Sumner makes a long awaited reappearance on the racecourse at Kempton on Wednesday evening after a couple of years off with a leg injury incurred when falling at Huntingdon over hurdles. We are starting him at Kempton as the surface there is the most similar to his training base at Averham Park and will allow him to let himself down properly and not comeback jarred. It is too early to have any plans for him as it is a case of step by step with him.
One or two Shropshire Wolves members will be having a day at the seaside on Thursday as we have two runners on the evening card at the Sussex venue. Firstly, Johnny Hancocks runs in the maiden at 5.00 and later War and Peace will run in the mile race at 7.30. Both would appear to have sporting chances but a lot will depend on how they handle the quirky rollercoaster of a course on their first visit.
Congratulations to Wolves on retaining Premiership status for the first time, next stage will be to become a mid-table side that nobody notices.
Having been to Wolverhampton races on Monday for the first day of Racing For Change week, I would guess that like most people I was left wondering what this would achieve long-term. It was a very pleasant day at Dunstall Park which I am sure helped with the crowd in addition to the free admission, however watching the behaviour of the crowd I suspect the main area of increase would have been in bar and food receipts. The queues at the bars and catering outlets were far greater than at any tote window. It will be interesting to see how the initiative develops over the next few months.
Dunstall Park are running their own initiative on May 10th when free entrance will be given to anyone wearing Wolves colours to celebrate the team staying up this season and players will be in attendance. It should make for a colourful afternoon and may put to the test how much people want free entry if they support one of our rivals but my suspicion would be that they would stay at home. Personally think it would be more appropriate to try this with England colours during the World Cup although that idea may not be taken up at Hamilton or Chepstow. Johnny Hancocks was unfortunately ballotted out for his intended re-appearance at Lingfield on Saturday. We will now be looking for a suitable alternative , the opportunities should hopefully increase as the ground begins to dry up around the country.
Got back from Wolverhampton races last night to catch the closing stages of the first round of the US Masters and what a story could be building up there with Tiger Woods. A superb first round in testing afternoon conditions has put him two off the lead and this could break some viewing records on Sunday evening if he is still in contention.
No English contenders remain in the Champions League but Liverpool and Fulham went through to the semi-finals of the Europa League, a fabulous achievement by the Cottagers. Should Fulham get to the final I would feel a little sorry for them should they meet the Reds in the Final, as I remember the disappointment of Wolves fans in 1972 when after battling through to the final against the likes of Juventus and Ferencvaros we ended up losing to Tottenham in a two legged affair which did not have a particularly european feel to it.
War And Peace is the latest acquisition for Shropshire Wolves. He was claimed by myself after finishing fourth in what looked a decent claimer at Wolverhampton last week. He has gone into training with David Evans and is entered to make his debut for us at Lingfield next Saturday.
Johnny Hancocks showed plenty of speed from a low draw at Kempton last week, Jimmy Fortune was not hard on him once his chance had gone. He is entered on the same Lingfield card as War and Peace.
Dr Mathias will return to turf racing at Windsor next week as long as the ground is not too soft. His galloping style should hopefully see him in better light than we have seen on polytrack where he has looked very one paced.
Sumner is continuing his return to race fitness at Averham Park. Frank Sheridan reports him in good form and is eyeing a return to the track at Pontefract or Kempton towards the end of April.
Wolves have shown great battling qualities in recent weeks and it would be very disappointing if the relegation battle ends up going to the wire given the position into which they have now dragged themselves. Plaudits must go to Mick McCarthy who has turned them into a difficult side to beat as the season has gone on. Looking ahead though, next season must surely be stronger in the Premiership given the probable team changes in store and it is hoped that sufficient strengthening will take place.
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