Tatts Autumn HIT Sale - live from the ring
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Weblog: Nancy Sexton reports from the ring
Hearts Of Fire: Group 1 winner topped Monday's session of the Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale when selling for 550,000gns PICTURE: Martin Lynch
Day one statistics:
Offered: 295
Sold: 224 (76%)
Aggregate: 4,426,700gns (+19%)
Average: 19,672gns (+23%)
Median: 8,750gns (-13%)
Top five lots
Lot 405; Hearts Of Fire - Pat Eddery's stable star will be campaigned by Qatari interests in the near future after trainer Ibrahim Saeed Al-Malki, sitting with pinhooker Armando Duarte, fights off a host of international interest with a sole winning bid of 550,000gns.
The son of Firebreak was on the market the moment an unidentified bidder standing alongside Dandy Nicholls opened trading at 100,000gns. Brendan Holland of Grove Stud made a brief play for the three-year-old at 120,000gns before Dermot Farrington threw in a single bid at 160,000gns.
Australian Paul Moroney also tried hard to secure the colt, entering the fray at 220,000gns and onlygiving best when bidding went north of 500,000gns. Anthony Stroud was another admirer as was US trainer Ben Cecil, who was hiding on the back stairs.
However, it was Tattersalls marketing manager Jason Singh who provided the strongestcompetition, bidding up to 500,000gns on behalf of Jehan Malherbe of the South African-based Form Bloodstock.
"We were looking for a good horse and he was obviously the best one in the sale," said Al-Malki, who was advised by Duarte and Conrad Allen. "He's been bought for Hassan Ali Abdul Malik and will be based in Qatar for now.
"He might run in Dubai at the carnival before coming back to race in Europe next year -his trainer in Europe is undecided."
The second dearest horse to sell at this sale following Sugar Ray, who cost 600,000gns in 2008, Hearts Of Fire is by another former Tattersalls Autumn star in Firebreak, who sold to John Ferguson for 525,000gns at the 2001 renewal after taking the Mill Reef Stakes.
Lot 375 - Lost In The Moment, an impressive winner at Newbury on Saturday in the colours of Michael Tabor, is likely to be seen nextin action at Dubai Carnival after Anthony Stroud, standing alongside David Loder, gets the better of Paul Nolan at 130,000gns on behalf of an existing client.
The three-year-old son of Danehill Dancer has been largely progressive since being sent handicapping by Jeremy Noseda, winning three of his last five starts. He was also second in the Silver Cambridgeshire.
"He was really our pick of the day,"said Stroud. "He seemed quite reasonable for that sort of price and I think in past years he would have made a bit more. He's a nice, progressive three-year-old and suitable horses for the carnival are short on the ground at the sale this year."
Lot 368 - Richard Frisby, who signed for Al Madina earlier today on behalf of Khalifa bin Shael Alkuwari and Qatari trainer George Mikhalides, is the successful bidder on Marked Card at 54,000gns.
Stats update - With Group 1 winner Hearts Of Fire (405) and impressive Newbury handicap winner Lost In The Moment (375) still to sell tonight, the average is running at 17,572gns for 179 (76%) lots sold. The median is 9,000gns.
John Fretwell offers one of the likely stars of the sale tomorrow in recent Cornwallis Stakes winner Electric Waves (590) but in the meantime he is looking forward to tonight when he sells juvenile Marked Card (368), the winner of his last two starts for Peter Chapple-Hyam.
"The penny took time to drop with him," said Fretwell of the son of Kheleyf, "but he won well at Brighton, which sorted him out, and then very easily at Leicester. But looking at this sale, you'd say there wasa bit of value, so you never know."
Fretwell sold another two-year-old, dual winner Easy Ticket, for 64,000gns to Jim Cassidy and Gordian Troeller earlier today but would have quite happily raced him next year had he not reached his 60,000gns reserve.
"He was lovely horse and I'm sure he'll do well for his new owners," said Fretwell. "In fact, I probably would have taken him to California myself if he hadn't sold - I couldn't sell a horse calledGlowing Praise for 18,000gns here last year so I sent him to Eoin Harty and he ran placed in a couple of Graded stakes.
"The lads who bought Easy Ticket have already bought two stakes winners off me though - Maid For Music and Straffan - and I hope this is the third."
Fretwell also had news of Mill Reef Stakes winner Temple Meads, who was withdrawn from this sale last week. The Ed McMahon-trained son of Avonbridge was last seen finishing down the field inthe Middle Park Stakes when his saddle slipped.
"He's been kept to race and he's definitely something to look forward to - he's special," said Fretwell. "I'm not sure he'll get a mile and if he doesn't, he will be lightly-raced next year because the programme is so limited for three-year-old sprinters. He'll be some four-year-old."
Lot 312 - Galtymore Lad, third in Saturday's Doncaster Stakes, is led out unsold from Mick Channon's yard at 160,000gns.
Lots 262 and 308 - Anthony Stroud lands two high-profile lots within the hour, firstly going to 90,000gns for last season's Horris Hill Stakes winner Carnaby Street from Richard Hannon's yard and then to 110,000gns for Mick Channon's tough handicapper Rileyskeepingfaith.
Lot 259 - Up-and-coming trainer George Baker adds high-class handicapper Martyr to his string after the newly married Angie Loder (nee Sykes) fights off Ed Sackville and Brian Ellison for the five-year-old gelding at 100,000gns.
Baker, who takes over the lease on Whitsbury Manor Stables on January 1, is hopeful that the son of Cape Cross will excel under both codes, saying: "We're looking to raise the quality of horse we have and this is a lovely dual-purpose type. He'll be going hurdling this winter and hopefully might be good enough to go to Cheltenham.
"The long term plan is to try and win some decent prize-money in America with him and he could eventually stay out there with someone like Jonathan Sheppard."
Martyr was a grand and tough servant for Highclere Thoroughbreds and Richard Hannon, winning seven of 22 starts including a competitive 1m6f handicap at Glorious Goodwood earlier this year.
Lot 225 - One of the best bred horses in the catalogue, Tiantai, will take up stud duty abroad after Ed Sackville of Kern/Lillingston comes out at 17,000gns.
The unraced four-year-old, who was offered by Henry Cecil on behalf of the Niarchos family, is by Storm Cat out of champion two-year-old Coup De Genie, herself a half-sister to Machiavellian. He is a half-brother to four winners including champion Denebola and Prix Morny third Loving Kindness while another half-sister, Moonlight's Box, is the dam of Arc heroine Bago, sire of Saturday's Japanese St Leger winner Big Week.
Lot 160 - another pricey buyback as winning two-year-old Weapon Of Choice fails to sell at 72,000gns. David Simcock's youngster broke his maiden in impressive fashion at Goodwood before running fifth in the Listed Silver Tankard Stakes at Pontefract.
Lot 127 - Cambridgeshire Handicap winner Credit Swap is led out unsold at just 28,000gns.
Lot 125 - trainer Joe Murphy retains recent Listed winner Ask Jack for 105,000gns.
Stats update - the average is running at 18,238gns for 53 (62%) sold. As usual, a good number of the lots appear destined for export with at least 23 horses so far knocked down to to overseas buyers.
The 40-strong Ballydoyle consignment kicks off with Great Wisdom (110), a winning son of Rock Of Gibraltar who is knocked down to Berkshire Bloodstock for 14,000gns.
Recent Cork winner Ancient Kingdom was the standout on paper of the first eight to go through but he was led out unsold after bidding stalled at 42,000gns.
Lot 71 - MayHill Stakes runner-up Al Madina is heading to Qatar after Richard Frisby goes to 120,000gns for the two-year-old on behalf of trainer George Mikhalides.
"She has a proper pedigree - it's a family I know as I bought (Group 2 winner) Dancing Action to go to Peru," said Frisby of the daughter of Noverre. "She'll race in Qatar and hopefully she can progress from two to three."
Lot 62 - Cassidy strikes again, this time when fighting off Guy Mulcaster, representing Australian trainer Chris Waller, and Stuart Williams at 200,000gns for the Group 3-placed two-year-old Surrey Star. The Roger Teal-trained colt was a head second to Rerouted in the Somerville Tattersall Stakes on his penultimate start.
"He's been bought for Tom Arndt of Class Racing," said Cassidy of the son of Dubawi. "I didn't think we'd get him for that - he's a lovely horse and I'm very happy to have him.
"There's a chance we might run him in the Generous Stakes at Hollywood Park (Grade 3; November 27). If not, we'll wait until the start of the Santa Anita meet in late December."
Cassidy expectsto have two runners in the Breeders' Cup; Evening Jewel in the Filly and Mare Sprint and The Usual Q T in the Mile.
Lot 26 - Californian trainer Jim Cassidy will be hoping that lightning strikes twice after paying 28,000gns through Gordian Troeller for two-year-old Fifth Dimension, a winner again since the publication of the catalogue.
The daughter of Acclamation was offered by Jamie Osborne, from whom Cassidy and Troeller purchased subsequent Grade 1 winner Ticker Tape at this sale in 2003.
Lot 17 - Several notable faces from the jumping fraternity followed in Ermyn Lodge, a recent winner for trainer Pat Phelan at Ascot, but they couldn't get near him thanks to a large reserve. The four-year-old, who carries the name of his trainer's yard, was led out unsold at 190,000gns.
Lot 11 - Mags O'Toole wins the battle at 70,000gns for Tillahow, a lightly raced son of Tillerman from Joe Murphy's Crampscastle Stables. The three-year-old was last seen in July when taking a 1m4f maiden at Leopardstown by three lengths.
Today's session, the first instalment of the four-day Tattersalls Autumn Horses-in-Training Sale, starts at 9.30am. Despite the large number of withdrawals (128 and counting), Tattersalls expect selling to end no earlier than 9.30pm.
This season's dual Group 1-winning miler Makfi is the most accomplished graduate to emerge from this sale in recent years, famously selling from the Shadwell consignment as an unraced two-year-old at last year's renewal for just 26,000gns. Shadwell entered 61 lots this time around although they have since withdrawn 27 including the classy stayer Akmal and recent winner Waseet.
Tattersalls are expecting the usual international crowd, among them Andreas Schutz and George Moore - representing his father John - from Hong Kong, trainers Jim Cassidy and Doug O'Neill from the US as well as interests from the rest of Europe, Australia, India and the regular faces from Kuwait.
Here is that never ending list of withdrawals:
3, 5, 9, 14, 16, 18, 19, 27, 29, 36, 39, 40, 43, 49, 50, 51, 53, 60, 76, 77, 82, 83, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 98, 100, 105, 106, 113, 116, 117, 121, 123, 128, 129, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 143, 148, 149, 152, 155, 158, 159, 161, 162, 168, 169, 170, 176, 181, 183, 184, 185, 187, 189, 190, 191, 206, 207, 213, 216, 222, 223, 228, 229, 239, 242, 245, 250, 251, 252, 253, 255, 263, 264, 266, 270, 271, 278, 288, 294, 296, 298, 301, 302, 307, 309, 314, 315, 319, 320, 327, 328, 330, 333, 336, 338, 341, 343, 345, 346, 347, 354, 356, 357, 360, 367, 377, 379, 382, 385, 404, 411, 412, 414, 415, 416, 417, 420 and 422.
Possible box-office lots include:
41) Geesala; two-year-old Barathea half-sister to Listed-placed Tomintoul Singer (lot 233) who was successful in the Listed Hilary Needler Trophy for Kevin Ryan earlier this season.
62) Surrey Star; this son of Dubawi cost up-and-coming trainer Roger Teal 32,000gns at the Craven Sale in April, since when he has run a short head second in the Group 3 Somerville Tattersall Stakes (since the publication of the catalogue) and third in the Group 3 Solario Stakes. Probably did too much early on when seventh in Saturday's Horris Hill Stakes.
71) Al Madina; Bryan Smart sends through this daughter of Noverre, who was second to subsequent Fillies Mile winner White Moonstone on her penultimate start in the Group 2 May Hill Stakes.
73) King Of Sydney; a Group 2 winner in Germany last season consigned by Mario Hofer.
74) Kite Hunter; a quarter-length second to Frozen Power in this season's German 2,000 Guineas, also consigned by Mario Hofer.
125) Ask Jack; evergreen six-year-old who recorded a success in the Listed NavigationStakes at Cork last time out.
127) Credit Swap; took his winning tally to six and BHA rating to 93 when taking the Cambridgeshire earlier this month.
145) Ladyanne; tough juvenile from Sylvester Kirk's yard who has run fourth in the Listed Oh So Sharp Stakes since the publication of the catalogue.
194) Dorothy Dene; unraced Red Ransom half-sister to Middle Park Stakes winner Primo Valentino and Dora Carrington.
259) Martyr; tough 105-rated handicapper from Richard Hannon's yard.
312) Galtymore Lad; one of the toughest two-year-olds in training, this colt has won again and run third in the Listed Doncaster Stakes (on Saturday) since the publication of the catalogue.
368) Marked Card; the winner of his last two startsincluding a novice race at Leicester by nearly three lengths.
375) Lost In The Moment; now a triple winner after landing a competitive 1m2f handicap at Newbury on Saturday off 91.
405) Hearts Of Fire; last year's Group 1 Gran Criterium winner who has run several good races in defeat this season, notably when third in the St. James's Palace Stakes.
Winners since the publication of the catalogue:
30) Buaiteoir; 38) King Of Aquitaine; 56) Boundaries;
95) Heartbreak; 111) Ancient Kingdom; 141) First In The Queue; 146) Drawnfromthepast; 160) Weapon Of Choice; 201) Robust Wish; 202) Irons On Fire; 221) Palio Square; 262) Carnaby Street; 306) Ballydonnell Drive; 337) Bakongo; 342) Lombok; 351) Fantastic Strike; 373) Zip Lock; 387) My Kingdom;
406) Hidden Glory.
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Labels: Autumn, Tatts
Tatts Autumn HIT Sale - day 2 live from the ring
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Weblog: Nancy Sexton reports from the ring
Cat Junior: sold to Saudi Arabian interests for 220,000gns during the second session of the Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale PICTURE: Dubai Racing Club/Andrew Watkins
Day two statistics:
Offered: 269
Sold: 235 (87%)
Aggregate: 6,436,400gns (+2%)
Average: 27,389gns (+1%)
Median: 13,000gns (-2%)
Day two top five lots
Lot 768 - The Group 1-placed Cat Junior, who turned in one of his better runs for Brian Meehan when second to Red Jazz in the Challenge Stakes ten days ago, is another high-profile lot destined for Saudi Arabia after selling to Badr Al Hajri - an extravagant bidder - for 220,000gns.
Al Hajri purchased the five-year-old, who owns a pedigree out of the top drawer as a son of Storm Cat andPrix Saint-Alary heroine Luna Wells, on behalf of Prince Sultan bin Mishreh bin Abdulalaziz. He was unable to comment on future plans for the horse.
Lot 737 - Sir Mark Prescott's draft is nearly always a highlight of this sale and this year's batch doesn't disappoint.
Triple handicap winner Comedy Act headed proceedings when bucking his way round the ring en route to selling to Phillip Hobbs for 125,000gns.
He was followed in by the Listed-placed Krypton Factor, the most prolific-winning two-year-old this season with five wins to his name, who falls to Oliver St Lawrence on behalf of Fawzi Nass for 100,000gns.
"He'll join my string at the Dubai Carnival," said Nass, a trainer in Bahrain who also owns Aislabie Stud just outside Newmarket, "and hopefully he will be competitive."
Lot 681 - Saturday's StSimon Stakes fourth Jedi is the standout of a strong draft from Sir Michael Stoute, selling to Anthony Stroud for 215,000gns. Donald McCain was the underbidder.
Like many of Stroud's purchases, the four-year-old gelding is Dubai Carnival-bound on behalf of an undisclosed client.
"He has the right credentials and rating (revised from 97 to 102) to go to Dubai," said Stroud.
Jedi's vendor Philip Newton, who sold Sugar Ray for an auction record of 600,000gns at this sale in 2008, valued his gelding at around 200,000gns and as a result was pleased with the price.
"I always sell my colts and geldings as four-year-olds," he said, "and I don't liketo deviate from that. Even if Jedi had finished closer on Saturday, I would have still sold him because I think it is important that the market knows what you are going to do."
Newton bred Jedi out of his Listed-placed Threefold.The daughter of Gulch as been an excellent servant for the breeder, producing four stakes runners from as many runners including Park Hill Stakes winner Hi Calypso and the Listed-placed Ship's Biscuit, who stays in training next year.
Another from the Stoute draft, classy three-year-old handicapper London Stripe (688), is heading to Australia after agent Geoffrey Faber - also a former Racing Post Newmarket correspondent - gets the final say at 130,000gns.
"We were looking for a three-year-old staying type and he was one of the few that fitted the bill here," said Faber, acting on behalf of an undisclosed Melbourne-based client. "He could have a run in Australia during theautumn."
The son of Rock Of Gibraltar won twice for Stoute and was offered with a BHA rating of 95.
Lot 653 - Group 3-placed Leo Gali, a daughter of Galileo consigned by David Wachman's Longfield Stables, is retained by Bolt Bloodstock for 190,000gns.
Lot 648; Table Mountain - one of the most eagerly anticipated lots of the day lives up to his billing, selling to Sublimity's trainer,Robbie Hennessy, for 200,000gns.
Early exchanges rested between Paul Webber and eventual underbidder Charlie Swan. However, neither of them were able to match Hennessy, who plans to send his new charge juvenile hurdling.
"We'll bring him home and geld him as soon as possible," said Hennessy. "He's for my father who told me to try and find a Triumph Hurdle type of horse."
Table Mountain has made giant strides for Aidan O'Brienin recent weeks, winning two races at Navan, including a 1m5f handicap off 86, and running placed in his other two starts.
Lot 641 - Andrew Tinkler retains his Listed-placed Dubawi Gold for 130,000gns through Richard Venn. The son of Dubawi was last seen finishing down the field in Saturday's Racing Post Trophy.
Lot 640 - Australian agent Paul Moroney adds to his growing band of acquisitions when going to 155,000gns for the Listed-placed Kaptain Kirkup. Michael Dods offered the son of Captain Rio on behalf of owner Kevin Kirkup.
The upcoming draft from Ballydoyle Stables features several high-class prospects including two former sale-toppers (Fighting Brave; $2 million, Saratoga 2008) and Tom Sawyer (£200,000, DBS St Leger 2009) and well as the progressive Table Mountain, a son of Milan who has won two of his four starts.
Lot 613 - Guy Mulcaster is successful on behalf of Sydney trainer Chris Waller in his pursuit of Leicester maiden winner Marden at 190,000gns. Brian Meehan sent through the brother to Lost In The Moment, a 130,000gns purchase by Anthony Stroud yesterday.
Lot 590; Electric Waves - Saudi Arabian owners make their first big foray into this week's market with the purchase of recent Cornwallis Stakes winner Electric Waves for 200,000gns. Northern Ireland-based agent Bertie Butler, acting on behalf of trainer Naif Alatawi, had the final say over Jim Cassidy at 200,000gns for the daughter of Exceed And Excel, who was offered by Ed McMahon's Horsley Brook Farm on behalf of owner John Fretwell.
"We'll look to go for the UAE Guineas with her which hopefully she can win," said Butler. "She's a lovely looking filly with a pedigree and she will be bred from eventually."
Electric Waves was purchased for a bargain £8,500 as a yearling by Fretwell, who was understandably delighted with the price.
He said: "I placed a sensible reserve on her and I thought that was a decent price in the current market. I hope she does well for her new owners."
Lot 583 - Tony Martin secures an exciting dual-purpose prospect in the form of Buy Back Bob, a winner at Dundalk and Navan this season for Ger Lyons whochanges hands for 140,000gns. The three-year-old gelding is from the first crop of new Irish National Stud resident Big Bad Bob.
"I've bought him as a dual-purpose horse for Patsy Byrne who has Salute Him with me," said Martin. "That horse has done us proud and we hoped to find another one like him. Hopefully this horse can do the job."
Lot 545 - An Aussie head to head on two-year-old Kelinni, trained by Amanda Perrett towin at Wolverhampton, goes the way of Guy Mulcaster after Chris Waller's representative fights off Paul Moroney at 80,000gns. Jamie Lloyd also made a play for the son of Refuse To Bend.
Lots 528 and 529 - International interest continues to sustain this sale as shown by these two Barry Hills-trained juveniles who are heading to opposite sides of the world.
California-based agent Jamie Lloyd and Boomer Bloodstock make their third purchase of the sale when paying 50,000gns for Ayr winner Diamond Geezah. The colt was also sixth in the DBS Premier Yearling Stakes and most recently filled minor honours at a distance behind Frankel in a Doncaster conditions race.
He was followed into the ring by recent Windsor winner Escholido, who was snapped up for 55,000gns by Australian agent Guy Mulcaster on behalf of Sydney trainer Chris Waller.
Lot 524 - Second high-priced buybackof the day when John McCormack bids 90,000gns on behalf of owner John Grant to retain talented three-year-old handicapper Swilly Ferry.
Ballydoyle have withdrawn nine of their 14-strong second consignment but one star, Don Carlos (485), is allowed to take his turn in the ring and goes on to sell for 210,000gns to Australian agent Paul Moroney.
Last season's Criterium de Saint-Cloud fourth has won at Navan since the publication of the catalogue and will be now campaigned in Australia, according to Moroney.
"He'll be joining my brother, Mike, in Flemington," he said. "This is a high quality horse. He missed a lot of the season with a pulled muscle but has put together two reasonable performances recently."
Mike Moroney won the 2000 Melbourne Cup with Brew but Don Carlos is not guaranteed to attempt to follow suit.
"He might not necessarily be a Melbourne Cup horse. Looking at him, he could be something for the Cox Plate.
"We came here looking for a Group 1 horse and bid 450,000gns for Hearts Of Fire yesterday."
Several lots later, Mags O'Toole went to 82,000gns for the final one from the draft, dual winner Maxim Gorky (494).
Lot 456 - Recent Sirenia Stakes runner-up Reckless Reward looked likely to head the second batch of Richard Hannon's horses when knocked down to Bobby O'Ryan for 135,000gns. However, a tight-lipped O'Ryan was unable to comment on the transaction and it later transpires that the son of Choisir was retained.
O'Ryan also went to 52,000gns for Hannon's fast winning two-year-old Cadeaux Pearl (450) on behalf of Dandy Nicholls. Windsor winner Diamond Green (451), meanwhile, is heading to California after being snapped up by Jim Cassidy for 24,000gns.
Selling starts at 9.30am and is expected to end at around 9pm.
Today's withdrawals:
432, 433, 444, 452, 453, 457, 458, 460, 463, 464, 477, 479, 481, 482, 483, 484, 486, 487, 488, 489, 492, 495, 497, 499, 502, 503, 508, 510, 513, 532, 533, 536, 539, 542, 546, 551, 563, 565, 571, 576, 578, 579, 584, 585, 587, 588, 589, 594, 595, 599, 602, 606, 609, 610, 614, 620, 622, 623, 624, 628, 630, 631, 634, 645, 649, 652, 664, 666, 667, 669, 670, 671, 672, 676, 678, 684, 710, 713, 714, 715, 716, 718, 720, 722, 725, 726, 727, 729, 730, 743, 744, 746, 747, 749, 752, 755, 760, 761, 762, 770, 774, 775, 776, 778, 779, 780, 782, 783, 784, 785, 788, 794, 797, 803, 805, 808, 809, 810, 811, 813, 823, 824, 826 and 827.
There is also an extra lot: Scottish Boogie (599A)
Possible box-office lots include:
456) Reckless Reward; Norfolk Stakes runner-up who was second to Hooray in the Group 3 Sirenia Stakes last time out.
485) Don Carlos; last year's Criterium de Saint-Cloud fourth has won at Navan since the publication of the catalogue.
558) Sir Gerry; former Gimcrack Stakes winner who returned to form when running second to Delegator in the Listed Dubai Duty Free Cup last month.
582) Rain Delayed; Listed winner who is the highest-rated sprinter catalogued on 108.
590) Electric Waves; John Fretwell's daughter of Exceed And Excel supplemented her success in the Listed St Hugh's Stakes by taking the Group 3 Cornwallis Stakes last time out.
597) Foghorn Leghorn; wasn't disgraced when fifth in the Middle Park Stakes and has earned a ratings hike from 90 to 105 as a result.
613) Marden; brother to Lost In The Moment, a 130,000gns purchase yesterday by Anthony Stroud, who won his second start by three-and-a-half lengths.
632) Spoken; cosy winner of his most recent start, a 1m2f handicap at Newmarket for Roger Charlton.
641) Dubawi Gold; an also-ran in Saturday's Racing Post Trophy, this colt - a 160,000gns breeze-up purchase by Dwayne Woods on behalf of Andrew Tinkler - was an impressive winner of an Ascot conditions race earlier this month.
648) Table Mountain; this son of Milan has won two of four starts and has a future under both codes judging by the way he landed his most recent start, a 1m5f handicap at Navan.
680) Kingdom Of Fife; Zetland Gold Cup winner and also Group 3-placed
681) Jedi; Listed-placed dual winner who wasn't disgraced when fourth in Saturday's Group 3 St Simon Stakes.
682) Saptapadi; brother to high-class stayer Patkai who is talented in his own right as placed efforts in the Group 2 Henry II and Geoffrey Freer Stakes show.
734) Fortuni; high-class handicapper from Sir Mark Prescott's yard.
748) Krypton Factor; a multiple-winning two-year-old who was third in the Listed Ripon Two-year-old Trophy last time out.
768) Cat Junior; Group 3-winning and Group 1-placed son of Storm Cat and Prix Saint-Alary winner Luna Wells who ran second in the Group 2 Challenge Stakes earlier this month.
Winners since the publication of the catalogue:
441) Lethal Glaze; 459) Daddy's Gift;467) Plea; 493) Aerodynamic; 514) Captain Dancer; 518) Danehill Sunset; 521) Gunner Lindley; 522) Music Maestro; 527) Capaill Liath; 529) Escholido; 531) West Leake Bridge; 538) Dubai Crest; 552) Reachtothestars; 563) Al Farahidi; 642) Key Largo;
643) Battleoftrafalgar; 656) Oriental Cat; 657) Space War;
731) Diamond Duchess; 740) King's Realm; 777) Conducting; 796) Bondage; 802) Wulfrida; 819) Egmarey
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Labels: Autumn, Tatts
McGeady set for Spartak move
09 Aug 2010 - 07:50:16
Celtic manager Neil Lennon expects winger Aiden McGeady to complete his move to Spartak Moscow in the next few days.
The 24-year-old Republic of Ireland international has sat out the Bhoys' pre-season campaign, having already visited Russia to talk terms and take a look at Spartak's facilities.
Lennon said after a 2-1 friendly loss to Blackburn Rovers: "He was in yesterday and more or less said his goodbyes really, so we'll see how that develops over the next one or two days. I would probably think it will be Moscow.
"He's going to go to Moscow in the next few days and get the deal finalised and that will be a relief in terms of putting the deal to bed because the sooner it's done the better.
"I won't be relieved at Aiden going because I'll be losing my best player and nobody wants to do that, but we feel it's good money for a top player.
"Having spoken to him he seemed a lot more settled. He said he liked what he saw.
"I'd like to think the way he was talking, this is the club he will go to unless something happens last minute."
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Labels: McGeady, Spartak
Lennon upbeat after Euro flop
05 Aug 2010 - 08:08:40
Manager Neil Lennon refused to be too downcast despite seeing Celtic slip out of the Champions League at the first hurdle.
The Bhoys faced a mountain against Sporting Braga after losing the first leg of their Champions League third qualifying round 3-0 in Portugal and they were unable to turn things around, winning 2-1 on the night but losing 4-2 on aggregate.
Lennon commented after his side's exit: "Overall I'm delighted with the performance and intensity and all the things you ask for - commitment and passion.
"The pace we played at and the passing was very pleasing.
"At half-time we just asked them to win the game and I thought we deserved to win.
"But we keep conceding soft goals. I'm learning from it and hopefully the players are learning."
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Celtic seek clarification
26 Oct 2010 - 14:30:26
Neil Lennon has confirmed that Celtic have written to the Scottish Football Association for the second week in a row seeking clarification on a refereeing decision.The Hoops boss was incensed that Old Firm debutant referee Willie Collum awarded Rangers a penalty at Parkhead on Sunday when defender Daniel Majstorovic clashed with Kirk Broadfoot.Kenny Miller scored from the spot to give the Light Blues a 3-1 win in what was Celtic's first Clydesdale Bank Premier League defeat of the season.Lennon was similarly puzzled last week in the game against Dundee United at Tannadice when referee Dougie McDonald rescinded a penalty award for Celtic when the game was balanced at 1-1, although the visitors went on to win 2-1.The former Parkhead skipper, speaking ahead of Wednesday night's Co-operative Insurance Cup quarter-final tie with St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park, said: "There has been correspondence. We are asking for clarification on the (penalty) decision."We want to see the referee's report and we want clarification on last week's decision as well. It's not sour grapes, we just want an explanation for what we feel are strange decisions going against us."
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Labels: Celtic, clarification
Kayal told he needs surgery
07 Oct 2010 - 14:38:17
Israeli midfielder Baram Kayal has confirmed that he will play no football until December at the earliest after being told he requires a hernia operation.
Kayal has not featured in Celtic's first team since last month's victory at Kilmarnock, but will now endure surgery for the second time this year, having been sidelined for several months when he was still with Maccabi Haifa.
The 22-year-old told Walla Sports: "There is no escaping that I need surgery. I hope to be fit as soon as possible and I am looking forward to my return.
"The manager told me he needed me in the second half of the season and that he prefers if I rest."
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Labels: Kayal, needs, surgery
Bhoys could step up Shittu interest
03 Sep 2010 - 11:14:13
Celtic manager Neil Lennon could attempt to bring Danny Shittu to Parkhead after the Nigeria international was released by Bolton Wanderers earlier this week.
The 30-year-old played in all three of the Super Eagles' World Cup group games in South Africa but fell out of favour with former boss Gary Megson at the Reebok Stadium while current manager Owen Coyle also failed to select him.
He started only 11 matches for the club following his arrival from Watford, with the last coming in May 2009.
Meanwhile, Georgios Samaras is pleased with his decision to stay at Celtic despite reported interest in his services from Palermo, Espanyol, Hercules and Newcastle United.
The former Manchester City forward said: "I would love to play and stay at Celtic rather than go to a club in Italy or Germany to fight for tenth or 11th position.
"When you finish the season, you have done nothing apart from winning enough games to stay in the middle of the table. That is the reason why Celtic are a great club.
"That's important for us to understand as players and a team and hopefully we can make something good this year."
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Labels: Bhoys, could, interest, Shittu
Lennon down on decisions
24 Oct 2010 - 18:01:35
Neil Lennon claimed Old Firm rookie referee Willie Collum let him down on two crucial decisions during Sunday`s 3-1 defeat to Rangers at Parkhead.In the lead-up to the match the Hoops boss appealed for 31-year-old Collum, making his debut in the fixture, to get the big decisions right.But the former Celtic skipper claimed Ibrox midfielder Lee McCulloch, booked early in the game, should have walked after preventing Georgios Samaras going through on goal with the game goalless in the first half.And the Irishman thought it was also a wrong decision to award Rangers a penalty after Celtic stopper Daniel Majstorovic clashed with substitute Kirk Broadfoot."I think he got a couple of big decisions wrong," Lennon said. "He has got a lot of questions to answer and I want to know why McCulloch was still on the pitch, it was blatant obstruction when we were breaking. It was a second yellow and they should have been down to 10 men in the second half."And I feel let down on the penalty incident for sure. It's a big decision. I have seen a replay of the penalty and it looked soft. I'm not sure he saw it and I'm not sure why he has given it. At 2-1 we were still in the game, at 3-1 it is very difficult for us."
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Labels: decisions, Lennon
Kayal sweating over test results
06 Oct 2010 - 14:18:30
Celtic midfielder Baram Kayal is keeping his fingers crossed as he waits to find out whether his groin injury will keep him out until January.
The summer signing from Maccabi Haifa has been out of action since September 19 and, after travelling to England for tests, he is yet to receive confirmation of the severity of his problem.
"I was told either I would have an injection and then be out for a month, or have an operation, but then it would mean three months out," he said.
"I flew to Manchester (on Tuesday) to get another opinion. What happens to me in the end depends on the medical staff at Celtic.
"Since I learned about the injury I haven't slept at night. I did have a scan before, but it didn't account for errors and perhaps it was not done in the right place."
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Labels: Kayal, results, sweating
Samaras in the clear
25 Oct 2010 - 17:13:53
Celtic striker Georgios Samaras will not be punished by the Scottish Football Association following an incident with Allan McGregor in Sunday's Old Firm derby.
There was speculation Samaras could be in trouble after appearing to clash with the Rangers goalkeeper during the match at Celtic Park. McGregor, himself, was recently given a retrospective ban for aiming a kick at Aberdeen's Chris Maguire.
However, the incident with Samaras was deemed not to be violent conduct as the laws of the game state: "A player is guilty of violent conduct if he uses excessive force or brutality against an opponent when not challenging for the ball."
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Labels: clear, Samaras
Forget Sunday - a semi-final place is up for grabs
26 Oct 2010 - 06:46:17
Ki Sung-yeung wants to look ahead not back According to midfielder Ki Sung-yeung, Celtic must forget the pain of the 3-1 loss to Rangers and look ahead to Wednesday's Co-operative Insurance Cup quarter-final against St Johnstone in Perth. With a league cup semi-final place up for grabs on tomorrow night, Ki is putting events at Parkhead behind him and looking ahead to McDiarmid Park in Perth. Ki said: "I feel very disappointed because we scored the first goal, but gave them three goals in 20 minutes in the second half. We suffered because of a lack of concentration and we made mistakes. But the game has gone now and we have to concentrate on our next game against St Johnstone." Much was made in the build up to the fixture of Celtic's inexperience in the feisty local derby, with six players - including Ki - making their debut in the fixture. South Korea midfielder Ki is determined to learn from and improve upon his performance in the Old Firm derby. He said: "The new players who have not played in the derby can learn from this experience. Then, when we play in the next game, we will be more helpful to the older and more experienced players who played yesterday. I just want to be helpful to the team and try to improve myself as a player. I just try to follow instructions and adapt to Scottish football and that means that I have to get stronger physically, mentally and technically and I have also tried to move the ball faster - these are things I have tried to improve. In training I try to tackle more and defensively I try to work hard. In the gym I am working to get fitter and stronger, while working on my technical skills. If I keep improving and if I keep playing maybe I can show more of these qualities." Meanwhile, Bhoys striker Georgios Samaras will not be punished by the SFA following an incident with Allan McGregor in the game. There was speculation Samaras could be in trouble after appearing to clash with the Rangers goalkeeper during the game. McGregor, himself, was recently given a retrospective ban for aiming a kick at Aberdeen's Chris Maguire. However, the incident with Samaras was deemed not to be violent conduct. The laws of the game state: "A player is guilty of violent conduct if he uses excessive force or brutality against an opponent when not challenging for the ball."
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Labels: Forget, grabs, place, semifinal, Sunday
Not a league decider
23 Oct 2010 - 12:18:18
While the game is important, Sunday's meeting with Rangers is just one more game to Daniel Majstorovic Daniel Majstorovic has played down the significance of Sunday's game against Rangers. The old rivals head into the game with 100% records in the league so something has to give tomorrow. Neil Lennon has yet to lose a league game since taking over from Tony Mowbray in March while the Ibrox men are unbeaten in three competitions this season, including three games in the Champions League. However, the Sweden international defender, who will be one of up to nine Celtic players making their Old Firm debut, said: "I don't think this game will decide anything in the league. It will be a psychological boost but I don't think it will change too much. But, of course, if you win the game you are three points ahead and that's always good. It's always important to win your home games, especially the derbies. We are playing against a very good Rangers team, who have had a very good run in the Champions League as well as in the SPL. We have quality, they have quality, so it will be tough." The former AEK Athens defender, who has been stand-in skipper this season, insists he has no problem about Lennon's decision to give the captaincy to Shaun Maloney in the absence of injured Scott Brown. He said: "The manager doesn't need to explain anything. He chose Shaun and I think it was the right choice. He has been at the club a long time, so I am happy for him but more sad that Scott is injured. As I said before, you need to have 11 captains - it doesn't matter if you have the armband or not. And I believe there is enough leadership in the team at the moment. We have had a very good run in the league and we are in a good way."
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Labels: decider, league
Drinkell: Refs are only human
25 Oct 2010 - 17:14:03
Kevin Drinkell insists the players - rather than the referees - should be making the headlines after the match official found himself under the spotlight following Sunday's Old Firm derby.
Celtic manager Neil Lennon hit out at Willie Collum for awarding Rangers a dubious penalty during the clash at Parkhead, a week after criticising a decision to rescind a spot-kick for his team against Dundee United.
Drinkell said: "Sometimes things get blown out of all proportion but generally we all like it if it's the players who decide the result rather than anybody from the outside."
The Hoops boss also claimed Lee McCulloch should have been sent-off in a match his side lost 3-1, as the Scottish champions moved three points clear at the top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.
Drinkell admits Lennon may have been right over the penalty call, awarded after Kirk Broadfoot went to ground under minimal contact from Daniel Majstorovic.
But the former Rangers striker pointed out that referees are only human and the best way to eradicate such incidents is the introduction of video technology.
He added: "The unfortunate thing about it is that the technology could be there to pinpoint and isolate different incidents during a game - the referee can only make a decision on what he sees.
"The result says that, if Rangers hadn't got the penalty, they would still have won 2-1.
"But it can change the psyche of players, once the goal went in Celtic would maybe have found it too much to come back from.
"In terms of the penalty itself, it was a bit harsh in that he has maybe made a decision when he's not seen the whole part of the incident."
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Labels: Drinkell, human
Samaras: I was never leaving
02 Sep 2010 - 15:30:43
Celtic striker Georgios Samaras has admitted he had no desire to leave the club before the transfer window deadline on Tuesday.
The Greece international was heavily linked with a move away from Glasgow, but he wants to help the Bhoys grab domestic honours this term.
"I would love to play and stay at Celtic rather than go to a club in Italy or Germany to fight for 10th or 11th position." he said.
"When you finish the season, you have done nothing apart from winning enough games to stay in the middle of the table.
"That is the reason why Celtic are a great club, as you can be in the history. That's important for us to understand as players and a team, and hopefully we can make something good this year.
"I am away from my country, family and friends and everyone but I just feel really well here.
"I like the city. It's hard to explain. I really like being here. To be honest, I have a lot of friends here in Glasgow and there are people who speak the same language as me as well.
"I feel comfortable here. That's the reason that the world of rumours of changing clubs never passed through my mind, because that is negative and I want to stay here."
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Labels: leaving, never, Samaras
Brown could be sidelined for ten weeks
13 Oct 2010 - 16:13:11
Celtic captain Scott Brown may not play again until the festive period because of a metatarsal injury.
It had previously been estimated that the 25-year-old former Hibernian midfielder would only be sidelined for six weeks.
However, a brief statement on the Bhoys' official website read: "Following a visit to see a specialist, it has been confirmed that Scott Brown will not require surgery on his injury.
"The Celtic captain has suffered a stress reaction in the third metatarsal on his right foot. However, with the extra rehabilitation work required, the midfielder is likely to be out for between eight to ten weeks.
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Labels: Brown, could, sidelined, weeks
Brown injury blow for Scotland
06 Oct 2010 - 09:47:05
Celtic midfielder Scott Brown will miss Scotland's Euro 2012 qualifier against Czech Republic with an ankle injury.
Brown is still troubled by a problem which required two rounds of surgery last season and is not in contention for the first game of an international double header on Friday evening.
The midfielder's injury absence is the latest blow for Scotland manager Craig Levein with the likes of Lee McCulloch, Kevin Thomson and Paul Hartley also absent and Barry Ferguson's recent decision not to come out of international retirement.
However, Levein hopes to have the Celtic captain available for next Tuesday's qualifier against world and European champions Spain.
Speaking about his injury problems, Brown recently explained: "I am not sure what it is but it's sore.
"I get it strapped up and it doesn't bother me on the park. It is just after the games are finished.
"Playing for Scotland means a lot to mean. Every cap could be my last one so I have to go out and make sure I am fully committed.
"We're missing a few experienced midfielders so it is not ideal if I am out as well."
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Labels: Brown, injury, Scotland
Keeper Forster wants Celtic stay
06 Oct 2010 - 13:59:39
On-loan Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster has admitted it would be a wrench to return to parent club Newcastle United in January.
The youngster could make a return to the Premier League club with first-choice shot-stopper Steve Harper out injured with a shoulder problem.
Although Dutchman Tim Krul is deputising, the Magpies appear to be light on reinforcements.
But Forster believes it would be in his best interests to remain in Glasgow.
"It's pointless worrying. Football can change in 24 hours but hopefully I can stay. I would be a bit gutted to go back," he said.
"It depends on the circumstances if I go back to play then. Obviously, I am Newcastle's keeper and it is up to them.
"But I want to play week in, week out and sitting on a bench is not something I want. The only way I will progress in my career is if I am out playing in front of big crowds.
"I knew with being in Scotland I couldn't be called back right away when Harps got injured. That is fine by me as I want to be here playing for a massive club. I am exactly where I want to be."
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Labels: Celtic, Forster, Keeper, wants
Celtic lose out
24 Oct 2010 - 17:54:59
100% record goes after being ahead Kenny Miller scored a dramatic second-half double as Rangers came from behind to win the first Old Firm game of the season. They now sit three points clear at the top of the SPL. Gary Hooper's opener just before half-time was cancelled out three minutes into the second half when Glenn Loovens put through his own net as he tried to clear a Kyle Lafferty header. Miller then fired the visitors ahead with a volley in the 55th minute before netting from the spot 10 minutes later after referee Willie Collum had pointed to the spot when Daniel Majstorovic had fouled Light Blues' substitute Kirk Broadfoot inside the box. While there was no difference between the teams in points going in the game there was a huge difference in their respective experience of Old Firm games. Celtic, starting with the same side which beat Dundee United at Tannadice last week, had six players making their debut in the fixture. Rangers manager Walter Smith, who started the game watching from the stand, made two changes to the side that drew 1-1 with Valencia at Ibrox in the Champions League in midweek. Midfielder Lee McCulloch returned after injury and Lafferty also came in as Richard Foster and Vladimir Weiss dropped out. All eyes were on referee Collum and it took him only 70 seconds to produce a yellow card for Anthony Stokes, for a crunching challenge on Ibrox defender Sasa Papac. Then, after Steven Whittaker had powered a 20-yard shot off the base of the post, and Steven Naismith had his drive from the rebound blocked, McCulloch was booked for a foul on left back Emilio Izaguirre. In the midst of the initial madness, with bodies falling to the ground all over the pitch, Rangers midfielder Steven Davis tested 'keeper Fraser Foster with an effort from 20 yards. Celtic lost captain Shaun Maloney in the 14th minute with concussion after a clash of heads with Naismith, to be replaced with another Old Firm debutant, Efrain Juarez. On the half-hour mark Davis had another shot, this time on the turn from 16 yards and again Forster dealt with it easily before Izaguirre fired over from the distance at the other end. In the 33rd minute, when McCulloch brought Georgios Samaras tumbling to the ground 30 yards out, the Ibrox bench and supporters held their breath lest Collum reached for another yellow card for the midfielder. However, the referee showed leniency and Ibrox keeper Allan McGregor made a decent save from Ki Sung-yong's free-kick. Just before the interval Ki's corner from the left came off the head of Whittaker and headed for Hooper. The former Scunthorpe striker quickly brought the ball under control and hammered it past Davis, who was guarding the far post. Broadfoot replaced Papac at the break and within three minutes the visitors drew level with the help of Lafferty, who had been sandwiched to win a free-kick. Davis floated the ball in and his Northern Ireland team-mate headed towards goal, with Loovens only helping it in as he tried to clear. The home side were the architects of their own downfall again in the 55th minute when Miller dramatically put Rangers ahead. Forster made a mess of a routine clearance and Naismith quickly tried to put Maurice Edu through with Miller looking to be in an offside position. However, when the ball broke to the former Hoops' striker 16 yards out, he buried his volley low past Forster. More drama arrived in the 65th minute when Collum awarded a penalty to Rangers after Majstorovic brought down Broadfoot in the box, although contact seemed minimal. After the referee brushed aside Celtic complaints Miller drove the spot-kick in off the post. The home side men fought to get a foothold back in the game and McGregor made good saves from Ki and Joe Ledley - but Rangers were happy to see the game out.Celtic: Forster, Izaguirre, Majstorovic, Wilson, Loovens, Ledley, Ki Sung-Yeung, Samaras, Stokes (McCourt 68), Maloney (Juarez 14), HooperSubs not used: Zaluska, Cha Du-Ri, Towell, Twardzik, McGinnBooked: Stokes, Ki Sung-Yeug, SamarasGoal: HooperRangers: McGregor, Weir, Papac (Broadfoot 46), Whittaker, Bougherra, McCulloch, Edu, Davis, Miller (Weiss 79), Lafferty (Beattie 89), NaismithSubs not used: Alexander, Foster, Fleck, HuttonBooked: Bougherra, McCulloch Gals: Loovens (OG) Miller (two)Attendance: 58.874Referee: Collum
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Labels: Celtic
Lennon shares credit for Bhoys award
02 Oct 2010 - 12:26:10
Celtic's Neil Lennon shared the credit around after being named as the SPL Manager of the Month for September.
The Bhoys have won all six of their league games to date, including three out of three last month.
Lennon told the club's official website: "I'm pleased, but it's a reflection on the work that not just myself, but my backroom staff have done.
"It's also a reflection on the players as well, on their efforts so far. We've got good players and everyone has made a contribution in a positive way.
"There have been no players who have let us down, not just the players who were already in the squad, but also the ones who've come in. We're very pleased with their contribution so far."
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Labels: award, Bhoys, credit, Lennon, shares
Ki defiant after Old Firm setback
26 Oct 2010 - 18:00:28
Ki Sung-yueng believes Rangers are not any better than Celtic despite the Hoops going down 3-1 to their Old Firm rivals in their first meeting of the season at Parkhead on Sunday.
Both teams went into the match with 100% records in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League but it was the visitors who drew first blood to take them three points clear at the top but the South Korea midfielder believes Celtic were the architects of their own downfall and claims they can make up for the disappointment when they travel to Ibrox on January 2.
"The atmosphere was amazing. I had never felt anything like it before, it was a very good experience," he said.
"We scored the first goal and then for 15 minutes in the second half there was a lack of concentration.
"But I don't think that they are better than us. We just made some mistakes and it was unfortunate that we lost because of mistakes.
"It was the first Old Firm experience for some of our players and so maybe when we go to Ibrox the next time we will be stronger.
"If we play the way we played in the eight games before Sunday and we don't panic when we go there, I think we can win."
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Labels: after, defiant, setback
Rangers game not decisive - Majstorovic
23 Oct 2010 - 16:31:39
Celtic defender Daniel Majstorovic has played down the significance of Sunday's Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Old Firm rivals Rangers at Parkhead.Hoops boss Neil Lennon has yet to lose a league game since taking over from Tony Mowbray in March, while the Ibrox men are unbeaten in three competitions this season, including three games in the Champions League.However, the Sweden international, who will be one of several Celtic players making their Old Firm debut, said: "I don't think this game will decide anything in the league. It will be a psychological boost but I don't think it will change too much."But, of course, if you win the game you are three points ahead and that's always good."We are playing against a very good Rangers side, who have had a very good run in the Champions League as well as in the SPL. We have quality, they have quality, so it will be tough."
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Labels: decisive, Majstorovic, Rangers
Lennon hopes officials stay
26 Oct 2010 - 17:30:35
Neil Lennon hopes Steven Craven is not the first of many officials to walk away from the game amid the current climate of inference and innuendo which also saw Old Firm referee Willie Collum receive threats following Sunday's Glasgow derby at Parkhead.
The news on Tuesday morning that Collum had answered a number of threatening phone-calls at his Lanarkshire home afterwards came the day after assistant referee Craven resigned after being caught up, along with referee Dougie McDonald, in a furore over a decision to deny Celtic a penalty at Dundee United last week.
"I'm sorry to hear that the linesman resigned and we are still waiting to hear the reasons why," he said.
"I don't want to see anybody losing their job. They do it for the love of the game for a start.
"Every season seems to bring an increasing amount of pressure, not just on referees, but on managers and players because of the spotlight they are under.
"I don't want to see them (officials) walking away from the game when they have worked so hard to get in to that position. But all we want is the big decisions to be called right.
"I think we have a decent relationship with the SFA but if you get an incident like last week, very high profile and controversial, we are within our rights to ask questions as to what went wrong and why the decision was changed. That's all.
"I was asked a question about the penalty decision on Sunday and I gave an honest answer.
"I think the majority of people would have agreed with me that it shouldn't' have been a penalty. Maybe (the relationship with the SFA will become frosty) but all we are looking for is clarification."
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Labels: hopes, Lennon, officials
Stokes hopes for long Bhoys stay
01 Sep 2010 - 12:33:41
Anthony Stokes is hoping to establish himself in the Celtic first team after completing his transfer from Hibernian to Parkhead on a four-year contract.
Despite only being 22, Stokes has already played for Arsenal, Falkirk, Sunderland, Sheffield United, Crystal Palace and Hibs and accepts it is now time for him to settle down.
He told his new club's official website: "I'm delighted to get the deal all done and dusted. The last few days have been hectic and I'm now looking forward to getting into it and playing games.
"I'm hoping I can get one or two contracts here and really settle down for a long time because I'm enjoying myself in Scotland and the people up here are great, so for me it couldn't have been a better move.
"It's hard to settle when you're going to clubs on loan for two or three months at a time. It's hard to get into your stride and into your football so a few years here will give me some stability and something to focus on.
"The main thing for me is to keep my head down, work my socks off and get myself into the team and I'm sure the goals will take care of themselves after that."
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Labels: Bhoys, hopes, Stokes
Celtic V Rangers - Follow LIVE text commentary
24 Oct 2010 - 12:45:00
Celtic V Rangers
Follow every kick as Celtic take on Rangers in the Scottish Premier
on 24-Oct-2010, kick off time 12:45
Celtic v Rangers Live
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Labels: Celtic, commentary, Follow, Rangers
Celtic's Brown faces six-week lay-off
08 Oct 2010 - 14:52:05
Celtic have revealed that Scott Brown will be sidelined until at least the end of November with a broken metatarsal.
The 25-year-old former Hibernian midfielder was forced to withdraw from the Scotland squad earlier this week with the problem.
The Bhoys confirmed in a statement on their official website: "Following scans, it has been found that Scott has suffered a stress reaction in the third metatarsal on his right foot.
"Investigations are ongoing but it is likely that Scott will, unfortunately, be out for a period of six weeks.
"However, this could potentially be longer, though the club will only know after Scott sees a specialist next Tuesday."
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Labels: Brown, Celtics, faces, layoff, sixweek
Samaras in clear over McGregor incident
25 Oct 2010 - 15:37:56
Celtic striker Georgios Samaras will not be punished by the Scottish Football Association following an incident with Allan McGregor in Sunday's Old Firm derby.There was speculation Samaras could be in trouble after appearing to clash with the Rangers goalkeeper during the match at Celtic Park.McGregor, himself, was recently given a retrospective ban for aiming a kick at Aberdeen's Chris Maguire.However, the incident with Samaras was deemed not to be violent conduct.The laws of the game state: "A player is guilty of violent conduct if he uses excessive force or brutality against an opponent when not challenging for the ball."
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Labels: clear, incident, McGregor, Samaras
Referee targeted after Old Firm clash
26 Oct 2010 - 10:07:32
Old Firm referee Willie Collum received a number of threatening phone calls following Sunday's Glasgow derby at Parkhead, the Scottish Football Association have confirmed.The 31-year-old made his debut in the fixture and was criticised by Celtic manager Neil Lennon for awarding Rangers a penalty in the second half of the 3-1 win for the visitors.The official reportedly answered a number of phone-calls at his Lanarkshire home with the caller threatening to "go after him and his wife and children".It is understood that Collum reported the calls to the police but turned down the offer of protection outside his home.SFA spokesman Darryl Broadfoot told the Daily Record: "Willie received a number of threatening calls at his home on Sunday night, one of which was taken by his wife. This kind of behaviour is abhorrent and has no place in football."
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Labels: after, clash, Referee, targeted
Gers claim Old Firm bragging rights
24 Oct 2010 - 17:32:55
Kenny Miller grabbed a dramatic second-half double as Rangers came from behind to win the first Old Firm encounter of the season 3-1 and go three points clear at the top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.Gary Hooper's opener just before half-time was cancelled out three minutes into the second half when Hoops defender Glenn Loovens put through his own net as he tried to clear Kyle Lafferty's header.Miller then fired the visitors ahead with a volley in the 55th minute before netting a penalty 10 minutes later after Old Firm debut referee Willie Collum had pointed to the spot when Daniel Majstorovic had fouled substitute Kirk Broadfoot inside the box.It was a statement of intent from the champions, who extended their winning run in the league to nine games while at the same time ending their bitter rivals' winning run in the SPL this season.While there was no difference between the teams in points going in the game there was a huge difference in their respective experience of Old Firm games, with Celtic handing six players their debuts in the fixture.
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Labels: bragging, claim, rights
Craven resigns over Celtic furore
25 Oct 2010 - 20:04:51
Scottish Football Association chief executive Stewart Regan has announced the resignation of assistant referee Steven Craven as the fall-out to Celtic's controversial 2-1 Clydesdale Bank Premier League win at Dundee United continued.
Regan today met to discuss the events of the October 17 match with Hugh Dallas, the SFA's head of referee development, as well as the fixture's referee, Dougie McDonald, and Craven, his assistant on the day.
Following the meeting at Hampden Park, Regan said: "I can confirm that I have met with the relevant match officials and members of the referee departments regarding the events that occurred during the recent Clydesdale Bank Premier League match between Dundee United and Celtic. I can also confirm that Steven Craven has tendered his resignation and will no longer officiate in the professional game."
Regan added: "I hope to conclude the investigation within the next 48 hours and will make further comment at that time."
With the Clydesdale Bank Premier League game on Tayside level at 1-1, McDonald awarded Celtic a penalty then controversially changed his mind after consulting with Craven. Despite scoring a last-gasp winner through Gary Hooper, Celtic boss Neil Lennon was furious at the referee's U-turn and the fall-out continued all last week.
Dallas made a statement applauding McDonald for arriving at the "right decision in the end" but Craven was reportedly angry that it was not made clear that, contrary to perception, he did not instigate the discussion with McDonald.
It was reported that since the fixture, Craven has been the victim of threatening remarks with his teenage sons suffering verbal abuse. The official's resignation was anticipated and it was confirmed on Monday.
It is believed there is growing concern among the refereeing fraternity about the increasingly stressful conditions in which they are being asked to perform, something which was exemplified ahead of Sunday's Old Firm game at Parkhead by Celtic boss Lennon appealing to Willie Collum, making his debut in the fixture, to "get the big decisions right".
While officials will accept criticism for major mistakes, there is real concern not only about the forensic examination of decisions, but the current climate of innuendo and inference about agendas and bias which pose possible safety fears for them and their families.
Last month Dallas had to dissuade referee Brian Winter from quitting the game following his failure to send off Steven Anderson at Tannadice, despite showing the St Johnstone defender two yellow cards in the game against Dundee United.
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Labels: Celtic, Craven, furore, resigns
Brown nets as Bhoys win again
25 Sep 2010 - 17:13:21
Former Hibernian midfielder Scott Brown opened the scoring as Celtic maintained their 100 per cent start to the campaign by beating John Hughes' team 2-1 at Parkhead.
Brown rifled a fantastic 25-yard shot into the top corner of the net in the opening minutes before Glenn Loovens made it 2-0 in the 51st minute. Derek Riordan halved the deficit three minutes later, but Neil Lennon's side deserved their sixth win of the campaign.
Hamilton threw away a two-goal lead when they were held to a 2-2 draw by Kilmarnock. Flavio Paixo gave Accies a 15th-minute lead and Nigel Hasselbaink doubled their advantage seven minutes before the interval.
However, Killie hit back to salvage a point from the match thanks to late efforts by Jamie Hamill and Conor Sammon.
Eric Odhiambo scored twice as Inverness won 2-1 at rock-bottom St Mirren. Paul McGowan's 77th-minute goal was not enough for the Buddies.
Motherwell are third after winning 2-0 at Hearts - Nick Blackman and John Sutton scoring second-half goals for Craig Brown's Steelmen, while David Goodwillie's 61st minute goal proved to be enough for Dundee United to edge past St Johnstone 1-0.
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Labels: again, Bhoys, Brown
Celtic seek clarification
26 Oct 2010 - 14:30:26
Neil Lennon has confirmed that Celtic have written to the Scottish Football Association for the second week in a row seeking clarification on a refereeing decision.The Hoops boss was incensed that Old Firm debutant referee Willie Collum awarded Rangers a penalty at Parkhead on Sunday when defender Daniel Majstorovic clashed with Kirk Broadfoot.Kenny Miller scored from the spot to give the Light Blues a 3-1 win in what was Celtic's first Clydesdale Bank Premier League defeat of the season.Lennon was similarly puzzled last week in the game against Dundee United at Tannadice when referee Dougie McDonald rescinded a penalty award for Celtic when the game was balanced at 1-1, although the visitors went on to win 2-1.The former Parkhead skipper, speaking ahead of Wednesday night's Co-operative Insurance Cup quarter-final tie with St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park, said: "There has been correspondence. We are asking for clarification on the (penalty) decision."We want to see the referee's report and we want clarification on last week's decision as well. It's not sour grapes, we just want an explanation for what we feel are strange decisions going against us."
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Labels: Celtic, clarification
Somethings gotta give
24 Oct 2010 - 09:54:08
Both Celtic and Rangers have straight 'A's this season but that can't continue today Daryl Murphy will miss today's home game against Rangers with an ankle injury that will keep him out for the next three or four weeks. James Forrest's ankle injury will also see him miss the game but Charlie Mulgrew (hamstring) and Thomas Rogne (calf) have been back in training and in contention. Neil Lennon believes his Celtic side have their "tails up". He has been in charge for 16 unbeaten SPL games since taking over from Tony Mowbray in March and his team enjoyed what he described as their best performance of the season, the 2-1 win over Dundee United at Tannadice last week. Lennon is pleased by the way his squad, many of whom he recruited in the summer, have gelled together and claims they are in prime condition ahead of the visit from their rivals. He said: "I think it's as good as it gets from where we started from. We have a lot of new players who have to get used to the culture and environment of Scottish football and I think they have coped very well with that. They are playing some good stuff and they were excellent against Dundee United last week. I couldn't have asked any more from them in terms of a team performance and an attacking performance. So the tails are up, there is a wee bit of excitement about this game and the players are looking forward to it. We have gone about things as normal this week but we have worked on a few different things and ways we think we can exploit Rangers.'' Walter Smith has both Kirk Broadfoot and Lee McCulloch back in contention for a place today. Broadfoot has been out with a bruised foot, while McCulloch has been suffering from a groin injury. They both had to sit out the midweek draw with Valencia in the Champions League. Steven Naismith insists there is no danger of fatigue being a problem despite having the more gruelling schedule. Rangers were forced to come through a difficult Champions League game against Valencia in midweek, their third European tie of the season so far. Naismith said: "On paper, you would say they are going to be much fresher with one game a week. But, with the run we're on, we have shown in the last two Champions League games we are capable of coming back and putting in good performances and getting good results. I don't think it will be a major factor on Sunday. If you are a player and you can't get up for an Old Firm game, you shouldn't really be playing football. We have shown in the games after the European competition that we do go to the final whistle and we will definitely be up for this game.'' Rangers - like Celtic - have yet to drop a single point in the league and Naismith's view were echoed by his manager. Smith said: "I don't think there will be any problems in terms of motivation. I always say it is more mental than physical, the tiredness aspect of it. Both teams will be confident.''
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Labels: gotta, Somethings
Team lineups: Celtic v Rangers 24 Oct 2010
24 Oct 2010 - 12:27:00
Confirmation of the starting eleven and substitutes named for today's early kick-off at home to Rangers. Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier, Sunday, 24th October 2010 @ 12:45 CelticvRangers Starting Line-ups 26 Forster12 Wilson22 Loovens5 Majstorovic3 Izaguirre18 Ki16 Ledley13 Maloney88 Hooper10 Stokes9 Samaras Substitutes 11 Cha14 McGinn31 Towell4 Juárez56 Twardzik20 McCourt24 Zaluska Starting Line-ups 1 McGregor3 Weir24 Bougherra5 Papac16 Whittaker7 Edu8 Davis6 McCulloch14 Naismith9 Miller11 Lafferty Substitutes 25 Alexander4 Broadfoot12 Foster41 Hutton20 Weiss10 Fleck19 Beattie
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Labels: Celtic, lineups, Rangers
Regan 'set for crunch talks'
23 Oct 2010 - 21:30:46
Scottish Football Association chief executive Stewart Regan has convened a meeting with the SFA's head of referee development, to discuss the events of last Sunday's Dundee United versus Celtic game which has led to assistant referee Steven Craven reportedly set to resign.
Regan will meet with Hugh Dallas and the referee from Tannadice, Dougie McDonald, at Hampden on Monday afternoon.
While Craven, his assistant on the day is also expected to be invited along.
With the Clydesdale Bank Premier League game on Tayside level at 1-1, McDonald awarded Celtic a penalty then controversially changed his mind after consulting with Craven.
Despite scoring a last-gasp winner through Gary Hooper, Parkhead boss Neil Lennon was furious at the referee's U-turn and the fall-out has continued all week.
Dallas made a statement applauding McDonald for arriving at the "right decision in the end" but Craven is reportedly angry that it was not made clear that, contrary to perception, he did not instigate the discussion with McDonald.
It was reported that since Sunday, Craven has been the victim of threatening remarks with his teenage sons suffering verbal abuse and consequently the referee is believed to be ready to quit, although no letter of resignation has yet been received by Dallas.
It is believed there is growing concern among the refereeing fraternity about the increasingly stressful conditions in which they are being asked to perform, exemplified by Sunday's Old Firm game at Parkhead where Celtic boss Lennon appealed to Willie Collum, making his debut in the fixture, to "get the big decisions right".
While officials will accept criticism for major mistakes, there is real concern not only about the forensic examination of decisions, but the current climate of innuendo and inference about agendas and bias which pose possible safety fears for them and their families.
Last month Dallas had to dissuade referee Brian Winter from quitting the game following his failure to send off Steven Anderson at Tannadice, despite showing the St Johnstone defender two yellow cards in the game against Dundee United.
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Labels: crunch, Regan, talks
Maloney at the double for Bhoys
02 Oct 2010 - 17:10:55
Celtic made it seven wins out of seven in the SPL as they came from behind to win 3-1 at home to Hamilton Academical thanks to a Shaun Maloney double and a clincher from Gary Hooper.
Mark McLaughlin netted after just three minutes for the Accies, but Maloney scored once in both halves to hand the Bhoys the lead, before Hooper made certain.
Rangers needed a last-gasp Steven Naismith goal to maintain their 100 per cent record, with the Scotland forward's strike securing a 2-1 victory at Hearts in the lunchtime kick-off.
Rudi Skacel had early opened the scoring for the home side, before Kyle Lafferty levelled ten minutes from time.
Inverness Caley Thistle took the honours in the Highlands derby with Aberdeen, as goals from Jonathan Hayes and Adam Rooney gave the home side a 2-0 triumph.
Motherwell beat St Mirren 3-1 at Fir Park, with the loss keeping the visitors at the foot of the table, while goals from David Goodwillie and Jon Daly gave Dundee United a 2-1 victory at Kilmarnock - with Conor Sammon netting a late consolation.
Late goals from Liam Craig and Marcus Haber deepened the gloom for Hibernian as they lost 2-0 at St Johnstone.
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Labels: Bhoys, double, Maloney
Lennon warned of Rangers threat
25 Oct 2010 - 08:04:56
Neil Lennon revealed he warned his players at half-time in Sunday's 3-1 Old Firm defeat by Rangers at Parkhead not to write off their Old Firm rivals.
The Hoops led after Gary Hooper slammed in from close range in first-half injury time following a Ki Sung-Yueng corner. However, Glenn Loovens' own goal three minutes in to the second half cancelled that out and Kenny Miller volleyed Rangers ahead before adding a third with a controversial penalty.
"We said to them at half-time that Rangers might score at any time so stay in the game and stick to what you were doing in the first half," Lennon said.
"I felt we were getting better as the first half went on and then we got the goal.
"We gave them all the warnings but we invited pressure for no apparent reason whatsoever at the second goal and goals change the psychology of games although I thought the third one was a soft penalty.
"It was a bad day. There will be regrets in the dressing room and some players will feel that they didn't do themselves justice.
"Inexperienced mistakes from experienced players cost us but hopefully the players will learn, take that on board and make sure they don't make the same mistakes again."
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Labels: Lennon, Rangers, threat, warned
Murphy misses out
23 Oct 2010 - 14:01:58
Celtic striker Daryl Murphy will miss the Old Firm clash against Rangers at Parkhead with an ankle injury that will keep him out for the next three or four weeks.James Forrest's ankle injury keeps him sidelined for the Clydesdale Bank Premier League fixture but Charlie Mulgrew (hamstring) and Thomas Rogne (calf) are back in training and in contention.Captain Scott Brown (ankle) and Beram Kayal (hernia) are out long-term.
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Labels: misses, Murphy
Question marks over Maloney
26 Oct 2010 - 16:30:27
Shaun Maloney is a doubt for Celtic's Co-operative Insurance Cup quarter-final with St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park.The Hoops skipper came off early in first half against Rangers at Parkhead on Sunday after taking a bang on the eye and manager Neil Lennon will assess him after training on Tuesday.James Forrest's ankle injury keeps him sidelined but Charlie Mulgrew has recovered from a hamstring complaint and Thomas Rogne is back in training following a calf injury, though he will not be ready until the weekend.
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Labels: Maloney, marks, Question
