Notable Speech was a sensational winner of the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes at Newbury on Saturday. The former 2000 Guineas winner easily defeated his rivals under a confident William Buick. Meanwhile growing caution among MPs surrounds affordability checks.
Here is the racing news today to start the week on Monday.
Notable Speech leaves Lockinge rivals in the dust
Notable Speech made history even by setting foot at Newbury on Saturday. He was just the second 2000 Guineas winner since 1948 to race as a five-year-old. He proved milers can have longevity too, routing his rivals in the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes. It was a fifth top level success for the Godolphin runner as Charlie Appleby returned to form at the end of last week. It was a third win in four starts after his Breeders’ Cup success in November. The Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot is next up. (Racing Post)
Weekend results: Song Of The Clyde and Havana Anna impress
40 minutes after the Lockinge Stakes, a similar performance was expected from Albert Einstein. In the Listed Carnarvon Stakes, Aidan O’Brien’s three-year-old was highly tipped to win for the first time this season. Dropped to 6f, he made most of the running and looked comfortable, only for Song Of The Clyde to cause an upset for Clive Cox. It was a third victory for the Middleham Park colt, with the first two set to contest the Commonwealth Cup next month. (Thoroughbred Daily News)
Another contender for that contest could be Havana Anna. Donnacha O’Brien’s filly was winning for the third time in her career on Sunday. All three victories have been at Naas, as she won the Group 3 Lacken Stakes. Favourite Charles Darwin was aiming to become the leading Ballydoyle contender for the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot. However, he disappointed, finishing last of nine, with Havana Anna bouncing back from a heavy Breeders’ Cup defeat. (Racing TV)
Henry De Bromhead recorded the most unlikely double at Naas on Sunday too. His two winners combined for a 1,733/1 double. Totally Puzzled was his first winner, in maiden company, causing a huge upset in its own right at 50/1. Then, in the Listed Owenstown Stud Stakes, Wannabe Royal scored at 33/1. He had also sent out two winners at Wexford over jumps at the weekend, therefore sending out four winners from his last five runners. (Racing TV)
MPs continue to push back against affordability checks
19 MPs representing horse racing constituencies have pushed back against affordability checks. Among those were MPs whose constituencies contain Aintree, Ascot and Newmarket. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is preparing to roll out affordability checks as recommended by the Gambling Commission. It is predicted that 20% of online bettors will receive requests for information under these proposed checks. However, caution and opposition is rising. (The Sun)