Power heads to Newbury

ROBBIE Power is availing of the elite sportsperson exemption to ride in Newbury on Sunday. The jump jockey tested negative for Covid-19 on Thursday. Should he wish, he can return to ride at Fairyhouse on Monday, when he would be given isolated changing facilities. The protocols require travelling jockeys to self-restrict other than when they are competing. Therefore, upon Power’s return to Ireland, he will not be allowed ride out in a racing stables until he has again tested negative five days after entering the country.

Breeder award winner

NIALL Flynn has won the Connolly’s Red Mills The Irish Field Breeder of the Month award for January. He bred and owns Colreevy, winner of the Grade 2 Coolmore NH Sires Mares’ Novice Chase at Thurles. The daughter of Flemensfirth won at Grade 1 level in December.

Pivotal retired

PIVOTAL has been retired from stallion duty at the age of 28.

A standard bearer for his owners Cheveley Park Stud, his offspring include the likes of Addeybb, Farhh, Sariska and Dubai World Cup winner African Story.

A classy sprinter in his racing days, he won the King’s Stand at Royal Ascot and the Nunthorpe at York for Sir Mark Prescott.

He then went on to have a very successful second career, siring 32 Group 1 winners and also proving himself as a sire of sires with Siyouni producing a Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner in Sottsass.

Pivotal – by Polar Falcon, who won the Lockinge over a mile and the Haydock Sprint Cup – was also the Champion Broodmare Sire between 2017-2019, with his offspring being responsible for the likes of Love, Magical, Golden Horde and One Master.

New Festival sponsors

TWO races at the Cheltenham Festival have new sponsors. The Plate Handicap Chase will be sponsored by Paddy Power, while the Kim Muir Handicap Chase will be sponsored by construction firm JRL Group.