Season’s End Reflections and Exciting Times Ahead
It’s been a strong finish to the final quarter of the British season, with plenty of exciting horses putting their hands up as potential stars for next year. The two big closing meetings of the European calendar are, of course, Arc weekend and British Champions Day - and what a couple of weeks it’s been.
With Arc weekend now behind us, it’s great to look back on another successful raid abroad, winning the Prix du Cadran aboard Caballo De Mar for Victorious Forever and the George Scott team. It was a major milestone for George and his team, being their first Group 1 success, something every aspiring trainer dreams of. It was an absolute pleasure to be part of such a special day!
Looking ahead to Champions Day, I’m very fortunate to have what looks like a strong book of rides. Economics will be making his long-awaited return, a horse everyone at Somerville Lodge absolutely adores. After his Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes win last year, he firmly established himself as a top-class Group 1 performer. It’s shaping up to be one of the races of the year, and hopefully we can throw down our challenge alongside the other big guns!
Also taking his place is Big Mojo, another Group 1 winner. Unfortunately, I missed the ride in the Haydock Sprint Cup due to other commitments, but it was brilliant to see him get his head in front and confirm his class for Rachel, Paul, and Mick Appleby’s team. Everything looks spot-on for Saturday, he’s already a course-and-distance winner this year, and with the ground looking good, it should be another great opportunity to add to this season’s Group 1 tally.
Docklands will be returning to his favourite track for OTI Racing and Harry Eustace. His Queen Anne Stakes win at Royal Ascot over course and distance gives him every chance of striking again at the top level on his favoured surface.
Crown Of Oaks lines up in the Balmoral Handicap for Tony Bloom and Ian Maceleavy. He was an impressive winner at Ascot on his penultimate start, and his slightly below-par effort in Ireland on a quick turnaround is easily forgiven. He drops back to a mile here, but given how stiff Ascot’s mile is, I’m confident that won’t be a hindrance. I’m hopeful he can post a big effort.
On Sunday, I’ll be heading back to France to partner Dubai Honour, and the following weekend Caballo De Mar will be bidding to make it back-to-back Group 1s in the Prix Royal-Oak.
After that, my travels will take me further afield, first to Japan to obtain my riding licence, before heading on to Australia for a short spell. Then it’s back to Japan, where I’ll be hoping to repeat the success of the past three years and ride a few more winners during my stint there.
Hopefully, I’ll also get the opportunity to head to Hong Kong for the International Raceday in December, which will be a great chance to catch up with Hollie, who’ll be based there until Christmas.
While the British season may be winding down, it feels like things are only just getting started. Here’s hoping the rest of the year continues as strongly as the end of this one has!