Latest news with #Midak
The Herald Scotland
07-06-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Johnston can afford to dream of what might be to come with Lazy Griff
Ridden by Christophe Soumillon, Lazy Griff – who got off the mark at the third time of asking as a two-year-old at Beverley – cruised around Tatttenham Corner and while his large army of owners will no doubt have been briefly thinking they were about to hit the jackpot, the winner was going away again at the line. Should he head to the Irish Derby next it would likely mean round three with Lambourn, but Johnston also raised the possibility of a return to France for the Grand Prix de Paris. Lazy Griff won a Group Three at Chantilly last year. 'We told as many people as would listen we couldn't understand why he was such a huge price. Lambourn was 13-2 yet this morning we were 100-1! It's safe to say the Chester form held up well,' said Johnston. Lazy Griff (light blue) beat all bar Lambourn (Aaron Chown/PA) 'I'm delighted, I'm surprised how well he handled the track because that was always my biggest concern because he's quite a heavy-topped horse and we felt if the ground wasn't as soft as it was he wouldn't be here. 'I said after Chester that Doncaster (St Leger) would be his place, but to run so well leaves us dreaming about the rest of the year. 'I would say it will be the Irish Derby or the Grand Prix de Paris. The Irish Derby would mean going into the lion's den I suppose, but it will be one or the other I would say.' Soumillon partnered Lazy Griff at Chantilly and did not need to be asked twice to ride him in the Derby. 'What a race and I was travelling so well, the whole race I was travelling so well and I was just cruising down the hill,' said Soumillon, who has still to win the premier Classic. 'This kind of track suits him and when I came downhill I was talking Mickael (Barzalona, on Midak) that there was nobody able to follow us, we were cruising. I thought at that point I would be able to win the race two furlongs out, then I took my time to come out, which I don't think was the best option. 'I maybe should have stayed on the rail, but the horse in front was so lazy in the turn I thought he would stop at a point, but he never gave up and went to the end. Rounding the bend I thought 'now I go and we will see' and for two furlongs I thought we will get the winner, but in the end he was too strong. 'I'm so proud of my horse. It's a great run and it's the same form as the Chester Vase. I was very surprised when I saw the odds in the paper this morning at the airport. I thought how can I be so high? For me it was a nice horse with a decent chance and finally he proved it today on the track. 'He would be able to make the German Derby, but I just spoke to the trainer who was asking me if he could go in the St Leger. I think that can also be an option, he stays really well. We'll just see how he comes back from this race.' Christophe Soumillon returns aboard Lazy Griff (PA) He added: 'When my agent called me to say I could ride this horse I said 'let's go' straight away. I loved him last year and he did everything I asked. Mr Johnston's horses are really tough and that's what you need and this really feels like a winner to me. I'm so proud of the horse. It's a great result.' Joseph O'Brien was watching his father win the race for an 11th time, but the man who rode two of them, Camelot and Australia (the sire of Lambourn), was close to his own piece of history by saddling Tennessee Stud to finish third. He said: 'I'm very proud of him, it was a serious run and he came home strongly. I'm so pleased for the owners, it's very good to be placed in the Derby and he's an unexposed type from whom there should be plenty more to come.'
Scottish Sun
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
With questions over many I have every confidence in my massive 14-1 Epsom Derby NAP
It looks like this one could be written in the stars MATT CHAPMAN With questions over many I have every confidence in my massive 14-1 Epsom Derby NAP Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE Aga wins the Aga Derby. That's fairytale stuff, isn't it? I'm not so sure. I'm talking, of course, about Midak, one of the French raiders supplemented into Saturday's Group 1 Betfred Derby, the world's most famous Classic beamed to you live on ITV. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The Kings of Epsom - Ryan Moore and Aidan O'Brien - have an obvious chance with Delacroix... but I don't think they'll win the Derby Credit: PA Derby Day should always be something special for anyone who loves the thoroughbred. For many it's the ultimate test of the Flat racehorse, and it has tested the best. Winners like Nijinsky, Mill Reef, Nashwan and Sea The Stars... as well as those in defeat like Dancing Brave and El Gran Senor. The twists and turns are one thing, the stamina test over a mile and a half of the Epsom Downs another. Will he stay? That will be the question many ask about the majority of today's runners. It's certainly a doubt for 2,000 Guineas hero Ruling Court, who was hardly mentioned after being chased home by fast-finishing Field of Gold at HQ. Could it just be Ruling Court was the best horse for William Buick and Charlie Appleby? Time will tell. Delacroix really should stay for the Derby King of Trainers, Aidan O'Brien. But Ballysax and Leopardstown Derby Trial victor Delacroix is by Dubawi. In itself that is no bad thing. But the super stallion has had nine runners to date in seven different editions of the Derby and none of them has finished in the first four. Dubawi himself ran in the 2005 Derby, eventually going down eight lengths to Motivator. That was six years after his sire, Dubai Millennium, met the only defeat of his career when sent off the favourite for the Derby. Pride of Arras has only raced twice but looked very useful when romping home from Damysus in a slowly run Dante at York which saw The Lion In Winter pull his chance away in the first two furlongs. Ralph Beckett's challenger, ridden by Hector Crouch, is bred to stay and could be the real deal for owner-breeder Mrs David Aykroyd. Her colours are also carried by Amiloc, who hacked up at Goodwood the other day but can't run here as he's been gelded. Lambourn is a similar type to Los Angeles who ran well behind stable companion City of Troy last year. Another O'Brien raider, Lambourn is proven over further having landed the Chester Vase but he was beaten by Delacroix in the Ballysax. The other I want to mention, before I get on to Midak, is Stanhope Gardens, who is another for Beckett and has always appeared to be a Derby type. Last season Stanhope Gardens was only beaten a neck by Delacroix in the Autumn Stakes at Newmarket. That puts him bang in the mix. The son of Ghaiyyath is bred to stay well and had effectively a racecourse gallop at Salisbury the other day when winning an event put on especially for him. But let's get back to my French fancy Midak. 2 Mickael Barzalona celebrates riding Pour Moi to victory in Derby - and I think he'll be doing the same on Midak... though maybe not quite so early! Credit: PA:Empics Sport He runs in the colours of Aga Khan Studs SCEA in a Derby run in memory of His Highness Aga Khan IV. That means he carries the green and red silks that have been worn at Epsom by legends like Shergar, Shahrastani, Kahyasi, Sinndar and Harzand. So, naturally, a Francis-Henri Graffard-trained Midak victory would be fairytale stuff under Mickaël Barzalona, who won this on Pour Moi in 2011. Midak is out of a mare by Sinndar and is already very useful. My hope is unbeaten in three races and his form suggests he's a solid, improving Group 2 horse, having scored well over an extended 1m2f at Saint-Cloud last time. He kept on well that day suggesting this trip would suit and of course he's bred for it. 'He's definitely a horse improving with his races and will definitely get the trip,' explained Nemone Routh, racing manager for the Aga Khan Studs. 'We're not sure on his form lines and how it stacks up, but all he can do is win and he's won every start. 'He's going to have to handle the track and he's a big horse with a big, long stride. Mickael Barzalona thinks he will handle the track because he's well balanced. 'We would be very happy to see him finish in the first three or even first five, but he is a bit of an unknown quantity and he does everything easily at home. It's a little bit of a shot in the dark, but we thought it was worth it.' It's the type of Derby to simply 'have a go'. And there would be no more poignant victory than one for Midak. FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
The Irish Sun
06-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
With questions over many I have every confidence in my massive 14-1 Epsom Derby NAP
THE Aga wins the Aga Derby. That's fairytale stuff, isn't it? I'm not so sure. I'm talking, of course, about Midak , one of the French raiders supplemented into Saturday's Group 1 Betfred Derby, the world's most famous Classic beamed to you live on ITV. Advertisement 2 The Kings of Epsom - Ryan Moore and Aidan O'Brien - have an obvious chance with Delacroix... but I don't think they'll win the Derby Credit: PA Derby Day should always be something special for anyone who loves the thoroughbred. For many it's the ultimate test of the Flat racehorse, and it has tested the best. Winners like Nijinsky, Mill Reef, Nashwan and Sea The Stars... as well as those in defeat like Dancing Brave and El Gran Senor. The twists and turns are one thing, the stamina test over a mile and a half of the Epsom Downs another. Advertisement Will he stay? That will be the question many ask about the majority of today's runners. It's certainly a doubt for 2,000 Guineas hero Ruling Court , who was hardly mentioned after being chased home by fast-finishing Field of Gold at HQ. Could it just be Ruling Court was the best horse for William Buick and Charlie Appleby? Time will tell. Delacroix really should stay for the Derby King of Trainers, Aidan O'Brien. Advertisement Most read in Horse Racing But Ballysax and Leopardstown Derby Trial victor Delacroix is by Dubawi. In itself that is no bad thing. But the super stallion has had nine runners to date in seven different editions of the Derby and none of them has finished in the first four. Dubawi himself ran in the 2005 Derby, eventually going down eight lengths to Motivator. Advertisement That was six years after his sire, Dubai Millennium, met the only defeat of his career when sent off the favourite for the Derby. Pride of Arras has only raced twice but looked very useful when romping home from Damysus in a slowly run Dante at York which saw The Lion In Winter pull his chance away in the first two furlongs. Ralph Beckett's challenger, ridden by Hector Crouch, is bred to stay and could be the real deal for owner-breeder Mrs David Aykroyd. Her colours are also carried by Amiloc, who hacked up at Goodwood the other day but can't run here as he's been gelded. Advertisement Lambourn is a similar type to Los Angeles who ran well behind stable companion City of Troy last year. Another O'Brien raider, Lambourn is proven over further having landed the Chester Vase but he was beaten by Delacroix in the Ballysax. The other I want to mention, before I get on to Midak, is Stanhope Gardens , who is another for Beckett and has always appeared to be a Derby type. Last season Stanhope Gardens was only beaten a neck by Delacroix in the Autumn Stakes at Newmarket. That puts him bang in the mix. Advertisement The son of Ghaiyyath is bred to stay well and had effectively a racecourse gallop at Salisbury the other day when winning an event put on especially for him. But let's get back to my French fancy Midak . 2 Mickael Barzalona celebrates riding Pour Moi to victory in Derby - and I think he'll be doing the same on Midak... though maybe not quite so early! Credit: PA:Empics Sport He runs in the colours of Aga Khan Studs SCEA in a Derby run in memory of His Highness Aga Khan IV. Advertisement That means he carries the green and red silks that have been worn at Epsom by legends like Shergar, Shahrastani, Kahyasi, Sinndar and Harzand. So, naturally, a Francis-Henri Graffard-trained Midak victory would be fairytale stuff under Mickaël Barzalona, who won this on Pour Moi in 2011. Midak is out of a mare by Sinndar and is already very useful. My hope is unbeaten in three races and his form suggests he's a solid, improving Group 2 horse, having scored well over an extended 1m2f at Saint-Cloud last time. Advertisement He kept on well that day suggesting this trip would suit and of course he's bred for it. 'He's definitely a horse improving with his races and will definitely get the trip,' explained Nemone Routh, racing manager for the Aga Khan Studs. 'We're not sure on his form lines and how it stacks up, but all he can do is win and he's won every start. 'He's going to have to handle the track and he's a big horse with a big, long stride. Mickael Barzalona thinks he will handle the track because he's well balanced. Advertisement 'We would be very happy to see him finish in the first three or even first five, but he is a bit of an unknown quantity and he does everything easily at home. It's a little bit of a shot in the dark, but we thought it was worth it.' It's the type of Derby to simply 'have a go'. And there would be no more poignant victory than one for Midak. FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. . Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Advertisement Read more on the Irish Sun Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
France 24
06-06-2025
- Sport
- France 24
Midak bids to deliver poignant victory in 'Aga Khan's' Derby
Adding to the potential for a fairytale, Midak is prominent French trainer Francis Graffard's first runner in the race considered to be the 'blue riband' of flat racing. The Aga Khan, for decades a leading owner/breeder of thoroughbreds and whose grandfather Aga Khan III also won the Derby five times, died aged 88 in February. Graffard, 48, says it is coincidental the "historic" Aga Khan colours, of green top with red epaulettes and a green cap will be represented. Midak impressed Graffard so much he persuaded Aga Khan Studs to pay £75,000 ($101,500) to supplement him on Monday for the race. "When I came up with the idea of entering him I did not know it was being renamed in his honour," he told AFP in a phone interview. "Circumstances have colluded, it is great. "So it makes me even more excited. Definitely makes the fact Midak is running even more special. "They are prestigious and historic racing colours." Graffard said triumphing at his first attempt would be magical for the Aga Khan's family. "Yes, you dream about these days," he said. "However, we know how hard it is to win Group One races, especially a Derby. "It is my first runner in the race, we will learn plenty of things and hopefully come back in the future." He will face 18 rivals as he bids to become only the fourth French winner of the Derby in the past 60 years -- the greatest of them all, Sea Bird, triumphing in 1965. Graffard has won one classic for Aga Khan Studs this season, Zarigana benefitting from Shes Perfect's disqualification in the French 1000 Guineas, prompting unsavoury behaviour from the latter's owners who yelled "It's a joke" at the Aga Khan's daughter Princess Zahra as she was interviewed. 'Little bit crazy' Graffard, 54, has been heavily involved in the racing operation for many years. Although he was assistant trainer for a couple of years to Alain de Royer Dupre, the Aga's principal trainer until he retired in 2021, his encounters with him were rare. "No, unfortunately I only met him twice," said Graffard. "I would have loved to have gone racing with him and learned from his experience. "However, Princess Zahra is very experienced and it is really interesting to make plans with her." This teamwork has resulted in them entering Midak and pitting their wits against Delacroix -- bidding to give Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien a record-extending 11th winner -- and father/son partnership John and Thady Gosden's Damysus. Midak might never have even been a contender given that Graffard at one point considered gelding, or castrating, him -- geldings are barred from running in the Derby -- owing to his "tricky temperament". "He was really difficult to train," said Graffard. "But I decided I would take him to the races before I resorted to (gelding) and see how he fared. "In his second race at Chantilly he was very green and jumped the road crossing the track, but he ended up winning nicely." Things went smoother on his last start, winning the Group Three Prix Greffulhe, the same race that Pour Moi, France's last winner of the Derby in 2011, also captured. "He ran much more professionally," said Graffard. "He is basically improving all the time." Graffard says this season has only underlined that he made the right decision in opting to become a trainer rather than pursuing a career as a lawyer. "It is a little bit crazy to think in the next fortnight we have two runners at Epsom then the Prix Diane and after that Royal Ascot," he said. "It is the dream job." © 2025 AFP
South China Morning Post
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Midak bids to deliver poignant victory in ‘Aga Khan's' Epsom Derby
The imperious Shergar and Harzand book ended the late Aga Khan IV's five Epsom Derby winners and on Saturday Midak can provide a poignant win in the race which is named in his honour this year. Adding to the potential for a fairy tale, Midak is prominent French trainer Francis-Henri Graffard's first runner in the race considered to be the 'blue riband' of flat racing. The Aga Khan, for decades a leading owner-breeder of thoroughbreds and whose grandfather Aga Khan III also won the Derby five times, died aged 88 in February. Graffard, 48, says it is coincidental the 'historic' Aga Khan colours – a green top with red epaulettes and a green cap – will be represented. Midak impressed Graffard so much he persuaded Aga Khan Studs to pay £75,000 (HK$798,500) to supplement him for the race on Monday. 'When I came up with the idea of entering him I did not know it was being renamed in his honour,' said Graffard. Trainer Francis-Henri Graffard (centre) at Sha Tin in April. Photo: Kenneth Chan 'Circumstances have colluded, it is great. It makes me even more excited. Definitely makes the fact Midak is running even more special. They are prestigious and historic racing colours.' HK Racing News Get updates direct to your inbox Sign up Best Bets Racing News By registering you agree to our T&Cs & Privacy Policy Error: Please enter a valid email. The email address is already in use. Please login to subscribe. Error, please try again later. THANK YOU You are one the list. Graffard said triumphing at his first attempt would be magical for the Aga Khan's family. 'Yes, you dream about these days,' he said. 'However, we know how hard it is to win Group One races, especially a Derby. 'It is my first runner in the race, we will learn plenty of things and hopefully come back in the future.' Midak will face 18 rivals as he bids to become only the fourth French winner of the Derby in the past 60 years. Graffard has won one classic for Aga Khan Studs this season, Zarigana benefiting from Shes Perfect's disqualification in the French 1,000 Guineas, prompting unsavoury behaviour from the latter's owners who yelled 'It's a joke' at the Aga Khan's daughter Princess Zahra as she was interviewed. The Aga Khan addresses an audience in 2015. Photo: AP Graffard, 54, has been heavily involved in the racing operation for many years. Although he was assistant trainer for a couple of years to Alain de Royer Dupre, the Aga's principal trainer until he retired in 2021, his encounters with him were rare. 'Unfortunately I only met him twice,' said Graffard. 'I would have loved to have gone racing with him and learned from his experience. 'However, Princess Zahra is very experienced and it is really interesting to make plans with her.' This teamwork has resulted in them entering Midak and pitting their wits against Delacroix – bidding to give Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien a record-extending 11th winner – and father-son partnership John and Thady Gosden's Damysus. Midak might never have even been a contender given that Graffard at one point considered gelding him – geldings are barred from running in the Derby – owing to his 'tricky temperament'. Midak remains unbeaten with a straight-forward success in the Prix Greffulhe at Saint-Cloud!🇫🇷 Another progressive type for @GraffardRacing and @AgaKhanStuds! — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 9, 2025 'He was really difficult to train,' said Graffard. 'But I decided I would take him to the races before I resorted to [gelding him] and see how he fared. 'In his second race at Chantilly he was very green and jumped the road crossing the track, but he ended up winning nicely.' Things went smoother on his last start, winning the Group Three Prix Greffulhe (2,100m) – the same race that Pour Moi, France's last winner of the Derby in 2011, also captured. 'He ran much more professionally,' said Graffard. 'He is basically improving all the time.' Graffard says this season has only underlined that he made the right decision in opting to become a trainer rather than pursuing a career as a lawyer. 'It is a little bit crazy to think in the next fortnight we have two runners at Epsom then the Prix Diane and after that Royal Ascot,' he said. 'It is the dream job.'
