HUNTINGDON
8TH JULY 2001
A large crowd enjoyed fine weather and exciting
races at the second Huntingdon meeting of the season, the rails
were lined with spectators; the five bookmakers were kept busy
as punters were keen to bet on the competitive handicaps and
the stands were crowded as people cheered the horses home.
Once again Philip and Avril Wooster did a marvellous
job of ensuring the day ran smoothly, although even they couldn’t
do any thing about the delay due to the vet being stuck in a traffic
jam. Many thanks to all the Stewards, Officials and volunteers
who worked so hard during the day.
Anglo Arabs were out in force when
ten lined up for the Pryor Group AA/PB Stakes. Sally and John
Wilson were very pleased when their mare, Nicole won,
as they had been unable to canter their horses until May due
to FMD closing the beach that they use as a cantering ground.
This was their first runner of the season and they have 3 more
Anglos at home waiting to run so watch out for those. Great
Lady looked fit and well in the paddock and ran a personal
best to come second for Jim Cooper.
Cathy Thomas set out to make all in the St Jude
Stakes, which was supported by friends and family in memory
of Matt Farrelly. Matt had been a keen supporter of Arab Racing
for many years and competed as owner/trainer/jockey in his own
inimitable style including winning the Charity Race at Lingfield
in 1998. Indeed he and Peter McCormack had introduced handicap
races to the Arab Horse Society, and had ensured sponsorship
of races at Huntingdon over several years. It was somehow fitting
for Cathy to win the race on Pavot Al Kyle, as her premature
twins had recently come home after nearly three months in intensive
care in different hospitals. The twins, Megan and Michaela,
were born in February, and Cathy started riding five weeks after
their birth. “The horses were the only thing keeping me sane,”
said Cathy, delighted with her winner but eager to get home
to her babies as she found it hard to leave them for the day.
Trainer Sarah Kelleway continues to dominate
the Maiden and Open races with three winners, riding Velvet
Du Gamas herself, while Pierre Deymonaz took the honours
on the two maidens.
Sabez, ridden by Fred Offord,
came with a perfectly timed finish to take the Alicia Fine Lingerie
Sweepstakes by a head from the front running Dhorgaam, ridden
by Cathy Thomas. The trio of teenage stallions, Ikbalis, Drongo
and Segovia Sunrise took the minor placings for their owner/trainers
John Doxey, Andrea Boulton and Carol Lowman respectively. It
is a pleasure to watch these older horses enjoying a day out and
performing well for their owners at the races.
Andrea and Brian Boulton continued their winning
ways with Muhannad in the Copdock & Animal Feeds Stakes.
The 5-year-old is a big baby, said Andrea, who had wondered what
he would do when he hit the front, however Brian kept him straight
to beat previous winners Doraman and Doriket. Final
race of the day went to Jenny Peyton’s Island Benedict
ridden by Nick Isaac. Jenny said she knew the horse had a race
in him somewhere, while husband Alan was delighted with ‘Benny’.
Al Jabal, at 18-years-young, finished second for Andrea
and Brian Boulton.
Rob & Claire
