Kool Kompany
Lincoln day arrived and the team were heading there with nice chances and some confidence after what has been a good all weather season so far. What ensued next was incredible, landing four winners on the opening day of the season, in impressive style.
The day started well with WEFAIT, a son of Harbour Watch having his fourth start at the races. He ran at Kempton in the first race of the day and having started as complete outsider, he managed to grind out the finish to grab victory on the line. ‘He has always been a horse who needed time and I am glad that it finally paid off. He will appreciate further, so I will wait for his mark on Tuesday before assessing options for his next start.’
The day started well and only got better. TUPI, fresh from his trip to Dubai and Qatar, won the Listed Cammidge Trophy in impressive style, romping away from the field by four lengths. ‘Nothing really went to plan when he was in the Middle East since he has been back, he has been working and looking really well. Ryan rode him last year in the Abernant which was his best run by miles. He rode him the same again here and he looks to have improved. The plan will be to go back to Newmarket for the Abernant and then there is the Duke Of York after that.’
The Listed Doncaster Mile was won by KOOL KOMPANY, who again was abroad last year. He came back to the yard from Australia and ran respectably twice at the back end of the year. ‘He has been working well, but I feared he may be a bit fresh. Ryan settled him in behind and he came with a devastating run when he finally got clear in the final furlong. This is the first time he has won around a bend and being ridden like that. He may be more versatile now as he gets older. I will be looking to run him at Sandown on his next start.'
With Richard having won three races with his first three runners, attention turned to the Lincoln Handicap. OH THIS IS US sat in midfield and came with a strong run, only going down a neck on the line. ‘I thought he ran an absolute blinder. He may have hit the front a bit soon, but he kept on to the line. He is in serious form after his Dubai trip and I hope he can be winning again soon. The plan will probably head to Newbury for the Spring Cup.’
The final race of the day at Doncaster was the Apprentice Handicap where Tina Smith rode BOYCIE to an impressive victory. ‘She gave him a lovely ride and he picked up nicely in the straight. She is a jockey who has been with us for a while now and works very hard at home. It was great for her to win a race on a Saturday and this should give her confidence going forward.’
A quieter week of racing ahead, with the next turf meeting happening on Friday at Leicester. The main racing really gets going when we get to the Craven and Greenham meetings and we have a good team ready to keep the ball rolling.