News Of Our Vic

I am pleased to be able to bring you an update about former stable star Our Vic, who is currently enjoying his retirement from racing at the British Racing School.  “Vic”, now aged fourteen is looked after and idolised by all of the students at the school.

Our Grade One winner was successful on fourteen of his thirty-five career starts including a Cheltenham Festival success in the Ryanair Chase, a Paddy Power Gold Cup at their November meeting, as well as taking the notable scalp of double Gold Cup winner Kauto Star in the Betfair Bowl at Aintree.

Above: Our Vic enjoying his retirment at the British Racing School

I am pleased to be able to bring you an update about former stable star Our Vic, who is currently enjoying his retirement from racing at the British Racing School.  “Vic”, now aged fourteen is looked after and idolised by all of the students at the school.

Our Grade One winner was successful on fourteen of his thirty-five career starts including a Cheltenham Festival success in the Ryanair Chase, a Paddy Power Gold Cup at their November meeting, as well as taking the notable scalp of double Gold Cup winner Kauto Star in the Betfair Bowl at Aintree.

The photograph shows Our Vic with Frank Conlon, who although semi-retired himself, still assists with trainees, jockeys and visitors at the school and also conducts tours of Newmarket with the Racing Museum there.

Frank was formerly head lad with Sir Henry Cecil and looked after Our Vic’s sire Old Vic, the 1989 French and Irish Derby winner who was officially joint top-rated three year old with Zilzal (ahead of Epsom Derby winner Nashwan).  In 2011 Frank won the Betfair Pride Of Racing Award.  Pictured aboard Our Vic is Frank’s grandson Jay.

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There is no shortage of action this afternoon with no fewer than six meetings taking place.  The only jumps meeting goes ahead at Towcester, but there is plenty of flat racing with cards at Goodwood, Haydock, Yarmouth, Musselburgh and Catterick.  Looking back at yesterday's racing, I couldn't help but be impressed by the victory of Well Sharp at Wetherby.  He returned at the generous odds of 9/4 which looks massive when you consider that he cost J P McManus £250,000 - that is an awful lot of money to pay for a horse that is going to be running in the summer on quick ground, although he should certainly win again under a penalty.  McCoy continues to set a brief pace at the top of the jockey's championship as he completed a double at the meeting.

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Gold Cup winning trainer Henrietta Knight has retired from the training ranks and surprisingly most of her horses will be going to flat trainer Mick Channon.  The ex-footballer is going to take on more jumpers and Hen will do most of the pre-training.  She will always be remembered for training Best Mate to win three Cheltenham Gold Cups (and not for her terrible jokes - none of which could be repeated!).

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Rod Millman is 55 today.  I can still remember Rod riding as a conditional jockey for Martin but he is probably best remembered for steering Carrie Ann to victory at Haydock... but that's another story!

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I will be taking a keen interest in the international football matches this weekend and migh just have a crafty treble on Mexico to beat Wales at 4/7, Spain to beat Siberia at 4/9 and USA to beat Scotland at 8/11 - remember where you heard it first!

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Finally, I must say that new boxing champion David Price seems to be a decent fellow.  He speaks very well so let's hope that he can go on to become World Champion and bring some credibility back into boxing.