Monday 23 November

Go Millie Go is one tough little cookie - on Sunday she ran a really brave race to win her second race on the bounce down in Exeter. GMG had had entries on Saturday in a mares handicap in Ascot, and in Exeter on Sunday - where she would have to shoulder a penalty for her Stratford win. The obvious call was Ascot - a handicap - she got in with a nice racing weight, the ground was soft, and there were not too many runners. But looking at the Exeter race, it appeared that there was, realistically just one to beat - all be it that was a mare from the stable of Paul Nicholls. It was a very tough call, and one that was only made at the very last minute - literally - it was 9.59 on Thursday morning when we decided to skip Ascot and send her to Exeter. Thankfully we made the right call. and Millie ran a cracking race on her first start at 3 miles to win by 5 lengths, conceding 6lbs to the entire field. She jumped beautifully, apart from a couple of tired leaps near the end, and galloped all the way to the line, on ground that Timeform have as heavy - and ground she certainly didn't really like. Congratulations to all of her owners, who had to be patient with her, as she didn't make the racecourse in her first season in the UK, and had last season cut short by injury, but she is back with a bang now, and they are reaping the rewards with her 2020/21 form figures reading 2,1,1. The immediate thought after the race was that she could have a break, and come back for better ground in the spring - but that decision has been postponed - and she will remain in work for a couple of weeks to see how she is, as there are a couple of races that she could contest, while still missing the very worst of the winter ground in January and February. One that did go to Ascot was San Seb, who made his debut for the Fergal O'Brien team there on Friday. San Seb had been off the track for nearly 2 years, and a lot of work had gone into getting him back - so it was great to see him there. He had been given a mark of 128 after just 2 runs in juvenile hurdles, and whenever he came back - he was always going to be up against it in a handicap after such a break - but apart from chasing - that was the only route open to him so he lined up in a really good handicap in Ascot. He was very unlikely to feature in the race - but his options off of 128 would normally see him in fiercely competitive handicaps with 16+ runners, and he just hadn't the experience for one of those. The Ascot race only ever has between 9-11 runners, so we put him in there and let him take his chance. He has been in great form at home, and was likely to be very fresh and keen (the reason for staying over hurdles) and the plan was to drop him out early and let him creep into it, it all went to plan - until half way, when he came under a bit of pressure to keep tabs with the group. He was last turning in, but stayed on up the hill, passing a couple, to finish 9th. It was just what the doctor ordered. He had a really good blow after the race, and will improve enormously for it. He is Ok after his race - he knows he has had it - but should be fine in a few days. Fingers crossed he can build on this and go again. Yauthym is back cantering after missing a few days, and will be out again soon. Volkovka continues her treatment, and will have a couple of away days schooling before she runs again, just for a change of scenery, and to gain more experience. Our Bubba had his breathing checked after his disappointing run in Sedgefield, but sadly there was nothing amiss - so back to the drawing board with him - he will have entries very soon. Classic Ben is firmly on track for Sandown and the London National in a couple of weeks. Hi Ho Silva Lining was due entries this week - but those have been put back a couple of weeks - he will run in another bumper. Queenohearts is still on course for a run over hurdles very soon - but she has missed a couple of possible races but hopefully she will be out soon. We have also added to the ranks - We have purchased a lovely 3 yr old filly from France who will go into training with Olly Murphy near Stratford. Auditoria is a nice scopey filly that has a Timeform rating of 78, and a UK Flat rating of 71. She started off her career in the UK with Amanda Perrett, where she contested decent maidens over 8-10 furlongs, mostly on the all weather. It was not until she switched to France, that she began to find her feet - this when she encountered soft ground, and a trip - finishing second in Saint Cloud. She is by Gleneagles - a sire I really like, and who, through his oldest progeny, who are now just 3 - has shown that he gets horses that go really well on soft ground, and appreciate middle distances. All the attributes that are needed to excel over hurdles. Auditoria is also out of a Authorized mare - who is a half sister to a Group 1 winner, and a Winter Derby winner. So she has it all - the size and scope - the ability to stay on soft ground - and a really nice pedigree. Shares are priced at just £600, with a flexible payment option to help folks through these difficult times - and an all inclusive £25/week to cover training/keep fees. It is great to be able to have a horse with Olly Murphy. He has made a great start to his career, after spending a number of years with Gordon Elliott, before returning to the family yard and in just a couple of years expanding his team from a handful to over 120. He has a great facility, and he and his staff are really welcoming and accommodating. The lovely thing about his Warren Chase yard is that you can see everything within 200 yards - from parking the car - 100 yards and you are in the yard, and a further stroll out the back of the buildings, and you are on the gallops. It is very accessible and easy. We look forward to working with him going forward! Please call or text me on 07909 518902 for further details or email nickbrownracing@gmail.com