'Jump' Newsletter - Edition 7 (August 6th, 2023)
'Jump' Newsletter - Edition 7 (August 6th, 2023)
Last week's journey to Saratoga was fueled by high hopes and dreams. In the world of horse racing, the thrill comes from the delicate dance between victory and defeat. Yes, the lows can be crushing...
Welcome to the seventh edition of 'Jump.'
Last week's journey to Saratoga was fueled by high hopes and dreams. In the world of horse racing, the thrill comes from the delicate dance between victory and defeat. Yes, the lows can be crushing, but aren't the exhilarating highs worth it?
Our Irish import, Restitution, may have experienced a setback last Wednesday, but does that deter us? Absolutely not. We'll bounce back, stronger and more determined than ever. After all, isn't this rollercoaster of emotions what makes horse racing such a unique experience?
Riders up!
Steve Coxon - USASteeplechase
In Case You Missed It: This Week's Top 5 USA Jump Racing Stories
Contents
The Jonathan Kiser Novice Stakes - McTigue gives Naylors, Murphy a second Spa winner!
Colonial Downs Summer Racing: Updated Schedule.
Wednesday’s Saratoga Preview.
News - American owner Pierre Manigault and American jockey Taylor Kingsley will have a runner on Sunday in the Galway (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race.
Barry John Foley health update!
McTigue gives Naylors, Murphy a second Spa winner!
McTigue, a four-year-old Irish-bred newcomer to both the National Steeplechase Association and the Irv Naylor stable, made it two wins in two starts following a convincing 3 ¾ length victory in Wednesday’s $75,000 Jonathan Kiser novice stakes at Saratoga.
Ridden by Gerard Galligan for trainer Cyril Murphy, McTigue, sent off at $8.50-1, stalked the pace set by Sharon Sheppard and Gill Johnston’s Caramelised and Armata Stable’s Realist before assuming command turning for home the final time.
The race began with Caramelised, ridden by Robbie Dunne, and Realist, with Harry Beswick, asserting themselves and sprinting clear of the six other starters, opening up by as much as around five or so lengths. McTigue, meanwhile, was running easily in third while under wraps, as the rest of the field bunched up close behind.
Heading toward the clubhouse turn the final time, Caramelised opened up daylight on Realist and the rest of the field. Up the backside, Caramelised still had a substantial lead as McTigue inched closed and Riverdee Stable’s Awakened (Tom Garner) made his move. Caramelised began to tire badly heading through the far turn, with McTigue assuming control and pulling clear. Awakened put in a strong bid to be second best, about 11 lengths clear of the show horse, Hurricana Farm’s Merry Maker. Favored Barbados was fourth.
The mount on McTigue was supposed to go to Barry Foley, who was injured in a riding mishap yesterday. On July 19, Murphy, Foley, and Naylor won the $150,000 A.P. Smithwick with Belfast Banter.
McTigue made his first NSA appearance in the $50,000 Speedy Smithwick Memorial stakes at the Virginia Gold Cup Races in May. He was awarded the victory when Michael Smith’s Hoffman, who romped by 20 lengths, missed a beacon and was disqualified. Before that, McTigue enjoyed success in Europe, with eight top-three finishes.
You can check out all the photos from Wednesday at Saratoga at www.todmarks.photoshelter.com
Colonial Downs Summer Racing: Updated Schedule
We have important news regarding the summer racing schedule at Colonial Downs. Due to two recent cancellations, some changes have been made to ensure you don't miss out on any of the action.
Mark your calendars for August 11th and August 18th. On these dates, Colonial Downs will feature not two, but three races each day.
The highlight of this updated schedule? The $75,000 Randolph D. Rouse stakes race. This prestigious event will run on Friday, August 11th.
Wednesday’s Saratoga Entries - Allowance Hurdle for 4-Year-olds and up who have never won a race other than a Maiden, Claiming or Ratings 115.
Wednesday's Allowance race appears to be a wide-open affair with three last-time-out winners competing in the 7-horse field.
Neil Morris' horse, Bandua, stands out as the most accomplished, with a strong record both on the flat and over jumps. Bandua was a seven-time Grade 1 runner four years ago, competing in prestigious races like the Irish Derby, Arlington Million, and The Breeders' Cup Turf. While his flat form may be a bit dated, his jump performances have been solid. He broke his maiden at Colonial Downs last summer and narrowly finished second to the talented Proven Innocent over this course and distance. Bandua is definitely the one to beat!
Arch Kingsley, known for his success at this time of year, sends out Cibolian. In Cibolian's last flat outing, he competed in the Grade 2 Belmont Gold Cup, which has already produced a subsequent winner in L'Imperator. Cibolian followed up that effort with a maiden victory at Colonial Downs just two weeks ago. Keep an eye on this one, as he could be dangerous.
Leslie Young, a trainer who demands attention, fields Rampoldi Plan, a four-year-old gelding that shouldn't be underestimated. Although Rampoldi Plan didn't achieve much in the UK, he quickly adapted to the US, as evidenced by his convincing 8-length victory over Cibolian last time out.
Alongside the top contenders mentioned earlier, there are two Irish breds, Rhebus Road (Ire) and High Mounte (Ire). Trainer Jack Fisher enters Neotropic, while Joseph Davies enters Brown Delivers to round out the field.
Good Luck!
American owner Pierre Manigault's CHEF D'ETAT is entered in the Fr. Breen Memorial (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race at Galway on Sunday. American jockey Taylor Kingsley will have the ride for trainer John "Shark" Hanlon.
"After Cape Gentleman was injured in the Grand National," says Manigault, "I bought one of his stablemates in Shark Hanlon’s barn that Arch (Kingsley) and I had our eyes on and that Shark was very keen on.
"Chef D’etat is a four-year old son of Ribchester who won his first start in a June 2nd bumper at Tramore with 17-year-old Taylor Kingsley. On June 23rd he won his second start in a bumper at Worcester under 16-year-old Paddy Hanlon, Shark’s son.
"It was Taylor’s first win in Ireland and her first overseas start. It was Paddy’s second start under rules and his first win. Both young jockeys won on the same young horse with a 2-for-2 career record now."
The race goes to post at 12:30pm (EDT)
Barry John Foley Health Update!
UPDATE from his wife Sara:
"Surgery went very well. There were too many breaks to count. T3–T9 is fused. 12 screws, rods, drains. He stood up last night for a few seconds. We’re both very tired with a long road ahead.I know everyone is concerned please don’t be alarmed if we don’t respond to all of the messages. We should be here for a week of recovery before heading home."
We ask that you keep Barry and his family in your thoughts as he heals from his injuries.
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Check back on Saturday for more USA Steeplechase news and insights!
Steve
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