War In Heaven (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}), Tennessee Dream (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Colors Of Freedom (GB) (Mayson {GB}), Comedian Leader (GB) (Aclaim {Ire}), Glorious Angel (Ire) (Cotai Glory {Ire}), and Broughton's Flare (Ire) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) will split the £35,000 January Horse of the Month prize, Arena Racing Company announced on Wednesday.
Part of the Arena Racing Company £1-million All-Weather Bonus initiative, the prize equals £5,833 per horse, who are in a six-way tie atop the leader board. Points are awarded for finishing first through fifth in select races through the challenge period that began on Oct. 18 and lasts through Good Friday, Apr. 7.
Comedian Leader has won her first three starts last month at ARC tracks, while War In Heaven is unbeaten in three appearances since stepping up to 1m 1 1/2f. Short-tracker Tennessee Dream has also done well, while Glorious Angel has risen 24 pounds in the handicaps, and Colors Of Freedom is also thriving in handicaps at present.
Trainer Mark Loughnane said of Broughton's Flare, who has won all three of his starts in January, “He's a bit of a quirky boy and he had a few issues last year. We've got those ironed out and he's won three low-grade handicaps this year which is absolutely brilliant.
“It's a great incentive. I know lots of trainers and owners who have been buying horses in December to try and win some bonuses. They have been absolutely awesome and every owner and trainer I speak to can't speak highly enough about it.”
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