Wrap of Day Three

The Gold Cup turned out to be a success for Godolphin and Frankie Dettorie. It was Frankie's first winner in 41 rides and the excitement was etched all over his face after his famous dismount. Fame and Glory was all the rage and ran no sort of race, failing to quicken in the later stages and many punters including myself were left to throw our tickets in the garbage. The two Godolphin horses, Colour Vision and Opinion Poll fought out a tough finish with the two horses coming together and making contact in the final stages of the marathon event. Having a good look at the head on I was left wit the feeling that the result could be reversed in either France or South Africa. Objection rules differ from Country to Country and some sort of uniformity would be good. The runner up had come from behind Frankie and in going by the winner had drifted out under a hard ride and made contact with the runner up causing the momentum to be lost. At this precise stage Betfair were laying 15/1 Colour Vision and one to ten Opinion Poll.

The Irish struck early in the day when promising Princess Highway trotted up in the Ribblesdale. Tubs Riddell, still one of the shrewdest operators in Blighty had confidently voiced his opinions on the winner and he helped us make it a winning day. The three year old scene for fillies is still unclear but after this performance, Princess Highway might just be regarded as the best of her generation. Time will tell.

The emergence of Germany as a major force in global racing received a major boost when Energiser won the Tercentenary Stakes under jockey Adrie De Vries. I had never heard of him as well. Who can forget Danedream's superb win in the Arc. Germany is here to stay, just watch the Euro championship.

William Haggas, a great friend of South Africa and it's racing provided race goers with a wonderful win when his favourite, Fast or Free won the Brittania Stakes rather comfortably. Ryan Moore drove the filly out under a light weight and is now favourite to win the Royal Ascot jockeys championship.

The Norfolk Stakes was won by Reckless Abandon giving jockey Adam Kirby his first Royal Ascot winner. Kirby rode his first winner in 2004 and had his best season last year with 115 winners.

It was good to catch up with Mike Cattermole the celebrated commentator and presenter for a couple of drinks. We were also invited in for a couple more with Mark Johnson and his family. It was good to see his son Charlie who was last seen propping up the bar at my stables months ago. Their horse Fennel Bay stayed very inch of the trip to win the last race. My winning ticket was firmly ensconced in my vacuous wallet. Rishi Persad is always good value and is a celebrity presenter who always makes plenty of time for the masses.

Until later when the champagne kicks in.....