There are times with horses when writing a blog can be a tricky business – as we all know far too well, they refuse to follow a script, the lows can be continuous, the light can seem a long way down the tunnel – but I am glad and excited to report that 2018 is not one of those times so far for us here at Ben Haslam Racing!
The weather has been beyond dismal, the horses beyond fresh and yet the performances on the racetrack have ensured many a smile at half past morning as the staff here have gathered together every item of clothing they own to face the Beast from the East. However, their dedication, going out onto the North Yorkshire Moors when others have stayed in the warm, has meant the horses are simply flying. 50% of our runners have finished in the top two so far, with only 3 finishing out of the winner’s enclosure from 23.
These are fantastic statistics, and with luck we will keep them going when the weather finally warms up! Cash Again got the ball rolling over jumps, winning his first chase at Sedgefield in the famous green and gold J.P. McManus colours, followed up by Porrima (left) gaining our first flat win of the year at Lingfield when she claimed her maiden under an inspired ride from Luke Morris for owner Daniel Shapiro.
Newcastle is proving a very happy hunting ground – having never quite had a double of winners on the same day, we have now managed this feat twice within a fortnight! Castle Hill Cassie and Rey Loopy (right) were first up, and both won like the improving four year olds they are – there should be plenty more to come from these two this year, who have already claimed three victories apiece.
Cherry Oak and Lord Caprio (left), both turning three, repeated this feat and should also be continuing their form. Cherry was having her first win for owners Ontoawinner, who also own Cassie, whilst Lord Caprio was flying the Blue Lion colours. There has also been time for some fun and games, with Ben training hard to win his charity Boxing match (Alice was trying to forcefeed him.
Feedmark electrolytes having seen the horses’ results!) and Alice winning a Donkey Derby at the fabulous Middleham Open Day! Hopefully 2018 will bring more and more good news – we can only cross our fingers they continue to follow the script as the sun hopefully starts to shine! Until next time, Team Haslam.