A Frosty Evening in Wolves
Not a bad week – a winner and two who ran into places which will set things up very nicely for their next runs. It was good to meet up with lots of folks at the races – many that we had not seen for a while – so it is always good to have a pint and a catch up. Some we saw in the distance and didn’t get to chat with - which is a shame!
Monday, and it was Fergal who was first on the phone. Greyval is in fantastic form, and ready to run once again – a mares’ handicap chase in Bangor on Dee, entries for which would close at midday, looked like a logical race for her, but after recent rains, their ground had gone soft, and there was more rain to come judging by the forecast. Greyval has won on soft ground, but it is not her preferred surface, so we discussed her entry there, and also mulled over giving her an entry in a novices’ handicap chase in Doncaster, who’s ground usually stands up well to heavy rain – and where she would likely encounter going more to her liking. Having won in Cheltenham in the spring, Fergal was keen to wait and run her there in a mares’ handicap chase in a couple of weeks’ time, and so, we decided we would wait and give her an entry there instead of either Bangor on Dee or Doncaster at the weekend. Cheltenham is a very quick draining track these days – and the hope is that the weather will go in our favour and we will get some nice ground there. Can’t wait to see her make her second start over fences, she was very good the first time in Huntingdon, when we set her a fairly tough task – the hope is that she can build in that back in mares’ company.
Fergal also updated me on Molly’s Lad who has had an easy time since making his debut in Aintree 3 weeks ago. ML has settled back into his work routine very well and seems to have ‘grown up’ for the experience of going to the races for the first time. The Aintree form looks very strong, with him and the winner earning the two highest Racing Post Ratings out of all the 3 yr old bumper runners this autumn. That race was run at a relentless pace and as a result in a very fast time – the way the race was run, was the worst case scenario for a horse who ran so green. In a more slowly run race, Molly’s Lad would have had the chance to learn on the job while in his comfort zone – if they hacked round at 30mph as is usual everything would have happened a lot more slowly form him - but as it was they hared round at speeds in excess of 35mph in the early stages, and he had a huge task on his hands form very early on as he was absolutely clueless! At home he has always worked with plenty in hand and did not understand that he had to engage fourth and fifth gears – that penny only dropped in the final two furlongs, when he started to pass horses from the back of the field. It is clear that he will have learned so much from that debut – and we are all very much looking forward to running him in the Listed Bumper in Cheltenham on New Years Day! You will see a different horse there for sure! I finally got round to sending out the race report for ML’s debut on Monday – apologies to his owners for the delay – but we got there in the end!
Later in the morning Alan King sent through a video of one of the Alan King Racing Club horses, And She Was schooling over hurdles on turf. ASW had absolutely no luck in her debut season, twice declared to run only for the meetings to be abandoned on the day of racing, in the end she just had to run so that Alan could ‘reset’ her and give her a proper prep for her next run. Then the saddle slipped when she would have been third on hurdles debut, after which she headed to Bangor on Dee for one last run, where, as a result of a long and disrupted seaaon she burst a blood vessel.
She had summered really well and held an entry in a mares’ novices’ hurdle in Uttoxeter on Thursday. She has been in great form at home, and her schooling has been very good, so we are very much looking forward to getting going with her and having a trouble-free season. As a result of a disastrous 2024/25 season, she needs just one more run for a handicap mark and she should be repaying her syndicates patience!
Later in the day Olly Murphy sent through a video of our 3yr old gelding who is in training at Warren Chase. He is a big strong horse, and Olly has had to tread carefully with him – too much too soon with a big slab of a horse on young legs can cause problems, so he has been at great pains to bring him on slowly so that the horse can develop as he is in work. He moves really well, and as the weight has come off him, he finds his exercise a lot easier each week. We are never in a rush with our horses, they will always let you know if they need more or less work, but Olly has been able to step his level of work up in the past couple weeks, so things are certainly moving in the right direction.
Tuesday – a work morning for most, and Sally sent through a video of Greyval going really well up the hill at Ravenswell. The decision now made – no entries at the weekend, next stop Cheltenham. She looks great, and it will be lovely to see her back at HQ.
Alan King gave And She Was a little breeze across the top of Sharpridge, and was delighted with her, she earned herself a declaration in Uttoxeter on Thursday. A mares novice hurdle, in which she would be tackling a very decent mare from Nicky Hendersons. We head there with no pretentions of beating that one, but with every chance of picking up a bit of prize money. After this seasonal debut, she would qualify for a handicap mark, and we can then plot a campaign for her.
Before I knew it, Thursday in Uttoxeter turned into a busy day – Donald McCain called to say that he felt that it would be the right move to declare Ridin Solo in the Conditional Jockeys handicap chase. He would be giving a large chunk of weight away, but it looked like the right race to run him in, especially as we have the services of two of the best conditionals in the country in Charlie and Will Maggs! So we would have a runner in the first two races on Thursday, and early finish, which would go some way to make up for the late night I would be having later on!!
I’d Go Maniac was heading to Wolverhampton who were hosting a mammoth 9 race card, that started with their 4.30pm and concluded at 8.30pm – you can guess which race IGM was in – yep – the last!!
He would be making his handicap debut in a 1m4f 56-75 handicap having had three qualifying runs through the back end of the summer. He had run twice on turf, and once on the all-weather in Kempton – so we were fairly confident he would handle an artificial surface, although it is a Tapeta surface in Wolverhampton and a Polytrack in Kempton. IGM needs a bit of time between races, as he takes a fair bit out of himself in his runs, and Alan had given him an easy time after his last run in Ascot and brought him back up to ‘concert pitch’ nice and slowly. He would be making his handicap debut off a mark of 72 – not prohibitive, but I would have very much liked it to be a couple of pounds less which would mean he could compete in a lower grade on his handicap debut. To counter this, Alan had employed the services of Luke Catton, an apprentice attached to the Gosdens, who would take a valuable 3 lbs off of his back. Luke had ridden once before for Alan, a second in the apprentices’ Derby in Epsom in September. Alan had been very impressed with Luke that day and felt that he was good value for his 3lb claim.
I set off for Wolverhampton in the late afternoon – Debbie and I arranging to meet at 7.00pm. I decided to head off a little earlier to meet up with a friend who would be with a runner in an earlier race. It was a chilly night. Arriving at 6.30pm – meant that I was one of the last ones in – and the front desk were running out of tickets – I got one – I wasn’t so sure Debbie would! When she arrived at just after 7.00pm she was waved straight through the bag search, and wasn’t given a ticket or lunch badge – not a problem, until she arrived at the door of the O&T lounge, where she was refused entry because she didn’t have the badges that they didn’t give her on the front desk when they didn’t search her bag at the bag search! I tried to explain to the lady on the door that I had had the last of the tickets, only to be accused of trying to tell her how to do her job!! No – I was just explaining a situation that she was clearly unaware of! Anyway, Debbie eventually allowed access without an O&T ticket or meal badge. Being a gentleman, I gave her my meal badge and gently asked her to get an extra roast potato as although I would be giving up dinner – I was bloody hungry! This is where things got a little weird – as on seeing Debbie poised with plate in hand about to be served her meal – the ‘Gestapo’ on the door marched over to tell her she couldn’t have food as she had no badge – Debbie explained that she did – and that I had given her mine, but oh no – that was not allowed – why I don’t know – it was clear that only one of us was going to get dinner – did it matter who it was. Debbie was sent away from the buffet and told to go down to the front desk where they now had a fresh stock of tickets and badges! How bloody stupid! I know we all have a job to do – but really???!!! Thankfully Debbie and I are all too familiar with scenes like this – but just imagine if that had happened to a syndicate member having his/her first runner that evening – it wouldn’t make you want to come back again, would it??! There will be emails heading up the management chain at ARC!
So – it was late, it was below freezing, and I was annoyed – not a great start to my night in Wolves. Hopefully I’d Go Maniac would cheer me up. He looked fantastic in the parade ring, and Luke came into the paddock confident that he would run well. They would break from the stalls and travel where IGM was comfortable, the plan to be in a good spot at the top of the straight and press on for home turning in. Luke felt that the handicap mark was workable and was hopeful that he would be in the mix.
The race went as planned, IGM broke OK form stall 3 and got a sit on the inner behind the leaders. The pair were travelling nicely down the back straight. As the pace lifted, he was initially tapped for toe, but when Luke gave him a squeeze he quickly picked up, which then resulted in him nearly running into the back of the runners in front of him. Usually, jockeys like to fan wide into the straight at Wolverhampton, but Luke had no choice, he had horses coming back into his lap and had no chance of getting out – so he headed up the inner where a lovely seam developed for him. IGM put his head down and battled all the way to the line, eventually coming out on top of a three-way photo – the winning margin a nose with a short head back to the third. He had won it on the nod! Mark and his brother Andrew who were the only brave souls to make it to see him run were very confident that he had got up – but I’m not sure how – it was a real head bob! The second one I have had horses involved in – the first was in a £75,000 handicap chase – we were on the wrong side of that one – an expensive head bob that cost over £20,000 in prize money!!
This one went our way – Luke returned and gave a very clear and informative debrief – he felt that he would have been an unlucky loser, although he had won despite the track and that IGM would prefer somewhere a little less tight than Wolverhampton. He felt that he would easily handle a step up in trip and that he would be a horse that should be giving Club members a lot of fun through the winter!
That cheered me up! Wolves at 8.30pm on a cold November night isn’t so bad after all! I was very impressed with Luke Catton – he gave IGM a very good ride, and his communication was excellent – I will be keeping an eye on him for sure!
It has been a fantastic start for the Alan King Racing Club. All three horses have run, two have won – both with the promise of winning again very soon. Uhtred Ragnarson did plenty wrong when winning on his first start for the Club and judging on his homework he should be able to overcome a 7lb rise in the weights when we see him again. I’d Go Maniac has been cannily campaigned and cannot go up too much for a nose win in Wolverhampton. With a small rise, and clearer run on a more galloping track he should go well again next time out, and could well stay ahead of the assessor as he steps up in trip. Ghost Dancing works like a lovely filly – she had a baptism of fire on racecourse debut in Hereford, but will have learned a lot, and will return to National Hunt company next time out!
With a third of the year done – we are now offering the last few remaining shares in the Alan King Racing Club for an all-inclusive one-off payment of £2000 – or £275/month. After 2 wins form the first 5 runs – they are three nice horses, two of whom have proven that they are winners and who can win again very soon, and a third that is sure to get off the mark in her next couple of starts!
There are very few shares remaining – join in the fun for the rest of the season – the term runs right through to July 31st 2026 – 8 more months, with runners on the flat and over hurdles! Get in touch with me directly – 07909 518902 or email nickbrownracing@gmail.com
Wednesday – still on a bit of a high from the previous evenings fun in Wolverhampton – I bet you never thought you would read those words!!
Alan Called early to say that I’d Go Maniac seemed fine and had jogged up sound. He would give him an easy week or two and build him back up again – he isn’t a horse you can come back too quickly with. Alan also gave an update on the remainder of the team at Barbury Castle.
And She Was all ready to go on Thursday. The right race to start her off in, he had her ready to run, but there would still be a little ‘left in the locker’
Uhtred Ragnarson had worked well again on Tuesday – after a sub-par effort last week – and he could well get an entry very soon if he backed up that work on Friday.
Ghost Dancing has come out of her race in good shape. Alan in no rush to get her back on track – he will take his time with her and aim her at a National Hunt Junior Hurdle for fillies in Ludlow on December 17th. That is the perfect race for her – she will have learned a great deal from her racecourse debut, and in a field of National Hunt 3 yr olds, who have not had experience from the flat, she will be in company in a similar situation to herself with very few miles on the clock.
Nevada Samba continues to be slightly frustrating – one step forward with him – and one step back – you think that he has turned the corner, only for his issue to return a few days later. He is 100% sound – he has just developed an issue that is making him hard to train. I have been researching the problem, and have found a vet with considerable experience with this type of issue, and after Alan’s vet has seen NS on Tuesday, if there is no improvement, we will make a call and get him checked over by this vet who specializes in the type of problem and who has pioneered a treatment for it.
I got the race report for I’d Go Maniac’s win the previous night typed up and emailed to Club members and then organised badges for everyone heading to Uttoxeter that day after.
Thursday and we headed up to Uttoxeter. Having collected Tom from Huntingdon – sat nav sent us across country to Uttoxeter, evidently a problem on the M1 around Leicester. I have never headed to Uttoxeter that way – a new road for me!
Surprised to see Donald McCain in the car park – just the one runner on the card – I didn’t expect him to be there.
Ridin Solo in the first. Plenty of weight, but the right race. 6 runners, and a class drop from his chasing debut. He had run very well that day to be third after being hampered, hopefully he would build on that. Charlie Maggs in the plate – he would get a lead, track them into the home straight and kick for home from there. RS jumped great, all going to plan for the first circuit, but just as the temp increased, he got into the roots of one and gave it a good rub, checking his momentum. He got going again and looked to be travelling as well as any turning in, but another slight mistake 4 out and he was on the back foot. He flew the ditch and did his best, but the front two had flown. He stayed on well to keep third. A step up in trip for him beckons, the way he travelled, jumped and stayed on suggesting that a greater emphasis on stamina would suit. We have been trying to step him up for a while, even over hurdles, and now we will.
Next up – And She Was – her seasonal debut. The aim of the day, just a neat, clear round and to see her gallop through the line. She had bled last time out – a one off, but something that we didn’t want a repeat of – she had been fine at home, but this would be more of a test. With a 1/25 on shot in the field, she couldn’t win if that one stood up, but we were confident of a nice run and hoping for a placed finish. Tom Bellamy in the plate – and he would ride her accordingly. A little fresh and keen early, she jumped really well – very low and accurate over her hurdles. She travelled very sweetly, and at one stage it looked very much as though she would be second, but a mistake 2 out as she tired put pay to that and in the end she weakened on the run in to finish 4th. We were all delighted, she had jumped great and run really well up until the point that a lack of a recent run caught her out. She had a really good blow afterwards and is sure to come on for the run. She will now get a handicap mark, and we can plot and plan a campaign with her from here. Ray and Fiona were impressed, and they took one of the remaining shares in her while still on the track. We wish them the best of luck with their new horse!
I do still have a share available in And She Was – have a look at her on the For Sale Page and get in touch – free lease – and just £130/month all inclusive training/keep fee. She is a lovely filly, and one that will be lots of fun in handicaps through the winter and on into next spring/summer.
https://www.nickbrownracing.co.uk/ForSale/8201/and-she-was
It was lovely to see Sally Randall at the races – who reported that Fergal was really happy with Greyval and Molly’s Lad – both in rude health and the whole team are looking forward to running them again next month! Two for Cheltenham!
Olly Murphy sent through a video with himself and ‘Gatsby’ – he is a horse that Olly clearly likes – and we will learn a bit more about him when he has another away day very shortly.
Friday – admin day – not my favourite day of the month! Bills to pay!
Ridin Solo had come out of his race fine – a little stiff but otherwise none the worse. He will step up in trip now.
And She Was also seemingly ok after her run. Alan had left a bit to work on yesterday, which had probably cost her second, but which in the end will save her a few pounds in the handicap. She should be starting life in a very workable mark in handicaps and is the sort of filly that could win over 2 miles and then stay just ahead of the assessor as she steps up in trip – a lot like we did with dear Rockola during last season and the start of this one! They are very similar!
Both horses found new syndicate members – a few took advantage of our Black Friday offer for shares in Ridin Solo – discounted from £550 – to £350 until midnight tonight (30/11/25)
Click the link – a share makes a great Christmas gift!
https://www.redsashracing.co.uk/Shop/18/ridin-solo-
Alan King Racing Club’s, Uhtred Ragnarson earned himself an entry in Market Rasen on Thursday – a conditional jockeys handicap hurdle that attracted just 10 entries. The track should suit, and he could run a big race there!
Saturday – Race reports done – Ridin Solo’s sent to Club members – And She Was’s syndicate will get theirs later today.
Great racing in the afternoon – the Fighting Fifth Hurdle produced real drama – Constitution Hill once again letting fly at a hurdle and coming down – The New Lion doing the same thing later on, leaving Golden Ace to win – she keeps going when all the others fall – and jumping is the name of the game! Great to see Golden Horn with another big winner! The Coral Gold Cup in Newbury produced plenty of drama too – what a brave performance from Panic Attack – a tough and genuine mare!
Sunday – and the weekly update from Heath House regarding our unnamed Saxon Warrior colt. William on this morning – he is very happy with the horse who has settled into life in Newmarket really well – he has passed his swimming and treadmill certificates and has moved on to his ‘Adventure Tours’ on the heath, all of which he has taken in his stride.
We have organised a visit to Heath House for next week – Friday 5th December – This is a small and exclusive visit, and numbers are limited – if you would like to take the opportunity to join us, and visit the most beautiful and historic yard in Newmarket and meet Sir Mark and the team and see our latest squad member at exercise out on the heath, just get in touch – this is only open to a very small group and numbers are limited – if you would like to come and are interested in one of the two remaining shares in this lovely colt – just let me know and I will let you know details of time etc.
Around the remainder, Old Blue Eyes has another couple of weeks on the easy list before he can hopefully resume training. Dino Bellagio is enjoying his R&R at Ivy Lodge Farm. Intrepide Sud and Cloud Dancer are still on track to return to work in early January, and our 2yr old by Golden Horn is wintering well and will remain with Timmy Murphy until the spring.
Next week – A visit to the big smoke on Monday – the Horserace Writers and Photographers Derby Awards at the Royal Lancaster Hotel – there to support Debbie who has been nominated for two awards! I am told it is one of the best lunches on the racing calendar – I will be in good company!!
I could be heading to Market Rasen on Thursday with Uhtred Ragnarson – hopefully he will run and run well!
Heath House visit on Friday – book your place by 5.00pm Monday of you would like to attend!
