The Grass IS Greener for Ustath!
Sun 18 Apr 2021
OUR 18th WINNER OF 2021: USTATH, trained by Roger Fell and ridden by Ben Sanderson: The 'Follow @Thirskraces on Twitter for Ticketing News Handicap,' over 6f at Thirsk.
The flashy chestnut with the big white socks has been a fun horse for his owners since we bought him from the Owen Burrows yard. He has been in the winners' enclosure for them in exactly 50% of his races in our silks. After his fantastic hat-trick at Southwell in November, yesterday was his first career win on the turf!
Breaking well, he made virtually all the running, with a couple of challengers either side of him. There was a sustained battle with the runner-up inside the final 2 furlongs, with Ustath battling back after being headed, to lead again in the final strides, winning by a neck.
He won the 'Best Turned Out' prize in the preliminaries too - thanks to the Roger Fell team, who always present their horses looking extremely smart at the races.
In his post race interview, Ben Sanderson said: "This flatter track really suited him and I let him bowl along and he enjoyed it. He ran on again after I put my stick down and it was great that he battled back to re take the lead."
Watch the full replay here: https://www.racingtv.com/videos/watch/horse_racing_replays/325092-follow-thirskraces-on-twitter-for-ticketing-news-handicap-6-d-ii
See the official photos here: https://www.hannahaliphotography.co.uk/r4-170421
Syndicate manager Mike says: "Well that was a pleasant surprise; to do it on turf was very pleasing. It's a big thanks to Ben on that score after having ridden him for the first time at Catterick and assessing what he needed. His attitude was excellent in that final furlong and it was a good ride from Ben to bring him across the track from his low draw early in the race. We'll see what the handicapper does on Tuesday and look for races off his new mark. Well done to all his owners!"
April has been a bumper month for us so far, with 6 winners and we have only just passed halfway! Our owners have had some super racing too, across both codes; with runners at the Aintree Grand National Festival, the opening Craven Meeting at Newmarket and today they are attending Greenham Day at Newbury and Scottish Grand National Day at Ayr, with their complimentary owners badges. It's good to be back and even better to be 'in form.' Long may it continue!
Our team are back at the breeze up sales this week, as its the turn of the Goffs Sale in Doncaster. Don't forget to add your name to our special 'breezer notification list' - an email went out to everyone on the list this morning from Tim, with an update on the week ahead.
Read our breeze up mailshot and add your email to this special list here to be kept up to date, should we purchase any more horses at these sales.