Shingwedzi looking magnificent in quarantine.
Quite cold first thing but a pleasant day now.
I was thrilled to bits with Clarentine’s victory at Lingfield yesterday. We have been trying to make her into a stayer but the drop back to a mile clearly paid dividends and Adam gave her a perfect ride. She’s nicely bred and is the first foal out of the mare, so this was important for her owner-breeder.
Her victory made the journey home from County Durham that bit easier following a spoiling two days shooting courtesy of Andrew Stone. Many thanks to him for his wonderful hospitality.
One runner this afternoon as Scrutinise lines up in the mile and a half handicap at Goodwood. He should relish the testing ground and we couldn’t leave this race behind when many of the principals did not declare. A 6lb rise for his Thirsk victory appears fair and he is firmly on the upgrade – we expect him to go very close.
Two declarations for day two of the Cambridgeshire Meeting – Island Remede lines up in the Listed Prince Royal Stakes while Red Galileo will try to avenge last year’s short-head defeat in the Godolphin Stakes.
We waved goodbye to Times Up this morning as the old boy headed to Alex Embiricos’ yard for a period of well-earned rest before the next phase of his career is decided upon. It is always sad to see them go, but for them to leave healthy and sound having been a thrill to train more than makes up for any emotion.
But as one good one departs another exciting arrival is on the horizon as we received updated photos of our South African import Shingwedzi yesterday. She is currently in Mauritius completing all the formalities ahead of her departure to Newmarket and she is really starting to look magnificent in her coat.
Finally, the breaking news that Simple Verse has been reinstated as the St Leger winner is undoubtedly the correct decision. She was clearly the best filly on the day and common sense has prevailed – congratulations to all of her connections.
Ed.