Jonniesofa camp consider plans following successful return
Rose Dobbin reflects on ’emotional’ comeback victory.
Rose Dobbin will consider the Betfair Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle later this month for Jonniesofa following his triumphant return after almost two years on the sidelines. The Grade Two winner came back from a 672-day absence caused by suspensory problems to win impressively at Ayr on Saturday. Dobbin, whose season has got off to a flying start following a year under a cloud with a virus, will monitor the nine-year-old’s condition over the next couple of weeks ahead of a possible appearance at Gosforth Park on November 30. “Saturday was fantastic. It has been a long road to get ‘Jonnie’ back, so for him to win in that fashion was remarkable,” said the Alnwick-based trainer. “He is obviously very fragile. We knew he was fit and would love the ground, but we didn’t expect him to win like that.“It was pretty emotional for everyone and I was particularly pleased for his owners Rob and Annette Houghton, who have had to be so patient while we’ve been dealing with his setbacks. “It was their 30th anniversary, so this certainly boosted the celebrations!” Considering future targets, Dobbin continued: “With the nature of Jonnie’s injury we have had to take it day-by-day for a lot of the time – he’s been doing a lot of swimming in the pool. Hopefully we can keep him in one piece and get a few more runs into him. “We are so lucky to have a horse like him and just have to hope he stays sound to get running in the races he deserves to be in. “The Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle is one of the options in my mind, but we’ll see how he is and then start making plans.” Dobbin was also encouraged by the return to action of Coole Hall to take third place behind Sam Spinner and Ardlethen at Wetherby on Friday after 309 days off the track. The seven-year-old, who runs in the colours of the trainer’s father Duncan Davidson, is her highest-rated horse and should provide good days ahead. “Coole Hall ran a super race against two high-class opponents – and will come on for the run,” she said. “He looked right back to his old self. We were delighted with the way he jumped and there will be plenty of opportunities for him over the winter. “You’d have to hope he has the potential to win a nice race.”
Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Turner follows up landmark success with Mount Atlas triumph
Trailblazing jockey wastes no time in adding to Thursday night’s 1,000th British winner.
-
Shepherd looking to guide King’s Gambit to York Stakes glory
In-form jockey eyeing another big-race success on progressive colt.
-
Auguste Rodin now ready to exorcise King George demons
Aidan O’Brien: ‘Last year, it was soft ground and we probably held him up too much.’
-
Live In The Dream given Goodwood Hart transplant
Adam West has opted for a change of jockey on his star sprinter.
-
Ed Crisford plans Deauville return for star sprinter Vandeek
He has finished third on both starts this season after an unbeaten juvenile campaign.
-
Chancellor looking to profit in Pat Eddery Stakes
The John and Thady Gosden colt impressed when winning on debut at Doncaster.
-
Boughey backing Soprano to be on song in Valiant Stakes
‘I couldn’t be much happier with how she has trained heading into this race.’
-
Opera Singer and Emily Upjohn on course for Nassau clash
Inspiral also among 12 Goodwood confirmations but she may be rerouted to France.
-
Sangster hopes Simmering can heat up once again at Ascot
Promising filly bids to open her account in the Princess Margaret Stakes.