Awesome

Bill Dascombe writes:

I don't like using expressions that sound too American but the only word I can think of that describes the events of the past two days is AWESOME.

Tom was uncertain whether Classic Blade and Firth of Fifth would be good enough for Group 2's but he was reassured by a good friend who knows a thing or two that their previous performances had been of such merit that they deserved to be given a chance. This reassurance proved to be spot on.

Chris McGrath wrote in the Independent on Saturday, under the caption 'Once is fortunate, twice is flare' :

'To win one Group race with a five-farthing juvenile may be considered fortunate; to win two, within 24 hours, looks suspiciously like the work of a young trainer who knows what he is doing.

The July Meeting at Newmarket this week will prove a turning point in the career of Tom Dascombe. On Thursday, Classic Blade made all and just held on in the July Stakes; and yesterday Firth of Fifth won the Weatherbys Superlative Stakes under an identical ride from Richard Kingscote.

This colt cost just £5,000 as a yearling " But he's just tough and loves it", remarked his trainer; You can't buy that, you can't see it".

That is what gives everyone half a chance. And for some people, half a chance is ample'.

I couldn't have had a better birthday present! Thank you, Tom.

It was also really nice to see the comments about Tom's staff and the way the Racing Post highlighted the joy on the face of Aimee Barnes who looks after Classic Blade and led up both horses at the races. Tom paid an emotional tribute to his staff and also to Richard Kingscote who received many plaudits for his courageous and expertly executed front running rides to 'steal' the races.