ALMOHAD SHOWS CLASS

I believe the win of ALMOHAD in the 1800m handicap at Ascot yesterday further strengthened my argument that he was one of the form horses accepted for the 2010 Perth Cup and in my opinion, he should have been given a start.

Enough of what could have been, the reality is we didn't make the cut and the horse was brought back to 1800m for his final run for this campaign. After being slightly slow away, Jason Whiting showed why he is a top class rider when he asked the horse to go forward in the race and take up a prominent position before running away for a powerful and convincing victory.

I have to say that although the victory was sweet, I can't fully explain how I felt all day prior to the race after learning that we had not gained a start in the Cup.
I sit down every morning with the staff for a cup of tea when we return from track work and there is all kinds of banter and stories to tell. Most of the time there is an air of excitement or anticipation at the table. Yesterday morning I could sense a real feeling of disappointment amongst the staff and everyone seemed a bit flat. This may have had something to do with New Years eve celebrations but I am tipping it was more to do with the disappointment of our horse not gaining a start in the Cup. It really was amazing the effect it had on everyone but not really surprising. My staff are a great team, do a top job and wanted to see the horse get his chance.

Speaking of staff a special mention should be made of Christy, Teagan and the staff who have handled ALMOHAD during his short stints back at Amelia Park. The horse has spent time in between runs back at the farm and the girls have done a great job with him. They would have also gained a lot of satisfaction from the win. ALMOHAD will have a couple of easy days now before I take him back to Amelia Park for a few weeks of swimming and walking before we step him up again.