A Western Winner
On Saturday Gweedore gave us our biggest winner to date when he scored in the Class 2 Virgin Bet handicap on Ayr Gold Cup Day live on ITV for owners Lamont Racing. Gweedore was in fine form at home ahead of the race and our biggest concern was being drawn so wide out on the track in stall 13 of the 14 runners. However, he broke very well and under a fine confident ride from Jason Hart he scored by a neck in a thrilling finish. Gweedore has been fantastic for the yard and this was his ninth win off a career high mark of 88. It is a privilege to train such a tough, consistent horse. He is a testament to his owners and I have no doubt his continued improvement is due to the patience and time that Craig and the rest of the Lamont Racing owners have given him since he joined them from the yearling sales.
Gweedore’s Prizes from Ayr
Today we were at Hamilton with new addition Guest List for owner Stuart Wallace. She ran in to some trouble in running but galloped through the line well and I think she will come on a heap for the run.
Guest List at Hamilton
Yesterday while I was at Ayr, Abby and Murray took Elladora and Jackmeister Rudi down to Catterick, both ran well and finished fifth. Rudi ran in to a little trouble just when the horses quickened or would likely have been placed where Elladora didn’t seem to handle the bend.
On Thursday Colinton ran another solid race under top weight to finish a close 7th at Pontefract. On the same day Far From a Ruby ran a cracker at Ayr from a bad draw to finish 4th beaten only a couple of lengths.
Colinton and Sam James at the start on Thursday
Wednesday at Kelso saw our first National Hunt runner in a while where That’s Your Lottie finished a pleasing 4th. I would just love to see her get her head in front for her owners who have been so patient with her. Abby has put a lot of work in to Lottie, she is not always the easiest to deal with and I know it would mean the World to her as well.
That’s Your Lottie and Abby at Kelso
We have a quiet week ahead runners wise with no entries until at least the weekend but there are lots of jobs at home to keep us all busy. There are plenty of horses in work, we have started working away on our Land Force yearling and there are always plenty of tidying up jobs to do around the yard.
We will be finishing up the yard early on Monday morning to watch Her Majesty The Queen’s funeral. Racing has really pulled together and there have been many amazing tributes to the late Queen over the past week, she was a great ambassador for our sport on top of everything else she did. She was just an amazing lady with so much strength and all the of team are keen to pay their respects on Monday morning.