Once Upon A Time at Wetherby

No-one could ever accuse Hazy Manor of being a drama queen but she seemed determined to play the lead in her own, slightly back to front, version of a well know fairytale in the 2m3f Novice Hurdle at Wetherby on Tuesday, when she arrived at the course only to find she had lost a shoe!

Having left home with it on, it was easily located in the horsebox and the racecourse farrier was able to refit the shoe thus enabling Hazy “Cinderella” Manor to still go to the Ball.

Partnered up with Henry “Prince Charming” Brooke (he’s been called worse…) the fairytale looked like veering a little off course when Hazy initially raced very keenly, but having hit the 3rd, she then settled and her jumping just got better and better. Henry gradually put her into the race and as others began to struggle she was still travelling strongly turning in.

Although just beaten for 3rd, and only 7 1/4 lengths off the winner, the front four were some 32 lengths ahead of the rest of the field. Still only four years old and having just her third run over hurdles, this was her first time in novice company – and having now been placed on all three occasions this was arguably her best performance.

We can’t wait to move into handicap company with her  in the coming months. Hazy even earned the accolade of “eye catcher” in the Racing Post performance summary, so a happy ending for all concerned.

                          

Having had plenty of time to think about it in the stable beforehand, it was then the turn of More Madness to decide what sort of mood he was in for the 3m, 0-115 handicap chase……and he certainly didn’t disappoint.

Again, under Henry, he raced handily before joining the leader at the 5th fence. He then took it up from the 7th and was only headed at the fourth last. His jumping was exemplary and he raced throughout with plenty of enthusiasm. Despite not quite being able to stay with the front two in the closing stages, and having drawn a distance clear of the rest of the field, Madness bravely belied his comparatively lowly rating and was only beaten 10 lengths in 3rd.

In the absence of Hazy Manor’s owner, the Brough Farm Racing Partnership were out in force to support both horses, and with two trips into the winners enclosure, it was a great day all round.

      

Action photos supplied by kind courtesy of Alan Wright of Official Photographers

http://www.officialphotographersuk.com

 

22/02/18