Qatar Racing Ltd. has opened its '8 to Follow' competition for 2016, with all proceeds from entry fees to benefit Racing Welfare, a charity that looks after racing's people in need.
A listing of the eligible horses can be found at www.8tofollow.co.uk and will be updated during the competition to keep players informed of their status. The website also offers suggestions from people involved with Qatar Racing, including Sheikh Fahad and jockeys Oisin Murphy and Colin Keane.
The person who selects the eight horses from Qatar Racing/Pearl Bloodstock who collect the most points over the course of the season will receive first prize money of £10,000. There are cash prizes down to fifth place and the three leading entries approaching the final day are invited, with a guest, to lunch at Ascot on QIPCO British Champions Day, Oct. 15, the richest day in British racing.
Among the older horses expected to feature prominently this season are St Leger heroine, Simple Verse (Ire) (Duke of Marmalade {Ire}), as well as Arod (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), Endless Drama (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}), Elm Park (GB) (Phoenix Reach {Ire}), Karpino (Ger) (Cape Cross {Ire}), Lightning Spear (GB) (Pivotal {GB}), Pearl Secret (GB) (Compton Place {GB}) and Strath Burn (GB) (Equiano {Fr}). The 3-year-old crop includes Classic entry Blue de Vega (Ger) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) and the very promising La Rioja (GB) (Hellvelyn {GB}), while among the juveniles is the first foal out of Group 1 winner Lightening Pearl (Ire) (Marju {Ire}), a colt by Frankel (GB) called Lightening Fast (GB).
The competition begins on QIPCO 2000 Guineas day Apr. 30 and runs through QIPCO British Champions Day Oct. 15.
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