Woodlark Wincanton Winner

Woodlark Island continued the yard's good form with success at Wincanton yesterday afternoon.  Tom Scudamore jumped out to make all and he was never headed, even though Fran's Folly was challenging when falling at the last.  Our six year old gelding was staying on resolutely at the time and I think that he would probably have won anyway.  For the grade I thought that it was a fair performance under 11-12, especially as he was trying to concede 17lbs to Fran's Folly.

Woodlark Island wins at Wincanton yesterday under Tom Scudamore

Woodlark Island continued the yard's good form with success at Wincanton yesterday afternoon.  Tom Scudamore jumped out to make all and he was never headed, even though Fran's Folly was challenging when falling at the last.  Our six year old gelding was staying on resolutely at the time and I think that he would probably have won anyway.  For the grade I thought that it was a fair performance under 11-12, especially as he was trying to concede 17lbs to Fran's Folly.

We have two runners this afternoon at Sandown and Wincanton.  Tom travels to Sandown to ride Quinte du Chatelet in the handicap hurdle, while Conor O'Farrell takes the ride aboard racecourse debutant Regal County in Wincanton's bumper.

Talking of Wincanton, I am sure that more than a handful of racegoers will be sticking around after racing to see Kauto Star working on the track.  The television cameras will be there too, so there is no hiding place.  Let's hope he comes throught it okay and that he makes it to the Festival in one piece.

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We are pleased to bring more video action from the gallops this morning.  This time we have Paddy Power Gold Cup winner Great Endeavour in action during a solo gallop - Great Endeavour, who won the Byrne Group Chase at the Festival in 2010 is entered in that race again, as well as the Ryanair Chase.  He looked really well as he worked under regular rider Sarah Buckley.

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Radical I know, but I think it is about time that Hunter Chases were restricted to permit holders only.  When you get these top yards entering their horses I am sure that it scares off a lot of the permit holders.  Surely there are enough races for the professional trainers to aim at without the Hunter Chases?!

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If you are Manchester United or City fans, then last night was a bad night.  United were beaten 3-2 by Athletic Bilbao, whil City lost to Sporting Lisbon.  Do our clubs want to play in this Europa League?  Probably not - it is seen by many as nothing more than a consolation for getting beaten in a proper competition.