Day 3, Level 2: Racing, saddles, and Clerks of the course

Off to the races at Ellerslie today to watch our Saintly Way run. Six of us owners were there and it was all a rather strange experience thanks to Covid restrictions. We were in the large room where the general public usually go (we usually go in the members stand). There were probably only about a maximum of 50 people throughout the day, all owners. 

It was actually really pleasant - there was a carvery and bar and we could wander outside to watch the horses up close. No queues to put a bet on. It was a rather quiet and subdued atmosphere with so few people - but the racing itself was excellent. As was the weather.

Saintly Way (aka Ziggy) was in Race 4. We were all really nervous, as he had everything going for him today and there wasn't really room for any sort of excuse. He had a decent draw, a track to suit, a good apprentice rider on with a 2kg claim, and ideal weather. He was paying very well too. 

There were 10 horses in the field - including a few good horses, one being a standout, which was the favourite. And ultimate winner.

The plan was to get Ziggy forward and run handy to the pace, reserving energy for the fast run home - a 1200m sprint race. He jumped well and was running hard and fast so the jockey took him to the front. He ended up in front on the home turn, which wasn't the plan (too soon) but, to be fair, he could have been stuck 3-wide for the trip if he hadn't gone forward. 

At this point he was looking pretty good, but we knew he'd expended too much energy by being in front. About 200m from the winning post, he was still trying hard but then, to our dismay, he didn't go on with his run and other courses romped past him. At the same time, the jockey appeared not to ride him out to the line. WTF? We were in a bit of disbelief and hoping everything was okay with Ziggy. He came in 6th and only 6 lengths from the winner. 

A jockey will drop his hands and not ride a horse out if there is something amiss so we were really concerned. But it turned out the saddle had shifted. Due to going a bit too hard a bit too early, he didn't have much gas left in the tank, but he should have/could have come 5th or even 4th if he'd been able to be ridden out.

As soon as the jockey stops riding, the horse will slow up. And that's what Ziggy did. So that was a bit disappointing. But, if a saddle slips and shifts, then the jockey is disadvantaged and it can, of course, be dangerous. They have to take measures - and winning a race in that situation is impossible.

So while everything else was in Ziggy's favour today - the jockey's gear wasn't! That's racing. You have to take the knocks even when it seems the ducks are finally in a line. We were just glad everything was okay with Ziggy, although he had a big blow after the race. He did well, fresh up, under the circumstances. 

So it's back to the drawing board ... given the saddle issue, the run was better than it seemed. Frank will assess him and make a call on when/where he next lines up. By then, we should be in Level 1 and hopefully being on course on race day will return to normal.

It was a shame we couldn't go and see Ziggy in the stables and we had only a quick word over the fence with Frank the trainer after the race. So it definitely wasn't like a normal day at the races as an owner. It was weird being under the restricted regime - a bit like racing ghost town. But we had a heap of fun - and virtually had the place to ourselves! It was a most excellent day.

Field coming down the straight

Me and a horse - not Ziggy!

 

Our crew (plus Steve who took the photo)

Later in the evening, the Stewards' Report came out - it mentioned Ziggy and his saddle issue and that the jockey couldn't ride him out. So he is formally excused! And the jockey had better sort out his saddle or saddling-up issues! Not sure if it was put on poorly or if there was something wrong with the saddle itself, or maybe something broke during the race. No doubt we'll find out a bit more detail tomorrow. 

A fabulous day at the races - even if we didn't get the thrill of a win. 

Next time ...!!! 

SHARE-NOTE OF THE DAY:
Clerks of the Course ...

These are lovely older retired racehorses or eventers (always grey) and their riders (always in red) whose job it is to escort frisky horses to the start line, capture any horses that escape and run loose at any point, and generally oversee things on the racetrack and in the birdcage so that all goes smoothly. You could say they keep the course and horses in order! They are beautiful and purposeful and beautiful to watch.

Clerks at Ellerslie today

Clerks - at Trentham racecourse in Wellington 2019