Let’s hope the crowds can return in June

THIS Friday I am keeping my fingers firmly crossed for some good news about the return of spectators to Ffos Las when the Welsh Government gives its latest update on the road map out of Covid.

We are expecting customers to be back with us very soon with the evening fixture on Thursday, June 17, a possible starting point.

How many people will be permitted to attend is unclear, but whatever happens I will be excited to see people back enjoying a race day.

We’ll be posting the news on our website and social media feeds.

The form of the Bowen family has been excellent in recent days. At the time of writing, Sean has ridden three winners from his last four rides and James has three successes from his last six mounts.

Father Peter has sent out two winners from his last three runners.

Sean showed why he is one of the country’s top riders with his win aboard Francky Du Berlais at Uttoxter on Sunday. The horse, trained by Peter, came with a storming late run to win by a nose from Pistol Whipped in a race worth £32,500 in prize money.

Sean and Peter’s victories also include that of Lermoos Legend at Ffos Las on Saturday night. The gelding registered back-toback victories at the track when he took the two-mile handicap chase for owner Jonathan Martin.

There was plenty of money for the sixyear-old, who was sent off the 6-4 favourite and scored by a neck from Cape Robin.

Another Welsh jockey in the winner’s enclosure on Saturday was Ben Jones, successful on Jemima P trained by Emma Lavelle. The 7-4 favourite defeated Black Buble by six and a half lengths.

Jones is in tremendous form with three winners from his last six rides, including the impressive Jaq Brown for Carmarthenshire trainer Debra Hamer at Worcester last week.

Veteran trainer Brian Eckley, who is based near Brecon, has a smile on his face after selling one of his horses for £175,000 at the Cheltenham Tattersalls Sales. Brian bred five-year-old Timeforatune and the gelding won impressively by 11 lengths on his debut at Ffos Las.

Brian, who has recovered from injuries sustained in a riding fall in January, says it’s the best sale he’s ever had.

Finally, Verdana Blue, who gave Welsh jockey Connor Brace the biggest success of his career when she won the Scottish Champion Hurdle in 2019, has been retired.