6 April 2021
I hope everyone had a lovely bank holiday weekend – when you work with horses you often forget it is a bank holiday! However, the staff were treated to lots of chocolate for Easter. Jane Thornton very kindly brought in a massive box of crème eggs, Christopher, our landlord, treated everyone to a chocolate bunny, and doughnuts were warmly received from Kevin Place. We did not have any runners on Good Friday or Easter Sunday, although it is still work as normal. We did have two at Carlisle on Saturday, Western Miller and Do Wanna Know. It was a fast run race for Western Miller who was in top gear for the whole of the 2m trip, therefore he just could not quicken at the end. On this better ground we think he needs to be stepped back up to 2m4f. Do Wanna Know was running a fantastic race and his jumping was much improved. He looked as though he was the winner until he stumbled on landing 2 out and unseated Paul. It was very unlucky, and slightly frustrating. However, it was great to see him running a proper race this time.
Hoot At Midnight headed to Plumpton on Easter Monday to run in the 3m chase. Unfortunately, she unshipped Tom at the first fence, which was very annoying. She has been unlucky this season, and her past two runs have not gone her way. Hoot is fine this morning and will have an easy week before deciding where we head next, hopefully to get a clear round. The same cannot be said for the jockey, Tom Buckley has sadly fractured his shoulder and will be out for 6 weeks.
This week we look ahead to Aintree, exciting! Glimpse Of Gala has been declared in the Mares’ Bumper on Thursday, Sam Twiston-Davies takes the ride. Gala is an extremely tough little mare, and we look forward to seeing what she can do on this better ground. Snow Leopardess has entries in the Topham, 3m Novices’ Chase and 3m Handicap Chase. It looks as though the Handicap Chase is the weaker option, however with them already watering it does not look like it will be her ground conditions. The Vollan is entered in a 2m5f and 3m Handicap Hurdle, it will be tight as to whether he gets into the race. Parramount and Glencassley are both entered in the bumper on the Saturday.
Cardigan Bay has returned home from her trip to Magee Equine to use the water treadmill. Thinque Tank has headed off swimming, he has been going daily at the moment, and the blue lorry has gone into have our sponsorship sign written on to it - exciting.
The weekend must not go unmentioned without the shock retirement of Richard Johnson. We wish him a happy retirement and the best of luck in the future. He has ridden around 60 odd winners for us here at Hull Farm, including Killala Quay where he won the Winter Novices’ hurdle (Grade 2) and Pedil Novice Chase (Grade 2), along with Kilcooley where he won the West Yorkshire Hurdle (Grade 2). He is a true champion, great ambassador of the sport and an honour to have worked with. So, thank you for the memories Richard, we hope to see you at the racecourse soon!
