Monday 19 August

A case of a little more and a lot less on Saturday evening in Market Rasen. Land League was rightly fancied to run very well in the 2m 5f Novices Handicap Chase, and he duly did so - but it was a bit of a case of what might have been. The handicapper took it upon himself to raise him 2lbs for his last valiant effort at the track, where he was beaten into second. This, I thought was a bit harsh on a horse that has still only won 1 of his 17 starts under rules and has had a year off through injury - this 2 lbs meant that he had to shoulder 12st on Saturday, instead of the normal top weight of 11st 12lbs. In addition to this - all 3 fences in the home straight were omitted on both circuits due to the low sun, resulting in them just jumping the 4 in the back straight twice - a total of 8 of the 14 scheduled and a 3/4 mile run in. As soon as this happened I felt LL's chance was severely compromised - as this was going to be no help to a horse that has a slight breathing issue. In the end he was beaten just 2 lengths, but really tried his best and looked to be running on vapours at the death. He will head off to Ben Brains this week to have his wind assessed again - as his next suitable race is not for 6 weeks, and any procedure needed can be done now, and he can be back for that. thought Ciaran gave him a super ride to get him as close as he did - as his effort had to be timed very carefully, or he would have got nowhere - the benefit of using a good jockey that knows the horse very well. All shares in Go Millie Go are now spoken for - and she she is cantering away nicely. This just leaves a share in Land League - who as we know is very close to winning again! I have just one share remaining in our final investment syndicate for 2019. The first draft of horses this year produced excellent returns, and we have been busy buying foals and yearlings since the spring - this final syndicate is already the owner of a Jukebox Jury foal, that is a half brother to the Maaresca Sorento 3 yr old we sold at the Tattersalls Derby Sale in Fairyhouse for €60,000 - and we have his 2 yr old half brother who is simply stunning too. They also have a yearling by Adlerflug, who is a gorgeous individual, from a very good German Family - the half brother to the dam has won a German Group 2 on the flat since we purchased him - and we have recently bought a colt foal by Masked Marvel - out of a Siyouni mare, who is another lovely big foal that I could have sold to a trainer already! Give me a call on 07909 518902, or email nickbrownracing@gmail.com for further details of the investment and the huge tax benefits that come with it!!