On Saturday 23rd April we saw The Firm run a cracking race at Haydock. It looked a competitive race on paper and Dale Swift rode a great race on him to come third in a blanket finish, beaten only a short head and a nose. In truth we would probably have won the race but for some interference in the early stages from the eventual winner, who cut us up and got our position on the rail. Dale had to snatch him up and drop him in, then come wide in the straight, which at least avoided the winner getting involved in some more barging in the closing stages, by going for a gap that was closing, but the stewards looked into both incidents and decided that none of it had affected the placings. OK, if you say so! A great performance from The Firm and Dale Swift, but very frustrating to come so close to earning a decent win at a top track. The photo finish picture below shows just how close it was! Despite not winning, the racecourse management still invited placed connections into the winners room for some celebratory champagne, so we were all able to watch the replay with a consolation glass of bubbly.