Joe Tizzard's Blog : Wednesday 23rd March 2011
CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL
What a manic week! Cheltenham Festival was awesome and we came home with a winner – the last race on Friday’s Card with Oiseau De Nuit. Sadly, because the weights went up to 11st 7lbs we opted for a 7lb claimer – giving us a better chance and at 40-1 the results were outstanding. It really means a lot to the yard / our staff and owners to have another Festival winner.
I very much hoped to win the opening Festival race with Cue Card. There’s no excuse – purely beaten by better horses. We went a good gallop, Cue Card settled well, AP & I were together when hitting the home straight and sadly we were out-stayed coming up the hill – finishing fourth.
Cue Card’s come out of the race fine and we’ll go straight to Aintree in a fortnight’s time and keep learning about him….
WEIGHING ROOM PARTY:
There’s a Weighing Room party after racing on Gold Cup Day which is generously supported by the racecourse / Compass Group. Zara Phillips is a regular! This year’s newcomer was Katie Price – who amazingly sat quietly in the corner. She was obviously in awe of the celebrity jockeys!
FARM DUTIES
Yesterday, I spent the entire day TB testing over 280 cattle. We’re currently being tested every six months following one of ours falling foul at market. TB is a common illness amongst cows and hopefully we’ll be clear.
After Cheltenham, I’m able to have a few days off to catch up on yard and farm duties. It’s the only chance to grab a short break before Aintree and our season finale at Sandown Park on April 23rd.
I and most jockeys would like a month of no racing – summer jump racing start April 24! But it’s not going to happen so I have to grab a week in September when Emma, my girlfriend, is busy at Wincanton Racecourse!!!
WINCANTON’S FAMILY DAY
This Sunday (March 27th) is Wincanton Racecourse’s Family Day and I’m hosting the hugely popular, complimentary children’s tour, course walk & jockeys’ Q&A. Starts at midday – I look forward to seeing you. There’s also a at 4.35pm parade of regional Cheltenham Festival greats which includes Oiseau De Nuit, Big Bucks, Kauto Star, Denman and others.
ALEXANDRA BURKE
Wincanton Racecourse has just announced that Alexandra Burke, the 2008 X-Factor winner will perform live on Thursday, May 5th on Evening Racing and Music Night.
Tickets are available from £13 for adults and £5 for children on 0844 5793014.
I and the other jockeys will be staying late to party with Alexandra.