MAY 2016

Tuesday 31 May 2016
There was one result today: Towcester: Menace (Noel Williams/William Featherstone/EPDS Racing) finished 4th in the Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 4 furlongs & 217 yards] (7 ran); he wasn’t that far behind either, and it also didn’t help that he was short of room on the home turn! And you can check out a replay on ATR’s website should you wish ... and you don’t even need to register to do so! Leicester was abandoned after the second race because a horse slipped up after the finish and the ground was deemed to be unsafe. This meant that Schoolboy Error didn’t get a run later in the afternoon. There are three runners of interest tomorrow: Fontwell Park: 16:40 Hindon Road (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Handicap Chase [2 miles 5 furlongs & 31 yards] 17:10 Alaskan Poet (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Standard Open NH Flat Race Ripon: 21:00 Daliance (Noel Williams/Tony Hamilton/EPDS Racing) – Handicap [2 miles] As mentioned earlier in the month, a bloodstock sale took place at Ascot today and here is a link to the results: Tattersalls Ireland Europe's Leading NH Bloodstock Auctioneers - List Lots/Results I notice that Viva Steve (Lot 100) has been purchased by Fergal O’Brien. And Knock House was sold to Donald McCain, and here he is in his new stable: https://mobile.twitter.com/donaldmccain/status/737732315632259072/photo/1 As my creative writing juices are now flowing, I was thinking that I’d work on my diaries each weekday evening too ... until I realised that Springwatch is on TV Monday to Thursday and I like to watch that ... and it’s on for the next three weeks. My excuse this evening is that I’ve also got ‘clampy head’; I’ve been slaving over a hot PC for the past three days without any problems and it takes just one day at work for me to suffer. That just says it all.
Monday 30 May 2016
After an excellent start on Saturday, I found my diary writing harder going yesterday, managing just 4 races due to interruptions. Then, having sat down for a break at 21:00, I promptly dozed off to sleep on the sofa ... hence no Sunday blog! Today I managed just two race descriptions, before lunch; I spent around an hour or so in the garden before chilling out for the remainder of the day. There are five results to report from yesterday: Fontwell Park: Double Chocolate (Martin Keighley/Tom O’Brien) finished 7th in the Handicap Chase [3 miles 1 furlong & 106 yards] (12 ran); Ya Hafed aka ‘Nobby’ finished 9th in this race. The Kvilleken (Martin Keighley/Tom Bellamy) finished 2nd in the Handicap Hurdle Div II [2 miles 1 furlong & 145 yards] (11 ran). Jockeys David Noonan and Denis O’Regan both rode a treble at the fixture. Uttoxeter: Midnight Cowboy (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished a very distant 4th in the Maiden Hurdle (6 ran). Laser Blazer (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 3rd in the Beginners’ Chase (4 ran); Theinval won the race. Marley Joe (Martin Keighley/Sam Twiston-Davies) finished 5th in the Handicap Hurdle [1 mile 7 furlongs & 168 yards] (14 ran). However, Wayne Hutchinson rode his 7th winner of the season when piloting Minella Present to victory in the feature Handicap Chase. Trainer Nicky Henderson had a treble of wins at the fixture too. Today there were two runners of interest, at Huntingdon: Mille Nautique (Alan King/Tom Bellamy) won the Handicap Chase [2 miles 3 furlongs & 189 yards] (7 ran). Magic Music Man (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 2nd in the Maiden Hurdle Div I (10 ran). Both Nico de Boinville and Sam Twiston-Davies rode doubles on the card. Tomorrow there are two runners of interest: Towcester: 17:10 Menace (Noel Williams/William Featherstone/EPDS Racing) – Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 4 furlongs & 217 yards] – I wonder if the rain will arrive and revise the going by the time his race is due off. Leicester: 17:30 Schoolboy Error (Jamie Osborne/George Baker/part owned by Apple Tree Stud) – Handicap [1 mile 1 furlong & 218 yards] Kincora Fort aka ‘Brian’, owned by EPDS Racing, is back in work following a tendon injury sustained at Kempton Park last spring.
Saturday 28 May 2016
There are three results to report from yesterday: Worcester: Gone Too Far (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 8th in the Handicap Chase [2 miles 4 furlongs] (9 ran). Our Reward (Jamie Snowden/Will Featherstone/EPDS Racing) finished 4th in the Novices’ Hurdle (7 ran). Bath: Stynes (Ali Stronge/Adam Kirby/EPDS Racing) finished 4th in the Handicap [1 mile 5 furlongs & 22 yards] (14 ran). Today there was one runner of interest, at Ffos Las, as Ballymountain Boy bruised his foot so didn’t make the trip to Wales: Forecast (Alan King/Aidan Coleman) was brought down two out during the 2-mile Novices’ Hurdle (10 ran). He was unlucky, as the horse in front of him could have fallen either way when coming down. Forecast was staying on through beaten horses at the time and I hope he is okay following this, his maiden outing over hurdles. I was interested to see how three ex-Alan King horses got on at Cartmel this afternoon: Fred Le Macon finished 5th and Uriah Heep finished 6th in a Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 1 furlong & 46 yards] (8 ran) and Midnight Appeal finished 6th in a Handicap Chase [2 miles 5 furlongs & 34 yards] (11 ran). Tomorrow there are five runners of interest: Fontwell Park: 14:20 Double Chocolate (Martin Keighley/Tom O’Brien) – Handicap Chase [3 miles 1 furlong & 106 yards] 15:25 The Kvilleken (Martin Keighley/Tom Bellamy) – Handicap Hurdle Div II [2 miles 1 furlong & 145 yards] Uttoxeter: 14:10 Midnight Cowboy (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Maiden Hurdle 14:40 Laser Blazer (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Beginners’ Chase; Theinval is one of 3 rivals. 16:50 Marley Joe (Martin Keighley/Sam Twiston-Davies) – Handicap Hurdle [1 mile 7 furlongs & 168 yards] Martin Keighley reported that Thady Quil was badly struck into just prior to being pulled up at Newton Abbot earlier in the week. As a result, 17 staples were inserted into one of his hind-legs; he will head off for his summer holiday once the injury has had a chance to heal; fortunately his tendon was unaffected. There was no blog yesterday because, by the time I’d watched the Chelsea Flower Show coverage and Have I Got News For You on TV, and then spent time checking the text relating to my Aintree photos before uploading them, it was half past midnight and I was too tired! But the good news is that the task has been completed and I’ve now moved on to my diaries. I spent time planting 18 annual begonias early this morning, before recommencing my first diary and I’ve made excellent progress, far better than I could ever have imagined in fact. I feared that it would take time to get into the swing of diary writing again, but the words flowed easily from the very beginning and I’ve already completed five races; I’ve chosen to start with the first day of the Cheltenham Festival. I was thinking that I’d aim for describing two races a day, on Saturdays and Sundays only, which would equate to around three months’ work ... but maybe, if I continue at today’s rate, I can shorten that by a number of weeks! However I must remain mindful of any issues with my eyes and my neck and shoulders.
Friday 27 May 2016
There are three runners of interest tomorrow: Worcester: 18:50 Gone Too Far (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Handicap Chase [2 miles 4 furlongs] 19:50 Our Reward (Jamie Snowden/Will Featherstone/EPDS Racing) – Novices’ Hurdle Bath: Stynes (Ali Stronge/Adam Kirby/EPDS Racing) – Handicap [1 mile 5 furlongs & 22 yards]
Thursday 26 May 2016
My one runner of interest today, Marley Joe, was a non-runner at Bangor-On-Dee. There are three runners of interest tomorrow: Worcester: 18:50 Gone Too Far (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Handicap Chase [2 miles 4 furlongs] 19:50 Our Reward (Jamie Snowden/Will Featherstone/EPDS Racing) – Novices’ Hurdle Bath: Stynes (Ali Stronge/Adam Kirby/EPDS Racing) – Handicap [1 mile 5 furlongs & 22 yards]
Wednesday 25 May 2016
Here are today’s results for my runners of interest: Market Rasen: Lady Persephone (Alan King/Tom Cannon) finished 5th in the Mares’ Handicap Hurdle (8 ran). Newton Abbot: Mia’s Storm (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) won the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (6 ran); Wayne’s 6th winner of the season. Thady Quil (Martin Keighley/Tom O’Brien) was pulled up in the Novices’ Handicap Chase (11 ran). McCabe Creek (Alan King/Jamie Insole) finished 2nd in the Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 2 furlongs & 110 yards] (12 ran). Devil To Pay (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) was pulled up in the Handicap Chase [2 miles 4 furlongs & 216 yards] (10 ran). Ballymountain Boy (Martin Keighley/Harry Skelton) was a non-runner in the Standard Open NH Flat Race One runner of interest tomorrow, at Bangor-On-Dee: 15:40 Marley Joe (Martin Keighley/Sam Twiston-Davies) – Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 3 furlongs & 123 yards]
Tuesday 24 May 2016
Here are today’s results for my runners of interest at Southwell: Royal Plaza (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 3rd in the NH Maiden Hurdle (9 ran). Black Sam (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) was a non-runner in the Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat Race Tomorrow there are a number of runners of interest: Market Rasen: 14:40 Lady Persephone (Alan King/Tom Cannon) – Mares’ Handicap Hurdle Newton Abbot: 18:10 Mia’s Storm (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle 18:40 Thady Quil (Martin Keighley/Tom O’Brien) – Novices’ Handicap Chase 19:10 McCabe Creek (Alan King/Jamie Insole) – Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 2 furlongs & 110 yards] 19:40 Devil To Pay (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Handicap Chase [2 miles 4 furlongs & 216 yards] 20:40 Ballymountain Boy (Martin Keighley/Harry Skelton) – Standard Open NH Flat Race It is expected that Menace will run at Towcester next Tuesday. I seem to be making slow progress on my photos this week, as I keep getting sidetracked each evening ... yesterday it was the Chelsea Flower Show on TV, followed by the Sewing Bee and, again today, the Chelsea Flower Show! The chores for next weekend are beginning to build up too, so I hope I still have time to make good progress on the first of my outstanding diaries.
Monday 23 May 2016
There are two runners of interest tomorrow, at Southwell: 18:30 Royal Plaza (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – NH Maiden Hurdle 20:35 Black Sam (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat Race
Sunday 22 May 2016
Yesterday there was one runner of interest, at Stratford: Turn Over Sivola (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 2nd in the Handicap Chase [2 miles 3 furlongs & 98 yards] (8 ran). No surprise there then, the horse is a habitual runner-up!!! There were no runners of interest today. Meanwhile at Auteuil yesterday, Footpad won the Grade 3 Hurdle for 4-year-olds, with Zubayr 3rd. And Un De Sceaux won the Grade 2 Prix La Barka; the best placed Brit was Ptit Zig in 4th. Today James Reveley rode the winner of the Grade 1 Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris for trainer Guillaume Macaire. Jump jockey Tom Messenger retired today, with a final career ride at Fakenham. He’s taking up the role of Assistant to Dan Skelton, as a vacancy has arisen due to Josh Guerriero joining Olly Greenall’s operation. Trainer Fergal O’Brien tweeted a photo of their new arrival, Pemba: https://mobile.twitter.com/FOBRacing/status/733699473982001152/photo/1 And one for all (and all for one) of you Musketeer fans out there: https://mobile.twitter.com/SantiagoCabrBR/status/727167011327991808/photo/1 Today I’ve been slaving over a hot laptop ... with a short interlude to trim three conical box shrubs; I had to find something to do whilst my old laptop was cooling down having switched itself off! It seems to be taking forever to upload my most recent racing photographs, but I can now see the light at the end of the tunnel and hope to re-commence work on my diaries next weekend. Weekend over L and back to work tomorrow. How is it possible to be very busy at work, so busy that I’ve not had a lunch-break since last Monday, and to be absolutely bored rigid at the same time? Monotony, monotony, monotony ... day in day out ...
Friday 20 May 2016
I enjoyed my evening at the Alban Arena, with Strictly Come Dancing’s Pasha Kovalev! As last year, his main professional dancing partner in the “It’s All About You” show is Anya Garnis. Anya and Pasha were professional partners when first starting out, and they dated each other as youngsters too. She has appeared on Strictly, when partnering ‘Casualty’ star Patrick Robinson, and I think she’s also been a stand-in on the show. Pasha is currently dating ‘Countdown’s’ Rachel Riley. This year’s tour also features singer Ricky Rojas and I gather there are a total of 74 shows during its nationwide run which ends in June! I decided to loiter in the foyer after the show, along with many other fans, in order to get the promised photo opportunity and also so that Pasha could sign my programme. Tomorrow there is just one runner of interest in the UK, at Stratford: 18:35 Turn Over Sivola (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Handicap Chase [2 miles 3 furlongs & 98 yards] However there are a number of interesting runners at Auteuil: Willie Mullins runs Footpad and Paul Nicholls runs Zubayr in the Grade 3 Hurdle for 4-year-olds. And eight of the 13 runners in the Grade 2 Prix La Barka are either Irish or British! Willie Mullins fields Thousand Stars (Katie Walsh) and Un De Sceaux (Ruby Walsh). Paul Nicholls runs Ptit Zig (Sam Twiston-Davies); Nicky Henderson runs Simonsig (Barry Geraghty); Dan Skelton Al Ferof (Harry Skelton); David Pipe Gevrey Chambertin (James Reveley) and Ballynagour (Tom Scudamore); finally, Nick Williams runs Aubusson (Lizzie Kelly). I’ve nothing planned for the weekend, so I guess I will be continuing with the website updates.
Thursday 19 May 2016
There was one runner of interest today, on the all-weather at Lingfield Park: Forecast (Martin Keighley/Tom Queally) finished 4th in the Handicap [1 mile 3 furlongs & 106 yards] (10 ran). There are no runners of interest tomorrow. The Goffs HIT (Horses In Training) sale has been taking place at Doncaster over the past two days and, as expected, Ned Stark has now found a new home. I had half a day’s holiday today due to the fact I was going out this evening so, having got home at around 13:30, I thought I’d log on and check the Sales website. The auction was covered live, and the lot number in the ring (515) was none other than Roberto Pegasus ... and Ned Stark was lot 516. Anyway, the Barbury Castle horses which sold today were: Roberto Pegasus for £5,000 to Tom Ellis Ned Stark for £70,000 to Oliver Murphy/Gordon Elliott ... so he returns to Ireland from whence he came. Mystery Code for £12,000 to Highflyer Bloodstock Elkstone for £20,000 to Gerard Bailey Brod Na Heireann for £11,000 to Miss Banks Fred Le Macon for £12,000 to Martin Todhunter Too Far Gone for £4,000 to Henry Oliver Million In Mind’s Pemba sold for £56,000 to Fergal O’Brien yesterday Two horses which were part of the Barbury Castle team a number of years ago – Frizzo and Lovcen – were sold again today; the former for a mere £800 to Fergus O’Connor and Lovcen for £2,500 to David Phelan. I notice that the Grand Annual winner was sold today also, Solar Impulse, he was owned by the Wylies; he was purchased by trainer Chris Kellett. I presume that The Organist, who Oliver Sherwood thought very highly of and was also owned by Million In Mind, and also Le Prezien, are destined to sport the green and gold silks to JP McManus this coming season having been purchased by Frank Berry. If you wish to check out the full details of these and any of the other lots, here is the link: http://www.goffsuk.com/sales-results/sales/springHIT2016 I’ve also had a look through the horses listed on Alan King’s website and notice that Masterson Holdings have a new horse named Reality Bites. Also, very interestingly, Ardamir is now listed as owned solely by the Apple Tree Stud – I presume that means Danny Reilly has decided to give up his interest in what was formerly the Dunkley and Reilly Partnership. I was also looking through Ascot’s upcoming HIT sale entries and noticed that there are many Tim Radford-owned horses listed – including Sgt Reckless, Warden Hill, Loch Ba, Knock House and Viva Steve; I like Viva Steve. It’s getting late, so I’ll leave my ‘Pasha outing’ until tomorrow. However, I must mention that The Musketeers will return for their final series a week Saturday ... yeeessssss!
Wednesday 18 May 2016
There were five runners of interest today, as one was a non-runner, and this is how they fared ... and there were three winners too! Bath: Schoolboy Error (Jamie Osborne/William Carson/part-owned by Apple Tree Stud) finished 5th in the Handicap [1 mile 2 furlongs & 46 yards] (13 ran). Stynes (Ali Stronge/Tom Marquand/EPDS Racing) won the Handicap [1 mile 5 furlongs & 22 yards] (11 ran). Southwell: Avispa (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) won the NH Novices’ Hurdle (6 ran); Wayne’s 5th winner of the season. Dun Bay Creek (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) was a non-runner in the Novices’ Hurdle Warwick: Presenting Lisa (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) was pulled-up in the Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (9 ran). The Tourard Man (Alan King/Kevin Dowling) won the Handicap Hurdle [3 miles 1 furlong] (8 ran). There is National Hunt racing at Worcester tomorrow, but the one runner of interest runs at Lingfield Park on the all-weather: 14:00 Forecast (Martin Keighley/Tom Queally) – Handicap [1 mile 3 furlongs & 106 yards] Don Cossack has been named Champion Jump Horse of the season and trainer Gordon Elliott thinks that he may even have the horse back from injury ahead of next year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup! After 22 days, I’ve succumbed to taking my acid reflux tablets again. There was an article in the Daily Mail suggesting that it is detrimental to take them for longer than a year, so I thought I’d see what happened ... and I’ve been okay until now. However, having suffered from irritation in my throat and nausea today, I’ve now given in and taken one this evening. It’s advised to avoid tea, coffee, chocolate and tomatoes, amongst other things when suffering from reflux – yes, I ate tomatoes today and drank three cups of tea, but I didn’t touch any chocolate; that was yesterday!!! My favourite soup used to be tomato too, but I cannot consume that even when I’m taking the tablets; mushroom soup is now my poison. There may not be a blog tomorrow evening, as I’m going to see Strictly Come Dancing’s Pasha Kovalev at the Alban Arena. I booked early and was able to choose the centre seat on the front row! I’m looking forward to seeing this year’s show, having seen him perform in Watford last June.
Tuesday 17 May 2016
Two runners of interest today and this is how they fared: Lingfield Park: Dalavand (Jamie Osborne/Timmy Murphy/Apple Tree Stud) finished 5th in the Handicap for 3-year-olds [1 mile & 1 furlong] (12 ran). Huntingdon: Marley Joe (Martin Keighley/Sam Twiston-Davies) won the Handicap Hurdle [1 mile 7 furlongs & 171 yards] (12 ran); Martin’s 3rd winner of the season. Six runners of interest tomorrow: Bath: 13:50 Schoolboy Error (Jamie Osborne/William Carson/part-owned by Apple Tree Stud) – Handicap [1 mile 2 furlongs & 46 yards] 16:05 Stynes (Ali Stronge/Tom Marquand/EPDS Racing) – Handicap [1 mile 5 furlongs & 22 yards] Southwell: 18:45 Avispa (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – NH Novices’ Hurdle 19:15 Dun Bay Creek (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Novices’ Hurdle Warwick: 14:45 Presenting Lisa (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase 15:55 The Tourard Man (Alan King/Kevin Dowling) – Handicap Hurdle [3 miles 1 furlong] Menace is fine following his run on Saturday evening. I thought he jumped well, and the syndicate manager thought so too. However Menace needs to drop in the handicap to be competitive and will also be stepped up in distance. It is envisaged he may run again at the beginning of June. I’ve completed the uploading of photographs taken at Sandown Park; so just the first two days of Aintree now to do ... but that will probably take until at least next weekend to finish. There’s no rest for the wicked at this time of the year!
Monday 16 May 2016
I overlooked the fact that Kempton Park’s fixture today was a National Hunt one, and there is one result from there: Quantum Of Solace (Noel Williams/James Banks) finished 6th in the Handicap Hurdle [2 miles] (11 ran). Meanwhile, at Brighton: Dream Dana (Jamie Osborne/Timmy Murphy/Apple Tree Stud) finished last in the Maiden Stakes [6 furlongs & 209 yards] (7 ran). Tomorrow there are two runners of interest: Lingfield Park: 17:00 Dalavand (Jamie Osborne/Timmy Murphy/Apple Tree Stud) – Handicap for 3-year-olds [1 mile & 1 furlong] Huntingdon: 18:30 Marley Joe (Martin Keighley/Sam Twiston-Davies) – Handicap Hurdle [1 mile 7 furlongs & 171 yards] Fortunately I have loaded the Apple Tree Stud horses into my ATR tracker, hence the fact that I know when they are due to run. But, as the maximum number you can select is 100, only my favourite NH horses have been added to my list.
Sunday 15 May 2016
Here are today’s results for my runners of interest: Market Rasen: Turn Over Sivola (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 2nd in the Handicap Chase [2 miles 3 furlongs & 34 yards] (11 ran); he almost invariably finishes as runner-up! It wasn’t his fault today, as the winner absolutely flew home! Dineur finished 5th ... the race pundits said he was jumping rather deliberately; that will be a legacy of the Aintree Foxhunters! Stratford: The Barbury Queen (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) won the Handicap Hurdle Div I [2 miles 6 furlongs & 7 yards] (10 ran); Wayne’s 4th winner of the season. He had to work hard for much of the race to keep the mare in contention but, in the end, she saw the race out better than any of her rivals! Devil To Pay (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) and Mr Muddle where both non-runners in the Handicap Chase [2 miles 4 furlongs & 205 yards] There are no National Hunt fixtures tomorrow but there is one runner of interest on the flat, at Brighton: 17:30 Dream Dana (Jamie Osborne/Timmy Murphy/Apple Tree Stud) – Maiden Stakes [6 furlongs & 209 yards] In the USA, the ex-Irish based horse, Rawnaq, ridden by Jack Doyle, won the Iroquois Hurdle; Shaneshill finished 2nd and Nichols Canyon 3rd. Being a lovely sunny day, although a touch cold, I went for a 3-mile walk this morning; it took exactly an hour, hence the estimated distance. I did a little bit of gardening, I watched the racing on TV, and also continued to sort out my photographs for the website. I was hoping to have completed far more, but it’s been slow going this weekend ...
Saturday 14 May 2016
There were three runners of interest today and this is how they fared: Bangor-On-Dee: Hindon Road (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) won the Handicap Chase [2 miles 4 furlongs & 72 yards] (7 ran). Tara View (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) won the Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat Race Div II (9 ran). They were Wayne’s 2nd and 3rd winners of the season. Uttoxeter: Menace (Noel Williams/William Featherstone) finished 10th in the Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 3 furlongs & 207 yards] (15 ran). Having completed safely, hopefully he’s solely tired. Uttoxeter was a sell-out this evening; The Human League were performing after racing. There are a number of runners of interest tomorrow too: Market Rasen: 16:25 Turn Over Sivola (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Handicap Chase [2 miles 3 furlongs & 34 yards]; Dineur, having completed as a surprise runner-up in the Foxhunters at Aintree, is also taking part in this race. Stratford: 14:20 The Barbury Queen (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Handicap Hurdle Div I [2 miles 6 furlongs & 7 yards] 17:05 Devil To Pay (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) & Mr Muddle ... aka Wocket Woy (Sheena West/Marc Goldstein) – Handicap Chase [2 miles 4 furlongs & 205 yards] I’ve not been very productive today; I reconstructed the beaded bail connecting an agogo pendant to a necklace and began formatting the photos I took at Sandown Park a few weeks ago, but I also did a lot of internet surfing to find birthday presents for my friend Denise. This was a success ... although I found a pair of dichroic earrings for me too and also a pendant! And I think I know what I’m going to buy for my friend Lesley’s birthday later in the summer.
Friday 13 May 2016
Here are today’s results for my runners of interest, at Aintree: Awesome Rosie (Alan King/Tom Bellamy) finished 5th in the Mares’ Handicap Hurdle (11 ran). Magic Music Man (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 3rd in the Novices’ Hurdle (6 ran). Having appeared reformed when winning at Kempton Park earlier in the month, Go West Young Man was up to his old tricks again today. He was playing up at the start of the 2½ mile Handicap Hurdle and, having pulled himself into the lead, he then cocked his jaw and ran out as they turned into the back straight; Tom O’Brien was the unfortunate pilot who ended up on the ground when the horse slammed on the brakes to avoid colliding with the rails. Alan King may have been out of luck at Aintree, but he trained a winner on the flat at Newbury (Primitivo ridden by George Baker), and another at York (Master Blueyes ridden by Dougie Costello) today. Frankel’s first son to reach the racecourse, Cunco, won over 6 furlongs at Newbury today too. There are three runners of interest tomorrow: Bangor-On-Dee: 15:40 Hindon Road (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Handicap Chase [2 miles 4 furlongs & 72 yards] 17:50 Tara View (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat Race Div II Uttoxeter: 20:00 Menace (Noel Williams/William Featherstone) – Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 3 furlongs & 207 yards] Take care Menace and please come back safe. xxx It may be Friday the 13th, but it’s also my mum’s birthday today. Happy birthday Mum.
Thursday 12 May 2016
Here is my round-up for yesterday’s runners of interest: Worcester: The Wexfordian (Martin Keighley/Aidan Coleman) finished 5th in the Handicap Chase Div II [2 miles 4 furlongs] )8 ran). Flementime (Martin Keighley/Aidan Coleman) finished 2nd in the Handicap Chase [2 miles & 110 yards] (5 ran). The Kvilleken (Martin Keighley/Killian Moore) fell during the Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Chase (7 ran). Darnitnev (Martin Keighley/Aidan Coleman) was pulled up in the Selling Hurdle (8 ran). Seymour Eric (Martin Keighley/Killian Moore) was pulled up and The Barbury Queen (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) was a non-runner in the Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 7 furlongs] Miss Crick (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) won the Mares’ Maiden Hurdle (6 ran); Wayne’s 1st winner of the new season Mortlestown (Martin Keighley/Killian Moore) was pulled up in the Handicap Hurdle [2 miles] (10 ran). With the disappointing results for the Martin Keighley runners, four of his charges will be retired from racing under rules. Firstly The Wexfordian, who is prone to bursting blood vessels and did so again yesterday, so he will be found a new home/career. Flementime ruptured a tendon, so will now head to the paddocks as a brood mare; she already has black type. Darnitnev has proved disappointing and a new career will be found for him; he jumps well. And, finally, Seymour Eric has been retired having reached the end of a notable career; Martin suggests either hunting or team chasing for him now. The Kvilleken was fine after his mishap and will be back, as will Mortlestown. Perth: Asuncion (Rebecca Menzies/Jamie Hamilton/EPDS Racing) finished 8th in the Novices’ Handicap Chase (9 ran). I noticed that Uriah Heep ran at Perth today; he finished 5th in the Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle Also, at York today, three National Hunt horses ran in the final race on the card; a handicap over 2 miles and half a furlong. Grumeti (Alan King) finished 5th, Matorico (Jonjo O’Neill) finished 6th and EPDS’ Daliance (Noel Williams) finished 10th (15 ran). Although, of course, Grumeti races solely on the flat these days. I missed a runner last Thursday, namely Merlin’s Wish who ran at Uttoxeter last Thursday, ridden by Killian Moore, but he pulled up in the 3 mile 2 furlong Handicap Chase. The grey may be retired from racing under rules also. When Cottersrock unseated during an earlier race, his jockey Andrew Tinkler sustained a fractured shoulder blade. There are two runners of interest tomorrow evening, at Aintree: 17:25 Awesome Rosie (Alan King/Tom Bellamy) – Mares’ Handicap Hurdle 18:30 Magic Music Man (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Novices’ Hurdle I enjoyed my trip to Milton Keynes to see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang yesterday evening; the show currently stars Lee Mead as Caractacus Potts, Carrie Hope Fletcher as Truly Scrumptious, Michelle Collins as Baroness Bomburst, and Shaun Williamson as Baron Bomburst. Having misjudged the arrival time on my previous visit to the Milton Keynes Theatre, when we went to see Calamity Jane, we arrived in plenty of time on this occasion ... although we did encounter torrential rain on the way. This afforded us time to eat a meal prior to the performance. We chose TGI Friday and guess who we saw sitting at a table close by? None other than Lee Mead, with a number of the cast members, taking the opportunity to eat between performances! I love it when I’m in the right place at the right time!
Tuesday 10 May 2016
Today there are two good news stories and one sad news story ... and I’ll begin with the latter ... RIP Comply Or Die
It was reported today that the 2008 Grand National winner, Comply Or Die, passed away at the weekend aged 17. He was found dead in a field he shared with Well Chief and Vodka Bleu. http://www.racinguk.com/news/article/42865/timmy-murphy-and-david-pipe-pay-tribute-to-grand-national-hero-comply-or-di But there’s good news for this year’s Grand National winner Rule The World; he has been retired and will live out his days at the Gigginstown Stud. The other good news is that my rain dance was successful and Menace was a non-runner at Southwell this evening. It is envisaged that he will run instead at Uttoxeter on Saturday if the ground is suitable for him. There are a number of runners of interest tomorrow: Worcester: 14:30 The Wexfordian (Martin Keighley/Aidan Coleman) – Handicap Chase Div II [2 miles 4 furlongs] 15:00 Flementime (Martin Keighley/Aidan Coleman) – Handicap Chase [2 miles & 110 yards] 15:35 The Kvilleken (Martin Keighley/Killian Moore) – Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Chase 16:10 Darnitnev (Martin Keighley/Aidan Coleman) – Selling Hurdle 16:40 Seymour Eric (Martin Keighley/Killian Moore) & The Barbury Queen (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 7 furlongs] 17:10 Miss Crick (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Mares’ Maiden Hurdle 17:45 Mortlestown (Martin Keighley/Killian Moore) – Handicap Hurdle [2 miles] Perth: 18:20 Asuncion (Rebecca Menzies/Jamie Hamilton/EPDS Racing) – Novices’ Handicap Chase I may not have time to write a blog before I turn in tomorrow evening, as I’m going to see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang starring Lee Mead at the theatre in Milton Keynes, with Lesley.
Monday 09 May 2016
There’s National Hunt racing from Sedgefield, Wincanton and Southwell tomorrow, with one runner of interest at the latter: 19:35 Menace (Noel Williams/William Featherstone/EPDS Racing) – Novices’ Handicap Hurdle As I’m not a fan of Southwell, I’ll probably record the race, then check the result online before even contemplating viewing it ... it can be a worrying time for a syndicate member when their horse runs. Good luck Menace and please come back safely. xxx
Sunday 08 May 2016
Here are today’s results for my runners of interest: Ludlow: Altesse De Guye (Martin Keighley/Aidan Coleman) finished 3rd in the Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 5 furlongs & 55 yards] (8 ran). Cottersrock (Martin Keighley/Aidan Coleman) was a non-runner and Thady Quil (Martin Keighley/Killian Moore) finished 3rd in the Novices’ Hurdle (8 ran). Plumpton: Royal Plaza (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 4th in the Maiden Hurdle (9 ran). Ya Hafed (Sheena West/Mattie Batchelor) was pulled up in the Handicap Chase [3 miles 1 furlong & 152 yards] (8 ran). Londonia (Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods/EPDS Racing) finished 5th in theHandicap Hurdle [1 mile 7 furlongs & 195 yards] (12 ran). Hindon Road (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) was a non-runner in the Handicap Chase [2 miles 3 furlongs & 164 yards] There’s National Hunt racing from Towcester tomorrow, but no runners of interest. I’ve not completed as many photo uploads as hoped today, but I have completed a number of other tasks, including washing my car, finishing a knitted hat (yes, another one) and sewing buttons onto a child’s cardigan. There are 14 tasks on the list I made at the beginning of today, and I have completed 7 of them.
Saturday 07 May 2016
Here are today’s results for my runners of interest: Hexham: Ami Desbois (Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods/EPDS Racing) won the Maiden Hurdle (9 ran); he also won best turned out! Warwick: Miles To Memphis (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) was pulled up in the Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 5 furlongs] (10 ran). Forgiving Glance (Alan King/Denis O’Regan) finished 5th and Pemba (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 2nd Fillies’ 4-year-old Handicap Hurdle (6 ran). Double Chocolate (Martin Keighley/Killian Moore) won the Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Chase (6 ran); it was Martin’s 2nd winner of the new Jump’s Season. David Cricket (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 2nd in the Standard Open NH Flat Race (12 ran); the horse is a son of Lady Cricket but he didn’t get the hang of it until the winner had flown. The Paul Webber-trained, Richie McLernon-ridden, Gwafa won the former ‘Swinton’ Hurdle; sadly the race was marred by the fatal injury suffered by Cheltenian who was pulled up in the back straight. L RIP Cheltenian It’s always sad when a horse is lost, but especially when they have been around for a number of years; Cheltenian was 10 years old. I remember him running in his second race, a bumper at Kempton Park in February 2011; he beat Montbazon that day. Then, of course, he went on the win the Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival in the same year. Sunshine Corner was also lost at Haydock today, when she fell at the second last flight in the Long Distance Stayers’ Hurdle race. L David Pipe trained his 1000th winner today, when Purple ‘n Gold won a Handicap Chase at Haydock. Jack Hobbs, which pulled up at Newmarket last weekend, has been diagnosed with a stress fracture of his pelvis. There are a number of runners of interest tomorrow: Ludlow: 15:05 Altesse De Guye (Martin Keighley/Aidan Coleman) – Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 5 furlongs & 55 yards] 16:45 Cottersrock (Martin Keighley/Aidan Coleman) & Thady Quil (Martin Keighley/Killian Moore) – Novices’ Hurdle Plumpton: 14:15 Royal Plaza (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Maiden Hurdle 15:25 Ya Hafed (Sheena West/Mattie Batchelor) – Handicap Chase [3 miles 1 furlong & 152 yards]. In other words, ‘Nobby’ & Batch 16:00 Londonia (Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods/EPDS Racing) – Handicap Hurdle [1 mile 7 furlongs & 195 yards] 17:00 Hindon Road (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Handicap Chase [2 miles 3 furlongs & 164 yards] I’ve been slaving over a hot laptop again today, and have uploaded further photographs taken on Grand National day at Aintree.
Friday 06 May 2016
Here are yesterday’s results for my runners of interest: Uttoxeter: Cottersrock (Martin Keighley/Andrew Tinkler) unseated his rider at the 5th in the NH Novices’ Hurdle (9 ran). Dalton Glance (Martin Keighley/Killian Moore) finished 5th in the Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat Race Div II (14 ran). Wincanton: Lady Persephone (Alan King/Denis O’Regan) won the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (7 ran). Having turned warmer over the past few days and with the ground drying out, Alan King’s horses have certainly hit form again! I saw a replay of Kerrow’s race yesterday morning, before I went to work, and he appeared none the worse for wear following his final flight mishap on Wednesday; he cantered past the winning post, rider-less. There were no runners of interest today, at Market Rasen. Jason Maguire announced his retirement yesterday. Having returned to race riding following a life threatening injury in March 2014; his most recent injury was too much to overcome. The disc problems in his back, which have trapped a nerve, cause numbness in his right leg and the BHA are unable to pass him fit to ride again. Having ridden over 1,000 winners, he’s now looking after the bloodstock interests of Paul and Clare Rooney. https://mobile.twitter.com/PJAOfficial/status/728287451769352192/photo/1 The 2000 Guineas winner Galileo Gold won’t have an entry in the Derby, as genetic tests suggest he would have a very slim chance of staying 1 mile and 4 furlongs! Whatever next? It kind of takes the excitement out of breeding horses if you know exactly what to expect ... There are runners of interest tomorrow, although none at Haydock Park for their mixed card which includes the Swinton Hurdle. Hexham: 14:25 Ami Desbois (Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods/EPDS Racing) – Maiden Hurdle Warwick: 17:50 Miles To Memphis (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 5 furlongs] 18:50 Forgiving Glance (Alan King/Denis O’Regan) & Pemba (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Fillies’ 4-year-old Handicap Hurdle 19:50 Double Chocolate (Martin Keighley/Killian Moore) – Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Chase 20:20 David Cricket (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Standard Open NH Flat Race
Wednesday 04 May 2016
Happy Star Wars Day ... May the 4th be with you! Here are today’s results for my runners of interest at Wetherby: Mia’s Storm (Alan King/Denis O’Regan) won the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (4 ran). Kerrow (Alan King/Denis O’Regan) fell heavily at the last when upsides the leader in the Novices’ Hurdle (7 ran); I hope he is okay. There are four National Hunt fixtures tomorrow – Carlisle, Newton Abbot, Uttoxeter and Wincanton ... with runners of interest at the latter two: Uttoxeter: 14:00 Cottersrock (Martin Keighley/Andrew Tinkler) – NH Novices’ Hurdle 17:15 Dalton Glance (Martin Keighley/Killian Moore) – Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat Race Div II Wincanton: 19:50 Lady Persephone (Alan King/Denis O’Regan) – Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle Menace hold an entry at Southwell next Monday, 10 May ... I hate Southwell L it’s so dangerous for the horses. Punchestown reported that there were no injuries to horses or jockeys during last week’s Festival. Noel Fehily was taken to hospital in Plymouth today, having sustained a suspected back injury when the Nick Mitchell-trained Hinxworth fell during a Handicap Hurdle race. Happy birthday to Sir Anthony McCoy; he’s 42 today. The weather was so nice today I felt over-dressed in the extreme. I’m still wearing my winter coat, a woven woollen scarf and mittens!!! I went for a lunch time stroll too, including along the road adjacent to Fontmell Close, the thoroughfare where the infamous St Albans sink hole appeared last October. There was nothing to see, as tall blue barriers still blocked the road itself; I gather the original hole has been filled in and all bar three houses have been reoccupied, with temporary road access provided. Another survey is due to take place soon, because a previous one suggested the ‘cavern’ may extend further than originally suggested.
Tuesday 03 May 2016
There were five runners of interest today and, amazingly, the results were as good as they could get because there were 4 winners and a second; two of the horses ran in the same race! Sedgefield: Our Reward (Jamie Snowden/William Featherstone/EPDS Racing) won the NH Novices’ Hurdle (7 ran); a 20-1 shot! Exeter: Morning Herald (Martin Keighley/Andrew Tinkler) won and Avispa (Alan King/Richard Johnson) finished 2nd in the Mares’ NH Novices’ Hurdle (8 ran). The Tourard Man (Alan King/Kevin Dowling) won the Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 7 furlongs & 25 yards] (12 ran). Gone Too Far (Alan King/Tom Bellamy) won the Handicap Chase [2 miles 3 furlongs & 48 yards] (6 ran). Kevin Dowling was interviewed on RUK following his win; this was his first victory under rules. I think The Tourard Man would have won anyway, despite him claiming 10 lbs. Tom Bellamy was also interviewed having won his first race wearing the JP McManus silks; it was his first ride for JP too. Inevitably the conversation turned to yesterday’s mishaps at Kempton Park. Tom said his saddle didn’t actually slip until after the final flight but, when the horse swerved and he became unbalanced, it was a combination of his weight and a smallish saddle that resulted in it slipping and him being unseated from Boy In A Bentley. Tom said he’s now ridden 63 winners, so it won’t be long before he’s ridden out his claim – 75 winners. There are two runners of interest tomorrow, at Wetherby: 17:30 Mia’s Storm (Alan King/Denis O’Regan) – Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle 18:30 Kerrow (Alan King/Denis O’Regan) – Novices’ Hurdle
Monday 02 May 2016
There were a number of runners of interest today and this is how they fared: Kempton Park: Ziga Boy (Alan King/Tom Bellamy) finished 6th in the Handicap Chase [3 miles] (15 ran). McCabe Creek (Alan King/Tom Bellamy) ran out at the second last Handicap Hurdle Div I [2 miles 5 furlongs] (8 ran). Turn Over Sivola (Alan King/Tom Bellamy) finished 2nd in the Handicap Chase [2 miles 2 furlongs] (9 ran). It was certainly a day of extraordinary moments at Kempton. In the second race of the day, Harry Fry’s Billy Merriott refused to go to the start and was withdrawn; it was the horse’s second offence and he’s been given a yellow card. In the next race, Tom Bellamy’s saddle slipped approaching two out when he was riding Boy In A Bentley, but he still retained a 4 lengths lead at the last flight despite this. Unfortunately his mount decided to make an error here and Tom was finally unseated 150 yards from the line. Boy In A Bentley had already hung badly left when taking the top turn by the exit point. There were two incidents in the fifth race; the first was when Vif Argent blundered at the first flight and his reins broke. This left Harry Bannister with no steering, and his mount even jumped one of the steeplechase fences before rejoining the field. At the top bend Vif Argent failed to make the turn, crashing through the plastic rails which drew an audible gasp from the crowd. Fortunately Harry and the horse were okay despite this. Then, at the penultimate flight, Tom Bellamy tried to creep up the inside, only for McCabe Creek to decide the gap was too small and he ran out. The final strange event was that Go West Young Man won a race, at the 17th attempt! He’s got a mind of his own, with wayward steering, so had to be kidded into winning today. Fortunately Jake Greenall never had to pressurise his mount, as he was far better than any of his rivals. Job done! Although, at one stage, it looked like Go West Young Man wouldn’t even start due to mulishness! Warwick: Midnight Cowboy (Alan King/Richard Johnson) finished 3rd in the Novices’ Hurdle (14 ran). Dusky Legend (Alan King/Richard Johnson) won the Mares’ NH Maiden Hurdle (8 ran). Bobble Emerald (Martin Keighley/Andrew Tinkler) was pulled up and The Barbury Queen (Alan King/William Featherstone) was hampered and unseated in the Handicap Hurdle [3 miles 1 furlong] (18 ran); however Andrew Thornton won the race so he’s one nearer the magic 1000 winners mark. Mortleston (Alan King/Andrew Tinkler) was pulled up and Mr Muddle (Sheena West/Marc Goldstein) unseated in the Handicap Chase [2 miles 4 furlongs] (16 ran). There are a number of runners of interest tomorrow: Sedgefield: 14:10 Our Reward (Jamie Snowden/William Featherstone/EPDS Racing) – NH Novices’ Hurdle Exeter: 18:15 Morning Herald (Martin Keighley/Andrew Tinkler) & Avispa (Alan King/Richard Johnson) – Mares’ NH Novices’ Hurdle 18:45 The Tourard Man (Alan King/Kevin Dowling) – Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 7 furlongs & 25 yards] 19:15 Gone Too Far (Alan King/Tom Bellamy) – Handicap Chase [2 miles 3 furlongs & 48 yards] I’ve been selecting and uploading photos again today ... but I’ve been rather random, as I’ve chosen to concentrate on the final three races on Grand National Day.
Sunday 01 May 2016
There was a result today, from Newmarket: Sam Missile (James Fanshawe/Daniel Muscutt/Apple Tree Stud) finished 5th in a Handicap [1 mile 2 furlongs]; it was only his second run and he looked green. I missed him, because I didn’t check my ATR Tracker late in the day ... and he ran in the last race, by which time I got bored with watching the flat racing and had switched over to something else! There are a number of runners of interest tomorrow: Kempton Park: 15:55 Ziga Boy (Alan King/Tom Bellamy) – Handicap Chase [3 miles] 16:25 McCabe Creek (Alan King/Tom Bellamy) – Handicap Hurdle Div I [2 miles 5 furlongs] 17:35 Turn Over Sivola (Alan King/Tom Bellamy) – Handicap Chase [2 miles 2 furlongs] Warwick: 12:30 Midnight Cowboy (Alan King/Richard Johnson) – Novices’ Hurdle 13:00 Dusky Legend (Alan King/Richard Johnson) – Mares’ NH Maiden Hurdle 14:00 Bobble Emerald (Martin Keighley/Andrew Tinkler) & The Barbury Queen (Alan King/William Featherstone) – Handicap Hurdle [3 miles 1 furlong] 14:35 Mortleston (Alan King/Andrew Tinkler) & Mr Muddle aka Roy or should that be Woy (Sheena West/Marc Goldstein) – Handicap Chase [2 miles 4 furlongs] And if you are wondering why Wayne isn’t riding tomorrow, he was awarded a 4-day suspension for using his whip above the permitted level when riding The Mumper to victory at Huntingdon on 18 April! As a result he cannot ride tomorrow 02 May, 03 May, 04 May and 05 May. Aidan O’Brien trained the first 3 home in today’s 1000 Guineas. I’ve been selecting and uploading photographs again today; my back and neck are holding out well ... I’m convinced the problems are linked to stress, so slaving over a hot laptop at the weekends isn’t a problem! However, my left eyelid is swollen ... which isn’t a good look! But I suppose it makes a change, as my right eye is the one which suffers from dryness! Yes, I know that staring at a computer screen for extended periods is not good for the eyes but what can I do?