So that’s it, the Taunton Racecourse season has come and gone in what feels like the blink of an eye.
From a climate and ground perspective, it has been increasingly challenging year on year. Things were fairly typical up until Christmas and then it seemed someone turned the taps off upstairs, with the track receiving just 32mm (1¼ inches) in the three weeks that followed. Then hold tight, Noah and the Ark arrived, with 221mm (8¾ inches) falling in the next four weeks. However, as quickly as the rain arrived it disappeared and Kevin Councill and his grounds team worked tirelessly to water the track and maintain good ground for the two April meetings.
Seasons are clearly changing and racing will need to adjust accordingly, but I will leave that debate for another day.
One of the highlights of the season is always the Byerley Stud Mares’ Listed Hurdle, and this year it was won by St Irene (pictured), trained by first-season handler Nick Scholfield.
Scholfield rode plenty of winners at Taunton during his time in the saddle, so for the track to provide him with his first Listed success as a trainer was particularly fitting. The mare also supplied him with his first ever winner in the training ranks, so she has well and truly earned her place in the hall of fame gallery in the racecourse office.
Paul Nicholls has excelled in the novice hurdle division this season, sending out seven winners from just 11 runners. He continues to introduce some smart prospects at the track, with the likes of Talk To The Man, Grand Vendetta and Minella Yoga all looking well above average.
Multiple winners this season have included Anthony Honeyball’s Crest Of Stars and Joe Tickle’s Taritino. However, the ‘multiple winner’ accolade must go to Kap Vert (pictured).
He began his chasing career with a win at Taunton in December, returned to score again in March and then stepped up dramatically to claim the Scottish Grand National at Ayr.
It was one of the highlights of the season to see him parade in front of the Taunton crowd last week, a fitting reception for a horse who provided his connections with such a memorable day.
Finally, talking of parades, the racecourse’s Retired Racehorses ambassadors, Frodon and Black Corton, made several appearances over the course of the season. It is always great to showcase life after racing and these horses continue to be wonderful ambassadors for the sport.
On the national stage, Dan Skelton excelled throughout the season, consistently placing the right horse in the right race. His efforts were rewarded as he ran away with the Trainers’ Championship, amassing over £5 million in prize money, an astonishing achievement.
In the jockeys’ ranks, Sean Bowen claimed his second title with a remarkable 241 winners, propelling himself into second place on the all-time list for most winners in a season. His next target is the extraordinary benchmark of 289, set by AP McCoy, and it would be no surprise to see him challenge that figure in the years ahead.
Not only is Bowen a phenomenal jockey, but he is also a grounded young man and a superb ambassador for the sport.
So there you have it. I could mention so much more and it is only column inches that are preventing me, certainly not enthusiasm.
It has truly been a fantastic season and now it is time for yours truly to head off in search of some sun.
Enjoy your summer everyone, I’ll see you again in November.