This would usually be the Shergar Cup at Ascot, an event I always love taking part in. Sadly due to travel restrictions, the international jockeys are unable to be at Ascot so there is no contest taking place this year. Nonetheless, there is some fantastic racing for us to enjoy.
Thank goodness we have showers back at racing as riding in this heat can be quite unbearable! The important thing is that we are racing and the BHA, the racecourses and the PJA continue to do a wonderful job in ensuring that we feel safe on the racecourse. We all want crowds to return as quickly as possible but we have to remain patient and wait for our time to come. Fingers crossed it’s soon as on a weekend like this, racing really comes into its own!
2:25 – Via Serendipity
Via Serendipity is a horse I know well! I actually rode him to victory at the Shergar Cup here two years ago. That was for Stuart Williams and he has since been moved to Charlie Fellowes’ yard who is another trainer I obviously know well and often ride for. He is a horse who is more than capable of winning a race like this, particularly off a mark of 83. I won on him 6 months ago on the all-weather so I know he still has the appetite for it. He could be underestimated here.
3:35 – Omnivega
This is a valuable handicap run over a mile and a half. Omnivega has been very progressive on the all-weather since being gelded ahead of the season. He has won three on the bounce and comes here full of confidence. The return to turf will be interesting but I think he can handle it. He is a strong horse so I imagine I will try and hold him up and conserve his energy.