Hockings enjoying the journey with Ringo
Heres Ringo is doing Glenn Hockings proud and his trainer his looking forward to seeing his dog in the heats of the Ladbrokes Summer Stayers Classic at Monmore on Saturday evening.
Hockings enjoying the journey with Ringo
Glenn Hockings is happy to take his chance with Heres Ringo in the Ladbrokes Summer Stayers Classic at Monmore this evening.
The April 2023 son of Ballymac Bolger defied the lack of a previous look round the Wolverhampton track when winning well in a pleasing 37.86 (+15) a fortnight ago and he did so from off the pace.
That booked his place in this competition and his trainer is delighted with how he has progressed.
“He did us proud,” said Hockings.
“We thought we’d send him there for a race, instead of a trial, and we figured 630m would be ideal for him.
“He took to the track really well and led at the third bend, which really helped him.
“It was well worth the four-hour drive! I’m only a hobby trainer and the travel is all part of the day out.”
Heres Ringo goes in a competitive second heat (6.48pm) of the 630m event and Hockings will be happy just to make it through the first round.
He added: “It looks tough but we’ve managed to miss some of the bigger names, so that’s a positive.
“He’s had a good couple of weeks off, he’s nice and fresh, and we’re just trying to get in the first three.
“It’s all about the break really. As long as he can keep himself clean for the first 100m, then I think he should fair ok.”
Heres Ringo seems to have really taken to six bends and posted three good runs over 659m at Yarmouth (one win, two seconds) before scoring at Monmore last time out.
When asked if he thinks his dog has improved for the step up in trip, Hockings had no doubt: “Yes, absolutely.
“That was always the idea, that he would want a bit further, but you never know until you try. It’s nice that he has improved for it.
“We’re here for the experience. It would be lovely to win a heat and that’s the next ambition, as we’ve won an open race with him.
“We’ve got some trophies now and that’s more than we could have expected when he got marked awkward at Yarmouth (in an A1 in March). So, for him to come on as he has, and for him to behave himself, then I’ve got to be pleased.
“We’re aiming for a nice night and if we can come back for another round, then that would be lovely.”
