A real-time drama played out on ITV Racing‘s cameras on Thursday. After multiple jockeys reported their horses slipping in race one, an hour-long delay was enforced before racing restarted. Jockey Tom Marquand passed up his remaining rides before asking to be reinstated.
After a spotlight day for the sport’s decision makers, here is Friday’s racing news round-up.
Chester going concerns see Marquand give up rides
Chaos unfolded at Chester after race one on Thursday. The second day of the track’s May Meeting had barely got underway, with just one race contested, before a significant delay was enforced. Numerous jockeys reported their horses slipping around the Roodee’s final bend. Watering on the course had failed to seep into the surface, leading to ground staff sanding the surface for over one hour. Eventually, the course was deemed fit for purpose and the card restarted. (Racing Post)
Not all jockeys were happy with the decision to resume racing, though. Tom Marquand, who rode in the first, gave up his remaining rides until applying for reinstatement for the final pair when the ground had continued to dry out. Marquand had been due to partner Morshdi in the Listed Dee Stakes. William Haggas’ runner was removed from the race before the off though. Maureen Haggas backed Marquand’s decision, suggesting that all connections felt the ground was too dangerous for their charge. (The Sun Ireland)
Constitution River & Jan Brueghel impress for O’Brien
Once racing had gotten back underway, normal service was resumed. Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore once again dominated as Constitution River won the Dee Stakes. Like stablemate Benvenuto Cellini the day before, Constitution River went off at odds of 2/9 following his main rival’s absence. Tracking the pace, Moore easily guided his mount to the front off the home turn. He is now the third favourite for the Epsom Derby. (Sporting Life)
There was also a successful return for two-time Group 1 winner Jan Brueghel. The 2024 St Leger winner defeated none other than Calandagan in the Coronation Cup last season. He had then missed a significant amount of time since disappointing in last year’s King George at Ascot. Settled well back in the field, gaps opened for the five-year-old to pounce as he held off the fast-finishing Mount Atlas cosily. (RTE)
Friday’s racing sees Derby hero return
2025 Epsom Derby hero Lambourn will be put through his paces on Friday at Chester. Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore have once again excelled at the meeting. They teamed up with Lambourn to win the Chester Vase here last season. However, the Derby winner arrives under a cloud after meeting with comfortable defeats the last twice. He drops back in trip to contest the 1m2 1/2f Group 2 Huxley Stakes. Bay City Roller and King’s Gambit are among his rivals. (Racing TV)