Doncaster races

The glorious weather had the ground drying out as the day went on but this was not reflected in the runners. There was some surprises especially in the form of Sweet Promise a 25/1 winner. A jockey to mention is the Australian, Kerrin McEvoy, who seems to be doing consistently well since arriving in Britain, his 23% strike rate shows this. Another hot jockey is Jason Hart who followed up his recent Curragh win with a win at Doncaster yesterday.

The second race had the heavily backed Sushi Power go to favourite and lead in the early stages. Sushi Power, Divine Covey and Go Well Spicy tracked him for the first furlong before Go Well Spicy took the lead. Sabaaya was not far off the pace but Capp never got into the running. Go Well Spicy was allowed to dictate for the majority of the race. At two furlongs out headway was made by Divine Covey, Sabaaya. Sushi Power due to her running for the first time was very green and weakened over two furlongs out. At one furlong out Go Well Spicy was ridden along being chased by Devine Covey and Sabbaya. In the final furlong Divine Covey was running short of room and kept on at the same pace as did Sabaaya. Go Well Spicy was uncatchable eventually going well clear of the rest of the field. First was Go Well Spicy by 2 1/4 lengths, second was Divine Covey by 3 1/2 lengths and third Sabaaya by 4 1/2 lengths. The field was well drawn out.

The 3:50 had the field for majority of the race bunched together, the lead was quickly taken up by Fox Leicester, followed by House Of Kings, Ginger Fox and Emirates Knight close up. Archaeology and Global Gift were held up. At three furlongs out Global Gift, Ginger Fox, House Of Kings moved up the field. Fox Leicester was being pushed. Two furlongs out Emirates Knight and House Of Kings were pushed to continue. One furlong out had Ginger Fox take the lead narrowly over Global Gift. The final furlong had the lead change to Global Gift who went well clear yet Ginger Fox had no more to give unlike the one paced Emirates Knight and House Of Kings. Archaeology quickly fell out of contention. Global Gift went on to win by 1 1/2 lengths, second Ginger Fox by 2 1/2 lengths, third Emirates Knight by a neck.

Again I'm unsure when my next blog will be, have a look at my twitter to find out.

Beverley Races

The horrible rainy weather had the going change twice and some horses withdrawn. It was certainly a day for the favourites or near favourites. Additionally well done to Izzy Clifton who had her first winner in the apprentice race.

In the first race, Walk In Marrakesh was in the lead for the majority of the race, Breguet Man, Frasard and Impression were all tracking the winner. Cersei Lannister was slowly away and stood in the gates but eventually managed to catch up with the rest of the field. Road Rage made some headway three furlongs out. But it was clear even from here that Walk In Marrakesh would be difficult to beat. Two furlongs out Frasard moved up the field as did Breguet Man. Impression and Road Rage were pushed along. The final furlong saw Impression and Breguet Man ridden along. Walk In Marrakesh was given an extra push whilst Frasard was switched to have more room. Walk In Marrakesh in the final furlong kept getting stronger, Frasard chased the winner entering the final furlong but couldn't catch him. Breguet Man and Impression kept on at the same pace. First was Walk In Marrakesh by 1 1/4 lengths, second Frasard by 6 lengths and third Breguet Man by 4 1/2 lengths. The result shows how well Walk In Marakesh won.

The 3:30 had a few close up with the leader Bit Of A Quirke, the chasers in the field included Global  Art, Gendarme and Cross Step. Archie Perkins got boxed from early on. Winged Spur was never really involved in the race. Regal Mirage who had been held up moved up in the running three furlongs out. At two furlongs out Global Art was struggling whereas Bit Of A Quirke merely extending his lead. Archie Perkins, Regal Mirage and Moxy Mares all tried to catch Bit Of A Quirke. At the one furlong marker Global Art was ridden strongly, Archie Perkins eventually got a clear run. In the closing stages Bit Of A Quirke was not going to be caught even Regal Mirage weakened making no impression. Archie Perkins and Moxy Mares also kept on. The winner was never in doubt, Bit Of A Quirke won by 2 3/4 lengths, second was Regal Mirage by 2 3/4 lengths and third Archie Perkins. One to watch is the consistent Archie Perkins, who seems to frequently run well on any ground. However I think he is better on firmer ground.

The next blog update will be from Doncaster on Friday.

Haydock races

The glorious sunshine had the ground running faster than at the time of declaration and led to a few non-runners. It again, was not a day for the favourites as only three won but there were no big outsiders.

The second race had Lydiate Lady quick away and setting the fast pace, tracked by Boundary Lane and the prominent Bellevarde with the wide running Quench Dolly. Seen The Lyte missed the break and was slowly away but managed to recover half way through the race. At two furlongs out Peggie Sue and Bellevarde were pushed along, Lydiate Lady had her lead decreased as Seen The Lyte and Boundary Lane made headway. With one furlong out Boundary Lane challenged alongside Quench Dolly, Bellevarde and Peggie Sue lost their placings. In the final furlong Seen The Lyte was shaken up and challenged Boundary Lane in the closing stages resulting in a photo finish whilst Quench Dolly merely kept on and Lydiate Lady weakened. First was Seen The Lyte by a short head to second Boundary Lane, 1 length to third Quench Dolly by 1 1/4 lengths.

In the 7:30 Subjectivist took an early lead before We Owen A Dragon took over. Valdermoro, Mystery Power and Subjectivist were not far off the pace. Must Dream and Loretta Lass were never really in contention, missing the break and being slowly away. At three furlongs out Mystery Power and Valdermoro fought for third place whilst We Owen A Dragon was still leading. At two furlongs out Subjectivist took over the lead. Mystery Power ran very green but began to challenge. Valdermoro who was pushed along as We Owen A Dragon weakened. With one furlong out Mystery Power led, Subjectivist was ridden along. Valdermoro was denied a clear run, when Thunder King was given a reminder with little effect. In the final furlong Mystery Power ran on but Subjectivist couldn't match the pace of the winner and Valdermoro kept on. The winner Mystery Power couldn't be caught, second was Subjectivist by 1 length and third Valdermoro by 3/4 lengths.

Additionally at Ascot it has been a week of upsets and some surprises, including Dettori's four timer enabling him to claim the Royal Ascot riders crown. Hayley Turner became the first female jockey to ride a winner at royal Ascot winner in 32 years and the shock of Danny Tudhope having numerous winners.

Next update will be from Tuesdays racing at Beverley.

Thirsk Races

The soft ground was unchanged by the delightful sunny weather. There was only three favourites that were winners. One of these winners was Bee Machine for trainer Declan Carroll with one of his apprentice's Zak Wheatley. The 7lb claimer will certainly making waves within the industry. Another trainer to mention is Phillip Makin, he seems to have a consistent team of horses.

The 3:20 saw a jockey change as did many of the other races due to Kevin Stott being injured. Henley led with Arcavallo and Gin In The Inn tracking the leaders. In Midfield there was Royal Prospect, Came From The Dark and Russian Realm was held up. At two furlongs out the positions began to change as Royal Prospect was racing keenly, Came From The Dark made smooth headway whilst Sheepscar Lad, Pennsylvania Dutch and Lucky Lucky Man were driven out. Henley kept the pace up until one furlong out when Gin In The Inn took over the lead. Royal Prospect began to give chase as Russian Realm and Sheepscar Lad began to be ridden along. In the final furlong Gin In The Inn was headed by Came From The Dark and Royal Prospect who battled it out in the front of the field. Sheepscar Lad just kept on as was did Russia Realm with the rest of the field weakening. Royal Prospect only just headed Came From The Dark by a neck and 3rd was Gin In The Inn by 1 3/4 lengths.

The sixth race had many vying for the lead but Alfa McGuire ended up setting the pace with Rashdan, Follow Intello, Royal Cosmic and Staturio all sat nice just behind. Dragons Voice however was slowly into stride quickly becoming the back marker. Alfa McGuire was allowed to dictate most of the race until three furlongs out when Rashdan, Follow Intello and Royal Cosmic were ridden along. But Ingleby Hollow, Dragons Voice and Buckland Boy all began to get involved in the race. With two furlongs to go Dragons Voice, Ingleby Hollow and Statuario made headway. At one furlong out the lead changed to Statuario briefly before going to Buckland Boy who just swiftly extended his lead and went on to win, the other horses just not able to catch him. 1st was Buckland Boy by 1 1/4 lengths, 2nd was Dragons Voice by 1/2 lengths, 3rd Ingleby Hollow by 4 lengths. The first three horses were well clear of the rest of the field.

Follow me on twitter to find out when and where my next blog is going to be from.

Interview with Karen McLintock

I was fortunate enough to bump into Karen McLintock at York, to discover the hard work and the dedication she has with her yard of 20 horses.

Karen has been involved in racing from a young age, having ponies and being involved in a pony club. This, like many people involved with the industry, started the racing bug. Leaving school she was involved in eventing, which progressed into her getting a horse which her partner Don Eddy convinced her take jumping. Call Equiname won first time out on Karen's local track, Musselburgh. The grey gelding was later sold to Paul Nicholls which enabled her to buy the land that she trains on now just outside Newcastle. She took over the training license from her partner Don Eddy in 2005.

Karen has had her sights set firmly on the Northumberland Plate for many years, if she had kept Call Equiname, she believes this is where he would have gone. This year she hopes to have a chance with Dubawi Fifty in the Northumberland Plate. Dubwai Fifty who has great form, second at Ascot last year, unfortunately picked up an injury and couldn't race. The tough race however is asking a lot from the horse first time back this season, but I wish her the best of luck.

Karen has a few horses to watch out for; Dubawi Fifty and others such as Weather Front who won 6 races last year and was placed numerous times who is returning from injury hopefully later this year. Additionally Karen has the filly Everkyllachy who is rising star with consistent form.

Thanks again to Karen for letting me have an interview. Hopefully there will be more interviews with various jockeys and trainers in coming weeks.

York races

Friday's meeting at York was dry and cloudy with very few favourites and some big outsiders winning including 25/1 Auxiliary and 22/1 Amnaa. There was also a double for trainer Declan Carroll (Music Seeker 2:20, Shawaamekh 3:30), which gives him a 38% strike rate. Definitely a trainer to watch.

The 2:20 saw Declan Carroll have the first winner of his double and highlighted his skills in finding top apprentice jockeys. The race had Beverley Bullet and Archie Perkins soon competing for the lead before Beverley Bullet took the pace maker position on. They were tracked by Addis Ababa, Ghalib, Sputnik Planum and Empress Ali. Delph Cresent and Music Seeker were held up towards the rear but little changed in positions in the field until 4 furlongs out when Pioneering, Top Notch Tonto and Sputnik began to be driven. Three furlongs out saw steady headway be made by Music Seeker, Addis Ababa, Mikmak and Archie Perkins who were clear of the field. Beverley Bullet at two furlongs out was being pushed along and was being challenged by Addis Ababa. Music Seeker, Mikamak and Archie Perkins. At the one furlong marker there was a battle between Music Seeker and Addis Ababa, they went well clear of the rest of the field. Music Seeker kept gaining momentum and went on to win by 1 length, second was Addis Ababa by 2 lengths, third was Archie Perkins who kept on in the final furlong at the same pace, fourth was Beverley Bullet. The winner was ridden by Cian MacRedmond, a 7lb claimer who keeps the winners coming, this being his 8th winner in total.

The fifth race was a listed race, in which there were only five horses. Throughout the race Wadilsafa and Happy Power were the leading pair. They were chased by Oh This Is Us. Sir Dancealot, Raakib and Alhawa were held up in the rear. These positions did not change until three furlongs out when Wadilsafa quickened the pace, Happy Power responded continuing to be close up. Some headway was made by Sir Dancealot and Oh This Is Us. Happy Power headed Wadilsafa at two furlongs out but Oh This Is Us and Sir Dancealot were both soon pushed along. Raakib Alhawa was never really in contention. In the final furlong Happy Power merely extended the lead to the rest of the one paced field. Happy Power was first by 1 1/4 length, second was Wadilsafa by 2 3/4, third was Oh This Is Us by 3/4 length.

Next blog up date will be Tuesday from Thirsk.

Carlisle racecourse

The evening meeting was reasonably well attended with dry and sunny spells. The first two races were taken by Karl Burke who's horses seem to be flying. An other notable trainer is Tim Easterby who had an across the card four timer with Amadeus Grey and Rux Ruxx at Carlisle and Dew Pond and Gullane One at Thirsk. Additionally there needs to be a mention of jockey Phil Dennis, who undoubtedly is a hot jockey at the moment, anything he is riding must be considered as was shown yesterday with the win in the 6:30 race. It however was not a day for the favourites, only one won.

The first race saw the only favourite of the evening win. Prissy Missy was the leader for much of the way with the rest of the field chasing. However, due to the young age of many of the horses they either ran green or misbehaved like Good Night Mr Tom, Pearl Stream and Heavens Open. There was movement up the field by Wafrah, Ventura Flame and Classy Moon at two furlong marker but Prissy Missy kept her lead. At one furlong out Ventura Flame led for a short period of time before Classy Moon took over, they were still being closely followed by Good Night Mr Tom and Heavens Open. Prissy Missy soon weakened. Many of the field struggled to run straight especially within the closing stages. But Classy Moon went well clear and kept on gamely winning by 2 1/4 lengths, second Ventura Flame by 1/2 length and third Good Night Mr Tom by 3 1/2 lengths.

The 7:30 saw Harvey Dent take the lead early on, with Ramesses, Amadeus Grey and Beautiful Gesture chasing the leader. Harvey Dent was allowed to take control for the majority of the race only to be challenged in the final two furlongs when Reggae Runner, Archaeology and Ramesses were being driven along. Two furlongs out also saw Sesame struggling to keep on. With one furlong to go Amadeus Grey started to lead, but the rest of the horses gave chase. Despite this Amadeus Grey was extending his lead, who could not be beaten by the rallying Harvey Dent. The big hill seemed to cause problems for many including Reggae Runner, Archaeology and Ramesses who all weakened in the closing stages. Amadeus Grey went on to win by 1 length, Harvey Dent second by 1 3/4 lengths and third Reggae Runner by 1 3/4.

On another note, I have recently seen hate directed towards jockeys and trainers from keyboard warriors popping up on twitter. There are many expletive filled and generally nasty comments for example one trainer being told they should end up on a stretcher soon. I just don't understand why and how people think it's acceptable to type something they would never say to a trainers/jockeys face. Often luck has just been against them and if a mistake has been made they probably already know and don't need vile and threatening reminders. This clearly needs to change!

Next update will be on York on Friday, keep up to date by following my twitter!