31 Mar March ’25 Round-Up
March marks the end of another long winter and another thrilling Cheltenham Festival. Now that the hedge-hoppers are out of the way, all eyes turn back to flat racing.
The month began with attention at JS Bloodstock shifting once again to the Middle East—specifically to Meydan, where West Acre was making his third start in the desert. This time, he stepped back to Group 3 company after breaking the track record in the Group 2 Blue Point Sprint in January. He duly won again, though he had to dig deeper this time, reeling in the lightning-fast Pontus, who had stolen a few lengths early and looked poised for an upset. But West Acre, sent off as the 4/7 favourite, ground down his rival to win by three-quarters of a length. Next up: the Group 1 Al Quoz, where he’ll take on the best from Europe, the US, and Hong Kong.
Another notable winner in March was Forty Years On, who broke her maiden at Doncaster on her second attempt for trainer George Scott and owners Michael Blencowe and Valmont. The three-year-old travelled eye-catchingly well with two furlongs to go and, once finding a fresh leg, quickened away under hands and heels for jockey Callum Shepherd to win by a length and a half. She’s now likely to take her chance in a Guineas trial, either in the UK or possibly the Prix de la Grotte in France. Billy bought the filly at Goffs UK in partnership with Alex Elliott for £120,000. She’s out of the 96-rated Shamardal mare Dance East and is a full sister to dual Listed winner Dance Diva.
Beyond the UK, Billy was back on his travels, this time heading to Hong Kong for Derby week to meet with clients and spend time with David Eustace, with whom he has been helping recruit European horses-in-training. He arrived in time for Happy Valley on Wednesday, March 19th, where he watched David saddle another winner with the Blue Point gelding Colourful King. The following Sunday saw one of the most anticipated days in the Hong Kong racing calendar—Derby Day at Sha Tin. The race didn’t disappoint, culminating in a thrilling finish as maiden Cap Ferat narrowly edged out My Wish, who set the fastest last 400 metres at Sha Tin in 17 years in his valiant attempt for victory.
Closer to home, the flat season is now fully underway, with the Lincoln already behind us. Hats off to Robson Aguier and Amo Racing, who have managed to clinch three of the first four two-year-old races in the UK and Ireland. If history is any guide, we’ll be seeing plenty more from these winners throughout the season—just as Amo has done in previous years with early stars like Bucanero Fuerte, Persian Force, and Arizona Blaze.
Meanwhile, British racing once again found itself in turmoil, with a London meeting drawing a strong turnout of trainers voicing their displeasure at the sport’s governance. An impromptu vote led by William Haggas revealed that the vast majority of trainers believe that British racing is run by the racecourses rather than the British Horseracing Authority. Sadly, the sport faces an uphill battle to establish clear governance while so many fragmented groups vie for control. The root of the issue lies in the diverse ownership structures of the racecourses—whether ARC, The Jockey Club, or independent tracks. Until the power struggles subside and racecourses provide greater clarity, unity in the industry will remain elusive.