Hugely popular Buzz heads for long and happy retirement

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Cesearwitch and Ascot Hurdle winner Buzz has been retired by Nicky Henderson and owners Thurloe Thoroughbreds.

The popular grey captured the public’s imagination with a string of tough staying performances on the Flat and over hurdles for the Seven Barrows yard.

As a seven-year-old in October 2021 he captured the Cesarewitch under Oisin Murphy and the following month took the Grade Two Ascot Hurdle in the hands of Nico de Boinville.

However, he suffered a fractured pelvis on the eve of the Long Walk Hurdle and while he subsequently recovered to make a comeback after 508 days off in the Further Flight Stakes at Nottingham earlier this month, he finished last of five to Rajinsky.

In a statement, Thurloe Thoroughbreds said: “Our Cesarewitch and Ascot Hurdle star Buzz, who recovered so remarkably from a pelvis fracture last year, has been retired.

“It was a massive achievement getting Buzz back on the racecourse last week after a year and a half off. He was eased down after getting tired in heavy ground and although he was fine after the run he was lame and sore after the next day.

“It was a muscular lameness which flared up as a result of reusing muscles he hasn’t used for such a long time.

“We have discussed with Buzz’s vet Dave Matheson and have agreed that persevering with Buzz in training would be very tough on him as even though he is fit, well and enjoying his training, he does put so much into his work and his racing that he may always be a bit lame and sore afterwards.

“Therefore we have made the bittersweet decision to retire Buzz from racing.

“Buzz brought Thurloe on the most unbelievable journey from day one, throwing his all into every race he competed in.

Buzz and Nico de Boinville (left) took the Ascot Hurdle
Buzz and Nico de Boinville (left) took the Ascot Hurdle (Nigel French/PA)

“It was always going to be a huge achievement to get him back onto the track and we are so grateful for all of those who have been part of the process from Nicky Henderson and everyone at Seven Barrows, Dave Matheson, Charlie and Tracy Vigors at Hillwood Stud, Greta Mason and Matt Buckland and, of course, Reggie Pallas who has been devoted to him as his work rider and loyal partner from day one.

“Buzz’s character has made him a horse to follow but the fact that he has contributed to raising upwards of £150,000 for our charity endeavours, The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, has made it even more special.

“We are delighted that Buzz will retire with a happy and long life ahead of him with Reggie, who will be able to have him himself.

“He will have a summer off now and hopefully there will be plenty of wonderful adventures for him and Reggie to discover in their next chapter together. He has been a joy for us in every way to own and we are so happy he can have a long and healthy retirement.

“Thank you for the memories Buzz, you are, and always will be, a horse of a lifetime.”

Fowler aiming for memorable Scottish Champion Hurdle triumph

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Lorna Fowler may train in Ireland, yet she is a fiercely proud Scot and would like nothing better than to win one of the biggest races north of the border, starting with Saturday’s Coral Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr.

The County Meath-based handler is hoping Colonel Mustard will be able to shoulder 11st 8lb to success in the valuable two-mile Grade Two handicap, having finished runner-up to Benson in Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso last month.

“I’m not so worried about the weight, because First Street has kept the weights down – that said, First Street might go and take the honours!” said Fowler.

“We want to go and conquer Scotland this time. We went very close last time. I’m very happy with him, we just need a bit of luck – I’m confident in his ability, but we need a slice of luck in the race for it to pan out.

“I have a lot of respect for the race and there are a lot of very good horses in it. So it is a strong race, but at the moment I’m happy with him and we will go to do our best.

“He seems to have had softer ground all year, but good to soft would be perfect for him.

“He’ll kick or bite anybody at the moment. I’ll be disappointed if he doesn’t bring his A game when he’s in that good a form.”

“We would not be taking him if we were not going with confidence, but in a ferociously competitive handicap, we have to make out own luck. There are plenty of positives.”

Among his 11 rivals is Salsada, who was runner-up in a Grade Two mares’ hurdle at Doncaster in January, her sole run since June last year.

Salsada has had her handicap mark protected
Salsada has had her handicap mark protected (Mike Egerton/PA)

Trainer Brian Ellison has been patient in laying her out for this prize.

He said: “She ran really well at Donny and we kept her back for this race as she’s quite well handicapped still, and we didn’t want to run her to spoil her handicap mark.

“She runs well fresh and good ground will be ideal for her.

“I think we are 3lb wrong at the weights but Patrick Wadge takes off 5lb, so that should help.”

Kelso’s Grade Two Premier Novices’ Hurdle winner Nemean Lion represents Kerry Lee, having his first run in a handicap off a mark of 135.

“We’ve no idea where his ceiling is or where his competitive mark is,” said Lee. “It is his first time out of novice company, too, and it looks a very competitive race.

Nemean Lion makes his handicap debut for Kerry Lee
Nemean Lion makes his handicap debut for Kerry Lee (Nick Potts/PA)

“He is in really good form, but we really need the rain on Saturday. I don’t know whether it will turn up or not.”

Milkwood has not won since landing this prize two years ago for Neil Mulholland, and the nine-year-old bids to regain his crown having been pulled up in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham.

“He got stuck in the mud at Cheltenham, but there was nowhere else to go,” said the handler.

“The ground went against him that day and hopefully the ground will be better, as he is better on decent ground.

“This looks the ideal spot for him and we’re hoping he will run his race.”

Milkwood took the Scottish Champion Hurdle in 2021
Milkwood took the Scottish Champion Hurdle in 2021 (Jeff Holmes/PA)

There is a field of nine for the CPMS Novices’ Champion Handicap Chase, where Joe Tizzard’s Reynoldstown winner Oscar Elite attempts to gain compensation for not having the best of runs behind Corach Rambler in the Ultima at the Festival, where he finished fifth.

Tizzard said: “He just missed the break a bit at Cheltenham and ended up much further back than we really wanted, but Harry (Cobden) then didn’t panic, he just crept into it and had every chance turning in, so ultimately I thought it was a good run.

“He is only a novice for another week, so we are just trying to take advantage of that.

Oscar Elite has enjoyed a fine season for Joe Tizzard
Oscar Elite has enjoyed a fine season for Joe Tizzard (Steve Paston/PA)

“It’s definitely the right race for him and he likes a bit of better ground as well. We’ve been throwing him at the deep end and he’s not disgraced himself. There are nine runners and he should enjoy himself.”

Sail Away has trainer Dan Skelton in bullish mood after the seven-year-old chased home Jetoile at Chepstow.

“We had Sail Away in the Scottish National, but this race looks ideal for him,” said Skelton. “He ran OK when second at Chepstow on his return and I think he’s got a right good chance.”

Waipiro makes waves in Derby market

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Derby entrant Waipiro turned what looked a hot bet365 British EBF “Confined” Novice Stakes at Newmarket into a procession.

Trained by Ed Walker, the half-brother to Hong Kong Group One winner Waikuku had finished sixth of 13 on his only start last year at Kempton behind Simon and Ed Crisford’s Wigmore Street.

As a result he was sent off the outsider of the whole field against three previous winners and several other bluebloods.

Running into the dip it appeared as if Karl Burke’s promising Liberty Lane was going to make all the running under Clifford Lee – but Tom Marquand was still sitting pretty on Waipiro.

When Marquand asked his mount to stretch, the Australia colt did just that and powered away from the field to win by three and a half lengths at 25-1.

He now looks bound for a Derby trial, with Paddy Power cutting him to 33-1 from 200-1 for the Classic itself.

“We left him in the Derby because we think he’s a nice horse,” said Walker.

“He had a float around Kempton last year but he was very weak. He ran fine from a bad draw, doing all his best work at the end.

“He’s been working well in the spring, but the horses hadn’t been running as well as I’d like so it was a well-needed boost for the yard.

“He is a raw horse, he behaved very badly, he was very green and physically he’s still very raw, he’s only going to get better and better so it’s exciting.

“I think we’ll run in a trial, I don’t know which one yet, I’ll see what Tom says.”

Indestructible earns Guineas ticket with Craven success

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Indestructible made the best possible start to life with Karl Burke when winning the bet365 Craven Stakes at Newmarket – and paid a handsome compliment to Chaldean in the process.

Formerly with Michael O’Callaghan in Ireland, Indestructible was moved to Burke’s stables in Leyburn by owners Amo Racing and the transfer paid an immediate dividend.

The increasingly familiar purple and white Amo silks have enjoyed a stellar week at HQ, with Richard Hannon’s Mammas Girl winning the Nell Gwyn and propelling herself into the 1000 Guineas picture in the process being supplemented by the impressive victory of Persian Dreamer.

Andrew Balding’s Chaldean, due to run in Saturday’s Greenham Stakes at Newbury, beat Indestructible twice last season in the Acomb Stakes at York and the Champagne at Doncaster.

Joined at the head of affairs going into the dip by The Foxes, Indestructible stuck his head down for Kevin Stott and found plenty for pressure while The Foxes – who looked to go a length up a one stage – drifted over to the far rail.

In the end Indestructible ran out a length and a quarter winner, with Dancing Magic staying on for third. Charlie Appleby’s Mysterious Night, sent off the 15-8 favourite, was niggled from some way out and failed to get competitive.

“Thankfully the horses have started to hit form. If you’d been talking to me two weeks ago I was pulling what is left of my hair out, but things have clicked into gear,” said Burke.

“This is a lovely, scopey horse. I got a phone call just before Christmas asking if we’d take him and I’m not going to turn down horses like him.

“We had a couple of niggles with him physically after he arrived, nothing major, but because of those niggles I’m sure he’s having a good blow today and he’ll improve.

“He has worked well, especially in the last two weeks as with each piece of work he did leading into this he worked better each time, so I’m delighted.

“I’d say I’d have to fight Kia (Joorabchian, owner) now not to come back here in two weeks’ time (2000 Guineas). He deserves his chance, I’m sure.”

Balding’s wife, Anna-Lisa, said: “These trials are always a fact-finding mission and for him (The Foxes) he’s run really good and his best days are hopefully ahead of him still over a little bit further.

The Foxes is heading to York
The Foxes is heading to York (Steven Paston/PA)

“For Chaldean, he’s wintered well and Saturday will answer more questions.”

King Power racing manager Alistair Donald said of The Foxes: “We’re delighted. This was always going to be a prep for the Dante and the Derby is the main focus.

“We didn’t want to go to the Dante first time out. Today he’s travelled great, looked like he was going to win the race and just got tired. I think he was a bit lonely out in front there as well.

“It’s quite exciting and we’re perfectly on track for the plan.”

Garrus picks up deserved victory in Abernant Stakes

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Garrus went one better than last year when holding off dual Stewards’ Cup winner Commanche Falls in the Connaught Access Flooring Abernant Stakes at Newmarket, in which odds-on favourite Creative Force was only third.

The Charlie Hills-trained grey may be a seven-year-old but once more proved that some sprinters improve with age and he was winning the third Group Three of his career.

Last seen competing in Saudi Arabia, he made his challenge on the far side of the track under Ryan Moore.

Only beaten a length by Highfield Princess in the Prix Maurice de Gheest last season, the winner has some good form to his name but was expected to have plenty on his plate against Charlie Appleby’s Creative Force, who was down in grade.

However, William Buick was hard at work from some way out and it was Michael Dods’ Commanche Falls who made Garrus pull out all the stops.

Garrus, a 9-1 chance, had a head to spare at the line, while Creative Force stayed on only steadily into third, three-quarters of a length away.

The winner was given a 20-1 quote by Betfair for the Platinum Jubilee at Royal Ascot.

Hills said: “He’s a wonderful horse and a pleasure to train really.

“He’s run some good races in some big races and he’s a good Group Three/Group Two horse. I don’t know if we’ll get sucked into making entries in those Group Ones as we’ve tried that, but we’ll see.

“It’s great to win a race like this. He was beaten a short head in it last year so it’s good for him to go one better.

“He’s in the Duke of York and he loves going to France so we’ll look at that as well. There are some nice races for him and he’s a horse any owner and trainer would love to have.”

Creative Force was only third
Creative Force was only third (Steven Paston/PA)

Appleby said of the beaten favourite: “They went steady early, it turned into a bit of a burn-up and unfortunately they got racing on the far side of him so he had nothing to race with.

“Take nothing away from the winner, who has been knocking on the door for something like this as well, but from our point of view William said they got racing away from him on the far side and he was left picking up on his own really.

“We’ll probably look towards the Duke of York. You know what it’s like with these sprinters, they run week in week out and results change, so if they’re fit and well, run them.”

Hills doubled up in the finale when Harry Magnus came from an uncompromising position to win the Best Odds Guaranteed At bet365 Handicap.

Hills was full of praise for his jockey, William Buick, who brought the 5-1 shot through beautifully.

“That was a great ride. It was his first run so I thought he was just going to run a nice race but that was the most amazing ride I’ve seen for a while,” said Hills.

“He’s a nice horse. He’d only run once on turf before but was drawn one at Goodwood and jumped away from the others and was then in no man’s land.

“He’s been a bit green but he might get quicker, he’s not fully there yet.”

Shoulder injury sidelines Harry Skelton

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Harry Skelton is to miss the two-day Scottish Grand National meeting after picking up an injury at Cheltenham on Wednesday.

The former champion jockey is on course to finish fourth in the championship this season and enjoyed two winners at the Grand National meeting last week.

He was due to be busy at Ayr for the next two days but a fall from Heltenham in the Silver Trophy has left him with a shoulder problem.

“He’s hurt his shoulder and obviously it’s the time of year when you can give yourself plenty of time,” his brother, Dan Skelton, told Racing TV.

Harry Skelton (left) with his brother, Dan
Harry Skelton (left) with his brother, Dan (David Davies/PA)

“I think whatever the prognosis is, he can add a little self-control into that and if he needs any longer he can give it that.

“I don’t know what it is at the moment, he’s going to see a specialist tomorrow just to make sure there’s not too much unknown damage.

“He says he feels quite good so that’s a positive, but if he needs X-weeks, he might take X plus two just to make sure just because of the time of the year it is.

“Expect him when you see him.”

Stoute newcomer Passenger enjoys Newmarket stroll

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Sir Michael Stoute is keen to let the dust settle on Passenger’s impressive debut in the bet365 Wood Ditton Maiden Stakes at Newmarket before considering the next plan of attack.

A field of eight unraced three-year-olds went to post for what is traditionally a strong contest run over the Rowley Mile, with Passenger an 11-1 shot in the hands of Ryan Moore.

Andrew Balding’s well-supported 5-4 favourite New Business set out to make all the running, but was reeled in by both the William Haggas-trained Kathab and Niarchos-owned Ulysses colt Passenger, who stretched three lengths clear at the line.

The winner does not currently hold any big-race entries and Stoute will take his usual patient approach.

“He’s very straightforward, he’d done plenty of work and did it very professionally,” said the Freemason Lodge handler.

“He was a little bit noisy before the race, but he was fine once Ryan got on him.

“None of the horses in the race had run, so you don’t know what the opposition is, but we like him and today was finding out time.

“We felt the Wood Ditton over a mile was a nice starting point, but I think we’ll go a mile and a quarter next time.

“We’ve got to sit back and think and give him a couple of pieces of work once he’s freshened up. There are no plans at the moment.”

Prepense in the clear at Newmarket
Prepense in the clear at Newmarket (Tim Goode/PA)

Stoute and Moore also combined to secure top honours in the Rossdales Maiden Fillies’ Stakes, with 15-8 favourite Prepense opening her account at the third attempt.

Runner-up to subsequent Fillies’ Mile heroine Commissioning on her July course debut before suffering a short-priced reverse at Chester, the daughter of Kingman showed the benefit of a wind operation on her reappearance – quickening smartly and keeping just enough up her sleeve to repel the late charge of Spring Dawn by half length.

Stoute said: “She did that nicely and is getting more professional, she just hasn’t fully grown up mentally yet, but she’s got plenty of talent and it’s coming together.

“We don’t have any plans, but she’s a filly we’ll be looking for some black type for pretty soon.”

Once More for Luck (centre) won the opening race at Newmarket
Once More for Luck (centre) won the opening race at Newmarket (Tim Goode/PA)

Once More For Luck was a 28-1 winner of the bet365 Handicap for trainer Ismail Mohammed and jockey Benoit De La Sayette.

Making his first appearance since finishing sixth at 250-1 in the Middle Park Stakes in the autumn, the three-year-old made a successful handicap debut by one and a quarter lengths.

Mohammed’s assistant Jose Santos said: “Last season was a tough season for him, the Middle Park was his seventh race and it was too many races in too short a time.

“He’s a horse who is developing really well. He is in the Group Two at York (Duke of York Stakes) and if he is well he will go for it and if he is successful the next target will be the July Cup.”

Brigadier Gerard comeback beckons for Desert Crown

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Desert Crown is back in stronger work, with Sir Michael Stoute eyeing a familiar race for his return to action.

Last year’s impressive Derby winner has not been seen since it looked like he had the racing world at his feet.

However, speaking after he watched his newcomer Passenger bolt up in the Wood Ditton at Newmarket, Stoute nominated Sandown’s Brigadier Gerard Stakes on May 25 for his comeback target.

It is a race Stoute has farmed over the years, winning it 12 times – most recently with Bay Bridge last year who went on to land the Champion Stakes.

“We’re getting him back, he’s in strong work now and we’re looking forward to seeing how he progresses, but so far things have gone very smoothly,” said Stoute.

“He’s done all his foundation work and went into strong work yesterday.

“I think we are (on target for the Brigadier Gerard). All is going well now – the athlete is back in strong work.”

Of Bay Bridge, who beat 2021 Derby winner Adayar and Baaeed in the Champion Stakes, he said:  “He’s in good shape and will either go to Sandown (Gordon Richards Stakes) or to France (Prix Ganay).”

‘Special’ Auguste Rodin just one to look forward to for Moore

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Ryan Moore has high hopes Qipco 2000 Guineas and Betfred Derby favourite Auguste Rodin will go on and prove himself as a “special” horse.

Since finishing second on his debut the Deep Impact colt won his maiden before taking a Group Two on Irish Champions Weekend and signing off for the season in the Vertem Futurity Trophy at Doncaster.

“He’s obviously a very exciting horse, he should be unbeaten but we missed the first day. Apart from that, he’s done everything right, every start and the Vertem Futurity wasn’t a straightforward race, but he did everything right and showed a good attitude,” said Moore on the Betfair Betting Podcast.

“I think he beat a fair horse, the horse of (John and Thady) the Gosdens (Epictetus) and I think he’s going to be a better horse this year again. Obviously, he’s by Deep Impact out of Rhododendron.

“He ticks all the boxes, he’s a real good moving horse and has a beautiful rhythm. So we’re looking forward to this season.”

Despite being as low as 5-2 for the Guineas, Moore and trainer Aidan O’Brien have always viewed him as more of a Derby type.

“We always thought that’s what he was, he got an awful lot of class and hopefully he’s a special horse,” said Moore.

“I don’t think he’s going to struggle for pace (in the Guineas). He’s got plenty of speed, his dam won a Lockinge. There’s plenty of pace there. He’s moving beautifully at the moment and seems to be in a good place.”

Little Big Bear spreadeagled his rivals in the Phoenix Stakes
Little Big Bear spreadeagled his rivals in the Phoenix Stakes (Lorraine O’Sullivan/PA)

Second-favourite for the Guineas is stablemate Little Big Bear, who has not run since a setback prevented him from building on his stunning seven-length Phoenix Stakes win over six furlongs.

“When he got into top gear and he opened up in the last furlong there, he was very impressive and ran through the line. You know, his last furlong was his best furlong,” said Moore.

“All he’s done is finish off his race well, he’s a very exciting horse. By No Nay Never out of a Bering mare. He’s one that we’re very much looking forward to and he could be a very good miler, but we’ll see as we haven’t asked him a serious question yet.

Regarding the trip Moore said: “You never know until you try, but he’ll give himself every opportunity. He does everything right, he’s got a super attitude and the way he ran through the line at the Curragh, you’d like to think that a mile should be within range.”

Meditate is heading for the 1000 Guineas
Meditate is heading for the 1000 Guineas (Donall Farmer/PA)

Moore also holds strong claims in the Qipco 1000 Guineas with Meditate, last seen winning at the Breeders’ Cup.

“She ran pretty much every month last year. OK, she was beat in the Moyglare by a good filly (Tahiyra) but the ground was a bit soft that day,” said Moore.

“She was very good in America when stepped up to the mile. We are looking forward to her. I think she’ll run a big race in the 1000 Guineas.

“(She has a) good long stride suited to Newmarket, is well-balanced and will come down the hill.”

Cheltenham hero Marine skips Punchestown date

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Marine Nationale will bypass next week’s Punchestown Festival and embark on his summer break instead.

The unbeaten six-year-old justified the confidence of trainer Barry Connell with a stunning display at the Cheltenham Festival when winning the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

He was expected to try to extend his unbeaten run in the KPMG Champion Novice Hurdle on Tuesday, but his name was not among the eight confirmations.

“We’ve decided we’re going to let him out now, he’s been on the go for the past 12 months and he didn’t get a summer at grass last year,” said Connell.

“It would have been nice to go to Punchestown, but he’s done a lot. He’s run five times and won five times, so we’ll let him out and look forward to having him for either the Champion Hurdle or possibly a novice chasing campaign which we’ll discuss in the summer.

“His form was boosted at Aintree last week with Inthepocket and Strong Leader coming from the Supreme and Ashroe Diamond from the Royal Bond.

“This time last year he hadn’t had a run and we ended up having a summer campaign which was really unusual, so weighing it all up, we think giving him the break is for the best.”

Looking ahead to next season, Connell added: “I would say the Champion Hurdle route is more likely but he has a lot of schooling done over fences and jumps brilliant, so it is an option.

“He’s only run three times over hurdles and while his jumping was very good at Cheltenham, Michael (O’Sullivan) felt there was room for improvement, he was still hanging in the air a bit which Champion Hurdle horses don’t do. That will come with experience.

“Assuming Constitution Hill goes chasing, there’s probably a vacancy. There’s no Hurricane Fly or Annie Power around in the Champion Hurdle, so that is probably the way we are leaning.

“Good Land (Dublin Festival Grade One winner) will go chasing for sure, though. He ran OK at Cheltenham, if a bit flat, but he’ll be exciting over fences.”

Facile Vega, Diverge and High Definition – all behind Marine Nationale at Cheltenham – are among the eight contenders for the, along with impressive Ballymore winner Impaire Et Passe.

There are seven in the William Hill Champion Chase over two miles with Energumene, Gentleman De Mee, Blue Lord and Chacun Pour Soi all possible for Willie Mullins.

In the Dooley Insurance Champion Novice Chase, Mullins has five of the seven confirmations, which include Sir Gerhard and Appreciate It.