It was also fun having a bit of banter in the post-race interview with Luke Harvey after I won on Neigh Botha at Southwell. Some of you may have seen it live on Sky Sports Racing or doing the rounds on social media.
This weekend I’m off to Hexham on Saturday, where I have three rides for their evening meeting. It would be nice to keep up the good form and come away with a winner.
What is it like to ride Hexham?
Even though Hexham is one of the most picturesque tracks in the country, it can be a real specialist’s track. It’s very undulating and well-known for its stiff uphill home straight. You certainly have to stay well if your horse is going to be there at the finish.
My Saturday Rides At Hexham
6.00 – Mafia Power (Patrick Neville)
This horse goes very well at home, and he has shown good ability on the Flat in the past. So far, it’s been a bit of a mixed bag for him over jumps. His first run was a good effort when he finished fourth at Sedgefield last November, but then last time he pulled up at Doncaster in January. On the other hand, it’s still early days for him over hurdles, and he returns here after a break and wind surgery. He’ll definitely prefer the summer ground, so hopefully he can replicate his form at home on the track.
6.30 – Hartur d’Oudairies (Brian Ellison)
I know him well, as I won on him two starts ago at Hexham when he ran over 2m. The last time we saw him, he ran very well to finish second when he tried 2m4f. That form has been boosted as the winner, Well Educated, went on to win again at Kelso, so it looks like it was a good race. We’re staying at the same trip here, and I can see him going very close.
7.00 – Pure Sirloin (Sandy Forster)
He hasn’t been with Sandy for long, as he was previously trained in Ireland by Gavin Cromwell. I rode him last time out at Kelso, where he didn’t run too badly. I think he can take a step forward, and I can see him handling the track at Hexham. The ground shouldn’t be a problem, and it would be nice to see him be competitive here.
I hope you all enjoy the racing this weekend, and you’ll be hearing from me again soon.