Team Woodway headed to Kent with 4 horses, hopeful of some victories, but most importantly that the horses would run some good races. It was set to be an afternoon of hot competition with the previous weekend of pointing having been cancelled. First to represent Alan Hill Racing was winner last time out InMyDay in the Restricted race. Unfortunately it appeared that the track and going were not in favour for the sizeable gelding, with the tight structure of the course exposing his jumping as a novice horse. When his chance of a win was gone he took a heavy fall at 2 out, but walked away fine. We will aim for more of a galloping track on softer ground and realign for another restricted.
Inmyday and Joe Hill
Next up was first time runner for the yard Court Dismissed. This horse was bought at Doncaster Sales by The Glebe House Racing Club for Izzie Marshall to have some fun on in Ladies races. He jumped very well, despite being outpaced, and finished 6th. The horse will suit front running in the future and we will aim for another ladies with him.
Izzie's thoughts on the race: "Donnie jumped very well from start to finish which was pleasing as the team have worked hard to put right his back which was sore when he first came to the yard. He felt very free in himself in the race and it was a nice bonding run for us as a new partnership. It was definitely a learning curve and I have brought away what I need to improve on next time out. He loved the ground, but the left handed track meant we lost ground as he naturally prefers going right. I'm very happy that he has come out of the race fine and hopefully he will be a winner soon!"
Court Dismissed and Izzie Marshall
Third to run for the stable was For 'n' Against in the Conditions Race. This race was a shorter distance of 2m4f, a first time running him over this distance for Woodway, and Izzie took the ride as the pair have a great partnership; Izzie regularly schools him at home. He jumped and travelled well throughout and looked to have a chance at 4 out, but he wasn't able to get there and finished 5th; the shorter trip proving to be too sharp. We will go back to a 3 mile distance next time out but were happy with him running a more competitive race. Izzie stated "Dave is well known for his awesome jumping and he definitely did not disappoint!"
For 'n' Against (red, yellow cap) and Izzie Marshall
Last to run was maiden Desert Retreat under owner/rider Gareth Henderson. It was a competitive race and the gelding travelled well and his jumping was superb, despite hanging slightly right. Gareth rode a great race, keeping the horse in contention throughout, and the horse stayed on strongly to get beaten less than a length. It was a pleasing run and great to see the partnership between horse and jockey grow over the season. Hopefully we will be able to go one better next time out!
Cheeky Desert Retreat poking his tongue out post race
Overall it was a character building weekend but on the whole all the horses ran fit and healthy races and from what was seen show promise for victories are to be had in the future!
Photos kindly provided by Racehorse Photos http://www.racehorsephotos.co.uk