16:09 Well that is about it from Ascot in 2008. A brilliant days racing where we have possibly seen at least two Cheltenham Festival winners.
On the tipping front I think I will hide my head in shame - after yesterdays success the tactic of trying to find something to oppose the obvious ones failed in a spectacular manner.
For me the pick of the day must be Punchestowns performance in the Long Walk.
The crowd this afternoon is 14,147 a record jump crowd since the redevelopment and they saw some good quality racing.
From a very dark Ascot a very good evening and a very happy holiday season.
We will be back with live coverage from Chepstow next Saturday – Welsh National day.
15:53 It is good for the soul to be proved wrong on occasions.
I have to confess I am not a great lover of National Hunt Flat races or bumpers as they are affectionately called.
I also have to admit this afternoons was an absolute corker.
Before they even set off Wheeling was reluctant to go down to the start, delaying the off in the already gloomy conditions.
When underway Wheeling took a strong hold, went to the front but not before veering across the field interfering with several of his rivals.
Passing the post for the first time Wheeling had been joined in the lead by Topping The Bill. The latter wanted to top the bill for the wrong reasons and the gelding veered hard left taking the turn, doing everything but run out and ending up well behind all his rivals. It is one of the quickest moves from first to last in a fifteen runner field I have seen in many a long day.
Up front the field were well bunched, although the favourite Larks Lad put in a strange performance, running very much in snatches, eventually only finishing fifth. It was only his second run so it may be down to inexperience but I cannot see him getting too many more chances.
Like the previous race we were treated to a cracking finish and oddly enough Di Clarke didn’t resort to the camera this time, even though I though this looked to be a closer finish.
There were, once again, two great battles as they came for home. Up front Red Harbour and Bushwacker were locked together with Ruby Walsh getting the better of Jamie Moore bringing Red Harbour home to victory and getting a 20/1 quote for the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham.
In the battle for third and fourth it was Springfield Raki who managed to get the better of Miller’s Dawn.
All in all a cracking bumper and a good way to finish racing at Ascot in 2008.
15:25 Wow – never mind the finish of the afternoon, the 3 mile handicap hurdle that has just been run had one of the best finishes in a long time.
It took judge Di Clarke a while to decide Barnhill Brownie had just held off the late challenge of Theatrical Moment. Not wishing to be big headed I had written down immediately that Barnhill Brownie had won the race, al la Dave Smith I would probably have been happy to have called it without the photo. Looking at the replay Theatrical Moment never actually headed the winner, however the finish certainly was a theatrical moment. The official winning distance was a nose.
It was a deserved victory for the winner who had been to the fore throughout, battling for the lead with Wychwoods Legend.
I’m The Decider was sent off the 5/1 market leader in a very open betting heat, however he took a crashing fall pile driving AP McCoy into the ground. McCoy was motionless for a while but gingerly rose to his feet minus his helmet.
The runner up had been settled mid-division before mounting the late challenge. The same can be said of the pair who had a good battle for third and fourth places, with Orion D’oudairies getting the better of a battle with Edgbriar.
15:15 Richard's Sundance has just attempted to demolish the rail in the parade ring. No harm done and he is now at the start.
14:55 I have been following racing seriously for over 30 years and it still amazes me when runners set a blistering pace way ahead of the remainder of the field.
Ninety nine times out of a hundred the tactic fails and the same happened in this afternoons Ladbroke. Cuan Na Grai and Alsadaa set off at a blistering pace, so fast they were over twenty lengths clear of the field as they began the second circuit.
Even at the half way stage they still had a fifteen length lead and one just began to wonder if this was going to be one of those one in a hundred occasions where the tactic paid off.
However as they came down the second side of the triangle the front two slowly and inexorably came back to the field, until they were swallowed up coming for home. Cuan Na Grai coming off best, finishing seventh.
Coming to the second last the field were well bunched and it was nigh on impossible to call the winner.
Eventually it was Sentry Duty who emerged from the pack to provide trainer Nicky Henderson with a treble and Barry Geraghty with a double.
Running on well at the end, only two serious challenges chased him home with the JP McManus second string Belcantista getting the better of Songe.
For each way backers Numide came home fourth.
Ashkazar was sent off the 4/1 favourite and although leading the following bunch until half way he soon faded and finished out with the washing.
14:40 Well William Hill have cut Punchestowns from 6/1 into 2/1 for the World.
I have just been down to look at the runners in the parade ring and by the time I came back the lovely looking brie on the cheese board had been well and truely eaten.
21 runners in the next so a great big breath and I will see what I can manage for a race report.
14:20 Never mind having potentially seen the potential Champion Hurdle winner in our last race, I seriously believe we have seen next year’s World Hurdle winner in the shape of Punchestowns, who ran out a most convincing winner of the Long Walk.
It is absolutely no surprise to note the pace was set by last years winner Lough Derg, although one wonders just how much last years over campaigning has taken out of him.
Lough Derg held the lead until approaching three out, when the well backed Blazing Bailey took up the running, although Barry Geraghty on the favourite was tracking his every move.
These two jumped the second last in unison but Punchestowns was soon in front and pulling away.
Blazing Bailey quickly tired and it was Duc De Regniere who ran on into second place but never looked like challenging the winner, going down by 11 lengths and that was with the leader eased up.
Each way backers of Blazing Bailey were disappointed when Mobaasher ran on to deny him third spot.
14:07 I can't believe this - we have a cracking afternoon of jump racing and someone has put sand racing from Lingfield on the TV - give me strength!!!
14:06 Next up is the Long Walk, the race that says to me Christmas is just around the corner.
13:45 Well the Champion Hurdle favourite, Binocular, won the rescheduled Boylesports.com International but does it tell us anything about the big one in March.
I would suggest not. Ascot is nothing like Cheltenham and although he won with plenty in hand the tactics today will be nothing like those in March. Also worrying is the fact the 16/1 “outsider”
Celestial Halo was the one who came home second. Having said that the runner-up jumped spectacularly well.
Celestial Hero set off in front and at a very strong pace, ten lengths ahead of his rivals at one point.
Champion jockey AP McCoy settled Binocular at the rear and, indeed, none of his rivals really wanted to go after Celestial Halo.
Turning for home Celestial Halo still had the lead but Binocular was looming on his quarters and when asked to run on by McCoy he soon took up the running and eventually come home an eased 4½ length winner.
Bookmakers have responded by cutting Binocular to 6/4 for the Champion Hurdle.
Speaking after the race AP McCoy described Binocular as an “exciting prospect.”
Chomba Womba came home third although it could be argued the small field and tactics did not suit her.
Crack Away Jack, sent off the well backed 11/4 second favourite was a very disappointing last.
13:32 It may be a week late but next up is the rescheduled race formerly known as the Bula, now known as the Boylesports.com International.
Only five runners – the favourite Binocular was having a good look around in the parade ring and all five look to be in good shape.
A small field but it could still be a cracking race.
13:20 Well the old boy Monkerhostin may have been on his toes going down but he was equally keen at the business end.
In a classic bob finish the old boy lost out to Niche Market in a bobbing finish, the head verdict almost being too harsh as Monkerhostin had his head in front a few strides from the line.
Niche Market took up the running as they completed the first circuit and he held a comfortable lead until the late challenge from Monkerhostin.
The favourite Oedipe was upsides the leader five out but later faded to finish fifth. Trabolgan, who opened as joint favourite but drifted like the Marie Celeste, ran no sort of race and was never any better than mid-divison.
Another old favourite, Alderburn, took third place.
The grey Piraya took a crashing fall at the last and was worryingly still on the ground for some time before getting back to his feet and walking back.
13:00 As they go down the old boy, Monkerhostin, is on his toes. the remainder look OK.
12:56 Forgot to mention we have a going change, it is now Good To Soft all over.
12:51 The second race looks to be a tight betting heat. They are going 9/2 the field, with Oedipe the favourite and Trabolgan half a point behind. Our selection is currently a 20/1 shot. Ho hum!!
12:37 Well so much for my value seeking as the top two in the betting fought out a thrilling finish to this extended 2m 5f Graduation Chase.
The one certainty was that Eluvaparty lived up to his parade ring antics and was last throughout – then again he was sent off 100/1.
The other outsider Cossack Dancer set the pace whilst the top two in the betting were happy to settle behind the pace.
By the time they turned for home the field were well strung out and there were only three in contention.
Gwanako, clearly had no problems after his Aintree run, made the turn with Miss Mitch and My Petra, who looked to be under pressure on the turn.
Miss Mitch quickly dropped out leaving the top two in the betting to battle it out.
It was a good battle as well but Gwanako kept his head in front just doing enough under Ruby walsh to hold of the determined challenge of the odds-on favourite, to win by a neck.
12:19 I have just ventured down to the parade ring and the seven runners are on display. It wouldn’t matter how big the field was, Penzance would always stand out with his big white face.
My Petra, the likely favourite, looks to be very relaxed. The one negative was Eluvaparty who seemed to be on his toes – of course that probably means he will now go on and win.
12:08 What is the collective name for a group of commentators – a “call” perhaps?
We seem to have quite a collection here at the moment including Ian Bartlett (on course), Jim McGrath (BBC TV), John Hunt (BBC Radio) and Mark Johnson (just here for the crack I assume).
Throw in John Hamner (spotting for Aussie Jim) and there is a veritable call here in the Press Room.
11:59 Just half an hour to our opening race and, from a race reading perspective, an “easy” seven runner contest.
It will be interesting to see if Gwanako has any lasting effects from his exploits in the ditch at The Chair last time out. In case you have forgotten Sam Thomas flew over the jump whilst Gwanako stayed firmly on the take off side.
11:49 I have just been out for a stroll and it is all very festive.
Father Christmas has just arrived in a horse drawn carriage, not quite the same as the Royal procession in June, but the little ones seem happy enough about it. He is also accompanied by elves (and I am not referring to the Racing Post’s erstwhile Newmarket correspondent either), let us hope they are more friendly than those found at the Lapland theme park.
There is a brass band playing carols in the grandstand and Lady Oaksey has queues at here Injured Jockeys Fund stall.
There are also a number of wood burning braziers dotted around the concourse and there are already huddles of racegoers trying to get warm.
If today is anything like yesterday these will prove to be very popular by the end of racing.
11:37 It looks as though the combination of a cracking card and a desire to avoid the shops will lead to a bumper crowd this afternoon.
I also have the impression this will be many peoples last day at the races before Christmas. Unless Monday or Tuesday’s cards produce an unexpected mouth watering clash it will certainly be my last racing day until the Welsh National next Saturday.
The Press Room here is almost bursting at the seams and this is the fullest I have seen it since the Royal meeting – the way it is going it looks as though the overflow media centre will be doing a brisk business as well.
11:05 Good morning from Ascot where the early report is the same as yesterday in we have overcast conditions. The big difference today is we have a cracking seven race card to whet the appitite.
We managed to pick a few winners yesterday so here are today's selections and I am avoiding the more "obvious" options and am generally looking for some value to pay for any last minute Christmas shopping.
12:30 Penzance
1:05 Lysander
1:40 Chomba Womba
2:10 Duc De Regniere
2:45 Prince Taime
3:15
Regal Approach
3:45 Pearlysteps
The other good news is we still have no non-runners.
08:58 The official going is the same as yesterday, namely good to soft, soft in places and there are currently no non-runners.
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