‘BHA HAS OUR FULL SUPPORT’
THE BOOKIES’ VIEW
BOOKIES yesterday pledged their “full support” to the British Horseracing Authority’s decision to suspend racing until Wednesday.
With 17 fixtures wiped out over the next five days – and the possibility of further cancellations – the sport’s shutdown could cost the betting industry millions.
But Corals’ Simon Clare (above) said the layers were united in seeing the “bigger picture”.
“Any situation in which racing is unable to take place is far from ideal, but it’s far from unknown, owing to the weather,” said Clare.
“The overall health of the sport depends on the well-being of the horses, so it’s incumbent on us to see the bigger picture.
“Horseracing is at the core of our business and we look forward to its return as soon as the BHA deems the threat has passed. Until then, we give our full support.”
WITH British racing facing a six-day lockdown due to equine flu, domestic action continues with an eight-race card on Dundalk’s polytrack tonight.
And
Joseph
O’brien should be among the winners again at the
County Louth venue, where recent winner
Colfer Me should prove tough to beat in the fiverunner STAGIT.IE/HENIT.IE race.
A Canford Cliffs colt, Colfer Me has progressed well through the winter since landing a nursery at Down Royal in September, off a mark of 69.
Narrowly beaten by Antilles at Naas in November, he was pipped by Beau Warrior on his second start on the polytrack in mid-december and, last month, looked a progressive type when making all under the welter burden of 10-1 to land a one-mile, three-year-old handicap.
That night, he beat stable-companion Numerian convincingly and is confidently expected to confirm the form tonight, over this short trip, which should suit the selection better than his rival.
Rated 95, Colfer Me should have the measure of 87-rated maiden winners Sky Seven and Evasive Power
while the Irish debut of 100-rated Swissterious, bought for £55,000 out of Karl Burke’s by Damien English, should be watched with interest. Elsewhere on the card, Andy Slattery’s Cityman, third behind smart British raider Charming Kid and subsequent winner Empire Line here on his first run after a break and being gelded, might improve sufficiently from the run to take the competitive-looking Hydroscand Ireland Maiden, in which Man Power and Royal Court are obvious dangers. Although raised 16lb for two recent wins over course and distance, the Michael Halford, inset, trained Gougane Barra might be progressive enough to complete his hat-trick in the Dundalkstadium.com Handicap although Joseph O’brien’s The Game Of Life looks a major threat.