Rioja's place gives leader breathing space
La Rioja put up another excellent effort for Qatar Racing when narrowly beaten in the Gr.3 Renaissance Stakes at the Curragh yesterday.
The Henry Candy-trained filly finished third of nine, beaten three-quarters of a length and a nose by The Happy Prince and Flight Risk, and she was four and a half lengths clear of her next rival. Jockey Oisin Murphy was delighted, and said she saw out the race to the line.
La Rioja's third place led to some minor changes in the Qatar Racing 8 to Follow competition, which concludes in just over two weeks' time on QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot she gained 10pts for competitors who placed her in their stables, and they include leader David Jewers, who eased slightly further ahead of second-placed Dhgdale Family. Jewers is eyeing the £10,000 first prize.
Rob Middlemiss's position in third came under pressure, as La Rioja's placing enabled Colin Dewynter to join him on 285pts, while Simon Allen and Beck Styles also had the filly on side and maintained their battle for the fifth spot in the table, which is worth £500.
Should competitors be level on points when the competition closes they will be separated by the number of wins their horses have collected.
The competition is set for a shake up in the next two weeks. South Seas, who is unbeaten in three races, is set to run a week on Saturday in the Gr.1 Dewhurst Stakes. Most of the leading yards have the Andrew Balding-trained colt in their stable, but Rob Middlemiss does not, and he would drop out of the top six should South Seas win.
However, Middlemiss and Jewers are the only two stables in the top ten who have Pallasator on side, and they will be pleased to know trainer Sir Mark Prescott has not given up hope that the gelding could run on QIPCO British Champions Day.
The key to the first prize still appears to be Lightning Spear, who was so impressive in Goodwood's Gr.2 Celebration Mile on his latest start. The David Simcock-trained Lightning Spear is set to run in Ascot's Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, sponsored by QIPCO, and is one horse that leader Jewers does not have in his armoury, although he is in the stables of the next four names on the list.
All money raised by the competition is given by Qatar Racing to the charity Racing Welfare.
To see a full table and the latest positions, click on the 8 to Follow logo on the home page of this website.