The string on the Heath.
The staff looked like drowned rats this morning but the weather is much more bearable now.
11 worked first lot followed by two second lot and all went to the Al Bahathri with the grass very much on the soft side. They included Red Galileo, who has recently been gelded, and Island Remede, who the ground finally appears to becoming right for.
Al Hamd shaped with promise at Epsom yesterday and he should have no problems with a mile in time. Clarentine was probably unsuited by the undulations of Ripon and she is certainly better than that.
No runners today and no declarations for Thursday either. We are set for a particularly quiet few days, although we have a number lined up for Doncaster next week.
Three entries for Monday – two for Kitten’s Red, while Michael’s Mount could run in the mile maiden at Windsor having run a fine race on debut at Sandown.
Victoria Pendleton was simply terrific yesterday and while we were a head short of a fairytale result, she showed plenty of natural ability and a ton of flair to boot. This was a terrific start to her career under rules, and while she might be one of the best Olympians this country has ever produced, I bet she is sore this morning!
Three high-profile retirements yesterday with the careers of Telescope and Hurricane Fly coming to an end. Telescope served connections well and it’s a shame injury cut his time on the track short, while Hurricane Fly was simply magnificent and his legacy will last forever. A long and happy retirement to both.
Finally, the most surprising retirement of all was, of course, Hayley Turner and her decision to quit the saddle at the end of the season came as a real shock. Hayley has raised the profile of female jockeys immeasurably throughout her career and she is a fine rider, while her landmark victories aboard Dream Ahead and I'm A Dreamer will live long in the memory. I'm sure the next chapter of her career will be a huge success and we wish her the very best of luck for the future.
Back tomorrow.
Ed.