Easterbys must hoof it from the church
Tom O'Ryan, Racing Post
18 June 2011
HOW often are a wedding and a potential Royal Ascot winner intertwined?
They will be in Yorkshire today when Mick Easterby's stable star Hoof It bids for glory in the Wokingham less than 90 minutes after David Easterby, son and assistant of the trainer, marries Stephanie Walters in his home village.
The wedding is set to take place at 3pm at Sheriff Hutton Church before a reception at the Easterby's nearby home. David has issued his bride-to-be with one instruction. "I know it's traditional for the bride to be late, but I've asked Steph not to be because of the race," said David, who did not appear to be altogether joking.
Hoof It, owned by world number two golfer Lee Westwood - in action in the US Open this week - in partnership with his manager Chubby Chandler, has been vying for favouritism for the Wokingham since an impressive success at York last month.
"He's done everything right since York and we're very happy with him," says David Easterby. "A bit of cut in the ground will suit him and Kieren Fallon rides him again."
The Easterbys, both father Mick and son David, have always believed in this horse and have believed in his ability to prove himself even better than a handicapper.
Today he gets the chance to show it and although none of those closest to him will be there, they will be cheering him on all the way from Ryedale - after the wedding photos have been taken, of course.
Expect a mighty roar from Sheriff Hutton soon after 4.25 if Hoof It strikes the front.
