Nick Robson

Andre Fabre is taking a patient approach to planning Baroud’s next race after the Frankel colt’s impressive Group Two Prix Guillaume d’Ornano victory at Deauville. Fabre believes Baroud is not yet ready for a mile and a half and is considering races over 10 furlongs or possibly a mile, including options in Ireland and at Ascot, subject to discussions with owner Imad Al Sagar. Fabre also outlined possible plans for gelding Zaraki, who may target the Prix Niel or Breeders’ Cup, while Sosie remains in training but is sidelined by fitness issues.

Tributes from leading racing and football figures praise Kevin Keegan’s character, achievements and love of racing following his death at 75. Mick Channon recalls their friendship, shared racing interests and Keegan’s humility despite his football fame. Adrian Nicholls reflects on winning the Ayr Gold Cup with Keegan’s horse Funfair Wane, while Ascot Racecourse officials remember Keegan’s influential role in the 2000 Shergar Cup.

Barratt Redrow and the Jockey Club deny claims that a planning application will be submitted this year to develop Kempton Park, despite MP Lincoln Jopp warning that new planning rules could allow the racecourse to be replaced with more than 2,000 homes. Both the developer and the Jockey Club emphasise that no application is in progress and that racing will continue, though an option agreement for potential future development remains in place until 2028. Jopp argues that updated regulations tied to proximity to train stations could ease approval for redevelopment and intends to challenge the possibility in an upcoming Westminster Hall debate on the future of British horseracing.

Racing at Haydock Park will resume on August 7 after investigations traced a hole in the track to a fissure linked to historic mining activity. Repairs will replace an older failed fix with a more durable solution informed by radar surveying. July fixtures have been cancelled, with one moved to Nottingham, though a scheduled concert will still proceed. Officials expect the inner course to be safe for racing once outer-course repairs are completed.