Musselburgh Races

My first visit to Musselburgh races had some horses winning very easily without much effort from the jockeys on How Bizarre and Smart Illusion. It was not a day for the favourites as only one won. Due to the ground being different to when the horses were declared there were eight non-runners which often reduced the small fields further.

The second race had Smart Illusion in the front closely followed by Fighting Spirit and Aghast, chase was given by Melgate Majeure, with My Ukulele held up. The clear pace was set by Smart Illusion easily keeping the rest of the field behind him. Over three furlong out Fighting Spirit and House Deposit were being ridden along. Two furlongs to go and Aghast was no longer challenging Smart Illusion although Melgate Majeure was then struggling. Pesci was being pushed along. With one furlong to go My Ukulele made headway but there was no catching Smart Illusion who by this point had gone well clear, Melgate Majeure was very one paced in the closing stages and House Deposit could not keep up  with the pace made by the first three after being hindered. First went to the easy winning Smart Illusion by 1 3/4 lengths, second was My Ukulele who unfortunately just struggled to keep up holding on to his place by a neck and third was Melgate Majeure.

The 4:55 had Mr Shelby leading, tracked by Newgate Sioux, Windforpower and Pavers Pride, however Thornaby Princess was not too far off the pace. Kibaar caused numerous problems for Tom Eaves as he had to go down to the start early and then was very slowly away. At two furlongs to go Mr Shelby was still in the lead but Thornaby Princess was being driven forward. With one furlong to go there was a new leader in the form of Pavers Pride, Newgate Sioux was also holding on well and headway was made by Kibaar. In the final stages of the race Pavers Pride had to be pushed as Mr Shelby rallied again whilst Newgate Sioux and Thornaby Princess stayed on with the one pace.  Kibaar due to the issues in the early parts of the race was never able to make a challenge on the leaders. Going towards the line it wasn't clear which of the battling horses had got the win either Mr Shelby or Pavers Pride and it had to go to a photo finish where Pavers Pride won by a short head to second Mr Shelby and third Newgate Sioux by 1 1/4 lengths.

I'm not sure when my next blog update will be, but if you keep an eye on my twitter you'll be able to find out.

Southwell Races

The bank holiday raceday had a pretty good crowd and a double for jockey Charlie Bennett, yet it was not a day for the favourites as only two won with plenty of big prices coming in.

The second race had Four Wheel Drive taking charge of the race, closely followed by Requited, Epona and Champagne Mondays. However, Baldwin missed the break. At three furlongs out the lead went to Requited. At two furlongs out Four Wheel Drive and Champagne Monday were being ridden along although Epona was making movement up field. It was clear that Requited was not going to be caught as he kept extending the lead and the rest of the field were swiftly left behind. Requited came first by 2 3/4 lengths to second Four Wheel Drive by a head to third Epona.  If Baldwin had a better start to the race I think he would possibly have been placed as he made up plenty of ground.

In the penultimate race there was close competition for the lead between Limerick Lord and Thunderbell with Seaforth, Finsbury Park, Vicky Cristina and Bee Machine sitting just behind the pace. Limerick Lord managed to get a slight lead over four furlongs out, this did not last long as three furlongs out Bee Machine, Vicky Cristina and Gilmer made headway. At two furlongs the wide running Sunstorm was moving up the field, many of the field were beginning to get tired including Limerick Lord, Vicky Cristina and Ideal Angel. At one furlong out Bee Machine was still plugging on leading easily, whereas Sunstorm and Limerick Lord were being ridden strongly, many of the rest of the field were one paced compared to the three front running horses. First was Bee Machine by 1 1/2 lengths to second Sunstorm by 2 lengths and third Limerick Lord.

Next race meeting I will be blogging on is Musselburgh on Thursday and hopefully by the time the next meeting at Chepstow is planned it will go ahead if they can get the turf sorted out.

Redcar Races

The Gin and Gentleman evening saw best dressed man and couple competitions being very popular. There was also a double for the duo of Hollie Doyle and Archie Watson. Sadly there was an incident in the 6:30 with the jockey Phil Makin, getting injured as the horse Eyecatcher suffered a fatal injury breaking his leg unseating Phil and resulting in him being taken to hospital. There is a slight confusion over injuries but it is clear Phil has broken a bone in his neck, the whole racing community is wishing him a speedy recovery.

The second race had Haadhir leading the race chased by The Big House and The Grey Zebedee. Fognini who struggled due to stumbling at the start but managed to track the leaders four furlongs out. At two furlongs to go Liquid Lunch made headway and SDH Dream Team and Slieve Donard were pushed along. At one furlong to go Fognini was ridden to lead whilst Liquid Lunch began to challenge, Haadhir was headed yet movement up field was made by SDH Dream Team while a lot of field didn't have enough pace to keep up. In the end Fognini won as the pressure from Liquid Lunch kept him on, winning by a neck to Liquid Lunch and third Haadhir by 3 1/4 lengths.

The 6:00 had the lead constantly switching from horse to horse making it difficult to see who was at the front. Initailly it was Flo Jo's Girl, followed by Swiss Lady and Concello. Kermouster and Freed From Desire were prominent. With four to go Freed From Desire lead, this swapped to Concello at two furlongs to go. At this stage other horses were being headed like Freed From Desire, Donnago and Swiss Lady. With one furlong to go Northern Lyte picked up pace making swift headway compared to the drifting Concello and Mecca's Gift tried to give chase although it was too late. First was Concello by 1 1/4 lengths to second Northern Lyte by 1 1/2 lengths and third Mecca's Gift.

There also needs to be a mention for the Declan Carroll racing team and jockey Ger O'Neill who undoubtedly had his best ride ever on Titus in the Sky Bet Handicap at York. The future for this jockey, trainer and horse is looking very promising.

Carlisle Races

The weather with lots of showers resulted in a disappointing turn out for the races yet, it was not a day for the favourites with only two winning. There was also a double for jockey Kevin Stott.

The 3:50 showed a horse to keep an eye on as it won with so much ease. Rock Hill was the leader, and Zizum was wide but close up next to Rickyroadboy although Final Go tracked leaders near the in touch Sir Derrick. The rest of the runners didn't have much in them, but two furlongs out Rickyroadboy and Wensley were ridden out. The lead at one furlong to go changed to Zizum briefly as Sir Derrick got hindered in his running. However Fard and Danehill Desert were making head way, Final Go was very keen and going to the final furlong managed to get the lead. This horse throughout the race was not under any pressure with jockey Sam James willing to just sit behind the leaders and went on to win without much trouble by 1 1/2 lengths to Danehill Desert who kept on with Fard in third by a short head.

The 4:55 had Motahassen leading the whole way, with Dwight D and Bahkit prominent and being tracked by Sioux Frontier and Mr Coco Bean. The whole field was close with not much between them. Yet Motahassen did not have his lead challenged but swapped to the standside rail with two furlongs to go, Dwight D, Mr Coco Bean and Snookered were being ridden strongly to keep in touch,  most of the field closing around the leading few. With one furlong to go Motahassen was now being ridden along and driven again, Dwight D was challenging and battling for the lead. Snookered and Mr Coco Bean were merely staying on and Bahkit and Sioux Frontier had no more to give. As the challenge from Dwight D became stronger, Motahassen just went clear and kept on well winning by 2 lengths to Dwight D, second by 3/4 of a length to third Snookered who finished 4 lengths clear of the rest of the field. This gave a well deserved winner to the trainer Declan Carroll who has been continuously knocking on the door with numerous seconds in the past couple of weeks.

Next blog update will be on Saturday's racing at Redcar.

Thirsk races

Family fun day at Thirsk races had plenty going on with a variety of activities for all ages including face painting, bouncy castle and pony rides but it was also a day for the favourites. With a double for trainer Keith Dalgleish. 

There was drama in the second race as the results were reversed after an stewards inquiry. Strip Search swiftly lead closely behind him was Farol, Frosted Lass and Fuente. Get The Rhythm was tracking the leaders and this was much the same for the first four furlongs until the lead was taken by Fuente. The race began to develop over the last couple of furlongs, at two furlongs out Frosted Lass, Musical Sky were pushed along as Farol lost its place. With one furlong to go Get The Rhythm took up to challenge for the lead with Fuente. Frosted Lass and George's Law were ridden along. In the last furlong all the attention was on Fuente and Get The Rhythm as Fuente drifted into Get The Rhythm, they bumped multiple times and they managed to get the best out of each other. Originally Fuente won by a nose until the stewards enquiry in which they announced that the positions would be reversed as Fuente disrupted the running of Get The Rhythm. Third was Frosted Lass 6 lengths behind who just struggled to keep up with the front pace. 

In the 4:35 Box and Cox was leading the race narrowly to Shawaamekh, followed by Juthoor and Star Shield. Out paced from early on was Fire To The Reign and Red Allure who missed the break slightly. Over two furlongs out Shawaamekh went to the front, with Seek The Moon and Red Allure already being pushed along. This was unchanged for the best part. With two furlongs to go when Juthooor began to give chase but Star Shield and Thunderbolt Rocks were both struggling for room to make progress. But at one furlong to go Juthoor was driven to lead and Shawaamekh was headed, when Star Shield was switched he had a better run but was only singled paced. Thunderbolt Rocks due to his difficult position only managed to get a run at the end, unfortunately there was no chance of him reaching the leaders. Juthoor kept on to beat Shawaamekh by 1 1/2 lengths and he had given his all. Third was Star Shield by 5 lengths.

Pontefract Races

Ladies Day at Pontefract Races had the course being packed with plenty of people many vying to be presented with either the best dressed man, lady or have the best hat. The threatening stormy weather had the happiness of the day hanging in the balance.

The second race saw Watchmyeverymove briefly lead before Ventura Ocean took it, being chased by Bugler Bob, Watchmyeverymove and Coolagh Magic. This was much the same for the whole race. Up to two furlongs out Aghast, Coolagh Magic and Swiss Connection were ridden along struggling with the pace. With one furlong to go Ventura Ocean was driven well clear despite it being obvious from three furlong out that it would go onto win with a slight challenge at one furlong out from Bugler Bob. Rail side racing saw Watchmyeverymove outpaced. It appeared that much of the field soon weakened, compared to the strong going Ventura Ocean that went on to win by 1 1/2 lengths to second Bugler Bob by four lengths to third Watchmyeverymove.

In the 3:50 it was an outsider that came in to win which shocked plenty on course. Grandee was leading narrowly to Mukhayyam who was tracking alongside Tor. The two at the back were Reverend Jacobs, the favourite, and Bolder Bob. There was progress made by Bolder Bob at five furlongs to go whereas Star Of The East made it look difficult work. At two to go Bolder Bob began to chase Mukhayyam and Tor and Reverend Jacobs were being ridden harshly to try keep up. Bolder Bob quickly began to challenge Mukhayyam and Tor, causing close competition between them. The lead within the final 50 yards changed multiple times between the three horses making it difficult to call, resulting in  a photo finish. First was Bolder Bob by a nose to second Mukhayyam, third Tor by a head. After fourth place the distance between the horses increased greatly.  Bolder Bob was a huge outsider at 16/1.

Catterick races

The glorious weather and family fun day resulted in the day being a scorcher with plenty of fun for the whole family and some good racing. The day also involved doubles for the trainers Mark Johnson and Tim Easterby.

In the second race On The High Tops was in the lead, closely followed by  Glyder, Compton River and Cuppacoco. This was much the same until one furlong out when Kinloch Pride and Imperial Legend made headway but little progress was made by Compton River, Trulove and Glyder started to struggle. In the final furlong Kinloch Pride made his way to the front and was not going to be stopped by the distance closing Imperial Legend and the one paced Compton River or Trulove. First was Kinloch Pride by 1 1/4 lengths, second Imperial Legend by a head to third Compton River. This was hopefully the end to Kinloch Pride's jockeys Phil Dennis' cold patch as he has had over 20 rides without a win.

The 3:10 Stormin Tom was in the front from the beginning, tracked by Be Perfect and Casima. The back marker by a long way was Ingleby Hollow, this was due to Stormin Tom stretching the field. With two furlongs to go Sea Youmzain, Ingleby Hollow and Panko were all pushed along, but with one furlong to go Panko gave chase and Ingleby Hollow was moving forward in the field too. The lead switched to Sea Youmzain from Stormin Tom. From there on Sea Youmzain stayed on well much like Ingleby Hollow, Stormin Tom, then there was the one paced and weakening Panko, Casima and Be Perfect. Sea Youmzain went clear and won by 3/4 of a length, second was Stormin Tom by 1/2 length to third Ingleby Hollow.

Pontefract Races

The final day of the Go Racing in Yorkshire Festival started off with very rainy weather but towards the end of the day it was getting warmer and there was a hint of sunshine. Also there was a fair few lengths between the places, with not many photo finishes required.

The first race had the favourite Flawless Jewel and Murqaab both battling for the lead as Murqaab went wide but Justice Shallow was closely following, Pinkie Pie was never in contention throughout the race being in the rear without any impact on the running. The lead clearly changed to Flawless Jewel at three furlong out, Murqaab was headed and Justice Swallow plugged along. At one furlong out Flawless Jewel was going well clear, attempting to be chased by Justice Shallow although by this point Murqaab had no more to give. Pinkie Pie was still no where near the rest of the field. The winner was Flawless Jewel by 16 LENGTHS, second was Justice Swallow an 100/1 outsider by 9 lengths, third was Murqaab by 6 lengths to Pinkie Pie.

In the 3:35 Secret Art was soon to lead however this altered after one furlong when Salateen took on the role of pace maker, being tracked by Big Country, Gabr and Ventura Knight. At four furlongs out Gabr had to be switched wide after Big Country had already done so earlier in the race. With three furlongs to go Another Touch and Secret Art had to be shaken up and were making it look like difficult work. Headway was made by Big Country to join Salateen with two furlongs to go, Ventura Knight had to be ridden along but Gabr was close up. At one furlong to go Big Country was ridden strongly to lead taking over from Salateen but for many in the field it was becoming difficult. Ventura Knight, Gabr and Another Touch just managing to keep on at the same pace. In the end Big Country went on to win maintaining his lead without much trouble by 1/2 a length to Salateen to third Ventura Knight by 4 lengths.

At the end of the Festival Danny Tudhope was leading jockey and Richard Fahey was leading Trainer. It was easy to see how on form Danny was with him attempting to win Champion Jockey this year. He picked the stand side rail to run along and by the end of the racing most other jockeys were using the same line. He only had one winner at Pontefract. Whereas Silvestre De Sousa who is currently in front of Danny in the title race had 4 winners at the meeting.

Thirsk and York races

The unpredictable weather meant that there were some surprising outcomes at both York and Thirsk races with some big prices coming in at Thirsk including a 33/1 and 22/1 winner. Both were very fun days for the Go Racing In Yorkshire Festival. Unfortunately Tom Jones was cancelled due to thunder storms not allowing his helicopter to fly, resulting in some very sad members of the crowd.

Thirsk Races

The first race on the card saw the runners split into 2 groups, three horses Raypeteafterme, Dream Of Honour and Baldwin went up the stands side rail and Raypeteafterme led. While the centre had Sosume leading followed by The Defiant and Four Wheel Drive. This changed very little and it looked at three furlongs out as though Raypeteafterme was only keeping on, as Baldwin, Dream Of Honour and Frosted Lass were all making headway. At two furlongs to go Raypeteafterme picked up the pace. Baldwin, Four Wheel Drive and Sosume were then tracking the leader. Many only kept on in the final furlong such as Sosume, Four Wheel Drive, Baldwin and Frosted Lass. Plenty of the field were never involved in the running, Raypeteafterme was quickly driven home to win for trainer Declan Carroll by ¾ of a length, second was Dream Of Honour by a head to third Baldwin. The rest of the field were further behind.  It’s no surprise that Raypeteafterme ran so well after the prior run at Beverley where the saddle slipped potentially effecting its running and nearly unseating Hayley Turner.

The 3:45 had Kyroc in the lead, with the chasers behind being No Lippy, Big Ace and So Hi Storm. Princess Power was slow away and was out back. With two furlongs to go Kyroc, No Lippy and Big Ace were ridden along. At one furlong to go Princess Power began to move up the field but No Lippy, Kyroc and Big Ace kept on at the same pace and some were struggling, So Hi Storm hung left but managed to keep on gamely. First place went easily to Princess Power by 2 lengths, second Kyroc by 1/2 length and third was So Hi Storm by 1 3/4 lengths. 

York Races 

In the 7:30 Snowy Winter was the pace setter leading narrowly to trackers Stage Name, Desert Diamond and Rasima. Singyoursong and Pleasant Surprise were held up at the back. At three furlongs out positions began to change; Desert Diamond and Stage Name began moving further up the field. At two furlongs out Desert Diamond was in touch and joined Snowy White although Stage Name and Singyoursong were going well there was little catching Diamond Desert one furlong out who eventually went well clear of the field who were single paced or keeping. First was Desert Diamond by 6 lengths to Snowy Winter in second and Stage Name in third by 3/4 of a length. In the closing stages of the race there really was no challenge to Desert Diamond. 

We saw a rising new talent in the 8:00 race in the form of seven pound claimer Oakley Brown as he went on to win the race on Third Time Lucky. Lamloom led the race, shadowed by Kings Gift, Bertog and Kaeso.  Presidential, Bravery and Third Time Lucky were in the rear. Kings Gift alongside Withernsea and Bertog made headway at three furlongs out. At two left Third Time Lucky had movement up the field, but so had many of others in the field. In the final furlong Third Time Lucky kept on well just heading Lamloom and Kings Gift, Bertog and Kaeso struggled under the pressure. In the end Third Time Lucky was unstoppable and went ahead to win by 2 1/4 lengths, second was Lamloom by 1 1/1 length and third was Kings Gift by a head. This was another well timed ride by Oakley Brown after being involved in  four professional races since getting his license. He has been placed in every race since converting from an amateur rider. 

Next update will be from Pontefract tomorrow. Let's hope it stays dry without anymore thunder storms. 

Newcastle races

Despite the showers throughout the day and the free admissions the racecourse was reasonably quiet with some very easy wins.

The third race saw a great yet confident ride by Ben Robinson on Burn Some Dust. Soon out the gates Barney George led the race however Bill Cody was close behind and the competition was narrow between them for the lead. Mulsanne Chase sat tidy on the rail tracking the leader alongside Coral Queen. This was a narrow lead and positions were close early on but at four furlongs out Bill Cody took charge, Coral Queen took second position and Barney George was losing power after going to the front. At three furlongs out Burn Some Dust who had been held up suddenly began to move up the field. Highwayman had the same intention although he did not have enough stamina. With two to go Burn Some Dust made headway and was among Bill Cody who was being headed by Coral Queen who at this stage was leading, Sevilla was gripped on to third place at this stage. But in the last furlong Burn Some Dust was charging to the front, Bill Cody was gaining speed too but Coral Queen had no more to give and Sevilla and Highwayman made it look like hard work to keep on at the same pace. The winner Burn Some Dust timed it perfectly to come through the horses winning by 1 length, second was the favourite Bill Cody by 1 length to third Coral Queen. The rest of the field were far back (a minimum of 12 lengths).

In the 4:20 Pitch High led the race with plenty of horses chasing including Great Colaci, Ingleby Molly and Ayton, Supreme Power was also prominent. Around half way the front position changed to Great Colaci, and stayed the same until about two furlongs out when Supreme Power was ridden out and Someone Exciting, Great Colaci and Mount Cheiron were now being pushed. Pitch High lost his place as he weakened. At one furlong to go Supreme Power was stretching Great Colaci and Someone Exciting, Mount Cheiron were going well. Despite this Ingleby Molly and Ayton weakened and kept on at one pace. The winner was Supreme Power who had to be given reminders by Ben Curtis by 1/2 length to second Great Colaci and it was 2 lengths to third place Someone Exciting.

Hopefully there will be further updates on the Go Racing In Yorkshire week on Friday from Thirsk and an interview with Rachel Richardson is now available to read.

Interview with Rachel Richardson

Rachel Richardson is a successful female Northern Jockey who is connected to Tim Easterby's yard, after becoming an apprentice in 2011. She has recently lost her 3 pound claim. Despite the difficulties female jockeys can come across especially being from the North, Rachel says this has not affected her career, describing herself as 'lucky' due to being attached to Tim's yard.

Originally Rachel was involved in show jumping and only converted to racing through a friends parent who was involved. From there she went to racing college and got the qualifications she needed. However, this wasn't always the case, before she became a jockey she was a model but gave it up due to her love of horses.

One of Rachel's biggest accomplishments is the recent victory riding out her claim and she hopes she can build on this momentum, gaining more rides and winners. Although she has had many trials and tribulations, some being recent and a serious incident which occurred in 2016 when riding at Beverley racecourse on Kung Hei Fat Choy who was fatally injured when he went through the railing which obviously had an impact and greatly saddened Rachel. Her resolve has been of vital importance to keep riding and to keep going.

Since this incident Rachel has clearly gone from strength to strength and can hopefully build on the success she has tasted. With her recent collection of winners and numerous places, this season will sure to be one of her more successful years. Rachel has obtained a 19% strike rate, I'm sure when the weight allowance permits it she will be treating herself to her cheeky treat of chocolate.

Beverley Races

With the scorching weather making the carnival racenight hotter than Rio it resulted in smaller fields, with seven runners being withdrawn overall and it was clearly a night for the favourites with them winning three races and being placed in every race. The Beverley carnival racenight is fun for all, with lots to do and see from the samba girls, glitter face paint and stilt walkers and most importantly, not forgetting, the live brass band. It was a great day of racing for an early meeting in the go racing in Yorkshire festival.

In the 6:30 Cheerupmylove started to lead the race being closely followed by the favourite Queen Jo Jo, Ginvincible and Royal Destiny who veered right at the start of the race. At two furlongs out the lead changed to Ginvincible but when Queen Jo Jo was switched to give a clear run she made quick headway, the short falls came from Cheerupmylove and Angel Sarah who were easily overtaken. Over one furlong out Queen Jo Jo was very keen to go to the front challenging Gininvicible for the lead. Royal Destiny, Angel Sarah and Lady Rouda were ridden along whilst Cheerupmylove  weakened, but Farol made excellent headway. Eventually Queen Jo Jo kept on gamely to win, second was Ginvincible who managed to keep on yet not just catching the winner. Third was the one paced Royal Destiny.

The fifth race was only going to go one way with Three Saints Bay absolutely dominating the field and having control over every horse in the race, whilst being chased closely by Roaring Forties and Proud Archi. However Jessinamillion dwelt at the back and Theodorico was held up in the rear. Three Saints Bay was unstoppable, easily quickening away and was pretty much unchallenged throughout the race going on to win by EIGHT lengths, second place was Proud Archi who despite being ridden along well and kept on nicely did not have a chance at competing for the win. Third place was the one paced Ingenuity.

Keep your eyes open for an interview with Rachel Richardson and an update on Tuesdays racing from Newcastle.

York races

A glorious day of racing, with four favourites winning and a double for Ed Greatrex. There were also many close calls, leading to lots of photo finishes. It was also lovely to see retired jockey Sammy Jo Bell in her new job at York Race course and successfully predicting a few horses to win.

The 4:15 had Broken Spear take charge of the race early on with Julius Limbani, Showu and Pacino chasing the leader. This for a lengthy time in the race did not change and I Am A Dreamer was close up with Moyassar was held up. Moyassar made headway along side Julius Limbani and Jfoul but with one furlong Broken Spear was ridden along. Moyassar kept making up ground and I Am A Dreamer began to hang left and quickly took up position of leader as Moyassar challenged. Yet Broken Spear and Julius Limbani had little more to give just keeping on at the same pace. I Am A Dreamer held on strongly for first place by a nose to second Moyassar and third Broken Spear by 1/2 a length.

In the 4:50 Akvavera led the race, being tracked by Desert Diamond and Club Tropicana with Shazzab being well out paced with Brexitmeansbrexit until 3 furlongs out where Brexitmeansbrexit made headway to join Desert Diamond and Akvavera, with Club Tropicana being ridden along. At two furlongs to go Akvavera was ridden along as well and Brexitmeansbrexit who began to give chase. At one furlong out Desert Diamond took the lead from Akvavera and Brexitmeansbrexit who continued at the same pace, Club Tropicana was outpaced. Desert Diamond finished first gamely by 1 3/4 lengths to second Akvavera and third by 1 length was Brexitmeansbrexit the rest of the field reasonably far behind.

Nottingham Races

The weather even though there were a few showers, overall was warm. There was a few non-runners and only one favourite winner. There were a few close photo finishes and even a dead heat in one race but the day was positive for Sean Levey, who had a treble on the evening.

The second race had a small field of four horses, the race had Majestic Appeal quick into the lead closely followed by Titwotitiz and Hua Hin, however Delft Dancer was really slow into the race and didn't run straight. Over one furlong out Hua Hin went on to take charge along side Tizwotitiz who had some difficulty in the race, both Delft Dancer and Majestic Appeal struggled. But with less than one furlong to go Hua Hin ran on whilst Tizwotitiz was hanging yet carried on and was joined by Delft Dancer. There was no stopping Hua Hin. First place was Hua Hin by 1/2 length, second place Tizwotitiz by 3/4 lengths, third place Delft Dancer by 2 1/2 lengths and fourth Majestic Appeal.

The penultimate race at 7:15 had Stubytuesday led early. Tracked by Boots And Spurs, Loujain, Kings Academy and Spun Gold. The race was quiet scrappy due to the larger number of runners in the field, positions were constantly changing. Over three furlong out Kings Academy lost his second place, Show Boating was ridden out over two furlongs along with Edgar Allan Poe. Many horses were stopped in their stride and were boxed in continuously. With one furlong to go Lamloon was in first place being chased by Mutarakez and Stubytuesday, but Music Seeker who had been held up moved through the field and finishing strongly. However Lamloom was unstoppable finishing 1 1/2 lengths clear of the rest of the field but he had the rest of the field queuing up behind him. The head heat occurred here, second place was Mutaratez and Music Seeker by a head to Stubytuesday.
 

The start of the turf season- Doncaster Lincoln Saturday and Sunday

The start of the flat turf season commenced with great racing and even better weather.
Saturday 
With three favourites winning on the day, it was definitely the day for the outsiders with some big wins including a 50/1 winner.
The second race, at 2:25, had a huge field which allowed Humbert to lead the with High Acclaim, Lord Of The Rock and King's Pavilion following close behind. Although on the other side of the track Kynren was close to the rail with Sand Chorus slightly more central. The race remained the same up till the three furlong marker when Humbert was pushed along with headway being made by High Acclaim, Lord Of The Rock and Taqdeer. At the two furlong marker Seduce Me and Kynren were ridden along. One furlong to go saw High Acclaim go to the front, heading Humbert along with the one paced Kynren, Lord Of The Rock and Pastime who all just managed to stay on. First place was the 50/1 winner High Acclaim by a neck to second place Humbert by 2 1/2 lengths, third was Kynren by a neck to fourth Lord Of The Rock.

The 4:10 had Gingersdunthelot soon leading, tracked by Izzer and the prominent Haats Off, Tizwotitiz and Arthur's Spirit  just sat close. At two to go head way was made when Izzer began to take charge of the race, headway was made by Broken Spear, Wasntexpectingthat and Haats Off yet Gingersdunthelot dropped off after making the pace.  With one furlong left Wasntexpectingthat and Lihou were both driven onwards but it was too late as Broken Spear and Izzer battled it out to the winning line both heading each other, but Izzer held on for the win by 3/4 of a length, to second Broken Spear who were well clear of third (1 1/4 lengths) Wasntexpectingthat.

Sunday 
There were 12 non-runners with the best weather of the weekend, and a favourite being placed in every race apart from one. The family fun day saw plenty of activities for all ages including; a pony race, face painting and an animal petting zoo.

In the early stages of the 3:00 the lead quickly switched from Rockies Spirit to Prevent, chased by Assimilie, Stealth and First Contact. Good headway was made by First Contact, Robsdelight and Pacific Fleet who had every chance at two to go as he was chasing the leader First Contact. However approaching the final furlong First Contact was ridden well clear and won by three lengths to the ever competitive Robsdelight in second and the going well Pacific Fleet in third by a neck.

The 4:10 had a small field of four horses. Across The Stars and Saigon City were the leading pair tracked by Great Hall and Royal Line, this did not change much for the whole race until Saigon City was ridden well clear one furlong out, the rest of the field not being able to keep up with the smooth travelling of Saigon City. Across The Stars and Royal Line chugged on at the same pace whilst Great Hall was hugely out paced. There was not catching Saigon City winning by 5 lengths, the second was Across The Stars by 3 1/4 lengths, third was Royal Line by 34 lengths and fourth was Great Hall.

Southwell Races- 22nd February

The bitterly cold wind put a bit of a negative slant on the day, with it being the day for outsiders, only two favourites winning and three were placed. The two most memorable races came reasonably late in the day at 3:45 and the 4:20.

In the 3:45 many of the horses were equal in the first furlong until Foolaad and Archimedes made headway just after the first furlong marker to lead the pack having Poyle Vinnie, Ascot Day and Erissimus Maximus give chase. The field didn't change much throughout the race everyone else trying really hard apart from Foolaad and Erissimus Maximus who sat smooth up to one furlong out, where Poyle Vinnie who had a struggle getting through the pack had to be switched at this point and when he got room under Luke Morris he could challenge. Foolaad who didn't find the race too difficult stayed on well along with Erissimus Maximus. Whilst there were a few one paced horses in the closing stages such as Archimedes and the disappointing Captain Lars who after chasing leaders 2 furlongs out eventually had nothing else to give after drifting to the far rail. This sprint was won by Foolaad by 1/2 a length, second was Poyle Vinnie who beat Erissimus Maximus to third by a neck. The rest of the field was a minimum 1 1/2 lengths back.

The penultimate race the 4:20 Tilly Devine and Simply Clever led swiftly, tracked by Avocet, Travis Bickle and Clayton Hall and the rest of the field was in the rear never really having an impact on the race. The placing was not altered much until the 3 furlong marker when Avocet had made easy headway soon to join Tilly Devine and Simply Clever although at this stage Travis Bickle was being pushed along. This joint lead was dismantled at 2 furlongs out as Avocet went clear and led (this stayed the same for the rest of the race) despite the horrendous meandering first to the left at one furlong marker and then to the right in the last, this did not affect his race and he went on to win. Simply Clever who was ridden out at two furlongs to go, this was the same for Leonard Thomas, eventually the rest of the field just gave up. The first place went to Avocet (a favourite) by six lengths to second place Tilly Devine who was eight lengths ahead of third, Simply Clever.

First Racing of 2018- Southwell races

Happy new year, hopefully this year will have some even better racing than the last. Despite it being bitterly cold and only six races the turn out was decent at Southwell Races with only one favourite winning, a few long shots won which made it difficult to pick a winner.

The 2:25 had Cosmelli leading from the off, tracked by Galileo's Spear, Storm King and Kensington Star. Cosmelli clearly ruled the race, choosing when to pick up the pace and when to have a breather round the bends which was great riding from Tom Eaves. The positions in the field didn't really change until three furlong out when he was pushed and joined by Epitaph (who had a few reminders at the start) and the favourite Snowy Winter. However, Epitaph at two to go had nothing more to give yet Snowy Winter managed to close some of the gap.  With one furlong to go Cosmelli kept going on strong to win by 6 lengths despite drifting across the track, second place by 1/2  a length was Epitaph who stayed on despite pressure from Snowy Winter who finished 5 lengths behind.

In the final race Break The Silence took keen hold for the first two furlongs of the race until Chaucer's Tale took the lead. The favourite, Mr Coco Bean, was towards the back of the field with Shearian, Scribner Creek and Sea Of Hope tracking the leading pair. When it came to three furlongs out Shearian began to make headway along with Mr Coco Bean. At two furlongs out Chaucer's Tale was ridden along, Break The Silence was also trying with Mr Coco Bean giving chase but at the 2 furlong marker Shearian began to steam ahead and kept on strongly under apprentice Ger O'Neill who had his first win for this year by two lengths. Second was Chaucer's Tale by 1 1/4 lengths and third Break The Silence by 2 1/4  keeping on at the same pace. The first three horses were well clear of the rest of the field.