TRIO OF RACING ENDING IN AN EVENING AT WINDSOR RACECOURSE

With fourteen races already run over the weekend at the Berkshire track, another seven more on offer with Windsor’s usual Monday evening racing.

A good crowd came to see horse racing and music after the last, (a little less said about the football the better) which started off with a two year olds maiden race for fillies over five furlongs.

Richard Hughes had always a close relationships with Windsor whilst in the saddle, he can know add training his first two-year-old winner at the Berkshire track

 Paco’s Angle went to post the 2/1 on fav for the dash, ridden by Shane Kelly. The Paco Boy filly second in her last two outings held on well to beat Cool Echo in the final furlong.

 ‘Richards been very patient with this two-year-old, and on better ground she would have run a lot better, but she is a nice filly.’ The jockey on most of the Hughes string this season seemed pleased with the two-year-olds progression.

The trainer with forty-five two year olds in the yard agreed with the jockey the ground was not the best for the filly, but was pleased for the owners who he persuaded to allow the horse to run.

Building a strong team now the Hughes camp is starting to swing into action and mature as the weeks and months progress.

Paco’s Angle went to post the 2/1 on fav for the dash, ridden by Shane Kelly

A six furlong selling race for three year olds and upwards, saw Sylvester Kirk put in a winner in the shape of Magical daze. 

The 6/5 on fav battled hard in the final furlong under Pat Dobbs to take the race from eleven-year-old Ocean Legend who had won this equivalent race two years on the bounce. Carrying top weight, the veteran even with 7 lbs off his back in claimers Joshua Bryan’s claim could not get his head in front, losing the race by the for mentioned margin.

The jockey mentioned that the ground didn’t really suit the filly as she made quite hard work of the surface towards the end. 

The trainer really wanting to off load the four-year-old did so with a £5’000 price tag, the fillies new owner Dave Penman from Derbyshire racing group obliging, taking the horse off the Lambourn trainers hands.

In similar company the filly looks a type on better ground to win again, but best to watch from a far.

A six furlong selling race for three year olds and upwards, saw Sylvester Kirk put in a winner in the shape of Magical daze. 

Tom Queally steered home Nightingale Valley to win the fillies maiden race over six furlongs for Stuart Kittow. 

The three-year-old on her fourth outing took the race from Henry Candy’s Poole Belle by a length ridden out well in the final furlong.

‘she a green filly really with plenty of improving, she should give the owners a lot of fun,’ mentioned the Irishman. ‘I’d say she would win again easily.’

The trainer hoped the daughter of Compton Place would not be too severely handicapped for her win as she would hopefully be a horse to have some further success with.

‘she a green filly really with plenty of improving, she should give the owners a lot of fun,’

The mile and a quarter three year olds and upwards race went to the bottom weight Third Rock, ridden by three pound claimer Josephine Gordon and trained by Sir Michael Stout, the three-year-old gelding went the hard way round to beat Jenny Powell on Henry Candy’s Perceived by a length.

The 13/8 fav on his ninth visit to a racecourse battled well for the young jockey who mentioned,’ He didn’t really break from the stalls that well, and never seemed to be travelling, the aim was to be handy on him throughout the race, but that didn’t happen. It was fair play to him really as when it came to it he battled on.’

This tough little Hat trick gelding could possibly get a longer trip, and has shown he can win despite the race not going to plan.

Third Rock, ridden by three pound claimer Josephine Gordon and trained by Sir Michael Stout, the three-year-old gelding went the hard way round to beat Jenny Powell on Henry Candy’s Perceived by a length.

Jockey Pat Dobbs took in a double for his evenings work, as the England team were just getting started in France, the Irishman steered home Matidia for Ralph Beckett in the one mile three furlongs Fillies Handicap.

Again another close finish for Dobbs the chestnut filly was strongly pressed by Jim Crowley on Taurian whose 11 lbs disadvantage took effect as the winning distance was only a short head.

‘The trainer mentioned she would stay and she is certainly a tough sort, so it was good to get another winner for the evening,’ mentioned the jockey on a double, being interviewed by an excitable Matt Chapman from at the races as Rooney slotted in a penalty.

The trainer more down to earth said,’ she actually goes to the sales next week, so it was a good advert for her.’  A horse that can stay, is tough and would possibly take an obstacle could be a good prospect for under rules,the owner James Rowsell whose colours were carried by Talent to win the 2013 Oaks, wanting to clear some lines for new stock.

Again another close finish for Dobbs the chestnut filly was strongly pressed by Jim Crowley on Taurian whose 11 lbs disadvantage took effect as the winning distance was only a short head.

Classic winning colours we on hand in the next race, when Godolphins Most Celebrated took the mile’s maidens race beating Lastmanlastround impressively by three lengths. 

The three-year-old colt by New Approach seemed to have the race well in control for most of the way staying on well and commanding the race in the final furlong.

Godolphins Most Celebrated took the mile’s maidens race beating Lastmanlastround impressively by three lengths.

‘He is a horse that seems to be growing up all the time,’ mentioned James Doyle. ‘He stays well and seems to be an improving nice type.’ The colt going off the 4/6 fav would be another Saeed Bin Suroor horse that could pick up a nice race as time goes on.

Most Celebrated 

The twenty first race of three days of racing at the Royal Berkshire course went to a veteran of the track both with trainer and horse.

Eleven-year-old Shifting Star trained in Liphook by John Bridger defied top weight of ten stone to beat Pat Dobbs looking for his treble with a three lengths victory over Dobbs on Aye Aye Skipper.

Jockey William Carson mentioned,’ he needed his run last time out here, but he is such a genuine animal always putting his best out for you. He is so nice to ride.’

The trainer not too sure why the horse dose what he does mentioned that he wished he could have a bit of what the Night shift gelding has got. The horse now on his one hundred and twenty second visit to the races looked a picture and hardly looked to blow after his exertions. 

The ex Walter Swinburn trained horse seems to keep himself fit, the trainer stating that he is not on the gallops every day but keeps enjoying what he does. 

Could we see this horse at Windsor next year as a twelve-year-old, only time will tell, but at present you could say it was a certain as a plane ticket home for the England team.

The twenty first race of three days of racing at the Royal Berkshire course went to a veteran                      of the track both with trainer and horse. Eleven-year-old Shifting Star.

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QUALITY DAY TWO AT WINDSOR RACECOURSE

Billed as a family day, Windsor offered seven races for racegoers coming out for their Sunday rest bite. 

Two very nice class two races on offer, on ground improving from the day before. From soft, heavy in places to good to soft.

The first race a maiden fillies stakes over a mile, local trainer Hughie Morrison sent out three of the eight runners. Champion jockey Silvestre De Sousa in attendance drew favourite money onto his mount Dame Judy.

Young 7 lbs claimer George Wood though took his mount Ejayteekay to the front two furlongs out beating Pat Dobbs mount Excellent sounds, both trained by Morrison by five lengths. 

Young 7 lbs claimer George Wood though took his mount Ejayteekay to the front two furlongs out 

The 2/1 shot seemed to relish the softer ground, taking his first victory in nine starts.

But I feel attention should be bought to the 25/1 second placed horse Excellent sound, owned by Helena Springfield the three-year-old on her second run seems to be an improving sort, and very nicely put together and should be one to be kept a close eye on.

 Not taking away from the winner though who won her race well.

Only five runners for the three year old five furlong handicap, champion jockey De Sousa on good form riding for William Knight on top weight Lady Macapa. 

The 11/4 shot made all in the dash being driven along by the jockey on a roll at present taking the race by a length from favourite This is for you, trained by Andrew Balding.

The nice sized three-year-old never firing as a two-year-old seems to have come into her own with patient training.

The trainer mentioning,’ We looked at this race just really to get her back on track, it seemed a straight forward race, Silvestre giving her a straight forward ride.’

 Champion jockey De Sousa on good form riding for William Knight on top weight Lady Macapa. 

The three-year-old by Equiano with her second win from nine starts seems a type that would want the cut in the ground, and despite a 7 lbs handicap or more from her rivals seems a nice improving type.

The afternoon did not stop there for the duo of Knight and De Sousa. Goodwood Zodiac took the mile and quarter handicap in fine style, beating four others by a length and a half Rockspirit from the Marco Botti yard in second. 

Given a patient ride by the champion jockey the Kodiak gelding seemed to cut through his rivals with ease making it three wins from nine starts for the three-year-old.

Given a patient ride by the champion jockey the Kodiak gelding seemed to cut through his rivals 

Owned by the Goodwood Racehorse owners group, the trainer mentioned, ‘he might be contender at Goodwood for the July Meeting, there is a number of mile and a quarter, or mile and a half races to choose from, we will have to see what’s available, but that is possibly the plan.’

Lady Macapa. 

Goodwood Zodiac

The class two fillies’ conditions race, saw five to post, 4/5 fav Mrs Danvers ridden by Ryan Clark, trained in by Lambourn based Jonathan Portman took the race by two and a half lengths from the Richard Hannon trained Blue Suede.

‘She is very much an improving sort,’ mentioned the jockey. ‘She has won both her her starts now and there is plenty left to improve still.’ 

The grey filly by Hellvelyn seems to be a two-year-old that needs a keen eye on as she develops in herself, and on the track. Not wanting the top of the ground she seems to be a type that could be something very nice for the Lambourn trainer.

Mrs Danvers ridden by Ryan Clark,

The only other class two race of the afternoon went in the way of the ambassador of Windsor racecourse Andrew Balding.

Kingston Kurrajong ridden by Jimmy Quinn took the race by a neck from Sir Michael Stouts Grand inquisitor in a close fought finish from a furlong out.

‘This fella has answered a lot of questions for me in that final furlong, I’ve taken the race up from the junction which is a long way out at Windsor.’ Mentioned the experienced Quinn. ‘He is a nice horse and deserved the win, and shown how good he is today.’

The three-year-old by Authorized with only nine starts to date and two wins, the last one at Chester in August would seem to have a nice race in him for the back end of the season, versatile with the going there are a number of nice mile races for the 7/1 shot to be aimed for, it would not surprise me to see this one at the July Newmarket meeting aiming for a three timer.

Kingston Kurrajong ridden by Jimmy Quinn took the race by a neck from Sir Michael Stouts Grand inquisitor in a close fought finish from a furlong out.

The penultimate race, was another qualifier for the £75’000 prize for the sprint series held at the Berkshire course.

Pat Cosgrove on the Jim Boyle trained Black Bess took the race by a length and a half from Wayward Hoof. The three-year-old by Dick Turpin, stood and delivered in the final furlong and stayed on well for Cosgrove whose last win on the soft at Lingfield seems to prove the horse needs the cut in the ground.

The trainer mentioned, 'The pace of the race probably wasn’t quick enough for him really, he got the six furlongs well but would possibly need seven. 

It’s a nice series to have a crack at and well worth the gamble at the drop in distance.’ 

The filly looking like she will be heading for the final in August,and could be a contender if the ground is on the softer side, the true pace makers at six furlongs not being a worry to the trainer.

Pat Cosgrove on the Jim Boyle trained Black Bess 

The final race of the afternoon, a one mile three furlong handicap went in the way of the royal Ascot winning due of Alan King and William Twiston-Davies.

Fresh from the success with Primitivo in the King George V stakes. William Hunter took the race by a head from the Champion jockeys mount Bazooka in a hard forced finish, the top three horses getting very close to each other prompted a steward’s enquiry but to no reprimand, as the young jockey pinched the race from the champion.

William Hunter took the race by a head from the Champion jockeys mount Bazooka in a hard forced finish

A patient ride from Twiston- Davies, who mentioned,’ he idled a little in front, but he is a horse on the up.’ 

The four-year-old like the jockey switching roles from under rules to the flat seems to approve of the life without jumps, not being out of the first five on his last few starts on the flat.

Clovelly Bay, Bazooka, William Hunter

Part three of the racing festival next, with the usual Monday night racing at Windsor to come.

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THREE DAYS OF RACING AT THE ROYAL BERKSHIRE RACECOURSE WINDSOR 25-6-16 day1

Gentlemen’s day at Windsor was to start a three-day festival of flat racing at the Royal Berkshire course. 

Seven races to be put before large crowd, racing on ground recovering from the rain deluge had earlier in the week, the going soft, heavy in places.

Trainer William Haggas who always has good fortune at the Windsor track sent down 7-4 fav On her Toes to the six furlongs start for the Sky Bet novices stakes for two year olds.

 The daughter of Kodiak who aptly named, can be a handful at home and at the races seemed to settle well as she easily took over the race in the final furlong to beat Mick Channon’s Racemaker.

Pat Cosgrove who rode the two-year-old, placed the filly with confidence as he took the field over to the far rail on the testing ground, her only other run finishing a good third at Yarmouth on firm ground.

Maureen Haggis the trainer’s wife representing the stable mentioned,’ She can be a handful, Pat said she was a bit alive travelling to the start, but as soon as she races she is fine, she is a nice type, well bred and more to come from her.’

Owned by Cheveley park the two-year-old would be one to watch.

On her Toes 

The second race, a maiden for three year olds and upwards was taken by another favorite. This time Andrew Baldings Dark shot ridden by Oisin Murphy who ran on strongly in the final furlong after making all to beat Adam Kirby on Silver bid by six lengths.

‘This horse needs a lot of confidence, and with the run and win should have got that today,’ mentioned the jockey. 

Andrew Baldings Dark shot ridden by Oisin Murphy

The gelding by Acclamation having ten runs to date, seven of those being in the placings.

 Owned by Jeff Smith, this Littleton Stud bred horse could be something to watch as he improves, as he certainly took this race with great ease.

The first of the distance races came in the shape of a one mile three furlong handicap.

 Nine runners to post, the rain softened ground certainly showed its hand as 11/2 shot Desert Encounter trained by David Simcock and ridden by Tom Marquand held on well to beat Andrew Baldings Passover by a length.

Desert Encounter

The favorite Baadi a course and distance winner this season not appreciating the ground could only manage a seven lengths fourth spot to the winner, giving the bookies a little weekend cheer.

‘I’ve set my sight on the favorite, but soon as I was passed him I went on, I thought I was in front too soon actually as he idled bit in front, but he is a progressive sort.’ Mention the young jockey, who was the fourth jockey to get on the gelding by Hailing in his seven starts.

‘I’ve set my sight on the favorite, but soon as I was passed him I went on.'

The next two races went in the way of the combination of Dr Marwan Koukash, Richard Fahey and David Nolan.

The first of which was in the Windsor sprint series qualifier.

This series in its first year to celebrate 150 years of racing at the Berkshire course, holding the final in early autumn, this race could have shown a possible contender for the £75’000 purse.

Growl took the race up in the final furlong and roared up the straight to take the race by two lengths from Rio Ronaldo.

Growl

The oasis Dream gelding up six pounds in weight from a win at Nottingham two weeks ago showed he liked the softened ground, ground that could possibly be on offer on final’s day of this series. 

 One to put in the notebooks if this horse takes to the start. Dr Koukash certainly an owner that likes these high priced handicaps.

The next race for the trio came in the shape of 7/2 shot Gabriel over the mile course. The seven-year-old on his fifty first visit to a racecourse showed his seniority beating Roger Charlton’s Captain Cat by half a length.

 Gabriel

‘He always seems to run well here.’ Mentioned the jockey,’ He always tries hard in his races but just gets caught for pace sometimes, the ground helped, it was good to get a win out of him.’

The race result held up though as the winner seemed to come across the placed horses Captain Cat and Clotilde in the final furlong. Placings remained unaltered though Pat Cosgrove on the third horse Clotilde certainly being hampered.

‘He always seems to run well here.’

Big priced 16/1 shot Specialv took the penultimate race, a handicap for fillies over a mile. 

Trained by the neighbour of Richard Fahey, trainer of the last two races.

 Brian Ellison in Malton, ridden by Stevie Donohoe the three-year-old showed her last run at Thirsk was an unfortunate one as she got squeezed for room two furlongs out,having more space at Windsor the filly held on well in the final furlong to beat the 9/4 fav Red tea by a length. 

Big priced 16/1 shot Specialv took the penultimate race

The jockey mentioned,’ she was unlucky last time out, the ground on her side also today, Brian’s a good trainer and you know if he sends one to the races they have a chance.’

The final race a six furlongs’ sprint, twelve went to post, 9/2 shot Secret Look ridden by Kevin Stott and trained by Ed McMahon, backed up the six-year-old gelding by Shakhee’s Secret win over course and distance in April with a half a length win over Mick Channons Potternello. 

This gelding could be back again at the Berkshire course as the season draws to the end to claim a three timer, as he certainly likes the track, winning know twice from his five trips to the winner’s enclosure at the Berkshire course from thirty nine racecourse runs.

Secret Look ridden by Kevin Stott

Day two of the Windsor racecourse festival available soon

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UMBERLEIGH, UMBELIEVABLY THE LAST DAYOF THE POINTING SEASON 12-6-16

The final day of the 2015-16 point to point season was upon us. The Torrington Farmers Foxhounds meeting held at the North Devon course of Umberleigh, gave six final Yoicks to the season that has seen poor weather, meeting abandonment's, and an Olympian. Give their all to the pointing game.

Clouds bubbled over Umberleigh on a muggy afternoon, to watch the last of the runners try for glory. The first race being the hunts member race putting five runners to post.

Richard Westcott’s Pasternak Jack duly took the race beating Lucy’s Girl in fine style, jockey Heidi Lewis mentioning, ‘He really ran his race well, when I asked him coming up the hill he responded. He has always jumped well.'

The race did get rather untidy, with some of the more inexperienced jockeys not remembering that it  was three times around the North Devon courses and rode finishes past the post mid race. Normality was soon restored and luckily enough the pace allowed the actual finish to be a good one.

‘That didn’t really ruin the race, ‘mentioned the winning jockey. ‘But it worked out in my favor, it was good to get to ride a win on the fella. I rode him at the beginning of the season but he didn’t go in the ground. Then I broke my collar bone, to which I have just come back to race riding, and got the call last night to ride him today.’

The jockey who had ridden her first ever winner on the horse last season was thrilled of the chance she got to ride the nine-year-old again, and was delighted that her final ride was a trip to the winners enclosure, especially due to the fact she had been injured mid-season.

A true amateur throughout, who enjoys her hunting and pointing, but now is looking forward to the holidays, and November when it all starts over again.

Richard Westcott’s Pasternak Jack

The restricted race was won by Mrs Jane Wanless’s Jenna’s Pride, in a torrential rain shower. Jockey Alex Edwards in the saddle didn’t think it have effected much as the race went on. ‘The rain really hasn’t effected the good to firm going, only making it a little slippy on the bend. But it is certainly good to firm going.’

The seven-year-old mare beating Chaddersley winner Maryam Jaan seems a big sort of horse, with a bit more to grow into yet, but having run this season seven times already, the mare is surely ready for her summer break. The jockey also mentioned,’ I’m sad to see the season close really, I have had the best season ever at the moment.’ 

The jockey based with Phillip Riley in Shropshire mentioned that the yard had been going so well with eighteen winners for the season, and for next season the partnership of Edwards and Rowley has some very nice young horse in tow.

The restricted race was won by Mrs Jane Wanless’s Jenna’s Pride

The third race of the afternoon, The Men’s Open was won by the veteran of the field, fifteen-year-old Presentandcorrect, ridden by James king and owned and trained by Mr T Sage.

 The horse seemed to cope with the inclement weather and changing going, the owner mentioning. ‘We have been waiting for this quicker ground all season with him, he just has not had the going to give him his best chances. I didn’t mind the rain on it beforehand, in fact it probably took the jar out of it a little.’

The horse now who has raced in twelve different racing calendar years seems to still enjoy his hunting and racing and is a firm favorite with his owner.

Jockey James King was equally keen on the chestnut grand master saying,’ I almost hit the front too soon on him really, but the ground here was well cared for, so he enjoyed it out there. He loves his pointing and hunting with the Duke of Beauforts.’

The jockey who has had a superb season himself, leading the hunter chase jockey’s championship for a while and finishing second in the Aintree Foxhunters seems to have his summer well mapped out riding throughout under rules, but will soon be back in November to start the pointing game again.

Presentandcorrect, ridden by James king

The ladies open six runners went to post, a good pace was set and Carrie Tucker and Right enough a winner a fortnight back at Chaddersley taking the field on during the final circuit. 

Bound for Glory ridden by Hannah Lewis keeping up with the pace soon challenged, and from two fences out seemed to be taking the race over. 

‘The plan was to hold him up and creep into the lead, which we have done, I thought we may have got there too soon but his mistake at the open ditch has steadied him a bit so we have waited till the last to bring him home.’ 

The rain as we spoke came down again. The jockey on ten winners for the season, showing concern that the rain could make the going slippy.

Bound for Glory ridden by Hannah Lewis

The owner/trainer David Fitch-Peyton mentioned his concern that mid-season everything with him had stopped due to poor going and abandonment's. Mentioned,’ the race today was a very competitive race, and it was great to see him winning again, we have dropped him down from hunter chasing to pointing to gain a bit of confidence in him and it was nice to see the plan work.’

The ten-year-old seems to be enjoying his work and as the trainer/owner mentioned may have a few more seasons ahead still if he stays sound.

The penultimate race the Intermediate, five went to post.

Dr A Thomas’s Mr Sawyer who fell at the last at Chaddersley when challenging Flicka’s Witness in the conditions race overcame his blunder to win easily the Intermediate on the last day of the season. ‘It was very much not like him to go to the floor last time out, we came to the last and I just put him into it and we have ended up falling, but today he has jumped so well,’ mentioned Welsh jockey Bradley Gibbs. ‘The ground and course really didn’t suit him today, he wants more of a short flat type of track which Umberleigh is really the opposite, but he’s has pulled out all the stops today and won nicely.’

The jockey mentioned that the season has gone well for the Welshman, with six horses in the yard and thirteen winners in points and Hunter chasing is a tremendous effort, and to finish up with a winner is special.

Dr A Thomas’s Mr Sawyer who fell at the last at Chaddersley when challenging Flicka’s Witness in the conditions race overcame his blunder to win easily the Intermediate on the last day of the season.

The final race of the 2015-16 season came in the shape of a well declared open maiden, thirteen going to post, the Jimmy Frost owned Buz Barton winning the race well under the ride from Josh Newman.

 Trained by the owner’s wife Nikki Frost the eight-year-old went away nicely at the finish of a good paced contest, the owner more known for his training and riding talents (winning the grand national on Little polvier in 1989) mentioned,’ It’s nice to get a winner, don’t mind where they are, they are hard enough to come by. We have one in the pony race in a minute and they are even harder to get a winner in.’

The horse who came over from Ireland has had time to iron out some issues at home, jockey Josh Newman instrumental in getting the horse right, ‘the pace of the race could of been a little quicker for us really,’ mentioned the jockey. ‘A faster pace would have allowed him to settle a little more, but he has popped out and won well, it was good to finish on a winner.’

Josh on eighteen winners for the season his best season so far said he would of really like to have got to a goal of twenty winners but the last few weeks being rather frustrating, ‘my last winner was on Bank Holiday Monday in April, the horses showing the wear of a long season not running up to their true mark, but my four timer a Fleet was a highlight so all in all not too bad.’’

The horse may look to be a horse that could grow up throughout the summer and come back all the better of a win, and could be one to mark in the note books, the owner and trainer still on a fact finding mission with the gelding.

 The Jimmy Frost owned Buz Barton winning the race well under the ride from Josh Newman.

 So, that marked the end of the 2015-16 season, a season that has bought winners, almost rans, abandonment’s and disappointments, and of course sprinkled with a bit of media attention in the shape of an Olympian.

 A season to savor the sport showing good attendances throughout, even more people being introduced to the world of point to pointing.

Onto now the end of November when we all start again, but beforehand horses being bought from the sales as trainers clear out their yards for new blood. Hunt qualifying and then the racing.

 See you all very soon.

Don’t forget you can view images and read blogs from throughout the season from Cottenham in November to Umberleigh in June at

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