Grant, Hayes and McCullagh on Their Way to India |
| Here is an update on the Irish jockeys who will be riding in India this winter.
I called Chris Hayes. He answered: “Yes, I will be in India. I have been keeping myself informed about what is happening in India. I am looking forward to my visit. I’ll be riding again for Dr Mallya. I know there are several good ones I will be riding. I am leaving in about ten days. I would love to get my feet wet.” It was a good year in Ireland. I understand India better. I hope to do well. I will be riding all over, wherever I am needed. I will see you Tom, in India,” Hayes said. Next on my list was Dan Grant. “I am getting ready, Tom. My date is set. I am leaving Ireland on November 11. I enjoy riding in India. I will go wherever I am asked to go. I have a title to defend. I will go all out to defend my Bombay riding title. I plan to be there until the end of the season. I am excited.” I told jockey Grant that he has a large fan base in India. “I know. I will do everything to meet the standards I have set.” Grant stated. I spoke to Niall McCullagh. “I will be on my way to India on November 12. Going to India every year is something I look forward to.” I asked Niall if there was anything he would like to tell fans in India. “Tom, please tell them I will be working very hard. I am set to go. My intention is to ride as many winners as I can. Please see me when you come to Bombay.” It was Sunday morning in Chicago and I got ready to call Colm O’Donoghue. I knew that Colm had a ride in a Group I race in Paris. I wanted to check the Paris result before I called O’Donoghue. There was a news flash and I took a moment or two to read it. Jan Vermeer, an Aidan O’Brien-trained two year-old, had won the Group I Criterium International on very soft ground (grass) at Saint Cloud. Jan Vermeer had made it all in the hands of Colm O’Donoghue. I waited for 30y minutes. I called Colm on his cell phone. There was a message in French. I called again after 15 minutes. Colm answered. “It’s nice to hear from you, Tom,” he began. “This is the moment I have been waiting for. Congratulations and I cannot tell you how happy I am. We have talked about your winning a Group I race for some time. I wish I was there,” I responded. “Thank you, Tom. I am happy you called. My colt was very good and we won very easily,” Colm said. I asked. “Jan Vermeer has a 10-1 quote for the Derby next year. Is he that good? Does it mean you will be on a possible Derby winner? Will I see you at Santa Anita for the Breeders’ Cup? What about India? Has anyone talked to you?” “This colt (Jan Vermeer) could be a Derby contender. He was impressive today. Santa Anita, I will know on Tuesday. India, I want to come. At this point, nothing specific,” Colm answered. Jan Vermeer gave trainer Aidan O’Brien his third win in a Group I event for freshmen in recent weeks. Beethoven won the Dewhurst at Newmarket. St Nicholas Abbey took the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster. Jan Vermeer is by Montjeu out of Shadow Song by Pennekamp. Michael Tabor, part of the Coolmore team, owns the freshman colt. The Criterium was a race open to colts and fillies. A 10-1 chance in the British market, Jan Vermeer set the pace and put the race to bed two furlongs out with a strong move. The 1600-metre race was run in 1 45.6 in soft going. Emerald Commander, a Godolphin runner ridden by Frankie Dettori, took the runner-up berth. The Aga Khan-owned Rosanara, seeking three in a row and coming off a win in the Prix Marcel Boussac on Arc day at Longchamp, was third as the 7-10 favourite in the French tote. Midas Touch, the winner’s stablemate hardly relished the going and was fourth. Jan Vermeer, coupled with Midas Touch in France, returned 4-1. I will attempt to reach the British part of the riding colony in India. As and when I get to talk to individual jockeys, I will keep you posted. |
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