Latest news with #AmericanAffair
Scottish Sun
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Richard Hughes' tears at Newmarket show there really is hope for all in racing this season
They're taking on the big boys - and winning MATT CHAPMAN Richard Hughes' tears at Newmarket show there really is hope for all in racing this season Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HOPE. That's what we all need. And for those battling the superpowers in the world of horse racing hope is everything. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Richard Hughes couldn't hide his emotion when talking to me after making history in the July Cup - and his underdog tale is the story of the season so far in Flat racing The good news is this season there is hope emerging on many different levels. Most recently, of course, Richard Hughes banged in Saturday's Group 1 July Cup at Newmarket. That will have given Hughes hope, and many other trainers will be thinking 'it could be me next'. But it's been a Flat season where Hughes - who was in tears during an emotional interview with me moments after his biggest win - is not the only one to have hit the jackpot. Docklands banged in the Group 1 Queen Anne at Royal Ascot for Harry Eustace. That's massive for the young up-and-coming handler, and while the horse is owned by a group with plenty of cash to splash, it still gives everyone hope. Eustace, of course, doubled up in Group 1s by also banging in the Commonwealth Cup with Time for Sandals. And don't forget old Scotsman Jim Goldie, who was responsible for American Affair taking the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes, also at Royal Ascot. Don't also forget the Irish raider Cercene, who took the Coronation Stakes and a first Group 1 for both trainer Joe Murphy and jockey Gary Carroll. Why is this so important? After all sport is just about finding out who is best of the best, it's not about who is actually taking the prizes. Well it's crucial because, as I have said, everyone needs hope. Other than those I have mentioned, Group 1 races in the UK so far in 2025 have gone to Ruling Court, Desert Flower, Lead Artist, Jan Brueghel, Minnie Hawk, Lambourn, Field of Gold, Ombudsman, Trawlerman, Lazzat, Delacroix and Cinderella's Dream. The owners of that lot are some of the richest people in the world in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Ireland and Qatar. Godolphin, Juddmonte, Coolmore and Wathnan Racing cough up more money than most for horses. For most people matching them is the stuff of dreams. But there is not only hope in what has happened in Group 1 races this term. Eve Johnson Houghton is also giving people hope, as is Jonny Portman, who is having a fantastic season headed by horses like Rumstar and had a terrific treble at Newbury the other day. He's trading at 20 per cent with a massive 28 victories this season. Since he started training in 1998 the most victors he has ever had in a campaign has been 33. Portman is on fire. Eve landed the Group 2 Kingdom of Bahrain July Stakes with Zavateri and also enjoyed success at Royal Ascot thanks to Havana Hurricane in the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes. Superpowers are needed in every sport to inject cash. But for the people just below the mega players hope is so important. And this is a Flat season of hope for all. FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS 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. 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 – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
The Irish Sun
15-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Richard Hughes' tears at Newmarket show there really is hope for all in racing this season
HOPE. That's what we all need. And for those battling the superpowers in the world of horse racing hope is everything. 1 Richard Hughes couldn't hide his emotion when talking to me after making history in the July Cup - and his underdog tale is the story of the season so far in Flat racing The good news is this season there is hope emerging on many different levels. Most recently, of course, That will have given Hughes hope, and many other trainers will be thinking 'it could be me next'. But it's been a Flat season where Hughes - who was in tears during an emotional interview with me moments after his biggest win - is not the only one to have hit the jackpot. Docklands banged in the Group 1 Queen Anne at Royal Ascot for Harry Eustace. That's massive for the young up-and-coming handler, and while the horse is owned by a group with plenty of cash to splash, it still gives everyone hope. Eustace, of course, doubled up in Group 1s by also banging in the Commonwealth Cup with Time for Sandals. And don't forget old Scotsman Jim Goldie, who was responsible for American Affair taking the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes, also at Royal Ascot. Most read in Horse Racing Don't also forget the Irish raider Cercene, who took the Coronation Stakes and a first Group 1 for both trainer Joe Murphy and jockey Gary Carroll. Why is this so important? After all sport is just about finding out who is best of the best, it's not about who is actually taking the prizes. Well it's crucial because, as I have said, everyone needs hope. Other than those I have mentioned, Group 1 races in the UK so far in 2025 have gone to Ruling Court, Desert Flower, Lead Artist, Jan Brueghel, Minnie Hawk, Lambourn, Field of Gold, Ombudsman, Trawlerman, Lazzat, Delacroix and Cinderella's Dream. The owners of that lot are some of the richest people in the world in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Ireland and Qatar. Godolphin, Juddmonte, Coolmore and Wathnan Racing cough up more money than most for horses. For most people matching them is the stuff of dreams. But there is not only hope in what has happened in Group 1 races this term. Eve Johnson Houghton is also giving people hope, as is Jonny Portman, who is having a fantastic season headed by horses like Rumstar and had a terrific treble at Newbury the other day. He's trading at 20 per cent with a massive 28 victories this season. Since he started training in 1998 the most victors he has ever had in a campaign has been 33. Portman is on fire. Eve landed the Group 2 Kingdom of Bahrain July Stakes with Zavateri and also enjoyed success at Royal Ascot thanks to Havana Hurricane in the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes. Superpowers are needed in every sport to inject cash. But for the people just below the mega players hope is so important. And this is a Flat season of hope for all. FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS 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. . Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Read more on the Irish Sun 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 – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Powys County Times
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Powys County Times
Goldie focusing on Breeders' Cup date with American Affair
Jim Goldie is 'reasonably confident' American Affair will still make the Breeders' Cup after he was forced to rule his stable star out of the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes at York. The five-year-old was one of the most popular winners at Royal Ascot when he powered through the field under Paul Mulrennan to win the King Charles III Stakes having triumphed in a handicap earlier in the season. However, having had a routine flu vaccination, Goldie noticed his stable star was lame behind and a bone scan showed an issue that will prevent him from running next month. 'We're hoping it's not the end of his season,' said Goldie. 'We thought, just to clear the decks, if we took him out of the Nunthorpe now we wouldn't try to rush him back. We don't think it's that serious, but if you get a warning, you heed it. 'It was after his routine vaccine for equine flu, sometimes it sets off an allergic reaction, that's the whole idea of it. Basically he went lame behind on us, but he came sound quite quick. 'Obviously something was going on, so we decided to bone scan him and it highlighted some issues. If you scan most horses in training you'll find something, but we're just being careful. 'The Breeders' Cup isn't until November 1, I've taken advice from various vets that I work with and they think he can make that. I'm reasonably confident we'll get him there.'
Daily Mail
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
CALUM McCLURKIN: American Affair's Royal Ascot triumph is a Scottish sporting success story to savour
Jim Goldie is far too modest to say but American Affair's success in the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot was a sensational modern-day Scottish sporting success story. We are no stranger to big-race success north of the border in horse racing. Lucinda Russell has won two Grand Nationals in the last decade with One For Arthur (2017) and Corach Rambler (2023). Russell showed her prowess for priming one for the big occasion at this year's Cheltenham Festival when Myretown blitzed the field in the Ultima Handicap Chase, landing a right gamble in the process. What Scotland craved, however, was something similar on the Flat. It seems impossible in the modern day for a small yard in Lanarkshire to win a Group One prize at Royal Ascot. But Goldie somehow managed it. Racing is one of the most established oldest sports in the planet. There have been results recorded as early as the 1720s. There has been no registered Group One success by a horse trained in Scotland in history. Until a couple of weeks ago when American Affair won the King Charles III Stakes. The Pattern formula was only introduced in 1971 and Scotland has waited since its induction for its first Group One success. Make no mistake, this is Scotland's most significant race win on the Flat since Rockavon won the 2,000 Guineas in 1961. That was only the third Scottish-trained winner at Royal Ascot. Big Timer won the Wokingham Stakes Handicap for Linda Perratt in 2008. You'd have to go back to Lanercost's Gold Cup win in 1841 for the only other known Scottish-trained success at the royal meeting. This was the first at Group One level. And in an era where deep pockets and powerhouse breeding operations rule the sport with an iron fist, for Goldie to achieve the success with a home bred is nothing short of extraordinary. This was a victory for patience and familiarity. Rated a lowly 67 at Carlisle at the beginning of his career, American Affair has risen through the ranks as a sprinter. As Goldie puts it, he's getting quicker as he's getting older. He's now rated 114 and a Group One winner. Scotland's flag bearer for the Flat. Keith Dalgleish went close a couple of times with good horses on the big stage, Glasvegas and What's The Story are two that come to mind who ran well at the royal meeting. Goldie has a long association with good horses; think the likes of Euchen Glen, Jack Dexter and Hawkeyethenoo. The latter two were sprinters from a similar breeding line and it was the familiarity by training the family over the last two generations that helped Goldie, who turns 70 at the end of the year, to a landmark victory with American Affair. Goldie told Mail Sport: 'This is very sweet. 'He has just been fantastic. We started him off at seven furlongs but, since he got back to five, he's got better and better. 'Funnily enough, I was quite confident he would do it here. It all fell into place and, aye it's great. It means a lot.' This wasn't the strongest King Charles III Stakes in the world. The sprinting division at the top table is middling at best but the progressive five-year-old was there to take advantage and produce one of the most thrilling Scottish success stories in racing. So what next for American Affair? Surely a trip to America for the Breeders' Cup in November is in the offing. Now that really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Goodwood is an option but the downhill nature of the track may not play to his strengths and he'd have to carry a penalty. He's also raced for times already this season. A short break before a tilt at the Nunthorpe Stakes at York looks the logical next step. A trip to Ireland for The Flying Five at the Curragh would also look a suitable assignment before jetting off Stateside for the Breeders' Cup. Whether the winner of a weak Group One or not, history tells you how difficult and rare these are for horses trained in Scotland to win huge races such as the King Charles III Stakes. Enjoy it and drink it all in. American Affair is a Scottish sporting success story worth raving about it. Shout it loud and proud. ITV COVERAGE IS SOLID BUT LACKS A HARDENED PUNTER ITV Racing gets some unfair stick for its coverage of the sport. It's not for the absolute purists and attempts to cover all aspects of a day at the races, that includes the softer social side away from the live action. The royal parade, like the monarchy itself, will always divide opinion but it's importance is lifting Royal Ascot can't be underplayed. The puff pieces on champagne, hats, celebrities and fine dining are also fine. The royal meeting is a significant social event. Racing is the main focus but not the be all and end all. The light-hearted social media bits, the parade ring, the betting ring and the form analysis all serve their purpose - special mention for Jason Weaver's exceptionally well-articulated case for Noble Champion in last Saturday's Jersey Stakes who won easily at 25-1. One of the best bits of punditry I've ever heard in any sport. We also get plenty of insight from owners, trainers and jockeys alike. There's plenty to like but one thing missing is a hardened punting presence. Somebody from the outside looking in who is just trying to make a few quid. These people, folk who primarily fund the sport, aren't catered for. Plenty of people across the country work hard at trying to read the form to the best of their ability and try to make profit from festivals. Some see it as the ultimate puzzle to figure out. Take American TV coverage for the Breeders' Cup as an example. Someone is given a betting bank for the weekend and see how they fare. It would go a long way in explaining the thought process and the decisions punters make. There are 28 races over five days at Royal Ascot. Giving an individual a bank of £500 or £1,000 would be a welcome breath of fresh air to ITV's coverage of big festivals. It would offer a good, hardened edge to things as a nice trade off to the lighter subjects of the week. PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK… WHIRL was mightily tough from the front to repel Kalpana in a terrific duel in the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh yesterday. Second in the Oaks, Whirl was not for passing in front against a classy, older rival. SELECTIONS OF THE DAY… Punting opportunities look at a premium on Irish Derby day. Lambourn ought to win but there's nothing exciting in that and a few rivals ought to get much closer today. The main event is sidestepped in favour of the Rockingham handicap (3.30). FAIR TAXES (7-1, Coral) looks a young Irish sprinter on the upgrade for trainer Ed Lynam and can take a hand in one of the more competitive betting heats on a fairly substandard card. Sticking with the each-way theme in sprints, the top of the market look opposable in the six-furlong Listed contest (2.25, Curragh). KING CUAN 13-2, William Hill) has more potential than most and is worth a shot upped in grade for Paddy Twomey. With the Irish sprinting form generally pretty poor, Roger Varian sends over RUSSET GOLD (11-1, bet365) and this track will play to his strong-finishing strengths. He has bits and pieces of form that entitle him to huge respect. Take these two each-way against the field.
Irish Daily Mirror
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Jockey's heartbreak as father passes away on 'best day' of his career
Paul Mulrennan has opened up on how the biggest victory of his career at Royal Ascot came on the same day that his father passed away. The jockey partnered American Affair to success in the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes on the opening day of the meeting for trainer Jim Goldie. Just hours after the race, Mulrennan received the devastating news that his father had died. "I'd literally just left Ascot, turned on my phone and rang my sister and she told me what had happened," he told the Racing Post. "It was very sad, he loved his racing but he was obviously watching down on me. One minute you've had the best day of your career and then an hour after it, you're back down to earth. "He was from Roscommon but lived in London for many years and Ascot was kind of a local track. My mum and dad are sadly not with us now, but they had that work ethic you need to succeed not just in racing but in life too." American Affair's Royal Ascot victory was the jockey's third Group 1 win, but he ranks it above any of the others, and there are plenty of exciting options for the five-year-old going forward. And the win was all the more special as it was a first ever Group 1 success for the trainer. 'Five furlongs up a hill at Ascot is the perfect fit for him, I always thought it might be, so I'm not sure Goodwood will suit him going downhill,' Goldie said. 'Otherwise we will wait for York and the Nunthorpe where we might have to take on a two-year-old or two which will be interesting.' American Affair also has an all-expenses paid trip to the Breeders' Cup to look forward to following his win at Royal Ascot. 'We'll have to have a serious think about the Breeders' Cup if they are going to pay. I can't think of any other horse trained in Scotland to have run at it,' added Goldie
