Side of the Record successful at Musselburgh

Much to the delight of connections, Side of the Road stayed on gamely from the last to record her maiden victory at Musselburgh yesterday.

Settled in mid division by Craig (Nichol) off what was quite a searching pace, Side of the Road's slick jumping enabled her to keep in touch with the leaders. Turning for home with 3 to jump, Craig was rousting her along but unlike previous runs this season the mare was responding well and drew alongside the Irish raider Oromo (the favourite ridden by Daryl Jacob) approaching the last.
Yet another slick jump saw her edge in front and she quickly went a couple of lengths up, and ridden right out to the line prevailed by 3½ lengths and the same.

As with several of our string, it's been a stop and start season for Side of the Road but on looking at her in the paddock pre-race, she noticeably stripped fitter and looked very well. The race was run at brisk pace throughout, which allowed the mare to run at an even pace and under a well-judged ride by Craig, she stayed on very gamely from 2 out.
You can view an extended replay of the race here    

Second winner in a week for the yard and for Craig Nichol. Many thanks again!

Side of the Road (Craig Nichol) strides out after the last to win at Musselburgh

A pleasing run from Danced Every Dance

Our second runner on the day finished 5th in the bumper (beaten a couple of lengths for 3rd), and we were fairly well pleased with Danced Every Dance.

She raced with the pace for a long way before being tapped for toe from the home bend. But she kept on nicely, in the style of a future staying hurdler, and this experience will bring benefits in the coming seasons.
It has been nearly 3 months since her last run, and this surface was probably a bit lively for her but there has been much promise gleamed from Danced Every Dance's  two runs this season.

She'll be schooled over hurdles now, and depending on ground conditions may take in a novice hurdle prior to heading off to summer grass.