Jean-Claude Rouget
Setting aside the disappointment that most of us won't actually be able to attend race meetings, June is promising to be a stellar month of action after a prolonged spell of inactivity. France has eased us back into the idea of being able to watch live European racing with a week of informative meetings, including a number of trials and juvenile contests, and Ireland was given a boost by government on Friday when it was confirmed that racing could begin again on June 8. In theory, British racing will start...
Raabihah (Sea the Stars {Ire}) posted an impressive three-length success going 10 furlongs in her Jan. 23 unveiling at Cagnes-sur-Mer and doubled up in style to remain unbowed in this turf and black-type debut. Stalking the leader in second until looming large at the quarter-mile marker, she was shaken up to seize control with 350 metres remaining and was ridden clear in the closing stages to easily outclass American Apples (Fr) (American Post {GB}) by four lengths for a career high. "She came to me at the end of March...
Des Ailes (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), the first foal out of 2014 G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches/G1 Prix de Diane heroine Avenir Certain (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}), graduated at first asking despite blowing the start at Hanshin on Sunday (VIDEO). The 3-year-old raced last barring one rival through the early stages and had improved to fourth-last after the first half-mile. Traveling ominously well despite needing to pass a wall of horses 300 metres from home, she split horses decisively with two furlongs remaining and unleashed a furious turn of foot...
Coolmore has agreed to purchase a 50% interest in last year's G1 Prix du Jockey Club winner Sottsass (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), who stays in training this year with trainer Jean-Claude Rouget. The news was first reported by Paris-Turf. Bred by Ecurie des Monceaux out of Starlet's Sister (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), Sottsass was a €340,000 purchase at the 2017 Arqana August Yearling Sale by Peter Brant through Michel Zerolo's Oceanic Bloodstock. Racing in the green silks of Brant's White Birch Farm, Sottsass won at second asking at two. He took the...