Henry Cecil open weekend goes virtual in Newmarket this weekend

The first virtual Henry Cecil open weekend in Newmarket is all set to take place online this Saturday and Sunday, and will feature 12 stable tours as well as behind the scenes action from some of Newmarket's best-known sites.

Some of those opening their stable doors virtually include William Haggas, Charlie Appleby, Saeed bin Suroor, James Fanshawe and James Ferguson. The tours will be hosted by Oli Bell.

John Gosden will also provide updates on Enable, Stradivarius, Palace Pier and Logician, with footage of those stars going up the famous Warren Hill gallops available.

Open weekend chairman Charlie Fellowes said: "We're thrilled that we're still able to showcase some of Newmarket’s finest equine sites. We have an action-packed weekend planned for our viewers to enjoy."

All the content is free to view but users are encouraged to donate to Racing Welfare, the British Racing School and the Racing Centre. You can do so by clicking here.

Craig Nichol out for up to three months with broken fibia

Craig Nichol is set for a spell on the sidelines after breaking his fibia at Hexham when his mount Magic Of Milan reared up in the paddock and landed on him.

The jockey was stood down from the remainder of his rides at the meeting and immediately taken to hospital. He is expected to be out of action for up to three months.

Speaking on Wednesday morning, Nichol said: "I've broken my fibia clean in half and currently awaiting surgery, which will hopefully be tomorrow morning.

"They've said I could be out of action anywhere between two and three months, but I'm going to try my best to get back as soon as I can in about six weeks hopefully.

"I'm getting a metal rod down my leg so once I've got that in and it's safe to go to Jack Berry House, I'll be there as quick as possible."

King Of Change to be retired at the end of the season

Last season's Queen Elizabeth II Stakes winner King Of Change is to be retired at the end of the season, trainer Richard Hannon has revealed.

The four-year-old – who also finished second behind Magna Grecia in the 2,000 Guineas – has not raced this season although his retirement is not yet immediate with the owners still to decide a short-term plan.

King Of Change: winner of the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes last yearCredit: Edward Whitaker

King Of Change, however, is not entered for any races on Champions' Day, where he struck at Group 1 level for the first time.

“He's without doubt one of the best milers that we've ever trained," said Hannon. "His second in the 2,000 Guineas was an outstanding effort and he then went on to win the QEII on Champions Day with a performance that I can only describe as impeccable.

"His obvious ability is matched by his physical stature and I'm sure he is extremely well equipped to make it as a stallion."

Sir Henry Cecil book makes final three for prestigious US book award

An authorised biography of Sir Henry Cecil has made the shortlist in the US for the annual Dr Tony Ryan Book Award, the result of which is to be announced in November.

The finalists are: The Triumph of Henry Cecil: The Authorised Biography, by Tony Rushmer; Better Lucky Than Good: Tall Tales and Straight Talk from the Backside of the Track, by various authors, from Louisville Story Program, edited by Joe Manning; and Justify: 111 Days To Triple Crown Glory by Lenny Shulman.

The Triumph Of Henry Cecil

The three books were selected from 15 submissions. The Dr Tony Ryan Book Award was established by the businessman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist in 2006 to honour the best books published in a given year on horseracing and has a $10,000 winner’s prize.

Barney Roy strikes at Baden-Baden

Barney Roy provided Godolphin with a third successive win in the Group 1 Longines Grosser Preis von Baden in Germany on Sunday.

Trained by Charlie Appleby, who saddled Ghaiyyath to capture the 1m4f contest last year, and ridden by James Doyle, Barney Roy struck for the first time at the distance to land his third Group 1 of the year, following wins in the Jebel Hatta and Grosser Dallmayr Preis.

No spectators permitted at Breeders' Cup

Spectators will not be permitted at the Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland in November due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

This year’s event takes place on November 6-7 and will be worth $31 million, the same as last year, while officials announced that the 2022 Breeders’ Cup would also be held at Keeneland, with Del Mar the host course for 2021.

Fred Hertrich, Breeders’ Cup chairman, said: “While we are disappointed that we will not be joined by our fans on-site this year, our utmost priority is and always will be to conduct the Breeders’ Cup in the safest way possible.”

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