Yearlings cantering up Warren Hill.
Cold and fresh but blue skies and the sun is shining.
I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Christmas and managed to spend some quality time with the family eating, drinking and being merry!
Things naturally quieten down over the festive period, but the show must roll on where horses are concerned and the lads have continued to work hard over the last week or so.
I imagine there will be a few bleary eyes tomorrow morning as the New Year dawns, but we have one final runner before 2015 is out as Justice First lines up in the mile handicap at Lingfield.
He posted a career best at Chelmsford last time, coming from off the pace to win over seven furlongs with the front two clear, and he looks well worth a crack at this longer trip given he is much more relaxed these days. Incidentally, he won here back in January over six furlongs in blinkers, but he’s far less buzzy now than then.
The handicapper put him up 3lb for that success, but we are offsetting the rise (and some) by using Harry Burns, one of our apprentices, who claims a valuable 7lb. He is nicely drawn, likes the course and holds solid claims in an open race. Ed Walker’s Bold Prediction is the one I respect a lot.
Finally, it was absolutely wonderful to hear the news of AP McCoy’s knighthood yesterday. He is true champion who thoroughly deserves all of the praise lavished on him. He is a fine ambassador for our sport, too, and his success can only benefit racing. Well done, champ!
A very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year to you all!
Ed.