Pressure is for tyres…..

Pressure is for tyres, as Copt Hill was keen to explain to the chairman of his fan club / work rider Kev Traylor at Sedgefield on Friday when, following two disappointing performances from our other runners earlier in the day, it was all down to Copty in the last to uphold the yard honours.

First up had been One In A Row in the 2m4f handicap hurdle and he had run with much credit under regular jockey John Kington until fading close home to finish 6th. However he came off the track with a nasty scrape down the back of a hind leg and the shoe half ripped off so he could be forgiven for not having seen out the finish. Some prompt attention from the racecourse farrier and vet back in the stables left him bandaged & comfortable.

 One In A Row – parade ring

More Madness was next up in the 3m 2 1/2 f handicap chase and the Brough Farm Racing Partnership, for whom he runs, were there to cheer him on. However from the outset he raced on & off the bridle and despite jumping well, never seemed on terms with himself to eventually finish an eased last of the five runners. It was a disappointing run but we wouldn’t be surprised if something came to light in the coming days.

So down to Copt Hill who, at best, could be described as quite a character. He definitely has his own ideas about life and only Kev seems prepared to not mind (and sit to) his regular attempts at the “Copty version of a capriole” (normally only performed in the Spanish Riding School of Vienna – but always useful to have a 2nd career up your sleeve….)

Running over 3m3f, this was a trip into unknown territory having never previously gone beyond 2m4f but for once he had his game head on and there were none of the shenanigans at the start that he has occasionally deployed. He ran strongly under Henry Brooke for 3 miles, only to fade from the 2nd last but holding on gamely to keep third place, his best finish for the yard to date.

On a day of mixed performances it was a really positive note to end on & all credit to both Kev & Copt Hill.

 Copt Hill

25/03/18