What does Ray have to do?

Celestial Ray finished runner up for the third successive time when competing in a 1 mile handicap on the all weather at Lingfield today.  Ridden this time by Kieren Fallon,
he wasn't the fastest to break and travelled in midfield on the rail for the first half of the race. He moved into the first four coming down the hill into the home turn at which point he hit the front.  A two horse battle ensued and they pulled away from the rest of the field, but Richard Hughes riding his rival just managed to get up and hold on, winning by a neck with 8 lengths back to third place.  On this form surely a race must go Celestial Ray's way soon unless the handicapper penalises him harshly for this non winning effort.

It was Wet Wet Wet but the going remained good to firm!

Valence Racing members had a cracking evening out yesterday when Mad About Harry ran at a sunny Sandown Park.  This was his first run for Linda and Valence Racing, after nearly a year off the course.  He was beautifully turned out for the opening apprentice race.  Valence Racing members had had a relaxed start to the evening in the Owners & Trainers enclosure, eating complimentary salt beef and crusty bread with pickles, drinking complimentary coffee and quaffing the odd glass of lemonade or something stronger!  Then it was off to the parade ring to see Mad About Harry arrive and meet Daniel Cremin (the jockey).



Harry was beautifully turned out on this glorious summer's evening.



He ran encouragingly for his first time after the long lay off, only tiring turning for home, then being sensibly eased after a large bump from another horse (stewards enquired) knocked him out of his stride.

 



The evening's entertainment continued with some exciting racing from jockeys such as Ryan Moore, Richard Hughes and Frankie Dettori.  After the last race there was a live concert by Wet Wet Wet making it a very memorable and pleasant evening. 

 

The owners received about £50 worth of benefits (admission, racecards, food etc.) so Valence Racing might well be dubbed VALUE RACING!

Two In The Frame At Windsor.

Linda sent two horses to Windsor today for the evening meeting and both finished in the frame.
First to race was Fleeting Indian in the 6 furlong selling stakes.  Outsider of the five runners and under Daniel Cremin he broke well and led the field until the last two furlongs where the two market leaders began to assert.  Fleeting Indian was no match for them but stayed on well to finish 3rd beaten 4 lengths.
In the final race of the evening, a mile handicap,  Celestial Ray ridden by Rab Havlin took up a place in mid division until he moved up to 3rd entering the home straight.  He could make no impression on the leader in the final furlong but was able to claim second place, 3 lengths clear of the rest.

Champagne flows again.

There was another champagne breakfast today celebrating a double, but this time it wasn't winners on the track that had earned the fizz!  Firstly everyone toasted Shane (stable lad) who had his 21st birthday.  He has been at the yard for several years and has developed from a total novice to one of Linda's key work riders, especially on the National Hunt horses.

Shane blows out the candles on his birthday buns.

Then there was a naming and blessing ceremony for Praise N Glory, performed by his joint-owners Dick Churcher (pictured with the champagne bucket of holy water) and the Reverend Fredrik Arvidsson (Father Fred) who administered the blessing.

Praise N Glory receives his blessing.

 

Royal Ascot Bound.



Linda had to leave breakfast early this morning as she was taking owners, Gillian and Carol, to the Royal Enclosure at Ascot.  Picnic things packed in the car, champagne chilled, they just had time to be photographed in their finery before setting out.  Hopefully one day there will be a runner from the yard to cheer on as well.



Getting Closer.

Celestial Ray, who has run some good races recently without making the frame, finished second in a mile handicap on the all weather at Lingfield this evening.  Ridden by Seb sanders, he broke well and was prominent throughout.  He lay third coming off the bend into the home straight and ran on to go second and leave the chasers behind.  Unfortunately the leader seemed to have a lot in hand and continued to pull clear, going on to an easy victory.  Celestial Ray would be unlucky not to win a race soon in his present form on his current handicap mark.

Earlier at the meeting Emmelia won her first "Best Turned Out" award, £50, with Claude Greenwood, the second time in a week that he has been judged the best.

"Best Turned Out" Claude Greenwood

The Glories Of Goodwood

Linda had two horses declared on a wonderful summer's day at beautiful grade 1 track, Goodwood.  Rowe Park was due to run and give Valence Racing members a day out, but unfortunately he was not right and had to be declared a non-runner.  However as he had been declared the badges were available and several Valence Racing members enjoyed a super day, some for the first time at the races.  They were able to support Claude Greenwood, Linda's other runner.

Meeting a jockey for the first time.





There was an excellent start when Claude Greenwood was judged "Best Turned Out" winning £50 for Karen.

Karen receives the "Best Turned Out" award.



Then Claude Greenwood overcame a stumble at the start to claim a very creditable 4th place, considering the official ratings of the opposition, earning over £400 for his owner, Mr Dean.

Claude Greenwood is unsaddled after his 4th place finish.