Ayr Racecourse

 On Monday it was my first time racing since January. And if anything I was apprehensive after hearing all the negative feedback about the racing experience. But I was pleasantly surprised by the experience and by the level of racing. 

On arrival there was the standard procedure: the questionnaire answered, temperature checked and ID checked. Mask to be worn in communal areas and plenty of sanitiser. However, as far as I'm concerned Ayr racecourse has it right. Open spaces used effectively, the bar open enabling drinks to be flowing like a normal race day, the tote and two other bookmakers on course. And hot food available for racing staff and owners from a burger van which had delicious chips. These are all helping to bring the experience back to normal and for the better. The only thing that I could criticise is that racecourses the size of Ayr they could easily have all owners back and racing. Thus further taking steps to get racing back to normal. 

The 3.10 had a close race yet in the midsized field many weren't really involved. Bumbledom was first to lead, tracked by Destination Aim and Al Mansoura. Close up was Equidae and Sienna Dream. The rest of the field were never better than midfield. At two furlong out Equidae took on the lead as Al Mansoura was switched and pushed along. Sienna Dream and Jessie Allan were ridden out. There was to be no catching of the first to as Equidae and Al Mansoura went head to head. But Equidae won this battle by only a neck. The second was Al Mansoura by 1 length and third was Sienna Dream. 

The 4.50 had an unsurprising result with an unexpected ban. Taramanda led the race, followed by Shanghai City and Manzo Duro with Tiritomba sat midfield. These positions were like this until three furlongs out where Ricksen made good headway as did Manzo Duro. Two furlongs to go Tiritomba didn't have a clear run as Ricksen led, followed by Manzo Duro. At one furlong out Tiritomba was switched out and clipped heels with Ricksen. This hampered Ricksen. Although Tiritomba went on to win by 2 1/4 lengths, the second was Ricksen by 3 3/4 lengths and third was Manzo Duro by a nose. 

Oisin Murphy, who rode Tiritomba, due to this dangerous riding when he clipped heels means that a careless riding ban will be implemented on the Ledger week at Doncaster. He has a seven-day ban so that means that he will miss the entire meeting. Although, he has suggested that he might contest this and appeal. 

Hopefully, my next blog will be soon, keep up to date with my twitter! 

Racing round up!

This is this weeks racing round up! We have lots of exciting news about jockeys and a look at some of the best moments from Glorious Goodwood and the gorgeous Enable.  

There has been exciting news for Lizzie Kelly as she retires from racing. This comes as she announces her pregnancy. Lizzie Kelly has been a record-breaker within the sport being the first female jockey to win grade One Jumps race. She has paved the way for other female future jockeys and the sport is grateful for this. 

We had another retirement announcement from the jump jockey Barry Geraghty. He has a list of success next to his name which includes 1920 wins and the second most successful jockey at Cheltenham Festival. Additionally, this announcement comes after the prior 18 months being littered with injuries. There's nothing but best wishes to both Lizzie and Barry. 

Hollie Doyle just keeps on improving on her recent form. Now she has signed a retainer with the owner and breeder Imad Al Sagar. He has over 30 horses in training and this now gives Hollie an even bigger platform to show her talent. It's very exciting to see what this new partnership brings. 

Tuesday at Goodwood saw an amazing Stradivarius. This just showed the level of class the horse has. After being continuously blocked and not getting a gap, there was a point in the race where I thought he's not going to do it. But Frankie Dettori stayed calm and was patient. Frankie switched him one furlong out and went on well towards the end to win by a length to second Nayef Road. 

On Wednesday, at Goodwood in the Qatar Sussex Stakes had some of the best horses running. There were lots of short odds and a massive question over whether Mohaather, Siskin or Kameko would win. With an early lead from Kameko, it looked as though he would dictate the race. However, this was not the case as Mohaather despite struggling for room, when he got switched and ran on well towards the final furlongs. The surprise Circus Maximus challenging him. Siskin although, I found fell rather flat in the closing stages. The winner was Mohaather, second Circus Maximus, third was Siskin, fourth was Kameko. 

Battaash on Friday again had the miracle happen. After racing freely he went on to led and was pushed inside the final few furlongs. He kept on well beating Glass Slippers into second by 2 1/4 lengths. This race also saw him winning the King George Qatar Stakes for the fourth year running. Additionally, he broke the track record with 55.62 seconds. Meaning Battaash is only improving as he set the previous course record a mere 12 months ago. 

A couple of Saturday's ago at Ascot in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes we saw the incredible Enable. Sovereign had the lead going 6 lengths clear being tracked by Enable and Japan. Sovereign was tiring slightly. But Enable was going strong. But Japan weakened inside the final furlong whereas Enable was well clear and gaining momentum. First was Enable, second Sovereign, third Japan. 

 This is the latest blog with my highlights of the past few weeks! What were your highlights?