Saturday 1st August, 2026

Delighted to see Manton Road finally get his head in front after some near misses, at Wolverhampton on Thursday evening.  Given a fine ride by Jonny Peate, he enjoyed the fast early pace before coming to challenge the leaders in the last half furlong to win by half a length under hands and heels.  Manton appears to be in great form at present but there are very few suitable races for him on the all weather coming up but hopefully he is gaining confidence and will continue to be competitive.

Dora Vita is declared in the 8pm at Windsor on Monday evening.  She ran a very pleasing third at Leicester on her last outing and we step up in trip here.  Once again Jonny Peate takes the ride and although she could do with a better draw, she should have an each way chance.

Express Train is entered at Lingfield on Tuesday and Talking Bear at Kempton on Wednesday and with the ground so firm on the turf, it is great to have the opportunity to use the all weather at these times.

Before racing at Wolverhampton Thursday, I attended the funeral of the legendary author and publisher Sean Magee.  Many of racing’s great and good were in attendance and the beautiful service condensed all that was good and witty about Sean’s extraordinary life.