Manchester airport reopens after bomb scare

 

Manchester Airport’s main terminal has reopened after bomb disposal experts were called in to check a suspicious package on Wednesday, police said. A man was being questioned, although police said earlier reports that he was being held under the Terrorism Act were inaccurate. The package, a bag, was found to be safe. The airport’s operators had earlier said 11 flights leaving Terminal 1 would be affected. Incoming flights are operating normally and the airport’s two other terminals remained open. Manchester Airport is Britain’s fourth biggest and handles around 20 million passengers each year.

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Ginger McCain's Grand National triumphs

 

Red Rum, Grand National 1973 On fast ground, Red Rum clawed back Crisp's massive lead to smash the record time for the world's greatest steeplechase by some 19 seconds. His win, widely considered to be one of the race's greatest, restored prestige to the National after sceptics had claimed the race had gone too soft since the fences had been rebuilt. Watch YouTube Red Rum, Grand National 1974 "Liverpool now has an equine Bill Shankly to worship" was the opening to The Telegraph's report after the Southport duo won their second tilt at the National. With Brian Fletcher on board once again, the 7-2 favourite, carrying 12 stone, became the first winner of back-to-back Nationals since Reynoldstown in 1936. Watch YouTube Red Rum, Grand National 1977 With Red Rum runner up the previous two years - beaten by L'Escargot and Rag Trade - McCain swept to an unprecedented third win as the 12 -year-old won by 25 lengths, sending the 51,000 crowd into pandemonium. It was to be his last victory after the steeplechaser suffered a hairline fracture the day before the 1978 race. Watch YouTube Amberleigh House, Grand National 2004 After victory in 1977, McCain endured a barren spell of low finishes, unseated riders and fallers at Aintree. The winners' enclosure finally came into view in 2003 when Amberleigh House came third. A year later he was toasting success when Amberleigh - at the same age as Red Rum in '77 - won an emotional race for McCain. Sir Peter O'Sullevan, the BBC's legendary commentator, said of the win: "It was nice for Ginger to have the opportunity to show he wasn't just a one-horse trainer."

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Punters left out of pocket after barrier stall mishaps prove the downfall of favourites

 

The barrier debacle at Rosehill on Saturday is just one more headache for an embattled Australian Turf Club. One more problem for a troubled racing industry fighting for its financial future in the High Court of Australia. A migraine for punters, who parted with bundles of pelf to back plonk horse Somepin Anypin in the final event at Rosehill. There was no win collect, as Somepin Anypin was a certainty beaten due to the barriers opening late. Not opening as late as they did for talk horse Helmet in the $1 million Golden Rose. That horse is a headcase yet many had him down as leading, but the slow getaway meant he was back finding a lot of trouble. Helmet's missed start might have been minor but Somepin Anything was definitely major. A disgrace really, when you consider correct weight was declared. Amazing that the all-clear was given on the biggest betting race of the week that entails all manner of exotic wagers, including the last leg of the Rosehill quaddie and the cross-state Big6. Advertisement: Story continues below Chief steward Ray Murrihy said Somepin Anypin should have won. He agreed it was denied a fair start but racing's archaic rules don't allow for a horse that places to be declared a non-runner. Had Somepin Anypin finished fourth or worse, it would have been declared a non-runner and punters would have got their money back. It doesn't make sense. The rule is absurd. Surely, punters are entitled to their money back if a horse is unable to jump cleanly due to a barrier malfunction? No, the rule is there for the owners. If a horse places, owners are entitled to get prizemoney. Murrihy pointed out that bill payers have been known to sue race clubs when horses have been deprived of prizemoney due to being declared a non-runner. Well, what about fourth place prizemoney? They are paying down to 10th place in races such as the Melbourne Cup. What about race clubs putting away money to pay prizemoney for a horse that has placed and been declared a non-runner? The owner wins and the punter gets his money back. And don't worry, it will happen again - it's only a matter of time. The ATC's manager of racecourses, Lindsay Murphy, and his dedicated team can only ensure attention to detail remains on the agenda. ''The barriers get serviced before every meeting, checked after every race, and it will continue to happen,'' Murphy said yesterday. ''It has always been done. I don't know how many thousands of times they've started without sticking. ''It is unfortunate what happened. We've always been diligent with the maintenance of the gates, and that will continue to remain the case.'' At least one ATC employee goes over the starting stalls the day before each race meeting. Murphy will be in contact with the manufacturers, who, he said, ''have experts that are always happy to come and give them a check over, [and] we'll get them out again''. ''It is not as if we just pull them [barriers] out and use them for each meeting,'' he said. ''You wouldn't have expected it to happen.'' Maybe everyone should, as racing is all about the unexpected. How many people expected Manawanui to lead throughout and win the Golden Rose? Jockey Glyn Schofield pulled rivals' jodhpurs down. While he was dictating from the front, the favourite Smart Missile was getting into all sorts of trouble. The colt's jockey Glen Boss, expectedly or unexpectedly, let fly at apprentice James McDonald for causing mayhem on Foxwedge. Boss reckons apprentices should not be allowed to ride in group 1 races. Well, they've won Golden Slippers, Doncasters, etc. Not worth thinking about. It'll give you a headache.

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Belmont: Compliance Officer takes fourth straight in Ashley Cole Handicap | Daily Racing Form

 

Compliance Officer continued his ascension through the New York-bred turf division with a decisive 3 1/2-length victory in Sunday’s $100,000 Ashley T. Cole Handicap at Belmont Park.  The win was the fourth straight for Compliance Officer since being claimed by owner Thomas LaMarca and trainer Bruce Brown for $25,000 in May. His wins have come in allowance races at six furlongs and seven furlongs, the West Point Stakes at Saratoga at 1 1/16 miles , and the Cole at 1 1/8 miles. Under Alex Solis, Compliance Officer settled into fourth position early while racing in the three path as Writingonthewall set fractions of 25.55 seconds for the quarter, 49.12 for four furlongs, and 1:13.81 for six furlongs.  Compliance Officer got shuffled back to fifth when Uncle T Seven made a premature move along the rail entering the far turn. Solis guided Compliance Officer four-wide turning for home and with only mild encouragement Compliance Officer rocketed to the lead and drew off. Pocket Cowboys, second in this race last year, finished second by five lengths over Minnie Punt. Writingonthewall, Midnight Billy, Uncle To Seven, Straight Story ,and Make Note completed the order of finish. Gimme Credit and Theresmyeverything were scratched.  “We weren’t sure whether he would get the 1 1/8 miles, so the plan was to draft in behind the other horses through the first part,’’ Solis said. “When we got to the quarter pole, I asked him for run, and he responded very nicely. He’s a fun horse to ride. He’s improving every race, and now we know he can get the distance.’’  Prior to the West Point, Compliance Officer had only one win from six starts beyond one mile. “This was the best he’s ever relaxed and the best he’s ever finished,’’ Brown said. “He just seems like he’s getting better and better. It seems like this was kind of what he wanted to do all along. This was pretty impressive today.’’ Compliance Officer, a son of Officer, covered the 1 1/8 miles in 1:51.50 over an inner turf course labeled good. Compliance Officer will most likely make a bid to wrap up a New York-bred turf championship by running in the Mohawk Handicap here on Oct. 22.   Thursby, a half-brother to Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom, broke slowly and finished last in his debut going seven furlongs on turf.  The race was won by Richmond County, a 23-1 shot who returned $48.40. Richmond County ran seven furlongs in 1:24.66, which was 1.36 seconds slower than the 2-year-old filly Somali Lemonade won a seven-furlong maiden race earlier on the card.  Bold Warrior ($9.20) was elevated to first after being bumped by Buffum, the 1-4 favorite, who finished first in a second-level allowance race going one mile.

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Mike Sardella:"8" horses on the rise

 

Whenever handicappers talk about racing at a half mile track, such as Saratoga Casino and Raceway, they always seem to immediately dismiss horses starting from post eight. While there are many reasons why that theory makes plenty of sense, there seems to be a trend toward horses from outside posts factoring a lot more often than they used to. The uptick in the percentage of horses from the eight hole winning at Saratoga was never more evident than on Wednesday night. The 13-race program saw the participants wearing the “8” saddle pad prevail an incredible five times over the course of the evening. In seasons past, the likelihood of horses winning from post position eight had been almost exactly 5 percent. More recently, the percentage has risen some and after Wednesday night’s action, that number went up even more. Of the five “8” horses to win on Wednesday, only three actually started from post eight as scratches allowed a couple of the winners to move in a few spots. The “8” horses didn’t just win five times on the evening but in eight of the 13 races on the night, the “eight” finished in the top three. Success from post eight almost always goes hand-in-hand with value and Wednesday night was no different. Amongst the five victors starting from the outside on the evening, win prices included $17.40, $19.60, $31.80 and a hefty $57.00. The influx of winners this week that had the eight post brings to the forefront the idea of getting a price that you otherwise wouldn’t have gotten. You have to look no further than Friday night for a perfect case in point where a horse that figures to be a main threat to win a particular race, goes off at a super inflated price just because the “8” saddle pad is attached. Nowerland Nathan was coming off of three wins in his last four tries when he made his first start for new connections in Friday night’s trotting event for $10,000-$15,000 claimers. Starting from post eight, the horse that hadn’t been higher odds than 5-1 in his last five races was suddenly dismissed at 17-1. Leading driver Billy Dobson was at the controls and floated the five year old trotter out at the start and made an early move, trying to clear the lead just past the opening quarter. After getting parked out, the sharp trotter persevered and powered away late in the mile despite racing the majority of it on the outside. The win for Nowerland Nathan came in 1:58.2 and resulted in a $36.20 win mutual, a price greatly inflated even from what he would have been had he started from, say, post five or six. Incredible value because of the “8” saddle pad. While there are obviously great reasons to avoid any horse that has the eight hole, time after time we have seen examples of incredibly inflated prices on strong competitors simply because they drew the eight hole. The handicapping key here is to make sure you don’t just “throw out” any eight horse from your selections just because they start from the outside as you may just have some hidden value, that is a horse that appears to be as good as any in the bunch but has the daunting task of overcoming the post eight. Another handicapping tool that could be your key to value is finding the hot barn. Like in any other sport, people or teams get hot. To spot the hot barn has always been a key handicapping tool and right now there are a pair of longtime Saratoga trainers that have seen their stables put together strong stretches.

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TURF TALK: Will Blue Bunting be over the Moon?

 

THE Ladbroke St Leger, Britain’s oldest Classic, takes centre stage at Doncaster this afternoon run over one mile six-and-a-half-furlongs. Ante post favourite for the race is the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Sea Moon, closely followed by the Godolphin entry Blue Bunting. Followers of the Stoute yard have had a lean time this season with the top trainer’s horses not on their best form, however, the Newmarket handler will be hoping his luck will change with Sea Moon. With regular jockey Ryan Moore still on the injured list, the 10 times champion trainer has booked Olivier Peslier to ride his charge. Aidan O’Brien had three runners entered for the Classic but will rely on Seville, who will need to improve a bit after his defeat by Sea Moon in the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York. Frankie Dettori’s mount Blue Bunting will be aided by a pacemaker in Rumh, who was supplemented earlier in the week to the tune of £45,000, No doubt on the day the Dettori factor could click in and the Godolphin runner could well start favourite. Champion trainer Richard Hannon runs Census and is not without a chance, recent winner at Newbury the trainer said he deserves his opportunity and will have the assistance of Richard Hughes in the saddle. Former Manton trainer John Gosden runs Masked Marvel who could be in the shake up but the columns selection is for the Sir Michael Stoute trained Sea Moon to help make up for lost ground. The meeting gets underway with the Group 2 Champagne Stakes for two year olds run over seven furlongs where the selection is the William Haggas trained Entifaadha the mount of Richard Hills, an impressive winner last time out. Later in the afternoon the Group 2 Park Stakes has attracted some useful performers including the Chris Wall-trained Premio Loco, the mount of local jockey George Baker and the column’s selection, the Roger Varien-trained Eton Forever. Attracting plenty of support for the Portland Handicap in the week has been the Roger Charlton-trained Zero Money, an impressive winner at Haydock last weekend. The Beckhampton trainer said: “He seems to have become a rejuvenated character, at last his trainer has found the right distance. “It’s always a pleasure to see horses improve every season and maybe one day he will be contesting Listed races.” As well as Doncaster, Channel 4 cameras will be at Goodwood for a couple of races, the Group 3 Select Stakes that could be won by Opera Gal, the mount of David Probert and the Listed Betfred Starlit Stakes, where local trainer Hannon would look to have a good chance with Monsieur Chevalier. Chester’s seven race card gets underway with the two year old York Brewery Maiden Stakes that could go to Chelsea Mick ridden by top northern pilot Graham Gibbons who could also land the following race on board Venutius, both for trainer Ed McMahon. Ffos Las has attracted plenty of runners for their seven race card while an even shorter trip down the M4 to Bath could see the locally trained Kathleen Kennet bidding for a three timer in the space of a couple of weeks. Should there be any money left in the kitty after a busy afternoon then Kempton’s evening meeting under lights gets underway at 5.55pm. Local trainer Adrian Chamberlain runs Genes Of A Dancer in the mile handicap ridden by the owner’s granddaughter Lucy Barry and could be worth supporting. THE highlight of the Doncaster St Leger meeting so far has to be the victory of Meeznah in the Group 2 Park Hill Stakes, beating hot favourite Set To Music. Ridden by Frankie Dettori she gave trainer David Lanagan the biggest victory of his training career and also ensured the Doncaster crowd a flying dismount from racing’s favourite jockey. The most valuable race of the week so far - the £300,000 Weatherbys Insurance Stakes for two year olds - was a family affair with the Aidan O’Brien trained Reply scooping the prize money ridden by son Joseph, who was riding only his second winner in Britain. Almost six foot tall, the 18-year-old jockey’s future could well be over the jumps. SIX-time champion jockey Kieran Fallon made it 100 winners for the season when he rode Miss Blink to victory at Lingfield recently. The veteran jockey moved into second place in the jockeys championship title after the victory, behind leader Paul Hanagan and relegated Silvestre de Sousa to third place. Bookmakers have cottoned on to the fact that the former champion could strike again and have cut his odds to lift the title. Reigning champ Hanagan, who had an epic battle with Richard Hughes for the title last season, will be looking over his shoulder again and dreading another battle with a senior jockey that could well go down to the wire. However a four timer in the week at Carlisle for the champion jockey has put him back in the driving seat and his odds have shortened considerably to regain his title. Fallon said: “Every time I won the championship I was always in front, I have never been chasing. “It’s going to be tough to beat Paul, as he has got a strong team, but I have as well, I am a fair few behind at this stage but I will keep trying.” Without a winner at the Doncaster meeting so far, Fallon reduced the arrears with a victory on Justbookie Dot Com at Wolverhampton’s evening meeting on Thursday. Fallon won his last title in 2003. GOODWOOD and Ffos Las are the venues for tomorrow’s racing, with the Goodwood card getting underway with a two mile handicap that could go to Seaside Sizzler - the mount of George Baker. Later in the afternoon the Baker quartet will be in action again in the seven furlong handicap with the horse named George Baker, trained by George Baker, owned by George Baker and partners and ridden by George Baker. A comfortable winner last time out, the quartet could well be in the winners enclosure again. Local Jockey Baker would appear to have several good rides during the afternoon and could go close on Shamaal Nibras and Satwa Laird for trainer Ed Dunlop and no doubt the several local owners of Spice Fair will be cheering him on in the Goodwood Racehorse Owners Groups Stakes. At the Welsh course champion jockey Paul Hanagan would look to be the one to follow with four rides for trainer Ed Dunlop and one in the last race, the Nikki Evans trained Steel Rain likely to be the best bet of the meeting.

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Horse racing: Beam looks likely to fire at Haydock - Racing Headlines - Yorkshire Evening Post

 

Firebeam can get back on the winning trail in the EBF “Multiplex” George Formby Society Golden Jubilee Conditions Stakes at Haydock tomorrow. William Haggas’ lightly-raced three-year-old should be perfectly suited by the step back up to seven furlongs after just looking a little short of pace over six in the Shergar Cup at Ascot. Owned by Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, connections have every hope that he will develop into a Pattern contender next year and there has been nothing to suggest that he will not progress. Having won his maiden over six at Lingfield, Firebeam looked most impressive when running over seven at York, bolting up off a mark of 85. Back over six at Ascot off a stone higher, he showed up well for most of the way before being headed inside the final furlong, looking a bit one-paced. The winner, Morache Music, has subsequently run a cracker in a Group Three in France while the runner-up, Desert Law, ran with credit at Goodwood at the weekend. Haggas is renowned for picking his targets carefully and this looks ideal for the son of Cadeaux Genereux. David Barron’s Annie Beach ran a nice race on her debut at Redcar when fourth and will not have to improve much to land the EBF “Mind Games” Real Radio Maiden Stakes at Haydock. She only cost 800 euros but had obviously been showing plenty at home as she was only sent off at 5-2. With that run under her belt, she is likely to take all the beating tomorrow. Alan Swinbank’s Persian Peril remains in great heart and should be on the mark once more in the King’s Regiment Cup Handicap. Not out of the first three in his last seven races, only War Poet could fend him off in a decent event at Thirsk last time out. And tomorrow’s race is not quite as competitive. Clive Brittain’s Ziraun looks the best bet on the card at Yarmouth in the Thomas Prior Memorial Maiden Stakes. Fourth in a decent heat at Pontefract on her debut, Ziraun was third of 13 at Warwick last month. That was her first run for some time so she is entitled to come on a good deal from that and is related to plenty of winners. Charlie Hills’ Upcountry was second on debut to a very well bred Godolphin newcomer so should go one better in the ladbrokes.com On Your Mobile Maiden Stakes at Folkestone. He ended up being fairly well beaten but can only improve on that and while Luca Cumani’s Semmsu sets a decent standard, quicker ground for Upcountry should be right up his street. Perfect * John Gosden enjoyed a red-letter day on Saturday as Masked Marvel gave him a second successive Ladbrokes St Leger victory and Duncan dead-heated with Jukebox Jury in the Irish equivalent. Masked Marvel (15-2) was given a perfect ride by stable jockey William Buick, who was following up the victory of Arctic Cosmos 12 months ago. With hot favourite Sea Moon a never-nearer fourth and triple Group One-winner Blue Bunting appearing to have had one race too many, it was left to Michael Owen’s Brown Panther to chase home the impressive winner. Said Gosden: “Last year was a dream and this is another one. From the first day I saw him as a yearling at Deauville, I just thought he was that type. “He was a powerful little guy then and he’s got a great pedigree for this job. “To win the oldest Classic with this horse is what we’ve planned for about two years. “He has a high cruising speed and he has that kick that you need at the end. “I’d have been disappointed if he hadn’t been one or two in the race.” Buick, with two wins from just two Leger rides, said: “It was a really good performance and I had a problem pulling him up. “It was a solid gallop and when I asked him to quicken he really did.”

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