Primary School Ends
We nearly have a full set back in training – there is just one member of the team yet to return to her stable, Maria’s Flame – but she will be back to work tomorrow – and then it will be full steam ahead for the new season.
On Monday, Ridin Solo left Peel Hall and returned to Bankhouse – he had been due to make the trip seven days earlier but had been found to have an abscess in a foot on the morning of his departure – so he stayed with Will for a further week so that his vet could get him sound again, and a new set of shoes on. He has summered really well and looks fantastic. The break has certainly done him the world of good and we are in for a really fun season with him for sure!
Another one to return to work was Itchy Feet, who was one of the 90 horses that Olly Murphy brought back into work on Monday. It did sound a little bit busy when his father phoned me just before lunch – horses heading everywhere! Itchy did not manage to get to his spring targets last season, as he wasn’t quite moving right after the new year – and the vet advised that the best course of action was to give him a good long rest and come back this term. He will once again be aimed at some valuable handicap hurdles, and should, as he usually does, earn his fair share of prize money through the season.
Once again there have been a host of enquiries about share options this week, and we have been sending out a lot of syndicate agreements for folks. Shares are now getting very few and far between, which is a good thing for me – less so for those that want to take the opportunity to get involved in some nice horses! As you know, we always have our eye out for value, and I think I have found a real gem in France. As mentioned last week, there was the possibility of adding to the squad over the past 7 days – but that didn’t quite happen – but it is something that is ongoing, the possibility still exists, and if we can, we will! Keep checking our social media sites for updates!
Tuesday – an early start – down to Ravenswell for 7.00am. A work morning with Fergal and it was a bit bleak on the hill for first lot – cold, breezy and a persistent drizzle. It was still a tad inclement when Fran, Sheridan and Nicky arrived ahead of second lot to see Mamoon Star work under Johnny Burke. MS worked really well, and it was really good of Johnny to take the time to talk to everyone at length on his way back in to wash MS off. Johnny went into great detail about his thoughts on Mamoon Star, and the way to ‘switch him back on again’. Having worked him and schooled him plenty of times over the last few weeks, Johnny is convinced that the horse retains all of his ability, along with his enthusiasm. He feels that MS has lost confidence, and he will adopt different tactics on him next time out, and we will also reach for some headgear with him. It was really good of him to take the time to talk through his thoughts about MS with us, and we are all looking forward to seeing him ride him in a couple of weeks when they will put Johnnys theories into practice.
Johnny took the time to chat to us about his thoughts on Mamoon Star
It was good to catch up with Connor Brace and make plans for Maria’s Flame who will return to work tomorrow as planned. She will either do a short spell with Connor, before returning to Ravenswell, or she will head back to Ravenswell and start work there straight away – that is a decision Fergal and Connor will make. Maria’s Flame had such bad luck last season, when she tweaked her pelvis, but from what she showed on her racecourse debut in Ludlow, and what we have seen she is capable of on the gallops at home – she will be loads of fun for her syndicate this season. She will be contesting mares novice hurdles this term, and has always shown a real aptitude and desire for jumping, ever since she was broken in at 2 – so with the speed that she has shown and her love for jumping – there is lots to look forward to this autumn!
The other two that are in with Fergal at Ravenswell are Greyval and Intrepide Sud. Thankfully IS came through the colic episode he suffered the week before, and returned to Ravenswell on Monday morning. He had remained in with the vets over the previous weekend, just so that they could keep him under continual surveillance as he returned to a normal diet of hard food and hay. Thankfully all is well with him again now, and after a very worrying few days it was great to see him back out on the round gallop having a trot on Tuesday morning.
Intrepide Sud on the round gallop
Intrepide Sud having a shower
Greyval having a shower
He was joined by Greyval who looks in great shape. Both her and Intrepide Sud have commenced their respective treatments for ulcers – we have adopted a slightly different regime with both this term, and we hope that it will bring about some improvement – it will certainly help the wallet! It is something that we have done with incredible results in the past – but it can only be done at one time of the year – so we have taken the chance to put them on a similar regime this time round.
From Ravenswell we popped down the road to see the team at Ivy Lodge Farm, where there are currently three two year olds being broken in. Fran and Sheridan were very keen to see ‘Finbar’ who they bred along with a core number of members of a syndicate that owned his dam, Molly Childers. The difference in this young horse is nothing short of amazing. He is typical of a first foal, in that he is not the biggest, but since he has been at Ivy Lodge Farm, he has simply blossomed into the most handsome young man! Along with his good looks he has an abundance of athleticism. Jason Maguire describes him as a ‘pure athlete’ and ‘like a deer’. He has a wonderfully lose walk, and really uses himself, and when he trots it is as if he is on springs! That is all the good stuff – the flip side is that he is also a ‘hardy’ soul and breaking him in has been a long process for sure. Saying that, they are getting there now – and he is now backed and ridden. His mum was one tough cookie – and he has all of her traits and more – I don’t mind seeing it (especially as I don’t have to ride him) as racehorses need to be tough in a battle on the track – so with his attitude and his abundant athleticism he should be a fun racehorse in the future! We just got to see Finbar shown in hand – but Jason did send a video of him being ridden later in the day – he is getting there – he is just taking a little (lot) longer than the others. This part of their education is critical – and Jason is top class at what he does. Despite Finbar not being straight forward, he has never raised his voice, his hand or even shown him a hint of a whip – Jason does everything the right way – as, like me he believes that this 6 week period is the most important of a horses life, and they have to end it having enjoyed it!
Finbar - the change in this young man has been amazing!
Finbar ridden
Along with Finbar, we also got to see Floyd and ’The Grey Gatsby’ in the arena and on the sand gallop. Both of these have been very easy to do – and are nearing the end of their ‘primary school’ period. Both have done plenty of cantering on the sand gallop and had a pop over some barrels in the arena. Floyd (Falco x Savingforvegas) is the spitting image of his half brother ‘Barry’ and looks to be equally as exciting as him – he is easy to do, has a great mind, with a very willing attitude to work. He is another one with a supremely athletic walk and trot, and he gives those that ride him a great feel. I have still not decided which route to go down with him – but one thing is for sure – he will be a long-term project, as he needs time to fill his tall frame. I have plenty of time to decide a plan for him!
The two year old by The Grey Gatsby – who we will just call Gatsby from now on – as I am tired of typing his sires full name every time I mention him – is another stunning individual. He has been schooling this week, and simply loves his jumping! He has also completed his primary school period now and will head off to a field for the rest of the summer, where he will grow a bit more, level up and develop. In fairness – he doesn’t need to develop to much more, as he is an absolute tank of a horse, but he will level up – and will be a very impressive individual next year! He will be aimed at Junior Bumpers in the autumn of next year!
It was really good to get a video from Olly Murphy on Tuesday – Tintagel Queen fresh and well and cantering on his sand gallop again. The vets checked her over before she started cantering and were really happy with how she had recovered from the leg fracture that she had sustained earlier this year – she is another one that has shown a nice level of ability, and who we think will be winning her share of hurdles races this winter. It is hoped that she will end up in a nice race in the spring!
Olly also had an update on Auditoria – who was found to be heavily in season after her flat performance in Newton Abbot the previous week. She has come out of her race fine, and the vet will now deal with her to try and ensure that she is not in season when she runs next time.
Another video to hit the inbox on Tuesday was from Alan King who sent through a clip of the Linda’s Lad filly cantering up the Sharperidge Gallop for a second time. Alan is really happy with her, and she goes really nicely – she will start off in junior bumpers in October, and with her physique, mentality, and outstanding pedigree she is another top class addition to the team – and there is still a chance to get involved with her and grab a share! Just £30/week – no capital cost – a badge every time she runs and regular stable visits. If you would like to see her – I will be in at Barbury Castle next weekend – message me via text or email (07909 518902 nickbrownracing@gmail.com ) to book a place – they will be limited on this occasion – there will be a full visit organised for her syndicate in a few weeks time!
Wednesday – a day in the office, the first Test Match from Lords – England in the semi final of the Euro’s so plenty to see on the TV. Plenty to keep our attention – but it was the awful news from Hertfordshire that broke in the afternoon that rocked the racing world. The horrific murder of three individuals was awful to hear – when it started to emerge that the victims were the wife and two daughters of racing commentator John Hunt, the incident immediately came a lot ‘closer to home’. I only know John to say hello to – and being a fellow West Han fan we have had the odd chat about our team – but nothing more than that – but I do know plenty of people that are a lot closer to him both professionally and personally, and they all tell of how much of a family man he is, and how proud he was of his daughters – I can’t imagine what he and his third daughter Amy are going through – and I am certainly not eloquent enough to put into words how sorry we all are – but I have passed on my support to him through one of his colleagues – and he is aware of the support that is emanating from the entire racing ‘family’
Thursday – England through to their second major championship final in succession. An improved performance – they will need to improve a heap more to beat what looks like a very impressive Spanish side in the final! England also on top in Lords – this one will not last long tomorrow.
One lovely piece of news to emerge this week was the birth of a healthy baby boy to Josh and Phoebe Moore. Charlie Evan Moore was born last Sunday – weighing in at an impressive 10lbs – mother and new son doing great – Dad less so – in his rush to get to the hospital – Josh managed to trap his little finger in the car door and was waiting for an operation to mend it when I spoke to him on Wednesday! What is it with Josh and hospitals??!
Another update from Ivy Lodge Farm – Floyd having a jump – this is the last part of this phase of his education, and he will now head out into a paddock, and wait for Finbar to reach the same stage. It is interesting that these two lads, Floyd and Finbar have spent the entirety of their lives together since weaning and have had exactly the same upbringing. The same field, the same vet, the same farrier – and yet one has been a breeze to break, and the other less so – it is proof that mental attitude is more about nature and less about nurture!
Floyd having a pop
Friday, I popped over to The Elms to have a look round at the team there. Barry has let himself down nicely and is very chilled out and relaxed. He is out in a field with his yearling half-brother, George (by Golden Horn) who is a lovely individual. Savingforvegas is blooming in her pregnancy – scanned in foal to exciting young French stallion Nirvana du Berlais – she looks great – and is in good form – she remains the boss of her group – no doubt! It was good to see a few foals as well – we don’t have one this year – but I did see some lovely individuals!
George doing well!
Savingforvegas looking great - in foal to Nirvana du Berlais
At Bankhouse – Old Blue Eyes returned to his stable – Donald gave him a few days extra holiday. He will be aimed at a bumper in the autumn – and from what he has shown us thus far – he could well remain in that sphere for the entirety of next season – and contest some of the bigger heats in the spring – he is a very talented young horse – who we really like – and in whom a single share is still available!! If it is not sold by the end of the month – I will retain it myself – he is too nice- and as nobody seems to believe me and listen to the words of those that ride him and look after him every day I can’t do much more! You will all regret it!
His half brother Dino Bellagio is in great order as usual – he has just started cantering – and is throwing his usual shapes!
At Lords the curtain came down on the Test career of Jimmy Anderson – he has been an unbelievable bowler for England – and deserves all of the accolades that went is way. Just to stay fit and healthy for that length of time was an unbelievable achievement, let alone perform as he did at the highest level!
Saturday and we headed down to the Cotswolds once more – this time to meet Chris and Rachael at Ivy Lodge Farm so that they could see their horse ‘Gatsby’ before he headed back to the field. Chris and Rachael have been great supporters since the family purchased a share in Chandos Bell as a surprise present for Rachael many moons ago! They were very impressed with their latest addition, and it was lovely for them to be able to get up close and meet him properly for the first time.
Chris 'enjoying' a kiss from Gatsby
Floyd - off now for a break in the field - his work for the year is done
After Ivy Lodge we headed down to Tetbury, where we the four of us were booked in at The Holford Arms for lunch – somewhere we had been trying to get for most of the year, as our friends Kev and Jules were now working there. Kev has tried to explain the pub and surroundings to me a few times, and every time has just given up and said – ‘you will just have to come and see it to get it’ – I can see what he means. After a really nice lunch – pickled prawns starter, followed by the biggest portion of baby back ribs I have ever had – they nearly beat me – we got a tour of the ‘estate’ – a camp site – lodges – wedding venue – oak barn with log burner and sofas – outside bar, every type of fruit tree and bush you can imagine – the place is something to behold – it really is something else! The Holford Arms is very close to Westonbirt Arboretum – and if you ever find yourself in the area, pop in – if you like camping – it’s perfect – and the lodges look lovely for those that prefer a little more comfort!
Sunday – we woke to an assassination attempt on Donald Trump – this world is just mad – I’m going to the pub!
Around the rest – Rockola is trotting and building up to a return to cantering on the hill – she looks great! Cloud Dancer has resumed gentle canters with Gary and Josh Moore, and the two year old half sister to Hidden Beauty – who is up with her breeder, Will Kinsey at Peel Hall, is summering well – she will come back in later this this summer, for a bit more work – she did the basics in the spring – and will have a bit more done with her. She is a beautiful filly and is one that will be aimed at junior bumpers next year!
Next week – a couple of yard visits – let me know if you are interested in the last share in the Lindas Lad filly and would like to see her on the gallops at the beautiful Barbury Castle Stables next weekend. Email or text me to book your place – places are very limited!
