The biggest surprise was brought to us with a Zdenko ŠMIDA winning ride of VALOROUS INFLUENCE (SVK) that was really something we did not consider feasible. As I wrote in my previous post, announcing the race day, he is our little experiment and we learn from him (and about him) each and every race. Even though we are deciding on retiring him at the end of the season, he still may participate in a race or two.
(see the video here, race number III. Rubellos Trophy)
(Photo: Marek FRATRIK)
The next win came in the form of emerging superstar of my yard, PRETORIAN (GB), who literary demolished the opposition in the prestigious 1.000m Listed sprint, named in the honor of the famous OVERDOSE (GB), who sadly passed away in Germany last year. PRETORIAN took command of the pace early and when Jaroslav LINEK asked him to go, he responded instantly, to finish the race in 57.2 seconds, with the winning margin of 5 lengths. (video)
(Photo: Zsanett BERTA)
“The bomb from Austria” as the Hungarians nicknamed ZWEGAT (GER) is back. This time he beat the filed of respectful milers on the distance that was somehow eluding him. With Jaroslav LINEK in the saddle he was able to prevail in another prestigious Listed race – this one named by the famous IMPERIAL (HUN), and nail the most dangerous oponent BATHORY (HUN), who faded in the finishing straight. (video)
(Photo: Zsanett BERTA)
BRUCE FRENKY (FR) was unlucky again. Mid-race collision threw him off the pace and he fell from the prominent “covered” position at the beginning of the pack to dead last. Being a big horse he needed the time and distance to get rolling again, which he did and managed to finish third. I decided not to protest, since there was too little time in between the races and there was the most important race at Magna Racino coming up. (see the video here, race number V. ToiToiToi – Galub ans Glück Rennen)
(Photo: Marek FRATRIK)
We were all waiting to see MATIDIA (GB) get away from the colts, but a race is a race. It is a unique one time event, where the horse and the jockey do not get a second chance. When it is done, it is done and if one judgement or decision proves wrong later on, there is no chance to correct it anymore. MATIDIA finished fourth, what is still good, but somehow I can not get rid of the impression that the pre-race instructions would result in at least a better placing. She will get her chance to revenge in Hungarian St. Leger in the beginning of October. (see the video here, race number VII. 148. Österreichiches Galloper Derby)
(Photo: Marek FRATRIK)