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Cheltenham adds mares' novice hurdle to festival
BY TOM KERR 11:35AM 23 JUL 2015
THE Cheltenham Festival will be expanded to 28 races from next year following the introduction of a novice hurdle restricted to mares and fillies.
The Grade 2 Trull House Stud Mares' Novices' Hurdle over 2m1f will be run as the sixth race on the Thursday and carry a prize fund of £75,000.
The festival's second mares-only event will take the place of the St Patrick's Derby charity race, which over six years ended the day three card as a fundraiser for Cancer Research UK and then the Injured Jockeys Fund.
Willie Mullins has won all but one of the eight runnings of the existing mares' hurdle, six of those wins by the great Quevega, and Betfred make the Irish champion trainer just 4-5 to win the new race in its first year.
'Great success'
Simon Claisse, Cheltenham clerk of the course and Jockey Club Racecourses regional head of racing, welcomed the introduction of the contest.
He said: "With the great success of the OLBG Mares' Hurdle, which was promoted to Grade 1 for this year's renewal, and the recent promotion of the mares' National Hunt Flat race at Aintree to Grade 2 status in 2016, it was concluded that the introduction of a mares' novices' hurdle at next year's festival was appropriate.
"We're very grateful to the BHA for having allowed the Trull House Stud Mares' Novices' Hurdle to start out with Grade 2 status."
Enhancing the attractiveness of the mares' jumps programme has been an ambition of the BHA and the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association, who wish to encourage owners to purchase mares for jumping.
Mares' chase too?
Cheltenham also considered introducing a mares' chase as the 28th contest and in a press release which followed Cheltenham's announcement the BHA said it was "working with Cheltenham to explore the possibility" of a mares' chase becoming the 29th festival race.
The BHA also announced the Listed Weatherbys Jane Seymour Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle, run at Sandown in February over 2m4f, has been upgraded to Grade 2 status and invitations have been sent to racecourses to apply to stage two Listed mares' chases to be run in November and February.
"It is hoped that [these developments] will help to encourage a meaningful change in behaviour with the long-term objective of bolstering the numbers of jumping mares in training," said the BHA's Ruth Quinn, director of racing development.
"Mares still represent a significant, relatively untapped, opportunity in terms of boosting the jumping horse population."
Henderson support
Nicky Henderson called the new race at Cheltenham an "enormous boost" to jumps breeders.
He said: "I'm not surprisingly delighted to hear not only that there is going to be a 28th race at the festival, but particularly that it is going to be a mares' novice hurdle which will be an enormous boost to the National Hunt breeding fraternity.
"The introduction of a mares' novice hurdle as the part of the expansion of black type opportunity for mares is another great incentive for National Hunt breeders and can only be of benefit to National Hunt racing as a whole."
Richard Kelvin Hughes, of the sponsors Trull House Stud, added: "A more rewarding programme for mares benefits all breeders at all levels."
BY TOM KERR 11:35AM 23 JUL 2015
THE Cheltenham Festival will be expanded to 28 races from next year following the introduction of a novice hurdle restricted to mares and fillies.
The Grade 2 Trull House Stud Mares' Novices' Hurdle over 2m1f will be run as the sixth race on the Thursday and carry a prize fund of £75,000.
The festival's second mares-only event will take the place of the St Patrick's Derby charity race, which over six years ended the day three card as a fundraiser for Cancer Research UK and then the Injured Jockeys Fund.
Willie Mullins has won all but one of the eight runnings of the existing mares' hurdle, six of those wins by the great Quevega, and Betfred make the Irish champion trainer just 4-5 to win the new race in its first year.
'Great success'
Simon Claisse, Cheltenham clerk of the course and Jockey Club Racecourses regional head of racing, welcomed the introduction of the contest.
He said: "With the great success of the OLBG Mares' Hurdle, which was promoted to Grade 1 for this year's renewal, and the recent promotion of the mares' National Hunt Flat race at Aintree to Grade 2 status in 2016, it was concluded that the introduction of a mares' novices' hurdle at next year's festival was appropriate.
"We're very grateful to the BHA for having allowed the Trull House Stud Mares' Novices' Hurdle to start out with Grade 2 status."
Enhancing the attractiveness of the mares' jumps programme has been an ambition of the BHA and the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association, who wish to encourage owners to purchase mares for jumping.
Mares' chase too?
Cheltenham also considered introducing a mares' chase as the 28th contest and in a press release which followed Cheltenham's announcement the BHA said it was "working with Cheltenham to explore the possibility" of a mares' chase becoming the 29th festival race.
The BHA also announced the Listed Weatherbys Jane Seymour Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle, run at Sandown in February over 2m4f, has been upgraded to Grade 2 status and invitations have been sent to racecourses to apply to stage two Listed mares' chases to be run in November and February.
"It is hoped that [these developments] will help to encourage a meaningful change in behaviour with the long-term objective of bolstering the numbers of jumping mares in training," said the BHA's Ruth Quinn, director of racing development.
"Mares still represent a significant, relatively untapped, opportunity in terms of boosting the jumping horse population."
Henderson support
Nicky Henderson called the new race at Cheltenham an "enormous boost" to jumps breeders.
He said: "I'm not surprisingly delighted to hear not only that there is going to be a 28th race at the festival, but particularly that it is going to be a mares' novice hurdle which will be an enormous boost to the National Hunt breeding fraternity.
"The introduction of a mares' novice hurdle as the part of the expansion of black type opportunity for mares is another great incentive for National Hunt breeders and can only be of benefit to National Hunt racing as a whole."
Richard Kelvin Hughes, of the sponsors Trull House Stud, added: "A more rewarding programme for mares benefits all breeders at all levels."
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Thank god I go only on Champion chase day only
Another Mullins "gold mine" to follow
Another Mullins "gold mine" to follow
No ante-post market for this new race yet but calling it now (trying to anyway). This race belongs to a Mullins/Ricci horse called LIMINI.
Managed to get a quote on Limini. Paddy offering 10/1 and Bet365 offering 8/1. Sky Bet and William Hill having none of it. Truthfully not the greatest of prices but let's face it, I'm never going to get the prices I want, ante-post betting is dying. Of course the 8/1 and 10/1 could look value on the day but the chances are Mullins will fire at least 5 of his at this. Limini was impressive on debut and went straight into my notebook. Sandymount Duke who finished 2nd to her has since racked up a 4 timer (most recent came yesterday at Galway) albeit over longer distances.
I could be wrong but Mullins doesn't tend to run his mares in the Supreme, Neptune or Albert Bartlett (I noticed she's in the betting). Annie Power could of course go back for the Mares Hurdle, World Hurdle or indeed go chasing. My thinking is she will go back for the Mares Hurdle (easiest option). Would be scandalous for a mare of this quality not to have a Cheltenham win to her name. Restricted options for Mares, Limini is one I'll definitely be looking out for!
I could be wrong but Mullins doesn't tend to run his mares in the Supreme, Neptune or Albert Bartlett (I noticed she's in the betting). Annie Power could of course go back for the Mares Hurdle, World Hurdle or indeed go chasing. My thinking is she will go back for the Mares Hurdle (easiest option). Would be scandalous for a mare of this quality not to have a Cheltenham win to her name. Restricted options for Mares, Limini is one I'll definitely be looking out for!
Agree with limini but 8/1 short when ricci also has karalee not sure if he'd run both in this or what the targets are. Does Anybody know anything about theatre territory trained by nj henderson ? Would be interested if he's due to send her novice hurdling.
She's another one in my notebook scooby91 and I'm sure those 2 won't be the last to be unleashed by October/November. They won't find a better mare than Annie Power and even she didn't run in a Supreme, Neptune or Albert Bartlett so I doubt that barrier will be broken with these 2. As talented as Vroum Vroum Mag is, even she missed this years festival. Difficult to tell at this stage how serious Willie/Ricci will take the race and of course if either of the 2 mentioned will even make the festival, but the fact Paddy Power have Mullins at 4/6 to win this race just about says it all.
Would like to know the answer to that question as well re. Theatre Territory. I honestly cannot wait for the jumps season now.
Would like to know the answer to that question as well re. Theatre Territory. I honestly cannot wait for the jumps season now.
I am hoping Vroum Vroum mag takes her chance in the ryan air receiving weight would have a very good chance Imo. Only problem with limini is giving paddy's line to the yard it's a surprise they offered a standout 10/1
Is a very good point you make re Paddy Power but I suppose it may even be too early for them to even think about this race. Race was only introduced a few weeks ago and the horse itself has only raced once. I copied and pasted the same email to several bookmakers requesting a price, Bet365 offered 8/1 and put it on their site straight away. I've had a bit on with them, no restrictions. Paddy Power offered me 10/1 but £20 max stake and wouldn't add to their site, I had to call up directly. The rest were having none of it.
I'm with you there re Vroum Vroum Mag. My only concern there is - if Vautour shows throughout the season that he won't stay the Gold Cup trip, the Ryanair is surely the race for him. Ideally though that won't be an issue.
ps thanks for the Cheltenham chat, this flat racing is absolutely soul destroying.
ps thanks for the Cheltenham chat, this flat racing is absolutely soul destroying.
They is all a right mate ,specially the handy cops
Very impressive bumper win from the well bred Augusta Kate today at Listowel. Winning by an eased down 23 lengths, she's one to watch out for.
Nice form boost for LIMINI with the McManus owned Ballyoisin cruising to an easy win today at Navan. Available as big as 2/1 last night, Ballyoisin went off 4/6 favourite. All eyes on the return of Limini ....
Limini form just keeps stacking up:
2nd placed Sandymount Duke who was a half length behind Limini has won 4 races out of 5 since!
3rd placed Ballyoisin who was four lengths behind Limini has since been well backed and won easily!
4th placed Archive who was a previous winner and beaten 12 lengths by Limini has not ran since!
5th placed Ordinary World who was 16 lengths behind Limini got smashed in the betting and won today!
6th placed Shadagann who was 26 lengths behind Limini has won twice since!
7th placed Drumhart who was 33 lengths behind Limini has since only been beaten a head in a beginners chase!
The form is there to see! 8/1 could be generous!
2nd placed Sandymount Duke who was a half length behind Limini has won 4 races out of 5 since!
3rd placed Ballyoisin who was four lengths behind Limini has since been well backed and won easily!
4th placed Archive who was a previous winner and beaten 12 lengths by Limini has not ran since!
5th placed Ordinary World who was 16 lengths behind Limini got smashed in the betting and won today!
6th placed Shadagann who was 26 lengths behind Limini has won twice since!
7th placed Drumhart who was 33 lengths behind Limini has since only been beaten a head in a beginners chase!
The form is there to see! 8/1 could be generous!
Paterson alsi got to take into account limini had almost a stone advantage over the field, Any horse in the betting for the mares novice would be expected to beat sandy mount duke and the others in that fashion on the same terms.
Would you agree??
Would you agree??
Also noticed paddies shortened augusta kate today from 20s although still a standout 14/1
That is a very fair point you make, but still she can only do what she's put out to do and beat what's in front of her. Definitely looking forward to her return. Interesting although maybe just catching up with the rest of the market.
Looking forward too. Hoping karalee and limini end up in the same race early in the season. But both being owned by ricci that seems unlikely
Haha would be good but highly unlikely. Surely they will be sending Augusta Kate over hurdles sooner rather than later. Still can't get that debut out of my head, not sure what she's beaten there but feck me it was visually impressive!
Limini form franked again by archive the 4th home.
Looks serious form now and I'm in 8/1.
Looked short, but will soon be gone.
hollies pearl previously unimpressive and bumper form dosent seem on a par with the french imports. The Horse limini beat on the flat finished midfield in the arc. Can't wait for her 1st start of the season.
Looks serious form now and I'm in 8/1.
Looked short, but will soon be gone.
hollies pearl previously unimpressive and bumper form dosent seem on a par with the french imports. The Horse limini beat on the flat finished midfield in the arc. Can't wait for her 1st start of the season.
Limini form franked again by archive the 4th home.
Looks serious form now and I'm in 8/1.
Looked short, but will soon be gone.
hollies pearl previously unimpressive and bumper form dosent seem on a par with the french imports. The Horse limini beat on the flat finished midfield in the arc. Can't wait for her 1st start of the season.
Looks serious form now and I'm in 8/1.
Looked short, but will soon be gone.
hollies pearl previously unimpressive and bumper form dosent seem on a par with the french imports. The Horse limini beat on the flat finished midfield in the arc. Can't wait for her 1st start of the season.
Phillip hobbs says Copper kay is to stay in bumpers this season.
That's a relief for me, no doubt was a big threat to my 2
Limini 8/1 and karralee 12/1
That's a relief for me, no doubt was a big threat to my 2
Limini 8/1 and karralee 12/1
Dawn Run returns at Leopardstown. She's one for the e/w accas on the Tuesday.
Well Dawn Run is obviously dead. Also it's Morning Run I mean and she can't run in this race as she's not a Novice 
Thought you gad some info on a barney curley plot with red rum for the national and snoopy loopy getting a late supplement for the king george
No sign of Limini yet which is concerning, however she has had entries unlike Karalee. Plenty of people on Twitter saying Karalee is out for the season but I've yet to see anything official and she's still in the betting. Anyone know anything?
Heard she is out.
Get the feeling that we need to see Limini in the Solerina at the end of Jan if she is going to be the big hope for this race. Having won it with Morning Run and Gitane Du Berlais (and Ceol Rua the year before)in the past couple of years whatever Mullins runs in this Grade 3 is sure to be his main festival hope for this race....
Get the feeling that we need to see Limini in the Solerina at the end of Jan if she is going to be the big hope for this race. Having won it with Morning Run and Gitane Du Berlais (and Ceol Rua the year before)in the past couple of years whatever Mullins runs in this Grade 3 is sure to be his main festival hope for this race....
Unbelievable. I back 2 horses in the mares and both reported to be out injured.
Limini
Karalee
Really hope this isn't true.
Limini
Karalee
Really hope this isn't true.
Unbelievable. I back 2 horses in the mares and both reported to be out injured.
Limini
Karalee
Really hope this isn't true.
Limini
Karalee
Really hope this isn't true.
Unbelievable. I back 2 horses in the mares and both reported to be out injured.
Limini
Karalee
Really hope this isn't true.
Limini
Karalee
Really hope this isn't true.
Where have you read reports that Limini is out injured ? I understand they are just waiting for some decent ground.
Scooby. I think they just meant Karalee was out. At least that's how I read it.
I'm praying that's the case! I'm heavily involved in Limini
I'm praying that's the case! I'm heavily involved in Limini
quite a few posts in the last hour on twitter and 1 by someone in supreme racing club who apparently has info.
Somebody will know alot more than me,
Seen a few tweets send to ruby and to willie on there pages asking if it's true. so hopefully they will confirm that it's not the case.
Shocking if they don't.
Somebody will know alot more than me,
Seen a few tweets send to ruby and to willie on there pages asking if it's true. so hopefully they will confirm that it's not the case.
Shocking if they don't.
quite a few posts in the last hour on twitter and 1 by someone in supreme racing club who apparently has info.
Somebody will know alot more than me,
Seen a few tweets send to ruby and to willie on there pages asking if it's true. so hopefully they will confirm that it's not the case.
Shocking if they don't.
Somebody will know alot more than me,
Seen a few tweets send to ruby and to willie on there pages asking if it's true. so hopefully they will confirm that it's not the case.
Shocking if they don't.
I'm in deep too.
Won't be backing any more in the race. But id advise to leave them 2 out or not bet at all. Until confirmed.
Won't be backing any more in the race. But id advise to leave them 2 out or not bet at all. Until confirmed.
Just to add.
From same source I was told in total.
Limini injured
Karalee injured
Inspired poet died
Fulham road fractured leg
In no way i am in the know or have a connection to the yard just be careful of backing any of these.
And would appreciate if any one else could confirm other wise????
Hope they are wrong
From same source I was told in total.
Limini injured
Karalee injured
Inspired poet died
Fulham road fractured leg
In no way i am in the know or have a connection to the yard just be careful of backing any of these.
And would appreciate if any one else could confirm other wise????
Hope they are wrong
Did your source say injured, or out of Cheltenham injured?
Limini out for season
Karalee out for season
Inspired poet died on gallops
And fulham road who was lame was found to have a fracture in his hind leg.
Of course I'm hoping this isn't the case. I don't like to pass on something I can't confirm, but I'd rather make people aware incase they were thinking of backing now. So they can hold fire.
Karalee out for season
Inspired poet died on gallops
And fulham road who was lame was found to have a fracture in his hind leg.
Of course I'm hoping this isn't the case. I don't like to pass on something I can't confirm, but I'd rather make people aware incase they were thinking of backing now. So they can hold fire.
I've backed Limini myself. Paddy Power actually shortest price still on her.
My post was referring to Karalee. Heard nothing about Limini's wellbeing. And I am a backer of both!
The mystery deepens re Limini. Paddy Power just shortened her to 4/1!!
With their connections to the yard, thats surely good news.
To be honest with you, the guy who I got it from on twitter. Looks like a complete bellend.
Just tread carefully.
Just tread carefully.
To be honest with you, the guy who I got it from on twitter. Looks like a complete bellend.
Just tread carefully.
Just tread carefully.
Good to hear scooby! Makes me think there is absolutely nothing in it then.... been checking this thread religiously all day and quiver everytime i see a new post 
Don't really need to say this when the sea of blue gives a very clear indication, but ignore Twitter rumours on Limini....all bets are well and truly ON
That Allpress account that started it on Twitter isn't the full shilling.
@Ben_0597 asks about Theatre Terriority. No, she won’t run over hurdles this season as it’s too late to start with her now – we’ll keep her to fillies and mares bumper races and the aim will be one of the big ones at Sandown or Aintree.
Calling the winner in July and watching her romp home at odds in is extremely satisfying, Ruby Ruby Ruby!
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