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European Tancred Stakes candidates leave Britain

NZPA-AAP London Europe’s three Tancred Stakes runners left Britain yesterday with at least one trainer hoping the trip will be the first of many. John Dunlop, who is taking Highland Chieftain for the 2400 m weight-for-age contest at Rosehill on March 26, isaid the sAustl million race could influence him to bring more of his large; team to Australia. "It’s an Excellent opportunity to investigate the possibilities of campaigning |in Australia, all our expenses are paid and the prizemoney is there, so why 1 not go,” Dunlop said'. The Sydney Turf Club is paying the costs, a move which generated some controversy as local trainers ' protested over the favourable treatment received by the European entrants. .

l Also on yesterday’s flight were the Frenchtrained pair, Le Giorieux, which will be ridden by Alain Lequeux, and Vaguely Pleasant, the ride of Cash Asmussen. | Brent Thomson will ride Highland Chieftain. To race in Australia the visiting horses must overcome the strict quarantine laws which usually prohibit a return to their home country after I having raced. I But Highland Chieftain will return to England in about three months, becoming the firsit horse from Britain to have raced in Australia and then go home. [ The visiting horses had to spend 37 days in quarantine in home country before the trip and must spend | another 14 days on arrival in Sydney. During the second week of their Australian quarantine they ! will be

allowed to do trackwork, but only in the company of other quarantined horses. Dunlop said acclimatisation would be a problem for the European horses, despite the regular travelling they undertake during a normal season at home. “Even going to America for the Breeders’ Cup still prompts a lot of discussion on how best to prepare horses, whether to arrive early or late. Trainers don’t yet know for certain,” he said. “This will obviously play an even bigger part going to Australia.” Of Highland Chieftain’s prospects, Dunlop was not over confident. “On form we shouldn’t beat Le Glorieuxi and of course there is the imponderable of how good the Australian horses are, but to finish in the first four would be a good effort.” A

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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19880309.2.189.7

Bibliographic details

Press, 9 March 1988, Page 48

Word Count
367

European Tancred Stakes candidates leave Britain Press, 9 March 1988, Page 48

European Tancred Stakes candidates leave Britain Press, 9 March 1988, Page 48