Hi all,

17th January 2010

What a busy couple of days! First here is my report for Thursday.

HC run at Lingfield was fantastic....it was a pity none of us could see it! The fog was so thick you couldn't see more than a few feet in front of you. I think we were lucky racing was on!

The race became more competitive when the previous days 2 mile race was abandoned and a number of horses had been doubly declared. HC was the outsider of 14 at 40/1, which I must admit amazed me in view of his 3YO form.

Ian Monger the jockey said that as he was drawn favourably in stall 3 it would silly not to use it and bounce him out to obtain a good early position......thereafter, what actually happened really is only down to the feedback from the jockey. He said everything went to plan, he bounced him out of stalls and held a good position right from the start. He cruised round in about 5th place all the way and then about three furlongs out, he was a little tapped for toe, but then ran on, only to be beaten 2l and a head into third place at the finish. The jockey said that a little bit further he passed the winner and had trouble pulling him up; he wanted to go round again. The good news is HC really enjoyed himself and the jockey felt he will win races on the flat for us.

The comments in the racing post were also very favourable and said that he had a future on the level!

The next day the horse was extremely well and was squealing and jumping around. As a result, Seamus felt it worth considering the race at Huntingdon on Saturday. I think we all appreciated that the race may come too soon for him, but as it wasn't a particularly strong race, felt it was worth taking a chance.

Saturday morning, unfortunately, the heavens opened and the ground, although reported as soft, was probably heavy according to the jockeys, which meant it was going to be a slog. HC amazingly started as favourite at 7/2 and until the latter part of the race, looked as though the market was right. Jimmy Derham rode an excellent race and smoothly brought HC up to the leaders two hurdles out. Unfortunately, HC didn't find another gear at the finish and although he still plugged on, missed out again for third by a head. Jimmy said he jumped extremely well, was very professional and coming round the last bend thought he had a winning chance, just didn't pick up as well as he thought he would, in the home straight.

I suppose we are all slightly disappointed to at least not get third place and some much needed prize money. On reflection however,... yes the race on Thursday may have taken the edge from him and it was a slog on Saturday, but he has run two good races, finishing 3rd and 4th, and we now know that we can have some fun alternating between hurdles and the flat in the future. I am positive by the end of the season, the lad will get his head in front!

I don't think HC will be out again for probably 3-4 weeks. I'm sure John O will come up with some races from the middle of February for us. I will keep you informed of developments.

Tight Reins
Ray