RACING: Alamshar the star in stunning triumph; THE ACTION FROM A BUSY WEEKEND.Byline: PETER HILTONALAMSHAR utterly destroyed the notion that this season's Classic three-year-olds are a poor bunch when he ran away from a top-class field in the King George King George has referred to many kings throughout history. When used, by Americans, without further reference it most often means George III of the United Kingdom, against whom the Whigs of the American Revolution rebelled. VI And Queen Elizabeth Queen Elizabeth, or Elizabeth, may refer to: Living people
Bohemia Johnny Murtagh Johnny Murtagh (born May 14, 1970) is a flat racing jockey from Ireland. Background Full Name: John Patrick Murtagh Place of birth: Navan, County Meath Resident: Coolaghknock Glebe, County Kildare Family: wife Orla, five children. rode a tactically astute race, lying close up behind a slow pace, but there was no denying the Irish colt's superiority as he left his rivals floundering in his wake. From the moment Alamshar was kicked into the lead at the two-furlong pole the result never looked in doubt, even when Sulamani and Frankie Dettori Lanfranco "Frankie" Dettori, MBE (born December 15, 1970 in Milan) is a thoroughbred race horse jockey and celebrity. He is the son of Sardinian jockey Gianfranco Dettori, who was a prolific winner in Italy. threw down a challenge. The 13-2 winner wasn't stopping and galloped all the way to the line to win by three and a half lengths, with Sulamani a further two lengths clear of Kris Kin Kris Kin (b 5 March 2000) is an American-bred and British-trained Thoroughbred race horse, winner of the Epsom Derby in 2003. References Kris Kin's pedigree and racing stats , who stayed on all too late. Trainer John Oxx said: "It's right that he should be improving. He is a three-year-old and that's what they should be doing at this time of the year. "For me, it was a 'no worries' race. Okay, I was a bit worried about the rain, but I was happy enough with the ground. "The plan is to go for the (Irish) Champion Stakes at Leopardstown in six weeks' time. With the speed he showed there, dropping back in trip by two furlongs shouldn't be a problem." He added: "With such a high-quality field you couldn't have expected him to win as easily as he did. But when I saw him so far in front, I knew he would keep going. "The pace wasn't great but Johnny had him in just the right place. "It was a terrific run. He was so superior. It's very difficult to compare horses, but I don't think I have ever had a horse run a better race than that." Murtagh said: "He was brilliant with me - he just carried me to the two- furlong pole and the only thing I really had to do was make sure I didn't fall off." The Aga Khan was reluctant to look too far into the future for his colt, but it is unlikely Alamshar will be seen in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe as the owner's Dalakhani is earmarked for that race. Dettori, after finishing second on Sulamani, said: "I am not knocking the winner, because it was a great performance, but I think we were all expecting more pace than there was. "In the end I was too far off the pace and I had too much horse left under me at the finish. With a stronger pace, we would have been challenging. "But I am pleased he ran such a good race and hopefully we are right on course for the Arc." Kris Kin's trainer, Sir Michael Stoute, said: "He didn't get a good position when they turned in for home and was too far back and too wide all the way." Others to disappoint included Falbrav and Nayef, first and second in the Coral-Eclipse Stakes three weeks earlier, but only fifth and seventh here. "When he turned into the straight and met the softer ground he just faltered," said trainer Luca Cumani of Falbrav, who chartered a wide course in search of better ground. Nayef's jockey Richard Hills also blamed the underfoot conditions, saying: "He either wants it loose so that he can go through it, or firm. "Out there it is tacky and that makes it very difficult for him. He has a big, long stride and he just cannot use it in ground like that." Alamshar's performance brought a glowing assessment from senior British Horseracing Board From 10th June 1993 until 30th July 2007, the British Horseracing Board (BHB) was the governing authority for horseracing in Great Britain. It was created in 1993, and took on responsibilities previously held by the Jockey Club. handicapper hand·i·cap·per n. Sports & Games 1. One who assigns handicaps. 2. One who predicts the winners in a horserace, especially one who publishes such predictions as a guide for bettors. Noun 1. Nigel Gray, who rated the colt one of the best winners of recent years. He gave Alamshar a rating of 131, compared to last year's winner Golan on 126, Galileo (2001) on 129, Montjeu (2000) on 30 and Daylami (1999) 130, though the latter ran to a mark of 135 later. Another three-year-old clearly on the upgrade is New Seeker, who gained his second big Ascot handicap success of the summer. Clive Cox's imposing colt, who won the Britannia Stakes at the Royal meeting last month, ran away with the pounds 150,00 Tote International Stakes. Jimmy Quinn made all the running against the stands rail to beat the strong-finishing Irish raider One More Round by a length a half. CAPTION(S): IMPRESSIVE: Alamashar passes the post after destroying his rivals in the King George at Ascot on Saturday |
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