Hi all,
Inside today’s main piece you can read my take on a solid Saturday of racing.
Tragic Loss: Jockey Michael O'Sullivan Passes Away at 24
Jockey Michael O'Sullivan has tragically passed away at the age of 24 after failing to recover from a devastating fall at the final fence at Thurles on February 6.
It’s heartbreaking—so young, with so much ahead of him. This is the brutal reality of life as a jumps jockey. So very, very sad.
I’m struggling for words, but Richard Forristal has written an excellent tribute to Michael in the Racing Post: Read here.
“Michael was an inherently decent guy, a well-mannered, witty and deeply intelligent person who distinguished himself with a university degree and spoke French fluently on his riding excursions there.”
Sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew him.
RIP Michael O’Sullivan.
Haydock: Famous Grand National Trial Success
While there was Grade 1 action at Ascot, my focus was on Haydock’s Grand National Trial—my kind of race. Even better, I backed the winner, Famous Bridge, at 9/1, a selection also advised to Victor Value subscribers on Friday.
It looked like one of those days when Threeunderthrufive was narrowly denied in the Swinley Handicap Chase at Ascot, but Haydock soon delivered.
Famous Bridge had been going well in last year’s race before unseating and was 3lb lower this time. A dual course winner, I thought first-time cheekpieces would make a difference, and they did. Apple Away loomed up at the last, but Famous Bridge dug in to see her off.
Last year’s winner, Yeah Man, was still going well when unseating at the 14th—who knows where he’d have finished? But as I’ve often said, fences are there to be jumped.
Git Maker’s jumping was rusty, and he merely plugged on for 4th. Last year’s Scottish Grand National third should be sharper next time and he’s not one to give up on.
Ascot: Pic D’Orhy Dominates Again
The Grade 2 Reynoldstown Novices' Chase was robbed of its anticipated Jingko Blue/Lowry’s Bar rematch when Lowry’s Bar was a non-runner. Then, Jingko Blue unseated early, leaving The Changing Man to win unchallenged. The winner who had been suffering from seconditus was getting off the mark over fences at the 10th attempt.
The Reynoldstown hasn’t been a great guide to the Brown Advisory in recent years, and that’s unlikely to change. The winner is more likely to head for the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham than the Grade 1.
The best finish of the day came in the Swinley Handicap Chase, where Victtorino got his head down at the line to deny last year’s winner Threeunderthrufive, who ran a cracker under top weight. Terresita (third) was unlucky—not getting the clearest of runs on the home turn—and was just ¾ length behind the first two.
As expected, Pic D'Orhy proved tough to beat at Ascot. Just like last year, he jumped his rivals into submission in the Grade 1 Ascot Chase. Harry Cobden set the tempo, got the 10-year-old into his metronomic jumping rhythm and turned the screw five out, before galloping clear.
Surprisingly, Pic D'Orhy wasn’t sent off favourite, and you could back him at evens in running after a circuit. The market favoured Corbetts Cross (7/4), but the trip was too sharp, and his jumping suffered. He’d have needed another circuit to trouble the winner, but he didn’t run badly in the circumstances.
The big disappointment was L’Homme Presse, was never jumping with fluency. A mistake at the fourth had him struggling, and he was soon wisely pulled up. This was far from an ideal preparation for a Gold Cup bid, albeit he’s much better going left-handed.
Wincanton: Golden Ace Strikes in the Kingwell
Trainer Jeremy Scott has had a quiet winter, but he bounced back with a Wincanton treble, including Golden Ace in the Kingwell Hurdle (Grade 2).
A Cheltenham Festival winner last year, Golden Ace was strong in the betting, while Burdett Road drifted as the ground softened. Despite just four runners, it was a cracking race. Burdett Road was pestered for the lead by Brentford Hope, and Golden Ace came under pressure after being outpaced on the turn for home. However, she stayed on resolutely to land the £41,608 first prize. Burdett Road battled all the way, conceding 8lb, and with a cleaner jump at the second last, he might have prevailed.
Stamina won the day for Golden Ace, and she shaped like a horse who needs further. Hopefully, connections aim for the Mares’ Hurdle rather than the Champion Hurdle—she has no chance in the latter but could go close if Brighterdaysahead skips the Mares’ contest.
Good luck with your Monday bets!
John