Monday 17th June, 2024

It was wonderful to see Mattie Ross win her first race over hurdles for us at Market Rasen on Friday evening.  Given a fine ride by Finn Lambert, she raced just off the leader who set a strong pace and she jumped with great fluency.  Taking it up after the second last, she galloped on strongly to the line giving her very patient owners a night to remember.

Mattie is a very popular member of the string and always gives her best.  We look forward to her continuing to give the Zara Syndicate plenty of fun and success over hurdles and fences in the future.  We will see what the weather does before deciding whether or not to give her a break.

Delighted that our racing commentator Malcolm Tomlinson was able to call Mattie home as he has been a friend for many decades and up until now had only done the commentary on some of our runner ups.  May there be many more great calls to come from him!

Due to too much rain at Uttoxeter, we did not run either Shibuya Song or Methodtothemagic as they prefer a sound surface, whilst Neeps And Tatties has annoyingly pulled a muscle.  We will look for alternatives in the coming weeks.

Ned Cash runs in the 5.15pm at Stratford tomorrow – a two miles novices handicap hurdle.  It is his first time in a handicap and hopefully now he is learning to settle better he will be more competitive, although ultimately he will probably need further than this to be at his best.  Sam Twiston-Davies takes the ride whom owner Althea Barclay, met within hours of his birth and Althea will great satisfaction to see Sam riding in her colours once again.

Royal Ascot starts tomorrow and I am fortunate to be attending on Wednesday and Friday.  It is always a wonderful week viewing some of the best horses in the world and good luck to all.