I also turned against my own selection for the race, Grey Swallow, because of the ground which helped soften the blow somewhat.

Thinking about it afterwards, the only real reason to want to lay Azamour was because of the bad record of York winners and while that might have been good enough reason not to back him it was flimsy enough to want to lay him. It certainly looked a poor enough reason when he came cantering up the middle of the track to take it up a furlong out and even I did not have much hope when he was a length clear and the commentator was asking if he would stay 50 yards from the line! I would have bet 1.01 on that one that’s for sure.

Azamour is set to face Motivator in the Irish Champion in a race that quite often seems to be the clash of the season. Although I am prepared to forgive Motivator his Eclipse defeat, Azamour looks the full ticket as a four-year-old and I believe he is the better of the two at this stage with the three-year. olds in general.


The day fell completely apart for me in the ladies event as not only did I back several horses in the race and not get one in the frame, but the race was won by one of John Best’s, who I have backed all season without getting in the frame.

Mine Behind was given a peach of a ride by Kylie Manser, who works for John and she thoroughly deserved this success. She has been a bit of a secret weapon for the odd punt in the yard up to this point but after this win she will certainly not be a mystery anymore.

Apparently, her ambitions to be a Page Three girl have now been shelved!