… remains at the kennels this week, with the feelgood factor from the past month’s experience still very much in the air.

Saturday night’s events gave kennel supporters some highs and lows. Pigalle Star found herself all at sea away from Romford, and was furthered hindered by crowding at the first bend, contesting the Sprint. The veteran could do no better than take sixth spot.

Roseville Tiny put in a valiant performance galliantly giving her best but also suffered crowding, finishing a close up sixth in the post-Derby Ladies Open.

Perhaps the unluckiest loser of the night, Sizzlers Spirit was unable to navigate a clear enough passage on the run in for the Champion Hurdle, beaten a fast diminishing head into second place.

Whilst kennel star of the show Johnny Cash had a similarly bumpy ride, claiming fourth in the showpiece but unlucky not to have picked up minor honours behind record breaker and worthy winner, Taylors Sky.

Commenting on Sunday morning, following the big night Norah told club members that she was thrilled with the week’s events, especially immediately after the semi-final Saturday when Johnny made it through to the final.

“That felt like winning in itself,” she said, adding,” It was just a long party all week, enjoying the prospect of being in the Final, the pressure was off. Everyone has been so kind, with so many well wishers, locally, nationally and internationally.”

The past month’s successes, added to recent months’ strike rate, sees Norah now lying thirteenth in the trainer’s championship ratings. Rankings run to about 250 places, without including trainers yet to register on the table, so that’s some feat given her limited strike force and a testament to her skill, patience and determination. With plenty of credit due to the rest of the team who work tirelessly to keep the show on the road.

Open class kennel strength continues to grow, and of course, all the Norah Mac Owners Group dogs are expected to compete at this level. If you’ve yet to join the club now’s a great time to join with the existing members in supporting Norah, whilst adding to your own personal kennel strength and interest in the game. Places are limited and will be capped at fiftty so don’t delay.

Upcoming Open Race News

The middle part of the week ahead features Zodiac Zeus lining up in Heat 6 (9.50) of the Pall Mall at Oxford on Thursday. Whilst Cloheena Cash isn’t resting on his laurels as he journeys to Hove to contest Heat 3 (8.18) of the Coral Olympic, also on Thursday.

Owners Club News

Fingers crossed Gino (Horse Outside) will get onto the card at Wimbledon this weekend.

Norah says she intends to trial Woody (Fleetwood Rocker/Mac), who’s really beginning to have a presence in his demeanour, at Romford midweek. This with the hope he will be given a chance in the Open Hurdle at the Essex venue on Friday.