- Monday, 11 July 2016 12:24
- Written by David Pipe
I have been quite vociferous about the fragmented nature of the summer program in the past and I see no reason to alter my opinion following another week with only a handful of jump meetings (with most of those on the same day!) and a host of ‘blank’ days. It’s a similar story this week, while in three weeks’ time there will be an entire week without National Hunt racing.
I honestly cannot see the benefit to anybody of this current format. The horses still have to be exercised so they are ready to go upon resumption, while the jockeys are unlikely to enjoy much recuperation time. I remain an advocate of the old calendar where there is a defined start and end to the season with a break of a month or so in between allowing additional time for horses, staff, jockeys (and trainers!) alike to enjoy a little more relaxation time between seasons.
Anyway, with that off my chest we had four runners last week and while we didn’t enjoy a winner, the horses continue to run well with both Castlemorris King and Junior Package hitting the crossbar. Castlemorris King was runner-up in the handicap chase at Worcester last Monday on only his second outing over fences. He has already proven to be a good purchase from a seller three outings back and although beaten on this occasion, the first two home came well clear of the remainder and he looks capable of winning something similar before too long.
Purple ‘N Gold ran his usual solid race in the handicap chase over what would seem to be an inadequate two miles these days, while Junior Package showed a bit more in the boy’s handicap hurdle when finishing second and his turn should not be too far away.
Looking to the week ahead we are going to have a couple of runners at Worcester tomorrow as For ‘N’ Against (Tom Scudamore) and Dusk Till Dawn (David Noonan) contest the staying handicap chase. For ‘N’ Against was a winner last time out at Market Rasen when given a good tactical ride from Tom, although he will need to improve again from a 7lbs higher mark, while Dusk Till Dawn has a disappointing effort to overcome last time.
These will be our only runners before the weekend where we will have entries at Cartmel, Market Rasen, Newton Abbot and Stratford. The Market Rasen card on Saturday is quite a valuable one which features the Summer Plate, a 2m5f handicap chase and former Cheltenham Festival winner Ballynagour (pictured right) is an intended runner there. He posted a good effort when runner-up in the Summer Cup at Uttoxeter last time although this will be harder still with an additional 5lbs on his back. As always, for all the latest news on runners for later in the week keep up to date with Chester’s Daily Chat.
Although many of the horses are still out enjoying a bit of grass (and perhaps a little sunshine if they are lucky!) it is that time of the year when they start to filter back in from their summer holidays. Indeed a few of the old faces returned to us last week including stable stalwart Dynaste who I was delighted to see looking fresh and well. While he is not getting any younger, he will once again be aimed at the best staying handicap chases due to his lofty rating. Perhaps some open veteran’s handicap chases would be a good idea? Just putting the idea out there!
Finally, it was nice to see former Somerset and England wicket keeper Craig Kieswetter at the weekend. Part of the England side that won the T20 World Cup in 2010, Craig sadly had to retire from competitive cricket a couple of years ago after a ball managed to get through his helmet guard causing damage to his eyesight. He dropped by with his brother Ross, father Wayne and friends Craig and Richard (pictured above) and had a look around the yard as well as the mandatory leg-up on our equicisor, although I am not sure that a second career as a jockey beckons!
