A busy Wednesday as we take in flat action at Nottingham, Ripon and the Curragh whilst Kempton hosts a late all weather card. We also have jumping in the south west at Newton Abbot.
Derby Reflections
After two days at Epsom, it was interesting to read the various takes on social media about how Epsom can improve its offering to racing fans and see a resurgence in its attendances. For me, they have the correct two days to host the event on, having seen calls for a nostalgic-led return to holding the race on a Wednesday. These views belong in the history books. We would only be making it harder for people to attend, given the majority still work a Monday to Friday. If people aren’t coming on a Saturday why would they suddenly all flock to taking a day’s annual leave and come on a Wednesday?
I think the easiest win is the better promotion of the Hill. What top level sporting event can you get free access to? In an age where people are struggling with the cost of living I think the Hill is such a strong asset to offering people the opportunity to try racing for the first time with zero cost. It was worth noting how unlucky the jockey club were with the weather, specifically on the Friday which felt more like November than the end of May. Speaking to people who paid to go, I did hear the odd grumble about the lack of loos and trying to get a drink. It is rare, however, at any mass attending sporting event, that you should get a pint or a burger within seconds. I am sure tweaks can be made to improve the paying customers experience and expect the team at Epsom to refine the meeting based on the feedback given by people who went.
Finally, shall we touch on the race? City Of Troy was a fantastic winner. In the lead up I think it was fair to say it looked very open on paper but this son of Justify, who was so good at two, returned to show us all just why he was sent off such a short price in the 2000 Guineas. I can’t wait to see where he goes next for connections who have suggested a possible trip to America. The Flat season was in need of a star and I think we may have just seen one return to the stage.
Nap Of The Day
After a nice winner on Monday it was frustrating to see yesterday’s NAP unseat when coming with a strong effort at Southwell. Today, the NAP heads to Ripon for the 6.55 which is a six furlong novice race. Manhattan Mirage should land Amo racing another winner here thanks to some decent placement. Placed on two starts at the back end of the season last year, he returned at Doncaster to be beaten by just a head by Balmacara who went on to win again next time out and then finish third in a listed race at Epsom at the weekend. The effort at Newmarket from Manhattan Mirage suggested a drop to six furlong wouldn’t be a bad idea and today I think he can shed his maiden tag at Ripon.
