SINCE its inception in the mid 16th century, several famous horses have graced the turf at Salisbury. Eclipse was so good that no trainer would field against him and he enjoyed a walk-over.
PUNTERS could almost set their watch on Ralph Beckett. If it's September and Salisbury, he will monopolise the three juvenile races. Two winners had already advertised their ability but it was the unraced filly who made the greatest impression.
QUESTIONS were set at Salisbury - would the veteran Airshow meet the challenge of running over a mile for the first time, would Bownder enjoy the firm going and was Hollie Doyle's one ride significant? All were answered correctly.
Warren Greatrex, better recognised as a National Hunt trainer - witness Cole Harden's storming success in the 2024 stayers hurdle at Cheltenham - saddled his first winner at Salisbury when Dear Cat combined experience and stamina to take the maiden fillies race.
EYES scanned the pre-parade ring and the main ring. Was the legend there? Had he flown over from Ireland? Sadly, no. Aidan O'Brien remained at Ballydoyle to view The Parthenon's run in the afternoon Stonehenge Stakes at Salisbury on television in favour of attending another listed race just down the road at Gowran Park's evening card.
JACK Gilligan, seeking to re-establish his riding career back home after a nine year stint in America, firmly advertised his ability in the saddle when landing a double at Salisbury.
IRISH eyes were certainly smiling after the opening race at Salisbury's Ladies Evening fixture when Alpine Girl snatched the spoils for Rory Mulligan in the last stride of the six furlong apprentice handicap.
ALL horses run fast past trees but there was no mistaking the quality of Ejaabiyah who cruised to victory in Salisbury's feature race yesterday (Sunday), the winning margin of nearly five lengths hardly reflecting the ease of the Frankel filly's win.
WHITSBURY trainer Marcus Tregoning is adopting a softly softly approach with Quietness who gained back to back wins at Salisbury this week. The Bated Breath filly was placed in her four races for George Baker last season before being transferred by owner Andrew Walpole in the new year, and belied a 221 day absence from the track by winning on her seasonal debut at Windsor last month when she was delivered to challenge a furlong out and lead close home in a 12 furlong handicap. However, Tregoning was not surprised by the outcome. "I thought she would win." Quietness was sent off the 5/2 favourite for a better class handicap at Salisbury on Tuesday when, despite being bumped at the start and taking a keen hold, Oisin Murphy was able to set a fairly sedate pace before increasing the tempo three out and just held on to beat the fast-finishing Alhattan - to whom she was conceding 7lbs - by a short head to give Walpole a birthday winner. Tregoning believes there is more to come from the filly but will take his time to upgrade her. "She's a late maturing type and I think a lot of her," he said by way of a compliment. "She's very straightforward. She's on an upward curve and was given a great ride by Oisin. She is progressing but we will not rush her. We will take things step by step and I have no firm plans for her, but I think she may get further in time."
A POTENTIAL runner for next week's royal meeting emerged when Ardennes atoned for his disappointing debut when leading from flag fall to land the six furlong juvenile race at Salisbury yesterday (Tues).
