A double on the day for the team and two performers to keep an eye on for the future. The first of those came at Lingfield in the seven furlong Claimer where Rossa Ryan was making his debut for the yard aboard WILLWAMS. The horse having run twice and shown improvement from his first to his second run was dropped back considerably in grade and had the seven pounds off his back. The new apprentice had him always to the fore and under a very classy ride, kept him up to his task till the line. ‘He is a lad we have been keeping an eye on for a while and he made his way over from Ireland during the winter to begin his career as our apprentice. He has made a very impressive start as a jockey in both the pony racing ranks and the professional ranks and looks like he will have a bright career ahead of him.’ SANS SOUCI BAY was the other runner in the race also having dropped back in class, finished second by only a short head. ‘Hollie Doyle rode the second horse and is a rider who has made huge improvement in a year. She works very hard at home and has worked very hard at her race riding and it is now paying dividends. She has had an excellent winter and is a very valuable asset to our yard both in the mornings and at the races. She has the potential to be one of the best female riders in the country.’
The son of Shamardal, GIANT’S TREASURE, made his long awaited debut at Wolverhampton in the evening and looked very impressive against a modest field. He travelled like a dream in running and quickened nicely off the bend to put a wide margin back to second. ‘We have waited with his horse and it appears to have payed off. He couldn’t have been more impressive and i was very pleased with his final quarter mile. I will see what mark the handicapped gives us before making a decision on where to run next.’
A couple of runners today at Kempton, with ASHWAQ coming back from her second placing at the end of last year. ‘She should take a lot of beating in what looks a fairly average maiden on paper. Our other runner is making her debut and is a half-sister to OH THIS IS US. WESTERN SAFARI has worked nicely at home and I expect her to come on plenty for both the run and the experience.’