Robert Havlin: when Enable moved on to the grass she really came alive

Jockey Robert Havlin is a key player for trainer John Gosden when it comes to readying horses for the big day. Here he discusses the finishing touches to Enable's Eclipse preparations.

We’re all looking forward to seeing Enable back in action in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown on Saturday and this is absolutely the right race to be starting her back in.

Up until the last two or three weeks she was telling us she wasn’t ready to run. The boss always does what’s best for his horses and one of his greatest strengths is knowing when a horse is ready and not asking them to do too much before then.

Robert Havlin: a key part of John Gosden's teamCredit: Edward Whitaker

I’ve only ridden her a few times this year, which is the same situation for Frankie, so it’s her lad Imran [Shahrani] who has done a lot of the work with her.

I rode Enable in her last piece of work for the Eclipse on Wednesday, Frankie rode her on the Saturday before that and the Wednesday, so he’s had a good chance to sit on her to get ready for this race.

It really wasn’t until she switched on to the grass that we saw the real Enable. She was working along on the Al Bahathri but not really doing what she can. However, as soon as she came on to the grass she really came alive; she loves the grass and that was the first time I got to ride her this season. She was brilliant.

I’ve ridden Enable in three bits of work this year which have all been in the last few weeks and she’s been nothing but amazing for me.

It’s just been a case of waiting for the right time, and that’s exactly what the boss has been doing. I’d say it’s his biggest asset as a trainer, the same as Stoutey. He never rushes his horses and he gives them the time to come to themselves and to come to their best.

Enable is telling us that now is the time.

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