Sandford Lad breeder dies
ANNE Grubb, breeder of top-class sprinter Sandford Lad, has died. Based at Big Acre Stud in Clogheen, Co Tipperary, she was a small breeder but produced many winners.
Sandford Lad was champion sprinter in 1973, winning both the Nunthorpe Stakes and Prix de l’Abbaye. He was trained by Ryan Price, a good friend of the breeder, who bought Sandford Lad as a yearling for 1,800gns at Doncaster.
Blue Queen, a half-sister to Sandford Lad, became an influential broodmare whose descendants included Opera House and Kayf Tara.
Stier moves on
JAMIE Stier, the British Horseracing Authority’s chief regulatory officer, will leave his position in early 2018 to return home to Australia. His BHA role includes responsibility for managing the BHA’s raceday operations, such as stewarding, integrity and equine welfare staff.
Three awards for Aidan O’Brien
AIDAN O’Brien was named Manager of the Year at last Saturday’s RTE Sports Awards.
There were eight nominees for the award, which was decided upon by RTE sports department editorial staff.
Two days earlier the trainer received the Outstanding Contribution to Brand Ireland Award from Business & Finance magazine. Also this week he was named the Irish Independent Sportstar of the Year.
Douvan is out
ALTIOR is as short as 5/4 for the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham following news that Douvan will miss the rest of the season. Trained by Willie Mullins for Rich Ricci, Douvan has not been seen since losing his unbeaten record over fences in the Champion Chase last March.
He had been set to reappear in the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown earlier this month but was not declared, with Mullins reporting he had not been totally happy with him in the days before the race, opting instead to wait for a possible run at Leopardstown over Christmas. However, it was revealed last weekend that connections have now decided to miss the entire campaign.
“It’s disappointing news, but we are taking a very conservative approach to his recovery, so this season is on hold,” Mullins said. “He is young enough to come back to his best.”
More cash for UK
PRIZE money at the 15 Jockey Club-owned racecourses in Britain are set to benefit from an increased prize money contribution by the Jockey Club in 2018.
The Jockey Club will contribute a record £27.1 million in prize money next year, an increase of £4.2 million on this year’s budgeted figure.
Aintree, Cheltenham, Epsom, Newmarket and Sandown are the best-known tracks under Jockey Club control. Cheltenham has announced plans to increase prize money on New Year’s Day by 23% to £260,000.
All the Grade 1 championship contests at the Cheltenham Festival will also benefit. The Champion Hurdle and Champion Chase rise by £50,000 to £450,000 and £400,000 respectively.
The Stayers’ Hurdle is up to £325,000 from £300,000, while the Gold Cup is now worth £625,000 - up from £575,000.
New chairman of Weatherbys Bank
DAVID Bellamy has been appointed chairman of Weatherbys Bank. Bellamy has headed the £85 billion wealth management company St James’s Place for over 10 years and is due to step down from that role shortly. He replaces Johnny Weatherby as chairman of Weatherbys Bank, which provides financial services and advice to racing clientele.
Roger Weatherby, CEO of Weatherbys Bank, said: “David’s experience in the financial services sector, his leadership skills, and his passion for innovation, growth, and advice will make him an invaluable addition to Weatherbys Bank. David is deeply respected and his appointment will bolster our position as a leading private bank.”
Tote tech
AN Irish technology company has won the contract to supply 55 British racecourses with new digital pool betting displays next year. Starting in July, tote betting facilities at the 55 tracks will be supplied by Britbet, a racecourse-controlled company which will replace Betfred. The display technology will be provided by Dublin firm BoscaBet.