I’ve enjoyed a wonderful week up at Chester for their May Festival. I always enjoy being part of the ITV Racing team who deliver such good coverage for the sport. It’s so important that racing remains on terrestrial television. I had one ride yesterday after being on air and it was a great thrill to win on board MERCURIAL for Tom Dascombe, who trains locally to Chester and targets so many of his horses at this meeting. Mercurial built on her debut 2nd to just get on top in the 5-furlong maiden yesterday. I left Chester’s May meeting with a 100% record…
This weekend, I am at Nottingham tonight for the MansionBet sponsored evening. MansionBet are really getting behind their horse racing and have ramped up their sponsorship and it’s wonderful to see their commitment to the sport. I am at Ascot tomorrow for two rides.
Friday – Nottingham
7:00pm: MansionBet App Maiden Fillies’ Stakes – JUBILEE BRIDGE
JUBILEE BRIDGE (40/1
) is making her first racecourse start for Charlie Fellowes. I have been riding her in her work at home and she’s been going nicely and impressing me. She’s definitely ready for her first run. However, it is a big field and plenty of her rivals have had at least one run before so that could work against us. I’m sure she’ll build from this run and learn a lot today, but she is worth following I’d say.
Saturday – Ascot
3:40pm:Victoria Cup – WALHAAN
WALHAAN (16/1
) has got into the race off a very low weight. I have never actually ridden the horse before but he has some very useful form at Ascot over the straight course. That is very valuable attribute here and will stand him in very good stead. I have won this race before on Ripp Orf who won off a very low weight, so it certainly is a race that favours horses like that. I am happy with our draw in 10 as it’ll mean I can get cover and not be stuck on one of the wings. It’s a very competitive race but we certainly have a squeak.
5:25pm: Silk Series Fillies’ Handicap – MISS MULLIGAN
MISS MULLIGAN (SP
) hasn’t run since last October but she had a really good season in 2020. She was very consistent last year and if returning in the same form, she will have a good chance of going close. This type of race over 1m 2f looks right up her street. George Scott has started the season really well and I’m looking forward to riding her.
Stay safe,
Hayley!
*All odds correct at time of writing.