Just another quick blog with some of today’s latest racing news from the UK, including Ballabriggs and Josh Hamer. On my racing blog, you’ll find news, tips, stats and more, so please bookmark the page, and check back regularly.
Firstly it’s confirmed that Donald McCain has retired the brilliant 2011 John Smith's Grand National winner Ballabriggs (pictured below). The trainer spoke with owner Trevor Hemmings before making the decision after the 12-year-old pulled up in this year's renewal of the Aintree marathon, won by Auroras Encore. He also finished sixth in the 2012 race.
Writing in his exclusive Betfair column McCain explained: "He didn't sparkle in last week's renewal and it was decided that he had earned his retirement - he doesn't owe anyone anything - and he will be off to the Isle of Man to join another of Mr Hemmings' recently retired stars Cloudy Lane."As my first Grand National winner I will always be grateful for what he has done for the yard and that afternoon at Aintree will never be forgotten. He also won at the Cheltenham Festival in 2010 and he's been a brilliant horse for the stable.
"Both he and Cloudy Lane will be sorely missed here but it's great that they are retiring fit and healthy and we will now have to crack on and try and find horses to fill their shoes."
And I personally wish both horses in question a happy retirement.
And now to the latest on Conditional Jockey Josh Hamer who suffered a fall at Wetherby today. Hamer was partnering the Tony Carroll-trained Arctic Wings in the Yorkshire Post Ladies' Evening - 30th May Handicap Hurdle when his mount came to grief at the fifth obstacle, the second flight in the home straight first time round.
Carroll is hopeful Hamer's injuries are not too serious.He said: "He was a little bit dazed immediately after the fall, but he is fully conscious and knows exactly where is. He continued, "His arms and legs are moving fine, but he does have some middle back pain and they are taking him to Leeds for some precautionary examinations."
Sadly Arctic Wings suffered a fatal injury in the fall. RIP <3
And lastly in this brief news blog, David Pipe(pictured below) plans to be double-handed with Big Occasion and Problema Tic in the Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr on Saturday week.
Big Occasion showed his liking for a real test of stamina when winning the Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter last month.
Problema Tic is suited by drier ground and was fourth to Battle Group at Aintree on his latest start.
"Hopefully they are getting a bit of rain up there now so Big Occasion will go for that and Problema Tic will take his chance as well," Pipe told At The Races after saddling his 100th winner of the season, Western Warhorse at Chepstow.
"Problema Tic would want the rain to stay away and Big Occasion would want the rain so they will both take their chance."
And for now that’s all, thanks for visiting, and please check back regularly for tips, news, stats and more.
