A RIGHT ROYAL TOUR

Intrepid traveller, Tracey Doolan, has recently returned from a whirlwind racing tour : taking in the sports in England, Ireland, Singapore and Macau.
Tracey gives us the skinny on the trip.

Singapore
Joined Eliza Park’s Asian rep, Lyle Plumb, for a meet and greet with the who’s who of Singapore racing including Mohit Lalvani head presenter on the local Racing TV channel, expat John Meagher and other trainers.
With Bel Esprit having such success in the region, Eliza Park is almost a household name! Simon Jones and Anthony Poulter, from Deutsche Bank, both visitors to Eliza Park last year won the last race with Count Zepour.
The Singapore Turf Club knows how to make winning owners feel special and, combined with the hospitality from Eliza Park at Kranji, you’d be well advised to contact Lyle next time you’re heading to Singapore.

England & Royal Ascot
Amazing experience: especially with the win of Scenic Blast in the Kings Stand witnessed by a huge contingent of Aussies – many of whom were (shall we say) tired and emotional the next morning.
Yeats winning his fourth Gold Cup on the trot was another unforgettable memory and ranks right up there with Makybe Diva’s third Melbourne Cup. The roar of the crowd … magic.
A real highlight was taking in the early morning gallops at Newmarket, meeting with Henry Cecil and Lester Piggot, visiting Dalham Lodge and Tattersalls, riding out at Wimbledon Village Stables (didn’t fall off!), inspecting the famous Rowley Mile and July Cup courses and getting a personal tour of the English National Stud (formerly managed by our very own David Somers).

Ireland
Went racing at Naas, near Goffs, for a Wednesday night meeting, backing up at the Curragh for the Pretty Polly Stakes on the Saturday and Irish Derby on the Sunday. OK, it’s not Royal Ascot but a very friendly atmosphere and some outstanding bloodstock doing the rounds.
Unfortunately Sea the Stars was scratched from the Derby, but as Aiden O’Brien had six of the 11 runners, he was odds on to figure in the finish. Favourite, Fame and Glory did it in a canter.
Other Irish highlights (the ones we can print – editor) include riding out for trainer Michael Williams on the Currah, attending the Tatts Irish Derby sales at Fairy Bridge, riding cross country at Mt Juliet Country Club, touring around Ballylinch Stud, having a Guinness at the famous McCarthy’s Pub in Fethard, visiting the Irish National Stud (and giving Vintage Crop a pat), and seeing Sadler’s Wells at Coolmore.

Macau
What a difference the Equator makes! Hot and very, very humid.
Not the massive crowds on track that Singapore gets, as they can legally bet off course in Macau. Superb facilities for trainers & owners and good numbers in the members bars enjoying the hospitality and the wonderful view of the Macau casinos.
They certainly love a punt, and after meeting up with Eliza Park client David Wu, managed to back a few winners courtesy of local knowledge.