What a thrill to see Big Nasty make all to win over fences last night at Southwell under a very good ride from David Bass for Peel Racing Syndicate. We’d banked on the rain coming in before yesterday’s meeting to ensure the ground was suitable for his over 18hh frame and I thought Southwell would suit him. The plan was for David to ride him positively from the front, making use of his good jumping and to try and gallop and jump the finish out of them all. David literally did just that, keeping Big Nasty up to his work and using his jumping out in front – he looked to thoroughly enjoy himself, indeed they both did and eventually won by 9 lengths. Possibly the most excited person at Southwell was Anna who looks after him and rides him out every day. It was the first winner she has led up for us too – brilliant.
He’s such a genuine horse and he’s been banging on the door without winning and with such a fun and supportive group of owners, he was a horse I was very keen to win with! Thankfully quite a few of the owner group could be there yesterday and we cannot wait to be allowed to all get together to celebrate, hopefully sometime soon (Boris permitting!).
David Maughan’s Brorson was our next runner hoping to build on his debut 2nd for us at Southwell last time out running in another bumper. Once again he ran a cracking race, in what I am sure will work out as a very good race too and, although the winner looks something quite special, he ran a super race to finish 2nd beating a horse of Olly Murphy’s that they think a lot of too. He did hang a little up the run, in so our physios will check him out, but James Best loved his attitude and we are both very excited for him.
David Parry’s Dariya was a little disappointing. She did seem to prefer us leaving off the visor and tongue tie and definitely traveled better than she did last time but ultimately she never looked as if she was going to trouble the leaders. Frustrating but I’m convinced there are races to be won with her.
Our final of four runners was Matt Capp’s Robsam and James Best sent him straight to the front and he jumped for fun. Half way down the back for the final time, he was the first to come under pressure, but he showed how tough he is and what a great attitude he has to still be in contention and make a strong challenge before 2 out, leading inside the final 110yds … only to be mugged approaching the line. Frustrating but a fantastic run into 2nd and surely there will be plenty of fun to continue to be had with him and a win soon too I hope!
Harry Stock and Fergus Gregory in to ride out today and we worked a few including Sarasota Star, Pinnacle Peak, Cut And Run and Cloud Formation.