Not a name associated with big Saturday afternoon contests, Deborah Faulkner is targeting an “absolutely huge” JenningsBet Northumberland Plate success with the heavily-supported Golden Rules.
Faulkner is responsible for less than a dozen horses at her Monmouthshire yard and is pinching herself at the fact that she houses the market leader for the £150,000 Newcastle showpiece.
Bought out of John and Thady Gosden’s yard for bargain-basement price of 6,000 guineas in October 2021, Golden Rules did not make his debut for his new connections until appearing at Kempton in March of this year, when he proceeded to make every yard of the running under Oisin Murphy.
With the three-time champion jockey again in the saddle, and owner Gareth Cheshire bullish about his chances in a recent interview, the six-year-old has been backed into favouritism for the ‘Pitmen’s Derby’, which is only heightening Faulkner’s nerves.
She said: “I don’t know who is gambling on him, it’s not me because I don’t bet!
“He’s in good order, Oisin sat on him on Wednesday and he was more than happy with him.
“It’s all in the lap of the gods now and I just hope we don’t end up with egg on our face, but you’ve got to be in it to win it.”
While Golden Rules was out of competitive action for the best part of two years prior to his Kempton comeback, Faulkner revealed he has not suffered any major setbacks.
“We didn’t even attempt to get him on the track last year. For whatever reason they sold him, he had a few issues and we’ve just given him time,” Faulkner added.
“He does a lot of swimming and hopefully that’s sorted out his impatience in a race – he seems to have settled a lot better.
“We’ve just ticked along with him and when we thought he was ready, we had a little pop with him.
“We were originally going to run him over jumps, that’s why we bought him, but the ground wasn’t in his favour at all and we didn’t want to risk him, so we went for the Kempton race.
“He’s worked very well at home, so going to Kempton it was just a case of whether he still had the enthusiasm to race and luckily for us he did.”
Faulkner will not be making the trip to the north east herself, instead electing to watch on from her home in Wales.
She said: “It would be absolutely huge if he could win. We’ve only got 10 horses and I’m not going on Saturday because somebody has to stay in the yard and as three-quarters of our workforce has gone to Newcastle, it’s left to me to do the honours with the remaining horses!
“I will be very nervous, I just hope he lives up to expectations.”
Prior to the Golden Rules gamble, the ante-post favourite was the William Haggas-trained Post Impressionist.
The four-year-old finished second to subsequent St Leger hero Eldar Eldarov on his only previous visit to Gosforth Park and while he has been off the track since winning a lucrative prize at York in October, hopes are high, despite the fact a high draw in stall 19 of 20 is hardly ideal.
“He got a lovely draw in stall 19, that’s helpful! But he’s been training well and should run well,” said Haggas.
“He wants a bit of cut in the ground – he doesn’t really want summer firm – so we thought this would be the right sort of place to start.
“He was very slow to come to hand in the spring, but he’s coming now and has had a good preparation.”
The Newmarket handler has an interesting second string to his bow in Nathanael Greene, who like Post Impressionist will be tackling the two-mile distance for the first time.
Nathanael Greene was fifth at Ascot and fourth at Goodwood in May, most recently finishing just over five lengths behind Gold Cup hero Courage Mon Ami, and Haggas feels he could outrun his odds.
He added: “I thought Nathanael Greene wouldn’t be miles away. He’s got the headgear back on and he clearly needs that, so hopefully he’ll run a good race.
“He’s run two solid races this season and I think he’ll appreciate going up in trip as well.”
Hugo Palmer is also double-handed, with Zoffee and Rajinsky both bringing strong course form to the table .
Rajinsky has finished third and fourth in the last two renewals, while Zoffee plundered last year’s Northumberland Vase – the consolation race for the Plate.
“He’s getting better all the time, Rajinsky. He’s produced two career-bests from three runs this year and we were praying to be able to run him in the Queen Alexandra at Ascot last weekend,” said Palmer.
“I think he’d have been the top-rated horse in the race and I think he’d stay that far, but we are where we are and he’ll have no ground concerns at Newcastle.
“Zoffee is such a consistent horse – if they were all like him it would be an easier game.
“He found the line really well at Ascot (sixth in Ascot Stakes), for all he found it possibly just a furlong too far.
“He’s very well versed at two miles, he copes with that trip and he obviously won the consolation last year, so it’s always been the hope that he could try to follow up in the big one this year.”
The Alan King-trained Rainbow Dreamer is another Newcastle regular and has been kept fresh for this race since winner the Marathon over the course on All-Weather Championships Finals Day in April.
King said: “He’s a much better horse on the all-weather and he seems well when he’s lovely and fresh, so it was always the plan to give him a break and train him for this.
“It’s all gone very well – he seems to love it. He’s a bit higher than he was last year and it won’t be easy off that sort of rating, but he seems very well and this was the obvious place to come.
“Let’s hope he runs well.”
A decision on whether Paddington steps up in trip for the Coral-Eclipse is likely to be made over the weekend, according to Aidan O’Brien.
Since winning a handicap first time out this season, the son of Siyouni has won a Listed race, the Irish 2,000 Guineas and put up a dominant display in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.
He beat English Guineas winner Chaldean there and has been the subject of strong market support for the 10-furlong Eclipse, from 6-1 into 7-2 with the sponsors, making him second-favourite behind Emily Upjohn.
“The lads haven’t quite decided yet, I think they are going to decide this weekend what they want to do with him,” said O’Brien when asked if the Eclipse was a possibility.
“He seems to be in good form, but we’ll talk over the weekend and we’ll hopefully have a plan by next week.
“He’s improved with every run and we’ve been very happy with him all the way.
“He’s always looked like he’d get 10 furlongs if they wanted to.”
O’Brien also had news on Statuette, who was unbeaten in two outings last year before injury intervened.
She was last seen winning the Airlie Stud Stakes at the Irish Derby meeting 12 months ago.
“She’s back on the go, she’s cantering but she’s a good bit away still as we’ve had to give her two or three breaks due to a few little setbacks and each time we’ve had to stop,” said O’Brien.
“She is back cantering again, though, so hopefully we’ll have her back for the autumn.”
Five-time world 100m champion, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, has expressed her unwavering confidence and determination as she prepares to open her 2023 season at Jamaica's national championships in Kingston from July 6-9 and begin her campaign for a record-extending sixth world 100m title in Budapest in August.
After recovering from a knee injury she suffered back in May in Kenya, Fraser-Pryce is more determined than ever to get back on track after her record-breaking season in 2022.
Reflecting on her journey, Fraser-Pryce, in an interview with Black Enterprise shared, "You know, I've always said that no two years are ever the same. You plan and you work, and you just hope that everything falls into place."
Her last year was filled with joy and achievement, especially after winning an unprecedented fifth World 100m title and running under 10.7 seconds, a record seven times, which laid a solid foundation for her ambitions this year.
However, the sprinter experienced a hiccup early in the season in Kenya, forcing a delayed start to her season. Determined to bounce back stronger, she returned to the drawing board to ensure her knee was in excellent condition. She knew that the outdoor season would demand not only mental fortitude but also peak physical performance. Her goal was to be in top form and leave no room for setbacks.
Speaking about her preparations, Fraser-Pryce stated, "So far, training has been going great, and I believe I'm in a much better place now. I've been able to tweak some things and really revisit areas that needed work."
A three-time Olympic gold medallist, Fraser-Pryce’s relentless work ethic and dedication have been the driving force behind her successful career, and she remains focused on fine-tuning every aspect of her performance.
Throughout her journey, Fraser-Pryce has relied on her spirituality, trusting that God will always guide her path. "I really just trust that God will always work things out," she said, "I always have to trust that. You do the work, and you just get on the track, and you know you have a good team. Coaches are prepared, we're prepared."
George Boughey is optimistic Via Sistina can make a successful raid on Irish soil in the Yulong Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh.
The Classic-winning trainer has not yet saddled a winner in Ireland and to break his duck in a Group One would be quite a way to do it.
Boughey nominated this 10-furlong contest as a likely target following her hugely impressive display in a soft-ground Dahlia Stakes on the Rowley Mile in early May – and the Newmarket handler’s confidence will grow with every drop of rain that falls ahead of Saturday’s feature.
Boughey said: “She goes there in very good form, the rain overnight will help and any more will certainly help her chance again.
“I’ve never seen her look so well and she’s been training super, so it’s all systems go as long we get a little bit more rain.
“She’s gone very good since she won at Newmarket. It’s been a dry spring and a dry early summer, but she’ll be busy whenever she gets her preferred ground and it looks like she might get it this weekend.
“She’s travelled over good and she’s ready to rock and roll. It’s been the plan for a while and we look forward to taking them on.”
Joseph O’Brien has saddled two of the last four winners of the Pretty Polly in Iridessa (2019) and Thundering Nights (2021) and is this year doubly represented.
The clear first string is Above The Curve, who was last seen landing a Group Two in France, while Goldana steps up in trip after finishing fourth in the in the Lanwades Stud Stakes last month.
“We are looking forward to running them. They are both in good shape,” said O’Brien.
“Above The Curve won nicely in France last time and this race will suit her well.
“Goldana shaped the last day as though she will enjoy the extra couple of furlongs. Any rain that falls will be a help to her. She stayed on well last time.”
Aidan O’Brien sends Never Ending Story back into battle just under a fortnight after finishing second to the brilliant Blue Rose Cen in the Prix de Diane at Chantilly.
“Never Ending Story ran really well in France, that was her first time over a mile and a quarter,” said O’Brien.
“She came out of that race very well so that is why we are going back early with her. Hopefully she will run well.”
Paddy Twomey’s Rosscarbery bids to follow up victory in the Munster Oaks at Cork, with Insinuendo (Willie McCreery), Stay Alert (Hughie Morrison), Comhra (Jim Bolger) and Trevaunance (Jessica Harrington) completing the line-up.
Ryan Moore is not taking anything for granted ahead of his bid for a first Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby success aboard red-hot favourite Auguste Rodin.
While trainer Aidan O’Brien is seeking a remarkable 15th victory in the Curragh Classic – and his 100th European Classic in total – it is one of the few top-level prizes that has so far eluded one of the world’s top riders.
Following victory at Epsom four weeks ago, Auguste Rodin is all the rage to complete the Derby double, a feat last achieved by Dermot Weld’s Harzand in 2016.
As usual, though, Moore is not getting carried away.
“His chance is obvious, as his price suggests, but there are few certainties in racing,” he told Betfair.
“I am sure the connections of the Epsom third and fourth, White Birch and Sprewell, will fancy their chances of at least getting closer to us on this more conventional track. And who is to say they won’t. Different day, different course, different result maybe.
“But everyone saw the real Auguste Rodin in the Derby, stepped up to a trip more in keeping with his superb pedigree, and everyone has seen how strong the form is with King Of Steel and Waipiro coming out and winning at Ascot
“If he runs up to the level of his form at Epsom, something is going to have improve markedly to beat him.”
O’Brien is responsible for more than half of the field, with Auguste Rodin joined by Epsom eighth Adelaide River, the 11th home San Antonio, last week’s Queen’s Vase seventh Peking Opera and Covent Garden completing his quintet.
The Ballydoyle handler’s two sons also saddle runners, with Up And Under out to provide Joseph O’Brien with his second Irish Derby as a trainer after striking gold with Latrobe in 2018, while his younger brother Donnacha is represented by Proud And Regal.
The field is completed by the aforementioned third and fourth from Epsom in John Joseph Murphy’s White Birch and the Jessica Harrington-trained Sprewell.
White Birch finished just over five lengths behind Auguste Rodin at Epsom, while Sprewell has seven lengths to find.
The exciting Al Riffa makes his eagerly-awaited return when he takes on four rivals in the Paddy Power International Stakes at the Curragh.
The son of Wootton Bassett stamped himself among the top juveniles in Ireland last season for Joseph O’Brien, winning the last two of his three starts, culminating in an authoritative success in the National Stakes at the Curragh.
That form was franked when Proud And Regal, trained by O’Brien’s brother Donnacha, subsequently took the Group One Criterium de Saint-Cloud.
A setback ruled out the long-time Irish 2,000 Guineas favourite from the first Irish Classic of the season, but now the Owning Mill handler hopes the colt can make up for lost time as he makes his three-year-old bow on his first run since September.
O’Brien said: “This is a nice race to start him back in. He has matured well from last year and we are looking forward to getting him started and hopefully it sets him up for a good season.”
He drops into Group Three company and steps up from seven furlongs to 10 for his first run, and O’Brien is not looking any further ahead than this weekend.
“We’ll take it one step at a time with him,” he added.
His opponents include Alfred Munnings, who has not run since finishing sixth in last season’s Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot for O’Brien’s father, Aidan, last-time-out Limerick winner Layfayette, trained by Noel Meade, and Johnny Murtagh’s Mashoor, who is on a hat-trick after taking a Listed 12-furlong prize at the Curragh when last seen.
Aidan O’Brien’s Albany Stakes runner-up Matrika will be a warm order to go one better in the Group Two Airlie Stud Stakes.
The No Nay Never filly stuck to her task well when finding only Porta Fortuna too good in the 17-runner affair at Royal Ascot and Ryan Moore’s mount already has a verdict over Grand Job, whom she beat by three-quarters of a length on debut.
The pair lock horns again over the same six furlongs with just five other opponents to contend with.
Grand Job may lack for experience, but Joseph O’Brien is hopeful she can progress as he anticipates this summer.
He said: “She had a good run on debut over the course and distance and it would be great if we can get some black type with her. She is a nice Justify filly who is going the right way.”
Charlie Appleby is excited to see St Leger runner-up New London make his return to action in the Cavani Menswear Sartorial Sprint Fred Archer Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday.
The Dubawi colt has won four of his six starts to date, including a Group Three success in the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood last summer.
He was a hot favourite to secure Classic glory at Doncaster in September, but passed the post third behind Eldar Eldarov before picking up the silver medal following a stewards’ inquiry.
New London has undergone wind surgery and is fitted with a tongue-tie as he bids to make it four from four at Newmarket on his first competitive outing in nearly 10 months.
“New London has had wind surgery since his last run and we have been very pleased with him at home,” Appleby told the Godolphin website.
“He has been for two racecourse gallops and this looks a good starting point for a campaign that should progress through the summer and into the autumn.”
The Moulton Paddocks handler also saddles Kemari, who was runner-up to stablemate Rebel’s Romance in this Listed contest 12 months ago.
Appleby added: “Kemari put up a couple of decent efforts behind Rebel’s Romance last season, including in this race, and continued to perform well in Dubai over the winter.
“He is a solid yardstick and should run his race again.”
The biggest threat to New London appears to be Al Aasy, who is one of two William Haggas-trained runners set to return from 420 days off the track on the July course this weekend.
Al Aasy, who finished a neck second to Pyledriver in the 2021 Coronation Cup at Epsom, has not been seen since landing the Buckhounds Stakes at Ascot on May 7 of last year, the same afternoon as Aldaary impressed in the Spring Trophy at Haydock.
The latter is the likely favourite for the Cavani Menswear Fashion Face-Off Frenzy Criterion Stakes, if he is given the green light to take his chance.
“We need soft ground for Aldaary, I declared him when it was raining. The ground is on the slow side at Newmarket, but whether that remains the case we’ll see,” said Haggas.
“We can make a decision as late as we need to, but as long as it’s not fast I’d say he’ll probably run because he needs to get going.
“Al Aasy is the same, he likes a bit of cut in the ground, but he needs to start.
“They’ve both been training well, so I’m hopeful they’ll run well.”
Other Criterion hopefuls include Charlie Hills’ defending champion Pogo, Andrew Balding’s Berkshire Shadow – fifth in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot last week – and Eve Johnson Houghton’s Jumby, who bids for back-to-back Group Three wins after landing the John of Gaunt at Haydock three weeks ago.
Johnson Houghton said: “We swerved the Wokingham to run in the Criterion. I think and hope he has more than half a chance.”
Appleby’s Star Of Mystery is a warm order for the first of the seven races on the – the Listed Maureen Brittain Memorial Empress Fillies’ Stakes.
Second on her Doncaster debut, the half-sister to Group One winners Althiqa and Mysterious Night went one better with a 11-length verdict at Haydock on her second start to earn herself a rise in class.
Appleby said: “Star Of Mystery was impressive at Haydock and we feel that she has come forward again since.
“This looks the right opportunity for her to step up to Listed company and will hopefully point us towards the rest of the summer.”
Auguste Rodin will face eight rivals in Saturday’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby.
Following victory in the Betfred Derby at Epsom four weeks ago, the Deep Impact colt bids to complete the double at the Curragh this weekend, a feat last achieved by Dermot Weld’s Harzand in 2016.
Trainer Aidan O’Brien is seeking a remarkable 15th Irish Derby success, while Auguste Rodin’s rider Ryan Moore is surprisingly yet to win the Group One contest.
O’Brien is responsible for more than half of the field, with Epsom eighth Adelaide River, the 11th home San Antonio, last week’s Queen’s Vase seventh Peking Opera and Covent Garden completing his quintet.
The Ballydoyle handler’s two sons also saddle runners, with Up And Under out to provide Joseph O’Brien with his second Irish Derby as a trainer after striking gold with Latrobe in 2018, while his younger brother Donnacha is represented by Proud And Regal.
The field is completed by the third and fourth from Epsom in John Joseph Murphy’s White Birch and the Jessica Harrington-trained Sprewell.
White Birch finished just over five lengths behind Auguste Rodin at Epsom, while Sprewell has seven lengths to find.
John Ryan is targeting York compensation with star sprinter Manaccan following his late withdrawal at Royal Ascot last week.
The four-year-old was due to line up as a major contender for the King’s Stand Stakes under Frankie Dettori, but was declared a non-runner on veterinary advice following his arrival at the racecourse.
While Ryan admits the decision was “hard to stomach”, he is keen to move on and hopes to see Manaccan return to competitive action in the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes on August 25.
“He’s able to get out and exercise, he’s sound enough,” said Newmarket handler.
“We had a little blip there, but we’ll tick through and see if we can’t prep him for the Nunthorpe. There’s nothing else before that for him, so we’ll do our best to get there.”
Ryan believes a prolonged journey to Ascot was behind Manaccan’s reported lameness and while disappointed his stable star was unable to take his chance at the Royal meeting, he accepts the decision made by the on-course veterinary team.
“It was an annoyance to say the least, but those things have to be abided by,” he added.
“He got to the racecourse and although he was sound, he’d given himself a knock and as a precaution, the vets felt it wasn’t worth taking a chance.
“I don’t disagree, if there’s doubt you’re better to be safe than sorry and we’ll try to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
“He had a long travel up – he was in the box for over three and a half hours. It usually takes just over an hour and a half from Newmarket and he left early in the morning, but there were accidents and stuff so you can imagine it was tough for him in that heat.
“It was one of those things, it happens. It was hard to stomach on the day as there won’t be another King’s Stand this year, but there will be another option.”
As the anticipation builds towards the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) National Senior and Junior Championships, the event received a massive $35 million boost from the Government to ensure all goes accordingly for the four-day event which will select Jamaica's teams to various Championships later this year.
With performances from Shericka Jackson, Ackeem Blake, Alana Reid and Jaydon Hibbert, among others, already setting the tone, coupled with the fact that Elaine Thompson-Herah is on the mend and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce will open her season at the July 6-9 championships, spectators are eager to see what will transpire inside the National Stadium.
The country's senior athletes will be hunting spots to the 19th World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary scheduled for August 19-27, while their junior counterparts will vie for selection to the NACAC Under-18 and Under-23 Championships in July, as well as the PanAm Under-20 Athletics Championships and the Under-18 Commonwealth Youth Games, both set for early August.
Minister of Sport Olivia Grange, while reminiscing on the fact that Jamaica is ranked fourth on the medals table with 137 medals, inclusive of 37 gold, 56 silver, and 44 bronze won over the years --only behind United States, Kenya and Russia --said the contribution through the Sports Development Foundation (SDF) represents an affirmation from the Government to support the country's athletes.
Grange, who presented a symbolic $10 million cheque during the event's launch at Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Thursday, explained that another $25 million will follow in short order.
"As our athletes step up to the line to compete and secure their spots at the respective international meets, we want to assure them of their nation's and government's complete and unwavering support. We want to remind them that we are grateful for their work and contribution to the national pride.
"Our athletes truly represent Jamaica in a big way. You are some of the best In the world, both at the junior and senior levels and when you compete, you compete hard, you compete fair and play by the rules. Always remember that you are first your own ambassador and then your family, your community and of course your country," Grange said.
"I am happy that we are able to provide this money and we would want to give more but the cake is only so big, but never before in the history of Jamaica his so much money been spent on sports. And in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, we will establish a Jamaica House in Budapest. This is something we have been doing at major games and the idea is to leverage the World class performances of our athletes to encourage people to buy Jamaica, so we intend to maximise the prosperity of Jamaica," she added.
Well over 400 athletes are expected to participate in the championships which will feature approximately 60 events for seniors and juniors.
All the country's top stars should also be present, barring injuries, with the marquee events, the men’s and women’s 100m finals and the 400m hurdles finals, set to highlight day two of the meet on Friday, while Sunday's last day will feature the 200m, 400m and sprint hurdles finals.
JAAA President Garth Gayle urged spectators both in Jamaica and abroad to throw their usual support behind the athletes as they give of their best on the track and in the field with one end goal, to represent Jamaica with distinction on the world stage.
Tickets are already available online and will also be made available at the stadium’s ticket office and at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Monday. Season tickets will be available for $7,500, while the daily entry for the Grandstand finish line will vary at $1,000 for Thursday, $3,000 for Friday, $2,000 on Saturday and $2,500 for Sunday.
Regular Grandstand tickets are $1,000 Thursday, $2,500 on Friday, $1,500 for Saturday and $2,000 for Sunday.
The bleachers will only be opened on Friday at a cost of $500 for entry.
"I plead with spectators to fill the stands with your fervor, vigour and unflinching support. Your presence plays an important role in fostering that ideal environment to inspire the athletes to greater heights. Let's not overlook the strength of unity, sports provide that wonderful environment for uniting people, breaking down barriers and promoting respect in a current society that it is needed now. So, we want all Jamaicans to journey and come enjoy four days of excellent competition," Gayle said.
"This competition is more than just a way to name winners, it is also a celebration of human spirit, a symbol of strength and tenacity, it is a manifestation of our sense of National pride. I salute our athletes who have dedicated their entire lives and for those who would have been on the cusp of starting their careers, that the tradition will continue. I urge you to take advantage of the chance to come and observe our athletes in competition...keep in mind that they not only perform for themselves," he noted.
Gayle also praised the support of the Government and other stakeholders for their efforts and financial backing in making a championship a possibility.
"We appreciate your constant dedication to the development of athletics in Jamaica and find your effort to be genuinely admirable. The national senior and junior championships is a positive proof of how talented Jamaicans are and why we are regarded as a powerhouse in the world of athletics.
"Our athletes continue to display extraordinary skills, mesmerising our spectators with their grace, their speed, their agility, unmatched tenacity. Once a Jamaican puts on the National colours and goes to face the starter, to jump or to throw, they do so with pride. So we know it will be exciting because of the intense competition, spectacular performances and history-making events that will certainly take place," Gayle stated.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) Men’s Selection Panel has announced the squad for the preparation camp ahead of the start of the two-match Cycle Pure Agarbathi Test Series against India in the Caribbean.
Jayden Seales will return to West Indies training following his rehabilitation. The fast bowler last played for West Indies in the first Test at the Perth Stadium, last December. He had knee surgery in December and has subsequently been working on a rehabilitation programme overseen by the CWI Medical Team.
The training squad includes several players who are uncapped at the Test level – including batsmen Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge, and Kirk McKenzie; as well as fast bowlers Akeem Jordan, and Jair McAllister.
The camp will be held at the Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG) in Antigua with training starting on Friday 30 June. The squad for the opening Test will be named at a later date and will travel to Dominica on Sunday 9 July.A
The Cycle Pure Agarbathi Test series will be the first fixtures for both West Indies & India in the new 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship. The first Test will be at Windsor Park, Dominica from 12-16 July which will be followed by the historic second Test on 20-24 July at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad – marking the 100th Test match between West Indies and India.
SQUAD: Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Alick Athanaze, Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Kavem Hodge, Akeem Jordan, Jair McAllister, Kirk McKenzie, Marquino Mindley, Anderson Phillip, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Jomel Warrican
TEST MATCH SCHEDULE:
Cycle Pure Agarbathi Test Matches (start at 10am local time, (9am Jamaica time))
12-16 July: 1st Cycle Pure Agarbathi Test Match, Windsor Park, Dominica
20-24 July: 2nd Cycle Pure Agarbathi Test Match, Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad
Cricket West Indies (CWI) hosted the Professional Cricketers draft last Thursday for the Territorial Board Franchises. Each Franchise drafted five players to complete their 15-member squads for an interim three (3) month period ahead of the 2023 CG United Super50 Cup, scheduled to take place in October 2023.
Each team had already retained 10 players and the Professional Cricketers Draft enabled each team to add five players to complete their 15-member squads. The Draft took place over five rounds via a videocall with representatives from all six Territorial Board Franchises. The interim contracts will run from 1 July 2023 to 30 September 2023, with new twelve-month contracts to start from 1 October 2023 to 30 September 2024, following the strategic decision to now align contracts with the CWI Financial Year.
Each Franchise was required to contract two players under the age of 25 as of 1 October 2023 as part of the overall regional programme to ensure playing opportunities for younger and developing players. Franchises will get the opportunity to revise their squads ahead of 1 October once the West Indies International Retainer contracts for the 2023/24 season have been confirmed. All International retained players and umpires have been offered three-month contract extensions to 30 September 2023.
Two highlights of the draft were the selections of West Indies international players Oshane Thomas and Justin Greaves, chosen by the Leeward Islands Hurricanes. Fast bowler Thomas has played 20 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 20 T20 Internationals (T20Is) for the West Indies. He has managed five-wicket hauls in both formats. Greaves is a tall right-handed middle-order batsman and right-arm seam bowler, who played three ODIs for the West Indies against Ireland in 2022.
Windward Islands Volcanoes, who was unbeaten in the last regional First Class season, chose to draft in two overseas players: left-handed opener Jeremy Solozano who previously played for Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, and allrounder Shamar Springer, over from Barbados Pride.
Thomas, 26, said he was pleased to join the Leeward Islands Hurricanes camp. “I’m happy to get this opportunity. I’m really looking forward to joining the Franchise and being part of the unit. I see it as a new start, a chance for me to work way back up to international cricket, where I performed before. I still have a dream of playing Test cricket for the West Indies and the red ball season will be crucial. I’m also keen to play the other formats, but first I have to do it for Leeward Islands Hurricanes and then make that step back up to international cricket.”
The six Franchises will continue their preparations for the upcoming season. The CG United Super50 Cup is schedule to return to Antigua and Trinidad, starting on 21 October with the Final set to take place on 11 November where defending champions the Jamaica Scorpions will attempt to retain their title.
Guyana Harpy Eagles were crowned champions of the 2023 West Indies Championship, lifting the Headley Weekes Trophy, named in honour of West Indies legends George Headley and Sir Everton Weekes.
FULL SQUADS
Barbados Pride: Shayne Moseley, Zachary McCaskie, Raymon Reifer, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich, Akeem Jordan, Dominic Drakes, Jomel Warrican, Kevin Wickham, Jair McAllister
Draft picks: Roshon Primus, Chaim-Alexis Holder, Jonathan Drakes, Keon Harding, Camarie Boyce
Guyana Harpy Eagles: Veerasammy Permaul, Gudakesh Motie, Tevin Imlach, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Kevin Sinclair, Nial Smith, Ronsford Beaton, Matthew Nandu, Kemol Savory, Kevlon Anderson
Draft picks: Shamar Joseph, Rampertab Ramnath, Mavendra Dindyal, Junior Sinclair, Antony Adams
Jamaica Scorpions: Kirk McKenzie, Ojay Shields, Abhijai Mansingh, Jeavor Royal, Marquino Mindley, Derval Green, Peat Salmon, Javel Glenn, Daniel Beckford, Tevin Gilzene
Draft picks: Shalome Parnell, Carlos Brown, Andre Bailey, Gordon Bryan, Brad Barnes
Leeward Islands Hurricanes: Kieran Powell, Rahkeem Cornwall, Jahmar Hamilton, Colin Archibald, Kofi James, Karima Gore, Jeremiah Louis, Daniel Doram, Keacy Carty, Javier Spencer
Draft picks: Justin Greaves, Oshane Thomas, Nathan Edward, Miklye Louis, Zawandi White Trinidad and Tobago Red Force: Darren Bravo, Yannic Cariah, Jason Mohammed, Imran Khan, Bryan Charles, Khary Pierre, Terrance Hinds, Tion Webster, Shannon Gabriel, Anderson Phillip
Draft picks: Kjorn Ottley, Amir Jangoo, Jyd Goolie, Cephas Cooper, Shaaron Lewis
Windward Islands Volcanoes: Sunil Ambris, Alick Athanaze, Larry Edward, Kavem Hodge, Shermon Lewis, Ryan John, Darius Martin, Preston McSween, Kimani Melius, Tevyn Walcott
Draft picks: Shamar Springer, Jeremy Solozano, Kenneth Dember, Johann Jeremiah, Nicklaus Redhead.
Hi Royal could have another crack at Paddington in the Qatar Sussex Stakes at Goodwood on August 2.
Kevin Ryan’s colt massively outran his odds in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket when second to Chaldean at 125-1.
He then went on to prove that was not a performance out of the blue by attempting to make all in the Irish equivalent and was only caught late on by Aidan O’Brien’s subsequent St James’s Palace Stakes winner Paddington.
Hi Royal lost second close to the line also but having skipped Ascot, connections are hoping his freshness will reap dividends at Goodwood.
“Hi Royal has been a real credit. He proved his run in the 2000 Guineas was no fluke when he went to Ireland last time at the Curragh, that was another solid race,” said owner Jaber Abdullah’s assistant racing manager Philip Robinson.
“Hopefully it is all systems go and I think he’s going to run in the Sussex next.
“Paddington won well at Ascot, so I think you could say Hi Royal improved from Newmarket to Ireland, he’s getting better and better with each run.
“Goodwood should be interesting.”
The same owner saw his silks carried to glory in the French 2000 Guineas by Marhaba Ya Sanafi, who beat Isaac Shelby at ParisLongchamp before stepping up in trip for the French Derby.
He once again ran with great credit at Chantilly, finishing third behind arguably France’s two best three-year-olds, Ace Impact and Big Rock.
“Marhaba Ya Sanafi won the French Guineas and then stepped up in trip for their Derby,” said Robinson.
“I think he stayed the trip there, you couldn’t really say he didn’t.
“He could come back to a mile if the trainer (Andreas Schutz) wanted, but I think he got 10 furlongs well so he’s got options.
“It will be up to the trainer where he goes but the French Derby winner did look very impressive that day, I was very impressed with him.”
Dual Group One-winner Nashwa adds star quality to proceedings at Newcastle on Friday as the headline act in the Jenningsbet In Shiremoor Hoppings Fillies’ Stakes.
Trained by John and Thady Gosden, Nashwa helped Hollie Doyle create a piece of history when winning the Prix de Diane (French Oaks) last season, meaning she became the first woman to ride a Group One European Classic winner.
Doyle and Nashwa went on to double their top-level tally against older fillies and mares in the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood.
Nashwa ended her season by finishing second in the Prix de l’Opera and fourth at the Breeders’ Cup, where she lost all chance with a slow start.
Slightly below her best on her seasonal reappearance in France behind Above The Curve, the daughter of Frankel looks the one to beat in this Group Three with no penalty.
Owner Imad Al Sagar’s racing manager, Teddy Grimthorpe, said: “She had hard races in the Opera and at the Breeders’ Cup.
“She needed her first run back in the Prix Corrida, she really needed that, so to try to get a good run at the nice autumn prizes we wanted her to hopefully get back to her level with the plan then possibly being to head to the Nassau.
“We need to get her back on track now and the timing of this race is good with the Nassau a month away.
“Hollie is on a roll, she completed a full set of winners (at British Flat tracks) at Carlisle so that is good.”
He went on: “Imad has shown patience, these fillies pretty much tell us when they are ready so it is a question of hopefully getting everything lined up in the right order.”
Nashwa’s main market rival is the Roger Varian-trained Al Husn, winner of a Listed race at Ayr last time out.
Hughie Morrison’s One For Bobby, Simon and Ed Crisford’s Misty Dancer and the Karl Burke-trained Bright Diamond are also among the nine runners
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