Normandie Stud set to wind down its operation while Lionel moves to the Gosdens

Lionel, a one-time Derby hope, has been moved to John and Thady Gosden by owner Philippa Cooper, who said she plans to wind down her Normandie Stud operation.

Speaking on the Nick Luck Podcast, Cooper said a declining interest, costs and the ill-health of her husband Richard were behind her decision to sell her mares, foals and a few yearlings.

Duncan, Fallen For You and Sultanina all won Group 1s for the operation, which have had four winners this campaign.

Lionel was hoped to be another top-level performer and he will continue his career away from David Menuisier. He was last seen finishing last of eight in the Irish Derby after landing the Listed Cocked Hat Stakes at Goodwood.

Menuisier said: “The horse has left and the owner has every right to do what she wants with the horse. I was flattered to have him and I’m sure he’ll turn into a really good horse. I wish them luck.”

Glenn Roeder raceday raises more than £160,000

The Glenn Roeder raceday, staged at Newmarket on July 23 to commemorate the former footballer and manager, exceeded expectation by raising more than £160,000 for The Brain Tumour Charity.

Fundraising initiatives included a live auction, raffles, Golden Ticket draw and a spot-the-ball competition. In addition, there was an online auction featuring more than 100 donated lots, bucket collections by volunteers from The Brain Tumour Charity at Newmarket, Salisbury and York racecourses, private donations and a Just Giving page in Roeder’s name all adding to the fundraising total.

Roeder’s daughter Holly organised the event and she said: “We were staggered by the generosity of everyone involved from those who donated auction items to the many people on the day who reached deep in their pockets to help raise such a wonderful amount to support the outstanding work of The Brain Tumour Charity.

“We wanted to create an event to raise money but also where Dad’s friends, family and former colleagues could get together and share their stories and memories of him. Sophie Able and her first-class team at Newmarket certainly helped us to achieve that and went way over and above to make sure the day was very special for everyone.

“We were so touched by the number of people who came to remember Dad, including Dr Ges Steinberg, the West Ham doctor who was so wonderful when Dad first collapsed and subsequently diagnosed with a brain tumour.”

Able, general manager of Newmarket racecourses, said: “Given Glenn’s fondness for racing at Newmarket we were delighted to play our part and we hope everyone who joined us will have lasting memories of a great afternoon celebrating his life.”

Al Basti Equiworld new sponsor of Group 1 Flying Five

Al Basti Equiworld, the UAE's leading supplier of horse feeds and supplements, has agreed a three-year deal to become the new title sponsor for next month's Group 1 Flying Five Stakes on Longines Irish Champions Weekend.

Derrinstown Stud previously backed the Curragh prize, but the majority of race sponsorships linked to Hamdan Al Maktoum are no longer being renewed after his death in March 2021.

Prize-money for the five-furlong feature will this year return to pre-Covid levels of €400,000 under a new title of the Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Flying Five, with the race's new sponsor also having the option of extending their agreement for a further two years.

Officials at the Curragh have teamed up with Horse Racing Ireland to offer the winner of the Al Quoz Sprint in Dubai an automatic entry into the Flying Five each year. The sprinting prize is already part of the Breeders’ Cup Win and You’re In initiative.

Al Basti Equiworld founder Malih Al Basti said: "We are very pleased to be able to support horseracing in Ireland and to add the Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Flying Five to our portfolio of international sponsorships, which include Group races at York, Newmarket, Dundalk and in New Zealand, and a number of high-profile jockeys in the UK, Ireland and France.

"I'm sure the Curragh will provide an excellent stage for the continued promotion of our brand."

HRI chief executive Brian Kavanagh added: "The support of sponsors with significant international profile such as Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai is essential to increasing prize-money at the Curragh and we are delighted to welcome them to the fold."

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