We are all enjoying these bright sunny mornings in Newmarket
Another glorious morning, not as muggy as it has been this week thankfully.
We worked twelve on the Al Bahathri this morning, they included Prince Gagarin and Manndawi who both hold entries a week on Tuesday at Longchamp. The ground will be a key factor as to whether either of the pair make the journey to France- we should know a little more in the next few days. Richard Hills came in this morning to partner Alqubbah, and she holds entries at Kempton and Newmarket next week.
We have no runners this afternoon as we begin our quietest weekend in some time, however it will still be a busy weekend for Robin who will be making the long drive northwards to Ayr as we will saddle Biff Johnson and Hanno there on Sunday. It’s a while since I’ve sent runners to Scotland but the prospect of the beautiful racing ground swayed the decision.
A handful of entries for next Thursday, while we’ve confirmed Prince Gagarin for the Princess of Wales stakes, we didn’t confirm Red Cadeaux but he remains engaged in the Goodwood Cup at the end of the month or there are races like the Geoffrey Freer Stakes at Newbury next month we will consider.
Finally, I have been staggered by some of the criticism Victoria Pendleton received after she completed her first ride in public in a charity race at Newbury yesterday. I think it’s good for our sport that such a world renowned athlete is so enthusiastic about learning to ride and I don’t see how this has been spun in a less than positive way. The very best of luck to Victoria in the rest of her riding endeavours, and I for one hope she makes her final aim to be next year’s Fox Hunters at the Cheltenham festival!
Back tomorrow,
Ed