When it's your day, it really is your day! π
French Affair storms home from near the back of the field under guess who....
Yep, @loughnane_billy!
@Goodwood_Races
"It just goes to show if you're minding and looking after yourself, anything can go your way!"
After guiding Spartan Times to victory in a chaotic @UttoxeterRaces opener, Ian Power spoke to @mickfitzg...
I was fortunate enough to meet these two at the Ascot December meeting, which really was an uplifting experience for me, to witness their closeness, and the magnetic bond that they have developed.
We donβt need to wait for Racing Staff Week or National Racehorse week to appreciate and acknowledge the fabulous work that grooms do within this industry, the devotion that they give to their horses, and the close relationships and trust that they build and grow, with their horses, through their love and care.
Iroko and Rachael had another fantastic day at Aintree yesterday as he ran another great race to finish 2nd in the National (carrying 4lb more than in 2025) after finishing 4th last year. He really is such a genuine horse who gives you absolutely everything, so willing in competition with such a fierce will to win. Rachael must be so proud of him, and she must be commended too for playing such a major part in his career, his wellbeing and his happiness.
Itβs a part of this sport that needs to be lauded and celebrated and these two are fully deserving of all the credit that comes their way.
Thank you both for giving me your time on that cold winterβs day a few months ago. It meant a lot. Well done yesterday.
I was standing on Ascot Heath for the Clarence House Chase in January when a tired Il Etait Temps and Paul Townend fell right in front of me at the second last. When horses fall I always look for them to get back on their feet quickly and I am always looking for them to continue with the herd and to check that they are sound. Il Etait Temps did not get up quickly. In fact he stayed down for a considerable amount of time. His jockey, Mr Townend stayed with him. The dreaded screens went up and they stayed up for a good 10 minutes. The horse ambulance arrived and the Ascot veterinary team were heavily present. Paul Townend remained with his horse showing considerable care. The longer the situation went on the more I feared the worse for the horse. I thought back to the Cyrname incident at Ascot which gave me some reassurance but Iβd begun to give up hope.
Paul Townend eventually emerged from behind the screen and I shouted to him asking if his horse was alright. He gave me the thumbs up and he got into a car to take him back to the weighing room. Seconds later the screens came down and Il Etait Temps walked soundly into the horse ambulance. Such a relieve. This horse went on to be a fantastic winner of this yearβs Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival a couple of months later.
I cannot possibly believe that Paul Townend would knowingly ride out a horse that he knew was injured. It beggars belief to think that anyone would believe that. That day at Ascot his prime concern was for the welfare and wellbeing of his horse and I find it inconceivable that that behaviour would not be a constant in his character and be the same for every horse that he rides.
10yo & 12st, long lay off, horse βhold my beerβ
Telhimlisten with another winning return after a break.
Great handling @JCandlishracing@SquinlanSean
Last to first!
How's The Guvnor rattles home from the rear to follow up his Southwell win in dramatic fashion in our @WolvesRaces opener!
@JCandlishracing | @GeorgeWood20
"Our staff have been unbelievable!"
Alan O'Keeffe celebrates a first winner back for the @JCandlishracing team, who had to close their yard in November after a horse tested positive for strangles...
Popton Point makes a winning debut in our finale, the Wetherby Mares' National Hunt Flat Race, for @JCandlishracing.
We're back on Saturday week for our Christmas Beer Festival fixture!
"Hopefully there'll be no reason why she can't go and get the job done again"
@GeorgeWood20 has a good book of rides at @Southwell_Races this evening and joined the channel to preview his chances...
THE POWELLS JEWELLERY HANDICAP STAKES
β¨
π Itβs All About You
π George Wood
π Jennie Candlish
π A Baxter, S, Sowray, K Ward
@PowellsChester@JCandlishracing
DOTHEJIVE & @SquinlanSean win at Bangor-on-Dee for trainer @JCandlishracing and owners Barrett's Event Partnership. Check out all the official photographs at https://t.co/9oCO1zplK5
7 wins from the last 18 runners for the mighty, yet modest @JCandlishracing yard. Genuinely their sustained success is the most feel-good story in racing over the last year.
Race 2 - Eileen And Mary Birthday Celebration Handicap Hurdle
Winner - Magical Arthur
Trainer - @JCandlishracing
Jockey - Luke Scott
Owner - Harbour Rose Partnership
All images taken by - @nigekirby
β οΈ ASPIRE TOWER - winner of seven races under rules, including two Grade 2 hurdles - has been bought by @jimmyfyffe.
π To be trained by Jennie Candlish.