What a day for Ralph Beckett a one two in the Oaks. Ralph is a very good friend of mine and Sholto's godfather, we shared a house for years in Ashbury when we were both working in Lambourn. I am delighted for him. Ralph was one of the first people to send me a horse when I set up and he has always been hugely supportive. So he should be, I saved his life one night by doing the Heimlich Manoeuvre when he had a large piece of chicken stuck in his throat! I had seen it done before on EastEnders and told him not to be so greedy again.
Channel 4 racing was the channel of choice today as Jonathon Neeson was on RUK. After the Oaks and a nice sunny day the lawnmower was in full swing this afternoon. All the young horses are well and are carrying on with their education in the normal fashion.
Friday, 31 May 2013
Thursday, 30 May 2013
30th May 2013
Noel Meade will train Virtuoso Rouge for Gigginstown next season. Noel also has Aviddius Cassius, a horse we sold him in 2012. He has always loved him and had in entered for a bumper around Christmas time before he got a minor set back. He told me he thought so much of the horse that he decided not to rush him back and gave him the year off. The time will have done him no harm and I'm looking forward to seeing him back on the racecourse. Lets hope he thinks as much of Virtuoso Rouge when he gets him up for the season, I'd imagine and hope he's in a big green field by now. The sale produced fantastic results and trade was strong. The stores will be hard to buy and I think we are potentially facing a shortage of horses.
More rain today, de ja vu I feel. I had a sit on the Fruits of Love horse this morning and was happy enough with him. He is possibly an early type and I may try and run him as a 3 year old. Only time will tell if he'll be up for it. All the others went for quiet canters or carried on in the school. The dentist was here and treated 3 horses.
More rain today, de ja vu I feel. I had a sit on the Fruits of Love horse this morning and was happy enough with him. He is possibly an early type and I may try and run him as a 3 year old. Only time will tell if he'll be up for it. All the others went for quiet canters or carried on in the school. The dentist was here and treated 3 horses.
Wednesday, 29 May 2013
29th May 2013
A successful sale and what a year, Frankenstorm was sold to Zara Phillips for 11,000 and Gunner Road was also bought by Zara Phillips for 15,000, both horses will give her some fun next winter between the flags. Virtuoso Rouge is heading back over to Ireland and will race in the Gigginstown colours having been bought for 90,000 by Mags O'Toole. I have no doubt in my mind he will go on and win races for them, he's a frame of a horse, the fact he had to go to war twice as a 4 year old is testament to his ability.
It has been a fantastic year and I have no idea how we will manage it again, one thing is for sure we'll give it our best shot. I couldn't do it without the staff and they deserve as much credit as anyone for the successful year. Goffs in a fortnight and the wheel starts to turn again.
It has been a fantastic year and I have no idea how we will manage it again, one thing is for sure we'll give it our best shot. I couldn't do it without the staff and they deserve as much credit as anyone for the successful year. Goffs in a fortnight and the wheel starts to turn again.
Tuesday, 28 May 2013
28th May 2013
Hooray! The hardest part of any sale is the vetting and thankfully as expected our 3 all passed. It was certainly a wet day, the horses never show themselves off as well as one would like when it is cold and wet. There is plenty of interest in Virtuoso Rouge, the other 2 are more likely to be sold as p2p horses and I expect them to be busy tomorrow.
I had an early start as I wanted to see the breakers ridden before I left, all are now well on their way and it will be slowly slowly now until the winter months.
Last night I watched the whispering Clare Balding present a program on The Queens horses. If Monty Roberts wants to come here, I'll have a hefty wager with him that he can't shake plastics bags over Loxhills Lady quarters before frightening the poor horse to death. Putting a dummy on a horse is the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen. If he's the genius he claims to be why can't he put a human on the horse, surely he's whispered to it that all is well and he has nothing to fear. Instead he's frightened the s**t out of him with a dummy! I wouldn't entertain the man for a minuet. Captain Radclyffe was doing what he does before he was born without frightening any horse. We were the dummies and I hardly got a fall in my 2 years at the Captains. He is doing nothing that hasn't been done by horsemen for years. He's just been incredibly clever in promoting himself and for that I admire him. However, my point is, he's not the first man to be able to understand horses, in fact, I wonder if he does actually understand them or has just devised methods that work through fear rather than any other feelings. I also concluded that Clare Balding looks like a Highland pony and Zara Phillips' dog looks like her husband.
Today is our 8th wedding anniversary so we are off out to celebrate, how Sophie has put up with me for 8 years I do not know.
I had an early start as I wanted to see the breakers ridden before I left, all are now well on their way and it will be slowly slowly now until the winter months.
Last night I watched the whispering Clare Balding present a program on The Queens horses. If Monty Roberts wants to come here, I'll have a hefty wager with him that he can't shake plastics bags over Loxhills Lady quarters before frightening the poor horse to death. Putting a dummy on a horse is the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen. If he's the genius he claims to be why can't he put a human on the horse, surely he's whispered to it that all is well and he has nothing to fear. Instead he's frightened the s**t out of him with a dummy! I wouldn't entertain the man for a minuet. Captain Radclyffe was doing what he does before he was born without frightening any horse. We were the dummies and I hardly got a fall in my 2 years at the Captains. He is doing nothing that hasn't been done by horsemen for years. He's just been incredibly clever in promoting himself and for that I admire him. However, my point is, he's not the first man to be able to understand horses, in fact, I wonder if he does actually understand them or has just devised methods that work through fear rather than any other feelings. I also concluded that Clare Balding looks like a Highland pony and Zara Phillips' dog looks like her husband.
Today is our 8th wedding anniversary so we are off out to celebrate, how Sophie has put up with me for 8 years I do not know.
Monday, 27 May 2013
27th May 2013
Robert Robinson's Flemensfirth known as Loxhill Lady in the yard is now riding around the lunge pen, we rode him yesterday as I felt a day off would do him or us any good. Fruits Of Love and Leading Lady are now working nicely in the school. We also took the Manduro 3 year old into the lunge pen and he behaved as expected. I like this horse, he's got something about him.
Panda was assistant trainer today, Sholto and Tilly went to play with their cousins at their grandmothers house, Panda choose to come with me to Tim Curtis's farm where I returned a horse. We then had lunch on the lawn and watched a bit of the test match before harrowing the gallop and holding horses for the farrier. The 3 sales horses had a tidy up in front and hinds back on. They will all be vetted tomorrow before selling after lunch on Wednesday.
Gunner Road decided to kick his stable to bits the other day. Panda and I replaced the broken boards this afternoon. It is a long story - the company I bought the stables off went bust after installing the metal frame work, I then put in soft wood lengths from the local saw mill, that was over 5 years ago now and I've never managed to fit them out with hardwood. On several occasions I have had quotes to do it. At over 8 pounds a length I've managed away with the soft wood repairing the odd bit now and again.
A link off the news page of Brightwells.
http://www.brightwells.com/equine/bloodstock/bloodstocknews/27-05-13/Virtuosity_in_Rouge_as_Lacey_lines_up_another.aspx
Panda was assistant trainer today, Sholto and Tilly went to play with their cousins at their grandmothers house, Panda choose to come with me to Tim Curtis's farm where I returned a horse. We then had lunch on the lawn and watched a bit of the test match before harrowing the gallop and holding horses for the farrier. The 3 sales horses had a tidy up in front and hinds back on. They will all be vetted tomorrow before selling after lunch on Wednesday.
Gunner Road decided to kick his stable to bits the other day. Panda and I replaced the broken boards this afternoon. It is a long story - the company I bought the stables off went bust after installing the metal frame work, I then put in soft wood lengths from the local saw mill, that was over 5 years ago now and I've never managed to fit them out with hardwood. On several occasions I have had quotes to do it. At over 8 pounds a length I've managed away with the soft wood repairing the odd bit now and again.
A link off the news page of Brightwells.
http://www.brightwells.com/equine/bloodstock/bloodstocknews/27-05-13/Virtuosity_in_Rouge_as_Lacey_lines_up_another.aspx
Saturday, 25 May 2013
25th May 2013
You wouldn't believe that we were in the same country today as we were yesterday, glorious sunshine for most of the day.
Fruits Of Love and Leading Lady have progressed to the school, both behaved well and will now spend 5 or 6 weeks in there before heading up the woodchip. Loxhill Lady was ridden around the lunge pen, horse and jockey stayed together! All the others had quiet canters or carried on in the school. No school for the children on Saturday so Sholto aged 7 was my assistant trainer. I often think he knows more about the horses than I do. He told one owner a couple of weeks ago that their horse didn't look like a racehorse! Thankfully, they saw the funny side and struggled to disagree with him.
I have tried to contact Sam as he was possibly having another operation on his foot yesterday. My efforts have proved unsuccessful, poor Sam has been stuck in hospital for what must be getting on for 3 weeks. I will report on his well-being as soon as I get hold of him.
Joe Roots has just scored his maiden test century aged 22, he certainly looks an amazing talent and naturally gifted. I am sure he will give English cricket fans some great days and will one day knock up a monumental score.
Fruits Of Love and Leading Lady have progressed to the school, both behaved well and will now spend 5 or 6 weeks in there before heading up the woodchip. Loxhill Lady was ridden around the lunge pen, horse and jockey stayed together! All the others had quiet canters or carried on in the school. No school for the children on Saturday so Sholto aged 7 was my assistant trainer. I often think he knows more about the horses than I do. He told one owner a couple of weeks ago that their horse didn't look like a racehorse! Thankfully, they saw the funny side and struggled to disagree with him.
I have tried to contact Sam as he was possibly having another operation on his foot yesterday. My efforts have proved unsuccessful, poor Sam has been stuck in hospital for what must be getting on for 3 weeks. I will report on his well-being as soon as I get hold of him.
Joe Roots has just scored his maiden test century aged 22, he certainly looks an amazing talent and naturally gifted. I am sure he will give English cricket fans some great days and will one day knock up a monumental score.
Friday, 24 May 2013
24th May 2013
It could be October outside, thankfully, the forecast rain didn't arrive and all the horses went out after exercise.
Carl Evans has just been on the phone to gather some information on Virtuoso Rouge, Frankenstorm and Gunner Road. All three horses are heading to Brightwells on Wednesday. They have done very little since they last ran and have just been ticked over in preparation of the sale.
Let's hope the sun shines for the weekend and the horses are able to get it on their backs. Much to my annoyance the 1st day of the 2nd test was washed away. My vet is a Kiwi, the joy I got in sending him a text asking how the first test went was immense. Only the weather can save him more embarrassment.
Carl Evans has just been on the phone to gather some information on Virtuoso Rouge, Frankenstorm and Gunner Road. All three horses are heading to Brightwells on Wednesday. They have done very little since they last ran and have just been ticked over in preparation of the sale.
Let's hope the sun shines for the weekend and the horses are able to get it on their backs. Much to my annoyance the 1st day of the 2nd test was washed away. My vet is a Kiwi, the joy I got in sending him a text asking how the first test went was immense. Only the weather can save him more embarrassment.
Thursday, 23 May 2013
23rd May 2013
Fruits Of Love 3 year old and Leading Lady (the other 3 year old by Flemensfirth from Doncaster) were both ridden around the lunge pen, Loxhill Lady (Robert Robinson's Flemensfirth 3 year old) will be a few days behind them, he needs to build up confidence and his trust in us. The Manduro horse was long reined in full tack and I don't foresee any issues with him. David Allen's girl was here to pick up one of his home bred fillies, the other will stay for a while and she buried her jockey this morning! I rode Ben Case's Heron Island horse for the first time, he's a lovely big horse and could make up into something.
I spent a very angry hour or 2 after morning stables trying to fix the pull cord on my lawnmower, in the end screw drivers, spanners and anything else in arms reach were hurled across the yard and the mower loaded into the car and driven to a repairer. I am sure it is a very simple job if only one knew how to do it. Alice took the lorry to have the Taco graph calibrated, a lorry with an operators licence is very expensive and I often think I should have bought another 2 box. I don't like 2 horse boxes as the horses never travel as well and if we had 3 runners somewhere one would be on its own, staff would be forever between the 2 lorries which is far from ideal. I think I'll end up sitting out the bigger lorry and increasing my overdraft!
Loose Preformer (correct spelling) as I made a typo when naming him won today with AP on board. He was the first horse I sold for decent money, I bought him for a syndicate and won his maiden before selling him to Nicky Henderson. When I bought him I always hoped Nicky would buy him as his page is all Bacchanal, a very good horse Nicky trained and one of my favourite horses. Sadly, he wasn't good enough to stay at Seven Barrows and was sold at Doncaster last year to David O'Meara.
Over the last couple of days the phone has been busy with people looking to send us horses, a great complaint but when will I get a chance to steam clean! This is the time of year when I look at my outgoings and I am now working hard on alternative bedding. Shavings have become unaffordable and also hard to get. I think I've tried every product out there and always come back to shavings.
Tilly had her oral English exam today, her topic was Trouble Digger, Sophie went to listen and has reported that Tilly was amazing. When asked what speed he got up to she answered 40MPH - if only! She also said his owners thought he was very ugly when he was born, poor Trouble Digger, he may not be blessed with looks but he's certainly loved by all of our kids. He's stabled outside the house and gets to see plenty of them.
This is the first blog I've done in a few days without hassle from my children, hence the content has increased, although, nothing of much interest within it.
I spent a very angry hour or 2 after morning stables trying to fix the pull cord on my lawnmower, in the end screw drivers, spanners and anything else in arms reach were hurled across the yard and the mower loaded into the car and driven to a repairer. I am sure it is a very simple job if only one knew how to do it. Alice took the lorry to have the Taco graph calibrated, a lorry with an operators licence is very expensive and I often think I should have bought another 2 box. I don't like 2 horse boxes as the horses never travel as well and if we had 3 runners somewhere one would be on its own, staff would be forever between the 2 lorries which is far from ideal. I think I'll end up sitting out the bigger lorry and increasing my overdraft!
Loose Preformer (correct spelling) as I made a typo when naming him won today with AP on board. He was the first horse I sold for decent money, I bought him for a syndicate and won his maiden before selling him to Nicky Henderson. When I bought him I always hoped Nicky would buy him as his page is all Bacchanal, a very good horse Nicky trained and one of my favourite horses. Sadly, he wasn't good enough to stay at Seven Barrows and was sold at Doncaster last year to David O'Meara.
Over the last couple of days the phone has been busy with people looking to send us horses, a great complaint but when will I get a chance to steam clean! This is the time of year when I look at my outgoings and I am now working hard on alternative bedding. Shavings have become unaffordable and also hard to get. I think I've tried every product out there and always come back to shavings.
Tilly had her oral English exam today, her topic was Trouble Digger, Sophie went to listen and has reported that Tilly was amazing. When asked what speed he got up to she answered 40MPH - if only! She also said his owners thought he was very ugly when he was born, poor Trouble Digger, he may not be blessed with looks but he's certainly loved by all of our kids. He's stabled outside the house and gets to see plenty of them.
This is the first blog I've done in a few days without hassle from my children, hence the content has increased, although, nothing of much interest within it.
Wednesday, 22 May 2013
22nd May 2013
Ben Case's Heron Island and Shantou horses went for a quiet canter on the all weather for the first time. We also took the Manduro Colt and David Allen's Midnight Legend filly up there too. All of them behaved beautifully.
The 3 horses from Doncaster were all sat on and they too were well behaved. I girthed and lunged the Manduro horse from Watership Down stud, he seems quiet enough and will have the long reins on him tomorrow. Excusing the above, I have little to report apart from it felt like a winters morning it was so cold.
The 3 horses from Doncaster were all sat on and they too were well behaved. I girthed and lunged the Manduro horse from Watership Down stud, he seems quiet enough and will have the long reins on him tomorrow. Excusing the above, I have little to report apart from it felt like a winters morning it was so cold.
Tuesday, 21 May 2013
21st May 2013
We sat on the 3 horses from Doncaster, Robert Robinson's Flemensfirth won't be rushed, he is sharp, the other 2 will be fine and will be bought along slowly.
Alice went to Watership Down Stud to collect a Manduro gelding who will run from here next season, he's an unbroken 3 year old at the moment with 2 white eyes! David Allen and Ben Case were here to see Mr Allen's two home breed fillies by Midnight Legend, the backward one will be going home soon and the more forward one will stay for a few light canters on the woodchip.
There is a lovely piece in the Racing Post today remembering Paul Croucher. I was fortunate enough to get to know Paul when he was Kim Bailey's stable jockey and I was lad aged 17. Paul was one of the nicest guys you could ever wish to meet. He always made a point of making new lads feel welcome and would always seek them out and introduce himself. He was also a serious rider, his death was a tragic accident and I often think of him. He gave me plenty of advice when I started to get a few rides in point to points. I still remember some of it today and pass it on to other young lads starting out. I am sure there is still a Paul Croucher memorial race at Newbury.
Alice went to Watership Down Stud to collect a Manduro gelding who will run from here next season, he's an unbroken 3 year old at the moment with 2 white eyes! David Allen and Ben Case were here to see Mr Allen's two home breed fillies by Midnight Legend, the backward one will be going home soon and the more forward one will stay for a few light canters on the woodchip.
There is a lovely piece in the Racing Post today remembering Paul Croucher. I was fortunate enough to get to know Paul when he was Kim Bailey's stable jockey and I was lad aged 17. Paul was one of the nicest guys you could ever wish to meet. He always made a point of making new lads feel welcome and would always seek them out and introduce himself. He was also a serious rider, his death was a tragic accident and I often think of him. He gave me plenty of advice when I started to get a few rides in point to points. I still remember some of it today and pass it on to other young lads starting out. I am sure there is still a Paul Croucher memorial race at Newbury.
Monday, 20 May 2013
20th May 2013
We will sit on the horses we bought last week in Doncaster. I find with the sales horses they are sick of being lunged and long reined and need to be challenged a little more. I normally roller them on day 1 and have full tack on them from day 2 onwards, if they take it we just get on with them. There is always the exception and some take longer than others before they are ready for more.
Tom Campbell was here first thing to trach wash Hopstrings, she started to cough at the end of last week and has picked up a bug. She will be treated with anti biotics and go on the easy list for a few days. All the horses got turned out and the barn had a serious fogging. Bloody bugs or whatever one wishes to refer to them as are so easily picked up. Racecourse stables have to be the biggest harbourer of these, more often than not when cooling a horse off in the racecourse stables area there will be a horse or 2 coughing, inevitably the others will be breathing in all its germs before bring them back into their own yards. Robert Alner refused to use racecourse stables, it then became compulsory, after which, he said he got his fair share of bugs.
All the others had quiet Monday morning canters or carried on in the school. This evening the muck hoover fell off the quad bike and has broken. More expense and a big annoyance!
Tom Campbell was here first thing to trach wash Hopstrings, she started to cough at the end of last week and has picked up a bug. She will be treated with anti biotics and go on the easy list for a few days. All the horses got turned out and the barn had a serious fogging. Bloody bugs or whatever one wishes to refer to them as are so easily picked up. Racecourse stables have to be the biggest harbourer of these, more often than not when cooling a horse off in the racecourse stables area there will be a horse or 2 coughing, inevitably the others will be breathing in all its germs before bring them back into their own yards. Robert Alner refused to use racecourse stables, it then became compulsory, after which, he said he got his fair share of bugs.
All the others had quiet Monday morning canters or carried on in the school. This evening the muck hoover fell off the quad bike and has broken. More expense and a big annoyance!
Saturday, 18 May 2013
18th May 2013
The 3 horses from Doncaster were all long reined in full tack, Robert Robinson's Flemensfirth wasn't as bad as the previous day, yesterday he threw some serious shapes when girthed, the other 2 had been girthed previously. I'm happy with our 2 and only time will tell if they'll be any good or not.
All the others had educational canters or continued to learn the ropes in the school. This time last year we had all the stables power washed and painted, we haven't had time or empty stables yet so the task is almost impossible at the moment.
All the others had educational canters or continued to learn the ropes in the school. This time last year we had all the stables power washed and painted, we haven't had time or empty stables yet so the task is almost impossible at the moment.
Friday, 17 May 2013
17th May 2013
The trade at Doncaster sales was unbelievable, horses were near on impossible to buy. We managed to strike early and got 2. A Flemensfirth gelding and a Fruits Of Love gelding. The Flemensfirth gelding is for Pudlicote Partnership and the Fruits Of Love for Cottage Field Syndicate. Both horses will be broken immediately before we decide what is best for them, they may go to Overbuy Stud for a few weeks or carry on quietly. If we carry on with them we'll ride them every day before turning them out in the paddocks by day. I also bought back another Flemensfirth gelding to break-in for Robert Robinson. He was lead out unsold, sadly, for Robert he was an early lot. Had he had been offered an hour later he'd have made his reserve of 40,000 easily. A Midnight Legend horse who had failed the panel of vets on his wind made somewhere in the region of 25,000 - insanity!
I sold a horse for a client to David Pipe for 38,000, I honestly though he'd make 20,000 maybe 25,000. The other one we offered, a filly by Black Sam Bellamy also sold, sadly, for a lot less 5,000! We have plenty of orders to fill and have changed my flights to arrive at Goffs a day earlier than planned. We will have to work exceptionally hard to fill the orders.
As much fun as the sales are, they are exhausting and I'm looking forward to an early night.
I sold a horse for a client to David Pipe for 38,000, I honestly though he'd make 20,000 maybe 25,000. The other one we offered, a filly by Black Sam Bellamy also sold, sadly, for a lot less 5,000! We have plenty of orders to fill and have changed my flights to arrive at Goffs a day earlier than planned. We will have to work exceptionally hard to fill the orders.
As much fun as the sales are, they are exhausting and I'm looking forward to an early night.
Tuesday, 14 May 2013
15th May 3013
We had a great run up to Doncaster yesterday, the horses travelled beautifully. Once they had settled in we took them down for vetting around 5 P.M. Both horses passed and will hopefully be busy today. I've never see so many people looking at Store horses on the Tuesday of this sale. It could signify another change about to happen. 1 thing is apparent, there is going to be a shortage of horses. The knock on effect of those who did not cover their mares in harder times is now looking like it is about to surface. I managed to see a few stores and have marked some for my vet to look at this morning.
The weather feels like deja vu - has our summer been and gone. 2 days! Trouble Digger better come back for a summer of heavy ground!
The weather feels like deja vu - has our summer been and gone. 2 days! Trouble Digger better come back for a summer of heavy ground!
Monday, 13 May 2013
13th May 2013
Trouble Digger is fine this morning and will now head out for a summer at grass. A good jump at the last would have sealed it for him. He finished second beaten a neck. It was a much more pleasing run and the blinkers seemed to liven him up. Having said that Tom Weston who was standing in for Sam had to give him a couple of slaps going down the back for the final time. He has certainly become cute! As disappointing as it was to finish second the result became immaterial after witnessing the most horrific thing I have ever had the misfortune to see first hand. Olly Wadlow was unseated at the first fence and almost dragged to the second fence with his foot caught in the iron. Thankfully, his girths snapped and he was finally freed. He escaped with a broken collarbone. He was the luckiest man alive yesterday and I hope to god I never see anything like it again. I felt absolutely helpless standing in the paddock watching the race and thought I was witnessing a young lad being dragged to his death. It was very disturbing and thankfully all is now well.
It was a routine morning, all horses went for quiet canters or carried on in the school. Tomorrow, Alice and I are off to Doncaster with a lovely 3 year old gelding by Lucarno and a Black Sam Bellamy 3 year old filly. Both are to be vetted on Wednesday and sell on Thursday. There will be no blogs now until Friday evening when I hope to bring you news on next years hopefuls.
It was a routine morning, all horses went for quiet canters or carried on in the school. Tomorrow, Alice and I are off to Doncaster with a lovely 3 year old gelding by Lucarno and a Black Sam Bellamy 3 year old filly. Both are to be vetted on Wednesday and sell on Thursday. There will be no blogs now until Friday evening when I hope to bring you news on next years hopefuls.
Saturday, 11 May 2013
12th May 2013
Trouble Digger had a small blow on the woodchip, Sam is still in hospital waiting for his foot to operated on. Tom Weston will ride Trouble Digger. The ground is being described as Good, this will be acceptable and he has form on that ground and loves Chaddesley. If the blinkers do the job I'd expect a good result.
Geoff Bosley, Richard and Ann Taylor were here to see the Lucarno gelding before he heads up to Doncaster May Sales on Tuesday. He is being vetted on Wednesday, sold on Thursday I want to give him a chance to settle in beforehand.
Ralph Beckett won the Oaks trial at Lingfield today in good style, it would be just what the doctor ordered for Ralph if she could win his 2nd classic for him from the new yard. Ralph has been a huge supporter of mine and I'd love to see it.
Geoff Bosley, Richard and Ann Taylor were here to see the Lucarno gelding before he heads up to Doncaster May Sales on Tuesday. He is being vetted on Wednesday, sold on Thursday I want to give him a chance to settle in beforehand.
Ralph Beckett won the Oaks trial at Lingfield today in good style, it would be just what the doctor ordered for Ralph if she could win his 2nd classic for him from the new yard. Ralph has been a huge supporter of mine and I'd love to see it.
Friday, 10 May 2013
10th May 2013
Max Ward worked on the grass over 1.5 miles and I was pleased with him. He will do another bit on Friday and then possibly have an entry at Worcester the following Tuesday.
Sam has broken his foot. He was riding out for a trainer in Hereford, the horse slipped over - poor Sam will now miss Trouble Digger on Sunday and his chance of closing in on the leader for the area title has gone. Although, I won the Sandhurst area title twice I am not a fan of them, you can only ever have one champion. It is a national sport and national championships are the ones that mean something to everyone involved.
Go Billy Go has pulled a muscle in his back and went home this morning. We have been advised to lock him up for 6 weeks. A disappointment to us all. Once he's recovered, I think he will be turned out for the summer.
I am lacking things of interest to write in the daily blog as we are just breaking in young horses and doing routine day to day work. Trouble Digger, Max Ward and Hopstrings are the only 3 in full training now.
Sam has broken his foot. He was riding out for a trainer in Hereford, the horse slipped over - poor Sam will now miss Trouble Digger on Sunday and his chance of closing in on the leader for the area title has gone. Although, I won the Sandhurst area title twice I am not a fan of them, you can only ever have one champion. It is a national sport and national championships are the ones that mean something to everyone involved.
Go Billy Go has pulled a muscle in his back and went home this morning. We have been advised to lock him up for 6 weeks. A disappointment to us all. Once he's recovered, I think he will be turned out for the summer.
I am lacking things of interest to write in the daily blog as we are just breaking in young horses and doing routine day to day work. Trouble Digger, Max Ward and Hopstrings are the only 3 in full training now.
Thursday, 9 May 2013
9th May 2013
Sam schooled Trouble Digger in blinkers - all went according to plan. Tim Rootes was here to see his Medicean filly who will be going into training towards the end of June. We are quietening down now and have a good few breakers in, most of which are riding around the school. We rode the Shantou gelding in the lunge pen this morning and he behaved very well. I did at one point think he was going to be bloody sharp, given time he has been fine.
Tomorrow Max Ward will work on the grass, he is in good order tomorrow will tell us a fair bit, I hope by lunchtime I am looking at races for him. Apart from my lorry going in for its 12 week inspection, I have little to report.
Tomorrow Max Ward will work on the grass, he is in good order tomorrow will tell us a fair bit, I hope by lunchtime I am looking at races for him. Apart from my lorry going in for its 12 week inspection, I have little to report.
Wednesday, 8 May 2013
8th May 2013
Another Secret has now gone into training with Gary Moore, if she is as good as her siblings that I've broken and pre-trained she'll win her races. Gary is a great trainer and always places his horses in the right class of race for the individual.
We sat on the Shantou gelding in his stable this morning and he seemed to take it well - he is typical of Shantou and could be very sharp if rushed. The Heron Island is now riding around the school and seems to be behaving satisfactorily. He is a huge horse and a bit windy as many huge horses are - it is extraordinary how many huge horses are afraid of their own shadows.
Trouble Digger is in the Open race on Sunday at Chaddesley Corbett, I need to chat it through with the owners but there is every chance he'll run and be wearing blinkers. Sam will be I tomorrow to school him in the head gear!
We sat on the Shantou gelding in his stable this morning and he seemed to take it well - he is typical of Shantou and could be very sharp if rushed. The Heron Island is now riding around the school and seems to be behaving satisfactorily. He is a huge horse and a bit windy as many huge horses are - it is extraordinary how many huge horses are afraid of their own shadows.
Trouble Digger is in the Open race on Sunday at Chaddesley Corbett, I need to chat it through with the owners but there is every chance he'll run and be wearing blinkers. Sam will be I tomorrow to school him in the head gear!
Tuesday, 7 May 2013
7th May 2013
Hopstrings has come out her race very well and has enjoyed the sunshine in the paddock all day. There is a mares hurdle at Worcester early June, we may consider having a crack at that.
It was a pretty routine day, the older horses had quiet canters and the babies that are backed were ridden in the school, the others long reined.
Tom Campbell was here to trach wash Max Ward who, if the rain arrives will work on the grass on Friday. We will see how that goes before looking for a bumper for him. I lost him completely for over 2 months by trying to prepare him for the DBS bumper. I galloped him twice within 10 days, he just couldn't take it. Thankfully, I knew and pre-warned the owners of the risk of doing so, some horses take it others don't and the only way to find out is to try. On this occasion it didn't pay off.
I was talking to a friend of mine this afternoon who is the second person to comment on Jonathon Neesom's comment on RUK at the Cheltenham hunter chase evening. He said, I had had a fantastic season selling horses to unsuspecting rich people. I personally thought that the comment was underhand and it has now been confirmed by 2 others. It was totally out of order, he was very derogatory about Charlie Brooks when he trained Seargent Thunder to win his bumper at Ludlow. Perhaps he's just a socialist. I do see him around the p2p's a bit, 10 years ago I'd have probably punched him!
It was a pretty routine day, the older horses had quiet canters and the babies that are backed were ridden in the school, the others long reined.
Tom Campbell was here to trach wash Max Ward who, if the rain arrives will work on the grass on Friday. We will see how that goes before looking for a bumper for him. I lost him completely for over 2 months by trying to prepare him for the DBS bumper. I galloped him twice within 10 days, he just couldn't take it. Thankfully, I knew and pre-warned the owners of the risk of doing so, some horses take it others don't and the only way to find out is to try. On this occasion it didn't pay off.
I was talking to a friend of mine this afternoon who is the second person to comment on Jonathon Neesom's comment on RUK at the Cheltenham hunter chase evening. He said, I had had a fantastic season selling horses to unsuspecting rich people. I personally thought that the comment was underhand and it has now been confirmed by 2 others. It was totally out of order, he was very derogatory about Charlie Brooks when he trained Seargent Thunder to win his bumper at Ludlow. Perhaps he's just a socialist. I do see him around the p2p's a bit, 10 years ago I'd have probably punched him!
Monday, 6 May 2013
6th May 2013
Frankenstorm ran well to finish second yesterday at Cold Harbour. He will now go to Brightwells May sale and will make a smashing pointer for someone next year. He will benefit hugely from a summer at grass, he needs to strengthen up over the summer, once he's done so he'll improve immensely. Hopstrings won at Masiemore this afternoon, it took a while for the penny to drop but once it did she came from a long way back and won without too much trouble. We may now think about a mares bumper for her. Alan and Trea Newell breed from their fillies and some form under rules will help her progeny. I am delighted for them, they are easy owners and it is always a pleasure to train for them. The job is hard enough without difficult owners and I am privileged to have the best around. Sam gave Hopstrings a great ride and didn't panic when she struggled early doors. We've had a lovely weekend, Sophie and the kids have joined Alice and I in the lorry on both days this weekend. I can't cope when we are running young sales horses with the family but this weekends been more relaxed and fab.
Ronnie the rocket has just won the world championship snooker, he's another one of my sporting heroes. He's a different class! Steve Davis could get a job on one of the racing channels! Sadly, John Parrot already has.
Ronnie the rocket has just won the world championship snooker, he's another one of my sporting heroes. He's a different class! Steve Davis could get a job on one of the racing channels! Sadly, John Parrot already has.
Saturday, 4 May 2013
4th May 2013
Frankenstorm will run at Cold Harbour tomorrow and Hopstrings goes to Maisemore on Monday. We are pretty busy with breakers and preparing horses for the sales. I'm taking 2 stores to Doncaster, one by Black Sam Bellamy, the other by Lucarno.
I have written on here before about Channel 4 and their racing coverage. Today I flicked it on only to see the whispering Clare intruding in on connections of runners, the most boring man in Graham Cunningham and the smug Nick Luck. For me it is ruined and I won't even flick it on again until Cheltenham in November. Attheraces wasn't much better, Lidia Hislop is possibly 2lbs ahead of Jonathan Neeson, neither of whom I care much for. Both have little knowledge of racing but seem to be able to fill air time taking bollocks about it. I'd rather watch a rugby match from the Southern Hemisphere than listen to any of them.
I have written on here before about Channel 4 and their racing coverage. Today I flicked it on only to see the whispering Clare intruding in on connections of runners, the most boring man in Graham Cunningham and the smug Nick Luck. For me it is ruined and I won't even flick it on again until Cheltenham in November. Attheraces wasn't much better, Lidia Hislop is possibly 2lbs ahead of Jonathan Neeson, neither of whom I care much for. Both have little knowledge of racing but seem to be able to fill air time taking bollocks about it. I'd rather watch a rugby match from the Southern Hemisphere than listen to any of them.
Friday, 3 May 2013
3rd May 2013
Frankenstorm and Hopstrings had a blow on the all weather. Frankenstrom is likely to go to Cold Harbour and Hopstrigs possibly Maisemore. Trea Newell who owns Hopstrings walked Masiemore this afternoon and tells me they have made a great job of the track and it is in good nick. Tomorrow, she will walk Cold Harbour before a final decision is made on where Hopstrings runs.
The two horses that arrived yesterday have settled in and seem fine. The Heron Island horse is fine and big and the Shantou will grow.
Charlie was here this afternoon looking at the horses with one of the syndicate members.
My Doncaster Sales catalogue arrived in the post this afternoon, this evening I will be thumbing through and highlighting the lots that look attractive on paper. God is has come around qucikly! Last year at this sale I bought Sergeant Thunder, Major Martin and Max Ward. Sergeant Thunder delivered, Major Martin I hope will do so in the auntum and Max Ward will hopefully run soon. Major Martin went to Overbury Stud this morning and will stay there until the end of June. Simon Sweeting does a fantastic job summering horses, they are really able to let themselves down in such a relaxed enviroment as Overbury.
The two horses that arrived yesterday have settled in and seem fine. The Heron Island horse is fine and big and the Shantou will grow.
Charlie was here this afternoon looking at the horses with one of the syndicate members.
My Doncaster Sales catalogue arrived in the post this afternoon, this evening I will be thumbing through and highlighting the lots that look attractive on paper. God is has come around qucikly! Last year at this sale I bought Sergeant Thunder, Major Martin and Max Ward. Sergeant Thunder delivered, Major Martin I hope will do so in the auntum and Max Ward will hopefully run soon. Major Martin went to Overbury Stud this morning and will stay there until the end of June. Simon Sweeting does a fantastic job summering horses, they are really able to let themselves down in such a relaxed enviroment as Overbury.
Thursday, 2 May 2013
2nd May 2013
Trouble Digger is fine after his poor performance yesterday, we will look for some safe ground possibly Bangor and fit some blinkers on him. I can't think of any other reason for him to have ran so poorly. He hasn't left a oat in months and is working very well at home.
We had a routine morning, Alice was in a daze after Charles Bruce winning yesterday. Certainly, forgivable considering what they achieved yesterday.
Two horses belonging to Shirley Bailey arrived, a 3 year old by Shantou and a 4 year old by Heron Island. Both of them have been fiddled about with, we will pretty much start the pair from the begining proggessing in their own time. Ben Case will train them.
Tim Curtis took Sophie out for lunch to raise a glass to Billy Biscuit, Billy has a couple of entries in the coming week. It was very spoiling and a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.
Tom Campbell popped in this evening to do a few routine vaccinations.
We had a routine morning, Alice was in a daze after Charles Bruce winning yesterday. Certainly, forgivable considering what they achieved yesterday.
Two horses belonging to Shirley Bailey arrived, a 3 year old by Shantou and a 4 year old by Heron Island. Both of them have been fiddled about with, we will pretty much start the pair from the begining proggessing in their own time. Ben Case will train them.
Tim Curtis took Sophie out for lunch to raise a glass to Billy Biscuit, Billy has a couple of entries in the coming week. It was very spoiling and a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.
Tom Campbell popped in this evening to do a few routine vaccinations.
Wednesday, 1 May 2013
1st May 2013
Trouble Digger didn't cover himself in glory this evening at Cheltenham, he was hugely disappointing. He hasn't been the same horse on the track in his last 2 runs as to what we are seeing at home. I have always thought he is the most genuine horse alive, well he certainly was. I was very happy to draw a line through his Newbury run but back to back performances of this standard are below expectations. I just wonder if he's become a bit cute! I'd have no hesitation in applying a pair of blinds next time. Sadly, I think safe racing ground maybe becoming a thing of the past for this year.
Alice who works for me and her husband Andrew trained the winner of the 4 mile race with Charles Bruce. Alice works bloody hard here and then off she trots to ride out her own horses. They deserve this and I am absolutely delighted for them.
Alice who works for me and her husband Andrew trained the winner of the 4 mile race with Charles Bruce. Alice works bloody hard here and then off she trots to ride out her own horses. They deserve this and I am absolutely delighted for them.
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