Our first runner!

On Wednesday 22 March, the RaceShare team travelled to Haydock for our first ever runner, Jolly Nellerie. Trainer Venetia Williams had entered the four-year-old in a selection of races leading up to Haydock, so it was great to see our French import declared and ready to make a start on UK soil.

The field was cut in half after two non-runners, leaving Jolly in a two horse match race against the Simon Munir and Isaac Souede-owned Tuddenham Green. Their contender had not yet run on soft ground over hurdles, but had raced once on the surface on the Flat last summer, when third behind a useful horse called Soulcombe, who went on to win a Group 3 in Australia last November. Tuddenham Green was clearly well-regarded, as he had finished second in a Listed race and been pitched into a Grade 2 towards the end of last year.

We thought this would be a test for Jolly Nellerie and unfortunately, he couldn't come out on top on this occasion. He jumped and settled reasonably well considering there was only one opponent, with no pace in the race. He became a little tired in the home straight and, in the end, Tuddenham Green outpaced him quite clearly in the closing stages. It was not the fairytale start, but there are reasons to feel he will improve next time out. We were so excited to see the RaceShare silks and Jolly Nellerie owners on the track for the first time and our live broadcast, including live footage from the track, hosted by Ross Brierley went down very well with owners who couldn't make it in midweek.

Onwards and upwards Jolly!