18 October 2021
There is lots to catch up on as we have had lots of runners in the last four days, 10 runners to be precise! To start us off, Stroll On By ran a very pleasing race on his racecourse debut at Carlisle just getting beaten by a nose in a photo finish. He travelled strongly and kept galloping to the line under Brian Hughes, he is always a horse we have thought a lot of, and it was nice to see Stroll On By back this up. As expected, he was a bit green and will improve for the run with the added experience. There is lots to look forward to with this lovely young horse, and even better you can become an owner for just £60! Check out the Old Gold Racing website to find out more details - https://oldgoldracing.com/stroll-on-by/
Next up we had Midnight Jewel making the long journey over to Fakenham on Friday to run a creditable race to finish 2nd under regular rider Tom Buckley. Owner Ms Gillian Morgan got a proper behind the scenes visit to the races when travelling up in the lorry with Jess! It is an awkward journey to Fakenham and understandably did not want to do the long drive alone. Midnight Jewel will now go on a winter break after his brilliant summer season, which includes three wins and seen him rise in the handicap. He is only five, and there is plenty of fun to be had with him next season.
We also had runners at Uttoxeter on Friday. Supremely Lucky ran in the Novices’ Chase under Johnny Burke. He is not the most confident of horses over a fence, and this came into play when under pressure. We will go back to the drawing board with him and may give him a couple of runs back over hurdles. Carlow Farmer was unlucky when blundering two out in his seasonal debut and unshipping Charlie Deutsch. Charlie did try and make a remarkable recovery but having clung on the side for a few strides it was not to be! Charlie had given Carlow Farmer the perfect ride round the fences at Uttoxeter, and he would have finished 3rd had it not been for the unfortunate mistake.
It was brilliant to welcome the Cheltenham & Three Counties Racing Club to Hull Farm on Saturday morning. They enjoyed watching the horses on the gallops, a stable tour and homemade cakes decorated by the Millie, Harry & Freddie Longsdon! We love welcoming so many people back to Hull Farm, after having so long without any visitors.
It was a hectic Saturday as we had six runners and two different meetings. Four runners headed off to Market Rasen, and the first runner of the day was our landlords homebred Glimpse Of Gala. She ran a respectable race over hurdles to finish a nice 2nd with Paul on board. Next up was the impressive and comfortable 11 length win by Maninsane steered by Paul O’Brien! It was lovely to see Maninsane run such a strong race, especially after his nasty experience at Southwell last time out. He had an unlucky fall and fractured his ribs, it was very touch and go whether he would survive, and if he would have any lasting effects. Luckily, I think we can say that he is back to 100% and there are plenty of fun days out to be had with him and the Barrels of Courage syndicate. The third runner at Market Rasen was Beyond The Clouds, who has been extremely consistent this summer. Clouds was running a positive race before blundering badly 4 out, however he picked back up and ran on to finish 2nd. It came to light after the race that he had struck into himself badly and required veterinary attention. It is most likely that this happened during the blunder, and he was very honest to run on and finish the race. We are pleased to say that he is all bandaged up, is home, comfortable and getting all the attention that he deserves. Our final runner at Market Rasen was Due Reward, a recent purchase from the Gigginstown dispersal. It was an interesting debut, and we expected him to run a big race. He never seemed to be in the race, and with a competitive handicap of that nature it left him on the back foot from the word go. Will, our travelling head lad, was cheif photographer at Market Rasen, and took some really nice shots.
We also had two runners at Stratford, as well as the Stratford Racing club. The Wise Traveller was making his debut after his wind operation and ran a much improved race to finish 3rd. He was kept up to his work by David Bass, and just weakened on the home straight. He finished very tired and will definitely improve from this run. It looks as though he is heading in the right direction. Next up was Nightfly who pulled up in the Handicap Chase. Originally Aidan Coleman came back in and blamed himself for the run. He mentioned that there was lots of pace in the race so rather than jumping off on the outside up with the pace he tucked her in. When asked to quicken and travel into the race ‘she said no’. However, it came to light after the race that she had a dirty scope. Not only were the two runners providing entertainment at Stratford, but we also had our regular ‘Stratford racing’ box, where there were sandwiches, cake and lots of bubbles flowing. It was a brilliant turn out and a very fun afternoon at sunny Stratford. For more information on the Stratford Racing Club (or any other syndicates) please do not hesitate to get in contact with Amber – amber@charlielongsdonracing.com
Looking forward to the week ahead we have Teenage Dirtbag declared at Fontwell in the 0-100 Handicap Hurdle with our yard conditional Dylan Kitts on board, and Tea For Free is declared at Worcester in the Maiden Hurdle where Paul O’Brien will ride. We have entries at Carlisle for Oscar Montel and Guetapan Collonges on Thursday, and Oscar Montel is also entered at Aintree on Sunday along with If I Say. It is exciting to welcome back Cheltenham at the weekend, where we have Almazhar Garde, and Due Reward entered on Friday and Just Your Type entered on Saturday. Just Your Type is also entered at Kelso.
Sorry, I know that one has been a long one! As mentioned above, there was lots to catch up on and lots to look forward to with the National Hunt Season underway. Have a great week everyone.
