Wednesday's Meetings Lingfield A/W 7 Races 12:10-3:10p.m. Hexham N/H 7 Races 12:20-3:20p.m. Leicester N/H 6 Races 1:00-3:30p.m. Chelmsford(E) A/W 6 Races 3:25-5:55p.m. Kempton(E) A/W 8 Races 3:40-7:10p.m. Racecards At The Races Racing Post Sporting Life Good Luck
An enquiry was held into the running and riding of SASTRUGA (IRE), ridden by Jeremiah McGrath and trained by Henry Oliver where, having run prominently, the gelding appeared to be tenderly handled in the home straight before finishing second of ten runners, beaten 3 ¼ lengths. The rider and the trainer were interviewed and shown recordings of the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that after two post-race examinations of the gelding, no abnormalities were revealed. The rider explained that SASTRUGA (IRE) is a big, weak type who is not a natural at his obstacles so his instructions had been to give the gelding room and to go forward into a prominent position in order to give him sight of his hurdles. He added that they went a good gallop in the testing conditions and he was off the bridle from a long way out, so he had to hold SASTRUGA (IRE) together in the home straight where his jumping deteriorated (reported at scales post-race), in order to get the gelding home. McGrath further added that once the jumping was over, he was able to pass tiring horses which had been put under pressure from much further out. The trainer confirmed the instructions and was satisfied with the way SASTRUGA (IRE) was ridden, confirming that the gelding is a poor jumper despite intensive schooling at home. He added that he was pleased with the way the gelding finished his race and he may consider running him over a longer trip in future. Their explanations were noted.
An enquiry was held into the running and riding of ISLE OF WOLVES, ridden by Robert Dunne and trained by Jim Boyle, which was held up in the race, making smooth head way and appeared to be tenderly handled in the home straight finishing third of eleven, beaten by 8 lengths. The rider and the trainer were interviewed and shown recordings of the race; the Handicapper offered observations and the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination, shortly after the race, revealed that the gelding had lost its left fore shoe and was slightly lame on its right hind. The rider stated that his instructions were to jump from the middle of the group, to get the gelding to settle and to do his best to achieve the best possible placing on the trying ground. He added that ISLE OF WOLVES made several mistakes throughout the race, in particular a bad mistake at the first hurdle and as a result lost several lengths off the leader. He continued that when asked for an effort turning into the home straight, the gelding did respond but was weakening, so he felt it prudent to hold the gelding together to ensure ISLE OF WOVLES jumped the final hurdle safely and finished the race. The trainer stated that he was happy with the ride which accorded with the instructions given. Their explanations were noted.
Hexham 12:50 Lowandbehold A very reliable performer with only 4 times worse than 4th place from 33 runs. Stable record at Hexham with chasers: 11 runs 2 wins 8 placed Trainer had 2 winners from 3 runs last 14 days. Lowandbehold is very well handicapped. Jockey Thomas Wilmott who knows the horse very well takes off valuable 5 lb. Enough positives to think this one will be in the mix at the end.
I dunno some of the jumping was sloppy. The important factor for me was keeping the horse together and not allowing it to become disunited whilst tiring. This is when fatal accidents happen.
i don’t think it was tiring at all, looked as fresh as anything in the finish from that card yesterday. It was a complete non trier and the horse very nearly won without assistance. I’d also say that if you want a horse to jump you might want to put it into the right position at the hurdles rather than pulling it back!
Leicester 1:30 Cobra Commander Wouldn't be surprised if this one sneaks 2nd place at least at big odds in this. Was placed as a pointer and returned from a wind surgery last time at Hereford. Stable had 3 chasers placed from 4 runs at Leicester over the last 5 seasons. Could leave poor hurdles form behind this season if wind surgery has a positive effect. There is a bit of money coming down for this one.
I have watched both races and I wouldn’t accuse them of not trying. Theire might have been a bit of schooling in public but I don’t have a problem with that in some circumstances, both experienced jockeys.
That is the one of the reasons it looked so bad, it was an experienced jockey who didn’t ride for best possible place. I don’t understand how they didn’t find that in the stewards.
Old boy Carlo Ancelloti favourite for The Arsenal job and odds-on with one firm for the Everton post! Can he do both?!? In all seriousness I’d love him at The Arsenal.
afternoon,fellas! leicester,3 30: very tricky,despite the small field,as none can be ruled out confidently here.but CLEARLY CAPABLE ticks a lot of boxes,as he won here 6 days ago,goes on the ground/trip too,and his yard wants to strike,while the iron is hot,especially,because hes able to run off the same mark until reassessed.so,if it doesnt come too soon for him,big shout.