PETE PROVES TOO GOOD.

PETE THE PROFILER winning at Ascot on Wednesday with "Ike" on board. (Photo courtesy Hollands Photographics)

The win of PETE THE PROFILER AT ASCOT ON Wednesday was a real case of a horse coming back from the dead. PETE THE PROFILER ran last at his previous start at Ascot after suffering from an atrial fibrillation. Back at the stables after the race, the horse looked down and out. The horse has always been a highly strung type who gets himself very worked up on race day. I am not sure whether this is the cause of the fibrillation or just a by product of it however it can be very frustrating.

We have tried all sorts of different ways to settle him down, always hoping that age and maturity would do the trick. When the horse was sent back to trials after his previous start we decided to try pacifiers and ear muffs on the horse. The horse won his trial and pulled up well so we used the gear on Wednesday. I am not sure how much use the gear was but the horse did seem to chill out a bit more so we may be on the right track with him. If the horse can learn to relax on race day, I have no doubt that he is up to Saturday company.

The horse was well ridden by Takahide Ikenushi on Wednesday and it is always nice to repay a jockey with a winner who makes himself available at track work when needed. Ike rides very well and he is real gentleman which makes him a pleasure to deal with.