There is nowhere that I would rather be than Goodwood racecourse on a sun drenched August afternoon, which had me wondering where I would rather be on a grey cold blustery August afternoon.

Melanie and I had made it to the Owners and Trainers bar which at Goodwood is a fully glass walled open canopied structure that is well suited to the absent glorious Goodwood weather. Melanie claimed a table for the TRG, close to a patio heater.We were soon joined by Anthony & Sandra Hogg and later by team Kirby who had on the way to the racecourse mistaken the M25 car park for a motorway. Judy, Tim and Stuart arrived all in good spirits.

Muffin was on top form and we were all confident that he could outwit the unjust mean handicapper, who had placed him on his career highest mark after his recent placings. We had to endure five other rather less important equine contests but despite the patio burners radiation, the cold had had the upper hand with Melanie and I had to forfeit my jacket. The O & T doormen were quickly on the scene, they informed us that it was acceptable for Melanie not to wear a jacket ( even though she needed it more than me ) but I could not stay without one. I asked if it was acceptable for us to swap clothes, Melanie to wear my suit and for me to wear Melanie’s dress? Apparently this was OK.

Muffin looked a picture in the parade ring. The jockey LP oozed confidence, ‘we shall win’ he announced in his soft American French accent, ‘I want to beat Ryan (riding the favourite trained by his guvnor Michael Stoute).

The early stages of the race went perfectly to plan – good break, across the track from his outside draw and second coming to the straight. Muffin had every chance but weakened just over a furlong out finishing 7th beaten a little over 5 lengths.

After the race a hugely disappointed LP explained that he felt that Muffin hadn’t responded in the way he had at Sandown. LP added ‘He never stretched in the straight and never picked up as I know he can, I think he felt uncomfortable and was perhaps hurting behind’.

Judy and Stuart looked him over and Muffin showed no sign of anything amiss but as a precaution they will have a physio examine at him asap after their return.

The race was run in a time only 0.56 seconds slower than the earlier group 3 race and was described in the RP as a ‘very good handicap’. In hindsight I think this was more than a very creditable performance by Muffin and if only the handicapper would see fit to relent, we would be on course for the winners enclosure.

Stuart’s preferred next target for Muffin is Chester on 26th September in a race that he won last year.

The answer to my poser at the beginning of the report was still Goodwood, what a superb day despite the cold and cross dressing!

Cheers,

Martin