The Keith Watson trained ‘Carried’ has fairly put in the miles this past few days.
In the short space of forty-eight hours the son of Footstepsinthesand has travelled well over 617 miles from his home surrounds in Co. Armagh. He ran at Newcastle on Thursday, then Musselburgh on Friday afternoon - finishing third and second place, losing very little in defeat.
Assistant trainer Marshall Watson spoke to us exclusively; “He ran two grand races, probably bumped into a nice horse at Newcastle and Musselburgh - he was more stop, stop, stop , than actually go until the last 100 yards in both races. He came out of them races fantastically fresh and we have could have had him entered at Navan today”.
In the first of his races at on Thursday afternoon the striking ten-year-old was seen in action finishing 3rd place in the extended 1m 4f flat contest at Newcastle racecourse; he was never keeping up with the eventual winner Ice Pyramid though he was still running a big race to remain in the placings.
The subsequent afternoon (Friday), Carried was entered in a chase at Musselburgh racecourse; had to settle for minor honours in 2nd place, behind a very well handicapped ‘Izzy’s Champion’ from the Lucinda Russell yard nevertheless ‘Carried’ jumped and travelled with plenty of gusto to mention his day in the limelight is imminent if running up to them solid form-lines of late. He appears to be relishing his races and is very well handicapped under all codes to recommend he is headed in the right direction with all things considered.
We questioned the assistant trainer where will this ‘old hand’ been seen next? Marshall Watson replied; “He’ll get a week in the field then he’ll turn up for another ‘low-grade bun fight’ which could be anything fences/hurdles/flat, anywhere in England, Scotland, wales or closer to home in Ireland.
‘Carried’ is no superstar but it is apparent to see the ‘old timer’ showing plenty of zest for the game, seldom do you see an elder horse running so well materialistic of it being jumping or on the flat. Keep your eyes firmly on the entries throughout the next few weeks for Carried; he appears to be a winner waiting to happen for the Northern Irish team.
