Southwell Races

Only one favourite managed to win on the sunny yet mild day at Southwell races, it was a good day for Fran Berry who had a treble. Not such a nice day for Robert Winston who despite having a winner in the first narrowly winning by a nose, picked up an excessive use of whip ban for 2 days.

The 1:35 was a sprint with all runners very closely bunched, with Razin' Hell only having a short lead over the rest of the field. The real competition became apparent with one furlong to go when Tilly Trotter, Razing' Hell and Kickboxer began to draw forward of the other runners. Kickboxer who had been dwelling in the rear drifted quite badly. When it came to the finish  Declan Carroll trained Tilly Trotter easily pulled clear of the chasing Razin' Hell and the momentum gaining Kickboxer, who is one to definitely watch next time out. Crosse Fire unfortunately kept on at the same pace. With Tilly Trotter in first place by a head, the second saw a dead heat between Kickboxer and Razin' Hell with Crosse Fire in fourth.

In the 2:10 Claiming Stakes the tiny field of four runners, Samtu lead the pack closely followed by Gabrial's Star and tracked by Bertie Moon and Iniesta. This stayed the same until the four furlongs marker when Samtu was pushed along but in less than next furlong was headed by Gabrial's Star whilst the rest of the field were starting to make an effort. With one furlong to go it was evident who was going to win as Gabrial's Star kept extending his lead making it look simple and easy. The rest of the field was being driven but Gabrial's Star was not going to be caught. First was Gabriel's Star who was eased down, by four lengths, second Samtu by a head, third was Iniesta and fourth Bertie Moon. None of these horses were claimed.

This was my last blog for this year, hopefully next year there will be even more great racing. So, Merry Christmas and a happy new year to all.

Beverley Races

Great weather and additional pony races on the card made it a long day. It was also a day for favourites winning three races and being placed in 6.

In the 3:50 race Bosham led for 2 furlongs with Mininggold and Spirit Of Wedza tracking along with Sandra's Secret close up and Point Of Woods. Headway was made by Mininggold with Hilary J close behind, two furlong out however Sandra's Secret led. With one furlong to go Point Of Woods made a move up the field, Mininggold was ridden to chase Sandra's Secret. Point Of Woods, Grandad's World and Mininggold kept on well but Sandra's Secret weakened. First place was Mininggold by 1 1/4 lengths to second Sandra's Secret by 1/2 length and third was Point of Woods.

In the 5:00 race there was a Richard Fahey field day. Society Red made all tracking was Appointed, Euro Nightmare and Bear Valley. The positions didn't change much until two furlong out when Society Red was pushed out, The Statesman and Montataire had to make up ground with Appointed right behind Society Red. In the final furlong Society Red was well and truly being chased by The Statesman and Appointed. At one stage Appointed looking like she was going to go on and win, yet Society Red under a great ride by James Sullivan held on well towards the finish by a neck to second The Statesman by 1 1/4 lengths and third Appointed. All the other horses followed closely behind.

The final race was an apprentice race in which there was plenty of potential for future jockeys. Many of the riders were women suggesting that more women will be venturing into racing. The winner was Ivors Involvement ridden and trained by the female duo, Rhiain Ingram and Tina Jackson.

Ripon Races- Family Day

The family fun day had plenty of activities for children ranging from face painting and balloon animals to having a go on the Equisizer. The mild weather caused it to be a great day and one for the favourites with four out of seven races won by favourites. There were doubles on the card for PJ McDonald and Silvestre de Sousa.

The first race had two horses fighting for the lead. Hippeia and Alaskan Beauty with Perfect Thought
were prominent, Elation and Clubbable were held up. Halfway through the race headway was made by Elation, with two furlongs to go Hippeia was headed by the improving Clubbable and then lead Perfect Thought, but with one to go Elation ran on well. Perfect Thought only kept on as did Clubbable. Elation was the winner under Silvestre De Sousa by 1/2 length to Perfect Thought in second and third Clubbable by one length.

There was a selling stakes at 2:45, yet the winner was not bought in the auction and no other horses were claimed.

In the 3:45 race Captain Dion was fast away to take the lead followed by Sir Billy Wright and Jaywalker but was tracked by the 11/4 favourite Bossipop (after recent good form and win just a week ago at Pontefract).  At two furlongs out the lead began to change from Captain Dion who was  headed by Jaywalker whilst Red Pike and Sir Billy Wright were both pushed along. Avon Breeze who was slow out of the gates and throughout the race having been wide or out back at two furlongs  began to move up the field. With one furlong to go she closed on the leaders, but now Bossipop was being pushed along and at one point looked likely to win as he made headway of the rest of the field. However Avon Breeze (the in-foal mare) made astonishing progress in the last 50 yards and went on to win by 1 length to Bossipop who was just unlucky on the day, third was Jaywalker by a nose who just lost second place.
Before the race Signore Piccolo ran freely down to the start trying its hardest to have Paul Mulrennan off, which in the end he did making him a non runner. Snap Shots refused to race after planting himself in the stalls.

Look out for my update on Ladies' Day at Ponte races.

Beverley Races- family fun day

The going being good to soft resulted in a fair few non runners (8 to be exact). The Bark de Triomphe, a race for dogs owned by jockeys with two heats the first 3 dogs from each went to the final was a great success. Danielle Mooney's dog, Beau, was the winner.

In the second race Bridey's Lettuce was ridden clear followed closely by Cool Music, Moon Over Rio and Heaven Scent. The whole race was controlled by Bridey's Lettuce no others managed to get close. With two furlongs to go headway was made by Petrify who had previously dwelt, Cool Music,  and Taste The Wine. Moon Over Rio and Heaven Scent both weakened. In the final furlong Bridey's Lettuce drifted left whilst Cool Music kept on at the same pace and Petrify carried on well, Bridey's Lettuce was unstoppable going on to win by six lengths, second was Cool Music by 1/2 length, third was Petrify. This race was a selling handicap and the winner was auctioned off, bought by Adam Pogson for £7.5K.

The 3:45 race had Windforpower misbehaving in the parade ring having Ben Robinson off and running free down to the start before he was caught and put in the stalls. Tarboosh was quick away along with Robben Rainbow, tracked by the leader Foxy Boy. With two furlongs out Foxy Boy and Kody Ridge was ridden along, Musharrif moved up the field. There was challenge at one furlong out to Foxy Boy who was eventually headed by Windforpower and Tarboosh. Unfortunately Windforpower kept on at the same pace with nothing else to give but Tarboosh just quickened away eventually winning by 3 1/3 lengths, second Windforpower by 3/4 to Foxy Boy for third.

Thanks to Ben Curtis for selfie.

Pontefract races

Like the all of the festival the weather was variable and after dodging the showers it was a warm day, but not one for the favourites. There was a treble on the card for David Allan which made him the winning jockey for the entire festival, the winning trainer was Tim Easterby.

The 2:30 race in which Mysterial from a wide draw took a keen hold of the race, far behind tracking was Regal Mirage, Liquid Gold and Steccando. The lead didn't change until the final bend when Mysterial was over taken. The rest of the field began to close down the leader from four furlongs out including Thorntoun Care, Regal Mirage, Diamond Runner and Jan De Heem. The leader  was chased down by Regal Mirage with 1 1/2  furlongs to go with Thorntoun Care following closely to challenge the new leader, yet failing to beat him. First was Regal Mirage by a nose, second was Thorntoun Care, third was Diamond Runner by 6 lengths. 

In the 5:00 race there was an incredible ride by David Allan on Crosse Fire, who despite at one point looking like he was going to fall back eventually being ridden well clear approaching the final furlong, going on to win by 2 3/4 lengths. Astrophysics despite not having much room once switched ran on strongly with Oriental Splendour ridden to give chase who in the final stages didn't have anything else. Astrophysics also didn't make a much of an impression on the leader and finished second, Oriental Slendour finished third by 3/4 length. The rest of the field was spread out, many were quickly pulled up after the finishing line. 

Interview with Jason Hart

Jason Hart was apprentice jockey of the year in 2013, he now has moved on from this success to have a derby day Epsom winner on the third of June this year for John Quinn riding Reputation. He described this as a good day and a great achievement after a difficult recovery from an injury in 2015.

Jason started his career when he was about 13 riding out for people near Harwick where he was brought up. This then progressed to pony racing before he became an apprentice for Declan Carroll. His first ride was on a horse called Elusive Fame for Mark Johnston in 2010.

His injury in 2015 meant he missed most of the season, Jason was fortunate to escape the accident with ruptured ACL and MCL ligaments. The injury could have been far worse considering the severity of the incident. When asked about the difficulties of returning to racing Jason decided to see his injury in a better light, and added that since his return he has been able to ride for new yards that he didn't ride for before with some very nice horses providing him with new opportunities.

With the future looking bright for Jason he hopes to carry on building on his success.

On a lighter note when he's not making the weight his favourite meal is fillet steak.

Doncaster races

Frequent heavy showers and very few favourites made the wining enclosure, it was a day of difficult racing, although it included a double on the day for Tony Hamilton on his birthday.

The 5:45 saw Sherrif Of Nawton being extremely problamatic, and he even had Tony Hamilton off when he slipped when leaving the parade ring causing him to be run free briefly before being caught. Sharply out of the gates was Bluff Crag who was the front runner in the race, closely followed by The New Pharoh and Predergast Hill, until three furlongs out when previously held up Buonarroti and The New Pharoh both made headway, the new leader was Predergast Hill. At two furlongs out The New Pharoh began to challenge and quickly joined Predergast Hill, Sheriff Of Nawton followed the leaders along with Buonarroti. One furlong out The New Pharoh headed Predergast Hill, Sheriff Of Nawton with not much room managed to finish third and Buonarroti who had nothing else to give kept on at the same pace to finish fourth. The winner was The New Pharoh (the favourite) by 1/2 length, second was Predergast Hill by 1/2 length to third Sheriff Of Nawton.

The second race had Wafeer in the lead after one furlong, this stayed the same until two furlongs out when Dark Acclaim closed the gap, Qaroun was making a huge effort to continue moving up the field, Alfa McGuire was driven along.One furlong out it was clear that Dark Acclaim was unstoppable as he kept gaining ground going on to win by 3 1/4 lengths, the second horse Qaroun gamely stayed on and third was Alfa McGuire.

One to watch for the future is Sunday Prospect as the horse came second in the 6:45 despite continuously being boxed and switched a numerous amount of times.

Catterick Races

The ever changing weather did nothing to stop the favorites and front runners from winning. Due to the ground every race time was slow.

The beginning of the first race saw Miss Mazzie unhappy in the stalls along with Heavenly Pulse who was difficult to get into stall six. One Drunken Night was quickly away and led, just behind was Miss Mazzie and Mr Carbonator. At the half way mark Shovel It On was pushed on, round the final bend he was the first horse to come wide. Society's Dream was pulled up a great distance behind and eventually dismounted by Joe Fanning. One furlong out saw Mr Carbonator and Shovel It On who had also been held up headed by Placebo Effect. At the finishing post it was Placebo Effect who kept on by 1 1/4 lengths to win, second was Mr Carbonator and third by a neck Shovel It On. As this was a selling stake Mr Carbonator was claimed by Phil Kirby for £7,000, Shovel It On was subject to a friendly claim for £7,000 and Placebo Effect was bought back for £6,500.

3:30 was a claiming stakes race that had Bernie's Boy first by 3/4 length, second Dyllan who refused at first to go into the stalls despite James Sullivan's best efforts, Dyllan was dismounted and remounted, under duress went into the stalls and third was favorite Ancient Astronaut by 1 1/4 lengths. However only the winner was claimed by Iain Jardine for £10,000.

The final race had King Of The Celts leading and running wide of the rest of the field narrowly followed by Cockney Boy who was in charge of the race at eight furlongs out yet they all bunched up but coming off the final bend they were spread across the track from the inside rail. At 2 furlongs the positions were changed. Canny Style now controlled  the race, head way was made by Angel In The Snow, Competition and King Of The Celts were soon outpaced. With one furlong to go Canny Style was shaken up to kick on again and battle it out with Angel In The Snow. The pair were chased home by Almutamarred most of the field struggled in the final furlong so much so that they did not make any impact. This winner was Canny Style by a neck to Angel In The Snow and third by 1/2 length was Almutamarred.

Keep a look out for my new interviews with jockeys, find out what inspires them and the background to their success.

Beverley races- Carnival Night

Fabulous evening of incredible racing, gorgeous glitter face painting, samba dancing girls and music that all created an amazing atmosphere. It was just a shame the weather was the complete opposite of last years heatwave.

The second race was in the hands of the favourite, Special Purpose, having always been close to the leader Me Before You with the lead only marginal. In the closing stages of the race Special Purpose only got stronger and went on to win by 3 1/4 lengths to Gold Stone who was ridden to chase in the final furlong and third was Me Before You by 2 1/4 lengths.

The 6:55 was the Jaimie Kerr memorial race, and overall it was very scrappy race due to the large field. Crosse Fire and Flash City were both quickly away and  One Boy was in touch with rapidly varying leaders with 3 furlongs to go with Musharrif, Astrophics making up starting ground. With one furlong to go Jack Luey (the ten year old) had no more to give, Astrophysics was ridden to challenge Musharrif but he was already to far ahead to be stopped, and One Boy stayed on at the same pace, Jack Luey didn't get a clear run and kept on for fourth. Musharrif trained by Declan Carroll won, second by 2 1/4 lengths was Astrophics and third was One Boy. Musharrif was ridden very well by Phil Dennis, who only has 2 more wins until he loses his 5 pound claim.

The penultimate race was a open race, Relight My Fire took keen hold of the race and soon went clear, at half way it appeared that nothing was going to get near the seven year old ridden by David Allan. Three furlongs out Monsieur Jimmy, So It's War both made head way moving up the field. With two to go Ingleby Spring and Arcane Dancer made headway. In the final furlong Monsieur Jimmy along with Arcane Dancer were both ridden greatly by Ger O'Neill and Danny Tudhope both battling it out upto the line. The dream of the double for Declan Carroll who trained Monsieur Jimmy was ended by Arcane Dancer by only a head. Relight My Fire was third after weakening by going very fast in the beginning stages of the race.

In the final race the results were reversed after a stewards inquiry as Druid's Diamond had hampered the run of Bollin Ted and John Caesar, the results were ammeded to first Bollin Ted, second Druid's Diamond and third John Caesar.

Redcar races

The whole day had unpredictable weather, many non runners and only 4 favourites winning.

The first race had the favourite Arbalet showing off in the parade ring when Josphine Gordon tried to mount, she made a hasty dismount off the two year old Colt, eventually having to be mounted in the shoot with the horse still unhappy. Many were quick out of the stalls,  Barbarianatthegate led shortly to Falmouth Light and David Fallow, Arbalet and the rest of the field followed closely. With two furlongs to go Knowing Glance who had been held up was being pushed, Arbalet begun to challenge Barbarianatthegate, who couldn't compete. Arbalet went on to win by 3 1/2 lengths to Barbarianatthegate ridden by Oisin Murphy, third was Knowing Glance by 2 1/4 lengths.

In the 3:30 Baby Helmet led with the rest of the field giving chase, apart from Hitchcock who was slowly away and Darvie who was being held up. Notmuch was changed until the 5 furlong mark where Baby Helmet weakened and Clear As A Bell led pretty much unchallenged up to 2 furlongs out when the rest of the field started to be truly ridden. In the final furlong Clear As A Bell kept on with fierce competition from the drifting Darvie and Regal Decree, the rest of the field were a fair way behind. But David Allan managed to keep Clear As A Bell on to win by a neck to Darvie in second and Regal Decree in third, by a head.

No horses were claimed in the 4:00 race.

Nottingham races

With a busy racecard and many outsiders the day was a difficult one to predict, having only one favorite winner on the day. The ground meant there were many non runners.

The second race saw Milton Road building on previous success after recent good form at Leicester and Goodwood. Owen The Law took charge of the race, closely followed by Gangland and Porchy Party until three furlongs out when Rock On Bertie who had always been in touch led. In the second to last furlong Milton Road who had been held up made headway and soon challenged Rock On Bertie and went on in the final furlong to keep on to win by a neck to Rock on Bertie. Shania Says who managed a good run without much room came third 1 1/2 lengths behind.

The 3:05 saw Allux Boy lead the race being tracked by Cool Echo and Zumran, who even though he missed the break slightly managed to catch up and win handsomely. With one furlong to go Zumran who had swiftly entered the race after being switched soon took over the lead. Fantasy keeper and Stringybark Creek were both driven in the final furlong however the were no competition for Zumran won went on to win by 3 lengths, second was Fantasy Keeper the favourite and third Stringybark Creek.

Yesterday we sadly lost stall handler Stephen Yarborough after he was seriously injured by the stalls at Haydock, everyone's thoughts are with his family and friends with many jockeys including Paul Hannagan and Jim Crowley paying tribute to this amazing stall handler.

However today is the start of racing in Yorkshire festival with many amazing cards at all of Yorkshires fantastic racecourses, keep up with the racing with this blog for frequent updates and check my twitter feed.

Leicester Races- Ladies Day

Ladies' Day had amazing weather and fab racing however the whole day had appalling organisation. Within the racing there were many easy wins especially for Cheerfilly who won the 4:15 by three lengths. It was also an incredible day for John Egan who rode three winners.

The 3:40 saw a very close race, Uptown Funk was slowly into stride but Bolder Bob and Amadeus Rox were prominent, Zamadance lead. Many horses made headway over two furlongs out, including Uptown Funk and Bolder Bob. At one furlong out even greater changes were made in the field,  Prosecution who had always been in touch began to lead putting Uptown Funk under pressure with Amelia Dream who even though she didn't have a clear run managed to take on and go on to beat the rest of the field by 3/4 of a length. Second was Uptown Funk and third was Prosecution.

The last race, which was the second division of the H.A.C Group Of Companies Handicap that was won FOUR seconds faster than the first division. Roger Thorpe ridden by Paddy Riley was quickly away and soon led for most of the race. The varying positions behind him not having much effect on him until three furlongs out. This when Valley of Rocks began to be pushed forward along with Shearian.  Briefly at two furlongs Rock On Dandy was in the lead, the constant changing positions within the closing stages show the competitive level of the race. But in the end it was a battle between Declan Carrol trained Shearian and Mark Johnston trained Valley Of Rocks both vying for the lead. In the end Valley Of Rocks had a little more to give then Shearian beating him by 1 1/2 lengths. The third horse was Imperial Link and the rest of the field followed closely behind.

Although the day had a horrendous start with heinous traffic and poor organisation, it could not put a dampener on the tremendous racing, luxurious ladies day was completed live music and a fireworks display.

York races: Friday and Saturday

Brilliant weather for both days, the going was good to firm which resulted in plenty of non runners making the field of races smaller on the day but raising money for Macmillan.

Friday- it was definitely a day for the favourites with many photo finishes. A favourite was placed in every race with 4 of the 7 winning.

The first race was won by the William Haggas trained Tulip Fever by only a short head. In the early stages of the race Hard Graft led and was pushed out in front, chased by Magic Mark and Rumshak, however in the final stages of the race there were many changes in positions as Sosian, ridden by Paul Hanagan,  went forward at 1 furlong marker and Tulip Fever who had been in the rear moved into contention. Tulip Fever and Sosian both quickened to fight for the lead but  Tulip Fever narrowly held on to win, Sosian finished second with Magic Mark in third.

At 3:30 there was a surprise when a 33-1 shot won the 7 furlong race. Shouranour led the race by setting a steady pace with Classic Seniority, God Willing and Roaring Forties giving chase. At the two furlongs marker Classic Seniority and Sun Lover (an ironic name for the day) made moves up the field. With one furlong to go it was clear that Be Kool who was off the pace was going to be the winner finishing 1 3/4 lengths ahead of the second placed horse. Sun Lover finished second with nearest horse 1 1/4 lengths behind. Classic Seniority was third War Department finished fourth. War Department really progressed in the closing stages on the race.

Saturday- even better weather than the previous day and fantastic racing which was  even more unpredictable. The best ride of the day going to Josie Gordon.

The 2:25  was a very interesting race with Golden Stunner looking as if he was going to win the race without any competition or pressure from the rest of the field until 2 furlongs out when Arabian Hope,  ridden by Josie Gordon, challenged the leader. In the battle between the horses both at times being headed by each other Arabian Hope got his head in front and went on to win by a head. Golden Stunner finished second and Thinkriyaat third by 3/4 of a length. Thinkriyaat was held up in the rear but got a clean run at the 1 furlong marker to be placed. This was a great ride from  Josie Gordon who timed the ride brilliantly and in my opinion was the best ride of the day.

In the 3:30 Carlton Frankie soon led, with Justanotherbottle and Poet's Society prominent in the race. However The Wagon Wheel and Golden Apollo made headway at two furlongs out, altering the proceedings and both went on to race keenly. With one furlong to go  Justanotherbottle was in the lead but was swiftly joined by The Waggon Wheel and Golden Apollo. Poet's Society was unfortunately outpaced. Golden Apollo kept on strongly, vying for the first place with The Waggon Wheel who was winning with only 75 yards to go. The Waggon Wheel was sadly piped at the post by Golden Apollo, the winning distance only a neck. Justanotherbottle finished third a length behind.

Southwell Races

Great day with perfect weather and close to call races,  with only two favourites winning.  The races included some very fresh horses especially Lean On Pete in the first race who took a keen hold and drastically pulled, finished third.

The third race had Crinkley Bottom withdrawn after going through the rail at the starting gates, the ride to the start was eventful. Eddiebet had a strong start and led with the rest of the field being tightly packed together with not much changing until 3 furlongs out, when Eddiebet's pace slowed and at 2 furlongs out Passcode and Amitie Waltz strengthened. Passcode rallied in the final furlong and succeeded the competition between himself and Amitie Waltz. Passcode carried on smoothly to win, being an 11/8 favourite, beating Amitie Waltz into second by a short head. Eddiebet finished third 5 lengths behind. 

In the 3:55 before the race even started Red Touch was difficult and forced into the stalls. Robero was quickly away and led, Order Of  Service was stuck in the stalls and very slow to race. Robero had the lead the whole way tracked by Custard The Dragon, Among Angels and Intensical up to 2 furlongs out when he was joined by Custard The Dragon who went on to make head way and challenge Robero. The pace quickened in the final furlong, Robero couldn't keep up and was driven on. However during the fight for the lead Robero was slightly hampered by Custard The Dragon which resulted in a steward's enquiry, the result remained unchanged. Custard The Dragon won by a head to Robero in second and Among Angels in third.

Catterick Races

Catterick's eight race card provided a long day with some very hard to call races and lots of photo finshes.

The third race saw the strong pairing of Richard Fahey and Adam McNamara paying off again with Bahamian Bird going on to win easily. The Tavener led, with a lot of the field giving chase including Bahamian Bird, Tadaawol and the favourite Dutch Artist always in touch towards the inner. Yet with two furlongs to go many horses being pushed, no one could catch Bahamian Bird, who went into the final furlong racing smoothly, winning by 1 1/4 lengths.

In the 4:30 Major Valentine, Bold Spirit and Socialites Red all got away quickly, Major Valentine soon settling into the lead and chased by Indian Pursuits, Bold Spirit and Coquine. All prominent horses raced well until two furlongs when Major Valentine carried on making easy headway, ridden over one furlong out, being edged slightly by Clergyman. In the end both battled on with Major Valentine narrowly winning under apprentice jockey Ben Robinson by 3/4 of a length to Clergyman in second and third Indian Pursuits by a short head.

The last race saw a good ride by 5lb claimer Phil Dennis with Kinloch Pride who has had recent good form with a win again on the day, after chasing the leaders and being pushed along to hold his place in the final furlong. He eventually won by a neck.

Doncaster Races Day 1 & 2

Donnie races provided a great start to the season, day 1 had some surprises which included a treble from Ryan Moor. Half of day 2 races were won by favourites.

Day 1
Some outsiders were placed at huge odds and Ryan Moore not having four consecutive wins saved the bookies approximately £40 million. It was very difficult to pick a winner.

The amazing ride from Daniel Tudhope in the 3:35 on Bravery was the ride of the day. The horse was slightly slow out of the starting stalls meaning the other horses got a head start. Bravery went behind the rest of the field switched quickly left towards the rail and was held up just behind the main pack, in touch with the leaders. He made smooth headway over 1 furlong out, along with Donncha and Gabrial. Dolphin Vista who was leading was knocked from top spot, however Bravery kept on and challenged the rest of the field as they headed toward the line, the first three were all in close succession. Bravery was driven clear by a neck, second Oh This Is Us (favourite) ridden by Ryan Moore and third Donncha.

In the 4:10 Dragon's Tooth was quick away and soon led with the rest of the field giving chase with Almane and Rocket Man Dan pushing him along. Throughout the race there was much jostling for position until 2 furlongs out when Santry made easy headway and went onto win, Last Page was a close second and Benadalid followed with the rest of the field a fair way behind.

Day 2
The family fun day, made sure there was something for everyone from bikes to face paint and some very close calls with the racing.

In the 2:15 the 15/8 favourite Benbatl and Made Of Honour were the tracking pair, with Jewel House up front. Soon all 3 were fighting for a winning position when Benbatl  took charge testing the field, stretching them out over 2 furlongs out. This was a brilliant ride by Josephine Gordon. Made Of Honour was second by seven lengths and Jewel House third.

The favourite Chemical Charge in the 3:55 romped home. The battle between Frontiersman and Muntahaa at 4 furlongs from the finish appeared to make it a 2 horse race, however, with three furlongs to go Chemical Charge and Saigon City moving up the field. Chemical Change was soon along side the battling duo and overtook them nicely to win the race by 2 lengths. Saigon City went on to chase down the duo and had a good race finishing second, third place going to Muntahaa.

On a whole this has been a weekend of great racing, creating an exciting start for the new flat season. Thanks to Oisin Murphy for the selfie.

 

Treat female jockeys as equals

France is trying to introduce a new 4lb weight allowance for all female jockeys riding over flat and jumps (excluding class 1 races) believing it will encourage more women to ride and do better in their careers.

However,  this is completely ridiculous because the women who have won big races without having this 4lb claim, when given the opportunity to ride a competitive horse have won on merit and ability due to an equal playing field and not being treated any different to their male colleagues. A prime example of this is Julie Krone who won the ledger Legends race in 2011. Whilst horse racing is a male dominated industry many women struggle with their careers. Josephine Gordon is the Champion Apprentice of the year 2016 and won the title with hard work and determination not because she was given preferential treatment. There have only been 3 female jockeys who have won this title: Josie Gordon, Amy Ryan and Hayley Turner. Women don't want to be patronise.

Some people insist this idea will strongly assist female jockeys, I think its crazy because I don't think  will provide more chances. I am strong believer that you create your own chances in life and you shouldn't wait for them to handed to you. You have to work hard for what you want in life. Owners and Trainers should be encouraged to use female jockeys.

Women should be encouraged to go into racing, be given the same opportunities as men and be able to compete as equals.  The ratio of men to women jockeys is seriously unequal. There are only 53 female jockeys and 354 male jockeys in Britain.

Within the racing community there has been plenty of discussion, some people are against it. Julie Krone who's said its 'laughable and insulting', Jane Elliot described it as 'patronising' and top male jockey Adam Kirby suggesting its 'ridiculous'  but others such as AP McCoy think its a move in the right direction and has suggested it since 2015 saying 'female jockeys are very, very competent riders but perhaps they should receive an allowance like a filly does in a race'. His argument being women aren't as strong, yet the quality of ridding surely cannot just be down to how strong a rider is.

This conflict will continue until women are treated as equals in racing, I seriously hope that France will not impose the weight allowance.

Southwell Races

Yesterday's racing at Southwell proved interesting with outsiders winning including a 20/1 long shot, half the races were won by favourites the other half by outsiders.

The first race saw Medici Moon and Stag Party battling for the lead, pushing each other along the rest of the field chasing. Three furlongs out Panther In Pink also moved up but Stag Party took the lead in this fast paced race. The lead switching regularly, with two furlongs to go Kyllachys Tale headed the race and was quickly ridden clear proving to be unstoppable despite dramatically drifting left, he it went on to win by seven lengths with Medici Moon second and Panther In Pink third.

The 20/1 winner was in the 3:10 ridden by Dale Swift, the five year old Among Angels was always just behind the leaders, with Vroom taking control of the race. Three furlongs out they were all closely packed together, until Among Angels went to join the leader Vroom, soon fighting it out for the lead at two furlongs out and Alpha Tauri (a previous course and distance winner) was also in the mix. In the end it was no trouble for Among Angels to win by 1 length despite having an odd head carriage.

Easiest win of the day goes to Bounty Pursuit in the 4:10 who struggled at the start but managed to take the lead with no problem,  he was driven well clear without any issues when asked for more by his jockey, surely he is one to watch in the future. Bounty Pursuit was one of three Michael Appleby's winners on the day, a yard in good form judging by yesterdays racing.

Its sad to hear Thistlecrack has been ruled out of the Gold Cup due to a tendon tear. This will make for an interesting race.

Remember to check out my twitter feed, I would also like to say a massive thank you to Tommo for giving me his autograph and being so lovely, but I don't think I will become a jockey just yet!