Racing Round-Up: Ghostwriter Set for 2000 Guineas Challenge

The anticipation is building in the horse racing community as Clive Cox’s promising colt, Ghostwriter, prepares for the highly anticipated Qipco 2000 Guineas. With an unbeaten record and an impressive pedigree, Ghostwriter is set to make his mark on the racing world. In this comprehensive round-up, we’ll take a closer look at Ghostwriter’s journey and the exciting events unfolding in the racing world.

A Rising Star: Ghostwriter’s Background

Ghostwriter, a three-year-old colt, is the offspring of the renowned sire, Invincible Spirit. Owned by Jeff Smith, who has previously tasted success with Alcohol Free, multiple Group One winner, Ghostwriter is donning the familiar purple and blue silks with great pride.

After a successful campaign last season, Ghostwriter’s third and final outing took place at the Rowley Mile in Newmarket. Stepping up in grade, he competed in the Group Two Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes. This impressive performance has put the Classics firmly on the radar for Ghostwriter’s connections.

The Road to the 2000 Guineas

Clive Cox, Ghostwriter’s trainer, is full of praise for his charge’s development over the winter. After a well-deserved break, Ghostwriter has been back cantering for several weeks, showing further signs of strength and progress.

With the Rowley Mile proving to be a successful stomping ground for Ghostwriter, Cox’s sights are firmly set on the 2000 Guineas in May. The first week of May holds great significance for the team, as they hope to make their mark in this prestigious race.

Aintree Officials Prepare for Grand National Protest

In other racing news, officials at Aintree are confident in their preparedness to handle any potential protests during this season’s Randox Grand National. Last year’s race witnessed a delay of approximately 15 minutes due to over 100 protesters from animal rights group Animal Rising making their way onto the course.

Learning from last year’s events, the Jockey Club, which owns Aintree, has implemented more stringent plans. An injunction has been secured, making it illegal for anyone to attempt to access the track. Aintree officials are working closely with the police and are hopeful for a smooth and protest-free Grand National.

Auguste Rodin’s Dubai Adventure

Dual Derby winner Auguste Rodin is set for an exciting mixed turf and dirt campaign, with a trip to Dubai on the horizon. This exceptional colt, sired by Deep Impact and out of multiple Group One winner Rhododendron, demonstrated his incredible pedigree by triumphing in the Derby, Irish Derby, and Irish Champion Stakes.

Following a winter break, Auguste Rodin is due to make his return in the Sheema Classic at the Dubai World Cup fixture in Meydan. This will be followed by a potential turf campaign before exploring the possibility of running on a dirt surface. Trainer Aidan O’Brien is eager to see how the colt performs in these new environments.

Huntingdon’s Thursday Meeting Abandoned

Unfortunately, Thursday’s meeting at Huntingdon Racecourse has been called off due to a waterlogged track. Despite efforts to assess the course, the presence of standing water and the forecast of further rain have forced the abandonment of the card. However, racing enthusiasts can look forward to an additional meeting at Chelmsford on the same day.

Rossa Ryan’s Lingfield Double

Jockey Rossa Ryan enjoyed a successful day at Lingfield, clinching a double with Cracking Gold and Sunset In Paris. Cracking Gold dominated the Best Racing Odds Guaranteed At BetMGM Novice Stakes, leaving his rivals trailing behind. Meanwhile, Sunset In Paris proved his affinity for Lingfield Park, securing his second career victory at the Surrey track.

Exciting Entries for Kempton Novices’ Chase

The Grade Two Coral Pendil Novices’ Chase at Kempton this Saturday promises to be an enthralling affair. Nickle Back, trained by Sarah Humphrey, is among the notable entries, alongside Dan Skelton’s Pembroke and Paul Nicholls’ Tahmuras. With Class One success in their sights, these talented horses are set to deliver an exhilarating race.

Tommy Dowson’s Licence Withdrawn

In recent news, Tommy Dowson has had his jockey’s licence withdrawn by the British Horseracing Authority for six months. The decision follows a positive test result for benzoylecgonine and cocaine in a hair sample provided by Dowson. The jockey had previously enjoyed success, including a victory in the Yorkshire Silver Vase Mares’ Chase on Lady Buttons.

Huntingdon’s Inspection Ahead of Scheduled Meeting

Huntingdon Racecourse faces a crucial inspection on Tuesday morning to determine the viability of their scheduled meeting on Thursday. Currently, parts of the course are flooded, including the home straight. While nearby river levels are falling, the forecast of further rain poses challenges for the racing authorities.