RACING is the oddest game for contradictions.
No, thank God, I hear you cry, I’m not talking about new whip rules that have nothing to do with horse welfare, although of course I could do so easily!
Chappers wants owners to just tell it as it is regarding jockey bookings
Keane will ride Westover in the King George at Ascot
I’m on about ‘Westovergate’ and the very odd quotes from owner Juddmonte Farms concerning jockey bookings for the Derby third.
So let’s go down memory lane.
Ralph Beckett’s star was unlucky not to be second at Epsom under Rob Hornby, with the colt lacking the pace to take crucial gaps behind Desert Crown.
As a result, Hornby lost the ride to top lad and Irish star Colin Keane in the Curragh equivalent in which Westover hacked up over a desperate field.
Juddmonte Racing manager Barry Mahon said: “Rob Hornby is an integral part of the team in Ralph Beckett’s, has done a wonderful job with Westover and I thought he gave him a beautiful ride in Epsom.
“Our decision is purely down to Colin’s experience and experience of the Curragh and Curragh Classics. What better man than a three-time Irish champion jockey who has won an Irish 2,000 Guineas and an Irish Oaks at the Curragh to get on board?
“He knows the track inside out and hopefully that will be a help to Westover. We just felt, for this race race anyway, that he’s an able deputy.”
For a moment forget that the Irish Derby field was relatively pathetic and the Curragh is a wide open space and arguably one of the easiest tracks on the planet to ride!
I can only think connections got confused and thought the race was run at Leopardstown.
Anyway, those quotes are pretty clear aren’t they? Experience of the Curragh was key.
So now we prepare for the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.
It’s obvious isn’t it?
On the basis of what was said at the Curragh, someone with at least a decent record at Ascot would be demanded to be on top.
Wait for it. Nope! Keane retains the ride.
Oh, with the record at Ascot of 0 wins from 46 rides at the track.
Now of course Westover and Keane will probably win the big race – at least that’s what the betting suggests.
But please, people, just tell it as it is. Any owner can have any jockey and we all understand that.
But don’t think we are all mugs!
King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes
Paddy Power: 6-5 Westover, 2 Emily Upjohn, 4 Mishriff, 11 Torquator Tasso, 12 Pyledriver, 14 Broome
