Midweek Wayfarers CTC: Report for B Group

Thursday, June 02, 2022

Report for B Group - 1st June

Dave writes:

Meeting at Cobham, Wednesday 1st June

1st Race 10.30 Early Bird 30 miles
(Early Bird's without any fillies ?)

Jockeys              Runners

Dave Cullen       on Fixed Wheel(Fav)
John Austin          Atlas
Bob Pannell          Camper Van
Francis              Half Day
Tim Gibbons          Skis
Neil Warland         Old Hand
Jon Warland         First Time Out

Welcome to the B group Neil & Jon Warland

The seven Early Birds came under starters orders at 10.30am, the listed starting time, and within a few minutes the metaphorical starting gun was fired.

The Horse race set off at a canter, and a steady gait was maintained, none of the Jockeys over taxing their Steads.

The main hurdle was reached at Box Hill, the hurdle was in the form of a Garmin device, which seemed to have gone lame, the 10.45am Equus Caballus took advantage of this and passed us by. The early Bird group was undeterred by this group of gallopers, from The Legion Handicap, who shortly afterwards were led of course by an unlisted Horse.

So it came to pass that the Early Bird herd was back in front again.

Feeding time arrived at the Cricketers Inn. Oats and other sustenance was consumed.

The 7 front runners became 9, with the inclusion of 2 from the dissipated second group. Stef on teachers Pet and Mick on Jagger.

Abbey Mills proved to be a good afternoon Coffee/Tea stop for all the Jockeys.
Who won this race ? It would have to go to Stef, who took over the lead, in the last 8 to 10 furlongs.

'Fixie' Dave C.

Steph writes:

2nd Race 10.45 Legion Handicap 30 miles

Jockeys              Runners

Steph           on Teacher's Pet (Fav)
Martin Gandy       Hard Saddle
Jacqui             Sore Hand
Mick           Jagger
Ray Youlden          Off Road
Colin Garrod       Big John
(Annette Hurley      All up-hill (didn't start))
Pete Beyer    Epsom Train (late entry)

The gates at Cobham opened and Steph's six galloped away, ears pricked. The going was firm over Bookham Common but at the ascent of Dorking Lane the filly with the injured fetlock sensibly returned to stables for vetinary attention. The remaining filly moved to the rear as Box Hill approached allowing the five stallions to show fine form and good pace, their sweaty rumps glistening in the sunlight, a little whipping required but no dismounts. It was along the flat that Steph's six swiftly overtook a number of horses casually chewing the cud by the wayside. Fixed Wheel, their leader soon realised all might be lost and upped the pace. By Ebbisham Lane they were neck and neck. It was at this crucial moment in the race that a rank outsider (unnamed and late to register) responded to a request for softer ground by diverting the group onto THE RACECOURSE ! Martin and Ray whose mounts were shod appropriately for the conditions fared well over the rough surface. Teachers Pet and Big John (also with a nagging fetlock injury) began to fade on the stones and mud of Ebbisham Lane and pace slowed to a dismal trot. However spirits were raised by stupendous views and at last a chance to gallop the home straights - with video footage to follow. All mounts deserved their hose down and extra oats and riders had an excellent £6 lunch.

Steph

(This video clip doesn't work for everyone!)

Tony writes:

3rd Race 11.00 The Jubilee 30 miles

Jockeys           Runners

Tony Hooker       on Spar Water (Fav)
Tim Court      The Godfather
Paul James       Grandad
Maggie James       Baby Sitter
Anne Walker      The Allotment
Grant          Non starter

There was a good turn out for the Cobham Races and luckily it stayed dry.

The Jubilee Cup was led for most of the race by the favourite but at the finish The Allotment and Baby Sitter raced on to a photo finish, the Baby Sitter winning by half a wheel.

The Cricketers Pub was up to its usual standard and we all enjoyed our meal.

Thanks to Stef and Dave for leading.

Tony