Two runners today and both partnered by our Conditional Jockey Paddy Cowley. Back on the Lash runs in a competitive Handicap Hurdle on his seasonal debut. He’s a young horse so should still be improving so I’m hoping for a good run.
Raving Bonkers ran a solid race last time and has since been to Wind Specialist Surgeon Ben Brain’s locally and had a wind operation. If this has worked as we hoped it has then he should have an each way chance. He won’t be lacking in supporters today as plenty of the What In Heavens Partnership are going so good luck to them all.
Yesterday was one of those really good days that we all returned thrilled albeit without a winner. Sarasota Star has always been a horse I have liked a lot and has run well on the flat without winning. He is still only 3 years old and, despite plenty of schooling on the grass over hurdles at home, was very green and almost looked surprised when he found himself in front at the end of the back straight! He was eventually only beaten 4 3/4 lengths into 3rd and James Best was pleased with his attitude and reported that he jumped well despite lots going on around him. The Racing Post too were complimentary too and we were all thrilled with him. He won’t be 20-1 next time that’s for sure!
Capricia was in the last race and we initially thought overnight the ground would prove too quick for her however although both her and Sarasota Star would appreciate it softer we now feel, they had done a great job and, with the help of more rain in the morning, the ground was lovely.
She is often buzzy at home and so we worried she’d boil over so was saddled in the stable yard but behaved impeccably in the preliminaries. Alarm bells sounded a little when she started to come under pressure at the end of a mile however she continually responded to Paddy Cowley’s urgings who certainly earned his riding fee!
Turning for home she looked like she may stay on to be in the top 6, then looked booked for the top 4 however she dug deep to finish 3rd and we are absolutely thrilled with the run. She was greener than I thought she would be however all of her away days have been cancelled due to the weather so she will come on so much for that. David Minton was very complimentary about her afterwards and we had very excited messages from breeders Lilian and Mary Barry in Ireland. Absolutely thrilled for her and her syndicate of owners who have been unbelievably patient – something that is so vital with these lovely young horses.
Happy Birthday to owner Ollie Ryan, Sue Wilson who is in our Racing Club and also to Martin Jones who breaks our young horses in and did such a good job with Capricia.