Hopstrings didn't disappoint us at Bangor this afternoon, she ran her heart out and Wayne Hutchinson gave her a great ride, she was tapped for toe throughout but stuck at it and ran out a comfortable enough winner. I had my doubts about how she handled Bangor the last time she ran there, Sam Twiston Davis didn't think the track was an issue hence we went back. If anyone hasn't visited Bangor I can highly recommend it. It is in the most glorious setting and manicured beautifully. All the staff are cheerful and the racecourse really looked after us. They laid on free entertainment for the kids, a climbing wall, sumo wrestling (of sorts) and a large obstacle course within a bouncy castle. The kids race card was fantastic, full of quiz's and other important bits and pieces of information about racing and racehorses. As much as I loved my experience at Bangor I haven't changed my opinion on how she handles the track and wouldn't be in a rush to take her back. Wayne Hutchinson agreed with me, a galloping track and a step up in trip would suit her better. We will see how she is a week or 2 before making any plans. She's done us all proud, only finishing out of the money on one occasion in five runs.
I took the opportunity to ask Wayne about Billy Biscuit who is now in training with Alan King. He spoke highly of him. I shall look forward to seeing him run and have always believed he'll win his races.
The final test was a cliff hanger only for bad light to wreck our chances of a 4-0 victory. Today the ruling on bad light has been changed - shutting the door when the horse has bolted comes to mind. I have no doubt England would have managed to get the last 20 odd runs required had play continued. The Aussies were complaining bitterly when they were taken off for bad light earlier in the match only to be pressurising the umpires yesterday evening to stop play! England would have done the same so I guess there is no point in getting up-tight about it. It is the way sport is played and it goes with the territory.
