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Plus 10 snd dry when driving in.

Saturday was one of those racing days you just don’t forget. I love Ascot and having winners there is always very special.

You also have to love both the horses we ran. Chianti Classico and Two For Gold are two real stars for us at Thorndale.

Having two runners in the same race is never ideal but it worked well for us as both horses jumped off handy although CC decided to take the reins and take Tom Bellamy with him.. to the front.. Both horses travelled well and were very happy being first and second. Turning for home CC went a couple of lengths ahead with TFG making it harder for the others to get to him!

It was seriously impressive performance from CC as he was never headed and he jumped like an old pro and his jump at the last was just awesome to watch.

It was not the plan to make all, but CC was really enjoying his race and was a happy horse being where he was. It was Tom Bellamy’s first ride on CC and it was a big day for him as our new stable jockey. Tom just loved the experience.

A very special mention for dear old Two For Gold..who ran a blinder to finish 4th at 11 years young.

You often hear trainers say that some horses run better at certain racecourses and TFG is half a stone better at Ascot than any at other racecourse.. Of course, it helps when his owners have a box at the course, but that is not the reason. TFG will go there again in December although plans for CC will depend on what the handicapper does on Tuesday!

CC owners were obviously delighted, but it was a special day for them as both Francis Brooke and Richard Pilkington had all their family and many friends including ‘lucky mascot’ Cornelius Lysaght there to support… Even Justin Rose was there.. it was pleasure to chat with him about my golfing knowledge.

TFG was missing Kevin Clancy but Stephen Cannon and Andrew Fundell were there to support the old boy..Part owner Oli Bell was elsewhere!

A big pat on the back for Clerk Of The course Chris Stickels whose team did a great job with the ground and produced safe good ground having had a dry couple of weeks, having said that they were honest enough to put good to firm in their ground description on their hurdle course which is why we did not run Draco Malfor in the bumper..

Yes, it was very special, day and I must mention that CC’s breeder David O’Connell was hugely missed.

David sadly passed away after a fall off a youngster he was breaking in at home. David tried to come over from Ireland to watch all of CC’s races..David's last visit here to see his horse was just after Cheltenham in March

I had a lovely email from Karen and Sarah on Saturday night saying how thrilled David would have been and they were sure CC had an extra jockey riding..

Both horses were fine after their races and spent yesterday out in the field. Two horses who are a pleasure to train and have at Thorndale.

To finish the sport.

England won the second ODI against The West Indies.

New Zealand amazingly sweep away India in India..

England lost to the All Blacks at Twickenham.

Monday morning.

We did not run Salt Rock at Huntingdon yesterday.. The ground went to good to firm in places...'When in doubt pull out!'

We have one runner at Hereford. Jeudidee heads there and for our thoughts please click here.