Ray (Raid Stane), affectionately known at home for his “one, two, three & me” counting as a result of his uncanny preference for fourth place, was finally a hugely deserved winner – and a first for his Owner, and often work rider, Danny Brooke – at Perth tonight in the 3m, 0-100, handicap hurdle.
Leading from the front for most of the race, and battling back when headed by the 2nd favourite (with no less than the Champion Jockey on board), Ray saw the race out to win by 5 lengths, earning superlatives such as “Raid Stane, not done with“, “brave as you like, back in front” and “toughs it out to win” on the Racing Post text commentary.
Our brave chap, who always gives everything he has in his races, received a lovely ride from our Conditional Jockey, Ross Turner, this being Ross’s 2nd winner from only four rides.
Despite a wobble in the winner’s enclosure post-race (and thanks to everyone who ensured a quick recovery with buckets of water) Ray’s now on his way back to the racecourse stables for a well earned rest.
A huge well done to Team Brooke….Danny (owner), Julia (trainer), Ross (jockey) and Sarah (leading up), but most deservedly of all to Raid Stane for his win this evening.
11/05/16
This weekend at Hexham, Smadynium put his best hoof forward and provided our lovely members of the Brough Farm Racing Partnership with their first winner.
It was also a first ever winner (on only his 3rd ride over hurdles) for our new Conditional jockey, Ross Turner, so a very proud day all round for Julia and the team.
Running over 2 miles, a trip possibly short of ideal, Ross sent Smadynium to the front fairly early in the race and they were never headed thereafter, passing the post a comfortable one and half lengths in front of the favourite with the rest of the field a further 11+ lengths behind.
Virtually foot perfect over the hurdles, and letting fly with a spectacular leap at the last, it would be lovely to see Smadynium go chasing next if a suitable race presents itself. But either way we look forward to seeing him on the track again soon.
Well done to all connections.
02/05/16