Papini Race Reports 2005 ~ 2006

6th May 2006, Haydock. Having come into his coat over the last 10 days and bubbling with renewed vigour at home, Nicky took the decision to run Papini in this ultra competitive Grade 3 contest. With over £42,000 in prizemoney up for grabs for first place, it was no surprise that this wasn’t going to be a walk in the park and all the serious players were out in force to battle it out for the silverware. With a 21-strong field on quick ground, it was going to be a cavalry charge and looking at the time the race was run in (2.9s faster than standard) it certainly was.

With Papini on 10st. 6lbs, Andrew Tinkler took the ride leaving Mick to ride Papini’s stable mate Caracciola on 11st. 4lbs. Despite knowing that the race was going to be run at a strong gallop, with some known front-runners pushing the pace, Andrew was thankfully given instructions to let Papini take his favoured prominent position. From the ‘off’ Papini tracked the leaders keenly, pinging each flight effortlessly as Andrew kept him nicely in touch out wide in 4th place. Swinging in for home the pace quickened and Papini was able to go with it; but two from home Papini started to feel the pressure, having to dig deep and battle. With Andrew pushing him out, just before the last Papini weakened but all credit to him as he stuck at it, in his usual stoic fashion and finished a very respectable 7th (unfortunately prizemoney paid down to 6th) and in front of Mick on Caracciola. The Martin Pipe trained, Acambo, took the race in workmanlike fashion, in front of the Irish invader, Callow Lake.

I spoke to Nicky immediately after the race and it was apparent how delighted he was with Papini’s run. Andrew had reported that he had jumped perfectly the entire 2 miles and travelled brilliantly, until unfortunately just weakening at the end. In short a performance that we should all be delighted with, and a fantastic way to end the season and Papini’s hurdling career. Looking at how effective Papini is over a hurdle it can only mean that he is going to be even better over fences….. I’m already counting the days until I can don my tweeds once more and watch Papini in his first novice chase in the autumn. Papini can now enjoy a well earnt summer at grass.

15th April 2006, Haydock. Nicky’s instructions to Mick were to remain handy and to keep Papini in his favoured prominent front-running position. After a slight delay to the start, the confirmed pace-setter Torkingking took the lead along with Fait Le Jojo in 2nd however as per his instructions, Mick kept Papini in touch in third and slightly wide. Papini jumped effortlessly as usual and bowled along with the leaders, staying nicely on the bridle. Swinging in for home, the pace quickened and Papini had no trouble keeping with it and after three out Mick moved him into the lead however Papini wasn’t as fluent as he could have been over the penultimate flight and like vultures there was a battle on for the lead with Swift Swallow and Glimmer of Light taking over from Papini’s lead. However Papini pleasingly kept on and rallied for the line; the long run-in to the post at Haydock tests a horse’s resolution so it was encouraging to see Papini digging in deep to fight back, the spark of last season very much apparent. In the end Papini finished 3rd, only a neck behind Swift Swallow in 2nd, with Glimmer of Light taking the silverware two lengths clear.

Speaking to both Nicky and Mick afterwards, they both said how happy they had been with Papini’s run, especially as it was a competitive field of 18 and run at a strong and testing gallop and on ground that was riding much quicker than the reported Good To Soft. So all in all it was a good solid and honest performance from Papini but more pleasingly a return to some of the form that he showed last season.

28 January 2006, Southwell. In the Pre-Parade and then Paddock, Papini was more on his toes and fitter than I have ever seen him, his coat looked magnificent and he seemed to ooze well being from every equine pore. Nicky’s instructions to Mick were to keep him covered up but in the leading pack and handy, as in all the previous races throughout the day, the pace had been scorching and those running from the front had not been able to finish. As anticipated it was a strong pace from the off and Papini chased the leading two for the first circuit but it was apparent, soon after they turned down the back straight for the second time that things were not right, as Mick had to slap Papini down the neck to keep him with the leaders. As things started to hot up Papini began to struggle and was unable to go with the leaders as they rounded the home bend and entered the straight. As it turned out, it was a fiercely fought battle for the line, with the favourite Hoh Viss coming from behind to take victory 2 lengths in front of Euro American. Papini finished eleventh but being eased slightly. After unsaddling Mick reported that Papini had been keen and on the bridle, jumping well, but after the first circuit he began to make a noise and had to take in great gulps of air, indicating that something was not right. Nicky therefore immediately requested that the racecourse vet take a scope, which he did and it was found to be dirty with mucus, i.e. indicating some kind of viral infection and hence the reason behind his poor performance. The following day Papini was sound and well and had come out of the race well, and the scope on Monday confirmed this as it was clear as a bell. There was obviously something amiss at Southwell, as the racecourse scope proved, however it can’t have been anything too serious as Papini took so little time to get over it. Always the optimist, despite disappointing I think we can put a line through the race and not get too worked up over it. Papini is still our wonder horse!

31 December 2005, Lingfield. Nicky’s instructions to Mick were to jump Papini off in front but to set a sensible pace and if possible let him have some company up in front too; to let the race unfold and if Papini was really hating the conditions then to ease him up and look after him. This was going to be a race for the mud lovers, feeling more like 3 1⁄2 miles than 2 1⁄2 for all of them and so a stiff task first time out for our boy plus carrying 14lbs more than the bottom weight. True to form Papini took his favourite position from the off and seemingly appeared to get through the hideous ground effectively, jumping beautifully as well. Mick looked comfortable out in front with Papini bowling along ahead of the other 11 contenders in what was a very competitive race. Papini made light work of the hurdles, jumping as accurately as ever and then easing over the flat between hurdles, Mick giving him a chance to fill his lungs on the downward parts of the course. Two out and turning for home we were still in command but as Papini hit some of the worst ground out there he tired and was joined by the top weight Nathos and the useful Dom D’Orgeval who took up the challenge and left Papini in their wake. With Papini weakening, as instructed you could see Mick decide to look after Papini in the run in but at the same time they hit some better ground and the momentary breather gave Papini all the incentive he needed to take up the bit once more as he was joined either side by Cool Roxy and L’Oudon. Papini loving a fight stuck his head down and hating to be beaten, dug deep rallying home like a Trojan to finish 4th. Mick returned absolutely delighted with Papini’s performance, his jumping had been foot perfect and his resolve in the last furlong amazing taking into consideration the bottomless conditions, the fact this was Papini’s first race for 262 days (compared with the first three who have all had races in December) plus it was a step up in distance and carrying a fair amount of weight to boot. Nicky too, was over the moon with the race and was beaming from ear to ear thrilled . All in all a magnificent run from a magnificent horse, who is going to give us a very exciting season indeed….. a pretty good way to end 2005.

2004 ~ 2005 Race Reports - click here.