horse racing

TEMPLEGATE’S Monday picks are below.

Back a horse by clicking their odds.

SPECTACULAR STYLE (5.00 Southwell, nap)

He’s a proven stayer for trainer Ian Williams and was a comfortable winner at Redcar two starts ago. He went off too quick there last time and the booking of Billy Loughnane is a positive. He has lots of staying power for 1m6f so should have no problems seeing out the two miles and he still looks on a fair mark.

ROSE OF HONOUR (6.00 Southwell, nap)

Can blossom for James Tate and Rossa Ryan. She looked well above average when scooting in at Kempton on debut last time. She absolutely tanked along and Ryan barely had to move in the saddle. The yard continues in excellent form.

ARKENSTAAR (3.00 Hamilton, treble)

He loves this track and followed a win with a neck second here last time. Being blocked at a crucial moment when making his challenge didn’t help and he can get his head back in front here.

TOUSSAROK (5.05 Brighton, Lucky 15)

Got the job done nicely at Wolverhampton last week but is a regular winner here too. This trip is ideal and he can cope with a rise in the weights.

Templegate’s tips

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Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chases their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

SUN Racing’s Monday picks are below.

Back a horse by clicking their odds.

LONGSHOT

SPIRIT OF JENNY (6.30 Southwell)

She ran a lot better than seventh suggests at Haydock last time and looks fairly handicapped in this open race.

THIEF

ROMAN SPRING (5.40 Brighton)

He’s dropped down the weights and has shown his best over this course and distance.

LE BEAU GARCON (7.00 Southwell)

He was right back to his best when a close second at Catterick last time and likes this trip.

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Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chases their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

SUN Racing’s Monday picks are below.

Back a horse by clicking their odds below.

LONGSHOT

DUMFRIES (5.20 Thirsk)

He has a good record here and is a fair 4lb higher than when winning at Beverley two starts ago.

EACH-WAY THIEF

SIR DAVID (4.20 Thirsk)

He landed his first win in battling style at Carlisle last time and is capable of following up with Paul Mulrennan taking over.

DAY OF GRACE (4.50 Thirsk)

She has been sent north by William Haggas for her handicap debut after showing promise on her three maidens so far. 

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Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chases their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

JOCKEY Trevor Whelan has confirmed he has broken his leg in three places after his ‘absolutely awful’ York fall.

And it is feared veteran rider Jim Crowley has suffered a similar injury after he also smashed into the turf.

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Both riders fell in yesterday’s big race of the day at the northern track.

Crowley, who was on the William Haggas-trained favourite Almeraq, appeared to clip heels.

That sparked a chain reaction that saw Whelan fall from Tiger Bay in the Listed six furlong sprint.

There was a big delay to racing as both riders were initially treated on the track before being rushed to hospital.

Incredibly, both horses were up and OK after the horrendous flashpoint, which viewers described as being ‘absolutely awful’.

Whelan confirmed on X the extent of his injuries – and it is believed Crowley has suffered much the same.

The jockey posted: “Thanks for all the get well messages much appreciated.

“I’ve broken my leg in three places and due for an operation on it as well.”

More to follow.

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Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chases their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

Williard (Bill) Christine Jr., a multiple award-winning journalist who spent 23 years covering horse racing for the Los Angeles Times, died on Monday (Aug. 25) after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia three years ago. He died at his home in Hermosa Beach, with family by his side. He was 87.

While Christine was known in Southern California as the Times’ voice of horse racing, it was really just the end of a storied career that saw him at seven different newspapers over 42 years that also contained a stopover in racing pubic relations.

Former Los Angeles Times reporter Bill Christine.

(Christine family)

He was the author of three books, one on Roberto Clemente, another on jockey Bill Hartack and one on a pair of songwriters. After leaving newspapers, he liked to investigate and write about true crime, especially in his hometown of East St. Louis.

Christine won Eclipse Awards for outstanding writing about horse racing, in 1984 and 2004. In 2000, he was given Walter Haight Award for career excellence in turf writing. He won the David F. Woods Memorial Award in 1991 and 1992 for his coverage of the Preakness Stakes.

He was also president of the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters, a group that also includes public relations people, from 1990 to 1992.

“Bill was an old school journalist,” said Mike Willman the former longtime media relations executive at Santa Anita. “He kept copious notes and was a contrarian by nature. He was fair and extremely knowledgeable.

“He really enjoyed being around the people in racing. You could take issue with something he wrote and then debate it and there was never any animus. I really respected him for that.”

Even after he retired, Christine would write emails to friends and colleagues recounting people and events from his career in racing and baseball.

Born in Illinois, he attended Southern Illinois Carbondale where he graduated in 1963 and wrote for the college newspaper. His first job out of college was at the East St. Louis Journal, where he covered baseball among other sports. After two years he moved to the Baltimore News American, followed by the Louisville Times, Pittsburgh Press, Chicago Daily News and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, where he was briefly the sports editor.

It was then that he switched to public relations taking the top media job at Commodore Downs in Pennsylvania, followed by four years as the assistant to the executive vice president at the National Thoroughbred Racing Assn.

The Times rarely hires people from the public relations side, but then sports editor Bill Dwyre decided to take a chance.

“Bill Christine was my first hire as sports editor of The Times, and being the first, it was a big deal not only for me, but for people watching me and trying to figure out what I was thinking and how I would cover each sport,” said Dwyre, who later went on to cover horse racing for The Times.

Former Los Angeles Times reporter Bill Christine receives an Eclipse Award honoring his horse racing reporting.

(Christine family)

“It was 1981. I interviewed some of the best national turf writers, including Maryjean Wall, Jennie Rees and Jack Mann, as well as Christine. I knew Bill better than the others because I had been his roommate at API (American Press Institute). … I liked that Bill was a great story-teller and that his newspaper experience went beyond just turf writing — he had covered lots of baseball on deadline and had also been the sports editor of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

“When he came to The Times, Santa Anita and Hollywood Park and Del Mar were booming and he worked tirelessly to give the sport the coverage it deserved.”

Bob Mieszerski, who has reported and handicapped horse racing in Southern California for many years and worked alongside Christine after Mieszerski came to the Times and added a full page of racing daily, echoed Dwyre’s sentiment about his abilities and presence.

“He was very welcoming to me when I joined the Times and I always appreciated that,” Mieszerski said. “He was a great storyteller and I Ioved hearing him recall anecdotes about different people — both in and out of racing — that he encountered.”

Dan Smith, the retired marketing and media head at Del Mar, remembers Christine for his very distinctive laugh.

“It was like ghee, ghee, ghee,” Smith said struggling to duplicate the sound. “It was very distinctive and very unique.

“He was also a big movie buff. He and his wife went to a lot of movies. And we loved to discuss movies. He followed all of that very closely.”

Christine was known for his strong opinions, which sometimes put him at odds with the people he covered.

Christine’s most notable feud was with Wayne Lukas, who didn’t speak to the reporter for several years after something Christine wrote.

“He wasn’t reluctant to discuss his opinions, which a lot of people didn’t agree with, but that was OK,” Smith said.

Dwyre, who would often change beats every year, once offered Christine the Dodgers job, arguably the best job in the department, because Christine had been complaining about needing something new. But in the end, Christine decided he would rather cover racing.

“He really knew his baseball and had a Hall of Fame ballot,” Willman remembers. “You might have your own opinion and if it disagreed with Bill’s, he had all the ammunition to show you why he was right.”

Even if Christine’s daily coverage was often buried on a page deep in the section, surrounded by handicapping and small-type results, Christine would rise to the occasion and give you a well crafted non-obvious story.

“I remember often doing critiques for my staff, especially those who had put out the previous morning’s paper,” Dwyre said. “I would hold up the sports section and ask which story that was in the section should have been on the front page and wasn’t. Invariably, it was a Christine horse racing story.”

The press box at Del Mar, named in honor of Dan Smith, has a wall where the pictures of deceased turf writers go.

“I guess his picture will go on the wall soon,” Smith said. “We’ve still got a few spots left and hope we don’t fill them anytime soon.”

Christine is survived by his wife of 43 years, Pat, and two twin daughters, Laura and Leslie, his first wife, Dianne, and stepson Chris.

Christine asked that his body be donated to USC for medical research. After the cremains are returned, there will be a small celebration of life.

HIKING gambling taxes at the Budget would “backfire” and push punters to the unsafe black market, the sector has said.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been warned not to press ahead with proposals to introduce a single remote betting tax amid the damage to horse racing.

Enormous damage would be caused if the 15 per cent tax paid by bookmakers is brought into line with online gaming which is taxed at 21 per cent.

Horse racing will go on strike next Wednesday when four race meetings are put on hold in protest at the proposed changes.

The horse racing industry would be dealt a £66 million a year hit and threaten thousands of jobs.

Ministers have been warned that any such move will have be catastrophic for racing’s fragile finances with punters also being driven to illicit markets.

A spokesperson for the Betting and Gaming Council said: “Hiking gambling taxes would backfire spectacularly.

“Far from boosting the Treasury, it will push punters towards the unsafe black market, which pays no tax, backs no sport and has zero standards.”

They add that it would shrink the legal market and damage sport.

The industry says it already pays £4 billion in taxes, supports 109,000 jobs and pumps £6.8 billion into the economy.

Ex-PM Gordon Brown has called for an increase on gambling taxes to help take children out of poverty.

The Treasury has previously said: “We are consulting on bringing the treatment of online betting in line with other forms of online gambling to cut down bureaucracy – it is not about increasing or decreasing rates, and we welcome views from all stakeholders including businesses, trade bodies, the third sector and individuals.”

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TEMPLEGATE tackles Tuesday’s racing confident of banging in a few winners.

Back a horse by clicking their odds below.

SIXPACK (4.08 Goodwood, nap)

He went down by a nose when backed here last time and has been freshened up since. Conditions should be spot on and his canny trainer James Owen can ready one for a decent pot. Any juice in the ground would be welcome and he has a big chance.

ROACH POWER (2.58 Goodwood, nb)

Looks fully charged up. This is a big drop in class for Michael Wigham’s sprinter and the quirky track is no issue at all.

KODI FIRE (7.45 Wolverhampton, treble)

Is in flying form and has the handicapper on the run. His draw is fine and he has the services of champion jockey-to-be Oisin Murphy on board now.

Templegate’s tips

GOODWOOD

1.48 I Can Dance

2.24 Nifty

2.58 Roach Power (nb)

3.33 Goodwood Mogul

4.08 Sixpack (nap)

4.43 Bownder

5.18 Eye Of Dubai

CHEPSTOW

2.00 Punchbowl Flyer

2.35 Zabeel Flower

3.10 Demetris Mouflon

3.45 Pickering Castle

4.20 Vape

4.55 Step Along

5.25 Barnsnape Boy

SOUTHWELL

5.30 Rapper’s Delight

6.00 Race To The Stars

6.30 Tanjen

7.00 Crown’s Lady

7.30 Great Dream

8.00 Glory Hyde

8.30 Coedana

9.00 Langholm

WOLVERHAMPTON

5.10 Boujee Gold

5.45 Molo De Palazzo

6.15 Cotiere

6.45 Baikal

7.15 Colors Of Freedom

7.45 Kodi Fire (treble)

8.15 This Time Maybe

8.45 Outer Edge

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Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chases their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

HE’S HERE. Racing’s Messiah. The saviour.

Lord Allen has today taken over as BHA Chairman, and, according to racing’s leaders, he will take the sport to a new era of prosperity.

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The celebrations have already started.

Betting and Gaming Council chief executive Grainne Hurst said: “The appointment of Lord Charles Allen as chair of the BHA is great news for the sport.

“Charles will bring the kind of authority and leadership that racing has been crying out for.”

Will he? Do you believe that? Evidence for this is what?

Firstly, don’t get me wrong here. I want Charles Allen to be the special one. And if he can do it working the odd day here and there then fair play.

But how could Hurst possibly know if what she says is factual or not? Basically it’s just words.

It’s just what people say when someone takes over a job of supposed authority.

Indeed, we haven’t only heard it before, we have heard it time and time and time and time again.

What was said about former BHA chief executive Julie Harrington on her arrival at BHA?

Well, chair Annamarie Phelps enthused: “This is a vital leadership role for the organisation and British racing.

“Julie’s hands-on knowledge of horseracing, coupled with her governance and business experience, make her the ideal person to carry on with the task of restoring sustainable prosperity after the Covid crisis.

“We’ve got the right person, for the right job, at the right time.”

Really? Laughable.

How about Nick Rust, another BHA chief executive?

BHA Chairman Steve Harman said: “I am delighted that Nick Rust is able to join us early in the New Year. I know he will do a great job.”

And then there was chief executive Paul Bittar.

Paul Roy, another Chairman of the British Horseracing Authority, said: “Paul Bittar is a racing enthusiast through and through.

“He combines keen management and financial skills with love for the sport and a well-informed understanding of the challenges that British Racing must overcome at this time.

“After a prolonged and painstaking search, the selection team was unanimous in putting him forward for the job.”

I’m not slagging these people. It’s up to you to decide whether racing has thrived under their tenure.

The point I’m making is the quotes are all the same. More Messiahs than George Frideric Handel!

And I like Handel.

Anyone who has worked in racing for a reasonable period, knows exactly how difficult it is to change its format and its funding mechanism.

They would also know it’s a nigh on impossible task to unite the different factions.

Let’s face it, most are in it for themselves. Few truly care if horse racing is thriving 50 years after their death.

So the Messiah is here. Just like the Messiahs before him. Let’s hope Lord Allen sparks a vibrant racing future.

He has the chance to do so instantly and can start with two things.

Sorting the expected Racing Tax and getting to grips with the nonsensical affordability checks.

Do that straight away. Or, essentially, fail.

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Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chases their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

A SUPERSTAR Cheltenham Festival-winning horse has been blocked from a £175,000 race – amid a row over his handicap mark.

A Dream To Share won the Champion Bumper in 2023 and looked like being the sport’s next big name for legendary owner JP McManus.

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But he failed to win a race in his next season over hurdles and only recently returned to the winner’s enclosure with a 1m7f victory on the Flat at Leopardstown in June.

Iconic owner McManus entered the horse, who is trained in Ireland by John Kiely, for the Cesarewitch handicap at Newmarket on October 11.

He was made 7-1 favourite for the 2m2f marathon on the Flat with BetVictor while other firms made him joint-favourite.

But, as things stand, the seven-year-old gelding with almost £200,000 in winnings is not allowed to run because the Irish handicapper has twice refused to give him a mark, according to the Nick Luck Daily podcast.

McManus has apparently appealed the decision with the Irish and British boards.

But the BHA have declined the appeal on the grounds of reciprocity with the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board.

The most recent appeal to be turned away came last week.

It is believed those acting for McManus claimed enough time had passed between A Dream To Share’s most recent run on June 19 and now for a mark to be awarded.

Especially as several of the horses he beat, including runner-up Royal Hollow, had subsequently raced enough for the handicapper to be able to judge A Dream To Share accurately.

Interestingly, respected journalist Dave Yates said on the podcast that a mark of 104 had been ‘offered’ to A Dream To Share.

But still, nothing official has been granted meaning, as it stands, the favourite for the big race cannot run.

A Dream To Share won the hearts of punters at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival when schoolboy John Gleeson rode him to victory.

McManus bought the horse just a month before from Claire Gleeson, wife of ITV Racing pundit Brian, dad of John.

John said after the win: “Mr McManus was very generous. He said I would definitely keep the ride here today.

“There was no pressure from him. It’s brilliant. I’m very grateful.

“I’ve been going to John Kiely for as long as I can remember.

“I ride out this horse every day before I go to school so it is very special.”

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Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chases their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

TEMPLEGATE tackles day three of the York Ebor Festival confident of bashing the bookies with his best racing tips.

Back a horse by clicking their odds below.

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NIGHT RAIDER (3.35 York, nap)

He has shaped better than his form figures suggest, especially when sixth behind JM Jungle at Goodwood. He was the winner on the wrong side of the track there. Still unexposed at 5f and can improve again.

ZGHARTA (4.10 York, nb)

She was a typical Goodwood hard-luck story last time and this more conventional track should be ideal. She finished with running left and the return to this trip on fast could suit ideally. She is on a workable mark and shapes as one firmly on the up.

TRAWLERMAN (2.25 York, treble)

The Gosden stayer can reel in another nice prize after his demolition job in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot. He made all that day and surged clear of a strong field, backing up a dominant win in the Henry II at Sandown. Proven over the trip and fine on this quick surface, he looks the class act here and hard to oppose.

Templegate’s TV verdicts

1.50

NAQEEB looks primed to land this hot handicap after a huge run at Goodwood, charging home for second despite losing a shoe during the race.

That backed up a storming third at Royal Ascot and he’s crying out for this sort of test.

A strong traveller with proven form on quick ground, he’s weighted to strike and looks ready to cash in.

Mount Atlas is a big danger up in class after a smooth Ascot win.

He’s clearly thriving but has a little bit more on his plate here from a career-high mark.

Insanity is one to note after a luckless third in the same race – he wasn’t ideally placed that day and could easily hit the frame again.

This Songisforyou was pitched into Group company last time and didn’t disgrace himself – he’ll find this easier and shouldn’t be overlooked.

French Duke hasn’t fired this season but has talent and is slowly coming down the weights.

2.25

TRAWLERMAN can reel in another nice prize after his demolition job in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot.

He made all that day and surged clear of a strong field, backing up a dominant win in the Henry II at Sandown.

Proven over the trip and fine on this quick surface, he looks the class act here and hard to oppose.

Al Qareem is thriving, especially at York, and arrives chasing a hat-trick after front-running wins in Listed and Group 3 company.

He’ll push the pace again and won’t go down without a fight.

Sweet William is consistent and stays all day but often gives ground away early and may need to be sharper from the gates to land a blow.

Al Nayyir bounced back with a narrow defeat to Coltrane last time and does stay this far, though he’s yet to score at this level.

Dubai Future has plenty of back class but has been found wanting in top races this term, while three-year-old Shackleton is a likeable type for the future but needs a big step forward to trouble these old hands.

3.00

DO OR DO NOT can get off the mark in the Gimcrack.

This son of Space Blues has danced every dance this summer, hitting the frame in three consecutive Group 2s.

He was just behind high-class performers at both Newmarket and Goodwood, shaping like a colt crying out for a big pot.

He’s tactically sharp, handles quick ground and looks rock solid with first-time cheekpieces added to the mix.

Reciprocated went backwards at Ascot after two easy wins and needs to settle better, while Rock On Thunder ran well at Newbury but needs more in this company.

Egoli has won twice and fared best on the wrong side of the track at Goodwood.

Any improvement on that would put him in the picture.

The speedy Comical Point needs a revival after flopping in the July Stakes at Newmarket last time.

Lifeplan impressed on debut but faces a major class hike, while Irish Fighter and Yorkshire Puds both look up against it in this good company.

3.35

NIGHT RAIDER can land a smash and grab in the £700,000 Nunthorpe (3.35 York, nap).

Karl Burke’s flyer is ideally drawn in stall eight and deserves a change of luck after winning on the wrong side at Goodwood last time.

He has loads of pace and will be right up there.

JM Jungle beat him and a few of the others in that race and looks dangerous again.

Arizona Blaze and Aussie Asfoora are in the mix too along with youngster Lady Iman.

Here’s my guide to the field, where I rate them from one (worst) to five (best):

JM JUNGLE 4

JUNGLE boogie. Thriving sprinter, has improved through the season and comes here on the back of a Group 2 win at Goodwood. 5f ideal, handles fast ground well and is a strong contender at a track he likes.

KERDOS 2

DON’T Ker. Well beaten at Goodwood but didn’t really get the run of the race. Has shown flashes of form this year, including a solid Group 1 run at Ascot. 5f suits but might find a few too sharp.

MANACCAN 1

NO Man. Back from a break this season and took a step forward last time in handicap company. Has Group form at best but looks vulnerable in this calibre of race.

NIGHT RAIDER 5

NIGHT fever. Has shaped better than his form figures suggest, especially when sixth behind JM Jungle at Goodwood. He was the winner on the wrong side of the track there. Still unexposed at 5f and can improve again.

RUMSTAR 3

STAR potential. Didn’t seem to like soft at the Curragh last time after a career-best Sandown win. Consistent and will prefer this going. Could bounce back and one of many place chances.

SPARTAN ARROW 1

BLUNT Arrow. Listed winner earlier this season and solid handicapper but hasn’t looked up to this grade in recent runs. Latest Goodwood ninth confirms he’s got something to find at this level.

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS 3

WASH and go. C&D winner in Listed last month, and third in a strong Haydock Group 2 earlier this season so deserves to be here. Ggoes well fresh, so could easily run into the frame again.

AIN’T NOBODY 1

NOBODY’S fool. Yet to score in 2025 but fair placed form in Pattern company earlier this term. Last two runs have been below that standard though and this looks a stretch on known form.

ARIZONA BLAZE 4

BLAZE on fire. Improving colt with a turn of foot and showed that with convincing Group 2 win in Ireland last time. Has high-level form at 5f and arrives at the top of his game. Major player.

ASFOORA 4

AS a chance. Australian mare with top-class back form, including a Royal Ascot win in 2024. This season’s efforts have been decent without being electric but now third-up and fitter. Should be thereabouts if able to bring her best form.

FROST AT DAWN 3

DAWN chorus. Group 1 runner-up earlier this summer and consistent at 5f. Fourth behind JM Jungle at Goodwood last time was solid. Likes fast ground, and strong pace will suit her style.

MGHEERA 3

HEER we go. Classy mare with two Group wins already this year. Not at best in Ireland last time but needed the run after a break. Has pace and on the each-way shortlist under Buick.

SHE’S QUALITY 3

QUALITY counts. Very solid filly, placed in last four Group runs and just denied by JM Jungle at Goodwood. Consistent, speedy and suited by conditions. Likely to run her usual honest race.

CELANDINE 2

HARD Cell. Good run at Chester last time and a previous Group 3 scorer. Ground no issue and course winner too but this is her toughest task to date and she may just get outpaced.

SAYIDAH DARIYAN 3

SAY maybe. Impressive winner of the Summer Stakes here last time over 6f and is improving. Likely to be ridden for a late burst and has claims if pace collapses. Needs another career-best.

LADY IMAN 4

IMAN of the moment. Unbeaten 2yo filly who took the Molecomb in style at Goodwood. Gets huge weight-for-age allowance and clearly fast. First time taking on older horses but her profile screams serious Group 1 potential.

SPICY MARG 3

NICE and Spicy. Has done little wrong so far and bolted up in minor race last time. Faces far stronger opposition but her finishing kick is potent. Gets lumps of weight and can hit the frame.

4.10

ZGHARTA was a typical Goodwood hard-luck story last time and this more conventional track should be ideal.

She finished with running left and the return to this trip on fast could suit ideally.

She is on a workable mark and shapes as one firmly on the up.

Wonder Star is a big threat after nearly landing a similar contest at Goodwood.

She travelled well there and is improving, but her draw and lack of experience in deeper handicaps are small concerns.

Akecheta caught the eye from off the pace at Goodwood and is well suited by a strong gallop.

She’s handicapped to strike again soon.

Cape Flora was visually striking at Leicester. This is tougher, but she’s unexposed.

Callisto Dream has shaped with promise all this season and she could improve for this step up in trip.

Templegate’s tips

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TEMPLEGATE tackles Saturday’s racing confident of keeping his hot run going – and building the bank for York next week.

Back a horse by clicking their odds.

MORE THUNDER (3.35 Newbury, nap)

Can go like lightning in the Hungerford Stakes. Trainer William Haggas has a fantastic record in this Group 2 with three wins since 2015 including last year with Tiber Flow. More Thunder looks more than capable of delivering at this level after his battling Bunbury Cup win at Newmarket last time. That came after six furlongs proved a couple of yards too short when he flew home for second in the Wokingham at Royal Ascot. He’s looked potentially more than a handicapper all season after he kicked off with back-to-back wins at Newmarket in the style of a classy performer. He deserves his chance at this level and looks well up to it.

CRACKING GOLD (3.00 Newbury, nb)

Can shine for Clive Cox. He has been in flying form all season and looks hard to beat. I go through all the runners for this race below.

SECRET GUEST (3.20 Ripon, treble)

Can star in the William Hill Great St Wilfrid Handicap. He was an excellent third in the race 12 months ago for trainer Bryan Smart who has given him a little break since a good second at Thirsk last time out. The five-year-old is back from just 3lb higher than last year but his rider’s claim takes care of that. He’s drawn well in stall 11 and ticks all the boxes for this competitive contest.

Templegate’s TV verdicts

NEWBURY

1.50

PINHOLE looked a lot more than a handicapper when bolting up at Ascot last time.

That was just his third run for Ralph Beckett and he stormed home over 1m4f to suggest this longer trip would bring further improvement.

He deserves another crack at this stronger company.

Epic Poet didn’t enjoy 1m4f in the Hardwicke at Royal Ascot after going close in the Yorkshire Cup and will be happier at this distance.

Nightime Dancer chased home potential superstar Scandinavia here last time and should find this challenge a bit simpler.

Candleford has a Listed win on his CV this season but needs to bounce back from a moderate effort at Goodwood last time.

2.25

RHYTHM N HOOVES is music to my ears. Robert Cowell’s speedster looked right back to his best when flashing home for second in a hot Ascot sprint last month.

He’s well-handicapped from just 2lb higher, thrives on fast ground and Billy Loughnane knows exactly how to deliver him late.

A truly-run race should see him swooping past tiring rivals in the final 100 yards.

Getreadytorumble is a big danger after a string of good efforts at this distance, while Glamorous Breeze has the class to pounce if the gaps open.

Sugar Hill Babe, drawn in stall one, could give them plenty to think about from the front but she’s likely to set things up nicely for the tip.

3.00

I’VE got a Cracking bet on the box at Newbury.

CRACKING GOLD (3.00, nb) was an impressive winner here two runs ago before close close at Goodwood. He can take another step forward for Clive Cox.

Classic, Consolidation and Leadman can give him most to do.

Here’s my guide to the field, where I rate them out of one (worst) and five (best) stars:

CRACKING GOLD 5

GOLD star. Looked better than ever with a strong Goodwood second in a big field last time. He’s suited by pace and trip, handles all ground and runs well fresh. Reliable and progressive profile suggests he’s the one to beat.

HAVANA PUSEY 2

HAV to pass. Likes to be up with the pace and held her own in a Group 3 latest after earlier handicap wins over this trip. Track and ground ideal, but needs to improve on last Goodwood showing.

CLASSIC 4

CLASSIC case. Thriving this summer with strong Ascot second and earlier Sandown win. That form looks rock solid, 7f ideal, handles ground, and has track form. Very likely to go close again.

LOU LOU’S GIFT 3

GIFT horse. Lightly raced filly, shaped better than result in a messy Ascot Group 3 last time. Down in grade, strong pace helps. Still has more to come at 7f. Place shout

JUMBY 3

BY law. Game veteran. Big run in Newmarket handicap latest and has tumbled down the weights. This is his trip but long losing run remains a concern. No surprise to see him in the frame.

WOLF OF BADENOCH 1

WOLF whistle. Well held at Ascot on turf return and cheekpieces stay on. Was useful as a two-year-old but may not have trained on. Others bring stronger current claims and more proven handicapping efforts.

CONSOLIDATION 4

NO Con. Career-best win at Goodwood two back, unlucky latest when getting stuck in traffic. Goes well on quick ground and 7f suits. Still unexposed and could well bounce back with a cleaner trip.

OBELIX 3

LIX not licked. Had no chance at Wolver last time from a wide draw on the back of a good York win. He likes this trip on quick ground and isn’t ruled out from 7lb higher.

LEADMAN 4

GOOD Man. Won nicely here before getting no luck at Goodwood last time. He’s best over 7f and his form ties in well with others here. His handicap mark is fair and he’s high on the shortlist.

COGITATE 2

SMALL Cog. Not disgraced in hot Ascot handicap last time but he’s not the easiest ride. Has come down weights but needs a step forward to score in this company.

DOCUMENTING 1

WHAT’S up Doc? Almost a teenager but is still competitive with good efforts this season in big fields. His fifth behind Obelix at York reads well but there’s no obvious reason why he’ll turn that around.

3.35

MORE THUNDER never wins by very far but he keeps producing the goods like when winning the Bunbury Cup here by a short-head last time.

That build on his staying-on Wokingham second and two other smart wins on the Rowley course this season.

He looks well up to Group 2 standard and proved his liking for this trip last time.

King’s Gamble came home strongly when just denied over six furlongs at Newbury last time.

That was his first run in 11 months and moving back up in trip makes him the main danger.

Witness Stand won the Lennox nicely at Goodwood and goes well here too.

He’s in the mix while Spy Chief was far from disgraced in the July Cup and is likely to go hard on the front end.

RIPON

2.45

NOVELLO LAD has won two of his past three and looks capable of another step forward.

He saves his best for six furlongs on quick ground and his double-figure draw is another plus.

The handicapper must have been in a good mood when hiking him only 2lb for scoring at Pontefract last time.

Paul Midgley does well at Ripon and can add to his tally.

Wreck It Ryley saves his best for Ripon and was less than two lengths off the pace at Yarmouth last time.

He looks a good price to make the frame.

Ziggy’s Ariel landed his last win here in April and is only 2lb higher today which makes him competitive.

Likely favourite Fortamour is a good performer at this level but he’s yet to win on quick ground which has to be a worry for the nine-year-old.

Dicko The Legend was good at York last time and is well drawn.

3.20

SECRET GUEST was third in this last season and is primed to go two better.

Trainer Bryan Smart seems to have laid him out for the race and has given him a break since his close second at Thirsk in early July.

He’s only 3lb higher than his last win and this trip and track are ideal.

You want to be drawn high and he’s handy in stall 11.

Rock Opera comes from box 14 and was a close-up third in good company at York last time.

That was over this trip on fast ground so he should be on the premises again.

Grant Wood won the Silver Cup on this card last year and has clearly been aimed at this race.

He’s a big price to make the frame despite a low draw.

Similar comments apply to Intervention who ran well at Chepstow last time and looks on a fair mark.

Prince Of Pillo is in stall 16 and likes this track. His trainer Richard Fahey won this race 12 months ago so he’s a threat.

NEWMARKET

2.05

BINHAREER made a mockery of his opening turf handicap mark when strolling to victory at Ayr last month.

His jockey had the luxury of dropping his whip but it made no difference as he hammered his rivals over this trip.

The ground was softer that day but he doesn’t need it on breeding and looks a typical William Haggas improver.

He’s up 8lb for that smooth success but that won’t put the brakes on as there’s a lot more to come.

Archduke Ferdinand looks a fair each-way price with his rider’s claim taking him below his last winning mark.

He is best over this trip and likes fast ground.

Addison Grey made a promising start to his handicapping career when beaten less than a length at Chepstow nine days ago.

This trip suits and there’s more to come after just four runs.

Silver Samurai ran better than fifth place suggests at Doncaster latest. That was over seven furlongs but he has enough pace to figure.

Templegate’s tips

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RACING bosses were left with no choice but to issue mass bans after multiple rules breaches at Ascot’s Shergar Cup.

Four jockeys have been banned for a total of 32 days.

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The BHA’s official sanctions came after Maureen Haggas – wife of trainer William – questioned the standard of rider at this year’s edition.

All of the jockeys who picked up bans are based outside of Britain – and included Hugh Bowman.

The Australian is famed for his association with Winx, one of the greatest racehorses of all time who won more than £14.5million on the track.

The BHA report read: “Karis Teetan, the rider of VENTURE CAPITAL, placed third, was found to have used his whip once above the permitted level of six and without giving his mount time to respond from inside the final furlong.

“He will be suspended for eight days from Tuesday 26 August to Tuesday 02 September 2025, inclusive.

“Hugh Bowman, the rider of LA PULGA (IRE), placed second, was found to have used his whip once above the permitted level of six, without giving his mount time to respond and in the incorrect place from approximately one and a half furlongs out.

“He will be suspended for 12 days from Tuesday 26 August to Saturday 06 September 2025, inclusive.

“Sarej Narredu, the rider of CLAYMORE (FR), unplaced, was found to have used his whip without giving his mount time to respond approximately two furlongs out.

“He will be suspended for four days from Tuesday 26 to Friday 29 August 2025, inclusive.

“Dario Di Tocco, the rider of TEAM PLAYER, placed second, was found to have used his whip onceabove the permitted level of six and without giving his mount time to respond from approximately one and a half furlongs out.

“He will be suspended for 8 days from Tuesday 26 August to Tuesday 02 September 2025, inclusive.”

Haggas, daughter of Lester Piggott, didn’t hold back when saying the quality of rider needs to be improved at the team event.

Speaking last Saturday, she said: “There are some bloody good riders here today, but the general feeling among trainers is that the standard of jockey is noticeably lower than usual.

“Hugh Bowman and Karis Teetan are very good riders but, without pointing any fingers, there are one or two who maybe shouldn’t be here.”

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TEMPLEGATE takes on Tuesday’s racing confident of building the bank for next week’s Ebor meeting at York.

Back a horse by clicking their odds below.

SILENT CITY (4.07 Lingfield, nap)

Roger Varian’s filly looked potentially smart when bolting up by nearly four lengths at Windsor two starts ago. She had an inexperienced jockey in the plate when she allowed a useful rival too much rope at Hamilton last time, but she still pulled miles clear of the rest. With Silvestre De Sousa back on board, she can return to winning ways.

NOBLE HORIZON (7.10 Hamilton, nb)

Bumped into a useful horse at Newmarket two starts ago. He made no mistake in a weaker race at Leicester 26 days ago and he can go on a roll now for his top stable.

NOVAK (7.40 Hamilton, treble)

Came back to form with a good second at Musselburgh last time. He is a C&D winner and is still on a winning mark.

VALOR SPIRIT (2.15 Carlisle, Lucky 15)

He ran three nice races on maidens and goes handicapping off a fair mark with a top apprentice taking off 5lb.

Templegate’s tips

CARLISLE

2.15 Valor Spirit
2.45 One Of Our Own
3.15 Curran
3.50 Ice Sovereigns
4.25 Reenie’s Dream
5.00 Homeland

LINGFIELD

2.30 Semser
3.00 Al Joory
3.32 Perfect Panda
4.07 Silent City (nap)
4.42 Foinix
5.17 Dogged

HAMILTON

5.40 Happier
6.10 Star Noir
6.40 Golden Horse
7.10 Noble Horizon (nb)
7.40 Novak (treble)
8.10 Shabu Shabu
8.40 Temper Trap

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Aug. 10 (UPI) — One man was killed and 5 others injured in a shooting in Baltimore Saturday night, police said.

Victims ranged in age between 5 and 52 years, and a 5-year-old girl was shot in the hand. A 38-year-old man died from his injuries, police reported. The other victims received non life-threatening injuries.

Witnesses reported a block party taking place in the 5100 block of Queensbury Ave. blocks from Baltimore’s famous Pimlico horse racing track shortly before the shooting, which police said was reported about 8:45 p.m. EDT, according to local news reports.

“Once on scene, officers located six victims suffering from gunshot wounds, four males and two females,” Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley said during a news conference. “One of the victims is a 5-year-old girl. All of the victims were transported to area hospitals for treatment.”

TEMPLEGATE’S Monday picks are below.

Back a horse by clicking their odds.

HILLTOP (4.53 Lingfield, nap)

Was just edged out on her return and a repeat would be good enough to take this. She’s only been nudged up a couple of pounds and should have enough up her sleeve to progress out of this lowly grade.

MUY MUY LOCO (8.28 Windsor, nb)

Can send the bookies crazy. Simon Dow’s three-year-old has been knocking at the door all season but this looks his best opening yet.

MISTER SKETCH (3.40 Ripon, treble)

Looks picture perfect for Wathnan Racing. He’s been off for a while but fresh might be the best time to get him. He showed enough last season to suggest he can be competitive in races like this.

DANDANA (2.40 Ripon, Lucky 15)

Should be too good for this field for the red-hot Crisford team.

Templegate’s tips

RIPON

2.10 Goyard

2.40 Dandana

3.10 Marajito

3.40 Mister Sketch (treble)

4.10 Poet’s Dawn

4.40 Groundhog

WINDSOR

5.10 Calibos

5.45 Astrazar

6.20 Westend Music

6.50 Woody Y Fernandez

7.20 Aoife’s Thunder

7.53 First Principle

8.28 Muy Muy Loco (nb)

CARLISLE

6.05 Takteek

6.35 Dunkeld Dreamer

7.05 Daydreama

7.35 Portsoken

8.10 Jaminoz

8.45 Shahnaz

LINGFIELD

1.53 Niyla Breeze

2.23 Fravanco

2.53 Vitalline

3.23 Semser

3.53 Zabeel Flower

4.23 Rumba Bay

4.53 Hilltop (nap)

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TEMPLEGATE takes on Friday’s racing from Glorious Goodwood confident of success after banging in a 28-1 treble on Thursday.

Back a horse by clicking their odds below.

FIFTH COLUMN (2.30 Goodwood, nap)

John Gosden has a nice three-year-old on his hands in this son of Kingman. He showed promise last season and got off the mark in a Kempton maiden on comeback in April. That form was quickly left behind with a smooth handicap success at Sandown – before an excellent effort in the Britannia at Royal Ascot. He was only seventh in that hot contest but he was first home in his group getting the worst of the draw. He clocked a personal best when winning at Newmarket last time and relishes this mile trip. He goes on any ground so it won’t matter what the weather does.

BIG MOJO (3.05 Goodwood, nb)

Likes it here and can show his class in the King George Qatar Stakes.

DIEGO VENTURA (1.55 Goodwood, treble)

He is just about the only runner in the field who is proven in testing conditions – and looks set to get just that.

Templegate’s TV verdicts

1.20

KYLE OF LOCHALSH is fancied to go three better than last year’s fourth and land this marathon prize.

He’s on the same mark, handles any ground and shaped with promise on his reappearance.

He’s much more lightly raced than 12 months ago and looks primed to peak.

Aggagio loves it round here and was impressive under Ashley Lewis last time but stamina beyond 2m remains a question mark.

Align The Stars hasn’t quite fired this year but ran well in a strong Royal Ascot handicap and is lurking on a handy mark.

He has a good record here but came up short in this last year.

Tashkhan is classy and thrives in deep ground should it rain, with similar comments applying to Zinc White.

Sheradann has been knocking on the door and shapes as though this trip will suit.

Irish raider Mordor is interesting as this stamina test could bring improvement.

1.55

DIEGO VENTURA is just about the only runner in the field who is proven in testing conditions.

James Doyle’s mount has been running well at Listed level in France and scored over seven furlongs at Longchamp in May.

He then went well at Epsom before going down in a bunch finish at Chantilly last time.

Conditions will be ideal and he has more to come.

Cosmic Year has shown his best on good ground as he showed when second in the Irish 2,000 Guineas which is strong form.

The ground may not be ideal but this is a fair drop in class which makes him a player.

King Of Cities has been placed on tacky ground and sees out this trip well.

He has yet to win this season but could go well under Ryan Moore.

Seagulls Eleven was a solid second to non-runner Opera Ballo at Newmarket last time.

He’s unproven on this ground and needs a step forward.

2.30

FIFTH COLUMN can take another step up for the Gosdens.

His only defeat this season came when a strong-finishing seventh in the Britannia at Royal Ascot, where he won his group and shaped like the best horse on the far side.

He confirmed that when winning stylishly at Newmarket last time, and a 3lb penalty might not be enough to anchor this improving three-year-old who can beat his elders.

Skukuza is the main threat.

He’s officially 8lb well in after two smooth wins at The Curragh, including a Listed last time, and is clearly thriving.

Greek Order ran a screamer in the Royal Hunt Cup on his first start back from the US and again shaped well at Sandown behind Arisaig who is a contender here.

He’s a big player if things fall right. Ebt’s Guard has run well here before and wasn’t beaten far in the Royal Hunt Cup.

3.05

BIG MOJO can follow up last year’s Glorious Goodwood win in the King George Qatar Stakes.

Mick Appleby’s flyer ran a cracker at Newmarket last time and looks up to this level.

Aussie Asfoora will show her true colours here after a poor Ascot run, while She’s Quality lives up to her name.

Here’s my guide to the field, where I rate them one (worst) to five (best):

ASFOORA 4

FOOR star. Aussie raider won the King Charles III at Royal Ascot last year was just denied in this. Had excuses this year and could bounce back.

BIG MOJO 5

BIG chance. Won Molecomb here last year and has progressed at three. Unlucky in the Commonwealth Cup and ran a huge race in the July Cup. Strong claims back at 5f.

CELANDINE 2

HARD Cel. Chased home Big Mojo in last year’s Molecomb and beat Time For Sandals over 6f at York. Needs to prove she enjoys 5f as much.

CLARENDON HOUSE 1

DON for. Has run well over this C&D before but was poor at Epsom last time and needs more at this level.

FROST AT DAWN 3

HOT Frost. Won 6f Listed race earlier this season and showed real speed when second in the King Charles III at Royal Ascot. Can go close again.

JM JUNGLE 2

JUNGLE fever. Won over C&D at this meeting in 2023 and landed the Epsom Dash in June. Ran well in Listed last time but not up to this.

KERDOS 3

TAKE Ker. Fifth in this race last year and good run in the King Charles III. Likes tacky ground and cheekpieces may help.

KHAADEM 3

KHA motors. Won this in 2022 and has landed two Group 1s. He’s unbeaten in two runs here and looks a big place price.

MANACCAN 1

DANGER Man. Solid Listed performer over this trip but has been struggling for a while.

NIGHT RAIDER 3

NIGHT shifts. Unbeaten in four AW starts including a Listed 6f at Newcastle. Turf form not as hot but it’s early days.

SHE’S QUALITY 4

QUALITY pays. Ran a stormer when second in a hot Group 2 at Haydock in May. Sandown didn’t suit last time and this test looks much more suitable.

SPARTAN ARROW 2

BLUNT arrow. Has improved since sporting cheekpieces and took a French Listed prize latest. Goes well here and track/trip suits but this is much tougher opposition.

TIME FOR SANDALS 3

TIME trial. Surprise winner of the Commonwealth Cup over 6f at Ascot. Could improve again but drop in trip an unknown.

TOWN AND COUNTRY 1

TOWN and out. Few miles on the clock and is a Listed winner over this trip. Progressive but needs a lot more in this company.

3.45

SOCIALITE can get the party started.

Charlie Hills’ four-year-old can take this prize with a bold front-running show.

He quickened smartly to win at Windsor on handicap debut, shaping as though this extra furlong would suit.

Lightly raced, progressive and effective on any ground, he could prove tough to pass from a handy draw.

Liberty Lane is the main danger, with a soft-ground Cambridgeshire win and a Listed success here this year marking him out as a serious player.

Haunted Dream won this race last year and had excuses at Royal Ascot. He’s a big threat back at this track.

Godwinson is thriving after wins in the Lincoln and at Newcastle. He’ll be right there if liking this longer trip.

Fox Legacy is flying and isn’t written off provided the rain stays away.

Templegate’s tips

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A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chases their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
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Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

AN ‘unbelievable’ horse and serial Cheltenham winner has made a shock stable switch from Paul Nicholls to Nicky Henderson.

Ginny’s Destiny, owned by Gordan and Su Hall, was second in the 2024 Turners Novices’ Chase won by Grey Dawning.

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Prior to that he had won three times in a row at the home of jumps, rocketing up the ratings from 133 to 155.

With more than £150,000 in career earnings, the nine-year-old has more than paid his way for his popular owners.

But the Halls have decided now is the time to move on and have sent him to Henderson instead.

The horse’s updated page on the BHA showed he moved to the Seven Barrows handler earlier this week.

Ginny’s Destiny had been with 14-time champion trainer Nicholls since July 2023, having previously been with Tom Lacey for just shy of three years before that.

Promising bumper winner Act Of Innocence is another of the Hall horses on his way to Henderson.

The five-year-old gelding looks like he could be set for a season novice hurdling after winning at Taunton when last seen in March.

Don’t Tell Su, a 118-rated hurdler and novice chaser has also gone to Henderson.

While £100,000 Old Park Star, who Nicholls bought alongside Tom Malone in June 2023, will now be trained by Henderson too.

Gordon, who runs a construction company, and Su have been labelled the ‘luckiest owners in racing’.

Their first horse together was Truckers Lodge, an eight-time winner who finished second in the 2019 Grand National and won the 2023 London National under Nicholls’ expert care.

Owners Neil and Alfie Smith have moved Scottish Champion Hurdle runner-up Kabral Du Mathan to Dan Skelton from Nicholls.

While the Ditcheat boss has been busy stocking up his squad with some eyecatching purchases, including the hugely promising £260,000 Gold Cast.

Henderson is starting to welcome some of his horses back from their summer break.

He recently posted a photo of Constitution Hill alongside Sir Gino.

Both stars will be on recovery missions in the new season.

Constitution Hill looked nothing like the breathtaking Champion Hurdle winner when falling twice last season.

While Sir Gino was forced to miss Cheltenham after one of his legs suffered a nasty infection.

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John C. Harris, California horse-racing mogul, had a particular love for the thoroughbred breeding and racing sector of his company, Harris Farms.

Multiple horses that were raised and trained at Coalinga-based Harris Farms went on to become national champions, including Tiznow, the 2000 Horse of the Year, and California Chrome, a national Hall of Fame racehorse. A close friend recounted Harris’ reaction to the latter thoroughbred winning the 2014 Kentucky Derby.

The moment California Chrome sprinted over the finish line, tears streamed down Harris’ face.

“It was just knowing that his farm had such a major role,” said his good friend Doug Burge. “It was probably the most fun we ever had.”

Harris, who owned the multimillion-dollar agribusiness Harris Farms, has died. He was 81.

Those who knew Harris described him as an acclaimed rancher, farmer and horse-racing enthusiast who devoted himself to his passions to the end. Harris Farms confirmed his death in a statement shared on July 3. No details, including cause of death, were provided.

Harris was born on July 14, 1943, and resided in Fresno County all of his life. He earned a degree in agricultural production at UC Davis before serving in the U.S. Army for two years.

Harris took ownership of Harris Farms following his father’s death in 1981. He oversaw all operations of the ranch, which encompasses a thriving farm that produces more than 30 types of crops including garlic, pistachios and wine grapes, as well as the horse-breeding operation, according to its website. Harris Farms was known for the beef it produced, but the cattle-raising portion of the business was sold in 2019.

Harris nurtured a steadfast passion for horse racing and the thoroughbred breeding industry in Northern California, according to friends and family. He was a former president and board member of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Assn. and served on the board of the Thoroughbred Owners of California and the National Jockey Club. According to those who worked with him, he shaped the horse-racing industry into what it is today.

“He had a love for the land, everything from farming to raising horses,” said Burge, the current president of the CTBA, who knew Harris as a mentor and friend for more than 30 years.

Harris was a longtime, dedicated advocate for the agricultural industry, according to Oscar Gonzalez, the vice chairman of the California Horse Racing Board who previously served as assistant secretary of Agriculture during the Biden administration.

“Mr. Harris was just a phone call away,” he said. “When I was in Washington, D.C. … and I needed a point of reference or background information on an issue involving agriculture, or water or immigration, he was always somebody that had context in that background.”

One of Harris’ last advocacy efforts was just a couple of weeks ago, when he fought to reinstate live horse racing at the Big Fresno Fair, a proposal that was ultimately unsuccessful.

“We will never give up continuing this storied tradition of Fresno racing. Today’s story is not the end — we will come back again next year,” Harris said, according to the Business Journal.

Justin Oldfield, a thoroughbred breeder and a chairman of the CTBA, said that Harris wanted everyone in the industry to be successful, always offering mentorship and help to those who needed it.

“For as successful as a businessman as he was, you would have never have known it from the way he treated you,” Oldfield said. “John was an extremely humble, down-to-earth individual that treated everyone with respect, treated everyone like they had value.”

He said that he once went to a horse racing industry event honoring Harris with more than 3,000 attendees.

“I can’t even imagine how many people are gonna be at his funeral,” Oldfield said.

Harris is survived by his wife, Cookie, and others “whose lives were enriched by his strength of character and enduring compassion,” the statement from Harris Farms said.

A JOCKEY banned from racing for his role in the ‘biggest race-fixing storm ever’ was beaten by a 40-1 outsider on his first ride back in 14 years.

Greg Fairley beat William Buick to the Champion Apprentice title in 2007 and looked all set for superstardom in the saddle.

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He would go onto Group 1 glory and massive prize money earnings of £2.8million on the track over a few short years, banging in 381 winners in Britain alone.

But his career looked done and dusted in 2011 when he was hit with a colossal ban for two of the most serious rules breaches.

He was found guilty of riding a horse to lose – ‘failing to obtain the best possible placing’ – and passing on inside information for reward.

A total of 11 people were sanctioned by the BHA for what at the time was called the ‘largest race-fixing ring ever exposed in British racing history’.

Fairley and fellow jockey Paul Doe were warned off for a dozen years, while two owners were banned for 14 for betting on their horses to lose, ‘corrupting’ jockeys in the process.

Fairley last rode 14 years ago but, having served his time and been regranted a licence by the BHA, he made his comeback at Ayr on Monday.

Scottish trainer Iain Jardine gave Fairley, who in his own words ran away’ back home to Scotland to run a tree surgery business before the BHA announced his ban, the ride on 4-1 Superior Council.

The six-year-old gelding, who had finished first and second on his two most recent starts, had been backed into as short as 3-1 before drifting slightly before the off.

But despite jumping well from the stalls he found little in the 6f race and finished eighth pf 16.

Former Amo Racing jockey Kevin Stott was on the winner – two-time Grand National champ Lucinda Russell’s 40-1 South Road.

In a statement written before his return, Fairley addressed his past ban and said it’s all now behind him as he focuses on winning again.

Fairley wrote: “Fifteen years ago I chose a path that was wrong and paid a justifiably significant price for my poor decisions.

“I’m incredibly grateful to the licencing committee of the BHA for giving me a second chance.

“I would also like to thank Sandy Thomson, Iain Jardine and Charlie and Mark Johnston who have all been very supportive.”

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AIDAN O’BRIEN has mysteriously pulled a Royal Ascot winner ‘who can really move’ from a £500,000 race.

The Ballydoyle boss pulled the plug on Hampton Court Stakes hero Trinity College’s planned run in the German Derby on Sunday.

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Trinity College’s French Derby fourth automatically got him an entry in the Group 1 won last year by former Nicky Henderson inmate and world’s most expensive jumps horse Palladium.

He had been installed favourite by bookies on the back of his Ascot heroics.

But just 48 hours after putting him in the race O’Brien scrapped Trinity College’s entry.

It came as word spread O’Brien was set to supplement The Lion In Winter into a blockbuster Prix Jean Prat on Sunday.

The former Derby favourite, who is 25-1 for the City Of York stakes having been given an entry over 7f there too, could line up against Juddmonte’s Cosmic Year and Godolphin’s Dewhurst winner Shadow Of Light.

More to follow.

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Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chases their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
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• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.