PAT HEALY: This week Pat on the continued frustration of limited crowds in Ireland, superlatives on Mishriff and David Egan plus an end of season treat in Paris with a mouthwatering Arc in prospect.
Killarney
I’m at Killarney for the three-day meeting this week, and unfortunately, they’re restricted to 500 people again, which I can only imagine is extremely frustrating for the track and the Killarney Race Committee. I’m sure that Horse Racing Ireland are working hard behind the scenes, but I suppose the danger maybe that if we do allow more racegoers in then we’re opening ourselves up to being scapegoats should the worst happen?
With the government’s concern about a third wave being on the horizon we wouldn’t want to give any cause that we’re part of the problem, and potentially have the sport shut down again. I suppose I’m just trying to latch on to the positives at the moment in that we still have racing going on with some spectators and I certainly don’t want things to deteriorate. I’m desperately latching on to the hope that we might have more racegoers at the Listowel Harvest Festival.
Mishriff
That was a world class performance from a world class horse in the Juddmonte International. John Gosden obviously has international targets ahead for him, potentially the Breeders’ Cup or the Japan Cup, but the best thing about this story is his young jockey, David Egan. He couldn’t have asked for a better horse to get at this stage of his career, the prize money has obviously been lifechanging already but more than that it’s what this horse could do for his career.
He’s the type of horse that every young jockey wants and needs at that age and stage of their career, so for David to have found Mishriff at just the right time is just excellent. Due to Mishriff’s global success every racing jurisdiction around the world knows the name David Egan. He’s a lovely young man always with a cheeky smile and I wish him all the best in his career going forward.
End of season showpiece
I know I’ve spoken about this before but the l’Arc de Triomphe is shaping up to be really quite something, having seen Snowfall complete the Oaks treble at York and head into favouritism, it looks even more interesting now. She’s a wonderful filly and was mightily impressive given how out of form Ballydoyle have been.
It’s been an exceptional Flat season so far, particularly where the three-year-olds have been concerned, and it’s all going to come to a head at Longchamp in October in what will be a great race. I really can’t wait for it!
