For the second Sunday running Adam Wedge has ridden us a winner – this time on Brianna Rose for Matthew Baker at Uttoxeter. She was one of three declarations however three became two with a non runner the night before and we were left to take on the Peter/Sean Bowen combination on an experienced winning chaser. However, confidence had to be quite high as Sean had been desperate to ride her and was furious with father Peter who insisted he rode their horse but Brianna had to take to chasing and obviously had to jump round.
Adam got her in a lovely rhythm, taking a lead from Sean and she clearly gained confidence as the race unfolded and, turning into the home straight for the final time, the combination kicked clear and she flew the last two to win easily by 47 lengths and delight us all. Matthew is such a big supporter of our yard and is still in our Racing Club which is where his ownership journey began and is also in syndicates too but she’s his first sole purchase and he was heavily involved in choosing her with advice from Gerry Hogan. What a consistent mare she has been for us too – she’s run 14 times, unlucky not to win a bumper – finishing 2nd twice, a winning hurdler and only twice out of the winners’ enclosure in those 14 runs. One of those times was a 7th in a bumper at Cheltenham and the other when falling at Southwell when running on to challenge and that could have been another winner.
We feared the worst that day at Southwell. She returned lame in the horse ambulance and was well looked after by all the team at Southwell. However, it was discovered she had broken a bone under her elbow and she went straight to Bourton Vale Equine Clinid. They decided not to pin it as they feared that inserting a pin could do more damage so she returned to us for box rest and TLC. The rest, as they say, is history and to see her win yesterday, less than a year since that injury, was very satisfying. Well done Brianna, Matthew and also Sian who does everything with her at home.
Witness Protection ran well for a long way but James reported he felt flat and when the pace quickened again in the home straight he couldn’t go with him and James sensibly pulled him up and saved him for another day. That day will be after a well deserved summer holiday – he’s been on the go a long time but his legs feel good this morning and we look forward to having more fun with him in the autumn.
Huntingdon bound today with Batsford Stud’s Miss Antipova and our Racing Club’s Ambassador both partnered by James Best. Surely Miss Antipova deserves to get her head in front soon….! She seems in good form so let’s hope the racing gods are on our side! Ambassador should prefer the better ground today and we hope he steps up on what he’s shown recently. Good luck Team.