David Ashworth might say that Bangor is one of his favourite courses but he has a warm press room for inter-race hibernation and like as not gets in for free. Mere mortals pay £9 to park up in a largely facility desert and have what can in all honesty be said to be an awful view. One feature was somewhere to pick up a racecard which was priced at the very top of the shop, £3, for what exact benefit versus say £1 at Sedgefield? Better to have a £20 entry with racecard and parking gratis. In the car park one bookie had paid his badge fee to try to persuade seven other miserable souls who have made the stand against this pricing policy to part with a few pounds. This is my second trip here and, let’s put it gently, there are others I will be going back to first.
However surely there are some plus points. Well it didn’t rain . . . much. It wasn’t bitterly Arctic-like cold although it came quite close. There was big video screen up which was angled so you could see it from the car park. Cup of tea was sound and there was Bovril available for a cold day. My views on catering are taken from my previous visit when I partook of the main enclosure and they were positive. I noted that there was great communication provided by The Course via some excellent interviews after each race. These were some of the best and most informative cross-examinations that I had heard this year. So a big plus
However there didn’t appear to be any water features, there was no sign of a tree in the paddock. There are no grandstands and precious little cover. A series of marquees is about as close to a covered stand as you will get here. There was a freemans for those in the know. What you do is abandon your car on the main road and then simply saunter in to the exclusive car park. No money changes hands, you get exactly the same view as the urban saps and in fact you can then pay into the ‘posh’ bit for a tenner which is almost the same as the parking.
The commentator was good although I would say the announcer going full pelt frog on the first three home in race two was a bit petty really, like saying the commentator was an ill-educated oik. The winner Quincy Des Pictons (alternative pronounciations quin-see des pick tons or con-zee d peaktaw) Jeanry (Jean Rey or shone gwey) and Or D’Oudairies (Ore Do Dairies or O Doh Dahgwey). It was only pity which led to Rigadin de Beauchene falling early and sparing the pain of getting some more gallic enunciation. To be honest the commentator struggles with the old French quite a bit, but the nags are racing here and their home country names always get strangled. Who can forget Lean on the aga rather than ‘Lan-arrigh’
Bangor on Dee is set close to the English border within 6 miles of Wrexham. The route from the M6 Stoke South junction takes you around the Shropshire towns of Market Drayton and Whitchurch before you get into Wales. The course is in the foot of the Welsh Cambrian Mountains which provides a dramatic backdrop to the circuit. The layout is pear-shaped with the tight paddock bend a specific feature of the mile and three furlongs circumference configuration. The other bends on the track are more gentle but still essentially tight. The course ends with a short home straight and run in. There are some significant undulations. The general nature of the circuit puts the premium on speed, agility and the ability to take tight left hand bends with ease. The fences did not appear to be too hard. In general course specialists in terms of horses, jockeys and trainers do well here. However decent horses seem to run well here despite a lack of track knowledge or robust conformation.
When I visited in 2009 I used the other course entry which enables you to park your car in what would be the silver ring with a decent view of the track. This costs £9 and there are fair facilities here but no cover. However for an extra £10 you can get into the main enclosure which has better viewing despite not being in line with the finishing pole, facilities and the paddock. The catering was good in this area and for less than a fiver a decent meal of cottage pie, vegetables and a cup of tea can be bought.
Some guidebooks compare Bangor with a well run point to point. This is probably on the basis that many people turn up in cars with picnics to watch the racing and that there is a lack of grandstand and cover. My view is that if this is an example of a points meeting than it is significantly better than anything I have attended. No, Bangor is a well run operation. It has a similar feel to Chester probably because it is under the same management but with its own charm. The viewing area is a natural amphitheatre and just because you cannot see the action in the home straight from a side-on perspective, the head-on view provides a different dimension to the events.
The second race when I visited here in 2009 was a novice handicap chase which developed into a match between the top two in the betting. The conundrum was would a 2 mile course specialist have enough stamina when confronted by an in form 3 miler over the intervening distance. The betting also threw up one of the rules, never back odds on in a novice chase. The result was that the stayer just got the better of the ‘sprinter’ in what coursing men would call a fine buckle. The race was further complicated by an announcement when the runners for the third were happily completed yet another circuit of the paddock. The course commentator stated that there had been an enquiry into the running of the second race. They had viewed the head on camera and identified that Sam Thomas , rider of the winner, had struck the runner-up Carrietau on the nose with his whip close home. Despite this no advantage was gained and the places remained unaltered. The finishing distance was a neck so quite how much distance was lost by being thwacked across your nose requires some research. Perhaps those bookies who laid the odds on the winner Tarsus could conduct this study on Edward Dorell and his team of stewards.
The Tin Man
When I visited Bangor a couple of years ago it coincided with the course’s 150th anniversary. To commemorate this fact a small exhibition was staged. Several interesting aspects of racing at Bangor could be identified. One eye-catching note was the part Bangor plays in the career of one of the very best flat race jockeys of all time. Many think of Lest Piggott as the best. This is probably due to it being within the memory of many. However, Fred Archer’s record and the articles written about him suggest that there is little to separate these two icons of the horse-racing world.
Fred Archer was a legend in his lifetime, and has been ever since. Intelligent and ambitious, he was a natural horseman who understood tactics too. He was simply the best all-round jockey that the Turf has ever seen, wnning 2748 races, including 21 Classics. He had been Champion Jockey 13 times when he shockingly took his own life at the age of 29.
Fred Archer was born in Cheltenham, the son of William Archer (winner of the Grand National on Little Charlie in 1858). He was apprenticed to the trainer Mathew Dawson as an 11 year old boy. His first important win was in the 1872 Cesarewitch, and his first Classic in the 1874 2000 Guineas, after which he became Lord Falmouth's retained jockey. Lord Falmouth was Dawson's principle owner and the Archer/Dawson/Falmouth combination became amazingly successful. Over half of Archer's Classic victories were for Falmouth, although it could be said that he might have won even more had he not been restricted to Lord Falmouth's horses.
Archer lived at Mat Dawson's stables, Heath House, until he married Dawson's niece Helen Rose in 1884. He then built Falmouth House (now demolished). The expenses of this, together with unfounded suggestions that he had pulled certain horses, and the pressure of remaining at the top of his profession, may have contributed to his suicide. However, the loss of his first child and then his wife during the birth of their second child must have been a major factor. On top of this Archer had a great deal of trouble maintaining his weight. He was 5ft 10" tall, and had to resort to sweats and a strong daily purgative to ride at around 8st 6lb.
The National Horseracing Museum displays a selection of Archer memorabilia, including the gun with which he shot himself during a fit of delirium.
Types for sharp tracks
The variety of track configuration in the British Isles is one of the factors which add a dimension to form reading. There are a great number of circuits which are sharp in nature. Of these Kelso, Bangor, Stratford, Aintree Mildmay course and Kempton come to mind when considering jump racing. So what types of horse do well at these tracks? One thing to take account is that the best horses seem to act on any course. When you consider Bangor which has a tight layout and some significant undulations you would have thought this would be a real specialist course. However great horse like Denman have won here as have at least two recent Grand National winners in the forms of Amberleigh House and Comply Or Die.
Death of slate
The great recession of 2009 will lead to a radical rethink of how the global economy functions. In all the recessions I have worked through in the past the maxim to remember is that how we came out was entirely different to how we entered. The fact followed that the deeper the recession the greater the change. The recession of 2009 will be so deep that the changes can be predicted as being significant. Wales was dependant on agriculture, tourism and quarrying for many years. One of those industrial staples has been hit for six during the recent decades. Slate mining in the north-west of the country dominated many of the communities such as Bethesda. Giant heaps of slate waste and off-cuts look like mountain ranges with the towns literally in their shadow. If there is a more depressing post-industrial scenery in the islands I have yet to see it. So what happened to slate and is there any hope for it in the future?
Race 1 was a class 4 2m1 novice chase which was run at a slow pace. It was won in fair style by the useful hurdler Skint at odds on. Skint had previously won a grade 3 hurdle last year at Sandown although the rest of his racing has been confined to tight tracks. In the main jumped well but took liberties on three occasions and as such was a touch sketchy. These occurred when the pace increased and as such I have some doubts if he can step to tackling a penalty next time out. I certainly will not be backing him and if at short odds he is a decent lay I would say. Second home was the more experienced Ultimate. He was a fair handicap hurdler and ran 5th in the Imperial Cup and tenth in the Greatwood. He had now had three chases, winning a fair debut from Australia Day and then was bit outclassed by Al Ferof around the tough Sandown course when attempting to step up to grade one company. This was a big test carrying a penalty and he made the well fancied winner fight hard. Strictly on the book Ultimate would have the call off levels. This tells me that he can win again in this sort of company with the penalty so is marked down as a positive today. The other four all jumped poorly and showed little to encourage going forward.
Race 2 was a class 4 handicap chase over slightly in excess of 2m4 which was run at a fair pace. The winner Quincy Des Pictons was well backed (9/2 from 9/1), always prominent he was produced to lead around 3 out and had to survive the attention of the loose horse who did him no favours. Kicked on to run on well and was a comfortable winner. There was a change in tactics today as was ridden much more prominently than during his recent defeat when tailed off at Warwick last time out. The hold up strategy had been previously employed in his hurdle victories but maybe over fences he needs to be ridden at a fair pace to take the obstacles more fluently. This was his first win in thirteen efforts and I am not sure that he could win with the penalty off the 95 mark and I expect he will be assessed around the 100 point which I think is very likely to anchor him. The runner up was Jeanry who had a series of interruptions avoiding fallers and loose horses, but then when you are a restrained horse these impediments are likely to occur. Problem today was that the winner had flown before he really got going and despite hard driving from two out he was never going to put pressure on the winner. I am not saying that the claimer rode a bad race but that I am sure he will learn from it. This is not intended to be a snipe at C D Timmons but it is worth reflecting on the fact that he has yet to be successful in a chase and he was on board Jeanry when he threw away what looked like a winning position here recently. That was on 10-10-10 so there you go. Perhaps when he saw that the leader who had slipped him was number ten he knew his fate. I would have him as a positive if someone else was up. Of the rest the favourite Go Get Em Kid was a big disappointment and was beaten six out, ran as if something was wrong, Arctic Ben made some late and eyecatching progress to be fourth and Drom was prominent or led until weakened from before four out. Of these the only likely positive was Arctic Ben however he was running through beaten horses and has only won once in his life that being a bumper on his debut. On the plus side is the fact that he gives the impression he will stay further and that he was not inconvenienced by the holding ground today.
Race 3 was a class 4 handicap chase over the marathon trip of 3m6. It was run at a modest pace which was sensible given the trip and the ground. It was won by Detmatologiste who was not entirely fluent throughout. Is a hold up horse and despite the failings in technique shown by the mare Paul Moloney rode a well judged race to knick it on the run in. This was a big turnaround in form and you would have thought that a chat with the trainer to enquire why might be in order. Certainly suits softer fences and has done ok in points of late. Not one to get overly excited about I would say. Second home was another with plenty of good point to point form which was Jaunty Journey. Had what looked a winning lead over the last but just ran out of juice close home. Jumped better than of late. Of the rest fourth home was last year’s winner Incentivise who had looked well when I saw them enter the track down the chute from the paddock and raced prominently but should not have been unsuited by the deep ground as has a good record in the mud. Third was Rapid Increase who had sweated up beforehand and as usual was not disgraced over extreme trips with soft ground, Rebel Swing was the well backed favourite and was up there for the first mile or so but was soon under pressure before weakening, blundering and pulled up (he is subject of an enquiry), Shes On The Case was held up not jumping fluently at all and when produced around four out looked like she might play a part but quickly folded and Guydus jumped out to the right. No positives out of this race and I would have the winner Dermatologiste as a negative if I thought he would be returned at shorter than 10/1 in subsequent races.
Race 4 was a class 4 novice hurdle over 2m1 which was run at a good pace. It was won in fine style by the strong favourite Magnifique Etoile who was held up produced four out, challenged next and was clearly in charge approaching the last which he fiddled a bit but kicked on again to be an impressive winner. Has now set up a hat-trick of wins around sharp tracks. Must step up in class I would have thought and a run around somewhere like Aintree or most likely Kempton to be on the list. One to be positive about as can step up. The one downside is that this does not look the strongest renewal of a race has thrown up some super novices in the past including last season’s winner Backspin. But keep him as a positive I would say. Second home was Amron Lad who made most but was not always fluent. However this was his debut and I think he will win as will learn from this. One to add to the positive list. Third was Billy Merriott who was staying on very nicely and looks to need a return to a longer distance or being raced at a stiffer track. Fourth home and subject to an enquiry was Cousin Khee who looks a very difficult ride and once he had made an error late on was eased down as a consequence of which was caught for minor honours. Ballyclough did not suit the track and after being hampered when swerving to avoid a faller four out and was caught out by the change in pace. I had seen him win a Haydock bumper in good style earlier in the year and then he follow up in a Folkestone novice so I was a bit disappointed in his effort today. He does though have the ability to win again on the right type of track. That is ideally a flat gallop such as Newbury. A positive from this race was the strongly staying on Orangeaday. He was a bit ponderous early but once he got into the swing of it he hurdled fine and looks the sort to now go on and win over 2m4 plus. I had seen him run well behind Sizing India in a Ludlow bumper and had him as a positive going forward. Needs much longer distances and is very nicely bred with the very good indeed Anzum one of the luminaries. Keep an eye on him when tried over much further as is coming on very nicely.
Race 5 was the feature race of the afternoon being a class 3 handicap hurdle over three miles which was run at a good strong pace. It was won by Dais Return despite an error at the last. Second was Devotion To Duty who stayed on well and maybe this will encourage a more positive approach to riding him in the future as clearly stays OK. Third home was Cloudy Too who yet again blundered away good position as he was clearly second best on the day but threw that position away by a mistake at the last hurdle. The one to watch out for going forwards was top weight Aachen trained by Venitia Williams. He was previously owned by Harry Findlay and was laid out for the County Hurdle a couple of years ago. He was very useful in France including when only beaten around a length in listed company. He then run up a hat-trick of novice hurdle victories in the mud. Rather than go the supreme route the connections dabbled with the county but 142 was a bit high. However he was still punted hard and as such there must have been a view that he was of this level of ability. Now down to 128 you have to conclude that he is on a decent mark ready for a pop at something. He ran well in the Coral last year and another run in that may be on the cards. He is suited by stiff tracks in my book as has run OK at Cheltenham and his best run today was in the mud at Towcester.
Race 6 was a class 5 handicap hurdle over 2m1 for conditional jockeys. It was won by Lee Edwards on board Share Option. He was held up in midfield and produced from four out. Came through smoothly to lead on the run in despite an error two out. Calm and noteworthy ride by the jockey. He has not had as many chances over fences as I would have thought his talent suggests. His 93 mark is pretty low in truth and I would not have thought this would escape the assessors’ attention and as such I would not give him much chance next run. Because this was a dreadful race of its type. He rates a negative going forward. Second was Pampelonne who looked all over the winner over the last but landed all wrong and lost any momentum and was caught on the line. This would have given Kielan Woods a double on the day. The mare was a touch unlucky but has temperament issues and is prone to errors. Do not over estimate this run as was a very modest event and she constitutes a lay even if pitched with her own sex. Third and staying on to very good effect was Santo Thomas. Again this one had run so poorly in the recent past that it is logical to conclude that this was not a good race at all so any thought that this staying on third constitutes a positive over say 2m4 must be banished from your minds.
Race 7 was a 2m1 bumper. It was run at not too bad a clip for a bumper so the form might well turn out to be reasonable. It was won by the hot 4/6 favourite Nelsons Bridge who was in truth pretty impressive. Whilst he is capable of carrying a penalty I will have him as a positive more in mind of his future efforts over hurdles. Looks a fair sort when he hurdles in the future and his pedigree all round gives optimism especially over 2m4. The other positive from this bumper was the tenderly ridden third home Dorset Naga is very closely related to festival bumper winner Mucklemeg and raced as if the experience would put him spot on next time out. This was no easy introduction and I expect him to follow up and win. He outstayed the more experienced Islandmagee when coming home so a stiffer track might be an idea. Islandmagee had run well in a decent bumper at Punchestown ahead of being bought for a lot of money.
Notebook
Ultimate (P)
Skint (N)
Quincy Des Pictons (N)
Jeanry (P)
Dermatologiste (N)
Magnifique Etoile (P)
Oranegaday (P)
Amron Lad (P)
Aachen (P)
Share Option (N)
Pampelonne (N)
Dorset Naga (P)
Nelsons Bridge
29 Jan 13
12 Jan 12
06 Jan 12
03 Jan 12
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A Grumpy Quarryman's Trip to the Races
Aintree 3rd December 2011 Very Soft
10 Dec 11 23:33
The awful weather did not detract from a great day’s racing at this radically improved course. It is deservedly now one of the very best racetracks in the country to visit. I was impressed all round today and with only Bangor to visit for the North, Aintree is very much on the shortlist for my award.
So how does Aintree they stack up today in my other categories and can they pick up some of the prestigious gongs going about. The paddock is situated a bit too far from the stands really but is a nice tranquil setting. No trees visible though so no chance of picking up silverware as the race enters its final stages Plumpton looks to have this right in their sweaty Germans. The stands have been all renovated and they look brilliant. The Earl Of Derby and Lord Sefton stands with their head on down the straight vista, proximity to the national start and flanking the walkway to the winner’s enclosure make this the perfect position to be in if you want to get here for the really big meeting in April. The old County Stand retains its open top terrace and is a super old building enabling Aintree to retain its heritage. The new Princess Royal stand has several concourses and a nice lounge with access to a balcony overlooking the last furlong and The Chair.
Enclosures were not demarcated today and I am not sure if I was entitled to but I didn’t find anywhere bar some pre-booked restaurants or some hospitality specific boxes anywhere off limits. This made it a great day with none of the fussing around that some tracks love to perpetuate. Stand names are to be honest pretty safe and based around upper crust aficionados of the game so no prizes for making me enquire ‘what’s that all about?’
Architecture is a strong suit here. Either the modern structures or the old fashion County would be good examples. However the old winner’s enclosure / weighing room is the centre of much Grand National folklaw. It could have been washed away in the tide of modernisation when it was re positioned and the area turned into hardcourt for burger vans. But instead it has been turned into the Winners’ Bar. It retained all the facade of the previous building and is a feature which looks sympathetic to my eye. This puts it right up there with Ripon for my category award.
Artefacts abound, there are a few dotted around however the one that takes the eye most is the statue of Red Rum. It is first of all a decent bronze on a nice plinth. What sets it apart from other horse tributes is the fact that it is in a very nice quite lawn where you can have a bit of peace and quiet. So I liked this more than most I have seen. However for impact I still have Goodwood’s bizarre head as leader with only two courses left to visit.
Red Rum
Aintree is exactly where the course is and as it is also called Liverpool in some papers the name could not be more descriptive of its location. It is dead easy to find being motorway almost to the Ormskirk Road. It has great public transport links including a railway station just across the way. There are no excuses in using your car and I strongly urge you to consider using public transport if you intend to come to the Grand National meeting. The entrance to the course is OK nothing too out of the ordinary but not dowdy. In the past I have struggled to get anywhere near Aintree for parking but today there was access to the free parking by the second last. This made for a short walk to the entrance. I thought this would be Aintree’s Achilles Heel but not at all. The food and drink available was very good. I had a turkey casserole and mash for less than £4 and it was hot and very tasty with plenty of meat. The burger van foot was substantial and the burgers had thick beef in them. The cup of tea was OK and at least you had real milk on offer, could have been hotter and stronger though. So all in all pretty good effort on the food and drink front.
There were no water features that I could see. The communication was OK in terms of the PA but the racecard was a bit pricey at £3 for what it was. The Freemans consists of the fact that the free car park gets you alongside the final hurdle and the last two fences so this looks a positive chance. However this car park is not accessible from what I can see during the big meeting so don’t bank on it. Value for money was the name of the game today though on a day when we had high levels of quality racing the track had £12 entry for OAPs, £23 food drink and entry for general public and concessions on food for kids. This was a great day out and one of the best value packages I have had during the entire odyssey. Well done Aintree. The state of the going was very soft due to the rain we had in the North West during the past couple of days. However it was the strong headwind which I think contributed as much as anything else to the tiring of horses coming home
My first visit to Aintree was back in 1988 for the Friday of the Grand National meeting. It was chaos from the start. First off we parked our car in an official area but it was surrounded with demolition debris. A gang of teenage scallies were leaping about from slab to slab like ETA rebels in that film set in the Pyrenees I remember seeing years ago. They then enquired as to whether we wished to take advantage of a discount offer they were currently running for their highly recommended vehicle insurance policy. We declined on the basis that the premium was too high and if any car in the car park was going to have its contents liberated and subsequent wealth redistributed it was highly likely to be the adjacent BMW than a beaten up old Fiesta. However we wished them much like and commended them on their marketing plan as well as their clear entrepreneurial spirit of the like we had experienced in this fine old port city on many earlier occasions. In fact on one vividly recalled encounter where similar minded businessmen unwittingly damaged said vehicle they we rebuffed with a good old cuff round the Swedes which seriously affected their future reproductive potential. With that we sallied forth with their very best wishes ringing in our ears in the way only the abominable scouse high pitched whiney wingey twang can effect. If only Adolf had secured this asset I am sure his scientists could have produced the first sonic based neutron bomb.
But there was worse or better dependent upon your viewpoint. The main grandstand was rammed and the throng were clearly as much there for the ale as the racing. Towards the end of the day just before the closing bumper event’s **** fell I wished to relieve the old bladder. I saw a long snaking queue and enquired as to whether this was for the urinals. I was informed that indeed it was. Getting closer to the end of the queue I could not believe what I was seeing. The said urinal was a rubbish bin and one that was none too water-tight as the seeping film of frothy putrid liquid bared witness to. The saving grace was that I didn’t witness one of the Liver Birds extending the rip in the crotch of her tights before straddling said bin. I dare say on the basis of this sort of free spirit the award of City of Culture was rightly bestowed.
However I have been here plenty of times since and when I have got in have enjoyed it immensely. There is never a dull meeting here. I have been here when I couldn’t find anywhere to park and had to go back home, I have been here when there were no cash entries and had to watch from a freemans zone near the Melling Road, I have had the excitement of wheeling a pushchair attempting to get to the enclosures when suddenly the runners for the Foxhunters whizzed passed barely two foot away. When things work well here they work brilliant. There used to be a great park and ride from a schoolyard which took you to the entry down the back straight. It was perfect and made the travel and getting in absolutely great. I used that several times. This year expecting the same I was astonished to see it was no longer running and severely upset my plans.
Most working class kids’ introduction to horseracing in the sixties and seventies was the one live horse race which captured the imagination, The Grand National. There are so many urban myths and preconceptions around the event and the course that despite years going racing I always shied away from Aintree. The first time I went was back in 1986 visiting the track with my brother and sister-in-law. We never got in! The second time was in 1988 when I went up to Liverpool with a friend from Wimbledon Greyhound track and what an education ladies day at Aintree proved to be. I have since gone twice and grown to enjoy the day although I haven’t ventured on the big day yet and maybe I will one day.
I know Mouse Morris has tried some of his best chasers here in the past and I have wondered why the great chaser Buck House didn’t run at Aintree in such as The Melling Chase. Buck House was unfortunate to be around in the same era as that great Mare Dawn Run. However on good ground and two miles I think he would have the measure of any of the time. I followed his career avidly from the time I was told he was nailed on for the Supreme in 1983. This is the traditional Irish banker race to kick off the festival and friends from always had told me that this was highly thought of, certain to be the best of the Irish and that the general consensus in Ireland was that the British novice hurdlers of the day were at least a stone behind the Irish. He was then a good fourth in the 1984 Champion Hurdle behind Dawn Run when he looked the only danger coming down the hill over the second last. He then turned his attention to chasing finishing second to Boreen prince in the 1985 Arkle. His big day at Cheltenham arrived in the Champion Chase in 1986 when winning under Tommy Carberry. He then went down by only two lengths in a match against that great tough mare Dawn Run. Within a couple of months of that race the great horse succumbed to colic
An excellent celebration of 150 years of Grand National history was written by Anne Holland in 1988. The first point of reference is the fact that **** Francis alongside Lord Derby and John Smith (Liverpool Football Club chairman at the time) were the trustees when the Aintree course was saved from house developers in 1983. However the whole episode that was Devon Loch is the one to which marks out Francis’ career despite being champion national hunt jockey in the 1953/54 season. There is plenty of speculation over Devon Loch and Holland’s book does a fine job of summarising the possible causes without falling into the trap of opinion.
It is well worthwhile looking through the detailed essays in Timeform related to each year’s Grand National winners to get a flavour of how the debate around the race has bit by bit sanitised the event. In a time where prevention of animal cruelty has been a significant urban intelligentsia (term used with no comment by author) crusade, we have seen some big changes. I recall in the punk rock era of the late 1970s and early 1980s a growth in political activism. Action Directe in France was a radical organisation with anarchistic tendancies and the clarion call of Generation X was Vive L’anarchie. In fact the Sex Pistols seminal piece of art ‘Anarchy in the UK’ was also released as an idiosyncratic French version. In those times the animal liberation type movements were particularly aimed at vivisection which always seemed a bit brutal to the softer suburban cat owning types. However the whole animal rights movement morphed into an increasingly detached from reality pressure entity by the turn of the millennium. This pressure has led to the ban on coursing and hunting with hounds. Coursing still carries on in Ireland with hounds in muzzles. What amazes people when they bother to find out a bit more about the sport is that coursing does not encourage the hounds to catch the hare. In fact the very opposite is true a kill is viewed as completely unnecessary and the slipper applies constraint in terms of the hares to be chased. Rules exist to ensure a hare is only let loose up the course once per meeting to prevent injury affecting its performance. The county sports community has been poor at defending itself and this has led to the demise of centuries of tradition. This slow erosion of culture is a social problem. As the adage suggests a community without a past has no future. For example without national hunt racing and the Grand National wouldn’t our culture in these islands become a bit more eroded? When you consider the numbers watching on telly after having their annual punt, removal of this little piece of what unites surely helps loosens the cement that provides the essence of society?
I was at Aintree in 2005. That year Ginger McCain was signing his autobiography ‘My Colourful Life’. My wife has pregnant and queued for about quarter an hour with our eldest son who was two at the time. When they got to meet McCain he said ‘you’re a handsome lad’ then looking up at my wife and still talking to my son ‘ bet your dad’s good looking!’ You just knew from that leg pull that Ginger’s book would be in keeping with his character. It is a good read.
The Racing
Race 1 was a class 4 maiden hurdle over 17 furlongs. The pace was not that strong and they only really got racing as they came into the straight. It was won by the McCain trained Cinders and Ashes. He is usually a front running sort and again raced prominently today. Hurdled well in the main although has been prone to the odd blunder in the past. Used his strong resolution to outstay Keys in the prevailing conditions. Based on his run in the two top bumpers last year may need time to recover from races so that needs to be taken into account going forward. Looks a top class novice in the making. Keys finished second which was a fair effort at his debut over hurdles. Made a couple of less than fluent jumps. Unbeaten in bumpers last year and looked a live bet for the champion bumper but by-passed that event. Kept busy on the flat since with wins at Newbury and Ascot (class 2 handicap) before being unplaced in Cesarewitch (was over a stone up on handicap entry point). Form took turn for the better when blinkers applied. Maybe he needs to have them applied over the sticks. Ile De Re is an interesting recruit being from a family which has produced useful jumpers such as Markila. Won the stayers event during Ascot’s recent Shergar Cup which indicates plenty of potential however the trip today was always likely to be too short. He hurdled well in the main being in third place just off the pace for much. Never really asked for a serious effort and not given a rough ride once it was clear he was going to be third best. The front three were not eally challenged at all today and were a hurdle clear by the end. Very interesting one to keep an eye on and comes out of this as a positive with a win expected if racing over further than this two mile or if placed to race on a stiffer track. Going through the rest Magic Cat based on flat form this sprint bred mudlark might find staying two miles a problem. One of the lesser lights I would say and may well struggle to pick up even modest events. High Office is an ex flat racer who has won twice at Musselburgh and best win was a class 3 at Yarmouth. Not won since April but was not disgraced when 4th last time out at Ayr in Sept. Pedigree gives little hint at jumping promise and was a well beaten fourth today. Raced too keenly for his own good. Manahej was ex Godolphin but looks of limited promise based on debut defeat at Hexham. Well out of his depth today tried to make all but folded tamely before three out, blundered there and was soon pulled up. Pravda Street showed plenty of potential when fifth on debut at Bangor. Travelled well and sure to go from that run. The trip and track today was expected to help offset the stamina limitations which his flat form hints at but to be honest two miles rather than 17f would have been a bit more of a positive towards his chances. Folded when the tempo increased and looks moderate. Has a tendency to jump out to his right. Tropenfeuer showed no promise at all on debut, was moderate on the flat in Germany and her 66/1 SP at Haydock indicates little confidence during schooling. Was never a factor at all today and looks hopeless. Mahfal is an interesting one as surely there would be easier pickings amongst the juvenile fraternity? Very encouraging debut at Hexham against his peers when given an easy to finish fifth. Not completely useless on the sand this summer but this was a step too far today.
Ile De Re goes well as they pass the stands first time in third place
Race 2 was a handicap hurdle class 2 over two and a half miles. This was raced at a strong pace given the conditions. It was won in the style of a very useful handicapper. Featherbed Lane was an expensive recent purchase and now with the Hobbs stable. Looked in great nick last time out, resolute sort who needs a bit of cut and stays this trip well. He again looked a picture and powered home for a comfortable victory. He finished the best of any of today’s winners relishing the going. A big improver and at only six is a positive. Second home was Reindeer Dipping who ran well but was beaten by a strong improver and as such was not disgraced at all. He has run very well here in the past over this trip when second during the big meeting. Has run the odd disinterested race in the past so temperament may not be that great although raced fine today. Not given a hard race last time out over too far a trip as 20f is optimal. His current mark of 132 is fair on the best of his form and this is a rack he done well at. His wins have come on flat circuits but generally those of a galloping rather than sharp nature so perhaps a run at say Haydock might be worth considering. Third home and beaten comprehensively was Palace Jester. He is a mudlark and as his form is in and out depending on the ground conditions met it is difficult to work out how well he was treated today. He had previously won with ease in Wales last run and as such continues to interest. However he has gone up about a stone for that win and as good a run as his Ffos win was this was always likely to be a tricky handicap mark against some improvers. His chasing career was short-lived due to poor jumping ability and he is where he should be ie hurdling. Spirit Of Adjisa did well novice hurdling last year and ended up winning a big one at Punchestown when improving by about a stone on what had been seen before. Not always entirely fluent in the past and jumping let him down a lot today. His flat pipeopener in July was not that great. I think his Irish win has been a little over done and his OR of 145 may anchor him first time against more seasoned hurdlers. Alfie Sherrin looked interesting now back over the smaller obstacles. He was a progressive sort and was made very short for the Pertemps at Cheltenham in 2010. Doesn’t stand a lot of racing and needs to be fresh. Was tried chasing last year with some success and promise. Ran very moderately today. Wyse Tea Bags is a strong front runner who has a very good attitude, has won here as well as at other similar tight flat tracks, suits a bit of cut and ideally suit by 2m4 and a bit more perhaps. Was a big positive on reappearance where he was hampered slightly by the winner coming home. Goes well for Richie McGrath and appeared to be on the upgrade with a potentially winning mark today. However was never really travelling today. Initailly the view was that the going was against him, but because he was hopelessly beaten it may well be something went amiss (reported lated to have scoped badly after the race). Rudanphast’s big problems in the past have been that he is anything other than a fluent hurdler and has had health issues. On balance he is probably unsuited by testing ground. Today’s effort confirmed those views. Fifth home and beaten before the straight was Cotillion. He was previously an encouraging third on handicap debut when it has been suggested that was left far too much to do by his inexperienced jockey in a conditionals event. On the balance sheet though is the fact that his one win at Uttoxeter was pretty workmanlike when looking thrown in and he may well be one that flatters a bit. Fourth and thrashed was Dontpaytheferryman previously Beat Pokfulham (a Musselburgh standing dish). However that win was 7lbs less than today’s mark and his recent runs over hurdles and on the flat suggest that he is having some problems. A tongue strap has been fitted in the past which makes you suspect a bit of a breathing issue going on. Sam Lord looks more a chaser on his form but on more than one occasion his resolution looked doubtful. Hawaii Klass is not badly treated but needs much further than this and off 119 can run well again once tried over three miles. However his hurdling lacked fluency and I am not convinced he is that suited by the mud.
Early stages with Palace Jester(green/yellow/white) cutting out the pace
The excellent Featherbed Lane pulls well clear to win as he likes
Race 3 was a handicap hurdle class 4 for novices over two and a half miles. This was run at a fairly steady gallop taking into account the testing conditions. The race developed into a duel as the leading pair pulled well clear of the rest of the field. It was won by Native Gallery who continued his recent progress with a gutsy slog home. Previous victories at Uttoxeter and Fakenham had given the impression that he would be suited by further than this trip and remains likely to be seen to best advantage over fences. I think his Uttoxeter win showed some improvement which he continued today and he looks a live one to continue to improve over 22f plus. I had previously seen runner up Red Rocco in a couple of bumpers in the spring and he always looked a fair hurdling type suited by at least this 20f but in reality I felt he needs further. He ran very well today staying on at the one pace finishing clear of the remainder and although improving I will leave him until tested further. The remainder were hopelessly thrashed today. Wadden Prince was bought over from Ireland after picking a solitary win in the Rosscommon stewards room. Promising Cheltenham GB debut when looking short of a run. However in the past has given the impression that 2m4 stretched his stamina and as a keen type may not benefit from this trip as unlikely to be held up. In the circumstances ran in snatches probably because held up to protect stamina so could run better on good ground where his jockey can allow him to race more prominently. Roper is still a maiden and failed to complete last two efforts. He had been promising on first couple of runs and had looked suited to this trip however he was never sited as a factor at any time today. His conformation suggests that he will be better over fences and might be less than nimble over hurdles. Not a likely hurdling giant but could be better suited jumping fences. Silicium is well connected to another element Radium. Both hurdle efforts to date had positives about them and this distance on perfectly decent ground was expected to have shown that he is well treated off the current mark of 115. What A Warrior is closely related to Joes Edge suggesting that this trip will be too sharp especially at this tight track. Not badly weighted on the pick of his form but has failed to travel well in the past and may be a bit of an in and out sort. Not irresolute but may be a bit inconsistent. His run today to finish a plodding on remote fourth confirms impression that he will be better suited by further. Croan Rock is an improver although looks more a chaser in time. Didn’t run badly when third at Kempton and then followed up with a better run over this trip at Uttoxeter. However the race was unsatisfactory in terms of pace and how easily he was overhauled. The run today showed he is not suited by a true test of stamina over this trip. Hes A Hawker is a summer jumper well exposed and gave the impression that he was unlikely to do much in this class today. Ran as if something not quite right last time out in August. Hopelessly tailed off around halfway. Mabel Tasman bust pelvis and was off all last season. Shaped with a lot of potential when given an easy on hurdling debut and then ran a good second over 22f where her stamina was probably near break point. A drop to 20f today and handicapping for the first time put her shortlist in with a shout but was soon beaten and pulled up. This was far too much a test of her limited stamina. Comeragh King showed more improvement on his third hurdling effort with a somewhat unlucky second at Wetherby. Is on a fair handicap mark and stays this 20f if conditions are not too testing. Was held up an making progress when a blunder three out knocked the stuffing out of him and he came home in his own time. He could have finished a lot closer and may well pop in soon decent ground. High Hoylander has had plenty of efforts over hurdles but is now beginning to show signs of improvement this winter. His hurdling had been a bit iffy in the past but the two recent runs have been fluent. Made a lot of use today and blew up quickly to finish a remote third. Not a total disaster. Saint Luke is returning to a better trip after two flops over three miles. Has proven better in the past with a gap between runs and as he had a tough race less than a month ago I would have that as a bit of a negative to his chances. In the circumstances ran no kind of race today. If fresh is likely to show significant improvement on this run. What A Steel appears exposed off current mark and ran poorly.
Red Rocco (yellow cap) prominent throughout ran a very promising race
Native Gallery asserts in a good tussle as the leading pair have pulled well clear
Race 4 was a mares bumper over 2m1 set at class 6 level. Like most bumpers it was slow for the first mile and especially true in today’s draining conditions that made a lot of sense. It was won with a resolute performance leading from approaching 3f out in testing conditions by Russies with Love. This is a nicely bred mare with connections to useful hurdlers and closely related to a French Derby fourth. This was improved form and continues the progress made on most recent second at Exeter. This could prove to be a decent mares event so in the right race she could well defy penalty. Her attitude gives view that she will make her mark over hurdles especially over 2m4 plus. Promising. Second home and the eyecatcher was Bonnie Burnett who was held up before making smooth progress to hold every chance at the furlong stick. Was outstayed by the winner which in the long term is likely to be viewed as a sound debut. I think she will win on decent ground, has a bit of a turn off foot which with falsely run bumpers being the norm will play right into her hands. Looking at her pedigree you have to say why is her first run in a bumper when there are July Cup winners in the family and listed stakes winners. She can win next time out. Sands Of Vatersay only cost £800 but ran OK on her debut today leading into the straight but then outpaced. Favourite Beattie Green could not reproduce her fair form when winning at Fontwell at the start of the year. Probably set to start hurdling in the new year and pedigree suggests might be better over timber with time. The fancied Sudden Light and Fenney Hill were thrashed and probably were unsuited by the mud. This is especially true for Sudden Light who had looked promising in bumpers run on fastish fround.
Russie With Love returns having won the mares bumper
Race 5 was the Becher Chase a class 1 handicap having listed status run over 3m2 and was run on the national course. It was run at a fair pace given the very soft ground underfoot. This race has produced two recent winners of the Grand National so it is work keeping an eye as this is a reasonable trial for the big one. The changes to the conformation of the fences and they might be safer but they are still a good test. The winner was the previously slightly inconsistent West End Rocker. He could not have run a better trial jumping the fences very well indeed. This was a good renewal and in the circumstances this must be a live option going forward. Second home was Niche Market who has been a very good chaser in his past. Jumped the fences nicely and was not given the hardest race imaginable and although well beaten he had been pulled back off the pace so never really in with a major chance of winning. Is on a good mark and I have him as a positive coming out of this race. Ballyvesey was way out of the race for much of the second circuit but stayed on from way out to just get up for third. He was flattered by this position and I would not be too interested in backing him next run. Always Waning was fourth finishing very tired and was picked up late for the minor place. He had not been fluent for much of the race, was pushed to challenge and I think he will struggle to win if bought out too soon as he had a very hard race today. Rare Bob was prominent for much of the race and still had every chance approaching three out. He weakened quickly but I think the toll of not really taking to these fences finally let to almost finishing at walking pace. Tried his heart out but I would not be backing him if returning to these fences. Of the rest Hello Bud ran very well leading for much and going nicely until error at the Canal Turn and unshipping Sam T-Davies, Swing Bill didn’t seem to like the going, Nicto De Beauchene was prominent for much and ran OK in the circumstances, Shalimar Fromentro is worth a specific mention. Only five (although as a French bred would have been well experienced in jumping) he jumped superbly throughout racing prominently. He just over pitched on landing a smidgen at Becher’s Brook and fell. It was one of those unlucky falls that nine times out of ten a more experienced horse would nod or find a leg. All things considered it would not put anyone off backing him next race and could well develop into a national horse on the basis of this as I think he is not unsuited by these obstacles and finally Another Palm didn’t seem to act on either the going or the unique fences.
Race 6 was the highest quality race of the day being a grade 1 listed chase over three miles. The favourites flip flopped with the weak in the market Nacarat jumping more clumsily than usual and although still in the lead three out and still held every chance at the next quickly folded. My view is that he is on the downgrade now and will find winning very difficult. He emerges as one to lay going forward and thus rates as a negative. The winner was the progressive seven year old Master Of The Hall who was one of last season’s top staying novice chasers having won the Reynoldstown at Ascot by a comfortable six lengths. Today he put up a good round of jumping in the main (couple of minor errors which did little to slow him down). He was produced to lead approaching two out and then ran on well for a very easy win. Difficult to rate this but has plenty of potential. The second home was the in and out performer Tamarinbleu who ran in snatches. Although a top notch chaser capable of giving all bar the very best a good run for their money you never know which one is going to turn up the very good one or the very bad one. Today we had both in the same race.
At an early fence the two principles are still closely matched
Race 7 was the class 2 handicap chase over the nation fences with the distance to be covered of just over 2m5. There were several abortive efforts to get this one off today and whilst I am not saying that there is a competency issue with the starter here it does appear more likely to have a messy start than at other courses. The race was won by ex Arthur Moore trained Stewarts House who was up with the pace throughout, jumped the fences very well indeed and showed great battling attitude to last home in very testing conditions racing into the teeth of a strong wind up the home straight. I liked this horse. It is also worth noting the ride given by Aiden Coleman who nicked the inside on the elbow off Carberry which I think gave at least a length advantage as the runner up had to switch to come wide. On the face of it that was decisive but to be that simplistic misses the point of the winner’s gutsy attitude (Coleman was foound guilty of over use of the hwip). Is in great form at present and whilst his mark of 134 is obviously going to be reassessed, I think he will continue to be a formidable foe in middle distance chases when conditions are stamina sapping. The runner up was one currently trained by Arthur Moore and was heavily gambled on. The Irish raider Linnel made a string of mistakes, including the one over the last, but was only beaten a neck. He can win off this 111 mark but I have doubts as to whether these fences suit him. Third home was Buffalo Bob who was held up for a change (reportedly forced on the jockey by the messy start). He jumped these fences very well indeed once he got over making a bit of a error at The Chair which knocked him on his heels. He slowly but surely got himself into the race. However the front two had established a good lead and Buffalo Bob never really got into a position to challenge them. I thought he had quite an easy race in the circumstances. Clearly acts on soft is on a great mark as down another two pounds and has plenty going for him. In the past there has been evidence that the National can suit two and half milers, he looked to be on a reasonable mark anyway off 124 and he was behind two that were clearly very favourably handicapped. On the basis of all this I have Buffalo Bob as a positive and would be considering the National itself if I was Mr Bailey. Fine Parchment is quite highly tried off 138 and ran OK but I would say the ground wasn’t ideal. Nomecheki folded tamely as if something had gone wrong with him. Santas Son made a lot of the running but was outpaced from about 4 out. The Sawyer got himself into the race and had every chance four out but was held by the time they jumped the next. Got Attitude was prominent but was never jumping that fluently and fell six out. Frankie Fogg pushed the pace and ran and jumped OK. It must have been the ground contributed to his downfall in part. Nikola never really got going. Pilgrim Lane fell at the chair (3rd). Sun Tzu was not up to this class in any case but is a better horse on firm ground. A bit high in the weights off 125. No Panic was soon tailed off. High Jack fell early in the race and never looked at ease over these fences.
As dusk begins to fall so does the hapless Pilgrims Way at The Chair
Notebook
Ile De Re (P)
Featherbed Lane (P)
Bonnie Burnett(P)
Niche Market (P)
Shalimar Fromentro (P)
Nacarat (N)
Buffalo Bob (P)
So how does Aintree they stack up today in my other categories and can they pick up some of the prestigious gongs going about. The paddock is situated a bit too far from the stands really but is a nice tranquil setting. No trees visible though so no chance of picking up silverware as the race enters its final stages Plumpton looks to have this right in their sweaty Germans. The stands have been all renovated and they look brilliant. The Earl Of Derby and Lord Sefton stands with their head on down the straight vista, proximity to the national start and flanking the walkway to the winner’s enclosure make this the perfect position to be in if you want to get here for the really big meeting in April. The old County Stand retains its open top terrace and is a super old building enabling Aintree to retain its heritage. The new Princess Royal stand has several concourses and a nice lounge with access to a balcony overlooking the last furlong and The Chair.
Enclosures were not demarcated today and I am not sure if I was entitled to but I didn’t find anywhere bar some pre-booked restaurants or some hospitality specific boxes anywhere off limits. This made it a great day with none of the fussing around that some tracks love to perpetuate. Stand names are to be honest pretty safe and based around upper crust aficionados of the game so no prizes for making me enquire ‘what’s that all about?’
Architecture is a strong suit here. Either the modern structures or the old fashion County would be good examples. However the old winner’s enclosure / weighing room is the centre of much Grand National folklaw. It could have been washed away in the tide of modernisation when it was re positioned and the area turned into hardcourt for burger vans. But instead it has been turned into the Winners’ Bar. It retained all the facade of the previous building and is a feature which looks sympathetic to my eye. This puts it right up there with Ripon for my category award.
Artefacts abound, there are a few dotted around however the one that takes the eye most is the statue of Red Rum. It is first of all a decent bronze on a nice plinth. What sets it apart from other horse tributes is the fact that it is in a very nice quite lawn where you can have a bit of peace and quiet. So I liked this more than most I have seen. However for impact I still have Goodwood’s bizarre head as leader with only two courses left to visit.
Red Rum
Aintree is exactly where the course is and as it is also called Liverpool in some papers the name could not be more descriptive of its location. It is dead easy to find being motorway almost to the Ormskirk Road. It has great public transport links including a railway station just across the way. There are no excuses in using your car and I strongly urge you to consider using public transport if you intend to come to the Grand National meeting. The entrance to the course is OK nothing too out of the ordinary but not dowdy. In the past I have struggled to get anywhere near Aintree for parking but today there was access to the free parking by the second last. This made for a short walk to the entrance. I thought this would be Aintree’s Achilles Heel but not at all. The food and drink available was very good. I had a turkey casserole and mash for less than £4 and it was hot and very tasty with plenty of meat. The burger van foot was substantial and the burgers had thick beef in them. The cup of tea was OK and at least you had real milk on offer, could have been hotter and stronger though. So all in all pretty good effort on the food and drink front.
There were no water features that I could see. The communication was OK in terms of the PA but the racecard was a bit pricey at £3 for what it was. The Freemans consists of the fact that the free car park gets you alongside the final hurdle and the last two fences so this looks a positive chance. However this car park is not accessible from what I can see during the big meeting so don’t bank on it. Value for money was the name of the game today though on a day when we had high levels of quality racing the track had £12 entry for OAPs, £23 food drink and entry for general public and concessions on food for kids. This was a great day out and one of the best value packages I have had during the entire odyssey. Well done Aintree. The state of the going was very soft due to the rain we had in the North West during the past couple of days. However it was the strong headwind which I think contributed as much as anything else to the tiring of horses coming home
My first visit to Aintree was back in 1988 for the Friday of the Grand National meeting. It was chaos from the start. First off we parked our car in an official area but it was surrounded with demolition debris. A gang of teenage scallies were leaping about from slab to slab like ETA rebels in that film set in the Pyrenees I remember seeing years ago. They then enquired as to whether we wished to take advantage of a discount offer they were currently running for their highly recommended vehicle insurance policy. We declined on the basis that the premium was too high and if any car in the car park was going to have its contents liberated and subsequent wealth redistributed it was highly likely to be the adjacent BMW than a beaten up old Fiesta. However we wished them much like and commended them on their marketing plan as well as their clear entrepreneurial spirit of the like we had experienced in this fine old port city on many earlier occasions. In fact on one vividly recalled encounter where similar minded businessmen unwittingly damaged said vehicle they we rebuffed with a good old cuff round the Swedes which seriously affected their future reproductive potential. With that we sallied forth with their very best wishes ringing in our ears in the way only the abominable scouse high pitched whiney wingey twang can effect. If only Adolf had secured this asset I am sure his scientists could have produced the first sonic based neutron bomb.
But there was worse or better dependent upon your viewpoint. The main grandstand was rammed and the throng were clearly as much there for the ale as the racing. Towards the end of the day just before the closing bumper event’s **** fell I wished to relieve the old bladder. I saw a long snaking queue and enquired as to whether this was for the urinals. I was informed that indeed it was. Getting closer to the end of the queue I could not believe what I was seeing. The said urinal was a rubbish bin and one that was none too water-tight as the seeping film of frothy putrid liquid bared witness to. The saving grace was that I didn’t witness one of the Liver Birds extending the rip in the crotch of her tights before straddling said bin. I dare say on the basis of this sort of free spirit the award of City of Culture was rightly bestowed.
However I have been here plenty of times since and when I have got in have enjoyed it immensely. There is never a dull meeting here. I have been here when I couldn’t find anywhere to park and had to go back home, I have been here when there were no cash entries and had to watch from a freemans zone near the Melling Road, I have had the excitement of wheeling a pushchair attempting to get to the enclosures when suddenly the runners for the Foxhunters whizzed passed barely two foot away. When things work well here they work brilliant. There used to be a great park and ride from a schoolyard which took you to the entry down the back straight. It was perfect and made the travel and getting in absolutely great. I used that several times. This year expecting the same I was astonished to see it was no longer running and severely upset my plans.
Most working class kids’ introduction to horseracing in the sixties and seventies was the one live horse race which captured the imagination, The Grand National. There are so many urban myths and preconceptions around the event and the course that despite years going racing I always shied away from Aintree. The first time I went was back in 1986 visiting the track with my brother and sister-in-law. We never got in! The second time was in 1988 when I went up to Liverpool with a friend from Wimbledon Greyhound track and what an education ladies day at Aintree proved to be. I have since gone twice and grown to enjoy the day although I haven’t ventured on the big day yet and maybe I will one day.
I know Mouse Morris has tried some of his best chasers here in the past and I have wondered why the great chaser Buck House didn’t run at Aintree in such as The Melling Chase. Buck House was unfortunate to be around in the same era as that great Mare Dawn Run. However on good ground and two miles I think he would have the measure of any of the time. I followed his career avidly from the time I was told he was nailed on for the Supreme in 1983. This is the traditional Irish banker race to kick off the festival and friends from always had told me that this was highly thought of, certain to be the best of the Irish and that the general consensus in Ireland was that the British novice hurdlers of the day were at least a stone behind the Irish. He was then a good fourth in the 1984 Champion Hurdle behind Dawn Run when he looked the only danger coming down the hill over the second last. He then turned his attention to chasing finishing second to Boreen prince in the 1985 Arkle. His big day at Cheltenham arrived in the Champion Chase in 1986 when winning under Tommy Carberry. He then went down by only two lengths in a match against that great tough mare Dawn Run. Within a couple of months of that race the great horse succumbed to colic
An excellent celebration of 150 years of Grand National history was written by Anne Holland in 1988. The first point of reference is the fact that **** Francis alongside Lord Derby and John Smith (Liverpool Football Club chairman at the time) were the trustees when the Aintree course was saved from house developers in 1983. However the whole episode that was Devon Loch is the one to which marks out Francis’ career despite being champion national hunt jockey in the 1953/54 season. There is plenty of speculation over Devon Loch and Holland’s book does a fine job of summarising the possible causes without falling into the trap of opinion.
It is well worthwhile looking through the detailed essays in Timeform related to each year’s Grand National winners to get a flavour of how the debate around the race has bit by bit sanitised the event. In a time where prevention of animal cruelty has been a significant urban intelligentsia (term used with no comment by author) crusade, we have seen some big changes. I recall in the punk rock era of the late 1970s and early 1980s a growth in political activism. Action Directe in France was a radical organisation with anarchistic tendancies and the clarion call of Generation X was Vive L’anarchie. In fact the Sex Pistols seminal piece of art ‘Anarchy in the UK’ was also released as an idiosyncratic French version. In those times the animal liberation type movements were particularly aimed at vivisection which always seemed a bit brutal to the softer suburban cat owning types. However the whole animal rights movement morphed into an increasingly detached from reality pressure entity by the turn of the millennium. This pressure has led to the ban on coursing and hunting with hounds. Coursing still carries on in Ireland with hounds in muzzles. What amazes people when they bother to find out a bit more about the sport is that coursing does not encourage the hounds to catch the hare. In fact the very opposite is true a kill is viewed as completely unnecessary and the slipper applies constraint in terms of the hares to be chased. Rules exist to ensure a hare is only let loose up the course once per meeting to prevent injury affecting its performance. The county sports community has been poor at defending itself and this has led to the demise of centuries of tradition. This slow erosion of culture is a social problem. As the adage suggests a community without a past has no future. For example without national hunt racing and the Grand National wouldn’t our culture in these islands become a bit more eroded? When you consider the numbers watching on telly after having their annual punt, removal of this little piece of what unites surely helps loosens the cement that provides the essence of society?
I was at Aintree in 2005. That year Ginger McCain was signing his autobiography ‘My Colourful Life’. My wife has pregnant and queued for about quarter an hour with our eldest son who was two at the time. When they got to meet McCain he said ‘you’re a handsome lad’ then looking up at my wife and still talking to my son ‘ bet your dad’s good looking!’ You just knew from that leg pull that Ginger’s book would be in keeping with his character. It is a good read.
The Racing
Race 1 was a class 4 maiden hurdle over 17 furlongs. The pace was not that strong and they only really got racing as they came into the straight. It was won by the McCain trained Cinders and Ashes. He is usually a front running sort and again raced prominently today. Hurdled well in the main although has been prone to the odd blunder in the past. Used his strong resolution to outstay Keys in the prevailing conditions. Based on his run in the two top bumpers last year may need time to recover from races so that needs to be taken into account going forward. Looks a top class novice in the making. Keys finished second which was a fair effort at his debut over hurdles. Made a couple of less than fluent jumps. Unbeaten in bumpers last year and looked a live bet for the champion bumper but by-passed that event. Kept busy on the flat since with wins at Newbury and Ascot (class 2 handicap) before being unplaced in Cesarewitch (was over a stone up on handicap entry point). Form took turn for the better when blinkers applied. Maybe he needs to have them applied over the sticks. Ile De Re is an interesting recruit being from a family which has produced useful jumpers such as Markila. Won the stayers event during Ascot’s recent Shergar Cup which indicates plenty of potential however the trip today was always likely to be too short. He hurdled well in the main being in third place just off the pace for much. Never really asked for a serious effort and not given a rough ride once it was clear he was going to be third best. The front three were not eally challenged at all today and were a hurdle clear by the end. Very interesting one to keep an eye on and comes out of this as a positive with a win expected if racing over further than this two mile or if placed to race on a stiffer track. Going through the rest Magic Cat based on flat form this sprint bred mudlark might find staying two miles a problem. One of the lesser lights I would say and may well struggle to pick up even modest events. High Office is an ex flat racer who has won twice at Musselburgh and best win was a class 3 at Yarmouth. Not won since April but was not disgraced when 4th last time out at Ayr in Sept. Pedigree gives little hint at jumping promise and was a well beaten fourth today. Raced too keenly for his own good. Manahej was ex Godolphin but looks of limited promise based on debut defeat at Hexham. Well out of his depth today tried to make all but folded tamely before three out, blundered there and was soon pulled up. Pravda Street showed plenty of potential when fifth on debut at Bangor. Travelled well and sure to go from that run. The trip and track today was expected to help offset the stamina limitations which his flat form hints at but to be honest two miles rather than 17f would have been a bit more of a positive towards his chances. Folded when the tempo increased and looks moderate. Has a tendency to jump out to his right. Tropenfeuer showed no promise at all on debut, was moderate on the flat in Germany and her 66/1 SP at Haydock indicates little confidence during schooling. Was never a factor at all today and looks hopeless. Mahfal is an interesting one as surely there would be easier pickings amongst the juvenile fraternity? Very encouraging debut at Hexham against his peers when given an easy to finish fifth. Not completely useless on the sand this summer but this was a step too far today.
Ile De Re goes well as they pass the stands first time in third place
Race 2 was a handicap hurdle class 2 over two and a half miles. This was raced at a strong pace given the conditions. It was won in the style of a very useful handicapper. Featherbed Lane was an expensive recent purchase and now with the Hobbs stable. Looked in great nick last time out, resolute sort who needs a bit of cut and stays this trip well. He again looked a picture and powered home for a comfortable victory. He finished the best of any of today’s winners relishing the going. A big improver and at only six is a positive. Second home was Reindeer Dipping who ran well but was beaten by a strong improver and as such was not disgraced at all. He has run very well here in the past over this trip when second during the big meeting. Has run the odd disinterested race in the past so temperament may not be that great although raced fine today. Not given a hard race last time out over too far a trip as 20f is optimal. His current mark of 132 is fair on the best of his form and this is a rack he done well at. His wins have come on flat circuits but generally those of a galloping rather than sharp nature so perhaps a run at say Haydock might be worth considering. Third home and beaten comprehensively was Palace Jester. He is a mudlark and as his form is in and out depending on the ground conditions met it is difficult to work out how well he was treated today. He had previously won with ease in Wales last run and as such continues to interest. However he has gone up about a stone for that win and as good a run as his Ffos win was this was always likely to be a tricky handicap mark against some improvers. His chasing career was short-lived due to poor jumping ability and he is where he should be ie hurdling. Spirit Of Adjisa did well novice hurdling last year and ended up winning a big one at Punchestown when improving by about a stone on what had been seen before. Not always entirely fluent in the past and jumping let him down a lot today. His flat pipeopener in July was not that great. I think his Irish win has been a little over done and his OR of 145 may anchor him first time against more seasoned hurdlers. Alfie Sherrin looked interesting now back over the smaller obstacles. He was a progressive sort and was made very short for the Pertemps at Cheltenham in 2010. Doesn’t stand a lot of racing and needs to be fresh. Was tried chasing last year with some success and promise. Ran very moderately today. Wyse Tea Bags is a strong front runner who has a very good attitude, has won here as well as at other similar tight flat tracks, suits a bit of cut and ideally suit by 2m4 and a bit more perhaps. Was a big positive on reappearance where he was hampered slightly by the winner coming home. Goes well for Richie McGrath and appeared to be on the upgrade with a potentially winning mark today. However was never really travelling today. Initailly the view was that the going was against him, but because he was hopelessly beaten it may well be something went amiss (reported lated to have scoped badly after the race). Rudanphast’s big problems in the past have been that he is anything other than a fluent hurdler and has had health issues. On balance he is probably unsuited by testing ground. Today’s effort confirmed those views. Fifth home and beaten before the straight was Cotillion. He was previously an encouraging third on handicap debut when it has been suggested that was left far too much to do by his inexperienced jockey in a conditionals event. On the balance sheet though is the fact that his one win at Uttoxeter was pretty workmanlike when looking thrown in and he may well be one that flatters a bit. Fourth and thrashed was Dontpaytheferryman previously Beat Pokfulham (a Musselburgh standing dish). However that win was 7lbs less than today’s mark and his recent runs over hurdles and on the flat suggest that he is having some problems. A tongue strap has been fitted in the past which makes you suspect a bit of a breathing issue going on. Sam Lord looks more a chaser on his form but on more than one occasion his resolution looked doubtful. Hawaii Klass is not badly treated but needs much further than this and off 119 can run well again once tried over three miles. However his hurdling lacked fluency and I am not convinced he is that suited by the mud.
Early stages with Palace Jester(green/yellow/white) cutting out the pace
The excellent Featherbed Lane pulls well clear to win as he likes
Race 3 was a handicap hurdle class 4 for novices over two and a half miles. This was run at a fairly steady gallop taking into account the testing conditions. The race developed into a duel as the leading pair pulled well clear of the rest of the field. It was won by Native Gallery who continued his recent progress with a gutsy slog home. Previous victories at Uttoxeter and Fakenham had given the impression that he would be suited by further than this trip and remains likely to be seen to best advantage over fences. I think his Uttoxeter win showed some improvement which he continued today and he looks a live one to continue to improve over 22f plus. I had previously seen runner up Red Rocco in a couple of bumpers in the spring and he always looked a fair hurdling type suited by at least this 20f but in reality I felt he needs further. He ran very well today staying on at the one pace finishing clear of the remainder and although improving I will leave him until tested further. The remainder were hopelessly thrashed today. Wadden Prince was bought over from Ireland after picking a solitary win in the Rosscommon stewards room. Promising Cheltenham GB debut when looking short of a run. However in the past has given the impression that 2m4 stretched his stamina and as a keen type may not benefit from this trip as unlikely to be held up. In the circumstances ran in snatches probably because held up to protect stamina so could run better on good ground where his jockey can allow him to race more prominently. Roper is still a maiden and failed to complete last two efforts. He had been promising on first couple of runs and had looked suited to this trip however he was never sited as a factor at any time today. His conformation suggests that he will be better over fences and might be less than nimble over hurdles. Not a likely hurdling giant but could be better suited jumping fences. Silicium is well connected to another element Radium. Both hurdle efforts to date had positives about them and this distance on perfectly decent ground was expected to have shown that he is well treated off the current mark of 115. What A Warrior is closely related to Joes Edge suggesting that this trip will be too sharp especially at this tight track. Not badly weighted on the pick of his form but has failed to travel well in the past and may be a bit of an in and out sort. Not irresolute but may be a bit inconsistent. His run today to finish a plodding on remote fourth confirms impression that he will be better suited by further. Croan Rock is an improver although looks more a chaser in time. Didn’t run badly when third at Kempton and then followed up with a better run over this trip at Uttoxeter. However the race was unsatisfactory in terms of pace and how easily he was overhauled. The run today showed he is not suited by a true test of stamina over this trip. Hes A Hawker is a summer jumper well exposed and gave the impression that he was unlikely to do much in this class today. Ran as if something not quite right last time out in August. Hopelessly tailed off around halfway. Mabel Tasman bust pelvis and was off all last season. Shaped with a lot of potential when given an easy on hurdling debut and then ran a good second over 22f where her stamina was probably near break point. A drop to 20f today and handicapping for the first time put her shortlist in with a shout but was soon beaten and pulled up. This was far too much a test of her limited stamina. Comeragh King showed more improvement on his third hurdling effort with a somewhat unlucky second at Wetherby. Is on a fair handicap mark and stays this 20f if conditions are not too testing. Was held up an making progress when a blunder three out knocked the stuffing out of him and he came home in his own time. He could have finished a lot closer and may well pop in soon decent ground. High Hoylander has had plenty of efforts over hurdles but is now beginning to show signs of improvement this winter. His hurdling had been a bit iffy in the past but the two recent runs have been fluent. Made a lot of use today and blew up quickly to finish a remote third. Not a total disaster. Saint Luke is returning to a better trip after two flops over three miles. Has proven better in the past with a gap between runs and as he had a tough race less than a month ago I would have that as a bit of a negative to his chances. In the circumstances ran no kind of race today. If fresh is likely to show significant improvement on this run. What A Steel appears exposed off current mark and ran poorly.
Red Rocco (yellow cap) prominent throughout ran a very promising race
Native Gallery asserts in a good tussle as the leading pair have pulled well clear
Race 4 was a mares bumper over 2m1 set at class 6 level. Like most bumpers it was slow for the first mile and especially true in today’s draining conditions that made a lot of sense. It was won with a resolute performance leading from approaching 3f out in testing conditions by Russies with Love. This is a nicely bred mare with connections to useful hurdlers and closely related to a French Derby fourth. This was improved form and continues the progress made on most recent second at Exeter. This could prove to be a decent mares event so in the right race she could well defy penalty. Her attitude gives view that she will make her mark over hurdles especially over 2m4 plus. Promising. Second home and the eyecatcher was Bonnie Burnett who was held up before making smooth progress to hold every chance at the furlong stick. Was outstayed by the winner which in the long term is likely to be viewed as a sound debut. I think she will win on decent ground, has a bit of a turn off foot which with falsely run bumpers being the norm will play right into her hands. Looking at her pedigree you have to say why is her first run in a bumper when there are July Cup winners in the family and listed stakes winners. She can win next time out. Sands Of Vatersay only cost £800 but ran OK on her debut today leading into the straight but then outpaced. Favourite Beattie Green could not reproduce her fair form when winning at Fontwell at the start of the year. Probably set to start hurdling in the new year and pedigree suggests might be better over timber with time. The fancied Sudden Light and Fenney Hill were thrashed and probably were unsuited by the mud. This is especially true for Sudden Light who had looked promising in bumpers run on fastish fround.
Russie With Love returns having won the mares bumper
Race 5 was the Becher Chase a class 1 handicap having listed status run over 3m2 and was run on the national course. It was run at a fair pace given the very soft ground underfoot. This race has produced two recent winners of the Grand National so it is work keeping an eye as this is a reasonable trial for the big one. The changes to the conformation of the fences and they might be safer but they are still a good test. The winner was the previously slightly inconsistent West End Rocker. He could not have run a better trial jumping the fences very well indeed. This was a good renewal and in the circumstances this must be a live option going forward. Second home was Niche Market who has been a very good chaser in his past. Jumped the fences nicely and was not given the hardest race imaginable and although well beaten he had been pulled back off the pace so never really in with a major chance of winning. Is on a good mark and I have him as a positive coming out of this race. Ballyvesey was way out of the race for much of the second circuit but stayed on from way out to just get up for third. He was flattered by this position and I would not be too interested in backing him next run. Always Waning was fourth finishing very tired and was picked up late for the minor place. He had not been fluent for much of the race, was pushed to challenge and I think he will struggle to win if bought out too soon as he had a very hard race today. Rare Bob was prominent for much of the race and still had every chance approaching three out. He weakened quickly but I think the toll of not really taking to these fences finally let to almost finishing at walking pace. Tried his heart out but I would not be backing him if returning to these fences. Of the rest Hello Bud ran very well leading for much and going nicely until error at the Canal Turn and unshipping Sam T-Davies, Swing Bill didn’t seem to like the going, Nicto De Beauchene was prominent for much and ran OK in the circumstances, Shalimar Fromentro is worth a specific mention. Only five (although as a French bred would have been well experienced in jumping) he jumped superbly throughout racing prominently. He just over pitched on landing a smidgen at Becher’s Brook and fell. It was one of those unlucky falls that nine times out of ten a more experienced horse would nod or find a leg. All things considered it would not put anyone off backing him next race and could well develop into a national horse on the basis of this as I think he is not unsuited by these obstacles and finally Another Palm didn’t seem to act on either the going or the unique fences.
Race 6 was the highest quality race of the day being a grade 1 listed chase over three miles. The favourites flip flopped with the weak in the market Nacarat jumping more clumsily than usual and although still in the lead three out and still held every chance at the next quickly folded. My view is that he is on the downgrade now and will find winning very difficult. He emerges as one to lay going forward and thus rates as a negative. The winner was the progressive seven year old Master Of The Hall who was one of last season’s top staying novice chasers having won the Reynoldstown at Ascot by a comfortable six lengths. Today he put up a good round of jumping in the main (couple of minor errors which did little to slow him down). He was produced to lead approaching two out and then ran on well for a very easy win. Difficult to rate this but has plenty of potential. The second home was the in and out performer Tamarinbleu who ran in snatches. Although a top notch chaser capable of giving all bar the very best a good run for their money you never know which one is going to turn up the very good one or the very bad one. Today we had both in the same race.
At an early fence the two principles are still closely matched
Race 7 was the class 2 handicap chase over the nation fences with the distance to be covered of just over 2m5. There were several abortive efforts to get this one off today and whilst I am not saying that there is a competency issue with the starter here it does appear more likely to have a messy start than at other courses. The race was won by ex Arthur Moore trained Stewarts House who was up with the pace throughout, jumped the fences very well indeed and showed great battling attitude to last home in very testing conditions racing into the teeth of a strong wind up the home straight. I liked this horse. It is also worth noting the ride given by Aiden Coleman who nicked the inside on the elbow off Carberry which I think gave at least a length advantage as the runner up had to switch to come wide. On the face of it that was decisive but to be that simplistic misses the point of the winner’s gutsy attitude (Coleman was foound guilty of over use of the hwip). Is in great form at present and whilst his mark of 134 is obviously going to be reassessed, I think he will continue to be a formidable foe in middle distance chases when conditions are stamina sapping. The runner up was one currently trained by Arthur Moore and was heavily gambled on. The Irish raider Linnel made a string of mistakes, including the one over the last, but was only beaten a neck. He can win off this 111 mark but I have doubts as to whether these fences suit him. Third home was Buffalo Bob who was held up for a change (reportedly forced on the jockey by the messy start). He jumped these fences very well indeed once he got over making a bit of a error at The Chair which knocked him on his heels. He slowly but surely got himself into the race. However the front two had established a good lead and Buffalo Bob never really got into a position to challenge them. I thought he had quite an easy race in the circumstances. Clearly acts on soft is on a great mark as down another two pounds and has plenty going for him. In the past there has been evidence that the National can suit two and half milers, he looked to be on a reasonable mark anyway off 124 and he was behind two that were clearly very favourably handicapped. On the basis of all this I have Buffalo Bob as a positive and would be considering the National itself if I was Mr Bailey. Fine Parchment is quite highly tried off 138 and ran OK but I would say the ground wasn’t ideal. Nomecheki folded tamely as if something had gone wrong with him. Santas Son made a lot of the running but was outpaced from about 4 out. The Sawyer got himself into the race and had every chance four out but was held by the time they jumped the next. Got Attitude was prominent but was never jumping that fluently and fell six out. Frankie Fogg pushed the pace and ran and jumped OK. It must have been the ground contributed to his downfall in part. Nikola never really got going. Pilgrim Lane fell at the chair (3rd). Sun Tzu was not up to this class in any case but is a better horse on firm ground. A bit high in the weights off 125. No Panic was soon tailed off. High Jack fell early in the race and never looked at ease over these fences.
As dusk begins to fall so does the hapless Pilgrims Way at The Chair
Notebook
Ile De Re (P)
Featherbed Lane (P)
Bonnie Burnett(P)
Niche Market (P)
Shalimar Fromentro (P)
Nacarat (N)
Buffalo Bob (P)
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Uttoxeter 30th November 2011 Good to Soft
10 Dec 11 23:54
On a grim day with two million marching to protect their pensions and the recent autumn statement which really couldn’t have been bleaker what better than to go to the very best racecourse in the English Midlands and close off the first of the blogs awards. There is little doubt in my mind that Uttoxeter is the finest course in the area and I intend to visit each of the courses which have awards bestowed upon them.
Bye Bye Britannia
The reasons for my decision are that i) This is a family friendly course and has great facilities for kids, when they run a family day there is stacks of stuff for the youngsters, ii) the facilities are great with big in door areas for food and drink plus decent viewing stands, iii) the racing is generally very competitive and they have a good number of high class handicaps including some of the best summer jumping, iii) there are some reasonably priced hospitality features including some great little function rooms adjacent to the paddock which really provide a great setting for a special event, iv) the course enclosure is very good value having good facilities no hassle about how close you want to park to a fence plus great viewing of the whole track v) well maintained facilities vi) adjacent to the railway and easy access to the M1 M6 linkroad. This is a diamond track. Sad though to hear that The Brittania are pulling out of sponsorship. They have been a great force supporting Staffordshire sports in the past and it would be good to see them back again some day but may be its a sign of the time for the financial institutions.
Racing
Race 1 was a 2 mile class 5 maiden hurdle sponsored by a local pub The Dapple Grey which is a fine drinking hole engineered around a family ethos. It was run at a good pace with Scales pulling hard and trying to make all. He has previously been successful in a Stratford bumper when held up and you would think that those tactics would be better employed than trying to make all as seen today. Looks a right handful and must learn to settle better. Of the condition of the horses beforehand I particularly liked the look of the grey filly Double Silver by that great sire Silver Patriarch. Breeding suggests she should stay further than this two miles and there is some decent sorts in the family such as Into The Shadows. She is improving and after being held up in mid division made some headway to get into a bit of contention coming out of the back straight but it was short lived and she finished in her own time for a promising sixth. I would like her to have another shot at around the 2m4 and I have her as one of two positives coming out of this race. The other positive was one which also caught the eye of the stewards and quite rightly so. Off The Ground made eyecatching ground from miles and miles away when he came into the home straight, from my vantage position in the centre of the course he was going noticeably quicker than any other horse until eased approaching the last. He had no chance of winning and the fourth position was probably as close as he would have got even if Timmy Murphy had ridden out rigorously so I cannot see any justification if there is any verdict under the non triers rules. However he looks a talented sort, appeared to hurdle much better than on his debut, should be better suited by 2m4 plus and comes out of the same family as the great Imperial Call. There was money for him today suggesting that there was a measure of confidence and I would say this one will win very soon. However the winner on merit today was Poole Master who was the one with the best form in the book and the only negative beforehand was that you needed to take on trust that he had got over a well publicised injury. Always close up was produced with a good run entering the home straight, pulled clear from two out for a good victory against a strong field for this sort of event which is likely to produce winners in time. He had ended up last season with an injury after a fine effort in a very good Newbury maiden won by Minella Class. Second home Jackson Cage stayed on OK and had the stuffing knocked out of him at the last on the backstraight. Has done well on tight tracks so maybe a trip back to Bangor, his bumper winning venue. As Bangor is well liked by his trainer it might very well be a return is going to be on the agenda. However either way he does not merit backing if his hurdling does not improve as he has made errors on both of this outings to date. Third home Achimota went down impressively looking a decent sort. A bit one paced today a trait he has shown before so maybe he might need a bit further. Not badly bred being from the same family as smart jumper Fredcoteri however cost bobbins as a foal. Of the rest Gumball pulled far too much for his own good, Dirty Bertie was up with the pace but failed to quicken so might need a stiff testing track to be seen to best advantage although this was an improved run and Sonofagun lacked fluency today. It would be remiss not to mention a runner today from The Queen. I cannot remember one of hers turning up at Uttoxeter in the past and have to say she wasn’t anywhere to be seen in the tearoom before the first. I suspect she was on the picket line with the other public sector employees, fair play m’lady The Workers United Will Never Be Defeated. However her Open Hearted ridden by AP certainly was beaten, and well before clattering two out and landing in a heap. Took a walk in the market so the much vaunted ‘said to have schooled well’ was probably a bit of a myth. I recon we ought to have a close inspection of Buck House’s Betfair account just to look at any irregular laying noted.
Double Silver takes a hurdle in the back straight
Race 2 was a two mile selling hurdle. Probably because there is no money around the quality of non handicap sellers is improving significantly. That is even though for three thousand sovs could get you a decent nag now who’s got the cash? As such a useful hurdler like Just Rob, a bit over rated at 120 having won class 3 handicaps as well as decent juvenile hurdles in the recent past. He had also run with some promise in the triumph. So little wonder he went off the 4/9 favourite today. It almost sounds like a prelim to him sauntering away with this and following up on a Market Rasen victory earlier in the month in a similar event. Not today, his hurdling was less than fluent and he could only finish second. The winner was another who is well rated, off 115 and with a three pound pull that put him two pounds shy at the weights. On that basis 13/2 was a very fair price for Goodwood Starlight. No slouch himself on the level winning fair races at Goodwood and a good quality class 3 at Ascot as well as fifth in the Cumberland Plate. Chucked right in the deep end over hurdles when comfortably beaten in a listed event but has now won three hurdles this season being a Fakenham maiden, a Sedgefield novice and now today’s victory. He hurdled well today and looks to have a more progress in him. Of the rest poor Sally’s Idea unfortunately fell and died at the first and Budva was completely disinterested in everything. Group Leader looked like he would greatly benefit from the run and made some late progress to be third and he is a little bit of an eyecatcher. He has been off the track for thick end of a year but best hrdle form was back in Feb 2010 when he ran well in two Doncaster novice events and was rated 115 off the back of that. Never got to that stage again and now down to 102 and on the face of it ran up to that earlier rating today so off this base can go close in a small selling handicap especially if at a flat gallop like Donny. There was no bid for the winner and no claims for teh other participants.
Just Rob - Behind bars after this
Race 3 was a class 5 chase over two and a half mile. It was run at a sedate pace. It produced a really exciting three way finish all the way to the run in. The winner by half a length was Dont Tell Sailor. He wasn’t entirely fluent but stayed on well having been prominent for much of the race. Both of his wins to date have been her although the previous win was over three miles. 11/10 favourite North Stack looked the winner when taking it up on the run in but was caught close home. Had shown promise despite mistakes on his debut and probably improved today as well. Third and only a head behind North Stack was Royaume Bleu who made many mistakes and in the circumstances did very well to finish as close as he did. This is as close as she has got and the forward mark of 73 chasing looks tasty if only she could jump with consistency. Still in an Exeter novice handicap on Saturday which could be interesting as will still be on this mark. Kirkhammerton is an old hand at this and finished fourth but was very very one paced and at nine his chances going forward have got to be seen as bleak. Of the rest Airdrie jumped slow and gave no hope in the immediate future, Backstreet Billy looked promising but then blundered away any hope at a couple of fences and early leader Grenoli weakened before they had come out of the backstraight.
Milling around before the third
Race 4 was a two mile mares handicap hurdle race set at class 4. The two pacemakers pretty well cut their own throats. In the circumstances third home Belle De Fontenay ran a very good race today indicating promise despite being a six year old. Has only the one Worcester maiden hurdle victory to her name after eleven attempts. Generally attempts to make all and gets reeled in over the last. Today she had Fakenham winner White Diamond (suits sharp tracks better) and saw that one off two out. The winner was the gambled on Illysantachristina who was bought with a well timed run by seven pound claimer R J Williams who according to the stats was recording only his third win under rules from 43 races. Williams looks one for the future. Second was Edgefour also riden by a 7lb claimer. This one had plenty of hard luck, probably produced a touch late, got plenty of traffic problems but was making up ground only going down by a couple of lengths. You would have thought all the credentials for an eyecatcher and thus a positive. But she’s seven and has two wins out of 37 in her career. Forget it.
The front runners probably didn't do each other any favours today and their running not an indicator of their ability
Race 5 was a class 5 handicap hurdle over two and a half miles. The winner and 15/8 favourite was Trafalgar was prone to errors made most and stayed on strongly. All in all not bad for his third race over hurdles. The second home was the very consistent Be My Light who runs well here and acts as a good benchmark. Off 111 and beaten three and a bit will give a sound idea as to how well the assessor views the winner next time out. Ebony River stood out as one to watch for. Was a little sloppy but once chance had gone was eased down. Had previously run a decent second at Hexham. I think he is capable of much better than this, is under exposed and comes form a good staying background with useful jumpers in the family ie Will Be Done. Is in the entries for a novices handicap at Aintree on Sunday and that is the sort of track that I think will suit; tight. Of the rest third home Night Alliance was plodding on through beaten horses, Molko Jack hurdled slowly, Alcalde was prominent or led until weakened quickly before the straight, Bardolf was soon outpaced, Sumak / Speedy Directa were hopelessly tailed off quickly, Runaway Harry was beaten before halfway and Not So Sure D!ck failed to stay.
Ebony River rna with plenty of promise today
Race 6 was a class 5 handicap chase over two miles and was won with a super show of jumping from Qualitee who won this race from a long way out by her superior technique. This was only her second race over the larger obstacles and is thought to be better suited with time to two miles four by her trainer. Although I am only an amateur in comparison I thought she was the epitome of a two miler, fast jumping, front running. Anyway suffice to say most here today were mightily impressed and it would be good to see her go on from this.Phoenix Des Mottes tried to go with Qualitee but was beaten into submission when then came into the straight, Bankstair was made 5/2 favourite but made errors and was tailed off when pulled up at the last fence, Salybia Bay jumped slow and Shelomoh was one paced.
Qualitee was a class act today
Final race of the day was a class 5 handicap hurdle over three miles. It was a driving finish between market rivals Derwen Pride and the 7/4 favourite Another Miracle with the former getting up by a head on the line and then surviving a justifiable review by the stewards into possible interference. It was a good race between the pair and they only had competition from third home Acosta who clobbered the seventh which did her chances no good but six lengths adrift was no disgrace and she was plenty clear of the rest to indicate the 79 mark is interesting going forward. She is unsuited by fastish ground and has done well on right handed courses. I think three mile plus in the right circumstances she could very well go in soon. A speculative and controlled positive from me. Forget the rest on this evidence.
Notebook
Double Silver (P)
Off The Ground (P)
Group Leader (P)
Ebony River (P)
Qualitee (P) up £30
1 3/1
Easy winner over 20f. Although up 10lbs on Uttoxeter effort still a positive as hasn't stopped improving
Acosta (P)
Well placed in 3m2 at Hereford on a good mark and will be suited by track, distance and going
Bye Bye Britannia
The reasons for my decision are that i) This is a family friendly course and has great facilities for kids, when they run a family day there is stacks of stuff for the youngsters, ii) the facilities are great with big in door areas for food and drink plus decent viewing stands, iii) the racing is generally very competitive and they have a good number of high class handicaps including some of the best summer jumping, iii) there are some reasonably priced hospitality features including some great little function rooms adjacent to the paddock which really provide a great setting for a special event, iv) the course enclosure is very good value having good facilities no hassle about how close you want to park to a fence plus great viewing of the whole track v) well maintained facilities vi) adjacent to the railway and easy access to the M1 M6 linkroad. This is a diamond track. Sad though to hear that The Brittania are pulling out of sponsorship. They have been a great force supporting Staffordshire sports in the past and it would be good to see them back again some day but may be its a sign of the time for the financial institutions.
Racing
Race 1 was a 2 mile class 5 maiden hurdle sponsored by a local pub The Dapple Grey which is a fine drinking hole engineered around a family ethos. It was run at a good pace with Scales pulling hard and trying to make all. He has previously been successful in a Stratford bumper when held up and you would think that those tactics would be better employed than trying to make all as seen today. Looks a right handful and must learn to settle better. Of the condition of the horses beforehand I particularly liked the look of the grey filly Double Silver by that great sire Silver Patriarch. Breeding suggests she should stay further than this two miles and there is some decent sorts in the family such as Into The Shadows. She is improving and after being held up in mid division made some headway to get into a bit of contention coming out of the back straight but it was short lived and she finished in her own time for a promising sixth. I would like her to have another shot at around the 2m4 and I have her as one of two positives coming out of this race. The other positive was one which also caught the eye of the stewards and quite rightly so. Off The Ground made eyecatching ground from miles and miles away when he came into the home straight, from my vantage position in the centre of the course he was going noticeably quicker than any other horse until eased approaching the last. He had no chance of winning and the fourth position was probably as close as he would have got even if Timmy Murphy had ridden out rigorously so I cannot see any justification if there is any verdict under the non triers rules. However he looks a talented sort, appeared to hurdle much better than on his debut, should be better suited by 2m4 plus and comes out of the same family as the great Imperial Call. There was money for him today suggesting that there was a measure of confidence and I would say this one will win very soon. However the winner on merit today was Poole Master who was the one with the best form in the book and the only negative beforehand was that you needed to take on trust that he had got over a well publicised injury. Always close up was produced with a good run entering the home straight, pulled clear from two out for a good victory against a strong field for this sort of event which is likely to produce winners in time. He had ended up last season with an injury after a fine effort in a very good Newbury maiden won by Minella Class. Second home Jackson Cage stayed on OK and had the stuffing knocked out of him at the last on the backstraight. Has done well on tight tracks so maybe a trip back to Bangor, his bumper winning venue. As Bangor is well liked by his trainer it might very well be a return is going to be on the agenda. However either way he does not merit backing if his hurdling does not improve as he has made errors on both of this outings to date. Third home Achimota went down impressively looking a decent sort. A bit one paced today a trait he has shown before so maybe he might need a bit further. Not badly bred being from the same family as smart jumper Fredcoteri however cost bobbins as a foal. Of the rest Gumball pulled far too much for his own good, Dirty Bertie was up with the pace but failed to quicken so might need a stiff testing track to be seen to best advantage although this was an improved run and Sonofagun lacked fluency today. It would be remiss not to mention a runner today from The Queen. I cannot remember one of hers turning up at Uttoxeter in the past and have to say she wasn’t anywhere to be seen in the tearoom before the first. I suspect she was on the picket line with the other public sector employees, fair play m’lady The Workers United Will Never Be Defeated. However her Open Hearted ridden by AP certainly was beaten, and well before clattering two out and landing in a heap. Took a walk in the market so the much vaunted ‘said to have schooled well’ was probably a bit of a myth. I recon we ought to have a close inspection of Buck House’s Betfair account just to look at any irregular laying noted.
Double Silver takes a hurdle in the back straight
Race 2 was a two mile selling hurdle. Probably because there is no money around the quality of non handicap sellers is improving significantly. That is even though for three thousand sovs could get you a decent nag now who’s got the cash? As such a useful hurdler like Just Rob, a bit over rated at 120 having won class 3 handicaps as well as decent juvenile hurdles in the recent past. He had also run with some promise in the triumph. So little wonder he went off the 4/9 favourite today. It almost sounds like a prelim to him sauntering away with this and following up on a Market Rasen victory earlier in the month in a similar event. Not today, his hurdling was less than fluent and he could only finish second. The winner was another who is well rated, off 115 and with a three pound pull that put him two pounds shy at the weights. On that basis 13/2 was a very fair price for Goodwood Starlight. No slouch himself on the level winning fair races at Goodwood and a good quality class 3 at Ascot as well as fifth in the Cumberland Plate. Chucked right in the deep end over hurdles when comfortably beaten in a listed event but has now won three hurdles this season being a Fakenham maiden, a Sedgefield novice and now today’s victory. He hurdled well today and looks to have a more progress in him. Of the rest poor Sally’s Idea unfortunately fell and died at the first and Budva was completely disinterested in everything. Group Leader looked like he would greatly benefit from the run and made some late progress to be third and he is a little bit of an eyecatcher. He has been off the track for thick end of a year but best hrdle form was back in Feb 2010 when he ran well in two Doncaster novice events and was rated 115 off the back of that. Never got to that stage again and now down to 102 and on the face of it ran up to that earlier rating today so off this base can go close in a small selling handicap especially if at a flat gallop like Donny. There was no bid for the winner and no claims for teh other participants.
Just Rob - Behind bars after this
Race 3 was a class 5 chase over two and a half mile. It was run at a sedate pace. It produced a really exciting three way finish all the way to the run in. The winner by half a length was Dont Tell Sailor. He wasn’t entirely fluent but stayed on well having been prominent for much of the race. Both of his wins to date have been her although the previous win was over three miles. 11/10 favourite North Stack looked the winner when taking it up on the run in but was caught close home. Had shown promise despite mistakes on his debut and probably improved today as well. Third and only a head behind North Stack was Royaume Bleu who made many mistakes and in the circumstances did very well to finish as close as he did. This is as close as she has got and the forward mark of 73 chasing looks tasty if only she could jump with consistency. Still in an Exeter novice handicap on Saturday which could be interesting as will still be on this mark. Kirkhammerton is an old hand at this and finished fourth but was very very one paced and at nine his chances going forward have got to be seen as bleak. Of the rest Airdrie jumped slow and gave no hope in the immediate future, Backstreet Billy looked promising but then blundered away any hope at a couple of fences and early leader Grenoli weakened before they had come out of the backstraight.
Milling around before the third
Race 4 was a two mile mares handicap hurdle race set at class 4. The two pacemakers pretty well cut their own throats. In the circumstances third home Belle De Fontenay ran a very good race today indicating promise despite being a six year old. Has only the one Worcester maiden hurdle victory to her name after eleven attempts. Generally attempts to make all and gets reeled in over the last. Today she had Fakenham winner White Diamond (suits sharp tracks better) and saw that one off two out. The winner was the gambled on Illysantachristina who was bought with a well timed run by seven pound claimer R J Williams who according to the stats was recording only his third win under rules from 43 races. Williams looks one for the future. Second was Edgefour also riden by a 7lb claimer. This one had plenty of hard luck, probably produced a touch late, got plenty of traffic problems but was making up ground only going down by a couple of lengths. You would have thought all the credentials for an eyecatcher and thus a positive. But she’s seven and has two wins out of 37 in her career. Forget it.
The front runners probably didn't do each other any favours today and their running not an indicator of their ability
Race 5 was a class 5 handicap hurdle over two and a half miles. The winner and 15/8 favourite was Trafalgar was prone to errors made most and stayed on strongly. All in all not bad for his third race over hurdles. The second home was the very consistent Be My Light who runs well here and acts as a good benchmark. Off 111 and beaten three and a bit will give a sound idea as to how well the assessor views the winner next time out. Ebony River stood out as one to watch for. Was a little sloppy but once chance had gone was eased down. Had previously run a decent second at Hexham. I think he is capable of much better than this, is under exposed and comes form a good staying background with useful jumpers in the family ie Will Be Done. Is in the entries for a novices handicap at Aintree on Sunday and that is the sort of track that I think will suit; tight. Of the rest third home Night Alliance was plodding on through beaten horses, Molko Jack hurdled slowly, Alcalde was prominent or led until weakened quickly before the straight, Bardolf was soon outpaced, Sumak / Speedy Directa were hopelessly tailed off quickly, Runaway Harry was beaten before halfway and Not So Sure D!ck failed to stay.
Ebony River rna with plenty of promise today
Race 6 was a class 5 handicap chase over two miles and was won with a super show of jumping from Qualitee who won this race from a long way out by her superior technique. This was only her second race over the larger obstacles and is thought to be better suited with time to two miles four by her trainer. Although I am only an amateur in comparison I thought she was the epitome of a two miler, fast jumping, front running. Anyway suffice to say most here today were mightily impressed and it would be good to see her go on from this.Phoenix Des Mottes tried to go with Qualitee but was beaten into submission when then came into the straight, Bankstair was made 5/2 favourite but made errors and was tailed off when pulled up at the last fence, Salybia Bay jumped slow and Shelomoh was one paced.
Qualitee was a class act today
Final race of the day was a class 5 handicap hurdle over three miles. It was a driving finish between market rivals Derwen Pride and the 7/4 favourite Another Miracle with the former getting up by a head on the line and then surviving a justifiable review by the stewards into possible interference. It was a good race between the pair and they only had competition from third home Acosta who clobbered the seventh which did her chances no good but six lengths adrift was no disgrace and she was plenty clear of the rest to indicate the 79 mark is interesting going forward. She is unsuited by fastish ground and has done well on right handed courses. I think three mile plus in the right circumstances she could very well go in soon. A speculative and controlled positive from me. Forget the rest on this evidence.
Notebook
Double Silver (P)
Off The Ground (P)
Group Leader (P)
Ebony River (P)
Qualitee (P) up £30
1 3/1
Easy winner over 20f. Although up 10lbs on Uttoxeter effort still a positive as hasn't stopped improving
Acosta (P)
Well placed in 3m2 at Hereford on a good mark and will be suited by track, distance and going
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