10 Winners, So Far…

Thrilled to reach 10 flat winners for the 2022 season with Ben Asker at Ayr yesterday, beating our previous best total of 9. I had quietly set myself two targets at the start of the year. One was to have a nice Saturday winner, which we achieved early in the turf season with Gweedore at Musselburgh and then again with Colinton at Haydock. The other was 12 winners for the season, I never like to take anything for granted but it is a target that is definitely looking within reach. An amazing team, fantastic owners and super horses to get to the 10!

Ben Asker and Billy Garritty after winning at Ayr

The credit for Ben Asker winning at Ayr has to be given to Paul Robson who trains jumpers locally to us from his yard near Denholm. Paul brought Ben over from Ireland in the hope he would make a nice hurdler, and although a super jumper Ben was lacking stamina in the second half of these races. From his work at home Paul was confident he had the ability and attitude to be competitive back over a shorter trip and that is where I was lucky enough to come in to give him a run or two back on the flat. Ben arrived with us fit and in great condition following his few runs over hurdles and we just put the last touch on before he headed to Ayr on Monday. I count myself very lucky to be trusted with such a lovely horse. Billy also played a big part in the win. A very positive ride from a poor draw, he steadied the field up round the bend and kicked on to win comfortably enough. A very happy day for all involved!

We turned two horses out at Hamilton on Saturday night. Artemis Flyer had a frustrating run, she did not travel well down through the dip, got a bit lost on her own and returned with a small cut where she has been bashed by another horse. She will have a couple weeks before her next outing. Samurai Sneddz put in a solid enough run for fourth. He looked like he might trouble the judge at the furlong pole but the horses up front got their fractions right and they were not slowing down any. It is very hard to make up ground on such a stiff, uphill finish if the ones in front are not stopping.

I turned Elladora out quickly last Thursday at Carlisle thinking it was the right thing to do and regretted it the minute she jumped out the stalls. She produced a flat and lacklustre run and she definitely told us she likes a bit longer between her races. Every horse is different and every day in the life of a trainer is a school day!

Elladora in the parade ring at Carlisle

The next week looks quiet on the runners front which allows plenty of time for jobs at home. Pressure washing and painting is top of the agenda at the moment. It is a very satisfying job when it is done and the horses are returning to sparkling, freshly painted stables.

We have Kitty Pi entered at Haydock on Saturday, she needs one more run in novice company before she goes handicapping and this race looks a very warm affair. However, there is a severe lack of opportunities available to her so a trip to Haydock may just be on the cards.

We also have Far From A Ruby entered up at Ayr on Monday, we will just see how she is over the next few days but it would be nice to take her back to the track where she has produced two good runs for us.

I was really disappointed not to able to support Hamilton’s two meetings this week as they are putting up great prize money this season and our owners have really been enjoying the hospitality there this summer. Frustratingly the horses that would have suited the races were looking for a bit of rain and I think we are going to have to wait a few more weeks for that!

Slainte Mhath, one of ours that is waiting for rain!

Finally, it was nice to have a few owners in on Sunday. Some of Slainte Mhath’s owners popped in for a visit along with a few members of The URSA Major team who were visiting Far From A Ruby. Very generous owners with plenty of carrots, polos and apples to keep the horses happy, and plenty of biscuits to keep the two legged team fuelled up! Ruby loved the attention and scratches on offer, whereas Slainte Mhath is less social and would rather you just delivered the treats and left.

Like humans, horses are all so different.