I can’t deny watching Slanelough yesterday was a nerve-wracking experience, especially when the commentator kept reminding us that it was his 17th chase and he'd yet to win one!
But he finally got it done and we were delighted. If ever a horse deserved to win a race it was him and we’re thrilled for Jean Matterson and my mum, who own him, and for Neil Leach who rides him every day.
Conor gave him a great ride and even though he made a couple of mistakes on the run-in he still had enough to get the job done.
It was a great moment, he’s come out of the race fine and seeing him win has given everyone in the yard a lot of joy.
Slanelough’s win got us to twenty winners for the season, which is great and fingers crossed we might get another one or two before the curtain comes down. We have Ayr tomorrow then Perth next week and will have a few runners there, so it’s not over yet!
Cheval Noir was disappointing but he’s had a long season, it’s been a good one for him and we knew he might not like the quicker ground. He’ll be put away now and we’ll look forward to novice chasing with him in the autumn.
Brain Hughes loved Fete Champetre, he was a bit novicey and will need more than two miles in future. Brian got off him and said he’ll make a lovely chaser next season so that was good to hear. His future was always going to be over fences so he's another one to look forward to later in the year.
We have one runner at Ayr’s meeting on Sunday, SOME REIGN (1.15) will go in the Scotty Brand handicap. It’s a listed race so it’s going to be very tough, but he won well at Carlisle the last time and if he’s in the same mood as that day we’d like to think he’ll be competitive.