On Friday we headed to Uttoxeter yesterday with two runners both in competitive races as everyone is keen to run before the break in National Hunt Racing from Sunday for just over two weeks. I wasn’t happy with the ground for Pike Road and, as I’d declared him for today too, we took him out and will have a look again today.
Sadly I’d not declared Duke of Luckley, just in case, for today as well as his race on Friday was eventually voided due to a stricken horse on the racing line that it wasn’t safe to go around. However, Duke had run most of the race by then so we’d probably not have run him again. He was thoroughly enjoying himself under a good ride from Freddie – he jumped well and was going as well as any as they suddenly heard whistles & passed a stop flag entering the straight. Apparently much chatter between jockeys on what to do but they all agreed to pull up which was the correct outcome. Very sorry for the Pauling team’s loss
So Pike Road hopefully returns to hurdling today after not enjoying chasing last time out. He’s in good form and won at Uttoxeter last season over hurdles and has Freddie in the saddle again. We hope he’ll put in another bold show for the Harrison Family who are such good supporters of ours and of racing too.
We had rain overnight! Lovely to wake up to wet roads – we need a load more I know but it’s a start!
Hope you all have a great Sunday. It’s the last day of Jump Racing for about a fortnight so jockeys have a much deserved and well earned break and a chance to see more of their families hopefully. We will have a runner or two on the flat but apart from that there are plenty of horses in and lots to do continually tidying up and getting ready for National Racehorse Week where we open our gates on 22nd August. Do book in HERE and come and visit!