EXCITED FOR ASCOT AND GOODWOOD: I’m really excited about the next week with great racing on at Ascot for the King George and the Glorious Goodwood Festival starting on Tuesday.
This is always a great week and it’s a busy one as well but I’m really forward to it and I’m delighted that I’m going to be involved in both meetings.
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GOLDEN MOMENT ON SATURDAY AT ASCOT
The King George is a really good race again and I think we should see another great performance by Golden Horn. He’s been so impressive in his wins so far this year and it’s very hard to look passed him unless the ground goes completely bottomless.
There is rain forecast for Ascot on Friday night and if that comes, I think Madam Chiang could run into a place. She’s a Group 1 winner previously and at a big price she could go close but only if the rain comes.
I think it’s going to be a very interesting race and Snow Sky is an intriguing runner but I don’t think he’ll get a soft lead like he did at Royal Ascot. One thing he has going for him is Pat Smullen who is riding exceptionally well. It can be so important to have someone who can ride with confidence like Pat can and when he’s riding so many winners, that can add to it.
I think we could be in for something special with Golden Horn though.
ASCOT AND THEN TO SALISBURY ON SATURDAY
For me, I have some nice rides at Ascot today. I ride one in the first for Roger Varian, called Karisma, which I’m looking forward. Roger is running two in it, Andrea Atzeni rides the other, and they are both really nice fillies. I’ve ridden work on my one a couple of times. She works very nicely and she’s ready to run so I think she’ll run well. She’ll definitely benefit from the run anyway.
I also ride Havisham for Andrew Balding in the 2 Mile race at 2.55. This one has a good each way chance but he’s only a three year and he’s in here against some experienced horses and in these Two Mile races, that’s a slight disadvantage. They’re tough races for young horses but he’s in on a light weight and I’m hoping he can get placed at least.
On Saturday, I ride Redvers for Ed Vaughan in the International Stakes. There is a huge field for this and I’m drawn in the middle of them in seven which is ideal for this fella.
I rode him in Newbury last time and he only got beaten 4 lengths. He’s a bit of a character but he’s a really strong travelling horse and being in amongst all the other horses will help him. He’s got the ability but I’m going to have to convince him. They’ll probably go quite quick early on and that will suit but I’m going to have to be at my best on him.
After Ascot, I’m going to travel over to Salisbury for one ride on Saturday evening. I ride Benbecula for Richard Mitchell and I’ll be hoping for the best with him.
I rode him last time out and he ran a great race over course and distance but he was unlucky to bump into an improver like Air Squadron and I think he’s got a great chance.
GLORIOUS GOODWOOD ON TUESDAY
As I said, I’m really looking forward to Goodwood next week. I always enjoy it and thankfully I’ve done quite well there in the past. I won the Goodwood Mile on Boom and Bust a few years which was great, but it’s just a really nice place to be. It’s
On Tuesday I’m down to ride Newton’s Law. This is an interesting one because this is the horse that Ryan Moore was on when he got injured at Newmarket!
I know I’m going to be well looked after at the start though after what happened the last day. Gary Witherford will be down at the start and he’s great with them, all the stall handlers do a great job, I know the guys that are drawn around me will look after me as well.
Once the race is off though, I think this guy will have a really good chance, especially if there’s a bit of rain, and I’ll be going for it.
It was a freak accident with Ryan and it is really disappointing that he’s going to miss the rest of the season. That has opened the door for a few of the others to come in and have a shot at the Jockey’s Title.
I would love to see James Doyle win the title. He’s been great this year and he’s taken everything in his stride and it always looks so easy for him. He never panics and I think he might just have a little more firepower to call on when things are getting tight at the top at the business end of the season.
I know Silvestre (De Sousa) said that he’s not sure why he’s such a short price and it’s still early in the season but deep down, I’d say he’ll be going all out to ride as many winners as he can. He’s a really hard grafter and he’s sure to get plenty more winners.
PRIVILEGED TO RIDE ALONGSIDE HUGHSIE
I was sorry to hear that Richard Hughes is going to be hanging up his boots so quickly but I understand why he’s doing it and this is obviously the right time for him to do it.
I’ve been lucky to be able ride in the same era as him. It’s really nice to see how things have changed for him personally over the last few years as well and how that has helped his career in turn. Hughsie is a great tactician and a fantastic rider and I’ve no doubt that he’ll have a very successful training career.
He’s one of those guys that is always full of banter and he’s got something funny to say.
We were walking back in at Newbury during the week and I said to him; ‘’do you reckon that when you stop riding that you’re going to look younger.’’ Witty as ever he responded; ‘’You don’t see any wrinkles on a balloon do you??’’
Hopefully, this time next week, I’ll be in the middle of all the Glorious Goodwood Festival with some more great rides to talk about and, with some luck, a few winning rides also!
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