Geoff Wragg
Encyclopedia
Geoff Wragg was a Thoroughbred
horse trainer
who trained champion horses such as Teenoso
and Jeune
. He is the son of former jockey and trainer Harry Wragg
, from whom he took over the licence at Abington Place, Newmarket in 1983 upon his father's retirement. Wragg retired in 2008 after 25 years of training. Part of Abington Place is currently being used by Jane Chapple-Hyam
as a part of her training set up from 2009.
won the Epsom Derby
under Lester Piggott
in 1983. However, the closest Wragg would come to replicating Teenoso's win would be some 23 years later when the unconsidered 66/1 chance Dragon Dancer came within a short head of causing one of the biggest upsets in the race's history in a four way go to the line, narrowly losing out to Sir Percy
. His 2001 contender, Asian Heights, well fancied after his last-to-first win in the Predominate Stakes at Goodwood
, was cruelly robbed of his chance of running in the classic after splitting a pastern with just over a week to go before the big race.
Away from the Derby, Wragg failed to win another classic in the UK, though his talented filly Marling landed the 1992 Irish 1000 Guineas
at The Curragh.
, Pentire
, Island House
, Cassandra Go, Asian Heights and 2006 Derby runner up Dragon Dancer. Wragg was noted as targeting meetings like Chester's May Meeting and Glorious Goodwood with a great deal of success, most notably in handicaps with unexposed, improving three-year olds. He also had a great knack of getting the best of the fillies he trained, most notably the talented Marling, Balisada, Rebecca Sharp and Danceabout.
who on the basis of his somewhat ordinary two year old form was not rated good enough
to enter for the 1995 Epsom Derby
.However, the colt thrived as a three year old winning three Derby trial races at Sandown
, Chester
, Goodwood
. Unfortunately the owners declined the opportunity to supplement the horse for the 1995 Derby, leaving Wragg without an entry for the Blue Riband event despite having Pentire having leading claims on form.
Pentire subsequently finished half a length behind Lammtarra
, eventual winner of the Epsom Derby
, in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot
in 1995 leading to further speculation that he would have challenged Lammtarra for the Epsom Derby. Wragg ran Pentire in the King Edward VII Stakes
at Royal Ascot, which he won comfortably from future Ascot Gold Cup winner Classic Cliche and the horse was kept in training as a four year old, a decision that was justified when Pentire won the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes in 1996.
and Swallow Flight.
on the 19th November 2008 at Kempton
, the Cape Cross
filly winning a low grade 0-55 for one of Wragg's original owners Claude Lilley.
Great Britain
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Canada
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France
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Hong Kong
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Ireland
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Italy
Thoroughbred
The Thoroughbred is a horse breed best known for its use in horse racing. Although the word thoroughbred is sometimes used to refer to any breed of purebred horse, it technically refers only to the Thoroughbred breed...
horse trainer
Horse trainer
In horse racing, a trainer prepares a horse for races, with responsibility for exercising it, getting it race-ready and determining which races it should enter...
who trained champion horses such as Teenoso
Teenoso
Teenoso was a Thoroughbred racehorse bred in England.Racing for Ralph "Budgie" Moller and his brother, Eric, Teenoso won the 1983 Epsom Derby by three lengths, ridden by Lester Piggott, his ninth and last Derby winner. The ground that day was heavy which is very unusual for that time of year...
and Jeune
Jeune
Jeune was a British Thoroughbred racehorse who raced in England and Australia and is best known for winning the prestigious Melbourne Cup in 1994. He was an attractive, muscular, chestnut stallion, who sometimes raced in pacifiers...
. He is the son of former jockey and trainer Harry Wragg
Harry Wragg
Harry Wragg was a British jockey and trainer.Wragg became a jockey in 1920. The Champion Jockey in 1941, he rode 13 winners of British Classic Races, as follows:*1,000 Guineas - Campanula , Herringbone , Sun Stream...
, from whom he took over the licence at Abington Place, Newmarket in 1983 upon his father's retirement. Wragg retired in 2008 after 25 years of training. Part of Abington Place is currently being used by Jane Chapple-Hyam
Jane Chapple-Hyam
Jane Fiona Chapple-Hyam is a horse racing trainer.Daughter of former Australian Liberal politician Andrew Peacock and Lady Susan Renouf. Married, then separated from trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam.-Career as a Trainer:Took out a license in September, 2005....
as a part of her training set up from 2009.
Classic success
Wragg enjoyed classic success in his very first season as a trainer when TeenosoTeenoso
Teenoso was a Thoroughbred racehorse bred in England.Racing for Ralph "Budgie" Moller and his brother, Eric, Teenoso won the 1983 Epsom Derby by three lengths, ridden by Lester Piggott, his ninth and last Derby winner. The ground that day was heavy which is very unusual for that time of year...
won the Epsom Derby
Epsom Derby
The Derby Stakes, popularly known as The Derby, internationally as the Epsom Derby, and under its present sponsor as the Investec Derby, is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies...
under Lester Piggott
Lester Piggott
Lester Keith Piggott is a retired English professional jockey, popularly known as "The Long Fellow". With 4,493 career wins, including nine Epsom Derby victories, he is one of the most well-known English flat racing jockeys of all time....
in 1983. However, the closest Wragg would come to replicating Teenoso's win would be some 23 years later when the unconsidered 66/1 chance Dragon Dancer came within a short head of causing one of the biggest upsets in the race's history in a four way go to the line, narrowly losing out to Sir Percy
Sir Percy
Sir Percy is a race horse foaled on January 27, 2003, winner of the 2006 Epsom Derby.-Breeding and pedigree:Sir Percy was bred by Harry Ormesher at the Old Suffolk Stud in Hundon, Suffolk. His sire Mark of Esteem won the 1996 2,000 Guineas, his dam Percy's Lass won the Group 3 September Stakes in...
. His 2001 contender, Asian Heights, well fancied after his last-to-first win in the Predominate Stakes at Goodwood
Goodwood Racecourse
Goodwood Racecourse is a horse-racing track five miles north of Chichester, West Sussex, in England controlled by the family of the Duke of Richmond, whose seat is nearby Goodwood House...
, was cruelly robbed of his chance of running in the classic after splitting a pastern with just over a week to go before the big race.
Away from the Derby, Wragg failed to win another classic in the UK, though his talented filly Marling landed the 1992 Irish 1000 Guineas
Irish 1000 Guineas
The Irish 1,000 Guineas is a Group 1 flat horse race in Ireland open to three-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run at the Curragh over a distance of 1 mile , and it is scheduled to take place each year in May.-History:...
at The Curragh.
Successes
Other notable horses to have been trained by Wragg include Arcadian Heights, Most Welcome, Owington, First Island, First TrumpFirst Trump
First Trump is a retired British Thoroughbred racehorse and active sire. In 1993 he has named European Champion Two-Year-Old Colt at the Cartier Racing Awards. In his championship season he won five of his six races including the Group One Middle Park Stakes, the Group Two Richmond Stakes and the...
, Pentire
Pentire
Pentire is a British Thoroughbred racehorse and sire.-Background:Pentire was bred by Lord Halifax, he was purchased for 54,000 guineas by Mollers Racing, the racing stable Trust of brothers Eric and Budgie Moller.-Racing career:...
, Island House
Island House
Island House is located on Island House Lane, Yuen Chau Tsai , in Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong.-History:Built in 1905, Island House was built as the residence for the first British Police Magistrate appointed in 1898....
, Cassandra Go, Asian Heights and 2006 Derby runner up Dragon Dancer. Wragg was noted as targeting meetings like Chester's May Meeting and Glorious Goodwood with a great deal of success, most notably in handicaps with unexposed, improving three-year olds. He also had a great knack of getting the best of the fillies he trained, most notably the talented Marling, Balisada, Rebecca Sharp and Danceabout.
Pentire
Arguably the best horse that Wragg trained in his career was the top class middle distance colt PentirePentire
Pentire is a British Thoroughbred racehorse and sire.-Background:Pentire was bred by Lord Halifax, he was purchased for 54,000 guineas by Mollers Racing, the racing stable Trust of brothers Eric and Budgie Moller.-Racing career:...
who on the basis of his somewhat ordinary two year old form was not rated good enough
to enter for the 1995 Epsom Derby
Epsom Derby
The Derby Stakes, popularly known as The Derby, internationally as the Epsom Derby, and under its present sponsor as the Investec Derby, is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies...
.However, the colt thrived as a three year old winning three Derby trial races at Sandown
Sandown
Sandown is a seaside resort town and civil parish on the southeast coast of the Isle of Wight, England, neighbouring the town of Shanklin to the south. Sandown Bay is the name of the bay off the English Channel which both towns share, and it is notable for its long stretch of easily accessible...
, Chester
Chester
Chester is a city in Cheshire, England. Lying on the River Dee, close to the border with Wales, it is home to 77,040 inhabitants, and is the largest and most populous settlement of the wider unitary authority area of Cheshire West and Chester, which had a population of 328,100 according to the...
, Goodwood
Goodwood Racecourse
Goodwood Racecourse is a horse-racing track five miles north of Chichester, West Sussex, in England controlled by the family of the Duke of Richmond, whose seat is nearby Goodwood House...
. Unfortunately the owners declined the opportunity to supplement the horse for the 1995 Derby, leaving Wragg without an entry for the Blue Riband event despite having Pentire having leading claims on form.
Pentire subsequently finished half a length behind Lammtarra
Lammtarra
Lammtarra was an undefeated Thoroughbred racehorse who won three Group One races in 1995 and was voted the Cartier Three-Year-Old European Champion Colt...
, eventual winner of the Epsom Derby
Epsom Derby
The Derby Stakes, popularly known as The Derby, internationally as the Epsom Derby, and under its present sponsor as the Investec Derby, is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies...
, in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot
Ascot Racecourse
Ascot Racecourse is a famous English racecourse, located in the small town of Ascot, Berkshire, used for thoroughbred horse racing. It is one of the leading racecourses in the United Kingdom, hosting 9 of the UK's 32 annual Group 1 races...
in 1995 leading to further speculation that he would have challenged Lammtarra for the Epsom Derby. Wragg ran Pentire in the King Edward VII Stakes
King Edward VII Stakes
The King Edward VII Stakes is a Group 2 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and geldings. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile and 4 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in June....
at Royal Ascot, which he won comfortably from future Ascot Gold Cup winner Classic Cliche and the horse was kept in training as a four year old, a decision that was justified when Pentire won the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes in 1996.
Owners
Amongst his main band of owners were Anthony Oppenheimer, Far East businessman John Pearce and also Mollers Racing, formed after the deaths of brothers Eric and Ralph 'Budgie' Moller, who left behind a trust fund to keep their famous chocolate and gold silks in the game beyond their deaths. Moller Racing's horses were purchased by bloodstock agent John Ferguson in the main, following the sale of the Mollers' breeding establishment, White Lodge Stud, to Sheikh Mohammed. Notable purchases included First Island, PentirePentire
Pentire is a British Thoroughbred racehorse and sire.-Background:Pentire was bred by Lord Halifax, he was purchased for 54,000 guineas by Mollers Racing, the racing stable Trust of brothers Eric and Budgie Moller.-Racing career:...
and Swallow Flight.
Last winner
Wragg's last winner was ConvallariaConvallaria
Convallaria majalis , commonly known as the lily-of-the-valley, is a poisonous woodland flowering plant native throughout the cool temperate Northern Hemisphere in Asia and Europe....
on the 19th November 2008 at Kempton
Kempton
Kempton is the name of several places:*Kempton, Shropshire, a village listed in the Domesday Book, located in south Shropshire, England*Kempton, Tasmania, a township in Tasmania, Australia*Kempton, Dublin, an estate in Dublin, Ireland*In the United States:...
, the Cape Cross
Cape Cross
Cape Cross is a cape in the South Atlantic on the coast of Namibia, on the C34 highway some 60 kilometres north of Hentiesbaai and 120 km north of Swakopmund on the west coast of Namibia....
filly winning a low grade 0-55 for one of Wragg's original owners Claude Lilley.
Major wins
Great BritainGreat Britain
Great Britain or Britain is an island situated to the northwest of Continental Europe. It is the ninth largest island in the world, and the largest European island, as well as the largest of the British Isles...
- Ascot Gold CupAscot Gold CupThe Gold Cup is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 2 miles and 4 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in June....
- (1) - Arcadian Heights (1994) - Cheveley Park StakesCheveley Park StakesThe Cheveley Park Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to two-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket over a distance of 6 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in late September or early October.The event was...
- (1) - Marling (1991) - Child StakesFalmouth StakesThe Falmouth Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbred fillies and mares aged three years or older. It is run on the July Course at Newmarket over a distance of 1 mile , and it is scheduled to take place each year in July.-History:The event is named in honour of...
- (1) - Inchmurrin (1988) - Cork and Orrery StakesGolden Jubilee StakesThe Golden Jubilee Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 6 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in June.-History:...
- (1) - Owington (1994) - Coronation StakesCoronation StakesThe Coronation Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile , and it is scheduled to take place each year in June.-History:...
- (3) - Marling (1992), Rebecca Sharp (1997), Balisada (1999) - DerbyEpsom DerbyThe Derby Stakes, popularly known as The Derby, internationally as the Epsom Derby, and under its present sponsor as the Investec Derby, is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies...
- (1) - TeenosoTeenosoTeenoso was a Thoroughbred racehorse bred in England.Racing for Ralph "Budgie" Moller and his brother, Eric, Teenoso won the 1983 Epsom Derby by three lengths, ridden by Lester Piggott, his ninth and last Derby winner. The ground that day was heavy which is very unusual for that time of year...
(1983) - July CupJuly CupThe July Cup is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run on the July Course at Newmarket over a distance of 6 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in July....
- (1) - Owington (1994) - King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes - (2) - Teenoso (1984), Pentire (1996)
- King's Stand StakesKing's Stand StakesThe King's Stand Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 5 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in June.-History:...
- (1) - Cassandra Go (2001) - Lockinge StakesLockinge StakesThe Lockinge Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run at Newbury over a distance of 1 mile , and it is scheduled to take place each year in May.-History:...
- (2) - Most Welcome (1989), First Island (1997) - Middle Park StakesMiddle Park StakesThe Middle Park Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to two-year-old thoroughbred colts. It is run on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket over a distance of 6 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in late September or early October.The event was established...
- (1) - First TrumpFirst TrumpFirst Trump is a retired British Thoroughbred racehorse and active sire. In 1993 he has named European Champion Two-Year-Old Colt at the Cartier Racing Awards. In his championship season he won five of his six races including the Group One Middle Park Stakes, the Group Two Richmond Stakes and the...
(1993) - Nassau StakesNassau StakesThe Nassau Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbred fillies and mares aged three years or older. It is run at Goodwood over a distance of 1 mile, 1 furlong and 192 yards , and it is scheduled to take place each year in late July or early August.-History:The title of...
- (1) - Ela Romara (1988) - Prince of Wales's StakesPrince of Wales's StakesThe Prince of Wales's Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile and 2 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in June....
- (1) - First Island (1996) - Queen Anne StakesQueen Anne StakesThe Queen Anne Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile , and it is scheduled to take place each year in June....
- (1) - Nicolotte (1995) - Sun Chariot StakesSun Chariot StakesThe Sun Chariot Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to thoroughbred fillies and mares aged three years or older. It is run on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket over a distance of 1 mile , and it is scheduled to take place each year in late September or early October.The...
- (2) - Braiswick (1989), Danceabout (2000) - Sussex StakesSussex StakesThe Sussex Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Goodwood over a distance of 1 mile , and it is scheduled to take place each year in late July or early August.-History:...
- (2) - Marling (1992), First Island (1996)
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CanadaCanada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
- E. P. Taylor StakesE. P. Taylor StakesThe E. P. Taylor Stakes is a Canadian Thoroughbred horse race for fillies and mares held annually since 1956 in October at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto, Ontario run on the and the E. P. Taylor turf course at a distance of 1¼ miles....
- (1) - Braiswick (1989)
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FranceFrance
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
- Grand Prix de Saint-CloudGrand Prix de Saint-CloudThe Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run at Saint-Cloud over a distance of 2,400 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year in late June.-History:...
- (1) - Teenoso (1984) - Prix d'IspahanPrix d'IspahanThe Prix d'Ispahan is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run at Longchamp over a distance of 1,850 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year in May.-History:...
- (1) - Sasuru (1997)
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Hong KongHong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
- Hong Kong CupHong Kong CupThe Hong Kong Cup is a Group 1 flat horse race in Hong Kong which is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run over a distance of 2000 metres at Sha Tin, and it is scheduled to take place each year in mid December....
- (1) - First Island (1996)
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IrelandIreland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
- Irish 1,000 Guineas - (1) - Marling (1992)
- Irish Champion StakesIrish Champion StakesThe Irish Champion Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Ireland which is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Leopardstown over a distance of 1 mile and 2 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in September.-History:The event was established in 1976, and...
- (1) - Pentire (1995)
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ItalyItaly
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
- Premio Vittorio di CapuaPremio Vittorio di CapuaThe Premio Vittorio di Capua is a Group 1 flat horse race in Italy which is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at San Siro, Milan, over a distance of 1,600 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year in September or October.The event has held Group 1 status since...
- (1) - Nicolotte (1995)