250th Anniversary of Clive of India update

This being the 250th anniversary of his death, an update that is largely Plumpton-centric seems appropriate. No need to explain how.

Anyway, it was off to Plumpton last Monday, where ongoing lack of rain, and an apparent distrust (in certain yards) of the track’s ability produce properly good ground led to small fields all the way. It actually counted against us in the end, as an erratic pre-meeting weather forecast made watering by the course essential, and then the rain that came on the day got into the soil, and it was riding fairly soft by the end of the card. These circumstances were no good for EKLIL, although he completed for third place. Being in the last race counted against FLEMEN’S TIPPLE, but with this being back over hurdles and his first run for six months, his fourth place was possibly his short term destiny. He will be spot on next time, probably chasing on better ground. The most pleasing run was LA DOLCE DOLLY in her professional debut. For a three mile chaser in development, she took well to a two and a half mile novice hurdle, just being outsprinted from the rail turn. As with Tip, having her first run since Spring was a factor too. Finally we come to good old CLONDAW  ROBIN. One uncooperative opponent declared to prevent a big rise in the weights and he was left about a stone out of the handicap. Aiming to poach whatever prize money we could, he nearly nicked third from one tired opponent, but failed to really ping the second last, which proved to be the difference maker between third and fourth.

Here is a snap of La Dolce Dolly retaining her post-race dignity, whilst others fail to do so.

And here is Eklil subtlely griping about the state of the ground.

Later in the week, GOLD CLAREMONT had her much needed seasonal return too, over hurdles. Having hung on as long as we could in hope that proper soft ground would turn up somewhere (with more than a hour or so of notice!), expectations for her were not high and she had a good spin out in front before fading at the end. The weather this weekend could turn conditions in her favour for the next outing.