Ron Harris (photographed) enjoyed a welcome winner when Eye Of The Water caused a 14-1 surprise at Bath last week. Harris trains close to Chepstow in Earlswood and sent out a personal-best 63 winners in 2012.
However, his fortunes have dipped in recent campaigns and last term he recorded only four winners thanks to stable star Moe’s Legacy. That horse has won twice this season, but the trainer had Eye Of The Water to thank for his most recent success.
A ten-year-old gelding, he was having his 109th start but did not possess obvious claims for a mile handicap at Bath and his last victory came at the track more than three years ago.
Under talented apprentice Harry Vigors, the son of Lilbourne Lad led early, but was soon headed only to regain the advantage shortly after. He was ridden one furlong from home and kept on well to seal his ninth win.
Harris’ daughter Grace, also local to Chepstow in Shirenewton, has enjoyed a much more productive time of things in 2026, but could not add to her tally of 24 winners last week, although Nakaaha emerged with credit at Southwell.
A 16-1 chance for a mile handicap on Thursday, she was slowly away and then raced wide, but began to make headway two out. Things might have panned out differently had she got a clear run, but she still ran on encouragingly and should be competitive in a similar event if Harris can find one in the coming weeks.
Like Harris, Chris Mason had a runner at Southwell last week, but he was not smiling either as Glamorous Breeze was well beaten in a 5f event there on Saturday.
She is among the best horses at his Caerwent stables and often contests deeper races at Ascot, where she performs respectably.
A prominent, enthusiastic racer, she was in touch as the gates opened, but regular rider Gina Mangan was soon asking her questions and the eight-year-old weakened quickly.
It has, nonetheless, been a decent campaign for Mason, who has saddled 13 winners, which leaves him one adrift of the 14 he managed in 2024, although he has already recorded his best prize-money haul.
None of those trainers have runners at Ffos Las on Thursday, but a host of top yards could be represented. Seven races are programmed with the first due off at 1.30pm, while full details for the day, including ticket prices and how to buy them, can be found on the venue’s website.
Chepstow is back in action on Wednesday 4th November when the first of seven races is at 12.53pm. Gates open at 10.55am and tickets cost just £19, although there are discounts on group purchases.
It also not long until the course stages its flagship raceday, which is headlined by the £175,000 Coral Welsh Grand National on Bank Holiday 28th December.
