DD Racing has had several runners recently so far this autumn who have all been performing well. Highlights include a worthwhile trip to Perth in Scotland in late September where CYCLOP and LIBOR LAD both filled second spot on rain softened ground picking up over £9000 in prize money.
The David Dennis Racing Club has had CARAPAZ flying the flag for them since his arrival from Ireland in the spring. He was running a promising race at Huntingdon, in October, staying on in 3rd before making a bad mistake and unseating at the last fence which was a shame for all concerned. He will be back in action next spring where he will hopefully fulfil this promising effort. The club also had Sparkling Bird make her return to the racecourse at Ludlow, in October, where she ran a promising race finishing fifth in a competitive Maiden Hurdle after over two years off the track.
Cyclop fills third place at Sandown in November
Veterans’ races are tailor made for stable stalwart CYCLOP; he finished a superb 3rd at the October opening meeting at Chepstow, only 3 lengths behind Good Boy Bobby and Aye Right, which was a fine effort under Theo Gillard. He ran another superb race at Sandown, in November, where he again ran into an inform Good Boy Bobby. He is being aimed at the £100k Veterans Final at Sandown on 6th January where he will be a 13yo. It is amazing how his enthusiasm for racing has remained as strong as ever!
November 2nd at Stratford saw an exciting afternoon for David Dennis Racing as HARTHILL and LIBOR LAD secured a 1st & 2nd in the 16 runner, 2 mile 2 handicap hurdle. Both horses were following up from placings in their previous runs a month earlier. The heavy rain had softened the ground to suit both runners, both aiming to break their novice status.
LIBOR LAD, being ridden again under Tommy Bellamy, was hoping to improve on his 2nd at Perth at the end of September for owners Wingate Associates Limited and was going best into the home run after a patient ride from Tommy, leading at the last. HARTHILL, owned by Mrs Emma Stewart, was, again, hoping to improve on her 3rd at Newton Abbot at the start of October. Making headway 3 out, she began challenging and stayed on strong to beat Libor Lad by a length and half under a confident ride from Sam Twiston-Davies.
A mud splattered Harthill in the winner’s enclosure at Stratford with Gemma Habgood and David.
LIBOR LAD’s next start was at Uttoxeter, on Sunday 26th November, where he jumped and travelled well throughout the 2m4f H’cap Hurdle and cruised through under Theo Gillard to take up the running two furlongs from home. Idling in front, he won by a comfortable three and a quarter lengths which was a great result for Gary Hartland, of Wingate Associates Limited, who was in attendance with his family.
Libor Lad with owner Gary Harltand at Uttoxeter
Three year old SIMPLY BELLE made a pleasing debut at Huntingdon, in October, in a Juvenile Bumper finishing a running on 4th under Tom Bellamy. She ran another solid race going one better next time out, again at Huntingdon, finishing 3rd spot giving owner Graham Saville another mare with a bright future after Merry Mistress’s retirement earlier in the year.
All weather flat racing has become competitive all year round and we have had a couple of two year olds run with promise. CALL HENRY built on his debut at Wolverhampton in early October finishing second at 66/1 over 7f under Jockey Liam Keniry which gives us plenty to look forward to in the future. BLUE BALLE made his debut for us, in November, in a maiden over 6f at Wolverhampton where he travelled well and was making good headway inside the final furlong to finish fourth. Both these 2yo’s should win races in the future.
Another pleasing run this autumn was from BALLYNAHEER who made his debut for us at Chepstow in October. New owner to the yard, David Purvis, has a promising horse who travelled and jumped well under Stan Sheppard before tiring on heavy ground. He shaped well and will have learnt plenty from the experience. We look forward to seeing how he gets on this season.
Looking ahead to the festive period, we will hopefully be busy with runners as long as the weather allows!
Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas from all at David Dennis Racing.