Reflections on Carlisle last Sunday

A bit better than the bare results.

The Pertemps Hurdle Qualifier, even with the absence of Knockara Beau and Tradewinds, was a really competitive affair. We highlighted as much in our preview, and the winner was the classy Pineau de Re who before winning the 2014 National, finished 3rd in the final of this race at the Cheltenham festival.
Hartforth misbehaved a bit at the start and missed the break, so didn't settle in his normal front running role. He still jumped exuberantly, gaining ground at each flight. The pace quickened after 3 out, but Hartforth couldn't quite go with the leaders, and finished in the rear, the last of the seven to complete.
Our gelding does enjoy testing conditions but maybe the ground was just too heavy and sapped his strength in the final quarter of the race.

Baby Ticker also finished second last in her race, the closing bumper. This was her first race, and she showed up for a long way, before tiring about 1f out. She has confirmed to us that she is not devoid of ability, with the first three having either winning Irish point form, or being bumper placed.
Being a 6yr old, we'll now head down the novice hurdle route and aim to pick up a mares' event in time.  

Hartforth