Journalism heads Pimlico Classic, massive whip fine for Junior Alvarado, rancour in Paris and entries for the Arc – all this and more features in our weekly digest of recent international racing news
Journalism heads Preakness Stakes
USA: Kentucky Derby runner-up Journalism has been given the go-ahead to contest the Preakness Stakes on Saturday [May 17] and will start as hot favorite in a nine-runner field for the second leg of the Triple Crown.
Pegged at 8-5 on the Pimlico morning line after being drawn in gate two, the son of Curlin adds some much needed lustre to the $2m event after connections of Derby hero Sovereignty and Wood Memorial winner Rodriguez opted to bypass the race. On the other hand, Arkansas Derby winner Sandman has been added to the mix
Journalism, as usual the mount of Umberto Rispoli, was beaten a length and a half at a sloppy Churchill Downs. “I’ve lost zero confidence in him,” said trainer Michael McCarthy.
“When he worked on the Sunday before the Derby, I thought it would take an incredible effort to beat him – if the racetrack was like it was (that day). Mother Nature had other ideas. But I still think his effort was very, very good.” More here
‘I didn’t abuse the horse’ – Alvarado handed $62,000 fine for whip
USA: Kentucky Derby-winning jockey Junior Alvarado has been hit by a $62,000 fine plus a two-day ban for his use of the whip at Churchill Downs.
Alvarado was found to have used the whip “more than the permitted amount” – eight times, where the limit is six. As it was the jockey’s second such offence in the last 180 days, his fine was doubled, with a figure of $62,000 representing 20% of his prize-money earnings for winning on Sovereignty.
“I didn’t abuse the horse,” Alvarado told the Daily Racing Form. “Nobody can tell me, even if they can prove that I hit the horse two extra times, it was in an abusing way, it’s just ridiculous. The punishment doesn’t fit the crime and I don’t think there was any crime.” He is considering an appeal. More here
• Kentucky Oaks winner Good Cheer set for Acorn Stakes More here
Appeal lodged as French Guineas controversy rages on
France: The controversy over a hugely contentious edition of the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches (French 1,000 Guineas) at ParisLongchamp on Sunday [May 11] is far from over with news that connections of demoted ‘winner’ Shes Perfect have lodged an appeal.
After being touched off by the 18-1 outsider, French-trained odds-on favourite Zarigana – carrying the famous silks of the Aga Khan Studs – was promoted to first place over alleged interference. Jubilant scenes in the Shes Perfect camp evaporated into disbelief as the Kieran Shoemark-ridden filly was demoted, with cries of ‘cheat’ and ‘disgrace’ heard in the winner’s enclosure.
Now the owners of Shes Perfect – a syndicate headed by social media ‘personality’ James ‘Basher’ Watts – have lodged an appeal against Zarigana, reportedly on the basis that her jockey Mickael Barzalona slapped her too often with his hand after dropping his whip. No date has been set for the appeal; this one is set to run and run. More here
Japan targets Arc de Triomphe with six entries
France: Japan’s thirst to claim a much coveted first victory in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe shows no signs of abating with six Japanese-trained horses featuring among 78 initial entries for Europe’s richest race on October 5 – double the nation’s three entries in both 2023 and 2024.
A high-profile half-dozen features Arima Kinen winner Regaleira and Redentor, who recently landed the Tenno Sho (Spring), plus Saudi Cup undercard scorers Shin Emperor and Byzantine Dream. The Japanese squad is completed by last year’s champion juvenile Croix Du Nord – runner-up in the recent Satsuki Sho (2,000 Guineas) – and fellow three-year-old Alohi Alii. More here
• France Galop introduces Arc ‘wild card’ entry series of races More here
Ground-breaking jump jockey Rachael Blackmore retires
Ireland: History-making jump jockey Rachael Blackmore has surprised the racing community by announcing her immediate retirement at the age of 35.
The pioneering rider was the first female to win the Grand National, claiming the world’s most famous steeplechase in 2021 on Minella Times. She was also the first woman to win both the Champion Hurdle (Honeysuckle, 2021) and Cheltenham Gold Cup (A Plus Tard, 2022). All three horses were trained by Blackmore’s main employer, leading trainer Henry de Bromhead; she won 18 races altogether at the Cheltenham Festival.
“My days of being a jockey have come to an end,” said Blackmore on X. “I feel the time is right. I’m sad but I’m also incredibly grateful for what my life has been for the past 16 years.” More here
Hollie Doyle breaks UK record for female jockey
GB: Hollie Doyle has broken the record for most winners ridden by a female jockey in Britain.
The popular G1-winning rider partnered the 1,023rd winner of her career in the UK when she scored on 8-1 chance Brindavan at Ascot on Saturday [May 10]. The 28-year-old therefore moved ahead of the 1,022-win mark established by recently retired Hayley Turner.
“I’ve got to pinch myself to believe that I’ve done this well, so long may it continue,” Doyle told Sky Sports Racing. “It’s a great milestone to have reached and I'll keep kicking.” More here
• Hollie Doyle among stars lined up for new-look Shergar Cup featuring Asian team More here
Elsewhere in racing …
USA: Fair Grounds in jeopardy without slots, report claims More here
USA: Scott Jordan appointed NYRA starter More here
GB: Epsom Derby to be run in honour of the late Aga Khan More here
GB: 11-day ban for young tyro Billy Loughnane More here
Japan: Dubai Sheema Classic winner Danon Decile confirmed for York visit More here
Japan: Damian Lane to ride Guineas winner Museum Mile in Tokyo Yushun (Derby) More here
Australia: 2023 Melbourne Cup winner Without A Fight retired More here
Hong Kong: Tony Cruz reaches 500-win Happy Valley milestone More here
Hong Kong: Angus Chung set for stint with Ralph Beckett in UK More here
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