Trainer Talk

He was in second place, three lengths behind the leader Scarrattoo with a furlong to go when the saddle slipped on the latter and rider Graham Gibbons was unseated.

Thankfully, both horse and rider were unscathed, which is the most important thing. Racing is an unpredictable game and Salsa has not had much luck in his two previous races so it was pleasing to see him have a change of fortune.

That said, I felt extremely sorry for the connections of Scarrattoo. I hope a consolation win isn't far away.

THE Northern Echo Partnership had a good day last Saturday, viewing Northern Echo on both the gallops and in a schooling session.

He runs at Cartmel on Monday, with Richard McGrath taking the ride again after their promising debut partnership at Sedgefield.

We are hoping for a bold showing and Cartmel is well worth a visit. It is a very picturesque Lake District course with plenty to do for all the family.

There's no other racecourse like Cartmel for a party atmosphere, with side shows, rides and roundabouts.

Let's hope it's a great day out.

AS always, York's Ebor meeting was a feast for racing fans.

What a fantastic year it's been for the Irish maestro Aiden O'Brien, with another sparkling quartet of winners on the Knavesmire - Milan (Great Voltigeur), Mediterranean (Ebor), Rock of Gibraltar (Gimcrack) and Mozart (Nunthorpe).

He is now in prime position to become the first overseas trainer to win the British trainers' title since his namesake Vincent O'Brien in 1977.

And I wouldn't be at all surprised if he goes on to claim the year's final Classic when Mediterranean goes for the St Leger.

I'M pleased to see that yesterday's court case, in which a former head lad alleged that veteran Bishop Auckland trainer Denys Smith had been negligent in asking him to ride a "frisky" horse which unseated him on the gallops.

They don't come any more experienced than Denys Smith and, as the judge said, there was no evidence of negligence on his part.