Stunning Homework
Three yard visits last week – and it is safe to say that we got to see some very impressive homework – both on the gallops and over hurdles!
Monday started like a Sunday – writing last weeks ‘Epistle’. Having not arrived home from a very enjoyable overnight stay in Newbury until Sunday lunchtime and having seemingly caught ‘some sort of bug’ – obviously from drinking out of wet glasses on Saturday – I felt it was prudent to leave the writing of 3000 odd words until Monday – with a much clearer head!
One entry to track as I did so – Intrepide Sud in Stratford. IS had made a nice chasing debut at the track earlier in the month, and with the prospect of nice ground, on a track that has not raced all winter, which has a nice even covering of grass, we felt that it was the right decision to go back there for his second chase start. IS has had leg problems in the past, and we are very conscious about running him on rough, uneven faster ground – although the track isn’t ideal for a big horse like him, we have to take all things into consideration, and with his injury history and everything else taken into consideration, we felt that this was the most sensible option.
Jason Maguire called with an update on all the four horses that are currently in pre training with him. He is delighted with ‘Gatsby’, who is moving well – he is a young horse that carries plenty of condition, so his work at this stage is long and slow, to get a bit of weight off him – the last thing you want to do is put unnecessary pressure on his young legs. He is gradually getting his ‘figure’ back and will be a striking individual when he is back in shape! Finbar (Falco x Molly Childers) was a ‘hardy’ little bugger to break – he isn’t very big, but he had enormous attitude. Jason spent a long time getting him to where he wanted him last year, and then he was turned away with his mates. He learned a lot from his ‘primary school’ education and is (nearly) behaving himself this time round. He goes very nicely on the deep sand gallop and is very athletic. His athleticism, coupled with his very tough outlook bodes well for the future. He is a lot like his dam, Molly Childers in his attitude to life! Floyd (Falco x Savingforvegas) is a lovely big horse, who very much reminds Jason of his older half brother, Nevada Samba – he is the spitting image of NS, and gives his jockeys a similar feel to the one they got off of him – let’s hope he has the same level of ability, as you will be hearing a lot more about Nevada Samba both later in this article and on into the future! Our 3 yr old filly, by Masterstroke, ‘Red Bikini’ is doing plenty of cantering on the deep sand gallop – like the others, doing lots on the round gallop and also up the straight hill. Although she was broken in last year as a 2 yr old, she wasn’t fully in our ‘system’, instead she stayed with her breeder in Cheshire, and although she did some work up there, she didn’t get the same level of education as the other three did at Ivy Lodge Farm, and it shows in her work this term. She is progressing well now, and has virtually caught up with the others, but it is a lesson learned, all of 2 yr olds will be getting into our system at Jasons from now on – we have proved it works, and I believe it is a huge factor in how and why these young horses are going so well for us both at home and on the track. They are arriving with their trainers as 3 yr olds, having been superbly broken in, at two and educated in the spring as a 3 yr old – all of the yards that receive them say how beautifully they have been prepared. The job that Jason and the team do at Ivy Lodge Farm is second to none – and they are a huge part of what we do.
I received an interesting call in the afternoon, an owner who has recently invested in quite a few horses, enquiring if I would be interested in taking on the job of ‘Racing Manager’ for him. We will talk again – it sounds a very interesting proposition.
Tuesday – an office day – horsebox work, and some planning for next season. We have a number of new horses joining the team – some are already fully syndicated, some are part syndicated, and I have yet to decide on the syndicate size for one or two. One thing is for sure, they are all very nice prospects, that will have all been through our system and will be heading to a variety of trainers. I am often asked how the decision is reached as to which trainer gets to train which horse. It is pretty simple – and once again – it’s ‘the system’. As you know, Jason breaks them all at 2 and then continues their education at 3. By the end of that period, he has got a really good feel as to the sort of horse they are, and the sort of yard, facilities and training regimes he believes will suit them best. I may have an idea as to which yard I would like them to go to for commercial reasons, and that is fine if Jason agrees that yard will suit that horse, but he may say a certain individual would benefit from a different regime, or a different type of gallop or gallop surface and advise that the horse would be better off elsewhere, and if this is the case – the horse will go where Jason says – we do everything for the benefit of the horse, and to get the very best out of each of them – as you know by now – Maguire is a huge factor in this!
Wednesday – and as you will all by now – days in the office can drive me a little mad – so what better way to get me back on track than an early morning trip up to see Donald McCain. On the road at 5.00am as usual – and into Bankhouse Stables at 7.30am – a clear run, dry weather, and lighter mornings making for a very pleasant trip! I really enjoy my mornings with Donald, we are both addicted to buying horses, and fascinated by pedigrees – often with the same opinions on sires etc. On Wednesday morning, Donald was a little stiff, as he has been forced to get the golf clubs out and get a few sessions on the driving range under his belt in preparation for a day in Ireland in a few weeks. He does wonder if he has been invited for entertainment purposes! Judging by Theo Gillards’ assessment of his game after they had played 9 holes on Tuesday – Definitely!
Not only was the trainer in good form, so are his horses! Our Red Sash Racing Clubs, Ridin Solo has come out of a disappointing run in Kelso last weekend with not a bother on him – he did one canter when I was up there, which I managed to not video as we were talking – but he seems A1 – which is a huge relief after he stopped so quickly in Kelso, but offers no explanations as to why he did so. He has had a full MOT – he scoped clean on Monday with no sign of mucus or blood in his airways, he is clearly sound as he is back cantering, and all seems fine with him. The vet was in on Wednesday, and we thought it was a good idea to get him to run the scanner up his legs to check for any problems that may be yet to manifest themselves, but he was so happy with the way that they felt that he said they were perfect, and a scan was a waste of time. The run is still a puzzle as it was so out of character, and it may be that he was simply ‘over the top’ for the season. The one thing that we have decided to do is to treat him for ulcers, as he has been a bit slow to come in his coat, and he may just be suffering in that regard. His season is now over and he will head out to grass – he will have a short course of ulcer treatment to help his transition from hard food to a grass diet, and when he returns to training in early July, he will have the same treatment that we give our horses with Fergal O’Brien – a regime that fits in perfectly with their training regime and which works really well. Ridin Solo will head over fences next season – he may start off in a 3m handicap hurdle to test his mark, but he will certainly make the switch to the bigger obstacles next term, and we believe that he this is where he will excel! He is a staying chaser to look forward too for sure!
Dino Bellagio looks fantastic; he is thriving in his new regime – he cantered for 3 miles on the deep sand gallop ahead of one spin up the hill – as usual he did a beautiful piece of work. He has been through the stalls, and all went well, and we are very much looking forward to seeing him run on the flat next month. Chatting with Donald’s wife Sian on Wednesday she thinks he will go very well in that sphere, they won two races with Sea Grey around Chester last summer, and Sian said that one ‘wouldn’t see which way Dino goes up the gallop’ – so if it works out we could be in for a massive amount of fun around Chester in the coming months – who wouldn’t love that?? I will be restructuring his syndicate next week – please let me know of you would like to join in with this little project – there will be no capital outlay – and the monthly fees with be fixed at £110/month. Summer flat fun anyone??
Old Blue Eyes is in fantastic order. He ran in Aintree on Boxing Day and was slightly disappointing. Although we could not see a thing due to the fog – Brian said he travelled into the race well but simply failed to pick up on the soft ground. We have kept him back for some better spring ground, but in the meantime, Donald has been less than thrilled by the way OBE had been moving. Originally putting it down to a niggly splint that he had developed, it was later diagnosed as something else – nothing major – and easily treated – and it is safe to say that he is now very much back to his best. Like his half-brother, Dino – his work was very good on Wednesday, and it will not be long before we see him back on track. He will have one more run in a bumper before heading over hurdles next season.
While I was up with Donald and the team Alan King called to finalise arrangements for a stable visit planned for Saturday. He sounded a bit hoarse – perhaps he hadn’t recovered from the few hours we spent together the previous Saturday?? I am glad that judging by the video he sent thorough later that morning his horses are obviously in better health than their trainer! Nevada Samba once again looking great as he ascended the Sharpridge Gallop!
Another video landed during the morning, this one from Ravenswell Farm – Chevelle cantering on the round gallop. She does most of her work on here and is moving really well. She works in a bungee, which runs from her bridle down to her girth and helps to get her to drop her head and work in a more rounded outline, developing her topline as she does so. She has had a few hold ups since she arrived with us but is very much going the right way now.
On the way home I called Josh Moore for an update on Cloud Dancer, who was being scanned earlier in the week. He had just done routine canters after his run in Doncaster but had been found with heat and swelling in a leg late last week. It was looking very much as though he had sustained a tendon injury – a scan would confirm that he had indeed suffered a tendon injury, which would require a period of box rest and rehabilitation. Such a shame as we had the perfect plan for him. We had him just where we wanted him ahead of a crack at the Challenger Series Stayers Final in Haydock on Easter Saturday – but that plan is now out of the window. He will have the time that he needs and return when he is fully recovered. He is very likely to switch to fences when he returns.
Thursday – and time to get Greyval’s prize auctioned off between her owners – with all proceeds once again going to The Injured Jockeys Fund. A good level of bidding throughout the day – with Chris Brown (once again) coming out on top with the winning bid! Thanks to everyone that took part, another generous contribution to The IJF.
I was a few days late in getting the race report published on the Members Page of the Red Sash Racing Club website – I wanted to get to Bankhouse and see Ridin Solo and chat to Donald before I did so, so that I had all the relevant information. After Wednesdays visit, I was able to get that done on Thursday.
Intrepide Sud declared in Stratford on Saturday afternoon. Hopefully he would build on his chasing debut and put in a good show, although the race looked pretty competitive on paper.
Friday – lovely to get some pics of Savingforvegas and her foal, Nancy from Louise at The Elms Stud. The pair were due to be in France by now – but that trip was delayed a week as Nancy got herself in a squabble last week and had a bash that needed to heal – they should travel next week. ‘Vegas’ will once again visit Nirvana du Berlais
Nancy
Itchy Feet headed off to his new home later in the morning. Olly has found him the perfect home just across the other side of Stratford with a lady that has had a couple of his old favourites over the years. Itchy will have a home for life with his new owner, who will keep us all up to date with how he is and what he is doing! It is vital that we take the best care of our retired horses and ensure that they get a fantastic life after their racing days are over – Olly has been a great help and we are delighted that Itchy has got the retirement home that he deserves, and will not be moved form ‘pillar to post’ in the future.
I checked in with Jason later in the day – just to put in place a few plans for the summer. He gave another update on the four in work. Floyd had just lost a bit of his appetite earlier in the week – something that can often happen to young horses as their work increases, and there is more pressure put on them both mentally and physically. If they are not eating, they are not getting the fuel in the tank, and you have to just back off them for a bit but thankfully Floyd had regained his appetite and was grubbing up well again. Jason himself had a lucky escape earlier in the week – with two of ours by the same sire – Falco – it is easy to get them confused (on paper) and it is not unusual for a rider to find himself on the ‘wrong Falco’. This happened on Tuesday when Jason found himself on Floyd rather than Finbar who he was down on the board to ride – just as well as Finbar had a ‘bit of a go’ and gave his rider, Tommy a bit of a fun time! Jason happy to be on the ‘wrong Falco’!
That being said they all continue to progress, and he thinks they all have nice futures.
Friday night we headed over to Huntingdon Rugby Club – which is just behind the racecourse, for their annual Sportsmans Dinner. Free beer, and former Leicester Tiger, Ireland and British Lions full back Geordan Murphy the guest speaker – always a good night, and Murphy was very entertaining. Delighted that our auction lot of a morning for 4 on the gallops with Fergal O’Brien followed by breakfast at The Frogmill made a good few quid for the clubs’ coffers!
Thanks to Matt and all the team at The Stags for a fun night!
Sadly, I didn’t get to indulge in the free beer – as I knew I had to be up early to get to Ravenswell on Saturday morning – Club Chairman Matt Griggs also taking it steady as he was heading down to Alan Kings to see his horse, Nevada Samba.
Instead of beer on Friday night, I had a couple of cans of coke and a couple of pints of water over dinner. This had two effects that I would later regret – the sugary coke meant that when I finally got home, I couldn’t get to sleep, and the two pints of water meant that when I finally did drop off at around 1.00am I was up and heading for the loo at 2.30am! Not ideal, especially as I couldn’t get back to sleep after that and would be leaving for Ravenswell at 5.00am.
So, after just 1 ½ hours sleep I set of for Fergal O’Briens. A few weeks ago, I had arranged to meet Paul and Sally there to show them around the yard and introduce them to their horse Chevelle, who they had yet to meet. Paul and Sally were travelling down on Friday and staying at The Frogmill.
When, last week, Alan King and I made the decision to not run Nevada Samba this spring, we both felt that it was very important for those of his owners that could do so, got the chance to see him work at home before his summer holiday. The only date that really fitted in was Saturday morning, so with me heading to Fergal’s, Debbie would be taking charge of the members of The Denton Partnership that could be at Barbury Castle.
It was a lovely morning at Ravenswell Farm. Chilly for first lot – Greyval out early and after warming up on the round gallop she schooled up 6 flights of hurdles under Jack Hogan. She looks fantastic and Jack described her schooling as ‘dynamite’. She is on course for Cheltenham in mid April.
Paul and Sally arrived at 8.00am and after a quick cuppa we headed out to see their girl Chevelle on the round gallop. Chevelle has had a few issues since arriving, but from what we saw of her she is moving great, and more importantly she is sounding better – her breathing had been an issue. Chevelle does most of her work on the round gallop, only heading to the hill gallop on work mornings, Tuesday and Friday. The flat round deep sand gallop suits her better.
After seeing her work, we headed back down to the yard to see her washed off, and chat to her regular rider Harriet, who remarkably knew Chevelle when she was with her previous trainer in France. What a coincidence that they should both end up together again on this side of the channel!
Chevelle with Sally and Paul
Harriet is really pleased with how Chevelle is training. Hopefully Chevelle should be back on the track next month and will have a summer campaign.
It was a stunning morning for the team in Barbury Castle as well. Everyone bang on time, and with Debbie marshalling troops they headed down into the yard to see the horses warm up in the outdoor school. Then it was in the cars and over to Sharpridge to see both Nevada Samba and Rockola work.
Debbie had the perfect morning to take the most stunning photographs of the pair working up the hill. Nevada Samba is not only a stunning looking individual he works like one as well. He looks to have a very big future.
Nevada Samba and Ryan
Debbie said later in the day that she has never seen Rockola look better – a view backed up by her trainer who has just called to chat about both horses. Rockola has done really well for her short break and will be back out racing again next month and will have a summer campaign as she relishes a sounder surface.
Massive thanks to Debbie who hosted everyone at Barbury – I am very lucky to have someone like Debbie to call upon when I simply can’t be in two places at once. She is very generous with her time and even more generous with her work – her photographs are simply stunning!
Rockola and Georgia King (Photos - Debbie Burt)
By pure coincidence a large number of the group that watched the horses work in the sunshine in the morning were all heading to the same place in the afternoon – The Rec, to see Bath take on Harlequins and as they set off to that fixture – Fergal and I headed to prison! Some say we both deserve it – and a long stretch at that – but this was The Old Prison in Northleach which is now a café and tea rooms. A lovely little spot – worth a visit if you are in the area. I will definitely go back to see their collection of antique horsedrawn vehicles that they have in cart hovels that run around the perimeter of the rear of the property. Having had a lovely breakfast Fergal and I headed back to his cottage where I did well not to fall asleep! I was getting tired now! With a couple of hours to kill we watched a bit of racing and had a good chat – before I headed up to Stratford and him to Uttoxeter.
I left Gloucestershire in lovely warm sunshine and 45 minutes later arrived in Stratford in what felt like -5 degrees – it was Baltic!
Intrepide Sud making his second start over fences, Fergal and I had chatted about tactics, and although we would have dearly liked to bounce IS out in front, we both felt it was important to get a lead over the first couple and then put him in the race, as he can be very keen in the early stages. Jack Hogan was on board, and he rode exactly to instructions. IS very keen to the first – so thankfully he had got a bit of cover, he was a little slow over his fences early doors but was right where we wanted him half way down the far side on the second circuit. Sadly, from there his finishing effort was tame and he checked out quite weakly. He is a horse that has his issues, and we will have him checked over by the vet on Monday morning. The track possibly to blame – he will be on a more conventional track next time.
Disappointed but still smiling! (Because I told them too!!)
Sunday – Intrepide Sud not 100% sound this morning – a hind leg a bit puffy, and he wasn’t moving great as a result. He freed up after a spell on the walker and the filling in his leg went down – it doesn’t look serious thank goodness.
Not much racing planned for next week – a chance to get some jobs done around home. I will be getting in touch with Dino’s syndicate members about restructuring their group – if you would like a bit of fun on the flat through the summer get in touch – no capital outlay and just £110/month (no minimum term) I will also be in touch with Finbar’s owners to put the finishing touches to how I see his syndicate looking when he hits the track in the autumn. There will be shares available in this hardy and athletic little horse, who has a fantastic pedigree and who we think is ‘made for’ the junior bumpers and national hunt juvenile hurdles in the autumn! There will only be a very limited number of shares available in him.
Full details will appear on the For Sale Page as the weeks progress – we already have details of a couple on there – so please have a look and get in touch.
