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Paul Mulrennan: my Saturday chances and talking points

Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023

Our ambassador Paul Mulrennan speaks more about his week just gone as well as his upcoming chances, the return of the Sky Bet Sunday Series and shares some forthright views on the Betfred Derby moving to an early-afternoon slot this year in his latest column.

Close to a winner for JP!

Owner J P McManus (Photo: Focusonracing)

It has been a quiet week, with more jump fixtures scheduled than Flat but, with the return of the Scottish circuit, it is usually full swing from the first week of May onwards.

Some jockeys will panic or fret during an absence from regular race-riding, but I know that the rides will soon begin to arrive thick and fast. I train in the gym daily, with regular boxing also helping to maintain my overall strength and fitness.

I was sporting the J P McManus silks at Pontefract on Monday, with Didtheyleaveuoutto finishing runner-up in the Pontefract Marathon. While I would love to have ridden a winner for JP - he’s such a great man - it was fantastic to see him enjoying Grade One Punchestown success with A Dream To Share.

The step up in trip and stiff track seemed to suit Didtheyleaveuoutto. Ben Haslam has made a superb start to the season and deserves plaudits for knowing how to keep these older horses sweet. Didtheyleaveuoutto has plenty of miles on the clock but appears to be loving the game more than ever. A Pontefract Stayers’ Championships return is probable.

Four chances on Saturday

Our ambassador kicks off his weekend at Ripon (Photo: Tony Knapton / focusonracing.com)

We’re spoilt for choice on Saturday, with Ripon, Doncaster, Haydock, Leicester, and Wolverhampton all in action.

I never get involved in the planning or coordination, preferring to leave that to my agent Richard Hale, who makes the right decisions most of the time. The ground conditions will be pretty testing at Ripon, where I’m booked for four rides.

Michael Dods introduces Midnight Lir (2.25pm) in the opening juvenile contest. I don’t know much about this Prince of Lir gelding aside from the fact that his dam was a winner over a mile.

I’ve enjoyed success on Land of Winter (3.35pm) previously, so it nice to get back aboard Rae Guest’s seven-year-old in the 2m handicap.

Tracy Waggott’s Intrinsic Bond (4.10pm) usually goes well at Ripon and is only 2lb higher than when winning the Great St Wilfrid (6f) last August. He’s fit from a couple of recent spins, so he’s a nice spare to pick up in the Ripon Silver Sprint Trophy.

Diamondonthehill (5.15pm) is a decent work horse who, although winning twice last season, hasn’t yet reached his full potential. He returns from a seven-month absence on ground which is probably testing enough. I repeatedly say that the bulk of horses are at their peak (strongest physically) at five, so hopefully he’ll enjoy a productive campaign.

All set for the Sky Bet Sunday Series

We’re all looking forward to the return of the Sky Bet Sunday Series at Musselburgh this weekend. It is an excellent initiative, and with further fixtures to come at Hamilton, Beverley, Pontefract, Haydock, and Sandown, I’ll be endeavouring to pick up as many rides as possible in pursuit of a share of the prize money and bonuses. It’s great and I love this series.

The Derby pushed to early slot

Desert Crown powered to Derby glory last year. The race went off at 4.30pm (Photo: Francesca Altoft / focusonracing.com

You must ask the fundamental question. Why is racing simply bowing to football by switching the start time of the Derby to 1.30pm to avoid a direct clash with the FA Cup Final?

I don’t agree with the move or the break from tradition - you could even argue that the Derby should still take place on a Wednesday. The build-up to the flagship Flat race of the year will be rushed and what happens thereafter will be an anti-climax or of secondary importance.

Hopeful for one next week

Plans for next week are fluid, but I’ll be at Beverley on Bank Holiday Monday. I’m provisionally booked for Herakles (Bryan Smart) and Glory And Gold (Patrick Morris).

Herakles was a nice juvenile. I won on him in a 5f novice at Newcastle and physically he has wintered well. He will make his handicap debut from an opening mark of 76 so, with the caveat that he’s having his first run back, I’d be hopeful of a decent run.

I was aboard Glory And Gold when she won for William Haggas at Catterick last October. She has since changed hands (for 25,000gns) and I look forward to resuming the partnership for her new owners.

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