Roman Legion chilling out
THE racing clocks seemed to turn back this week as David Loder yesterday sent out his first runner on the flat for eleven years while Joseph O’Brien today was having his first ride under rules for eleven months.
The two had contrasting fortunes as the flat turned jumps trainer’s Recently Acquired was fourteen of fourteen at Redcar, interestingly ridden by Jim Crowley, chasing his first Jockeys title while young Joseph (still only 23!) showed he still has what it takes to win the Legends Race at Doncaster on Phosphoresence, winner of the St Leger at Town Moor three years ago.
Meanwhile, Solario Racing’s Roman Legion is chilling out in one of the many paddocks at the 115-acre Harper Lodge Farm as temperatures climbed into the 20s with the country enjoying the beginning of an Indian summer.
Three Amigos
Gelded last month, the 2yo son of Holy Roman Emperor spent August being lunged and on the walker. Dean is a great believer in giving horses turn out and although we could have brought him back into full training, we decided to give him a “proper” post-gelding break.
I went up to the stables today and “Roman” was happy as Larry with his two turn-out buddies, six-times winner Varsovian and two-year-old, Higgy’s Heartbeat. It was incredibly muggy so all three ambled around, taking in the odd draught of water but it was not a day to be cavorting never mind cantering around the paddocks.
The plan is to bring RL back into training next month with a view to an all-weather campaign.
