Horse power met steam power at the Racecourse last week, when we were delighted to be hosting the fourth annual raceday of the Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust. Thanks to the seemingly unbounding generosity of the supporters of the historic railway and racegoers alike, £13,000 was raised for the charity as a direct result of the event.
Through the recent negative press, I am pleased to say that the Racecourse has also received heartwarming support from numerous owners, trainers, and jockeys, as well as regular racegoers.None more so, than from Martin and Belinda Keighley, who train at Moreton-in-Marsh.
The yard is in good form and boasts a 100% strike rate at Worcester in 2018, with 2 winners from 2 runners.
The first of these came in May when Dr Dunraven, whose first run under rules was in a maiden hurdle at Worcester in October 2016 then trained by Phillip Hobbs, posted his first career win from 12 starts.
The Keighley’s second victory came last week when Mr Mafia followed up his recent Stratford win with success in the concluding handicap hurdle. Now 2 wins from 2 starts for the Keighleys, Mr Mafia previously ran 6 times at Worcester for Cropthorne trainer, Tony Carroll, being placed on 4 occasions.
The reoccurring theme of ‘horses for courses’ is often evident if you trace a horse’s form.Several examples proving this theory were evident at Pitchcroft last week.
Alcester trainer, Dan Skelton has sent Alcock and Brown to the races 9 times, 6 of these have been to Worcester. Of the 6 runs, the gelding has won 3 and been placed in 2, which is especially pleasing as his owner, Malcolm Olden of local firm, Chess Plastics is a great supporter of the course.
Vendredi Trois, trained by Emma Lavelle has run at Worcester 5 times since 2014 and has never been out of the frame! The 9-year old won over hurdles here in 2017, finished third in a chase in May this year and followed up that run with a chase win at the course last week.
A further example is the tough mare, Deauville Crustal, trained by Nigel Hawke. The 5-year old had wind surgery in the spring and bounced back to win a novice chase at Pitchcroft at the end of May, and another novice chase last week.
On both occasions, she was the only mare in a race of geldings. Her victory last week came at the expense of Her Majesty, The Queen’s homebred, Forth Bridge, who was just outpaced on the run-in, but who had previously given trainer, Charlie Longsdon his first royal success.
We are hoping for a good turnout for the family fun football raceday tomorrow afternoon, especially after the excitement of the victory over Tunisia on Monday.The much-anticipated England V Panama game will be shown live, alongside the action on the racetrack and a host of free entertainment for children, including activities for both budding footballers and aspiring jockeys!
The gates open at 12.15pm.
