Galway, Sunday, 25th October, 2020: “Towards rear of midfield early, took closer order when hampered slightly between horses before halfway, disputed 5th 4f out, smooth headway over 2f out, led 1 1/2f out, soon pushed clear, eased inside final furlong, easily.”
We knew it was an impressive debut but did we think in the space of two years that this €25k mare would win four races including two graded races, be Grade 1 placed, attend two Cheltenham Festivals and be rated 131 over hurdles? We’re all dreamers but I don’t think anyone has expected a journey quite like this.
Today, Grangee attempts to win a Grade 1 on her third attempt. Her first was the 2021 Champion Bumper where Rachael Blackmore and Sir Gerhard dictated from the front ultimately not going quick enough for Grangee where she ran on from the back of the pack to be 6th.
Her second attempt was in the Grade 1 Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle against the boys at Leopardstown over Christmas. This time she hit the front too soon when a tiring Artic Warrior fell at the last leaving her in front where she ultimately weakened and was just pipped for third. Lest we not forget thqt this was only her second ever start over hurdles and she ran her joint highest RPR of 131 alongside her Cheltenham podium finish.
Figures will tell you she has ran two career bests on two of racings biggest stages when things hadn’t exactly gone to plan against the best opposition that she has faced. That must make one think of the improvement that lies within. She recorded an RPR of 129 before falling two out in the Grade 3 at Fairyhouse in January, the same as the erratic second Brandy Love who re-opposes today. Jockey Bryan Cooper was adamant he had the field covered that day where the winner, Allegorie De Vassy, ran an RPR of 138 incidentally the same figure that Love Envoi ran for her Cheltenham win.
I’m not that person who makes excuses for every run but this is a mare that needs to be ridden for luck every time and it will always be the case. I always compare her to the Lord Glitters of the jumps world. But I encourage you to go back and watch the replays of those runs and tell me there wasn’t some degree of bad luck. Not saying she would’ve won either Grade 1 but she certainly would’ve gone close to adding G1 blacktype to her ever growing pedigree page.
Grangee’s Cheltenham conqueror is the warm favourite to confirm the places today. If you rewind to Issue 8 of the SSP where I previewed the Cheltenham race we had almost written off Love Envoi as we thought she wouldn’t run on account of the going being too good. How wrong I was. She’s a seriously talented, unbeaten mare who commands the utmost respect. She’ll be a tough nut to crack on level weights but did she get the run of the race versus Grangee at The Festival? My answer, of course, is yes.
A small army of Syndicates.Racing owners and their families will descend on Fairyhouse racecourse and I can promise you if she is in with a shout the roof will be lifted clean off the stand. Safe to say we’re all extremely excited.
Guess who’s back?
Golden Mayflower is back! We’re very much looking forward to getting GM’s season started at 2:20pm on Monday in Kempton Park. Choose your battles and choose them wisely. In this case it’s a hot Class 2 fillies Conditions race versus some of the most choicely bred fillies and best trainers in the entire World. A battle we’re relishing. We have high hopes for Golden Mayflower so hopefully she can build on her massively impressive debut effort and join Mise le Meas on the Royal Ascot trail.
Breeze-up season in full swing
We had a massive response on Twitter to purchasing a breezer again this year and we head to Goffs UK next week buoyed by the interest shown on social media. Its always an enjoyable sale to buy from so keep an eye on social media and our website for any new purchases. If you have any ideas or suggestions as always get in touch.
2-y-o’s taking shape
We’re loving the positive vibes that we’re getting from our trainers on our 2yo’s this year. CucumBear has settled in well to the in form Dave Loughnane yard and is reported as a tough cookie who shouldn’t take too much longer to come to hand. Our Muharrar filly with Jack Davison is back in full work and is flying. She’s sharp, quick and looks a ready made 5f type. Jack has had his best start to the season to date so we’re hoping this filly can continue the trend. Jessie started the season in blistering style, especially with her 2yos, and she is very happy with our Le Havre filly who could debut next month. Last but not least is Fast Tara with the excellent Johnny Murtagh. Johnny has had another fine start to the season and he quite likes our filly so we’re hoping she can join New Emerald Bay and Mise le Meas as 2yo maiden winners for the Syndicates.Racing / Murtagh axis.
Thank you.
As always thank you for reading. Tune in to watch Grangee run and if there is anything we can do for you get in touch john@syndicates.racing.