Valiant Astrac to make history

Astrac will make history next month by becoming the first horse to run at every British venue that stages Flat racing.

The veteran will make his 116th career appearance at his 35th different track when he runs at Chepstow on Friday week.

The entire meeting at the Welsh track is being dedicated to the 13-year-old, whose career has spanned 11 years and who has amassed £156,172 (€234,900) in prize money.

He will contest in the Skybet ASTRAC Record Breaker Claiming Stakes over seven furlongs and his owner Clive Titcomb said: “It was about two years ago when we worked out that Astrac was very close to having run at every Flat racecourse in the country.

“Then last summer there were four to go – Brighton, Bath, Leicester and Chepstow. We did the first three of those in September and October last year.

“The joy, pleasure and sheer excitement that Astrac has brought us is something that money cannot buy. It’s been a privilege to realise so many dreams with the old boy.

“We’ve tried to retire him five times, but he enjoys racing too much and doesn’t like standing in a field doing nothing.

“However, the minute he lets us know that he’s done enough racing, he’ll be retired to an excellent home where he won’t want for anything.”

Chepstow general manager Simon Lee added: “This is really the most fantastic achievement, and we are thrilled that it is coming to a climax at Chepstow at a popular evening meeting when I know our racegoers will give Astrac a huge welcome and reception.”

Astrac’s career began at Redcar in May 1993 when, ridden by Lester Piggott, he finished sixth of nine.

He has won 17 times, his biggest success coming in the Wokingham Stakes at Royal Ascot in 1995.

He has had seven trainers and is currently looked after at Anabel King’s Stratford yard.