- Tuesday, 23 June 2015 06:46
- Written by David Pipe
What a great week last week with Royal Ascot taking centre stage. Pair that with a couple of winners for the stable over the sticks and several other notable performances and all in all, it must be considered a productive one. With another French foray on the cards over the coming few days, the ‘quiet’ summer jumping season has been anything but…not that I am complaining however as anyone knows me will testify, I would much rather keep myself busy.
The eyes of the world were firmly fixed on these shores last week and with Royal Ascot the centrepiece of the racing calendar, I am sure we were the envy of every racing nation. The Royal meeting has it all – quality fields with international runners, excellent prize money, glitz, glamour and drama in equal amounts and I was lucky enough to sample it first-hand on Tuesday. I would like to extend my grateful thanks to newly appointed Chief Executive Guy Henderson for his very kind hospitality - we had a fantastic day. I do wish we had had a runner on the card and I will be doing my best to find one for next year!
While we are on the subject of Royal Ascot, what an incredible achievement from jockey Ryan Moore to set a new record by riding nine winners at the meeting – that despite him scoring only once during the final two days! Although keeping his usual poker face throughout the entire fixture I am sure that he would have been secretly delighted by his tally – congratulations to him.
Meanwhile over the jumps I was pleased to see the horses continue in good form with nine of our eleven runners to complete either winning or finishing in the frame. The first of our successes came at Market Rasen on Friday when Vieux Lion Rouge maintained his 100% record over fences by running out a facile winner of the novices’ chase.
The race had the make-up of a potentially trappy contest with Vieux Lion Rouge having to concede a penalty to the John Ferguson trained Aalim looking a threat based on the best of his hurdles form. However, when that one proved reluctant to jump off at the start, Tom Scudamore poached a large and uncontested early lead that was to prove unassailable. Jumping well in the main, Vieux Lion Rouge was allowed to coast home 7 lengths clear of his main rival under a great opportunistic ride from Tom Scudamore. He will certainly find things tougher under a double penalty but you have to take these opportunities where you can. The experience he has gained in his two runs to date will stand him in good stead for later in the season and he remains a very nice prospect.
Our other winner came at Worcester on Sunday when Kalifourchon delivered on the promise of some of his bumper form when winning over hurdles on his handicap debut. He had been somewhat headstrong since switching his attention to obstacles but settled much better on this first start in three months. He stayed on well to win a shade comfortably and hopefully this success will give him some confidence going forward. He is entered again at Cartmel on Friday and provided he continues to be please me, he could well turn out there under a penalty.
Besides these successes there were good performances too from Susie Sheep, Houston Dynimo and Border Breaker. Susie Sheep and Border Breaker were both making their chasing debuts and these former point-to-point winners did more than enough to suggest they would be winning something similar before too long.
Looking to the week ahead we have three runners at Newton Abbot tomorrow evening (Tuesday). Purple ‘N Gold and Willem contest the handicap hurdle while Good Value goes in the lady’s race and will be partnered by Alex Dunn. Purple ‘N Gold seldom runs a bad race and there is no reason to think that he shouldn’t be competitive once again under Kieron Edgar while Tom Scudamore rides Willem who has hinted at plenty of ability since his arrival in France, although he is yet to deliver on that promise.
Old favourite Street Entertainer could well make his chasing debut at Worcester on Wednesday. Successful at this track on his latest start over timber, he has pleased me with his schooling over the larger obstacles. Should he take his chance, a clear round would make him a danger to all.
On Thursday there is no jump racing in this country, but that doesn’t mean we won’t be having any runners! Indeed, Katkeau leaves the yard this evening ahead of another trip to Auteuil on Thursday where he will take in a 2m3½f hurdle race. He ran a great race last time, the extra furlong and a half should suit him well and he provided he takes the journey as well as last time there is every reason to be optimistic for another big run from him. Tom Scudamore will be in the saddle.
As far as later in the week is concerned, the changeable weather will govern where we will run so make sure to keep checking back with Chester’s Daily Chat or follow us on Twitter @DavidPipeRacing.
