WIN SOME, LOSE SOME
Mixed reviews for new jumps course at Windsor after test run from trainers and jockeys
The track will host jumps racing for the first time since 2005
WINDSOR’S new jumps course received mixed reviews from jockeys and trainers after a gallops morning on Monday.
Runners from a handful of yards, including Nicky Henderson, gave the course a test run ahead of Windsor’s first jumps fixture since 2005 on December 15.
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But riders voiced a few concerns about the sharp bend after the winning line and the positioning of a few fences, most notably the site of the proposed third last fence which is positioned on a dog leg.
Jamie Moore suggested that obstacle be moved to avoid trouble, while Nico de Boinville could be heard saying as he approached the final bend on galloper Willmount: “F*** me, that’s tight!”
When Flat racing is held at Windsor they race in a figure of eight, but the BHA said they would not grant a licence to the course to hold jumps racing around the same configuration.
So course bosses have had to get creative with the course layout, which will be left-handed with a long, galloping back straight and a couple of sharp bends.
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De Boinville said: "On the whole it was very positive and the ground is lovely with a really nice covering of grass.
"We are here for a reason today and there are possibly a few tweaks and things.
"It's mainly the top bend that needs altering but apart from that I thought it was positive and I'm looking forward to coming back here. It's great to have a new track, especially one that's an hour from home!
"Everyone is working together and hopefully we'll come up with some solutions to the changes that need to be made."
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Track chiefs now have a month to tinker with the layout of the track, and Nicky Henderson added: "It's great to be back and it's a great incentive.
"It's going to be different because it's not going to be the traditional figure of eight. The back straight will be lovely, and a bit like going down the back at Newbury.
"There's possibly just a bit of tweaking needed but otherwise it's an exciting and welcome new addition for racing."