The now-retired Times Up & Nikki.
Overcast with some light drizzle now and again.
Another nearly day yesterday as the horses continue to run well, but the real story was the retirement of Times Up, who bowed out at his beloved Doncaster at the grand old age of nine.
He has been a wonderful servant to his owners, my father and all of the Dunlop family and it has been an absolute privilege to play a small part in the career of this horse. He is eternally youthful and continues to be a character at home, while he deserves a long and happy retirement from racing. We will all miss having him around the yard. Thank you, Times Up.
Five runners this afternoon at the end of a busy week. The rain at Doncaster this morning will suit God Willing and we just hope they have had enough of it! He has slipped down the weights since the start of the year and he didn’t run too badly on the all-weather last time. While this is a hot handicap, we thought it was worth running him towards the foot of the weights in a better race, rather than having to lump plenty of lead around again.
We saddle three at Lingfield starting with Pimpernella, a homebred daughter of Elusive Pimpernel from a family that includes the fine Moyglare Stud Stakes winner Priory Belle. She will benefit from this initial experience.
Ejbaar drops back to the extended seven furlongs having shown plenty of speed at Newbury without properly getting home in soft ground. He remains relatively unexposed and he should run his race.
Zarwaan moved into conditions company half an hour later and he looks to hold solid claims on these terms. Windfast is the one to beat on the figures, but our horse has been a model of consistency all year and this intermediate trip could be ideal. He appreciates genuinely good ground.
Lastly, Pyla will look to add to her Lingfield win at Bath and the withdrawal of the second and third favourite this morning can only help our cause. A 3lb rise is fair considering she overcame a hefty bump at a crucial moment last time and a mile on fast ground is what she wants.
I’m heading to Keeneland tomorrow for a few days at the yearling sales. Hopefully I return with some shiny new purchases! I’ll be watching the Irish St Leger closely in the skies as the final European pointer to the Melbourne Cup – hopefully nothing wins too impressively – while one of Aidan’s three-year-olds could thrust themselves into the picture at Doncaster this afternoon.
Let’s also hope the Irish Champion Stakes field remains intact for this evening as it would certainly be the best Group One run all year, Or it would on paper at least.
Have a fantastic weekend.
Ed.