Jennifer Eccles calls tune
A special moment at Trentham on Saturday had added meaning for two of the major players involved in Jennifer Eccles’ spectacular group I New Zealand Oaks (2400m) triumph.
Trainer Shaune Ritchie has confirmed that the Rip Van Winkle filly’s handler Colm Murray will be joining him in a new training partnership from the commencement of the 2020-21 racing season.
Born and bred Irishman Murray joined Ritchie’s Cambridge operation over two years ago and the talented horseman has been an integral member of the Jennifer Eccles support crew, riding her in all of her work and looking after her on raceday.
Ritchie returned home from Wellington yesterday to consider what next for his stable star, which could include a one-off raid on the Gr.1 Australian Oaks (2400m) in Sydney next month.
‘‘It’s exciting as she is certainly a spectacular filly,’’ he said. ‘‘We’re very aware that we have had a busy season and whether we go to the well one more time.
‘‘We will make that decision at the end of the week, once she has got home from Trentham, but if she looks at us funny or leaves an oat or we get a wet track, then we will pull the plug and she will be off to the paddock.
‘‘I would hate to go over there and have her run sub-standard so if there is any doubt we won’t be going.’’
Ritchie did have one tonguein-cheek recommendation for the large group of syndicate members who race Jennifer Eccles after another hearty rendition of her theme song, the Hollies’ 1968 tune of the same name, that rang around the Trentham birdcage on Saturday afternoon.
‘‘I would prefer if it was a little bit more modern as the song was written before I was even born,’’ Ritchie said. ‘‘ ‘‘If she does get to a feature race in Australia, we may have to take the whole group to singing lessons and get some professional help.’’