December 2019 is proving to be an extremely frustrating month for myself and members of McGoldrick Racing.
During October and November, things had got off to a steady, but promising enough start.
Romeo Brown began his season with a very promising 2nd of 8 at Carlisle on the 17th Oct, finishing like a train to get within a length of the winner, only to get bogged down in a mud bath next time out, on the 2nd Nov at Wetherby finishing a very tired 14th of 15.
Lesson learnt…we won`t be subjecting Romeo to such testing conditions again…ever !!
After a short rest for Romeo to recover, we found a nice opportunity at Haydock on the 4th December.
Quite well fancied, and with Thomas Dowson on board for the first time, we were optimistic of success.
Our optimism was soon shattered however when Romeo tried to paddle through the 3rd hurdle and fell.
It was a soft fall, but nevertheless, the word frustration came into use, and not for the only time either, as events over the days ahead would prove.
Becky the Thatchers first two starts of the season were respectable enough, so we went to Carlisle on the 15th….her first run in December, in the belief that we had a decent chance in such a small field of only four runners.
Frustration once again though, as Becky finished a tailed off, well beaten 30 lengths last of 4 in ground that was more heavy than soft.
Our jockey Billy Garrity, because no one wanted to set the pace, set off in front, tactics that don`t suit Becky, and it soon became obvious shedidnt seem to be enjoying herself, and, from a long way out, it became evident this was going to be another frustrating day.
In summary, both myself and trainer Micky Hammond both agreed that Becky will not race again in conditions described using the word HEAVY.
Blaster Yeats
Our latest acquisition, 4yo Blaster, had started his career well enough, and was primed and ready to go to Hexham on the 11th December for a race which ticked all the right boxes for him to be seen making his first visit into the winners enclosure.
Unfortunately, 48 hours before the race, Sue Smith phoned to say Blaster was lame and wouldn`t be going to Hexham.
Further examinations, culminating in a veterinary scan revealed tendon damage to a front leg.
As a result, Blasters season is over.
I`m told he will make a full recovery, but only time and TLC will make that possible.
Yet again, even more so than ever, the word frustration comes to mind.
Get well soon Blaster.
