Heir Rounds His Season Off In Style
Coming into this season Heir To A Throne was seen as a promising 3 year old and he delivered owner Dave Stone his first ever winner when breaking his duck in a Chester Maiden. Although not quite getting his head in front since he has run with great credit and finally secured his second victory when taking the Pinnacle Racing Syndicate Shares Available Handicap over 1 mile at Redcar.
Following his win at Chester, Heir then went into handicap company. His next two runs were pleasing, finishing in the frame on both occasions and showing he could run up to his mark. It was his run at York that was arguably his most promising performance. Taking a big step up to 0-100 company and trying 1 mile for the first time it was all a bit of an unknown. The race was full of good 3 year olds who had plenty of potential still to show. Heir adopted his usual positive tactics and helped to take the field along. Running well to the 2f marker he then led the field and looked to be a big danger. It was only the last furlong where he began to give way and weakened. Despite not quite seeing the trip out he finished an admirable 7th and showed there was a win waiting to happen.
The race at York was run at a good pace, was on soft ground and the track is a test of stamina. These factors affected Heir’s performance and he had shown enough to Kevin that he could be as effective over 1 mile as 7f. It was decided that an easier opportunity would be the best plan going forward, hopefully in a bid to get his head in front once more.
Redcar is a different proposition to York and so the 1 mile 0-85 handicap looked like the ideal race. Racing over the straight mile helps horses who are prominent and despite taking on his elders, Heir would be taking a step down in grade. He was set to take on 13 rivals which may give him plenty to do if wanting to lead but regular partner Shane Gray was booked for the ride and knew exactly what the horse would need. The pair have a good relationship and Shane has ridden him in every one of his 10 runs bar one.
Breaking from the stalls the 14 strong field covered much of the course. Heir bounced out well but it was Tadaany and Holy Grail who were the first to grab the lead and set a decent gallop. The jockeys did not really organise themselves straight away and the field were a little split with Tadaany racing alone, Holy Grail leading the main group and Heir at the forefront of about 4 runners in the centre. He was sat nicely in third position around a length off the leaders.
Finally, after the first furlong, the field began to converge into one racing towards the centre of the track. Tadaany still kept away from the rest and held the overall lead, going a good clip and ensuring the winner would need to see out every yard of the mile. Shane had a nice toe into the race and Heir travelled well chasing the pace.
With the decent pace it wasn’t long before the field were heading past halfway. Tadaany made sure there was no hiding and continued to pour it on from the front. Heir had gone well through the first half and maintained his good position throughout. Even that far out there were a few of the back markers trying to make headway but unable to move up.
Heir To A Throne was perfectly poised to be one of the first to lay down a challenge but it was going to be an ask to quicken off the pace being set. Moving from the 3f to 2f marker the race really heated up. Jockeys got more serious but Tadaany still travelled strong and looked full of running. Shane was not panicking but his rivals were closing in around him whilst the leader opened up a little bit of a gap.
Passing the 2f marker and the field had plenty to do to catch Tadaany who had moved a couple of lengths clear. Shane now got lower in the saddle but Heir did not respond straight away. Little was getting into the race and Heir needed to pick up quickly if he were to chase down the leader. Shane had to get serious now and gave his mount a couple of slaps. This was the wake up call needed and Heir shifted up a gear, quickened up and began to give chase.
As they moved into the final furlong Tadaany still held a good lead but Heir had now kicked clear of the pack and was on the hunt. With Shane asking for full effort, the little chestnut was giving everything. He really started to motor no but Tadaany was not stopping and the line was getting ever nearer. One thing Heir has in abundance is heart and he was going to all lengths to rein in the leader. Half a furlong out Tadaany just showed the first sign of weakness as he slowed just slightly for the first time in the race. Heir was in full flight and was cutting down the gap with every stride. Shane was running out of time but he was getting a great tune out of Heir. The gap closed from a length to half a length to a neck. As the line came closer and closer, Heir managed to get up to the leader. In the last few strides he edged ahead and pulled out a little bit more. The chestnut flashed past the line with a neck advantage, grabbing the win in the final few strides.
Heir To A Throne leaves it late to sign off his season in style
If there is one horse who deserves his wins it is Heir To A Throne who is as tough and genuine as they come. He really saw the trip out well an showed a good turn of foot to rally and catch the long time leader. It was great to see owner Dave Stone celebrate his second winner with Heir. His enthusiasm continues to get bigger and bigger for the sport and it is nice to repay it with a winner. Heir will now have his winter break after a very good season. He has won twice and performed well in some competitive races. He will surely grow and strengthen again and could be a different prospect next year. The little chestnut has been a star and will surely be giving Dave Stone plenty more days to cheer him on and celebrate a few victories.