Latest news with #Whistlejacket
The Herald Scotland
12-07-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Notable Speech handed York target after July Cup eclipse
He was therefore scaled back to six furlongs to see if that would trigger a return to form and though the distance posed an unknown, he was still well fancied as the 85-40 favourite under William Buick. The Group One contest was not to be the scene of his comeback, however, and he ultimately finished fifth to leave his trainer pondering a stab at seven furlongs next. He said: 'Will genuinely sounded disappointed, he said he'd thought he'd done everything right and then at the business end he just didn't finish. 'We've been seeing the same thing at a mile so maybe we've got a look a bit harder at him, I don't know. 'It was always going to be hard to jump to make an assessment after his first time sprinting at this level. 'I see no reason not to meet halfway at seven (furlongs) and go to York, which was always our plan. 'If the horse comes out of it well, and I see no reason why he won't, we'll head to the City of York Stakes.' Of stablemate Symbol Of Honour, who was eighth under Oisin Murphy, he added: 'Symbol Of Honour really doesn't like the Rowley Mile, we're nowhere near the Rowley Mile but he still wasn't handling the track. 'Oisin still said to me that he's a Group One sprinter in the making so he'll carry on sprinting, he'll go to Haydock or somewhere like that. A slick track will suit him perfectly.' Connections of the Mick Appleby-trained runner-up Big Mojo were thrilled with their colt's effort and are planning a step back to five furlongs for the remainder of the campaign. 'I'm absolutely delighted with him. We've tried him over six this year, we've been brave,' said owner Paul Teasdale. 'Today was always going to be a tough ask but he did fantastically well. I'm really proud of him, I thought he'd just about got it but not quite, I'm still delighted. 'The King George, the Nunthorpe, the Flying Five – we're in all of them so we've got some options. 'He travels so well, he can withstand the pace and he's got a great finish in him. 'He won the Molecomb last year, he'd be delighted to go back to Goodwood. 'He's really maturing into a top-class horse.' Aidan O'Brien's Whistlejacket, who was well supported in the lead up to the race, finished 12th at odds of 13-2 and may be due an easy few weeks after he was out of luck at Royal Ascot too. The trainer said: 'It was a good, strong pace and he got back a little bit. We'll see where we'll go, we might give him a little break and freshen him up for the autumn. 'It didn't work the last day and it didn't work today, so that's what we might do. A little break and we might have him back for Haydock or something like that.'
The Irish Sun
09-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Punters hold their breath as ‘monster plunge' on Aidan O'Brien horse who's ‘so fast' threatens to go up in flames
A 'MONSTER' plunge on an Aidan O'Brien horse who's 'so fast' could go up in flames - thanks to big rival Charlie Appleby. Whistlejacket looked a future superstar when sent off odds-on for Norfolk at last year's Royal Ascot. Advertisement 2 Aidan O'Brien's big rival Charlie Appleby could make the 'monster plunge' on Whistlejacket go up in smoke in the July Cup - after the Godolphin trainer supplemented former 2,000 Guineas winner Notable Speech for the big Group 1 Credit: PA 2 Whistlejacket, right, looked a world-beater but it hasn't quite worked out what way - and a massive gamble on him could yet be foiled on Saturday Credit: PA But he could only finish fourth that day before banging in Group 2 and Group 1 wins at Newmarket and Deauville respectively. The Coolmore-owned colt returned this season with a Listed success at Navan but was again turned over at odds on at Naas in May. He finished sixth in last month's Commonwealth Cup - yet that tells only half the story. Whistlejacket travelled ominously well but was repeatedly denied a clear run in the closing stages, beaten just under five lengths but nearest at the finish. Advertisement Amazingly, on the back of that, odds of 33-1 for Saturday's July Cup were available ante-post for the confirmed 6f specialist. A number of shrewd punters moved to gobble up the price and he has been hammered all the way into a best 7-1 for the £657,000 Group 1 as a result. The gamble on Whistlejacket had all the hallmarks of a good, old-fashioned punt - until Appleby got involved. The Moulton Paddocks handler threw a massive spanner in the works when he supplemented former 2,000 Guineas winner Notable Speech on Monday. Advertisement Most read in Horse Racing He's been walloped as a result and is now into as short as 2-1 having been put in the market at 4s. That's not to say Whistlejacket can't still do the business for O'Brien and likely jockey Ryan Moore. But if Notable Speech had not been added then Whistlejacket would be vying for favouritism - if not favourite - against the likes of Flora Of Bermuda and Inisherin. O'Brien - who has another horse running this week that Advertisement Speaking of Whistlejacket's chances, the Ballydoyle boss said: "We were happy with him going into Ascot, but we all saw what happened with him there so we didn't get a clear reading. "He just didn't have any luck in running in the Commonwealth Cup, but we have been happy with him since. "The plan was to always go sprinting with him this season and after Ascot the intention was to bring him to Newmarket for the July Cup. "He was a good winner over course and distance last year in the July Stakes so we know that he handles the track well. Advertisement "It was quick at Ascot, and he looked okay there, so the ground shouldn't be a problem for him. "We have won this race with some great horses in the past and hopefully he will give a good account of himself." 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. Advertisement
Scottish Sun
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Punters hold their breath as ‘monster plunge' on Aidan O'Brien horse who's ‘so fast' threatens to go up in flames
Plenty of punters are on at big prices WHISTLE TEST Punters hold their breath as 'monster plunge' on Aidan O'Brien horse who's 'so fast' threatens to go up in flames Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A 'MONSTER' plunge on an Aidan O'Brien horse who's 'so fast' could go up in flames - thanks to big rival Charlie Appleby. Whistlejacket looked a future superstar when sent off odds-on for Norfolk at last year's Royal Ascot. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Aidan O'Brien's big rival Charlie Appleby could make the 'monster plunge' on Whistlejacket go up in smoke in the July Cup - after the Godolphin trainer supplemented former 2,000 Guineas winner Notable Speech for the big Group 1 Credit: PA 2 Whistlejacket, right, looked a world-beater but it hasn't quite worked out what way - and a massive gamble on him could yet be foiled on Saturday Credit: PA But he could only finish fourth that day before banging in Group 2 and Group 1 wins at Newmarket and Deauville respectively. The Coolmore-owned colt returned this season with a Listed success at Navan but was again turned over at odds on at Naas in May. He finished sixth in last month's Commonwealth Cup - yet that tells only half the story. Whistlejacket travelled ominously well but was repeatedly denied a clear run in the closing stages, beaten just under five lengths but nearest at the finish. Amazingly, on the back of that, odds of 33-1 for Saturday's July Cup were available ante-post for the confirmed 6f specialist. A number of shrewd punters moved to gobble up the price and he has been hammered all the way into a best 7-1 for the £657,000 Group 1 as a result. The gamble on Whistlejacket had all the hallmarks of a good, old-fashioned punt - until Appleby got involved. The Moulton Paddocks handler threw a massive spanner in the works when he supplemented former 2,000 Guineas winner Notable Speech on Monday. He's been walloped as a result and is now into as short as 2-1 having been put in the market at 4s. That's not to say Whistlejacket can't still do the business for O'Brien and likely jockey Ryan Moore. But if Notable Speech had not been added then Whistlejacket would be vying for favouritism - if not favourite - against the likes of Flora Of Bermuda and Inisherin. O'Brien - who has another horse running this week that punters are certain is 'banker material' - hasn't lost hope. Speaking of Whistlejacket's chances, the Ballydoyle boss said: "We were happy with him going into Ascot, but we all saw what happened with him there so we didn't get a clear reading. "He just didn't have any luck in running in the Commonwealth Cup, but we have been happy with him since. "The plan was to always go sprinting with him this season and after Ascot the intention was to bring him to Newmarket for the July Cup. "He was a good winner over course and distance last year in the July Stakes so we know that he handles the track well. "It was quick at Ascot, and he looked okay there, so the ground shouldn't be a problem for him. "We have won this race with some great horses in the past and hopefully he will give a good account of himself." 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 Sun
09-07-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Punters hold their breath as ‘monster plunge' on Aidan O'Brien horse who's ‘so fast' threatens to go up in flames
A 'MONSTER' plunge on an Aidan O'Brien horse who's 'so fast' could go up in flames - thanks to big rival Charlie Appleby. Whistlejacket looked a future superstar when sent off odds-on for Norfolk at last year's Royal Ascot. 2 But he could only finish fourth that day before banging in Group 2 and Group 1 wins at Newmarket and Deauville respectively. The Coolmore-owned colt returned this season with a Listed success at Navan but was again turned over at odds on at Naas in May. He finished sixth in last month's Commonwealth Cup - yet that tells only half the story. Whistlejacket travelled ominously well but was repeatedly denied a clear run in the closing stages, beaten just under five lengths but nearest at the finish. Amazingly, on the back of that, odds of 33-1 for Saturday's July Cup were available ante-post for the confirmed 6f specialist. A number of shrewd punters moved to gobble up the price and he has been hammered all the way into a best 7-1 for the £657,000 Group 1 as a result. The gamble on Whistlejacket had all the hallmarks of a good, old-fashioned punt - until Appleby got involved. The Moulton Paddocks handler threw a massive spanner in the works when he supplemented former 2,000 Guineas winner Notable Speech on Monday. He's been walloped as a result and is now into as short as 2-1 having been put in the market at 4s. That's not to say Whistlejacket can't still do the business for O'Brien and likely jockey Ryan Moore. But if Notable Speech had not been added then Whistlejacket would be vying for favouritism - if not favourite - against the likes of Flora Of Bermuda and Inisherin. O'Brien - who has another horse running this week that punters are certain is 'banker material' - hasn't lost hope. Speaking of Whistlejacket's chances, the Ballydoyle boss said: "We were happy with him going into Ascot, but we all saw what happened with him there so we didn't get a clear reading. "He just didn't have any luck in running in the Commonwealth Cup, but we have been happy with him since. "The plan was to always go sprinting with him this season and after Ascot the intention was to bring him to Newmarket for the July Cup. "He was a good winner over course and distance last year in the July Stakes so we know that he handles the track well. "It was quick at Ascot, and he looked okay there, so the ground shouldn't be a problem for him. "We have won this race with some great horses in the past and hopefully he will give a good account of himself." . Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who:
Irish Times
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
Aidan O'Brien's Group One strike rate now threatening own world record
Aidan O'Brien's big race hot streak means he is on track to threaten his own world record Group One haul this year. The Irish man saddled a remarkable 28 Group One winners in 2017, and going into this week's Newmarket July festival , he is on the same top-flight strike rate so far this season. Delacroix in the Eclipse last weekend was O'Brien's 10th Group One success of the campaign. That's the same tally as at this stage of the 2017 season when Roly Poly made it number 11 in the Tattersalls Falmouth Stakes. The Ballydoyle team has a trio of fillies in this Friday's Falmouth, including the French Oaks runner-up Bedtime Story and January, who ran third to Cercene in the Coronation Stakes. READ MORE O'Brien's hopes of a record sixth victory in Saturday's Al Basti July Cup look to principally revolve around Whistlejacket, although he also left in Ides Of March at Monday's latest acceptance stage. Supplemented at a cost of more than €41,000 each into a contest widely regarded as Europe's most prestigious sprint were last year's 2000 Guineas winner Notable Speech and another Godolphin hope Spy Chief. Sheikh Mohammed's team also has the leading hope Symbol Of Honour entered. O'Brien last won the July Cup with Ten Sovereigns in 2019, when he emulated his legendary Ballydoyle predecessor Vincent O'Brien's haul in the race. Whistlejacket won the July Stakes at the meeting as a two-year-old and was sixth in Royal Ascot's Commonwealth Cup last month when Ryan Moore reported he was repeatedly denied a clear run. The three-year-old is a general 8-1 shot to successfully rebound from that and join a stellar list of previous O'Brien winners such as Stravinsky (1999) and Starspangledbannner in 2010. O'Brien's run of recent success, including an unprecedented clean sweep of Europe's three big derby prizes, compares with anything in his unparalleled career. Whistlejacket won the July Stakes at the Newmarket meeting as a two-year-old. Photograph:In 2017, he began his record run with Churchill in the Newmarket 2000 Guineas and beat Bobby Frankel's old mark of 25 when Saxon Warrior landed the Futurity. He added to that with Mendelssohn at the Breeders' Cup before ending a momentous campaign with Highland Reel's Hong Kong Vase success. Saturday's feature event is shaping up as a clash of some of the sport's superpower operations. As well as the Ballydoyle pair, and Godolphin's trio of potential runners, the Qatari Wathnan team look to have a big player in Flora Of Bermuda. She ran third to the French star Lazzat in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Royal Ascot on her previous start. Wathan also has Night Raider in the race and he steps up a furlong from the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot, when out of the money behind American Affair. His trainer, Karl Burke, is hopeful a furlong longer trip can help his horse substantially. 'Night Raider is a very quick horse, there's no doubt about it, but I think he's a horse that likes to get into a rhythm, and he's more chance of getting into that rhythm over six furlongs than he does over five,' he said. 'I think over five at the top level they jump and go so hard early and he's a horse that likes to jump and get into a nice rhythm, which I think he has more chance of doing over six and he obviously can stay seven as well. 'Six is the ideal trip, whether he's up to a Group One at this stage of his career, we'll find out on Saturday,' Burke added. Despite his international commitments to Juddmonte, Colin Keane still tops the jockeys' table in Ireland, leading Billy Lee by 43 winners to 37. With Lee out through suspension, Keane travels to Tramore on Tuesday for a single ride on the smart bumper performer Seo Linn in a mile-and-a-half maiden. A winner at Cheltenham last November and at Aintree in the spring, Paddy Twomey's mare has twice come up short on the level this summer, but this looks an ideal opportunity. Tramore even has its own 'derby' on the card, although it is a moderate handicap with a topweight rated just 55. Significantly, local trainer Henry de Bromhead is persevering with the 43-rated Stepdance and Wayne Hassett takes off a valuable 3lbs.
