SUMMER MONDAY EVENINGS AT WINDSOR RACECOURSE WITH A TREBLE BOTTOM FOR CROWLEY

Again seven races to entice the Berkshire faithful, as a good crowd ascended on the racecourse in view of the Windsor Castle turrets. 

1 mm of rain on the course fell during the day, making way for an evening of fine weather, quick ground and good racing. The first race being a six furlong dash for three-year-olds and upwards for apprentice riders.

Sixteen went to post in a race not shy of incidents before the stalls had opened, Kevin Frost’s, Richards Hughes and Roy Botherton’s charges Hardy Black, Wahaab and Kaaber being withdrawn, due to incidents within the stalls, Wahaab from the Hughes yard being a fancied runner.

This left thirteen to run the six furlong straight, 14/1 shot Helfire taking the race by a length from Essaka.

Trained by local trainer Hughie Morrison, young jockey Charlie Bennett on his twenty fifth winner held on well to beat Georgia Cox on Essaka in the final furlong, the three-year-old on her fourth outing, all at the Berkshire course. 

‘She has run a lot in maidens, and has always been a bit of a quirky filly, but getting better with age.’ The filly by Archipenko out of a Bertolini mare has run over distances from a mile to six furlongs in her starts, but seemed to choose this run to make her mark.

One to watch as to her next step up, but a winner none the less for the Morrison team.

 Showdaisy (3rd) Essaka (2nd) Helfire (1st)

 No Windsor meeting at the moment would be complete without a win from the Lambourn establishment of Clive Cox and New dad, Jockey Adam Kirby.

Tis Marvellous went to post for the six furlongs two year olds maiden the 4/6/on fav, and duly showed trust in his support by romping home eight lengths in front of the field, Silent assassin in second spot. 

The Harbour Watch Colt made well of his second trip to the races the first being a Newbury,  promising run second to Mutawatheb.

‘This horse we like a lot, he is a very nice mover with still plenty more to give, he has a very bright future.’ The colt running on very well under a quite ride from Kirby who mentioned if asked the horse would give a lot more. One for the notebooks.

The trainer was also happy with his colts performance mentioning that the horse had a really positive temperament for a two-year-old, and would possible be a contender for next seasons Commonwealth cup at Royal Ascot.

‘This horse we like a lot, he is a very nice mover with still plenty more to give, he has a very bright future.’

Note though should be taken of the second placed horse Silent assassin, Jim Crowley’s mount taking a kick from a loose horse in the paddock before going to post. Second to what seems a very good colt and having an upset just before his inaugural run maybe would be one to underline in the form books.

The mile and quarter selling race went to the Richard Hannon yard, Paco Pat ridden by Gary Mahon who quickened the pace well from about two furlongs out to take the Paco Boy three-year-old to the front.  Hanging a bit to the left in the final furlong the horse held on well by two lengths from Spring Overture.

‘He had a nice turn of foot really, and won well,’ mentioned the jockey.’ He’d be a nice buy for someone, jumping wouldn’t be out of the question also.’

The horse every much looking the jumping type in the paddock took on great interest in the auction, going for £7’600 to dual licence trainer Michael Blake, the trainer rising from the ranks of the point to point circuit, would certainly know the jumping type, the colt now on his way to Trowbridge to begin his new career. 

A nice type and would certainly be one to watch out for.

Paco Pat ridden by Gary Mahon quickened the pace well from about two furlongs out 

The five furlongs dash for two year olds went in the way of 15/8/ fav Kyllang Rock, trained by James Tate and ridden by Andrea Atzeni, the Kyllachy colt held on well pushed along by the jockey to beat Paul Coles Mr Pocket by a length.

 ‘He has come up to take the race well really, went away nicely and still seems to be learning, he is a nice horse that has come on from his Yarmouth run.’

Kyllang Rock

The Sheikh Juma Dalmook Al Maktoum owned two-year-old still with plenty of educating left to do would be one to keep an eye on as his racing career continues, maybe not a world beater but a nice type none the less.

On world beaters, Atzeni mentioned he had sat on coronation Cup Hero Postponed the day before and confirmed all was well from the colt ahead of his run in the King George.

 Trained by James Tate and ridden by Andrea Atzeni.

The final three races went in the way of a very nice, and well timed treble for one time jump jockey Jim Crowley, fresh from his John Smiths cup win at the weekend.

Crowning Glory

Against the odds

Prendergast Hill

His first winner came from his ex-retainer Ralph Beckett, the trainer finding form at present, sent Crowning Glory to post for the three year olds fillies one mile handicap. 

The Speightstown filly made the jockey work to the line taking the race by a neck from Tom Marquand on Pacolita.

The team of Beckett and Crowley on form from the weekend’s win with Pamona’s in the John Smiths cup the jockey mentioning, ‘She is tough little filly, stuck her neck out well at the line.’The jockey who was standing in for the injured Fran Berry well on the road to recovery after his Doncaster fall.

Ralph Beckett, the trainer finding form at present, sent Crowning Glory to post for the three year olds fillies one mile handicap.

The second winner for Paul Cole came in the three year olds Handicap over one mile three furlongs.

Against the odds stayed on well in the final furlong to take the race by a length from Cosmeapolitan, the gelding making it two wins from five runs. 

’The ground was perfect for him tonight,’ mentioned the master of Whatcombe. ‘Bath was too firm, Newbury was too soft, but he has a lot of the family line that gets a trip, so we will have to see.’ 

’The ground was perfect for him tonight,’ mentioned the master of Whatcombe.

The jockeys straight treble came from the Ed de Giles yard in the mile and a quarter four year olds and upwards handicap.

Prendergast Hill in only his second win from ten starts, both wins under the steerage of Crowley fought on well to beat 7/2 fav Rotherwick trained by Paul Cole.

‘It was the first time in cheek pieces tonight, the quicker ground has helped and he has won the race well in the end, the run at Kempton didn’t really suit as on all weather it can slow the pace down a little. But a good day’s work in the end.’ 

A good few days’ work you would say for the jockey who would certainly be a good partner to have on the drive home from the meeting.

Prendergast Hill in only his second win from ten starts, both wins under the steerage of Crowley. 

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VISIT TO MANTON, BRIAN MEEHAN AT MANTON HOUSE ESTATE

As you enter into the well-equipped racing office, you would not be mistaken to think you were in a modern, hi tech establishment in the city,Open desk planning, wide screen T. V’s and recent racing publications, in a comfortable break out area receives you and assures you that this establishment is professional and the occupants know what they are about.

Brain Meehan has been a trainer not afraid of taking on the world. Whilst winning group races in the UK, the trainer has taken on, and beaten the best in America and Dubai.

Only settling in at Manton just outside Marlborough in 2015, the county Limerick born Irishman has approximately 70 horse in his charge.

 Asked how the season was looking for him, he mentioned,’ it’s been a quite one, but the horses are coming into themselves now, so fingers crossed we will make up for it on the back end of the season.’

The yard relaxed and spacious gives plenty of room for the horse not to feel hemmed in, this included their stables in the Astor yard. Large and airy, allowing the horse to have their own time if they want.

No mad shouts and yells from the staff, who all go about their business knowing what they have to do, and what the guvnor expects.

The horses on show were about a dozen two year olds  out for a short canter on the gallops that are bred themselves to make champions.

 Four all weather gallops, four grass gallops, and an undercover track all to choose from overlooking wide open spaces made for some tremendous landscape eye candy, but more importantly allowing the horse to work at their best. 

I must say though all of the two year olds, all but two unraced seemed to settle and go about their work in a relaxed manner.

The horses for ones starting out on their racing career looked well. Nice strong sorts that looked fit and eager to race.

Horses by See the Stars, Kodiak and Exceed and excel, all went about their work with great professionalism, all looked well, and horses the trainer would hope give him that stronger end of season he was looking for.

Brian not a trainer continually barking out orders to his staff, which would tell you he trusts in them to do what he is looking for.

 ‘I have a good bunch of staff, so I can get a little annoyed when they do something a little daft, as I know I have staff that are very experienced.’ And from the onset of walking into that racing office, you know you would expect.

The topic of conversation did flow a little about the industries staffing issue, Brain commenting on the pay structure in his yard is good for someone who wants to work in an industry that is exciting and fulfilling, good pay, approx. 18’000 pa, pool monies that can sometimes reach well over £1’000 and free accommodation all wrapped together in a package. To be even thinking of coming into the industry you must already have the love, passion and understanding of equestrianism, so you would be well aware of the downfalls, if not experienced them already, the trainer not offering some magic potion to cure the debate he just knows what he does and it works, and walking around the boxes and chatting to his staff, you can see it does work, all of them as calm, polite and knowledgeable as the trainer himself.

The trainer all too happy to let a group of enthusiasts around his yard, unaccompanied, again showing the trainers faith not only in us but that of his staff ended a visit that was a pleasure to be seen.

Like a good wine, the more you think of it, even after you have drunk it the better it becomes, and as I reflect on the visit days after, the more I felt it was a privileged to meet Brian Meehan and his team.

More images and blogs from yard visits, and racing reports from fat, under rules and Point to point racing can be viewed at

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USA TODAY AT INDEPENDENCE WINDSOR RACES 4-7-16

4^th July celebrations came to the Royal county of Berkshire. Seven races set for Windsor Racecourses usual Monday night racing.

The first race an apprentice race was taken by a raider of the North,trainer Nigel Tinkler sent Etienne Gerard to post at 7/1, on board David Egan on his eleventh ride in public, David being the son of weighing room veteran John Egan.

The four-year-old on his twenty first outing, three of them with visits to the winner’s enclosure took the young seven pound claimer to the front a furlong out and stayed on well to beat Malvia by two lengths.

‘I’m delighted by that,’ mentioned the jockey with a beaming smile on his face. ‘He traveled well, got to the front and hung on. It was great dad is here also and riding on the same card, I grew up watching him, so it makes it extra special. 

I’m leading one up later also, then will probably watch dad in the last, I don’t want the day to end really.’

The trainer was also complimentary on the win mentioning,

'it makes it very special to be able to put John’s lad on board and give him his first winner, this young lad is going to do very well for himself.’

Raider of the North,trainer Nigel Tinkler sent Etienne Gerard to post at 7/1, on board David Egan on his eleventh ride in public.

The master of Woodland stables in Langton Malton, didn’t stop there in his raid of the southern tacks.

 Bashiba came up trumps in a close fought finish with Foxtrot Knight and Luke Morris in the sprint series qualifier later in the evening. This time Andrea Atzeni on board for the northern trainer, he took the lead in the final furlong and held on well to take the race, ‘he loves the fast ground and is a very straight forward type of horse, he was always good enough to win this type of contest.’

 Bashiba

The trainer, delighted with the win celebrated with the owners that the Northern horses could travel and win on the Southern tracks. 

‘I’m delighted for the owners really,’ mentioned the trainer. ‘They have taken a box here tonight and have made a day of it, he is a lovely horse, Silvestre De Sousa told me to buy him at the breeze up sales, and I’m glad I took his advice.’

Asked if it was a major decision to bring horses down to Berkshire for an evening meeting the trainer said, ‘It really makes no difference, it’s the same length of time as it is to go to some Northern tacks, and people don’t seem to make such of a fuss about that, but it’s lovely to come to Windsor though and give the owners a little something different.’

Trainer Nigel Tinkler talks to Jockey Andrea Atzeni

The evening full of doubles over the seven race card, and saw the Jockey Atzeni take in two winners for the evening, the first winner was for  Roger Varian, the jockey bough home Fool to cry, an 8/13fav in the one mile two furlongs claiming race.

The three-year-old in only her eighth contest and first visit to the winners enclosure, led at the furlong pole and held on well to beat Clive Clifton from the David Evans yard by a couple of lengths.

‘On paper she would be a filly very hard to beat, she is very straight forward and honest, the race was also run at the pace that suited her.’

The daughter of Fast Company was claimed after the race by rules trainer Neil Mullholland for £12’000, so is a horse we may come across at Fontwell as the jump season progresses, her toughness and honesty would help her as she progresses.

The evening full of doubles over the seven race card, and saw the Jockey Atzeni take in two winners for the evening, the first winner was for his guvnor Roger Varian, the jockey bough home Fool to cry.

Not to be outdone in the south, Clive Cox, having a successful season so far, put claim in for his double for the evening.

The first one coming in the shape of a very nice maiden by Kodiak, the sire of his stable star Kodi Bear.

Kodilne on only his second trip to the races, the first a second at Bath four weeks back, held on well at the line to beat Richard Hannon’s Majeste by a neck under a well driven ride by Adam Kirby, the rest of the placed horse looking no slouches themselves. 

‘We like this horse a lot,’ mentioned the jockey.’ He has a high cruising speed and a lot of natural ability, he quickens also, so he has a good future in front of him.’

Kodilne on only his second trip to the races

The trainer on the first of his two winners mentioned that he also likes the bay colt,’ we are always happy to have a fast Kodiak horse in the yard, but he is a very nice horse and would be one to watch I feel.’

The second of the Lambourn trainer’s winners came in the shape of Quebee in the one mile handicap. Ridden by Kirby again another jockey on a double who took the thee year old  Martin Collins home bred by Sir Percy home by a length from Hugo Palmer's Banish ridden by James Doyle.

The second of the Lambourn trainer’s winners came in the shape of Quebee in the one mile handicap.

The 15/8 fav on two wins now from five starts, led and held on well from a furlong out. ‘This is a very game, sweet natured little filly. Despite the hike in weights from her previous runs she is a type that will improve and hopefully come on again from the run.’

The trainer mentioned, ‘she is a tidy filly, she won her maiden well, and has come here off a rating of 83 and won a handicap well.’ 

Again it would be fair to mention that all the placed horses in the race should go on to better things, so it makes it all the better for the Clive Cox duo as their careers develop.

Kodilne

Quebee

The penultimate race was taken in fine style by the Godolphin horse Laugh Aloud, a three-year-old by Dubawi,who won as a 4/11 on fav should by seven lengths easily from Sir Michael Stouts Jantina.

On her fourth outing only, her first run only being out of the first two the filly commanded the mile maiden fillies race from the off, drawing well clear at the furlong pole under James Doyle

‘It wasn’t the greatest of races really,’ mentioned the jockey. ‘But she is a nice strong type who has taken the race well, we won’t get too excited yet and see how she progresses, but I’d say she will do well for herself.’ The Godolphin team playing the cards close to the chest with this smart filly. One to watch I believe.

Laugh Aloud

The final race, George Baker and trainer David Lanigan partnered up to take the one mile two furlongs’ handicap for three year olds and up with Athlon.

The gelding by Arakan, sent to post the 11/8 fav was pushed out readily from Adam Kirby’s mount Guns of Leros in the final furlong, Kirby looking for his treble.

George Baker had other ideas and held the onto the race by a couple of lengths in the horses seventh run, and second win of his career.

The trainer on hearing the going of good to firm was going to take the three-year-old out of the race before the meeting started, but a well timed call to Ted Durkin who rode in the first confirmed that the ground was riding well enough for the horse to take his chances.

‘He is a horse that is still improving, he was a late foal and has more developing yet to come, but he is learning with each run which is pleasing. ‘The trainer’s thoughts are that the horse would get a mile and a half in time, the horse liking the softer ground would be the type with an autumn campaign in front to him after a little rest.

The trainer likes this horse and would be certainly one to underline in the form books.

The final race George Baker and trainer David Lanigan, partnered up to take the one mile two furlongs’ handicap for three year olds and up with Athlon.

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Please support P2P and THE IJF

The injured jockey fund was the brainchild of journalist, columnist and television present Lord John Oaksey.

 An amateur jockey himself, twice champion amateur. Mr John Lawrence as he was known came about the fund after devastating injuries to some of his weighing room friends. 

Now the fund has helped under its mission to provide appropriate support, financial or otherwise, in a prompt and sympathetic manner to those jockeys past or present who are injured, unable to ride or in generally in need, have helped over 1000 jockeys and has given up to £18m in charitable assistance.

This includes the jockeys from all areas, under rules flat and point to point

Twelve brave point to point jockeys headed by Sam Davies Thomas wanted to give something back to the sport/industry they love. 

A a few weeks before the end of the season,they came up with the idea to do a tandem skydive from 15’000 ft, and raise funds from the point to point fraternity for the Injured Jockeys Fund.

The aim was to raise about £4’000 at first though, by only a few weekends donations exceeded £7’000.

The aim was to jump the day after the final point to point meeting at Umberleigh, but no one made plans with the weather. Low cloud prevented the jump but the twelve brave souls, 

Zac Baker, (ex) Pete Mann, Johnny Bailey, Leo Mahon, Joe Hill, Sam Davies-Thomas, Fergus Gregory, Jack Andrews, Tom David, James King, Patrick Gerety, John Mathias never gave up and the plan is to jumps again next weekend on the 9^th July.

Late replacement James Tudor has stood in for Joe hill, who will be doing a sky dive on holiday in Australia,.

All need your help as now the funds standing at £9’115.00.

Wouldn’t it be great if Point to point can make £10’000

And with your help this is possible, so if you support your jockeys, love your point to pointing, please give generously.

By the time the boys jump, it would be great to have that figure in the bag

Just go to

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/P2PJump    

    

And don’t forget gift aid

Please support P2P and THE IJF