What a lovely hands and heels win from Graham Lee aboard Grange Park Racing’s ‘Embsay Crag’ today at Newcastle. He was always travelling so smoothly and it was so good to see him win without picking up his stick. This was his second win of the season and hopefully he can transfer this improvement back to hurdles over the winter months. We were ready for a win after a couple of reversals the last fortnight, and i believe this is no.54 for the year.
Racing Post remarked: This open handicap was run at a honest pace in the testing ground. EMBSAY CRAG looked on a high enough mark but saw the trip out best to win for his in-form yard. He looked to be racing a shade keen down the back straight but kept finding for his rider and was not stopping at the line. This resolute galloper who is versatile in regards the ground, will now be sent hurdling.
Tomorrow its Chloe’s Image and Devotion to Duty at Wetherby – Chloe is having her third start in a hurdle race and qualifies for handicaps after tomorrow. This lovely looking mare is moderate on the flat, but has taken to hurdles well and jumps with confidence. She will improve as she strengthens up further.
Racing Post comment reads:
Devotion To Duty: Inconsistent over hurdles/fences but capable in either code on his day, as he showed for March chase win; below best when last seen for Lucinda Russell in April, but no surprise if makes successful stable debut (minus recent headgear) with new trainer enjoying a tremendous 2013; watch the betting.
Jockey Barrty Keniry came in today and schooled War Lord and Eltheeb – both went nicely and the latter is entered at Uttoxeter later in the week, he wouldn’t want much more rain. Eltheeb is one of our newest arrivals, a gorgeous looking grey horse who has some good form in juvenile hurdles last season.
Eltheeb