A positive day, a greater couple of days after 40mm of rain earlier within the week, nothing just like the 120mm that pressured the abandonment of Ayr’s card yesterday the place we had 9 horses declared to run. Irritating however a mere triviality within the context of the dreadful information relating to Graham Lee that has solid a shadow over racing this week after his fall at Newcastle final Friday night. He stays in intensive care within the RVI in Newcastle having come via an operation to stabilise a cervical fracture which has additionally broken his spinal wire.
The prognosis for his restoration stays unsure and everybody right here at Kinneston joins me in hoping and praying that the miracles of contemporary medication might help this consummate horseman to a full restoration. As a jockey he has the uncommon, if not distinctive, distinction of successful The Grand Nationwide, The Stayers Hurdle, The Ascot Gold Cup and The Nunthorpe – success on the very highest stage beneath each codes and at all times modest {and professional}.
He rode many memorable winners for Kinneston over jumps 20 years or so in the past and final month we had been reunited on the Knavesmire when he rode our star hurdler Wakool in a flat race – regardless of a barely disappointing end result he was as well mannered, charming and optimistic as ever; we want him the very, absolute best. His daughter Amy has arrange this fund elevating web page on JustGiving which is being administered by the Injured Jockeys Fund, please donate if you’re inclined as I do know that he’s taking coronary heart from the help and messages which might be being learn out to him by Amy.
A very good day at Kelso final Saturday (43212 for our 5 runners which I’ll report on sooner or later) however a quieter few days now for the Group following Ayr’s abandonment, regrouping required whereas we make new plans. We hope to be again in motion subsequent week at Hexham on Wednesday, Newcastle on Thursday (if I can bear to declare for such poor prize cash) and Haydock on Saturday. Benefit from the glorious racing this weekend however always remember the dangers these expert sportsmen and girls take every single day, on the races and on the gallops at house – keep protected.
