Highclere link helps Hugh Bonneville branch out into horse racing

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Hugh Bonneville has become familiar with Highclere Castle with it being the location of ITV’s hit show Downton Abbey.

But the actor who plays Lord Grantham in the period drama and also starred in BBC comedy Twenty Twelve – a favourite of The Captain – has become involved in the racing operation run from the family home of the Carnarvon family.

Bonneville is now part owner of a daughter of Fastnet Rock trained by Richard Hannon and son of Danehill Dancer with Sir Michael Stoute who, next season, will run for the Petrushka syndicate in the Highclere Thoroughbred stable. 

New interest: Hugh Bonneville and his unnamed filly

Bonneville said: ‘I thought it was about time I became properly educated in the Sport of Kings. It’s a terrific opportunity and to be able to attend the races as an owner really is very exciting. I can’t wait.’

Highclere has an ever-growing band of celebrity owners involved in their syndicates run by Harry Herbert, the son of the late seventh Earl of Carnarvon.

They include Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who has a share in the Stoute-trained 2013 Derby hope Telescope.

Other well known faces involved with Highclere horses include actress and model Liz Hurley, rugby player Lawrence Dallaglio, former Tory leader Michael Howard, athlete Denise Lewis and TV presenter Ben Fogle.

Raising a glass: Highclere MD Harry Herbert, trainer Richard Hannon and Bonneville

Frisco wait for Sam

Amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen has a big date coming up with his King George VI Chase ride on Nicky Henderson-trained favourite Long Run but he will have to wait for a while longer to be re-united with Frisco Depot.

The ex-Irish chaser, bought as a long-term Grand National hope, who runs in the colours of Sam’s father Robert has undergone a hobday operation in an attempt to tackle a breathing issue.

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Since arriving in Britain, Frisco Depot has fallen when going well at Ascot in November and been pulled up when fitted with a tongue tie in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury at the start of this month.

Longsdon says the gelding is unlikely to run until March and, while he would have an option of competing at the Cheltenham Festival, may have his sights lowered to regain his confidence.

Knott unhappy at Ealing landing

Flamboyant owner Anthony Knott, one of the characters of the racing year with his much-improved chaser Hunt Ball, will have been pulling his remaining hair out at the rain has fallen ahead of the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.

The Kieran Burke-trained chaser does not appreciate testing conditions. But Knott has another worry ahead of the Christmas period.

He is due to be a guest on the Mark Your Card slot shown free-to-air on Racing UK from 11am on Saturday morning.

But, when accepting the gig, Knott doesn’t sound like he appreciated where he had to be – Racing UK’s Ealing studio in west London.

The Captain understands Knott told a staffer: ‘So where’s this Ealing then?’, followed by an ‘Oh, bloody hell!’

It might be an option to bring a sleeping bag and stay over for the big race.

Knott’s presence should ensure plenty of festive jolity and a few heart-stopping moments for host Oli Bell.

The programme also includes plans to give away gifts to viewers, including the star prize of a signed Frankel print.  Expect Anthony to also be as generous as ever with his advice.

Easterby gets the nod

The Horserace Sponsors Association has appointed Roger Easterby as its new president.

Easterby, the long-time director of Parliamentary affairs for the Tote who now performs a similar but extended role for Betfred, will take over the position originally held by the late George Ward.

Since Ward’s death in April, Bernard Gover had fulfilled the role of Acting President.

Vulnerable benefit

Exeter’s misfortune at losing its meeting on Thursday after the course was left waterlogged at least brought some festive cheer to one local group.

Potential wasted food was left after the morning abandonment, so the unwanted sandwiches were given to the St Petroc’s centre in the city and distributed to homeless and vulnerable citizens.

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