Runner-Up At Ludlow

I thought that Armenian Boy ran a sound enough race at Ludlow yesterday afternoon to finish second to National Trust.  The winner was well treated at the ratings and if it were a handicap we would have received 16lbs, so in fact it wasn't a bad run by any means to be beaten only 6 lengths.  He has now finished runner-up on his last three outings, and should be capable of winning a similar race.  The winner was sold for £6,250 and new connections could find him quite difficult to place from a handicap mark of 130.

Congratulations to A P McCoy on reaching one hundred winners for the season at Ludlow yesterday.  The fifteen times champion jockey has said that he wants to reach 200 winners again this season (a feat he hasn't achieved since the 2004/5 season), and provided he remains injury free, that looks to be a foregone conclusion.

Many happy returns to Sir Michael Stoute who is 65 today.  Just think, he is eligible for a bus pass...or do you get that at 60?  I wonder if Sir Michael has ever thought of retiring...or maybe he has to work a few more years in order to get his state pension?!  He is an amazing trainer who has had some great horses down the years including of course, the great Shergar.  Sir Michael always seems to get the best out of his horses - not many improve when they have left his yard.

*****

We have a couple more shots from the gallops to share with you this morning.  Below you will see Chester Cup winner Mamlook working in company with Dan Breen on the gallops, while there is also an interesting shot of David checking the horses between exercise.

  
Above left: (l-r) Mamlook and Dan Breen work upsides, and Right: David assesses the horses on the gallops