It is always disappointing when a horse that you like a lot gets beaten but not so frustrating when there is lots to take away from the race and that is why it is so important when your jockey gives you good feedback. Yesterday Reve, who I’ve always thought a lot of, ran at Uttoxeter and jumped a little too carefully losing lengths at each hurdle but pleased me how he travelled in between his hurdles. However he wasn’t travelling well enough to be in a good position turning for home and was pushed very wide and any chance was then lost.
However, Aidan Coleman’s feedback was very useful and he wasn’t at all disappointed – we did know it was possibly going to be a learning curve of a race for Reve. He is a lovely big horse who is still growing so we weren’t disheartened and he’ll have even more schooling before he next runs.
A busy day today at Stratford with three runners. Pirate Look runs in the first, a Novices’ Handicap Hurdle, under Andrew Tinkler for The Jack Sparrow Syndicate. It’s his seasonal debut and he was unlucky not to win last season with two seconds. Today’s race looks very competitive but we are hopeful the track will suit and he’ll give a good account of himself.
Buckle Street is reunited with Harry Stock after a disappointing run at Plumpton. Harry was unable to ride him that day and Richard Johnson did nothing wrong but he’s a lovable rogue with his own way of going and I just think Harry and him get on very well (even if he still does try to bite Harry at home – and me for that matter!). I believe Fi Gamble and co who are part of his partnership have purchased coloured scarves and they are out in force today so I don’t think you’ll miss them! The first sigh of relieve is when he starts as, although earlier this season it was unfortunate, I’m not yet convinced he is 100% reliable at the start….
Last but certainly not least Dr Dunraven runs in the Handicap Chase under Andrew Tinkler. What fun he has given our Racing Club, who have leased him over the summer – since they have taken him on he’s won twice, finished 3rd and also two good 5ths where he’s tried hard which is all you can ask for. They’ve all become very fond of him, as we have, and it will be his last run for the Club as the agreement has always been with his owners that he will go to the Sales later this month. It would be fantastic if he good finish on a winning note – he certainly needs to jump the last fence better than he did at Worcester last time when he was leading….!
Finally a huge well done to Conor Shoemark who ran his first Marathon yesterday in a fantastic time of 2 hours 46 minutes and then went on to Uttoxeter where he had a ride for Dan Skelton. There is still time to sponsor him by clicking HERE. As many of you will know, he ran in memory of his girlfriend Abi’s father Chris Stock who sadly passed away a forthnight ago after a short but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He is much missed by us all. Well done to Conor for already raising over £6000 for Cancer Reserach UK.