‘The race of the century’ – says author Jilly Cooper
‘History in the making’ – says I’m A Celebrity’s Willie Carson
‘Kauto Star – horses and people are written off too early, and I should know!’ – says footballer Michael Owen
SPORTS stars and celebrities would adore seeing Kauto Star win a record-breaking fifth William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton Park Racecourse on Boxing Day.
But their heads tell them that the odds favour Long Run to create history and win two King Georges and the Cheltenham Gold Cup in the same calendar year.
Michael Owen would love Kauto to regain his Boxing Day crown.
The Manchester United forward, who could yet be playing in his club’s Boxing Day match at Old Trafford after recovering from injury, said: “I championed Kauto Star's chances on my Twitter account on the morning of his epic Betfair Chase win last month.
“The media write off people and horses too early - I should know!!!
“My head says Long Run this time, but I would love to see Kauto make it five.”
Author Jilly Cooper can’t wait for Boxing Day – and wants Kauto to win in what she calls the “race of the century”.
She said: “I am heartbroken that I cannot be at Kempton on Boxing Day. It’s such a cosy racecourse at Christmas, but I shall be knee deep in grandchildren for the festive period.
“All my favourite horses are running; some of my lovely trainers have runners; and many of my friends will be going as it’s such a fantastic day out.
“I will be cheering on Kauto Star for the race of the century from the sofa and will be glued to Channel 4 Racing.”
Racing legend, winning jockey in 17 British Classic races, recent I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here contestant and present-day BBC racing pundit Willie Carson said: “I've been involved in and seen many huge races, but I'm fizzing with excitement over this year's King George.
“It has all the ingredients to be a sensational race - the current champion Long Run, the four times winner Kauto Star and others like Master Minded who could challenge the front two.
“This race, this year has the potential to be history in the making. Kempton's going to be packed out for this one, that's for sure.”
Tottenham Hotspur defender Ledley King, a keen racing fan, is looking forward to Boxing Day too.
He said: “Footballers have always followed the horses. A day’s racing is very relaxing and I have enjoyed going to Kempton Park when I owned a horse with Ashley Cole.
“Boxing Day is a great occasion and, although I’m usually involved in a game in the afternoon like many of my Premier League colleagues, this year Spurs aren't playing until the 27th so I’ll certainly enjoy watching the King George VI Chase and seeing if Long Run can win again or Kauto Star can regain his crown.”
Tickets for Boxing Day and 27 December at Kempton Park Racecourse can be booked at kempton.co.uk.
Wednesday 19 October: The Professional Jockeys Association today called for progress to be made urgently in amending the new whip rules.
There are concerns within horse racing that many Jockeys will independently decide not to take part in some racing fixtures next week in protest at the new rules.
PJA Chief Executive Kevin Darley said: "There is now a process of proper consultation and discussion involving Jockeys which should have happened before the original announcement by the British Horseracing Authority last month. Had we been properly consulted over some of the important details that relate directly to Jockeys prior to that announcement we feel that we would not be in the position we are today.
"Jockeys have no issues with the restricted amount of times they can use the whip under the new rules. The careers of Jockeys are short by definition and the implications of financial penalties and long suspensions are savagely disproportionate."
Senior Jockeys Frankie Dettori and A P McCoy, who were quoted in the BHA news announcement last month, said they were asked to show their support by the BHA in the best interests of the sport. They have now acknowledged that they wouldn't have agreed to the quotes had they and the PJA been given the time to consider the full implications and practical consequences of the new rules and penalties.
The two Jockeys said: "In hindsight we would like to have given more thought and consideration to the new rules before commenting. We didn't give them properly informed approval and we really do wish the BHA would stop saying that we did."
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For further information, please contact:
Kevin Darley, Chief Executive, at the Professional Jockeys Association, on 07974 172675
Monday evening 17 October: Professional Jockeys Association Chief Executive Kevin Darley said: "We will continue to work closely with the British Horseracing Authority in coming days to bring this matter to a satisfactory conclusion. We will await the Authority's response to the very realistic and sensible proposals that the Jockeys made to the BHA board today.
"However, time is pressing and amendments to the new rules that Jockeys believe are workable need to be adopted very soon. As far as Jockeys are concerned the current situation cannot continue, and we have made that clear to the BHA. A resolution to this issue must be found."
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Monday 17 October: A MAN associated with a very different kind of horsepower was a visitor at Kempton Park Racecourse on Sunday (16 OCTOBER).
Formula 1's Bernie Ecclestone has taken such an interest in the sport of horse racing that he owns part of the racehorse Greylami which was running at the Sunbury track.
And he couldn't have had a better man in the saddle in the williamhill.com The Home Of Betting Novices' Hurdle race. For his jockey was none other than BBC Sports Personality of the Year Tony McCoy.
However, the motor racing supremo - who chose to visit Kempton Park rather than fly east for the Korean Grand Prix - had to be satisfied with fourth place for his horse in the race in which eight took part.
'Jump Sunday' at Kempton Park was a popular afternoon out for the public on a warm autumn afternoon, with the current Kempton Park Christmas Hurdle and 2010 Champion Hurdle winner Binocular paraded.
Spectators also experienced what goes on behind the scenes, walking the final furlong with top jump jockey Robert Thornton and joining a tour to see the commentary box, weighing room, parade ring and stewards' box.
Those who fancied themselves as jockeys tried their skills on a mechanical horse, known as an equicisor, simulating riding in an actual race.
The next jump racing at Kempton Park is on Monday 31 October when the feature event is the £20,000 Betfair Graduation Chase. Ticket prices are just £12 booked in advance, and £15 on the gate on the day. To book tickets visit kempton.co.uk or call the box office on 0844 579 3008. Tickets are also on sale both online at boxingdayraces.co.uk and by telephone for the William Hill Winter Festival on Boxing Day and Tuesday 27 December.
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For further information, please contact:
Kempton Park media office on 01932 782292
Monday 17 October: Professional Jockeys Association Chief Executive Kevin Darley said: "We had a productive meeting with the BHA board this afternoon.
"They listened to all the points that we made about the working of the new whip rules. It was very useful for the PJA to have senior Jockeys like A P McCoy, Frankie Dettori, Ryan Moore and Richard Hughes present because they were able to paint various different race-riding scenarios to the board members.
"We will now await the BHA coming back to us. We can then see where we stand because the Jockeys as a group will have to find the rules workable."
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Friday 14 October: The Professional Jockeys Association this afternoon submitted written proposals to the British Horseracing Authority concerning the new whip rules that apply to Jockeys.
The recommendations from the Jockeys include revisions to the range of penalties for infringements as well as some further clarifications of the rules themselves.
PJA Chief Executive Kevin Darley reiterated that Jockeys as a group welcomed the move towards greater precision in the amended rules.
"What Jockeys do have concerns about however, are the new penalties for what they perceive to be relatively minor infringements of the rules," he said. "The PJA believes very strongly that this aspect needs to be re-considered."
He stressed that Jockeys understood how important it is that the sport of racing conveys the correct message about horse welfare to the public.
The PJA said that it hoped the BHA would respond positively and urgently to the proposals.
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Kevin Darley, Chief Executive, at the Professional Jockeys Association, on 07974 172675
Thursday 13 October: Professional Jockeys Association Chief Executive Kevin Darley (pictured) this evening welcomed the statement of British Horseracing Association Chairman Paul Roy concerning the new whip rules that apply to Jockeys.
He said: "The PJA is preparing a paper for the BHA that will outline our observations about how the new rules are working in practice during the first week.
"Jockeys as a group welcome the move towards greater clarity in the amended rules. Jockeys understand too how important it is that the sport conveys the correct message about horse welfare to the public.
"What they do have concerns about however, are the new penalties for infringements of the rules. The PJA thinks that aspect needs to be looked at again, and we look forward to further discussions with the BHA."
For further information, please contact:Kevin Darley, Chief Executive, at the Professional Jockeys Association, on 07974 172675
