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Spencer's Bad Day at the Office
27/08/10

When Jamie Spencer woke up on the morning of Thursday 19th August 2010 he must have thought to himself that two outstanding opportunities awaited him at York, with both Sariska and Zarebiya looking to hold outstanding chances in their respective races on the Knavesmire. As things transpired, both fillies effectively failed to make it any further than the starting stalls on a day the Irishman will want to erase quickly from his memory, writes Elliot Slater.

Sariska edges out Midday in a thrilling finish.
2009 Investec Epsom Oaks

Sariska looked to have a tremendous opportunity to go one better than her runner's-up spot in last year's renewal of the Group 1 Darley Yorskhire Oaks, where she gave best only close home to the outstanding filly Dar Re Mi in a race to remember. Both Nassau Stakes winner Midday and dual Oaks heroine Snow Fairy looked to also have a serious say in proceedings and punters were licking their lips a long time ago in anticipation of a great horse race.

Sariska went nicely to post and into the stalls without much ado, but the moment the gates opened she resolutely refused to move, leaving Spencer wondering where on earth the cigars were at a time like this! Maybe she just had an off-day, but punters will be wary of Michael Bell's filly from now on. The race went to the brilliant Midday, who beat Snow Fairy by 3 lengths, and it is questionable whether even Sariska at her very best would have been able to deny Henry Cecil's filly victory.

Half an hour later there was more woe for the unfortunate Spencer who rode John Oxx's Zarebiya, favourite with most racing tips for the Galtres Stakes. Again all seemed fine going into the stalls, but as the gates opened the Aga Khan's filly reared up twice, striking her head on the frame of the stalls and losing many lengths in the process. Although she finally got into her stride, Spencer's mount had an impossible task and he sensibly eased her down to a walk in the home straight rather than give her an unnecessarily hard race.

There will be better days for Jamie Spencer, of that there is no doubt.