Archie Watson

In ordinary times, this week would mark the revving up of the European bloodstock charabanc: standing room only, destination Deauville. As the threat of a second quarantine hangs over visitors or returnees from France to the UK like the Sword of Damocles, it's probably just as well that the traditional start to the yearling season has been delayed. This coming weekend, there will be no short shuffle between racecourse and sales ground for the Prix Jacques Le Marois and other delights ahead of a frenetic evening of activity in the...

The Archie Watson-trained Jojo Rabbit (GB) (Due Diligence) will carry the colours of the Phoenix Ladies Syndicate in Friday's G2 Norfolk S. after the group purchased the colt in a private deal. Jojo Rabbit has run twice already on the all-weather this truncated season, finishing second on debut at Lingfield on June 8 before breaking his maiden at Wolverhampton four days later. "We're thrilled to have bought a 2-year-old with such promise," said Phoenix Ladies Syndicate Principal Pamela Cordina. "His two performances really caught our attention and we're sure there...

Jam And Mam (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) was prevented from running at Doncaster on Sunday after one of the members of staff travelling with the horse failed a temperature check. Strict protocols in place on racecourses since the resumption of racing in Britain in June 1 mean all individuals attending a fixture must pass a temperature check, with a threshold of 37.8C. The Archie Watson-trained 3-year-old had been due to run in division one of the Read Andrew Balding On Betway Insider H. A spokesperson for the British Horseracing Authority...

Archie Watson trainee Igotatext (Ire) (Ajaya {GB}) became the first winner for his freshman sire (by Invincible Spirit {Ire}) with an all-weather victory, going just over six furlongs, at Lingfield. 2nd-Lingfield, £5,400, Mdn, 6-5, 2yo, 6f 1y (AWT), 1:13.56, st/sl. IGOTATEXT (IRE) (c, 2, Ajaya {GB}--Tifawt {GB}, by High Chaparral {Ire}) was quickly away from the outside stall and settled behind the leaders in third after the initial strides of this debut. Scrubbed along rounding the home turn, the 5-2 pick challenged wide once into the straight and kept on...

Goffs UK have unveiled the five initial entries for their Goodwood Sale, which takes place after racing during the Glorious Goodwood Festival July 31. The boutique sale is in its second year and features both racing and breeding prospects. Among the initial entries are the Archie Watson trained pair Nate The Great (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) and Hurcle (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}). The former is a progressive staying 3-year-old who finished third last time out in the G3 Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket while 2-year-old colt Hurcle made a winning debut...