Carlton Shows Class

All eyes were on the gallops at Newmarket yesterday as Her Majesty The Queen's ante-post Derby favourite took to the polytrack under regular work rider John Nolan.  All signs from the Stoute team were positive and i just wish that the Derby was sooner that June 4th!  I advised readers to back him for the Derby some time ago and I hope they took notice as he is now a best priced 7/4 for the Epsom Classic.  If like me, you have had an interest, I'm sure you wish the Derby was tomorrow too!

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Not quite in the same class as Carlton House, but a remarkable feat nonetheless are the efforts of Ryedale.  He starts his one hundredth race this evening at Catterick and he owes connections nothing, having won fifteen times to date.  Knowing how difficult it is to keep horses sound, it is an amazing achievement to get him to the course that many times.  He may not be Carlton House, but I am willing to bet that connections wouldn't want to swap him for another horse in training.

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Many happy returns to caravan salesman Jonothan Lower who is 44 today.  The Racing Post says that he was the rider of Sondrio and Kissair, but I am sure that he rode a few more winner than just those two!  Jonothan was an excellent schooling jockey who was a valuable member of the team for both Martin and David for many years, teaching the youngsters to jump.  He has now joined the family business and sells motorhomes near Taunton.  Happy Birthday Jon!

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There is a big football match on tonight with massive implications for my local team Torquay United.  They take a 2-0 lead into the second leg of their play-off semi-final match against Shrewsbury.  They should be good enough to keep their noses in front and book their place in the play-off final.  Come on you Gulls!

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It is another lovely day, so I have a few more pictures to bring you from the gallops.  This time they are of exciting recent recruit Vertige Dore in a solo gallop, as well as Tigger and Surfboard.

  
Above left: Vertige Dore and right: (l-r) Tigger and Surfboard on the gallops