Fiveandtwenty - Farhh and away the best!
Tue 08 Dec 2020
Our 72nd Winner of the Year: FIVEANDTWENTY, trained by Donald McCain and ridden by Brian Hughes: 'The William Hill Extra Places Every Day Juvenile Hurdle (Qualifier)' 1m 71/2f, at Musselburgh.
Our 3 year old daughter of Farhh was having her first start over hurdles, for Donald McCain - having won three times on the flat this year for Mark Johnston, over 1m 4f and 1m 6f. We had heard from Donald that she was enjoying her schooling at home, but didn't ever think we would see a display like that at Musselburgh yesterday!
In the hands of Champion jockey Brian Hughes, she jumped away and sat at the head of the field, a little free early on, Brian was able to get her in a nice rhythm and her jumping was swift and low. She went clear 3 out, was 10 lengths ahead 2 out and went further clear from the last, easily running through the line under hands and heels to win by 26 lengths. The Racing Post giving her an RPR of 118 and At The Races say that she "pulverised her rivals!"
Watch the full race replay here: https://www.racingtv.com/videos/watch/horse_racing_replays/305371-william-hill-extra-places-every-day-juvenile-hurdle-qualifier-2
The official photos can be seen here: https://www.grossick.co.uk/p/80532khg/C383331604/x4-fiveandtwenty
Timeform have given her a rating for the race of 126+ and say: "Was notably strong in the betting on hurdling debut/first outing since leaving Mark Johnston and justified the support in impressive fashion, her hurdling notably slick for a debutant and set for much better races than this; made all, jumped fluently, went with zest, drew clear after 3 out, pushed out; she was fairly useful on the Flat and it's reasonable to assume she'll reach a higher level in this sphere given the impression created here."
The Racing TV team at the track said post race: "That was a thumping win and her jumping impressed. She has been useful on the flat and is entitled to make the grade at this (jumping) game. It was a bloodless victory and she couldn't have done it any better."
National Hunt manager Tom Palin made the journey up to Musselburgh to join two of her owners who were able to attend, at the course and says:"Congratulations to her owners on her fourth victory this year and what a mighty performance that was! She jumped like a dream, just making one novicey mistake 2 from home and it was a pleasure watching her - she makes a great shape over the obstacles and this is at great credit to Donald. She had it won turning for home and I couldn't be more delighted. She has come out of the race well and we have a couple of options for her, but we'll give her a couple of weeks, see how she is and make a decision where and when we see her next. Her owners have a really smart filly on their hands, so well done to them."