Viking Mistress defied the 11lb hike in the weights to win again last night at Southwell under a great ride once again from Champion Jockey Richard Johnson by 4 1/2 lengths. She’s owned by the Martin Keighley Racing Club and the ever enthusiastic Fiona Gamble and Nicky Salisbury were on hand to cheer her in and collect her prizes. Southwell Evening Meeting mid week not being the easiest to get to however there were people cheering her on all over the Country and even further afield there were shouts of joy! A birthday present for Club Member Hilary Long no doubt too!
Our Racing Club has been such a success. There are a fantastic group of people in it and these are some of the quotes we have had from them since her fantastic win last night:
“A great win for the Club again and it’s been really exciting. She was placed so well by Martin for this one so happy days! The Club is marvellous to be involved with and you do get so captured by it all”
“Thanks for suggesting I could keep the prize – I am now the proud owner of two etched glasses …which will be treasured momentos and a fabulous reminder of a great race”
“Not usually one for few words but I am truly speechless for the most wonderful experience last night watching, cheering and jumping up and down to Viking’s wonderful race. Being a rookie Club Member I was well and truly baptised”
Meanwhile Paul Davis who organises the club so wonderfully was sat on the runway at Heathrow hoping that the rest of the BA passengers were late to their seats so he could watch the whole race! They didn’t let him down & he was able to watch it all whilst pretending to be watching where the emergency exits were! Paul still managed another fabulous post race report write up last night to all the Members despite no doubt landing home in Switzerland pretty late. Probably one of the shortest journeys he has had though back to Switzerland with another win to celebrate! I refuse to believe there is a more organised Racing Club in the Country so thanks to Paul once again for all his hard work and dedication to ensure everyone has such a brilliant time.
Earlier in the day I’d been at Chepstow with Whatalove and I’m glad I made the effort to do both racecourses as she also ran a blinder showing guts and digging deep to finish 2nd and ensure that Peter Boggis and John Abernethy have now had 7 runners since joining us this year and 6 of them have been placed. Surely Whatalove is due a win for them soon – she deserves it and we will have some celebrations then!
Today we’re at Uttoxeter with two more mares. Lerichi Belle runs in the first race, a maiden hurdle for Conditional Jockeys and she is partnered by James Nixon who has been riding out here. She’s not the easiest as she is pretty keen but we are hoping the net which she has been ridden out in at home will continue to help switch her off and she seems in great form. We are then in the last so I may have a sleep after yesterday’s long day! Madame Fiona runs in the Bumper and has put in two solid 2nd performances this season and grown up so much throughout too as she wasn’t the most straight forward at home. She’s certainly got an engine though and another placed effort today would once again delight her owner/breeders Roger and Yvonne Allsop and she will then return to them for a well earned Summer holiday.
10 days until Belinda’s race so do take time to sponsor her if you haven’t already. Every single penny counts for Macmillan Cancer Support and she has nearly raised enough money to pay for a Macmillan Nurse for 6 months. Fantastic achievement. Those coming up to York and who would like to join us for supper on the Saturday evening do get in touch as she is sorting numbers and booking us in.