Trainer George Boughey has clarified the circumstances surrounding Bow Echo‘s shock retirement. The star three-year-old was retired on Tuesday evening after a minor setback. Meanwhile, Vicky Foxcroft has been named as the new gambling minister.
Here is the racing news today, rounded up for Thursday.
Bow Echo retired due to “low grade lameness”
After his surprise retirement on Thursday, the circumstances of Bow Echo’s career-ending injury have been clarified. Trainer George Boughey spoke to Nick Luck’s Daily Podcast and said that his superstar had a “very low grade lameness.” In turn, that “meant that we X-rayed him, just to make sure that he was okay, and there was a slight change there.” Boughey spoke of his pride in training the horse, but admits there is regret that he cannot train him for longer: “It’s all very upsetting, but he’s been a star.” (Thoroughbred Daily News)
Precise heads Group 1 dozen in Bow Echo absence
Sunday’s Group 1 Prix Jacques Le Marois would have been the next race Bow Echo contested. However, in his absence, Irish 1000 Guineas heroine Precise is the star name among 12 still in the race. She has found the year-older Blue Bolt too strong at the top level the last twice. The Ballydoyle filly will aim to bounce back against the boys though, as the likes of French 2000 Guineas winner Rayif, Jersey Stakes scorer Thesecretadversary, and top-class older milers More Thunder and Zeus Olympios, could lie in wait. (Sporting Life)
Vicky Foxcroft named new gambling minister
A new gambling minister has been named under Andy Burnham’s premiership. Vicky Foxcroft is the Labour MP for Lewisham North, and will assume the role previously held by Baroness Twycross. Foxcroft has taken a hard stance against gambling in the past. She signed to overturn “aim to permit” regulations, as well as promoting action against FOBTs. She is also likely to push for a ban on gambling advertising on television. (Racing Post)
York Ebor Festival: Caballo De Mar primed & Queen Camilla in attendance
Trainer George Scott is confident Group 1 winner Caballo De Mar can down Trawlerman at York next week. The pair are set to clash in the Group 2 Lonsdale Cup. Caballo De Mar was all but pulled up in the Gold Cup at Ascot due to heat stress. He had been as close to contending with Scandinavia and Trawlerman that day as any rival though. Scott believes his charge is “showing all the fruits of having a bit of a break.” (Racing Post)
The York Ebor meeting has received a royal boost too. Her Majesty The Queen is set to attend at least one day of the festival next week. Queen Camilla is currently confirmed to visit on the opening day, which features the Group 1 Juddmonte International Stakes. York chief executive William Derby welcomed the news, labelling the festival as “the highlight of our year.” (York Press)