A windy Wednesday saw Catterick’s last meeting of 2011. Our local course is becoming quite a favourite and the hospitality of the staff is always excellent. In an attempt to blow the cobwebs off what has been a lazy Christmas, we visited the course and had a great afternoon – even if it was windswept. Part of the reason for the visit was to see how certain stallion progeny mature – an important subject at present as we begin to finalise breeding plans here at Bolton Hall Stables – and decide on matings for 2012.
The first race saw favourite Star in Flight romp home under Jason Maguire – winning by a margin which showed the 4 year old is set for good things in the future. There is no doubt that the ground – good to soft, although more soft looking, showed those horses who had stamina and fitness to cope with the conditions. Margins of 8 lengths, with the third horses over 20 lengths behind that on three occasions either flattered the winners or showed poor preparation of the others. In fairness, there were a number of maidens and novices on show in what was a fairly competitive card.
There were no fallers, although Malko de Beaumont from Alan Brown’s yard was pulled up with a serious injury. What was noticeable however were the number of unseated riders. In all but 2 races of the seven there was at least one rider who could not stay with their ride – either a poor reflection of jockeyship or perhaps the wind was stronger than originally thought! I do not pretend to be the best rider in the world, but then I do not make my living from it – and neither do I receive £140 per race to do it. National Hunt jockeys have a high degree of risk but to be unseated with so much regularity does the connections no favours and is a great disappointment when it has cost many thousands of pounds to get the horse ready to race – only to go pilot-less for a majority of the contest.
Doberdan, winner of the 6th race won easily of the remaining victors – well ridden by Tom Siddall and equally well prepared by Patrick Holmes. He won by 8 lengths and was widening the gap all the way! A battle of the greys saw Shadrack and Kings Grey run a great finish in the feature race at 2.20 with Shadrack just ahead. The impressive looking Kings Grey – pick of the paddock for the whole afternoon, was probably over-restricted with cross nose band and chifney bit - but with minor adjustments the 7 year old will easily win in future.
The selling race produced a further win for the John O’Shea trained Cityar – although no bids even with the low price of £3000. Although with the crowd made up of similar “Christmas Sofa” escapees it was perhaps not the best market place. Look out for the 7 year old gelding in future – it was a worthy winner.
So as we approach a new year it only remains to wish all readers a very happy and successful 2012 – we hope to see you at the races soon.
Bolton Hall Stables - Home of Field & Country Racing
Field & Country Racing is based in Wensley, North Yorkshire at the historic Bolton Hall Stables. We have excellent training facilities as well as offering boarding for mares and foals and pre-training / rest & recuperation services for racehorses. We have a number of horses for sale with our all inclusive syndicate packages for 2012. Please CONTACT US for further details.
