She's A Lady!
For the last month the jet stream has provided us with some cooler and definitely wetter weather- we had hoped that it would have shifted slightly for what we had planned in the last week, but sadly it didn’t, and it was responsible for some wet clothes and a few sore heads!
Last weekend was a long one – half an eye on the fourth Ashes test in Manchester – England battering the ‘Old Foe’, until the weather set in on Friday night. With two days to go, surely there was a weather window that England could exploit and take the Ashes to a fifth and final decider. Sadly not, and the urn returns to Australia as the bulk of the final two days were washed out and Australia held on for a draw. It has been an incredible series to watch, and Englands style of play has ensured that it will live long in the memory. At least they continued to play at the Golf just over on the coast at Hoylake, and that too was fantastic viewing – what a final round from the Champion Golfer – Brian Harman, he never flinched after taking a big lead into the final round, coolness personified.
The wet weekend spilled over into Monday morning. A flying visit to The Elms to meet a couple of members of the Tintagel Queen syndicate, who had popped in to see her before she heads back into training at Warren Chase tomorrow. She looks fantastic, she has summered really well, and goes back to Olly in great order. Another one that heads back to work tomorrow is Volkovka, both mares have been in from the field for a couple of weeks and been on the walker, and look super. Both have a preference for soft ground, so their return to training has been delayed so that the ground is more on the soft side when they reach full fitness at the end of October. Two lovely mares by Camelot, that should give their owners plenty of fun this season. TQ has schooled really well and has proved that she can gallop in her two bumpers last season – who knows where she will end up, and Volkovka took a season to acclimatise to jumping fences last term, and that knowledge will stand her in good stead this time round. Sadly, a lack of time and the wet weather meant that these two were the only ones we got to see on Monday – but Louise did send a lovely picture of Finbar (Falco x Molly Childers), Floyd (Falco x Savingforvegas) and Barry (Blue Bresil x Savingforvegas) later in the week. Really please with how the yearlings, Finbar and Floyd are developing – Floyd and Barry being half brothers are so so similar it is uncanny!
Tintagel Queen
Volkovka
L to R - Finbar, Foyd and Barry.
On Tuesday Old Blue Eyes made the trip from Ivy Lodge Farm up to Donald McCains. He had gone back to Jason for a couple of extra weeks ahead of his trip north, as Jason felt he just needed a little longer with him. By the end of May he felt that OBE had reached the end of the line mentally, and although he wasn’t where he wanted him physically, the horse really needed to go back to The Elms and chill out for a few weeks. He then had him back to put the finishing touches on him before he went into training. He arrived with Donald safely and has settled in well – Donald describes him as a ‘nice horse’. We like him and are very much looking forward to seeing what he can do through the season! He’s by the right sire – from a fantastic family that we expect to get better over the next few months – you could say that he ticks all the boxes! It was great to get this picture of Dino Bellagio and Old Blue Eyes (right) from Donald.
Dino Bellagio (Left) and Old Blue Eyes - half brothers - both with Donald McCain
On Tuesday afternoon we headed down to Cheltenham where we met up with friends and headed out to The Ivy for dinner. If you have never eaten there, you should, great food, super wine list, and a spectacular dining room. Great fun had by all, and we even managed a couple for the road in Gin & Juice, the bar beneath No 131. We stayed at The George, which was really nice, lovely big rooms, a quirky lay out – and no bar! Apart from the fact that we wondered why, when the rooms were so big, did they offer such little storage space – it was a really good hotel to base ourselves in for a couple of nights.
We were in town for The Cheltenham Cricket Festival – not the usual Festival I attend in Cheltenham – but I found myself at the cricket there last season, and decided we would go back this year, but step it up a notch and take a table in one of the hospitality marquees. This was the first day of the county match between Gloucestershire and Worcestershire, and we knew if the forecast was correct, we wouldn’t get a whole days play in. The morning was glorious though – warm and sunny and we all enjoyed the first session, although I must confess, I didn’t see much of it. We were a table of 10, made up of friends, and those that had helped us out over the course of the last couple of years – a thank you to them. Worcestershire were put into bat, and endured a torrid first session, losing three quick wickets. After lunch they did rally but were 192/7 when the rains started around 3.40pm. Sadly that was that for the cricket, but turning the ‘social duties’ for the rest of the afternoon over to a Cheltenham resident, meant that we found our way to a couple of great watering holes before taking our table in Bhoomi Kitchen, a wonderful Indian Restaurant in town, where I had booked a private dining room, and an Indian Feast for everyone! It was a very good night as you can imagine – and capped of a great day – although as there was less cricket to watch, there was more socialising done – which led to some sore heads in the morning!
The beautuful setting of Cheltenahm College.
'Malcolm' and a Madri - Malcom will pop up in the most unexpected places! Stay tuned!
Sadly, being in Cheltenham on Wednesday meant that I missed Reflexion Faite making her third start in Sandown. An evening card, with Tom Jones bashing out some hits after racing. Reflexion Faite had run twice over 6 furlongs, travelling very well both times before fading in the final furlong. Ray Dawson who rode her on her second start, had suggested a step back to 5 may see her finish out her race, as she was certainly not short of speed. Her pedigree suggests that she needs 7f minimum, but as this was a run that would qualify her for a handicap mark, Kevin felt it was the right time to try it. Benoit de la Sayette took the ride, and she broke out of the stalls well (for the first time), the rain softened ground meant that they went an even gallop, and she settled well in behind the leader on the rail. As the race developed Benoit had to check her slightly, and angle out for a run, but she put her head down and ran right to the line to finish second. A bit of a surprise, and a result that will not do her any favours when the handicapper assesses her next week, but those of her owners who were there, getting wet, were all thrilled and had a cracking evening. A few stayed on for TJ too! Reflexion Faite came out of her race well, and we will see what the handicapper does when he publishes her initial mark on Tuesday but finishing in front of an 83 rated filly will not help! That one is almost certainly overrated, but it is where he will start from, which will almost certainly lead us to a change of tack, and instead of her next run being in a handicap, she is more than likely to stick to novice/maiden company. At least we know she has plenty of ability, and Benoit was very confident that there are plenty of winning days to be had with her!
Reflexion Faite in the paddock
Second!
Happy Owners!
Post race bubbles!
Some braved the rain for a bit of Tom Jones!
I would not be telling the truth if I said that I was up and about and bursting with energy on Thursday morning! But I was up and headed over to Ravenswell Farm to see the 6 horses that are already there have a canter. I evidently looked how I felt! Fresh air and racehorses always do the trick though, and by the time the horses were out I felt a bit better! You know when you have a few horses in a yard, when you get to see all of them canter in one lot! Fergal put on a special lot, which was made up of all 6 of ours – Mamoon Star, Blue Bikini, Fortune Forever, Greyval. Maria’s Flame, and Hidden Beauty. They all look fantastic – Blue Bikini made it quite clear that she wanted to live in her usual stable when she arrived back – she has ways of making her feelings known, and now that she is back living in one of the top boxes, she is much happier! Hidden Beauty was the one that had not summered great this time – she put on plenty of condition but always looked very bad in her coat – delighted to say she looks fabulous again now. Mamoon Star looks fantastic, he was moving great – and it was fantastic to see Maria’s Flame on the Ravenswell round gallop for the first time. She has settled in well, and they are really happy with her. As we come very close to filling her syndicate, I give those that have reserved shares in her a little while to sign and return the syndicate agreements, and start to pay their fees, This time round, having been fully subscribed, a couple of reserved shares were not taken up, and I still have one of those available for anyone that would like it – have a look at her on the For Sale Page and get in touch – a wonderful pedigree and a really nice, strong young filly that should be lots of fun this season! Later in the morning we popped into Dunkertons Cider Mill on the A40 – a must visit if you are passing – a great shop – bakery, butchers, and coffee. The girls like it there because it has a Holland Cooper outlet – which can do the bank balance some damage lads – be warned!! We then headed up the hill to The Kilkeney to surprise our friends Kev and Jules with a visit, sadly Jules on an airport run, but great to see Kev briefly. Sadly, they are leaving the pub for pastures new at the end of August, but hopefully we will get to see them there again before they make the move!
Hidden Beauty
Maria's Flame
Greyval
Fortune Forever
Blue Bikini
Mamoon Star
Greyval
Friday, back at home and cupboards being fitted in the office, decorating now complete, and carpets booked for a week on Monday. For one reason or another, (wonky walls), the fitting didn’t go 100% to plan, and they didn’t quite get finished, but what has been done looks great – more on that when the office is completed!
Saturday morning and another great update from a yard – this time from Alan King who sent a clip of the Jukebox Jury x La Pelodette filly cantering up his gallop. He is thrilled with her – she is a lovely filly and has settled in great. She moves well and has a good mind – which we knew from her time with Jason who was very taken with her. There are a handful of the 12 shares still available in her and I would recommend her to anyone – she is already a half sister to a black type performer, and her full brother won on his point to point debut in Dromahane in the spring and was sold for £170,000 at the Punchestown Festival Sale – he is highly regarded – shares in this filly are just £2,500 which is fantastic value – she looks like she has a very nice future ahead of her! She also has a considerable resale value as a broodmare when her racing days are over!
Jukebox Jury x La Pelodette filly - just heard from Alan KIng - 'Really sweet filly, couldn't fault her'! Get involved!
Around the rest of the team – Jason sent some great clips of Cloud Dancer cantering on the deep sand this week – he really has matured over the summer; I can’t quite believe it if I’m honest – he has changed so much – he is much bigger and stronger than last year – and I’m sure he will have a very successful winter! Intrepide Sud is still out in the field at Ivy Lodge Farm.
At Warren Chase, Olly has started his winter horses cantering, and they are in good order. Itchy Feet and Auditoria are both moving well. His small summer team have been in red hot form over the past couple of weeks!
This weekend has been spent doing admin – and I will get the final syndicate dividend sorted on Monday – that has been quite a task with the office contents scattered to the four winds! Next week looks like being another fun filled few days! Really looking forward to it – another overnight stay, and a very exciting meeting to look forward to on Tuesday. There will be more on that next week, along with further news about another of our new ventures for the coming season.
One thing that has been penciled in is the annual yard visit to Fergal O’Brien’s – which this year will take place on Saturday September 16th at 8.00am – This morning is open to everyone and guests, and we hope to see plenty of you there. I will be in touch nearer the time to get a handle on numbers – we will see all the horses on the gallop, and as usual there will be breakfast laid on, tea, coffee and of course – cake!! I will be organizing other yard visits through September, so stay tuned to find out where they we will be, and on what days.
That’s that for this week – the only near death experience came as a result of an ‘all dayer’ with a ‘hardened pro’ we got through that – just – with the irony that the ‘hardened pro’ gave me a bottle of champagne on Thursday morning – he said as a thank you – I think it was a prize for getting through the previous day!
More next week – when hopefully the jet stream sorts itself out – and we get a little less rain!
