Lyric and Flame both placed

Lyrical Genius (aka Lyric) ran well, carrying top weight, on horrible ground at Uttoxeter to finish 3rd in the 3 mile chase on 8 February. The ground was soft but tacky and holding and made it a real test of stamina. The winner was carrying more than 1/2 stone less than Lyric and the second was carrying almost 2 stone less! Lyric almost finished 2nd but just lost that place in the run-in – but still beat the joint favourites by over 27 lengths, despite both of them carrying less weight than Lyric. His jockey, Kevin Brogan, was complimentary about him and gave positive and helpful feedback. Lyric has now had three 3rd placed finishes from just four runs since joining the yard and this was clearly his best race to date. He is sure to win soon!

Flamelco also ran on the same card at Uttoxeter and was also carrying top weight. He also finished 3rd, having been overhauled in the final stride by a horse carrying over a stone less weight, with the winner once again carrying more than 1/2 stone less than Flame. Kevin was, once again, the jockey and said that top weight and the atrocious ground made it just too tough for Flame but that he is sure that he will definitely win plenty more races.

A very creditable performance from both horses in the conditions!

A few days earlier, on 5 February, Synchronist (aka Ronnie) ran at Sedgefield. Ridden by Gavin Sheehan, Ronnie ran his best race to date, travelling very well and jumping the last looking booked for a third place finish. Unfortunately, he was caught on the run-in and lost two places to be beaten by a nose for fourth.