Blaster Yeats,
Excuses for his first run at Wetherby on 30th Oct, where after an extended break, was running well, but got in a tangle with three other horses 3 from home, causing him to lose his promising position, leaving DC no other option than to accept his chance had gone. Shame, because he was going well.
Subsequent races at Hexham and again at Wetherby 18th Nov and 5th Dec over 2mls and 3mls respectively, were disappointing. (unsuitable distances)
But on Boxing Day, again at Wetherby, when much was in his favour, we saw the REAL Blaster run an excellent race in defeat. After an excellent ride from Ryan Mania, Blaster took the lead on the run in, but was just beaten on the line by a horse that had been backed from 25/1 down to 5/1, and connections, not surprisingly, were hauled in front of the stewards to explain the winners vast improvement in form.
No further comment….except to say we look forward to Blasters next race.
NORTHERN PHOENIX
Our replacement for Becky the Thatcher.
Still unraced, and well on the way to race fitness in early December when work riders reported the dreaded “noise” when Phoenix was doing strong gallops on Middleham moor.
Subsequent vet examinations resulted in Micky being advised our horse needed a soft palate operation, which has since been carried out.
“All is now well….very well” was the latest bulletin from Mr Hammond, and the original plan for his first race to be in a Bumper is well underfoot, and, when conditions are deemed in his favour, we will be hoping for a decent performance.
As a footnote, the naming of a horse is always difficult, especially when 5/6 members are throwing their suggestions into the ring.
In this case, we somehow ended up with Northern Phoenix, which most of us didn`t like.
From day one, everyone in the Hammond yard christened him Arthur, and that still applies.
Consequently when I speak to members about the horse, WE also refer to him as Arthur.
Something had to be done.
So a polite enquiry was made to the BHA Naming Dept, and because Northern Phoenix is, as yet, still unraced, it was possible to re name our fella.
As a result the name Mister McArthur received unanimous support, and so the name has been officially accepted and registered at the BHA
So its goodbye to Northern Phoenix…..and a big hello to Mister McArthur.
Mister McGoldrick……Mister McArthur……get it ???
Lets hope he`s half as good. !!
