Whipping up a storm...

Dear All

At this time of year, it always feel like an old friend has disappeared over the horizon not to be seen again until the shortening days are filled with the red and orange of autumn. The Lambourn Open Day on Good Friday was a last opportunity to see some of the equine jumping heroes before their summer slumbers so the opportunity was taken to visit Seven Barrows...

Spirit Son is a magnificent specimen - a wonderfully intelligent head; knowing eyes and a gorgeous bay hue to his coat. Beaten only once - by Al Ferof (in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival) - it was an eyecatching performance at Aintree when beating Cue Card by 13 lengths. Of all the 2010/11 novice hurdlers he seems the most likely to challenge for Championship honours  next term.

At every turn there was a superstar; Finian's Rainbow, Oscar Whisky, Binocular and Long Run amongst them; later Fondmort, Monsignor, McCoy and Francome , Robert and Sam Waley-Cohen. Mick Fitz (miked up) told us how brilliantly McCoy presents his mount at a fence prompting AP to immediately fluff his lines!

Saturday, and having celebrated the season's final day with a nice winning punt on Poker De Sivola in the Whitbread following a typically masterful hold-up ride by Timmy Murphy, I think we witnessed a pretty smart performance by Henderson's Darlan. He beat what was probably a weakish field. However, for one so inexperienced he ran all the way to the line positively eating up the ground to finish 27 lengths clear.

One for the notebook maybe? The problem is that being a Henderson inmate he will inevitably return a short price in a novice hurdle when next he appears. Darlan is steeped in Aga Khan's stout bloodlines. He is a son of the prolific Sadler's Wells (himself a son of the equally prolific Northern Dancer) out of a Darshaan mare. His first dam, Darbela, is a daughter of the Guineas winning  Doyoun who, in turn, was a son of the outstanding champion Mill Reef, another Guineas winner. A pedigree packed with stamina; certain to stay well beyond 2 miles and with a touch of class. Early days I know but this one could be the real deal. Keep the name in mind. Hope he can jump!

Another name to keep an eye on is Charlie Longsdon's Hidden Keel. Progressive, he has won his last two starts, both at Exeter, (I like horses that win at Exeter) and now runs off a chase mark of 149 - maybe a tad high for what he has achieved but a player in the Paddy Power at Cheltenham's highly informative Open meeting  next November nevertheless. If only Longsdon can correct a propensity to jump right-handed he might have a chance. I hear he will be prepared for a seasonal debut in an Intermediate Chase at Carlisle; the same route used by Exotic Dancer in 2006. His last run acheived his best winning RPR of 153; he has won six of his thirteen starts and the yard's breakthrough into the big time might just be a matter of months away.

Having finished a pleasing eighth in last year's Tote Ten To Follow Flat Competition, I must complete this year's list. I will let you know my choice shortly. The key with these competitions is not to be too clever as inevitably a number of expected contenders will grab the most points. Wait though until the Guineas declarations have been published before submitting an entry. Must get off to a good start.

I am a punter not a student of horses; I have never ridden nor trained a racehorse. My inclination has always been towards the view that it is important to listen to those who argue resolutely that racing does not lend itself to the welfare of the horse. However, it is apparent to me that owners, trainers and jockeys alike love the horses in their care, have the horses' best interests at heart at all times and that if a horse does not want to compete it will do a Chaninbar and refuse to do so. The whip is necessary to educate and protect both horses and jockeys and does not, I believe, cause any significant harm to the animal. If it could be proved it had a detrimental effect then my view might well be different. Let us hope that these differences of opinion can be resolved.

Congratulations to all the recipients of awards at The Lesters on Maundy Thursday evening and to AP for his 17th Jump Jockeys' title. It all started again today - Lava Lamp the season's debut winner at Plumpton. Paul Moloney leads the Jockeys' race to the title. Enjoy it while you can Paul!

Speak soon

Rm (Mark)