At year end, when summaries are being made of 2019, and the most exciting finals are being recalled, Monmore can expect to feature twice for two stunning Category One deciders settled within half an hour of each other – writes Floyd Amphlett.
Neither result could be predicted until the final, one saw the entire field covered by five lengths, in the other, just three lengths separated the six runners. Judge for yourself
First up – the £10,000 Ladbrokes Gold Cup . . . .
Which followed the Ladbrokes Stayers Classic . . .
Victory in the Gold Cup was a first Cat One success for Sealass Tiger who finished second in the Ladbrokes (Midland) Puppy Derby over the same course and distance.
Trainer Patrick Janssens said: “That dog is an absolute born winner. I have trained faster, but I don’t think I have ever handled a greater battler than Seaglass Tiger. I think his record is something like 31 races, 16 wins and nine seconds.
“Saturday was a top class race, littered with Category One winner. First of all he had to see off Bramble Reggie, then cut off Rab’s dog (King Turbo) and then have the five bitch finish like a train. What a race. But I honestly thought he had a great chance. I think he has only been beaten once from trap one before at Monmore.
“It is absolutely his favourite track. The 480 metres is just perfect for him. Even though he has decent times at Central Park over their 480 metres, it is just on the tough side for him. We would have to be thinking about Yarmouth now.
“I would also like to add something about Monmore. Forget our winner, that meeting just reminded me of what a buzz you can get from a special Saturday night. “It wasn’t just us and the owner (Evan Herbert), ‘Big John’s owners William and John Berry flew in from Belfast and were practically in tears.
“There was a brilliant atmosphere and the people at Monmore are among the best you can ever come across in this industry. Nothing is too much trouble, from the racing office to the paddock staff. On every single level it was a brilliant night.”
Kevin Boon accepts the winner’s trophy from Ladbrokes Coral Head of Stadia, Ian Smyth
Sheldan’s head victory in the Ladbrokes Stayers Classic was recorded in 37.45, the second fastest time of the year.
Kevin Boon, owner and trainer of Sheldan said: “I read that the field were all bunched, but that isn’t the way I saw it. I thought Sheldan won the race on merit. It was a top class field and she kept plugging away to hold on against a very good bitch.
“It was nice to win a Cat One race with her after seeing her beaten in the Regency. It was our seventh Cat One in seven years. I don’t have too many plans with her going forward. She is in great form and would have raced again last night if she had the chance.
“I may take her for the Champion Stakes though she does lack a bit of middle pace against the Derby type dogs who will be running in it. The longer terms plans are for Crayford’s 714m.”
A keen footballer in his younger (and slimmer) youth, Kevin was quick to see the omen for the two Norfolk trained runners beating the two Newcastle runners in photo finishes.
He quipped: “Well Norwich beat Newcastle yesterday afternoon, though they found it a bit easier: 3-1.”
