Dream Weekend!
The day could not have got off to a better start as Trueshan won the Long Distance Cup for Hollie. It was her first QIPCO series winner which was brilliant and for Alan King, who has supported us both so much, he gave us both our first Royal Ascot winners so he has played a big part in our career and for him to give Hollie her first winner made it all the more special.
Moving onto the Champions Sprint where I rode the exciting Starman but who unfortunately as expected found the ground against him but he us certainly one to look forward to heading in to next season. However, as I crossed the line I could see Hollie was bang there but I actually thought Brando had got up. When the photo finish was announced I just could not believe it and I was so happy for her. I have seen a clip on At The Races which shows my reaction and then to see how much it meant to her made me proud. I know we are competing but it felt nearly as good as riding the winner myself, if not better. Hollie gaining her first Group 1 success rounds off a brilliant year she has had in the saddle and I am sure there will be plenty more to come for her.
After all that I thought the day could not get any better and then Addeybb went and proved me wrong. The worry was stall 11 and we were cautious it was going to be a pretty difficult draw to overcome because you jump and go straight into the bend but as ever he was brilliant. He pinged the gates, made it easy to get a good position and we were able to fill up the whole way which conserved energy. As we turned in I knew we were travelling well but when I asked him to quicken he absolutely motored home and he loved the ground. The feeling as I crossed the line was immense and I am so delighted for William and Maureen Haggas and all the team at Somerville Lodge as they have put in all the time and effort to get him there in such good form. I don't think there are many trainers who could have got him there in that sort of shape and I am just honoured to be part of the journey.
To top the day off, Njord winning the Balmoral Handicap for Jessica Harrington was absolutely brilliant. The Balmoral is traditionally a competitive handicap and is tough to win but Jessica did what she does best and he couldn't have been more impressive, to get a double on Champions Day is something I will cherish forever. Standing on the podium after racing with Hollie and having four of the six Champions Day trophies with us feels like a once in a lifetime moment, one we feel so lucky to have had.