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International Gold Cup Races

Saturday, October 15, 2011

10 am - Gates Open to Public

12 Noon - Jack Russell Terrier Race Exhibition

12:30 pm - Opening Ceremony

1 pm - Tailgate Contest Begins

1:30 pm - First Race -- The Virginia Gold Cup Maiden Hurdle

2:10 pm - Second Race -- The Moriah Steeplethon presented by SW Rodgers, Inc

2:50 pm - Third Race -- The Airbus Chase presented by Airbus Americas, Inc.

3:20 pm - Fourth Race -- The Fegentri World Cup Flat

4:00 pm - Fifth Race -- The International Gold Cup Timber Stakes

4:40 pm - Sixth Race -- The Old Dominion Turf Championship presented by The Virginia Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association and The Virginia Thoroughbred Association

6:30 pm - Gates Close

See you at the Races!

Middleburg-based trainer Doug Fout nominated Alfred C. Griffin Jr.’s Aero, who would be seeking to improve on a second-place finish in the 2011 International Gold Cup, a 3 1/2-mile race over timber fences.

He most recently finished fourth in the $35,000 National Sporting Library Chronicle Cup at the Virginia Fall Races in Middleburg on Oct. 6. In his previous start on the Great Meadow course, Aero finished fifth in the Virginia Gold Cup on May 5.

Nominated to the International Gold Cup from a good second-place finish in the Chronicle Cup was Michael T. Wharton’s Grinding Speed, who also was second in the $15,000 Legacy Chase at Maryland’s Shawan Downs on Sept. 29. Alicia Murphy trains the six-year-old Grindstone gelding.

The Chronicle Cup’s third-place finisher, Joseph W. Henderson’s Triple Dip, also was nominated to the International Gold Cup. Trained in Virginia by Jimmy Day, Triple Dip pulled a major upset when he won the 2011 Mason Houghland Memorial in his first career start over timber fences.Owner-trainer Karen Gray nominated Hot Rize, who finished sixth in the Chronicle Cup.

Preparing for the International Gold Cup in the $25,000 Genesee Valley Hunt Cup on Oct. 13 are nominees Mecklenburg and Won Wild Bird. Rosbrian Farm’s Mecklenburg finished a good second in this year’s Mason Houghland Memorial at Nashville’s Iroquois Steeplechase for trainer Tara Elmore.

Wally Pinkard’s Won Wild Bird, trained by Regina Welsh, finished fifth in the Radnor Hunt Cup at Malvern, Pa., on May 19. The ten-year-old Wild Wonder mare had won the Radnor timber race in 2011.

Trainer Julie Gomena nominated Margaret C. Littleton’s Atrium, who finished sixth in the Mason Houghland Memorial on May 12. Nominated from the Radnor Hunt Cup was ninth-place finisher Monte Bianco, an Irish-bred owned and trained by Jack Fisher. Monte Bianco won the 2008 Radnor Hunt Cup.

Here are the International Gold Cup nominees in alphabetical order.

Aero. 2005 b. g., Northern Spur (Ire)--Best Victory (Fr), by Cadoudal. Owner: Alfred C. Griffin Jr. Trainer: Doug Fout. 2012 record: 3-0-2-0, $8,350. 2011 record: 4-2-1-1, $37,000. Finished fourth in Virginia Fall’s National Sporting Library Chronicle Cup, a race he won in 2011. Started 2012 season with second in the Middleburg Hunt Cup on April 21, beaten 6 3/4 lengths by G’day G’day, and then was well-beaten fifth in the Virginia Gold Cup. Second in last year’s International Gold Cup.

Atrium. 2002 dk. B. or br. g., Broad Brush—Arena, by Devil’s Bag. Owner: Margaret C. Littleton. Trainer: Julie Gomena. 2012 record: 3-1-0-0, $9,250. In first start in 1 1/2 years, won the $10,000 Grover Vandenvender Memorial maiden timber race at the Foxfield Spring Races in Virginia on April 28, then was fourth in Iroquois’ Mason Houghland Memorial and a Fair Hill timber allowance. Claiborne-bred won over hurdles for $10,000 claiming price at Queen’s Cup in 2010.

Brands Hatch. 2001 dk. b. or br. g., A.P. Indy—Watch Out, by Mr. Prospector. Owner: Gerry L. Brewster. Trainer: Blythe Miller Davies. 2012 record: 3-1-1-1, $7,950. 2011 record: 7-0-1-1, $5,100. Won the Western Run Plate timber allowance at Maryland’s Grand National on April 21 before second in the Willowdale Steeplechase at Kennett Square, Pa., on May 13.

Grinding Speed. 2006 gr. or ro. g., Grindstone—Cozelia, by Cozzene. Owner: Michael T. Wharton. Trainer: Alicia Murphy. 2012 record: 5-2-3-0, $25,350. 2011 record: 4-1-1-0, $23,750. Started fall season with second in Legacy Chase allowance race at Shawan Downs on Sept. 29, then was a good second in the National Sporting Library Chronicle Cup at Virginia Fall on Oct. 6. Made successful transition to timber racing with second in John D. Schapiro Memorial at My Lady’s Manor followed by victories in Winterthur’s Isabella duPont Sharp maiden timber on May 6 and a novice timber race at Fair Hill, Md. on May 26.

He’s Got Mojo. 2003 b. g., He’s Got Gall—Poetic Gift, by Arrived (Fr). Owner: Horbrook Hollow Farm. Trainer: William Meister. 2012 record: 0-0-0, $0. 2011 record: 1-0-1-0, $1,800. Would be making his first start since finishing second in the John Rush Streett, a maiden timber race at 2011 My Lady’s Manor meet.

Hot Rize. 2004 dk. b. or br. g., Sultry Song—Donesia, by Desert Wine. Owner-trainer: Karen Gray. 2012 record: 1-0-0-0, $1,050. 2011 record: 7-2-1-2, $23,100. In only 2012 start, finished a distant sixth in the National Sporting Library Chronicle Cup at Virginia Fall on Oct. 6. Closed 2011 with first victory over timber in Springdale timber allowance at Colonial Cup on Nov. 17. Previously won over hurdles in Aiken Fall maiden claimer.

Mecklenburg. 2004 b. g., Mecke—Northwest Key, by Northrop. Owner: Rosbrian Farm. Trainer: Tara Elmore. 2012 record: 2-1-1-0, $18,000. Finished a good second, beaten 1 3/4 lengths, in Mason Houghland Memorial Timber Stakes at Nashville’s Iroquois Steeplechase on May 12. Collected first career victory in stirring edition of Benjamin H. Murray Memorial allowance timber race at Grand National in Butler, Md., on April 21.

Monte Bianco (Ire). 2001 b. g., King of Kings (Ire)--Creme Caramel, by Septieme Ciel. Owner: Kingfisher Farm. Trainer: Jack Fisher. 2012 record: 2-0-0-0, $750. 2011 record: No starts. Returned to races with a ninth-place finish in the Radnor Hunt Cup, a race he won in 2008, before improving to fourth in Shawan Downs’ Legacy Chase on Sept. 29. Finished third in the 2008 New Jersey Hunt Cup after winning that year's National Sporting Library Chronicle Cup.

Moonsox. 2006 ch. g., Mojave Moon--Sister Sox, by Deputy Minister. Owner: Bulle Rock Stables. Trainer: Kevin Boniface. 2012 record: 2-0-0-0, $1,350. 2011 record: 4-1-1-2, $17,937. Finished sixth in Shawan Downs’ Legacy Chase on Sept. 29 after sixth in the My Lady’s Manor on April 14 in his only 2012 start. Never out of money in his four timber starts in 2011. Won the Lewis C. Ledyard timber maiden race by 90 1/4 lengths at the Pennsylvania Hunt Cup.

Saluda Sam. 2005 ch. g., Adcat—Super Skirt, by Proud Truth. Owner: Irvin S. Naylor. Trainer: William Meister. 2012 record: 2-0-0-1, $1,950. 2011: 10-0-1-0, $11,150. Pulled up in James P. McCormick Memorial maiden timber race at Virginia Fall on Oct. 6 after third in Alfred M. Hunt over Middleburg Spring’s steeplechase race.

Triple Dip. 2003 b. g., Storm Broker--Triple Wrapped (Ire), by Be My Native. Owner: Joseph W. Henderson III. Trainer: Jimmy Day. 2012 record: 2-0-0-1, $5,000. 2011 record: 2-1-0-0, $30,000. Set pace in the National Sporting Library Chronicle Cup before finishing third. Finished sixth in Iroquois’ Mason Houghland Memorial Timber Stakes in only other 2012 start. Pulled major surprise by winning 2011 Mason Houghland in his first start over timber fences.

Won Wild Bird. 2002 gr. or ro. m., Wild Wonder—Rowdy Bird, by Topsider. Owner: Walter D. Pinkard Jr. Trainer: Regina Welsh. 2012 record: 2-0-0-0, $1,600. 2011 record: 5-2-0-0, $34,500. Started 2012 season with a seventh-place finish in the Steeplethon at the Virginia Gold Cup on May 5 and then was fifth in the Radnor Hunt Cup. Won the 2011 Radnor Hunt after scoring victory in Benjamin H. Murray Memorial at Butler, Md.

 

Merriefield Farm's Bon Caddo won the Virginia Gold Cup by 13 lengths on May 7 but then finished sixth in the Radnor Hunt Cup two weeks later. The Pennsylvania race was won by Pin Ribbon Racing's Won Wild Bird, who is among the International Gold Cup nominees.

The National Sporting Library Chronicle Cup at the Virginia Fall Races may prove to be a key race for the International Gold Cup. Among the nominees are the first five finishers from the timber race in Middleburg on Oct. 1. Alfred C. Griffin Jr.'s Aero took over at the final fence and won by six lengths over Magalen O. Bryant's G'Day G'Day. Both are trained by Middleburg-based trainer Doug Fout.

EMO's He's a Conniver finished third, two lengths behind G'Day G'Day, and gave some indication that he is returning to the form that propelled him to an International Gold Cup victory last fall.

The ten nominees are:

Aero. 2005 b. g., Northern Spur (Ire)--Best Victory (Fr), by Cadoudal. Owner: Alfred C. Griffin Jr. Trainer: Doug Fout. 2011 record: 3-2-0-1, $28,000. Ran sparkling race in the National Sporting Library Chronicle Cup to win by six lengths at the Virginia Fall Races in Middleburg on Oct. 1. Scored his maiden timber victory at Willowbrook in May.

Bon Caddo. 2001 b. g., Bon Point (GB)--Tactical Info, by Tactical Advantage. Owner: Merriefield Farm. Trainer: Dawn Williams. 2011 record: 3-2-0-0, $67,200. Won the Virginia Gold Cup by 13 lengths on same course on May 7 but then was sixth in the Radnor Hunt Cup. Front-running winner of the My Lady's Manor in first 2011 start.

Expel. 2004 dk. b. or br. g., Expelled--Kentwood Miss, by Our Native. Owner: Northfield Farm LLC. Trainer: Teddy Mulligan. 2011 record: 4-0-0-0, $1,850. Finished fifth in the James P. McCormick Memorial, a maiden timber race at Virginia Fall on Oct. 1. Also finished fifth in a similar race at Winterthur in Delaware in early May.

G'Day G'Day. 2003 b. g., Eastern Echo--Say Farewell, by Second Bar. Owner: Magalen O. Bryant. Trainer: Doug Fout. 2011 record: 3-0-1-0, $6,300. Homebred finished second to Aero in Chronicle Cup on Oct. 1.

Gather No Moss. 2001 gr. or ro. g., Awad--Caro Landing, by Caro (Ire). Owner: Manown Kisor Jr. Trainer: Michael Berryman. 2011 record: 2-0-0-1, $3,400. Finished fifth in the Chronicle Cup after a third in the C. P. & Edith Wills DeBose Cup at the Carolina Cup Races in Camden, S.C., on April 2.
Gorgeous Charger. 2003 b. g., Awad--Gorgeous Gerty, by Darn That Alarm. Owner: Irvin S. Naylor. Trainer: William Meister. 2011 record: 5-0-0-2, $5,050. Finished third in $15,000 Legacy Chase at Shawan Downs in Maryland on Sept. 24, 17 1/4 lengths behind winner. Well-beaten third in Benjamin H. Murray Memorial at Grand National meet.

He's a Conniver. 2002 ch. g., Crafty Friend--Better to Be Lucky, by Roberto. Owner: EMO Stabled. Trainer: Dale L. Jackson. 2011 record: 4-2-0-0, $51,000. Defending winner of International Gold Cup finished third in Chronicle Cup. Faded in 2011 debut to finish second in the Middleburg Hunt Cup on April 23.

I'm Telling. 2001 dk. b. or br. g., Linkage--Don't Tell Ma, by Ga Hai. Owner-trainer: Bay Cockburn. 2011 record: 1-0-1-0, $2,700. Finished second in Legacy Chase at Shawan Downs, his first start since winning Morven Park optional allowance over timber last October.

Music To My Ears. 1998 ch. g., Phardante--Evas Charm, by Carlburg. Owner: Anna Stable. Trainer: Richard Valentine. 2011 record: 4-2-0-0, $27,750. Finished fourth in the Chronicle Cup. Kicked off 2011 with narrow victory in the C. P. & Edith Wills DeBose Cup at the Carolina Cup Races.

Won Wild Bird. 2002 gr. or ro. m., Wild Wonder--Rowdy Bird, by Topsider. Owner: Pin Ribbon Racing. Trainer: Regina Welsh. 2011 record: 4-2-0-0, $33,000. Came back from fall in Maryland Hunt Cup and refusal at start of Virginia Gold Cup's Steeplethon to win the Radnor Hunt Cup in Malvern, Pa., on May 21. Won Benjamin H. Murray Memorial at Maryland's Grand National meet.
 

Merriefield Farm's Bon Caddo will be attempting to lock up a National Steeplechase Association timber championship in the 3 1/2-mile International Gold Cup. Trained by Dawn Williams, the ten-year-old Bon Point gelding scored a sparkling 13-length victory in the Virginia Gold Cup on May 7 over the Great Meadow course, but then was a disappointing sixth in the Radnor Hunt Cup two weeks later in Malvern, Pa. Bon Caddo, who leads the annual timber-racing standings with $67,200 in purse earnings, will be ridden by Jody Petty.

Pink Ribbon Racing's Won Wild Bird scored an upset in the Radnor Hunt Cup after falling in the Maryland Hunt Cup and refusing to start in the Virginia Gold Cup's Steeplethon. Trainer Regina Welsh named Carl Rafter to ride the nine-year-old Wild Wonder gelding, who is third in the timber point standings with $33,000.

Alfred C. Griffin Jr.'s Aero marked himself as a horse to watch with a dynamic six-length victory in the National Sporting Library Chronicle Cup at the Virginia Fall Races in Middleburg on Oct. 1 under Jeff Murphy. Trained by Doug Fout, the six-year-old Northern Spur gelding had won his maiden timber victory at the Willowbrook Steeplechase in Kennett Square, Pa., on May 15. Middleburg-based Fout also entered Magalen O. Bryant's homebred G'Day G'Day, who finished second in the Chronicle Cup and will again be ridden by leading jockey Paddy Young.
Also in the International Gold Cup field is the defending winner, He's a Conniver, owned by Ernie Oare's EMO Stable. The nine-year-old Crafty Friend gelding, looking for his first victory since his 2010 win at Great Meadow, most recently finished third to Aero in the Chronicle Cup. Trainer Dale Jackson named Bernie Dalton to ride.

Also entering the International Gold Cup from the Chronicle Cup are Manown Kisor Jr.'s Gather No Moss and Robert A. Kinsley's Incomplete, who finished fifth and sixth, respectively.
 

He's a Conniver. 2002 ch. g., Crafty Friend--Better to Be Lucky, by Roberto. Owner: EMO Stable. Trainer: Dale L. Jackson. Jockey: Bernie Dalton. 2011 record: 4-0-1-1, $7,100. 8-1 odds. Defending winner of International Gold Cup finished third in Chronicle Cup. Fell in Virginia Gold Cup after second in the Middleburg Hunt Cup on April 23.

Aero. 2005 b. g., Northern Spur (Ire)--Best Victory (Fr), by Cadoudal. Owner: Alfred C. Griffin Jr. Trainer: Doug Fout. Jockey: Jeff Murphy. 2011 record: 3-2-0-1, $28,000. 5-1 odds. Ran sparkling race in the National Sporting Library Chronicle Cup to win by six lengths at the Virginia Fall Races in Middleburg on Oct. 1. Scored his maiden timber victory at Willowbrook Steeplechase in May.

I'm Telling. 2001 dk. b. or br. g., Linkage--Don't Tell Ma, by Ga Hai. Owner-trainer: Bay Cockburn. Jockey: Jacob Roberts. 2011 record: 1-0-1-0, $2,700. 10-1 odds. Finished second in Legacy Chase at Shawan Downs, his first start since winning Morven Park optional allowance over timber last October.

Expel. 2004 dk. b. or br. g., Expelled--Kentwood Miss, by Our Native. Owner: Northfield Farm LLC. Trainer: Teddy Mulligan. Jockey: Liam McVicar. 2011 record: 4-0-0-0, $1,850. 15-1 odds. Finished fifth in the James P. McCormick Memorial, a maiden timber race at Virginia Fall on Oct. 1. Also finished fifth in a similar race at Winterthur in Delaware in early May.

Bon Caddo. 2001 b. g., Bon Point (GB)--Tactical Info, by Tactical Advantage. Owner: Merriefield Farm. Trainer: Dawn Williams. Jockey: Jody Petty. 2011 record: 3-2-0-0, $67,200. 4-1 odds. Won the Virginia Gold Cup by 13 lengths on same course on May 7 but then was sixth in the Radnor Hunt Cup two weeks later. Front-running winner of the My Lady's Manor in first 2011 start.

Won Wild Bird. 2002 gr. or ro. m., Wild Wonder--Rowdy Bird, by Topsider. Owner: Pink Ribbon Racing. Trainer: Regina Welsh. Jockey: Carl Rafter. 2011 record: 4-2-0-0, $33,000. 9-2 odds. Came back from fall in Maryland Hunt Cup and refusal at start of Virginia Gold Cup's Steeplethon to win the Radnor Hunt Cup in Malvern, Pa., on May 21. Won Benjamin H. Murray Memorial at Maryland's Grand National meet.

Gather No Moss. 2001 gr. or ro. g., Awad--Caro Landing, by Caro (Ire). Owner: Manown Kisor Jr. Trainer: Michael Berryman. Jockey: Mark Watts. 2011 record: 2-0-0-1, $3,400. 15-1 odds. Finished fifth in the Chronicle Cup after a third in the C. P. & Edith Wills DeBose Cup at the Carolina Cup Races in Camden, S.C., on April 2.

G'Day G'Day. 2003 b. g., Eastern Echo--Say Farewell, by Second Bar. Owner: Magalen O. Bryant. Trainer: Doug Fout. Jockey: Paddy Young. 2011 record: 3-0-1-0, $6,300. 8-1 odds. Homebred finished second to Aero in Chronicle Cup on Oct. 1.