Gone North

Placed third in her latest race at Wetherby,  Midnight Silver enjoys a trip to the northern jumps tracks in the country. I’m a bit envious she’s experienced these places, and without me. Her trips north always clash with work commitments.

On her previous visit to Wetherby, in her first racing season, she came in second. I missed that too. This time, partnered by the champ, Richard Johnson, she came in third but in a much tougher race. She was outclassed by Kerry Lee’s Happy Diva who won oh so easily and the interesting Two Swallows from Ben Pauling’s string. It was a slow pace initially and Midnight Silver took the lead which she only gave up in the last two furlong of the 3 miles. Richard described her as ‘bold’. I think he just forgot to mention ‘beautiful’.

As I mentioned, I wasn’t at the racecourse. Instead I was at work in a spacious, modern horse-free office in Kings Cross, London. And I still watched the race, off at shortly after 1pm, in the kitchen. By the time the tape was up and the race underway a small group of people were watching over my shoulder on the laptop screen. Admittedly excitement levels and attention dropped when was clear she wasn’t going to win. But people were curious to know how I was involved in racing and I could briefly explain about syndicates and clubs. I’m probably not how most people imagine a racing enthusiast to be, let alone an owner – too female, young(ish!), urban and not a gambler.

And talking about risk-taking, Silver’s next race is imminent. She’s back at Uttoxeter and this time over the Chase fences. I’m nervous more than excited. I alway imagine, though I may be wrong, that hurdles are more forgiving of tired horses and so their mistakes. Silver jumps well but can hit them hard when she gets tired as she has on the final fence of her last two races. Anyway, breath held and magical wings sent her way. Will Featherstone partners her tomorrow. Good luck Will and Silver.