Friday’s racing news is led by the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe draw, with the 16 runners now set for Sunday’s ParisLongchamp feature. We also look back at A Bear Affair’s Salisbury success and the disciplinary outcome involving former trainer Maurice Barnes, before today’s British and Irish programme.
Arc draw sets the agenda for Sunday
All 16 runners stood their ground at Thursday’s final declaration stage for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, and the draw has given defending champion Daryz stall five for his bid to retain the title. Francis-Henri Graffard’s other runner, Prix Niel winner Varandir, is alongside in stall four, giving the French team two low-numbered positions.
Joseph O’Brien’s Thundering On has also been handed a prominent inside berth in stall three. Among the other leading contenders, Kalpana will start from six and Friendly Soul from seven, while Maltese Cross has stall 11. The Japanese pair Admire Terra and Meisho Tabaru are drawn 12 and 13 respectively.
The Aidan O’Brien team is spread across the gate. Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini has stall one, last year’s runner-up Minnie Hauk is in 10, and Diamond Necklace has the widest position of all in 16. The opening stages and each rider’s decision over position will therefore be a central part of the pre-race discussion as the field heads towards Sunday’s European middle-distance championship.
A Bear Affair makes all at Salisbury
A Bear Affair was Thursday’s principal British result, making all to land Salisbury’s British EBF Joan Snow Memorial Conditions Stakes. Pat Dobbs rode the Richard Hannon-trained two-year-old, who was pushed along and hung right inside the final furlong before keeping on well through the final 110 yards.
Maurice Barnes restricted from racing
Former trainer and Grand National-winning jockey Maurice Barnes has been fined £5,000 and restricted from working in racing or reapplying for a licence for eight years following a disciplinary-panel hearing. The matter involved ten charges, seven concerning horse welfare, and was resolved through a plea agreement.
The panel also recommended that the British Horseracing Authority consider drawing the RSPCA’s attention to the history and extent of the breaches. Barnes retired from training in March.
Racing today
The first and last race times below are from the live racecards when this draft was built. Check for late changes before publication.
Gowran Park — first race: 13:21 · last race: 17:20
Wolverhampton — first race: 13:31 · last race: 17:55
Hexham — first race: 13:38 · last race: 17:08
Ascot — first race: 13:50 · last race: 16:45
Newcastle — first race: 16:05 · last race: 20:15
Dundalk — first race: 17:00 · last race: 20:30
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