News
Fame & Glory Sets Sights On Vintage Crop Stakes
Monday, 1 January 1
English based trainer Mikael Magnusson breaks new ground on Sunday when he saddles Bridge Of Gold in the Listed Vintage Crop Stakes at Navan.The five year old son of Giant’s Causeway was third to Dirar in last season’s Ebor Handicap and Magnusson said,’ the plan is to run, but he’ll only run if there is no firm in the ground. We are finalising jockey arrangements at the moment. He is in very good form and he will be well suited by the stiff track there.’
He added,’ I was glad to hear that they got some rain last night as he was third, beaten only a length in the Ebor at York last year on unsuitably fast ground. Hopefully the ground will be okay for him to run and if he travels, he will be my first runner in Ireland.’
Leading the home defence is former Irish Derby hero Fame And Glory, who will tackle a trip in excess of a mile and a half for the first time on Sunday.
The son of Montjeu won his maiden at this venue back in October 2008 and he was last successful in the Royal Whip Stakes at The Curragh.
Local trainer Vincent Ward has confirmed that his smart mare Fictional Account as a definite starter and he said,’ she is as fit as I can get her for her first run of the year. As she won a listed race at Ascot last year, she has to take on the big boys now, but that is a nice complaint.’
Concluding he said,’ ideally she’d want a bit further and the drop of rain that we’ve had is welcome as she is a big mare and she wouldn’t want it very fast.’
The main supporting race on the card is the Listed Irish Stallion Farms EBF Salsabil Stakes and eight of the sixteen fillies engaged in Sunday’s contest, hold entries in the Epsom Oaks.
Navan is also hosting its annual Family Day on Sunday with special advanced tickets on sale for only €20.00 for two adults and any number of children. There will be lots of activities for all the children including free pony rides, free ice cream and a free drink. Co - Ordinator Johanna McGarry said 'this year, to coinside with Easter we are holding an Easter Workshop where children will be able to paint and decorate Easter Eggs and Easter Cards. We also have The Front Runner Club,where children will get an insight into racing in a fun and interactive way. They will learn how a horse is prepared for a raceday, learn how to plait a horses main and have even more fun dressing up in the jockey silks. We also have various Bouncy Castles, a 25ft Giant Slide, Face painters, Ballon modeling and lots more. We have something for everyone this Sunday with 7 races for the adults including 2 listed races and all the activites it promises to be a geat day'.