A Shame Someone Had To Lose

The Breeder’s Cup was a shade disappointing for the Europeans. Dangerous Midge was the sole British trained winner (for Brian Meehan) in the Turf, while Midday came agonisingly close in the Filly’s & Mares race. Even so, that pales into insignificance alongside the disappointment that the home crowd experienced when Zenyatta was beaten by Blame in the Classic. Bidding to extend her unbeaten run to twenty on (probably) her last ever start, regular jockey Mike Smith set her an impossible task from the back of the field. Even so, in trademark fashion, Zenyatta made up an enormous amount of ground in the straight to go down by only a nose…could there ever be a more appropriate winner than Blame? In fairness, Smith held his hands up and took full responsibility but I dare say that he will be having nightmares about that ride for some time to come.

On a more positive note, what a fantastic performance from Goldikova to land an amazing third Breeder’s Cup Mile - Freddie Head has done an incredible job with the mare and she was given a perfect ride from Olivier Peslier. There is already talk that she might be kept in training and have another crack at America’s finest next year – let’s hope so! It just goes to show what an outstanding filly the Aga Khan had on his hands with his Arc winner Zarkava, who decisively beat Goldikova on the two occasions they met – it is a shame that she was not allowed to race on after her three year old career …just think of the amazing clashes we could have enjoyed.

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My father and I were treated to the trip of a lifetime last week when we paid a visit to Ballydoyle and the Coolmore Stud in Co. Tipperary, Ireland. The establishment is absolutely incredible and Aidan O’Brien kindly gave of his valuable time to show us around the magnificent facilities. It was certainly an eye-opener, and we are grateful to everyone that made us feel so welcome.

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I didn’t know it, but it turns out that I have a budding sports star working in the office. One of my secretaries, Gemma won a golf tournament at Cullompton at the weekend beating off other rivals from the yard, including Head Lad Eddie Buckley and assistant Martin Ayliffe (and those two spend all of their time playing golf!). In fact, Eddie’s young son Tom finished in front of the pair of them also, to claim third place overall. To coin one of Chester’s phrases (and I can’t believe I am quoting that literary genius!), Gemma must have been playing with a facemask on…she was certainly ahead of the handicapper and will be able to pick and choose any potential partners for future events!

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We have the Open Meeting at Cheltenham to look forward to this weekend, and we have this morning (Monday) made our confirmations for Saturday’s feature race, The Paddy Power Gold Cup and Sunday’s Greatwood Hurdle. In the Paddy Power we rely on Cheltenham Festival winner Great Endeavour, while Sure Josie Sure was left in the Greatwood Hurdle. It should be an exciting three days of action and I can’t wait for it to get underway.