Tapenade had his fourth run over hurdles in a 2m maiden hurdle at Sligo. The trip wasn't ideal but it was the only race available to him as the Handicapper still hasn't given him a mark. Davy Russell was in the saddle again, fresh from steering Smiling Eliza to victory at Cork on Friday. This was a different proposition. It feels like Tapenade has been on the go a lot longer than 7 months but he only had his first ever run in January. He's 5 now and I don't know if it's a good or bad thing that Gordon took his time getting him to the racecourse (I think we've had him since he was 2). He didn't win a bumper and he's been tried at 2m to 2m 5f over hurdles on all types of ground but he hasn't shown that much promise. We don't know what he is yet. What is absolutely clear is that he is a handsome, friendly big horse but maybe that's what's wrong with him - he's too nice.
As they got away, Davy had to push him so that he didn't drop to the back of the field right away and as they rounded the first bend he got another push to take him up the big gap on the inside to keep him as close to mid division as possible. Davy had him comfortably there by the time they jumped the second and then switched him off as he travelled along the rail. Tapenade was jumping well and had improved to 4th as they went around that first bend the second time and was soon up disputing second right behind the leader, Hourie. Going over the third last, Tapenade was now tied for the lead with Hourie, who was weakening and Benefit Run. Argent Et Or was coming up on the outside as they hit the straight but Tapenade was now starting to struggle to stay with the leaders. I'm not sure I ever really appreciated how good a Jockey Davy Russell is until I watched him closely on these two horses for us this week because just like with Eliza the other day, Tapenade looked well beaten but Davy refused to let him drop off and he was suddenly back in contention. A mistake at the first on the home straight put pay to his chances of winning as Benefit Run and Argent Et Or fought it out. Tapenade and Davy were still challenging for third with Tibetan Gold however they were never going to get there and we had to settle for 4th.
This was Tapenade's best run for us over ground and distance that they reckon didn't suit him. Davy told the members in attendance that he thinks he needs longer with more cut in the ground. Alex reported he was fine the next day and Davy was happy with the run.
Pats Oscar returned to the scene of her last run when she was very unlucky to fall at the last when leading at Perth in February. Darryl Jacob had the ride as he was also there to ride Borice. Carrying 12st 7, this was always going to be tough for Pats Oscar. This was also her first time over fences so she had a lot on her plate. She jumped well but the weight started to tell from about 3 out and she tailed off to finish well behind the winner and runner up with the other 2 horses in the race pulled up. It's obviously taken her a while to get over her fall but it was great to see her back on course.
She came out of her race well and Gordon was happy with her introduction to fences.
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