Lee Hands The Whip Boys A Lesson

May 11 2008 By Joe Punter

I ALWAYS love the short trip from Punter Towers to Hamilton and last Sunday's start to their new season was no exception.

A big up to the Lanarkshire track for their £250,000 revamp of the course that includes doubling the length of the Duke's Bar and adding a new parade ring marquee.

And it was superb to see Graham Lee, fully fit after yet another injury nightmare, riding the winner of the mile handicap for jump jockeys on Kayleigh. And for all those who say the whip is a must to get the most out of a horse I would recommend they watch a video of the race.

Irishman Lee powered home on Brian Ellison's charge without once resorting to the persuader.

Another tradition at Hamilton's opening day is watching the 1000 Guineas live on the big screen.

And though it has become fashionable to knock Richard Hughes it has to be said it was X-certificate stuff as he contrived to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory on Nahoodh.

The lanky jock had a ton of horse under him but had to sit and suffer on the rails. Nahoodh was beaten a length and a half into fifth but it was a dog of a ride.

GOT a racing query? Write to Joe Punter, SportsDesk, Sunday Mail, Glasgow G38DAor you can email him at joepunter@sundaymail.co.uk