However, last weekend I had a good meeting at Market Rasen as Gale Mahler added to her unbeaten record over hurdles for Adrian Keatley, and she is now 3/3. She did well to give away a penalty to some in-form rivals, and hopefully she’ll continue to improve for her connections. The plan is to ride her at the Galway Festival next week in a Listed Novice Hurdle, where she wouldn’t be without a chance.
This weekend we’ve got a bit of a novelty as I’m riding in the Jump Jockeys’ Nunthorpe at York on Saturday, and then I’m back to business over jumps at Uttoxeter on Sunday.
My Weekend Rides
Saturday
2.05 York – Another Baar (Adrian Keatley)
This race is always a bit of fun as the jump jockeys battle it out to see who is the best over 5f. I’m used to riding horses in three-mile chases, so it’s a totally different kettle of fish riding over sprint trips. I’ve ridden in the race a few times before, but I’ve not had much luck.
My brother, on the other hand, might be able to change our family fortunes this year as he trains the favourite Woobay, who won at Ripon last time out. He looks to be improving and would have a good chance.
The horse I’ll be riding in this race is Another Baar, trained by Adrian Keatley. A case can be made for him on his form last year, but this season he’s been a little disappointing. However, his recent effort at Thirsk was better than the form suggests, as he wasn’t beaten that far. He seems to like quick ground, so the conditions should be ideal for him. I’ve been riding quite a bit for Adrian recently, so it’s great that he’s given me the opportunity to ride one of his Flat horses here.
Sunday
1.50 Uttoxeter – Trafalgar Square (Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero)
He made an encouraging start when he finished second over hurdles in a juvenile hurdle at Market Rasen last month. That performance gives us something to build on here, and he returns after wind surgery. If the ground can stay dry, then I’d be hopeful he can improve.
After my ride in Galway next week, that will be me done for a while as the jumps break up for August. I’ll just be having some chill time with the family, doing a few jobs on the farm, and going on holiday. It will be nice to recharge the batteries before we go full steam ahead into the jumps season, properly in the autumn.
I hope you all continue to have a great summer, and I’ll catch up with you again soon.