Smiling Eliza 2nd at Roscommon as Crack of Thunder falls.
Smiling Eliza made her debut over hurdles in a 2 mile race for 3 years olds and I've just realised she is only 3 years old! Eliza has been a star for the club on the flat this summer and now looks like she'll be a star over jumps as well. She was entered in Galway last week in a race that would have seen her go up against her old rival Baba Boom for about the 3rd time this summer but Gordon opted against running her and sent her to Roscommon instead. She had one of the low weights and Denis O'Regan on board who had her mid division early. Her jumping was a bit sketchy but she grew into it, steadily making her way into contention on the second lap until suddenly she was up with the leader, Parisian and both of them were clear. At that point she seemed to have all the momentum and could go on to win but Parisian rallied and went on to win by 2 lengths. Another great training performance from the Gordon Elliott team with hopefully plenty more to come from Smiling Eliza.
Earlier at Roscommon, Crack Of Thunder was back out again, this time in a 3 mile chase with Davy Russell riding. He was at the top of the betting again and the word from the yard was that he was expected to go well over the longer distance. Davy had him about 3rd or 4th on the first lap but he didn't look entirely comfortable and on the second lap he was starting to drop back. On the third lap he was definitely in trouble and he collided with another horse on landing as the race began to hot up. Not long after that, horse and jockey were on the ground and the race was over. Crack Of Thunder got up quickly but I didn't see Davy get up and Alex reported later that he had been taken to hospital with a suspected broken leg. Thankfully it was wasn't as bad as first thought but a heavy fall all the same and bad bruising. Crack Of Thunder was ok but sore the next day and he got a day in the paddock and a few polos to eat. Gordon is thinking about running him left handed as he jumps a bit to the left. Hopefully he recovers ok and is out again soon.
Smiling Eliza was full of beans the next day and had a morning in the walker. She is entered in a race over the water but is unlikely to run after her efforts last night and instead Gordon will look for another 3 year old hurdle race for her.
Scealai Aonair was entered at Galway but was only third reserve and didn't get into the race. She was in great form at the end of spring while the ground was still soft but didn't go as well when it firmed up and she went up the weights. There's been a good bit of rain recently and she has a couple of entries so hopefully we'll see her again soon.
Earlier at Roscommon, Crack Of Thunder was back out again, this time in a 3 mile chase with Davy Russell riding. He was at the top of the betting again and the word from the yard was that he was expected to go well over the longer distance. Davy had him about 3rd or 4th on the first lap but he didn't look entirely comfortable and on the second lap he was starting to drop back. On the third lap he was definitely in trouble and he collided with another horse on landing as the race began to hot up. Not long after that, horse and jockey were on the ground and the race was over. Crack Of Thunder got up quickly but I didn't see Davy get up and Alex reported later that he had been taken to hospital with a suspected broken leg. Thankfully it was wasn't as bad as first thought but a heavy fall all the same and bad bruising. Crack Of Thunder was ok but sore the next day and he got a day in the paddock and a few polos to eat. Gordon is thinking about running him left handed as he jumps a bit to the left. Hopefully he recovers ok and is out again soon.
Smiling Eliza was full of beans the next day and had a morning in the walker. She is entered in a race over the water but is unlikely to run after her efforts last night and instead Gordon will look for another 3 year old hurdle race for her.
Scealai Aonair was entered at Galway but was only third reserve and didn't get into the race. She was in great form at the end of spring while the ground was still soft but didn't go as well when it firmed up and she went up the weights. There's been a good bit of rain recently and she has a couple of entries so hopefully we'll see her again soon.
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