France Galop’s president have announced their decision to allow geldings in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe will stand. Guillaume de Saint-Seine advertised the majority vote on which the decision was based. Meanwhile, on home shores, Chelmsford racecourse has lost its appeal to continue hosting meetings.
Gelding decision in Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe will stand
The move to welcome geldings into the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe has been rigidly backed by France Galop’s president. Guillaume de Saint-Seine announced that “there was a big majority” who voted for the move even though “it wasn’t unanimous.” The decision was based upon 18 months worth of discussions and has been made to strengthen the depth of quality in the race. Aidan O’Brien and Hugo Palmer are among the move’s detractors. (Racing Post)
Chelmsford racecourse loses latest appeal
The British Horseracing Authority has rejected the latest appeal from Chelmsford City racecourse. Great Leighs Estates Limited (GLEL), which used to own the racecourse, had debts approaching £30 million, with the figure originally believed to be closer to £22 million. As such, despite a change of ownership under Golden Mile Racing Limited (GMRL), Chelmsford’s wait to host racing goes on. The last meeting held at the Essex track was in March. (BBC)
US Racing: Aqueduct closes as American owners buy British Breeders’ Cup hope
New York City’s last remaining racecourse has shut its doors. Aqueduct racecourse hosted its final meeting on Sunday before closing after 132 years of racing history. A $455 million investment into Belmont Park racecourse, on the outskirts of New York, was prioritised over Aqueduct, which is inside the city itself. Saratoga racecourse is another a little way outside New York. The likes of Man o’ War, Seabiscuit and Secretariat all contested races at the venue. (Guardian)
US owners Riverdee & West Paces have purchased a stake in unbeaten British juvenile Adonius. The two-year-old has won all three of his races so far since his debut in April. A seven-length win at Musselburgh was followed up by victory under a penalty at that track. He has since won the Lily Agnes Conditions Stakes at Chester. Trainer Rebecca Menzies has announced that “we’re working back from the Breeders’ Cup.” (Racing Post)
Salisbury debutant given sensational backing by trainer
Breacher’s win at Salisbury on Tuesday would have made a few notebooks. However, his trainer’s words in the aftermath will have encouraged many to have a second look. William Muir has suggested already that breacher is the best he has trained. That is despite Muir having recently handled the career of two-time Group 1 hero Pyledriver. The son of Cracksman landed the 7f maiden, won by Pyledriver in the past, from a Juddmonte-owned colt of Ralph Beckett’s. (Sporting Life)