With autumn well and truly underway the team at Woodway are busy, with plenty of horses to get fit and runners in the National Hunt yard being sent out. On Tuesday 16th October Lawney headed to Huntingdon with a couple of runners in the Handicap chase just under 3 miles. James King was back on board Desert Retreat, having previously been a victorious pair on the pointing field. Unfortunately the gelding ran a lifeless race and the track was a bit sharp for him. He has been in training for a long time now so following a discussion with owners Gareth and Graham Henderson we have decided to give him a break. A decision will be made on where he goes from there shortly.
Rogue Dancer was also in the race, and running from the yard for the first time since formerly in training at Woodway in 2014. The gelding ran a tremendous race for a 13 year old, showing that he has lost none of his enthusiasm for the game by jumping from fence to fence with his ears pricked. Unfortunately it wasn't a fairy tale ending as although the pair looked like winning when jumping the second last, Daryl Jacob came past us and went on to beat us readily. It was an emotional day for the Banks family whose late husband/father Michael lived locally and was a director and chairman of Huntingdon for over 10 years. To see their well known green & yellow colours on their local track and on a horse who had been such a favourite of his was a great sight. For jockey Charlie Deutsch who has had much publicity made of his recent troubles it was a welcome return to the day job and a chance to show that he is mentally and physically in great shape to crack on with the season ahead and rise as many winners as possible.
On Thursday 18th we headed to Uttoxeter with Sunset Skye in the handicap hurdle. The mare ran a much improved race in her first handicap and was always travelling well. She wasn't overawed by the large field with 14 other runners and stuck her head down battling hard from 3 out to gain 7th place. Skye jumped very well and Lawney feels that in time her jumping will be her forte. Jonny Burke was on board and was very happy with her maturity and attitude, as she is so inexperienced, and is looking forward to riding her again. Yeomanry Racing are a great group of owners who always love to see the mare running well and were out in full force on Thursday! Onwards & upwards for Sunset Skye!