THE Carlisle Bell was first run in 1599. That isn’t a typo. The race is THAT old. The historic contest’s name relates to the bells given to winners of the race in the reign of Elizabeth 1. It is the oldest horse race in existence. Now, Osteopathic Remedy may not have run in the 1599 race, but he did go in the 2008 renewal. He won it then and, amazingly, he runs in today’s race at the age of 11. Great credit is due to the horse and his connections. As for the race itself, it’s as tricky as ever although He’s No Saint, who is well drawn, should go well. Today’s first proper selection….
was going to be Encantar in the first at Carlisle as Ann Duffield’s juveniles are in decent form. But she has been scratched this morning, so the selection in the same race is ALBA DAWN. She showed good promise on her debut and Keith Dalgleish’s juveniles have a habit of improving rapidly in their second race.
Sammy Jo Bell is riding really well and is the leading apprentice at present. Chiswick Bey could give her another winner at Carlisle while the Queen’s Touchline makes a quick reappearance after a good run at Royal Ascot. But the other tip is AIR SQUADRON at sunny Salisbury. This boy is tough, consistent and progressive and can complete a hat-trick despite a 5lb hike in the weights for a solid victory at Newmarket.
Elsewhere Sir Alex Ferguson’s Hairdryer makes his debut in the opener at Salisbury with Ryan Moore in the saddle. (Don’t mess up Ryan or you’ll get the hairdryer treatment). And the likeable Marmot is fancied to go in again in the 3.45.
PS Yesterday’s tip Number One London won nicely last night while Poplar Close almost got the double up but found one too good. He looks a good thing next time, especially when upped to a mile.
Hi Jason,
The Carlisle Bell and the Cumberland Plate could form the backbone for a card that should have Saturday TV coverage. It seems slightly sad that the listed fillies race, which I must admit that I have never heard of, has a richer prize (albeit only slightly) than the two famous old handicaps. These should have their purse substantially increased.
Perhaps the meeting could be run on the August bank holiday, a day bereft of quality racing. Maybe the Virginia Stakes could be transferred from Newcastle. Newcastle, like Kempton Park in the south, loves to get rid of its old and prestigious races, and fill it’s cards up with third rate dross.
Going back to the Cumberland Plate Jason, do you know when it was first run? I must confess i cannot find out. Would any of your press colleagues know? It would be interesting. I seem to remember the race back in 1965, but for the life of me I cannot remember who the winner was.
Cheers!