July Course

After Newmarket received a proper drenching on Thursday, Goodwood hopefuls Docklands (Massaat) and Asfoora (Flying Artie) took to the soft turf of the July Course for a spin ahead of their major-race targets next week. Partnered by Ted Durcan, the five-year-old Docklands, hero of last month's G1 Queen Anne Stakes, looked relaxed both pre- and post-work and had an easy stretch over Newmarket's undulations, making the most of a rare chance in an otherwise dry, hot summer to gallop on grass.  "It was as much a mental exercise for him...

Having suffered one of Royal Ascot's most unexpected reversals, Ballydoyle's Whistlejacket (Ire) (No Nay Never) heads to Newmarket's July Festival on Thursday with a point to prove in the G2 Kingdom of Bahrain July Stakes. Caught out by the speed test of the G2 Norfolk Stakes, the Listed First Flier Stakes winner could manage only fourth as the heavily-supported 10-11 favourite and duly reverts to a more suitable six-furlong trip to put his substantial reputation back on track. His brother Little Big Bear (Ire) came here two years ago only...

With Royal Ascot looming large on the horizon, and racing about to switch from Newmarket's Rowley Mile to the July Course, John and Thady Gosden and Charlie Appleby took advantage of the latter for racecourse gallops for some of their Ascot runners on Tuesday morning.  Cheveley Park Stud's homebred Inspiral (GB) (Frankel {GB}) was out first under Frankie Dettori ahead of what will be her first start since QIPCO British Champions Day last October. The treble Group 1 winner is heading to the G1 Queen Anne S. on the opening...

The weighing room and head-on stand at Newmarket's July Course will be redeveloped between 2022 and 2023, The Jockey Club announced on Wednesday. The internal layout and facilities of the weighing room will be upgraded as part of an ongoing industry-wide project. However, the traditional thatched roof overlooking the winner's enclosure will be retained. Both the head-on stand and trackside bar facilities will be upgraded and include a first-floor viewing terrace with stunning views of the racecourse. The head-on stand will receive a new roof and the project will also...