Golden Gal overcomes a poor draw and the rain to record her fourth win
Golden Gal was our northern racehorse of the season in 2023, winning three times. Trainer Ollie Pears thinks the world of this 4YO, and was delighted with the win yesterday.
He stated afterwards, 'She never gives up, and Harry [Russell] gave her a brilliant ride. I thought the soft ground would ruin her chances, but she's overcome that hurdle and won really well. Hopefully the handicapper won't park a bus on her back and we can win again in a couple of weeks time at Catterick. She's an honest, cracking racehorse.'
This season had seen this tough filly finish close up on several occasions, but the win had been just out of reach - until Beverley on July 18th!
Jockey Harry Russell, great value for his 3lbs claim, jumped Golden Gal out smartly from her stall one draw, which on rain-softened ground was supposed to be the worst draw out of the thirteen runners. And by the time they reached two furlongs out, it looked as if her chance had gone. However, this filly never gives up, and from being second last entering the last two furlongs, she made great progress up the rails to be travelling behind the eventual third placed horse. She needed to be pulled out to challenge, but met that challenge head on, taking up the running in the last half a furlong to win by a length, the runner up being way over on the nearside rail.
We can expect to see Golden Gal running in more handicaps on the grass through summer and into the autumn as she acts on everything from Good to Firm through to Soft. Shares in this lovely, game filly sold out many months ago, however, we still have a few shares in Bobina - an unraced 2YO who will race for the first time on Sunday!
You can watch the replay of Golden Gal's race below - look out for the Ownaracehorse blue and yellow colours and pick out the bright yellow cap on the far side. Harry Russell gives the filly a great ride.
