Royal Ascot - First three days…
With Royal Ascot swiftly upon us, it now really feels like the season is in full motion, being one of the major meetings of worldwide racing it brings together both an international feeling, and a strong sense of traditionalism with people donning their top hat’s, tails and dresses for 5 of the biggest sporting events in the world.
The biggest reason Royal Ascot remains at the forefront of so many people’s minds is the horses, the most exciting, the most talented, and as a jockey, trying to be aboard the right horse in each of the 7 races over the 5 days of competition. The build up begins so far ahead of the event itself, from people pairing mares with stallions, buying, selling, breaking in, training, and then the key of setting up each horse’s preparation to give them the best possible chance at arriving at the Royal Meeting in peak condition.
Being part of such an exciting stable in Somerville Lodge makes meetings like Royal Ascot all the more exciting knowing all the work everyone involved with each of our horses has put in going into such an important week. We’re all looking forward to it and hopefully we can walk away with some good results!
Starting the charge is going to be Maljoom in The Queen Anne, whilst he’s on a bit of a redemption mission, he’s a very talented horse and one we’re really hoping can get back to his previous Group 1 form. Amongst my other rides on day 1 is Breeders Cup winner Big Evs, he had the perfect return to action at York last month, Mick and the team around him sound really happy with his preparations into Ascot so hopefully he can show up once again!
Day 2 starts out with The Queen Mary in which I’ll be aboard Miss Rascal for Charlie and Jules Rosier, owners that I’ve been fortunate enough to have a lot of luck with each other dating back to my days as an apprentice at Richard Hannon’s! She’s a course and distance winner with strong looking form, with several horses that were behind her coming out and scoring in impressive fashion, so hopefully this year I’ve got a good opportunity of going one better than last year aboard Relief Rally! Another on the day will be Doom in the Duke of Cambridgshire, she made a strong return to action on her return to action this season when finishing 3rd in Ireland.
Thursday starts with the 2yr olds once again, I’ll be aboard Blinky who got his head in front at Leicester on his latest start and looks to have sharpened up for that effort on his home work! Gilded Water will then be carrying The Royal silks and remains a highly exciting horse after winning decisively at Chepstow, it’s always a special honour to be walking out wearing the The Royal colours.