Ambitious Fahey doubles up in bid to land his second Gimcrack Stakes title

RICHARD FAHEY runs both Cosmic Law and Space Traveller as he bids to land back-to-back victories in the Al Basti Equiworld Gimcrack Stakes at York today.
Gimcrack bid: Epsom winner Cosmic Law and jockey PJ McDonald line up in today's York race.Gimcrack bid: Epsom winner Cosmic Law and jockey PJ McDonald line up in today's York race.
Gimcrack bid: Epsom winner Cosmic Law and jockey PJ McDonald line up in today's York race.

The Malton handler ended his long wait to get on the roll of honour when Sands Of Mali lifted the Group Two feature last year.

Cosmic Law – the mount of PJ McDonald – is the more experienced of the pair after winning the Woodcote Stakes at Epsom in June and finishing sixth to Middleham trainer Mark Johnston’s Dark Vision at Goodwood.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“He showed a lot of speed over seven that day at Goodwood. His best form is over six and we’re very happy with him,” remarked Fahey.

Space Traveller, who will be ridden by Daniel Tudhope, goes up in grade after wining two novice races at Doncaster and Hamilton.

“He’s done everything right at home. We’re pleased with him,” he said.

“This is a huge step up and we’ll find out where we are with him.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Emaraaty Ana represents Hambleton trainer Kevin Ryan in a race which has a history of producing future stars.

Supporters of ante-post favourite Stratum can rest easy after Willie Mullins’s stayer made the cut for tomorrow’s Ebor handicap.

The five-year-old needed at least three horses to be withdrawn at the 48-hour final declaration stage and punters got their wish when Prize Money, Game Starter, Count Octave and Amazing Red were taken out.

Mullins also has Whiskey Sour, while further Irish interest is provided by the Ger Lyons-trained Mustajeer and Sea The Lion from Jarlath Fahey’s stable.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Iain Jardine’s Nakeeta bids to repeat last year’s victory, while the top weight of 9st 12lb will be carried by the John Gosden-trained Weekender, the mount of Frankie Dettori.

Other fancied horses include Blakeney Point, Teodoro, Saunter and the Marco Botti-trained pair of Dylan Mouth and Crowned Eagle.

Pontefract managing director Norman Gundill has asked us to point out that he is not stepping down at the end of the season.

He says his sole intention, at this stage, is to step down as raceday clerk. The misunderstanding follows a feature earlier this week about former jockey George Chaloner’s new role at the track. We are happy to set the record straight.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Towcester racecourse, where Sir AP McCoy famously rode his 4,000th winner, has been formally placed in adminstration, putting the future of National Hunt racing at the Northamptonshire track in serious doubt.

Racecourse staff have been made redundant and British Horseracing Authority officials will seek to establish “as a priority” whether the three fixtures scheduled for the autumn can go ahead as planned.