Royal Prodigy (left) will be going for a third win on Guernsey soil on Monday. Crossways (right) has been retired. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0302549)
THE richest ever race in the Channel Islands will be one of three six-horse fields at Monday’s big meeting at L’Ancresse.
A £5,000 purse for the feature third race of five, the Cenkos (CI) Handicap over two miles one furlong, has attracted a well matched field including Roy Hodges’ Royal Prodigy which will be going for a third win on Sarnian soil since the annual event returned in 2005.
Royal Prodigy will be up against two capable horses from Jersey in Koka Fast and Snow Lark, as well as two English challengers. Horse owner and Guernsey Race Club committee man Trevor Gallienne is excited by the quality and number of horses confirmed as declarations.
‘We’ve got 25, which is superb.
‘They will provide some very competitive racing and even more competitive than last year.’
With three fields of six, one of four and a three-horse opener, Monday’s meeting promises to be the best yet.
‘The second and third races are very competitive, as is the last,’ said Gallienne, who has one horse on this year’s card, the David Evans-trained Irish horse Grenane.
Crossways, his old favourite, has been retired to Jersey pastures.
Gallienne’s expert view is that all three six-horse fields are too close to call.
‘You could have three stabs at it and still not get it right. It’s going to go over the run of the race.
‘With 12 horses from the UK, it’s a puzzle for the punter trying to integrate local and UK form. It’s a hell of a challenge.’
The going is expected to be good, which is encouraging for the GRC committee who have again worked hard over the winter months.
‘The course is in the best condition it has ever been,’ said Gallienne.
‘The grass has grown pretty well where it has been renewed. It’s looking good.’
After last year’s monsoon, a big crowd is crucial to the future of the annual event.
‘Our ongoing costs are ever-growing and we are desperate to get a crowd down there.
‘We really need the support of the public to allow it to carry on.’
The good news is that early weather forecasts predict a fair day, which will be a relief after last year’s deluge hit the number of spectators.
The first race, the Sure Handicap over one mile, is off at 2.30pm.
Car parking is provided near the course and racegoers are advised to arrive early.
All the usual refreshments and amenities are available, including the tote and on-course bookmakers.
Article posted on 1st May, 2008 - 2.29pm
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