Monday 26th January, 2026

Tech That ran a pleasing fourth at Uttoxeter on Saturday.  Travelling and jumping well in behind the leader, he was outpaced from the third last but stayed on resolutely up the straight on ground that was not ideal.  We may well put some cheek pieces on him for his next run to make him concentrate a bit more and he will definitely improve for jumping a fence in time.

We have declared Dora Vita (pictured) for Kempton on Wednesday in the seven furlongs maiden fillies race at 7.30pm.  Sean Dylan Bowen is booked to ride and she appears to have come on for her debut.  It will be good to find out a bit more about her in what looks a competitive event.  Although not the biggest, she is strengthening all the time and will probably be seen to best effect once on the turf.

Fingers crossed for Sir Gino who fractured a pelvis at Cheltenham on Saturday.  Although this is quite a common injury with racehorses it is important that the first few weeks go well and if they do, there is no reason why he would not come back to show his potential in the future over both hurdles and fences.  I believe Thistlecrack being one who had previously broken his pelvis before going on to be a top class performer.

Lots of debate on whether the last race should have been run or not.  The stewards, jockeys, trainers, owners and officials decided that it was the correct decision in the circumstances and they are probably in a better position to make that judgment than any journalist.