Hugo Palmer moves north

HUGO Palmer has been named as the new salaried trainer at Manor House Stables in Cheshire. Palmer is set to replace Tom Dascombe in the facility owned by former footballer Michael Owen, after the pair surprisingly parted ways after a 12-year association in December.

Previously based in Newmarket, the 41-year-old Palmer saddled 54 winners in Britain last term and struck Group 1 gold with Ebro River, who landed the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh. It was the fifth Group 1 winner of Palmer’s career since he began training in 2011.

J.P. McManus buys Aintree National hope Enjoy D’Allen

RANDOX Grand National hope Enjoy D’Allen has been bought by J.P. McManus but will stay with trainer Ciaran Murphy in Co Westmeath. The eight-year-old was third to Freewheelin Dylan in last season’s Irish Grand National and has run with great credit in two big handicaps this term. He was third to School Boy Hours in the Paddy Power Chase at Christmas and was not disgraced back over hurdles behind Good Time Jonny at the Dublin Racing Festival.

“It’s huge for us that we could recommend a horse of this calibre to Mr McManus and that he will stay in training here at Charlestown,” said Murphy. “He’s in good order after his latest run over hurdles at Leopardstown and the plan is to keep him fresh and go straight to Aintree.”

Harry Fowler joins Goffs UK

HARRY Fowler has joined Goffs UK in the role of bloodstock manager. Fowler had previously worked within the Tattersalls group for 23 years which included the position of director of sales at Tattersalls Ireland. He also runs his family’s Rahinston Farm & Stud with his wife Lorna in Co Meath.

Royals may visit Coolmore

THE Prince of Wales Prince Charles and his wife Camilla may visit Coolmore Stud during a three-day State visit to Ireland next month. The visit, to mark Queen Elizabeth’s platinum jubilee year, will focus on Co Tipperary. According to the British embassy in Dublin, the royal couple will visit Cahir Castle and the Rock of Cashel, while a visit to Coolmore Stud is being discussed.

Gigginstown options open

NO decision has been made yet on which race Conflated will run in at the Cheltenham Festival. The Irish Gold Cup winner is engaged in both the Ryanair Chase and the Gold Cup. Gigginstown House Stud racing manager Eddie O’Leary said: “It’s a bit early yet to make a decision.” O’Leary also said plans were fluid for leading novice chaser Run Wild Fred. “He has options in both the three-mile novice and the National Hunt Chase.”

Although he was active at this week’s Tattersalls Cheltenham Sale, O’Leary confirmed that he was not acting for Gigginstown. Despite their notable successes on the track this season, Gigginstown is continuing to wind down its racing team, in line with owner Michael O’Leary’s stated intention in May 2019.

BHA rule changes to note

OWNERS, trainers and breeders should be aware of recent rule changes by the British Horseracing Authority regarding passport status and vaccination requirements. Full details are carried on page 70.

Buick positive for Covid

WILLIAM Buick will miss today’s Saudi Cup meeting after testing positive for Covid-19. The Godolphin jockey had four rides headed by the well-fancied Naval Crown for trainer Charlie Appleby in the 1351 Turf Sprint. He also had to give up his four mounts at Meydan yesterday.

Supremacy mares in foal

YEOMANSTOWN Stud’s new recruit Supremacy already has his first five mares scanned in foal. They include The Hermitage, dam of Group 3 Princess Margaret Stakes winner Angel’s Hideaway and the stakes-performing Perfect Angel. Also in foal to the Middle Park Stakes winner is Eraadaat, dam of four winners, and All On Red, a stakes-placed mare.