Social Discourse – Monday 19th August
Refreshed after a week in the sun, Social Discourse is back to digest the action from the previous seven days. Last week was another busy one,with the best race and the best performance appearing only yesterday, writes William Kedjanyi,
- Planet Earthlight
It was the race of the week, and the juvenile race of the season so far. The winner of the Coventry Stakes, Arizona, faced off against the winners of the Queen Mary (Raffle Prize) and Norfolk Stakes (A’Ali). They were all beaten, however, by star French colt Earthlight, who knuckled down to get the better of a duel with Raffle Prize, the pair coming well clear of third-placed Golden Horde.
Proper colt! Earthlight wins the Group 1 @DarleyStallions Prix Morny for @mickaelbarzalon and André Fabre at @fgdeauville… pic.twitter.com/fvEPw2EyRm
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) August 18, 2019
Earthlight looks a proper beast. Shamardal winning in that soup.
— James (@jamesaknight) August 18, 2019
https://twitter.com/SammyKing96/status/1163200924455755776?s=20
Pinatubo & Earthlight hail from Shamardal’s first crop as a “private” stallion, covering just Darley, Shadwell & Rabbah mares. Are they just the start of a golden age? Might he end up challenging for champion sire? Could he have been Galileo’s real rival all along? Hmm …
— Katy Mowat (@KatyMowat) August 18, 2019
.@Godolphin up to 16 G1 wins for the year after Earthlight toughs it out in the @DarleyStallions Prix Morny. Well done @mickaelbarzalon.
— Laura King لورا كنج (@LauraKingDXB) August 18, 2019
Earthlight is a brilliant winner of the morny, travelled like a dream through out even on that ground. He didn’t care about getting into a battle with the Johnston horse and he was slow going into the stalls so that we didn’t have to split screen with Southwell. What a horse!
— Jay Dutton (@JayLfc94) August 18, 2019
Earthlight wins the Prix Morny for Andre Fabre and Godolphin. The French fire a rare shot against the raiders in a home G1 this year.
— Tim Carroll (@T_J_Carroll) August 18, 2019
The winner, for whom the heavy ground was a concern, could be coming to a racecourse near you next Spring – if you live near Newmarket, that is. Andre Fabre, when asked by the omnipresent Matt Chapman, strongly suggested that he would be heading to the Rowley Mile.
“I’m delighted… he is a 2000 Guineas horse for sure” – André Fabre speaks very highly of Earthlight to @MCYeeehaaa, and nominates the Dewhurst as a target ahead of the Newmarket Classic in 2020… pic.twitter.com/6IZGBx3GRL
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) August 18, 2019
The rest: Raffle Prize did nothing wrong, and the Cheveley Park is her next target. Next year, the Commonwealth Cup could be the aim. Golden Horde ran a sound race to be third and can improve again. Arizona stayed on late to beat A’Ali for fourth but he didn’t do much to dispel the notion that Aidan O’Brien’s horses are not running at their very best right now, and perhaps we’ll see better from him down the road. A’Ali probably found the ground too soft and the trip too far, while this was too much for Aroha, Royal Dornoch, and Devil.
Fun Fact: This was a first French winner of the Prix Morny in eight renewals.
- The Miss, Mrs, and Mister
Unless you’ve been living in a cave for the past week, you’ve seen this.
My comment piece in this week’s @rfoutlook – what do you think? pic.twitter.com/thrDNjs61E
— Maddy P (@mp_horseracing) August 13, 2019
And most people on your feeds have had an opinion on it.
You are correct – embarrassing really in 2019
— James (@jamesaknight) August 14, 2019
Definitely something Dickensian about it. Never referred to my various bosses as Mr Packman, Mr Walker or Mr Townsend and imagine they'd hate it if I did
— Daniel Barber (@DanBarberTF) August 13, 2019
It actually happens in the US too, not just with jockeys but with other people as well. I personally don't see anything wrong with it because I was raised to call people Mr/Ms unless they say to call them by their first name or they are my contemporaries.
— Melissa Bauer-Herzog – Pyrois Media (@mbauerherzog) August 13, 2019
It’s right that jockeys(even more so apprentices), when being interviewed, refer to the trainer as Mr, Mrs or Miss. But away from the press or public eye I’m sure it’s used very rarely. Although in the case of said trainer and a few others, it probably happens, sadly.
— Don Clark (@Donolphin31) August 13, 2019
Why is it right?
— Maddy P (@mp_horseracing) August 13, 2019
A bit of respect, discipline and manners goes along way when you are being interviewed and being seen in the public eye. What they call them away from that environment may be totally different. It’s good for the youngsters in this day and age especially 1/2
— Don Clark (@Donolphin31) August 13, 2019
This is all fair and well – indeed this series of newsletters is built upon opinions on one social media network – but can there ever be too much? (Spoiler alert: yes).
Here is just one out of a select few.
Maddy you need to grow-up …Plenty of feminism marches that could be taking up your time ?..If this is what the so called horse racing journalist's are spending there time doing the sport is well and truly fuxked.
— Thomas (@thomas131277) August 13, 2019
Now, this is not an opinion on what anyone should call their boss, in racing or another industry. Frankly, as long as you’re treated well, it shouldn’t matter. But it gets to a point where one must ask oneself; Do you really need to be this angry when replying? Does this issue really count that much? Is this an appropriate response to a 200-word comment piece?
Parinoid? Maybe you are just lacking in some very basic social skills. There’s a time and a place for everything in life. You could have flipped your “rant” on its head celebrating decency and politeness in the industry your so so passionate about.
— Tom Lacey (@tflacey) August 15, 2019
The answer is no.
Does this issue matter all that much?
One suspects the answer to that begins with n, too.
- La Coronet
Like London Buses, if you wait long enough, you get two of them.
John Gosden doesn’t have to wait for many things, but he did have to be patient to see his wonderfully consistent mare Coronet take the Darley Prix Jean Romanet, thus doubling her Group 1 tally.
What a little cracker! Coronet wins the Group 1 @DarleyStallions Prix Jean Romanet for John Gosden and @FrankieDettori at @fgdeauville… pic.twitter.com/uN1YmcuaBR
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) August 18, 2019
Holding her head high – as you do when you’re a top class racehorse – she took her second Group 1 in a row, once again finding favour in France, and staying on best to get the better of With You in what was a good stretch duel, albeit a less sustained one than we saw earlier in the Morny. She’s gained quite a following, too.
https://twitter.com/UAE_Racing/status/1163096300918845441?s=20
Wild illusion is not the filly she was last year and it might be wise to retire her , Coronet a lovely mare though.
— andrew patey (@dubawimissile) August 18, 2019
Lovely performance from Coronet. Always thought she’d be better at that sort of trip. Such a likeable filly!
— Callum (@Connochie7) August 18, 2019
Coronet!!!!!!!!! So good to see her win another G1!
— Robyn S (@robynfrommars) August 18, 2019
Le Rest: Red Tea ran a huge race for Joseph O’Brien, ridden by his brother Donnacha, and was ahead of I Can Fly, who ran her usual consistent race but who didn’t make a big impression. It was yet another so-so effort from a Ballydoyle horse in a summer which has not brought much joy for Aidan O’Brien. Spirit of Nation didn’t have the toe to get involved, and Wild Illusion was disappointing and doesn’t look like the same horse we saw last year.
Two-Thousand-And-Dettori: This was Dettori’s 13th Group 1 of the summer, for anyone still tracking.
https://twitter.com/AtTheRaces/status/1163356767750955008?s=20
- Over The Weekend
In case you missed it…
- Glorious Journey was a game winner of the Hungerford Stakes, relishing the seven furlong trip to get the better of Librisa Breeze, who ran a fine race on his return, in a game performance that may see him pointed towards the Prix de la Foret in October
https://twitter.com/NewburyRacing/status/1162737468686446592?s=20
- Technician was back to his best and pressed his claims for a shot at the William Hill St Leger with victory in the Geoffrey Freer Stakes at Newbury, getting the better of Morando in another tight tussle at the Berkshire venue.
https://twitter.com/itvracing/status/1162718687402610688?s=20
- Thunderous backed up wins at Doncaster and Redcar with a game win in the Denford Stakes, beating the Richard Hannon-trained pair Sun Power and Sesame Birah, with the latter coming second
3️⃣out of 3️⃣ for Thunderous as he claims the Denford Stakes for Mark Johnston
Join us live on @ITV4 now pic.twitter.com/bonDwzsDNL
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) August 17, 2019
- Trebellum scored an impressive victory in the Group 2 Shadwell Prix de la Nonette, taking yet another prize for John Gosden
Big future! On just her third start, Sea The Stars filly Terebellum scores with ease in the Group 2 Prix de la Nonette. Yet another potential star for John Gosden! pic.twitter.com/qm2fK7gWRM
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) August 17, 2019
- Andre Fabre had another two-year-old winner as Lady Bamford’s Tropbeau was a smart winner of the Shadwell Prix du Calvados over seven furlongs.
https://twitter.com/AtTheRaces/status/1162706242705346560?s=20
- Dakota Gold went one better than 12 months ago when making all in the Great St Wilfrid Handicap at Ripon, beating the consistent Summerghand into second
It's Dakota's day in the sunshine
The favourite Dakota Gold wins the William Hill Great St Wilfrid Handicap at @RiponRaces pic.twitter.com/j1CJTKB8XV
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) August 17, 2019
- Tarnawa gave trainer Dermot Weld a record sixth triumph in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Give Thanks Stakes at Cork.
It's now 6-5 to Dermot Weld in the last 11 runnings of the Give Thanks Stakes at @corkracecourse!
On her first start since finishing down the field in the Investec Oaks, Tarnawa bounced back to form.
Read the full report and watch the replay >>> https://t.co/COdpLntYkE pic.twitter.com/9jCGRFWuAf
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 17, 2019
- On the same card, Flight Risk showed he still retains plenty of ability at the age of eight when getting the better of younger rivals in the Listed Platinum Stakes
- In America, Chad Brown took yet another major prize as Dunbar Road claimed the Alabama Stakes in style on a sloppy track at Saratoga
Dunbar Road takes the G1 Alabama at Saratoga! pic.twitter.com/3NC49rITpH
— TVG (@TVG) August 17, 2019
- Meanwhile, at Del Mar, Higher Power was a wide margin winner of the Pacific Classic, a Grade 1 ‘Win and You’re In’ qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup Classic
Higher Power and Flavien Prat in full flight for the wire give @johnwsadler & @HronisRacing back to back wins in the @TVG Pacific Classic and a spot in the @BreedersCup Classic pic.twitter.com/Q7p836Vtet
— Del Mar Racetrack (@DelMarRacing) August 18, 2019
- Cambier Parc ran down Hidden Message to win the Del Mark Oaks
Chad Brown has taken the show to Del Mar and won the G1 Del Mar Oaks with Cambier Parc. pic.twitter.com/9ylwBwAljM
— TVG (@TVG) August 18, 2019
- Japanese Arc contender Blast Onepiece showcased his claims with a neck victory over Sungrazer in the 1m2f Grade 2 Sapporo Kinen under Yuga Kawada.
G2 2000m Sapporo Kinen won brilliantly by Arc bound BLAST ONEPIECE under a classic Kawada ride. SUNGRAZER 2nd, gallant. Arc bound FIEREMENT rattling into 3rd. KLUGER 8th #JRA pic.twitter.com/RMaiUCxwSY
— G for Grinding (@LongBallToNoOne) August 18, 2019
- Making Hay On The Knavesmire
York’s Ebor meeting is one of the highlights of the summer, and as always here are some pieces of advice for the week coming.
Do
- Always try and bet the night before if you can. You can very often beat starting price
- Think about course form. York is a specialists’ track, especially when the ground softens
- If you are going and haven’t already yet, buy and take a mobile phone charger. In fact, two if you can carry them
- Think about where the pace is. There are many sprints at York where the pace will help or hinder others
- Try and make use of sectional timings
Don’t
- Chase: Four days of some of the most competitive races you will find all year will mean you’ll have times when things go wrong. Keep a steady strategy
- Go too hard too early if you’re going – obligatory notice here but York is a fantastic place
- Count out a horse completely because of price or draw
- Disregard sectional timings – there can be many advantages gained for even a cursory glance at the splits
I’m away again next week – try not to miss me too much 😉 – but back in a fortnight for more of the same. In the meantime, enjoy York.
– WK
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