Race meetings have come thick and
fast at Worcester
recently, with three in eleven days. It is important to be busy,
however with two popular annual Stratford evening fixtures sandwiched in that
period, coupled with the fact that there are only so many people who choose to
go racing over eleven days in any one concentrated area, it lends weight to the
argument that race planning sometimes needs more thought and at times, there
can be just too much racing. Having said
that, our meetings were well supported as well as being competitive.
The second fixture saw a welcome
win following a lean period for the Ian Williams yard from Alvechurch. Williams brought a football theme to the evening
with his two runners. Leath Acra Mor took the handicap
hurdle under top weight for owners John O Shea, Stephen Hunt and Craig Gardner,
and in the concluding race, hot favourite Tadabeer who is co-owned by Sir Alex
Ferguson was just touched off into third place.
Our most recent meeting last week
was staged on a very sad day for racing. Sir Henry Cecil had passed away that morning and as a mark of respect to
allow time for reflection, we held a minute’s silence as the runners walked quietly
round the parade ring before the first race.
On a happier note, Donald McCain
had a successful trip down from Cheshire
with a double on the night. Separate Shadows, who got his
nose in front in the novice hurdle, runs in the very famous Crazy Quilt
colours, now belonging to Howard Spooner. These extremely distinctive colours are totally unique and used to
belong to the Crazy Gang of comedians in the 1960’s. Almost certainly, colours like these would
never be issued today.
Another notable owner was
delighted with her McCain trained winner on the night. Diana Whateley, whose other horses include
Menorah and Captain Chris, was particularly pleased to see confidence restored
to first time blinkered Tornado Bob in the handicap hurdle after a very bad
fall at Haydock.
Last weekend, we had a stand at
the Royal Three Counties Show in Malvern. It was an excellent opportunity to meet many regular racegoers as well
as making new acquaintances over the three days. On a wet weather walkabout, I was
greatly interested to stumble across the 2004 Grand National third placed
horse, Lord Atterbury, formerly with David Pipe, who at the age of 17 had been
retrained and was enthusiastically taking part in the horse boarding slalom
competition. It was a sport I had not
previously come across but found riveting to watch.
The equestrian classes at the
show included one for ‘race horse to riding horse’. It is always reassuring to
hear of new avenues of activity for ex race horses.
Another big family event is due
this Sunday at Pitchcroft. Our race day
will include appearances by Fireman Sam, plus a charity Mascot Race in aid of
The Children’s Trust with 19 mascots taking part at 2.30pm. The gates open at 11.50am.
Separate Shadows (Jason Maguire)
