Sometimes Second Is Great.

After finishing second three times in his races since November another second place today might seem disappointing or frustrating for Itoldyou, but not a bit of it!  This time he was taking on higher class individuals in the Norfolk National, a valuable Class 3 handicap chase.  Ridden by Jack Sherwood, claiming 3 pounds, he set off in the middle of the 10 runners but quickly established a position well in touch in 4th place.  For much of the race he travelled in 3rd or 4th place close to the eventual winner.  The ground had become "good to firm" and the faster pace might have accounted for slight jumping errors at the 14th and 16th obstacles. Going out on the final circuit he was maintaining his position as 6 horses moved clear.  At the end of the back straight he had a share of second place which he cemented after the open ditch.  Rounding the home turn he moved clear of the chasing pack but was still a few lengths down on the leader approaching the last.  Here he seemed to have a difference of opinion with his jockey, deciding he couldn't manage the long one he was asked for.  He hit the fence hard but somehow Jack stayed glued to him and Itoldyou found a leg to stay upright.  The mistake didn't slow him and he ran on to the line going down by 5 lengths but 7 lengths ahead of the third placed horse.  This was a prestigious and valuable race and even second place earned him over £4000.  This takes his winnings past the £50 000 mark.
On top of all that he was awarded the "best turned out" prize of £50 which Alex gratefully received.
All in all a great day.

Itoldyou, best turned out.

Almost giving it away at the last.  Well sat!

Karen and Alex lead in the hero.

Taking his place in the 2nd spot.

Totally chilled out after the race.

Breden Bounces Back.

After nearly two years off the track Breden showed that he hadn't lost his ability when running a fine second in a Class 3 (0-95) handicap over an extended mile at Windsor today.  Ridden by Robert Tart he was slowly away and trailed the other eight runners in the early stages.  He took closer order at half way and made progress through the field approaching the final couple of furlongs.  He found himself short of room but ran on strongly when a gap appeared to take second place, one and a quarter lengths behind the winner, at the rewarding each way price of 25/1.

The Champagne Flows.

It was a great atmosphere at the yard this morning as Tony Betteridge enjoyed being the centre of the champagne breakfast following Mab Dab's Monday victory and yesterday's 2nd place with Hab Sab.

Tony and his son raise an early glass.

Paul continues to pour the champagne now that the staff have arrived.

And with a few glasses consumed plans were being made for both horses' next races.

Well Placed.

Linda found an excellent opportunity for Hab Sab to make his hurdling debut.  The two and three quarter mile novices' hurdle today at Fontwell attracted only three declarations and as one later became a non-runner Hab Sab had just one rival, a Paul Nicholls hot pot with a 133 rating. Unsurprisingly Hab Sab finished second but picked up over £1000 for his effort.

Mab Dab won the three mile one furlong handicap hurdle at Plumpton today.  Ridden by Marc Goldstein, and under top weight, he was settled at the rear early but well in touch.  He moved closer going out on the final circuit and took the lead entering the railway bend for the last time.  He went six or more lengths clear coming to the straight but began to tire.  The eventual runner up began to close but Mab Dab was just able to hold on, winning by half a length.  He jumped well; and seemed to appreciate the good to firm going in this his handicap debut, so hopefully there is more success to come for him and his owner Tony Betteridge.

Mab Dab

One For The Future?

She's Humble had a colt foal this week.  Maybe in a few years he will emulate his mother by recording victories on the racecourse. Already he is enjoying the great outdoors.

Fontwell Frustration.

Poor old Itoldyou was again frustrated in his effort to record a victory this season.  Under Leighton Aspell he was ridden prominently through the 3 mile 1 furlong contest.  He was obviously enjoying himself, jumping well on the faster ground.  He dropped back a couple of lengths round the final turn but battled back to share the lead over the final fence.  He was unable to hold onto the lead, going down by 2 and half lengths to a younger rival, but he held off the challenge of another runner for second place. This was another courageous effort and he seemed pleased with himself afterwards.

Itoldyou returns after his run.

Linda was also in the money with her other two runners, Moneystown finishing 4th in the Novices' chase and Kayflin taking the same position in the mares' handicap chase.