MARCH 2010
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Wednesday 31
March 2010 |
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At
Hereford, Cracboumwiz won the Novices� Chase with Christian Williams
aboard.� However, there were only 3
competitors, and the one most likely to give him a race (Classic Dream)
severed a tendon and had to be put down.�
L The Racing
Forum has a �memorial� thread, where you can find out about the fate of
injured horses: http://www.theracingforum.co.uk/horse-racing-forum/memorials/ Martin
Keighley had a couple of runners at Hereford too, both ridden by Warren
Marston: Mistress
To No One finished a distant last of 8 that completed in the Handicap Hurdle
(13 ran). Brimham
Boy finished a distant last of 3 that completed in the Novices� Handicap
Chase (4 ran). No riding
engagements for Choc tomorrow, Wincanton having been abandoned due to
water-logging.� But Thursday is a
schooling day at Alan King�s yard so, presumably, he will be occupied. Tomorrow
evening Choc and Meally have been invited to attend �The Jesters�, which is
the jockeys� version of the annual �Lesters� awards.� Evidently there will be awards for the Best
Looking Jockey in the Weighing Room (I know who would win a� �Cutest Jockey in the Weighing Room� award
if there was one); Drunken Performance of the Year; and Most Tears in the
Weighing Room.� They should have a
�Best Fan Website� award ... so Choc could win that one!!!� (I�m being very modest NOT).� The event is held at a pub in Lambourn
(possibly The Wheelwright Arms) and, as there is no racing on Good Friday, a
good time can be had by all without worrying too much about hangovers ... although
there might be some sore heads at the Lambourn Open Day! |
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Tuesday 30 March
2010 |
|
Choc was
at Market Rasen this afternoon, and this is how he fared: Gold Reef was
pulled up in the Mares� Handicap Hurdle (8 ran).� Alan�s other runner, Ellen Tilley,
completed in 3rd under Wayne Hutchinson. Raduis
Bleu finished 2nd in the Handicap Chase (4 ran). Today�s
Newcastle fixture was abandoned due to water-logging; and tomorrow�s meeting
at Exeter has also been lost for the same reason.� Choc has
no riding engagements tomorrow. However, Alan King runs the �infamous�
Cracboumwiz in the Novices� Chase at Hereford (15:40).� Christian Williams takes the ride. Martin
Keighley has a couple of runners at Hereford too, both to be ridden by Warren
Marston: 15:10
Mistress To No One � Handicap Hurdle 16:10
Brimham Boy � Novices� Handicap Chase |
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Monday 29 March
2010 |
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Choc was
at Towcester this afternoon, and this is how he fared: Mokum was
a non-runner in the Handicap Chase. Little
George was pulled up in the Handicap Hurdle (13 ran).� Martin Keighley�s Mauricetheathlete
finished 6th in this race. Tomorrow Choc
will be at Market Rasen, where he has 2 riding engagements: 14:10 Gold
Reef � Mares� Handicap Hurdle (Alan King).�
Alan also runs Ellen Tilley in this race, with Wayne Hutchinson
aboard. 15:40
Raduis Bleu � Handicap Chase (Alan King). This
evening, I�m going to write more of my Newbury diary � it currently contains
over 3000 words, and I�ve not even started to describe any of the 7
races!�� And, of course, I still have 3
Cheltenham diaries to complete!� My
current timetable is to finish and upload my Newbury diary by Thursday
evening latest; on Friday I hope to attend the Lambourn Open Day (weather
permitting, although it would have to be pretty dire for me to cancel my
plans); then Saturday through Monday I hope to complete and upload 2 more
Cheltenham diaries.� That, of course,
still leaves me with one diary outstanding and my trip to Aintree imminent -
Friday and Saturday again this year � so I�ll then have 2 additional diaries
to write when I return!� Busy, busy,
busy ... but never a chore!!!� |
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Sunday 28 March
2010 |
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Flaming
Charlie was a non-runner at Wincanton today, so Choc had no riding
engagements. Tomorrow
Choc will be at Towcester, where he has 2 rides booked: 15:30
Mokum � Handicap Chase (AW Carroll) 16:00
Little George � Handicap Hurdle (Alan King).�
Martin Keighley runs Mauricetheathlete in this race, ridden by Rhys
Flint. |
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Saturday 27
March 2010 |
|
I�ve had a
nightmare with my laptop since I logged on this evening ... but the gremlins finally
seem to have sorted themselves out � hooray! As hoped
for, I met up with Choc at Newbury to walk the course today ... a mere 1 mile
6 furlongs I believe ... never a chore in such pleasant company!� He�s such a well mannered and nice guy and,
of course, extremely cute!� Choc�s
valet, Phil, who accompanied us on the walk, took the photo below ... and
it�s my favourite piccie so far.�
And Choc
showed me a photo of the lip injury he sustained at Newbury back in December
... before it was stitched up ... very gory.�
The doctors did a very good repair job. Choc�s
favourite horse to ride at the moment is Medermit, and he assures me Katchit
is going to be fine. Not the
most successful of workdays for Choc ... as this is how he fared: Over Sixty
unseated Choc at the second last in the EBF Mares� Novices� Chase Final.� �Unseated� is very harsh, as there was no
way Choc could have stayed on board (8 ran).�
Martin Keighley�s Wychwoods Legend finished 5th. Asturienne
was pulled up before 2 out in the EBF Mares� NH Novices� Hurdle Final (18
ran). Mam
Ratagan was pulled up before 3 out in the Handicap Chase (5 ran). Easter Meteor
finished 3rd in the Junior Standard Open NH Flat Race (11 ran).� My friend Lesley put her money on Choc each
way in this one ... so made a reasonable profit, as the horse was a 16-1
shot! Meanwhile
at Bangor, Wayne Hutchinson had a more successful day: Mister
Stickler won the NH Novices� Hurdle (8 ran).�
This was the 800th career winner for trainer Alan King! Thetwincamdrift
finished last in the Handicap Hurdle (15 ran). Wayne rode
a double, as he also won the Bumper for trainer Miss C Dyson. Tomorrow
Choc will be at Wincanton, for just one ride: 16:00
Flaming Charlie � Novices� Hurdle (Alan King) |
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Friday 26 March
2010 |
|
Today Choc
was at Newbury, and this is how he fared: Grand
Award finished 6th in the Maiden Hurdle (9 ran) Nom De Guerre
was a non-runner in the Novices� Handicap Chase Sumbulando
finished 2nd in the Handicap Hurdle (9 ran) Choc will
be at Newbury again tomorrow, where he has 4 riding engagements: 13:45 Over
Sixty � EBF Mares� Novices� Chase Final (Handicap) (Listed) (Alan King) 14:15
Asturienne � EBF Mares� NH Novices� Hurdle Final (Limited Handicap) (Listed)
(Alan King) 15:50 Mam
Ratagan � Handicap Chase (Mrs HS Main) ... Choc rode this horse at Worcester
the day I won my auction prize! 16:25
Easter Meteor � Junior Standard Open NH Flat Race (Emma Lavelle) Martin
Keighley runs Wychwoods Legend in the Mares� Novices� Chase Final at 13:45. Meanwhile
at Bangor, Alan King has a couple of runners, to be ridden by Wayne
Hutchinson. 14:40
Mister Stickler � NH Novices� Hurdle 16:20
Thetwincamdrift � Handicap Hurdle Alan
King�s website has been updated to include his reflections on the Cheltenham
Festival.� He reports that Katchit was
diagnosed with a fractured hind pastern (that�s the bone above the hoof and
below the fetlock) having returned lame following the World Hurdle.� He�s currently being �box rested�, with his
leg supported, and will be x-rayed in a couple of weeks� time.� Poor Katchit.� L I�m hoping
for an early night tonight, as I need to make an early start tomorrow to
collect my friend Lesley from Bedfordshire en route to Newbury races to
arrive by gate opening time (11:00) ... as we don�t want to keep Choc
waiting!� |
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Thursday 25
March 2010 |
|
Chepstow passed
an early morning inspection, and this is how Choc fared at the fixture: Simply
Wings finished 4th in the Handicap Hurdle (7 ran) Meanwhile
at Ludlow, Martin Keighley�s Deep Reflection finished 9th of 13 in the
Handicap Hurdle. Tomorrow
Choc is due to ride at the first day of the Newbury fixture: 13:50
Grand Award � Maiden Hurdle (Don Cantillon) 15:30 Nom
De Guerre � Novices� Handicap Chase (Ben De Haan) 17:15
Sumbulando � Handicap Hurdle (Tom George) I�ve
completed and uploaded my diary for Day 1 of the Cheltenham Festival: https://www.choc-thorntons-super-fan.co.uk/DIARY%20-%20CHELTENHAM%202010%20DAY%201.htm So that�s
one down ... three to go!!! And,
keeping fingers crossed that current arrangements aren�t thwarted by
something unforeseen, my friend Lesley and I will be going to Newbury on
Saturday to walk the course before racing with the lovely Choc!� JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ |
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Wednesday 24 March
2010 |
|
Choc was
at Hereford this afternoon, and this is how he fared: Prince
Broc was pulled up in the Handicap Hurdle (13 ran) Choc took
a tumble when No Tears fell during the Novices� Hurdle.� Fortunately both horse and jockey were
fine. (6 ran) Overlaw
finished 3rd in the Handicap Chase.�
However, Martin Keighley�s charge Brimham Boy, won, giving Martin his
24th winner of the season. (8 ran) Meanwhile
at Haydock Park, Starburst Diamond was a non-runner; but High Benefit, with Wayne
Hutchinson aboard, won the NH Flat Race.�
Heezagrey
was a non-runner at Warwick, having bruised a foot. Tomorrow
Choc will be at Chepstow, where he has one ride: 16:35
Simply Wings � Handicap Hurdle (Richard Lee) (However,
there will be a precautionary inspection at 07:00 in the morning, due to
further rain being forecast) Martin
Keighley has one runner at Ludlow: 15:00 Deep
Reflection � Handicap Hurdle, ridden by Ian Popham |
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Tuesday 23 March
2010 |
|
Choc rode
at Kempton Park this afternoon and was successful on his only mount: Ravethebrave won the Novices�
Hurdle, giving Choc his 61st winner of the season (9
ran). J Martin
Keighley�s Palmers Peak finished 5th of 7 in the Hunters� Chase. Tomorrow
Choc is due to ride at Hereford: 15:05 Prince
Broc � Handicap Hurdle (Alan King) 16:15 No
Tears � Novices� Hurdle (Alan King) 16:50
Overlaw � Handicap Chase (Tom George).�
Martin Keighley runs Brimham Boy in this race, ridden by Warren
Marston. Meanwhile,
at Haydock Park, Alan King runs Starburst Diamond in the 14:10 (Handicap
Chase) and High Benefit in the 17:30 (NH Flat Race).� Martin
Keighley also has a runner at Warwick � Heezagrey ridden by Aidan Coleman �
in the Handicap Chase at 16:05. |
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Monday 22 March
2010 |
|
Choc will
be at Kempton Park tomorrow, where he has 1 ride: 15:05
Ravethebrave - Novices� Hurdle (Alan King) Martin
Keighley also has a runner at the fixture, in the Hunters� Chase: 17:20
Palmers Peak � to be ridden by Cheltenham winning jockey Mr Sam
Twiston-Davies Work on all
4 of my Cheltenham diaries has commenced ... but it�s going to be a long old
job to complete them!!! Knowing
that Choc had been interviewed on Racing UK, both on Day 1 and Day 2 of the
Festival, I checked my tapes last evening and am pleased to report I�ve
recorded him. J |
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Sunday 21 March
2010 |
|
Choc was
at Fontwell Park this afternoon, where he had one ride: Kauto The
Roc finished 5th in the NH Novices� Hurdle (9 ran). No riding
engagements for Choc tomorrow. Spring
officially started yesterday. J My favourite season. And I�ve
added photos to my website for all 4 days of the Cheltenham Festival: https://www.choc-thorntons-super-fan.co.uk/PHOTO%20GALLERY%20INDEX.htm |
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Saturday 20
March 2010 |
|
Sorry that
I didn�t get around to writing a blog entry yesterday evening, but it was
almost 22:00 when I arrived home and I was absolutely drained.� The journey home was a bit of a nightmare,
it rained all the way ... and I�m beginning to think that my �night� vision,
when the conditions are wet, isn�t brilliant.�
And it doesn�t help when lorries travelling in the opposite direction
(mainly on the A40 over the Cotswolds) spray the windscreen so that I�m
�blinded� for a second or two.� One thing
I have learnt during the past 4 days, is that the roads in Buckinghamshire
are in almost a bad a state of repair as those in Hertfordshire (and my
county�s roads must be the worst maintained in the whole of England �
evidently we have more than twice the National average of HGV traffic flow on
our roads).� I watched
the Morning Line on Channel 4 this morning, and they said the weather had
been nice at Cheltenham this week ... they must have been to a different
meeting to the one which I attended!�
Yesterday�s weather was foul from the second race onwards.� And Thursday�s card ended in the rain
too.� Okay, so it was sunny on Tuesday,
but there was a brisk breeze on that day and on Wednesday too.� Sadly it�s
not been a good Cheltenham for Choc, with no winners for the second year
running. L� In fact he only made it into the Winners�
Enclosure on one occasion � with a second place aboard Somersby in the Arkle.
LL� Last year was better in fact, as he rode a
number of placed horses, although he did take a painful fall from Big Zeb in
the Champion Chase on that occasion.� I
think it�s going to be a season he wishes to forget, as everything seems to
be conspiring against him, with Alan King�s horses being under the weather
for much of the autumn, and the injuries he�s suffered too. Choc�s
fall apart, I think I enjoyed last year�s Festival more.� I felt a little lonely this year, as I had
no company on any of the days.�
Hopefully I�ll be able to persuade my friend Lesley to come along next
year. Anyway,
the �Choc results� for yesterday were as follows: Gilded Age
finished 6th in the JCB Triumph Hurdle (17 ran).� The race was won by Soldatino, trained by Nicky
Henderson and ridden by Barry Geraghty, with Barizan a very gallant 2nd.� Puyol
finished 20th in the County Hurdle (28 ran). The
Betchworth Kid was pulled up in the Albert Bartlett Novices� Hurdle (19
ran).� The horse was reported to have
lost both hind shoes, and also sustained a cut. Tartak
finished 5th in the Grand Annual Chase (19 ran). Martin
Keighley�s Love of Tara finished 18th in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys�
Handicap Hurdle, with the Alan King trained runners, Balzaccio and Saticon, finishing
16th and 9th respectively (24 ran). The Nigel
Twiston-Davies trained Imperial Commander triumphed in the Gold Cup, with
Denman a gallant 2nd.� Kauto Star,
having blundered early in the race, took a crashing fall at the fourth last
fence.� Fortunately both horse and
jockey were fine and live to fight another day. Yesterday�s
winning jockeys were � Barry Geraghty, Katie Walsh (yes, again), Andrew
Lynch, Paddy Brennan x 2, Sam Twiston-Davies, and Johnny Farrelly. Winning
trainers were � Nigel Twiston-Davies x 3, Nicky Henderson, Willie Mullins, P
J Gilligan, and Emma Lavelle. The
leading Festival jockey prize was awarded to Ruby Walsh, who rode 3 winners
and had better placed horses than the runner up, Barry Geraghty.� The leading Festival trainer was Nicky
Henderson with 3 winners. Alan King
trained a winner and a second at Fakenham yesterday � Bormo and Penn Da Benn
� both ridden by Wayne Hutchinson. Today,
Choc had 3 rides at Uttoxeter (all for Alan King), and this is how he fared: Peter
Grimes was pulled up before 2 out in the Novices� Handicap Hurdle (10 ran). Junior
finished 3rd in the Novices� Handicap Chase (11 ran). Raya Star won the Standard Open
NH Flat Race Div II, giving Choc his 60th
winner of the
season (10 ran).� Two of
Choc�s intended rides, Prince Broc and Halcon Genelardais were non-runners,
the latter having knocked a joint. Tocatchaprince
finished 7th in Div I of the NH Flat Race, ridden by Gerard Tumelty (10 ran). The Jonjo
O�Neill trained, JP McManus owned, AP McCoy ridden Synchronised won the
gruelling 4 miles 1� furlongs Midlands Grand National.� Only 3 of the 17 runners completed the
course, Ballydub fell, the remaining runners were pulled up. Meanwhile,
Wayne Hutchinson rode at Ffos Las: Pagano finished
6th of 7 in the Handicap Hurdle Wind
Instrument last of 5 in the Handicap Chase Lucky Mix
6th of 7 in the Standard Open NH Flat Race Nicky
Henderson has achieved his highest number of winners in a season (116 and
counting), when National Trust won at Ffos Las this afternoon.� That�s despite earlier being banned from
running horses for three months due to the Moonlit Path doping incident.� Barry Geraghty rode a treble at Ffos Las
this afternoon (2 for Rebecca Curtis and the aforementioned National Trust). A sad note
from yesterday is that mare Fairyland (trained by Nicky Henderson) had to be
put down after breaking a leg when falling during the Conditional Jockeys�
Hurdle race.� Izita Star also lost her
life after falling during the County Hurdle, having been attended to for over
an hour in the hope of a recovery.� Two
Irish raiders lost their lives earlier in the week, Casey Jones having been
brought down during the William Hill Trophy Handicap Chase, and Citizen Vic
who took a fatal fall during the RSA Chase. RIP. Tomorrow
Choc will be at Fontwell Park, where he has just one ride: 14:10
Kauto The Roc � NH Novices� Hurdle (Alan King) I woke
before 07:00 this morning but was flagging before midday.� I should have stayed in bed.� However, I did have a snooze this afternoon
(and I can sleep any time anywhere), and am feeling less tired this
evening.� Time to start my Cheltenham
diary drafts then ... |
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Thursday 18
March 2010 |
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Another
long day.� I left home at 06:30 this morning,
arriving at Cheltenham racecourse at 09:00.�
However, I was gainfully employed until gate opening time, as I walked
down to the town to buy a map of Cheltenham, and also to drop by to say hello
to the girls at my employer�s branch in Pittville Street.� The queues had cleared by the time I�d
walked back to the turnstiles, and I was in time to see Choc return to the
Weighing Room following his daily course-walk too!� I left the track in good time, just before
the ladies� charity race, and arrived home at 20:20. It was
another cold day � overcast and breezy for the most part, with rain late
afternoon and evening. Still no
victories for Choc at this year�s Festival. L� Anyway, this is how he fared today: Trenchant
finished 16th in the Pertemps Final. �Alan�s other runner, Chamirey, finished 3rd
(24 ran).� I hope Trenchant was okay as
the horse seemed a little �distressed� after the race, Choc having dismounted
to lead him back down the course-side track. Voy Por
Ustedes finished 5th in the Ryanair Chase (13 ran).� The race was won by the Jonjo O�Neill
trained Albertas Run, ridden by AP McCoy, who had needed stitches in a facial
injury following a first race fall. Katchit
finished 11th in the World Hurdle (14 ran), and it was reported that the
horse was found to be lame after the race.�
Alan�s other runner, Karabak, finished 4th.� The race was won, not unexpectedly, by Big
Buck�s. Tarotino
was pulled up in the Byrne Group Plate (24 ran). Alan
King�s runner in the Jewson Novices� Handicap Chase, Awesome George, was
pulled up. Today�s
winning jockeys were Richard Johnson, Hadden Frost, AP McCoy, Ruby Walsh,
Danny Cook, and Mr R O Harding And the
winning trainers � Philip Hobbs, David Pipe x 2, Jonjo O�Neill, Paul
Nicholls, and Donald McCain Jnr. Cheltenham
Festival Day 4, and Choc has 4 rides: 13:05
Gilded Age � JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1) (Class 1) (Alan King) 14:05
Puyol � County Hurdle (Grade 3) (Class 1) (Mrs JE Mulhern) 14:40 The
Betchworth Kid � Albert Bartlett Novices� Hurdle (Grade 1) (Class 1) (Alan
King) 17:15
Tartak � Grand Annual Chase (Handicap) (Grade 3) (Class 1) (Tom George) Martin
Keighley runs Love of Tara in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys� Handicap
Hurdle at 16:40, ridden by T Molloy.�
Alan King runs Balzaccio (Charlie Huxley) and Saticon (Gerard Tumelty)
in this race. And I�m
looking forward to a lie-in on Saturday ... as all this travelling is very
tiring.� Never mind, 600 miles down,
200 to go!!! |
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Wednesday 17
March 2010 |
|
Another long
day ... I left home at 06:45 this morning, and arrived back at 20:45!� It was cold too, so I�m going to wrap up
even warmer tomorrow.� Choc drew
a blank again today and, unfortunately, none of his mounts were placed.� Each day before racing, interviews take
place in the Winners� Enclosure with the day�s �leading contenders� and it
was Choc�s turn to be one of the interviewees today, so that was my special
treat! Anyway,
this is how Choc fared: Manyriverstocross
finished 7th in the Neptune Investment Management Novices� Hurdle (17
ran).� However, he did remarkably well
considering Choc was almost unseated when Ruby�s mount, Quel Esprit, fell in
front of him at the 2nd flight. Twist
Magic was pulled up in the Queen Mother Champion Chase (9 ran).� Choc reported that he was never going
today. The race
was won by Irish Challenger Big Zeb who, of course, fell in the race last
year when ridden by Choc.� Master
Minded was a disappointing 4th.� Alan
King�s runner, Oh Crick, finished in 5th.�
Sir Harry
Ormesher finished 7th in the Coral Cup (28 ran).� Alan King�s other 2 runners Silk Hall and
Lake Legend finished 25th and 26th respectively. Causeway
King finished 18th in the Fred Winter Juvenile Novices� Hurdle (24 ran). Drumbaloo
finished 23rd in the Champion Bumper (24 ran).� Unusually there was an English trained
winner of this race � Cue Card trained by Colin Tizzard and ridden by Joe
Tizzard. A winner
at last year�s Festival, Weapon�s Amnesty won the RSA Chase this year.� The fancied Long Run finished 3rd and
Punchestowns 5th. Ruby Walsh
became the Festival�s winning-most jockey when recording his 26th victory
aboard Sanctuaire in the Fred Winter Juvenile Novices� Hurdle.�� In the National
Hunt Chase Challenge Cup, Martin Keighley�s Any Currency ran well to finish
4th, Alan King�s Pennek finished 11th (18 ran).� There were 2 lady riders in the race, Katie
Walsh (sister of Ruby) and Nina Carberry and they fought out the finish, with
Katie prevailing.� Martin�s
other runner of the day, De Forgotten Man, finished 16th in the Champion
Bumper. Today�s
winning jockeys were Katie Walsh, Jason Maguire, Davy Russell, Barry Geraghty
x 2, Ruby Walsh and Joe Tizzard.� And the
winning trainers � Ferdy Murphy, Donald McCain Jnr, C Byrnes, Colm Murphy,
Nicky Henderson, Paul Nicholls, and Colin Tizzard Alan King
trained a winner at Huntingdon today � Shilpa winning the Maiden Hurdle race
under Gerard Tumelty. Cheltenham
Festival Day 3, and Choc has 4 rides: 14:05
Trenchant � Pertemps Final (Handicap Hurdle) (Listed) (Class 1) (Alan
King).� Alan also runs Chamirey, ridden
by Wayne Hutchinson. 14:40 Voy
Por Ustedes � Ryanair Chase (Grade 1) (Class 1) (Alan King) 15:20
Katchit � World Hurdle (Grade 1) (Class 1) (Alan King). Alan also runs
Karabak, ridden by AP McCoy. 16:00
Tarotino � Byrne Group Plate (Handicap Chase) (Grade 3) (Class 1) (Alan King) Alan King
also runs Awesome George in the Jewson Novices� Handicap Chase (Listed)
(Class 1) at 13:30, ridden by usual pilot Charlie Huxley. |
|
Tuesday 16 March
2010 |
|
It�s been
a long day ... I got up at 05:00; left home at 07:00; arrived at Cheltenham
at 09:40; exited the car park at 18:05 (as always there were long queues and
it took 25 minutes to leave the town behind me) and arrived home at
20:50!� I was
hoping it would be a lucky day for Choc, especially as I saw two magpies near
the start of my journey this morning ... but unfortunately he�s still waiting
for that next elusive Festival winner.�
But at least he survived a nasty tumble to continue riding throughout
the day. Anyway,
this is how Choc fared: Somersby
finished 2nd (beaten � of a length) in the Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase (12
ran).� He was running on at the finish
and, presumably, will be better over 2� miles. The race was won by Sizing
Europe, Captain Cee Bee could only manage 8th. Bensalem
fell at the notorious 2nd last fence in the William Hill Trophy Handicap
Chase (24 ran).� He was travelling well
at the time, so who knows what the outcome would have been had he completed a
clear round.� Nenuphar Collonges
completed in 8th.� The winner was Chief
Dan George at 33-1! Medermit
finished 7th in the Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (12 ran).� Binocular won (under AP McCoy), with Khyber
Kim in 2nd and Zaynar 3rd. Pepite De
Soleil completed in 12th in the David Nicholson Mares� Hurdle (17 ran). Other
stories of the day � Menorah won the Supreme Novices� Hurdle for Philip Hobbs
and Richard Johnson.� The Irish hope,
Dunguib, could only finish 3rd. An Enda
Bolger horse didn�t win the Cross Country event, but another Irish raider did
� A New Story trained by Michael Hourigan.�
I think it was mentioned that the horse hadn�t won a race for 5 years
prior to this victory!� Ruby Walsh
won the David Nicholson Mares� Hurdle aboard Quevega, giving him 25 Festival
winners, which equals the record held by Pat Taaffe (famous for piloting
Arkle).� Today�s
winning jockeys were Richard Johnson, Andrew Lynch, Paddy Aspell, AP McCoy, AP
Heskin, and Ruby Walsh (I�ll update my Cheltenham winners webpage at the end
of the week) And the
winning trainers � Philip Hobbs, Henry De Bromhead, James Moffatt, Nicky
Henderson, Michael Hourigan, and Willie Mullins. Cheltenham
Festival Day 2, and Choc has 5 rides: 14:05
Manyriverstocross � Neptune Investment Management Novices� Hurdle (Grade 1)
(Class 1) (Alan King) 15:20
Twist Magic � Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1) (Class 1) (Paul
Nicholls).� Alan King has a runner in this
race too, Oh Crick to be ridden by Wayne Hutchinson 16:00 Sir
Harry Ormesher - Coral Cup (Handicap) (Grade 3) (Class 1) (Alan King).� Alan also runs Lake Legend to be ridden by
Wayne Hutchinson 16:40
Causeway King � Fred Winter Juvenile Novices� Hurdle (Grade 3) (Class 1)
(Alan King) 17:15
Drumbaloo - Champion Bumper (Grade 1) (Class 1) (Jimmy Lambe) Both Alan
King and Martin Keighley have a runner in the National Hunt Chase Challenge
Cup (Amateur Riders� Novices� Chase) � namely Pennek (Mr Joshua Moore) and
Any Currency (Mr Derek O�Connor).� Martin
also has a runner in the Champion Bumper � De Forgotten Man ridden by Warren
Marston. |
|
Monday 15 March
2010 |
|
Choc rode
at Taunton today, and this is how he fared: Perception
finished 4th in the Fillies� Juvenile Novices� Hurdle (10 ran) Topflight
Wildbird finished 4th in the Handicap Chase (11 ran) Saltagioo
finished 2nd in the Handicap Hurdle (11 ran) Meanwhile,
at Stratford, Wayne Hutchison rode a couple of horses for Alan King: Sadler�s Star
won the Selling Hurdle (11 ran) Yukon
Quest finished 3rd in the Maiden NH Open Flat Race (14 ran) The Cheltenham Festival starts tomorrow, and Choc has 4 rides on Day
1: 14:05
Somersby � Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase (Grade 1) (Class 1) (Henrietta Knight) 14:40
Bensalem � William Hill Trophy Handicap Chase (Grade 3) (Class 1) (Alan
King).� Wayne Hutchinson rides Alan�s
other runner in this race, Nenuphar Collonges. 15:20
Medermit � Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1) (Class 1) (Alan King) 16:40
Pepite De Soleil � David Nicholson Mares� Hurdle (Grade 2) (Class 1) (Paul
Nicholls) I notice
the �home� team has 5 entries in tomorrow�s Cross Country event; this
includes 3 trained by Philip Hobbs � Monkerhostin, Lacdoudal and Oceanos Des
Obeaux.� Paul Nicholls runs Cornish
Sett, and Bob Buckler runs Double Dizzy.�
Needless to say, Enda Bolger holds the whip-hand with 4 runners. The
feeling of �anticipation� started today ... yes I know it�s late ... but I�m
now beginning to get excited and am looking forward to my second �live�
Festival.
That just
leaves me to wish Choc all the luck in the world for the coming 4 days and,
of course, I also hope he comes back safe and sound after all his rides. |
|
Sunday 14 March
2010 |
|
Choc rode
at Warwick this afternoon and this is how he fared: Double
Pride finished 3rd in the Novices� Hurdle (9 ran) Ballamusic
finished 8th in the Handicap Hurdle (15 ran) The most encouraging
result of the day was Trigger The Light�s 2nd place in the feature Handicap
Chase under Christian Williams (9 ran). Not a good
day for Martin Keighley�s runners at Towcester: Mr Newton
fell in the Handicap Chase Dhu Loch
finished a distant 7th of 13 in the Mares� Novices� Hurdle The Fox�s
Decree was pulled up in the Conditional Jockey�s Handicap Hurdle Tomorrow
Choc will be at Taunton, where he has 3 riding engagements for Alan King: 14:20
Perception � Fillies� Juvenile Novices� Hurdle 15:50 Topflight
Wildbird � Handicap Chase 17:20
Saltagioo � Handicap Hurdle Meanwhile,
Wayne Hutchison rides 2 horses for Alan King at Stratford: 15:10
Sadler�s Star � Selling Hurdle 17:10
Yukon Quest � Maiden NH Open Flat Race Both Solwhit
and Binocular have been declared to run in the Champion Hurdle, despite
recent health scares. But
leading fancy Weird Al has suffered a stress fracture to a leg and won�t be
at Cheltenham to compete in the RSA Chase. I notice
that the Racing Post website has been running a poll asking �Are televised
in-the-saddle interviews a good thing?��
The vote appears to suggest that only around 1 in 4 people think they
are!� Looks like Choc has been
vindicated for his stand against this. I watched
Countryfile and they gave the long range weather forecast for the coming
week:� Tuesday will be fine, Wednesday
might be slightly damp with drizzle, but Thursday and Friday could be heavy
rain ... that will be nice!� NOT.� So I will need to take a big umbrella and perhaps
even my red Hunter Wellingtons to Cheltenham later in the week ... Good news
though, I�ve been completed my Sandown Park diary and have uploaded it too. https://www.choc-thorntons-super-fan.co.uk/DIARY%20-%20SANDOWN%20PARK%2013%20MAR%202010.htm I�m going
to do a bit of ironing now ... as I probably won�t have time tomorrow as I�m
working. |
|
Saturday 13
March 2010 |
|
It was cold
but fine, so I decided to go to Sandown Park.�
Although the downside is that it puts a bit of pressure on me to get
my diary drafted before Cheltenham starts on Tuesday.� Yes ... you�ve guessed it ... I�m going to
be there every day!� It is expensive (I
traded in my Premium Bonds to pay for the tickets), and tiring as I will be
driving 200 miles each day, but I have to be there. J� Besides,
surely it must be Choc�s turn to ride another Festival winner, and I wouldn�t
want to miss that. Anyway,
this is how Choc fared today: Stoney�s
Treasure finished 5th in the NH Novices� Handicap Hurdle Final (18 ran).� Alan�s other runner, Swansbrook, was last
of the finishers in 14th.� Russie
with Love finished 11th in the Mares� Standard Open Flat Race Final (12 ran) Nikos
Extra finished 3rd in the Handicap Chase (12 ran).� Following a stewards� enquiry, the first
and second in this race were reversed � Soulard being declared the
winner.� Busy Isit, who won last year�s
race under Choc (an incredible victory considering the jumping errors) was
the relegated to second place.�� Stolen
Moments ridden by Wayne Hutchinson was pulled up in the Handicap Chase. The
feature race of the day, The Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle, was won by AP
McCoy aboard the JP McManus owned, Philip Hobbs trained Qaspal.� Philip also trained the runner-up
Oldrik.� JP and Philip�s wife, Sarah,
stood in the �ordinary� grandstand to view the race, as they were no more than
3 metres from me! Ruby rode
a treble today, and AP a double. Meanwhile
at Chepstow, Christian Williams rode a couple of Alan King�s horses: Prideus
was pulled up in the Handicap Chase (7 ran) Forzy
Origny finished 3rd in the Handicap Hurdle (14 ran) Martin
Keighley�s Heezagrey finished 6th of 14 in the Conditional Jockey�s Handicap
Chase Tomorrow,
Choc is due to ride at Warwick: 14:30
Double Pride � Novices� Hurdle (Alan King) 16:00
Ballamusic � Handicap Hurdle (Alan King) Christian
Williams rides Trigger The Light for Alan King in the Handicap Chase at
16:30.� Martin Keighley
has 3 runners at Towcester: 14:20 Mr
Newton ridden by Jimmy Derham in the Handicap Chase 14:50 Dhu
Loch ridden by Warren Marston in the Mares� Novices� Hurdle 16:20 The
Fox�s Decree ridden by Jimmy Derham in the Conditional Jockey�s Handicap
Hurdle I�ve been
busy since I arrived home, and have already uploaded a number of photos taken
at Sandown today: https://www.choc-thorntons-super-fan.co.uk/PHOTOS%20SANDOWN%20PARK%2013%20MAR%202010.htm Tomorrow,
apart from writing my diary, I�ll need to put together my outfits for
Cheltenham.� Everything has to be close
at hand, as I want to leave home at 07:00 each day to drive to the course, as
I hate being stuck in traffic jams.� It
takes ages for the traffic to clear after racing too, so I probably won�t get
home until around 21:00 each day. � |
|
Friday 12 March
2010 |
|
Choc was
at Wincanton this afternoon, and this is how he fared: Call At Midnight
finished 6th in the Mares� Novices� Hurdle (12 ran) Ballamusic
was withdrawn from the Handicap Hurdle Mister
Chancer finished 3rd in the Maiden Open NH Flat Race (16 ran) Meanwhile
at Sandown Park Alan King had 3 runners: Kings
Troop finished 8th in the Amateur Riders� Handicap Hurdle (9 ran) Rustarix
unseated his rider in the Grand Military Gold Cup Chase (Amateurs) (12 ran) Prince Du
Seuil finished 7th in the Handicap Hurdle (13 ran) Tomorrow
Choc will be at Sandown Park, where he has 3 riding engagements: 14:00
Stoney�s Treasure � NH Novices� Handicap Hurdle Final (Alan King).� Alan also runs Swansbrook in this race,
ridden by Wayne Hutchinson.� 15:40
Russie with Love � Mares� Standard Open Flat Race Final (S Pike) 16:50
Nikos Extra � Handicap Chase (Alan King) Alan also
runs Stolen Moments in the Handicap Chase at 14:30, ridden by Wayne
Hutchinson. Meanwhile
at Chepstow, Alan King has 2 runners, both to be ridden by Christian
Williams: 16:05
Prideus � Handicap Chase 16:40
Forzy Origny- Handicap Hurdle Martin
Keighley has a runner in the Conditional Jockeys� Handicap Chase at 17:15 �
Heezagrey ridden by Jimmy Derham. I�m
undecided as to whether I�m going to Sandown tomorrow ... I guess it might
depend on who takes part in the envisaged money raising event due to take
place before racing.� It was a Parade
Ring Spacehopper race last year, in which Choc took part.� Gates don�t open until 12:00 noon, so I�ll
tune into Channel 4 Racing at 08:00 to see if they mention this year�s
stunt.� A little birdie told me that
he�s due to school a horse tomorrow morning, and will then have to sweat down
to 10 stone 2 lbs for his ride aboard bottom weight Stoney�s Treasure in the
first race of the day ... so I guess it might be all business and no pleasure
tomorrow!!! |
|
Thursday 11
March 2010 |
|
Choc was
at Wincanton this afternoon, and this is how he fared: Blazing
Bailey finished 3rd in the Novices� Chase (5 ran) Tomorrow
Choc returns to Wincanton, where he has 3 riding engagements: 14:00 Call
At Midnight � Mares� Novices� Hurdle (Alan King) 14:35
Ballamusic � Handicap Hurdle (Alan King) 17:30
Mister Chancer � Maiden Open NH Flat Race (Alan King) Meanwhile
at Sandown Park it is Grand Military Gold Cup Day, and Alan King has a number
of runners in both the amateur and professional races: 14:20
Kings Troop � Amateur Riders� Handicap Hurdle (Miss L Gardner) 15:30
Rustarix � Grand Military Gold Cup Chase (Amateurs) (Mr P Harris) 16:05
Prince Du Seuil � Handicap Hurdle (Wayne Hutchinson) Poor Sam
Thomas suffered an injury following a fall on the Paul Nicholls gallops this
morning, and will miss the Festival.�
Follow this link for more details:�
News that Choc
won�t be participating in any �instant� TV interviews should he win a race at
next week�s Festival.� But, as he�s
said in the past, it�s the owners who pay the bills and should be the first
to speak with their jockey.� It�s the
rules of etiquette which were drummed into him by David Nicholson at an early
age.� No doubt Choc will be willing
once he�s debriefed the horse�s connections and had time to consider an
informed reply. |
|
Wednesday 10
March 2010 |
|
Choc was at
Fontwell Park this afternoon, and this is how he fared: Stormhoek
finished 2nd in the Novices� Hurdle (9 ran) Like A Hurricane won the Maiden
Hurdle, giving Choc his 59th winner of the season (13
ran) Wayne
Hutchinson�s mount in the 15:10 Handicap Chase, Ballingaddy, was pulled up. Choc will
be at Wincanton tomorrow, for just one ride, but it is aboard one of the Alan
King stable �favourites�: 16:05
Blazing Bailey � Novices� Chase Trainer
Richard Phillips� blog (10 March 2010) has a report about the Adlestrop
Club�s Cheltenham Festival Preview event which took place on Monday
evening.� Choc was one of the
panellists, and there�s a photo too: http://www.richardphillipsracing.com/Blog.html And, if
you are wondering about the painted backdrop in the Adlestrop Village Hall,
these links should explain all: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adlestrop http://rpo.library.utoronto.ca/poem/2198.html |
|
Tuesday 09 March
2010 |
|
Martin
Keighley had a couple of runners at Exeter this afternoon: Hareem
finished 8th of 16 in the Handicap Hurdle. According
to the post-race comments, Pavanne ran on well to finish 3rd in the Amateur
Riders� Handicap Hurdle, ridden by Danny Hiskett (13 ran).� He was a 25-1 shot. I�ve just
read Martin Keighley�s blog and, disappointingly, his appearance on this
coming Sunday�s Countryfile has been �pulled� as one of the producers
believes the item will be too horseracing oriented ... why do programme
makers seem to think that everything has to be �dumbed down� in order to
appeal to audiences?� Tomorrow
Choc is due to ride at Fontwell Park: 14:10
Stormhoek � Novices� Hurdle (Alan King) 14:40 Like
A Hurricane � Maiden Hurdle (Alan King) Alan also
runs Ballingaddy in the 15:10 Handicap Chase, ridden by Wayne Hutchinson. Today Choc
schooled the Paul Nicholls trained Twist Magic ahead of their trip to the
Cheltenham Festival next week: News that
one of the top Irish hopes, Solwhit, is less than 50-50 to make it to Cheltenham
for the Champion Hurdle, as he�s been coughing. |
|
Monday 08 March
2010 |
|
Choc was
at Stratford this afternoon.� Not a
good day, as he was unseated by one of his mounts, the horse�s momentum being
seriously checked by a jumping error but, unfortunately, Choc�s momentum was
not.� It looked horrible as he was
launched into the air, and somersaulted to a stop.L I hope he is okay.��� Choc�s
results today were as follows: Rushwee
finished 7th in the Maiden Hurdle Div I (12 ran) General
Ting was non-runner in the Maiden Hurdle Div II Magnetic
Pole unseated Choc at the third fence in the Handicap Chase (12 ran) Fortunately
Choc has no riding engagements tomorrow. However,
Martin Keighley has a couple of runners at Exeter: 15:00 Hareem
� Handicap Hurdle, to be ridden by Jimmy Derham 17:00
Pavanne � Amateur Riders� Handicap Hurdle, to be ridden by Mr Danny Hiskett |
|
Sunday 07 March
2010 |
|
No rides
for Choc today, but Martin Keighley did have one runner at Huntingdon: Mistress
to No One finishing 4th of 10 in the Handicap Hurdle. Tomorrow
Choc has 3 riding engagements at Stratford Upon Avon (my favourite �small�
course): 14:00
Rushwee � Maiden Hurdle Div I (Lucy Wadham) 14:30
General Ting � Maiden Hurdle Div II (Lucy Wadham) 16:50
Magnetic Pole � Handicap Chase (Richard Lee) Choc must
have picked up the rides aboard Lucy Wadham�s horses due to Leighton Aspell
being sidelined since a fall at Leicester last week in which he suffered a
lacerated kidney.� Leighton is expected
to be �signed-off� for 3 to 4 weeks.� Conditional
jockey, Donal Devereux also faces a spell on the sidelines following
yesterday�s fall at Doncaster in which he suffered a smashed cheekbone and
jaw. Looking forward
to the Cheltenham Festival, I found this article from the Liverpool Echo: As usual,
Choc is in demand for Festival Preview evenings: Yesterday evening
he was advertised as attending a preview event, along with Carl Llewellyn, at
The Shakespeare Inn at Welford Upon Avon, Warwickshire. Tomorrow
night Choc will take up his regular panellist spot at the event organised by
the Adlestrop Club at their local Village Hall.� Trainer Richard Phillips is based at
Adlestrop.� http://www.richardphillipsracing.com/adlestropclub.events.html Richard
has also recently started writing a blog: http://www.richardphillipsracing.com/Blog.html A week
tomorrow, Monday 15 March, Choc will be a Festival Preview panellist at The
Royal Oak in Prestbury � another regular appearance. |
|
Saturday 06
March 2010 |
|
Choc was
at Doncaster today, and this is how he fared: Squadron
finished 7th in the Handicap Hurdle (10 ran). Hurricane
Milly struggled, finishing a distant 11th in the DBS Spring Bumper Standard
Open NH Flat Race. Management
completed in 10th, but Shrewd Investment ran well to finish a close 5th in
this race (13 ran).� The winner was a
66-1 shot! Junior won the Beginners�
Chase, giving Choc his 58th winner of the season (5
ran).� J The feature
Handicap Chase was won by the Nicky Henderson trained Wogan, from
Killyglen.� Air Force One unseated
early, and Grand National hope Possol jumped poorly and was pulled up before
the 12th obstacle. And this
is how Alan King�s horses fared at Newbury: Bormo
finished 2nd in the Novices� Handicap Chase (7 ran) Bless The
Wings finished 4th in the Standard Open NH Flat Race (13 ran) The Paul
Nicholls trained Big Fella Thanks (ridden by Barry Geraghty) won the feature
Handicap Chase, from stable companion Pasco (ridden by Ruby Walsh).� At the moment, it seems that Barry has the
edge over Ruby!!! And Martin
Keighley had 1 runner at Kempton Park: Ross
Leader finished 7th in the Handicap Chase (15 ran) Love of
Tara was a non-runner in the Novices� Hurdle Tomorrow
there are meetings at Huntingdon and Sedgefield, and both meetings hold
inspections at 08:00.� However,
Choc has no riding engagements! Evidently,
hurdler Binocular will still compete in the Champion Hurdle, following a
u-turn, but Sublimity is out following a leg injury.� Meanwhile, veteran Monkerhostin, will
compete in either the William Hill Trophy or take on the Enda Bolger trained
runners in the Cross Country event! |
|
Friday 05 March
2010 |
|
Choc was at
Doncaster today, and this is how he fared: Evening
Sunset finished 7th in the Mares� Handicap Hurdle (9 ran). Sagalyrique
finished 3rd in the Handicap Chase (10 ran).�
Alan King�s other runner, Sovereign King, finished 7th. Choc will
be at Doncaster again tomorrow, where he has 3 riding engagements: 14:20
Squadron � Handicap Hurdle (Alan King) 16:00
Hurricane Milly � DBS Spring Bumper Standard Open NH Flat Race (Alan King). Alan also
runs Management (ridden by Gerard Tumelty) and Shrewd Investment (ridden by
Charlie Huxley) in this race. Lidar won this race last year. 16:35
Junior � Beginners� Chase (Alan King) Meanwhile
at Newbury, Alan has 2 runners, to be ridden by Wayne Hutchinson: 16:55
Bormo � Novices� Handicap Chase 17:30
Bless The Wings � Standard Open NH Flat Race And Martin
Keighley has 2 runners at Kempton Park: 14:15 Love
of Tara � Novices� Hurdle (ridden by Warren Marston) 14:50 Ross
Leader � Handicap Chase (ridden by Ian Popham) There are reports
today that the Nicky Henderson trained RSA Chase hope, Punchestowns, has been
suffering from intermittent lameness in his near fore.� After 3
Saturdays spent at the races, I�m looking forward to a weekend at home to get
some chores done and to relax ... especially with the Cheltenham Festival on
the horizon, which commences a week on Tuesday!� |
|
Thursday 04
March 2010 |
|
Choc rode
at Taunton this afternoon, and he appears to have been suffering from �thirditis�! Nulato
finished 3rd in the Novices� Hurdle (7 ran) Whistlejacquet
finished 3rd in the NH Novices� Hurdle (12 ran) Tomorrow
Choc has 2 riding engagements at �Sunny
Donny� (aka Doncaster): 16:20
Evening Sunset � Mares� Handicap Hurdle (M G Quinlan) 16:55
Sagalyrique � Handicap Chase (Alan King).�
Alan also runs Sovereign King in this race, to be ridden by Wayne
Hutchinson. More Choc
related Cheltenham news, this time regarding the Champion Bumper event: Also news today that the
Willie Mullins trained Mikael D'Haguenet won�t be appearing at the Cheltenham
Festival, as the horse is stiff and sore following Sunday�s post racing
schooling session held at Leopardstown (which was shown on At The Races). And I spoke with Choc�s
valet today, and the wheels are in motion to firm up plans for my second
course walk with the lovely Robert ... as I haven�t yet claimed that part of
my �auction prize�: https://www.choc-thorntons-super-fan.co.uk/DIARY%20-%20WORCESTER%2006%20SEPT%202009.htm |
|
Wednesday 03
March 2010 |
|
Brrrrrrr
... today has been so chilly compared to the beautiful �Spring-like�
conditions of the past two days! Choc was
at Bangor on Dee today, where he had one ride: Devil To
Pay finished 2nd in the Juvenile Novices� Handicap Hurdle (8 ran). News of
Alan King�s other runners: The JP McManus
owned Franchoek was a non-runner, and Way Back When finished 3rd in the
Maiden NH Flat Race for Conditional/Amateur Jockeys under Mr Sam Waley-Cohen. Tomorrow
Choc is due to ride at Taunton: 14:50
Nulato � Novices� Hurdle (Alan King) 16:50
Whistlejacquet � NH Novices� Hurdle (Alan King) There�s
news today that the Paul Nicholls trained Taranis is out of the Gold Cup due
to a set-back, and �200,000 purchase Candy Creek, who is trained by Nicky
Henderson, has been retired to stud!�
And yesterday there was news that the mare, Whiteoak, had been retired
to stud following a series of niggling injuries. |
|
Tuesday 02 March
2010 |
|
Just one
ride for Choc at Leicester today ... but he won J. Blazing Bailey won the Novices�
Chase, giving Choc his 57th winner of the season (4
ran).� It�s nice to see the horse
enjoying himself again, and doing well.�
Martin
Keighley�s Brimham Boy finished 2nd of 10 in the Novices� Handicap Chase. Tomorrow
Choc will be at Bangor on Dee: 15:20 Devil
To Pay � Juvenile Novices� Handicap Hurdle (Alan King) Alan King
has a couple of other runners at the track: 14:50
Franchoek � Beginners� Chase � AP McCoy being his pilot as the horse is owned
by JP McManus 17:20 Way
Back When � Maiden NH Flat Race Conditional/Amateur Jockeys � Mr Sam
Waley-Cohen News on
Alan King�s website today regarding Mille Chief�s defection from this year�s
Triumph Hurdle, and outlining possible goals for him later in the season. http://www.alankingracing.co.uk/ And there
are a number of �Choc� related Festival items on the At The Races website
today too: |
|
Monday 01 March
2010 |
|
Choc rode
at Hereford this afternoon, and this is how he fared: Dona
finished 6th in the Handicap Hurdle (10 ran) Romulus D�Artaix
finished 3rd in the Standard Open NH Flat Race (16 ran) Alan King
ran Awesome George in the Novices� Chase at 15:30, ridden by regular pilot
Charlie Huxley, and he won.� Tomorrow
Choc is due to ride at Leicester, where there is a 08:00 inspection. 15:50
Blazing Bailey � Novices� Chase (Alan King) Martin
Keighley has a runner too: 15:20
Brimham Boy � Novices� Handicap Chase, ridden by Warren Marston. There is
still no definitive news regarding Mille Chief, this was published yesterday: |
![MCj04109190000[1]](Blog%20March%202010_files/image007.gif)
