Interview with George Boughey

While it was disappointing to see Top 40 entry Ten Lengths Tom finish second at Exeter on Friday, I thought Tom Lacey's runner ran a gallant race under his penalty. Outspeeded by the odds on favourite Spirits Bay after the last, he attempted to make all in the two miles novice hurdle. Returning from an absence of 89 days and running over an inadequate trip, the five year old looked the most likely winner at the third last but couldn't withstand Nigel Twiston-Davies' winner late on. Beaten two and a quarter lengths, the pair were well clear of the remainder and he remains an interesting proposition now he is qualified for handicaps. The winner had some decent form and attempting to give him seven pounds was never going to be easy. Hopefully, Ten Lengths Tom will go one better in a two and a half miles handicap hurdle on slow ground in the spring.

On Friday afternoon, I interviewed George Boughey for the forthcoming edition of Ahead On The Flat. The Classic winning handler sent out 103 winners in 2023 and was responsible for nine Pattern winners. George nominated Via Sistina as his horse to follow in last year's AOTF and the filly didn't disappoint winning the Group 2 Dahlia Stakes and Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes at Newmarket and the Curragh respectively. We discussed over 50 three year olds and older horses and George kindly nominated a dozen juveniles to look out for in 2024. Indeed, Hugo Palmer's former assistant has approximately 65 two year olds in training this year. 

I have arranged more interviews next week - once completed, I will pass on news of these. In the meantime, please head to the Publications section to order your copy of the One Jump Ahead Cheltenham Festival Update, which will be emailed to clients on Sunday 10th March.