Hi all,
Before diving into today’s main piece on the best of Thursday’s action at Huntingdon, a few words on the Aga Khan, whose death was announced on Wednesday.
Aga Khan: A Lasting Legacy in Horse Racing
The Aga Khan, born Prince Karim Al-Hussaini in 1936, was the spiritual leader of the Nizari Ismaili Muslims and a prominent figure in the world of horse racing and breeding. He passed away yesterday at the age of 88 in Lisbon. He had been ill for some time so his death wasn’t totally unexpected.
The Aga Khan’s influence on Thoroughbred racing is both profound and enduring. Through his renowned breeding operation, the Aga Khan Studs, he produced champions who left an indelible mark on the sport.
One of the most iconic was Shergar, foaled in 1978. A sensation on the track, Shergar dominated in 1981, winning the Epsom Derby and Irish Derby with ease. Sadly, his legacy is tinged with tragedy due to his mysterious kidnapping in 1983—a case that remains unsolved.
More recent stars from the Aga Khan’s breeding programme include Sinndar, who claimed both the Epsom and Irish Derby, and Zarkava, the brilliant, undefeated filly who captured the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in 2008.
His commitment extended beyond the racing of horses themselves. Owning prestigious studs like Gilltown in County Kildare and the Aiglemont estate in France, the Aga Khan created the foundations for sustained success in breeding and training.
With his passing at the age of 88, horse racing loses a towering figure. His contributions to the sport, alongside his broader spiritual leadership, leave a lasting impact. The Aga Khan’s legacy lives on through his family’s continued involvement in racing, ensuring his name remains synonymous with excellence in the sport.
Festival’s Don’t Come More Punter Friendly then the Dublin Racing Festival
Sorry to bore you with more Dublin Racing Festival (DRF) chat, but it was interesting to note there wasn’t a single winner at double-figure odds.
You don’t often see a meeting as punter friendly as this year’s DRF. All 15 winners were returned at 9/1 or shorter—that’s 15 winners from 54 runners, a 28% strike rate with a profit of +17.16. There were also 28 places, giving a 52% place rate.
Digging into horseracebase, the contrast with last year is striking. In 2023, only six winners were returned at single-figure odds.
It will be interesting to see if the trend continues next month at Cheltenham.
Whilst on the subject of Cheltenham Festival my Champion Hurdle ante post selection Anzadam picked up a minor injury after his recent Naas success which mean’s he’ll miss Cheltenham and indeed it looks like he’s out for the season.
Speaking of Cheltenham, my Champion Hurdle ante-post pick, Anzadam, picked up a minor injury after his recent Naas win. Unfortunately, he’s out of Cheltenham and likely the rest of the season.
That leaves me with just five ante-post bets for the Festival. Back in October, I thought I'd be more heavily involved, but six bets are all I've managed so far.
Thursday Racing
The best of Thursday’s action is at Huntingdon, which hosts two Listed races. Despite smaller fields, the quality remains noteworthy.
The Sidney Banks Memorial Novices' Hurdle (1:45), won last year by recent Grade 1 winner Handstands, features six runners. Califet En Vol, trained by Nicky Henderson, was a three-length runner-up to The New Lion at Newbury in November. He’s likely been waiting for better ground and heads the early betting. Henderson won this with Shishkin in 2022, who went on to win the Supreme at Cheltenham. While Califet En Vol will continue improving and win more races, he probably won’t be emulating Shishkin.
Brides Hill, last year’s Lady Protectress Mares' Chase winner, returns with Gavin Cromwell aiming for back-to-back victories. She faces just three rivals, and it’s hard to see who will stop her from following up. One of her opponents is Hauturiere, trained by Willie Mullins, his only runner on the card.
Huntingdon aside the rest of Thursday’s action is less than inspiring. At Doncaster, there’s a Class 3 handicap hurdle (2:45). Shanagh Bob bounced back to form when returned to hurdles (3m 1f) and fitted with first-time cheekpieces, finishing a 2¾-length second of 10 at Huntingdon 14 days ago. He didn’t look like he needed a drop back to an extended 2m 3f, but he seems fairly treated and has potential after just four starts over timber.
Useful flat performer Wise Eagle made it two wins from three over hurdles when scoring at Catterick in December. He has scope for improvement on handicap hurdle debut, and on a sound surface, he’s likely to have too much pace for Shanagh Bob.
In tomorrow’s column I’ll be looking at the best of Friday’s action.
Good luck with your Thursday bets.
John