Ouija proves the star attraction
They were queuing around the block to catch a glimpse of Ouija Board this morning as Newmarket trainer Ed Dunlop opened the doors to Gainsborough Stables.
A four-figure crowd arrived from near and far to pat the triple Group One winner, who proved just as professional at home as she is at the racetrack.
The highlight of the three-hour charity Open Day came when the Cape Cross filly, owned by Lord Derby, was led around a paddock as Dunlop spoke about her.
“She’s done very well from three to four,” the handler told a captive audience, before outlining the details of the splint that affected her early-season preparations.
“The first plan was to run her in the Coronation Cup but the splint just held her up. I would like to run her in Ireland in the Pretty Polly Stakes, a mile-and-a-quarter Group One (at the Curragh on June 25th).
“She did a very encouraging piece of work yesterday. Chris Hinson, who rode her, was very happy with her. In his words, it was the best she’s worked so far.
“We’re still a couple of weeks off being really where we want to be. With two or three more pieces of work she will be spot on.
“We might take her away and give her a racecourse gallop somewhere. We haven’t decided yet but that is a possibility.
“So far the signs are very good that she’s trained on but we won’t know for sure until she actually runs.
“The Derbys have been fantastic keeping her in training and I am very lucky to have her. I just hope that she’s as successful this year.
“Realistically, she’s got to take on all the best colts so she will need to have improved from three to four.
“If we can win another Breeders’ Cup with her, that would be amazing – and that’s my main aim.”
Dunlop also enjoyed a lively question-and-answer session with the public, whose admission money will benefit the Brooke Hospital and Racing Welfare.
Before Ouija Board had paraded, young and old had taken the time to walk around the state-of-the-art yard.
Packed crowds looked on as horses went through the equine pool, viewed a shoeing demonstration by farriers – and, of course, there were 119 noses besides Ouija Board’s to be stroked.
Dunlop was absolutely delighted at the turnout and it will be a surprise if he has any ink left in his pen in light of the number of autographs he signed.
“I’m astounded by the number of people here,” he said. “People have come from near and far. I’ve spoken to people from London, Sussex, Yorkshire - everywhere.
“It’s been a fantastic turnout. We’ve been very lucky with the weather and it’s all gone well. I’d like to thank my staff and in particular my secretary Angela Lowe, who has done a fantastic job.”
