravo and will captain the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force for the upcoming West Indies Championship.
Having led the West Indies ‘A’ team on their tour to South Africa late last year, Da Silva isn’t new to the captaincy. However, he will have to also step up with the bat in the absence of Bravo, who was the leading batter for the Red Force last year.
Meanwhile, Bryan Charles was named vice-captain of the squad which includes fit-again pacers Jayden Seales and Terrance Hinds as well as veterans Imran Khan and Jason Mohammed.
T&T will open their campaign against defending champions Guyana Harpy Eagles at Conaree Cricket Ground in St Kitts from February 7-10 before facing the West Indies Academy at the same venue from February 14-17.
T&T will complete their St Kitts leg of the tournament on February 21-24 against the Leeward Islands Hurricanes at Warner Park before returning to Trinidad for two matches in March at Queen’s Park Oval.
On March 13-16, T&T will face the Windward Islands Volcanoes at the Oval before facing Barbados Pride at the same venue later that month.
The Red Force will then travel to Jamaica to face CCC from April 10-13 at Chedwin Park before ending their campaign against hosts Jamaica Scorpions from April 17-20 at Sabina Park.
The Red Force will leave for St Kitts on Sunday where they will play three matches starting next Wednesday.
RED FORCE SQUAD:
Joshua Da Silva (captain), Bryan Charles (vice-captain), Amir Jangoo, Imran Khan, Terrance Hinds, Jason Mohammed, Jyd Goolie, Jayden Seales, Anderson Phillip, Vikash Mohan, Cephas Cooper, Tion Webster, Khary Pierre.
Sebastien Edwards (manager), David Furlonge (coach), Rayad Emrit (assistant coach), Ruel Rigsby (physio), Shane Burnett (S&C coach).
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