Racing report

Snapping Turtle thrilled us all with a hard fought victory at Musselburgh yesterday. He won the 3m ½f handicap hurdle for which he started the 2nd favourite.

Callum settled the gelding tucked in nicely just behind the leaders. He got in close to his hurdles on a couple of occasions but he was still there, travelling relatively well, after 4 out (down the back straight). Urging Snapping Turtle along, Callum quickly joined the 2 leaders, and the trio were neck and neck to 2 out. From that point, it was just Snapping Turtle and Vision de la Vie from the in-form Pauline Robson yard who were left to contest victory.
Well, Snapping Turtle got in tight to the last, but Callum soon had him balanced and staying on. Halfway up the run-in, it was still too close to call until Snapping Turtle stuck his neck out and resolutely gained victory under a fine driving finish from Callum.

Horse racing - phew!

That victory was Snapping Turtle's second of his career, the 9-yr-old having won at Newcastle last season. Judged on his racing to date, it would appear that ground (good ground, maybe just on the soft side) is more important than distance as he has now won at 2½ miles and 3 mile plus change. He had a couple of niggling injuries which kept him off the racecourse for a few weeks recently, but today showed him in such fine heart. Downside is that the gelding has been in the yard since the spring, with no time off at grass.
He may be given a rest now, and brought back at the back end of the season to miss the softer ground of winter.

Either way, this win has given a fine boost to the yard!  

Snapping Turtle (Callum) 'fiddles' the last, but stays on doggedly to beat Vision de la Vie

ps Hope some of you managed to have a couple of bob on (sp 3-1), after we gave a very positive summary of his chances in our news report yesterday morning.