BALLYDOYLE CONTINUES GROUP 1 ROLL

This year has proved an incredibly successful one for Ballydoyle, and 2002 is already looking rosy judged by the current crop of juvenile talent. Johannesburg and Rock Of Gibraltar both cemented their reputations by landing Group 1 events in tremendous style this week.

Johannesburg is something of an old hand in Group 1 company, and the son of Hennessy notched up his third victory at the top level when showing his customary turn of foot to land the Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket. The Breeders Cup Juvenile at Belmont later this month is now a likely end of season target for this dirt bred colt.

Manchester United supremo Sir Alex Ferguson enjoyed his biggest success as an owner when Rock Of Gibraltar relished the rain-softened ground at Longchamp to gain an emphatic verdict in the Grand Criterium. Michael Kinane was again in the saddle as the Danehill colt settled the issue in a matter of strides with an electric burst of speed at the furlong pole.

The ante-post list for the Sagitta 2,000 Guineas makes pleasant reading for the Aidan O`Brien stable, with National Stakes winner Hawk Wing also figuring prominently. The David Loder-trained Dubai Destination, who received 4lb when beating Rock Of Gibraltar by a length at Doncaster, prevents a complete domination by Ballydoyle.

O`Brien continued his preparations for the upcoming Breeders Cup meeting by sending over Black Minnaloushe, Galileo and Mozart to sample the Fibresand surface at Southwell. The work-watchers were impressed by the latter two, but Black Minnaloushe failed to sparkle. However he likes plenty of cover to show his best and, with just two stable-companions to set the pace, it was hardly surprising that he `worked lazily when seeing to much daylight`.

Frankie Dettori took Paris by storm at the weekend, with a Group 2 treble at Longchamp on Saturday eclipsed by a brilliant victory aboard Sakhee in the Prix de l`Arc de Triomphe. The Godolphin four-year-old recorded one of the most emphatic victories of this historic race with a six lengths winning margin over the previously unbeaten Aquarelliste.

Johnny Murtagh enjoyed a memorable day a year ago with a Group 1 treble highlighted by the `Arc` win of Sinndar. However he was on the sidelines this time after injuring his right foot in a fall at the Curragh on Saturday. The former champion required stitches, but expects to be back in action later this week.

Brian Kavanagh was appointed the chief executive of Horse Racing Ireland on Tuesday. The Dublin-born accountant was an obvious choice to head up the new body having proved more than capable previously in the same role at the Turf Club. His experience and enthusiasm will set the HRI on a sound footing.

The abolition of tax in British betting shops from last Saturday will have a big impact on the industry here. The major bookmaker chains are likely to move their telephone and internet business abroad to compete on an equal footing with Britain, and job losses are feared. Any change in the Irish tax rate (currently 5%) will not happen before the Budget in December.

The Irish National Stud continues on the up and up, with the Houghton Sale at Newmarket providing the latest success for the Kildare-based operation. A colt from the first crop of their stallion Desert Prince fetched 2.3 million guineas after a spirited duel between Coolmore and the successful Maktoum family on Wednesday. Ahonoora and Indian Ridge are just two major earners for the Stud in recent years, and Desert Prince`s current fee of 20,000 looks sure to rise.

The Irish racing community lost a friend this week with the passing of Stephen Quirke. He enjoyed success as both an amateur rider and trainer, saddling three Irish classic winners, before joining the Turf Club as an official where he became senior starter in 1991. Quirke (68) continued on a part-time basis with the Turf Club after reaching retirement age. Incidentally Quirke`s former training centre on the Curragh, Mountjoy Lodge, was sold this week for 1 million. Christy Roche, who trains nearby at his Curragh View yard, is believed to be the new buyer.

Thursday 25th October is a date for your diary when a racing quiz will be held at the Silken Thomas pub in Kildare. A team of three can enter for 30 pounds, and the proceeds will go towards the Jockeys` Accident Fund and Drogheda Memorial Fund. Alastair Down is just one of a number of racing celebrities expected on the night, and further details can be had from Weatherbys Ireland in Naas (045-879979).

Alan Magee