Musselburgh this afternoon

[robnorth]

I’ve just got back from Musselburgh’s meeting today. The crowd was somewhere between a ‘Saturday crowd’ and a midweek attendance. A clash with Scotland v France rugby and Hibs v Rangers in the Scottish Cup wouldn’t have helped.

A few points arising from this meeting.

The 2.30 and 3.30 were advertised in the Racing Post as 2 mile races (actually shown as 2m 1y). However, they were actually run over 2m 1f, starting in the back straight.

A couple of stewards’ enquiries, though not the standard issues:

1) Nicky Richards was reported to the BHA under the Order covering ‘Withdrawal off top Weights In Handicaps’ following his withdrawal of Premier Dane in the feature race.
2) The other enquiry resulted in the Racetech Photo Finish operator being reported for turning up late!
Am I the only sad soul who reads the notice board?

The last point covers the injury sustained by Geton in the Novices’ Chase. Te gelding was pulled up abruptly by Timmy Murphy after jumping the last in the straight. He sustained a hind leg injury, though to an untrained eye it was difficult to tell how serious. The vet attended and administered a tranquiliser, then the screens were put up, after which a lorry was brought in rather than the horse ambulance, so I presume the gelding was put down. Spectators were ushered away from the scene, but no announcement was made and the crowd left in the dark.There was a subdued atmosphere for some while. It does seem that there’s an effort to ‘sanitise’ the situation and keep the public away from reality. I did try to catch a word with the trainer Peter Montieth, but he was otherwise occupied.

Rob

[Bulwark]

Was about to post a thread about musselburough today, I listened to all the races today on paddy power radio, the 230 sounded a bit mental, so watched it back on the racing post site, what a finish to a race, wish I’d been there.

Aswell as that, how many races were won by gambles up there today, the winners of the 1.30, 2.00, 2.30, 3.30, and 4.00 were all cross the board gambles on oddschecker today and three of them returned some nice prices. Brilliant

Thought Nicky Richards brought out an interesting ex flat horse in the 230, didnt run too badly on debut really, finished a respectable third but I think it should come on for the run and win next time out.

[robnorth]

Bulwark

I hadn’t really thought of the 2.30 as being dramatic, since I really get into methodical mode when making notes. However, thinking about it, a few things did happen. Harper’s Valley seemed OK after being pulled up, as he was last seen been led round waiting to enter the sample box. Pertemps Network was unlucky. Los Nadis hadn’t jumped well for the whole way and another flatfooted jump at the last cost him the race.

Disappointing turn out for the feature race, but a masterful ride from in front by Richard Johnson on Astarador.

Interesting prospect in the last with Doeslessthanme leading then going away when required. It wasn’t a competitive event but the winner had them strung out like washing.

I’ll update North’s Notes for the meeting ASAP.

Rob

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