There I was….Becky the Thatchers race was next on the card, so it was time for me to watch her being saddled up, before entering the parade ring.
Then came the announcement that the stewards, plus a selection of trainers and jockeys were being carted down to the bend into the straight area to deliberate over its safety after jockey Shane Grays mount in the previous race had slipped badly, giving the jockey a nasty fall.
After lengthy discussions racing was abandoned, and an announcement to that effect was received by a silent crowd.
Was this debacle avoidable ? of course it was….and should have been.
But I will leave it to the Racing press experts to pass comment and judgement on the events.
Perhaps the finger of fate might well have worked in our favour though, as Micky Hammond had the presence of mind ….in case the good to firm forecast ground at Thirsk prevailed, to make an entry for Becky 3 days later, on the 16th June at Ripon…which has now become a declaration, AND with the likelihood of softer ground almost certain, our chances will improve as each drop of rain falls on the Ripon course.
Plus the step up to 1ml 4f we think will suit our filly, so, on the day when yours truly and his drinking pals from the old, now demolished Eyrie Pub in Leeds, pay our annual pub trip to Ripon races, it would be very special ….and noisy…should a visit to the winners enclosure be deemed to be our good fortune on the day.
Watch this space
