What fun our Racing Club and us are having with the ultra consistent mare Happier who won for the third time for us in 46 days, this time at Kempton Park under the floodlights on Monday night. Toby Moore was in the saddle this time with his 7lb claim a huge advantage as she creeps up the weights. Toby was riding his first winner for us and, as we have known him since both him & Freddie were tiny boys competing in the Shetland Pony Grand National, and we’ve spent many fun times staying with him and his family, it was a very special win. It was also Toby’s second winner of the night – his first double so well done Toby.
She is a tough filly and she may turn out again quickly on Monday at Ffos Las but whatever happens now this season she has given us all plenty of happier memories! Good girl Happier.
On Tuesday Pike Road and Glance of Glory ran at Uttoxeter and whilst Pike Road was disappointing and we’ll thoroughly check him over, Glance of Glory ran a belter under Sean Bowen to finish 3rd on what was a very good seasonal reappearance.
Yesterday we made the long trek north to Kelso with three runners. Freddie was on board all three of them. We tried different6 tactics on Wispit Twob, fitted with a first time visor and, after some good work at home we were hopeful. She disappointed again and we’ll give her a full MOT to try and find out why. Continuance ran another really solid race albeit pulling far too hard on the second circuit which did him no favours. He beat the short priced favourite but was beaten into 2nd by the outsider of the field which was somewhat frustrating. A great re-appearance though.
It was then all down to 9 year old Duke of Luckley who had already won twice this season. Just 3 runners but all competitive, he was sent off the 2nd favourite under Freddie who was taking a valuable 5lbs off his back. As usual, they set off in front at a decent pace to try and outstay their rivals and he looked to have done just that however the favourite was stalking him from turning for home looking as if he was going better. Joined at the 2nd last, the favourite was going far better approaching the last but Duke simply was not going to be beaten and he answered every question Freddie asked of him. They eventually won a little cosily!
Duke’s win yesterday was made even more special as it was our 50th ‘in house’ Syndicate winner! Well done to everyone involved and thank you to everyone that has supported us. A huge thank you must go to Paul Davis, who has put so much work into the running of them and to Nigel McAllen too who we managed to recruit from ownership himself to managing our syndicates alongside Paul and who now also works tirelessly behind the scenes. Top work guys.
**we are having problems uploading photos so photos to follow hopefully later or tomorrow!**