Racing week: Kicking King disappoints
Gold Cup hero Kicking King’s return to racing did not go according to plan when he lost to War of Attrition at Punchestown yesterday. However, connections predict that yesterday’s defeat means very little. Kicking King put up a similarly disappointing performance this time last year, before going on to win the King George, Cheltenham Gold Cup and Guiness Gold Cup.
Winston considering legal action
Robert Winston, who broke his jaw in a fall at Ayr last month, is considering legal action against the racecourse. The fall ended his bid for a first jockeys’ championship and has caused him substantial loss of earnings. Winston expressed concerns about the state of the ground before the race and blames the accident on the racecourse’s negligence in allowing racing to take place.
Best Mate in great shape
Best Mate is fit and healthy and ready for his extended seasonal debut at Exeter on 1 November, according to Henrietta Knight. His trainer is purportedly very happy with the 10-year-old who missed his chance for a fourth Gold Cup in March after breaking a blood vessel on the gallops.
Posh nosh at Newmarket
Olly Stevens used to make meals for 50 or so horses when he worked at racing stables in Newmarket. Now he has decided to do the same for race goers and is busy preparing “ready meals” for the sales next week from his Newmarket kitchen. “Preparing meals for horses is remarkably similar to cooking for people,” says Stevens who has recently opened The English Kitchen in Newmarket, “You have to think of individual needs, a balanced diet, accommodating fussy eaters etc…”
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Stevens will be delivering home-cooked food to the hospitality boxes as well as preparing ready-made meals for hungry race goers to heat up when they get home. He is also launching a picnic hamper service: “Something along the lines of a cold meat or smoked fish platter, perhaps a quiche or two and very rich chocolate cake with jersey cream and a chilled raspbery coulis with a good cheese board,” he explains. For more information visit: www.127englishkitchen.co.uk
October sales bonanza
British, Irish and international vendors spent in excess of 76,000,000 guineas at the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale last week, making it one of the most successful in history. “Trade has been little short of phenomenal this week,” said Tattersalls chairman Edmond Mahony, “We have enjoyed record combined turnover over the two weeks. The likes of Motivator, Shamardal and George Washington give buyers at all levels the confidence to participate.”
Bad luck at Plumpton
David Dennis was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton with a suspected broken leg following a nasty fall on Gold Quest at Plumpton yesterday. Dennis joined Tom O’Brien who had been taken to hospital earlier in the day with a suspected broken collar bone following a fall from Tignasse.
Bargain museum admission
The National Horseracing Museum will be reducing its admission prices to just £1 for the last weekend it is open this season. On Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 October visitors can enjoy the Grand National and Racing Post exhibitions at a reduced rate. For further information about the Museum (tel: 01638 667333) or visit: www.nhrm.co.uk
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