Graham Clifford Interviews Barry McHugh About Banging Winners On Raceclubs! http://forums.raceclubs.com/Posts.aspx?fid=38&tid=286267&iv=y

In its 93 year history the Ayr racecourse in Scotland has helped launch the careers of many of the sports finest jockeys and last September it might have worked its magic again. It was the first running of the William Hill Ayr Bronze Cup and Barry McHugh was on board the Richard Fahey trained Baldemar. 

The 18/1 long shot was well placed throughout the race and McHugh was more than confident he’d respond when asked – even though his directions were to make all the running. 

No matter, McHugh got the win, on his own terms and that was all that mattered. 
So nine months later, the Northern Irish man is again sitting nicely. 

He’d a date with Royal Ascot. It is, he said, where he’s always wanted to be. 

“To be at Ascot, well it’s meetings like that you hope to ride in when you start out,” he said. “The big crowds and the feeling, I’d two rides there on the Saturday and people would think you’re only coming down to make up the numbers, but you wouldn’t see it that way at all.”

By his own admission, McHugh has been ‘banging in a few winners’ this season and he said his success on board 12/1 shot Just Lille, in Hamilton on June 9 was his biggest to date.

But such victories once looked unlikely. McHugh has enjoyed two sojourns in the Fahey yard. Though you could say the first was an experience that was more endured.

With his weight spiraling, McHugh returned to Ireland after failing to settle in Britain.

He said: “I kind of got disillusioned with racing and came back to Ireland. I wasn’t really doing anything then. I was only 18 and my weight went up to 10 stone. But then Richard must have seen something in me because I got the chance to go back over again.”

He added: “I’m involved in horses since I went to Apprentice School in the Curragh at 16. I spent over a year with Paddy Prendergast and then went to Britain and joined up with Richard. It’s been a great move for me. ”

Now he says this season’s success is down to ‘just sticking with it and getting the breaks.’ “I’m doing eight stone, four pounds now with my weight and it’s settled. I suppose when you are younger, it’s a yo-yo effect. But I’m more relaxed with it now. I’d have one good meal a day, usually after finishing racing at about half-six. I wouldn’t really eat anything else, maybe a bar of chocolate to get some energy” he said. 

As recently as yesterday McHugh experienced that winning feeling again riding the PT Midgley trained Polish World to success in Beverley. There’s plenty more to come from the young man, and plenty more winners to be ridden.

 

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Burkveen’s final bid of £1394 for Natalia From Mosc is justified in Moletown’s Auction Crunch http://forums.raceclubs.com/Posts.aspx?fid=38&tid=285951&iv=y

Auction Date - Sunday 6th June 2010

G1A - Natalia From Mosc Zips To Burkveen Racing

With only two months to go until the end of the season and the climax of it all in the form of the Challenge Final's, what would generally be a quiet auction turned out to be a bid fest on some very strong challenge contenders. The juvenile entrants caught the eye in this weekend's sales, however, there was one filly that stood head and shoulders above the rest, both, in terms of class and in relation to her final price tag.

It was no surprise to see the bidding increase on what was already a so-called secured deal when the auction finally got underway. Natalia From Mosc was generating a lot of interest from all angles. Her time trials were far from shabby, in fact they were awesome and with an opening tag already in the thousands, one trainer outbid all to secure a very nice filly and is sure to enjoy her services. Burkveen Racing was so determined to chase the filly down that the trainer's final bid of £1394.22 justified just how classy this two year old is. His bid makes her the single most expensive filly purchase this season amongst the two year olds. With the introduction of bidding history soon to become a part of the auction process, it will be fascinating for future auctions to see exactly who is interested.

Norse Valkyrie couldn't quite generate the kind of money we had seen in our previous horse, though she was another filly who sold well. A very versatile type from sprint to classic distance that many trainers crave joined returning player Tom at his Castle Crooks Farmyard. Given the nature of the horse and the competition it will face this season, it will be of no surprise to see this horse struggle a little and could well have been sold a little over-priced. Nonetheless, the ability the filly holds is clear to see and evidence of this will surely be shown at the track. I do hope I am proven wrong and that many successes come the way of the horse.

One horse that caught my eye at the sales was Black Caesar, the strapping black staying colt was on my shortlist of probable buys. However to my despair the price just kept rising and my interest stopped there. Another horse that flew off the shelf and must have had a couple of trainers facing off against each other, bid for bid. The final tag of £381.80 has to be overpriced in many trainer's eye, althoughRuxton Racing may have seen something in the colt that others didn't. Personally, the horse is ideal for a five year old crack at the King George, though it is questionable whether or not the new trainer will have the patience to hold this horse back. Slaughtered seems to be another horse that sold this time around that would be very similar to Black Caesar. This too could be held back for the King George, albeit a little longer as conditions would only suit this horse at six year old and therefore the win rule would have since been implemented, patience would certainly be a virtue to hold this one back for so long.

Public Property may be the steal of the auction amongst the juvenile buys. If She Devil handles this colt correct and has the benefit of the horse taking to 2400m, we could see very good things from this horse. If it likes the shorter distance then £218.59 is an absolute bargain! Another horse who could well be a snip at the price was Maharaja who was a moderately trained colt. I think there is a lot more to come from this horse and can't believe it would sell for a miserly £30.68. My guess is this one will be supped and seen in a consolation race at the end of the season.

In the three year old division there was a hefty reserve of £600 wrapped around the neck of Eternal Life. The prolific filly has already won twenty-four races in her career and must surely hold every chance in the end of season final. She is certainly a class act which trainer Holmang Horses agreed with to match her asking price. Beyond this season, she will still have four seasons to recoup the outlay and must be regarded as a shrewd purchase. Staying Late seemed a bit on the cheap side and at £17 there is a definite profit in this one! Two great four year old purchases were Slay The Devil who will most likely be aimed at next seasons King George. A very versatile horse may well be worth every penny of the £221.99 paid and Mylil Rocket, bought into the Heinz stable at a very nice price of £204. She is a 1000m specialist who is right up there with the best. The buyer has secured himself a very, very nice horse.

G2 - It's A Nightmare In Deaths Shadow

The healthy G2 environment never fails to attract the bidders to the auction and it seemed that this auction was a day for the seller. The not so "Virtual Cash" parted on several horses at some very nice, often quite high, prices. Being a great fan of the G2 series there were several horses I would definitely placed bids on during this auction, that is if I had decided to bid. There were a few package deals done, including one from myself which I have to say went cheap in comparison to what we saw other horses go for and Rob should feel very pleased with his acquisitions.

Of the unraced horses put to sale, many of which were of a very high standard, top of the shop in terms of returned value was In Deaths Shadow, a lovely looking stayer, the filly was attracting the bids like the proverbial fly. £130 seemed a high price to pay but it is evident that she has the ability to excel at the staying distance and if she is as versatile as I think she is, then Nightmare Stable can feel at ease with his investment. It was one of those auctions that had G2 lovers clambering over each other to get at the Gee Gee's. 

Shotgun Mike, usually a fan for the private deal on his G2's was in shock when he discovered how much more his horses were selling for entered at minimum. It was another of his horses that lit up the sales when Little Goldikova fetched a handsome £101.36 when moving to the Stable 76 yard. But my pick of the bunch and bargain of the entire auction has to be his overlooked sprinter Red And White Kop. This filly didn't really look like much when the time trials were on show and maybe that was reflected in the price of £28.68, an absolute blindingly low cost horse, who by my reckoning had a vast amount of improvement in her. Maybe Kopites will confirm my suspicions when he trials the horse a little more. It would be great to know!

In total there were twenty-five single sale G2 horses that sold in the juvenile ranks alone. Remarkably, there were zero three year old G2's sold at auction. In fact there were only four entered in total, all failing to attract a single bid. Of the older horses that did manage to sell, the pick of the bunch for me was Himalaya who found his way into the yard of Appleyard Estate for a very low price of £28.68 which has to be considered a wise purchase. The proven ability of this horse in the sprint division will certainly yield the trainer a nice profit on his investment.

A little long in the tooth but still very competitive is Off 1600 Run who, at six years old was the oldest G2 to sell in this auction. With only a season and a half to go before the retirement of this horse, you would have to question whether the fee paid would justify itself. £35.36 doesn't seem too high though and I anticipate that this journeyman miler will still enjoy the winners enclosure a fair few times before he says farewell to the track. A nice purchase for Gods Country, there's still plenty of leg left in this one.

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When you learn how to master horse racing you never forget it! http://forums.raceclubs.com/Posts.aspx?fid=38&tid=286007&iv=y

The Great Skill Versus Luck Debate - Where Do You Stand?

The ancient Chinese military general, Sun Tzu once said, "For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill." The influential strategist and philosopher is believed to have authored "The Art Of War", an influential ancient Chinese book on military strategy. Ok, so RaceClubs.com isn't war, although it is a battle at times but Sun Tzu's writings are relevant when it comes to strategy. Most trainers would regard strategy as skill, me included but where does the luck factor play a part in the game, we all love to hate, sometimes. Of course we are not going to win 100 hundred races or subdue our enemies into surrender. In reality we all have luck, it stands to reason, skill on the other hand, well that's a different story altogether.

So where do you stand in the "Luck Versus Skill" debate? Are you a great believer in the term, you make your own luck or do you think that some people are just generally luckier than others? Well let's examine the facts and relate some of these well known theories to the game play at RaceClubs.com. If I toss a coin five times and hit a head every time, some would say that luck has played a major part in the outcome, however, I believe that I have acquired a skill that will benefit me in a 50-50 chance! Of course that is not the case, I was merely pointing out that in everything we do, success does come with a bit of luck. Look at Richard Branson for a moment. Is it luck where he finds himself today? Well, if he hadn't been in the right place at the right time to discover Mike Oldfield and press the album "Tubular Bells", it's conceivable that he wouldn't be the mogul he is today. Or, if the door of opportunity opened and He passed on it, I am 100% sure he would still be as wealthy as he is today, because he was willing to learn and work hard.

RaceClubs.com is a skill that you can learn. It's like riding a bike. When you get the hang of it you'll never forget how to do it. If you are willing to work hard, study and learn from mistakes then you will see a dramatic turnaround on every aspect of your stable. Of course there is luck. Every time we dip into the sales ring we are dabbling with fortune. Every time a race goes off we find ourselves praying for a top random, fingers crossed, lucky horseshoe and rabbits foot all in hand. The English dictionary defines luck as, "...a combination of circumstances, events, etc., operating by chance to bring good or ill to a person" ring any bells? When it comes to being a successful trainer at RaceClubs.com, if you work hard then you'll start to understand the complexities of the challenges that lie in wait for you. The game evolves around skill with a bit of luck thrown in for good measure. It's a recipe that is always changing and finding the key ingredients is paramount. That's why I believe 80% of what happens here is skill and the rest luck. To be the best you have to think, act and learn from the best. Excellence comes at a price but success is measured by the amount of work you put into it. It's an attitude. If you think you can do better then you most likely can. If you don't, then maybe you should think differently!

The first major step to success on RaceClubs.com is to learn how to learn. For without knowledge you may as well pack your bags and venture into the wilderness. Thinking you can step in and be the champ is the wrong attitude to bring to the game. Baby steps is the name of the game. Find an area of the racing community that you wish to learn about, stick to it, learn as much as you can about it, then move on to the next topic. I have said it many times in the past but I will re-iterate. When I came back to the game, so many things had changed. I felt at a loss when my B grade nag did nothing but come last. So I decided there and then to invest time and not money into the game. One year later I finally started to invest my small fortune in the game. I am still learning to this point, new things come every day. It's not just about, "this horse can do these TTs", far from it. There is a whole new world of discovery out there, if you are willing to be patient. I mean, would DNA have been discovered if James Watson and Francis Crick hadn't worked and had the patience to build their first model of the double helix? Only those at RaceClubs.com who have the patience to do the simple things perfectly will advance to make the difficult things easier. It's an art form in it's own definition. Good things come to those who wait.

Skill could also be defined, when it comes to racing your horses as good judgement. If you don't place your horses well, then you are already fighting a losing battle. Knowing what your horse can do is so much more a part of the game than knowing what it's best time trial is. Let's face it, how will you know if you like cheese if you don't try it? We often hear the term referring to a horses innate ability. Yes it is an element of the game and yes it is there in every horse and yes you have to experiment with all tracks and goings, but can it be found? I'll let you answer that question. So what we really have here is a situation where a lot of owners look at "so called" time trial guides and immediately gun down their horse without a second thought. Which brings me back to the original question, how will you know if you like cheese if you don't try it? Use the guides that you have for reference only, they are not true of the game in any case and are not to be relied upon.

It is true to say that eventually luck will change. We are all too cynical of conspiracy theories when it comes to the random your horse gets in a race. Well, you are going to get bad randoms and that’s why it is called the random. "I keep getting bad randoms all the time and the bigger stables always hit top randoms" is something we are accustomed to here at RaceClubs.com as the most popular moan on the forums, funnily enough, closely followed by the sales ring grunts. Notice a pattern here. They are both random elements of the game and yes we are a society that doesn't like to lose. Herein lies the answer. Move on! Get over it! Don't take it too serious, in fact get determined to do better. The preparation of a horse in any race of any grade is a skill you need to tune. All these factors are considered as part of the random element when allocation of the jockey occurs. If it's not prepped correctly, then you have no excuse if it runs a bad race. If you have the passion for the game then you have the right tools to gain the necessary experience. Let's not think that stables get beneficial effects of the random, look at it as, been there, done it and wearing the T-shirt! The only thing that overcomes bad luck is hard work. Remember, some trainers have been here from the very beginning of virtual racing time. Do you think they have luck on their side or have, over the years acquired a skill to succeed? I know what I think!

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The Weekly RaceClubs.com Challenge Series Review by Moletown http://forums.raceclubs.com/Posts.aspx?fid=38&tid=285997&iv=y

The 2YO Challenge Series Round Up

** Stayers Challenge **

With only four runners in the race, it seemed more a race of who will take the pot rather than hit the points for the championship standings. 3200m is not the most popular of distances at the best of times and certainly not in the interest of many of the juvenile colts. Nevertheless, a race went ahead on the muddy going in Dubai. Deep Stick and Dusk Til Dawn set the race in motion by forging a couple of lengths ahead of rivals, Stormy River and Hyper Drive side by side. Deep Stick ran ahead and opened up a four to five length lead entering the last half of the race. Hyper Drive remained the back marker of the field with the leaders in his sight. Making the turn for home the leader went strong in front, Hyper Drive looked to make up some ground on the leader and charged the rail. The colt was giving weight to his rivals but was in the capable hands of Jacques Girard, who by any jockeys standard, knows what he has between his legs. Kieran Doyle looked confident enough in front, however, Hyper Drive was closing with every stride. With 300m to go Hyper Drive drew level with the leader and up to the line executed a well timed run to land the spoils for trainer Full Force Racing. Deep Stick crossed the line in second with a length to Dusk Til Dawn and the back marker Stormy River.

Stayers Challenge Qualifier Juvenile C - 1
Championship Standings

England played host to the eight entrants who would face off in this qualifier over 2850m on good ground. The fillies doing a little better in terms of numbers against the colts qualifier race. At the off, five of the runners went stride for stride through the first 600m before Mappa Mundi and Wobbly Bott broke loose, a length up on the chasers. Behind the two leaders the pace was even, the back marker was Rose Of England who had a wall of five in front of her. Jacques Girard, booked for the ride on Mappa Mundi urged his mount into a clear lead making the turn, by halfway the lead was extended by a couple to go four in front. The race was on in earnest with 1000m to go, the field bunched and started to gain on the leader. The Major Smokee pairing of Sam Antha and Wobbly Bott raced side by side, further in the pack Black Or White made steady gains, going well. Stolen Silver started to fall off the pace. Entering the straight and nothing went better than the leader, Mappa Mundi. The jockey looking confident up top and with only Black Or White able to sustain a clear challenge, the race was between these two. Entering the final 200m, Mappa Mundi already eased, had the race sewn up. Black Or White, unable to hit the necessary gear to challenge, settled for second, having got the better of Wobbly Bott with fourth place going to Rose Of England who ran on at the one pace passed tired horses.

Stayers Challenge Qualifier Juvenile F - 1
Championship Standings

** Classic Challenge **

The juvenile colts were greeted to blazing sunshine as they made the trip to Canada to contest this week's qualifier. The stage was set on fast going over 2400m and eight runners went to post. The black silks with yellow diagonal sash of Sky Castle Stables, which are so often worn into the winners enclosure, were visible on three of today’s runners. A strong hand for the Australian trainer in this small field.

From the off and wide, early pace came from the Sky Castle Stable as Dusk Til Dawn nosed ahead of the rest. Not content to have the pace dictated on the inside Doldrums made strides to challenge for the early lead but found himself the meat in the sandwich as stable mate of the leader, Randwick held the inner. This move may have put Doldrums in an awkward position and contact may have been made as he dropped quickly off the pace. The bright pink colours of Kingsmount came to the fore approaching halfway and quickly set about leading the race, demoting Dusk Til Dawn to second place. These two held a two length lead back to the pack at this stage. Kingsmount quickly asserted himself to pull a couple clear in the straight. Doldrums had managed to get himself back into the race and was now running on, looking to challenge late on but that run came to nothing and he slipped back again. Subbuteo Legend, who had sat covered up for the most part of the race made giant strides being pulled wide. 200m to go and it looked between Kingsmount and Subbuteo Legend for the win. Sky Castle's third runner, Evolving Time ran on in third closely followed by Juniper Hill. The leader had enough in hand though to hold off all challenges and at the line was just under a length, the victor. Subbuteo Legend came home second with Evolving Time and Juniper Hill filling the places.

Classic Challenge Qualifier Juvenile C - 1
Championship Standings

Firm ground over 2200m was the challenge for the filly division of the classic series this week. Australia saw one of the most competitive juvenile filly fields of the season gallop to post. Thirteen in total made the journey for the race and the field included two of the most expensive fillies to emerge from auction this season. Eyes Of Emerald was a £1350 buy into the Victor Consortio yard and Queen Of Satan fetched nearly £900 in a previous sale. These two horses are at the head of the market for the final in most books but were they out to win today or just to secure points.

The gates opened and no less than seven runners were chasing the lead early on. They spread evenly across the track for the first 600m or so until the Black Death trained, Wonderful Outcome managed to get her head into a noticeable lead, albeit by a neck or so from Poetic Yesterday. Making the turn and Wonderful Outcome was now up a length from on the inside, Eyes Of Emerald. Classic Cobra held third with a length back to the other Black Death runner, Queen Of Anfield. At halfway, the front two had opened up a significant bit of daylight between the rest, though the shadows of the floodlit track contradicted that statement. The long sweeping turn at Australia seems to go on forever, eventually coming into the straight there was not a lot to choose between the front pair. Eyes Of Emerald, momentarily put her nose in front but it wasn't long before Wonderful Outcome regained the lead. Tyche had moved into a clear third about a length up on Queen Of Anfield in fourth. Inside the 400m marker and the race began to hot up. Wonderful Outcome was looking to make it just that as she went for home first. A little gap emerging to Eyes Of Emerald. A couple ran on from the back. Dolcezza and Classic Cobra looked to get in a blow but the front pair were home and dry. Wonderful Outcome led for most of the race and importantly at the line. Eyes Of Emerald gained second, Dolcezza fought off the late challenge of Classic Cobra to take third and fourth, respectively.

Classic Challenge Qualifier Juvenile F - 1
Championship Standings

** Sprinter's Challenge**

Friday's Sprinters Challenge Qualifier for colts, saw only the second full field qualifier of the entire juvenile series so far as fourteen runners took their place in the stalls for this 1600m race at America on fast going. The previous full field race came two races ago in this exact series, when Flotilla Way held off all challengers to secure the victory. A lot of the runners on that day, re-opposed here, along with some new faces to the series. After a very successful start to his career, many had Specialistsubject as the pre-race favourite, who was looking for his second win in as many races.

The stalls opened and the first to show were Zapdos and Jose Mourinho. These two went nose to nose through the first 300m, at this point Joe Mourinho took to the front. Kieran Doyle, stretching his mount down the far side turned into the straight a couple up on Zapdos with a gap back to Toxic Armada, who had struggled to go the pace of the leaders for most of the race but held third over the chasing pack. Nothing seemed to be coming from off the pace apart from Holey Moley, who from a wide birth was starting his run and looked a danger. The leader seemed to have Zapdos in his pocket. Approaching the final 200m the jockey said go on Jose Mourinho and like the "Special One" duly put the race to bed. Zapdos had no extra to give in the closing stages and settled for third. Toxic Armada struggled to fend off the late surge of Holey Moley and was collared close home, relinquishing third place to the Moletown trained colt, who had a little assistance from Jacques Girard. A nice run from the third place horse from that draw, carrying a little extra weight than most of his rivals. His third place moves him into a final birth but only just. Shadow Bullet and Shankley Shankley make up the one-two in the Championship Standings.

Sprinters Challenge Qualifier Juvenile C - 1
Championship Standings

In contrast to the colts juvenile campaign, the fillies have struggled all season. Again failing to draw a full field and having to settle for just the six runners. England was the venue for a 1200m sprint contest on good ground. Thus far in the series there have only been thirteen horses contesting so if things don't pick up in the fillies sprint division we may see an empty stall in the final come the end of July.

On the off, immediately to the fore was Bright Horizon, who coming out of stall two had her head in front. Mapperley Heights from stall five and in the hands of Charlie Saxon was eager to challenge and took the lead and extended after 200m. Cheval Noir in the colours of Major Smokee also passed the early leader and sat nicely positioned behind the leader. Passing halfway and the placing remained the same although Kieran Doyle on board Cheval Noir was looking to challenge for the lead and took it up passing the 500m marker. A gap of three lengths to the chasing four, headed by Bright Horizon but a blanket could cover the remainder. The two champion trained horses in the field flattered to deceive as passing halfway they looked effortless in their runs. The front two had flown and the race seemed between them. The order remained the same to the line, despite a spirited effort by Bright Horizon late on, eventually going down by under a length at the line in third. The winner, Cheval Noir had held her lead well to the line and Mapperley Heights settled for second. Fourth place went to the running on Dixie Dolly. Carnaby in fifth and last home was Grace Of The Gods, who never got going in the race.

Sprinters Challenge Qualifier Juvenile F - 1
Championship Standings

** Ladbrokes Monthly Challenge **

The first of this weeks Ladbrokes Monthly Challenge Qualifier's came in the filly division and saw four go to post for a sprint over 1200m. Conditions were firm at the Australian track. Lusty Sunrise attempted to burn her opponents from the start in the colours of Liveoak Stables. Psycho Sonic Amy gave chase for the best part of the race but struggled late on. The blaze from off the pace came from Mapperley Heights, who looked nothing like a winner at halfway. She flew in the final stages of the race to collar the leader close home and record a nice victory in the hands of Jacques Girard.

Ladbrokes Monthly Challenge Qualifier 2Y F - 1
Championship Standings

The sprinters monthly for colts saw nine express bullets take on the lightning quick 1000m course at Australia. The going was good on this occasion which fell nicely for Ruin Of Nova Roma. Jacques Girard booted the colt close home to nab the victory from Sunny Thund, the versatile colt having to settle for the silver medal in this race. Spaghetti Samurai made a race of it with Terra Sky, the pair going hammer and tong to claim the places behind the front two. Sunny Thund heads the winner of this race in the championship standings. Much like in the race Spaghetti Samurai and Terra Sky hold third and fourth place berths.

Ladbrokes Monthly Challenge Qualifier 2Y C - 1
Championship Standings

A reduced field of three runners saw a Ladbrokes Monthly Challenge race for fillies held at America over the minimum trip on rain sodden ground. The muddy conditions proved ideal for the winner Paranoid Parasite who completed a memorable treble on the night for Shotgun Mike, adding to his success earlier in the evening in the King George and Queen Elizabeth. The filly edged it close home from the LIveoak Stables trained, Lusty Sunrise a length to the good of Silk Spektar. It was a rare visit to the winners enclosure in the challenge series for Philippe Dubois. The French jockey was said to be "over the moon" with his ride.

Ladbrokes Monthly Challenge Qualifier 2Y F - 1
Championship Standings

The final monthly qualifier of the review period took place at America over 1200m on fast going. With the final being held over the minimum trip, a lot of these horses contesting the race would have been looking for the win as the final distance may not suit the majority. Seven runners went to post with Sunny Thund looking to be the one to beat.

The stalls opened and You Do Voodoo looked content to make the pace under the ride of Nazir Al-Khalifa. Sitting tidy behind the leader upsides one and other, Life’s A Mystery and King Kenny D disputed second. Coming off the turn and into the straight with 800m to go, Life’s A Mystery just got his nose in front momentarily before You Do Voodoo snatched it back running the rail. Jacques Girard sat handy on King Kenny D and with 400m remaining let out a little reign and swiftly challenged the front two to take it up. Sixpack Holiday started a run from the back of the field, a little later than jockey Yasmin Chua had hoped for, as the colt was forced to sweep wide to mount a challenge. You Do Voodoo came with a second wind inside the final 200m to challenge King Kenny D for the race but the Kopites trained colt had done enough from the 400m marker to secure the victory by a neck from second place You Do Voodoo. Life’s a Mystery crossed the line in third just ahead of Sixpack Holiday for fourth. The other runners in the race were never in striking range of the leaders. Sunny Thund bringing up the rear.

Ladbrokes Monthly Challenge Qualifier 2Y C - 1
Championship Standings

The 3YO Challenge Series Round Up

** St. Leger **

Despite the absence of the front two in the Championship Standings, Sweep The Gold and The Jack Man, the 2850m race at Hong Kong drew nine participants. The yielding going was going to make the test a little stiffer over this trip. Glorious Creature looked a short price favourite amongst this field and with all nine runners previously failing to record a qualifying victory in this seasons series, before this race, something had to give.

With most of the field looking to settle early on, it was down to White Knighte to do the donkey work. Through the first 600m there was clear daylight between him and the chasing pack. The pace was not a strong one as the jockeys jostled for position. No such worries for Heinz Huber as his mount was up to the tune of three lengths and full view of the track ahead. Empire Day led the bunched pack by a neck to Suffering on the rail. The back marker at this point but only by about five lengths was pre race favourite Glorious Creature in the red colours of Stardust Racing. The order remained much the same to halfway, with only Glorious Creature putting his foot forward to take closer order. Glorious Creature seemed to take a slight breather midway round the far turn and the pack closed up to about two. Suffering and Meagher going toe to toe in behind. When the race began to quicken up coming into the home straight a couple at the back seemed tapped for toe. Empire Day and Suffering both made a swift retreat. The lead was still held by White Knighte to the 600m marker. At this point Glorious Creature, given a dream run up the rail had come upsides to challenge for the lead. We're Gonna Rock was following this one through so Glorious Creature now had a fight on his hands. In the blink of an eye, Glorious Creature pounced on the leader a pulled a length ahead, Apache Down, who struggled early was now finding his rhythm on the outside but all a little late. Close home We're Gonna Rock eased past White Knighte to secure second place but the win was already bagged by Glorious Creature with a well timed run and deserved victory in the hands of Jacques Girard. White Knighte was third, he held off the running on Apache Down who made up the places.

St Leger Qualifier 3Y C - 1
Championship Standings

Five of the top eight in the points standings for this seasons St Leger for fillies lined up to do battle over the maximum trip at America. Conditions were good and the dirt track was running on the fast side. The field contained last seasons juvenile runner up and third place, Scally Munter and Pathway To Exile, both looking to go one better this season and get one over Queen Alexandra, who was resting this week. Pathway To Exile and Rhythm Nation held solid form over trip and going and were quietly fancied.

With a marathon in front of them they set off at a blistering pace, maybe too quick as Where's The Snow and jockey, Kieran Doyle took them along at a good early clip. Only Pathway To Exile and Nazir Al-Khalifa would go with her, the rest reluctant to blaze this early trail. Wanting to force the pace himself, Al-Khalifa drew alongside the leader and Doyle reluctant but sensible enough to relinquish the lead. The Illusion had broke from the chasing pack to head up in third, a length to the good of the remainder. At halfway, Pathway To Exile had opened up a two length advantage over her rivals, headed by Where's The Snow, who had herself drawn a couple out of the remainder, these two horses looking to make a real good race of it. On the turn for home, the leader kicked again and went three, maybe four lengths up on second, who didn’t seem to handle the left hand turn very well. Nothing seemed to come out of the pack with any real conviction or desire so entering the straight it looked a three horse race. Pathway To Exile, Where's The Snow and The Illusion. The latter failed to live up to the bill as she faded quickly when the pace increased. Coming with a wet sail from last place was Ride Away. Not even a mention beforehand, the filly was making ground with every stride. The evident staying power of Rhythm Nation started to play its part too as she made ground but nothing looked like getting to the leader, Pathway To Exile. The deficit was closed by the line but the leader had done enough with a gutsy front running performance to take the win. Where's The Snow who had an up and down race crossed the line in second ahead of the running on pairing of Ride Away and Rhythm Nation, crossing the line in third and fourth, respectively. The winner now heads the Championship Standings.

St Leger Qualifier 3Y F - 1
Championship Standings

** The Derby & The Oaks **

A pleasant evening drew the crowds to the Canada track to witness a very competitive Derby Qualifier. Ten of the best in the business lined up to tackle the firm ground over 2400m in what looked like a test run for The Derby itself as the blue ribbon event will in fact be contested over course and distance come July 29th. Market favourites for the race were Sir Sam Silver, Urban Legend and El Nino Got A Bro. The threesome are always at the head of the market in any race they contest and this race was to become a battle of wits between jockeys Doyle, Sun and Girard took the mounts. They were all assisted by draws close to the rails so all three could get a good look at each other as the gates opened.

The early pace setters in the race were Sweep The Gold and Glorious Creature. Sir Sam Silver sat handy in third whilst El Nino Got A Bro held a nice position early, covered up. Urban Legend was pulled early by Eric Sun to settle in behind the leaders. The pace was even and pace setter Sweep The Gold led them to halfway. Glorious Creature couldn't go the pace as Sir Sam Silver challenged the leader at the turn. El Nino Got A Bro with Kieran Doyle gave chase and challenge from six out. Urban Legend, for once looked a little flat footed and struggled to go the pace as others in behind started to run on. As Sir Sam Silver looked headed, a little reign was let out and four out set sail for home, pulling three lengths on the field. Three lengths, that, not even the great El Nino could muster to close upon. Sir Sam Silver, all out to the line ran out just over a half length winner from El Nino Got A Bro in second. The running on Larry Fitzgerald had enough in the tank to hold off Urban Legend to take third and fourth, respectively. The winner recording his second victory in the series and puts him on 65 points, just 9 points behind series leader Urban Legend.

The Derby Qualifier 3Y C - 1
Championship Standings

With a downfall of overnight rain, the conditions at Dubai were far from perfect. A lot of standing water made the track more testing than the muddy conditions' usual 2200m stretch. Trainer, Winning Post held a strong hand in the race as his yard saddled three of today’s eleven runners. The Oaks qualifier featured eight of the top ten horses in this seasons final standings, despite the terrible conditions. As they made their way down to post it was evident that the jockeys were concerned with the conditions underfoot as a lot went tentatively to the start, obviously preserving as much energy they could for the race itself.

From the off the pace setter was going to be Heart Of Greed in the capable hands of Kieran Doyle. The Irishman, confident aboard his mount to stretch the field early on. Tactics that were to prove an incredible decision in the latter part of the race. The field behind settled to a slower pace than you would normally see in this calibre of race, however, the going was playing a major part in that as many of the horses struggled to handle the conditions. Series leader, The Path Of Death was never in the race, eventually placing well down the field in 9th place. The slow pack behind had let the leader go too far in front as Winning Post's representative made all to secure the win. From a wide draw Zenzational ran a respectable race to follow the leader home, eventually finishing in fourth place. She was passed late on by stable mate Surrounde and muddy lover Tabasheer, who despite a strong effort late on had to settle for third.

Oaks Qualifier 3Y F - 1
Championship Standings

** The Nunthorpe **

The Nunthorpe created only one instances of the race this week. Sir Sam Silver made it an excellent week for trainer Daztron, scoring his second qualifier victory in the space of a few days to add to his Derby success. Tondra ran a blinder to claim second ahead of El Nino Got A Bro, consistent as always picking up the points and returning some of the investment made in him. Urban Legend completed the placing in fourth. The win for Sir Sam closes the gap on points leader El Nino, Urban Legend splits the pair in second place, three points off the leader. All three horses have now managed to secure three Nunthorpe victories each this season.

Nunthorpe Sprint Qualifier 3Y C - 1
Championship Standings

In the first instance race for the fillies, Eric Sun partnered Sunline (NZ) to a half length victory over Number 125 in second on the good ground at the Australian track. The Shotgun Mike pair of Viking Queen and Jane Fonda made up the third and fourth places, respectively. The win was the second of the series for Sunline (NZ) and moved the filly up to fourth in the standings. The championship leader remains Number 125 who picked up nice points on the evening. Her main rival, Eternal Life found her way into the second instance of the race on this occasion and duly recorded a sound victory for new stable Holmang Horses, who earlier in the week had paid £600 for her services. The filly, already started to pay back some of that investment when taking the race by a half length ahead of Chestnut Dream. Afternoon Utopia gained third, just touching off Imagination Land who had to settle for fourth. Eternal Life sits handy behind Number 125 in the standings, Snowbird and Sunline (NZ) chase the pair ion third and fourth.

Nunthorpe Sprint Qualifier 3Y F - 1
Nunthorpe Sprint Qualifier 3Y F - 2
Championship Standings

The 4-7YO Challenge Series Round Up

** The Cesarewitch **

A total of eighty-four runners have participated in the colts division of The Cesarewitch this season, which begs the question, where were they all for this race? It's possible the distance of 3200m on yielding going at England wasn't every horses cup of tea. Evidently proven by a poor entry of nine horses. Highly Explosive had put up a good effort in his last race and was considered a strong favourite for the race. Wayne Bailey took the ride on this one. The champion trainer had three in the race, Letselope and Master Of Doom making up the threesome.

With the marathon distance ahead of them, they'd have been excused to set a slow pace. King Yeah Right had different ideas. The colt burst from the stalls and immediately opened up a three to four length lead over the first 400m of the race. Manduro set off in pursuit of the leader and had closed to about two lengths a quarter of the race in. Back in the field the pack bunched about four to five off the leader. Taking the bend, King Yeah Right kicked on again, Lord Sivraj and Yeats had closed but were still short of the pace needed to reach this leader. At halfway the three Shotgun Mike trained horses were settled at the back of the field with a great view of the horses in front of them. The second half of the race is where they made their moves. Like knives through butter they cut through the field, honing in on the leader. Highly Explosive held the best hand, close to the rail and into the straight he pounced. Wayne Bailey let go of the horse and he duly delivered the needed pace. With 400m to go he was upsides and stable mate Letselope looked handy too. Master Of Doom was running on at this point but the race looked between the front three. The rest were beaten. Inside the final 100m, a cheeky Wayne Bailey edged his mount a neck up and that was that. King Yeah Right, brave from the front holding second, Letselope and Master Of Doom completed a good race for the champ in third and fourth.

Cesarewitch Qualifier 4-7 C - 1
Championship Standings

A muddy American track is where the runners for the fillies found themselves. 2850m was the distance and eight went to post. Championship leader, Fascinator made the trip to line up for a very strong race. Prior to the race she held the lead over Astonishing. Lei Lani sat in third place and was looking to close in on Astonishing, maybe even pass her in the standings with a good performance in the race.

Fascinator had all intentions of winning this one as she stormed into an early lead from the off. Four lengths to the good of Tomorrows Dreams. Unable to get to the leader for the first 800m, most of the horses sat back in anticipation of the leader fading. Only when Sea Of Honey upped the tempo did others respond to try and close the gap on Fascinator. By halfway the lead had been cut to two lengths. Both Sea Of Honey and Tomorrows Dreams were alert to the leader, though this mid race surge by the latter probably ended any challenge the pairing had as they started to fade inside the final quarter. Sea Of Honey remained strong and collared the leader off the turn and into the home straight. Laleena Star ran the rail and made inroads inside the final 400m. Running on from the back were the two Sky Castle representatives, Lei Lani and Beggars Banquet, looking strong to take the race. However, Charlie Saxon found what was needed to get his mount home, managing to kick on once more to take the victory. Lei Lani held off stable mate Beggars Banquet for second, whilst the brave Fascinator, looking weary took fourth.

Cesarewitch Qualifier 4-7 F - 1
Championship Standings

** The King George & The Queen Elizabeth**

The King George is not only one of the most competitive series at RaceClubs.com, it is also one of the most popular. Ninety-three horses have contested qualifier's this season alone, resulting in the generation of many instances of consolations come finals night. A feast of journeymen will contest those races and this race was no exception drawing a full filed of fourteen runners. The elder Statesmen of the site did battle over 2200m at Dubai, there was a little rain at the track and the official going was muddy. The two top trainers held a handful of entries between them, saddling no less than eight of the field. Then there was Queen Bee who had three runners in the race. Making up the field were trainers WRS Stables, Winning Post and Stardust Racing. With so many colours alike, the race was a commentators nightmare.

Through the early stages of the race Pimlico wasn't hanging about. The 4YO colt and auction bargain set off like a horse possessed. Fabio Valentino struggled to take a hold early on to control the excited colt and eventually settled for second place and let the horse do it's own thing. Clear daylight had emerged between him and the field as he romped into a five length lead over One Tree Frog , who headed the pack. Behind the leader was a tightly packed bunch with only a couple of lengths separating the second place horse from last. The jockeys in behind the leader didn't seem too concerned about the lead he had established but passing halfway there was no change in the race shape. Pimlico had flown and didn't look like stopping. Taking the turn and making their way into the straight, the order in behind had remained relatively the same and you started to think who was coming out of the pack, if anyone to challenge Pimlico. With 500m to go the only horse to emerge with any sort of chance to challenge was stable mate to the leader, Krakatoa Storm. Kieran Doyle looked a tad concerned on board and got to work on his horse. One Tree Frog was fading and the only other horse running on was Kimbo Slice, looking to carve a one-two-three finish for the champion trainer. At the 200m marker it became evident that Pimlico was tiring as both Krakatoa Storm and Kimbo Slice ate into his lead, although he still held a two length advantage over the pair. Would the line come in time? Indeed it did. A brave front running display proved too much for his rivals and Shotgun Mike was over the moon with the horse and the result. He has certainly paid back the nominal fee paid for him at auction this season. Krakatoa Storm, Kimbo Slice and One Tree Frog completed the placing in that order. The rest of the field were never at the races.

King George Classic Qualifier 4-7Y C - 1
Championship Standings

The fillies also contested over 2200m on muddy ground, the host track was America. Shotgun Mike seemed to hold a strong hand again in this one, with four of the ten runners coming from his yard, looking to make it a double on the night. Jean's Legacy, Nashville Dancer and Radiation Vibe are all handy in the Championship Standings and the three went down to post looking to secure good points for the final.

Looking to secure the double for the champ, a great start to the race was made by Hysteron Proteron who took a couple out of the field. Phoenix Purity gave chase in second place a length to the good of Nashville Dancer. Liquid Dreams soon passed the third place horse to move a little closer, passing Phoenix Purity to move up to second but still three lengths off the lead at halfway. Making the turn for home and with a few lengths to make up on the leader Nashville Dancer held the rail position with Liquid Dreams to her right. Slay The Lord started to run on as Phoenix Purity faded. The leader with jockey Kieran Doyle taking a peak back may have burnt her rivals off by the 400m marker and looked comfortable for the win. The race began for the places with Nashville Dancer looking the stronger of a trio which included Liquid Dreams and the ever closer Slay The Lord. Inside the final 200m and Hysteron Proteron was eased by her jockey to take a somewhat cheeky win from in second, Nashville Dancer. Slay The Lord ran on to get the better of Liquid Dreams close home for third and fourth places. The win takes Hysteron Proteron into the top five in the standings. Nashville Dancer strengthened her position over Radiation Vibe with the latter only managing a disappointing ninth in the race.

Queen Elizabeth Classic Qualifier 4-7Y F - 1
Championship Standings

** Newbury Sprint **

The colts division of The Newbury Sprint created two fascinating races this week. Against The Dark, carrying an extra 2lbs on most of his rivals was pushed out to the line by the champion jockey, Charlie Saxon. The winner stormed to the top of the qualifier standings, although the weight incurred from this victory may have put pay to his final chances. Runner-up in the race and fourth in the points standings was Green Birdie who pipped stable mate Jimmy Johnson on the run to the line. Drachentaube crossed the line in fourth to further cement his final chances and hold ninth place overall. Moral Raiser landed the crust for Winning Post in the second instance, when the colt ran out a half length ahead of second place Un Chien Andalou. The unpronounceable Kjetil Analrytter represents the Burkveen Racing yard and this colt held off the challenge of Black Opel to secure third place. Moral Raiser sits pretty in the standings, just behind first instance winner Against The Dark. Karaman, who finished down the field in the first instance holds third in the placing.

Newbury Colts Sprint Qualifier 4-7Y C - 1
Newbury Colts Sprint Qualifier 4-7Y C - 2
Championship Standings

The fillies also entertained this week by staging two instances of the qualifier. The first instance was by far the more competitive of the two with four of the top five in the standings charging the 1400m course on good ground at Australia. Speak To Me Karla with Kieran Doyle in the saddle held all the aces, running the field ragged to score by over half a length from Mobil Flash who nosed ahead on the line to touch off Flouncy Flouncy in third. A further half length back to the fourth placed finisher, Daisy Diamond. The second instance may not have yielded the same quality as the first but the race was just as exciting. Liveoak Stables secured victory when his charge, Hail Mary Pass led home I'm An Enigma and the Sky Castle pair of Scenic Esplanade and Emancipationne. Belle's Lullaby leads the way in the championship standings despite not competing this week. Speak To Me Karla moves up to third with Goldikova a few points ahead of her sitting in second place.

Newbury Colts Sprint Qualifier 4-7Y F - 1
Newbury Colts Sprint Qualifier 4-7Y F - 2
Championship Standings

Member Submission: Moletown

Posted via email from Raceclubs.com

Torres Legend was the main reason I played Raceclubs ~ Black Death http://forums.raceclubs.com/Posts.aspx?fid=38&tid=286241&iv=y

The Auction Crunch - Special Edition

In every person there is a part of them that holds on to things. Some people are hoarders and refuse to throw anything away, others tend to hold onto the past and some even hold onto their virtual nags here at RaceClubs.com. Whether it's the name you like or what the horse has done for you in the past, there is that inner reluctance to send them to pastures new. I found it especially difficult to part with my stable stars, Pathway To Exile and Zenzational. After the initial disappointment, a realisation that the world keeps spinning softens the blow and no matter how heavy your heart is at the time, we part with them for a reason.

We live in difficult times at the moment and it would be fair to say that most decisions to sell are based around the financial aspect and not because you want to, it's a necessity. People will always question why such decisions are made but to coin a phrase, at the end of the day it's for the best! Best for you but not necessarily best for your stable.

When the great Torres Legend was put to auction by his trainer, Black Death, many trainers at RaceClubs.com must have been thinking, "I wish I had the money to get him in my stable!" I know that I was and during the run up to the auction had thought about how I could raise the cash to buy him. Unfortunately for my stable, I couldn't and therefore watched helplessly as the bid eventually got placed by Frank of the Sky Castle Stable, who secured his second "monster" purchase of the season, adding to the already captured, Davy Hill. As much as Dave (Black Death) would have welcomed the bid, I'm sure it was a bitter pill to swallow. It just goes to show what sort of person Dave is and the mark of the man, when asked to comment about the sale he added,

"Torres Legend was the main reason I played this game. From the moment my good friend Beegee introduced me to RaceClubs.com, I was looking to have a top horse. It took me about a year to really grasp things, though I knew I wanted a "La Gazza Ladra". Well, the day I pulled Torres Legend (About two years into my virtual career) from the sales ring, was the day it all came together. I knew the blueprint was right, it was now down to the adds. As soon as I trialled him with adds, I knew he was the special one I'd yearned. Blinkers were initially debatable though, they took some time working out his preference for them. It was quite late in the season and I knew if I played it right, the Sprinters Challenge was almost at his mercy. Well he won that and placed in a Classic Challenge Consolation race as well. He went on to have a fabulous three year old career and I really thought he would be my legacy in the RaceClubs.com Hall Of Fame. Unfortunately, life's not quite that simple, work has dried up on me and yesterday, a grateful bid was received from Frank (Skycastle Stables) on my star, although extremely welcome financially, I'd have to say, it is the saddest day of my RaceClubs.com career. He is a true champ and the game will never be quite the same for me again."

The sale of a horse, no matter how good, if you are fond of it can be viewed as similar to your favourite football player being transferred from your team. It's difficult to put into words, how you feel but there is always light at the end of every tunnel. With that in mind, this auction review will be dedicated to the great Torres Legend. Even with plenty of running still left in his powerful legs, it is fitting that Dave, passing the torch on his greatest acquisition, gets the farewell him and his horse deserve. It's not common that a horse would be held with such high regard, prior to retirement, and tributes are not generally considered, although on this occasion the goalposts have been moved, just slightly!

Tuesday, November 3rd 2009 was a day of celebration, as it was a very special birthday, one that will go down in history. No I'm not talking about Barrack Obama's 1st Birthday sat in the hot seat of the world, I'm talking about a little click on the mouse that brought about the birth of one of the greatest virtual horses to strut his stuff at RaceClubs.com. A dedicated trainer within the virtual world had struck gold when a little horse by the name of Torres Legend was spawned from the ring. The anticipation and excitement that swelled within Dave's body at the thought of unleashing his star attraction to the virtual ranks must have been agonising as each time trial put him that little step closer to realising his dream, to own and race a horse who could be spoke of in the same sentence as the great "La Gazza Ladra" and more than hold his own, in comparison. What this feeling must be like is a virtual owners dream, few and far between will or have ever experienced. Though on this day Black Death knew exactly what it felt like.

What do you do with a horse of this calibre? Some may ask. The answer is pretty simple really. Get him to the track, like, yesterday! So that's exactly what Dave done, albeit He had to wait until a day after his birth. A short trip to England's frozen track, who earlier, had passed an inspection making the track raceable, much to the delight of connections. Not the sort of race you would expect a future champion to contend, nevertheless, a 1600M maiden on a cold winter's day was enough to make the hairs stand up on your neck. Not because of the chilly wind in the air but the thought of seeing something special. A late entry into the race and lacking a jockey, connections were forced to make a quick decision. Should they withdraw the entry or take a gamble on the inexperience of Geraldine Sullivan in the saddle. Never in her lifetime has Geraldine had something so powerful between her legs. Something that would ooze such class and with the vigour of a powerful finish, it was wondered whether Ms Sullivan could control herself and not get too excited as the beast entered his climax. They needn't have worried as Geraldine held herself together and the only cry you could her from her was of elation, she screamed, "Yes, Yes, Yes, Ohhhhhhhh Yessssssssss!" as his nose sniffed the line. You would have thought she was reciting from a Jilly Cooper novel at the time.

It was never going to be the greatest pot the horse would ever take and prompted an enquiry as to why the horse had ventured to pastures He was more than capable of taming. The mandatory urine sample after the race had been passed clean and Torres Legend had introduced himself to the virtual world. Ok, it was not as impressive at the line as one would have thought and the winning distance didn't suggest great things at all but this race was the foundation for bigger and better things. Sadly, it did nothing for Geraldine Sullivan's career and to this day she remains at the bottom of every trainer's wish list. Not even her good looks can make up for her undeniable and often foolish horsemanship in the saddle. Despite her flaws she did rise to the occasion to record this win, which meant Torres Legend was all ready to tackle the best of the best in the juvenile ranks as his connections' eyes were firmly focussed on Challenge success.

Two days later, the jet setting black, with passport in bridle set off for his juvenile Challenge Series adventure. The versatility of the horse would be tested in his next two races, when tackling a 1200m sprint, followed by a further test of stamina over an extended 1800m in search of qualifying points for both the Sprint and Classic Challenge Finals. With the greater experience an canny horsemanship of Champion jockey, Charlie Saxon taking the mount for the sprint race, Torres scooted to a 3/4 length victory against stiff opposition. With connections favouring a freelance approach to jockeys in the saddle, Charlie Saxon will be rueing his uninformed decision to pass on Black Death's offer of a stable mount for the horse and wasn't re-appointed in the saddle on the beast for some forty-eight races later, well into his three year old campaign. Nazir Al-Khalifa nudge him along in his first outing in the Classic series. The victory on that day proving to be a bitter-sweet affair, the points accrued were not enough for him to grace the final, settling for the consolation instead. Over the final's festival of racing his main aim would be the Sprinters Challenge Final. Many were surprised to see the booking of Ronan O'Conor for this race but faith in the Irishman was replied with a superb effort in the saddle, carrying added weight than most of the contenders, to take the championship. The victory saw delight on the jockeys face and his masters were on cloud nine. Despite incurring a 2lb penalty for the Classic Consolation race, Taz Rowley worked his socks off in the closing stages to record another victory but alas came up against one too good in the form of Explosive Missile.

During a three year old career culminating in the colt etching his name into virtual racing history, Torres Legend ruled the virtual world. Thirty-three qualifying races saw a remarkable return of twenty-three victories, ranging from 1000m to 2400m. Amazingly, the horse failed to make the placing in the series on only three occasions, one of which was over a very unsuitable 2850m, finishing well down the field against some classy stayers. Torres Legend had set himself up for the incredible, Nunthorpe Sprint and Derby double, the holy grail of racing doubles. No other horse has come close to completing the task. Even the great, La Gazza Ladra failed in his quest. A third place in the Nunthorpe had everyone connected with the horse on tenterhooks, thinking there maybe something amiss with the horse as jockey, Ronan O'Conor staying faithful in the sprint finals, after the race reported, "the horse hadn't picked up quite as much as usual approaching the straight." Fearing the worst he was immediately taken to the swim pool for a good looking over. 

The Derby, in many of the professional's eyes came too soon, being the day after. Alas, that's the price you pay on Challenge Final weekend seeking triumph. The first part of the double had slipped through his hooves but this was The Derby. Like an athlete he emerged from the stables, coat glowing, as if he knew today was the day. His chance to become immortal. To live on, even beyond retirement as the great horse he had promised his owner he would be. The script had already been written months in advance but the Nunthorpe third place he managed was definitely not the outcome in that fable. Only a win would do in The Derby. It was as if the horse had known The Nunthorpe failure would be overlooked if he grasped the virtual world's attention in the climax of the three year old season. Some believe the poor showing in that final was the horses decision, keeping a little in reserve for the big one. Eric Sun applied the finishing touches to a legacy that will be remembered for the test of time. Torres Legend, clinical at two, masterful at three, WON The Derby!

I'm sure the sale of the original El Nino to Frank, will feel like losing a limb for the Black Death stable, but at the same time the legend lives on and more importantly races on. The Sky Castle Stable have the future Hall of Famer sporting the black and gold now, which I, like many others in the racing fraternity will admire for the remainder of his illustrious career. Good luck to Torres and his new yard, Dave will always remember, always follow and respect what a servant you have been to his stable. Was he worth £1400..??....I don't think I need to answer that question!

Member Submission: Moletown 

Posted via email from Raceclubs.com

On Trainer, Ten Questions - Heinz by Moletown. http://forums.raceclubs.com/Posts.aspx?fid=38&tid=286060&iv=y

One Trainer Ten Questions - Heinz

This week we catch up with long serving player and general all-round good guy, Neal, better known to us all as the claret and blue trainer, Heinz. 

You are one of the longest serving trainers at RaceClubs.com, what keeps you motivated day in day out? 

I love the challenge qualifiers culminating in the finals, I still get such a buzz when I win a final, don't get me wrong I also still enjoy the day to day racing but the qualifiers/finals are without doubt what keep me motivated.

Is there a point in your RC journey you would like to relive and share with the community? 

I think it would have to be around this time last year when Eastend Boy won the Classic Challenge Final, I knew he had a real chance but you still need everything to fall into place...it was a race I was desperate to win, I will now focus my attention on The Derby & The Oaks as my next big targets now.

Please tell us about your favourite horse that has boarded at your yard. Why is it so special?

It would have to be Cha Cha Cha, I had him quite early in my time here and he won the Cesarewitch twice (once off 138Lbs I think) and also finished 2nd once.

If there was one horse you could have owned through the years, which one would it be and why?

La Gazza Ladra, what can I say the No.1 horse of all time on RaceClubs.com and won 3 finals at distances ranging from 1400-2400...I would love one like that, an absolute machine.

What would you perceive as your breakthrough moment on RaceClubs.com?

I guess your big breakthrough is winning a final, I can't remember who my first one was though it was either Cha Cha Cha or River Queen winning the Nunthorpe I think, I only bought River Queen for around $300 a couple of months before the final.

You are the RaceClubs.com God for the day, what one thing would you do?

It would be great if we could get a proper handicap system in place.

A lot of trainers have a lot of respect for you, who do you respect and for what reason?

There are so many to be honest, some have left and some remain, I have a lot of respect for Ron & Lew who are real nice people, but when it comes to knowledge of the game then I would say Leon (Victor Consortio) Micke (shotgun Mike) & Frank (Sky Castle Stables) as I say there are many other shrewd owners on here but these 3 are at the top of the list for me, this is why it makes me laugh when people say this game is about pure luck yet I would be pretty confident these owners make a profit season after season...I would hazard a guess that it's the owners who say the game is pure luck are the ones losing money.

You've just taken a new player under your wing, what's the first thing you say to him about the game?

I always advise them to start in claimers, start with D grades and gradually work your way up to A grades, spend a minimum 3 months dabbling in claimers as your mistakes (which everyone ultimately make) will be less costly.

You love West Ham, where do you see the club in ten years time? 

According to our chairmen we will be in the champions league lol, I would hope still in the premier league but who knows in football...the good thing about supporting a club like West Ham is that you never have any expectations of winning anything but if you do win something it is so special, people still talk about the play off win against Preston a few years back lol 

Back in the day, I had a lot of respect for Frank MacAvennie, who is your all time favourite West Ham player?

Frankie Mac was a legend mate, other favourites of mine were Trevor Brooking, Paolo Di Canio & Julian Dicks but my all time favourite has to be Alan Devonshire he was sublime & without his injuries he would have been even more special...I have a current horse named after him who is currently in the top 14 of the Cesarewitch & the King George.

I'd like to extend a big thank you to Neal for his time. He has been by far the quickest trainer to return his answers to me this season. I can't see anyone getting close to the record now. Cheers Neal.

Member Submission: Moletown

Posted via email from Raceclubs.com

You've Just Earned Yourself A Spotter's Badge by Moletown http://forums.raceclubs.com/Posts.aspx?fid=38&tid=286302&iv=y

SPOTTERS BADGE

The amount of hours that I spend trawling through RaceClubs.com for information about horses and subject matter for my articles, I more often than not come across some hidden gems. It is very often that I have to take a second look, rub my eyes and gasp as I realise that another trainer and not myself has spotted such a pot of gold at the end of the RaceClubs.com rainbow. These great acquisitions are testament to the dedication of trainers, who in search of success, uncover the virtual racing's world equivalent to unearthing a forgotten or unwanted relic from the cobwebs of the almost never ventured to attic. In today's attic are two horses acquired from auction who will be the first ever filly and colt to credit their owners with a spotter's badge and earn that all important tribute to their achievement so far.

BLANCHLAND

On a cold December's morning in 2009 an unraced, unknown yearling, galloped into the auction. She was not of great stature but her coat gleamed and the sparkle in her eye and the relaxed nature she showed when walking around the ring sparked interest from The Hitman. Yes, she was a gamble, for she didn't hold or command herself like a great sprinter, she lobbed around rather than bounced. Some may have thought her to be a lazy type, The Hitman saw something in the chestnut that no other trainer could connect with. There was something about her that he couldn't quite put his finger on. The gamble was on. The filly was captured for £67.82

Her debut wasn't the greatest show ever, running third in a lowly 1000m maiden, though credited with running a little green on that day. The disappointment on the day was an easy pill to swallow for The Hitman as his little rocket had proved beyond all experts analysis of the horse lacking the physique and manner to succeed as a sprinter. On that day the form was justified as she left a very successful type in the shape of Blazing Baby, well in her trail. The experience of this outing served her well and what followed was something even her master could never have imagined.

Stepping up in distance was always a worry but her determination and consistent powerful finish proved to be the gun in her holster as she fired her way to each and every finish line in her next five races. A rated race sandwiched her debut and her maiden victory both of which were over the extended distance of 1200m. Her progression continued with gusto as she was dropped back to the minimum trip to record her next three wins. A progress success was instantly followed by a stiff test against older opposition. After such an impressive progression through the ranks, many pundits were likening her to the great She Loves Me Not, ironically the pair met in her first venture into the WFA arena. How the crowd received her in the winner's enclosure on that day was nothing short of magical. The race was won in a comparatively easy three quarters of a length, Blanchland had now introduced herself as the sprint sensation the virtual racing world now respect her to be. It was not always rosy in her fledgling year. The step up to 1400m proved a little too much for her stamina, not disgraced in going down a length on her maiden run at the distance, connections clearly felt that the trip was not suited and immediately took the decision to stick to the minimum and 1200m for the duration of her two year old career. The season finale on World Challenge Day was all set to be her crowning glory at the end of a most successful year. Sometimes the script just doesn't play out the way it was meant to be. Like a twist in a good thriller, with the scene set and a huge favourite for the race, Blanchland failed to make an impact. She finished way down the field behind the winner, her season nemesis, Tudor Chimes who recorded a third success over The Hitman's star G2 when it mattered most.

Despite the disappointment of not taking the one race a top class two year old yearns, the season in contrast was magical. With forty-nine races under her belt, Blanchland had already paid back the loyalty shown by her investors, recording 17 wins and returning 19 place running’s. This success led to total prize money for the season of in excess of £400 to help her sit third in the money list. A remarkable first season under the guidance of The Hitman.

With the age change proving to be a success, Blanchland continues the impressive improvement she showed throughout her juvenile campaign. the three year old campaign is always a difficult season, although it is no surprise to see her continue to show a repeat of the form that served her so well last season. Admittedly her form is not up to scratch in Eclipse races this season compared to last, but when all is said and done the apple of The Hitman's G2 eye, continues to grace the track with her powerful finish and pocket the prize funds. She leads the way in the standings with 11 wins to her name so far, bagging more than £170. The money is always nice to pocket but it's the wins and quality of those wins that are always remembered. She currently holds a very impressive 38% win ratio and has run with and beaten the best the virtual world has to offer at her fancied distances of 1000m and 1200m. Likewise her place ratio holds it's own with the best in the business at 35% which just goes to show how consistent the filly is.

The make-up of Blanchland certainly points to a career packed full of success, one of greatness is within the step of a hoof for the filly. So it's just goes to say that The Hitman has an eye for the ladies. Congratulations, you've just earned yourself a spotter's badge. The fee paid certainly has to be considered as one of the healthiest G2 purchases I can recall in my time back at RaceClubs.com. An absolute corker of a virtual animal, destined for the Hall Of Fame!

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