Celebrating my parent's golden wedding anniversary.
Another warm, sunny start in Newmarket although we are promised a bit of rain this afternoon.
No runners today however Biff Johnson and Hanno make their long journey home from Ayr. Unfortunately Hanno turned in a poor performance, there is no obvious reason why, perhaps a strongly run mile would suit him better and he could be a horse who doesn’t take his travelling well. Biff Johnson however had a great run with Graham Lee on board, he stayed on nicely and from that performance I think he might be capable of winning a small maiden.
We have made a number of exciting entries today for one of the busiest Saturdays of the season. They include Zarwaan in the Summer mile at Ascot and the City Plate at Chester while we also confirmed him for the Bunbury Cup to keep our options open. We confirmed God Willing for the John Smith’s Cup at York while Manndawi was given an entry in the staying handicap later on the card. Jockey bookings are going to be an exciting task for Saturday!
I thought the Eclipse was a great race to watch, Frankie’s tactics were spot on, as were Spencer’s on board The Grey Gatsby- there was a brief moment one furlong out where Gatsby looked as though he was going to get there but Golden Horn asserted his authority and stretched clear to hold his unbeaten record. He really is a brilliant three-year-old over 1m2f and 1m4f, and I for one have my fingers crossed that he gets to the King George.
Finally, I enjoyed a superb lunch with all of the family at the French Horn Hotel in Sonning, Reading to celebrate my parent’s golden wedding anniversary. The weather, food and company was fantastic.
Back tomorrow,
Ed