DIARY – NEWBURY
SATURDAY 03 MARCH 2012
GREATWOOD CHARITY & EQUESTRIAN DAY
In the
Parade Ring, Blazing Bailey ahead of
the Veterans’ Handicap Chase Yet another
opportunity to go racing, with Choc having 5 riding engagements at Newbury
this day. When Choc’s return from
injury had been imminent, I asked my friend Lesley if she’d like to go racing
in the near future; she chose this fixture as being the most convenient. With the Cheltenham
Festival approaching, I wanted to save my ‘best’
clothes for that meeting; besides, rain showers were forecast during the
afternoon. That meant I needed to wear
my purple anorak, as it was too cold for a raincoat ... and that best suited
me wearing a pair of trousers today, rather than a skirt. Jeans perhaps? I tried on a pair of black jeans ... oh no,
they were too small; however, I was relieved to find that all 3 pairs of blue
jeans still fitted, although they were rather tighter than hoped! Thank goodness for Lycra. Despite it being
March, I decided to take no chances with the weather. I wore 2 thermal vests, a cerise cardigan,
purple fleece, burgundy cardigan, blue jeans, blue ankle boots and, of
course, my anorak. I chose to wear a
Rico Loopy scarf in shades of purple and blue; it colour co-ordinated
perfectly! As usual on a ‘racing’ Saturday, I awoke just before
07:00; showered, washed and dried my hair, watched Channel 4’s the Morning
Line whilst eating a breakfast of toast and croissants. Having dressed ready to go, I decided to
wait outside for Lesley to pick me up in her car ... I was beginning to ‘glow’ as I was far too warm when
indoors! It began to spit with rain as
I waited. Lesley soon arrived
and I directed her via the local back roads to reach the London Colney
roundabout. Our route took us to join
the M25 at Junction 21A; before heading westwards along the M4 to Junction
12, Reading West. Having left the
motorway, our route took us along the A4, through the village of Woolhampton
and on to Thatcham before reaching Newbury.
Having travelled through a heavy rain shower on the way to Berkshire,
the skies were now bright, with blue sky in abundance. We entered the
racecourse precincts via the bridge across the railway, turning left to drive
along the perimeter road and park in the area beyond, which is free. Lesley was directed to park on the front
row, evidently the racecourse workers now have a new area where they
park. The horse transporter for the
Fuller’s Dray shirehorses was parked just in front of us; presumably they
were still inside the vehicle, as there was no sign of them elsewhere. It was 11:40. Unfortunately, the
heather-selling gypsy has returned to ply her trade in the car park. I thought Newbury had warned her off for
annoying punters? Lesley was debating
whether to wear a cardigan under her coat; I advised her that she
should. However, I decided to leave my
burgundy cardigan in the car, hoping that the weather would not
deteriorate. We made our way to the
grandstand entrance; I purchased two race-cards (£2.50 each) from the
promotion workers outside, and a ticket from the entry kiosk, using cash, for
£16.00. It took a little longer for
the cashiers to process Lesley’s payment, which she made by credit card. Initially we headed
for the Pre-Parade Ring, as we knew there were to be a number of equestrian
related attractions taking place before racing. However, as these hadn’t begun yet, we
returned to the lower floor concourse of the Dubai Duty Free stand to
purchase a cup of coffee and a hot chocolate drink. We sat at one of the
tables to consume the drinks, with Lesley consuming a sausage roll too; she
also read through the race-card to select her bets for the day. I believe they were Blazing Bailey,
Araldur, Teshali, together with Up To Something in the last. We then headed back
to the Pre-Parade Ring to watch the first of the equestrian ‘showcases’, which was a Lusitano
Dressage Display. This was followed by
a Side Saddle Display, four ladies demonstrating the art of riding side
saddle. With the Behind the Scenes
Tour commencing at 13:00, we decided to miss the Vaulting Display and headed
for the concourse outside the Weighing Room.
There were more than
20 people queuing for the Tour but, fortunately, the Weighing Room is quite
roomy and we were all able to fit inside it.
During the talk given by the Clerk of the Scales, Ruby Walsh walked
through, as did trainer Keiran Burke.
Racing commentator today, Stewart Machin, was chatting to racecourse
staff in one of the annex rooms, and Paddy Brennan also put in an appearance. As we had arrived, Joe Tizzard was weighing
out, Timmy Murphy weighed out a little later too. Whilst explaining
his role, The Clerk of the Scales handed two saddles to individual members of
the audience, and these were passed around for everyone to hold, one for when
riding at a ‘sensible’ weight, the
other one was miniscule for when riding at a very light weight. The difference was amazing, the heavier one
was, in fact, far heavier than I’d ever imagined! The Judge briefly explained his role
too. This particular tour
seemed far less organised than the one I’d undertaken at the end of March
last year; when we’d also climbed to the top of the Berkshire grandstand to
visit the judge’s box and been to see the horses being saddled in the ‘open’ boxes. So, having left the Weighing Room, Lesley
and I headed for the Parade Ring to listen to ‘Mark Your Card’, where the guest pundit was the aforementioned
Stewart Machin. It was soon time for
the first race of the day, a Handicap Hurdle, in which Choc would be riding
the Alan King trained Godsmejudge.
Once the horses had left the Parade Ring we set off to find a vantage
point beside the course-side rails. The starting gate
for this race was halfway down the back straight.
Then they were off. The
field was led away by Super Villain, taking a keen hold. He was followed by Blazing Buck, Always Waining, Love Of Tara, Tarvini,
Cinderella Rose, Benbens, Imperial Circus, Godsmejudge, Buck Magic, South O’The
Border, Pavillon Bleu, Lamboro
Lad, with Theatrical Star held up in rear.
Love Of Tara pecked at the second flight; Buck Magic wasn’t
fluent here either. Heading up the
home straight on the first occasion, the profusely sweating Super Villain
still led the field, and continued to do so until after the 8th flight, when
he was briefly headed by Imperial Circus. The latter hit the next flight,
Super Villain regaining the lead once more.
Turning into the home straight for the final time, Godsmejudge held every chance but made an error 3 out and
began to lose his place. Super Villain
had been headed again by Imperial Circus at this flight; Benbens
challenging for the lead and taking over when jumping 2 out, although not
fluent. Sam Twiston-Davies
drove his mount out to win by 1½ lengths; in second position, Theatrical Star
made an error at the last and was caught on the line by Imperial Circus, the
distance a nose. Buck Magic, a further
nose away, completed in 4th. Godsmejudge,
who had also made an error 2 out, completed in 7th place.
We
returned to the Winners’ Enclosure to see the horses return; although, not
surprisingly, my attention was drawn to Choc, rather than the placed horses! It
was now time for the Veterans’ Handicap Chase, in which Choc would be riding
Blazing Bailey. Once the horses had
left the Parade Ring, we set off to find a suitable spot beside the
course-side rails. The
start of this race was at the beginning of the back straight; the race being
run over the same distance as the Hennessy Gold Cup. Fair
Along, who often appears reluctant at the start, was led in to ensure that he
set off with the other runners.
Then
they were off. The field was led away
by Fair Along until slowing at the first fence, when teenager Hello Bud took
over the lead. Over the third fence the order was Hello Bud, Dom D’Orgeval, Fair Along, Ouzbeck,
Niche Market, Wogan, Marufo,
Blazing Bailey, Mark The Book and Mumbles Head. By
the far turn, Blazing Bailey was in rear, and received a reminder, having hit
the 6th fence. Into the home straight
on the first occasion, the order was Hello Bud, Niche Market, Fair Along, Marufo, Ouzbeck, Wogan, Mark The Book, Dom D’Orgeval,
Mumbles Head and Blazing Bailey. Dom
D’Orgeval had soon dropped to the rear of the
field; Blazing Bailey just preceding him.
Having jumped the water, Choc decided to call it a day. Heading down the back straight for the final
time, Wogan had lost his place and wasn’t fluent at
the 12th fence; he was pulled up shortly afterwards. Both Mark The Book and D’Orgeval
were tailed off when pulled up after the 16th obstacle, the cross fence. Marufo, who took the lead
after the 12th fence, wasn’t fluent at the last obstacle in the back straight,
and hit the 4th last too. He was headed
3 out by Niche Market. However, the
former was driven to lead again 2 out.
Having cleared the last fence, it became a duel between Marufo and Niche Market, the former prevailing by half a
length at the line. Ouzbeck, having been outpaced earlier in the race, stayed
on to finish 3rd, with long-time leader Hello Bud 4th.
We returned to the Winners’ Enclosure to see the placed
horses arrive back, however, shortly afterwards the heavens opened; a hailstorm! Not feeling very hardy today, we sought
shelter under the glass awning at the back of the Berkshire stand, a short
distance from the entrance to the Weighing Room. Whilst we were sheltering, Choc exited the Parade
Ring, carrying his saddle, and accompanying Andrew Tinkler. They headed to the Weighing Room. Fortunately the skies began to clear and we were
able to return to the Parade Ring ahead of the next race. Once Choc was aboard his next ride of the
day, Araldur, we set off to find a vantage point
beside the course-side rails. Other
punters appeared less hardy, as the area was almost deserted! Glancing towards the east, there was a
rainbow too. The starting gate for this event was in the far
corner of the track.
Crescent
Island was led in at the start, although his lad was knocked over as the
runners set off! The field was led
away by one of the greys, Pickamus, from Dave’s
Dream, Dan Breen and Passato. Woolcombe Folly
made an error at the 2nd fence. Pickamus continued to lead as the runners headed up the
straight on the first occasion. Araldur made an error at the 5th fence; but Crescent
Island’s error was far worse, and he slithered along on landing. Jockey Sam Twiston-Davies
pulled him up before the next. Araldur, now last, jumped the water slowly and was given
a reminder. Heading
down the back straight, the order was Pickamus from
Dave’s Dream, Passato,
Fix The Rib, Dan Breen, Pasco, Fine Parchment, Rileyev, Aerial, Woolcombe
Folly and Araldur bringing up the rear. Choc’s mount
wasn’t fluent at the 9th and appeared well beaten by the 11th; he pulled him
up after jumping the cross-fence.
Dave’s Dream had lost his place approaching this fence, and was pulled
up after it too. Pickamus still held the
advantage as the runners entered the home straight with four fences to go;
the other grey Pasco now in second position.
The long-time leader was overtaken by Dan Breen two out, despite skewing
on landing over this fence. It appeared
that Dan Breen might have stolen the race, but Ruby Walsh was in pursuit and
his mount Aerial stayed on under pressure after the last, gaining as the
field headed towards the line. A
short-head; Ruby had prevailed. Rileyev completed in 3rd, with last year’s winner, Fine
Parchment finishing 4th.
Again
we returned to the Winners’ Enclosure to see the placed horses arrive
back. I don’t suppose I need to
mention that I was more interested in Choc than in Aerial, et al! Choc
had no ride in the next race. Once the
horses had left the Parade Ring, we set off to find a vantage point beside
the course-side rails. The starting gate for this race was partway down
the home straight, with just over one circuit to travel.
Then
they were off. The field was led away
by Balgarry, from King Zeal, Looks Like Slim, Nampour, Dubai Crest, Ebanour, Orzare, Zafranagar, Manshoor, Rebel Dancer; in rear Sire Collonges. Heading
down the back straight, Balgarry continued to lead
from Looks Like Slim, Nampour, King Zeal, Orzare, Dubai Crest, Ebanour, Zafranagar, Manshoor, Rebel
Dancer and Sire Collonges. Having
always been in rear and unable to make any progress, Ruby Walsh pulled up
Sire Collonges before 3 out. Clear of the field around the final turn, Balgarry continued to gallop on strongly, extending his
lead, the remainder of the runners in his wake. The only two looking likely to mount a
challenge were Nampour and Ebanour;
the former closing slightly towards the line, but they were no match for Balgarry who won by 3½ lengths.
We
returned to the Winners’ Enclosure to see the horses arrive back. Choc’s ride in the
next event was Gospel Preacher; stable-mate Ruling Party was to be ridden by
Charlie Huxley. Once the horses had
left the Parade Ring, we set off to find a vantage point beside the
course-side rails. The
starting gate for this race was in the far corner of the track, with a
circuit and a half to travel.
Then
they were off. The field was led away
by General Kutuzov, from Handy Andy, Be My Light, Ballyquin
Queen, Prankster, Kusadiki, Ruling Party, Gospel
Preacher, Galiotto, Abbevillian,
Tickatack, Teshali, Quousko De L’isop, Marble Walk
and Accordingtolawrence. General
Kutuzov and Handy Andy held a clear advantage as they began the run down the
back straight. Gospel Preacher made a mistake
at the 6th flight, Ruling Party jumped it slowly and received a reminder;
unfortunately Alan King’s second string then fell at the next flight, the
jockey aboard Marble Walk being unseated in the melee. Both the horses and
jockeys were fine, although Charlie Huxley was limping a little. Travelling
around the final turn, Gospel Preacher had made progress into third position;
General Kutuzov and Handy Andy still led.
Choc’s mount made an error at the 2nd last
when holding every chance and weakened on the flat. Handy Andy led after two out, staying on to
win by 1 length from Tickatack; Quousko
De L’isop completed in third, General Kutuzov
4th. Gospel Preacher finished 6th.
We
returned to the Winners’ Enclosure to see the placed horses arrive back. A second winner of the day for Brocade
Racing; Balgarry having won the previous event. Having
exited the Parade Ring, Choc signed numerous autographs on his way to the
Weighing Room. No
ride for Choc in the next event. Once
the horses had left the Parade Ring we set off to find a vantage point beside
the course-side rails. The
starting gate for this event was at the far end of the home straight, with
that and one full circuit to travel.
Then
they were off. The field was led away
by Back Bob Back, who hit the first fence, from Cheney Manor, Shammick Boy, Be Definite, Arctic Wings and chasing
debutante Amirico.
The latter fell at the second fence, the open-ditch. The horse was fine; jockey Liam Treadwell
took a while to rise, then he was guided off the course. Shammick Boy was not
jumping well. Turning into the back
straight, Back Bob Back still led; Pepite Rose
making an error at the open ditch. In
rear, Arctic Wings received a reminder, soon tailing off. Paddy
Brennan’s mount retained the lead as the runners took the cross-fence, from
Be Definite, Cheney Manor, Pepite Rose, the slow
jumping Shammick Boy and the tailed off Arctic
Wings. Back Bob Back was headed 2 out,
by the easy travelling mare. The
latter was soon clear and went on to win easily by 15 lengths. Back Bob Back completed in 2nd, Be Definite
3rd and Cheney Manor 4th. Both Shammick Boy and Arctic Wings were pulled up.
We
returned to the Winners’ Enclosure to see the placed horses arrive back. It
was now time for the final and most valuable race of the day; the DBS Spring
Sales Bumper. To qualify for this
race, the entries were four and five year olds who, as the name suggested,
had been purchased at the DBS Spring Store Sales. Alan
King had three runners in this race: Valdez, who cost £8000, ridden by Choc;
Turn Over Sivola, who cost £25000, ridden by
Charlie Huxley; and Kenai Peninsula, costing £24000, ridden by Ciaran McKee claiming 10lbs due to him being one of the
stable’s conditional jockeys. The
first horse into the Parade Ring was whinnying continuously, with debutant
Kenai Peninsula, who was being led around near the ‘closed’ looseboxes waiting to be saddled, replying. Once saddled, Alan actually legged up Ciaran inside the box and led Kenai Peninsula into the
Parade Ring, doing one circuit before handing his charge over to the stable
lad! Valdez and Turn Over Sivola, having had two racecourse appearances each, were
better able to cope with the build-up to the race. Once
the horses had left the Parade Ring, we set off to the course-side rails to
find a suitable vantage point. The
starting gate for this race was part way down the home straight. It was rather amusing to watch Alan’s
Travelling Head Lad, Matt Howells, jogging down to the start in order to lead
the ‘green’ Kenai Peninsula around.
Then
they were off. The field was led away
by Up To Something; My Tent Or Yours was throwing his head around, Mr Bingley
not settled either. Valdez was on the
inside of the runners, in mid-field. The
pace was modest as the field headed down the back straight. Up To Something still led, from Xaarcet, Subtle Sovereign, Mr Bingley, No Diamond, Scholastica, My Tent Or Yours, the white faced Valdez,
Kenai Peninsula, Dumbfounded, Turn Over Sivola, Ussee, Catch The Fire, Kalani
King and D’Argent Cloud. Richard
Johnson’s mount remained at the head of affairs as the runners entered the
home straight. Over 2 furlongs out,
Choc initially decided to switch to his right to launch a challenge; however,
Up To Something then also edged to his right, forcing Choc to switch back to
his left to avoid him. Unfortunately
Valdez could only stay on at the same pace; Richard Johnson’s mount being
driven out to win by a neck from My Tent Or Yours. Kalani King finished
a further 8 lengths back in 3rd, holding Valdez’s late challenge by a short-head. Turn
Over Sivola completed in 6th, with Kenai Peninsula
7th; good runs from the entire team! Lesley
was extremely pleased, as her selection had won!
We returned to the Winners’ Enclosure
for the final time today. Choc’s first placing of the day. Once Choc had briefed connections, he went
across to speak briefly with Alan King, the latter having been helping with
the other two stable runners. Choc
then returned to the Weighing Room for the final time today. Lesley went to collect her
winnings! £22 evidently; a £6 profit
today! After racing, we decided to stay to
watch the beginning of the DBS auction of racehorses. The auction company had a pavilion next
door to the Hampshire stand, the bidders sitting within the warmth of its
confines whilst the horses were paraded outside. Here is a link to the catalogue. One of the horses, Classical Twist, sold
for £220,000, a new record for DBS at Newbury. I don’t think we stayed long enough to see
that one sold ... what a pity; it must have been pretty exciting! Having watched the auction for around
25 minutes, we decided it was time to set off home. As we were close to the premier
entrance/exit, we took the pathway out to the perimeter road, before walking
along past the grandstand enclosure entrance to reach the car park. Not surprisingly, the area was almost
deserted, just a few cars scattered here and there and one coach almost ready
to depart. I was glad I was not alone,
as it was very dark! We drove out via the perimeter road,
taking a right-hand turn to exit via the railway bridge. Upon reaching the road outside the course,
we turned right again, and headed for the junction with the A4. After waiting for the traffic signals to
change to green, we turned right to reach the large roundabout and took yet
another right to drive through Thatcham. Upon reaching the M4 we headed towards
London. Our journey then took us
clockwise around the M25, Lesley dropping me off at home before heading to
the local supermarket; it was shortly before 20:00. Lesley has been to Royal Ascot, but
never to a National Hunt fixture at the course; during our journey home today
she expressed an interest in attending a meeting at the Berkshire venue. There’s just one fixture remaining this
season taking place on Sunday 01 April, so I’ll bear it in mind for next
season. However, I have warned her
that Ascot is the coldest racecourse I’ve ever attended, so she’ll need to
wrap up warm! Having said that, she
doesn’t seem to feel the cold like I do.
Having eaten 2 cheese rolls and a
carton of chips during the day, I just ate the crust from the end of the ‘tiger bread’ loaf (I love bread
crusts) and a portion of homemade trifle before logging onto my laptop to
upload my photographs and write the daily blog. Hoping to get a head-start on updating my
website, I selected and uploaded the photographs before turning in at
00:30. Earlier in the evening, Choc had
tweeted that he was heading to the Plough Inn to enjoy a steak; it had been a
tough week he said. He also announced
that Blazing Bailey had been retired following today’s race. A well deserved rest for a stable stalwart. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz |