Grounds For Concern
The normal way of things has resumed – News on a Sunday! It has been an up and down week – after 6 weeks of racing on quick ground, we finally get to run one – and guess what? His chances are scuppered by rain. One had a bit of a medical emergency and in the end the week didn’t go entirely to plan. It’s all here – ‘Grab a cup of Joe’ and catch up with all that’s been going on!
Monday – regular readers – at least, those that read last weeks update - will know that I was typing the blog on Monday morning after a fantastic weekend in Cheltenham. As I did so I was keeping an eye on the declarations in Warwick on Wednesday, where Cloud Dancer had an entry in the Conditional Jockeys handicap hurdle that opened the card. Last season we learned that Cloud Dancer really does not appreciate Soft ground – a fact that was backed up in no uncertain terms recently when Josh himself rode him in a piece of work around the soon to be reopened Windsor jumps track. He had to have a summer break after being on the go a long time last season but we gave him the minimum amount of time that we could as we were very keen to get him back on the track before the winter ground arrived. We would have loved to get him back into training a couple of weeks earlier, but he just wasn’t ready and in the end, we had to wait for him.
He returned to Gary and Josh in great order, and the plan was to run him up until the mid/end of November when there would still be some decent ground around – give him a short break in the depths of the winter when there would definitely not be any suitable ground for him and bring him back in the spring. With a mid winter break, this would give us the option to carry on with him and run him through the summer on ground that would be much more to his liking.
Many of you will have heard this, but for those that have not, there is a massive difference between the same going descriptions in the summer and the winter – you hear the terms ‘summer soft’ and ‘winter good’ ground. The main reason for this is grass growth, in particular, grass root growth.
As you can see from the image above. In summer grass grows a mass of roots beneath the surface which create a mat, and even if there is significant rainfall and the ground is given as soft, there is always that mat of roots to stop the horses hooves going into the surface very far and making it hard work. Unlike the winter months, when the roots of each grass plant recede, which means there is not that fibrous mat beneath the surface, and when the horses hooves go into it there is nothing to stop them going in far deeper and making it seriously hard work.
Science lesson over – back to Cloud Dancer, as mentioned the plan had been to give him three or four runs this autumn, and when the testing conditions became more prevalent, send him off for a short break. The plan started well with a really encouraging run in Fontwell where he was second over an inadequate trip, and slightly short of full fitness. Then, he suffered a set back with his feet, and we were not able to get him back to the track in the normal 3-4 week window. This was an intermittent problem – just when they thought they had him right, he would be sore again. Pleased to say the problem was nothing serious and when they got to the root of it, it was soon cleared up – but it ate up all the valuable time that we had to run him on his favoured good ground.
After weeks of dry weather, we thought we may just get away with it – we had been tearing our hair out in frustration, with all of the quick ground around – and people not willing to risk the horses that want winter ground – it would have been ideal for CD, but he was just not ready to run. As soon as he was he was declared – Warwick on Wednesday – Good ground at decs – Would it stay that way?
Another one that had been struggling with a foot issue was Greyval, who had torn a shoe off during her fine third in Wincanton – and been sore on it for a few days. The team had tried to get a shoe back on her the previous week, so that she could do a swinging piece of work on the previous Friday, but they had to remove it again on the Thursday afternoon. A real shame as I had hoped to give her an entry in a valuable mares handicap hurdle in Ascot on Monday morning, but although Fergal sent a video through that showed her with all four shoes on and trotting up sound, we both felt we couldn’t ask her to go to Ascot just 2 weeks after her last run, and having missed work for most of that time! As things panned out – she wouldn’t have been going anyway – more of that in a short while.
The forecast didn’t look too rosy for the upcoming week – so it was time for our unnamed 3 yr old by Blue Bresil – Affectionately known as Barry to come in from the field and start his life as a racehorse. He left The Elms Stud and travelled down to Ivy Lodge Farm where he will be pre trained before heading to his chosen trainer in January – that trainer is yet to be decided – Jason will get him going again – and we will make that call over the New Year. He has done plenty already – and his one and only swinging piece of work in the summer was very encouraging! Jason has always really liked him, and he looks like he has a really nice future ahead of him! The way the weather was over the last few days – I am sure Barry was very grateful to be wrapped up warm in his stable! Good timing!
Barry leaves The Elms
Barry tucked up in the warm
Another one on the move – this time away from Ivy Lodge Farm – back to Ravenswell and into training was Chevelle. This lovely filly had been disappointing on her hurdles debut in Ludlow – but it was clear that she had a breathing issue that need rectifying. With this done, she recuperated at Ivy Lodge Farm, and after being ridden for 10 days there, it was time for her to head back to work! With her breathing issue sorted out she should give her owners a lot of fun over the course of the season.
Just as I was thinking that was all the horse movements done for the day – Fergal called with a worrying message about Greyval – who after trotting up sound in the morning and looking fantastic – had been showing signs of colic in the afternoon, and the vet was on his way out to see her. Having lost horses with Colic in the past – thankfully not for a few years now – I am all too aware how serious these episodes can be – and it did not become any better when the vet referred Greyval to the local Equine Hospital so that they could treat her and monitor her progress. Greyval left Ravenswell later that afternoon and was admitted to the Bourton Vale Equine Clinic.
Tuesday morning, they say no news is good news – and I had heard nothing from Fergal overnight. When I did, it was better news – Greyval had been comfortable through the night, had passed a couple of droppings and the vets were happy that there was no lasting damage to the gut. She was on a drip and being fed a bran mash – she would remain at the hospital for at least another 24 hours so that they could be sure that she was OK.
With heavy rain and snow around, Gary Moore called to suggest declaring Cloud Dancer in Wincanton on Thursday, just in case Warwick – which was under a couple of inches of snow, was abandoned. It was just a backup – and he was declared there too.
One that would not be declared would be Old Blue Eyes – he would not make the trip to Catterick on Friday. After chatting to Donald we decided that it was not the right thing to do. Their ground was Good to Firm in places, and with no rain forecast, he would not be asked to make his debut on that. He is a horse that goes nicely at home, and with options ahead for him, he would not be risked.
For the same reason – our Red Sash Racing Club horse, Ridin Solo would not be declared in Catterick either. he is far from ground dependant but will not be risked on overly quick ground – and will certainly be stepped up in trip when we see him again.
Donald had a very positive update on Dino Bellagio who was back to form with a vengeance at home. He had been doing ‘cartwheels’ after exercise, and if that continued, he would be getting an entry sooner rather than later. His last run was a huge disappointment – but he seems to have shaken off what was ailing him and is back on song for sure. Having been eased a couple of pounds by the handicapper – he will now be aimed at a flat track with more emphasis on speed.
It was good to get a video of Chevelle back cantering on the round gallop at Ravenswell. Having been cantering for 10 days at Ivy Lodge Farm she slotted straight back into her routine and looked delighted to be back – she was pretty fresh!
We had planned to be in with Fergal that morning to see her, but sadly team photographer/videographer, Debbie had called on Monday afternoon to say that she was coming down with a heavy cold and that a morning of snow and sub zero temperatures was something she could do without on Tuesday morning. We were planning to film the latest instalment of the ‘In Behind’ series for the members of The Red Sash Racing Club – but that would have to be postponed until next week.
Wednesday – Warwick had to pass an early inspection, and did so, although it turned out not to be a simple as that – and evidently things could have turned out a lot differently around mid morning! Thankfully all was well, and the meeting got the go ahead. It was good to see Debbie, who popped in on her way back from Newmarket where she had been on an assignment, to get some lovely shots of Cloud Dancer for his owners. Still suffering with her cold, we were very grateful for her to pop by. CD looked very well in the paddock, we were just hoping that the recent rain and snow had not left the ground too soft for him. He had run well on Good to Soft ground on his last outing, but as explained earlier – that would be nothing like the Good to Soft he would encounter here. We just crossed our fingers that he would cope with it. In the race, he travelled and jumped great for Caoilin Quinn, but just got bogged down in the home straight, finishing fourth. It was good to see him back on track, and the run definitely showed us the way forward. CD will have one more run, on as good ground as we can find, and then have a short break. We have to turn him into a summer jumper, where we are sure to get his ground. There were two ways to do that from July this year – leave him out in the field until January and then crack on, or try to get 3 or so runs into him this autumn, and then give him the mid-winter break – sadly as detailed earlier, the period where we had hoped to be running him on the better autumn ground was spent with him with a sore foot – and it didn’t quite pan out – but we now know hat we have to do and after one more run he will have that break and you will see him back on a track around March time next year. On his favoured surface and over a staying trip he will be lots of fun for his owners on those summer evenings next year!
Cloud Dancers day out
It was good to see Olly Murphy at his local track – and he reported that Tintagel Queen was in great heart and after a strong piece of work that morning, would be ready to run in around 14 days time. He is also thrilled with Itchy Feet and says that he is showing all of his old enthusiasm for the job! He too will be ready to run in around 10-14 days if we can find a suitable race for him.
As planned neither Ridin Solo nor Old Blue Eyes were declared in Catterick. Old Blue Eyes getting an entry in Sedgefield and Ridin Solo an entry in Southwell. Alan King called to say that he would enter Rockola in Southwell as planned. Before I left for Warwick, I noticed that the mares handicap on the card looked like it may be an option, and after messaging Alan – he agreed, and she got an entry in that as well.
The best news of the day was that Greyval was back home at Ravenswell for evening stables. Thanks to all the staff at the yard who quickly noticed that she was uncomfortable on Monday and got her the treatment that she needed. If left, this could have escalated to a far less optimal conclusion. Thanks also to the vets at Summerhill and Bourton Vale for their swift action and care as well.
Thursday – the car finally got to the garage for its overdue service. Handy to have a ‘pet’ mechanic, although they have a tendency to swear at you when you change plans at the last minute, they can usually accommodate you at short notice too!
Cloud Dancer had come home, eaten up and was sound after his run. One more for him and then that break.
Friday, car still in dry dock – so no travels for me. A chance to catch up with some paperwork. Also, a chance to catch up with the latest NBR member, Piers. During the November meeting in Cheltenham, Racing Welfare had hosted an event at which there was a charity auction. They had asked me if I would donate a prize, and I was happy to do so. I have always made a share available in one of our horses for a worthy cause each year – and this time round I was happy for Racing Welfare to auction a share in Tintagel Queen for the 2024/25 season. Piers was the winning bidder, and it was nice to get to chat to him on Friday – I look forward to meeting up with him very soon.
There is a chance that it could be as soon as next week, as Tintagel Queen got an entry in Lingfield that morning, but although she is entered, it is very likely to come a week too soon for her, and she is more likely not to run. TQ is in great order, has come out of her Stratford seasonal bow in great form, and now that the winter weather is here, and she will get he favoured soft ground we can crack on. She is well suited to soft ground on big galloping tracks and that is where we will try to go with her for the remainder of the season. Olly thinks that she is well capable of winning a mares novice hurdle before heading into handicap company.
Saturday – even though I had the car back – I didn’t fancy going anywhere if I am honest. It was the right day to settle down and watch some top class racing on the TV. Looking at the weather at all the tracks I am glad I decided to stay in! The one place I thought of venturing to was Huntingdon to see Horaces Pearl make his hurdles debut. HP had won the Grade 2 bumper at the Grand National Meeting for his owners, Matt and Sally Burford – and I know how much they have been looking forward to seeing him over hurdles. Horaces Pearl was another horse to pass through our hands as a youngster. He was purchase as a yearling in France and spent the next few months at The Elms. Then Covid occurred and the World went slightly ‘off key’. We sent him over to France to sell as a 2yr old but he failed to make his reserve, and so we brought him back to Ivy Lodge Farm to break him in and find a buyer for him. Matt and Sally purchased him privately, and he is a lucky horse to have them as owners. HP has needed time, he was always quite a weak individual – and luckily for him, Matt and Sally have given him all the time that he needed. He is unbeaten in 4 starts, and as a result of their patience, he looks to have a really nice future ahead of him!
More good news later in the afternoon – we have found a buyer for Mamoon Star – even better news he will be staying with Connor Brace and his girlfriend Alex Knight at livery. We always take great care in rehoming our horses, and although it has not been a quick process it is so good to know that he will have a wonderful life away from the track!
Sunday – a couple of races to watch as declarations came in before 10.00am. Alan King phoned to discuss the two options we had in Southwell. On Saturday I had asked him to enter her in Doncaster, just in case Southwell was very soft after the snow melted – but that was just a backup. Remarkably the ground in Southwell remained Good, Good to Soft in places – so she would head there. Now it was just a case of which race – we both agreed that a step up to 2m4f in mares company was the right way to go – so Rockola heads there on Tuesday. Another one running on Tuesday will be Old Blue Eyes who will be making his racecourse debut in Sedgefield. Their ground on the juicy side of good – and fine for him to run on. Old Blue Eyes is a horse we have always liked, and who goes nicely at home. Without the benefit of a previous run under his belt he is almost certain to be very babyish and green and he will learn a lot from the experience. From what he shows at home we are hoping that he will run a nice race and learn a lot from it.
Around the remainder – And She was continues to build up to full fitness in preparation for her debut in the next few weeks. Alan is very happy with her and is looking forward to getting going with her. There is now just a single share left in her – so if you would like to join in the fun with her – now is the time to get in touch!
Intrepide Sud is cantering away – he was on the verge of running last week, but a mucky scope ruled him out – he is just struggling to shake off a bit of a bug – but he is still cantering away and schooling, he is just not being asked to undertake strenuous work. As soon as he is clean – and has worked up the hill he will be running. The form of his Uttoxeter run continues to look strong, and we can’t wait to see him out again soon!
Next week – racing on Tuesday – I could make my first trip to Sedgefield – and a couple of yard visits planned. When this storm has passed through it looks as though the weather should settle down once again – no more snow to contend with – some of the clips of the staff riding out in both the UK and Ireland over the past few days has been brutal – rain, wind, snow they have been working in the very worst of conditions and as always our huge thanks go out to each and every one of them that has worked so hard through the worst of weather to keep the show on the road and our horses safe and warm!
