The Jockey Club will leave The Racecourse Association by the end of the year, chief executive Jim Mullen has revealed. The decision follows Ascot's announcement of its intention to quit the trade body, signalling major changes in British racing governance.
The Jockey Club controls several major British racecourses, including Cheltenham, Aintree, Newmarket, and Epsom. However, the future of Kempton, which also sits in the Jockey Club portfolio and hosted the King George on Boxing Day, remains in doubt.
Lord Charles Allen recently left his post as chief of the British Horseracing Authority after racecourses undermined his attempt to secure commercial control. Jockey Club chief executive Jim Mullen was initially Allen's strongest ally, but Allen was kicked aside and recently replaced by Simon Cox.
There is now a general acceptance that individual racecourse financial decisions remain beyond BHA authority. Cox may instead focus BHA governance on regulatory matters such as fixture list control, while independent tracks risk falling behind as major venues go alone.
Ascot has already increased prize money for major races like the King George, while the Jockey Club appears to be funnelling resources toward top events at Aintree, Cheltenham, Newmarket, and Epsom. Arena Racing Company and boss Martin Cruddace will also play a major part as the Racecourse Association decides how to respond.
Shergar Cup and Racing League
For over 20 years, the Shergar Cup has provided a unique team racing format for jockeys from around the world. The event has regained its distinct status following the cancellation of the Racing League, which ran across six weeks at the same time of year.
Although team racing remains a debate for punters, the single-day Shergar Cup offers good prize money and allows international riders, including Team Great Britain and Ireland, to shine without the lengthy commitment of the failed six-week format.
Performance of the Week
Godolphin-owned juvenile Fortitudine delivered the performance of the week by winning a Class Three Kempton novice race by 21 lengths on Wednesday night. Sent off at 7-2 odds from a wide draw, the Charlie Appleby-trained brother to Rebel's Romance powered clear early despite being gelded, which limits his top-level ambitions.
Selections of the Day
In the Group Three Phoenix Sprint Stakes at the Curragh at 3:25, James's Delight (5/2, Sky Bet) is picked to defeat favorite Big Mojo, who has been racing too keenly to stay six furlongs. Trained by Clive Cox, James's Delight has smart course form, has had his latest effort franked, and can track Big Mojo and Bucanero Fuerte before picking them off late.
In the Group One Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh at 4:00, Sun Goddess (5/4, William Hill) is selected to secure an 18th victory in the race. After placing in the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot and winning a Group Two last time out, she is drawn well in stall two to sit handily before stepping up in trip later this season.
In the Group One Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville at 3:40, Stolen Kiss (7/2, bet365) is tipped to give France a fourth consecutive win in the race. Trained in Marseille by Patrice Cottier, Stolen Kiss finished fourth in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot and can repel 1,000 Guineas winner True Love.
