Nada to Prada went to Haydock on Saturday for the ‘Back and Lay On The Betfair Exchange Abram Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Listed Race) and was ridden by Richard Patrick, for owners Lynne and Angus Maclennan. Brendan Powell had ridden her in all her starts so far , but he had gone to ride at Ascot instead. She travelled and jumped well throughout just behind the leader, before hitting the front 3 out and kept on well to win by 11/4 lengths. This was an impressive performance in just her fourth start under rules, having also won an Irish Point to Point before she arrived at Eccleswall. It was great for her owners to win a nice race like this as they are such big supporters of the yard and she certainly looks as though the best is yet to come. She is a big mare with plenty of size and scope to jump a fence next season as well. As for the rest of this season with her, the next target will be either Sandown, or Doncaster towards the end of the month and then maybe head to Cheltenham, for the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle, if the ground is soft enough. This was an extra sweet win for both ourselves and Lynne & Angus Maclennan as Rosie And Millie had only just been beaten in this race last year, so very nice to come back and go one place better. She is looked after by Bella and ridden every day by Gabby, so a real team effort. Northern Beau also ran in the same race and we were really hoping to finish in the first three, to try and gain some ‘Black Type’ to look good on her pedigree, when the time comes for her to go to stud. She ran a great race in conditions that really didn’t suit her, finishing fourth, only being beaten a length for third. She has come back well, so we’ll try again at Leicester in January. Smiths Cross went up to Newcastle the same day, but unfortunately fell just when the race was about to unfold. He has come back fine, so will hopefully be out again soon.
Richard and Nada cross the line in front.
Northern Beau, Gabby, Nada and Bella all looking very pleased with themselves after the race!!
With the Christmas period here, Boxing Day will be unusually quiet, as only four meetings taking place, thanks to Covid. We won’t have any runners on the 26th and our next runner is Karlie in a Mares’ Listed Bumper tomorrow, hoping to build on her impressive Taunton win. We will then head to Wetherby with 2 or three on the 27th. Nada was our 13th Jumps winner of the season so only one more to go to reach last season’s tally. This is a great credit to all the team who have worked so hard this season and continue to do so over the festive period in all conditions( especially rain here at the moment!!), so a big thank you to them!!
Hope everyone has a lovely Christmas and a very Happy New Year with lots of winners!!!