The week before Cheltenham always carries a feeling of anticipation and excitement, and for us nerves as to whether Thomas Crapper would beat the ballot – frustratingly he did not, so a feeling of deflation also in the camp.
However the week also gave us another winner in Young Lou who finally lost her maiden tag! Lou has been placed so many times, but despite the knocking from the pessimists on RUK showed great tenacity to win well, under a good ride from out new conditional Cathal Courtney. This was only Cathals’ fourth ride under rules and he followed plan A to the letter winning tidily for a 28th winner for our legendary owner Cliff Beech and co owner Brian Wilkinson.
Delighted to train another winner for Cliff who is SO patient with his horses, although waiting for all the babies to be old enough to run must have been frustrating even for Cliff! Young Lou is a homebred out of the decent Wanna Shout who won several for us, and by Kadastrof – the legend lives on!
The previous day Cathal had ridden Tara Well to be third in a decent mares race at Sandown. Tara Well (by Kayf Tara) is a really likeable filly – tough as you like and was only beaten four lengths, having already run once earlier in the week in ground she hated to be 4th at Lingfield. TW is for sale and will give someone a lot of fun. Debating whether to set up a new partnership in her, so if you are interested to give a call for details.
Some Finish a bit disappointing at Leicester to finish third. The ground again was horrendous, but I think three quick runs in tying to beat the handicapper caught up with him. Up 7lbs for first win then another 12 for the second – bloody hard on him, and surprise, surprise no drop for a sound beating.
Another Kayf Tara (the progeny are having a wonderful Cheltenham) there are still a few shares left in the Some Finish partnership – a dual winner – what more could you ask from a horse to get involved with!
Todays racing as expected will be top class, as it has been all week. Ruby showing what a magician he is, and many wonderful performances across the card. Vautour and Thistlecrack both very impressive yesterday, but Sprinter Sacre was the stuff of dreams in the Champion chase – well done to all connections – it was a fabulous performance and brought a tear to many eyes – including mine!
The VP debate rumbles on, and whilst acknowledging that she has done amazing things to even get to the races at all – never mind today – the press frenzy is now getting really tedious and I hope it does not encroach on what will be a great days racing.
Have a great day -
Come on Cue Card!!