Tom Scudamore: “Royale Pagaille is a really exciting ride to look forward to”

Coral ambassador previews his Saturday rides at Haydock

Haydock 14.05 – Farrants Way

It’s been a good week, as on Thursday I overtook Noel Fehily to become the ninth-most successful jump jockey, when I rode my 1,353rd career winner. Dad [Peter] is still well over 300 ahead of me, while Davy Russell is at number eight on the list, and I’m sure he’ll be keen to keep that gap as large as possible, but most importantly, I’m just looking to get as many more on the board as possible.

Fingers crossed Haydock passes it’s Saturday morning inspection, I’ve spoken to the clerk of the course and he sounded quite confident, and the situation has certainly improved during the week, as three days ago it seemed they had no chance.

I’ve got two nice rides for Venetia Williams. Her horses seem to thrive in testing conditions so I’m hoping for a good day. Farrants Way ran well at Sandown two runs ago, but did disappoint at Chepstow last time, but a return to form would put him in with a chance here.

Haydock 14.40 – Royale Pagaille

It’s great to have picked up the ride on the Peter Marsh favourite, Royal Pagaille. He’s won at Haydock on heavy, so the conditions will hold no fears for him, and he looked really exciting when winning at Kempton over Christmas.

The third home there, Double Shuffle, has already franked the form, and while the handicapper has had his say, you only have to look at the entries this horse has – including in the Gold Cup –  to see how highly connections rate him. He’s a really exciting ride to look forward to.

Tom