The Final Furlong

Whiskey Chaser was entered into the ‘Broxton Gates Handicap Chase‘ at Bangor on the 23rd March 2019. The race was over a distance of three miles and ten runners lined-up.

Many of our syndicate live in the Cheshire and North Wales area, so the decision by trainer Donald McCain to run Whiskey at Bangor-On-Dee was a popular one with the owners. The course had been a happy hunting ground in the past. Whiskey once won here by 60 lengths!

I missed Whiskey Chaser’s recent outing at Newcastle, so I was pleased to see him race at our local course. Usually, I watch him from the grandstand or parade ring. However, on this occasion, I decided to take my camera and attempt to get some close-up photos of Whiskey as he raced around the course.

I arrived at Bangor and walked down to the open field located next to one of the fence jumps. On previous trips to Bangor, I’d taken some photos from this good vantage point. I waited here for the horses to come down from the parade ring. After a few minutes, Whiskey cantered past me with Jockey Will Kenedy onboard.

The race started, and Whiskey Chaser took up a prominent position, sharing the lead with ‘Tommy The Rascal’ and ‘Rollerball Rocco’. Whiskey jumped the first couple of fences without any real issues. However, at the fifth fence, he made a mistake and lost ground to the leading pair. From that point on he didn’t seem to be enjoying the race. With four fences remaining, jockey Will Kennedy pulled him up. A disappointing end but I’d rather see him pulled up than see him in danger.

In the post-race analysis between jockey Will Kennedy and trainer Donald McCain, it was decided it would be in Whiskey Chasers best interest to retire him from racing with immediate effect. So after seven years and twenty-nine races, it was the end of the road for Whiskey Chaser. I was happy I’d seen him race those final furlongs, and was lucky enough to snap a few photos of him during his last race.

In total, Whiskey Chase won 4 races during his career. He finished second on five occasions and also placed 3rd a further three times. He gave the syndicate his best effort in every race. It was a mixture of sadness and happiness to find out he would no longer be racing. Sad it was over but happy that he finished his career without injury. So raise your glasses to Whiskey Chaser, thanks for all the memories and enjoy your well-earned retirement.