The First of Many
It has been a busy couple of months for URSA Major Racing. June began with runs for Donna’s Dream and Kodimoor at Hexham and Ripon respectively, which resulted in a 4th place for Donna and 5th for Kodimoor. Donna’s Dream had another run at Hexham, her chasing debut, where she finished 3rd in a hot contest. The rest of June was the calm before the storm, which inevitably be a very memorable month for all URSAMajor members.
The final days of June, saw members from all over the UK travel to Cornborough Manor for the URSA Major Annual BBQ, hosted by Mark Walford. With fantastic weather, the day was a great success. Members got to meet each other, Marks team and the Horses, as well as experiencing Marks great training facilities.
July started with another busy week for URSA, with Donna’s Dream out at Perth in her second chase event. Unfortunately, that day it was a disappointing day, with Donna finishing down the field in 6th place. Donna has had a busy summer and she has earned a deserved break. The following day, Kodimoor made the short trip to Beverley for his first run stepped up to 7 furlongs. The decision made by Mark proved to be an inspired one, as Kodimoor broke well and under a fantastic ride by Dougie Costello, led from pillar to post, holding bravely on from a late challenge to land the spoils in a photo finish. Kodimoor was turned out quickly for the long trip to Ayr. Another gutsy front running performance ensued with Dougie Costello in the saddle, Kodimoor holding on for second win in a photo finish.
A couple of quiet weeks followed while URSA members recovered from 2 tense finishes and undoubted celebrations. In this time URSA secured the newest member of the URSAMajor Family. Clifftop Heaven, a gelding by Canford Cliffs. He is a very exciting long term prospect.
A fantastic month was capped off when Kodimoor made the long journey to Linfield. It was a chance for the southern members of the syndicate to Kodimoor run and he didn’t disappoint. Sent off as favourite again with Dougie Costello riding, Kodimoor sat prominently and took up the running 2 furlong out, battling back in the last furlong to keep on and complete the coveted hat trick. It has truly memorable month for members, especially the owners of Kodimoor.
URSA Major Racings record now stands at 22 runners, 6 winners and 3 places. It is certainly a very exciting time for all involved with Polaris Angel soon to be back training, Kodimoor looking for his fourth win in August and Clifftop Heaven’s imminent debut.
A big thank you needs to go to Mark Walford and his team who have really made all of this possible and hosting a fantastic BBQ in June for all of the extended URSA Major family.