FROM THE RACING POST
St Quinton appeals to Shakespeare camp
by Andrew Scutts (April 24)
MONKERHOSTIN'S owner Martin St Quinton on Sunday urged connections of Order of Merit rival Royal Shakespeare not to let the lure of £200,000 cloud their judgement ahead of the final leg of the BHB's competition at Sandown on Saturday.
With just two points separating the duo at the top of the leaderboard, the Betfred Celebration Chase is set to decide thisyear's OoM winner - though on Sunday St Quinton admitted he'd rather both horses didn't run.
"It would be desperately sad to see Royal Shakespeare - a hurdler - running in the Celebration Chase," he said.
"I hope he doesn't. In fact, I don't wanteither horse to run. If both race at Sandown, I certainly won't be there to see it."
On Sunday, having saddled Royal Shakespeare to finish sixth in the Scottish Champion Hurdle 24 hours earlier and return to the top of the OoM table, trainer Steve Gollings said: "I have been instructed by my owner John Webb to enter him in the Celebration Chase."
Philip Hobbs, trainer of Monkerhostin, is having to ponder a fourth start in six weeks for St Quinton's star.
The owner added: "If it wasn't for the Order of Merit, Monkerhostin would definitely have been put away by now. If the competition didn't exist, he might not have gone to Cheltenham last week, and he would certainly not be going to Sandown.
"Maybe the Order of Merit is backfiring slightly on the BHB. I feel that my hand is being forced slightly. It's a difficult one, as there is prize-money for stable staff, not just owner and trainer.”
However, he added: "Monkerhostin is the sort of horse the BHB would like to see win the Order of Merit, and I'd be thrilled if he was champion as it's not just the money but the prestige. He'd deserve it, as he's tried like hell over a variety of distances and ground."
Gollings, though, believes just as firmly that Royal Shakespeare "would be a worthy winner".
One option for connections is a private arrangement, whereby the £200,000 is divided between the two camps - giving both the chance to swerve this weekend's race, and St Quinton on Sunday signalled his interest in the idea.
However, BHB public affairs director Alan Delmonte said: "We'd want to see the Order of Merit come to a competitive conclusion, although we'd never condone horses running when they aren't capable of competing to win.
'We'd have a different view if the two horses chasing the crown were being campaigned out of their depth, but Royal Shakespeare and Monkerhostin are high-class horses who have cut the mustard throughout the season. If they're fit and well, why shouldn't they run on Saturday?"
Royal Shakespeare would need only to finish in front of his rival to secure £150,000 for Webb, £25,000 for Gollings and £25,000 for Gollings's staff.
Monkerhostin would have to finish fifth or better, provided he is in front of Royal Shakespeare, or, if his rival doesn'trun, seventh or better - or eighth to share first place. Both horses have already landed the £50,000 prizes for top hurdler and chaser.
ORDER OF MERIT
Royal Shakespeare 87 points; Monkerhostin 85; My Way De Solzen 67; Mister McGoldrick 62; Impek 52