The Queen's Reach For The Moon Returns Lame Following Hurdling Debut

The Queen Camilla's runner, Reach For The Moon, disappointed with a fourth-place finish at Sedgefield. Trainer Jamie Snowden has expressed his intention to conduct a thorough evaluation of the 5-year-old gelding after he returned lame following his debut over hurdles.

Previously owned by the late Queen Elizabeth II during its Flat racing days, Reach For The Moon achieved notable success, including a victory in the Group Three Solario Stakes at Sandown under the tutelage of John and Thady Gosden. Additionally, he secured two runner-up positions at the prestigious Royal Ascot meeting. However, the bay gelding's performance declined in the Flat discipline, prompting its transfer to Jamie Snowden's yard for a hurdling campaign.

Making his reappearance in the Queen Camilla's silks alongside Sir Chips Keswick, the former Arsenal chairman, Reach For The Moon seemed to be faring well in the early stages of the race, closely tracking the highly-favoured Schmilsson. Unfortunately, a minor error in three obstacles from the finish disrupted his rhythm, resulting in a subsequent loss of momentum. While Schmilsson surged ahead in the second division of the Betting.Bet New Betting Sites Maiden Hurdle, Reach For The Moon ultimately slipped two places during the final stretch.

Snowden revealed that the horse is experiencing hind limb lameness, but the exact cause remains undetermined. Further assessment will be conducted upon their return to the stables, with the hopes that the issue is not severe. Snowden also noted that Reach For The Moon displayed a penchant for jumping, which was anticipated given his training at home.

The demanding ground conditions may have played a role in the horse's lacklustre performance, prompting the team to target races on more favourable terrain in the future. Despite the disappointing outcome, it is worth mentioning that the Queen Camilla and Keswick had another runner, Schematic, trained by Snowden at Ludlow, but it too failed to secure a placing.