February 2018 – Laura Morgan Racing

Another win for Ulis De Vassy

The stables fine run of form continued at Southwell today when Ulis De Vassy won his second race of the month at the Nottinghamshire track. He didn’t leave it quite so late this time and pulled away on the run in to win readily by 4 lengths. Well ridden once again by young claimer Patrick Cowley, and much deserved success for long time supporter of the yard, Paul Read.

ULIS DE VASSY stayed on strongly and gained his second C&D win of the month. Outpaced when the race developed, he soon found his stride and sealed the deal with a fine leap at the last. The drying ground was very much in his favour and he goes especially well for this claiming rider (2-3).

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Unlucky Ted

Ted’s Brother was very unlucky to be disqualified and placed 2nd after a hard earned “victory” at Chelmsford on Thursday evening. He was given a great ride by Antonia Peck who switched him off the rail just at the right time to avoid getting boxed in and then timed her run to perfection to get up close home to win by a nose.

I was a steward for 10 years before I started training and having viewed the head on replays I am hopeful that Laura will have a good chance of overturning the Stewards decision on appeal. It was in my opinion the runner up (red cap) who drifted off the running rail, causing the 3rd horse to bump into Ted and knock his hind quarters out to one side.

Fingers crossed !

Zakharova impressive at Mussleburgh

The long journey to Mussleburgh was made worthwhile with another winner for the in-form yard when Zakharova bolted up by 4 lengths in the bumper. Very well ridden once again by Patrick Cowley, who has partnered the last three winners for the stable.

Grecian King also ran very well and was only beaten by 2 1/4 lengths into 3rd place in the 2 mile handicap hurdle. He is improving with every run and it shouldn’t be long before he picks up a race.

ZAKHAROVA, available at 16-1 earlier in the day and a half-sister to two bumper winners (dam won over 1m-1m4f), was put in a great position by Patrick Cowley rounding the final bend off a low weight and found plenty when asked to quicken from the front.

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Vassy wins at Southwell

Ulis De Vassy became the second winner for the yard in just 5 days. Held up in rear by Jockey Patrick Cowley, he looked to be booked for a place at best running to the last. However he found a devastating turn of foot to cross the line a length clear and going away. This win will do his confidence a lot of good and he remains on a good mark compared to some of his old form.

A great result for the hard working team at home and for Owner Paul Read who has been a loyal supporter since Laura started training on the retirement of Chris Bealby.

ULIS DE VASSY sprouted wings on the run-in and got up near the finish. He came back to form when last seen in December and was chucked in on his old form. It wouldn't be surprising to see him follow up if faced with a stiffer finish next time.

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Skipping On Wins at Towcester

Skipping On broke his duck over fences yesterday at a muddy Towcester Racecourse. Given a fine ride by Conditional Jockey Patrick Cowley, he seemed to relish the attritional conditions and strode away on the run in for a convincing victory.

He may turn out next week at Sedgefield where he will escape a penalty for yesterdays win.

SKIPPING ON came away inside the final furlong and belatedly opened his account. The ex-Irish 9yo has had his problems and this wasn't a stern jumping test on his second outing over regulation fences, which definitely helped his cause. However, such ground evidently holds no fears and he's due to head to Sedgefield next week where he can race off the same mark.

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Last month at Leicester, The New Pharaoh (pictured on the right) put in a gutsy performance to win a valuable novice hurdle under Jonjo O’Neill jnr.

THE NEW PHARAOH, third to a useful sort on his hurdles debut, was down 4f in trip and fitted with a first-time hood. His extra stamina was a big help under these conditions, coming away late despite a mistake. He looks a fair sort who should have more to offer, especially in handicaps.

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