Lynch will have the last laugh

It’s that time of year again when preparations to get both the thoroughbreds and the purebred Arabians race fit is well under way. With the 2008/09 season commencing in November, there is still plenty of time to correct any niggling problems that have blighted our four-legged friends during the summer and the same can be said for their riders!

A steady stream of both horse and jockey have been trickling onto the main circuit at Nad Al Sheba as the new training track behind Christian Wroe’s Dubai-based barn, Nad Al Sheba stables, is quickly being resurrected, and I’m sure it will prove a popular point of exercise.

Of course the old 1,400m circular gallop has now been closed to make way for the world’s most ambitious project that is Meydan. It’s a slight shame the reasonably new grass strip is no longer obtainable as the ripe green turf surface was a welcome change for many thoroughbreds and trainers, and the grass roots have barely had time to settle.

No great surprises to hear that acquitted jockey Fergal Lynch has decided to hang up his boots in the UK and find a new peg in the weighing room on America’s race courses.

Lynch, who has been subjected to much scrutiny and race-fixing allegations was eventually deemed not guilty at a court in London last year following an extremely long investigation. However, some were still unwilling to accept a court’s decision and made it their sole purpose in life to try and ensure the talented rider, who won the Ebor in 1996 on Clerkenwell and Kris Kin in Chester’s Dee Stakes, could not continue race-riding in the UK.

The BBC’s Paul Kenyon should be held personally responsible. I am not wet behind the ears and am completely aware that in past years, some horses were not always ridden to ‘obtain the best possible placing’ but while I’m not saying all jockeys can be accused of ‘stopping’ a horse during their time, there are plenty of others who have and it’s a shame this journeyman rider has been singled out.

Better opportunity

A new career awaits him in the US where I believe he will get plenty of support from his brother Cathal, who has a training licence out there. "I see this as the future for me in a land of opportunity, where the prize money is phenomenal and, for jockeys, there is nothing like the day-to-day travelling or expense that is involved over here." With the state of racing in the UK at present, I’d say this jockey will certainly be having the last laugh.

In perhaps a surprising announcement, John Magni-er’s famous navy blue silks are likely to be seen at Nad Al Sheba during the 2009 Dubai International Racing Carnival. The Coolmore boss has been represented in the UAE on one previous occasion when Powerscourt struggled to power home in the 2005 Sheema Classic. But the Irish entrepreneur will be hoping Front Of House can provide him with that elusive winner. Dubai’s adopted trainer, Mike de Kock is to be made responsible for mapping out a winning campaign.