DIARY – ASCOT
SATURDAY 18 FEBRUARY 2012
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A photocall
for Choc and Invictus, having won
the Grade 2 Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase This was my first
opportunity to see Choc since he sustained a broken arm when falling at
Hereford on 11 December last year; he was cleared to ride from 14 February and
returned to action the next day. I’d
been racing a couple of times since his accident, to Kempton Park on Boxing
Day and to Cheltenham Trials day at the end of last month. I was due to attend Super Saturday at
Newbury the previous weekend, but that fixture was abandoned due to frozen
ground, combined with a light covering of snow on the protective covers. The Newbury fixture had
actually been re-arranged for the previous day; and was re-named ‘Free Friday’ due to there being no
admission charges. I would have liked
to have gone to the Berkshire fixture but it was a work day and, with our
team at work having been down-sized recently, I was unsure whether my
workload would permit me to attend. As
it turned out, my day at work was unusually quiet ... so I probably could
have gone, but it was now too late. At Newbury, Choc had
ridden Raya Star in the feature Betfair Hurdle to finish 3rd to the Paul
Nicholls trained, Ruby Walsh ridden, Zarkandar. He won the Novices’ Hurdle aboard
Montbazon, his 34th winner of the season and the first winner since his
return, but he finished a disappointing 4th aboard Walkon in the Grade 1
Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase; the race having been transferred from the
abandoned Sandown fixture earlier in the month. Medermit had won The Scilly Isles Chase
last season. Did you know that the
Scilly Isles Chase is named after an area close to Sandown Park, and not the
islands near to Land’s End? More Not surprisingly, I
was very much looking forward to going to Ascot to see Choc and, when I
discovered that he would have 6 rides from 7 races, I was even more
delighted. Friday evening was spent
epilating my legs (you have to make an effort don’t you?) and choosing the
outfit I would wear. The latter not
being so easy at this time, because I’d put on over a stone in weight during
the past year; I’ve not been exercising very much but I’ve been eating lots
of sweets, mainly to ease my throat which has been really suffering due to my
ongoing sinus problems. Having caught
a cold at the end of last November, it actually took two months for the
resultant catarrh to clear. Yuck! Anyway, I choose to
wear two thermal vests, a cerise pink cardigan, a black cardigan, a purple
fleece and burgundy Per Una cardigan.
As the weather had warmed up a little since the previous weekend, I
wore my black winter coat which I’d bought for the 2008/2009 winter season,
and a black triple-tiered knee length skirt which is also a few seasons old
and seems to be a large size 16, plus black wedge shoes, and opaque tights. Instead
of wearing one of my extensive collection of wool scarves, I wore a flower
patterned scarf made of brushed cotton; it’s really pretty and one of my
favourites. On Saturday morning
I awoke before 07:00, showered and washed my hair; watched The Morning Line
whilst eating a breakfast of toast and croissants, then applied my
make-up. The gates at Ascot opened at
10:45 today but, as I wanted to collect an item from the Argos store in
Apsley Hemel Hempstead on my way to the racecourse, I set off at 09:10. My route took me through
my local City centre and along the A4147 to Hemel Hempstead; I joined the
A414 to negotiate the infamous ‘Magic Roundabout’. I then headed along Two
Waters Way, before turning left to drive through Apsley to reach the retail
park. As it was early, there
was no queue at the tills; in fact the cashier went to collect the item from
the storeroom too. Five minutes later
I was on my way. I had been intending
to retrace my steps to join the A41 but, in the event, and because the road
through Apsley had been riddled with pot-holes, I decided to turn left
outside the retail park and head along the road through Kings Langley. The condition of the
roads in Hertfordshire is diabolical; and Buckinghamshire is bad too. One Easter, my friend Mark and I drove to
Mersea Island in Essex to go rambling ... and with the hope of seeing some
adders during our walk too ... when we reached the Essex border the condition
of the roads dramatically improved, it was amazing. We didn’t see any adders though; they are
supposed to bask in the sun along the sea-walls after finishing their
hibernation. We were
disappointed. We’d hoped to see adders
at Lands End too when we went on holiday to Cornwall; but we didn’t see any
there either. I joined the M25 at
junction 20; heading anti-clockwise to join the M4. There was still a 50 mph speed limit in
operation on the M4 due to roadworks, but I soon reached the Slough Central
junction and then headed southwards along the Windsor bypass. I negotiated the roundabout at the far end
of the dual carriageway before heading along Imperial Road to join the B3022,
driving past Legoland to reach the ‘longabout’. Heading towards Ascot, I turned left at
Swinley Bottom, drove through the underpass beneath Ascot racecourse’s
straight mile, before reaching Ascot High Street. I turned right, and right again to enter
the free car park. I was directed to
park ... about five cars’ distance away from the outstretched branches of the
huge cedar tree ... YES!!! Finally,
I’ve avoided that damn tree. I dread
parking under it, especially on a breezy day like today. It was 10:30. Having put on my coat, I set off to
purchase a ticket. Usually I
route-march up Ascot High Street but, today, I took it quite steadily. My weight problems had taken their toll and
had made me quite sluggish. Upon reaching the
Ticket Office I purchased a grandstand ticket (£18), using my credit
card. I was a bit short of cash, as
payday was the following Friday and we’d had to wait for 5 weeks since last
pay day ... and would have to do so again next month too. Arrrgggggh!
Fortunately April would be 4 week period to pay day. Unfortunately the cashier hadn’t checked
the credit card equipment and the paper roll was running low; I had to wait
while he ‘fought’ with the machine
to provide me with a receipt! When I was eventually
issued with a ticket, I headed for the turnstiles to enter the
racecourse. I purchased a race-card
for £3.50 ... a price increase, typical.
Ascot used to charge lower prices for their tickets for National Hunt fixtures
than many of the top ranked racecourses, but no longer. Entry prices have increased, as have the
race-cards. I can rarely take
advantage of reduced prices for pre-booking, because the majority of my
racecourse visits depend on Choc being in attendance! When I arrive at
Ascot I usually walk around to the area just above the Weighing Room to wait
for proceedings to start; however, today would be different, as I hoped to
speak with Choc when he arrived. I
therefore headed to the steps opposite the Weighing Room. I wasn’t stalking him; I just wanted to
welcome him back from his injury absence and, at Ascot, the only time that
the public come into direct contact with the jockeys is when they arrive or
leave. Luckily it was the
most sheltered area in the vicinity of the Parade Ring, there being a brisk
breeze. Whilst waiting to see if Choc
would appear, I made notes for this diary.
After waiting for around 20 minutes I heard
someone say ‘Choc’, so I glanced to
the side and it was the man himself, he was holding a conversation with Colin
Bolger as they headed to the Weighing Room.
I called to Choc and he stopped on the step below me. I beckoned for
him to approach and I was able to bend down to give him a kiss on the
cheek. I told him I was very pleased
that he was now ‘mended’ and wished
him luck with his rides today. I would
have loved to have given him a big hug too but, unfortunately, one of the
safety barriers prevented this. Never
mind, perhaps one day ... Mission accomplished, I relocated to the steppings
opposite, close to the tunnel where the horses enter the Parade Ring. It was quite sheltered there too, but not
as sheltered as my earlier location. Whilst
I was waiting for the races to begin, a lady came to sit on the steps and
struck up a conversation with me. She asked if I’d
placed my bets today; no, I don’t bet, I just enjoy the sport ... and I adore
Choc Thornton. I think he’s absolutely
gorgeous. She works for Ladbrokes, so
she knew about racing. Her favourite
jockey is Christian Williams; my friend Lesley likes Christian. She asked how long I’d been following Choc,
so I explained about having seen him on the BBC News when he won the Champion
Hurdle in 2008 aboard Katchit and being immediately struck by just how cute
he is. You know what it’s like when
you just can’t get someone out of your head?
I was smitten and have been so ever since! Whilst I was waiting
for the racing to begin, I noticed that a group of people were being shown
around the Parade Ring and Weighing Room area. The ‘Behind
the Scenes Tour’; one day I must partake in that. Alan King’s Travelling Head Lad, Matt
Howells, arrived to deliver the silks. The day had begun cloudy with a few
light rain showers; but it had then become sunny. However, it started to cloud over at 11:40;
heavy rain having been forecast for the afternoon. Channel 4’s Alice
Plunkett fetched Barry Geraghty from the Weighing Room; together with a
cameraman, they climbed the steps to reach the area above the Parade
Ring. They then walked along the
entire length of the concourse behind the grandstand and disappeared from
view; presumably they couldn’t decide upon a location backdrop for an interview. When Barry returned, he was accosted by
Mick Fitzgerald and Robert Cooper of ATR, who interviewed him before he
re-entered the Weighing Room. Andrew
Thornton set off for a jog around the course, as is his custom. Having weighed out, Choc didn’t have long to
wait before Alan King arrived to collect his saddle. The first race was
at 13:15. The Donald McCain runner,
Super Duty was the first into the Parade Ring; he was whinneying as he walked
around. Choc’s first ride of the day
was aboard Denali Highway in this Novice Hurdle event. Once the horses had
exited the Parade Ring I headed through the grandstand concourse to reach the
stands; my preferred vantage point being next to the Owners and Trainers
viewing area. The start of this event
was in Swinley Bottom, the horses cantering down past the stands to reach it.
Then
they were off. The field was led away by
Super Duty, followed by Polarbrook, Redbridge
Rebel, Western King, Saint Roque, Denali Highway on the inside, The Last Night, Keys, Bold
Henry and Zagova.
Into
the home straight on the first occasion; Zagova in
rear was clumsy at the 3rd and 4th flights.
Super Duty continued to lead as the field headed down into Swinley Bottom. Zagova was now detached in rear. Heading
along the back straight there was no change at the head of affairs; Sam
Thomas’ mount was followed by Polarbrook, Redbridge
Rebel, Denali Highway, Saint Roque and Keys. Saint Roque made
an error 4 out. As
the pace increased, Denali Highway began to weaken and lose touch, joining
the struggling Redbridge Rebel, The Last Night and Zagova
in rear. Super
Duty led around the final turn, Keys soon laying down a challenge. However, despite being strongly pressed for
the lead, and jumping the last in unison, Super Duty found more reserves and
went on to win by 1¾ lengths. Keys
finished 2nd, Western King 3rd and Polarbrook 4th. Saint Roque had
fallen at the last when looking booked for 3rd. Choc had eased Denali Highway and pulled
him up before 2 out.
Choc
having finished unplaced, I returned to the steppings
close to the tunnel to see him return to the Weighing Room. Once he had entered the building, I
relocated to the far side of the Parade Ring, which had the benefit of being
the most sheltered area. Choc’s mount in the
second race was Invictus, who I’d seen him ride to
victory at Ascot back in April last year. Invictus was
shaping up to be a very good 3 mile steeplechaser. Once Choc had set off down the walkway to
the racecourse, I returned to my preferred vantage point in the
grandstand. The starting gate for this
event was at the beginning of the straight heading down into Swinley Bottom; the horses were cantered down to look at
the final fence before they headed there.
Then
they were off. The field was led away
by Alfie Spinner, from Our Island, Helpston, Silviniaco Conti, Baile Anrai, Bobs Worth on the
outside of the field, and Invictus restrained in
rear. Helpston made a mistake
at the 2nd fence, then blundered and unseated his jockey, David England, at
the third. Heading out of Swinley Bottom on the first occasion, the order was Alfie Spinner, Silviniaco
Conti, Bobs Worth, Our Island, Invictus and Baile Anrai. The remaining 6 runners were all jumping
well; although Bobs Worth was a little slow at what would be the final fence
next time around. Silvinianco Conti took up
the running as the field headed towards Swinley
Bottom once more. The lead then
alternated between Ruby’s mount and Alfie
Spinner. Bobs Worth was less fluent
than his rivals over the 5th and 4th last fences. Baile Anrai fell 3 out when close up in 4th. Silviniaco Conti led into
the home straight from Alfie Spinner, Invictus and Bobs Worth.
Choc drove his mount to lead after 2 out and soon went clear, staying
on strongly to win impressively by 3 lengths.
Despite a blunder 2 out, Bobs Worth rallied to take 2nd, Alfie Spinner finished 3rd, with Silviniaco
Conti fading to be 4th.
I returned to the Parade Ring, taking up a
vantage point above the Weighing Room in order to take photographs of Choc
when he arrived back in the Winners’ Enclosure. It had started to rain by now, but it
couldn’t dampen my spirits, as I love it when Choc wins. Having unsaddled his mount and posed for
photographs, he returned to the Weighing Room to weigh in. Shortly afterwards he returned; he was accosted
by ATR’s Robert Cooper for a brief interview, before he went to the podium to
collect his memento. During the
interview Choc mentioned that he’d been on ATR’s Get In programme the
previous evening (I often watch it but had forgotten to do so yesterday) and
had expressed the opinion that Invictus had a very
good chance of winning today. He had
been proved right. Choc didn’t have a ride in the next race so, once
Choc had returned to the Weighing Room, I sheltered under the canopy at the
back of the grandstand until it was time to head through the concourse to
view the event. This race also took place over a distance of 3
miles; the horses travelling two complete circuits of the course.
Then
they were off. Crescent Island was in rear
and reluctant to race. The field was led away by Chance Du Roy, from Viking
Blond, Tullamore Dew, Massini’s
Maguire, Exmoor Ranger; towards the rear, The Minack made an error at the 3rd. In rear, Be There In Five was slow at the 4th
fence, and was pulled up soon afterwards.
Into
the home straight for the first time, Chance Du Roy continued to lead from
Viking Blond and Massini’s Maguire. Exmoor Ranger, close up on the outside of
the field, fell at the 9th. Pearlysteps blundered and almost unseated his rider at
the 10th, the final fence on the first circuit. Heading
out into the country again, Richard Johnson’s mount still held the advantage,
from Massini’s Maguire, Tullamore
Dew, Viking Blond, Cappa Bleu, The Minack and Hell’s Bay.
The always reluctant Crescent Island was pulled up at the end of the
first circuit. Pearlysteps
and Qhilimar were pulled up before the open-ditch,
at which Viking Blond made an error. The
Minack crashed out at the 14th fence; Hell’s Bay
blundered badly here too and was soon pulled up. Only 5 horses now continued. Chance
Du Roy led until 4 out, when Massini’s Maguire went
on. Cappa
Bleu hit the third last fence. Tom Scudamore’s mount led into the final straight, from
Chance Du Roy, Tullamore Dew and Cappa Bleu. Despite
being challenged by Tullamore Dew and Cappa Bleu, Massini’s Maguire
held on gamely to win by just a head from Tullamore
Dew. Cappa
Bleu was 3¾ lengths back in 3rd, with Chance Du Roy 9 lengths further back in
4th. Viking Blond completed the
course, although tailed-off.
I returned to the Parade Ring; after taking a
photograph of the winning horse, again I positioned myself on the steppings near to the tunnel. Choc’s
mount in the next event was Medermit; being a Grade
1 event there would be an on-course parade, so the horses were sorted into
race-card order before they left the Parade Ring. I returned to my usual vantage point in the
grandstand. The horses were paraded
before the jockeys took them to look at the final fence; they then cantered
down to the start, which was located in the ‘side’ straight, with one fence to negotiate before Swinley Bottom.
Then
they were off. The field was led away
by Little Josh, from The Sawyer and I’msingingtheblues;
Gauvain brought up the rear. Heading along the back straight on the first
occasion, the order was Little Josh, The Sawyer, I’msingingtheblues,
Tatenen, Riverside Theatre, Kauto
Stone, Medermit to the
inside, then Gauvain. Up
the home straight, Little Josh still held a narrow advantage, with Gauvain still in rear and receiving a reminder after the
7th. Little Josh was jumping the best,
Gauvain the worst.
The Sawyer began to lose his position as the runners headed out onto
the final circuit. Kauto Stone was tanking along and soon
took the lead; the early leader Little Josh now losing his place. Tatenen blundered
at the 9th. Medermit
had made good progress and was tracking the leaders when he almost unseated
Choc having cleared the open-ditch; my favourite jockey was perched upon his
mount’s neck! However, Choc was back
in the plate almost immediately, and miraculously no ground was lost. Little
Josh blundered at the 11th when in rear, soon tailed off and was pulled up
before the 13th fence. The Sawyer and Tatenen soon began to struggle. Kauto Stone led,
from Riverside Theatre, Medermit and I’msingingtheblues.
Gauvain began to improve his position. Riverside Theatre took the lead at the 13th,
Medermit soon becoming his closest pursuer as Kauto Stone dropped back.
Turning
in, Barry Geraghty’s mount held a one length
advantage over Medermit, with I’msingingtheblues
and Gauvain a number of lengths adrift. Choc’s mount was
only half a length down as they cleared two out; Medermit
was very game but was unable to close further on the leader, who went on to
win by 3 lengths at the line. Gauvain was 20 lengths away in 3rd, with I’msingingtheblues a further 8 lengths away in 4th. Kauto Stone faded
to finish last of the 7 who completed. The
Nicky Henderson trained runner had won the event for the second year running,
despite being off the racecourse for 364 days, in the interim having
fractured his pelvis. Although
maybe a little short of top class, Medermit is
certainly game and always gives of his best ... and you cannot ask for more
than that. Mind you, as mentioned
earlier, he is a Grade 1 winner, having won last season’s The Scilly Isles
Novices’ Chase.
I
returned to the Parade Ring to see Choc arrive back in the Winners’
Enclosure. Having taken photographs before
Choc returned to the Weighing Room, I then re-positioned myself on the far
side of the Parade Ring. In hindsight
I should have waited for actor and winning owner James Nesbitt to accept his
prize, but I didn’t! Choc’s mount in the
next event was another grey, Smad Place; the horse
having won a similar event at Ascot last month. Today, however, he was top weight. Once Choc had left the Parade Ring I
returned to my favoured vantage point in the stands. The
start of this race was in Swinley Bottom, the
horses cantering down past the stands to reach it.
Book’em Danno (presumably named after Steve McGarrett’s
catchphrase from the Hawaii Five-O TV series) was reluctant to join the
others, but eventually consented to race; they were off. The
field was led away by Swincombe Flame, Aimigayle taking over after the 2nd flight and they
continued to hold the advantage as the runners headed up the home straight for
the first time. Crack Away Jack was in
rear. Galloping
past the ‘lollypop’ on the first
occasion, the order was Aimigayle, Swincombe Flame, Book’em Danno, King Edmund, Emmaslegend,
Mountainous, Eastlake, Smad Place, Vino Griego, Mad Moose, Orzare, Bourne, Art Professor, Sarando,
Dunraven Storm, Valid Reason, Helium, with Crack
Away Jack still bringing up the rear. Book’em Danno had taken over the lead as the field set off down
the side of the racecourse, and remained there until being headed 3 out. Turning in, the order at the head of
affairs was Swincombe Flame, from Smad Place, Eastlake, Bourne, Vino
Griego, Helium, Dunraven
Storm, Valid Reason, Mountainous and Art Professor. Bourne
came to challenge and led after 2 out, from Smad
Place and Swincombe Flame. The former was in command over the last and
went on to win by 3½ lengths. Choc’s mount hit the last but stayed on to take 2nd, with
Swincombe Flame in 3rd and Dunraven
Storm 4th. The
winner sported the colours of the sponsors, the Timeform
Betfair Racing Club.
Once
more I set off to the Parade Ring to see Choc arrive back and to take
photographs before he returned to the Weighing Room. Having
accepted his memento, winning jockey Henry Brooke, was asked to pose for a
number of photographs by one of the official photographers. It was rather amusing, as in one photograph
he was standing with an arm outstretched above him, holding the First Place ‘pole’. A pole dancer perhaps! Choc’s mount in the
next race was Balder Succes, who had won the
Juvenile Hurdle at the previous Ascot fixture. As
I wanted to take photographs ahead of this race, I headed to the walkway
tunnel; although it was like a wind-tunnel!
The heavens opened shortly afterwards.
The horses in the Parade Ring were getting soaked, the owners and trainers
crowded onto the podium to avoid the rain and one horse remained in the
tunnel, the stable-lass leading him around.
He was soon joined by the other 5 runners; everyone seemed amused. When
the bell was sounded for the jockeys to mount, the horses were led out into the
Parade Ring once more. As Balder Succes and the other runners headed out onto the track, I
returned to the stands to view the race.
Being
a 2 mile event, the horses cantered down past the grandstand to reach the
start, which was at the far end of the home straight.
Then
they were off. The field was led away
by Ice ‘N’ Easy, followed by Fairy Rath, Balder Succes, Hazy Tom, Captain Sunshine and Inspector Qics, who jumped slowly in rear. Hazy Tom took a keen hold. Balder
Succes appeared keen too, the pace of the race not
hot; Hazy Tom soon pulled his way into third position. Fairy Rath took
the lead approaching the 4th flight, but was headed by Hazy Tom 4 out. Balder Succes was
travelling extremely well and went 2nd three out, Hazy Tom dropping back as
Fairy Rath led again briefly. Balder
Succes held a narrow advantage around the final
bend and came readily clear of his rivals, keeping on strongly after the last
to win by 7 lengths, easing up. A very
impressive winner. Captain Sunshine
stayed on to take 2nd, with Fairy Rath 3rd and Hazy
Tom 4th.
Once
again I returned to see Choc arrive back in the Winners’ Enclosure. Unfortunately there was no memento for the
winning jockey, so Choc didn’t return to the podium, but Alan King accepted
the prize on behalf of the owners; James Nesbitt doing the honours. Choc’s final ride of
the day was aboard the chestnut Gold Ingot, having his first racecourse
appearance. The horse was very nervous
and even jinked when the bell was sounded for the jockeys to mount. Once Choc and Gold Ingot had left the
Parade Ring, I headed through the grandstand concourse to reach my preferred
vantage point within the stands. The
start of this event was at the far end of the home straight, the horses
cantering down past the stands to reach it.
Then
they were off. The runners were led
away by Kruseman, from Uncle Jimmy, Theatrelands, Starsky Des Mottes, Atlantic Roller, Pirate’s Gold, Sin Bin, River Maigue, Gold Ingot to the
inside, I Shot The Sheriff, Royal Guardsman, Sammyman,
Rydon Pynes and King
Spirit. Kruseman held the lead
until hanging left around the Swinley Bottom turn,
Ruby Walsh aboard Atlantic Roller taking over at the head of affairs. Having pulled too hard, Starsky
Des Mottes dropped out rapidly inside the final
mile, tailing off. Having
made steady progress from 7 furlongs out, Royal Guardsman challenged between
horses two furlongs out, soon overtaking Atlantic Roller and going on to win
by 7 lengths. The latter finished 2nd,
River Maigue completed in 3rd, just holding on by a
head from Choc’s mount.
I returned to the Parade Ring for the
final time today. Once Choc had
unsaddled his mount, spoken with the connections and returned to the Weighing
Room, it was time for me to go home. As had happened this morning, my
route-march was more of a stroll down the High Street, although I did
overtake a number of people as I approached the car park. My feet were actually killing me ...
despite my shoes normally being very comfortable. It must be the weight gain; I hope I can
lose over a stone once my sinus issues have been resolved. A sinus operation was scheduled for 19
April ... I did postpone it slightly, to enable me to go to the Cheltenham
Festival and to Aintree beforehand! Having brought four cheese rolls with
me, I ate two of them before setting off back to Hertfordshire. My route took me back via the ‘longabout’,
past Legoland, and along the Windsor Bypass to
reach the M4. I took the eastbound
carriageway towards London; fortunately the accident which was being signed by
warnings on the motorway didn’t materialise, there were just two vehicles on
the hard-shoulder, one a rescue vehicle. Upon reaching the M25 I took the
clockwise carriageway to reach Junction 21A, before returning to my home
city. I arrived back at 06:20. Having eaten a two poached eggs on
toast, and the two remaining cheese rolls, I logged onto my laptop to upload
my photographs, update my blog, and to tweet Choc to congratulate him on his
two winners! He’d already tweeted that
it had been a great day at the races. Later that evening, Paul Nicholls
tweeted to report that The Minack had fractured a
knee when he fell during the third race; a career threatening injury. Following today’s result, it was
confirmed that Invictus would run in the RSA Chase
at the Cheltenham Festival, as would Walkon; and
Balder Succes was scheduled to run in either the
Supreme Novices’ Hurdle or the Triumph Hurdle. |
