Royal Ascot battling ‘headwinds’ to secure foreign aces — racing director
PARIS, France (AFP) — The “headwinds” of prize money and rival racing festivals are even more concerning than they were last year but, nevertheless, the quality of foreign runners at Royal Ascot is “pretty positive”, Director of Racing Nick Smith told AFP.
The five-day meeting described by Hong Kong-based Australian trainer David Hayes as “Melbourne Cup week on steroids”, which starts on Tuesday, is commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Royal Procession.
Thankfully for the members of the Royal Family and their guests, the carriages are led by horses considerably slower than the splendid thoroughbreds that provide the day’s entertainment.
Mixing it with the best of mainstream European talent will be runners from Japan, Australia, the United States, and “quirky” runners from places like Norway.
Despite famous victories for Australian horses in years gone by — from Choisir’s remarkable double to superstar Black Caviar and American star Tepin — it takes both a lot of hard graft and Smith’s powers of persuasion to coax their successors back.
Smith concedes that, unable to compete in terms of prize money, Royal Ascot this year will boast at least £10 million (US$13.5 million) — but festivals such as those in Dubai and Saudi Arabia make his task that much tougher.
“The headwinds are more concerning and more widespread than last year,” he told AFP by Zoom on Friday.
“None of those problems have gone away, and they have even been exacerbated.
“It is getting harder and harder every year.
“Over 50 Japanese horses went to Saudi and Dubai, and those sort of numbers are not replicated in Europe.
“We are doing our best in difficult circumstances. So, overall, I am satisfied with the situation.”
Smith, who has been at Ascot since 2000, says that he along with his colleagues at Goodwood and York, who also have their festivals in late July and August, work closely together.
“Every horse’s connections are different; every owner and trainer has different priorities,” he said.
“It is a very tailored approach. Some trainers just do not have travelling in their psyche and that is fine, that is their policy.
“It is a bespoke programme. It is a very different sell in Europe, and we work as best as we can. We do get more quality runners. Top quality is what counts, and we hope for the connections, the public, and worldwide audiences, the horses run well.”
