Sunday Spectacular at the East Yorkshire Track
What a day for jump racing enthusiasts at Beverley! The East Yorkshire venue served up a cracking seven-race card that had everything – from promising novices to battle-hardened veterans showing they've still got plenty left in the tank.
The going was testing but fair – Good to Soft with softer patches keeping jockeys honest throughout the afternoon. Perfect conditions for separating the wheat from the chaff, and boy did we get some performances to remember!
The feature Veterans' Chase stole the show, but there were gems scattered throughout this Beverley racecard that had the faithful crowd buzzing from first to last.
Tommy's Oscar Commands Respect in Feature
The £30,000 Veterans' Handicap Chase was always going to be the race of the day, and it didn't disappoint. This was leg three of The Stayers' Veterans' Chase Series, and the quality on show justified every penny of that prize pot.
Tommy's Oscar went off as the talking horse with Danny McMenamin in the saddle, carrying a hefty 139 rating that told you everything about his class. The partnership had to work for it over the extended three miles, but when it mattered most, that superior rating showed.
Empire Steel and Brian Hughes were never far away, the 128-rated chaser keeping honest throughout. But it was the way Tommy's Oscar quickened approaching the final fence that marked him out as something special. McMenamin barely had to get serious – always the sign of a horse with more to give.
Rex Dingle's Credo ran his heart out for third, proving these veterans can still cut it when the heat is on. At 127, he's no mug, and connections will be eyeing similar contests over the coming weeks.
Novice Hurdle Throws Up Future Stars
The novices' hurdle was a proper cavalry charge with eleven going to post, and They Want Me emerged as the one to follow. Theo Gillard's mount looked to have plenty in hand at the line, suggesting this 112-rated sort has improvement written all over him.
Big Jon caught the eye in defeat under Ross Chapman. This one's clearly learning his trade but showed enough raw ability to suggest better days lie ahead. The way he traveled through the race before finding the hill just too much suggests a drop back in trip might unlock his potential.
King Kodiak was disappointing given his connections, but don't write him off just yet. Sometimes these types need the experience before showing their true colors.
Chase Action Delivers the Goods
The novices' handicap chase saw Benmore and Danny McMenamin team up for what looked like a workmanlike success. Rated 114, this one's clearly held in some regard, and the professional way he went about his business suggests he's ready to step up in class.
Kahavari ran a cracker in defeat for Craig Nichol. At 111, he's well-handicapped if he can iron out a couple of jumping errors. One for the notebook definitely.
The longer handicap chase was all about Hudson de Grugy and Jonathan England. This 120-rated performer has been knocking on the door, and when he gets his head in front, he tends to make it count. The way he stayed on up the hill was impressive stuff.
Mares and Hunters Round Off Quality Card
The mares' hurdle was competitive as always, with Lady Babs looking the pick under Conor Rabbitt. Her 99 rating might not set the world alight, but she's consistent and clearly loves it round here.
Holly Bird deserves a mention for Brian Hughes. At 96, she's another who could find a race or two before the season's out. Hughes doesn't often get beat when he fancies one.
The hunters' chase brought the curtain down in style. These point-to-point graduates always provide entertainment, and Galon de Vauzelle with Miss Phidelma Elvin looked the class act. A 117 rating in this company is serious business.
Looking Ahead: Ones to Follow
Several horses caught the eye for future reference. Tommy's Oscar looks ready for a crack at bigger prizes – those Veterans' Series races are building nicely toward a valuable final.
They Want Me from the novice hurdle screams improvement. Theo Gillard's booking suggests connections think plenty of him, and he'll be one to follow wherever he pops up next.
Don't forget Benmore in the novice chase either. McMenamin's ride suggested there's more to come, and a step up to better company might suit.
Empire Steel ran a blinder in the feature and will be competitive wherever he goes next. That 128 rating keeps him competitive in decent company.
All in all, a cracking day's sport at Beverley. The track continues to serve up quality National Hunt action, and performances like these remind us why jump racing remains the most thrilling spectacle in the sport. Roll on the next meeting!
