SUMMERTIME WINDSOR TAKES A BREAK WITH A SPENSER HISTORY LESSON

Royal Windsor takes a well earned break from it's summertime employment, with September being a chance for the Royal Counties turf take a take a few weeks off. Eight races see's the start of the autumn campaign at the figure of eight track.
And what an eight races to delight the Monday afternoon crowd that ventures out before the school term resumes.
The ground having undertaken just over 11 inches of rain on it's sod's  overnight, the ground classed as good to soft saw the start of it's meeting with two humdinger two year old races with horses that i'm sure we will see more of in he future.
The six furlong novices stakes saw Jeremy Noseda send his Scat daddy filly Take me with you to post the 4/11 favorite.

,'the ground would not have been to her liking today, but she has let down well and i was very confident in her'.

The filly with only three runs under her belt, one of them a creditable three lengths third to Different League in the Group 3 Albany Stakes, looked not only a different class on the racetrack beating the rest of the field impressively by 9 lengths, but also looked in the paddock the stand out horse in a strong seven runner race.
Jamie Spenser on board with a start to a good afternoons work mentioned,'the ground would not have been to her liking today, but she has let down well and i was very confident in her.'
the trainer mentioned he though the distance ran over the 6 furlongs would be her limit, 'She dos'nt really take to the hilly ups and downs of a Rowely mile track where they have a good few good 6 furlong fillies top class races, she has few entries  in good company and could possibly go over to the states during the winter, but it was good to get her out for a good bit of work  today after the Albany run were she came back a little sore.'

Take me with you

This filly is certainly one to note as a three year old to pick a nice type of race next summer, one certainly to note.

Not content with one good two year old to ride for the day Jamie Spenser bough home the Ed Walker's Simpson by a length from the well backed Mark Johnson colt Go Know Go in the 1 mile three furlong Nursery.
The two year old gelding by Dragon Pulse smoothly took up the running in the final furlong to stay on well the jockey mentioning ' he really liked the ground today and stayed the trip well.'praise indeed for the gelding on his fourth outing the only unplaced race being in a close run contest at Newbury.
It will be interesting where the trainer takes this horse next, but with a show around his Kingsdown yard next week in Lambourn we may well find out. A future blog to watch out for.

Jamie Spenser bough home the Ed Walker's Simpson by a length from the well backed Mark Johnson colt Go Know Go and thrid placed Shazzab

An impressive double for Spencer, and not finished for the afternoon, nor that of trainer Ed Walker. Romanor took the three year old 1 mile three furlong handicap by a neck from  Richard Hannon's Lester Kris with an impressive piece of riding from the man from County Tipperary.

The Holy Roman Emperor gelding out of a Rainbow Quest mare, finished 5th from 5 runners a month back at Epsom, looked by all sorts to do the same coming around the final bend of the figure of eight, Spencer hard at work at his charge making headway from 2 furlongs out to stay on and lead  inside of the final furlong.
' I didn't think he would of won until the final 100 yrs, he was a little keen in the early stages, the pace picking up at the mile pole, the ground was to his liking but he wasted so much energy in the first part of the race getting to settle, without that we may have won with a little more to spare.'
The geldings first win from eight starts may see this gelding try under rules over the winter, and again with the Ed Walker trip prominent even more detective work for yours truly to under take.
A good strong treble non the less for the jockey and a positive double for the Walker yard.

,

' I didn't think he would of won until the final 100 yrs, '

Three races down in the eight race card and favorite followers saw another bookmakers shaker at 5/4 go in with Vimy Ridge  from the Alan Bailey yard making smooth progress in the final furlong to take the 5 furlong three year old Handicap by a length from Monumental Man.
The gelding by American post named after the famous world war one campaign in 1917 made it 5 wins from  54 starts under the guidance of  5 lbs claimer Josh Bryan.

Vimy Ridge

'The race suited him here today, he has probably made the horses behind him look better than they are, i knew when one come to challenge we had plenty of running and was close enough to the line, but i see no reason why he can't go on from that to take another.'
The gelding now rated in the seventies was off the mark in the eighties a while back, having run and won in a few ladies amateur races. Bryan in positive form at present with 24 wins under his belt with plenty of race riding experience, the 18 year old mentioned he has had five winners now out of the Bailey yard, 'He's a pleasure to ride for and have to thank him for putting me up.'

'The race suited him here today, he has probably made the horse behind him look better than they are.'

 History being made at the Royal course in the next event the three year old maiden race over the maximum distance at the course 1 mile 3 furlongs.
Royal Line trained by John Gosden and owned by HH Sheikha Al Jalila racing who has taken over more recently the famous colours for her father Sheikh Mohammed the maroon and white seen on so many legends of the game, Pebbles and Oh so Sharp to name but a few.Saw her first winner in the silks, the first time for over a decade  the colours have seen a winner enclosure.

Royal Line

Ridden by James Doyle who mentioned how proud he was to pull on the silks, colours he grew up watching big races said,' This horse was hard work early, he seemed to switch off, but pushing him on a few furlongs out he has gone about his work well and saw the trip out  and went through the ground well enough.'
Off at 4/6,the favorite backer would not have been certain of picking up on the well bred colt by Dubawi out of a Lammtara mare, looking outpaced four out, the field coming back in the final stages saw the resilience of the colt in his inaugural running.
'He;s a nice type,' mentioned the Doyler, ' we have have to see what the handicapper gives him , i hope he is kind to us so we can have a little bit of a handicap campaign with him, but the distance suits and he would possibly want a little more zip in the ground in the future.'
Again one to watch i feel, this early Autumn meeting certainly dishing up some quality for those hardened punters out on a later summer excursion.

With still three races to come, again followers of the favorite priced horse were rewarded wih yet another winner.
5 lbs claimer Georgia Cox steered home the  William Haggas 3 year old Crushed in the 1 mile 2 furlong handicap.
The young claimer the  top female in the standings at present made most of the running on the strong pulling gelding.

'The plan was to front run him, but while he was there he seemed lazy and not really wanting to go forward, it wasn't until others came to him and challenge him he decided to get down to some work.
We knew what to do with him, the boss has trained the whole family but he seemed to like this type of track.
The jockey who mentioned Windsor felt like it was going to be a bit of a voodoo racecourse for not not having rode a winner on the track said.' I can cross this one off my map i have set up with winners ridden know. Finally i can put this one to bed.'

Owned by the trainers father the gelding on his 6th outing finally gets his reward with a second victory, an unusual trip for the three year old down south, most of his placed runs throughout his career being plied to the Northern courses. The jockeys top quality 5 lb allowance helping.

Crushed

The penultimate race a 3 year old one mile two furlong handicap fell into the path of the Chris wall trained  Oh It's Saucepot and ridden by the 3 lbs claimer  George Wood with a good four length victory  who is by one of the leading 2 year olds of 2005, Sir Percy made it three in a row for the Newmarket trainer.
The last two wins coming from headquarters and Yarmouth the trainer mentioning,' This horse is my only three timer in the yard at present, she is not the easiest to train but certainly shows her worth on the racecourse, she would not want the ground any firmer than this for sure.'
' She is the type that is learning all the time, the family is renowned for slow progression, but Mr Wall has been really patient with her and it is hoped with a break now on the cards she can come back next season as a good 4 year old.' mentioned Wood
The jockey having a good season with 30 winners looks the part and picking up the winning baton from Ted Durcan one of the seasoned jockies in the weighing room cannot be a bad thing.
Both horse and rider should be taken note of for the future and be watched with a keen eye.

Chris wall trained  Oh It's Saucepot, ridden by the 3 lbs claimer  George Wood.

















The eight race of the afternoon went to the ever popular yard of the Hannon's as the grey three year old by Zebedee aptly called Zebulon ran on strongly to take a 6 furlong three year old handicap.
Off know to the sales this nice type, battler of a horse with two wins from eleven starts would make a positive addition to anyone's string.

'unlucky to miss out by a nose at Newmarket he is a nice sort.' mention trainer Richard Hannon

Ridden by Sean Levey who mentioned,'He's hard work, we probably got his distance wrong in his early runs, the ground here helped but he won a firmer ground at Bath in May, but he is a tough sort for sure.'
The trainer confident he is an improving sort said,' Julie Wood bough him from myself and he was a nice foal. But he deserved that win and would be a nice buy for someone, unlucky to miss out by a nose at Newmarket he is a nice sort.'
If you like your handsome grey horses and fancy some fun at the races, this colt maybe is for you. He should progress i feel and pot a few more races in the pocket, cheque books at the ready i say.

Zebulon

Fontwell over the jumps next, before we end the 2017 at Windsor when it continues with a few meetings in October.
Then not long before the pointing season starts.

All can he read and heard from MJAYPHTOGRAPHY &MEDIA

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BACK TO SCHOOL NEWMARKET STYLE

Now I haven't posted a blog for a while. But I'd thought I would kick of a new set of reports with something a little different.
Yes, the usuale reports from Windsor and Fontwell will come thick and fast as we march on through the year. The Point to Point season starting in November will gets it's weekly podcasts and blogs. But this blog come comes from the heart and headquarters of the racing game, Newmarket. As I attend a course that gives an insight into the Trainers secretary, and hopefully gives it's pupils  a bit of a foundation into this most important role in the racing industry.

My destination, the British Racing school, situated a few minutes from the town centre, a stones throw from one of the most prolific flat racing yards in the country, (Godolphin) and set in grounds that would be the envy of most trainers to work from.
I'm not going to go on too much about the school, one of two in the country, the other being in the North. But to say having stayed a few nights within the school ( at an affordable price and very well looked after) It was plain to see that the Industry needs such places as these, and possible one or two more.
At the time I was attending three courses for school/college  leavers were in the midst of their training, you wouldn't be wrong to wonder beforehand, that having a group of 16 to 17 year olds in one place, away from home, Oh my the noise, am I too old for this??
But not at all.
Everyone I came across, students and teachers/trainers alike are courteous and respectful. Polite and helpful. If only the school was about when I  left the clutches of my ole school satchel.........19??

The school does the industry proud, a big hozahhh to them, not all make it, but the images laced on the walls clearly shows the industry is littered with those who have got to a fine standard within the sport. From Jockey to stable staff. Journalist to secretary, ah secretary now that's what I'm here for so a bit has to be said on what bought be back to school.

A three day course, well attended from men and women that are already within the industry to those wanting a career change, the course as mentioned above gives you an insight to what you need to work as a trainers secretary.
Those who think it's all about making coffee, typing out letters and filing and being on the phone, oh how wrong you are.
Day one was all about, who is who in racing and of those who, what do they do, easy enough you may say, but then into the nitty gritty.

A big part on health and safety, oh yes the dreaded H&S. Does a secretary need to know all this?? Well someone has to and though it is not really about racing it has to be done.
But soon after we get back to the area itself with an insight into what the International Racing Bureau is all about with one of its key members Adrian Beaumont giving an insight of how us inspiring trainers secretaries can depend on him to get our horse running in such places as Sha Tin to Churchill Downs.
Insurance next, and an important part of an industry that must be one of the most dangerous sports we get in this country.
Lycetts again sending someone out to give us the insight to their role within the yard environment.
Heavy work for day one but more to come over the next few days


Day two, and into one of the important parts of the role, ahh yes the paymaster...... Who to pay and what, and when and how much. And if that was not all following on to a lecture from Lyn Williams from the British Horse racing Authority about the rules of the game, again all part in some way to the role.

Throughout the day visits from the European Breeders fund and the Racehorse owners association gave a great deal of insight into what was expected. Over the three days a few secretaries, yes I mean REAL actual racing secretaries came in to give an insight into their day. Alex Mant from George Scott's yard and Tim Hide from Ed Dunlops.

The final day, weatherbys and a good insight into declarations an important task within the racing yards set up. and the National trainers federation who works with all parts of the industry, gave us eager to absorb the information the ways and means of how we can assist the trainer into running of the business.
Now, those who may say well that's all fair enough, but each yard changes with each trainer or facility. Well the three days understands this. It gives you no magic formula, no set routine. But a foundation on from which to build. Well that's how I took it anyway.
Some it gave them an idea that this was not the part of the industry they wanted, okay a good thing I say, saves time and effort on everyone's part. But most of all it gives food for though.

The British Racing School itself, WELL DONE.
Some may knock you, but over the years I feel that number has dwindled, as mentioned it is what the industry needs I feel, more of it.
For me, watch this space, coming to a trainers office soon as it may be billed.

Before that though, more reports and blogs to come, with images all at my new website (you mean you have not visited it yet??)

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MONDAY EVENING RACING AT WINDSOR 24TH JULY 2017

Soft ground and late summer evening sunshine saw a good sized audience come out to the Berkshire racecourse, not only for the sixties entertainment after racing, but also to support the solid entrants for the six races on offer. Only a few backed out due to the unsuitable going due to the deluge of rain over the weekend in the Royal county, this not though making much difference to the good sport on offer for a mid summer Monday evening meeting.

The first race saw fourteen sprightly fillies take to the six furlong tack for a novice auction stakes. 7/1 shot Villa Savina bringing home the race for Lambourn based Clive Cox, a trainer with a good recorded around the figure of eight track. The two year old under the guidance of  Sam Hitchcott held her line well as second a third placed horses Sweet Vixen and Pat Cosgrave and Charles Bishop on Bhindi veered over to the middle of the course within the final half furlong.

Villa Savina (left) brings home the race for Lambourn based Clive Cox. The two year old under the guidance of  Sam Hitchcott held her line well as second a third placed horses Sweet Vixen and Pat Cosgrave and Charles Bishop on Bhindi (right) veered over to the middle of the course within the final half furlong

The stewards looking into the placing reversing the second and third in the stewards room.

Of the winner, the jockey on his tenth winner of the season mentioned,' I ride her a fair bit at home and she has always been a straight forward sort. We knew if she jumped out well enough today she would go close and she has done that to be fair.

 Trainer Clive Cox, no stranger to the winners enclosure at the Berkshire track mentioned, ' We had her brother in the yard also Ticks the Boxes and he won his maiden here also, but she is a nice sort that didn't sell at the yearling sales due to a scar over her knee, but we're delighted to have her and she has took her race well today.'

Villa Savina

The yard in fine form at present with six winners from the last twenty two entrants, with many good entries in place over the next few months certainly seems a outfit to follow, as well as this nice big sort of a two tear old by Elusive Pimpernel. Take note of all i would say.

The next race a mile three furlong fillies handicap was taken by the Ed Walker trained  Di Alta by three quarters of a length from Jive Talking from the Michael Bell yard.

Ridden by  Thomas Brown the three year old well bred filly by High Chaparral out of a Caerleon mare has progressed from her second place at Doncaster  at the beginning of the month. 'Around the bend she switched off a bit for me but picked up well again when i wanted her to. When in front she didn't really want to do a lot, but she has made easy work of the race in the end.' Mentioned a jockey who works hard to get his rides, when opportunities come he rarely is wanting.

The trainer Ed Walker more readily praising the works of the jockey mentioned,' Tom works very hard for us at home and it is good to give him the chance to show what he can do, this filly is not the easiest of horse to get on with at home, she is hard work going on and coming off the gallops and Tom has done a lot of that work with her, but she stays well and seems to have improved as she has gone on, for sure she has plenty of character.'

Di Alta (left) takes the mile three furlong fillies handicap by three quarters of a length from Jive Talking (right).

10/1 shot Fast and Hot took the one mile two furlong handicap in fine style. Out of the yard of Richard Hannon and ridden by a young seventeen year old Irishman Rossa Ryan who is on a lot of knowledgeable lips as being a young lad to watch, the Fastnet Rock four year old took to the winners enclosure  again under the young apprentice.

The grey who looked all the winner two out was soon clear at the furlong pole, Ryan doing all with hand and heels to maintain a straight path for the grey now on four wins from twenty two starts.

Fast and Hot

'This fella has played a big part in my season so far, and it proves that he needs this soft ground. But he is a honest horse and gives all for you, it's all thanks to the owners and the boss (Richard Hannon) for giving me the chance.'

Only being at the Hannon yard since February the young pony racing graduate with seven winners to his name certainly seems appreciative to all that has helped him on his was. 'God willing we can get to double figures by the end of the season and go on from there.'

This horse seemed to relish track conditions and distance, a fourth at Goodwood on good ground shows the grey needs to dig his toe in. It would not surprise me to see this one picking up another at the Berkshire course in the early autumn, and would be sweet justice if it were to give the young jockey his tenth winner.

The grey who looked all the winner two out was soon clear at the furlong pole, Ryan doing all with hand and heels to maintain a straight path for the grey now on four wins from twenty two starts.

Next up was another qualifier for the Windsor sprint series, the final of which is held at the Berkshire course in August. British weather seasons not as predictable as in past years we could not predict soft ground, but if the horses can get their toe in the turf we may of seen a fancied runner for the final winning this qualifier. Atletico ridden by Andrea Atzeni, trained by Roger Varien ran on to take the race by two lengths from Wiley Post.

'Coming into that race everything has suited him, he wants that ground and the trip suits him. He has won that well and he would want a bigger race now to take him one step further.'

By Kodiak out of a pivotal mare this gelding certainly has the breeding, not a blistering time over the five furlongs, the speedsters already qualified though may need the ground a little firmer, but if softer in August this one would certainly turn my eye.

The jockey certainly feels this five year old has something sizable in him with that give in the ground.

Atletico ridden by Andrea Atzeni, trained by Roger Varien wins the Windsor Sprint qualifier

Al Mayda for Al Shaqab took the competitive older horse maiden, beating fifteen other in an impressive front running display, ridden out in the final furlong and holding off a late challenge from Atzeni and Varien with Fujaura Prince.

The Hugo Palmer trained three year old filly by Distorted Humor ridden by Harry Bentley looked impressive taking on from a start in what i felt was the most competitive race of the evening.

Al Mayda for Al Shaqab took the competitive older horse maiden.

'It wasn't the plan to take it on from the start, but she jumped out the stalls well so i though if someone wants to take it on fine she was happy were she was so i left her to it,' mentioned the jockey.

The filly with a few runs under her belt showed for that experience and stayed on well in the giving ground. The jockey with Goodwood around the corner and a good book of rides both can only see a positive few months ahead. With three runs all not out of the first four she may be one to note as the season draws on, the time, quick for the mile two furlong trip.

The Hugo Palmer trained three year old filly by Distorted Humor ridden by Harry Bentley looked impressive taking on from a start what i felt was the most competitive race of the evening.

A positive end to the evening as the eight runner mile handicap went to post.

7/4 shot Phillip Hide trained Dragons Voice gave a roar to the voice of the owners Heart of the South racing a syndicate that shows good support for both under rules and flat racing.

The trainer was reported to say before the race that the track going and trip suited this three year old by Poet's Voice to the tea, and though hanging right in the final furlong stayed on well for Richard Kingscote who mentioned,' I'm delighted for the owners who are having a bit of success with this one, it was good to get a winner out of this evening.' the jockey hot tailing back to the weighing room to get changed and on his way home.

The trainer ever modest about his winner said,' I'm delighted with him the way he finished his race off today and we would possibly consider towards the end of the season steeping up the trip to a mile quarter. But this evening with solid runs behind him i felt he had a very good chance.'

With six trips to the races, two wins and two places i feel this one could be one to watch on his progression.the trainer honest enough to say when he will win and the possible plan for him, we may have to wait until an ideal trip is found before taking this one too seriously.

Phillip Hide trained Dragons Voice gave a roar to the voice of the owners Heart of the South racing a syndicate that shows good support for both under rules and flat racing.

A couple of weeks break from Windsor Blogs at present, but be sure we will be back again. Also Fontwell Park Blogs will be starting again soon as the Sussex track prepares to come back after it's holidays.

Why not have a look at other blogs/Podcasts and more at my new webpage

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MONDAY EVENING SEVEN AT SUNNY WINDSOR WIMBLEDON

As the best of British were battling their socks off at Wimbledon, the best of Windsor was on offer to offer with seven races on good to firm ground, to an audience one eye on the likes on Konta and Murray, the other on the well attended fields entered on a beautiful summers evening.

Cat Silver 

The opener for the evening, a six furlong handicap apprentice race young Patrick Pilley bought home the 11/2 shot Cat Silver by a head from Atholblair Boy for his boss  Roger Charlton.
The four year old Dansili gelding not helping the nineteen year old by hanging towards the far rail only just held on to the lead to give the horse his first win from eight starts, the jockey his thirty ninth victory.

'He will certainly come on from that run, it's done his confidence some good, the drop in distance and the application of the cheek pieces has really helped.'
The horse possibly going through the sales ring towards the end of the week, looks if he is a promising sort that may give someone a few nice trips to the races.
'He has hung a bit when i have put him under pressure to be fair i have probably gone a little to soon on him, but he will certainly improve.' mentioned the South Oxfordshire bred rider who started his career at Mick Channon's yard before having a spell in Australia, coming back to start for his new boss in Marlborough at the beginning of the year.
Good to see a local apprentice riding well and one to keep an eye on in a bumper crop of young talent riding well at present.



A novice stakes over the six furlongs was taken by an improving two year old filly by Captain Gerard out of a Dark Angle mare. Peggy's Angle trained by Lambourn based Jo Hughes, ridden by Mitch Godwin took the race by a shortest of margins a  nose from favorite Well Suited and Harry Bentley.
' I have managed to get her switched off nicely in behind despite all the confusion at the start with a horse breaking the stalls, she was a little head strong but came back to me well. We have waited until the last minute to send her on, to be fair i could of waited a little longer and she still would of produced, but she is an improving and a nice sort.

 Peggy's Angle trained by Lambourn based Jo Hughes, ridden by Mitch Godwin 

In the winner enclosure she surly looked a sort that has plenty of growing left in her, the trainer mentioning ' most of our success has been with the two year olds, this filly her first run she was just trying to please too much in her race, today the task was to switch her off a little more and get her to learn her craft, she would possibly be a better three year old to be fair and she has still a lot of learning left to do, but she is a nice sort.'
Both trainer and jockey mentioned one word that stuck in my mind about this filly, professional. And i think a professional attitude to note this youngster should be taken as she continues her education, one to watch i feel.

'She would possibly be a better three year old to be fair and she has still a lot of learning left to do.'

A mile two furlong claiming race was taken by the front running  Kiruna Peak from the Mick Channon yard, ridden by Charles Bishop. The 11/4 shot making all took the race by a couple of lengths from the Richard Hannon three year old filly See the sea who did not get an easy passage during the race leaving the long striding winner to maintain the lead up to the line.
Not much to say really about the filly on her second win from eleven starts, representatives not at the track and the jockey rushing off after the race, so we could not get more of an insight into the horse.
I feel unfair to say she may not be the type to set eyes alight when entered, but after her win could come on. But i feel one just to watch at the present still, a few notes in the pot for the yard on thirty one wins so far for the season.

Kiruna Peak

The mile three furlong handicap was taken by the favorite at 3/1 from the Marcus Tregoning yard, Sir Titan with a fifty percent winning record from four outings was ridden out well in the final furlong to take the race by yet another small margin, a head from the Windsor racecourse favorite horse the twelve year old Shifting Star from the John Bridger yard.
Ridden by Steve Drowne who mentioned,

' He is a big raw sort of horse that will come on a lot from that run, I've got to the front a bit too soon, he is still very green to be fair despite his easy win at Wolverhampton and the close finish here tonight, but he will learn from that and will come on.'
The Aqlaam three year old certainly did not do himself any harm by the win, the handicapper hopefully not taking too much notice in the close finish, but a gelding to take note of as the progression continues.

Sir Titan

Amanda Perrett's Russian Reward trumped the one mile two furlong handicap, ridden by Jack Mitchell again making hard work of the final furlong push to beat favorite Marie Josephe by a head.
The jockey mentioned the five year old by Iffraaj is not the type to be crowded or bullied, and had the experience on the three year olds with only a handful of runs behind her.

The jockey mentioned the five year old by Iffraaj is not the type to be crowded or bullied

' He has had his own way in front on previous runs, but Mark and Amanda have their horses in fine form and today he has had to scrap it out a little.'
Now with five wins in twenty seven rides the jockey mentioned he has had a good couple of weeks.
This well breed five year old adding to the tally keeps the momentum going.
A popular win for the Perrett partnership, the work put into the industry over the years paying off.

Russian Reward

The final couple of races of the evening a maiden and a handicap both over the full Windsor distance of one mile three furlongs.
Goldophin took the maiden with the three year old Dubawi colt  Big Tour ridden by Martin Lane. Making most of the running the now one win from three colt stayed well the jockey mentioning,' the ground was a little too quick for him this evening, but he is a nice sort. He has been the most experienced of the runners tonight so everything has fallen in place for him, but i have mentioned we need to wait for more cut in the ground for him.'
A nice looking sort of horse with breeding and experience on his side is one certainly to note.

The final race of the evening the one mile three furlong handicap six runners to post, Ralph Beckett taking the race with his three year old filly Harebell by three quarters of a length from Ed Dunlops Amlad.
Pat Dobbs in the saddle mentioned,' she loves this fast ground, and was little too keen early on but the hood was off her today from her run at Docaster a few  days ago which has helped but certainly a filly on the up.'
The Haling filly only running three days previous certainly shows she has stamina, with positive noises coming from the latest run would be a nice filly to note.

More blogs from the summers Windsor meets can be seen at

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With more to come over the weeks

BEST OF BRITISH BERKSHIRE

Two days and one evening meeting gave a massive selection of racing to offer at Royal Windsor. The figure of eight tracks Best of British festival had to compete on it's opening day with mass meetings up and down the UK. Docaster, Newamarket to name a few giving the British racing public what they want, quality, and races with a good purse.
The royal county kept up its end of this extravaganza, a class two contest  with a £19'000 pot, and a  listed, £37000  to share out amongst the placings.

Grand Koonta 

To start off though a two year old novice stakes, ten going to post. Clive cox's Grand Koonta going off the 1/2 favorite and returning the three and a half length winner from Richard Hannon's Popsicle.
The trainer hot footing to the Newmarket meeting mentioned he really liked the  Dark Angle colt, ridden by Adam Kirby who also mentioned,'He is the perfect sized horse that has it all there with plenty of speed on his side, he is progressing in the right way that's for sure.'
One to keep an eye on as he progresses I feel. Three runs on good tracks and in fair positive company and not out of the first four, shows this colt could have a positive future ahead.

'He the perfect sized horse that has it all there with plenty of speed on his side, he is progressing in the right way that's for sure.'

The five furlong maiden saw Wantage based Henry Candy saddle African Friend  to take the race beating Indian Raj and denying Adam Kirby a quick brace by a head at the finish line.
Ridden by Fergus Sweeney who took the Equiano four year old on a strong challenge from a furlong out mentioned,'his work at home as always been very positive, but he has been plagued with some problems over the time which has kept him a little bit of an unknown quantity, the run will bring him on for sure and hopefully won't be too long before he can get a win in him again.'
The trainer when questioned on his lack of track attendance said; he wasn't right the first time he ran and has had a knee problem that has taken time to get right, so now he has  a lot of catching up to do, the win today is a good start though.'
A capable strong sort, and one to keep an eye on his progression now the maiden bubble has been burst.

Henry Candy saddle African Friend  to take the race beating Indian Raj 

With the ground riding just on the softer side of good, and with plenty of strong meetings up and down the country, only two went to post for the five furlongs conditions race, disappointing really for sponsors and racecourse a like.
On the card four were to go, one pulling out with a vets certificate in the morning, the other not favoring the unsuitable going.
Mark Johnston's Rebel assault and  Sylvester Kirk's Three little birds took the challenge on,the 1/3 favorite Rebel assault taking on an easy win from his only competitor taking the race well by seven lengths at the end.

Ridden by David Probert who mentioned, 'That was a bit of a routine gallop for him really and he may go for a listed race at Sandown  at the end of the week, but he is an improving sort.'
The Excelebration two year old filly on her fourth run with two wins, an impressive eight length win in more sublime company at Catterick in May, will have a little more of a test in more positive company, but for sure the form is with this filly who as mentioned by the jockey has plenty of speed on her side.

A few more runners for the good sized Windsor faithful attending the Saturday afternoon racing in the next. A class two one mile three furlong handicap saw nine runner to post, top weight What about Carlo off the 11/4 favorite from the well in form yard of Oxfordshire based trained Eve Johnson Houghton could only finish a neck second thought to 11/4 King Bolete from Roger Varian's yard.
The five year old on fifteen runs, five being in the winner circle made all and quickened well under Jack Mitchell from two out.

King Bolete

The gelding which is named after an edible mushroom as I was told, was not the only winner from the Newmarket yard in the afternoon. The pairing of Varian and Mitchell had a profitable afternoon as  Morando took the Listed Midsummer Stakes over the Windsor mile beating again the favorite Stormy Antarctic by a short head.

Morando

The jockey having to quickly hot foot a trip to Lingfield for a number of rides at the evening meeting and the trainer not in attendance but at the Newmarket July meeting, no one could give me an insight into the brace of winners, only to say both beating the favorites and both winning with a short margin had given at least the bookies something to cheer about as up to know it had been favorite backers that had been raiding the bookmakers purses, the tide turning as the meeting continued.

The five year old on fifteen runs, five being in the winner circle mad all and quickened well under Jack Mitchell from two out.

Morando took the Listed Midsummer Stakes over the Windsor mile beating again the favorite Stormy Antarctic by a short head.

A  6/1 shot took the penultimate race of the afternoon a mile fillies handicap in the shape of the Ed Walker trained Sayem ridden by Jamie Spencer. The three year old on her sixth outing notched up her second trip to the winners enclosure by taking the race by half a length from Snow Squaw. The jockey mentioned that the trip and the going suited this Sayif filly and he praised her for being very strong in the finish.

Her first time over the mile seemed to settle in well for the horse having experimented at six to seven furlongs now seems to have found her mark and could be one to watch over the extended distance.

Sayem

The final race of the afternoon a six furlongs apprentice handicap saw five runners to post, and kept  backers of the favorites happy as 2/1 shot Captain Bob from the Newmarket based Robert Cowell's yard came home the three quarter of a length winner under the steerage of seven pound claimer Jonathan Fisher. who only the day before celebrated his twenty fourth birthday.

 Captain Bob  and seven pound claimer Jonathan Fisher.

The jockey mentioned, 'he is a marvelous horse to ride, since my move  to Mr Cowell's in September I have increased my amount of winners to three, two of them being on this fella. It's an honor to ride him and these races suit him so well hopefully we can claim a few more.'

 A tall lad,but assure me that he can do the weight of 8 st 4 lbs, doing a few pounds lighter easy enough when needed.

Not needed today though at 9 st 12 lbs  saw the six year old make all easily,only to be pushed along to take the race from Black Caesar.

A horse I don't feel the young Fisher will forget in a hurry.

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