I’M still buzzing after Clan Des Obeaux’s win in the King George!
It was Dad’s tenth victory in the race and as you can imagine, celebrations were absolutely wild. It was like going back to the days of Kauto Star and Denman!
I was thrilled for owners Ged Mason, Paul Barber and Sir Alex Ferguson, who put so much into the sport.
I’m delighted for Ged in particular as he’s been a massive supporter of mine over the years and is a great friend of the yard.
He sponsors both me and Harry and is one of the most generous guys around, so it could not have been a better result.
They’ve all been really patient with Clan and have placed so much faith in Dad. Their support is vital and we couldn’t do it without them.
The King George aside, it’s been a magical week for Team Ditcheat. Dynamite Dollars was awesome in the Wayward Lad and looks a real Arkle contender for us.
He jumped so well and gave Kalashnikov – who’s a really nice horse – 5lb and a beating. Harry was brilliant on him and he didn’t miss a beat the whole way.
I think he’ll be even better around Cheltenham and you can put a line through his run there behind Lalor as he wasn’t 100 percent.
He may have another run but if not all roads lead to the Arkle.
Saturday sizzler
Dad’s only got one runner on Saturday, in the shape of Getaway Trump at Newbury.
I said earlier in the week he’s one I really like and we’re hoping for a good performance in the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle.
The Tolworth had been mentioned but the forecast is dry and he just wants a bit of cut in the ground.
With a bit of soft in the going at Newbury, we thought we’d go for this instead.
He stayed two miles well at Exeter and two and a half at Taunton so the slight step up in trip shouldn’t be a problem and we’re hoping for a big run, for all that it’s a competitive race.
Dad and I had an argument before racing about whether or not Adrien Du Pont would stay three miles. I said he wouldn’t and Dad said he would – of course Dad was right!
He produced a much better performance than at Newbury last time and clearly the better ground has helped him get his head in front again.
Harry gave him a cracker and the sharp track really played to his strengths. It was great to see him get his head back in front.
A quick word about Deadline Diva, who fell at the last in the opener – she was down for a while but is absolutely fine and will live to fight another day.
Over at Chepstow, Quel Destin notched up Grade 1 number 120 for the yard! He’s a phenomenal little horse and Sam gave him an awesome ride.
Dad spoke to him in the morning and told him to make it a test from the front as he’s so tough – and that’s exactly what he did.
The French form with Nicky Henderson’s runner-up was well and truly turned on its head, so now the Triumph Hurdle is very much the aim.
For me, the horse to take out of the last few days was our bumper winner at the end of the card, Ask For Glory.
NO PLANS FOR CLAN Nicholls happy to ponder options after Clan Des Obeaux King George win
We’ve always liked him and he proved us right with a very impressive performance, again under Sam.
He quickened away nicely under hands and heels to win by 13 lengths and you can’t knock that. He’ll likely have one more run before the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham.
We didn’t have a runner in the Welsh Grand National but credit must go to Elegant Escape.
To win off that weight was impressive and he’s clearly a really tough horse.
Native River did a similar thing a couple of years ago and I’d imagine the Gold Cup will be the route they take now.
Yala Enki also ran a massive race in third as he was out at the front almost the whole way.
The racing has been brilliant at Leopardstown all week and the Grade 1 Paddy’s Rewards Club “Sugar Paddy” Chase was certainly no different.
Footpad jumped like his old self and looked the winner the whole way – but just couldn’t see out the trip.
Taunton trio
On Sunday, we have three runners with big chances. Friend Or Foe is having his first run for us in the opening juvenile hurdle after running a couple of ok races in France.
He needed a bit of time and looks a different horse now, so it’s probably unwise to read into that form too much. We like him a fair bit and he schooled well, so I’m hoping for the best.
In the novice hurdle we run Birds Of Prey, who I know well having ridden him on the Flat. He was rated 92 on the level so we expect him to do well over hurdles, for all that he got beaten on debut.
He was unlucky not to win that, though, as he ran a bit green in behind. We’ve schooled him a lot and I think he’ll be hard to beat now.
In the mares’ Listed race Posh Trish must have a big chance. She won impressively at Wincanton on Boxing Day, jumping well and cantering clear.
Alan King’s mare looks the main danger but I reckon ours is the one to beat if she handles the quick turnaround.
I’m not sure why that was but it was fantastic to see the legendary Simply Ned get the win. He flew up the straight and loves Leopardstown.
Don’t give up on Great Field, who needs a trip. I’d like to see him over further in the future.
In the Grade 1 novice hurdle, Aramon was really impressive. He quickened up in great style and looks a horse to follow.
The form may not have been massively strong as Triplicate was disappointing, but it’s possible Willie’s horse has just improved.
There are a couple of exciting Grade 1 races today and I’m looking forward to seeing Samcro out again.
Latest in Horse Racing
I’m a massive fan of his but would like to see him over further as I’m not sure he has enough speed for two at the top level.
He wasn’t pacy enough to get near Buveur D’Air at Newcastle and I think he may find Melon has too many gears. He was runner-up in last season’s Champion Hurdle and clearly has a lot of class.
Delta Work should win the novices’ chase. He’s a very talented horse and the form of his Drinmore win was franked last time out.
Henry De Bromhead’s contender Judgement Day has an experience advantage but Delta Work should be too good.
https://textbacklinkexchanges.com/sun-racing-ambassador-megan-nicholls-is-back-as-she-reflects-on-a-big-week-for-the-yard-and-looks-ahead-to-their-weekend-runners/
News Pictures Sun Racing ambassador Megan Nicholls is back as she reflects on a big week for the yard and looks ahead to their weekend runners
You don’t have to pack away your bikini just because you’re the wrong side of 20. These body-beautiful stars reveal their secrets to staying in shape and prove you can smoulder in a two-piece, whatever your age. Read on and be bikini inspired!
TEENS
Hayden Panettiere
Size: 8
Age: 18
Height: 5ft 1in
Weight: 8st
To achieve her kick-ass figure, Hayden – who plays cheerleader Claire Bennet in Heroes – follows the ‘quartering’ rule. She eats only a quarter of the food on her plate, then waits 20 minutes before deciding whether she needs to eat again.
Hayden says: “I don’t have a model’s body, but I’m not one of those crazy girls who thinks that they’re fat. I’m OK with what I have.”
Nicollette says: “I don’t like diets – I see it, I eat it! I believe in eating healthily with lots of protein, vegetables and carbs to give you energy.”
kim cattrall
Size: 10-12
Age: 52
Height: 5ft 8in
Weight: 9st 4lb
SATC star Kim swears by gym sessions with Russian kettle bells (traditional cast-iron weights) and the South Beach Diet to give her the body she wants. To avoid overeating, Kim has a radical diet trick – squirting lemon juice on her leftovers – so she won’t carry on picking.
Kim says: “I am no super-thin Hollywood actress. I am built for men who like women to look like women.”
https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/NINTCHDBPICT000457497759.jpg?strip=all&w=640
Комментариев нет:
Отправить комментарий