Running a racecourse and producing decent, even ground in the current unpredictable weather conditions is a serious challenge. Last Monday, after a weekend of heavy rain, most of which we experienced on the racecourse stand at the Malvern Three Counties Show, the going was put out as ‘good to soft, good in places’ in the back straight and ‘soft, heavy in places’ in the home straight. Such were the subsequent drying conditions and the gloriously sunny day for racing on Wednesday, that the going by race time had switched to ‘good’ all round. One of the difficulties we face is that the home straight, nearest to the river, is lower lying than the back straight and therefore tends to be that bit softer when we have significant rain.
Senior citizen in racing terms, 12 year old Midnight Gold stormed to victory in the handicap chase for his new trainer, Julian Smith from Tirley in Gloucestershire on Senior Citizen’s Special Package day. The horse has benefited from a switch from Peter Bowen to a smaller yard and rewarded the three owning members of the Blue Skies syndicate with a 28/1 win. Former Royal Ascot runner, Enroller was sent off 8/11 favourite for the novice claiming hurdle but could only manage second place behind Edlomond trained by Bill Turner.
Richard Phillips continued his good run of form with a win from Rich Buddy under Richard Johnson, who had previously pulled up at the course in May, and a further two third placed horses on the day.
New trainer and former champion point to point jockey, Richard Woollacott, took just 11 days to record his first winner under rules. Parkham Jack who is by Grape Tree Road and related to the useful Paxford Jack and Ballyfitz, ran into second place in the Ladies’ Day bumper on 9th June and followed up nicely with a win in the maiden hurdle.
Broadwas on Teme trainer, James Evans, has now had a double at the course at consecutive meetings with Mexican Bob, firstly under Grand National winning jockey, Liam Treadwell and last week under Robert Kirk.
Paul Nicholls and his assistant, Dan Skelton made the journey from Ditcheat to Worcester but had an unusually disappointing afternoon with the results from their five runners reading 2 / 2 / 6 / 6 / 11.
On a more successful note, Claines trainer Richard Newland had a great evening in the ‘monsoon’ that was Ffos Las on Thursday. Stage Acclaim, who won the Uttoxeter two mile seller the previous week, took the four runner feature £20,000 handicap chase by storm to win comfortably, and stable mate, Smalib Monterg followed up in the handicap hurdle run almost in the dark at 9.20pm, to give the trainer a double on the night.
Armed Forces Celebration raceday tomorrow, in aid of Help for Heroes, offers the public the chance for the first time ever FREE entry to the centre course enclosure. Visitors to the racecourse will have the chance to meet meet service men and women as well as veterans from the Mercians, the Queen’s Royal Hussars and the Grenadier Guards.
Gates open at 12 noon and the first race is due off at 2.10pm. If you are coming along, have a great day!
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