Linda Perratt is hoping for a revitalised Scotland as the signing of star Hollie Doyle tops her hopes after a difficult Racing League last year, finishing bottom of the table.
HOLLIE LEADS STAR SEARCH FOR A REVITALISED SCOTLAND
Last year the Scottish side had the dubious distinction of finishing bottom of the table, but we head into Season 4 of the Racing League full of hope and expectation after completing a series of star signings.
None are bigger than top jockey Hollie Doyle, who may not have Scottish ancestry but is a big coup for my new team, which has much more strength in depth this time around.
Doyle’s skills in the saddle will be a valuable asset to a weigh-in team packed with experience. She will be joined by the ever-present Joe Fanning, another welcome addition to the competition, who will carry the baton in Yarmouth.
Both riders will benefit from a steady supply of ammunition from two top trainers. Lambourn-based Archie Watson has been initiated as a full-fledged Scot and, with his stable jockey Doyle, should keep us in the points.
Charlie Johnston, whose Scottish heritage is beyond doubt, will be the main source of Fanning’s chances after promising to put his battalions behind our cause as well. With such a volume of horses, Johnston brings some much-needed depth to our team.
Hollie Doyle hopes to revive Scotland team
But our new signings don’t stop there. I’m delighted to welcome successful Yorkshire coach Bryan Smart and Lanarkshire native Gary Harrison to our 15-man Scotland squad. We’ve even recruited the talents of an Australian.
Jane Chapple-Hyam’s prowess on the Southern Circuit can only enhance our chances and fellow Newmarket trainer Gay Kelleway will add a touch of charisma to the action, as well as bringing some good horses to the team. We are also fortunate to have Hughie Morrison and the famous French Scot David Menuisier in our ranks!
The news that the winners of this year’s Racing League will count towards the official flat championship was an added incentive to get some of the top trainers involved and that certainly worked in our favour.
We have no shortage of local talent either, with Hewick-born Rowan Scott joined by Andrew Mullen, who is stable jockey to our own Iain Jardine. ‘Midge’ has plenty of experience and also has the advantage of being able to ride lightly.
Kevin Stott knows all about Racing League winners having put two on the board last year and I’m delighted to be able to call on his skills too, even though he was born in Denmark, not Dumfries!
Emerging young talent is also important so I am delighted to bring in apprentice Tommie Jakes, who made his name riding a number of winners for me on the All-Weather last winter and will be an invaluable asset with his 5lb claim.
Every team needs its stalwarts and the Racing League wouldn’t be what it is without Jim Goldie, who formed a formidable partnership with Paul Mulrennan. Mulrennan won four of 17 races last season and will be a key player again at Newcastle and Southwell in particular.
I am in the unusual position of having my own riders, as well as managing such a formidable team, and will be relying on horses that have become household names on the Northern Circuit. POCKLEYwho loves Newcastle, will be back with THE CALTONIAN And LUNAR FLIGHT – all solid sprinters in their category.
Yarmouth on opening night is a little too far off my radar so I’m counting on Charlie and some of my southern based coaches to give us a good start. George Baker, James Ferguson and Heather Main all have chances to get us on the scoreboard.
No pressure on Charlie, but I hope he makes an immediate impact with some obvious chances on the card including LUDO’S LANDING in the 5.30 and in shape BAILEYS KHELSTAR And THE PULGAwho both run in the 8.00m. A double would be a great victory for us!
Any points we can pick up at the seaside track will be a bonus, though, with the All-Weather meetings in the Midlands and North at Wolverhampton, Southwell and Newcastle should give me even more winning options.
I just hope the Racing League will generate the same excitement that we were blessed with last year when Ireland, Wales and the West met in that thrilling final. It made for great television coverage.
I’m sure their managers Kevin Blake and Jamie Osborne will take that even more seriously this season, with bragging rights as important as the magnificent cash prizes up for grabs.
The banter has already started and I don’t mind these boys viewing my team as the underdogs, but I have a little message for all my rival managers: underestimate the Scotland team at your peril!
Watch all the Racing League action on Sky Sports Racing.
