He tried to do everything he could to avoid winning but Premier League finally got his head in front where it mattered at Southwell on Thursday.
'Harry', as he is known, had been placed on numerous occasions yet he was starting to look like winning was not his top priority. Once again, he travelled strongly in behind the leaders and turning for home, it looked like there would only be one winner. However, this was a sight we had seen before.
Remarkably this time, Harry decided to quicken past tiring horses and hit the front where he proceeded to hang from one side of the track to another but still won by over four lengths. Royston Ffrench was on board and I'm always glad to give him a winner as I taught him how to ride at the British Racing School when he was a tiny 16 year old who had never sat on a horse in his life. It worries me to think how long ago that was now!
Amie Karlsson, who had been working for me for a couple of years, sadly left us this week to return to her native Sweden in order to finish her degree. Her riding had improved a hell of a lot during her time with us and she took special care of her horses, of which Beseech was her favourite. No doubt she will be back to visit soon.
One of the other horses Amie used to look after was Sancho Panza and he's entered at Nottingham on Thursday along with five others dotted around the country. Travelling with him will be the Hoofbeats Racing Club horse Entrance who has done incredibly well over her winter break and she has now grown into a much bigger and stronger horse. I've got her pretty fit so she shouldn't be lacking in that department but we still don't really know her optimum trip so that is my only concern.
At Yarmouth, Night Orbit is entered in the two mile race and although he ideally needs further, it's a bad enough race for him to win. He will be going to Royal Ascot for the 2m6f race afterwards and although he won't have the class to win, I hope his proven stamina can see him run respectably and give the owners a good day out. Also there is Generous Genella but I think she may get balloted out. If she does run, I'm hoping she can win now we've put a tongue strap on her. If it is the answer to her disappointing performances, she will run her best race to date.
Ground dependant, Acer Diamonds makes his long awaited debut at Newbury. He's only a two year old but has caught many people's eyes as he is such a physically imposing horse and he has been doing all his homework quite easily. The six furlongs may be a bit on the short side for him and he's still a big baby but it wouldn't surprise me if he ran a big race for his enthusiastic owners. Going with him to keep company is King Columbo in the amateur race. Now, I can confirm that this is the race we have won three of the last four years and not the race I mentioned a few weeks back. However, Columbo isn't in much form at the minute and I'll be surprised if we can land the race for a fourth time after Bavarica in 2007 & 2010 and Night Orbit in 2008.
Sunny Spells got what we thought was a very lenient mark from the handicapper after having three runs over hurdles. He's entered in two races at Market Rasen on Friday and whichever one he goes for, I'm hoping he can go close off a low weight. He jumps well and the step up in trip will certainly suit him.
On the same day is Emmeline Pankhurst at Goodwood. She's only running for the owner's business function and the distance will be a bit short for her I think.
It was a fantastic sight on Friday morning as we arrived at Epsom with Spirit of Sharjah. All the trade stands and amusements were set-up on the Downs and it was breath-taking to see just how big an event the Investec Derby Festival is. Spirit ran a blinder to finish fifth but the race distance of one mile and half a furlong just found him out as he is best at seven furlongs and just got tired in the last 200 yards. He's still well handicapped though and is sure to win a big race soon.
Three To Follow Update
Premier League's victory boosted the tally for two lucky entries but it wasn't enough to wrestle the lead from Shelley Birkett who still heads the table.
1st - Shelley Birkett (31 points)
2nd - Maureen Youngs, Richard Salmon and Adam Beschizza (28 points)
5th - Rita Aspland (25 points)
Five others on 23 points, 3 on 18, 11 on 15, 1 on 13, 1 on 10, 2 on 8, 3 on 5 and one person on three points.
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