Rhapsody dazzles at York
Diary Entry
by syndicate shareholder Heather Hart
Rhapsody cruises through to claim the prize in a valuable 1m1f fillies handicap at York 07.09.25
Rhapsody has had a rather frustrating year. After her wonderful debut last October she had not lived up to her early promise, so it was with a little trepidation and a great deal of hope that we arrived at York for her entry in the Sky Bet Fillies Stakes on the final day of the Sky Bet Sunday Series. York is such a lovely racecourse, and I was very keen to be there to cheer her on despite the 200-mile journey.
It was a warm day with the sun occasionally poking through the clouds, and the going changed to ‘Good’ – so all was set fair. Our race was not until 5pm, so there was plenty of time to enjoy the day’s racing and a most delicious lunch in the O&T restaurant. Jason as always was a charming host, and nerves started to build as we went through the card – ours was the 6th race, so we were set to meet in the Pre-Parade as soon as the 5th was over. Halfway through the feature race a horrible incident caused a loud gasp around the whole racecourse as the pack came together and 2 horses took a horrific fall. Fortunately the horses were soon on their feet but both jockeys, though conscious, were taken to hospital with suspected leg injuries.
Needless to say it dramatically changed the atmosphere and caused a lengthy delay for our race. The horses were already in the pre-parade and remained walking there for about 30 minutes while we waited for the all-clear. At one point it was thought that they may abandon the meeting altogether, so it was a nervous wait - torn between concern for the injured jockeys and the strong desire to get on with our contest. Rhapsody had not yet been saddled, and she took the preliminaries very well and seemed unphased by the delay. She looked in great condition, an opinion seemingly shared by the racegoers as she was backed into second favourite having started the day about halfway down the field.
Finally the moment of truth – we watched from the steps as the field of 11 horses left the starting stalls. Rhapsody was held up towards the rear of the field and thankfully settled well. By the two-furlong pole there was a wall of horses across the track, and we feared the gap would not come – but Jason Hart was determined and guided her through a narrow opening as they approached the final furlong. She burst through and galloped home in front all the way to the line. We went wild!! Matt, Carole and I were the only owners there, but I think we made enough noise for the entire syndicate in that final furlong. So thrilling!
The victory was even sweeter as it was Jason Hart's 1,000th career winner and his 100th winner in the UK this season, so celebrations all around. It was also a small consolation for Maureen Haggas who was on course, as it had been one of the Haggas horses that was involved in the horrible collision in the previous race and it had definitely shaken the team.
Of course we celebrated after lifting the trophy with a delightful glass of Champagne and eagerly watched the replays. I think it is fair to say we were relieved that Rhapsody had made good on her early promise and shown the determination and talent that was still lurking beneath the surface. She deserved her win and hopefully she will go on to bigger and better success in the future.
We lingered at the course, still with smiling faces and a slight disbelief – not really wanting the euphoria to end – but finally we all departed with great memories of an exceptional Highclere day.
Heather (centre) celebrates with fellow owners!