Saturday Double

   Castlemorris King -- Winner at Worcester

I had an enjoyable few days in Portugal last week with the family and it was nice to have a few winners as well.  I was back and at Worcester to witness Castlemorris King win on his stable debut.  I claimed the horse after he won at the track about a fortnight ago and it was brilliant to get him to win for new owners Stuart and Simon Mercer on the first attempt.  He jumped and travelled well and was always just doing enough in front to win by a neck under a good ride from Tom Scu.  He could well mix hurdling, novice chasing as well as on the flat over the summer months and should give his owners plenty of fun. 

We had a double on the day when Impulsive American won the last race at Musselburgh on the flat.  This was an extra special win as it was owner Josie Tracey’s birthday so it was a double celebration for all connections.  Young jockey Adam McNamara gave him a good ride as he was slightly off the bridle turning for home but he was doing all his best work at the end and won by just over three lengths.  He is a brilliant little horse who has now won his last three starts, two over hurdles at Ayr and Perth before winning on Saturday on the level.  He may well return to Scotland next weekend to run at Musselburgh again in the Castle Gold Cup handicap over 2 miles which should suit him even more. 

It was also great to get Cork Citizen’s head in front at Ffos Las on Thursday for the first time since he joined Pond House.  He had run well a couple of times and at the last I thought he was going to finish second again but he showed great battling qualities and really stuck his head down to be in front on the line.  This was another great ride from Tom Scu and Cork Citizen will be kept on the go for staying chases throughout the summer.

This week looks fairly quiet runners wise but we do run For N Against and My Brother Sylvest at Fontwell on Tuesday as well as Lady of Longstone at Southwell.  Keep checking Chester’s daily blog for more news of runners later in the week.

The countdown is now on for Royal Ascot next week and I am looking forward to going on Tuesday.  The Ascot Stakes is a race I have won before with Junior and this year I am hoping to have a couple of entries although they might be on the borderline for making the cut for the race.  Starchitect and Low Key are possibilities at this stage.

Away from the racing I can tell you I am involved in a charity cricket match this Sunday.  It is a Twenty20 game at South Devon County Cricket Recreation ground in Newton Abbot.  It is a game between a Professional Jockeys XI captained by Tom Scudamore against a team of Sporting Celebrities captained by Keith Parsons.  It is in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund, the Tom Maynard Trust and South Devon Youth Cricket.  Special guests in attendance on the day include the likes of AP and West Indian cricketer Chris Gayle.  The games starts at 2.30pm and it should be a good afternoon which will hopefully raise a lot of money for the charities.

I also better mention that my better half Leanne and son Jack are competing in a Colour Run at Exeter racecourse on Saturday.  This is in aid of the Children’s Hospice South West where particpants can run or walk the 5km course.  Mummy has already been asking Jack not to leave her too far behind!  Myself and the girls are looking forward to cheering them on!