Monday 20th February, 2023

Off to Lingfield today with Methodtothemagic (pictured) who runs in the three mile handicap chase at 4.45pm.  She ran well on her chasing debut at Leicester and hopefully she can be competitive in what looks an open race.  Once again Finn Lambert takes the ride claiming five pounds and the step up in trip should suit.

We have made entries for Friday, Saturday and Sunday on the all-weather at Lingfield, Chepstow and Hereford.  The dry ground continues which is far from ideal for most but hopefully some rain will arrive soon.

Shishkin put up a great performance at Ascot on Saturday having stepped up in trip.  I backed him for the Gold Cup some time ago as it was obvious to all bar Matt Chapman that he needed a bit further.

It was great that ITV Racing were in the stables with the horse beforehand and I think the more the public see behind the scenes, the better.  Shishkin looks a very likely winner of the Ryanair Chase and possibly the Gold Cup next year.

Congratulations to Tom Scudamore on a brilliant career following his retirement from the saddle at the weekend.  Having known Tom since he was an altar boy, his enthusiasm and interest was always going to lead to a successful career in the game.  It is not always easy following in the footsteps of a champion in his father Peter.  However his personality lead to him being a competitive and decent professional.  He was not only bred to be an excellent jockey, he was also an intelligent one as well thanks to his mother Maz and he will be a great asset to the sport in all that he does in the future.