Website launch is 'just the start of a new era' for the Tote

The Tote announced the launch of their new website on Wednesday, which provides customers with a dedicated digital pool betting experience for horseracing.

The development, which is available on desktop and mobile, comes alongside a new ‘Tote Guarantee’, which ensures the Tote will always match the industry SP or pay the pool price if the latter is bigger than the SP on all win bets placed.

Mark Kemp, managing director of the UK Tote Group, said: “Racing fans and customers are at the heart of everything we are doing at the Tote. We have listened to feedback through our Tote Town Halls and want to ensure betting with the Tote is an exciting, fun and safe experience for all which offers the best possible value.

“Central to this is the launch of the new website and Tote Guarantee which are major innovations for the pool betting experience. The Tote offers unique multi-leg bets, including the Placepot and Jackpot, and we are focused on providing greater transparency about the size of the pools and related data to help customers make informed betting choices.

“This is just the start of the new era for the Tote. We have numerous new developments to roll out in the coming weeks and months during what promises to be a really exciting time for the Tote.”

Cheltenham hope Tavus suffers fatal injury

Cheltenham Festival hope Tavus has died following a catastrophic injury on the gallops at Jedd O’Keeffe’s yard on Wednesday morning.

Tavus, who was being readied for a shot at the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle and was available between 20-1 and 33-1, shattered one of his hind legs during a routine piece of exercise.

The dual-purpose four-year-old moved to O’Keeffe’s yard in October last year, having previously been with Roger Charlton, and won two of his three races for the trainer.

O’Keeffe said: “He was doing a very routine half-speed piece of work and one of his hind legs shattered. His record had been excellent and this was completely out of the blue. Other than for his routine vaccination I don’t think he’s ever seen a vet since we’ve had him.

“He’ll be a huge loss, we’ve only had him since the end of October but he very quickly became a yard favourite because he’s got such a lovely nature. He was totally straightforward to train and obviously we were hoping he was going to perform well in the Boodles. It’s just one of those sad training issues, it’s such a shame.”

Ballyhane Stud puts up €50,000 bonus

Ballyhane Stud will offer a €50,000 bonus to the winning connections of the new €200,000 Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes, if they are by a Ballyhane sire. In addition, the stud will give the winning breeder a free nomination to a Ballyhane stallion in 2021.

The six-furlong race will be run on bank holiday Monday, August 3 at Naas and the early entry deadline is Wednesday February 26 at 12 noon.

The sprint will be the richest race ever run at Naas and is open to two-year-olds by an EBF-registered sire whose median price is no more than €75,000.

Joe Foley, owner of Ballyhane Stud, said “I’m delighted to support the Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes, which should be an exciting addition to the calendar. It’s a huge pot for owners and trainers to target and the €50k bonus for a Ballyhane-sired winner is our way of rewarding supporters of our stallions.”

Trainer Karl Burke was present for the launch and commented: “I have some lovely two-year-olds this year and I’ll definitely be targeting some of them at this new race. It’s a great prize and Naas has been a lucky track for me.

"The team at Naas do an excellent job at looking after their UK connections. Not only do they provide top-class hospitality to the owners but also provide accommodation for the stable staff.”

Johnny Murtagh, who was also present, commented: “The Ballyhane Stakes is a great initiative for 2020 in the racing two-year-old calendar. It had a significant influence on my purchasing decisions at the yearling sales last autumn.

"It’s a great opportunity for everyone in racing to be in with a shout of winning a hugely valuable race. It also comes at a great time of the year, before the yearling sales of 2020.”