Muscutt Positive: Why He Did Not Ask For Confirmatory Analysis
Bevie’s Delight (far side) dead-heating with stablemate Except Temptation (closest) in her last start (Picture: Candiese Lenferna Photography).
The Peter Muscutt-trained filly Bevie’s Delight was tested positive for Trendione, a forbidden substance, after deadheating for first place in race 7 at Hollywoodbets Greyville on 17 September.
Some were surprised to read he had waived his rights to send the reference specimen for confirmatory analysis and wondered whether it was an admission of guilt.
In fact the key point in this case is that also found in the the specimen taken from the filly was a substance called, Altrenogest, an oestrus suppressant, whose use is provided for in the provisions of the Exempted Substances List (Appendix N of the Rules).
Altrenogest is a permitted substance for fillies and mares and is used on those who keep on going in and out of season, because that condition obviously affects their mood which then affects their performance.
Using Altrenogest in male horses is forbidden.
An Australian report on Altrenogist in 2018 said, “All current formulations of Altrenogest contain a low level of background impurities including trenbolone and trendione.”
The report followed the detection of the prohibited substances trenbolone and trendione (both anabolic androgenic steroids) from two racing mares in Victoria in September 2017 and January 2018. The source of these positive swabs had been traced to the injectable form of Altrenogest (specifically Ceva’s Readyserve Injection).
The problem with Altrenogest is it is chemically very closely related to both trenbolone and trendione. In fact, an alternative chemical name for Altrenogest is allyltrenbolone. Trendione is a prohormone with virtually no activity per se. However Trendione can be converted to Trenbolone in the body.
This chemical similarity means that in most (if not all) samples of Altrenogest there will be a small amount of impurities including trenbolone and trendione. Typically these are present in levels below 0.05% and, as such, at levels that are both subtherapeutic,
inconsequential and below normal detection limits. Altrenogest is not converted to either trenbolone or trendione in vivo (in a living organism).
Peter Muscutt confirmed Bevie’s Delight had been given Altrenogest though a routine oral administering.
He said he had handed over the Altrenogest that had been used to the NHA.
He said the NHA confirmed that that the particular Altrenogest used had been contaminated at manufacture stage i.e. the Trendione was found to be present in it.
Subsequent to the two Trendione positives in Australia back in 2017 and 2018, the various racing jurisdictions there issued warnings for the use of Altrenogest. All jurisdictions warned against injectable Altrenogest, some of them warned against both injectable and oral adminstration and some declared oral Altrenogest may be used up until one clear day before racing.
The reason for these warnings was because when it comes to completely forbidden substances, which in this case is steroids, there is not a permissable threshold.
NSW is the only jurisdiction in Australia that allows a steroid threshold to facilitate the use of Altrenogest. Most international jurisdictions, including UK, Ireland, Hong Kong and Japan, align with the remainder of Australia in not having a permissible threshold for steroids. It would appear South Africa is the same.
It would appear too that in South Africa no such warnings were issued to trainers about the dangers of being tested positive for Trendione if using Altrenogest, as they were in Australia.
The 2018 report in Australia raised the question, “It becomes a philosophical and somewhat abstract argument as to what analytical screening limit actually constitutes a perceived zero level of detectability. That is, if the impurity is below the limits of detectability using the latest, most advanced analytical methods, does this constitute a zero level?”
Peter Muscutt’s concluding words on the subject today echoed that sentiment.
He said, “It is like getting caught speeding when there are no speed signs on the freeway.”
In a recent case in Australia two mares have been sidelined for 12 months due to Trendione positives and the source in that case is also believed to be oral Altrenogest.
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Below is the NHA press release about Bevie’s Delight.
Interim Suspension of BEVIES DELIGHT
- The National Horseracing Authority confirms that upon analysis by its Laboratory, the presence of Trendione, a forbidden substance, was disclosed in a urine specimen taken from BEVIES DELIGHT after it had won Race 7 at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse on 17 September 2023. It was also noted that the specimen taken from this filly contained Altrenogest, an oestrus suppressant, which use is provided for in the provisions of the Exempted Substances List (Appendix N of the Rules).
Subsequently, BEVIES DELIGHT (Trained by Mr P B Muscutt) was scratched from Race 4 on Sunday 15 October 2023.
The Trainer of BEVIES DELIGHT has been advised and has waived his rights to send the reference specimen for confirmatory analysis.
The tentative date for an Inquiry to be held into the presence of the forbidden substance, Trendione, is Tuesday, 24 October 2023.
Isivunguvungu Leaves For Cape Town Next Thursday
Isivunguvungu winning the Gr 1 Jonsson Workwear Computaform Sprint (Picture: Chase Liebenberg).
The Equus Champion Sprinter Isivunguvungu heads for Cape Town next Thursday together with eleven other stablemates.
The Peter Muscutt-trained five-year-old What A Winter gelding will be attempting to complete a career grandslam of open Gr 1 weight for age Sprints in South Africa by winning the Cape Flying Championship over 1000m on WSB Met day. He finished an unlucky 1,55 length third in last year’s Cape Flying and went on to land the other two open Gr 1 wfa sprints in the country, the Jonsson Workwear Computaform Sprint and the Mercury Sprint.
He has been doing “great”.
Quasiforsure (Quasillo) will be on the float. He was unlucky not to have won a feature in Cape Town last season. His jockey stopped riding him a couple of strides from the line in the Listed Gordon’s Gin Jet Master Stakes over 1600m at which stage he had the race sewn up. However, this error of judgement led to the horse being overtaken.
Muscutt is sending four promising three-year-olds, Bristol Hercules (Lancaster Bomber), Except Temptation (Fire Away), Kupholiwe (William Longsword) and Down By The River (Fire Away).
Five two-year-olds will also be going down.
More horses from the yard will be going down at a later date.
Muscutt had five wins in Cape Town last season at a 9.62% strike rate and it should bave been six if it were not for the jockey’s error of judgement on Quasiforsure.
Riethuiskraal’s R2R Filly Comes From A Potent Female Line
Riethuiskraal Stud has a single representative at the Cape Racing Ready To Run and Two-Year-Old Unbroken Sale at Hollywoodbets Durbanville.
Named Palace Of Justice (Lot 83), she is a daughter of Potala Palace and Indy Dancer by Judpot, who has already produced two two-time winners.
Palace Of Justice comes from the extraordinary Soho Secret female line (London News, Promisefrommyheart, Malmoos, et al. and the stud’s Jo Marie Fourie commented: “She has strengthened very well over the last two months. She has a beautiful top line and strong hindquarters; we are pleased with her progress.”
Palace Of Justice is a Double Bonus Candidate in that she can win both the CRS Juvenile Bonus potentially – R100,000 (Owner – R75,000 and Vendor – R25,000) and the BSA Sales Added Stakes Bonus – R100,000.
De Melo Scores Another Win As Bowman Continues To Rival Purton
Keagan de Melo’s polished win at Happy Valley yesterday (HKJC)
Keagan de Melo scored his third win in Hong Kong at Happy Valley on Wednesday, while Hugh Bowman followed his four-timer at Sha Tin on Sunday with another winner.’
Zac Purton scored a rare blank despite riding in all nine of the races at the Happy Valley meeting and Hugh Bowman remained on top of the log with 18 wins to Purton’s 16.
De Melo finished a narrow second on a 10/1 shot in the 6th race but he quickly put that behind him by winning his next ride in the 8th race on the David Hall-trained Never Too Soon, who paid 7.30 on the Tote.
From draw two in the class 3 event over 1200m, the six-year-old gelding by Written Tycoon was outpaced early but this allowed De Melo to secure the rail in midfield. He niggled the horse along and he began travelling supremely well as they entered the turn while others were starting to feel the pinch.
De Melo found a run towards the inside and his horse stretched out nicley in the closing stages to win by a length.
His three wins is just two behind fellow countryman Lyle Hewitson and is just one behind the other South African jockey on the island Luke Ferraris.
In 47 rides De Melo has also had four seconds, three thirds, seven fourths and six fifths for earnings of HK$5,259,600 (R12,780,828). His earnings in SA last season in which he was champion jockey with 277 wins was R31,372,569.
Among Bowman’s four winners on Sunday was the Tony Cruz-trained California Spangle in the Group 2 The Sha Tin Trophy Handicap.
Cruz began his post-race interview by pointing out Zac Purton had had the choice to ride California Spangle but did not take it. Instead he opted for the John Size-trained Beauty Eternal. who received 12 pounds from California Spangle yet was still beaten into third by 1,5 lengths.
Cruz continued, “He made the wrong decision, but anyway, Hugh Bowman is going to stick with the horse for his next run, the [Group Two Jockey Club Mile], and then the [Group One Hong Kong Mile]. Bowman will be riding the horse all the time. [Bowman is a] top-class jockey. He made the problem look pretty simple [to solve]. He showed his class, the horse, and [Bowman] rode a perfect race.”
Bowman is quickly becoming the new protagonist in what could well become Hong Kong racing’s latest fierce rivalry.
More ‘Showroom Quality’ From Soetendal Estate
This Fire Away colt from Soetendal will get the Cape Racing Sales Ready To Run and Unbroken 2Yo Sale rolling (Cape Racing Sales).
Soetendal Estate, Wellington, is renowned for presenting ‘showroom quality’ horses yearly at various auction sales. Soetendal has another draft of genuine quality at the 2023 Ready To Run and Two-Year-Old Unbroken Sale, to be staged at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Sunday.
Soetendal’s Julia Pilbeam commented: “This year’s draft looks as exciting as any we’ve had in the past, with something to suit everyone’s pocket, and those looking for early two-year- olds or classic performers.
“Our Ready to Run graduates from previous sales include Seeking the Stars (Grade 2 winner and multiple graded race performer), Alula’s Star (Grade 3 winner), and Good Council (Listed winner). We have three horses from our 2022 draft in the final 18 on the RTR Race log, including the exciting filly Be Lekker – sold for a mere R60 000 last year.
Julia’s notes on Soetendal’s 2023 consignment are:
Lot 1: Sky Pillar Rock – c by Fire Away (USA) ex Dagana (IRE)
“With Fire Away having got off to a great start to his stud career, including the recent G3 Langerman winner My Golly Molly, we are pleased to present this attractive, racy colt. He’s an exceptionally easy and willing colt to work with, with a low, daisy-cutting action. He is bred on a similar cross to Cheveley Park winner Brave Anna; this is also the family of the speedy 8-time winner JO’S BOND. Eligible for both the BSA Juvenile and Cape Racing Sales
incentives.”
Lot 2: Unnamed c by Pomodoro ex Desert Rhythm
“This is the first foal of the top-class race filly Desert Rhythm, who won 3 races as a two- year-old, including the G2 Golden Slipper. This is also the family of multiple graded race performer Cosmic Highway. Pomodoro has sired some top two-year-old performers, including Return Flight, Cirillo, Caralluma and Barzalona, and certainly, this correct colt is racy and looks precocious like his dam.”
Lot 5 What a Fortune c by What a Winter ex Duchess of Paris
“Out of a half-sister to TRIP OF FORTUNE, this is an exciting colt from the family of top sprinters RODOILLE, BLUE TIGER – he should have all eyes on him at the gallops!”
Lot 8: Unnamed c by Captain of All ex-Entrench
“There is plenty of speed in this strong, black-type family through Damsire Oasis Dream, and this attractive, well-proportioned colt will grow into a magnificent specimen. He shows a ground-covering action and has some class about him.”
Lot 9: Unnamed c by Captain of All ex-Epsom Downs
“This colt is a half-brother to Gr3 Kenilworth Fillies Nursery winner EPSOM GIRL, and the mare has produced 100% winners to runners. This colt is the epitome of athleticism and scope, a beautiful mover, and puts one in the mind of a young Linebacker.”
Lot 10: Unnamed – c by William Longsword ex Experience Counts
“This colt is closely inbred to Complete Warrior. The dam is a three-time winning half-sister to a multiple-stakes winner and has already produced four winners. This is a very good- looking, beautifully topped colt with a lot of quality about him.”
Lot 13 Arctic Owl c by Querari ex Full Moon Rising
“A half-brother to not one, but two, black-type performers, including G2 winner DARK MOON RISING; by prolific stakes winner-producing sire Querari, this is a superb, classic type colt who draws the eye, with a swinging, elastic walk. He’s being sold unbroken as he arrived
with us too late to prepare to gallop, but he has been started under saddle.”
Lot 18: Unnamed – f by One World ex-Irish Maid
“By exciting young sire, One World, this filly’s dam is a five-time winning, stakes-placed daughter of Dynasty, who has already produced two winners. This filly has a quality head with a big, bold eye and shows an outstanding action. Like many of the One World progeny we’ve started, she has a professional attitude.”
Lot 24: Unnamed – f by Pomodoro ex Konfessional
“Closely inbred to Northern Guest, this filly is a half-sister to five winners, including—the stakes-placed filly ENCRYPTION. The mare is 100% winners to runners and hails from the incredible Secret Pact family. The is a tough, strong filly with good depth of girth; she shows plenty of speed and should be early. Eligible for both the BSA Juvenile and Cape Racing Sales incentives.”
Lot 25: Like-Minded – f by Heavenly Blue (AUS) ex La Calisto
“A half-sister to the stakes placed LA QUINTA, this filly’s dam is a daughter of Silvano (by Lomitas), and her granddam is a half-sister to Lomitas. She’s by young sire Heavenly Blue, whose progeny have been well received at sales again this season. This is a good-looking, filly with substance, deep-girthed with a strong gaskin.”
Lot 32: Klein Karoo – c by Canford Cliffs (IRE) ex Nastergal
“This colt is the first foal of a G3 Champagne Stakes-winning daughter of Duke Of Marmalade, from the prolific family of INANINSTANT and AMERICAN GRAFFITI. He’s a fluent mover with scope and is exceptionally straightforward and honest.”
Lot 33: Green Street – f by Gimmethegreenlight (AUS) ex No Doubt
“Gimmethegreenlight progeny has been all the rage at the sales this season, and this filly should be no exception. Her granddam, TRINITY HOUSE, is a dual Gr3 winning Captain Al half-sister to Equus Champion VERCINGETORIX. While this filly will continue to strengthen, she already shows a superb action – one to watch.”
Lot 40: Unnamed – c by William Longsword ex Polar Trip
“This colt’s dam is a winning half-sister to Gr1 winning Champion Two Year ALWAYS IN CHARGE, as well as 24-time winner CAPTAIN LARS. His half-brother FIFTY FIVER won the 2021 Ready to Run Sales Race. He’s a strong, athletic colt, well-balanced, and has prepared
himself for this sale; everything is easy for him.”
Lot 42: Unnamed f by Master of my Fate ex-Red Granite
“This is the first foal of a 4-time winning half-sister to ACT OF WAR, LUNA DE VICTORIA and SUBASTADOR. She is an imposing, well-grown filly with good rein, girth, and a great attitude towards her work.”
Lot 43: Unnamed c by Captain of All ex Rubix
“This colt is the 2nd foal of Dynasty mare, Rubix. Her winning first foal, DOLCEZZA, now three, has already been stakes-placed and doesn’t look like stopping there. This colt looks equally progressive. He is a long-striding colt who stands over ground and has plenty of scope.”
Lot 47: Girl About Town – f by Talk of the Town ex She Will Rule
“By exciting new sire, TALK OF THE TOWN, this filly’s dam is from the top family of RECONCILE, CAPTAIN IN COMMAND and CANADIAN SUNSET. She is full of class, a gorgeous filly who stands over ground and has a low sprinting action. Eligible for both the BSA Juvenile and Cape Racing Sales incentives.”
Lot 48: One Stripe – c by One World ex Silver Stripe
“By exciting your sire, One World, this colt’s dam is a Spook Express Handicap winning own sister to Gr3 Winter Derby winner GIFTED FOR GLORY. We had the privilege of starting One World at the beginning of his racing career, and this colt is incredibly similar to him. He has come on very quickly and is a beautiful type. Eligible for both the BSA Juvenile and Cape Racing Sales incentives.”
Lot 49: Unnamed – f by Pomodoro ex Span Die Seile
“Closely inbred to Jet Master, this filly’s dam is a stakes-placed Captain Al half-sister to the winning dam of graded stakes winners BIG BURN and CATCH TWENTYTWO. She is a correct filly with good action; we have already seen a big growth spurt from her, and being a November foal, I expect her to continue to develop. She has an excellent attitude to her work and is very straightforward.”
Lot 50: Unnamed c by Oratorio ex-Spice Girl
“This colt is from a winning daughter of VAR, who is having such success as a broodmare sire. The dam is also a half-sister to the top-class KING OF PAIN. This is a powerful and
forward type of colt with substance. He has a good action and thrives on his work.”
Lot 51: Unnamed c by Erupt ex Surfing Belle
“By ERUPT, the sire of top juveniles Karangatang and Golden Tatjana, from a Kahal half- sister to four multiple stakes performers, this is a prolific winner-producing family. This is a precocious, muscular colt who shows speed and looks a likely candidate for the juvenile features.”
Lot 52: Unnamed c by Captain of All ex Sweet Mary Lou
“This colt’s dam won at two and is a half-sister to G1-winning two-year-old BRAVE MARY, so there’s plenty of early speed in the family. A balanced, quality colt, easy on the eye, he looks
an early type and is quick.”
Lot 53: Serendipitous – f by Captain of All ex Sylvanite
“Closely inbred to Al Mufti, this filly’s dam is a Silvano-sired Sweet Chestnut Stakes runner- up from the STARLIT and SWEET THERESA family. She is a compact, well-put-together filly. She’s a November foal and will still grow, but already looks lightning quick!”
Lot 57: Unnamed – f by Captain of All ex Tambalang
“This Captain of All Filly’s dam won Listed Aquanaut Handicap and is from the family of Gr1 winner DIVIDED LOYALTY. She is a magnificent, well-grown filly with everything going for her; she should attract plenty of attention.”
Lot 60: Master Incolor – c by Master of My Fate ex Timedtoperfection
“We’re excited to have a Master of my Fate colt on sale, with the stallion’s progeny making him proud again this season. The colt’s four-time winning dam was G3 placed and is a sister to G3 Man O’War Sprint runner-up AURUM POT, from the family of ELUSIVE GOLD, AVENUE OF GOLD and SEATTLE GOLD. He is a classy, eye-catching colt with a ground-covering action and will undoubtedly come to hand as a late two-year-old/early three-year-old.”
Lot 62: Unnamed c by Lancaster Bomber ex Untoward
“With Lancaster Bomber having made such an impact with his first crop, we are happy to present this colt from a Galileo mare who has already produced three winners and comes
from a family packed with black type. He looks a real athlete, has a good action, and will continue to improve as he matures.”
Lot 64: Unnamed – f by Gimmethegreenlight (AUS) ex-Varsity Girl
“A most promising Gimmethegreenlight filly! Her half-sister, Exchange Student, won again recently in Johannesburg and looks like a talented performer. The dam is a twice-winning 3/4 sister to G1 Mercury Sprint runner-up AL SAKEET, from the family of GIVE ME FIVE, MYFUNNYVALENTINE and ATTENBOROUGH. She’s a tough, strong filly and early type – don’t miss her!”
Lot 66: Chinese Fortress – c by Potala Palace ex What a Gal
“By the sire of Katak, this is a half-brother to seven winners, including PEROVSKIA. With the 2nd dam having produced 11 winners and two stakes performers, this is a prolific family! A lovely, long-striding colt with great presence, he looks like he will go over ground. Eligible for both the BSA Juvenile and Cape Racing Sales incentives.”
Lot 67: Alltheboysiveloved f by Master of my Fate ex Wild Liaison
“By the sire of such talented fillies as Sentbydestiny, Zarina, Basadi Faith and Lady of Power, this filly’s dam has produced seven winners of multiple races, including Gr3 winner HOT AFFAIR.
Alltheboysiveloved is a full sister to MR MASTER STARTER. She has an excellent walk, is athletic on the track, and matures beautifully with plenty to come!”
Lot 68: Over the Atlantic f by The United States ex Winter Star
“This filly’s G3 winning dam is 100% winners to runners, with the full brother HOME OF THE BRAVE already a winner of two races. She is a speedy, honest filly with an excellent action, but does not look like she will be limited to sprint distances.”
Lot 73: WITHDRAWN
Lot 77: Unnamed c by Fire Away ex Countesskournikova
“A colt out of a Count Dubois half-sister to MOTHER RUSSIA, this is one of the best-known families in the South African Studbook. A cracking colt who has improved hand over fist during his preparation, I can’t wait to see his gallop on the day.”
Lot 107: Unnamed c by Futura ex Cousin Liz
“The first foal of Captain Al filly COUSIN LIZ (winner of the G3 Kenilworth Fillies Nursery), she herself a half-sister to GIMME ONE NIGHT – this is a fantastic family. This colt is by Futura, a sire who is going from strength to strength. He’s an exciting colt with substance, excellent rein, and hindquarter, who uses himself well.”
Visit us at www.caperacing.co.za; for racing queries and sales queries, contact Justin Vermaak at justin@caperacing.co.za or Robyn Collyer at robyn@caperacing.co.za
Interview With The Original Flying Dismount Jockey, Angel Cordero
The original flying dismount jockey Angel Cordero (Calisphere.org)
I was honoured and privileged when Frankie Dettori stole my signature celebration
OLBG.com https://www.olbg.com/
Speaking exclusively to OLBG, retired US jockey Angel Cordero Jr has spoken about his illustrious career, how Frankie should prepare for retirement and how he’s privileged that such a successful rider uses his flying dismount celebration.
Angel Cordero Jr is a USA Racing Hall of Fame jockey who rode more than 7000 winners in his career, was Saratoga Springs champion jockey 13 times and was inducted into the HoF in 1988
Legendary jockey Frankie Dettori has admitted he copied his infamous flying dismount celebration from Cordero, who first did it in 1965 in Puerto Rico.
In an exclusive interview with OLBG, Cordero said: How he was “honoured and privileged” when he first saw Dettori use his flying dismount celebration
In fact, Cordero had seen the celebration from fellow jockey Avelino Gomez in Puerto Rico before adopting it as his own
How much he loves Dettori, cherishes him as a friend, and is “definitely retiring too soon”
Where used, please credit OLBG with a link to https://www.olbg.com/
I first did the flying dismount off a horse in 1965 – but I was honoured when Frankie Dettori copied it years later
AC: “I was watching some racing in Puerto Rico, and I saw (fellow jockey) Avelino Gomez jumping off of a horse after he won a race. I saw him do it one time and then I thought to myself “maybe I’ll do that myself one day” and then my first jump was in 1965, I think, after I won a race – I was happy and I just did it instinctively.
“Then every time I rode in a big race or a big winner, the trainers and owners would ask me if I was going to jump off the horse – and obviously I did it as often as I could.
“Then I saw Frankie Dettori do it and I was so happy! I was also so happy to hear him say that the jumping off reminded him of me and that I was a hero of his, that he loved the way I used to ride a horse.
“So I first did it in 1965. Then I saw Frankie say in an interview, many, many years later, when he won a bunch of races one day, and they asked him about the jump and said he got it from me.
“He also said that it was an honour for him to do it as he was one of my biggest fans – and I am one of his biggest fans, it was an honour for me to see him do it as well. I am a huge fan of his. I am so proud of him and proud to be his friend.”
I first met Frankie in Saudi Arabia – it was a privilege to ride with him
AC: “We first raced against each other in Saudi Arabia in 1989. I rode with him there and that was a real privilege, but I used to watch him ride all the time whenever I could.
“Every time I could see him on the TV, I always kept an eye on him to see if he would jump off the horse. It was a privilege to see it every time he did it.
“He just continued winning. He has charisma, courage, he’s smart, he’s strong, he has everything you need to be a good rider. Good on grass, good on turf, good on the front and good from behind – he has got everything you need. “
Dettori is still one of the best, if not the best, jockey in the world
AC: “In my mind, and from watching jockeys ride all over the world, Frankie is one of the best I ever saw. I am a big fan of him, John Velazquez and Irad Oritz – they are the best riders right now.
“There are a lot of good riders in this era and Frankie is one of the best I have ever seen. Him and William Buick at the moment, for me, are two of the very best out there but Frankie.”
Frankie is definitely retiring too soon – he’s still got everything you need to be a world class jockey
AC: “A jockey is only as good as his horse. When you get a good horse, they can make you look good.
“Is he retiring too soon? It’s up to your customers. Frankie has accomplished everything that he has wanted to do so if he wants to finish now then I don’t blame him. When you’re not enjoying it or not winning, it’s not fun.
“Of course though, in my opinion, it is still too early for him to retire as Frankie is still one of the best jockeys in the world. He’s still got it, that fire in him, but it is so hard to continue riding and sacrificing.
“But then again, where does he go from here? I am fairly sure he is comfortable money wise, he has to be happy with his accomplishments, so what else does he need?
“I wish he stayed on longer. I really hope he rides in the Breeders’ Cup. I wonder about the Classics as well, winning those over here in the US. Maybe that is something he might look to go after.
“It’s all up to him now, and how much fire he still has and what he wants to do. It is hard to start riding all year round if he wants to find a Kentucky Derby horse. I think he still has the tools but it is up to him, he has to say yes.
“It’s up to him on his retirement but I would love to see him carry on. If he wants to continue to find a Kentucky Derby horse and he is flying here, there and everywhere, it would probably be better for him to stay in the US after the Breeders’ Cup but he would have to ride all year around.
“If I was him and I was healthy, with the business that he has got, I would take it easy but also stay maybe riding the big races around Europe, hang around and see if he can pick up one of those rides.
“There could be options here in the US for him too, with the likes of Bob Baffert, Steve Asmussen, maybe he could target the Kentucky Derby.”
Dettori is a great person off the track – that’s why he is one of the best
AC: “He is a beautiful person, he loves talking to people, he is very creative and very positive when you talk to him.
“He’s so funny, he never gives you any problems. You can talk to him about anything and he is always so positive.
“People really liked him, he has charisma, he has everything you need to become the best and that is why he is one of the best.”
Danielson, Gates Doubles
The Chris Jonker-trained Parker Getrix gives Raymond Danielson a double (JC Photos).
Raymond Danielson and Jason Gates both scored doubles at the Vaal Classic track today.
Danielson goes to seven wins for the season at a 7.22% strike rate.
Gates goes to eight wins at 7.48%.
Today’s Question
The subject of the question (Photo: Sports.coral.co.uk)
Of all the great horses Lester Piggott rode he regarded one of them as the easiest to ride. This horse was also regarded as the first American-bred to become a great in the U.K. and is credited with causing the floodgates to open for international buyers to the Keeneland Sales. Who was he?
MIDWEEK FIELDS
Today’s Question Answer
