Introduction
A great week on the flat coming home with another two winners, but an agonising one over obstacles seeing two wins slip through our fingers. That said two thirds of our runners finished in the top four and our flat top four percentage now sits in excess of 40%.
Round Up of runners
It was great to get on the score sheet again, courtesy of Panatos and Gendarme. Panatos was allowed to make all at Chepstow, and he took advantage of this gift in good style. A yard debut on turf did the trick and he had a comfortable two lengths between himself and the field. Each one had a chance to battle with him, but none could ever get in front and he stayed on well to the line.
Gendarme built on his third over course and distance last time, to win like we thought he would last time by a handsome 1 ½ lengths. The first time blinkers seem to have done the trick, with him finishing off his race much better. Hopefully he can continue to build on what is now two good runs and maybe another return to Bath will be on the cards. The Eagle’s Nest bided to follow up on Panatos’ success, but the trip possibly got the better of him, being the furthest he has run over on turf.
Our two jumps runners, both proved difficult to watch. Tsundoku was robbed of a worthy victory at Fakenham having the run of the race out in front and putting the whole field to the sword, yet a small slip up on the final bend turned a 2 length lead into a 1 length deposit on the short run in. Foxy Lass to at Fontwell looked to have at worst a second, but a likely win in the bag when falling three out four lengths clear. It was so hard to watch these two mares try their hearts out, yet come away without the win and so hopefully with some R&R we will get them back on the course again in the same vein of form.
News in Racing
Ruby Walsh a legend to racing and the Cheltenham Festival’s most winning jockey has retired. John and I were watching Ruby riding aboard Kemboy, whilst at Bath, debating whether Ruby would retire at Punchestown or not. Despite saying he would, it was still a shock to hear the news and am glad he has been able to retire on his own terms.
Statistical Summary
Jumps 19/20
Earnings - £1,063
Wins - 0
Top 4 finishes – 1/2 (50%)
Flat 19
Earnings - £92,768
Wins – 13
Top 4 finishes –46/114 (40.35%)
Year 2019
Earnings - £117,444
Wins - 14
Top 4 finishes – 64/172 (37.21%)
Panatos at Chepstow
champagne for Gendarme