Gavin Sheehan: Wendigo has more to offer

Constitution Hill lit up Kempton on Boxing Day

A magical Christmas  

I hope everyone had a good Christmas! Personally, it was my favourite yet, as we now have my little boy to look after.

He’s only six months old, so he wasn’t aware too much of what was going on, but he could pick up from my partner and myself that we were having a brilliant day.

In terms of the day job, it was a day off with no riding out, so we were down to mass and then straight back home to put the PJs on.

Constitution Hill  had Kempton buzzing

I had 8lb to lose before racing on Boxing Day so that was tough, but we did it, and it was great to be at Kempton.

It was probably the first time I’ve really noticed a huge crowd there for this fixture, and I can only imagine that was the Constitution Hill effect.

It was a good buzz to see a crowd coming out of that size for him, and when he passed the line in front, I thought that was just brilliant to see, racing needs superstars like him.

Saturday at Newbury: Wendigo can outrun his odds

I’m at Newbury today for the Coral Challow Novices’ Hurdle Day and there’s plenty of David Power Jockey Cup points up for grabs.

I’m currently sitting in seventh place, but it’s tightly packed and Charlie Deutsch is only eight points ahead of me in sixth.

My first ride of the day is on Mucuna (12.05) for Anthony Charlton. This mare’s rated 105 and shouldn’t mind the going, as she has won on good ground in the past, so we shouldn’t have a worry there.

I’ve not sat on her before, but I’ve watched back her runs and have a good indication of what she’s like. I think she might be up against it, as there’s a few nice types in this race, but we’ll give her every chance.

La Marquise (12.37) comes next in the Mares’ Hurdle for Jamie Snowden. She is a very exciting mare, and Jamie has always held her in very high regard. I’m looking forward to getting back on her and her form is working out nicely.

The horse who finished second to her on her last run, Kalium, has since come out and won twice so I’m excited by her chances.

The feature race of the day is the Challow Novices’ Hurdle, and I partner with Wendigo (2.55) in this.

The race itself seems like it’s getting better each year. There’s some nice horse in this and I think Wendigo is in good company. His owners [Racing Club] are a new syndicate, and they have a lot of members going to the course today so it will be a great buzz if we can get a result for them.

I’m not saying that he can go and win this, but I think he can outrun his odds which look far too big to me. He’s got plenty of ability, and we haven’t seen the best of him yet.

Finally, Rock My Way (3.35) contests the novices’ handicap chase and there’s more David Power Jockey Cup points on offer.

He’s a solid type with a good attitude and he stays well, having won over three miles in his last race. He won a Grade Two at Cheltenham this time of year back in 2023 so hopefully he’s got another nice Saturday race in him.