Hayley Turner
Hayley - Hall go for Arlington
8 August 2011
I’m thrilled to get the ride on Wigmore Hall in the Arlington Million in Chicago on Saturday.
It’s one of the big international races of the year, and to be part of it, let alone in with a good shout, is great news.
I’ve ridden him once before, over a year ago now, when he was second in a conditions race at Doncaster. He’s always been well regarded at home but obviously he’s come on a hell of a lot since then, and to finish third in the Dubai Duty Free - one of the world’s biggest races - is evidence of that.
He’s a hold-up horse, and I do enjoy riding that type of horse, and think I suit those tactics. Obviously you need patience, the gaps to open and a bit of luck, which hopefully we’ll get on Saturday.
He’s a horse who clearly thrives on his trips overseas. Some horse do run better for the travelling, as it wakes them up a bit as they kind of know it’s raceday and time to perform.
You see some horses who show nothing at home and save it all for the racecourse, and I’ve also seen Newmarket-based horses run very flat at Newmarket racecourse. I guess the horses might assume that it’s another piece of work, having travelled no distance, rather than an actual race.
It’s a quality field and Cape Blanco sets the standard but I feel quite confident about the prospect, not just the horse’s chance, but also the whole experience. I certainly don’t feel daunted, and I think my experience of riding in America before will stand me in good stead. The race is live on Racing UK, so make sure you cheer me on!
Otherwise, I thoroughly enjoyed the (Dubai Duty Free) Shergar Cup on Saturday – as always – but was disappointed to draw a blank, I think, for the first time in four years.
Paul (Hanagan) flew the flag well for us winning the Silver Saddle, but unfortunately Team GB just missed out to Ireland.
Anyone who criticizes the day should get themselves down to Ascot, because it really is a good fun event, as 30,000 people will testify - a crowd bigger than they get on King George day. Everyone entered into it all, especially the MC, Matt Chapman, who was on overdrive in introducing us all!
We went to Frankie Dettori’s new restaurant Cavallino afterwards, which was very nice and I’d recommend the monkfish, and otherwise I’ve been working on my new website, which I am going to give a blatant plug to – www.hayleyturner.com – and hopefully you’ll like it. Between my site and racinguk.com, there will be plenty of news, photos, blogs and videos to view.
Looking ahead to next week, and I am set to have another big-race ride on Margot Did in the Nunthorpe. She’s been going well at home and it’s all systems go for York. I know it’s a big step up in grade, but she’s entitled to it after two wins at Listed level this season.
I’ll talk more on her next week, and hopefully also look back on an amazing win on Wigmore Hall!
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