Kempton – 12th January 2013 – William Hill Lanzarote Hurdle (Handicap) (Listed Race)

Bright and cold was the weather summary as we arrived at Kempton to implement Plan B. After a week where Oscara Dara had not schooled well over jumps, we were switching back to hurdles to make sure that we benefited from the fact that he was fit and well by getting a day at the races. Having picked up Tony and my sister on the way to Kempton we were there nice and early as we hoped to use our owners badges to walk the track.

Cath decided 1 mile 6 furlongs of wet grass was not for her as Tony, Sarah and I set off for our circuit. The ground was still a bit uneven following the Christmas meeting at the track, but it was generally pretty good. Whilst it was definitely wet, there was no “squelch” to it and we concluded that in our less than expert opinion that the official going report was probably OK!

Half hour or so later we were back in the warm and meeting up with other BG Racing partners in the owners and trainers bar before racing got underway.

Our race was race five, so there was plenty of time to head out and watch the earlier races, returning between to stay warm. On one of these excursions, we met Alex who looks after Oscara Dara and Mark from our old stables at Henfold who was there with David Arbuthnot’s three runners. Alex seemed pretty upbeat about Oscara’s chances as you would hope given that he was vying for favoritism, but in truth, none of us really knew what to expect!

Got chatting to Andrew Wates who owns Henfold Stables on the owners and trainers steps. Starluck was due to run in the last race and Andrew was not as confident about his chances as the market (Starluck had been really well backed). We wished each other luck in our respective races.

The afternoon passed pretty quickly and in no time we were in the pre parade ring ahead of the Lanzarote Hurdle. The Seven Barrows staff saddled stable mate Bears Affair first and then turned their attention to Oscara Dara. Oscara Dara seemed much calmer than he had been at Plumpton which we took as a good sign. In the paddock we met with Barry Geraghty who outlined how he intended to ride Oscara Dara and in no time they were off to the start. Most of the partners went to the Owners and Trainers steps whilst Tony, Vicki, Sarah, Cath and I took a spot on the lawn with Alex & Mark. We had a good view of the big screen.

Barry got Oscara really well positioned early and his hurdling was flawless for the first circuit. As the race stepped up in earnest, Oscara Dara was going eye-catchingly well and the excitement was building. As they swept into the straight Barry was still motionless and Mark was telling me that Oscara had it in the bag. This looked true as Barry sent him on between the final two and he sprinted clear. Then we had a massive scare…

Barry said later that Oscara Dara seemed to lose concentration and look at the crowd. Having lost momentum, he also lost his balance for a stride before Barry gathered him up. For a moment it looked like a couple of the chasers would sweep by, but Oscara Dara was having none of it and kicked on again to run away to a comfortable 3 and a half length win. Delighted owners filled the winners enclosure and Barry reported that Oscara Dara enjoyed the ground. A whirlwind of prize giving and a visit to the winners room followed before the group went their separate ways to celebrate a great afternoon.