Matt Chapman and Amy Murphy sharing a joke
MATT CHAPMAN was on duty at Lingfield Park yesterday for Sky Sports and he and trainer, Amy Murphy, had an interesting conversation regarding riding instructions for Solario Racing’s flagship horse, Dancinginthewoods!
Matt quite fancied the horse and thought there would be quite a few hold up horses in the 7f handicap which might allow “Woody” to get the run of the race up front. However, he was keen to know the thoughts of the trainer!
Matt explained that he’d gone through the first race and that it didn’t quite work out. Amy, never short of a word or two herself, interjected with a quick, “Why have you come to jinx me?”
Amy went on to say Freddy would be allowed to ride the horse as he saw it and wouldn’t be tied down to instructions.
Matt then turned to the jockey and said: “The choice of tactics here apparently is absolutely down to you.”
Matt Chapman and Frederick Larson fooling around
Freddy replied: “The best way. What do you think I should do?”
Matt then gave his instructions to which Freddy responded by giving him his skull cap which the Sky Sports broadcaster duly donned and then temporarily walked off.
It was a nice comedy moment and broadcaster, trainer and jockey all played their part.
During the race itself, “Woody” was in a good position throughout, just off the pace, travelling nicely as he always does. He looked in trouble on the final bend but came up the inside rail and briefly around the furlong pole looked as though he might go and win. However, it was a furious finish and in the end he was beaten a length by Sayifyouwill with Jilly Cooper an arguably unlucky second, Algheed in third and “Woody” in fourth.
“Woody”, Amy, the groom and happy owners
This 6yo son of Garswood, owned by Solario Racing (Ashridge) was earning prize money for his enthusiastic owners for the 24th time from 29 races. He barely knows how to run a bad race and has given his owners a huge amount of fun.
Next time, we’re going to try something different. Watch this space!
