American Hope, American Heartache - 2nd at Ascot
What a performance by American Hope last Saturday. We were
so heartbroken we have not been able to update our News Page! However, now we
have had some therapy we are able to relive the performance. It was a great
effort by American Hope under top weight to run 2nd in the race and
follows on from an equally impressive run in the Britannia Stakes at Royal
Ascot. He probably jumped too well on Saturday and was immediately near the
front and a bit keen. Shane did the right thing and let him bowl along and he was
travelling comfortably. At the 2f pole Shane sent him for home and he looked to
have put the race to bed (punters certainly thought so as he traded at 1.01 on
Betfair!). However, he had been in front a long time and he was just outstayed
by Mange All who managed to get his head up on the line. As you can imagine we were
all thrilled but disappointed victory had been snatched from us in the final
stride. However, it was a great day for everyone with Yankee (his stable name)
looking the pick of the paddock (he didn’t win best turned out either which is
another travesty of justice!) and in this game you have to accept these things.
The handicapper was also suitably impressed by his performance and raised his
handicap mark to 104 (+5) which means we will move him up into Listed company
with the Listed race at York on August 22nd his next intended
target.
The photos show American Hope and connections at Ascot
