John F Kennedy: Group 3 winner at two for Aidan O'Brien

 PICTURE: Caroline Norris

John F Kennedy sold to stand in Argentina

GROUP 3 winner John F Kennedy has been purchased by an Argentinian group of breeders with the intention of racing this season in the US before retiring to take up stallion duties in Argentina.

Trained by Aidan O'Brien, John F Kennedy finished second on his debut as a two-year-old before going on to win a one-mile maiden, and the Group 3 Juvenile Turf Stakes at Leopardstown.

At three, he was last of three runners behind Success Days in the Group 3 Ballysax Stakes and third in the Group 3 KPMG Enterprise Stakes to subsequent Champion Stakes winner Fascinating Rock.

John F Kennedy, a four-year-old son of Galileo, is out of the dual Group 1-winning Danehill mare Rumplestiltskin, who is also responsible for Yorkshire Oaks winner Tapestry. Further back it is the family of outstanding racemare and broodmare Miesque.

He will now be trained by Paulo Lobo in California.

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This stunning filly is one of the first foals by dual Derby winner Australia

 PICTURE: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

First foals by Derby hero Australia on the ground

HERE is one of the first foals on the ground by dual Derby winnerAustralia.

The filly, who was born at Coolmore on January 17, was bred by David and Diane Nagle of Barronstown Stud out of the Kingmambo mare Guessing.

The eight-year-old mare, who ran once as a three-year-old, is out of the dual Classic winner Imagine, a half-sister to dual Derby winner Generous, and is a half-sister to several notable runners, including Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere scorer Horatio Nelson.

The son of champion sire Galileo out of multiple Group 1-winner and Oaks heroine Ouija Board, Australia was bred to be a champion and from early in his career Aidan O'Brien hailed him as the best horse he had trained.

He won three races at the highest level, his two Derby wins followed by an authoritative performance in the Juddmonte International at York.

Australia covered 178 mares during his first season at Coolmore and will stand at an unchanged fee of €50,000 this year.

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CLASSIC DARK HORSES VIDEO 

3 colts & 3 fillies that might just be under the classic Radar in 2016 

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This is how I would Market John F Kennedy at stud Might not have been a superstar but could still make a very nice Sire Plenty of Sires at stud with inferior pedigree and lesser track achievements.

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Three-time champion sire Giant’s Causeway leads Breeders’ Cup Turf winner Magician through the snow at Coolmore America 

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Exciting Juveniles for 2016 - Fingers Crossed they are at Ballydoyle

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Sale-topping son of Frankel was "the nicest colt"' Adrian Nicoll has seen

Coolmore Syndicate pounce as Frankel fever takes over at New Zealand sale

A STUNNING colt by unbeaten dual world champion Frankel was the star attraction in Tuesday's session of the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale at Karaka and he did not disappoint, as some of the biggest names in global racing combined to snatch him from a host of rival buyers.

Frankel retired to stud after a glittering career during which he was unbeaten in 14 starts, yielding ten Group 1 wins, including an unbelievable nine in a row.

That level of achievement naturally excited the potential buying bench at Karaka, where the premier catalogue revealed a southern hemisphere-bred colt from the outstanding Zabeel mare Our Echezeaux on offer.

Catalogued as lot 445, the third last of the day, the tension was palpable as a packed auditorium, ten deep encircling the auction ring, greeted the colt's entrance to the arena.

An opening salvo of NZ$500,000 (£226,977/€297,622) was quickly brushed aside as the bidding raced to a cool NZ$1 million (£453,866/€595,398) before slowing as a pair of heavyweights settled to slug it out.

At the conclusion of the battle it was a syndicate comprising Coolmore, the Niarchos family, Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum and Apollo Ng from Hong Kong who snared the colt for $1.3m (£589,997/€774,011) from the underbidder, Melbourne trainer Peter Moody.

Niarchos family representative Adrian Nicoll was a satisfied man as he signed for the colt, who became the first by Frankel to be sold in the southern hemisphere.

"We've seen all the progeny by Frankel who have been through a sale ring around the world and this was the nicest colt there has been," he said.

"He is a terrific individual in every way; he has the looks and a superb pedigree and we were very keen to come out on top. We put the group together to specifically buy him and we got the result."

Nicoll admitted they had made an earlier attempt in Europe to buy a filly by the stallion but had missed out when the daughter of Alexander Goldrun sold for €1.7m.

When questioned on whether that had disappointed the group Nicoll was frank in his answer.

"It was very disappointing, as was being the underbidder on a Danehill colt here at Karaka in 2004 who turned out to be Darci Brahma," he said.

"This time the result turned in our favour."

Nicoll confirmed the colt would return to Sydney for his early education although a trainer had not been chosen for him.

Notwithstanding his illustrious father, the colt also boosts an impeccable maternal line with multiple Group 1 winners littering his page, including Grand Echezeaux, Darci Brahma, Romanee Conti and Ethereal.

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John F Kennedy: will not be contesting the Triumph Hurdle in March

 PICTURE: Caroline Norris

Kennedy will not line 
up in Triumph Hurdle

PUNTERS were warned on Monday not to back one-time Derby favourite John F Kennedy for the JCB Triumph Hurdle, despite the colt appearing in the betting for the Cheltenham race with some bookmakers.

The son of Galileo, who has not run since finishing third in the Group 3 Enterprise Stakes at Leopardstown in September, was on Monday quoted at between 25-1 and 33-1 by four firms for the Triumph.

However, he will not be pursuing a career over jumps and has instead left Aidan O'Brien's yard and crossed the Atlantic for the next chapter in his career.

Richard Henry of Coolmore said: "John F Kennedy has been sold to an Argentinian bloodstock company and will stand as a stallion over there, although he may race in the US before then."

Rumours quashed

Sky Bet, one of the firms quoting 33-1, explained they had received a few inquiries for John F Kennedy at the beginning of the jumps season and therefore decided to offer a price.

Alan Alger, spokesman for Betway, who likewise quoted 33-1, said: "One of our trading team heard a rumour they may have tried jumping a flight or two with the horse, so we stuck him in at a sporting price."

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NEW HORSE - Ruby Gates

RUBY GATES entered in the Big Bad Bob (Fillies) M'dn of €11,000.00 3-y-o on Friday night at Dundalk 6:30pm

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Race 10 Hong Kong Classic Mile Giovanni Canaletto 6th Race Replay here > http://racing.hkjc.com/racing/video/play.asp…

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Gleneagles: one of ten Group 1 winners in 2015 for his sire Galileo

 PICTURE: Martin Lynch (racingpost.com/photos)

Galileo inducted into ITBA hall of fame

THE achievements of Coolmore's exceptional sire Galileo were celebrated last night at the ITBA annual racing and breeding awards, held at the Heritage Golf and Spa Resort in Killenard, County Laois, as he was inducted into the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association's hall of fame.

After a ding-dong battle with Dubawi, Galileo was crowned champion sire for the seventh time last year.

The 18-year-old son of Sadler's Wells supplied a stunning ten individual Group 1 winners, headed by dual Classic-winning miler Gleneagles, who joins his sire at stud for 2016.

Other top-flight winners by Galileo included Found, Minding and Order Of St George, who all scooped awards last night.

Order Of St George became a 50th winner at the highest level for his sire last year, when routing the opposition by 11 lengths in the Irish St Leger at the Curragh.

Galileo's offspring continue to be in high demand at the sales on the back of his stock's racecourse exploits. He supplied four of the top six lots at Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale last year, all of whom breached the seven-figure mark. He had 17 lots sell at the auction for an average price of 545,882gns.

Gay O'Callaghan was presented with the lifetime achievement award at last night's ceremony that was attended by more than 400 people, including guest of honour Tom Hayes TD, minister of state with the department of agriculture.

O'Callaghan purchased Yeomanstown Stud in County Kildare in 1981 and has built up a select team of stallions, headed by sire sensation Dark Angel.

The son of Acclamation was never far away from the headlines in 2015 thanks to a host of talented runners, including Nunthorpe Stakes scorer Mecca's Angel, who was bred by Yeomanstown Stud. Other graduates from the stud include classy pair Log Out Island and Sovereign Debt, who are both by Dark Angel.

The special recognition award went to the Hyland family, headed by brothers Pat and Hugh, who operate out of the 300-acre Oghill House Stud in County Kildare.

Leading runners bred by Oghill House Stud last year included Windsor Castle Stakes winner Washington DC, who was bred in partnership with Chris McHale.

2015 ITBA award winners 

Hall of fame Galileo; lifetime achievement Gay O'Callaghan;special recognition Hyland family; wild geese John Troy; older horse Free Eagle (bred by Moyglare Stud); broodmare Bobbing Back (Aidan Aherne); three-year-old colt Order Of St George (Paget Bloodstock); three-year-old filly Found (Roncon, Wynatt and Chelston); two-year-old colt Shalaa (Mogeely Stud); two-year-old filly Minding (Orpendale, Chelston and Wynatt); chaserRoad To Riches (Sunnyhill Stud); hurdler Faugheen (Dr John Waldron); young NH horse Moon Racer (Denis and Teresa Bergin); NH racemare Glens Melody (Fiona McStay)

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Irish Stallion Trail 2016 -  Coolmore Stud - Gleneagles, Excelebration, Australia & Pour Moi

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Pierro The Highest rated Australian Juvenile since 1977 (Poster Link) > http://coolmore.com/australia/coolmore-tv/…

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Dynasty filly heads trade in South Africa & Purchased by Coolmore 

BY ISABEL MATHEW 9:39AM 23 JAN 2016

COOLMORE stole the show once again during the second and final day of the Cape Premier Yearling Sale on Friday when going to R4.5 million (£191,480/€252,670) for a filly by Dynasty in partnership with Markus Jooste and Maine Chance Farms.

Fresh from purchasing the top two record breaking lots during the first session in partnerships, this time Coolmore saw off Irish ex-pat Paschal Phelan to secure the Highlands Farm offering.

Named Dynasty's Blossom, the August-born filly is out of Grade 3 winning Danehill Dancer mare Crimson Blossom from the top Aga Khan family of Darshaan and Darara.

"She's a lovely Classic type filly that has a fantastic international pedigree and was one of the best in the sale," said Derek Brugman of Mayfair Speculators said. "The plan is for her to be trained by Joey Ramsden,"

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COOLMORE STALLION PICTURES

Kingston Hill 

Ivawood

Starspangledbanner

Camelot 

Australia 

Galileo

Holy Roman Emperor

No Nay Never 

Excelebration

War Command

Pour Moi

Fame and Glory

New Recruit Walk In The Park

Yeats

Gleneagles

Zofanny

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Excelebration (Poster Video link Click Here) > http://coolmore.com/australia/coolmore-tv/…

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Updates on former Ballydoyle Residents 

Former Ballydoyle Residents US Navy Seal a little unlucky at Chelmsford finished 4th - Royal Navy Ship Unplaced in 11th at Meydan 

Former Ballydoyle Residents to Race in Hong Kong at the Weekend both Oracle (Race 3) (Ryan Moore) & Giovanni Canaletto (Race 10) run on Sundays card.

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Sires Today at Coolmore Stud

Australia 

Zoffany

Canford Cliffs

Gleneagles

Mastercraftsman

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Record price broken for yearling in South Africa By Coolmore

A PARTNERSHIP of Coolmore and Markus Jooste broke the South African yearling sales record when they went to R6 million (£254,538/€326,746) for a son of Silvano named Silver Coin during the first session of the Cape Premier Yearling Sale on Thursday.

"We both really liked the colt and his breeder Gaynor Rupert said that she thought that he was top-class," said MV Magnier. "We're delighted to continue our partnership with Markus.Offered from Drakenstein Stud, the September-born colt was subject to a fierce bidding war between the domestic multiple champion owner and Jehan Malherbe, acting on behalf of Lady Laidlaw.

The top lot is a half-brother to Group 2 winner Halve The Deficit from the family of champion filly Arabian Lass and triple Group 1 winner Smart Banker.

"I've been really impressed so far with the quality of yearlings down here, and we've been extremely well looked after."

Derek Brugman of Mayfair Speculators said: "He's one of the best horses that I have seen at this sale and he is a real standout. This purchase is another that continues our international partnerships that we are developing. He will go to Joey Ramsden."

Earlier in the session, Mick Flanagan went to R1.9m for a filly by Var named Rumbavar on behalf of the China Horse Club.

It was a second purchase of the day for the agent, who also acts as the sale's European representative, having made his presence felt early on in the auction when striking for a son of Horse Chestnut for R500,000 together with American agent Justin Casse and Jooste.

"She's a lovely filly by the sire of Variety Club who was an exceptional racehorse with a great pedigree," said Flanagan.

"We bought two yearlings last year together with Mayfair Speculators, so we wanted to come down here and buy another to continue the partnership."

The Avontuur consigned yearling, who stand her Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp winning sire at the stud, is a sister to Group 2 third Varumba, who will line up in the sale company's inaugural R$1m sales race over 7f on Saturday at Kenilworth.

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Kingmambo: son of Mr Prospector supplied 85 stakes winners

 PICTURE: Racing Post

Outstanding stallion Kingmambo dies aged 26

KINGMAMBO, who established himself as one of the world's leading sires, was euthanised due to the infirmities of old age on Tuesday. The breed-shaping stallion was 26.

The son of Mr Prospector will be buried at Lane's End Farm in Kentucky, where he stood for the duration of his stallion career before being pensioned from covering duties in 2010.

Bred and raced by Stavros Niarchos out of the exceptional Miesque, Kingmambo was trained by Francois Boutin to win three Group 1 races - the Poule d'Essai des Poulains, the Prix du Moulin and the St James's Palace Stakes.

However, despite his racecourse exploits, it is as an outstanding sire he will be best remembered. He is responsible for 85 stakes winners and 50 Group/Graded winners, of which 20 scored at the highest level. What makes Kingmambo's achievements even more noteworthy is his average foal crop numbered just 64.

He supplied top-class winners around the globe, including El Condor Pasa, Divine Proportions and Lemon Drop Kid, as well as King's Best, Henrythenavigator, Rule Of Law and Russian Rhythm.

Kingmambo's daughters have kept his name in lights, producing top-level winners such as Midday, Duke Of Marmalade, Camelot, Gozzip Girl, Maids Causeway and Ruler Of The World.

"It is a tough, emotional loss for all of us here at the farm", said Will Farish, owner of Lane's End Farm. "He's been with us for a long time, was so very successful and will be greatly missed.

"We're very grateful to Stavros, Maria and the whole Niarchos family for entrusting his care to us."

Maria Niarchos-Gouazé added: "It is every owner-breeder's dream to have a filly like Miesque. Then for her to give them two classic winners from her first two foals, in Kingmambo and East Of The Moon is unique. 

"Kingmambo was one of a kind who has stamped the breed forever and who has given us so much pleasure over the past 26 years." 

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Zoffany: the sire of last year's Group 2 winners Illuminate and Foundation

 PICTURE: Patrick McCann/RacingPostPix.com

Zoffany sires his first winner down under

LAST year's breakout first-season sire Zoffany was represented by his first winner down under when Persistent Shadow produced an impressive display to win a two-year-old maiden at Mackay on Thursday.

Trained by Peter Fleming, the filly had finished third on her debut at Rockhampton a week ago and raced away to win Thursday's contest by four lengths.

Persistent Shadow is the fourth winner out of the Green Desert mare Green Mirage and was purchased for A$4,000 at the Magic Millions National Yearling Sale from the Mane Lodge draft and comes from the family of French Group 1 winner Loving Claim.

Persistent Shadow's brother, a yearling also by Zoffany, was bought by Jadeskye Racing and Gerald Ryan for A$300,000 at this year's Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Zoffany, an eight-year-old son of Dansili who stands at Coolmore, supplied several stakes winners in Europe last year, including Foundation, Illuminate, Waterloo Bridge as well as Argentero and Washington DC.

As a result of his progeny's success on the track, Zoffany's fee increased by 260 per cent from €12,500 in 2015 to €45,000 for 2016.

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Smuggler's Cove: the Listed winner is a four-year-old son of Fastnet Rock

 PICTURE: RP GRAPHICS

Smuggler's Cove to 
stand at stud in India

SMUGGLER'S COVE, a Listed-winning son of Fastnet Rock, has been retired and will take up stallion duties at Track Supreme Stud in India.

Bred by the Chenchikova Syndicate, the four-year-old was trained by Aidan O'Brien to win two races including the Listed Appeal Stakes at Dundalk as a two-year-old. Smuggler's Cove also went on to finish third at the highest level behind Belardo in the Dewhurst Stakes in 2014.

At three, his best performance came when he finished fourth behind Not So Sleepy in the Listed Dee Stakes.

Out of the Sadler's Wells mare Chenchikova, Smuggler's Cove comes from the family of the late multiple Group 1 winner and sire High Chaparral.

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Timeform Global Top 40 Rated Horses for 2015

1 American Pharoah Bob Baffert, USA 138

2 Golden Horn John Gosden, GB 134

3= Muhaarar Charles Hills, GB 132

3= Shared Belief Jerry Hollendorfer, USA 132

5 Beholder Richard Mandella, USA 131

6= Able Friend John Moore, Hong Kong 130

6= Lankan Rupee Mick Price, Australia 130

6= Liam's Map Todd Pletcher, USA 130

9= Highland Reel Aidan O'Brien, Ireland 129

9= Honor Code Claude McGaughey, USA 129

9= Jack Hobbs John Gosden, GB 129

9= Mecca's Angel Michael Dodds, GB 129

9= Order of St George Aidan O'Brien, Ireland 129

9= Solow Freddie Head, France 129

9= Treve Criquette Head-Maarek, France 129

16 Air Force Blue Aidan O'Brien, Ireland 128p

17= Cirrus des Aigles Corine Barande-Barbe, France 128

17= Flintshire Andre Fabre, France 128

17= Free Eagle Dermot Weld, Ireland 128

17= Gleneagles Aidan O'Brien, Ireland 128

17= New Bay Andre Fabre, France 128

17= Peniaphobia Tony Cruz, Hong Kong 128

17= The Grey Gatsby Kevin Ryan, GB 128

17= Tonalist Christophe Clement, USA 128

25= A Shin Hakari Masanori Sakaguchi, Japan 127

25= Chautauqua Michael & Wayne & John Hawkes, Australia 127

25= Criterion David Hayes & Tom Dabernig, Australia 127

25= Effinex James Jerkens, USA 127

25= Exosphere John O'Shea, Australia 127

25= Fascinating Rock Dermot Weld, Ireland 127

25= Gold-Fun Richard Gibson, Hong Kong 127

25= Make Believe Andre Fabre, France 127

25= Runhappy Laura Wohlers, USA 127

25= Vazirabad Alain de Royer Dupre, France 127

35 Winx Chris Waller, Australia 126p

36= Brazen Beau Chris Waller, Australia 126

36= California Chrome Art Sherman, USA 126

36= Dan Excel John Moore, Hong Kong 126

36= Designs On Rome John Moore, Hong Kong 126

36= Hunter's Light Saeed bin Suroor, UAE 126

36= Limato Henry Candy, GB 126

36= Maurice Noriyuki Hori, Japan 126

36= Mongolian Khan Murray Baker, New Zealand 126

36= Postponed Roger Varian, GB 126

36= Prince Bishop Saeed bin Suroor, UAE 126

36= Undrafted Wesley Ward, USA 126

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GALILEO’S MINDING IS EUROPE’S BEST 2YO FILLY SINCE 2002

Dual G1-winning juvenile Minding (3f Galileo-Lillie Langtry, by Danehill Dancer) was rated Europe’s champion two-year-old filly of 2015 in the World Thoroughbred Rankings announced on Tuesday.

The daughter of Galileo is a warm favourite for this year’s G1 1,000 Guineas following outstanding performances to win the G1 Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh and G1 Fillies’ Mile at Newmarket in 2015.

BHA handicapper Matthew Tester gave Minding a rating of 120, the best mark given to a two-year-old filly in 13 years.

“Minding is our champion filly at 120. She is the first to be rated above 119 since Six Perfections in 2002 was given a figure of 121. Minding put up the best performance in the Dubai Fillies’ Mile in the last 25 years,” revealed Tester, who feels she has first-class credentials of adding another success to Galileo’s CV. “Minding is a very worthy favourite for the 1,000 Guineas.”

Galileo also supplied the world champion in the extended distance category courtesy of G1 Irish St Leger hero Order Of St George (4c Galileo-Another Storm, by Gone West), who won the Curragh contest by 11 lengths in September.

Both Minding and Order Of St George are trained by Aidan O’Brien, who was also responsible for the European champion two-year-old of 2015, three-time G1 winner Air Force Blue (3c War Front-Chatham, by Maria’s Mon).

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WOW Was not expecting this 261 downloads of our top trumps book only been uploaded a few hours http://www.aidanobrienfansite.com/two-year-old-top-trumps.php …

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World Thoroughbred Rankings Champion Juvenile & Champion Stayer Air Force Blue & Order of St George 

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American Pharoah: announced the world's best racehorse of 2015

 PICTURE: Getty Images

American Pharoah tops Longines rankings Air Force Blue out on his own as top Juvenile 

AMERICAN PHAROAH has been officially confirmed the world's best racehorse of 2015 after a panel of international handicappers agreed on his significant superiority over European champion Golden Horn.

While Golden Horn matched the final 130 rating of 2014 table topper Just A Way and the joint-champions of 2013, Black Caviar and Treve, American Pharoah was judged to have been out on his own last year and was handed a rating of 134.

American Pharoah, unanimously voted Stateside horse of the year at the prestigious Eclipse Awards on Saturday, is the first US-trained world champion since Curlin in 2008.The first US Triple Crown hero in 37 years had his global supremacy recognised on Tuesday at the Longines World's Best Racehorse ceremony in London.

Moreover, the only American thoroughbred to have been deemed better in the last two decades is Cigar, who peaked at 135 in 1996.

The Bob Baffert-trained American Pharoah achieved his personal best 134 mark when sauntering to an all-the-way romp in the Breeders' Cup Classic, in which all seven of his opponents had won at least one Group 1 or Grade 1 contest in 2015.

Although some distance behind the now Coolmore-controlled Kentucky stallion, Golden Horn, also retired to stud, finished a clear 4lb in front of American Shared Belief and champion filly or mare Treve, both given 126 ratings.

Force dominates two-year-old rankings

Air Force Blue: 2,000 Guineas favourite clear on two-year-old rankings

 PICTURE: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos

Air Force Blue completely dominates betting on the Qipco 2,000 Guineas and he similarly dominates last season's two-year-old rankings with the Ballydoyle star on Tuesday named European champion juvenile of 2015.

The triple Group 1 winner, who ended his first campaign with a thundering display in the Dubai Dewhurst Stakes and is now a best-priced 11-10 for the Newmarket Classic, has been rated 124, which puts him in front of the previous two champion two-year-olds, Belardo (119) and Toormore (122).

The second best juvenile of 2015 on 121 was the John Gosden-trained Shalaa, winner of the Darley Prix Morny and Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes and now destined for a sprinting campaign at three.

In third position is Moyglare Stud Stakes and Dubai Fillies' Mile winner Minding (120), who gives Aidan O'Brien and Coolmore a clean sweep of the gender championships having been crowned the year's leading juvenile filly.

Arc's towering status boosted

Golden Horn: winner of last year's Arc, which was named race of the year

 PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

The Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe has been named the world's best horserace with its towering status revealed at a Longines-sponsored ceremony to celebrate the creme de la creme of international Flat racing.

End of year ratings for the first four finishers across a three-season period are used to determine the rankings of the sport's most coveted races, of which the Arc has come out on top following a stunning 2015 running in which Golden Horn led home Flintshire, New Bay and Treve.

Between 2013 and 2015 the Arc's principals averaged a rating of 125.75.

The Breeders' Cup Classic (124.33) is officially the second best race in the world with York's Juddmonte International (122.67), which had held the number one spot, still Britain's premier prize and now globally in third position.

The Qipco Irish Champion Stakes (122.5) and the Breeders' Cup Turf share fourth position, while the Investec Derby occupies joint-37th position, putting it well behind the Kentucky Derby (joint-18th) but in front of the Prix du Jockey Club (joint-63rd).

No country has more contests in the list than Australia, which has 23, followed by the USA (21) and Great Britain (17).

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Wonderful Picture of ASPEN COLORADO As a Juvenile at Ballydolye being partnered by Heather Stevens Many thanks to Heather for the photo

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WALK IN THE PARK TO COOLMORE

Walk In The Park has joined the Coolmore National Hunt Sires division and will stand at Grange Stud.

The son of Montjeu and Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Classic Park who was second to Motivator in the Epsom Derby stood initially in France and has made a hugely impressive start to his stud career.

“Douvan and Min are two of the most exciting young horses around so we’re delighted to have secured him,” said Grange Stud manager Albert Sherwood. “As well as getting great racehorses he gets sales horses too with one of his foals topping Goffs December at €70,000.”

Douvan: chaser is a leading performer for his sire Walk In The Park

 PICTURE: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos

Coolmore add Walk In The Park to NH roster

WALK IN THE PARK, the sire of two of the most exciting jumpers around in Grade 1-winning chaser Douvan and Grade 2-winning novice hurdler Min, has been snapped up to join Coolmore's National Hunt roster at Grange Stud.

The 14-year-old son of Montjeu was due to stand this season at Haras de la Huderie in Normandy at a fee of €3,500.

Both Douvan and Min are trained by Willie Mullins for Susannah Ricci and have showcased their sire's talent for producing top-class National Hunt performers in recent weeks.

Last month Douvan ground his rivals into submission with an impressive 18-length victory in the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase at Leopardstown and several weeks later Min proved his lofty reputation was not unwarranted with a nine-and-a-half-length success in theGrade 2 Sky Bet Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle at Punchestown.

Both are trading at short odds for their expected assignments at Cheltenham - Douvan in the Racing Post Arkle and Min in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle.

Bred by Lodge Park Stud, Walk In The Park is out of the Robellino mare Classic Park, whose biggest victory came when landing the Irish 1,000 Guineas.

He was trained by John Hammond for his owner Michael Tabor to win over a mile as a two-year-old but his finest hour came when splitting Motivator and Dubawi to finish second in the Derby.

Albert Sherwood, stud manager at Grange Stud said: "Douvan and Min are two of the most exciting young horses around so we're delighted to have secured him.

"As well as getting great racehorses he gets sales horses too with one of his foals topping Goffs December at €70,000."

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AOBFS Dark Horse Profile - US ARMY RANGER

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Ballydoyle's Newest recruit VANCOUVER

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Seville at Heritage Stallions - Thanks to Joan Spence

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Edwulf (Barry Geraghty) leads Haymount over the last in the maiden hurdle
(Healy Racing Photos)

Edwulf gained compensation for an unlucky reverse at Navan last month when successfully switching to hurdles in the INH Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle at Naas.

The lightly-raced seven-year-old was set to score over fences last time when falling at the last, and Aidan O’Brien’s charge made most of the running here under Barry Geraghty.

The 13/8 chance was a bit weaker on track than chief market rival Haymount, who was sent off the 5/4 favourite, and the pair fought out the finish in this 2m3f event.<Edwulf was far from fluent throughout, especially at the final two flights, but kept on well on the run-in to beat the favourite by a length and a half.

Thumb Stone Blues was a further three lengths back in third.

Joseph O'Brien said, “He's a nice big horse and chasing is going to be his game. It's nice to win a maiden hurdle with him. At the last couple of hurdles he was a bit awkward but Barry said he was always happy.

“He'll probably go chasing again next year. He looks like he'll be a nice horse in time.”

(GC & AM)

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Aidan Patrick O'Brien's 63 raced 3 Year Olds For 2016 (Official Ratings)

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Remembering St Nic - Hard to believe its 2 years but my memories will last a 

lifetime - WARRIOR & LEGEND

The Warrior at his brilliant best

Vancouver Joins team Ballydoyle

Champion two year-old Vancouver will travel to Ireland to join the stable of Aidan O'Brien at Ballydoyle with a view to contesting top sprint and mile races during the European Summer.

Vancouver to race in Europe

Winner of the 2015 Golden Slipper Vancouver is expected to race at Royal Ascot before returning, later this year, to stud at Coolmore, the managing owner of the horse.

‘He’s an incredibly talented horse and, with the Autumn falling so early this year and Royal Ascot an important goal in June, we decided in consultation with managing owner Coolmore that it would be best to send him to Ireland to give Aidan O’Brien the necessary time to prepare’ said champion trainer Gai Waterhouse.

‘As an unbeaten champion two year-old and winner of the Golden Slipper, he has nothing more to prove in Australia; I have no doubt that he is world-class and this plan gives him the best opportunity of proving himself on the international stage, with a view to possible dual-hemisphere stud duties’ said Waterhouse.

‘We’ll obviously be sad to see him go and I’m sure Aidan will have a lot of fun with him – Coolmore has followed this route very successfully in the past with So You Think, Starspangledbanner, Haradasun and others and I wish Aidan every success with a horse I consider as talented as any’ concluded Waterhouse.

Coolmore's Tom Magnier said; 'Circumstances have forced our hand with Vancouver to an extent, but Gai is adamant that he's a Royal Ascot horse and that's where we'll be aiming him. I've spoken to Aidan and Joseph and they can't wait for the horse to arrive. Gai and her team have done an wonderful job with him, as evidenced by his unforgettable two year-old season and let's hope he does them proud on his travels’.

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New Syndicate (Annus Mirabilis Syndicate) Have some Ballydoyle horses

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Galileo Breaks New Ground in Czec Republic & Slovakia 

In 2015 wonder sire Galileo was crowned as Champion Sire of the Czech Republic. 

Galileo only had only five of his progeny racing in the Czech Republic last year but they included the Czech Derby winner Touch of Genius and the winner of the Leram European Jockey’s Cup Middle Tamarind Cove. 

Both were purchased from Coolmore as unraced Juveniles Purchased by trainer Josef Váňa.

Tamarind Cove

Touch Of Genius & Tamarind Cove were Trained by Aidan O'Brien in 2014 but never hit the track  but the two became the highest rated three-year-olds in the Czech Republic 2015.

Galileo won the title in the neighboring Slovakia, Mainly due to Touch of Genius winning the Nations Derby & becoming a dual Derby winner in the Czech Republic & Slovakia it was enough for Galileo to take the Slovakian Sires Tittle adding 2 New nations to the Stallions Bulging CV.

Special thanks to Andrew O'Brien and Miloslav Vlček for the Information.

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Soldier Of Fortune: making a name for himself as a jumps sire

 PICTURE: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

Soldier Of Fortune joins Coolmore jumps roster

SOLDIER OF FORTUNE, a Classic-winning son of Galileo, has joined the Coolmore National Hunt roster after spending the first six years of his stallion career at Haras du Logis Saint-Germain in Normandy.

The 12-year-old will stand at Grange Stud in County Cork at a fee of €5,000.

Soldier Of Fortune's best progeny on the Flat is Fire Fighting, a nine-time winner for Mark Johnston including in two all-weather Listed contests last year.

Several of his offspring have also acquitted themselves well over jumps, not least Carlita Du Berlais, a leading three-year-old hurdling filly in France, and Grade 3-placed chaser Urumqi.

A gelding foal by Soldier Of Fortune from the family of Zaidpour and Zaynar topped a session of last year's Tattersalls Ireland November National Hunt Sale when sold by Kilmoney Cottage Stud to Trickledown Stud for €60,000.

A week later a two-year-old store by the sire sold to TJ Bloodstock for €85,000 at the Arqana Autumn Mixed Sale.

Bred by Jim Bolger, Soldier Of Fortune is a brother to Group 3 winner Heliostatic and is out of a half-sister to Sholokhov, the sire of this year's leading chaser Don Cossack.

He was trained by Aidan O'Brien for the Coolmore partners to win the Irish Derby by nine lengths and added a second Group 1 victory the following year in the Coronation Cup.

SOLDIER OF FORTUNE JOINS COOLMORE N.H. SIRES

Soldier of Fortune has joined the Coolmore National Hunt roster for 2016 and will stand at Grange Stud at a fee of €5,000. The son of Galileo was a high class performer for Aidan O’Brien at 2, 3 and 4 years winning five Group races including the Group 1 Irish Derby by 9 lengths and Epsom’s Group 1 Coronation Cup. Timeform awarded him the lofty rating of 131 as a three-year-old bettered only amongst his generation by Epsom Derby winner Authorized.

Soldier of Fortune has already sired the winners of over 100 races in France enjoying a winners to runners ratio of over 40% in the latest season. His best performers in 2015 included Carlita du Berlais, one of France’s leading 3-year-old hurdlers, and Mark Johnston’s Fire Fighting who has won nine races including Listed events at Dundalk and Kempton in October and November by a combined margin of  7¼ lengths.

Soldier of Fortune’s only representative at Tattersalls Ireland’s November Sale consigned by Kilmoney Cottage Stud topped the yearling session selling to Trickledown Stud for €60,000 and the following week at Arqana a two-year-old store realised €85,000.

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Ivanovich Gorbatov (right): backed into 5-1 for the JCB Triumph Hurdle

 PICTURE: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

O'Brien as excited as punters by Gorbatov 

JOSEPH O'BRIEN is relishing a new career following in his father's footsteps as a trainer and hopes JCB Triumph Hurdle favouriteIvanovich Gorbatov can give him a dream start to his new venture.

The two-time Irish champion Flat jockey, who admitted on Thursday his appearances in the saddle would be very rare in 2016, will concentrate on training this year and is hoping to acquire his own licence in the coming months.

Ivanovich Gorbatov could provide him with a fairytale first chapter if he were to win at the Cheltenham Festival in March, a prospect the 22-year-old is very excited about.

Punters certainly think that fairytale could happen as Ivanovich Gorbatov was a big mover on Thursday, shortened into 5-1 favourite with most firms following his impressing jumping debut at Leopardstown over Christmas.

"When you have a horse of his ability on the Flat who jumps so well it's hard not to get excited," said O'Brien. "He has a very strong constitution and takes absolutely everything in his stride. He doesn't bat an eyelid at anything."

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Aidan O'Brien English Classic Wins in 2016 Betting

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American Pharoah becomes a stallion Video

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Return of the Iron Horse have a soft spot for him Could make his Hurdling debut this weekend 

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Remembering My All Time favorite YEATS

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2015 Has been an amazing year for AOBFS breaking every record and some. I would like to thank every one who contributes to the site too many to mention I Honestly did not believe we would match last years totals but we crushed them. We are well and truly established and continuing to grow which I Never thought was possible as its such a niche sport and we only cover a fraction of it but how wrong can you be, Anyway Wish you all a very Happy New Year I Can't wait for the 2016 Season.

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