20th December 2019

Polydora, Quick Draw and Vado Forte all worked having cantered around the sand. Others cantered quietly around the sand or quietly up the hill. 

I was naturally delighted that they didn’t abandon Uttoxeter. I must say the whole inspection thing was something that resembled Dad’s Army once again. Having swam up the M6 I was late enough arriving at the track so went straight to the weighing room in search of Richard Johnson and witnessed it all first hand. The jockeys were concerned about the back straight yet they inspected the home straight. A jockey’s valet was giving his opinion on whether racing should or should not continue. A lorry driver was out on the track waving his arms and pointing his fingers with the trainers and jockeys. Even a racing commentator got involved. The decision should be made by a couple of senior jockeys and trainers, head steward and the clerk. Just farcical that the area of concern wasn’t even looked at. I wonder how the flat jockeys would have coped given they couldn’t even manage away with a little water on the track at Southwell. 

Adrimel won really nicely, he just galloped the others into the ground. What a lovely horse to have in our care and one that clearly flourishes on soft ground. 

Sir Egbert heads to Haydock tomorrow to read my thoughts click here.