Maria's Flame

An absolute star of a filly, from another family we know well. I was involved in the purchase of this young lady's Mum! Her dam, Hillcrest Fire was purchased as a 3 yr old off of the flat in Ireland for Jim Humberstone, who I had prevously purchased Cheltenham Festival winner Doomsday Book for. Hillcrest fire came to the UK with a flat rating of 90, and quickly made her mark over hurdles by winning on her debut in Leicester, despite doing plenty wrong that day It is fair to say that things didn't quite go to plan for her after that, although she was third on her next start in a Listed hurdle in Aintree, gaining valuable black type despite not being able to handle the very testing conditions, and she was third at Cheltenham at the end of the season. 

She was retired at the end of the following season, and covered by Mahler, a covering that resulted in this young lady arriving in 2020. Like her dam, this filly is not over big, but she is perfectly formed, she has great conformation, and is a very good and easy mover. We were offered the chance to syndicate her last year, and jumped at the chance, she had been born and raised at The Elms Stud, and I had seen her develop since she was a foal, and always really liked her. As she was going to be coming onto the team, I sent her down to Jason Maguire for him to break her in last summer, and he was really impressed with her. He loved her physically, and also mentally, and called her 'a Queen' She was the sweetest filly to,break, and really did well for the experience.

Her sire, Mahler needs no introduction, during his racing career he was the winner of the Queens Vase at Royal Ascot and was also third in the Melbourne Cup. He has sired so many winners under National Hunt rules it is incredible, including Chris's Dream, and this years Cheltenham Festival winner The Real Whacker. He was the Champion Irish Point To Point Sire this year - his progeny are usually very tough, hardy and durable. 

This filly has an outstanding pedigree (see above), as mentioned her dam, Hillcrest Fire  is a black type performer, she is out of the winner of the Listed Galtres Stakes, Firecrest, who bred 11 winners from 13 runners, including Red Lark the winner of the Group 1 Del Mar Oaks in the USA and three black type jumpers in All Set To Go, Tocororo, and Bantam. As you can see her page is crammed with black type performers, and the hope is that this filly will add to the impressive roll of honour of her family. 

She made her debut in early November in Ludlow,where she went into everyones notebook after an eyecatching fourth. Without having the benefit of a racecourse gallop, she was given a lovely educational ride to come through horses from the rear and hit the line strong. Timeform - ,'shaped very well when 6¾ lengths fourth of 11 to Lightning Flash in bumper at Ludlow on debut, finishing with running left from rear: will improve' -  'stable landed this last year with Dysart Enos, made some appeal on paper and shaped very well, making up a copious amount of late ground from a less-than-ideal position; dropped out, still plenty to do approaching straight, hung right from 2f out, good progress over 1f out, edged left entering final 1f, finished with running left; will know more next time and is one to look out for' .

We were then expecting a big run from her just before Christmas, but she disappointed that day - and it transpired that she had given herself a small injury in her pelvis - and sadly missed the rest of last season.

She heads into the new season - with her novice status still intact, and a nice bit of experience under her belt. She has shown at home what she can do - working with some very nice mares, such as Dysart Enos - and there is a lot of fun to be had with her this coming season.  

She has worked very nicely on the run up to her seasonal debut - this was her work on Saturday 5th October, with a recent hurdles winner. 

She has already done plenty of schooling, and as you can see from this clip, she is an absolute natural over an obstacle, and really enjoys jumping!!! 

Shares are limited to 25, (2 remain) and are available on a free lease basis - therefore there is no upfront, capital cost. The weekly training/keep costs are fixed at £30/wk, and cover all costs - there are no hidden extras - all inclusive means all inclusive - you will also receive 100% of your share of the owners prizemoney at the end of the season, which is paid annually in July. Each share holder will also be eligible for 1 O&T Badge every time the filly runs, and yard visits are both welcomed and encouraged - head down to Ravenswell and enjoy the fun!! 

For full T&C's and a copy of the Syndicate Agreement, or to book your place in her syndicate call Nick on 07909 518902 or email nickbrownracing@gmail.com