Today we travel to Fontwell to run Hard Frost in the first race at 1.20pm. He was disappointing at Uttoxeter last time but Paul felt the ground had gone a bit soft and tacky for him that day. I’m hoping a bit of better ground will bring out some improvement but it will need too. I’ve popped a tongue tie on him today just incase that was holding him back. We will also try to ride him more prominently today as perhaps once he gets a bit behind he could be a bit sulky.
More importantly the young man riding him, Rupert Wilks, is having his first ride under rules today. Rupert is my Amateur Jockey who joined me from Pauls. Rupert is a great story, he grew up in Peckham with his Mum, Dad and brother and they took him to watch the 2014 Tingle Creek where Rupert became inspired to be a jockey and he’s been chasing that dream ever since. He had one point to point ride last year but it’s very special to be giving him a ride under rules and I hope more than anything that he really enjoys himself today and has a safe trip round. It’s an opportunity he really deserves, so best of luck Rupert.