Stratford Second

Our only runner, Bathwick Man ran well at Stratford yesterday afternoon to finish runner-up in the conditional jockey's handicap hurdle under Conor O'Farrell.  He was only beaten by four lengths by Kings Realm and he looks as though he should be able to capitalise on this kind of handicap mark in the near future.

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What a performance from Hayley Turner and Dream Ahead to land the July Cup at Newmarket on Saturday - it is only the second time that a lady jockey has won a Group One race in this country (Alex Greaves was the first when she dead-heated in the Nunthorpe in 1994) and a tremendous achievement.  She has had over 100 messages of congratulations via her mobile, Twitter and Facebook and she says that she will reply to them all individually.  Hayley has always come across very well in the media and I think that she is a great asset for British racing.

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Talking of flat racing, I see that the trainers championship in Ireland is (predictably) a little bit of a non-event.  Aidan O'Brien is now over €2,000,000 ahead of Jim Bolger, his nearest pursuer!

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With the British Open at Sandwich just around the corner, Luke Donald seems to have struck form at just the right time with his victory in the Scottish Open at the weekend.  He won by no less than four shots and must have a live chance while in this rich vein of form.

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Finally, I would just like to wish one of MCP's former owners Frank Farrant a very happy birthday.  Frank who owned a number of very good horses down the years including Valfinet, Liadett, Tamarpour and Heros Fatal (among others) is a very young looking 64.  Frank has an even younger looking wife, Alison - I suppose that is probably his secret of eternal youth!  Many happy returns Frank.