24 January 2022
The highlight of the weekend was Harry Longsdon making his debut on the track! Harry had his first ride in a pony race aboard the fantastic pony, Seamus. He was very privileged to be wearing Mr Rob Aplin’s colours, who are not often out the winning enclosure! Charlie was chief groom and lead up Harry, who had brilliant fun to finish 5th. It was reported that the pony needs ‘softer ground and further’ by the jockey. Cocklebarrow is a great day out and was packed full of people having a laugh, there are sure to be a few sore heads floating around this morning.
Moon King was disappointing at Haydock on Saturday, Brian said he just never wanted to go. It was a shame as he has been in great form at home. Just Your Type was unlucky at Lingfield yesterday. He jumped the fence well but stumbled on landing unseating Will Kennedy. Luckily both Will and the horse are fine. Just Your Type had a brilliant time galloping around the track loose, and poor Jess managed to catch him at the other side of the track, resulting in a long walk back to the stables!
Our first runner of the week is Éclair On Line. He has been declared for Wincanton on Wednesday in a Handicap Chase, Charlie Deutsch takes the ride. Lilly Pinchin was in this morning to ride out, and she gave him a pop over the fences on the grass. He is a good jumper. He is also entered at Huntingdon on Friday but will not go there as he runs on Wednesday. The Wise Traveller, Haas Boy and Western Zephyr are all in at Huntingdon on Friday. Haas Boy and Western Zephyr are also in at Doncaster on Saturday, while Byzantium Lad is in at Uttoxeter on Saturday. We also have Just Your Type, Freethinker and Rivarros at Fontwell on Sunday, and The Wise Traveller at Sedgefield on Sunday.
It is also worth just mentioning the exciting clash that we saw at the weekend between Shishkin and Energumene. A thrilling performance to watch two high class animals battle strongly to the line. It will certainly be a much anticipated rematch in the Champion Chase at Cheltenham.
