It was lovely to see Thomas Macdonagh winning at Ffos Las last week, and in turn notching up a hat trick of wins. Having won his maiden at Hexham he was given an enticing opening handicap mark of 117 and having duly obliged in a conditional jockey’s handicap hurdle, he only carried on penalty back in novice company. Its always lovely when a plan is accomplished! I’d like to think he’s capable of taking a step up in class now as we’ll look towards the Grade 2 River Don at Doncaster in late January.
Thomas Macdonagh's owners after the Hat Trick of wins.
I was delighted with Kiltealy Briggs who was 3rd in the Grade 2 Albert Bartlett trial at Cheltenham last weekend. He is still so raw and immature, and once he learns to race properly, I think he could be very good. We’ll aim for a Grade 2 at Haydock in February and then hopefully he’ll be one for the Albert Bartlett at the Festival. However, whatever he achieves over hurdles is a bonus as he’ll be a cracking novice chaser next season.
Coole Well finished runner up again over fences at Haydock on Saturday, and will surely find an opening before long. Unfortunately, Early Morning Rain felt the effects of three races in quick succession when disappointing in the Listed event there. She is better than that as she showed when bolting up at Lingfield earlier this month. We’ll freshen her up and come back for a Grade 2 at Sandown in February.
Exod’ela and Pisgah Pike were both 3rd this month too. We haven’t yet found the key to Exod’ela’s undoubted talent, but think that a fast run handicap will bring about suitable improvement especially when encountering slightly better ground. Meanwhile, I was delighted with Pisgah Pike’s 3rd in a bumper as has improved on what he showed in Ireland and I think we can win lots of races with him over a sharp 2 miles over hurdles.
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