Sunday 23 November
Cloonacool - 'George' to his friends gave his owners another huge thrill yesterday, when winning the 2 mile novices handicap hurdle in Huntingdon. Yesterdays run was a bit of an experiment, we needed to know if he could handle soft ground, because he has such a beautiful free flowing action, it was very that he needed a sounder surface, and if so he would be given a short mid season break before resuming in the spring. We also needed to find out if he had the speed for the minimum trip around a quick track - and he answered both questions emphatically. Josh Moore got the ride for the first time, with Brendan Powell in Haydock, and he got him beautifully switched off in the rear of the 5 runner field. He jumped well again, and although Josh's instructions were to not hit the front until after the last, the race fell apart in front of him and he scythed through the 4 in front of him on the crown of the home turn. He did idle in front as expected, but was always doing enough. He is proving a great buy, and one that is giving his owners a super season!! Smart Exit tried to go two better than last year in The Cambridgeshire National, only to end up going one worse. We have now proved conclusively that Huntingdon just does not suit him, and although he did his absolute best, he was only ever booked for minor honours, finishing fourth in the end. He was very tired after the race, and nobody could accuse him of not giving his all - his owners should all be very proud of him! Pleased to say that both horses seem fine this morning! Cloonacool was the 8th runner for Nick Brown Racing this calendar year, which have resulted in 5 wins, 2 thirds and a fourth! What a fantastic job the team at Fences Farm have done - thanks to everyone there! Stuart dropped Dawn Commander off at the vets in Newmarket this morning. He walked to, and on the lorry really well, and walked off sound as well, so he seems to be getting better anyway - we just need to find out what the problem is, but the fact that he is getting sounder by the day bodes well. He will be scanned tomorrow, when they will locate the site of injury, after which they can target their investigations, and get to the bottom of what is making him sore. Benefit Cut is declared in Kempton tomorrow, 8 run, and Josh gets the ride for the first time. It looks like a nice race to be in, and he is in fantastic form. Please have a look on this page later in the week for news of another possible Partnership. We are looking at several horses in Ireland, and are keen to get another new ownership group going. Details will be up soon - or contact me to register your interest - info@nickbrownracing.co.uk (07909 518902).
