St. Nicholas’ Day Update
Yes, to further cloud the miasma of mystery surrounding the origins of various Christmas legends, St Nicholas’ Day is actually December 19th, not 24th. Maybe two rounds of present giving and dabbling in drinks untouched for the rest of the year is in order. Merry Christmas to all our readers, whichever day(s) you choose to make one of celebration.
Since the last update we have had the quiet spell broken by GODOT winning over hurdles at Lingfield. The theme of the day’s racing was that patience was a virtue, and when a couple of others tried to attack at the top of the hill, Phil kept his powder dry, which ensured that he had a horse still full of running when they got to the final flight. The runner-up battled on gamely over the run-in, but Godot matched him in determination and held a neck advantage on the post. Picture below from an unhelpful angle.
Earlier that day CLONDAW ROBIN had posted an excellent third (with ideal going!) in the two mile chase, adopting similar tactics when one of the oppo sped off far too quickly, but missing out on second place thanks to one unexposed opponent who played an even more careful hand. This was a follow up to a solid run, also at Lingfield, nine days earlier, and he will continue to trail around the Plumpton/Lingfield circuit as race availability and ground permit. In the gaps he will train in the popular racehorse Christmas game of “pretend to help untangle the tack, but really make it worse.”
This came two days after SHAW’S CROSS, with his thirteenth birthday looming, was second at Plumpton, seeing off all but one opponent who obviously came into the race in A1 nick. Once the gales of the week earlier had passed on, he had been quite cheerful at home and we had reason to hope for a good run, and with age against him, it is fingers crossed that we can find another race for him that gives him a proper chance. If not, he is already getting good at Thoroughbred Limbo, even if a little confused as to the point of it!
