Paul Mulrennan column: my Balmoral mount run a massive race

Our ambassador Paul Mulrennan is looking forward to two rides on Qipco British Champions Day, shares his views on the feature QIPCO Champion Stakes and plenty more in his latest must-read update.

The weather conditions are brutal for everyone right now with Storm Babet raging across most areas of the country. I rode out for Adrian Keatley in the howling wind at Malton on Friday morning, so was grateful to take the opportunity for a quick change before heading off to Newcastle for their evening all-weather fixture.

As I mentioned last week - and it really is worth reiterating with the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Award nominations still open - our workforce does a remarkable job in keeping the show on the road.

Ed Walker’s Makarova takes her place in the QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stakes (1.50pm). She demonstrated a sharp turn of foot to win the Listed Land O’Burns Stakes at Ayr in June and I’m delighted to be renewing my partnership with her on this high-profile occasion.

She’s been very consistent at the highest level of competition since then, including when a close fourth to Live In The Dream in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York. She also ran a super race when sixth to Highfield Princess in the Prix de’l Abbaye and I’ve always thought that Ascot would suit her.

I have only ridden her on good ground, but the forecast soft ground is the same for everyone and we know that she’s perfectly fine over this six-furlong trip. Ed (Walker) is having a super season, so I can see her running into the money from what are frankly insulting odds.

I’m back aboard Blue For You for David O’Meara in the concluding Balmoral Handicap (4.25pm). David has a rock-solid record in this race having trained the winner in 2017 (Lord Glitters), 2019 (Escobar), and last year (Shelir) and he will be no doubt be hopeful of adding to that haul with five runners.

I was drawn on the wrong side of the track in the Howden Challenge Cup here a fortnight ago, but he ran a great race to finish where he did (seventh of 17). Similarly, to Makarova, I think he’s well capable of outperforming his odds and running a massive race. He returns to a mile – which is probably his optimum trip – so with a high draw, he ticks many of the boxes and I’m hopeful that he will have a positive role to play.

The French challenger Horizon Dore seeks a five-timer after thriving since June. He carries the same Haras de la Gousserie silks as the 2021 winner Sealiway and was an emphatic winner of the Group Two Qatar Prix Dollar last month.

The switch to the inside track is potentially helpful for the Juddmonte International Stakes hero Mostahdaf but, with further rain forecast, Shadwell must make a late call as to whether to wait instead for the Breeders’ Cup Turf.

Last year’s winner Bay Bridge and third My Prospero return to lock horns with neither managing to scale such lofty heights since. Bay Bridge shouldn’t be unduly troubled by the prospect of soft ground though and will appreciate dropping back in trip after a sixth-place finish in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. My Prospero won a Listed race at Goodwood on his most recent appearance.

With Kevin Stott no longer the retained rider for Amo Racing Limited, Frankie Dettori takes the mount aboard King Of Steel. The King Edward VII Stakes winner finished a closing fourth in the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes and has particularly solid form lines with the Great Voltigeur and St Leger winner Continuous. He shouldn’t mind the underfoot conditions, so would rate as my pick in what is admittedly a wide-open race.

Via Sistina, successful for the first time at Group One level when winning the Pretty Polly Stakes, was caught in the dying strides of the Prix Jean Romanet. That form line was boosted when the winner Mqse De Sevigne ran well in defeat to Inspiral in the Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket. The ratings suggest that she needs to show further improvement, but both the trip and rain-softened ground promise to suit.

Congratulations to William Buick and Billy Loughnane for being crowned Champion Jockey and Champion Apprentice respectivly. Both have been right at the top of their game throughout the duration of the season, so fair play.

Reflecting on my own personal efforts, I’m pleased to have moved onto 86 winners for the year. I was crowned leading Flat jockey in Scotland (31 winners) while it's fair to say that Jim Goldie surpassed that as leading trainer at Ayr, Hamilton, and Musselburgh - in addition to Carlisle just across the Scottish Border!

I’d like to pass on my sincerest condolences to former jockey and current BHA northern-area starter Stuart Turner as he mourns the tragic loss of his son. Both Adele and I were devastated to hear the news. We are fully behind you Stuart at such an unimaginably challenging time.

Things are beginning to quieten down but I'm set to start the week at Southwell. Final confirmations will filter through on Saturday morning, but at this stage I’m booked for two rides on Monday: Red Hatter (John Norton) and Graces Quest (Jim Goldie).

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