Join The Club
Before we get into the nitty gritty of, what in fairness was a fairly quiet week, I would just like to say a big ‘Thank You’ from Cheryl and myself. We have both been overwhelmed by the flowers, cards, messages and calls we have received since the sad passing of Cheryl’s Mum, Margaret. Your kind thoughts have been a great comfort at a difficult time. Every one of them is hugely appreciated. Thank You.
Monday – Dino Bellagio has been in terrific form at home – and it is time that he went racing again. A £30,000 2m handicap in Haydock the first option – and he was duly entered. This 66-85 handicap would be a step up in class, but the numbers he posted in winning in Southwell on handicap debut suggest that he is up to a step up in class. With a dry week ahead, Dino will have entries going forward too.
Last week I didn’t get to chat with the trainers to get an update on how the horses were progressing, so it was important that I did so when I got the chance this week, so while Donald was on the line it was a chance to catch up with the progress of the other two horses in his care.
He is thrilled to bits with Ridin Solo, who he says is looking fantastic. RS has had a course of medication for stomach ulcers, which we are sure he was suffering with at then end of last term, and the way that he looks at the moment suggests that the treatment has really helped. A step up in trip, and a switch to chasing are sure to be a huge positive for him as well – his pedigree screams stamina, and the way he jumps suggests that the bigger obstacles will be a huge plus too – so it looks like it will be a fun season with him! There are a few shares remaining in him – head over to the website www.redsashracing.co.uk and grab yourself a share in a horse that looks set for a huge season – a one off all inclusive payment for the season!
Next on the list – Fergal O’Brien. Ferg had sent a video of Greyval last week – and it was clear that she was moving as well as we have ever seen her move– she is in fantastic form, and the plan remains to have a pipe opener on the flat in mid to late September, and then have a spin over hurdles before a planned switch to a novice chase career.
Ferg is delighted with the progress of ‘Finbar’ who is cantering away very nicely and building up his fitness. Yard Amateur, Harry O’Dwyer has the ride on him every day – as well as riding out at Ravenswell Farm in the morning, Harry also goes over to Ivy Lodge Farm later in the day – and rides out for Jason Maguire. He rode ‘Finbar’ for the couple of weeks he was in work at Ivy Lodge Farm before he headed into training and is very used to him. A big plus, as Finbar is a properly ‘hardy’ horse, at this early stage of his career, he is full of life, and he can be a lively ride as he heads out to warm up. Like his dam, Molly Childers he is very tough – a trait that will stand him in good stead on the racecourse. Fergal likes what he sees from him – and he is on track to make his debut in a Junior Bumper in October.
Intrepide Sud completes his rehab from a pelvic injury today – and he is due to be ridden again tomorrow. The form of his last run has worked out well, and we are all looking forward to seeing him back on the track. The timing of his little set back was not ideal, as I had a couple of folks get in touch about the available shares we have in him – being honest and upfront, I told them about his niggle and promised to be back in touch when we were happy with him and when he was back in training. I will be getting in touch with those interested parties this week.
This week Debbie has been working hard on a new project that has been in the pipeline for a couple of months, and we are very close to launching it now. This new venture will go live next week – and as promised – NBR members, and followers are getting a pre-launch exclusive.
We were approached by Alan King to set up and run a brand new racing club and we were delighted to be a part of the Alan King Racing Club. This will be an exclusive offer – with just 36 shares available – the club will have three horses for the next 12 months (term ends July 31st 2026), which have been carefully selected by Alan.
They are bumper winner, I’d Go Maniac – who ran a very promising race when he made his flat debut a couple of weeks ago – his jockey that day, Rob Hornby, stating that he is a ‘nice horse, and there is a huge amount of fun to be had with him going forward’
I'd Go Maniac
The second horse is Uhtred Ragnarson – who has been placed in a bumper and had three qualifying runs for his mark in the spring. His handicap debut didn’t go to plan, and he has had a good summers break. Alan believes that he is nicely handicapped and will be a horse to follow in novice handicap hurdles.
The third horse is Ghost Dancing, a lovely unraced homebred 3yr old filly. A stunning grey, who’s work this summer has been very good – and her schooling even better. Alan trained her dam, Sula Island who was rated 78 on the flat where she won twice, she also achieved a high rating of 124 over hurdles – winning in Market Rasen. This filly is an ideal candidate to start in Junior Bumpers in the autumn ahead of switching to National Hunt Juvenile Hurdles – her work and schooling suggests she will run very well in both disciplines – she goes really well.
These shares have not been offered anywhere else up to this point – not even to Alan’s existing owners – you have first dibs on them – get in touch for full details – which will go live on Alans website in a few days. This is an amazing chance to be involved with three horses for 12 months – trained by one of the very best trainers in the country – at one of the most prestigious and gorgeous yards! There will be lots of chances to visit Barbury Castle as well as an annual get together in a hospitality box at the races – along with other interesting outings away from the races. Just 36 shares – get in touch – 07909 518902 – or email nickbrownracing@gmail.com
Tuesday – car in for service – so confined to barracks – plenty to do – more work for the Alan King Racing Club and also work to do on options for the syndicate that we are putting together to have a horse in training with the one and only Sir Mark Prescott next season. Sales catalogues to work through – Germany, France and Ireland. There are a couple of routes we can head down with this project, and we will know more about that by this time next week. Half of the 10 shares are already reserved – so get in touch to grab your spot!
Jason Maguire called with a very exciting update – he has been ‘blown away’ with the progress that our 2 yr old Golden Horn gelding is making. He has never before had a horse to break in with the attitude that this lad has – he is exceptional – you would not find a better natured, more trusting young horse with the most incredible work ethic – he just wants to please at every turn – it looks like he has a really bright future! Another with a big future is our 3yr old The Grey Gatsby gelding – who is coming together very nicely. He finds everything he does very easy and is another one that loves his work – the only thing he doesn’t like is a day off! He heads to Olly Murphy later this month and is another for Junior Bumpers – with a crack at the Listed Bumper in Cheltenham on New Years Day very much part of his plans at this stage!
Wednesday – a lovely Rockola update from Jamie Magee. Rockola is on a short break with Jamie – working away on the water treadmill and spending a good amount of time in the paddock relaxing. She thrives for these little mini breaks – and they do her the world of good!
It was good to see Dino’s Southwell form get a timely boost – Captain Potter, a well beaten 4th behind him bolting up in Pontefract. Later in the evening – Letmebetheboss was a good second to a Sir Mark Prescott handicap blot in Kempton – these were just the latest horses to frank the form – it looks rock solid.
As a back up, Dino got an entry in Carlisle next week – we would watch the ground at both tracks and make a decision what to do later in the week.
Thursday – ground could be the issue for Dino at the weekend – so we popped him in a race at Kempton on the all weather next Wednesday – we now have all bases covered and would make a decision where to go after seeing the opposition and ground at all three tracks. One thing that looked a definite, was that we would not be getting Paul Mulrennan on him in Haydock – so it was good to grab the services of Jim Crowley – should we go that route. Having chatted over all the options with Donald – we were both keen to have a crack at a big pot in Haydock whilst we think Dino is nicely handicapped – the ground is a slight concern – drying weather could see it get pretty quick – we decided to declare and see what the ground rides like on the first two days of the three day meeting.
Chevelle left Ivy Lodge Farm and headed to her new home with Bev and Olly – such a shame that things didn’t pan out with this gorgeous filly – but she has gone to a wonderful new home, and we wish Bev the very best of luck with her as she embarks on a new life outside of racing.
Chevelle nicely settled in her new home
Friday – Dino declared in Haydock – Jim Crowley now unavailable – so after a huge number of phone calls during the morning Donald and I chose to put Charlie Maggs up and take advantage of his 5lb claim. Charlie rides Dino every day and nobody knows him better! His 5lb claim almost negates Dinbo’s 6lb rise in the handicap and also brings him back in line with the two 3yr olds in the field, who are likely to be at the head of the market. In the end 8 declared, and Dino drawn 2. It looks like he could get another soft lead, and the race could work out quite well for him. Hopefully the ground remains suitable!
Saturday – a quiet day – a brunch with Cheryl down by the river in Bedford. The Longholme is a cracking little spot we had never visited before – on the banks of the lake by the river – we enjoyed a good breakfast in some lovely summer sunshine! It is worth a visit – but book – as it was very busy! An evening with friends was very welcome, and it was great to catch up with lovely folks for an impromptu BBQ and a few drinks!
Sunday – we head to Haydock – the ground has been pretty much as described over the first two days of the meeting. They have put a drop of water on overnight, and although the description is Good to Firm, Good in places– Dino will take his chance – 3 non runners – just 5 heading to post now – and we run for £30k! We will give it a go!
Around the remainder – the vet didn’t get in to see Cloud Dancer last week – he will be scanned next week – and the next phase of his rehab decided upon. Nevada Samba has been lungeing this week away from the string as he has developed a small case of ring worm and although the team are well on top of it and he will soon be through it – Alan is keeping him away from the rest so as not to spread this very contagious infection. The ring worm will soon be cleaned up and he will be back in full work. And She was continues on her break in the field at Barbury Castle.
Right – off to Haydock – hopefully we come back with a winner! Check in next week for all the details of our day!
Don’t forget to get in touch and reserve your place in our new ventures – the Alan King Racing Club – or our syndicate with Sir Mark Prescott.
See you next week!
