It has been a hectic week this week, most my time has been spent travelling up and down the country, I have been putting in the miles.
I did however make some time to go to the local pub quiz yesterday with my girlfriend and mother-in-law – we didn’t do very well but it was good fun to get involved! I have also enjoyed filming with ITV for the second series of Champions: Full Gallop which I am looking forward to doing more of and seeing the series when it comes out.
Last weekend was a success, I picked up two wins and 24 points for the David Power Jockeys’ Cup. I had a good winner for Olly Murphy on Gunsight Ridge – Olly has a great few horses and it is always good to be involved. My other win was on O’Connell for Joel Parkinson and Sue Smith, he seems very progressive and will hopefully head for a big race such as the Midlands National. I am currently sixth place on the leaderboard which I am pleased with, but I will keep pushing for further, every point counts!
Newbury on Saturday: I’m hoping Law can rule
I am looking forward to riding at Newbury – I’ve got two rides which will be on ITV, so there are points up for grabs. I have decent chances in both races if the ground is good, so fingers crossed the weather doesn’t take a turn.
The first ride is on Up For Parol (1.50) for trainer Jamie Snowden. He is a dude of a horse to ride and has been rejuvenated by the step up in trip. He came second at Sandown over three miles in December and won at Ffos Las last month which I claimed 10 points for. Newbury should suit him as it is a nice galloping track and looks like the right race. I really enjoy riding him, all he wants to do is please.
Ga Law (2.25) is another of Jamie’s horses, on paper it looks like he has a good chance, but I am not sure he will stay the three miles. He has run this far a couple of times, and it hasn’t worked well for him but as I mentioned if it is good ground he will run a massive race.
Navajo Indy (3.35) will have cheekpieces on for the first time. I lost the race early with him last time at Windsor, but it is a very sharp track, and he did very well to come fourth. He likes Newbury and it is a hot race with a lot of prize money on offer, hence why he will have the cheek pieces on to sharpen him up as he will need to be at his best.
Kernie d’Airy (4.45) isn’t a horse I have ridden before, but Jamie’s horses always run well in bumper races, and it is a learning curve, so I am looking forward out finding out a bit more.
Exeter on Sunday: Julius can progress
I only have the one ride at Exeter on Sunday, aboard Julius Des Pictons (2.30). He has won on his last two starts and continues to improve. He always jumps well and is a straightforward ride, so I am looking forward to seeing him progress further. It is a hot race, but I have confidence in him.
Gavin Sheehan is an ambassador for BetVictor