Belmont Stakes latest, a setback for major Epsom Derby hope, Shes Perfect appeal fails – all this and more in our weekly digest of recent international racing news
Belmont Stakes: no decision on Journalism’s status
USA: A decision has yet to be made on whether sensational Preakness Stakes winner Journalism will contest the Belmont Stakes, thereby setting up a ‘decider’ with his Kentucky Derby conqueror Sovereignty in the final leg of the Triple Crown on June 7.
“We would love to go,” said Journalism’s co-owner Aron Wellman. “If this horse is in good shape, we'll certainly keep it under consideration. But we have two-plus weeks to determine that, and we’ll take all the time we need.” More here
Journalism is on site at Saratoga, which will again host this year’s Belmont while its traditional home undergoes a $1.3bn redevelopment programme. Other intended runners in the $2m event include Wood Memorial winner Rodriguez and Kentucky Derby third Baeza. Peter Pan winner Hill Road and British-trained challenger Heart Of Honor are also set to feature but Preakness runner-up Gosger will bypass the race. More here
Junior Alvarado appeals $62,000 Kentucky Derby fine
USA: Junior Alvarado has lodged an appeal against the $62,000 fine and two-day ban he received for his use of the whip on Sovereignty in the Kentucky Derby.
Alvarado was adjudged to have hit his mount eight times – two above the permitted limit – when scoring at Churchill Downs. Under HISA rules, the jockey’s punishment was draconian, inasmuch as it amounted to 10% of his share of the winner’s purse of $3.1m – and was then doubled because he had committed a similar violation within a 180-day period. His previous offence was December 1.
HISA is in the process of amending its multiple-violation guidelines, and reports suggest Alvarado may well succeed in at least getting his fine halved. More here
Leading Classic contender Twain ruled out
Ireland: Leading Classic contender Twain is out of until the second half of the season, meaning the G1 winner misses intended engagements in this weekend’s Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas and the Betfred Derby.
“Twain just didn't scope clean and we weren't happy,” trainer Aidan O'Brien reported in the Racing Post. “It’s frustrating, but that’s the way it goes. He just wasn’t 100 per cent. He won’t go to the Derby either. We’ll give him a break now and bring him back for the autumn.”
O’Brien will rely on Tetrarch Stakes winner Officer in the Curragh Classic on Saturday [May 24}, when unlucky 2,000 Guineas runner-up Field Of Gold – now ridden by Colin Keane – is odds-on favourite. Breeders’ Cup winner Lake Victoria is favourite for the Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas on Sunday [May 25]. More here
• The Lion In Winter reclaims Derby favouritism after Dante flop More here
Shes Perfect team lose French Guineas appeal
France: Connections of Shes Perfect have lost their appeal against the demotion of their filly from first place in the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches (French 1,000 Guineas) for interference after a hearing in Paris on Tuesday [May 20].
The verdict from three France Galop stewards confirms the Classic winner as the Aga Khan Studs’ filly Zarigana, touched off by a nose at ParisLongchamp.
“I didn’t really know what to expect – I think it was a really difficult decision to make,” said Charlie Fellowes, the trainer of Shes Perfect, speaking to PA News. "|You only have to look at the comments on social media, it really was 50-50. Some thought it was incredibly harsh and some thought it was a fair outcome.” More here
Royal Ascot runners confirmed from Japan, US and Australia
GB: Long-range visitors are firming up their plans to compete at Royal Ascot, British racing’s most prestigious meeting taking place this year from June 17-21.
Japan is set to be represented by star sprinter Satono Reve, last seen finishing runner-up to world #1 in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize at Sha Tin. Joao Moreira retains the ride on the G1-winning six-year-old, who looks sure to be a major player in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes on June 21.
Qatar Racing has bought into US-trained Shisospicy, who has been confirmed as an intended runner in the G1 Commonwealth Cup [June 20]. The Jose D’Angelo-trained filly is unbeaten in three starts on turf, most recently landing a G3 event at Churchill Downs by 4¼ lengths earlier this month. More here
Last year’s King Charles III Stakes (formerly KIng’s Stand) winner Asfoora will have a final jumpout at Flemington on Friday [May 23] before returning to Britain to defend her crown. More here
Sybille Vogt stunned by cocaine positive
Germany: Leading German-based rider Sybille Vogt says she is “completely shocked” after testing positive for cocaine at a meeting n France in March.
Swiss-born Vogt, who is based with top trainer Peter Schiergen, failed a routine drugs test when riding at Compiegne. “I can't for the life of me explain how this outcome could have come about,” said the 30-year-old, speaking to Galopponline. “Throughout my entire career—and beyond—I have never had contact with drugs or other illegal substances.”
Vogt became the first female to ride the winner of a European Classic when partnering Novemba to win the German 1,000 Guineas in 2021. More here
• 26-1 longshot Matilda is first filly to win German 2,000 Guineas since 1971 More here
Elsewhere in racing …
France: French racing to cut prize-money by €20m a year More here
GB: James Doyle back with winner after injury More here
GB: British racing launches £3.62m ‘Going Is Good’ PR push More here
GB: Coral-Eclipse sponsorship extended for five years More here
Japan: Embroidery headlines Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks) More here
Australia: Pride Of Jenni set for G1 Doomben Cup on Saturday [May 24] More here
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