17:51 Well that is it from day one of the Stan James Guineas meeting here at Newmarket.

A day of mixed emotions. In the Guineas we saw two lively Derby contenders in Sea The Stars, who now heads the betting in most bookies books. Ladbrokes are as low as 5/2, whilst Corals were less impressed going 5/1. Third placed Gan Amhras  will try follow stablemate New Approach and win The Derby after being placed at Newmarket.

The downer of the day is, of course, Chief Editor collapsing in the Palace House Stakes and the horrible looking fall of Philip Robinson.

It is testament to the fitness of these jockeys that he only suffered minor injuries in the fall.

We are back here again tomorrow, where the girls take centre stage and the highlight is the Stan James 1000 Guineas. However there is also a very strong supporting card.

17:44 A mile handicap to close proceedings this afternoon and the race proved to be a good one for the Hills family as Photographic, trained by Barry and ridden by son Michael took the contest in good style in a finish which featured a number of running on horses.

Indeed backers of Photographic must have had some palpitations as the filly missed the break but she soon recovered to be settled mid-division by Hills.

The pace was set by Baariq under Greg Fairley, although Dane O’Neil on Gaily Noble made absolutely sure the lead was contested.

Coming out of the dip the challengers appeared and Photographic briefly shared the lead before taking up the running.

17:22 Some good news on Philip Robinson. The fall looked much worse than it was and the rider is reported to be OK. He was winded and has suffered some bruising.

Although not anything you would wish on anyone, the news is a relief to anyone who saw the fall.

17:20 A 1¼ mile listed race for our penultimate contest. Only seven went to post and it was a muddling sort of race.

Even with such a small field they managed to split into two groups, both running in Indian file.

In the centre of the course Close Alliance set the pace, followed by Spring Of Fame, your old Pal and Palavicini. On the stand side it was Alazeyab, Sopranist and Heliodor.

When they came together it was the centre group who held the advantage.

The complexion of the race changes as both Spring Of Fame and Palavicini both launched late challenges , with the former prevailing by a head in an exciting finish.

The favourite, Spring Of Fame was 3¾ lengths further back in third.

16:49 Still no news on Philip Robinson. Vets are saying they believe Chief Editor suffered a heart attack.

16:34 The starter her today is obviously not in the mood to take any nonsense as another runner, Caligrapher, refused to go into the stalls and was not allowed too many chances.

In the race itself the odds-on favourite Infiraad made it a stalls to post run coming home a comfortable four length winner.

16:12 Comments from the big race.

Winning trainer John Oxx said, "He's travelled wonderfully well throughout the race.

"He quickened well into the Dip for a relatively inexperienced horse - the rising ground suited him and he really got home well.

"Everyone keeps saying he's a Derby horse, thinking he's a half-brother to Galileo, but he is by Cape Cross and shows a lot of speed - I didn't want to miss the Guineas."

Winning jockey Mick Kinane said, "He's a classy horse and we've waited for him all winter.

"We had a setback five weeks ago, but, luckily, we were well ahead of schedule

"He's always been crying out for this ground."

Brian Meehan, trainer of the favourite commented on his runners performance saying,

"The ground was a little too firm for him. It hasn't quite happened - but he's run a cracker against two very good horses.

"It is too early to decide where he goes next."

Jim Bolger will now aim Gan Amhras for the Derby, which he won last year.

He said, "Kevin Manning is certain he'll be suited by going a bit further - that was his Derby trial."

16:11 Philip Robinson has just been taken away by ambulance - we will let you know when we get any news.

16:07 The Palace House Stake over five furlongs turned out to be an impressive victory for Amour Propre, trained by Henry Candy and ridden by Dane O’Neill.

Running on in the closing stages he recorded a 2½ length victory.

Hoh Hoh Hoh came home second with the brave Borderlescot taking third.

However the race has been overshadowed by Chief Editor breaking a leg and giving jockey Philip Robinson a terrible fall. As I write this 20 minutes after the race the jockey is still being treated on the course.   

15:41 Today's sponsors, Stan James, have cut Sea The Stars to 4/1 for The Derby (from 8/1) and Gan Amhras 8/1 (from 12's).

William Hill are going as short as 8/1 for the winner to win the Triple Crown.

15:32 Well a cracking Stanjames.com 2000 Guineas produced a good finish with the prize going across the Irish Sea, however it was not going back to Ballydoyle as many had expected.

Sea The Stars took the glory, trained by John Oxx and ridden by veteran rider Mick Kinane. This was Kinane’s fourth victory in the race, his first coming on Tirol, way back in 1990. For the trainer this was only his second 2000 Guineas runner and his first victory.

Oceans Minstrel set the early pace although all the principles were in contention as the field stayed in one group in the centre of the course.

Imperial Guest was with the pace briefly, before dropping back.

By halfway Evasive had the lead, however it looked as though the mile was too far as he tired in the closing stages.

Coming out of the dip the favourite Delegator, having been settled handily by Jamie Spencer, hit the front and it looked as though favourite backers would be happy.

However on his left Kinane was launching Sea The Stars with his challenge. Kinane had been happy to track the leaders and, when asked for an effort, soon ran on. Indeed the way he was running on confirms the belief that a mile is his absolute minimum distance. He defeated the favourite by 1½ lengths.

Gan Amhras had been well backed in the morning and he ran on well to claim third spot.

The O’Brien pair of Rip Van Winkle and Mastercraftsman filled fourth and fifth, with Evasive sixth.

The winner is home bred and is a half-brother to Galileo.

15:09 Dermot Weld, trainer of Casual Conquest, has said he feels the ground was against his runner. Also, although not yet officially confirmed, it looks as though Spanish Moon is looking at a six month ban for his stalls antics.

15:04 The runners are in the parade ring for the big race. All of them well behaved, although  few of them have two handlers.

14:53 The winner of the opener, Confront, now looks to be stepped up to Listed or Group company, probably at the Royal meeting.

14:52 Well the Jockey Club Stakes turned into something of a farce. Already down to four runners with the defection of All The Aces, the second favourite, Spanish Moon, refused to enter the stalls and was withdrawn.

For a moment it looked as though the odds-on favourite, Casual Conquest, was going to follow suit as he took a great deal of persuasion to get into the stalls. The stalls handlers did their job though and three set off.

The pace was steady, set by Drill Sergeant. Three lengths behind was Bronze Cannon with Casual Conquest a further three behind, happy to track the other pair.

That was the order until they came out of the dip and the pace picked up.

Drill Sergeant was soon last as Bronze Cannon set of pursued by the favourite, with spectators expecting the jolly to close down on the leader. Instead the leader was pulling away and despite Pat Smullen’s  strongest urgings we were treated to a shock winner in the shape of Bronze Cannon.
The bitter pill for backers of the winner was a 35p in the pound deduction on his 7/1 returns.

14:26 Only four go to post for our second contest, The Jockey Club Stakes, it is a two horse contest according to the betting – between Irish raider Casual Conquest (evens) and Spanish Moon (6/4) – both looked good although visually I preferred the look of Spanish Moon.

Bronze Cannon had two handlers and Drill Sergeant  was slightly on his toes.

14:18 An open betting contest in our opening Stanjames.com Suffolk Heritage Handicap over 1m 1f.

It was no surprise when the field spilt into two groups, with Road To Love heading the stand side, followed by Viva Vettori. In the centre, the smaller group was headed  by Eziyaad along with Dream Lodge.

As the field converged coming out of the dip it was Road To Love who still held the advantage with Viva Vettori still on his heels.

Kay Gee Bee was making good progress, but even more eye catching was Confront for the Stoute / Moore combination who came from almost last to take up the running in the final half furlong, recording a 1¼ length victory.

Long time leader Road To Love ended up being swamped by late runners with Viva Vittori holding on for second, the running on Kay Gee Bee third and Flipando taking fourth.    

13:55 On the betting front this is a very open contest. 11/2 the field, with Foolin Myself at the top, Flipando, Confront and Proponent are next.

There is some each-way money for Ezdiyaad, 14's into 10's.

13:52 I have just been down to the parade ring to look at the runners in the first and I have to say more negatives than positives.

Flipando did not look good in his coat, Proponent was very much on his toes, Kay Gee be was sweating up, Vita Vettori was trying to pull his handlers arm out and Foolin Myself was a tail swisher.

On the positive front Heron Bay was nice and relaxed, Road To Love and King Charles looked good.

13:31 I seem to have found myself sitting amongst the C4 team in the press room. It is amazing just how many people are involved behind the scenes. It is also impressive how much prep both Big Mac and Tanya put in beforehand.

I have been sitting opposite Big Mac for almost two hours now and, apart from his darts playing break, he has been making notes and research the entire time.

13:27 On the weather front there is certainly more cloud than blue sky now and the temperature is certainly a few degees lower than earlier on.

13:23 Latest on the betting and it looks as though Delegator is shading favouritism at 7/2, although he is still available at 4/1 in places.

12:59 Sponsors of this weekends racing, Stan James, also sponsor the World Darts championship.

There is a darts themed challenge here with former world champions Eric Bristow and Keith Deller taking on members of the public.

A charity darts match has just taken place with the two pros being joined by Big Mac  and Tanya Stevenson of Channel Four.

I was chatting to Tanya before she went down and she was worried saying she was “rubbish” at darts. Seeing her practice before hand she was right.

However even more amazing was Bic Mac’s style, I have to confess this is the first time I have seen anyone play darts underarm.

Tanya partnered Deller and Big Mac was with Bristow.

It was a tight game in the end with the Deller / Stevenson combination just taking the contest.

Speaking afterwards Big Mac confessed it was his tactics who cost his team victory. “We needed a double six to win and I deliberately missed the board to give Eric the chance to play out.

12:26 Some trivia about this afternoons big race.

First run in 1809 the first ever winner was Wizzard.

Although considered a colt’s classic there is nothing to stop fillies, who receive a 5lb allowance, taking part. Over the years seven fillies have taken the classic, the last being Garden Path in 1944.

In 1961 Rockavon became the longest priced winner of the contest, returning odds of 66/1, whilst in 1896 St Frusquin came home at odds of 12/100.

Favourites have a 40% strike rate, winning 79 renewals. However only one favourite  has won in the last 15 years –  George Washington in 2006.

12:07 The big race this afternoon is a really open affair and I would not be at all surprised if there was an upset.

I have to say I am not one of those who has gone overboard about Delegator’s Craven run – OK he won it – but he only beat handicappers of questionable ability and today is a totally different proposition in a much bigger field.

It is interesting that Johnny Murtagh has opted to ride Rip Van Winkle as opposed to Mastercraftsman. Far be it for me to question his judgement, and he knows both horses well, but I can’t help thinking he has picked the wrong one.

I think Mastercraftsman could take it but would not be surprised if something like Ouqba were to grab the spoils. A race to enjoy rather than get financially involved in.

11:56 Good morning from Newmarket, where even this early the crowds are flocking. There are a few clouds in the sky now and there is a breeze, which will be behind the runners.

We have another non-runner, All The Aces is out of the 2:30 due to the going, which is a pity as it reduces the field to four.

09:28 We have three non-runners so far. Including two in the big one, where On Our Way (going) and Zafisio (bad scope) do not run. The other absentee is Quanah Parker (sore shins) in the 4:20.

08:07 It is a lovely sunny morning at Newmarket where the going is Good To Firm (Watered) and more sun is forecast.

Our selections this afternoon are as follows:-

Return to race archive:

Non-Runners

The time in brackets is the time the horse was officially declared a non-runner.

SC - Self Certificate
VC - Vet's Certificate

2:30
1 All The Aces (going 11:03)

3:10
12 On Our Way (going 08:48)
17 Zafisio (bad scope - VC Fri 11:15)

4:20
6 Quanah Parker (sore shins - SC 08:22)

Results

2:00 Heritage Handicap 1m 1f

1st 1 Confront 8/1
2nd 12 Viva Vettori 28/1
3rd 11 Kay Gee Bee 20/1
12 Ran
Distances 1 1/4 & 3/4
Fav 14 Foolin Myself 11/2 (Upl)
Tote
Win £8.00
Places £3.10 £13.80 £6.40
Exacta £302.50
CSF £229.66
Tricast £4,422.15
Time 1' 50.17"

2:30 Stakes 1m 4f

1st 2 Bronze Cannon 7/1
2nd 3 Casual Conquest 10/11 fav
4 Ran Nr 1 w/d 5
Distances 3
Fav second
Tote
Win £4.30
Exacta £4.30
CSF £6.61
Time 2' 30.7"
Rule 4 35p in the £

3:10 Stan James 2000 Guineas 1m

1st 16 Sea The Stars 8/1
2nd 3 Delegator 3/1 fav
3rd 6 Gan Amhras 15/2
15 Ran Nr's 12 & 17
Distance 1 1/2 & 3/4
Fav second
Tote
Win £10.60
Places £3.10 £1.90 £3.60
Exacta £49.80
CSF £31.74
Time 1' 35.88"

3:45 Stakes 5f

1st 15 Amour Propre 7/1
2nd Hoh Hoh Hoh 25/1
3rd 4 Borderlesscot 4/1 fav
16 Ran
Distance 2 1/2 & Nose
Fav third
Tote
Win £2.60
Places £2.90 £6.40 £1.90
Exacta £6.40
CSF £1.90
Time 57.73"

4:20 Handicap 7f

1st 3 Infiraad 10/11 fav
2nd 4 Firebet 4/1
6 Ran Nr 6 w/d 2
Distances 4
Fav winner
Tote
Win £1.50
Places £1.20 £2.00
Exacta £2.00
CSF £3.51
Tricast £16.08
Time 1' 25.2"
Rule 4 10p in £

4:55 Listed Stakes 1m 2f

1st 7 Your Old Pal 13/2
2nd 4 Palavicini 9/2
7 Ran
Distances Head
Fav 6 Spring Of Fame 9/4 (3rd)
Tote
Win £9.70
Places £3.70 £3.10
Exacta £52.00
CSF £36.83
Time 2' 04.91"

5:30 Handicap 1m

1st 5 Photographic 3/1
2nd 1 Shampagne 10/1
7 Ran
Distances 1/2
Fav 3 Ave 11/4 (3rd)
Tote
Win £3.40
Places £2.00 £3.00
Exacta £19.60
CSF £31.69
Time 1' 38.00"