Well it has to be said….that whilst Cartmel is not exactly Cheltenham, its recipe for success has succeeded to such an extent that it is in the top five best supported racecourses in the UK, attracting many thousands at their three day meeting spread over the Whit Bank holiday.
Its a holiday camp, its a fairground, its a tented village, lacking only in the voice of Gladys Pugh over the loudspeaker announcing, “good morning campers… Hi de Hi.
Oh yes and its a racecourse too, but no sign either of Fred Quilley, the childrens riding instructor cum former jockey who hates kids !!
But enough of Hi de Hi, best concentrate on the sport at Cartmel, which is always excellent and well supported by Owners and Trainers.
Becky was in “good order” our trainer commented, but we both agreed it was time to change our tactics in order to address the frustrations after finishing a staying on second in her two recent races.
A more prominent run was necessary and my goodness young Billy Garrity carried out his instructions to the last letter.
Travelling well throughout in 2nd place, close behind the leader as per instructions, Billy pulled the trigger approaching the last hurdle with the McCain horse, patiently ridden from behind, going ominously well and closing fast.
For a few seconds only, it was oh dear, here we go ….runner up again.
But Billy knew his horse would stay, and though headed, wasn`t stopping, and Billy knew he had something left in the tank.
And sure enough, in a “power packed finish” to quote the Course commentator, our Becky fought back, and won going away.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mERJMnP6cCk[/embedyt]
A tremendous performance from Becky, who has proved she is indeed, a real racehorse, and a tremendous ride from our jockey who has a real future ahead of him…mark my words.
So the trip from Leeds to Cartmel was well worthwhile for me, as it was for Alan, my syndicate pal who travelled from Newcastle, and the drive back to our respective homes most enjoyable.
Thanks to team Hammond for there efforts, especially Gemma who was just as chuffed with the result as we were.
Even Lord Cavendish was good enough to congratulate us afterwards as we shared a bottle of champagne together.
As for Becky and her next race? Micky has a plan !!
Off a mark of 66 on the flat, she is very well handicapped….. watch this space !!!!
