JANUARY 2018
|
Wednesday
31 January 2018 |
|
I wasn’t
going to write a blog tonight, but then I saw the news that Smad Place has been retired; he’s injured his right-fore suspensory ligament, so connections have decided to call
it a day. This was due to be his final
season anyway. I’m so
pleased he has ended his career in one piece and hopefully has a long and very
happy retirement to look forward to.
Happy Retirement Smad Place Jamie
Insole (pictured in the dark blue jacket), who has looked after Smad Place in recent years, has decided to move on, to
another yard. It must be so difficult to
stay at your present stable when the horse you adore retires, or is lost in
action. Here are a
number of articles regarding everyone’s favourite ‘living’ grey: https://www.racingpost.com/news/news/hennessy-hero-smad-place-retired-due-to-injury/317736 There’s also news that Whisper will
be out of action for the remainder of the season due to injury: This particular incident wouldn’t
have been out of place on ‘Winter Watch’: As you need to subscribe to the
Racing Post to watch their embedded link, here is the race recording courtesy
of ATR: http://www.attheraces.com/racecard/Newcastle/31-January-2018/1605 Here are today’s
results for my runners of interest, at Leicester: Kincora Fort (Noel Williams/Wayne
Hutchinson/EPDS Racing) won the Handicap
Chase [2 miles 4 furlongs & 45 yards] (9 ran). It was Noel’s 5th winner of the season and Wayne’s
34th winner of the
season. The syndicate has been very
patient, as ‘Brian’ missed two consecutive
seasons due to tendon injuries. Sporty
Yankee (Martin Keighley/Harry Stock) finished 2nd in the Handicap Hurdle [1
mile 7 furlongs & 113 yards] (13 ran). Here are
tomorrow’s runners of interest: Wincanton: 13:20
Samson The Man (Noel Williams/Tom Garner) – Novices’ Hurdle Towcester: 13:40
Spice Girl (Martin Keighley/Harry Stock) – Mares’ NH Novices’ Hurdle 15:25 Voie Dans Voie
(Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Novices’ Hurdle Southwell (AW): 14:05 Pantomine (Rebecca Menzies/P
McDonald) – Handicap [1 mile 4 furlongs & 14 yards] |
|
Tuesday
30 January 2018 |
|
Here are today’s results for my runners of
interest: Lingfield Park: Sixty’s Belle (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson)
finished 5th in the Mares’ Intermediate Open NH Flat Race Div II (9 ran). Lostnfound (Jamie Snowden/Gavin
Sheehan) finished 2nd in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (6 ran). Weyburn (Martin
Keighley/Andrew Tinkler) finished 3rd and Mr Muddle
(Gary Moore/Jamie Moore) finished last in the Handicap Chase [2 miles] (5
ran). Newcastle: Bingo D’Olivate (Gemma Anderson/Derek
Fox) finished 6th in the Handicap Hurdle [2 miles & 98 yards] (8 ran). Two
runners of interest tomorrow, at Leicester: 15:25 Kincora Fort (Noel Williams/Wayne Hutchinson/EPDS Racing)
– Handicap Chase [2 miles 4 furlongs & 45 yards] ... although his
participation is very much ground dependent! 15:55
Sporty Yankee (Martin Keighley/Harry Stock) – Handicap Hurdle [1 mile 7
furlongs & 113 yards] |
|
Monday
29 January 2018 |
|
Here are today’s results for my runners of
interest at Hereford: Cul De Poule (Martin Keighley/Andrew Tinkler)
finished 9th and Madame Fiona (Martin Keighley/Harry Stock) finished 8th in
the Maiden Hurdle (12 ran). And here are tomorrow’s runners of interest: Lingfield Park: 13:30 Sixty’s Belle (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson)
– Mares’ Intermediate Open NH Flat Race Div II; as the name may suggest, she
is Over Sixty’s daughter! 15:15 Lostnfound (Jamie
Snowden/Gavin Sheehan) – Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle 15:45 Weyburn (Martin
Keighley/Andrew Tinkler) & Mr Muddle (Gary
Moore/Jamie Moore) – Handicap Chase [2 miles] Newcastle: 16:05
Bingo D’Olivate (Gemma
Anderson/Derek Fox) – Handicap Hurdle [2 miles & 98 yards] Here is
Over Sixty, at the Cheltenham Festival in 2009 – she finished 4th to Quevega in the David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle ... ridden
by Choc!
|
|
Saturday
27 January 2018 |
|
As you can
imagine, I’m absolutely gutted that the beautiful and very talented Taquin Du Seuil lost his life
as a result of a fall at Huntingdon yesterday. He fell three from home during the Pertemps Hurdle qualifier; it was the first time he’d
ever fallen. It’s such a shame that he
won’t enjoy a life after racing, as he’d have made such a smashing ROR
horse. Commiserations to the owners
and to everyone who loved him at Jackdaws Castle.
RIP Taquin
Du Seuil https://www.racingpost.com/news/news/festival-hero-taquin-du-seuil-dies-in-fall-at-huntingdon/317177 https://twitter.com/twitter/statuses/956931056560619520 https://mobile.twitter.com/PAracing/status/956919024549580801/photo/1 https://mobile.twitter.com/tiamilodolly/status/956976974504841217/photo/1 https://mobile.twitter.com/TobyConnors/status/956945439231823879/photo/1 Here are
yesterday’s results for my runners of interest: Huntingdon: The Blues
Master (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 2nd in the Novices’ Hurdle
(Qualifier) (15 ran). Capsy De Mee (Jamie
Snowden/Miss Page Fuller) and Cup Of Ambition (Martin Keighley/Andrew Tinkler) were both pulled up in the NH Novices’ Handicap
Hurdle (16 ran). Taquin Du Seuil (Jonjo O’Neill/Aidan Coleman) fell L and Salmanazar (Alan
King/Mitchell Bastyn) finished 7th in the Handicap
Hurdle (Pertemps Qualifier) [3 miles 1 furlong
& 10 yards] (8 ran). Hartshorne
Abbie (Martin Keighley/Andrew Tinkler)
finished 10th and Myboysam (Alan King/Wayne
Hutchinson) finished 8th in the Standard Open NH Flat Race (14 ran). Doncaster: Perfect
Harmony (Alan King/Tom Cannon) finished 2nd in the NH Maiden Hurdle (Qualifier)
(11 ran). Dr Dunraven (Martin Keighley/Tom Bellamy) was pulled up in
the Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (12 ran). Hidden
Cargo (Alan King/Tom Cannon) finished 8th in the Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier)
[3 miles & 84 yards] (20 ran). And
today’s results for my runners of interest: Cheltenham: Solstice
Star (Martin Keighley/Tom Bellamy) finished 6th in the Novices’ Handicap
Chase (7 ran). Fairmount
(Martin Keighley/Richard Johnson) was pulled up in the Novices’ Hurdle (Grade
2) (9 ran). Dino
Velvet (Alan King/Adrian Heskin) finished 5th in
the Handicap Hurdle [2 miles & 179 yards] (11 ran); Remiluc
deserved to win the race, having shown good form recently – he’s certainly a
character ... just like his trainer Chris Gordon! The Cleeve Hurdle was won by the Nick Williams-trained Agrapart, ridden by his step-daughter Lizzie Kelly. The Brian Ellison-trained Definitly Red won the Cotswold Chase; the winning rider
was Danny Cook. Cheltenham was wet and
soggy, the going heavy ... in fact similar to my trip to the racecourse last
November! Earlier in
the afternoon, Bryony Frost won the Grade 3 Handicap Chase aboard Frodon; once again it was a good day for the girls. Doncaster: Amadeus Rox (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 8th in the
Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 3 furlongs & 88 yards] (14 ran). Sceau Royal (Alan King/Wayne
Hutchinson) won the Lightning
Novices’ Chase (Grade 2) (4 ran); Alan’s 44th winner of the season and Wayne’s 33rd winner of the season. Dusky
Legend (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 3rd in the Mares’ Hurdle (Grade
2) (6 ran). Label Des Obeaux (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 6th Skybet Handicap Chase (Listed) [2 miles 7 furlongs &
214 yards] (13 ran). 16:20
Hurricane Minnie (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 11th in the Mares’
Standard Open NH Flat Race (15 ran). There are
no runners of interest at Sedgefield tomorrow; Fontwell
Park has been abandoned. |
|
Thursday
25 January 2018 |
|
It’s
catch-up time again ... There is one
result from yesterday, Exeter having been abandoned, and it’s a winner: Catterick: Somewhere To Be (Martin Keighley/Aidan Coleman) won the Novices’ Limited
Handicap Chase (3 ran); Martin’s 18th winner of the season. And
today’s results: Warwick: Fields Of
Fortune (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 5th in the Juvenile Hurdle (8
ran). Sensulano (Noel Williams/Wayne
Hutchinson) won the
Mares’ NH Novices’ Hurdle (5 ran); Noel’s 4th winner of the season and Wayne’s
32nd winner of the
season. Beneagles (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 4th in the
Handicap Hurdle [3 miles 2 furlongs] (9 ran). Cut And
Run (Marting Keighley/Harry Stock) finished 9th in
the Intermediate Open NH Flat Race (10 ran). Chelmsford (AW): Celtic
Artisan (Rebecca Menzies/PJ McDonald/EPDS Racing)
finished 6th in the Handicap [1 mile] (10 ran). And
tomorrow’s runners of interest: Huntingdon: 13:35 The
Blues Master (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Novices’ Hurdle (Qualifier) 14:05 Capsy De Mee (Jamie
Snowden/Miss Page Fuller) & Cup Of Ambition (Martin Keighley/Andrew Tinkler) – NH Novices’ Handicap Hurdle 15:15 Taquin Du Seuil (Jonjo O’Neill/Aidan Coleman) & Salmanazar
(Alan King/Mitchell Bastyn) – Handicap Hurdle (Pertemps Qualifier) [3 miles 1 furlong & 10
yards]. Salmanazar
is a ‘blast from the past’ – he’s
10 now and hasn’t run for 663 days! 16:20
Hartshorne Abbie (Martin Keighley/Andrew Tinkler) & Myboysam (Alan
King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Standard Open NH Flat Race Doncaster: 13:25 Perfect
Harmony (Alan King/Tom Cannon) – NH Maiden Hurdle (Qualifier); Ian Popham is injured, hence ‘TC’ deputises aboard Mrs Prowting’s
runner. 15:40 Dr Dunraven (Martin Keighley/Tom Bellamy) – Novices’
Handicap Hurdle 16:10
Hidden Cargo (Alan King/Tom Cannon) – Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier) [3 miles
& 84 yards] |
|
Tuesday
23 January 2018 |
|
There was tragic news today; it was announced
that trainer Richard Woollacott passed away
suddenly yesterday evening, aged 40. He
was the trainer of Beer Goggles, winner of Newbury’s Grade 2 Long Distance
Hurdle, and Lalor, winner of the Aintree Festival
bumper. Condolences to his family and
friends.
RIP Richard Woollacott (standing
beside Richard Johnson) Here are today’s results for my runners of
interest: Leicester: Spice Girl
(Martin Keighley/Richard Johnson) was a non-runner in the Mares’ NH Novices’
Hurdle Shockingtimes (Jamie
Snowden/Brendan Powell) finished 2nd and Dontminddboys (Robin Dickin/Jack Quinlan/EPDS Racing) won the Handicap Chase [2
miles 6 furlongs & 151 yards] (6 ran). And here
is Dontminddboys (aka Casper): https://mobile.twitter.com/JonathanDoidge/status/955837960976588800/photo/1 Wetherby: Lunar Flow
(Jamie Snowden/Gavin Sheehan) finished 2nd in the Handicap Chase [3 miles 45
yards] (7 ran). And here are tomorrow’s runners of interest: Exeter: 13:40 Undisputed (Noel Williams/Wayne Hutchinson)
– Mares’ Handicap Hurdle Catterick: 15:00
Somewhere To Be (Martin Keighley/Aidan Coleman) – Novices’ Limited Handicap
Chase |
|
Monday
22 January 2018 |
|
Here are
today’s results for my runners of interest: Fakenham: Oscar Star
(Jamie Snowden/Gavin Sheehan) finished 3rd in the Novices’ Hurdle (6 ran). Wolverhampton (AW): Paddys Runner (Graeme McPherson/Liam Keniry) finished 4th in the Handicap [1 mile 5 furlongs
& 219 yards] (9 ran). Zabeel Star (Karen McLintock/Liam
Keniry) finished 5th in the Handicap [1 mile 4
furlongs & 51 yards] (11 ran). These are
tomorrow’s runners of interest: Leicester: 14:05
Spice Girl (Martin Keighley/Richard Johnson) – Mares’ NH Novices’ Hurdle 15:15 Shockingtimes (Jamie Snowden/Brendan Powell) & Dontminddboys (Robin Dickin/Jack
Quinlan/EPDS Racing) – Handicap Chase [2 miles 6 furlongs & 151 yards] Wetherby: (subject to a 08:00 inspection) 14:20
Lunar Flow (Jamie Snowden/Gavin Sheehan) – Handicap Chase [3 miles 45 yards] I presume
if Wetherby is abandoned, then Gavin will re-route
to Leicester. |
|
Sunday
21 January 2018 |
|
Here are
yesterday’s results for my runners of interest: Ascot: Nayati (Alan King/Wayne
Hutchinson) won the Juvenile Hurdle
(Qualifier) (6 ran); it was Alan’s 42nd winner of the season and Wayne’s 30th winner of the season. Victory
looked very unlikely when Nayati made an error
three out and was toiling in fourth place as they rounded the home bend ...
but the leader fell at the last and brought down the horse in second
position. Wayne was subsequently able
to galvanise his mount on the run-in and collared Oistrakh
Le Noir close home to win by a neck at the line. Nayati is owned
by Mr Grech and Mr Parkin
who also own the Nicky Henderson-trained Claimantakinforgan
and Mr Whipped amongst others. Dusky
Legend (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) was a non-runner in the Mares’ Hurdle
(Grade 2) The Grade
1 Clarence House Chase was won by Un De Sceaux, for
the third time; the front-running Speredek claimed the
runner-up spot. The novice, Brain
Power, fell two out but was reported to be okay. Haydock Park: Bingo D’Olivate (Gemma Anderson/Derek
Fox) finished 11th in the Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier) (12 ran). The New
One managed to win the Champion Hurdle Trial for the fourth consecutive
year! It looked unlikely when Ch’Tibello took the lead after the last flight but the
gutsy veteran fought back to win by half a length at the line! The Twiston-Davies-trained
star surpassed the million pounds prize-money barrier when finishing 2nd in
last month’s Christmas Hurdle.
However, Sam Twiston-Davies has finally
persuaded his dad to run The New One in the Stayers’
Hurdle at this year’s Cheltenham Festival, rather than the Champion
Hurdle. This year,
the feature race on Day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival will be the Ryanair Chase ... not the Stayers’
Hurdle ... because it now offers the most prize-money on that day. Taunton: Telson Barley (Graeme McPherson/Conor
Shoemark) finished 5th in the NH Novices’ Hurdle
(Qualifier) (6 ran). Another
Crick (Noel Williams/Thomas Garner) finished 2nd and Ballina
Lady (Graeme McPherson/Conor Shoemark)
was pulled up in the Novices’ Hurdle (10 ran). Meanwhile,
at Navan, Miles To Memphis
finished 2nd of 10 in a Handicap Hurdle. And on Sunday: Fontwell Park: Lisp (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) won the Novices’ Hurdle (7 ran); Alan’s 43rd
winner of the
season and Wayne’s
31st winner of the
season. Newcastle
was abandoned. Here are
tomorrow’s runners of interest: Fakenham: 13:55
Oscar Star (Jamie Snowden/Gavin Sheehan) – Novices’ Hurdle Wolverhampton (AW): 17:50 Paddys Runner (Graeme McPherson/Liam Keniry)
– Handicap [1 mile 5 furlongs & 219 yards] 18:20 Zabeel Star (Karen McLintock/Liam
Keniry) – Handicap [1 mile 4 furlongs & 51
yards] The
weather was certainly worse this weekend than initially forecasted; I thought
it was supposed to be dry yesterday and rainy today – but it rained for much
of yesterday and this morning it snowed.
However, as that was just a warm wet front meeting a cold front in the
east, I expect any lying snow will be gone by tomorrow. Forecasters haven’t
been wrong about a wetter than usual winter though ... I’ve
finally succeeded in selecting, formatting and uploading the photos I took at
Newbury on 02 December; that leaves just my stable visit and alpaca walk
photos to complete in order to get my website up to date once more. J |
|
Friday
19 January 2018 |
|
Here are
today’s results for my runners of interest at Chepstow ... and it
was impossible to do any better than this, unless there had been a dead-heat! Scorpion Sid (Jamie Snowden/Gavin Sheehan) won the Novices’
Hurdle (8 ran); Jamie’s 23rd winner of the season. Naranja (Jamie Snowdon/Gavin
Sheehan) won and Lerichi Belle (Martin
Keighley/Richard Johnson) finished 2nd in the Mares’ Handicap Hurdle
(Qualifier) (6 ran); Jamie’s 24th winner of the season. Here are
tomorrow’s runners of interest: Ascot: 12:40 Nayati (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Juvenile Hurdle
(Qualifier) 13:50
Dusky Legend (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Mares’ Hurdle (Grade 2) The Grade
1 Clarence House Chase takes place at 15:35 and features Brain Power, Kylemore Lough, San Benedeto, Speredek and Un De Sceaux. The latter is attempting to win the race
for the third time. Haydock Park: (subject to a 08:00
inspection) 12:55
Bingo D’Olivate (Gemma
Anderson/Derek Fox) – Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier) The New
One runs in the Champion Hurdle Trial at 14:40. Taunton: 13:05 Telson Barley (Graeme McPherson/Conor
Shoemark) – NH Novices’ Hurdle (Qualifier) 15:25
Another Crick (Noel Williams/Thomas Garner) & Ballina
Lady (Graeme McPherson/Conor Shoemark)
– Novices’ Hurdle Meanwhile,
at Navan, Miles To Memphis
runs in a Handicap Hurdle at 13:35 And on
Sunday: Newcastle: (an inspection takes
place at 08:00 on Saturday) 14:30
Oscar Star (Jamie Snowden/Gavin Sheehan) – Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle Fontwell Park: 13:10 Lisp
(Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Novices’ Hurdle It’s the
lovely Pasha Kovalev’s birthday today. I love a
bit of nostalgia ... it’s Blazing Bailey and the lovely Choc: https://mobile.twitter.com/AnaglogsDaughtr/status/954450454477529088/photo/1 And Time
For Rupert too, with Will Kennedy aboard: https://mobile.twitter.com/AnaglogsDaughtr/status/954449894248517632/photo/1 I’m
looking forward to a restful weekend, as the past few days at work have been
manic! |
|
Thursday
18 January 2018 |
|
Here are
today’s results for my runners of interest at Ludlow: Lady Vitesse (Martin Keighley/Harry Stock) finished 5th and
Passing Call (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 2nd in the Mares’ Novices’
Hurdle (Qualifier) (15 ran). Sego
Success (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 3rd in the Handicap Chase [2
miles 7 furlongs & 171 yards] (7 ran). It’s Fine
Wine (Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods) finished 10th
in the Maiden Hurdle (15 ran); last of the finishers. Delirious
Love (Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods) finished 6th
in the Standard Open NH Flat Race (12 ran). Here are
tomorrow’s runners of interest, at Chepstow: 13:05
Scorpion Sid (Jamie Snowden/Gavin Sheehan) – Novices’ Hurdle 14:45 Naranja (Jamie Snowdon/Gavin Sheehan) & Lerichi Belle (Martin Keighley/Richard Johnson) – Mares’
Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier) Tomorrow
is the first day when trainers have to declare if their charge has undergone
a wind operation since its previous run; there are five types of operation
which qualify – soft palate cautery, hobday, tie back, epiglottic
surgery and tie forward – this kind of detail will not be specified, solely
recorded as a ‘w’. In many
cases wind operations don’t bring about an improvement in form ... I had a
sinus operation to clear my airways, but I wouldn’t describe it as
particularly successful! Faugheen has also been given an entry in the Stayers’ Hurdle. Meanwhile,
Redicean will return to Kempton Park on 24 February
for the Grade 2 Adonis Hurdle, before heading to the Triumph Hurdle. Cross-country
stalwart, Spot Thedifference has passed away aged
25; he spent his retirement at JP McManus’ Martinstown
Stud. RIP |
|
Wednesday
17 January 2018 |
|
Market Rasen: Cranbrook Causeway (Graeme
McPherson/Kielan Woods) finished 9th and Second
Time Around (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 7th in the Novices’ Hurdle
(12 ran). Kimberley Point (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson)
finished 8th in the Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat Race (Listed) (11 ran). Midnight Monty (Jamie Snowden/Gavin Sheehan)
finished 2nd and Harry Hunt (Graeme McPherson/Kielan
Woods) finished 6th in the Handicap Chase [2 miles 5 furlongs & 89 yards]
(8 ran); EPDS Racing’s Kincora Fort was a
non-runner due to the heavy ground. Newbury: Sensulano (Noel
Williams/Richard Johnson) was a non-runner in the Mares’ NH Novices’ Hurdle Here are
tomorrow’s runners of interest, at Ludlow: 13:00 Lady
Vitesse (Martin Keighley/Harry Stock) & Passing
Call (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Qualifier) 14:00 Sego
Success (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Handicap Chase [2 miles 7 furlongs
& 171 yards] 14:35 It’s
Fine Wine (Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods) – Maiden
Hurdle 16:20
Delirious Love (Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods) –
Standard Open NH Flat Race With the
last race due off at 16:20, it just goes to show that evenings are already
drawing out considerably. Being
Wednesday, this week’s edition of Weekender was published today. With the Cheltenham Festival on the
horizon, Alan writes that he may not send as many horses to the Blue Riband event as he usually does. He’s hoping to keep a few horses fresh for
Aintree instead, as he’d rather have a winner at Aintree than an ‘also ran’ at Cheltenham ... it proved
difficult for many GB-based trainers in 2017 due to the Irish whitewash –
they won 19 of the 28 races, which is over two-thirds! However,
despite his yard not having the number of high-class horses of some others,
he’s hopeful that Sceau Royal will be allowed to
take his chance in the Arkle, despite the owners
already having the race favourite Footpad.
Alan has always been very fond of Valdez, absent since 2014; he’s
entered him in the Queen Mother Champion Chase just in case his comeback run
proves very successful. Elgin and
William H Bonney will be aimed at the County
Hurdle, taking in the Betfair Hurdle en route. Who Dares Wins will run in either the Coral
Cup or the Pertemps Final; Alan’s preference is the
latter. The Triumph Hurdle is on the
cards for the Apple Tree Stud-owned Redicean. Lisp might be a Fred Winter contender. Having
reached the milestone of 1500 winners, Alan was asked to choose his six
favourite star performers. His top six
are Katchit, My Way De Solzen,
Voy Por Ustedes, Primitivo (who now
runs in Hong Kong under the name of Gold Mount), Godsmejudge
and, of course, Smad Place. |
|
Tuesday
16 January 2018 |
|
Here are today’s results for my runners of
interest: Hereford: Touch Of Velvett
(Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods) finished 5th in the
Maiden Hurdle Div I (11 ran). Follow The Swallow (Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods) was pulled up in the Handicap Chase [2
miles 2 furlongs & 208 yards] (13 ran). Kempton Park: Ardamir (Laura Mongan/Oisin Murphy/formerly
owned by Apple Tree Stud) finished 3rd in the Handicap [1 mile 7 furlongs
& 218 yards] (11 ran). And here are tomorrow’s runners of interest:: Market Rasen: 12:30 Cranbrook Causeway
(Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods) & Second Time
Around (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Novices’ Hurdle 14:40 Kimberley Point (Alan King/Wayne
Hutchinson) – Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat Race (Listed) 15:10 Midnight Monty (Jamie Snowden/Gavin
Sheehan) & Harry Hunt (Graeme McPherson/Kielan
Woods) & Kincora Fort (Noel Williams/Wayne
Hutchinson/EPDS Racing) – Handicap Chase [2 miles 5 furlongs & 89 yards] Newbury: 15:30 Sensulano (Noel
Williams/Richard Johnson) – Mares’ NH Novices’ Hurdle You may
remember the Mrs Prowting-owned Prince Du Seuil, now 15 years old; pictured competing in
retirement: https://mobile.twitter.com/HannahBishop79/status/952644177036283905/photo/1 I always
remember him from a fall during a handicap chase at Wincanton on 20 November
2008 – Choc rode him that day, and my favourite jockey had already had a fall
in the previous race too. When I saw
Choc at Ascot the next day, he was pretty lame! Ouch.
And you’ll
definitely remember Any Currency; again pictured post retirement: https://mobile.twitter.com/martinkeighley7/status/952992476301811712/photo/1 |
|
Monday
15 January 2018 |
|
Plumpton was abandoned but
there is one result today, from Wolverhampton, which I missed
because I’d written my blog before the ATR tracker reminder arrived: Sam Missile (Jamie Osborne/Dougie
Costello/formerly owned by Apple Tree Stud) finished 2nd in the Novice Stakes
[1 mile 1 furlong & 104 yards] (8 ran). Just three runners of interest tomorrow: Hereford: 12:50 Touch Of Velvett
(Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods) – Maiden Hurdle Div
I 15:40 Follow The Swallow (Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods) – Handicap Chase [2 miles 2 furlongs &
208 yards] Kempton Park: 20:10 Ardamir (Laura Mongan/Oisin Murphy/formerly
owned by Apple Tree Stud) – Handicap [1 mile 7 furlongs & 218 yards] Here is a link to Alistair Down’s article about
Bryony Frost which appeared in yesterday’s edition of the Racing Post: Willie Mullins has revealed that Yorkhill will be aimed at the Queen Mother Champion Chase: Barters Hill is set to return to racecourse
action on Saturday, ground permitting: RUK’s On Demand service has a recording of
Henrietta Knight’s appearance on Luck On Sunday: https://www.racinguk.com/videos/watch/ondemand/7672 And another one - I know this is statistics but
it’s interesting … Wins Above Expectation: |
|
Sunday
14 January 2018 |
|
Here are
yesterday’s results for my runners of interest ... there were three winners,
two of which were non-favourites and scored a double for trainer Jamie
Snowden: Kempton Park: Redicean (Alan
King/Wayne Hutchinson/Apple Tree Stud) won the Juvenile Hurdle (7 ran); Alan’s 41st
winner of the
season and Wayne’s
29th winner (check). The Devils Drop (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson)
finished 3rd in the Maiden Hurdle (6 ran). Smad Place (Alan King/Wayne
Hutchinson) finished 4th in the Chase (Listed) [2 miles 4 furlongs & 110
yards] (6 ran); he stayed on at the finish, thus almost claiming third place
on the line. River Frost (Alan King/Barry Geraghty)
was pulled up after the sixth flight having never travelled and Dino Velvet
(Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 12th in the Lanzarote
Handicap Hurdle (Listed) [2 miles 5 furlongs] (16 ran). Wetherby: Hogan’s Height (Jamie
Snowden/Richard Johnson) won and Midnight Merlot (Noel Williams/Ian Popham) finished 4th in the ‘Confined’ Novices’ Chase (6 ran); Mrs Prowting’s
Racing Manager was very pleased with Merlot’s 4th place on chasing
debut. Jamie’s 21st runner of the season. Kayf Blanco (Graeme
McPherson/Kielan Woods) finished 2nd in the
Handicap Chase [1 mile 7 furlongs & 36 yards] (5 ran). Warwick: Thebannerkingrebel (Jamie Snowden/Gavin
Sheehan) won the Newcomers’ Standard Open NH Flat Race
impressively (8 ran); Jamie’s 22nd winner of the season. Wolverhampton: Pantomine (Rebecca Menzies/Andrew Mullen) finished 5th in the Handicap [2
miles & 120 yards] (13 ran). Jamie Snowden is closing in fast upon last
season’s total winners tally. Jockey
Wayne Hutchinson isn’t, having ridden 55 winners by this stage last year –
this suggests that Alan King has trained fewer winners, as only 3 of Wayne’s
winners have been for outside yards. I
didn’t record Alan’s winners in my notebook last year. Brian
Hughes has never won a Grade 1 race, very surprisingly. Perhaps Waiting Patiently, winner of
yesterday’s Listed Chase at Kempton Park, could provide that win. Here is
the Thebannerkingrebel, 12-lengths winner of
Warwick’s bumper, pictured at home: https://mobile.twitter.com/jamiesnowden/status/952214263791325185/photo/1 RUK
reported that the horse was bought for just £2,700. And
Hogan’s Height, ahead of his run: https://mobile.twitter.com/Alexwalters89/status/952194473546698752/photo/1 And Smad Place too: https://mobile.twitter.com/Racing_UK/status/952177846813896706/photo/1 Alan
King’s Assistant Trainer, Oliver,
saddles Redicean ahead of the Juvenile Hurdle: https://mobile.twitter.com/JamieInsole/status/952147819820998656/photo/1 Following
his British winning debut at Huntingdon on Friday, I’ve added Terrefort to my tracker.
He’s trained by Nicky Henderson and owned by the Munir
/ Souede partnership. He’s also a beautiful ‘rocking-horse’ grey ... although he’ll become greyer as he gets
older ... like me! I wonder if the
major Festivals this season will be dominated by the Munir
/ Souede horses – 2015 having been Gigginstown’s year, and 2016 the Potts’ year. A
post-mortem on ill-fated Edvardo who died at Wincanton
last weekend revealed that the horse had suffered a broken back as a result
of the collision with his fallen rival, also a ruptured spleen. Despite this, the horse had continued for a
short distance before collapsing; nothing to do with reins after all. His death was solely bad luck; he was in
the wrong place at the wrong time. RIP
Danny Tudhope broke a collarbone at Newcastle; hence he missed
the ride aboard Apple Tree Stud’s Three Weeks. His mount Belle De Lawers
(spelling) suffered a fatal injury in the incident. RIP Much was
made of Nicky Henderson and his partner Sophie’s decision to get married on a
Saturday afternoon in January; a strange day to choose, in the middle of the
National Hunt season! He was formerly
married to Diana Thorne, daughter of John ‘Spartan Missile’ Thorne.
Mind you, Paul Nicholls is on holiday at present, in Barbados, and
Alan King is also on his winter break in the sun, so Nicky wasn’t the only
well-known trainer absent from fixtures this weekend! It took me
hours to proof-read my Newbury diary today ... solely because I was
interested in listening to RUK’s ‘Luck
on Sunday’ and ATR’s ‘Sunday Forum’. Luck on Sunday is brilliant, despite me not
being a particular fan of Nick Luck.
Today’s guests were Brendan Powell Senior, Dave Yates and Henrietta
Knight. You must remember to pre-order
Hen’s new book, The Jumping Game
which is due to be published in March, in which she writes about the training
methods of 28 current trainers, including 8 from Ireland. The yard she was most impressed by was that
of Gordon Elliott. I’d
intended to undertake a short walk this morning to check on my progress or
otherwise, having experienced ‘soundness’
issues for the past 12 days, but that never materialised; time got away from
me despite rising at 07:00! But I have
finished proofing my Newbury diary, so I’ve just got to choose and upload
three sets of photos now – for the aforementioned Newbury, plus a yard visit
and an alpaca walk. J And
finally, there’s one runner of interest tomorrow, at Plumpton: 13:25 Lisp
(Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Novices’ Hurdle |
|
Friday
12 January 2018 |
|
Here are
today’s results for my runners of interest at Huntingdon: Midnight Chill
(Jamie Snowden/Gavin Sheehan) finished 2nd in the NH Maiden Hurdle (15 ran);
he was a 25-1 shot today, although I know his trainer thinks a lot of
him. Diva Du Maquis (Noel Williams/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 4th in
the Mares’ Maiden Hurdle (15 ran). And
tomorrow’s runners of interest: Kempton Park: 12:20 Redicean (Alan
King/Wayne Hutchinson/Apple Tree Stud) – Juvenile Hurdle 12:55 The Devils Drop (Alan King/Wayne
Hutchinson) – Maiden Hurdle 14:05 Smad Place (Alan
King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Chase (Listed) [2 miles 4 furlongs & 110 yards] 14:40 River Frost (Alan King/Barry Geraghty) & Dino Velvet (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson)
– Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle (Listed) [2 miles 5
furlongs] Smad Place is pictured
being shod with his racing shoes today: https://mobile.twitter.com/JamieInsole/status/951867354291548160/photo/1 Wetherby: 13:05 Hogan’s Height (Jamie Snowden/Richard
Johnson) & Midnight Merlot (Noel Williams/Ian Popham)
– ‘Confined’ Novices’ Chase 14:15 Kayf Blanco
(Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods) – Handicap Chase [1
mile 7 furlongs & 36 yards] Warwick: 16:05 Thebannerkingrebel
(Jamie Snowden/Gavin Sheehan) – Newcomers’ Standard Open NH Flat Race Wolverhampton: 18:45 Pantomine
(Rebecca Menzies/Andrew Mullen) – Handicap [2 miles
& 120 yards] There are no runners of interest on Sunday. Valdez holds an entry in this season’s Queen
Mother Champion Chase. Often,
Warwick’s ‘Classic Chase’ card overshadows
Kempton Park’s Lanzarote Day but, with Smad Place due to run, along with Apple Tree Stud’s Redicean, it has much to recommend it this year. Having
felt off-colour for much of last week, I’ve been plagued by ‘creaking bones’ this week ... foot,
pelvis and back have all been doing their utmost to handicap my walking
ability and general wellbeing. I’d
love to go to Kempton but don’t feel 100% confident to travel far at the
moment, on my own. L |
|
Thursday
11 January 2018 |
|
Here are today’s
results for my runners of interest: Catterick: Crushed
(Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 7th in the Juvenile Hurdle (11 ran); he
was the 15-8 favourite. Leicester: Sporty Yankee
(Martin Keighley/Harry Stock) finished 7th and Hollywood All Star (Graeme
McPherson/Richard Condon) finished 8th in the Handicap Hurdle [1 mile 7
furlongs & 113 yards] (12 ran). Newcastle (AW): Three Weeks (William Haggas/Joe
Fanning/Apple Tree Stud) won the Novices Stakes [1 mile & 5 yards] (3
ran); Joe replaced the injured Danny Tudhope. And
runners of interest tomorrow, at Huntingdon: 14:00
Midnight Chill (Jamie Snowden/Gavin Sheehan) – NH Maiden Hurdle 16:00 Diva
Du Maquis (Noel Williams/Wayne Hutchinson) – Mares’
Maiden Hurdle Having run
today, I presume that Sporty Yankee will be a non-runner in the Conditional
Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle at 13:30. Also, Redicean bypasses the Chatteris
Fen Hurdle ... but he still holds an alternate entry at Kempton Park on
Saturday. The wonderful Smad Place is also due to run at the Sunbury track on
Saturday. Annacotty has been invited to take part in this year’s ROR
display at the Cheltenham Festival; despite only retiring last year,
following the Cheltenham Festival, he’s made massive progress in his
post-racing career. I gather
that Finian’s Oscar will be switched back to
hurdles, for the remainder of the season, with the aim of running in the Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Trainer Colin Tizzard
doesn’t think his charge is very brave!
I have to say that none of his efforts over the larger obstacles have
impressed me. Finian’s
Oscar vs. Yanworth vs. Sam Spinner vs. Wholestone and others should be a good race! And Matt
Chapman has been axed from Dancing On Ice! |
|
Wednesday
10 January 2018 |
|
And here are today’s results for my runners of
interest, at Ludlow ... and I’d ascertain
that Graeme McPherson’s horses are in good form: Hey Bill (Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods) won the Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (9 ran); he
was a 14-1 shot! Galactic Power (Robin Dickin/Miss
Ceris Biddle/EPDS Racing Twitterati
Syndicate) finished 4th in the Amateur Riders’ Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 7
furlongs & 174 yards] (17 ran). Dahills Hill (Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods) won the Mares’ Handicap Hurdle (15 ran); she was an
8-1 shot! Despite
these not actually being ‘racing tips’
as such, an each-way bet on all three would have come up trumps today! And here
are tomorrow’s runners of interest: Catterick: 12:30
Crushed (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Juvenile Hurdle Leicester: 15:25
Sporty Yankee (Martin Keighley/Harry Stock) & Hollywood All Star (Graeme
McPherson/Richard Condon) - Handicap Hurdle [1 mile 7 furlongs & 113
yards] Newcastle (AW): 17:05
Three Weeks (William Haggas/Danny Tudhope/Apple Tree Stud) – Novices Stakes [1 mile & 5
yards] Noel
Williams has announced that Briery Queen has been
retired; she’s gone home to her owners in preparation to go to stud. Being a
Wednesday, I’ve bought a copy of this week’s Weekender. Alan King mentions that he is planning to
run Apple Tree Stud’s Redicean in Friday’s Chatteris Fen Juvenile Hurdle at Huntingdon. Alan also confirms that Yanworth
will be entered for the JLT Novices’ Chase, the RSA Chase and, at the
trainer’s request, the Stayers’ Hurdle too; he
wants to keep all options open! |
|
Tuesday
09 January 2018 |
|
Here are today’s results for my runners of
interest at Taunton: Twentyoneblackjack (Martin Keighley/Harry
Stock) was pulled up and Madame Fiona (Martin Keighley/Andrew Tinkler) was withdrawn at the start for being unruly, in
the Maiden Hurdle (13 ran). Samson The Man (Noel Williams/Wayne Hutchinson)
finished 5th in the Novices’ Hurdle (14 ran). Fidux (Alan King/Kevin
Dowling) finished 4th in the Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 3 furlongs & 1
yard] (8 ran). Smith’s Bay (Alan King/Wayne
Hutchinson) won the Standard Open NH
Flat Race (11 ran); Alan’s 40th winner of the season and Wayne’s 28th winner of the season. And here are tomorrow’s runners of interest, at Ludlow: 13:55 Hey Bill (Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods) – Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase 14:25 Galactic Power (Robin Dickin/Miss
Ceris Biddle/EPDS Racing Twitterati
Syndicate) – Amateur Riders’ Handicap Hurdle; he’s stepping up in trip, this
race being 2 miles 7 furlongs & 174 yards. 15:35 Dahills Hill (Graeme McPherson/Kielan
Woods) – Mares’ Handicap Hurdle There was
news yesterday that Arctic Fire has been retired. Also, Limini will
miss the remainder of the National Hunt season before either running on the
flat or going to stud. The Jamie
Snowden-trained mare, Midnight Silver, has been retired by her syndicate and
will now head to stud. https://mobile.twitter.com/Foxtrot_Racing/status/949315481437196288/photo/1 |
|
Monday
08 January 2018 |
|
Today’s fixture at Hereford was abandoned, so
there’s just one result to report, from Fontwell Park: Cloud Hopper (Jamie Snowden/Miss Page Fuller
replacing Dave Crosse) finished 6th in the Maiden Hurdle (8 ran). There are runners of interest tomorrow, all at Taunton: 13:05 Twentyoneblackjack
(Martin Keighley/Harry Stock) & Madame Fiona (Martin Keighley/Andrew Tinkler) – Maiden Hurdle 13:35 Samson The Man (Noel Williams/Wayne
Hutchinson) – Novices’ Hurdle 14:45 Fidux (Alan
King/Kevin Dowling) – Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 3 furlongs & 1 yard] 15:50 Smith’s Bay (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) -
Standard Open NH Flat Race There’s news today that Thistlecrack
will miss the Cheltenham Gold Cup due to a small stress fracture; it’s at the
top of a tibia. Meanwhile,
in Ireland, Gigginstown’s talented novice chaser,
Death Duty, has damaged ligaments; he’s had a small operation and will be out
of action for the remainder of this season.
|
|
Sunday
07 January 2018 |
|
Here are yesterday’s results for my runners of
interest: Chepstow: Cul De Poule (Martin Keighley/Andrew Tinkler)
finished 6th in the Standard Open NH Flat Race (8 ran). The rescheduled Welsh Grand National was won by
13-year-old Raz De Maree,
for Irish-based trainer Gavin Cromwell.
Sixteen year old James Bowen was his winning pilot. Here is a race report: Sandown
Park: Dusky Legend (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) was a
non-runner in the Mares’ Hurdle (Listed) Pearls Legend (John Spearing/Nico
de Boinville) finished last in the Handicap Chase
[1 mile 7 furlongs & 119 yards] (4 ran). Brillare Momento
(Martin Keighley/Noel Fehily) finished 4th in the
Handicap Hurdle [1 mile 7 furlong & 216 yards] (10 ran). The Veterans’ Chase Series Final was won by Buywise, who sprinted home to catch last year’s winner
Pete The Feat on the run-in. Here is a link to the report in the Racing Post: Wincanton: Criq Rock (Alan King/Wayne
Hutchinson) finished 2nd in the Novices’ Hurdle (4 ran); Wayne replaced Tom
Cannon as Dusky Legend was a non-runner at Sandown Park. Holbrook Park (Neil King/Wayne Hutchinson) was
pulled up in the Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (5 ran). Zeroshadesofgrey (Neil King/Wayne
Hutchinson) finished 3rd and Monbeg Theatre (Jamie
Snowden/Gavin Sheehan) was pulled up in the Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 5
furlongs & 82 yards] (12 ran).
There was a horrendous incident in this race when the favourite Edvardo was brought down at the first; he got to his feet
and ran on only to, it is reported, trip on his own reins and fall for a
second time, sustaining a broken neck in the process. RIP Kempton
Park: And today’s sole result: Plumpton: Havisham (Jamie Snowden/Gavin
Sheehan) was a non-runner in the Novices’ Hurdle Harefield (Alan King/Wayne
Hutchinson) fell at the last flight in the NH Novices’ Hurdle (Qualifier) (10
ran); he was less than a length down in second position at the time. The horse was fine, galloping after the others
once on its feet. Milansbar (Neil King/Wayne
Hutchinson) was a non-runner in the Sussex National Handicap Chase [3 miles 4
furlongs & 102 yards]. The Sussex National was won by Vinnie Lewis,
trained by Harry Whittington and ridden by Harry Bannister: And Newcastle was
abandoned! There are a number of runners of interest
tomorrow: Hereford: 13:30 Hogan’s Height (Jamie Snowden/Gavin
Sheehan) – ‘Confined’ Novices’
Chase 14:00 Harry Hunt (Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods) – Handicap Hurdle [3 miles 1 furlong &
119 yards] 15:30 Oscar Star (Jamie Snowden/Gavin Sheehan)
& Madame Fiona (Martin Keighley/Andrew Tinkler)
& Touch Of Velvett (Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods) – Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle Fontwell Park: 15:45 Cloud Hopper (Jamie Snowden/Dave Crosse) –
Maiden Hurdle; he’s a 100-1 shot! You will notice that Kielan
Woods is back in action; his foot was badly bruised on Boxing Day, not
broken. Also, Willie Mullins has suggested that Douvan might return to action this season, having
initially decided to side-line the horse until the 2018/2019 season following
a recent injury scare. I enjoy watching RUK’s ‘Luck on Sunday’ and today they were discussing statistics
regarding sires of the most successful current soft/heavy ground-preference
steeplechasers – Flemensfirth is number one on that
list. I’ve
almost completed drafting the race notes for my Newbury diary; just race 7 to
go now. J All being well, that task will be completed
next Saturday. |
|
Friday
05 January 2018 |
|
Firstly, Wetherby was abandoned, leaving just one runner of
interest today, at Kempton Park: Ardamir (Laura Mongan/Adam Kirby/formerly owned by Apple Tree Stud)
finished 4th in the Handicap [1 mile 3 furlongs & 219 yards] (12 ran). Tomorrow there are runners of interest at three
fixtures: Chepstow: 15:55 Cul De Poule (Martin Keighley/Andrew Tinkler)
– Standard Open NH Flat Race The rescheduled Welsh Grand National takes place
at 14:05. Sandown Park: 12:45 Dusky Legend (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) –
Mares’ Hurdle (Listed) 13:50 Pearls Legend (John Spearing/Nico de Boinville) – Handicap
Chase [1 mile 7 furlongs & 119 yards] 15:35 Brillare Momento (Martin Keighley/Noel Fehily)
– Handicap Hurdle [1 mile 7 furlong & 216 yards] The Veterans’ Chase Series Final takes place at
15:00 – the declarations are as follows: Perfect Candidate, Gas Line Boy,
Third Intention, Double Ross, Houblon Des Obeaux, No Duffer, Fox Appeal, Loose Chips, Benbens, Buywise, O’Faolains Boy (also holds an entry in the Welsh
National), Pete The Feat, Cloudy Too, Theatrical Star and Vino
Griego. Wincanton: 14:10 Criq Rock (Alan
King/Tom Cannon) – Novices’ Hurdle 15:15 Holbrook Park (Neil King/Wayne Hutchinson)
– Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase 15:45 Zeroshadesofgrey
(Neil King/Wayne Hutchinson) & Monbeg Theatre
(Jamie Snowden/Gavin Sheehan) – Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 5 furlongs & 82
yards] It will be touch and go for Wayne as, officially,
it takes over two hours to drive from Sandown Park to Wincanton; it’s just
over 100 miles away! Kempton Park: And, because I’m useless at writing a blog on a
Saturday evening, here are Sunday’s
runners of interest too: Plumpton: 12:30 Havisham (Jamie
Snowden/Gavin Sheehan) – Novices’ Hurdle 13:35 Harefield (Alan
King/Wayne Hutchinson) – NH Novices’ Hurdle (Qualifier) 14:35 Milansbar (Neil
King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Sussex National Handicap Chase [3 miles 4 furlongs
& 102 yards] Newcastle: 12:20 Someone New (Rebecca Menzies/Ned
Curtis/EPDS Racing) – Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat Race (Conditionals &
Amateur Riders) (All-weather) 15:00 Bingo D’Olivate
(Rebecca Menzies/Derek Fox) – Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier)
[2 miles & 89 yards] I forgot
to mention that Ami Desbois’ disappointing run in
the Dipper was thought to be a breathing issue exacerbated by the heavy
ground; he wore a tongue-tie as he always does but, hopefully, he’ll show his
true colours on better ground next time out.
I’ve no
plans for the weekend. I’ve been
feeling pretty ropey this week, especially in the evenings ... although I’m
not aware that I’ve picked up any of the viruses which have been doing the
rounds. L |
|
Thursday
04 January 2018 |
|
Here are
today’s results for my runners of interest at Newcastle: Pantomine (Rebecca Menzies/Andrew
Mullen/EPDS Racing) finished 5th in the Handicap [2 miles 56 yards] (12 ran);
her first effort over an extended trip. Zabeel Star (Karen McLintock/Tom
Eaves) finished 3rd in the Stakes [1 mile 2 furlongs & 42 yards] (8 ran). Celtic
Artisan (Rebecca Menzies/PJ McDonald/EPDS Racing)
finished 2nd in the Handicap Div II [1 mile 5 furlongs] (9 ran). Connections will be pleased with that, as
it’s his first run following a 3-month break.
There are
two runners of interest tomorrow: Wetherby: 13:15 Naranja (Jamie Snowden/Gavin Sheehan) – Mares’ Handicap
Hurdle (Qualifier) Kempton
Park: 19:45 Ardamir (Laura Mongan/Adam Kirby/formerly
owned by Apple Tree Stud) – Handicap [1 mile 3 furlongs & 219 yards] |
|
Wednesday
03 January 2018 |
|
Here is
today’s result from Ludlow: Chato (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 4th and
Young Phoenix (Martin Keighley/Conor Shoemark) finished 13th in the Maiden Hurdle (15 ran). There’s NH
racing at Bangor-on-Dee tomorrow, but my runners of interest will be racing
on the all-weather at Newcastle: 13:30 Pantomine (Rebecca Menzies/Andrew
Mullen/EPDS Racing) – Handicap [2 miles 56 yards] 15:10 Zabeel Star (Karen McLintock/Tom
Eaves) – Stakes [1 mile 2 furlongs & 42 yards] 16:20
Celtic Artisan (Rebecca Menzies/PJ McDonald/EPDS
Racing) – Handicap Div II [1 mile 5 furlongs]. Celtic
Artisan’s stable name is ‘Dylan’;
his sire is Dylan Thomas. I bought a
copy of this week’s Weekender today.
Alan writes that he was delighted with Yanworth’s
win in the Dipper Novices’ Chase; his 1,500 winner! He also says he was thrilled with Wilde
Blue Yonder’s effort to finish 3rd at Newbury and
that his charge has come out of the race fine. Alan is also toying with the idea of
running Redicean in Chepstow’s Finale Juvenile
Hurdle re-scheduled for Saturday. The
Weekender also has a two-page spread featuring a number of the horses trained
by my favourite former Captain in the Kings Irish Hussars ... Jamie
Snowden! |
|
Monday
01 January 2018 |
|
Happy New Year I missed seeing in the New Year – I fell asleep
on the sofa at around 23:20 and didn’t wake until after 02:00! Anyway, here are today’s
results for my runners of interest: Cheltenham: My Charity (Graeme McPherson/Daryl Jacob)
finished last in the Novices’ Hurdle (Listed) (8 ran). Ami Desbois (Graeme
McPherson/Paddy Brennan/EPDS Racing) was pulled up before two out and Yanworth (Alan King/Barry Geraghty) won the Dipper Novices’
Chase (Grade 2) (5 ran); Alan’s 39th winner of the season. Theinval (Nicky
Henderson/Jeremiah McGrath) finished 6th in the Handicap Chase (2 miles 4
furlongs & 166 yards) (9 ran). Skipthecuddles (Graeme McPherson/Daryl
Jacob) finished 5th and Buckle Street (Martin Keighley/Harry Stock) finished
3rd in the Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 7 furlongs & 213 yards] (8 ran). Here is the report following Yanworth’s
victory: Wholestone won the feature Grade
2 Relkeel Hurdle: Exeter: Another Crick (Noel Williams/Wayne Hutchinson)
finished 4th in the Novices’ Hurdle (Qualifier) (9 ran). Catterick: Three Ways (Jamie Snowden/Gavin
Sheehan) won the Novices’ Chase (4 ran); Jamie’s 20th
winner of the
season. Kalahari Queen (Jamie Snowden/Gavin Sheehan)
finished 2nd in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (7 ran). Weyburn (Martin Keighley/Conor Shoemark) finished 3rd in
the Handicap Chase (Qualifier) [2 miles 3 furlongs & 51 yards] (5 ran). Musselburgh: Jamacho (Brian Ellison/Conor O’Farrell/raised by Apple Tree Stud) finished 3rd
in the Juvenile Hurdle (6 ran). Here are a few New Year resolutions, courtesy of
the Racing Post: https://www.racingpost.com/news/news/to-stop-swearing-but-thats-not-going-to-happen/314073 There is news that Bristol De Mai has been
suffering from ulcers, hence the poor showing in last week’s King George VI
Chase: The tests continue upon Faugheen,
in an effort to understand his poor showing last week: And further tests are also to be carried out on
Sizing John: Tom Bellamy was stood down today following a
breath-test and missed his Cheltenham rides: And Adam Wedge made a mistake at Exeter aboard an
odds-on favourite: Richard Johnson hopes to return to action at
Ludlow on Wednesday: And news that Aintree racecourse provided
accommodation for the horses displaced by yesterday’s fire in a Liverpool
multi-storey car park; they’d been attending a local horse show: With the Veterans’ Chase Series Final scheduled
for Saturday, there’s an article on the Racing Post website regarding last
year’s winner Pete The Feat; he’s due to compete again, despite turning 14
today: Tomorrow’s Ffos Las fixture
has been abandoned, Ayr goes ahead subject to a precautionary inspection so,
as would be expected there are no runners of interest tomorrow. I decided
I could spare a couple of hours today to proof read my mid-November
Cheltenham diary, so that’s now done and dusted and uploaded; I’d already
uploaded the photos. I still need to
finish my Newbury race notes and upload photos, plus the photos from my yard
visit and the recent alpaca walk. |
