Hi another from the blog, Firstly, Olly Stevens and those close to Foxtrot Knight are saying that he is ready to make his debut, and he is set to be entered into a maiden at Nottingham next Saturday. This is the race the yard won with Extortionist last season, and if Foxtrot Knight is half as good as that horse, then we are going to have plenty of fun with him this season. I am looking forward to seeing him on the racecourse, and I am fortunate enough to be heading northwards for the weekend to see my parents. A trip to the racecourse is going to be exciting. Since the last blog we have seen the Grand National and the mercurial Battle Group deciding that racing isn't for him. Firstly, it is great to talk about the Grand National with positivity, after all horses returned to connections after the race, despite many bad incidents throughout the race, including Tidal Bay being unseated and then carrying out the leader as they turned for home on the first circuit. Across The Bay was the unlucky horse that got carried out by Tidal, who was more than keen to get back to his stable!! The race was won by Pineau De Re who is trained by "the good doctor" Dr Newland, who came across as a very pleasant and likable chap, and one who was thrilled to be a part of the Grand National. The horse went clear very impressively in the closing stages and will be targetted at the race again next season. We also saw the worst of a horse, when Battle Group refused to race and caused problems at the start. He has done it before, and whilst people adore horses who have charisma (Mad Moose for instance) it does look clear that horses who behave like that are not keen on racing and perhaps should be given a new career or life away from racing. They retired Battle Group after he showed similar form in the Scottish National, refusing to race for a while before starting tailed off. They have done the right thing with him and I hope he has a secure retirement from racing. It is the time where we look forward to the flat season, and the stories that flat racing will offer, and Kingman might just be the colt to make the headlines this season. He won his reappearance in great form, and looks like the one to beat in the Guineas for Khalid Abdulla. He will of course be carrying the colours that Frankel raced in, and he showed enough at Newbury to suggest that he might just be the next star for his owner. We also have racing on Good Friday, and I for one have to say that it isn;t what we need as a sport. We already have a packed schedule, with too much racing, and this is the one day that yards should have to themselves, or to open to the public (Middleham for instance hold their Open Day). Educating people about what goes on at the yards, and the welfare of the horses should not be underplayed and those Open Days are great at that. We have the "AW championship" instead at Lingfield and a meeting at Musselburgh. The former has some big prizes on offer (which is ridiculously high for the quality of fields they will get), including the 150 grand conditions race where the top rated is 88 on the handicap. It really stinks of money buying you what you want, and its no surprise that the race sponsors are Coral, Ladbrokes, 32 Red and Bookmakers.co.uk Then at Musselburgh we have the Totepool sponsored card. Enough said? I hope the racing public vote with their feet and wallets and stay away from Lingfield, Musselburgh and the sponsors of the cards, and go spend time with family, go to an Open Day or even better, go and support your local team. I am off to watch my beloved Chesterfield, who could get very close to promotion if they manage to overcome Exeter, in SkyBet League 2.......
Nice post Nass. Good luck with your colt Nass. Are there expectations on Saturday, or is this a gentle introduction?
Wise words Nass. Closed my betting account today so from now on I shall be enjoying racing purely for the sport and the next bet I am likely to strike will be on course at Cheltenham next March Good luck with the colt
Not gentle, if he is good enough he is ready enough. All depends on what turns up, if experienced horses line up we might struggle a bit. Will let you know what Olly says at the course, if indeed he runs.
Could we not leave this day alone and racing free? I know the racing is merely an excuse to justify the opening between 730am-10pm for the William Hill/Labrokes/Betfred et al arcades!
didnt realise some one else had the same view! Ste- its only Tuesday night plenty more shopping hours for your gargle
