SUNDAY

  • Garlingari won the Group 2 Prix d'Harcourt over 10 furlongs at Chantilly. Owned, trained and bred by Corine Barande-Barbe, the gelded five-year-old is son of Linngari (by Indian Ridge), a dual Group 1 winner who spent two years at Haras de Bonneval, five at Haras du Petit Tellier, and then moved to Summerhill Stud in South Africa last year. A half-brother to a winner, Garlingari is out of the pattern-placed Garlinote (by Poliglote), a full-sister to the Group 1 Prix de Diane (French Oaks) and Group 1 Prix Vermeille heroine Carling (by Garde Royale). That classic star's blacktype progeny include the Japanese pattern scorers Lohengrin (by Singspiel) and Extra End (by Deep Impact).

  • Harzand made it two wins from three starts when taking the Group 3 P.W. McGrath Memorial Ballysax Stakes over 10 furlongs at Leopardstown. The Aga Khan's homebred son of Gilltown Stud stallion Sea The Stars (by Cape Cross) is trained by Dermot Weld. He is out of Hazariya (by Xaar), which makes him a half-brother to Group 3 scorer Harasiya (by Pivotal) and to listed race winner Hazarafa (by Daylami), and his pattern-winning dam is a half-sister to Group 1 Irish Oaks third Hazarista (by Barathea).

  • Jet Setting won the Group 3 Leopardstown 1000 Guineas Trial Stakes over seven furlongs, a second win from seven starts for the Adrian Keatley-trained three-year-old. She was trained last year by Richard Hannon and is now unbeaten in two starts for her new connections. She was bred by Peter Kelly and her sire Fast Company (by Danehill Dancer) is in his first season at Overbury Stud having spent the previous five years at Rathasker Stud. Her winning dam Mean Lae (by Johannesburg) is out of listed scorer Plume Rouge (by Pivotal), and her fourth dam is the Group 2 Ribblesdale Stakes winner Miss Boniface (by Tap On Wood).

  • Quiet Reflection won the Group 3 Prix Sigy over six furlongs at Chantilly, a second pattern success from just five starts for the Karl Burke-trained three-year-old. A second-crop daughter of Whitsbury Manor Stud stallion Showcasing (by Oasis Dream), she was bred by Springcombe Park Stud. She is the first foal out of juvenile winner My Delirium (by Haafhd), her grandam is the listed scorer Clare Hills (by Orpen), and I reviewed her pedigree in detail in the 26th September 2015 edition of The Irish Field.

  • Guiliani won the Group 3 XTIP Fruhjahrsmeile over a mile at Dusseldorf, a third pattern success for the Group 1-winning son of Gestut Erftmuhle stallion Tertullian (by Miswaki). Bred by Georg Baron Von Ullman and trained by Jean-Pierre Carvalho, the five-year-old is out of Group 1 Oak d'Italia heroine Guadalupe (by Monsun). She is also responsible for the pattern-placed dual stakes winner Guantana (by Dynaformer) and her siblings include dual Group 1 winner and Grange Stud stallion Getaway (by Monsun).

  • Black Sea came out best in a three-way photo for the Listed Leopardstown 2000 Guineas Trial Stakes over a mile. The son of Coolmore Stud's multiple champion sire Galileo (by Sadler's Wells) is trained by Aidan O'Brien, he was bred by the Christmas Kid Syndicate and he is the third foal out of the Grade 1 Ashland Stakes winner Christmas Kid (by Lemon Drop Kid). His two older siblings are the pattern-placed duo Michaelmas (by Elusive Quality) and Father Christmas (by Bernardini).

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    SATURDAY

  • Rule The World is the Grade 3 Crabbie's Grand National hero of 2016. The Mouse Morris-trained gelding, who had never won a race over fences, stormed home in the four miles, two furlongs and 74 yards contest at Aintree, picking up a first prize of £561,300. A son of Yorton Farm Stud stallion Sulamani (by Hernando), he is out of Elaine Tully (by Persian Bold) and that makes him a half-brother to the Grade 2-winning hurdler Venalmar (by Kayf Tara) and to the dual blacktype-winning mare One Gulp (by Hernando). Rule The World, who won the Grade 2 Slaney Novice Hurdle three years ago and the Grade 3 Limestone Lad Hurdle 12 months later, was bred by Tricia Wilkins and Bobby McAlpine.

  • Thistlecrack easily won the Grade 1 Liverpool Stayers' Hurdle over three miles, 149 yards at Aintree, a fourth victory at the highest level for the brilliant son of Overbury Stud stallion Kayf Tara (by Sadler's Wells). Trained by Colin Tizzard and bred by Robin and Scarlett Knipe, the eight-year-old is a half-brother to the Grade 2-placed Western Approach (by Westerner) and he is out of the staying chaser Ardstown (by Ardross), who won four times over fences and a trio of point-to-points.

  • Douvan extended his unbeaten record over fences to five with an easy win in the Grade 1 Doom Bar Maghull Novices' Chase over a few yards short of the two miles at Aintree. The Willie Mullins-trained six-year-old, who was bred in France by SARL Haras de la Faisanderie, is a son of new Grange Stud team member Walk In The Park (by Montjeu). He is the first foal out of Star Face (by Saint Des Saints), he comes from the family of Grade 3 scorer and successful sire Discover D'Auteuil, and I reviewed his pedigree in detail in the 17th January 2015 edition of The Irish Field.

  • Yorkhill extended his unbeaten record to six in the Grade 1 EZ Trader Mersey Novices' Hurdle over two and a half miles at Aintree, four of those coming over jumps. The Willie Mullins-trained six-year-old was bred by Patrick Keating, he is a son of Glenview Stud's multiple champion sire Presenting (by Mtoto) and his dam Lightning Breeze (by Saddlers' Hall) is a half-sister to the Grade 1 stars The Listener (by Roselier) and Offshore Account (by Oscar). I reviewed Yorkhill's pedigree in detail in the 9th January 2016 edition of The Irish Field.

  • Ubak was a 16/1 winner of the Grade 3 Gaskells Waste Management Handicap Hurdle over three miles, 149 yards at Aintree. His only prior success was a 22/1 one in a Grade 2 novice hurdle at the same venue three years ago. Trained by Gary Moore and bred by Pierre De Maleissye Melun and partners, the son of Haras de la Hetraie stallion Kapgarde (by Garde Royale) is out of unraced Gesse Parade (by Dress Parade). He is a half-brother to Grade 1 Powers Gold Cup winner Rebel Fitz (by Agent Bleu) and his dam is related to the Grade 1 King George VI Chase and Grade 1 Heineken Gold Cup hero First Gold (by Shafoun).

  • Maggio sprang a 50/1 shock with a wide-margin success in the Listed Betfred Handicap Chase over three miles, one furlong at Aintree. The Patrick Griffin-trained 11-year-old was bred in France by Haras du Reuilly, he is a son of the Group 1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe hero Trempolino (by Sharpen Up), and he is out of the winning stayer La Musardiere (by Cadoudal). That makes him a half-brother to the graded-winning hurdlers Malcom (by Villez) and Musardo (by Grand Tresor).

  • Sea Of Flames made it four wins from six starts when holding on for a narrow success in the Listed Kellier Family and Friends Celebrations International Trial Stakes over a mile on the polytrack at Lingfield. Jeff Smith's homebred gelding is trained by David Elsworth, he is a son of the late Nunnery Stud stallion Aqlaam (by Oasis Dream) and he is the first foal out of Hidden Fire (by Alhaarth). His dam is a winning half-sister to the Group 2 Grand Prix de Deauville scorer Cocktail Queen (by Motivator) and his grandam is the pattern-placed stakes winner Premier Prize (by Selkirk).

  • Perfect Fit gave Haras d'Etreham stallion Elusive City (by Elusive Quality) his fifth winner at the highest level when justifying favouritism in the Group 1 Fiber Fresh NZ Thoroughred Breeders Stakes over a mile at Te Aroha in New Zealand. Trained by Ken and Bev Kelso and bred by her part-owner Haunui Bloodstock Ltd, the three-year-old is out of the triple Group 1 star Fayreform (by Tights). Her winning grandam Glamour Gold (by Indian Ore) has a string of successful siblings including her Group 1-placed, Group 2-winning full-brother Young Indian.

  • Sofia Rosa, who was beaten by a nose in the Group 1 New Zealand Oaks at Trentham last month, gained some compensation when taking the Group 1 James Boag's Premium Australian Oaks over 12 furlongs at Randwick. Trained by Stephen Marsh and bred by Gerry Harvey, the daughter of Haras de Bonneval's classic winning miler Makfi (by Dubawi) is the stallion's third winner at the highest level. She is out of Bislieri (by Encosta De Lago), who is a half-sister to the pattern winner Bel Danoro (by Danehill) and to Group 1-placed filly Tanith (by Chief's Crown), and her grandam is the stakes winning sprinter Bislotto (by Belloto).

  • Gallante won the Group 1 Grand Prix de Paris two years ago and today added the Group 1 Schweppes Sydney Cup at Randwick, a two mile handicap. Bred by the partnership of Lynch Bages Ltd and Camas Park Stud, and now trained by Robert Hickmott, the gelded son of late Coolmore Stud ace Montjeu (by Sadler's Wells) is a full-brother to Grade 2 Istabraq Hurdle winner Plinth. He is out of Crazy Volume (by Machiavellian) and his grandam is Desert Ease (by Green Desert), a six-furlong stakes winner from the famous Moyglare Stud family of Group/Grade 1 stars Trusted Partner (by Affirmed), Dress To Thrill (by Danehill), Vert De Grece (by Verglas) and Free Eagle (by High Chaparral).

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    FRIDAY

  • God's Own landed the spoils in a dramatic edition of the Grade 1 JLT Melling Chase over two and a half miles at Aintree. The Tom George-trained 10-year-old was bred by Caroline O'Driscoll, he is a son of Grange Stud stallion Oscar (by Sadler's Wells) and he is a full-brother to the Grade 2-placed multiple winning hurdler Working Title. His dam Dantes Term (by Phardante) is a half-sister to the Grade 2-placed hurdler Moonshine Lad (by Milan) and out of the bumper and dual hurdles scorer Parsons Term (by The Parson).

  • Native River won the Grade 1 Betfred Mildmay Novices' Chase over three miles, one furlong at Aintree, taking his record over fences to three wins from seven starts. It is a second graded success for the Colin Tizzard-trained six-year-old, an Indian River (by Cadoudal) gelding who was bred in France by Fred Mackey. His half-brother Orpheus Valley (by Beneficial) won the Grade A Guinness Handicap Chase at Punchestown two years ago and his dam, Native Mo (by Be My Native) is out of a winning half-sister to the high-class hurdler Minella Lad (by Buckskin).

  • Ballyoptic got up close to the line to pip Bellshill in the Grade 1 Doom Bar Sefton Novices' Hurdle over three miles and 149 yards at Aintree, thereby extending his unbeaten record over obstacles to three. The Nigel Twiston-Davies trained six-year-old is a son of the late Sunnyhill Stud stallion Old Vic (by Sadler's Wells), he was bred by Roger Ryan, he has several winning siblings, and his dam Lambourne Lace (by Un Desperado) is a half-sister to the blacktype-placed prolific chaser Storm Damage (by Waajib).

  • Buveur D'Air won the Grade 1 Imagine Cruising First In The Frame Top Novices' Hurdle over two miles, one furlong at Aintree, a first blacktype success for the son of veteran Haras de la Baie stallion Crillon (by Saumarez). Bred by Gerard Ferte and trained by Nicky Henderson, the five-year-old is out of History (by Alesso), which makes him a half-brother to the dual Grade 1-winning chaser Punchestowns (by Morespeed).

  • Bacardys won the Grade 2 Weatherbys Private Bank Champion Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race over two miles, one furlong at Aintree, taking his record to two wins from three starts. The Willie Mullins-trained five-year-old is a son of Haras Cercy La Tour stallion Coastal Path (by Halling) and he was bred by Eric Vagne and Jose Da Silva. He is the first foal out of the multiple flat-winning AQPS mare Oasice (by Robin Des Champs) who is a half-sister to the listed-winning chaser Visionice (by Dom Alco).

  • Eastlake sprang a 22/1 surprise in the Grade 3 Crabbie's Topham Chase over two miles, five furlongs at Aintree, an eighth win over fences for the Jonjo O'Neill-trained 10-year-old and his first blacktype success. Bred by Eleanor Hadden, the son of late Knockhouse Stud stallion Beneficial (by Top Ville) is out of multiple winner Guigone (by Esprit Du Nord), which makes him a full-brother to Grade 1 World Hurdle winner More Of That and half-brother to Grade 2-winning hurdler Santenay (by Mister Mat).

  • Party Rock sprang a 33/1 surprise to take the Grade 3 Alder Hey Children's Charity Handicap Hurdle over two and a half miles at Aintree. It is a first blacktype success for the Jennie Candlish-trained nine-year-old. Bred by Daniel O'Keeffe, the son of Longford House Stud stallion Vinnie Roe (by Definite Article) is out of Garryduff Eile (by Oscar). His dam is a half-sister to the Grade A Pierse Hurdle winner Dromlease Express (by Fourstars Allstar) and to the Grade 2-winning chaser Aunt Nora (by Kayf Tara) whose pedigree I reviewed in detail in the 23rd January 2016 edition of The Irish Field.

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    THURSDAY

  • Cue Card notched up the seventh Grade 1 success of his career with victory in the Betfred Bowl Chase over three miles, one furlong at Aintree. The Colin Tizzard-trained 10-year-old, a son of late Ballylinch Stud stallion King's Theatre (by Sadler's Wells), was bred by Ronald Crelin. He is a €52,000 graduate of the Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale and his dam, Wicked Crack (by King's Ride), is a blacktype-placed half-sister to SunAlliance Chase third What's The Crack (by The Parson). I reviewed Cue Card's pedigree in detail in the 28th November 2015 edition of The Irish Field.

  • Annie Power ran away with the Grade 1 Doom Bar Aintree Hurdle over two and a half miles taking her career record to 15 wins from 17 starts. The five-times Grade 1 star was bred by Eamon Cleary, she is trained by Willie Mullins and she is a daughter of Glenview Stud stallion Shirocco (by Monsun). Her Group 3-winning dam Anno Luce (by Old Vic) is out of the German champion Anna Paola (by Prince Ippi).

  • Arzal made it three wins from seven starts over fences with victory in the Grade 1 Merseyrail Manifesto Novices' Chase over two and a half miles at Aintree. The Harry Whittington-trained six-year-old was bred in France by Dominique Gouin and Anna Racape, and he is a son of the Group 2 winner Vendangeur (by Galileo). He is a half-brother to couple of AQPS winners, as is his dam Ghostaline (by Ghost Busters).

  • Apple's Jade was a runaway winner of the Grade 1 Betfred Anniversary 4YO Juvenile Hurdle over two miles, one furlong at Aintree. Previously a Grade 2 winner who was runner-up in the Grade 1 Triumph Hurdle, the Willie Mullins-trained bay is a daughter of Haras de Cercy stallion Saddler Maker (by Sadler's Wells). She was bred by Ronny Coveliers, she is a full-sister to two winners in France and she is out of Apple's For Ever (by Nikos), a winning full-sister to multiple scorer Apple's Andrea.

  • Kayf Grace won the Grade 2 Goffs Nickel Coin Mares' Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race over two miles, one furlong at Aintree, a second win from five starts for James and Jean Potter's homebred daughter of Overbury Stud stallion Kayf Tara (by Sadler's Wells). The six-year-old is trained by Nicky Henderson, she is out of seven-times scorer Potter's Gale (by Strong Gale) and her dam is a half-sister to the brilliant Denman (by Presenting).

  • Katachenko won the Grade 3 Betfred Red Rum Handicap Chase over a few yards short of two miles at Aintree, a first blacktype success for the Donald McCain-trained son of Kutub (by In The Wings). Bred by Charles Harte, he is out of Karalee (by Arokar) and that makes him a half-brother to the Grade 2-placed multiple winner Mill House Girl (by Basanta).

  • Cheikeljack sprang a surprise in the Group 3 Prix Djebel over seven furlongs on heavy ground at Maisons-Laffitte. The Alex Pantall-trained three-year-old is a son of Haras du Mezeray stallion Myboycharlie (by Danetime), he was bred by Ecurie Des Monceaux, and he is out of Senderlea (by Giant's Causeway), an unraced half-sister to Group 3 scorer Quest For Honor (by Highest Honor). It is the family of multiple Group 1 star and classic sire Mtoto (by Busted).

  • Spectre defied odds of 23/1 to take the Group 3 Prix Imprudence over seven furlongs at Maisons-Laffitte. Bred and trained by Markus Münch, the German-based filly is a daughter of Haras de Bonneval's classic sire Siyouni (by Pivotal). Her stakes-placed dam Inez (by Dai Jin) is a half-sister to the Group 2 scorer and millionaire Irian (by Tertullian) and to Group 3 winner Ibicenco (by Shirocco).

  • Sussudio recorded his second listed success of the season when taking the Prix Jacques Laffitte over nine furlongs at Maisons-Laffitte. The six-year-old son of Nunnery Stud stallion Nayef (by Gulch) is trained in Germany by Hella Sauer, he was bred by Georg Baron Von Ullman, and he is out of Soudaine (by Monsun), a stakes-winning full-sister to Group 2 scorer Simoun. The mare's siblings also include Soignee (by Dashing Blade), the stakes-winning dam of six-times Group/Grade 1 star Stacelita (by Monsun).

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    WEDNESDAY

  • Altesse won the Listed Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Noblesse Stakes over 12 furlongs at Leopardstown, a first blacktype success for Kirsten Rausing's homebred and pattern-placed mare. The five-year-old is trained by Jim Bolger, she is a daughter of Lanwades Stud's late classic sire Hernando (by Niniski) and she is a half-sister to the Group 3 scorer Alla Speranza (by Sir Percy). She is out of stakes winner Alvarita (by Selkirk) and so is a grand-daughter of dual Group 1 Champion Stakes heroine Alborada (by Alzao), a full-sister to the multiple Group 1 scorer Albanova.

  • Frosty Berry sprang a 50/1 shock in the Listed totepool EBF Stallions Barry Hills Further Flight Stakes over one mile, six furlongs at Nottingham, a seventh win for the Ed de Giles-trained grey and her first blacktype success. Bred by J H Widdows, the seven-year-old is Group 1 winning miler Proclamation (by King's Best), who spent several years at Overbury Stud before moving to Girsonfield Stud. She is a half-sister to the prolific dual-purpose gelding Star Of Light (by Mtoto) and her dam, Star Entry (by In The Wings), is a winning half-sister to the blacktype-placed dual-purpose mare Blaeberry (by Kirkwall).