I cannot wait to watch Frankel at Ascot next weekend - here is a little clip of the star

EUROPEAN BREEDERS' FUND REACHES SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE - OVER ONE HUNDRED MILLION EUROS CONTIBUTED TO EUROPEAN RACING SINCE 1984

Wow  - the good old EBF reaches a massive milestone in sponsorship and I bet you wondered who they were! Well done to Sam Sheppard who is a legend and the man who runs it in Europe

The European Breeders' Fund (EBF), since its creation in 1983 and the first contributions to the sport in 1984, has been an integral part of European racing as well as a major sponsor of races.

Now in its 29th year of sponsorship, the EBF is justifiably proud that European racing has benefitted by over €100,000,000 (one hundred million euros) from funds generated by the organisation. That must be considered a spectacular result for what is essentially a "self-help" scheme.

None of this could have been achieved without the consistent support of European stallion owners who pay the required EBF dues, and to the breeders and owners of horses bred outside Europe who make payments to ensure their horses become EBF eligible.

The EBF is enormously grateful to all those stallion owners and eligibility payers who have contributed to the magnificent total of more than a hundred million euros.

Sam Sheppard, the EBF chief executive, thanked the stallion owners: "The support we have had over many years has been superb.

"I think the EBF model has proved to be effective as well as standing the test of time, while some other schemes have been put under considerable pressure, or have foundered. 

"The EBF could not have taken off in the way it did without the stallion owners and their input is immensely appreciated. 

"In addition, our involvement with Breeders' Cup and the owner/breeders of US-sired stock has reaped dividends.  Altogether, this has allowed the EBF to provide European racing with over €100,000,000 - an extraordinary figure."

Sheppard, who retires at the end of 2012 after joining the EBF at its start, added: "I have come across many wonderful people in my EBF role, most of whom dedicate a good part of their lives to the thoroughbred.

"Inevitably, during that time the EBF and I have been through some choppy waters but we remain strong, sustainable and looking forward to the future."

Sheppard praised the members of staff in the EBF's Newmarket office: "It is a small team, dedicated and expert at their jobs. They exhibit great tenacity in achieving results for the EBF.  It is and has been a privilege to work with them."

EBF co-ordinating committee member Philip Freedman paid tribute to Sheppard. He said: "Sam represents all that the EBF stands for - integrity, internationalism and a healthy bloodstock industry.

"Not only does the EBF owe him a huge debt of gratitude, but so do all those who have been beneficiaries over the last 30 years - owners, trainers, jockeys, racecourses and breeders."

D G Van Clief, president of the Breeders' Cup from 1996 to 2006, commented on the healthy relationship between the EBF and the Breeders' Cup: "It has been nearly three decades since I discussed with Sam and Peter Willett the emergence of the EBF concept and how it would relate to the equally new Breeders' Cup.

"Due in great part to Sam's perseverance and diplomacy, that evening would prove to be the beginning of a longstanding relationship between the two organisations.

"I have enjoyed working with Sam and have watched the application of his tireless work ethic, passion for the thoroughbred and leadership qualities that take the EBF from a mere concept to an everyday reality."

Emirates Bloodstock to hold Beginning of the Season Horse Sale on Friday

We would like to bring your attention “Beginning of the Season Horse Sale" Organized by Qalaat Al Remaal-Emirates Bloodstock will take place at QALA'AT AL REMAL (Al Ruwayyah) on September 7th 2012 at 4-00 pm. The auction will consist of all categories including; Flat Race, Endurance, Broodmare & Show Horses

It promises to be an interesting afternoon.

For More info - http://www.emiratesbs.com/auction.asp?sid=23

FRANKEL FEVER SELLS OUT PREMIER ADMISSION ON QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY

The draw of watching the world's greatest  racehorse Frankel has had an amazing impact as people are struggling to see the perfect racehorse run for the 14th and last time. He will be bidding to make it an unbeaten career and this horse has transcended racing with his devastating style and fans want to just see him in action!

Premier Admission to Britain's richest Flat raceday, QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot on Saturday 20 October, has sold out.

The remaining tickets went this morning following a surge in sales after the £1.3m QIPCO Champion Stakes, Europe's most valuable mile and a quarter contest, was confirmed as Frankel's next target in what is likely to be his final racecourse appearance.

Grandstand Admission tickets are still available at £26 each. They can be purchased online at www.ascot.co.uk or by calling the ticket hotline on 0870 727 1234.

"The Frankel factor has clearly had a big impact on sales over the weekend and we are planning a very special farewell to the world's greatest racehorse as he bids for the 14^th victory in his unbeaten career," said Rod Street, Chief Executive of the British Champions Series Limited.

"Last year we had six of the world's top ten active racehorses taking part on the day and we have six of the current top ten entered again this year, so we're looking to lay on another feast of world class racing over the five championship races.

"With only a limited number of tickets remaining, a total advance sell-out looks certain so our message to potential racegoers is 'don't delay if you want to be part of this fantastic day'.

"We will be holding discussions with Ascot in the coming week over the possibility of raising the Grandstand capacity beyond a total crowd of 30,000, but doing so in the autumn is a difficult task and our overriding aim is to give those racegoers who are lucky enough to have tickets the best possible experience on the day."

Tapeta is the surface at Meydan

In international terms and injury terms the Tapeta Surface is a winner. This is what the company themselves have to say about it! Michael Dickenson was the developer of the surface and statistically it seems to be very safe.

Tapeta - An All Around Success in Tasmania

Tapeta Park - Devonport, Tasmania "Note that the Tapeta surface at Tapeta Park, Devonport, Tasmania is performing excellently. The Tasracing staff are doing an excellent job in maintaining the track.....There has been nothing but praise for the surface. Trainers are nominating their horses more to race there. There is now general acceptance for the surface, so much so that there is more praise nationally for the surface. There are people in the industry saying that the surface is superior to Pro-Ride at Geelong, Victoria and the Cushion surfaces at Sunshine Coast, Qld and Toowoomba, Qld." Kevin Ring Australian Jockey Association

"We are more than happy with the tracks performance to date, the majority of the users are also happy, the track is being well supported with record nominations for yesterday 179 as opposed to 137 for their last Devonport Cup. Wagering is also strong with Tapeta Park overtaking Hobart." Neil Gardner TasRacing

Simon Stout (ex-trainer for Lloyd Williams, currently thoroughbred manager for TasRacing) is in constant contact with the trainers regarding the Tapeta Track (and other matters) and attends every race meeting. His view is that it is the best synthetic track in Australia and Asia.

Letter to the Editor - "Examiner" On Track TASRACING and the Tasmanian government deserve a lot of credit for installing the Tapeta synthetic track at Devonport almost 12 months ago. The track has proved a great success and is the best artificial surface in Australia. I'm sure that the authorities in Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia would love to have such a high-class and consistent surface available during the winter months. But I believe it is being under-utilized. From mid-June to mid-September I would like to see all Tasmania's meetings run at Devonport. This would give the turf tracks in Hobart and Launceston a chance to have a good break - not be trashed by running 10-race programs on them while they are at their wettest during winter. The industry needs these two tracks to be at their best from spring to autumn, particularly Launceston where 20 weeks of night racing kick off in October. The success of these night meetings is so important to the future growth of the Tasmanian industry. The one way that Tasracing can grow its income - then pass this growth on as additional stakemoney - is to provide the best tracks possible to give punters and owners the confidence to support the industry. Joe O'Neill Managing Director Prime Thoroughbreds, Pty, Ltd. Melbourne

The Jockey Club Statistics Confirm That Tapeta is the Safest Track in the USA

Racetrack Statistics

TRACK DATE/TIME STARTS FATALITIES PER 1000 SOURCE Presque Isle Downs Tapeta 2011 6600 800 Races 2 0.30 Pennsylvania HPBA Presque Isle Downs Tapeta 2010 3 0.45 Pennsylvania HPBA Presque Isle Downs Tapeta 2009 4 1.30 Pennsylvania HPBA Presque Isle Downs Tapeta 2008 5688 4 0.70 Pennsylvania HPBA Golden Gate Fields Tapeta May 08 - Oct 08 5677 4 0.70 Cal Rainey - Golden Gate Fields Golden Gate Fields Tapeta Jan 1 - June 14, 2009 5525 4 0.72 Cal Rainey - Golden Gate Fields Turfway Park Polytrack 2009-2011 2.47 Thoroughbred Times Keeneland Polytrack 2009-2011 8507 1.41 Thoroughbred Times Arlington Polytrack 2011 6870 10 1.45 Thoroughbred Times USA Turf 2011 1.48 Jockey Club Statistics UK Turf 2000-2007 210,000 0.63 British Horseracing Authority -Professor Tim Morris Australian Turf 1989-2004 0.6 Professor Tim Parkin California Dirt 3.19 The Paulick Report 6/27/08 Churchill Downs May 2012 1527 8 5.23 The Paulick Report 8/6/12 Churchill Downs Spring 2007 2009-2011 4302 16745 10 2.32 3.22 Kentucky Horseracing Authority Dirt Tracks USA 2004-2007 3.19 Thoroughbred Times Dirt Tracks USA 42 Tracks 2006-2007 3.19 Dr. Mary Scollay Saratoga Racetrack 2009-2011 9600 3.23 Thoroughbred Times

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Meeting Farah Al Khojai - The UAE's number 1 Dressage Rider

I met Farah Al Khojai and found out about her riding and her Olympic aspirations. One to watch for Rio 2016.

Meeting the Rahal Ranches team

I spoke to Sultan at Rahal Ranches. He gives us an insight into what him and his father got up to and also stunt rider and all things horses!