Doubles for Russell and Planas
As in previous years a healthy number of declarations meant that the first race in the Go Racing In Yorkshire Future Stars Apprentice Series, supported by White Rose Saddlery was divided on the opening day of the flat turf season at Doncaster on Saturday 1st April.
A field of 12 went to post for the first division, made up of some more experienced apprentices as well as some newer names. After a level break in rather wet conditions – the ground was officially described as heavy, soft in places, Mac Ailey went forward to make the running under Christian Howarth, with Crafter and Billy Loughnane, running keenly just behind, accompanied by Menelaus, ridding by Callum Hutchinson.
At the half way point Aldbourne had made progress into second with Mac Ailey still leading the pack. Ivy Avenue ridden by Erika Parkinson began to move forward with just over three furlongs to go, while the grey Don’t Look Back effortlessly crept into the race on the inside, but Ivy Avenue kicked for home from the two furlong post. Don’t Look Back and Connor Planas took on the challenge and took the lead at the furlong pole, extending all the way to the line and eventually won by five lengths. The winner is trained by Lucinda Russell, well known for her exploits as a jump trainer.
Don’t Look Back has had a handful of runs, unsuccessfully, over hurdles since joining Lucinda Russell, but won this easily, relishing the testing going.
The second division caused the judge to work much harder! Simulation Theory was withdrawn at the start and The Nu Form Way was also a non-runner leaving a field of nine to take part.
The early pace came from Zoffany Portrait in the hands of Molly Gunn, with Benadalid under Aiden Brookes and Light Up Our Stars and Elisha Whittington close behind. The winning owner, trainer and jockey from the first division were represented here by Aone Ally who took a keen hold under Connor Planas.
As the runners turned into the home straight Zoffany Portrait was still at the head of affairs but Aone Ally angled out and moved forward to join Molly Gunn at the head of affairs, accompanied by Das Kapital under Rose Dawes and Benadalid. There were four in with a chance from the furlong pole and the lead flipped flopped between the quartet. Zoffany Portrait started to drop back but there were still three in line racing towards the post and Aone Ally just managed to get his nose in front to make it a double on the day for Connor Planas and Lucinda Russell.
The next race in the series takes place at Ripon on Thursday 20th April.