12th August 2015

12th August 2015

We have had some issues with Kodicil over the last few months but have found the underlying problem and treated him accordingly so it was great to see him bounce back to form last night at Nottingham. He lead from the start under a well judged ride from Dougie Costello and stuck on really well up the home straight to win by a length. He is better known as a jump jockey but has turned his hand to flat racing this summer and I think that was his 7th winner of the season. Dougie knows the horse well as he has ridden him plenty of times over hurdles including a win at Uttoxeter last year. Knowing a horse can really help the jockey get the most out of them and I think on this occasion it made the difference between running well and winning. Kodicil is a first venture into ownership for The Elephant Group who got there name from their local pub in London and what a successful one so far! Last night was his third win for the syndicate. Three of the members were at Nottingham roaring him on up the home straight along with me we were so loud I'm sure Dougie could probably hear us from a furlong out, that's what racing is all about, completely caught up in the moment, there is nothing like it. Below is a Picture of Kodicil in the winners enclosure with Will who led him up and Neil one of the Members of the Elephant Group.

At the other end of the scale Southview Lady ran very disappointingly at Carlisle yesterday, she was looking to be improving with every race until her last two runs, she has shown us ability though and I have no doubt we will get her back to her best and get in the winners enclosure soon.

Most of our runners this moth have gone well though, Woody Bay and Adam's Ale both ran well at Redcar last Saturday and they both are up to winning decent races.

Harry Kinder rode Oliver's Gold at Thirsk on Monday and went close to gaining a win on just his second ride on the racecourse, sent off the 4/6 favourite he looked like winning entering the final furlong only fade late on to finish a very close 3rd. Despite being a very good hurdler he has still yet to win a race on the flat, this was a good opportunity for him to win but for some reason he can't seem to get his head in front without 8 flights of hurdles in his way!!! He will stick to hurdles or fences from now on.

Hopefully Kodicil has got the ball rolling now and we can get a few more winners in the next week or so...