TTP this morning.
A warm start but cooler as the morning wore on.
Twenty hours on and it is still no closer to sinking in. Yesterday was the most incredible experience, up there with the very best days of my career. Horse and jockey were magnificent and the La Grange Partnership, who turned out in force, enjoyed an unforgettable afternoon.
There are many brilliant aspects to the TTP story but his owners, who are far removed from the powerhouses that usually dominate the Royal meeting, are the most important. This was a success for the dreamers, and to win the Gold Cup with a cheap breeze-up purchase gives hope to all.
Thank you to everyone who has been kind enough to send their congratulations – we have been overwhelmed with well-wishers and you are all very kind. I am pleased to report that TTP has come out of the race extremely well – there is not a bother on him this morning and he doesn’t look like he’s just landed a Group 1!
No runners this afternoon but Mrs D and I are back at Ascot for lunch. Another wonderful card is on the agenda and I am incredibly excited for the inaugural running of the Commonwealth Cup. The race has attracted the field it deserves and Hootenanny is one the most exciting runners of the week.
Earlier on the card, Mr Singh might have a better chance that his odds imply in the King Edward VII. He looked not to handle the track at Goodwood, but I was impressed by his maiden victory at Newbury, the form of which is red hot, and the extra furlong will be right up his street.
Also, I don’t think there should be the price disparity between Found and Lucida in the Coronation Stakes. The latter was probably unlucky not to win the Guineas and she remains capable of better.
We made three declarations for Pontefract on Sunday with Red Galileo, Arethusa and Europa set to head to Yorkshire.
Have a fantastic day four!
Ed