My old man used to say that Monday racing was like leftover Sunday roast – often better than you expected, but rarely given the credit it deserved. Well, if he'd been trackside at Exeter yesterday afternoon, he'd have been tucking into a proper feast rather than picking at scraps.
The Devon track served up a seven-race card that had everything you could want from an afternoon's National Hunt racing – competitive handicaps, promising maidens, and a feature race that reminded us why the veterans deserve our utmost respect. With the going riding Good after last week's vertidrain work, conditions were spot on for some serious galloping.
The Old Guard Shows Class in Memorial Feature
The David Keith Memorial Veterans' Handicap Chase was always going to be the day's centrepiece, and what a race it shaped up to be. When you've got Hang In There leading the charge off a mark of 149, you know you're watching horses that have been there, done that, and probably got the t-shirt framed on the stable wall.
Gavin Sheehan's partnership with the top-weight has been one of those understated success stories this season, and watching them negotiate three miles of Exeter's undulating track is like watching a master class in race riding. Mars Harper and Numitor both brought serious credentials to the party, but there's something about a horse that knows its job that always appeals to me.
The beauty of these veterans' races is that they're often more tactical than the younger brigade's efforts. These old campaigners have learned patience, and their jockeys know exactly when to press the button. Sean Bowen on Numitor looked particularly confident beforehand – always a good sign when you're dealing with a jockey who doesn't waste words or energy.
Hidden Gems in the Supporting Cast
While the feature race grabbed the headlines, it was the supporting cast that provided some of the day's most intriguing moments. The mares' maiden hurdle threw up several names worth jotting down in the notebook for future reference.
Blue's Secret Gem, making her debut under Sam Twiston-Davies, had that look about her in the paddock – the sort of composed demeanour that suggests she knows more than she's letting on. When you see an unrated horse getting the services of a jockey of Twiston-Davies' calibre, it's worth paying attention. The betting market certainly seemed to think so.
But it was Mighty Fleur who really caught my eye. Already rated 110, she's clearly shown plenty at home to warrant that sort of mark, and Sean Bowen's booking suggested connections were expecting a big run. These mares' races often produce future stars, and I've got a feeling we'll be seeing several of yesterday's runners again at much bigger meetings.
The Norfolk National Throws Up Talking Horses
The Exeter racecard always looks stronger when it includes a race with 'National' in the title, and the Norfolk National didn't disappoint. Over three miles and five furlongs, this was a proper test of stamina and jumping ability.
Stolen Silver, with Miss Olive Nicholls in the saddle, brought an interesting dynamic to the race. Amateur riders often get overlooked by punters, but they frequently know these horses better than anyone. When you see course and distance winners like Stans The Man and Tommie Beau in the field, you know the form is solid.
What impressed me most was the depth of the field. Ten runners, all with legitimate chances, and several carrying the course and distance form that makes Exeter such a specialist track. Planned Paradise under Mr J.J. Murphy-Knight looked particularly well-handicapped, and I suspect we'll see him to better effect over the winter months.
Evening Finale Provides Food for Thought
The day's finale, a mares' handicap hurdle over an extended two miles and seven furlongs, might have been the smallest race in terms of prize money, but it threw up some interesting pointers for the future. Dartmouth Rose, a course and distance winner under Jack Quinlan, looked the most straightforward proposition, but it was Harley's Pride who caught my attention.
Sean Bowen's mount has been campaigned sparingly but intelligently, and her rating of 87 might just underestimate her true ability. These late-season mares' races often see improvement from horses that have been given time to mature, and I wouldn't be surprised to see her pop up at a bigger meeting before the season's out.
Looking Ahead: Ones to Follow
If I were marking cards for future reference, several names from yesterday's action would be getting the highlighter treatment. Blue's Secret Gem tops the list – any horse good enough to attract Twiston-Davies for a maiden hurdle debut is worth following, especially if the market support was anything to go by.
From the veterans' race, whichever horse finished in the first three will be worth noting for similar contests. These old campaigners often come in clusters of form, and Exeter's unique demands mean that course winners have a significant advantage when they return.
The real value, though, might come from some of the lesser lights. Horses like Tyson in the big handicap hurdle and Eliza Dolittle in the finale – both looked to be running with more to offer, and their connections will have learned plenty about their capabilities.
Monday racing at Exeter reminded us why this game never gets old. Quality horses, competitive racing, and enough talking points to keep the pub conversations going until the next meeting. Sometimes the best racing happens when you're not expecting it, and yesterday was one of those days that makes you fall in love with the sport all over again.
