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.