Introduction
After Polo the Mumms emphatic win last week, there were sadly no such results this time round. Thahab Ifraj made a return to the track after a short break and ran respectably whilst it was a tricky week on the flat.
Round Up of runners
Thahab Ifraj made his much anticipated debut over fenced and finished 5th after his short break. He has schooled very well at home, though there isn’t anything like jumping in a race to build up extra experience. He travelled well and looked to be on course for a place until he blundered badly 4 out and that sadly was the end of that. All said it was a sound performance to build on and a chase win looks a viable opportunity come the future.
De Little Engine and Hollander in my opinion both ran to a winning level at Wolverhampton and so there was something to take away from the race. DLE was drawn in stall 10 and he needs to take control of the middle sector of the race to achieve a win, thus when drawn so wide it was always going to be hard to get to the front and take control of the race. Hollander on the other hand was drawn further in, though just wasn’t quite able to get to the winner at the end. That said I come away from this race feeling confident for both their next runs.
News in Racing
Buck Magic who you may remember I trained a couple of years back has been retired by my brother John. He won the Members race at the Ludlow point to point by a comfortable 3 lengths on his first run of the season and being 13 years old, the decision was taken to retire him on a high. John uses him to round up the cows at home and he is really taking to his new life and soon he will be entered for some team chases as well as doing some hunting come the autumn. Happy retirement Buck!
Statistical Summary
Jumps 18/19
Earnings - £93,158
Wins - 8
Top 4 finishes – 52/154 (33.77%)
Flat 19
Earnings - £67,652
Wins – 8
Top 4 finishes –33/92 (35.87%)
Total 2019
Earnings - £88,462
Wins - 9
Top 4 finishes – 47/144 (32.64%)