Monmore trials indicative of quality competitions upcoming
The trial sessions at Monmore this week are looking hugely exciting with some big names set to take to the track ahead of their upcoming Category One competitions.
Monmore set for their upcoming features
Monmore racing manager Tony Williamson says the track is ready to pick up the big-race baton from Romford and Central Park - and the trial sheets at the Wolverhampton venue this week certainly underline that.
After a weekend which saw back-to-back Category One finals with the Coral Essex Vase at Romford on Friday and the Arc Cesarewitch at Central Park on Saturday, Monmore is counting down to its first major competitions of the year with the Ladbrokes Winter Derby and Ladbrokes Golden Jacket which will run side by side.
Both events - the Winter Derby over 480m and Golden Jacket over 684m - start a week on Saturday (February 7).
Trial sessions today and Saturday are full, with a number of big-race hopefuls having prep trials - the likes of the Romeos Steel, Ability and Alliance today, while Wicky Ned, Romeo Empire and Droopys Flare are among those being put through their paces on Saturday.
Williamson said: “We’ve got some tremendous names lined up and will be running a whole host of opens this coming Saturday (January 31). These close at noon on Wednesday and will feature a lot of runners coming back here for the Winter Derby and Golden Jacket heats.
“Generally our one-off opens will be kept to Thursdays but it’s Saturday nights all the way for the major competitions, so it makes sense to have trial stakes etc the weekend before which helps trainers plan.
“The refurbishments to the lower grandstand and entrance area look great and should be open this Saturday, plus we’ve sent brochures out to local businesses telling them what Monmore has to offer - Paul (Mason, stadium manager) and Joe (Edwards, communications manager) have done a great job with these.”
