Evening Glory at Colwick Park
There's something rather magical about evening racing at Nottingham in late May, isn't there? The sun casting long shadows across Colwick Park, the punters settling in with their first pint of the evening, and that sense of anticipation that only comes when the working day is done and the horses are about to do their talking. Tuesday's seven-race card delivered exactly that sort of atmosphere, and if you had your notebook handy, there were plenty of entries to be made.
My old dad always said the best racing happens when folk are relaxed, and there was a wonderfully unhurried feel to proceedings despite some competitive fields. The Nottingham racecard promised entertainment from the off, and it certainly delivered on that front.
Skelton Shows His Class
You couldn't help but be impressed by Harry Skelton's evening's work. The champion jockey looked in fine fettle, particularly aboard Frere d'Armes in the Kalm Club @ Grange Festival Handicap Chase. This Dan Skelton-trained gelding has been threatening to put it all together for some time, and the way he travelled through that contest suggested the penny might finally be dropping.
What caught my eye wasn't just the winning margin, but how Skelton had him positioned throughout. Never closer than he needed to be, always travelling within himself, and when the business end arrived, there was an inevitability about the way he powered clear. That's the sort of ride that tells you both horse and jockey are operating on the same wavelength.
Skelton's second winner in the National Hunt Flat Race aboard Getmyfriend was equally impressive, though for different reasons. This one's clearly been schooled with the future in mind, and the way he quickened when asked suggested we'll be hearing plenty more from him when he goes over obstacles.
The Standout Performers
If I'm being honest, the evening's most intriguing performance came from Earth King in the marathon three-mile hurdle. Conor O'Farrell gave him a peach of a ride, but it was the horse's attitude that really caught the attention. He's been running respectably without quite getting his head in front, but there was something different about his demeanour here – more purposeful, more professional.
The way he stayed on up that Nottingham hill suggests he's crying out for even further, and I wouldn't be surprised to see connections eyeing up some of the staying handicaps at the summer festivals. He's the sort of horse that could pop up at a nice price when the ground turns softer later in the year.
Goodwin's victory in the Conditional Jockeys' series was workmanlike rather than spectacular, but don't let that fool you. Rian Corcoran's mount has been knocking on the door in better company than this, and the fact he won with a bit in hand suggests the handicapper might have been a touch generous. Course and distance winner now, which always adds to the appeal.
Ones for the Notebook
Several horses emerged from Tuesday's action with their reputations enhanced, even if they didn't manage to get their heads in front. Escapologist ran a blinder to finish second in that staying hurdle, and Sean Bowen seemed delighted with the way he travelled throughout. This one's been off the track for a while, and if this was him blowing away the cobwebs, there could be a nice handicap in him before the season's out.
In the opening maiden hurdle, Nelson Gate shaped with plenty of promise despite not quite having the pace to go with the winner when it mattered. Caoilin Quinn gave him every chance, and the way he stayed on suggests stepping up in trip will be right up his street. He's one to keep on the right side of when he reappears.
I also made a note about Captain Cool in that feature chase. Luke Scott's mount was never really travelling with any great enthusiasm, but he kept plugging away and there was nothing wrong with his jumping. Sometimes horses need a run to sharpen them up, and I suspect we might see a different animal next time.
Looking Ahead
The beauty of an evening like this is that it sets you up nicely for the weeks ahead. Several of these horses will be back in action sooner rather than later, and having seen them in the flesh gives you that crucial edge when they next appear in the betting ring.
Frere d'Armes looks the type who could step up in class without any bother, and I wouldn't be surprised to see the Skelton team aim him at one of the better handicap chases over the summer. Earth King, meanwhile, screams out for a step up in trip and could be worth following in the staying division.
As I made my way back to the car park, chatting with fellow racegoers about what we'd witnessed, there was that familiar buzz that comes from an evening well spent. Nottingham might not have the glamour of Cheltenham or the prestige of Aintree, but on nights like this, it reminds you why National Hunt racing gets under your skin and stays there. Roll on the next one.
