Spieta changes code to good effect

There was a furore of excitement at Worcester Racecourse last week. Well on the way to his 20th champion jockey title, AP McCoy, who has had more winners at Worcester this season than at any other course, was on a mission. Chasing friend and former trainer, Martin Pipe's record of 4,191 winners, AP only had 2 more to achieve.

A media circus followed him from his home in Lambourn to Uttoxeter for 2 rides, one of which was successful aboard the JP McManus owned, On The Record, and then he flew to Worcester by helicopter which enabled him to ride in races at both courses, just one hour apart.

The enthusiastic Pitchcroft punters willed him to win as he came out for each of his rides. Three Attheraces presenters, Mick Fitzgerald, Luke Harvey and Robert Cooper were on hand for the triumphant interview, should he succeed in his quest.

Unfortunately it wasn't to be that night. His results read 2nd, 3rd, 8th and 4th. Ironically, when it all came down to the last race, it went the way of Weather Babe, trained by Martin Pipe's son, David, beating the 32,000 Euro purchase, Think Out Loud, ridden by McCoy.

Finally, and I am sure much to McCoy’s relief, the target was reached on Saturday at Market Rasen in the £50k feature Summer Plate aboard recent Worcester success, It's A Gimme.

An interesting winner at Worcester last week was Spieta (pictured), victorious in the mare's maiden hurdle. It is the first time I can remember trainer, John Quinn having a runner at the course, and the second time in 2 weeks we have had a winner from Malton in Yorkshire.

Four year old Spieta is a half sister to the useful hurdler Big Eared Fran and was previously 0-10 on the flat for Luca Cumani. Often a change of scene and training regime can bring out the best in a horse and 7 weeks with John Quinn seems to have put Spieta in the right direction.

Trainer Don Cantillon's duel listed-winning, one-eyed mare, As I Am has given us several champagne moments at Worcester over the past year, winning three times. Sadly her run in June at the course was her last as also owner/breeder, Cantillon has decided to retire her to the paddocks following an injury. The six year old's 21 career runs included 8 wins, with decent victories also at Newbury and Cheltenham last winter.

The first race today is due off at 2.10pm, gates open at 12.10pm and there are fantastic packages available to the over 65's on this, our annual Senior Citizens' Raceday.