A Second For Slainte Mhath
Anyone who can recall Slainte Mhath’s first visit to a racecourse last October will understand how proud I was to see her finish 2nd at Hamilton on Friday night. ‘Annie’ as she is known in the yard arrived around a year ago, unbroken, nervous and very antisocial. After being backed and ridden away she was showing a lovely big stride and a nice way of going at home. We had a few hiccups a long the way but we were happy with her heading to her first run at Newcastle last October. A fright in the stalls that night put us on the back foot and she then spent a week down at Craig Lidster’s yard where he done a lot of stalls practice with her. When she came back to us it was more of the same with us doing a lot of work with her to build her confidence back up. It has taken her a while to understand her job and lifestyle but she has gradually been turning into a horse that is nice to work with and dare I say it I think she almost likes humans now! Each run since that night at Newcastle has been better than the last, both in ability and in her general behaviour and demeaner. Hopefully she continues on an upward trajectory and rewards her owners for their patience.
Slainte Mhath at Hamilton
We turned out two other runners at Hamilton. Spartakos done nothing wrong finishing 5th over an inadequate 6f, his owners had another great night out. Rockley Point was lacklustre in the last and I am scratching my head a bit with him. If he doesn’t show some zest in his next couple of runs he will perhaps be looking for a new venture in life, always a tough decision to make especially when he is so loved in the yard.
Both Spartakos and Slainte Mhath have a quick turnaround as we aim to take advantage of the rain and are declared to run at Ayr on Wednesday. They are joined by Elladora who scored in the soft last summer. Underfoot conditions should suit all three. We also have some entries at the weekend. Colinton and Gweedore are in at Haydock. Spartakos, Far From A Ruby, Nellie French and Rockley Point are in at Musselburgh. Declarations for the weekend will be weather dependant!
Spartakos relaxing in the field after Hamilton
In other news Abby’s horse Arbruce Northern Champion Novice Horse for his fine efforts in point to points this season. After a few rocky runs while they got to know each other Bruce and Abby have never looked back finishing off the season with a couple of wins in determined fashion. They have formed a super partnership and it has been a pleasure to cheer them on round the northern circuit over the winter and spring. We will update with a picture of the trophy when Abby gets it home!
Ardruce and Abby winning at Overton