Luke’s disciples for Disneyland?

PROBABLY the best story to come off the flat in recent weeks is the flying form of the Luke Comer horses. Many are running strong races in defeat. And we had one horse winning two in a week and last Friday evening, his second string out battled the favourite, his first string, to bring home a memorable one-two.

An elated Jim Gorman, Comer’s assistant and one of the great characters of the game, was a little emotional and grinning from ear to ear after the race, paid homage to Luke Comer, pointing out how much he puts into the game.

That goes from the money he spends on the big numbers he has in training, to sponsorship of some very big races to the cover of all professional flat and jumps jockey.

When asked about Scarlet Seymour running in the following race at 25/1, Jim said “if she won, it’d be Disneyworld stuff”. She did. Say hello to Mickey Mouse for me, Jim!

AN amazing run of weather has left the ground still a little better than the Willie Mullins camp would like before they start unveiling their army of new and old recruits. Not quite what the seasoned National Hunt racegoer would call proper winter ground.

We can enjoy the nice weather while it lasts and enjoy the unveiling of the stars when it breaks.

Some have already appeared from the other yards, most notably A Plus Tard in Haydock last Saturday. Visually, he was extremely impressive. Interesting to see what can get the better of him this year, if anything.

Gordon Elliott is sending out winners left, right and centre. Many talented horses among them.

One I liked a lot was Hollow Games in Navan last weekend. A bit of star quality about him. Bigger days lie ahead.