Jonbon was among eight confirmations for the Ascot Chase on Saturday, while further potential runners emerged. Both Golden Ace and Kabral Du Mathan could well feature at Wincanton and Haydock respectively.
We outline those fields and look at the stories making the headlines in Tuesday’s racing news round-up.
Saturday fields headed by Jonbon & Golden Ace
Jonbon is set to be the star attraction at Ascot once again on Saturday. The ten-year-old, an 11-time Grade 1 winner, featured among eight confirmations for the Ascot Chase. Nicky Henderson’s charge has never finished out of the first two under rules and would be seeking a 12th top level triumph on Saturday should he be declared, with his main rivals set to include two-time defending Ascot Chase hero Pic d’POrhy. (Sporting Life)
Wincanton also hosts a prominent meeting this Saturday, with Champion Hurdler Golden Ace set to appear. Jeremy Scott is pursuing a tried and tested path to Cheltenham, having taken this race en route to Champion Hurdle glory 12 months ago. Dark horse Alexei could be among her challengers, while there was a surprise confirmation at Haydock. Kabral Du Mathan, whose seasonal plan looked set to avoid Cheltenham, may now have a Stayers’ Hurdle preparation. He was among nine entered in the Grade 2 Rendlesham Hurdle. (Racing Post)
Pauling has The Jukebox Man in good place for Gold Cup
King George winner The Jukebox Man has been enjoying the ideal preparation for the Gold Cup according to Ben Pauling. The Kempton hero has completed his “first serious piece of work” with the race just over four weeks away. Pauling also alluded to the challenging conditions at the Dublin Racing Festival, suggesting that “every horse who went there for a prep will know they’ve had a race.” (Racing TV)
Popular veteran Two For Gold retired
Grade 2-winning chaser Two For Gold has been retired by Kim Bailey at the age of 13. The veteran won 11 times under rules in all, including the Hampton Novices’ Chase and Fleur De Lys Chase. He was a regular at Ascot, finishing second at the track on four occasions as well as winning once, while he also took part in the 2022 Grand National, ultimately pulling up. Bailey charmingly described Two For Gold as “a funny old horse and a quirky individual.” (Horse & Hound)
World Jockey series shelved
Lastly, plans for a proposed world jockey league have been shelved to the disappointment of those set to take part. The initiative, which would have seen 12 leading global riders take part, has reportedly been put on hold. Among those slated to take part originally were Ryan Moore, William Buick and Frankie Dettori, who has since retired. Yutaka Take, one of the most prominent Japanese jockeys, said: “I was informed that it cannot be held this year…It’s very unfortunate.” (Mirror)