It was a busy start to the week for the Coral Racing Club with Tidal Force, Phoenix Of Dreams and Katalyst representing us at Leicester, Redcar and Kempton.

Following a weekend of dreadful storms and relentless rain across parts of the country, conditions at several racecourses were particularly testing on Monday. With heavy ground at both Leicester and Redcar, our horses faced a demanding challenge on surfaces very different from those they've become accustomed to.

Although the results didn't quite fall our way, there are still plenty of positives to take from the day and we're looking forwards to seeing what lies ahead for all three.

Tidal Force – 14:07 Leicester

Our two-year-old Tidal Force got proceedings underway at Leicester, stepping into handicap company for the first time in the seven-furlong Class 6 Nursery. With Sean Dylan Bowen in the saddle and blinkers applied for the first time, it was another opportunity for our youngster to gain valuable racing experience and continue his education.

The heavy ground made this a particularly demanding introduction to handicap company and although Tidal Force travelled amongst the midfield runners during the early stages, he found himself under pressure approaching the final two furlongs. Sean looked after him in the closing stages and our gelding eventually finished twelfth.

WATCH: Sean Dylan Bowen discuss Tidal Force's Leicester run

 
Following the race, it became apparent that Tidal Force had lost a shoe and sustained some scratches, suggesting he may have been struck by another horse during the race. It certainly wasn't the easiest of experiences for our youngster and an incident like that could understandably have unsettled him. Most importantly, Tidal Force is receiving the very best care and attention from Hugo Palmer and his team, who will ensure he has everything he needs to recover comfortably.

He's still learning his trade and there is plenty of time for him to develop. One difficult afternoon certainly doesn't define his future and we're looking forwards to seeing our youngster back at his best.

Phoenix Of Dreams – 15:00 Redcar

Fresh from his fantastic victory at Kempton earlier this month, Phoenix Of Dreams headed to Redcar with Jason Hart back in the saddle. Our three-time winner has already given us some brilliant moments this season and we were excited to see whether he could add another strong performance to his record.

However, the heavy ground at Redcar presented a very different challenge from the all-weather surface on which he recorded his recent victory. Phoenix Of Dreams showed his usual enthusiasm through the early stages and raced prominently as the field made its way towards the closing stages. Although he wasn't quite able to sustain his challenge when the pace increased, he kept going to finish eighth. It wasn't the result we'd hoped for but we know Phoenix Of Dreams has plenty of ability and his Kempton victory is still fresh in our minds.

The testing conditions may not have played to his strengths and we're confident there are more opportunities ahead for our talented gelding. Phoenix has already given his owners plenty to cheer about and we're looking forwards to seeing what he can achieve when conditions are more favourable.

Katalyst – 19:15 Kempton

Katalyst brought our day to a close under the lights at Kempton, returning to the scene of her memorable first career victory. Our three-year-old filly has made some encouraging progress this autumn and we were delighted to see her back at a track where she has already shown what she is capable of.

WATCH: Lewis Edmunds shares his thoughts on next steps for Katalyst after his ride on her at Kempton

With Lewis Edmunds in the saddle, Katalyst broke well and was quickly into her stride before settling just behind the early leaders in the Class 6 Handicap. She travelled within touching distance of the pace for much of the race and remained involved as the runners turned for home.

Unfortunately, Katalyst found herself boxed in as the race began to unfold in the closing stages, leaving her with limited room to manoeuvre just when she needed to get into her stride. Knowing our wonderful filly as we do, that sort of situation is unlikely to have suited her and may well have caused her to disengage from the race.

Katalyst likes things just how she likes them and we wouldn't have her any other way! She's a filly with plenty of personality and a mind of her own, which is all part of what makes her so special to us.

She eventually finished seventh but there's certainly no reason to be disheartened. Her first career victory earlier this month was a wonderful reward for the patience and work that Chris Grassick and the team have put into her.

Katalyst looked an absolute picture at Kempton, clearly thriving and looking incredibly fit and well. Her coat was gleaming – an absolute credit to Chris and the entire team who care for her so beautifully at home.

WATCH: Chris Grassick take us through Katalyst's latest performance at Kempton


We know what Katalyst can produce when things fall into place and we're looking forwards to seeing that again soon from our special lady.

Looking Ahead

Racing can throw up all sorts of challenges and Monday's difficult conditions were a reminder of just how much the weather and racing surfaces can influence a horse's performance. We've enjoyed some fantastic moments with Phoenix Of Dreams and Katalyst in recent weeks, whilst Tidal Force is still finding his feet in the early stages of his career. All three have their own qualities and their own paths to follow.

We're looking forwards, very much, to seeing what the coming weeks have in store!