Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix did well to win the Class 2 three-year-olds’ one-mile handicap at Newmarket last Friday. He was awkward at the start, which meant that he had to settle last of the eight runners early on, which wasn’t ideal. Rob Hornby didn’t panic though, he allowed his horse settle into his rhythm and moved him towards the near side. Still second last as they passed the three-furlong marker, the New Bay gelding responded willingly when his rider asked him for his effort. He stayed on well down the near side, and just nabbed the long-time leader Positive Impact inside the final 100 yards, winning by a short head in the end.

It was a fine effort by Ralph Beckett’s horse. He showed a really willing attitude, the first two came close together close home, racing on ground that was probably faster than ideal for him. He showed his versatility too, coming from behind to win, as he did at Haydock in May. He had led from early in the Britannia at Royal Ascot and he kept on really well to finish third in a race in which seven of the first nine home were held up. The handicapper raised him by 6lb for this, but he is progressive enough to take that type of hike in his stride.
Newmarket, 9^th July 2022