Qulinton didn’t really seem to appreciate the tight, turning nature of the track and coupled with a rise in the weights for his exertions in Summer Plate only a fortnight before, I am sure that this run is best ignored. There will certainly be other days for him, a comment that also applies to Street Entertainer who finished in midfield in the Galway Hurdle. I am pleased to report that all of them have returned home safe and sound.

The much anticipated “Duel On The Downs” between Frankel and Canford Cliffs on Wednesday at Goodwood turned into something of a mismatch, with Sir Henry Cecil’s three year old producing an extraordinary performance to win the Sussex Stakes. I was in the Canford Cliffs camp before the race, but you couldn’t help but be awestruck by Frankel’s manner of success.   Owner Prince Khalid Abdullah implied that Sir Henry could have him in training next season if he wanted him…if he doesn’t; I’m thinking that he would be an ideal Triumph Hurdle candidate!!!

Bathwick_Man_Newton_Abbot_010811It was a good day for our young jockeys on Sunday. Over in Ireland, Conor O’Farrell was successful on the last day of the Galway Festival aboard the John Joseph Hanlon trained Trucker’s Delight in the valuable handicap chase. Meanwhile young amateur jockey Kieron Edgar was riding his first winner under rules in France. Kieron is over gaining a bit of experience in a foreign yard before rejoining us in a couple of weeks – I am sure that there will be many more successes forthcoming.

Conor went on to follow-up his success when partnering Bathwick Man (pictured right) to victory at Newton Abbot on Monday. It was a nice win for Wayne and Sarah Clifford who sponsor the yard with their Bathwick Tyres brand, as well as supporting racecourses up and down the country with race sponsorship.

tomscumar29imgWhilst we are talking of jockeys, I am delighted to report a positive bulletin of recuperating stable jockey Tom Scudamore (pictured left). Tom, who has been off since injuring his shoulder in a nasty incident at the Grand National meeting in April, has spoken with Doctor Michael Turner (chief medical advisor to the Jockey Club) and providing he passes a course doctor, Tom will be hoping to ride at Worcester on Tuesday 16th August. He has been working hard to keep his time on the sidelines to a minimum and has been at the yard most days riding out several lots – he looks to be in good order, and I know that he is itching to get back in the saddle under race conditions.

It looks like being a quiet remainder to the week on the racing front, with only one jump meeting at Worcester on Friday. We have a number of entries, including Vertige Dore and recent French recruit Taratata Sivola in the novices’ chase, Very Cool in the staying handicap hurdle and three time winner, Bold Perk in the staying handicap chase – keep up to date with Chester’s Daily Chat for news on any stable runners…