Sunday 25 April

The 'Audrey Army' invaded Scotland earlier this week, and it was a hugely satisfactory mission. Auditoria is a gorgeous filly. She had been very sick since arriving from France in November, and Olly Murphy and his team have done a great job to get her back to the track and run so well. She was a close second on her hurdling debut in February, and although she has been ready to run again since, the dry weather and quick underfoot conditions had meant that we hadn't seen her since. Officials in Perth had ensured that they would be watering to produce very juicy safe ground, so we took the opportunity to gain some valuable experience with next season in mind. David England who is a vital cog in the works at Olly's yard took the ride and gave her a wonderfully educational spin. Settled in rear she jumped well in the main, a little big to begin with as a result of only being able to school over the easy fix hurdles in the jumping lane due to the dry ground at home, but levelling out after that. She got in close to 3 out which just hindered her progress. She stayed on well to the line to finish a close second, preserving her maiden status, and making her eligible for maiden/novice races next season. She has come out of the race in good order - and will head to The Elms for a summer break in a week or so. We learned a lot from her two runs - she goes on any ground - she has the pace for 2 miles, but will stay further, and she will jump a fence in time. There are no 'holes' in her - she has no lameness or wind issues - she stays, she jumps, and she thoroughly enjoys what she does - she has a bright future. Thanks to Olly and his team for getting her back healthy and running so well. Also a huge well done to Matthew - who made the long trip from the Midlands to Britain's most northerly track to see her run - real commitment there!! We look forward to getting together with a good number of her owners next week, who will enjoy a morning at Warren Chase Stables and get to spend some time with Audrey, Olly and the team. Elsewhere - At Fences Farm, all is complete for the season - and all the horses will return to The Elms Stud in the coming few days for their summer holidays, apart from Classic Ben who will continue to recover from his treatment at Fences Farm. At Ravenswell Farm - Yauthym continues in training, and will have entries soon. Hidden Beauty has been roughed off, and will head back to The Elms very soon, as will Volkovka, who would have been back last week with Kenahope, but managed to get a slight infection the night before her planned trip, and stayed where she was. She will be back soon. Queenohearts has now been turned out to enjoy some sunshine - she is out with Kenahope and they have settled well. It was good to see a few folks last week - on Tuesday evening we welcomed a few of the Breeding Syndicate to The Elms to see their foal 'Barry' for the first time. He is an absolute cracker, born on April 2nd, he is already weighing in at over 100 kilos! Another example of huge commitment from Griff - who at the last minute - dashed away from work and made the 2hr 20min trip to see his new foal! Mum, Savingforvegas is in good order, and she visits Falco tomorrow. We are now taking names for the next Breeding Syndicate which will commence in October - we have already filled three of the 10 spots - so if you would like to breed your own racehorse - please get in touch - nickbrownracing@gmail.com. I also got to meet up with a few of Molly Childers owners - who got to see her, and also got to see the Mamool 3 yr who's syndicate we have just launched. He is a stunning individual - and we have already sold most of the shares in him - including to an 'old friend' who has had great success with us, and the progeny of Mamool - it was great to catch up with him for lunch on Wednesday and it very much looks like the syndicate will feature a good group of folks that have been involved in other horses we have had by the sire - Dawn Commander, Apasionado, San Seb, and Chandos Belle - and it will be a bit like 'getting the band back together'! It looks like being a really fun group, and all are looking forward to visiting Fergal O'Briens, where the gelding will go into training in July. On the subject of Fergal - huge congratulations to him, Sally, Paddy and all the team in achieving 100+winners in the season - a huge team effort, and all of the praise from all quarters has been very much deserved - they just get every part of the job right! Well Done! In at Jason Maguires, Mini, the half sister to Queenohearts has just been introduced to the round gallop - she is just like her big half sis - I hope she's as good! We are having a few of her owners in to see her next week - she's a lovely filly!