My Father Deserves All The Credit For Newmarket Wins

Guineas weekend at Newmarket left us with mixed feelings. I was a bit deflated after Intricately’s run but it was brilliant to see Dad land both classics.

Intricately
We can’t really put our finger on Intricately’s run. She travelled well through the race but just didn’t pick up when Donncha asked her. We can’t offer an explanation for the run but sometimes Newmarket can do that to horses.

I’ve seen lots of horses over the years run poorly in the Guineas and come back to form next time. She’s only arrived home on Monday morning so we’ll give her a couple of days before deciding whether to target the Irish 1000 Guineas next weekend.

I was delighted for Dad to win his fourth English 1000 Guineas. I think both Winter and Rhododendron are exceptional fillies and they’ll be tough to beat for the remainder of the season.

Churchill
Churchill again demonstrated his superstar qualities in the 2000 Guineas. He’s got all you’d want in a miler. He possesses plenty of pace, travels strongly and has a potent turn of foot.

In terms of where he stands in comparison to Dad’s seven other Guineas winners, it’s very hard to say. Often with that question, your current star is your best one when asked. It looks like he’ll be made into a top-class three-year-old though. Whether he’ll get 12 furlongs, that’s still an unknown and only time will tell.

He’s by Galileo so that’s a good starting point and his relaxed style of racing will give him every chance. I know for sure I wouldn’t like to be trying to beat him with one!

Leopardstown
At Leopardstown, I was impressed with the first three home in Sunday’s Derby trial. They look like three high-class colts. It was great for Emmett McNamara to bag a big prize on Douglas Macarthur.

He’s an invaluable member of the Ballydoyle team and a quality rider. Where Epsom is concerned, there are so many variables to consider other than bare form. Epsom provides the ultimate test of the thoroughbred and from the track layout, to handling the occasion, to luck in running.

These are only some of the many things to consider. There clearly isn’t a whole lot between them, maybe Yucatan did best to come from as far back as he did.