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Thirsk was a bit of a disappointment. I am not sure whether I was just in a bad mood or it had been a long day but whatever it was I left the course not being convinced this was the best I had been to.

The visit started off with a not completely clear entry to the course car park. Having wanted to go in the centre and do a bit of work from that location it transpired that I would have to pay £24 to do so. I decided against that and instead opted for the public car park opposite the grandstand. The entry was £14 which compared to Southwell’s £11 for about the same standard of racing was a bit on the high side.

The overall facilities are very dated once you get in with investment apparently only on a flash building for the members. This is a recurring theme at Thirsk with plenty of areas allocated exclusively for those who buy a members’ badge or are annual members. The rest of the facilities are very basic, a small cafe, a drinking hall with few places to sit and a couple of decent grandstands. However to be in the members a collar and tie is a specific requirement. Whilst I am sure upholding standards is important the differentiator is arcane.

But wait there are more rules, you cannot take food or drink anywhere other than some corralled areas.  Corralled is a specific and accurate term with riot barriers bought in to restrict foot traffic flows and thus enabling inspection and isolation of miscreants. Therefore the joys of sitting on the mastic covered concrete steps of the viewing area, munching on a hot dog whilst slurping some tea was banned by the executive and implemented with the sort of under orders regimentation one may have associated with jackboots.

Anyway there was entertainment of sorts to compliment a rather lazy card.  By lazy I mean this should have been an all weather or afternoon meeting fodder not when there is the likelihood of a decent crowd on a spring evening who may return if they liked what they had seen. There seems to me to be a trend to stuff evening cards with low grade racing in the same way as you see on a greyhound BAGS special. Perhaps a seventh race would not have asked too much or a bit of mix in the card of a 2yo seller, maidens stakes and four handicaps.

Additional fun was arranged with falconry (although I never saw one of the five birds of prey do anything more than have a disinterested pick at some seeds) of the stationary / perched on a glove for an hour then safely bundled back into the van variety. Also there was a Jazz Band to provide some summertime carefree music of the 'you are at an event so enjoy it' genre. There were few takers on the adjoining wooden windswept seats who did not seem to be enjoying to ambiance complimented by having their coffee blown over their laps and tomato sauce smudging their Raceing Posts. In comparison to Wincanton’s Wurzals about as inspiring to the locals as I image watching Britain’s Got Talent is to them.

The racecard was functional  and the ubiquitous ‘ Racing Phrase Book’ indeed had the often bandied about term ‘monkey’ explained to the non-cognisant. Vital stuff as all experienced racegoers mysteriously are overheard saying ‘Just seen Prince Faray lump a monkey down’. There is also inclusion of the term for £25 to accommodate the low at heel but for completeness where oh where is Booby Moore, Lady Gadiva and Sov when you need them explaining.

I missed the big event of Segway Racing (yes a mystery to me as well) down the final furlong of the course which took place a full ninety minutes before racing. What do you think the crowd is likely to be drawn from for evening start at half six? Yes people coming here from work likely to be arriving in the 5.30 to 6.30 slot. Did this level of organisation lead to an empire or did it lead to the rather disastrous white rose variety of heavy armed struggle.

The track is an oval with fair bends. It is essentially an easy to sharp track not really favouring any specific type. The draw favours low numbers on the round course but on the sprint track whilst a standside therefore high numbers draw may pn the face of it look promising it does get a bit congested and middle numbers appear to have a touch of a bias. Tonight the results largely underpinned this conclusion. The ground was fast tonight and I would call it Firm. The paddock has a rather splented old established tree in it with red leaves (whatever that is I have no idea) which offered shade for the few. Slightly disappoiting to the Plumpton SAGA bustrippers but at elast there was one.

So to the racing.

7 furlong maiden stakes which was run at a good clip given the very windy conditions. The provided a headwind for the first three furlongs and a tailwind for the homeward led.

FAIRY MIST Well beaten in a bumper on debut back in Feb. An expensive 180k purchase who is mile bred from a family with group winners. Looked in good condition in the paddock and although not in a prominent position for much stayed on well in eye catching style to finish fourth. The sooner he steps up to a mile the better and if he does could well win and he rates a positive as a consequence.
SELF EMPLOYED ran with promise twice as three year old when a bit green but appears to suit seven furlongs. Modest breeding. Ran in mid division for most and was produced from two out but by that stage the leader had poached a big lead that with the tailwind blowing Self Employed had no hope of pulling back. I think he was clearly better than the rest on this running, may well have hauled the winner in given different weather conditions and therefore can be backed with some reliability if meeting similar conditions again and rates a positive.
BRIO fair run on debut over 7 seven furlongs at Warwick. Decent pedigree with group winners including Italian Oaks. Looked pretty ordinary in the paddock and was never a factor. Bit disappointing
MAXIMILLION BOUNTY showed much improved form on second run when still a little green to be second over course and distance in maiden where the winner’s mark would translate to 79 giving him a good chance to pick up this sort of race. However having raced with every chance did not pick up when urged two out and was comfortably held.
MUFFIN MCLEAY appears to be better suited by a mile rather than this seven, was fancied in the ring but failed to catch the eye during the race ORBIT THE MOON well bred middle distance colt showed improved form but still modest on second run. May well need quite a bit further. However given the testing weather conditions jockey Sean Levey made maximum advantage and poached a bit lead coming into the straight and never looked in the slightest danger as ran on in very good style. Capable of winning over a mile and as this was not a bad maiden could be able to step up to handicapping given a mark of say 75
SPES NOSTRA looked very difficult ride when very green on debut middle distance and may be seen to better effect over sticks. Again ran no kind of race today EASTWOOD HO thrashed on debut over 9 furlongs and will be better over further. Pulled very hard and gave himself little chance. JORDANS EXPRESS modest breeding may prove better over hurdles. Slowly into stride soon dethatched and hopelessly last
STORM BLUE very nicely bred for 7 furlongs to a mile was cheaply bought. On her toes and was a problem loading, although a good sort she appeared backward and relatively weak. Better to come in time and stayed on through a couple of beaten horses to give sign of a little promise LANGTOON LASS bred to go over the sticks with the useful 2m4 hurdler Galshan in the family. Appeared a tetchy sort but stayed on ok.
MUNAAS DREAM fairly modestly bred filly and easily beaten tonight

6 Furlong two year old seller was a very poor seller with all under pressure from a long was out, much wandering around in the strong wind which not had a crosswind feel to it.

CARRIEANNS BOY Feb22 not brilliantly bred but there is plenty of pace in the family. Looked burley and in need of the run which was pretty well how it transpired although did not look keen to race and maybe completely useless
MANDERSTON Feb 13 has had three runs and not really showing great progress not responding to driving on one occasion. You would think that pedigree suggest middle distance. Appeared a bit spare and weak but didn’t run too badly being up there for a good while but meandered a bit in the closing stages causing problems and also got hampered.
MYSTAKE April 28 sprint bred and this six furlong trip may stretch stamina and is a late foal. Small weak filly who was always behind and makes no appeal
ARCTICACITY March 16 dropping down to seller and over six furlongs following promising second to useful Bannock who has been a winner since and rated 90 modest breeding but showed see out the six. Managed to just about get her head in front, but considering she looked all over the winner two out appeared to be touch reluctant and under strong driving did not really impress. She rates a negative. She must have impressed her owner though who had to pay the commission on seven and a half grand (fifteen monkeys I suppose the racecard phrase guide would say) to buy her in at the subsequent auction.
CIARA BO April 14 showed improve form when dropped to seller when second running on when I saw her at Redcar in April to finish second. Breeding is good and 6 to 7 furlongs at two year olds is ideal. She ran a poor race today despite looking fit and well in the paddock. She was noted as being cajoled early on and soon dropping out of it.
INDIANLIZZY April 15 breeding and running suggests she is very moderate. She showed a little promise today being prominent fading a bit out of it to be fourth. However she is still a bit green and wandered about a bit close home to suggest some headgear may be appropriate
JAQI UZZI April 22 some promise on debut but breeding nothing to get excited about as was her running. Only note I made was that she acted up in the pre parade ring and was very late into the paddock.
MAD FOR FUN Thrashed on both runs, is a big backward filly but ran with credit to be third having been prominent for much of the race
PINT SIZE Apr 5 cheap sprinty type who stepped up on her debut effort to push the favourite a long way to finish a close up runner up. This was encouraging and maybe a slip to five furlongs and being kept to selling company may lead to a victory.

Six furlongs class 4 handicap for three year olds. The wind had begun to ease off a bit for the remainder of the card but still a bit breezy

TAKE YOUR PARTNER Unbeaten in four similar efforts has gone up from 60 to 83 may be asking too much to transfer success from sand to turf and was soon beaten tonight
FIELDGUNNERKIRKUP Kept improving as a two year old and ended with six furlong maiden stakes win at stiff Pontefract. Everything points to him being suited to 1 mile plus so difficult to understand running tonight over this shorter trip and despite getting to dictate pace was caught flatfooted and one paced by the winner. However it was an encouraging run and is stepping up in trip appears to be on a handy mark so one to keep an eye on.
ONELADYOWNER Still appears fairly treated as only up 5 pounds on previous winning mark and in fact was unlucky on last run on present mark when badly hampered at tricky Chester. Tonight was prominent in the early stages but was quickly beaten at the furlong pole. I would say five is his best trip
ANOTHER WISE KID is up nine pounds from first win and five pounds for most recent win. I would say needs a stiff five or an easy six and therefore not ideally suited by tonight’s conditions. He held every chance at the furlong pole but just failed to see out the trip to finish fourth confirming the view regarding stamina. Acted up in the paddock before the race.
DREAM CATCHER has some really top class French two year old form but has not really kicked on since export to GB has yet to race off this preferable six furlong mark and is now 10 pounds off original handicap rating. Ran on strongly to win despite having to be switched to find a gap around a furlong out. Can go on from this if not harshly reassessed on his current 75 mark.
BLACK ANNIS BOWER clearly better suited by soft ground. On a poor mark of 73 for turf and surely a run over six furlongs on sand off that mark of 58 would be sensible. No real show tonight
LADY ROYALE has been hit since five furlong handicap class 3 win which led to a rating rise from74 to 80. Has been well beaten in conditions races since and this level tonight is quite a step down but there is little to support being able to win off 80 and in case looked in the paddock as if the run would have done her good
INDIES LAD is on a good mark of 78 having won off 82. Didn’t completely convince that he stayed six furlongs last run and showed little to suggest he fully stayed tonight.
CAPTAIN KOLO had been targeted at 5 furlongs and on pedigree it appeared that a step up to an easyish six would be beneficial. Finished third which was a fair effort however rolled about a bit late on impeding the winner slightly which suggests that he should be aimed at five as stamina limitation was slightly exposed.

Class 4 One and a half mile  handicap for 4 year olds and over

SIRGARFIELDSOBERS was clearly thought promising by Aiden O’Brian when trained in Ireland. Has shown limited potential since coming to GB but not enough to suggest that he can win off this mark of 80. Looked in fine nick in the paddock despite lengthy lay off. Attempted to make most and ran a fine race being picked up inside final furlong but stayed on resolutely to suggest distance is right and this run should put him spot on next outing. Positive about this one 
DAAWEITZA a very experienced old lag but has only won over this distance in a poor sand race at Southwell. I doubt he really stays and too much weight as 77 mark based on current level of form. Still looked to be carrying a bit of condition and was quickly put away tonight
GREEN LIGHTNING has won at galloping tracks such as when successful over 1m4 at Newmarket (no mean feat) off 78 and is now 75 but is running very poorly at present. However showed improved form in blinkers to finish staying on at one pace to be third behind two decent handicappers in this class. H e has an odd running style which gives the impression as being ungenuine but I thought he is just a one paced plodder who does put it in.
WAR POET looked fit and well being bought with a well timed run to pick long term leader up and go on for a convincing win. However he may pay for this with the handicapper and his 74 mark could be decimated. It is worth remembering that the second needed the run and the third is a bit one paced so I think he will find following up difficult.
PERTEMPS NETWORKS is on a turf mark eight pounds more than he has won under in the past, Will stay 1m4 and is suited by soft ground. Better over hurdles but ran OK given that tonight’s fast ground would have been a negative and without being a serious threat from the mile post.
BEAT THE SHOWER eight pounds higher mark than he has won under before and may well need further as appears suited by 1m6er advantage was outpaced throughout tonight
PUY D’ARNAC thorough stayer who needs 1m6 and soft ground to be seen at his best and showed bell-being with a creditable fourth holding every chance when produced about three out but could not get a blow in on the winner.

Five furlongs Class 5 handicap for three year olds and over

FOREIGN RHYTHM  acts on any ground has won over 5 and 6 furlongs when in the 46 to 67 band and is at 67 at present. Speed for the first three furlongs and then dropped out of it rather tamely
BEAUTY PAGENT entered five furlongs tonight despite all previous form being over six furlongs for his handicap debut which is interesting. Made strong favourite and out battled runner up for close victory. Best clearly over five
OONDIRI is a fast ground five furlongs horse with all wins when off 57 and is on 61 at the moment. Missed the break a bit and then made a lot of use of to get into a challenging position before weakening into fourth. Needs a smart start to hold chance in future as barely gets the five in any case from this evidence
CRIMSON CLOUD form points to the fact that he is much better served by running on sand and although finished third was well held tonight
CRYSTALLUS continually the bridesmaid as clocked up fourth successive runners up position. Good run for a three year old filly at this stage of the year but you have to start doubting her resolution after this ‘battle’ one to be a bit wary of although clearly has a bit of talent there.

I mile handicap class 5

ELIJAH PEPPER turf wins have only come at six furlongs and has shown a liking for polytrack looks very high in the weight at the moment. Slowly out but ran ok finishing a creditable third suggesting that a return to sand may be rewarded despite high mark
VITO VOLTERRA four pounds up for recent seven furlongs win although has won over a mile he does look a real seven furlong competitor. He was ridden without a lot of restraint and the jockey lost his stick. As a consequence of both he tired late on and rolled about a bit which some steering aids might have corrected. Perhaps some stronger handling or allowed to bowl along over seven will see him to better effect. Either way he is clearly in good heart and on a decent mark so one to keep an eye on in lowly handicaps or claimers
QUITE SPARKY maiden but has looked a true miler based on running style. Found plenty of traffic problems tonight as is a bit of a hold up horse but managed to find his way to win by a head. Good effort this and clearly best suited by a mile.
FAZZA has won last two efforts over a mile which is optimum trip but has been upped six pounds for those successes and although on the premises and finishing fourth looks a bit anchored.
ROCK N ROYAL Pontefract win over six furlongs some time ago and is tumbling down the ratings but without any sign of impending success as is usually hammered. Tonight was no exception although showed some early speed
COME AND GO has won over course and distance when off a mark four pounds higher than tonight. Looked in need of seasonal debut and is expected to strip much fitter as a consequence however weakened out of the icture quickly once chance had gone. A touch disappointing as expected to get a bit involved tonight.

My first and only until today's visit to Thirsk was on the Saturday 2nd June 1979

HORSERACING fans are under starter's orders for a tribute to the sport at a show that has opened in the region. The World of James Herriot museum, in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, is staging an exhibition of the history of the sport of kings. The exhibition, called From the Horse's Mouth, is being held to mark the 150th anniversary of the Kilburn White Horse.Racing memorabilia, on show until November, includes a race card used by the future King Edward VII.Horseracing fans will be able to trace the sport in Thirsk from 1612 - when King James I gave it his support.Punters can then follow its route to local landowner Frederick Bell, who gave part of his lands for a racecourse in the 19th Century.Despite that generous offer, horseracing in Thirsk was flagging towards the beginning of the 20th Century.It took a racing visit by Fred Archer, a famous jockey of the day, to revive interest.Royal patronage for Thirsk came with a visit by the Prince of Wales and future King Edward VII in 1895. The visit also saw a new royal pavilion built at the racecourse, which graced the site for the next 30 years.In 1940, the famous St Leger race was run at Thirsk after it had been moved from Doncaster.Thirsk was one of several racecourses that hosted the St Leger event during the Second World War.The race was won by legendary jockey Gordon Richards, riding a horse owned by Aga Khan called Turkham.Thirsk Racecourse closed in 1941 until 1946 while an Army camp was placed on the site.Donald Sinclair, who is better known as Seigfried Farnon in All Creatures Great and Small, was once the official course vet - as was author Alf Wight who achieved fame writing as James Herriot.As part of the exhibition, racehorse trainer and author Jack Berry gave a talk.

How did they get on based on £10 stake (each way if 10/1 or greater)

FAIRY MIST (Positive) level
0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 1 7/1
Left first two as over less than the mile. Started hcapping off 60 (a tough high) at mile plus and that's when started backing. Gradually dropped diown the weights when running over too far. Eventually got to 60 first effort over stiff carlisle and 9f which was too much of a stretch. Dropped back to a mile on an easier course and bingo. Dropped like a hot spu after

SELF EMPLOYED (Positive) level
Not run since so shelved now

ARSTICACITY (Negative) up £30
4 0 0
Hopeless since and not seen since aug. Dropped now


SIRGARFIELDSOBERS (Positive) down £50
0 3 0 4 3
Clearly just a one pace old nag. I stuck with him for five runs rather than three which was in hidsight mad.


WAR POET (Negative) up £20
2 0 0 1 3/1 4 2
Was upped in class for next two runs with limited success. Dropped to class 4 and just got home. Beaten last two runs and is now shelved.