Monday 12th August, 2024
Bluenose Belle travelled well to the straight at Leicester yesterday before getting tired and will hopefully come on a fair bit for this run. David Probert said that she could ideally do with a bit more cut in the ground and we will look for another race for her in a few weeks-time. She has had a few issues over the last few months but hopefully once she returns to full fitness she will be competitive again.
Delighted the string have summered so well and we were building up their exercise in very hot conditions this morning. We started nice and early and as ever, everything is done for the comfort of the horse. Both horses and riders were appreciating showers this morning.
Although Saturday’s Shergar Cup competition is not everyone’s cup of tea – it is an opportunity to showcase riders throughout the world, especially the talents of female jockeys. It was at the event last year that Holly Doyle and Saffie Osborne rode brilliantly to the line in a close finish emphasising that the future of racing will certainly include the expansion of female jockeys throughout the world.
Once again the ladies team were victorious thanks to some dynamism from their captain Hayley Turner who rightly pointed out that women do well in the event due to the fact that trainers do not have a say on who rides their horses.
Thankfully many trainers are giving more opportunities to female riders and Hayley shrewdly commented that thoroughbreds appreciate the skill of such jockeys more than anyone.