Monday 23rd October, 2023

With the after effects of storm Babet, the ground was not suitable for either Sheila Nash or Roody Toody today so we will have to look elsewhere.   Hopefully there will be a few opportunities next week for some of the string.

Delighted to attend Champions Day at Ascot on Saturday.  Although the ground did not suit all, there were some fantastic finishes and the day belonged to one man.  Frankie Dettori showed why he is a sporting superstar when producing two outstanding rides to gain a double on the card.

Only someone of great confidence and faith would have ridden Trawlerman how he did in the stayers when sitting off the bend and challenging the runner up in the final furlong.  Frankie claimed that the crowd got him home on King Of Steel in the Champion Stakes, which may or may not be the case – however his timing was impeccable as he delivered the Derby runner up to lead in the final yards of the race.

The reception he received was quite extraordinary and I have never heard a racecourse crowd sing a jockey’s name as he returned to the winners enclosure.  It was a day never to be forgotten with many positives for the sport despite the elements.

Racing also has a real opportunity to be put in a good light with the announcement of a six-part docuseries for ITV being made in 2024.  Covering the forthcoming jumps season, hopefully the sport’s stakeholders can come together and show the viewing public what a very special world we inhabit.