Thursday 7th January 2021 - a winner to see the New Year in.

It was lovely to start the New Year with another winner as Thomas Macdonagh jumped his rivals into submission to win his first novice chase, meanwhile we saw the ups and downs of racing within 30 mins as Thebannerkingrebel took a crashing fall at Plumpton earlier and both he and Page are suffering a bit of concussion! 

Thomas Macdonagh had shown some good form when winning three times last season as a novice hurdler, and had always promised to be a better chaser.  He was 4^th on seasonal debut in a novice at Stratford and had followed up to be 3^rd in a competitive handicap at Chepstow, so it was nice to see him gain a deserved victory over fences.  His rivals fell by the wayside throughout the race and he ended up coming home alone and so picking up all the prizemoney too, which was a bonus.  We’ll look to run him back in handicap company again early in February. 

Meanwhile, we had another promising bumper debutant as Guinness Affair was 2nd in a bumper at Fakenham, and Tinsmith filled the runners up spot (our 27^th this season!) on the all weather at Lingfield.  We run Alrightjack there in a jumpers bumper tomorrow…..

As is usual at this time of year, the weather has played a bit of havoc with plenty of meetings being called off.  However, it was rather frustrating that Ffos Las was called off today just 10 minutes before the first race.  The jockeys were happy the frost had come out of the track, the trainers and their representatives were happy, whilst the clerk of the course appeared happy too, however the BHA stepped in and called the meeting off.  Whilst horse welfare is of paramount importance, if the clerk of the course, the trainers and the jockeys were happy, then I can’t really understand why it was abandoned.  It’s frustrating for everyone, but especially the owners…..

Anyway, whilst in lockdown you may like to watch the following clip of Legends Ryde schooling around the new facility here in Lambourn where they have placed 7 hurdles around the famous ‘Bowl Gallop’.  Lambourn really is the best place to train!