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.