Emitom the ‘missing piece’ in what looks a great card at Newbury today

Newbury won’t seem quite the same today without Emitom, who can boast two wins and three seconds on our local course from just five visits, having only joined our Barbury stable nine months ago.

Emitom simply adores Newbury and, having been beaten only a neck on his seasonal debut over the course three weeks ago, Alan immediately pencilled him in for the Grade 2 Coral Long Distance Hurdle this afternoon.

Now 17lb higher on official ratings since he switched stables, Emitom, who will celebrate his 11th birthday four weeks tomorrow, is sadly missing from the four-runner field, having suffered an injury.

He has been a star for his owners, The Spero Partnership, and Alan said:”It is such a shame. Emitom is a grand old horse and has been marvellous to me.

“He loves Newbury but he also finished fifth in the Pertemps Final at last season’s Cheltenham Festival, and, while he is at an age when this injury will probably mean the end of his career, we will have another look at him in the spring and make a decision then. He’ll be fine to go and do another job.”