Two National Weekends
A week on from The Grand National at Aintree and we are represented with two runners in The Scottish Grand National – the race Takingrisks won in 2019. Sean [Quinlan] did the right thing in pulling him up with a circuit to go in The Grand National this year as he looked to not be enjoying it. He has come out of the race absolutely fine and will now enjoy his summer holidays and we’ll see how he is next season.
Yesterday we had 3 runners at Bangor; Rubytwo finished second, she travelled and jumped well during the race, she couldn’t quite quicken enough to go with the winner towards the finish. Kitty Hall ran a disappointing race, she was a little keen in the early stages of the race. She looks as though she might be suited to a drop back in trip. Parisencore ran a pleasing race to finish second in the bumper, he was still a little green in the latter stages of the race but he enjoyed the better ground and it was a nice step up from his first run.
Today is The Scottish Grand National meeting at Ayr, one of our favourite courses. We have 6 runners, so another busy day for us.
Duke of Navan 1.15
One of the yard veterans, he seems to be in super form at home and he should enjoy the ground. He ran a super race last time at Doncaster and it will be lovely if he can reproduce that form. Ryan Day is back riding again after a bad fall a few weeks ago, he is reunited with Duke Of Navan again today.
Marown 1.50
He has improved and become more professional with each run this season. He won in great style at Wetherby last time on his first attempt at 3 miles and we hope he can run another big race. Brian Hughes rides.
Chidswell 3.35 (Scottish Grand National)
He ran a better race last time out to finish fourth in the Grimthorpe at Doncaster (a race he won two seasons ago). If he can get into a nice rhythm, hopefully he can run a nice race. Danny McMenamin rides.
Chapel Stile 3.35 (Scottish Grand National)
He won nicely at Carlisle last time out, the ground was heavy that day but he has previous wins ranging from good to heavy and so hopefully the different conditions will be ok for him. He looks like he should stay well so hopefully the race will suit and he can run a good race. Ryan Day rides.
Wetlands 4.10
He has gone from strength to strength with each run this season, winning his last three races. He may prefer a bit of juice in the ground so we hope that the ground hasn’t dried out too much for him. He has had a good season already and looks a lovely horse going forward. Brian Hughes rides.
Home Fire 5.20
A son of Frankel with plenty of size about him so we have taken our time to give him chance to mature. He has done his work nicely at home. This is a competitive race for his debut but we’re hopeful he can run a nice race. Ryan Day rides.
Tomorrow at Hexham Fly By Milan is declared in the 5:05. He has done nothing wrong this season, being placed in all three runs and he deserves to get his head in front before he turns to hurdling next season. Brian Hughes rides.
Good luck to all runners and riders today and everyday. Stay safe and fingers crossed for a winner or two!