Lincoln Day at Doncaster.
The flat season begun in earnest at Doncaster on Saturday 29th March with the William Hill Lincoln (Heritage Handicap). Rogues Gallery Racing had a runner in the Willim Hill Spring Mile Handicap also known as the Siver Mile for horses balloted out of the Lincoln.
Rogue Encore a four-year-old Bay Gelding, trained in Newmarket by Peter Chapple-Higham carried the Rogues Gallery Racing Colours which had the logo of our new sponsor Eco Rider UK attached. The jockey on board Rogue Encore was Hector Crouch and due to some good recent performances including a win over a mile on the all-weather track at Newcastle in November last year a good performance was surely on the cards.
Such is the enthusiasm and dedication of the Rogues Gallery Racing owners there was an amazing turnout at Doncaster to shout Encore home, in fact there was around seventy-five owners at the course and expectations were high. There were splashes of red and white to be seen all over the course, in the parade rings, betting ring, grandstand and the private bar facility hired for the occasion.
The race itself turned out to be a bumpy affair and a difficult run up the stand side with most of the twenty-two runners fighting for position. Encore was bumped a couple of times at two furlongs out and lost his position in the race and denied a clear run in. This was confirmed by the jockey in his report to the Rogues in the parade ring following the race. Hector done a great job at that stage bringing Encore home safely, something highly prized by Rogues Gallery Racing.
So, no Rogues in the winner's enclosure on this occasion but it was a great social day out for everyone involved with Rogues Gallery Racing. A few drinks and stories of past victories and victories to come in the future were the order of the day. One of the great things about this syndicate is that the owners come from all over the UK and events like this bring everyone together to bolster great friendship and camaraderie.
Rogues Gallery Racing is a big family and Lincoln Day this year was the first family party of the year, more are planned!
