A Grand Day Out

I didn’t build a rocket and go to the moon to eat cheese. I did however hop in the car and drive down Surrey to see Calva D’Auge race in the Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown park. 

 

And a fine time it was. I’ve had great value for money off the back of buying a few shares in this horse, and even though he’s very young and has a long way to go, understanding some of what the team go through, the time, effort, planning and the incredible care and treatment that racehorses get has been an education. 

Sandown is a great little racecourse as well. I say little, because I’m used to Cheltenham (which is huge) so it’s just relatively little.  Perhaps compact would do it more justice. They race it clockwise, both hurdles and flat, and it has quite a serious hill just after the finish line; so saps the energy in the first lap and starts to bite again at the end. The main advantage is that you can see just about all of the course quite easily.  It’s definitely on my list for a return visit. 

Now this race is a Grade 1 National Hunt race with a prize purse of £50,000, so it’s a serious step up for a young horse. He did a fantastic job of it, and came in fourth (very nearly 3rd). He’s trained by Paul Nicholls, ably assisted by Harry Denham. On this occasion, Harry Cobden was riding.

Another great day out though. Just a shame Mrs G had to work. She’d have loved it too I’m sure.

Hopefully he’ll get another run during January, but that’s all up to Mr Nicholls. Finally, congratulations to Paul Nicholls on his OBE in the New Years Honors list.  Very well deserved. He really is a master trainer.