Subjectivist ready for high-profile Saudi Cup card return

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Charlie Johnston is used to injuries. A red baseball cap helped shield his bruised and cut left eyebrow as he watched Subjectivist stretch his legs ahead of sunrise at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse on Wednesday.

His own injury was sustained by the rigours of playing for rugby for Wensleydale. He suffered similar scarring last year. “One day, I’ll learn,” quipped the 32-year-old.

There is no hiding for Subjectivist, however. The injury sustained by this glorious stayer was far more extreme.

He will make his comeback in Saturday’s Group Three Longines Red Sea Turf Handicap, having been off the track since cantering all over his rivals in the 2021 Ascot Gold Cup.

The son of Teofilo will take on 12 rivals, including the John and Thady Gosden-trained Ebor winner Trawlerman, Ian Williams’ Meydan handicap hero Enemy, Karl Burke’s Prix Chaudenay scorer Al Qareem and Nate The Great from the Andrew Balding yard in the one-mile-seven-furlong contest.

Johnston’s relief that the yard’s latest superstar looked plenty fit enough for his return was palpable.

“It has been a very long road, 20 months since this horse saw the racecourse,” said Johnston.

“It has been a long journey for the team and one where we’ve trodden on egg-shells for the most of it.

“So, to see him back in this kind of environment is fantastic.”

He added: “Horses like him don’t come around very often. It was getting to that point where you don’t really care about the opposition.”

Subjectivist had excelled in the Middle East when winning the Dubai Gold Cup en route to his Ascot victory, yet misfortune befell him after beating the likes of Princess Zoe, Spanish Mission and Stradivarius at Ascot.

“About two weeks after the Ascot Gold Cup, he had an injury to his superficial flexor tendon – an injury which can be career-ending, basically – and to get horses back is no given,” added Johnston.

“We had the best stayer in the world and it was just a case of getting him on his ‘A game’.

“We left Ascot with Goodwood, Ascot, France, Dubai, Saudi (in mind) – you were just picking the races you wanted to win.

“To have that and to lose it was a huge blow to the yard. We are just hoping we can have him back to somewhere near his former glory.”

Nine months on a water-walker, a summer in the field and brought along slowly since he returned to work in September, including a pleasing piece of work at Newcastle two weeks ago, have primed Subjectivist for his first start in 618 days.

After flexing his muscles on the turf, Johnston hopes he can answer the $2.5million question under Joe Fanning, who himself has had to overcome a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Subjectivist was an impressive Ascot winner in 2021
Subjectivist was an impressive Ascot winner in 2021 (David Davies/PA)

“We wouldn’t be here if we didn’t think we were ready,” Johnston added. “But at the same time any prep is difficult, but in particular in a situation when when you come back from such a serious injury.

“We took him to Newcastle and that was a pretty serious workout. That was the key point, to feel he was in shape to be ready to come here.

“What he did here today was to see him stretch his legs, see that he is fit and well and that he has taken the journey OK.

“The hard work has been done at home and now it is a case of keeping him wrapped up until Saturday.

“It is very much one day at a time with this horse. Every morning he canters up the gallop, he goes into his box and we check that his leg is still OK.

“I’ve barely allowed myself to think about Saturday, never mind think beyond Saturday.”

Charlie Johnston in Riyadh on Wednesday
Charlie Johnston in Riyadh on Wednesday (Simon Milham/PA)

The yard have a rich history with stayers such as Double Trigger and Royal Rebel, yet Subjectivist could quickly help the young handler emerge from the long shadow of his father, Mark, having recently taken over the licence.

“The only horses that he has mentioned in the same breath as Subjectivist are Attraction and Shamardal, because they are the three horses where we don’t care about the opposition,” said the trainer.

“These horses were just better than anything else and it was just a case of getting them there on their A-game.

“This horse has suffered a serious injury and it is a serious ask to get him back to that level. We have done everything we can and we will find out on Saturday.

Joe Fanning will be aboard Subjectivist again on Saturday
Joe Fanning will be aboard Subjectivist again on Saturday (Steven Paston/PA)

“He has worked a mile and a half round Newcastle. We haven’t worked him over the distance he’s going to run over, we haven’t put him into the red zone and we wouldn’t do that for any horse, but in particular a horse like this coming back from injury.

“Yet any of those three last runs in France, Dubai or Ascot is way ahead of what anything else in the field has achieved and it is just a case of how close to that level can we get a horse back after a tendon injury. It is a big ask, but we have done everything we can.

“We have had a runner in this race in all four renewals, so we are well used to it now. The ground tends to be quick.

“Again, that is a variable that doesn’t matter to us with this horse. He won in a swamp in France and on very quick ground out in Dubai. It is a beautiful track. It is fairly tight on the turf track but again, that should suit a horse like him – he’s not a slow horse by any stretch.

“Everything should suit him, really.”

Walford targeting Newbury prize with Ruby Island

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Mark Walford is planning to send his promising hurdler Ruby Island to Ayr next month in a bid to qualify for the Grade Two EBF Mares’ Final at Newbury.

Fourth in Listed company behind leading Champion Bumper hope Queens Gamble at Cheltenham in November, the daughter of Trans Island made a winning start to her hurdling career at Ayr in December.

Partnered by Jamie Hamilton, the six-year-old then followed up with a smart five-length success over Hashtag Boum at Wetherby and is now being readied for a step up in trip and a return to Scotland.

Walford said: “We are going up to Ayr with her on March 10 for a qualifier for the Mares’ Final at Newbury (March 25), that is the plan.

“She is in good form and improving all the time, we think.

“We are stepping her up to two and a half miles next time, which will suit her.

“She hits a flat spot and she runs on really well. I don’t think the quicker ground will be too much of an issue for her. She’s run on all types of ground and as long as it is not good to firm, she’ll be running.”

North Yorkshire-based Walford feels Ruby Island, who also won a Hexham bumper last March, keeps plenty in reserve and is confident she will be better over further.

He added: “She is a horse with a decent future. She is so strong at the end of a race, which I like, and she is a very good jumper.

“I think she’ll probably do the same over two-and-a-half – she is one of those, she’ll only do what you ask her.

“Over two miles, it is not a lack of speed, she just needs waking up a bit. When Jamie asked her a question at Wetherby, she put it to bed fairly quickly.

“She will try for you, but she certainly doesn’t over-race.”

Walford also had positive news on Into Overdrive, who won the Grade Three Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase at Wetherby on Boxing Day, but subsequently had to bypass the Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster due to a dirty scope.

“Into Overdrive had a small blip before the Sky Bet Chase, hence we didn’t run,” said Walford.

“He had a bad scope, but scoped last week clean as a whistle, so we’re pretty much on track for the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham.”

Niarchos family put renowned stud on the market

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The Niarchos family has announced it is putting its famous Haras de Fresnay-le Buffard French stud up for sale.

Bought in 1979 by the late Stavros Niarchos from Marcel Boussac, no asking price has been announced but it is anticipated that there will be a strong interest from across the globe.

The family remains fully committed to its global racing and breeding operation which encompasses Europe the USA, Australia, South Africa and Japan.

Electra Niarchos (left) with Colm O'Donoghue and Jessica Harrington at Royal Ascot
Electra Niarchos (left) with Colm O’Donoghue and Jessica Harrington at Royal Ascot (PA Wire)

The likes of Miesque, Kingmambo, Sulamani, Hernando and Six Perfections all passed through the stud and sported the famous light and dark blue Niarchos silks on the racecourse.

A total of 45 European Classics, seven Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and seven Breeders’ Cup winners were on the farm at some stage in their lives.

Alan Cooper, racing manager to the Niarchos Family, said: “It is emotional for the family to say goodbye to Fresnay, but as our racing and breeding interests have evolved over the years, we now have horses in a variety of international locations, which makes this the right move for us at this time.”

Lemaire confident Songline can defend Sprint crown

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Songline will spearhead a strong Japanese challenge at the Saudi Cup meeting this weekend, with jockey Christophe Lemaire confident she can retain her 1351 Turf Sprint title.

Trained by Toru Hayashi, she won the Group Three seven-furlong contest last year, part of a fantastic four-timer for the French-born rider, who is a multiple champion in Japan.

Songline will take on 10 rivals on Saturday, including the Richard Hannon-trained Happy Romance and the Charlie Hills pair of Pogo and Garrus.

Yet after partnering the five-year-old in morning work at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse on Wednesday morning, Lemaire says it will take a good one to beat her.

“I rode her this morning and she looks in great condition, “ he said.

“I am very happy with her and so is her trainer. She will be the one to beat again this year, I think.”

The daughter of Kizuna went on to win the Grade One Yasuda Kinen at Tokyo in June, but has not run since disappointing in a Grade Two in September.

Lemaire thinks she can return to her true form and added: “Songline has shown some good form and some bad since winning here last year.

“Coming back from Saudi, she produced some very good results. In the autumn she had an issue and could not perform well. It looks like she is all fine from what I have seen and I hope she will race as well as last year.”

Though a four-time winner at last year’s meeting, Lemaire has just two booked rides this time, with Geoglyph his big-race mount in the $20 million Saudi Cup.

Geoglyph/Riyadh
Lemaire feels Geoglyph will handle the dirt on Saturday (Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia)

Trained by Tetsuya Kimura, Geoglyph took the scalp of stablemate and subsequent dual Grade One winner Equinox at Nakayama last April and while he takes on the might of Country Grammer and Emblem Road in the feature, Lemaire feels he will hold a major chance if he takes to a dirt surface, which he faces for the first time.

“He has a lot of potential. It is hard to predict how he will react on this new surface, but in terms of quality, he has a good chance,” said the rider.

“I have not ridden him on dirt yet and will not until Saturday. I give all my trust to the trainer and the staff.

“He is by Drefong, an American horse, so we expect him to run good and to adapt to the surface.

“It is always a big change for the horses. He is a Grade One winner in Japan and he beat Equinox, which is the new superstar in Japan, so it shows how good Geoglyph is and if he likes the ground, the surface, I think he will cause a big surprise.”

Sixth in the Hong Kong Cup on his last start in December, Geoglyph did not get a clear run under William Buick, yet Lemaire feels the experience of travelling will stand him in good stead.

He added: “He travelled to Hong Kong, so it is always a good experience for horses to travel. It will be his second travel in a couple of months, but he is an easy horse and can adapt.

“In Hong Kong he was a bit unlucky in the race and he did not show his best, but hopefully on Saturday he will show people what he is able to do.”

Songline/Riyadh
Songline looks in great shape ahead of her 1351 Turf Sprint engagement (Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia)

Lemaire feels there will be no excuses for either the American or Japanese horses in the big race, despite modifications to the dirt track.

“I agree that this is the best dirt track in the world,” added Lemaire.

“There was a little change between the first edition of the Saudi Cup three years ago.

“It looks like the ground is now a little bit deeper than it was before, but the quality of the sand is still good. It is a little bit different.

“It looks a little bit tougher for the horses to finish quick. The Saudi Cup winner came from behind last year. I think it looks like more of a front-runners’ track now.

“It is a little between the very quick American dirt and the deeper dirt track in Japan for example. We are somewhere in the middle. Both American horses and Japanese horses can adapt to this track.”

Williams ‘heartbroken’ as 18-day ban scuppers Cheltenham hopes

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Lorcan Williams described himself as “devastated” to be missing the Cheltenham Festival having been banned for 18 days after breaching the new whip rules at Haydock on Saturday.

Williams was riding Makin’yourmindup in the Prestige Novices’ Hurdle and narrowly got the better of Kevin Brogan on Collectors Item, who was also suspended for eight days.

As the race was a Grade Two, both jockeys had their penalties doubled. In Williams’ case he used the whip twice above the permitted level of seven and with his arm above shoulder height.

“I’m absolutely devastated to be missing the four biggest days of the year. Obviously I’m not going to be the only one, but I’m absolutely heartbroken. I’ll just have to take it on the chin and keep moving forward,” Williams told Sky Sports Racing.

“I found the shoulder height (rule) very difficult. It’s a very hard situation for me. I’ve been trained my whole life, I’m lucky enough to live in an area with a jockey coach, so we’ve been trained all our lives for that.

“I’m one of the biggest jockeys in the weighing room at 6ft, I’m a big bloke, and the technique I use is for the welfare of the horse that I’m riding. I get very low in the saddle, I tuck myself away to make myself sellable to owners and trainers. I’ve got very long arms and the technique I use of bringing it over my head is to make sure I’m making the right connection with the horse in the correct spot.

“I tried all things, even when the rule of the backhand was informed (since rescinded) I was keeping it in the backhand for muscle memory, but I’m not the only jockey that has been pulled in.”

Williams admitted he was not keeping count of his strikes in the tight finish, but claims to do so in the heat of a race is challenging.

Makin'yourmindup after winning at Haydock
Makin’yourmindup after winning at Haydock (Ashley Iveson/PA)

He said: “It’s very difficult, with all the emotion that comes across in a close finish when you are trying to finish in the best possible position. I’m a jockey who rides very much off instinct.

“On Saturday I only used my stick from the back of the last, I used it twice in the backhand because myself and Kevin Brogan got close and had a little collision, so I used my stick with instinct. I used two in the backhand to correct my horse, then switched over to the left and used on instinct to ensure the best position.

“I’m very aware of the rules but it’s very hard with all the emotion that comes in, it’s very difficult (to count). I rode off instinct and I wasn’t aware of how often I’d used it – like I said, two of my hits were to correct my horse.

“If it had been two weeks before I’d have been only getting four days, but now it’s ruling me out of the four biggest days of the year.

“It’s a lot for a jockey to take on board, we have a lot to think about and having that held above us, it is very difficult to get in the right position and control the horse.”

Williams explained he knew soon after the race that he had transgressed, but was not officially informed until 6pm on Tuesday that he would be getting a ban.

“We were made aware we were being called in,” he said. “There was a collision so that was all sorted in an inquiry, then we were brought in separately and we had to give our reasoning as to using our whips in that manner. That’s always been the way it has been.

“I had to wait until yesterday (to find out). It was quite stressful because I had to wait until about 6pm, so I was refreshing my emails flat out. It was quite a bit of stress waiting to see what we were getting.

“My coach rang me and I’ll be popping in once a week and I’ll be trying my very best to get this correct.

“I think we all need to come to an agreement and meet in the middle because at the moment, even in the bedding-in period it wasn’t a success and I think owners, jockeys, trainers and the BHA all need to come together because at the moment us jockeys are seen as the inflictors and we need to get the right image across.”

Chief regulatory officer of the British Horseracing Authority Brant Dunshea
Chief regulatory officer of the British Horseracing Authority Brant Dunshea (Victoria Jones/PA)

The BHA’s chief regulatory officer, Brant Dunshea said: “The whip has been used not only above the permitted level, but also from above shoulder height on multiple occasions. This is a breach of the rules in most racing jurisdictions.

“Lorcan was advised on numerous occasions throughout the bedding-in period of rides that would amount to a breach of the new Rules should he continue to ride in the same manner. The Review Committee have included a mandatory session with the British Racing School as part of his penalty.

“This is part of the purpose of the Committee, to bring about improvements in riding standards.”

Twenty suspensions issued in first week of new whip rules

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A total of 20 riding suspensions were incurred during the first week under the British Horseracing Authority’s revised whip regulations, with one serious breach resulting in disqualification.

New rules came into force on February 13 following a bedding-in period when the new penalty structure was not in force but jockeys were advised of the punishment they would have received for offences.

Whip bans are no longer handed out on the day of the offence, with all breaches referred to the Whip Review Committee, which met on Tuesday to assess the cases.

Charlotte Jones was found to have used her whip 11 times when beaten a head into second on Jimmy Moffatt’s Lunar Discovery at Ayr last Tuesday.

As she breached the seven-stroke limit by four, with the Committee stating “none of the hits were clearly and unequivocally for safety purposes”, her mount was disqualified and Jones will be banned for 14 days (March 7-20 inclusive).

Lorcan Williams has been banned for 18 days
Lorcan Williams has been banned for 18 days (John Walton/PA)

Lorcan Williams is one of the higher profile names to fall foul of the regulations and he will miss the Cheltenham Festival having been given an 18-day ban for his winning ride on Makin’yourmindup at Haydock on Saturday.

Williams, who is attached to champion trainer Paul Nicholls’ stable, had feared he would be severely punished after driving home Makin’yourmindup in a narrow finish to the Prestige Novices’ Hurdle.

He was adjudged to have used his whip twice over the allowed amount, but as the race was a Grade Two a harsher penalty was admonished, as befits the new structure.

His suspension begins on March 7 and runs to March 24. Williams was also fined £1,050.

The rider of the second in that race, Kevin Brogan, also used his whip above the permitted level, with his extra strike costing him an eight-day ban, as his suspensions in class one and two races are doubled.

Aidan Coleman was given four days for a ride at Ascot
Aidan Coleman was given four days for a ride at Ascot (John Walton/PA)

Aidan Coleman, Gavin Sheehan and Derek Fox also featured on the suspension list, with the first two banned for four days and the latter for seven, while Luke Scott got 14 days for his ride aboard Progressive at Wetherby.

Harry Kimber picked up two separate bans, meaning 19 individual riders broke the rules, with three offences occurring in the same conditional jockeys’ hurdle at Newcastle on February 16.

Breaches were not limited to overuse, with some riders – including Coleman – judged to have not given their mounts time to respond while others were found to have used the whip with the arm above shoulder height.

The new rules were introduced following a consultation process, with a late revision made in January when the original intended directive ruling out using the whip in the forehand was reversed in favour of a reduced amount of strikes and tougher penalty structure.

Following the issuing of suspensions, David Jones, chair of the Whip Consultation Steering Group, said: “The changes to the whip rules implemented last week were the result of an exhaustive consultation process.

Whip regulations were changed following a consultation process
Whip regulations were changed following a consultation process (Daniel Hambury/PA)

“The new rules are based on recommendations which were put to the BHA Board by a Steering Group which consisted of expertise drawn from across the racing industry and beyond, including prominent jockeys and trainers.

“They were unanimous in agreement that changes must be made to ensure more judicious use of the whip for encouragement, and improve the perception of whip use.

“The changes include a reduction of one in the permitted number of uses of the whip to six in a Flat race and seven in a jumps race, and increased penalties for offences. Jockeys consulted were in agreement that increased penalties were necessary.

“Similar changes were recently announced in France, where the thresholds for acceptable use are already lower than in British racing.

“This is not about appeasing those who wish to see the sport banned, or attempting to convert them. It is instead about ensuring that racing takes control of its own destiny, and ensuring that we safeguard the sport against changing perceptions amongst its future audiences.

“Racing has so much to be proud about. We all look forward to celebrating the magnificent horses and people and the wonderful stories that our sport produces in the coming weeks.”

Brant Dunshea, the BHA’s chief regulatory officer, added: “Jockeys have had more than four weeks to adapt to the new rules through the bedding-in period. As the jockeys themselves have stated, it is now up to them to ensure that they ride within the new rules.”

Dunshea described disqualification as “the ultimate deterrent for overuse of the whip” and hopes the early instance “sends a clear message” to riders.

He said: “There is simply no excuse for using the whip four or more times above the permitted level. It was always likely that the disqualification rule would need to be invoked in the early stages of the implementation of the new rules.

“We hope that this sends a clear message to all jockeys and reinforces this deterrent effect.”

Jimmy Moffatt (second right), along with owners Kevin and Anne Glastonbury and jockey Charlotte Jones confirmed they would not appeal
Jimmy Moffatt (second right), along with owners Kevin and Anne Glastonbury and jockey Charlotte Jones confirmed they would not appeal (David Davies/PA)

Connections of Lunar Discovery later announced they would not be appealing the disqualification.

A statement issued through the National Trainers Federation on behalf of trainer James Moffatt, owners Kevin and Anne Glastonbury and Jones said: “It is obviously very disappointing and upsetting for all of us here to see that Lunar Discovery was disqualified from her second-placed finish last week. 

“However, it was understood by the sport that in tightening up the rules and penalties around whip use, we would see a reduced level of discretion as to what constituted an offence.

“On this basis, despite being firmly of the view that there was no detrimental impact at all on our horse, we are accepting of the outcome that the Review panel has reached. Lunar Discovery was in excellent health after her race and will be ready to go again in due course, where she will continue to be ridden by Charlotte, after she has served her first ever whip ban.”

Boughey eyeing Saudi riches with Missed The Cut

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George Boughey has high hopes that Missed The Cut can strike for the British raiders at the fourth edition of the Saudi Cup and become the flag-bearer for his Newmarket yard.

The young trainer has enjoyed a stratospheric rise since taking out his licence in 2019, just like the horse who will represent him in Saturday’s Neom Turf Cup at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse.

Boughey enjoyed Classic success for the first time last season, with Cachet landing the 1000 Guineas over the Rowley Mile, and there is confidence in the camp that Missed The Cut can also make his mark at the top level in due course.

The American-bred four-year-old had not seen a racecourse until April last year, but won four of his first six races, including victory in the Golden Gates Stakes at Royal Ascot.

He subsequently bounced back from a Group Two defeat at Deauville to beat leading Dubai World Cup hope Algiers at Lingfield in November and Boughey has kept his powder dry since ahead of what he hopes could be a huge year.

“He has come a long way in a short space of time,” said the trainer, who saw the son of Quality Road breeze on the track ahead of the extended 10-furlong test on Saturday.

“There was a rapid rise through the summer last year, possibly too much too soon when we took him out to France for a Group Two.

“We are just taking our time with him. He comes here in super shape, so we are looking forward to it.

“His last run is obviously good form. Algiers has taken his form to a whole different level on the dirt at Meydan and this is a whole different kettle of fish.

“It is a tight 10 and a half furlongs around the turf on Saturday. He has plenty of pace and he should go pretty well.”

Boughey believes his charge is only now starting to mature, adding: “He is a very good-looking horse and he’s only sort of furnishing now. He was very raw last year and his demeanour has improved. His behaviour is better and he is certainly going the right way.

“I hope he can be a flag-bearer for the yard. He has got to go and do it on the world stage and his work is getting that way.”

Missed The Cut winning at Royal Ascot
Missed The Cut winning at Royal Ascot (Adam Davy/PA)

He went on: “I think he could be versatile ground and trip-wise. He has got a dirt pedigree as well, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him step onto an all-weather surface in the pretty near future.”

Boughey harbours hopes that Missed The Cut could make a return to Riyadh next year for the Saudi Cup itself, should all go to plan.

He added: “We will take one step at a time, but he has a top-side dirt pedigree and we will certainly be exploring that soon, whether it will be in Dubai or America.

“He is obviously part-owned by Lanes End Stud and that will be where we want him to end up (in America).

“He has got to go and prove it. He is a Stakes winner now, but is certainly going the right way.”

Oisin Murphy has been among the winners since his return from suspension
Oisin Murphy has been among the winners since his return from suspension (John Walton/PA)

Oisin Murphy, fresh from his 14-month ban, will take the ride for the first time.

The Irishman has only had six previous rides for Boughey, yet the conditioner is eyeing a long-term partnership with the former champion jockey.

Boughey said: “We have had a bit of a headache through his career so far with jockey changes.

“Oisin is a world-class rider and I think we might be able to get a bit of consistency with him.

“He doesn’t, at the moment, have a top-class 10-furlong horse to ride this year, so it would be good to nail him down and hopefully they can create a good bond together.”

Kevin Stott announced as retained rider for Amo Racing

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Amo Racing Limited has announced Kevin Stott as its new retained rider for the 2023 Flat season.

The ownership group, led by football agent Kia Joorabchian, has become an increasingly powerful force in recent years, with winners Persian Force, Go Bears Go, Crypto Force and Hello You among those to carry their purple and white silks to Group-race success.

Rossa Ryan was previously the number one jockey for Amo Racing, but lost the job last summer, after which the likes of Frankie Dettori and Colin Keane were called upon for high-profile rides.

But in a statement released on Wednesday, it was confirmed that Stott, who enjoyed Group One success aboard Hello Youmzain in the 2020 Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot, will now ride the majority of Amo Racing’s horses.

Crypto Force and Colin Keane winning the Beresford Stakes at the Curragh
Crypto Force and Colin Keane winning the Beresford Stakes at the Curragh (Brian Lawless/PA)

Joorabchian said: “We’re delighted to have secured Kevin as our number one rider for the 2023 season. He is super-talented, and we consider him as one of the top tier elite Flat jockeys.

“I am positive we can provide him with a platform from which he can excel further, and we look forward to a successful partnership.”

Stott said: “The Amo Racing job is arguably one of the biggest. The strength and depth they have at their disposal is second to none and I’m very excited to be part of the team. I look at this as the beginning of a long and successful partnership.

“I want to ride the best horses in the best races and that is the level Amo operate at. I can’t wait to get started.”

Mullins rates Incredible’s National chance

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Willie Mullins has his usual strong hand in the Randox Grand National but seems sweet on the chances of Mr Incredible following his good run at Warwick recently.

Having just his second start since leaving Henry de Bromhead, Mr Incredible finished second to Iwilldoit in the Classic Chase – a race which has been a good pointer to Aintree in the past.

Mullins has several others with leading claims, including Grade One-winning novices Capodanno and Gaillard Du Mesnil, with Thyestes winner Carefully Selected another to consider.

Running through his entries, Mullins said: “Burrows Saint (10st 12lb) jumps well around the National, finished fourth in 2021. He’s had a little bit of time off with a few training problems and he comes back for his first run in the Bobbyjo this week. That’s usually a good pointer for the National. If he runs well there he could have a good crack at the National.

Capodanno was a Grade One winner last season
Capodanno was a Grade One winner last season (Niall Carson/PA)

“Capodanno (11st 5lb) is very interesting. He won a three-mile Grade One novice at the end of last season, I think he stays the trip. At the moment I think we’re going for the Gold Cup.

“Carefully Selected (11st 1lb) won the Thyestes and the Thyestes, at our local track at Gowran Park, is always a great guide to the Grand National so I’ve no problem with him staying the trip and I’ve no problem with him jump around. He’s a good each-way, I think, for the National.

“Franco De Port (11st 3lb) is another who loves a trip and loves jumping. He was third in the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris and that sort of form would give him a chance in a National.

“Gaillard Du Mesnil (11st) is a novice in name, (but) he’s a second-season novice.

“He eventually broke his maiden at Christmas, winning a three-mile Grade One novice at Leopardstown and that’s good form.

“He jumps and stays and will probably go to Cheltenham first and, all being well, have a good crack at the National after that.

“Mr Incredible (10st 4lb) is a nice horse and that run at Warwick puts him right in there – I think he has a nice weight for the National too.

“Recite A Prayer (10st 1lb) ran around Aintree and is usually a very good jumper. He’s a horse that lots of lads will putting their hands up to ride.

“You have Grade One form with Capodanno and Gaillard Du Mesnil, but I think Mr Incredible is a nice horse and his run in Warwick puts him right there.”

Chacun in the frame for Newlands Chase task

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Chacun Pour Soi could bid to get back to winning ways in Sunday’s Newlands Chase at Naas.

Willie Mullins’ multiple Grade One winner is now 11 and has struggled to recapture his former glories this season, coming home a well-beaten third on each of his two starts.

He is one of eight entries in the two-mile Grade Three, with Gordon Elliott responsible for Battleoverdoyen and the novice, Hollow Games.

“Hollow Games is the young horse in the line-up and is still a novice, but we are going to target the spring festivals with him and we decided to give him an entry for this race to give us the option,” said Elliott.

Hollow Games needs to bounce back from a disappointing effort at Christmas
Hollow Games needs to bounce back from a disappointing effort at Christmas (Brian Lawless/PA)

“He was very good when he won his beginners’ chase but disappointed us a bit at Christmas, so we’ve freshened him up and he’s ready to go now again. The stiff two miles should play into his strengths, but it looks a good race so we’ll make a call later in the week.”

Henry de Bromhead’s Coeur Sublime is also among the eight entries.

Elliott could also run Found A Fifty in the Grade Two Johnstown Novice Hurdle, which has the potential to be very informative.

“Found A Fifty couldn’t have done any more the last day and we’ve been happy with him since,” said Elliott.

“He is a horse we’re hoping to target at the big festivals this spring, so hopefully he’ll give a good account of himself this weekend and we’ll take it from there.”

Emmet Mullins’ Corbetts Cross, the Mullins-trained Tactical Move and Stuart Crawford’s Lily Du Berlais all hold claims.

As does John McConnell’s Jackpot De Choisel, a wide-margin winner at Ayr when last seen.

“We were delighted with his win at Ayr earlier this month,” said McConnell.

“The plan is to run him in the Grade Two at Naas on Sunday to get another run into him which will be good experience for a young horse. Sunday will be against older and more experienced horses as well, so hopefully that should stand to him and we’ll go to Cheltenham then, all being well.

“He has an entry in the Triumph Hurdle and Sunday should give us a steer towards there or the Boodles at Cheltenham. This will only be his third run, so hopefully there’s more to come from him.”