Racing The Winner!

Well done too to Frankie Dettori who won the fillies’ classic on Sunday aboard Blue Bunting. Frankie has long been one of racing’s most valuable assets, so with Frankie and Frankel gaining the headlines, racing has certainly benefitted.

I managed to escape all the hysteria surrounding the Royal wedding as I embarked on my annual golfing jaunt, joining a group of friends as we played a few rounds at Turnberry. I only returned back late last night (Sunday) and I will be off on my travels again tomorrow, this time as I fly out to Punchestown. The length of my visit will depend on the number of runners we have (and whether my liver can stand it!). The horse box left yesterday and Mr Thriller runs on Tuesday in the Champion Novices’ Chase - he will be partnered Irish champion jockey elect Paul Townend, while Battle Group will take in the novices’ hurdle on Wednesday and I’msingintheblues and Street Entertainer are intended runners on the same day. Later in the week both Swing Bill and Sure Josie sure have entries although they have not left yet and their participation has not been decided.

Sadly I will not be present at Chester on Wednesday to see Mamlook try to defend his Chester Cup. Having said that, I wasn’t there last year either so hopefully that is a good omen! Even over the long distances the draw at Chester is extremely important - last year we were in stall five and Richard Hughes was able to get him into a beautiful position. There will be a maximum field of seventeen again this time around and it will not be as easy from the centre of the track in stall nine, but at least we are not right out in the car park! He is 4lbs higher in the handicap compared to last year, but the horse is in good form at home and Richard Hughes will be in the saddle again so we are hopeful of another bold show.

Finally, I would just like to wish Danny Cook well as he embarks on an exciting new chapter in his career as the retained stable jockey of Malton trainer Brian Ellison’s jumps horses. Danny has been at Pond House for many years and proven himself as a very capable rider, landing big race wins in the Peter Marsh Chase aboard Our Vic and the Byrne Group Chase at the Cheltenham Festival aboard Great Endeavour. I am sure that he will very successful and the whole team wishes him all the best.