Lunchtime drenching made the ground perfect for Loughville

September 20

Those racegoers who arrived at Newbury early today were not too pleased to get a drenching soon after midday, but Alan King had no complaints about getting wet running from the car park as he knew his ultra-consistent mare Loughville would relish the rain-softened ground in the fillies handicap.

And not for the first time, Alan was spot on with his assessment. Loughville settled beautifully for Rossa Ryan and travelled like a dream throughout, quickening up when asked to go and win her race by an easy two and a half lengths.

Alan, who will now look for some black type for Loughville, said:”I am so pleased for Dennis Barry, who had that smart racemare L’Unique with us a few years ago.”

L’Unique’s four wins for Alan included the Grade 1 Anniversary Juvenile Hurdle at Aintree, but the trainer was quick to kill off any suggestions that Loughville might go jumping next season.

Rossa Ryan has always got a good tune out of Loughville, who can boast three wins and four places in eight runs this season. He said:”There has been a valid reason every time this filly has been beaten – ground, not getting a run etc – but she is a dream ride and makes things so easy for me, especially when she can get her toe into the ground.”