Betfair Community

Home › rebelfm › Blog
Forums

rebelfm

Add as contact | Send a message | Block user
rebelfm

rebelfm

Date Joined: 08 Jul 06
view profile

Recent Posts

  • Goodwood 21st September 2011 Soft
    23 Sep 11
  • Folkestone 20th September 2011 Good
    23 Sep 11
  • Newbury 16th September 2011 Good to Soft
    19 Sep 11
  • CHEPSTOW 2nd September 2011 Good
    06 Sep 11

    • Blog Archive

    1 person is following this blog
    A Grumpy Quarryman's Trip to the Races

    My Blog

    Epsom Downs 21st July 2011 Soft finished down £62.50

    07 Dec 11 00:03
    If a wet summer dress contests for teenagers (eighteen and over naturally) is your thing then Epsom on the rainy night Wanted are doing their thing here at Epsom is for you. To be absolutely honest the group is a complete unknown to me having absolutely no idea who they are other than the promotion stuff Epsom’s not bad at all website communicated. They appear to be a sort of downbeat Bay City Rollers without the tartan and hopefully for them the mental scars.  Clearly there is a sizable crowd who thought they must have something going for them as the intermittent squeals made it sound like I had wandered into some hellish theme park where the entire fourth form girls of some shire grammar school had been strapped into the roller coaster on a never ending funride. It was in truth horrendous and has no place on a racecourse. Even mothers who should know better were probably re-living their Take That days training binoculars on the plinth where the band occasionally popped out to pat their egos . The consequences of this booking was that from a sporting perspective  £35 was required to see some low key poorly numbered races which was not to my mind  value for money. My biggest mistake was being down south tonight and not next week when Blondie are on. Now £35 for them is worth paying as they did write their own songs which to my ear are pretty good stuff and to be fair to Debs she is wearing pretty well. But as the size of the crowd showed on a dreary Thursday evening it got families through the gate who would never have seen a race meeting in their lives and who knows maybe they will return.



    Decent size stage for The Wanted; crunch on that carrott Worzals

    Epsom has invested heavily since I came on a bus trip down from the north to see Emprey win in 1975. That was a fair old do that as our coach left at 2am which meant too much ale for a teenager beforehand, got lifted by the law because for some obscure reason I gave my name as my mother’s maiden name of Madden (I was named after the famous GAA-mad lord mayor of Cork) as I was bored in the gap between half ten chucking out and getting the 2am coach. Somehow the police let me off to get the coach which put them a few notches up on my scale. We then got to Epsom at about 8.30am, managed to jump a fence into the members and saw a great meeting. We all fancied Lester, Joe Mercer won on Sauceboat and the only blip was one of my favourites of the times one eyed Belper was just run out of it by Blaskette.




    The modern stands at Epsom are fantastic and a far cry from when I first came here in the 1970s

    From then I tried to get to as many Derbies as I could with mixed results. I was sure El Gran Senor would not stay so backed Secreto which won at big odds, I heavily fancied Authorised and I was in Rome on business on European Cup Final night when I made sure every Roman in the bar I was watching the scallies get turned over in that they would promise me they would get on Betfair and bet like gladiators on their Franco , was sure for some reason which even now seams nonsensical that Sharastani would beat the great Dancing Brave and I backed Shergar at long adds after the Sandown Guardian trial. But there were downsides of course and out of the many the ones that hit my memory the most were opposing the great Nashwan when it was obvious that he was sure to win, I missed out on Reference Point because the traffic was so bad I could not get near the track in time, and most raw was the fact that I laid Slip Anchor to my girlfriend at the time’s mum by standing the tenner she wanted me to place on the dratted thing (to then to see Stevie C win so easily just rubbed salt in wounds as for at least one very good reason I couldn’t welsh on the bet).

    To be fair to Epsom they put up one big feck off stage for these boys in comparison to the beer tent I had seen The Worzals do their stuff in at Wincanton in the spring. To avoid feeling too ripped off as a racegoer rather than a hormonal young lady I took refuge in the Lonsdale enclosure which normally for £30 I would baulk at but it is smack on the rails and you use the car as protection from elements/private box.

    I was here a couple of years ago so have had a look around the facilities and they are very good. This was much needed as visiting Epsom on anything other than Derby Day in the pre 2000 was dreadful in terms of antiquated facilities and complete lack of atmosphere. So I would say Epsom is a good track to visit just be aware that you may not like the music entertainment that bumps up the price of your entry.

    So what do you get for £30 other than parking and a very good view of the racing? Well not much else as there was not one food concession, a couple of bookies, restriction to view up to the furlong pole and some loos. The incessant chart music was probably unnecessary and frankly boring

    Racing 

    The first race was a five furlong sprint for class 4 three year olds. The big thing out of this is the considerable camber upset a few of these including the winner Diamond Charlie who when under pressure began to wander left with the hill but was staying on strongly enough to hold on. The challenge emerged stands side where the better ground is in the form of the soft ground loving Cocohatchee who almost got up. The cheek-pieces applied for the first time seemed to keep his mind on the racing. I would say a step up to 6 furlongs and he will be winning especially if the weather keeps wet and he gets softish ground. The third home was Volcanic Dust who ran out of puff in the closing stages which infers that may have preferred better ground, he wandered left independent of the winner and was not unlucky as I am sure the subsequent enquiry established had the stewards not been viewing it through the haze of a decent lunchtime bottle of claret. Nothing either jockey could really do. The other two were the plodding modest Paradise Place (fourth) and the Richard Hughes Shostakovich who looked going down to hate the ground and raced on the only level bit which is smack on the stands rail so I can assume also not keen at all on this strange cambered track. Really needs to run at a Newbury nice flat and galloping. If he does I give him a fair chance of putting this behind him on fastish ground.



    Hayley Turner's(in pink)winning mount drifts a bit on the difficult camber but she gets a caution

    The second race was a four year old plus five furlong sprint set at class 4. It was won in a close finish by top weight Living it Large who had previously beaten the first winner Diamond Charlie so the form was there. Clearly acted on the going and is currently in good heart however having been fairly treated for the last win is likely to be hiked up a fair bit and I would say will find getting a hatrick difficult. Second home was Boogie Waltzer who showed good speed but not quite at the right weight acts on soft and no excuse on an accurate mark. The third was Ryan Style who was subject of an objection by the clerk of the scales which normally means disqualification and that is precisely the outcome of the stewards who presented with the obvious had no chance of another irrational verdict. Quite how this can happen these days is difficult to comprehend as it seems to be far more prevalent that I remember in the dim and distant past. Anyway he ran ok showing fair pace and is in any case a bit in and out and always worth opposing. The outsider Spanish Acclaim either missed the kick or was tried with different tactics today as equipped with blinkers. I would say he showed enough pace coming home to suggest that a return to six furlongs and better ground will see him getting even closer. Ran on very well after being a bit outpaced early and then doing all best running when pulled wide for a run at the furlong pole having to tackle the slower ground. Is a positive coming out of this race. The other two were the fading Bronze Beau who showed some pace until ending up last looking like he needed the run and a drop in the weights as a long fruitless journey from North Yorkshire awaits the connections. Clear Phase was outpaced and plodded home for fifth



    Living It Large (in blue) franks the winner of tonights first race

    The third race was a two year old maidens over six furlongs which was won comfortably by the hot 2/5 favourite Tones who made all. However was stoked up three out when Intomist challenged and it was until the furlong pole that he had asserted. Couple with that was the fact that the eventual runner up Dark Ambition was very tardy coming out of the stalls but stayed on fine which shows a bit of improvement but not enough to make him a positive but looks capable of picking up a little maiden somewhere. The general feel of this race gives me the impression that Tones is not a juvenile to follow as he goes up in grade so believe it or not I have him as a negative on a number of counts one being that in general Hannon two year olds tend to be much shorter price than their ability indicates.  Intomist ran better than I thought he would as he got the favourite well off the bridle and continues to improve gradually.  Christopher Chua looked a bit moderate to be fair as never got a blow in.



    I was not totally enamoured with Tones win tonght

    Race four was for three year old maiden fillies over ten furlongs. This was won in emphatic style by Neumark who won this in the fashion of a very useful filly. Hard held throughout and dictating from the front had the rest in big trouble around Tattenham eased out and extended led without being hard ridden. I would say this is filly is capable of listed. Of the remainder Deraasa tried hard for her second spot and this was an improvement on her debut run but does not constitute a positive. I think Favourite Girl would have been expected to run second but after being held up was never in a challenging position and this despite stepping back in trip after a mile and half effort last run.

     

    I gave up photographing as the gloom was falling in but not before the useful Neumark had won

    Race five was a class five handicap fir three year olds and up over the Derby trip. It was run at a bit of a muddling pace by local filly Suhailah who ran ok but needs  dropping to class 6 a few pounds in the handicap. It was won by mudlark Shesha Bear who was held up until produced when the field shifted stand side looking the best ground.  She then stayed resolutely seeing the trip out fine to win by a couple of lengths with the field fairly spread out given the early pace was not that quick. She was a little unbalanced in the final furlong and edged a touch left and as such I am not convinced this is the right course for her. The runner up Tanjung Agas tracked the leader and was produced around two out but first hit traffic problems then when switched to the centre rolled a bit left down the camber and in the circumstances ran well to be second. In good heart at the moment clearly with course and on going he is not totally at ease with being better suited by firm he mst rate a positive next time out on a stiff gallop like Bath especially if going is on the fastish side. Clearly sees out a mile and half. Top weight Miss Bounty ran with credit trying to seize the initiative three out and head for home and was just found out close home by two horses decent at this level. She was bandaged behind so I do’t know if she has had tendon or ligament problems but wasn’t inconvenienced tonight. Of the rest I am sure that Dr Darcey ran as well as he could and his action suggests is a better performer on firm ground. So I would not be too critical of his run today. The same goes for Rodrigo De Freitas. I thought Professor John was carrying a bit of condition so better for the run.

    The final race was a seven furlong handicap  set at class 4. It was won by an improving three year old Kingscroft who made all and won well being driven hard from two out. Well suited by the seven and acts on any going. None of the remainder could go with the Mark Johnson gelding who outpaced them when he quickened up. On that basis I rate him a positive .

    Noted Horses Tonight

    Cocohatchee (P) down £20
    0 0
    Unimpressive but neither race had a cut but I still backed

    Shostakovich (P) down £15
    0 0 0 2 1 7/2
    Some modest efforts was then followed by a really good 16/1 each way second. i would say not at home on a camber but OK on a tight track. This was encouraging as was over 7f and his next race was at the same Libfield but over the desired 6f. We closed of this account behind but with a winner


    Spanish Acclaim (P) down £30
    0 0 0
    Was stone last in the next three starts and we binned her on that basis

    Tones (N)£17.50 down
    1 11/4 2
    Won a minor event and then a second. Binned now

    Neumark (P) down £10
    4
    Thrashed at Goodwood wo shelved


    Tanjung Agas (P) level
    Now with Eddie O'Grady over teh sticks. Have no idea how well he may or not do


    Kingscroft (P) up £30

    0 1 5/1 0
    First time on fastish ground as identified and in he came.
    Rate post:
    0 (0 Ratings)
    Share |
    report
    No Comments [ 402 views ]

    Ayr 18th July 2011 Good became Good to Soft with heavy rain Finished £250 up

    06 Dec 11 23:43
    Thank God for Peppa Pig is all I can say as she was the only sane person who I could understand a blind word being uttered today. Her estuary grunts are to be honest more desipherable and intelligible when compared to the general slurred nasal hubbab which mascaraded as conversation which created a buzz similar to that of angry wasps here at Ayr this afternoon. So it was me and Peppa versus the world as here I am on the west coast of Scotland in trades week or whatever they call it these days with no trades exersised in industrial Great britain. We used to avoid Blackpool like the plague during Glasgow fortnight when I was younger, yet I have made my trip to Ayr right at the beginning of the kids summer holiday and on Glasgow Fair Festival Family Raceday. It just doesn’t get any worse for me than that. Except for the fact that it absolutely chucked it down all day with those heavy squally showers beloved of the west coast of Scotland.



    It has to be said though that the team at Ayr do their best to promote things well but their hope of a bumper crowd did not seem to materialise. This has traditionally been a big day out at the seaside for Glaswegians with 8000 at the races and throngs exiting the trains. However things are different now, the drop of mining shipbuilding and manufacture means that there is no pit or works shutdowns so people no longer have and en mass holidays. However alongside Peppa and of course her kid brother george we had an array of attractions. For example cheerleading which included a mysterious workshop section, there were few in the audience today which I would have thought lithe enough to do those birth channel stetchng splits or who you would fancy balancing on your shoulders in a pyrimid structure beloved by the Dallas Cowboys orange tango girls.Ayr United's goalkeeper turned up to promote next week's friendly against Manchester United (brilliant promoted as providing a team which may include some players who have premier league experience before musing on the fantasy of Scotland's skipper Fletcher may also make a trip Murray style with a tear in his eye no doubt) and the magic of Gary Dunn(no me neither). The racecard actually gave a timetable of events and where they would be held which you have got to say was much better communication with their customers than I have come across before. The card was sponsored by an array of local newspapers making a welcome relief from the boring 'bet on 012324567 now for best prices and guaranteed bonus returns at betyousap.com maiden filly stakes' we seam to be continually afflicted with. For the future we have a decentish band for a change rather than singalong with a fat bloke in a curly afro wig murdering Sexual Healing and a joint promoition with the new sponsors who may just take Ayr United (a sleeping giant in the Scottish game for sure) to challenge one day for europe. This was plus an after racing 'disco' yes at 5pm you can grind away to Agadoo no doubt and get into the sunshine seaside party mood. That's quite enough sracasm I think as I ahve to say this is a far far better effort to make a good day of it for the public than I find most paces.

    [img]

    As a track I am not overly fond of Ayr for some reason that I cannot quite grab. There seamed to be far too make betting facilities you even had bookies bellowing out 'Ineh mure fae Yarrmuf' right bu the cafe selling mashed spud pie and chips. The stands are a bit antiquated the car park was suspension testing and the catering in general poor in quality. But the weather does help that's for sure. Perhaps I should come here in the summer.... 

    This was the third time I had visited Ayr. The first was back in 1979 for the Ayr Gold Cup sponsored by Ladbrookes with the winner being  Primula Boy in 1979 ridden by Willie Higgins and trained by Walter Bentley in his first season training having been a useful jockey beforehand twice winning the Chester Cup. The race included the useful Cree Song who was fourth from the the stable of  Williams who was linked with Nigel Angus who won the Ayr Gold Cup a few years before ridden by Johnny Seagrave on-board Roman Warrior (a great big sprinter over seventeen hands tall striking chestnut with a white blaze and a single white sock was  one of the very few Scottish trained winners over the past half century). The other big race here which I have also seen was the Canada Dry Shield which was won three times by Roman Warrior and on the day I was here the canada dry was won by  Crimson Silk. According to one website the Ayr Gold Cup was son for Mick Easterby with the great Lochnagar ridden by Eddie Hide who was to be the 1976 July Cup Kings Stand Stakes, Nunthorpe Stakes and Temple Stakes winner a treble very few have managed to achieve.  On another occasion I visited Ayr with my in-laws who for some obscure reason took to a horse called Kelpie The Celt. He pulled his way to lead and continued to do so jumping a bit erratically until falling soon after halfway. But even fifteen years later they still talk in hushsed tones of the great Kelpie and how he aould surely have won if he had stood up. To my knowledge good old kelpie ran in many subsequent races but never once won a piece of evidence which the in-laws take absolutely no head off. There is always a danger of going racing with your in-laws that something from it will drive you nuts for the rest of your natural. In our family my Dad never lived down his mother in law perpetually reliving her tip when they went racing at Kempton Park back in the 1950s. This revolved around her favourite plant’s namesake Hollyhocks who obliged unbacked at 10/1.



    The great Scottish horse Roman Warrior



    Primula Bot Ayr Golf Cup winner from the 1970s



    Economics of horse racing

    Tracks in greyhound and horseracing are always in the news as struggling with the spectre of the property developer looming particularly those in up-coming urban neighbourhoods. Here is some colour to this debate which you might like to look at based on a couple of years ago when there were doubts about the future of racing here at Ayr.

    ‘AYRSHIRE businessmen Alan Macdonald and Richard Johnstone announced their decision today to put Ayr Racecourse and Western House Hotel up for sale.

    They cited a combination of the poor state of the housing market and the planning system in Scotland as the reasons behind their decision.

    Alan Macdonald and Richard Johnstone bought the racecourse just over five years ago and have overseen a dramatic turnaround in the fortunes of Scotland’s premier racecourse.

    More than £14 million has been spent on a raft of improvements including the four-star Western House Hotel - Ayrshire’s premier wedding destination, the Princess Royal Banqueting and Conference centre and upgraded hospitality facilities.

    Major investment has also been made in racing, with prize money for races including the two flagship fixtures the Coral Scottish Grand National Festival and the John Smith’s Ayr Gold Cup Festival being substantially increased.

    Ayr has thrived over the last five years, attendance figures have shown sustained increases, and the 2008 crowds to date boast the highest attendances at the track for more than 50 years. Advance ticket sales for this month’s John Smith’s Ayr Gold Cup Festival also sit at a record high.

    Ayr Racecourse general manager William Gorol said: “It’s business as usual. We are very proud of what we have achieved, and we look forward to providing the same high standards for the new owners.

    “We are immensely proud of the team at Ayr Racecourse and Western House Hotel. Over the past few years we have successfully built a reputation as Scotland’s premier leisure destination, achieving accolades for both quality of food and service. I am confident that one of the key attractions for any new owner will be the professionalism of the team and the high standards they consistently achieve.

    “It’s very much a case of business as usual.”

    Christie & Co have been appointed as agents to oversee the sale of the leasehold racecourse and the freehold Western House Hotel.

    Ayr Racecourse chairman Alan Macdonald spoke of the decision to sell and the reasons for doing so.

    He said: “Richard and I stated when we bought the course five years ago that our intentions were to restore Ayr to its former glory and to ensure a long term sustainable future as Scotland’s only Grade One track.

    “Cross-funding to finance both that goal and to also bring all the facilities up to a high standard was to come from residential and commercial developments on surplus land held by the racecourse.

    “The planning process took five years, considerably longer than anticipated, and we had to go to Public Inquiry, but finally in May this year the process was completed.

    “We now have planning consents in place for these developments, but the property market is such that it could be a few years before value can be realised from this.

    “Having already spent £14 million on taking the business to where it is now and growing our status both as a racecourse and as the operator of one of Scotland’s finest hotels, we feel the time is right to invite offers from people who feel they can take it to the next level. More importantly Richard and I need to believe these are the right people.

    “Significantly both these businesses - the racecourse and the hotel - operate on a profitable basis.”

    Attendances of all the major meetings at Ayr have shown dramatic increases, with the Coral Scottish Grand National Saturday topping 17,000 this year - a rise of more than 8% on 2007 - while Coral Scottish Grand National Friday was 43.5 % up, and the two Family Days up by 19% and 14%.

    Ayr also staged the Saints and Sinners Racenight for the first time this year, and almost 8000 people attended.

    Western House Hotel has been voted Scotland’s Wedding Hotel of the Year in 2007 and 2008 and was also awarded a Thistle Award for Customer Care by VisitScotland. The Princess Royal Centre will cater for more than 40,000 banquet covers in 2008 and a host of major conferences including the Scottish Conservative Party Conference.

    “We have turned a sleeping giant into a vibrant multi-purpose business but the time is right to hand the baton over.” Alan Macdonald added’

    The Racing

    The adveretised going was predominantly good but with the overnight rain was dead at the start of the meeting and the severe downpour during the early part of the meeting the going had become soft. This led to a significant amount of non runners during the course of the day.




    Itsraining again

    First race was a seven furong maiden stakes for two year old and was won by the filly Fresa who came up from Sir Mark Prescott’s Newmarket yard to score after a couple of modest by not totally useless all weather efforts over trips short of her best. She was still a bit green which given her relative experience advantage over many of the others  was not expected and also pulled a bit but she stayed on fine. Not certain this was that good a race but probably needs further and dead ground played to her stamina credentials .Newmarket raiders accounted for only three of today’s runners but they went home with one winner and two seconds so clearly when they venture up to Scotland Newmarket raiders should be not be overlooked. Joshua The First was second yet again this being the fifth consecutive time. Has been visored last two runs without any extra improvement and it has to be questioned as to his attitude to battle. Will continue to disappoint I would say. Rasputin (who looked particularly well) was ridden with enterprising tactics but again was found wanting close home being headed at the furlong pole. Cost a lot of money and maybe needs to be dropped to six as there is plenty of pace in the family. Of the rest favourite Eraada looked in good condition in the paddock but ran as if needing a mile. Very nicely bred with some top class 1m2 relatives. Cannot stay a maiden much longer and I have her as a positive if tried over the mile and may just prefer better or faster ground. Sygnature (an early Authorise gelding) was a well backed springer was very green missed the kick and was doing all his best work close home for a noteworthy debut probably needs a mile already.

    Second race was a seven furlong handicap class 5 which was won by the three year old Sabratha ridden by useful female jockey Julie Burke (carried three pounds overweight to add to the pluses on a very good run) who did very well to slip through the gap when it emerged to win with this tricky hold up horse. Stepped back a furlong which seemed to suit but wins so infrequently as best left. The second Dhhamaan led everywhere bar the final stride. Is a very consistent seven furlong specialist goes fine on polytrack and appears to be best on fastish going on the turf so the dead ground may have just took the edge. Even so it was only a short head. The pair were well clear so I would suggest the others either didn’t fancy the ground or are not at their best at present. Nothing of major note here.

    The rain was beginning to kick in by the time the 1m2 handicappers faced the starter in a class 5 event. It was won from off the pace by top weight Persian Peril who is suited by cut and goes in the mud. Won this with a little bit in hand but needs going his way to be a confident selection in subsequent races. The runner up was the fancied Newmarket raider Focail Maith who looked well in the paddock before hand is a three year old improver. Galloping sort who goes well at Newmarket and Yarmouth is better suited by further and another run over 10 furlongs would see him do well. Could easily make a decent hurdler if turned to that arena as looks the right build plus there has been a bit of success in that field in the family. I make him a positive on this run. The third was Free Art a big outsider who ran well and could be another improving three year old as I think August is the time when they have a bit of an edge condition and handicap wise over the older horse. The favourite was Jewelled Dagger who looked very well beforehand as usual tried to make all but was collared inside the final two furlongs and come home at one pace. He was probably beaten by better handicapped and younger competitors. 



    Persian Peril and Focail Maith in the winners' enclosure




    Persian Peril loks a decent handicapper as he returns to the stables

    The class 6 handicap over a mile produced a driving finish with three having good chances at the furlong pole. The winner Abernethy was friendless in the market, was denied a clear run himself two out  but then wandered to the left away from the stick and may have squeezed up the runner up  a little bit 110 yards from home but not enough to even think it was material to the result. This was the sort of  result that makes you wonder why you bother looking at the form book. The third was 15/8 favourite Glenluji and although short of room I am sure was held. I still think he was eased down a touch after being slightly hampered, A consistent miler who acts on any going. The runner up Focial Eile was limited for space when trying to come between horses. Probably would have preferred it much deeper today so in the circumstances not a bad run at all so keep an eye out when the ground is heavy off this 63 mark. Also of note was fourth home Classic Descent who stayed on well without being given a particularly hard time of it. Has been running well but handicap mark has gone up a little bit. However worth mentioning that today’s 60 is a far cry from the OR of 90 he started out handicapping. No wonder he wins so infrequently as in once since May 2008 some 32 races ago. Gadabout Dancer attracted some interest but was flat to the boards from three out quickly weakening and is still a bit highly tried in the ratings.



    Daniel Tudhope getting drenched before riding Glenluji

    The class 6 five furlong sprint was prone to wholesale late drop outs which meant the  eleven quickly reduced to nine with the soft ground. It was won by good sprint mare Wicked Wilma following up off the same mark as her recent win. She was produced to punch through inside the final furlong. Sure to get a real pasting from the ratings man now. She beat fellow mare Ballerina who looked in good nick beforehand but is on a difficult mark of 62 compared to last winning weight. I wouldn’t say much will emerge from this race in terms of future winners.



    Wicked wonder (pink cap) coming to do battel with Ballarina (yellow cap)

    The class 5 six furlong sprint was won by bottom weight to help Julie Burke notch a notable double. She had Royal Blade up in front from the break and won well giving the impression that provided rating is below 50 can follow up. Runner up Beckermet ran fine but is way below his best (he won the Hackwood Stakes which is a listed sprint at Newbury a good few years ago). Still always tries his best and may just prefer seven to six nowadays. Biggest disappointment was hat-trick seeking Monel who was sunk without trace early on today. Maybe needs a bit of a break as only went up six pounds for recent win. Has won with a cut so reason for poor run is not obvious.



    Royal blade takes it up

    The final race was a class 6 sprint over the six furlongs for three year olds. It was won by mudlark Spinatrix  in an absolute canter taking firm control around 3 furlongs out and maintained a strong gallop to storm home. You could not be more impressed and his 57 rating plus the 6 pound penalty are probably going to get a severe shunt upwards., Guinea Seeker was well backed for some strange reason and then promptly was thrashed. Nothing of note amongst the rest.



    Spinatrix clear
    Horses noted today

    Eraada (P) up £50
    1 5/1
    Only one race and came home. It was over today;s trip and she is likely to better over further with time. However with the end of the season in view she is binned.


    Joshua The First (N) up £60
    0 4 4 3 3 2
    As ststed this looks a decidedly modest animal and he layed all autumn with success

    Sygnature (P) down £30
    0 0 4
    Not matured this season although last run was a bit more positive

    Focail Maith (P) up £40
    0 3 0 1 8/1 3
    Won oveer 10f and on a slightly lower mark. Backed when next run but up 5lbs and although ran well be tird was clear handicapped had a bit of a grip so binned

    Free Art (P) down £20
    3 0
    Not disgraced but as season's ended he's binned

    Focail Eile (P) up £150
    0 1 18/1 2 2
    Bit disappointing next run but them stung them as Musselburgh on good ground and won at 18/1. Up 12lbs after the two fair seconds as well and I have to now fold my hand on him
    Rate post:
    0 (0 Ratings)
    Share |
    report
    No Comments [ 758 views ]

    Musselburgh 19th July 2011 Good to Soft finished up £164

    06 Dec 11 23:20
    Sharing the site of the oldest golf course in the country of the sport’s origin which was home of the Open Championship for several years sits Musselburgh racecourse. It is a fine course with very modern facilities has a great atmosphere and is one of my favourite tracks. I had a great day here as my tour bus paid it’s visit to East Lothian and although other Scottish tracks like Kelso and Perth are often cited as the ‘best’ in the country this is the one I would chose to visit in Scotland if I had to make only one selection. I like the mix of old and new architecture, I like the mix of bars, cafes and restaurants, I like the fact that it doesn’t feel like the gambling aspect is the predominate reason  for attendance and I especially liked the fact that I was allowed to park in the owners and trainers car park adjacent to the furlong pole without some officious jobsworth saying ‘You can’t park there pal’. The security man who I asked where to pay once I had parked up and wlked through the gateds unimpeded said ‘You shouldn’t really be through this gate but just tell them you’re disabled when you pay and it will be fine, if we were a lot busier I would have had to ask you to park elsewhere but it’s not that busy and it will cause you some hassle so I’ll turn a blind eye just remember next time please’. That’s how to treat customers a bit of respect and civility; some racecourses do not always have this on their list. 



    Grand modern course



    The padddock with runners going down

    Le Garcon D’Or

    A racing plate worn by record breaking racehorse Legend mounted together with a signed letter of authenticity from trainer Jack Ormston who was the winner of 34 races between 1960 and 1972 a record still standing in GB for flat racing and was sold at auction by Sotheby’s for £130. The trainer was also an accomplished sportsman and ex speedway champ. For many years there was an annual handicap run in early July in memory of the famous racehorse hut the seams to have slipped of the list in last year or so which is a great shame. There is however a fine bar and carvery in recognition as it is always good to see heritage such as this marked as it is this linage which helps build the horseracing brand but is often allowed to pass by.  These middle rankers and selling platers have a place in the memory and it was the same in greyhound racing as well. I well remember there was a portrait of a dog trained by Hugo Spencer which ran unlit I think seven or eight which had the legend ‘Only A Grader But...’




    All weather and Edinburgh

    Here is an interesting article which set the scene a couple of years ago to the aspects of development and the history of the racecourse at Musselburgh

    OVER the next two to four weeks, a hearing will take place in Musselburgh which could well decide the direction of Scottish racing. A public inquiry into Musselburgh racecourse's plans for an all-weather racetrack plus improvements to the historic golf links within the course will hear arguments for and against the developments.
    Philip Hutchinson, the reporter, is a highly-experienced official who has handled several contentious inquiries, and it

    is to be hoped that he can give ministers at the Scottish Executive a recommendation as soon as possible. An election is looming in May, and if the decision is not made before then, it will be put back many months, and the racecourse will lose its chance of gaining some extra all-weather fixtures, which will become available next year.

    I have made my feelings known: I believe that the all-weather track is vital for the future of the sport in Scotland, and the plans, which have the approval of the local planning department and East Lothian Council as a whole, should be allowed to proceed forthwith.

    The serious objectors consist mainly of NIMBY types whose main fear, if they are being honest, is that the value of their homes will be reduced because the plans involve erecting retractable floodlights on pylons to allow more meetings to be held on winter afternoons and during evenings throughout the year. Objectors can dress up their arguments as they like - concerns about bird sanctuaries and so on - but they are worried that properties will lose value, despite the absence of evidence that this will happen.

    If they would admit the true basis for their opposition, the antis would gain more respect, from me at least. It's an honest argument, for in days of soaraway house prices, people have a right to object to developments that they believe will materially affect property values. Indeed, I believe that compensation should be paid where loss is proved.

    But to claim that there is a massive groundswell in the Honest Toun to "save the Links" for reasons of history, wildlife and scenic value is so much tosh. More than 22,000 people live in Musselburgh, and I doubt if 20% of them could state why the golf course, for example, is deemed historic. It hosted six early Opens before 1890, the standard golf hole worldwide derives its diameter of 4.25 inches from Musselburgh, and the oldest recorded women's golf competition was held there in 1811.

    The anti-campaigners also include people who have been scared into objecting because of misleading reports that the golf course will be altered beyond recognition. Yet curiously, the golf club whose members play on the course is not listed among objectors, and senior members are looking forward to improvements, such as a new six-hole course and practice area.

    It is the golf course itself which provides evidence on why the racecourse developments should go ahead. Musselburgh Links was once a home of golf, a significant place where pioneers such as Willie Park senior and junior plied their trade. Though the original seven holes were extended by two in the 19th century, the course declined in the next century after tenant clubs, such as Royal Musselburgh and the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers moved elsewhere.

    Musselburgh racecourse also went into decline, until the past 15 or so years saw a remarkable alliance develop between de-facto owners East Lothian Council and enthusiastic professional managers, such as Mark Kershaw and incumbent Bill Farnsworth, which has transformed the venue.

    The racecourse is thriving, but it could be even better. An all-weather track, which would be the first in Scotland, would deliver a huge boost to Scottish racing and to East Lothian's economy, as many more racing opportunities would be created for Scottish-based trainers and owners, and pubs and hotels would benefit from increased visitor numbers.

    If the developments do not go ahead, it is easy to conclude that the racecourse will stagnate, as the golf course did. A chance to make history would also be lost: Musselburgh could become the first major racecourse in the world to offer turf racing on the Flat and over jumps and all-weather Flat racing.

    It boils down to going forward and making history or staying still and being trapped by history. I know which course I prefer.

    Musselburgh Links lies to the east of Musselburgh. At one time the Links were covered by the sea and an old feu charters the sea covered the low grounds of Pinkie to Inveresk Hill. (In 1856 a well was being sunk in the grounds of the nearby school (Loretto) and the remains of an old oak ship were discovered. This would suggest that the sea was 1/2 mile further south of where it is today.) The Links is common land and was granted to the people of Musselburgh from time immemorial for recreation and leisure purposes.  It is land which for years Musselburgh people grazed their goats and geese. land which their womenfolk would dry their washing and it was land where they would play football, practice archery and play the ancient game of golf.
    While the golf course was being prepared for one of the Open Championships in the 19th century, human remains were found near to the first green (now the second).  It was thought that these were mid 16th century remains from the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh which took place near to the Links in 1547. A battle plan of that dates shows English ships landing(?) on the shore at the Links.
    In 1650,Musselburgh was taken possession of by Oliver Cromwell, who encamped part of his foot on Musselburgh Links, where they remained for nearly two months—the site of his own tent being, according to a report in the Second Statistical Account of Scotland, supposedly opposite Linkfield House. Use of the Links was interrupted again in 1803 by a military camp established during the Napoleonic Wars.
    The name ‘Musselburgh Links’ appears on John Adair’s map of Midlothian of 1682.

    In the late eighteenth century the Links were used for drilling and training the 2000 soldiers based in barracks on Linkfield Road. The barracks were located in a large field adjoining Pinkie Mains. When the barracks were full, the soldiers were billeted on the inhabitants of Musselburgh or accommodated in tents on the Links.
    In 1906, WC Maughan wrote “The links of Musselburgh enjoy a peculiar charm of their own... where can you find a finer breadth of delightful old turf, sprinkled over with clusters of bluebells, perchance single flowers peering from the grasses beside tufts of whins vainly struggling for a precarious existence, while the modest yellow trefoil and scented wild thyme, give touches of colour”.
    Musselburgh Racecourse
    Racing has taken place on the Links for many years. It is reported that a maximum value of £50 was placed on all horses entering races in 1680. In 1711, the winner received the prize of a saddle. In 1816, the racecourse was built around the golf course - no opposition to this event is recorded. Racing, apparently, moved from Leith Sands, near Edinburgh, because of rowdy spectators. The first recorded meeting, a six day meeting, took place on the present course on 7th October. In 1987 the first National Hunt meeting took place on 5th January.
    In the 1800’s the September Races were the principal event with a mixed company of gentry and local people. Two hundred bookmakers were said to attend. Visitors were entertained by ‘jugglers, organ grinders, fortune tellers, acrobats and itinerant musicians’. Fishwives sold shell-fish, oysters and crabs; loaves called “penny bricks”, ice cream and sweetmeats.
    The New Year Sprint
    The New Year Sprint, formerly known as the "Powderhall", is a unique event in the annals of sporting history being the last of the old time pedestrian galas. It has been an annual New Year event since 1870, the heyday of pedestrianism (professional footracing) then the sport of the people.
    A handicap race held over 110 metres, the Sprint has been staged in Scotland on or around New Year's Day annually since 1870. Competitors, both amateur and professional, vie for prize money totalling over eight thousand pounds.
    The 131st New Year Sprint held in December 1999 was held at Musselburgh Racecourse - the first time the Sprint had ever been staged at such a venue. Bad weather thwarted attempts to stage the final alongside the Christmas National Hunt meeting, as it did the following year. In December 2001, for the 133rd New Year Sprint, runners and horses finally competed in the same meeting.
    £11m Musselburgh all-weather racing plans denied

    Published Date: 15 August 2007
    CONTROVERSIAL plans which would have allowed floodlit racing to be held at Musselburgh Racecourse have been turned down by the Scottish Executive.
    Ministers refused to grant the racecourse planning permission for a new all-weather track and floodlighting amid fears that the development would dwarf neighbouring listed buildings and lead to unacceptable noise during night meets.

    The news, which was announced this morning, comes after the Executive released the findings of a three-week public inquiry into the development.
    Officials also said that the expansion would have a “serious impact” on the historic Musselburgh Old Golf Course, whose first green would have been moved under the plans.

    Philip Hutchinson, who compiled the Executive’s report, said: “The proposed development is at odds with the local development plan and it would be very detrimental to the settings of several listed buildings.
    “The development would also adversely affect the character and appearance of the local Musselburgh Outstanding Conservation Area, to which this site makes an important contribution.”

    Ministers agreed with the findings of the report and have refused to grant the scheme planning approval.

    The £11 million expansion was expected to lead to 30 extra race meetings a year and generate an estimated £12m every year for the local economy.

    A spokesman for the racecourse said that they were “disappointed” with the decision and added that they would make a full comment once they had seen the Executive’s report.

    The Racing

    The racing started off with a class five handicap over nine furlongs. There were no three year olds, no CD and one course winners. Of the course winners Ra Junior has won over a mile and has tried this trip before. Style over the mile gives impression may well stay but mark of 66 is still a bit high was on his toes in the paddock beforehand and was made too much use of for a doubtful stayer. Is best confined to mile races. There were four distance winners. Top weight Marvo has not won for two years and his nine furlong win was at Hamilton in a class 3. Was running in much better races than this last season but has been frankly awful this season in which he has been dropped from 78 to 68 but making the long trip from Newmarket was in his favour as a pointer. Looked well in the paddock today and ran a much better race than of late when staying on from two out after having been held up to take second close home but was left too much to do as winner had poached a nice lead approaching the furlong pole . Nonetheless this was an encouraging run.  Petomic is a true nine furlong horse and is only four pounds up on a previous winning mark. In good form at the moment with 13312 for runs over this trip and in good heart as bit of an unlucky loser being squeezed for space last run when second. Was off the pace and held up but was running on all too late and eased a touch close home where he got nutted for runner up. Sweated up beforehand and got a bit restless at the post he does look a bit of a stuffy sort and may have had enough of it for a while.  Gumnd had finished last in all his last five races since they took the pieces off him. Yet first time on the pieces nearly did the trick at Goodwood over this trip when a decent second. His mark has fallen 20 pounds this year since that run and now over the trip he has won at (his form over the 9f is 12) had a shout today as still only a four year old. However yet again was hopelessly last despite being in touch till two out. Either there is something physically wrong with him or he needs the cheek pieces again. The final distance winner was Mangham who had not won for two and a half years. Enterprisingly ridden today being placed close up and then produced to lead approaching the furlong pole to pull clear quickly. Suited by today’s softish ground and appears inconvenienced by fast surface..



    Petomic on the way down to the starrt got a bit stewed up and looks a stuffy type

    Race 2 is a two year old maidens stakes over seven furlongs. I will start off with the Mark Johnson early foal Courtesy Call who was a debutante. He is stoutly bred which is no shock for a Johnson horse and closely related to Arc winner Three Troikas. Got stewed up beforehand (coltish in the ring) and dwelt running very green for much of the race. Stayed on a bit but is immature and I would not be surprised if we do not see him until next year as I thought his action indicated a preference for faster ground. I have him as a negative for the remainder of the season but I thnk he will be a much better proposition as a three year old and would not have him negative when older as he is sure to score next season. Storm Fairy had been improving a little bit and the step up to seven on racing style seemed sensible as pedigree suggests she should stay this trip. However dropped right out of the race after being close up till halfway indicating that she either is useless, didn’t like the ground or something was amiss. Comanche appeared to thrive on this step up from six to seven furlongs as was always close up, took control of the race two out and the jockey had time to check all the others progress at the pole before easing him home for an easy and impressive win. He has got the hang of things now and can step up in class. I think he is one to watch particularly as we go into autumn and we get this softer ground I think he prefers. Daddy Warbecks ran green as expected on debut but did plug on once got the hang of things. Back over the seven again today with that experience under his belt I thought he could be interesting. Pedigree does not scream 7f at this stage of development. He ran with a great deal of promise today being clear of the remainder, is still green but learning and I think he has a great chance of picking up a maiden next run if not too highly tried and is a positive coming out of this race. Karma Chameleon has winners in the family and although sure to come on for his debut he ran so green and without much promise that I gave him little chance today. In fact he showed a little improvement to finish fourth but still looks backward in condition. Villa Reigns  has a very decent middle distance pedigree but is still backwards and ran a bit all over the place so best watched. Rosies Lady on the face of it was promising on debut when third, but I tempered that with the fact that the cantering winner was clear by seventeen lengths! was then a distant seventh. Showed a little improvement today finished third but was well behind the runner up and she does not look to have shown enough ability yet to indicate that she has the ability to win a maiden any time soon.

    Race 3 class 6 handicap over five furlongs for three year olds. This was difficult race as all are pretty well exposed maidens. However Green Warrior, who had only run twice over five, last run was from a hopeless box at Beverley and the other was a good second at Leicester off similar mark when held up. On the basis of this promise it was no surprise to see Paul Hanagan hold him just behind the leader and then punch him through from approaching the furlong pole  for a comfortable victory. Clearly a five furlong horse and I would think he can follow up. These Dreams has gone up 10 pounds without winning which must always be a bit of a bind for the connections. But now on 51 after a 56 top and has run close off this mark before over her favoured five trip. Held up and ran on well but could not quite get second and is one to keep a bit of an eye out as this was indicative of further progress. Tancred Spirit was made favourite. Is exclusively a five furlong sprinter but just cannot find his way to putting his head in front where it matters most and again faltered inside the distance almost being nutted for runners up.  Ideally suited by half a mile! She bang out but gets caught as even Catterick appears a test. Bygones For Cash was a bit disappointing off a decent mark.  Majestic Millie was doing her best work late on but is not up to much in my view of the form. Pieces did no good last time. Face East makes a hash of the starting gate to make too much appeal and was never a factor today.



    Useful Green Warrior heading back to his stable after comfortable victory

    Race 4 1m4 class 5 handicap. No three year olds. One CD three C and three D. The CD is Birkside who races regularly here. But has only one win here despite regular attempts with a 10% strike rate. Again hopelessly detached today and is best left. Three distance winners are headed by recent hat-trick winner Fossgate under Amy Ryan all over this trip. For a ten year old clearly has a new lease of life over his favourite trip and despite a weight hike cannot be discounted. Ran with credit yet again to finish fifth and I think that he is unsuited by this track despite running very well in the past at another sharp right hander Ripon.  Bring Sweets was used as a pacemaker today to give Dane Cottage’s stamina maximum advantage. She needs to drop to class 6 or selling company soon as I still think there is a win in her. Merrion Tiger has shown all his best form  at Southwell and although suits this trip is probably better off racing there as was thrashed today. Of the course winners Persian Peril only ran here twice and both as a juvenile. Won well yesterday over 1 mile 2 and my comments were ‘It was won from off the pace by top weight Persian Peril who is suited by cut and goes in the mud. Won this with a little bit in hand but needs going his way to be a confident selection in subsequent races.’ Again with a bit of cut in his favour and looking in very good condition was ridden with confidence to again score. As the announcer stated there is plenty of evidence that horses can hold and even improve their form is running within 24 hours and especially handicappers you would have thought that where possible bringing them out again makes sense even with the six pound penalty. With Ayr and Mussel burgh being relatively close in geography it was not a shock to see a few follow up and race today having run the previous day ay Ayr. In terms of Persian Peril I think the handicapper will note this improvement and I think we may see a significant hike which will make winning yet again difficult. Pokfulham has won here but that was in a selling hurdle. Favourite when good second at Ayr over a furlong further but idled and may not be entirely genuine. Had chances entering the straight was soon  put in his box and was a disappointing 5/2 favourite today who sweated up a little bit beforehand.



    Persian Peril wins two in about 24 hours



    Returning victorious


    Race 5 five furlong claimer as a class6. Ridley Didly is one of the CD and did nothing wrong in winning a class 6 on his last run. But has never won above class 6. Was easily beaten in this claiming stakes today.  Old favourite Strike Up the Band group 3 winner back in 2005 and suited the Goodwood sharp sprint. Not sure he is quite up to winning again and it is a bit of a downer to see very decent horses scraping around in claimers at the end of their careers. Still I do not pay the bills. Sandwith only one win since July 2008 did  not auger well for today and recent form very poor in class 6 events. In the event was never dangerous. Angelo Poliziano headed the claiming weights and is far better in the pieces. He is best suited by five furlongs. Ran particularly well at Haydock in a class 4 when was nutted on the line when I am sure the jockey felt he had the race won then Taurus Twin came flying down the stands rails out of eyeline. Was bandaged all round today and did not look in top condition. Ran OK to be third being scrubbed along and I think he did not act on the ground so a return to faster ground would make him a positive next run. The winner was the under exposed ex Irish flashy chestnut filly Atlantic Cycle only win at Down Royal. Best run was two efforts back when staying on well without getting too hard a time of it over five at Haydock. Entirely resolute racing off a good mark of 69. She might not look like a sprinter in terms of size and shape but she has speed and is resolute so do not be surprised if she wins in handicap company soon for new connections (J M Bradley) having been claimed. As only a four year old that may just have been a decent £7000 purchase and she rates a positive.



    The filly Atlantic Cycle turns the odds on favourite over in the claimer

    Race 6 was a three years old 1m5 handicap class 6. Cotton Grass was a disappointing favourite when holding every chance in the straight in most recent Hamilton run and at the weights I think she is held at the moment. She looked well and tried to make all but that was not necessarily the right tactics as was easily picked off in the straight. Needs to be reassessed and is a genuine 1m4 filly but I am also not convinced she stays the 1m5. On the basis of the recent Hamilton run I would have to say that Hal of a Lover had the edge over Cotton Grass especially when considering was reunited with De Sousa who was successful in partnering over 1m4.  He was produced into the straight and kicked clear. May have idled a little bit but it was a comfortable win. Of the two maidens that completed the line up Purkab looked mulish and ran no sort of race really and will find winning difficult. The other maiden was a neat grey filly Silver Tigress who looked in good nick today. Very unfortunate to snap reigns exiting the stalls. P J MacDonald did very well to correct her and then was able to ride a fine race to stay on in eyecatching manner to finish a two and a half length runner up. Sometimes this sort of incident is exaggerated in terms of its impact but I would have been positive about the filly’s run even if the tack had stayed intact so with that additional factor I think she is clearly on a good mark and is an improving filly.



    Great ride with a broken reign from PJ MacDonald on Silver Tigress



    Halofalovekicks clear to win if a little on the workmanlike side

    The final race was won by another horse who came straight over from winning at Ayr the day before. Sabratha had a six pound penalty but was actually only three pounds worse off because her jockey carried three pounds overweight the day before. In contrast to Ayr she was encouraged to make all and she stayed on well to hold on by a length. It was a good battle with Istiqdaaam who was a short priced 5/4 favourite. He comes out of this very well and although his mark has been upped to 63 before today I think he may go close again as in good form at present. Old English is a funny horse as either runs well finishing close or winning or ends up at the tail. Maybe he is a bit of a tools down merchant and when room gets short hasn’t the guts to go for gaps preferring to give up. That is just my impression and as such I see him a negative out of this race.



    Old Englsh did not run too well today and I rate him as a bit of a negative



    Sabratha (yellow) wins again 24 hours after an Ayr victory

    Notebook

    Petomic (N) up £100
    0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 4 0
    Is pretty well hopeless and I have been able to lay him all autumn but as the season is over I will bin him

    Courtesy Call (N) up £60
    2 0 0 2 0 0
    Useless really and has been layed without too much angst but end of season so binned

    Daddy Welbecks (P) level
    0 0 1 2/1
    slight drop in wieght gave him chance in nursery which he took and is now binned

    Green Warrior (P) down £30
    0 2 0
    Not run too bad but three losing races without much drop in the weights leads to withdraw

    Angelo Poliziano (P) level
    not seen out since so off the list now

    Atlantic Cycle (P) down £30
    0 0 3
    Ran well and a decent each wayer at 25/1 on third effort. Left alone after that

    Silver Tigress (P) up £4
    1 11/8 0
    As expected won well next run. Up a bit but backed when unplaced however continued to pushed up by more than 10lbs and was shelved

    Old English (N) up £60
    0 2 0 P 0 P
    As expected he was useless for the remainder of the season and was continued to be layed

    Rate post:
    0 (0 Ratings)
    Share |
    report
    No Comments [ 772 views ]

    Bath 14th July 2011 Firm finished up £10

    06 Dec 11 23:01
    Bath had a recent and well publicised problem at its last meeting where a horse slipped on a bend after rain fell on ‘hard’ ground knocking over another horse and the jockey sustained an injury. On the plus side neither horse was hurt but the rest of the meeting was abandoned. This led to a review as to whether tonight’s card would proceed. In the event the restriction to five and six furlong races led to an agreement that the meeting would go ahead. Which is fine but gave the meeting the feeling of a graded greyhound meeting with little variation. There were some tight finishes in general with most horses having a chance approaching the final furlong.

    Where do you think Ryanair got the idea of enticing passengers with the promise of flights to exotic places like Milan and Berlin only to end up in a different city or on a disused Luftwaffe runway in a run-down post-communist ghetto? The source of the scam could very well be the racecourse naming committee. How else do you explain Hexham (severe long walk up a steep hill to a remote hilltop), Exeter (it’s Haldon) and Huntingdon (Brampton). Add to that list Bath which is really Lansdown. For the unwary rail traveller getting off at Bath station with the happy prospect of a short walk through this Georgian world heritage site would probably be appealing. But several miles away lies the racecourse and the route is hardly a safe easy walk either.

    The route to Bath Racecourse is off the M4 at junction 18 where the signs direct you to follow the A46. The track is to the right and lies to the north west of the city sitting near the village of Lansdown. The view is stunning as the town of Bath can be seen from the racecourse which is about two miles away.

    It is an idiosyncratic left-handed track which has a strange U shape which means horses are often on the turn. As a consequence the draw over most distances favours those drawn with low numbers. There are- undulations and the finishing straight is uphill making this a testing track. One interesting additional factor is the altitude of the circuit. Set at about 800 feet above sea level it could be that this generates some strange results and in theory should lead to course specialists. Bath is the highest track in the UK. So being at the course the question is raised, does that fact having any bearing on the horses ability to win. Athletes have to have specific training when competing at high altitude. Footballers competing in Mexico or at the even higher La Paz stated that the ball whizzed through the air faster than at lower levels. People find walking around in Denver more tiring than in Amsterdam. If there are there effects on humans why not on horses? If a horse can cope better than his competitors then that edge, even if it is only a length could be the difference between winning and losing.
    It is also thought that jockeys with previous experience around this track have a major advantage because the different nature of the course.

    Because of the weather landing us  in the middle of a dry summer the ground rode firm, which is not unusual here because the draining nature of the sedimentary rocks of the Mendip limestone and sandstone.

    The facilities at Bath are pretty good. There is a very decent cafe in the grandstand which sells proper food, nice cakes and tea you add cow's unprocessed milk to. I like this a lot and the price was not too bad at all. The car parking is extensive and adjecent to a golf course with a good freemand vew up to the furlong stick and some car drivers had taken advantage of this facility. The paddock is big and alongside the track just after the jamstick. The views across the very wide valley are great and the stand even for teh plebs had many padded seats! Bath is a very decent track to visit, is good value and even if the racing was not great fair play for teh executive for getting a programme on at all. I hope they sort out the bend issue from a safety perspective without having any ridiculus realighnmnet plans. Bath celebrates 200 years of racing this year and there is a very well researched book to accompany it which is well worth purchasing. It was launched tonight and you can buy it through the course executive. It costy me £14 to get in which is par for the course and I wuld happily have paid £20 on the basis that this wasn't another of those bladsted theme nights.



    The 'cheap' stand at Bath houses a great value cafe on the first floor and padded seats to view from on the second floor.
    Parentage and its certainty.

    My first trip here in the 1980s had a more varied card and the three year old mile handicap that day went to the Frankie Durr trained Kellathi who beat off Paul Cole’s Mouslat ridden by the master lightweight jockey Richard Fox. The interesting aspect of the winner was being by the great Seattle Slew. I wonder if they had a Bath handicap in mind when the owner of Desert Law put her to the American Triple Crown winner? This meeting threw up quite a few who would go on to do well over hurdles. The first was an apprentice stakes which was the first leg for Guy Harwood. Bahoor was drawn ten of sixteen in this ten furlong race. The other legs were the mile and half three year old handicap won by the top weight Statesmanship and Gamblers Cup who won the second division of the two year stakes over a mile. Both of these were ridden by Greville Starkey. Gamblers Cup went on to be a useful juvenile hurdler although his main claim to fame was to provide John Francombe with his final winner when he picked up a hurdle at Huntingdon. Unfortunately that was his final victory as Gamblers Cup was plagued with lameness in the following season.

    The first division of the two year old stakes went to the exposed Adiyamann who beat the filly Worthwhile and Harewood’s Spitalfields who was running under a penalty for an earlier victory. .None of the seven debutantes in the two year old divisions made the frame so some previous experience of racing may be useful at Bath.

    There was an interesting two mile one furlong handicap with a good battle between the top weights Bajan Sunshine getting the better of Kings College Boy. They would both meet again in that year’s cesarawitch and go on to do well over hurdles. Others in the field to take to hurdling were the third home Kate Kimberley, Royal Insight and Almighty Zeus. Harewood’s horse in this one Flying Oats must have been from some South London sink estate as the father was listed as either Empery or Delta Flag clearly some girl our Kelly Kairn! Although you would think that a stud farm would be clearer on parenthood, who gets the fee and I am sure the owners of Kelly would rather have found a legitimate reason to avoid paying a derby winner’s cover fee. I wonder if they use DNA nowadays to sort out this type of confusion.

    Racing

    The opening nursery P5 was won by hold up horse Fanrouge bought with a decently timed run by Dane O’Neill. Has now won twice here over the minimum trip so should be respected if returning here. Half length behind was Gin Twist who took it up at the furlong pole but could not hold late burst from winner. Probably stick to nurseries but on 62 is probably held for the present as quite exposed. Balm showed plenty of early pace and it may well be that she needs an easier track and maybe a shot at a seller should be on the list as on 63 and five runs could be held by the assessor. Big disappointment was the favourite who missed the kick and was never competitive plodding home. Needs to sort out her trapping that’s for sure if winning again.



    Fanrouge heading back to the transporter after winning the opener


    Next up was an A5 won in a driving finish by Triple Dream who has shown ability on a range of going and has a tendency to hang into horses coming home. Just got up today and looks a tricky ride. Second home was the well fancied (by me in the main I suspect) she led from the gun really but was just reeled in despite battling well. Goes well for Guillambert and needs firm ground and the minimum trip although has won at galloping tracks including here at Bath but seems particularly at home at Nottingham. Musical Bridge ran well to be a reasonably close third under a penalty although may just prefer going right handed. However the hot 5/4 favourite Whitecrest was well and truly hammered and despite having every chance finished last with no excuse.



    Baby Queen and Triple Dream battling it out a furlong out

    We then had an A4 where the finish was a bit messy with horses hanging in and cutting up others with the first three finishing in a bit of a heap. Ebraam won it on the line nicking the lead from Comptonspirit who had just headed long time leader and 15/8 favourite Wooden King. Not much to say about this race really.




    Three locked together in a rousing fight up the final furlong

    The big race of the day was an S3 over lust shy of 6 furlongs. This
    was an absolute blanket finish which the graded would be proud of and probably means they are all fairly handicapped at the moment. The first five had less than a length between them. One thing to note was that Collect Art who was the 5/2 favourite was only a length and a half off the winning group when finishing sixth. He had led up to the furlong pole and is ten pounds off his last winning mark of 75. Is very consistent and thus unlikely to come down fast any time soon. The winner Drawnfromthepast was well ridden by Sophie Doyle who also did well in an earlier race. She looks a very decent female jockey. Long time leader and thrid home was Yuratini. This flashed me back to the first greyhound I owned that won open races back in the 1980s. His broodbitch line led straight basck to one of the very best Yuratini who was responsible for many including greats such as Yanka Boy.



    Sophie Doyle (Pink) is just producing a rare run out of Drwanfromthepast



    Sophie Doyle returns to wiegh in after winning the big race of the night in good driving style

    Easiest winner of the night was first time outer Waseem Faris who won the P5 over the stayers distance of six furlongs tonight. Absolutely thrashed them. But then the them in mind are decidedly awful. Has previously proven troublesome to get in the cages but looked to have improved in that department. He is closely related to one of tonight’s runners up Baby Queen as well as some flash group sprinters. Difficult to assess as beat nothing and as winning distance so far I think he will be priced too short to make sense and on that basis I make him a negative.



    Easy winner but is likley to be over-rated so is a surprising negative

    We then had a fillies maiden over the sixish. This was won in good style by Sarangoo who has a very good record around here. Really powered clear and if returning to CD and if mark not too much higher than the current 60 I think she can pick up a handicap. The 5/4 favourite Cheherazad again looked a seven furlong filly and a shift back to that distance on the basis of this decent run should see some return.



    The quitely fancied but ultimately thrashed Hollies does to post proably faster than the return leg

    We closed off in very mediocre style with an S6 but one the grader will no doubt feel satisfied with. The distances of nk, 1.5l, .75l, 1l, hd, 1.75 but with the winner off 48 the quality just shines through. A review of the winner My Meteor shows that he entered the handicapping malarkey off 59 and after a series of pretty well woeful efforts was dropped to 48. Then followed a good second at bath in an A6, stepped up in trip here by under a furlong to S6 and in he came.

    On an uninspiring night there was only one positive and one negative. Although in truth I doubt many winners will be thrown up by tonight’s entertainment

    Horses noted

    Waseem Faris (N) up £30
    4 3 0
    Finished last in all these runs and as a simple lay binned now

    Sarangoo (P) down £20
    4 3
    Up 8lbs and really too much to should so binned


    Rate post:
    0 (0 Ratings)
    Share |
    report
    No Comments [ 477 views ]

    Yarmouth 12th July 2011 Good to Firm finished up £100.20

    06 Dec 11 22:56
    I made my way to the most easterly racecourse in my quest to get around all GB courses in a year. And what a night to be here. It’s ladies night and the feelings right; it’s ladies night OOHH what a night. If this record of racing in 2011 gets over the point that 'racing for change's' precondition that as many feature night as possible is the future then I would have done my job. As you roll up to the gates you know there is a possibility of yet another theme night with the odds being 6/4 Ladies 2/1 Irish craic night, 5/2 Family Funday 5/1 no theme and 10/1 Fancy dress theme. With ladies night goes the ubiquitous fashion and cosmetic marquee and a best dressed lady. To be fair the Norfolk birds scrubbed up well and fair play to them. A lot less orange flesh on view than the Aintree version and a lot less pretention than at the big festivals. I suppose I am a bit disingenuous here as they all seemed to be enjoying themselves; there was a decent sized crowd and a band on. But not Scissors Sisters like at Haydock, or Texas as at Epsom but Billy Lee. No I lie; the superb Billy Lee (quote courtesy of Glenn Tubby course General Manager. Who is Billy? He is a Tom Jones tribute. Some people like them so don’t knock it.

    What is it about Norfolk and windfarms they seemed to be everywhere on the way to Yarmouth. The road to Yarmouth from Newmarket and most other directions end up at Norwich. Some may say that thankfully the city is then by-passed as you make for Great Yarmouth along the A47. Once in the town the racecourse lies just to the north and is well sign posted. It is close to the north beach area. The railway station is not too far from the racecourse and if you are reasonably fit and have the time you could consider walking it. The first problem I came across was having to pay £2 to park my car. This is a throwback to a bygone era and the first time I have had to pay to park a car at a racecourse in years. However on reflection this is to get some recompense from the freemans brigade as you can watch from comfort of your car at the furlong pole. The next shock was the prospect of paying £17 for a pretty ordinary card of seven races. The third problem was that the facilities were second rate. No decent food to be had, small cramped bar areas, only tea available with processed milk substitute. The facilities under one grandstand were shut. For £20 you get into the premium area but I decided against this. I cannot understand this differential as when you have a look around all you seem to get is access to a smarter stand behind the winning line which probably has better stuff to eat and drink. But all this makes it an expensive day with race card and entry you’ve done in £19. With food and drink you’re talking about nearly £40. Yarmouth is a complete throwback to a time where the paying customer was extorted of the maximum in pursuit of the minimum. In layout the Yarmouth track is a bit like Doncaster as many of its races run up the whole or part of a mile long straight. You see nothing much until about two furlongs out.  Luckily on my last visit, I could rely on the excellent Derek Thompson commentary, although his pronunciation of Connacht would have had any Mayoman shaking his head. Even the pompous sounding racecourse announcer got it horribly wrong. Derek called the western province con-natch, the announcer con- nowlt when we all know it’s said con-urt. Now looking back in the nineteen nineties there was little employment of massive TV screens to let spectators see what was happening and it was only at the big meetings that these appeared. But now even at modest tracks such as Folkestone for an ordinary hunter chase evening meeting you are very likely to find these facilities to help customers follow the action. At Yarmouth it was a trip down memory lane had by all as such there was no display to be seen when I visited in 2009 so hopefully the message got over as a screen was in position tonight. If only Harrison Fraser the marketing gurus appointed by the British Horseracing Authority had popped in to Yarmouth they would have seen the life breath of racing being choked out of it. But of course the high proportion of over 55s and the working class and the young families are not on the scanner when the industry’s string pullers are debating where racing’s future fortunes lie. A vision based purely on replacing Brian with Ben. The track itself is a long oval of about a mile and a half circumference. The bends are tight but because the straight is so long the track is a good gallop. However one point worth remembering is that there is a slight camber for the final furlong and this means it provides a good test of how well balanced a horse is and therefore can be a pointer to such as Epsom. The draw seemed to favour low numbers a little bit on the day. This statement is made despite the experts believing there is little bias. I think on reflection very high numbers are at a disadvantaged rather than low numbers being favoured. The track has a straight mile and this is one of the few tracks to boast such an option. Because of the sandy nature of the sub soil the going at Yarmouth is rarely anywhere near soft, rain doesn’t have a major effect during racing and a customary bracing wind assists the drying process. Because of the soil type it also rarely gets too firm. Tonight we had Goof to Firm and I am sure there was little firm in it based on a stroll around before racing.

    Racing

    The opening maiden stakes for two year olds over seven furlongs was probably the most interesting race of the day. It was won in fine style by the Mark Johnson trained Comical who pulled clear before the final furlong and won comfortably but was punched out to keep up to his work.  Sure to stay 1m2 at least with time and looks the sort to shoulder a penalty especially if stepping up to a mile. The runner up Croquembouche was also a positive on his debut. Looked green in preliminaries but stayed on very well without being a real threat. Will stay 1m4 and definitively needs to step up to a mile. The third home was the filly My Guardian Angel showed improved but still modest form whilst Bewilder having shown some early speed weakened to be fourth and may not see seven out at the moment. Of the rest Like Clockwork was coltish beforehand and never a factor, the Godalphin trained Grand Rapids was very green and ran as if inconvenienced by the going and may be suited to a cut.

    The seller over seven was a nursery and was won easily by the filly Abercandy who did not attract and bid and none of the competitors were claimed. It was that sort of race. Ciaro Boo (who I have seen run at Thirsk and Redcar this season) ran with little enthusiasm and is best left well clear of. Queen of the Hop was favourite (who I had seen beaten in a Redcar seller by Ciara Boo) had every chance but failed to quicken finishing third. Aljosan was on toes beforehand looking good and showed improved form to finish second in handicap debut. Probably suited by trip but it was a poor event so easy to get a bit carried away.

    The class 6 six furlong handicap was won by Captainrisk who had appeared a bit tetchy beforehand. He has come down from 73 to a 57 level so was reasonably in. Won by a comfortable length and clearly suits fast ground and six furlongs having been campaigned over seven or stiff sixes in past year. Clearly able to win off current mark in right conditions but likely to go up and if 64+ I would give him little chance. Second home was the old stager Steel City Boy who despite racing alone on the stand side saw out the trip at speed resolutely and comes out of this race as a positive. He is much better off carrying big weights in class 6 than bottom weights in class 4. So given the right class I think he will go close next run. A very consistent sort. Imjin River finished third today but was not really stoked up being eased down last half furlong when chance of winning had gone and will be better returning to all weather where his 70 OR is not too bad having won off 72. He is a stone better on sand than turf.

    The class 5 sprint over the minimum trip was Danzoe completing a double for local trainer Christine Dumett, like his stablemate Captainrisk in the race beforehand was a bit buzzy in the parade. Held up but quickened well inside final furlong to pass four and win easily. Has won off 69 before so OR 62 was not too bad. However is a very tricky ride to get right as needs to be held up and produced with a burst. One to lay as needs too much to go his way and likely to be weighted out of it on reassessment. Runner up Whisky Junction looked in great nick beforehand and is currently on a 5 pound lower mark of 64 than tonight's rating and if taking advantage of this by racing at one of the entries particularly on 21st at Bath where he is a CD. He had visor for first time which may have helped a bit but a move to six furlongs will be to his advantage. Of the rest 13/8 favourite Bobbys Doll looked well beforehand but ran without much oomph racing as if something was amiss, Wreningham pulled hard and showed speed for 4 furlongs but could not quicken and I think he clearly needs a cut.

    The class 6 handicap over nine furlongs was a  poor race won very easily by 6/4 favourite Dubawi Dancer who is now likely to be  given a fair old hike having won twice here off 45 and 52 so expect 60 plus and a stopper so on that basis I would have her as a negative. Sea The Storm was second and although right in the winners pocket they were clear of the field. Suits around a mile and if held on this mark of 52 could run well next effort. Invent ran better than of late but a distant third is hardly time to get too wild particularly as this was a moderate race which really only concerned the first two. Scarborough Lilly looked more eyecatching than is probably the case as was plodding through weakening animals to finish fourth, no chance in foreseeable and although there is a view that could be taken that she needs much further has been well beaten over 1m2 (although did not handle Lingfield’s bends on that occasion)

    The class 4 handicap was over 1m2 and represented the feature race of the evening. It was won in very comfortable style by top weight Agent Archie. Bizarrely had come here off some modest efforts in the snow of St Moritz. Is racing off 80 and this was 2 pounds less than last handicap win so was well weighted. Sure to get a bit of an uplift off this run but has previously run up a sequence so if not harshly treated (ie less than 6lbs climb) is the sort to win again soon.  Favourite England Rules was not disgraced but probably not ideally suited to 1m2 favouring a mile I would say when finishing fifth. I would like to see him juvenile hurdling this winter as he looks just the sort to do well in that sphere. The Sir Michael Stoute trained Top Diktat ran no sort of race and was eased down when failing to spark when asked two out. Keeps being backed but looks very moderate and rates as a lay if favourite in the hope that will be shorter odds than he deserves.

    The final race tonight was a 1m6 race at class 5 level. It was won by big outsider Royal Premier landing a 2500/1 treble for Seb Saunders, you know the former champion jockey! The leading pair were well clear and behind them they finished in a bedraggled and tired procession. As such it is only worth looking at these two. Royal Premier clearly stayed the trip well and kept on gamely. Blinkers first time may well have done the trick as had visor beforehand. He has had a long spell without kit after winning 33/1 in May last year on first time without. I think is just the sort that keeps needing a bit of a change to spark him up a bit. Native Colony was 9/4 favourite and top weighted three year old. Clearly stays this trip is on a good mark of 64 and given not too harshly reassessed I think he can go on and win next run representing a good positive.

    English Holiday Resort

    Great Yarmouth is first and foremost a seaside resort. It is stuck in close proximity to the Norfolk Broads. When you enter the town there are symbols all around telling the tale of the local economic reliance on the tourism industry. Holiday camps still exist. There are not too many seaside racecourses in Great Britain. Musselburgh, Brighton, Ayr and Redcar come to mind. Some are in tourist hot-spots such as Newton Abbott, Bath, Cartmel, and Stratford. This is strange as you would have though that as a major leisure activity a concentration of courses would have emerged in areas with specific leisure industry concentration. Perhaps the long term decline in holidays by the British seaside has been so great that there is little commercial reason to develop facilities there. However the vitality of the English tourist trade could be set for a major jolt. For decades it has been in steep recession. Brighton has rebranded itself as a savvy London dormitory town. Bath no longer relies on influx of culture vultures and has become one of the centres of our new fifth industry collectively called the knowledge based economy. So what of the others? The change in climate, the relative strength of European currency viz a viz Sterling and the shear hassle of air travel make for a period of opportunity which the tourist industry needs to cotton on to. Each resort needs to consider its branding, its offer, how this is communicated and who it perceives as its target market. Looking at Yarmouth I would say unless it spruces its image up it may quickly fall away. It isn’t the easiest place to get to but if the local airport improved its cover then it may be on a European map. Perhaps Yarmouth ought to consider the way Ryanair has helped open up new destinations as long as the process is economically attractive to them. How will the local racecourse benefit? Yarmouth Races is an attraction in the same way as a funfair, museum or zoo is. This is the opposition that Yarmouth Races competes against. If a family of four on holiday spends £100 before they have a bet, the facilities available to them are poor, they cannot see the racing action fully, some of the course is off limits, the whole event is unintelligible and its participants unknown  plus if it rains god help them do you think they are going to come back?


    Horses Noted

    Comical (P) down £10
    0
    Moderate next run but a 82 OR entering nurseries was too high so binned

    Croquembouche (P) up £3.20
    1 4/11
    easy win but rated too high as a consequence for nurseries and was binned

    Queen of the Hop (N)up £40
    0 0 0 0
    Hopeless and easy to lay as I don't think she is much good. I didn't lay her last run as 100/ a grand to pick up a tenner is mad

    Steel City Boy (P) down £30
    2 0 3
    Handicap hardly moves and inch and backed out after three runs. Unlucky with the assessor as he is too consistent forr his own good

    Danzoe (N) up £100
    0 0 4 0 4 0 0 0 4 4
    Hardly moved an inch in the handicap despite being well beaten. Has been an easy to lay runner and now binned as end of the season


    Whisky Junction (P) down £30
    0 2 3
    Didn't run badly for the three runs I backed him in. Not quite up to it off this mark so I have shelved him


    Dubawi Dancer (N) up £18
    1 4/5 1 evens
    Two great wins followed up the win at yarmouth. Was up over a stone on his mark today and was shelved. To be fair he has continued to improve even further but I got out when it was sensible I think.


    Native Colony (P) up £9
    1 11/10
    Followed up with smooth victory in maiden handicap. However up half a stone and therefore binned


    Marketing

    The results of an in depth study by an expensive market research consultant called Harrison Fraser led to much anguished debate in the days leading up to this meeting at Yarmouth. A leading journalist identified that a prime stakeholder group had not been involved in the study. These were the over 55 year olds and those from working class demographics. The simple pleasure of trying to win one over the old enemy in the easily accessible money market that is horse-racing is well established. It has long been the working class equivalent of the financially well heeled’s stock market. One of the big problems in racing is the lack profile. In the pat jockeys such as Lester Piggot and horses such as Red Rum were well know to the general public. Nyjinski was the popular nickname of the only decent Manchester City player I ever saw, Colin Bell, on the basis that he never stopped running. In truth the personalities around racing have not been well publicised in recent years. Perhaps there isn’t the same pool as there used to be. I cannot understand why Haley Turner was not wheeled out as the front of a push on promoting the sport to women. Her century so soon after being joint apprentice of the year was remarkable. She is articulate and not unattractive but looks one of the girls as they say thus providing a role model for women. In fact the flat racing has seen several more than useful female jockeys and I have written about this in the Nottingham and Chepstow sections. To my eye a woman on a horse no longer constitutes a line through. So Haley has been a missed opportunity. Frankie Dettori is another marketable item and is probably the most charismatic in the game at the moment. At Yarmouth he showed his interaction with the public. Just getting back from winning the opener a girl with her camera phone asked him for a trademark flying dismount. Most jockeys would blank any comment whilst in the middle of post race debrief. But Frankie acknowledged the shout and spoke to the woman saying ‘His only a little baby and I wouldn’t want to frighten him.’ In truth this is what racing needs. It needs a bit of personal touch with the customer. This doesn’t mean complete dialogue but some kind of connection that the paying punter is part of the event. If they feel an empathy to the sport in terms of the participants then perhaps the perceived reason d’être of the sport of winning money could be replaced. The more people go to watch a sport where there is empathy the more repeat customers a sport will have. If attendance begins at £40 for the basics with winning enough to cover the day the measure of a successful day then the sport will generally have more unhappy than happy customers. They will be less likely to return and the law of diminishing returns kicks in.

    Windfarms

    I heard on the news that in actual fact the population density of windfarms in Norfolk is not the greatest in the United Kingdom. Much to my amazement other places are blighted even more. Poor old Glasgow comes top of this league with the biggest anywhere recently opened. The claim was that this could provide half of the city’s electricity requirements. When I see ‘could’ followed by a double take fact my marketing spin alert gene kicks in. To me ‘could’ means if we all tried hard and with just a little bit of luck the claim may just about be validated. It should mean that the claim given is within the scope of the product when used normally. I can move at over 100 miles per hour provided I don’t mind falling off a very steep cliff. If I bought a lottery ticket I could win millions provided the right numbers are called. Anyone could be educated to doctorate standard if they have the will, money and intelligence. So could is just a useless inspirational term which has no place in scientific or rational process of thought.



    Stands at Yarmouth





    Rate post:
    0 (0 Ratings)
    Share |
    report
    No Comments [ 381 views ]

    Page 11 of 18  •  Previous | 1 | ... | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | ... | 18 | Next

    Recent Blog Posts

    Blog Categories

    Groups (86)
    Horse Racing (1)
    www.betfair.com