Ramsden was in a hat-trick hurry at Kenilworth on Saturday
Apart from having summer-like weather here in the Cape over the weekend, it felt like Christmas at the races, having three winners – and it was almost four. It is great when the horses run well and put in the type of effort one expects. It is also good to be winning some decent handicaps. Not quite time yet to throw myself off a very tall building.
It is great to be having a different array of jockeys winning on our horses. To me, Bernard is one of the best jockeys in the country, but being tall and heavy, it makes it tough for us when it comes to finding jockeys for light rides. We find ourselves having to give the youngsters a chance and it is extremely rewarding to see them come to the party, ride good races and get the horses home. Some trainers are extremely good at giving the young guys a chance. One of my failings in life is that I am not usually one of these trainers but maybe it is time for an old dog to learn new tricks?
We had National Ladies Day round the country and by all accounts it was a huge success. I know Kenilworth put in a huge amount of effort and there were some very pretty ladies around, dressed in some stunning outfits. Ladies Day is becoming a regular event at Kenilworth and each year it seems to grow. Nothing beats going racing when there is a decent crowd and a large female crowd definitely makes it even more worthwhile. It is one of the lovely things about UK racing. At all the big festivals – Ascot, York, Goodwood – everyone makes an effort to look smart and enjoy what hopefully is the English summertime. Well done to Kenilworth.
Johan Janse Van Vuuren – Paddock’s twin?
Sitting at my desk, going through the weekend reports, runners and veterinary notes, I have had the weekend’s replays on. Whilst I do not know the gentleman well, Mr Johan Janse van Vuuren certainly seems to be going extremely well in Johannesburg, having many winners. Every time I look up and see him on the telly, I cannot help but see the face and body of former PE trainer, Mark Paddock. Mark was a great friend of mine in the old days. He really is the spitting image of him and for some strange reason it feels like my old mate has been spirited away and reborn in Johannesburg. I might have to ask for some birth certificates.
It is great to have the international racing back on the channel and I certainly love telly track’s new decals. It really is international class and looks the part to go with the product. May they go from strength to strength.
Down here in the Western Cape, it is good to see another old friend of mine, Neil Pretorius, back in action. I believe he is working for Betting World and I do not think they could have employed a more knowledgeable and enthusiastic gentleman when it comes to racing in general. Racing runs from the top of his head down to the tip of his toes. He is utterly sold on racing and when he starts a job, he is the most passionate man I have ever come across. I am sure, with Neil’s help, Betting World can only go up and forward. I feel there are exciting times ahead.
It is sales time again with the National 2 yr old sale starting on Wednesday. It is a huge catalogue and goes over three days which is a bit of a pain for me. Anyway, there appears to be a spectrum of pedigrees to suit all budgets and pockets. I wish them well and hope the sale is a huge success for them.
www.joeyramsden.com
