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.