Monday 7th February, 2022
It was great to welcome some members of the Richard Phillips Racing syndicate to the yard on Saturday, where they saw Fine Theatre and their five-year-old Pether’s Moon in action. Fine Theatre has recently had a wind operation which will hopefully prove successful, whilst their five-year-old continues to impress in all that he does and we look forward to an entertaining spring ahead.
We have declared Corrany (pictured) at Taunton tomorrow in the three mile handicap chase run at 3pm. It’s his first run over fences for us and hopefully he will appreciate the better ground. He will wear cheek pieces having won in them before and although a competitive contest, we are hoping for a good run.
With very few other opportunities around we have declared Tulane at Kempton on Wednesday in the two mile handicap at 8pm. Although he has had two recent runs, there are not many other races for him at present and he appears in good form at home. Once again Jonny Peate rides claiming seven pounds.
We also have Run Rosie Run and Robin Des Smoke entered towards the end of the week and hopefully the string will continue to run well.
A fascinating Dublin festival over the weekend with many potential Cheltenham winners on show. Although much has been discussed about why the Irish have been dominating Cheltenham, the reason is they have the best horses and they are trained skilfully. However the highlight for me over the weekend was Charlie Deutsch’s Grade One winner.
Having known the family for many years, it was great to see Charlie have a well-deserved win at the highest level. As frequently reported, he has overcome much in his young life including recently tragically losing a great family friend.
All young jockeys should try and learn from him – not only the length that he rides but his technique over an obstacle. To prove his popularity all those in the weighing room came out to applaud him as he came into the winners enclosure on Saturday. Long may he continue to ride winners at the top level.