Just When I Thought I Was Out
Another early one! This is getting a habit! It has been a very good week! We got caught out in wet Wales – ‘took the covers off’ a nice one in Wincanton – and there was plenty more going on besides!
As last weeks News was published on Saturday morning, it did not include a lovely little bit of form from the last race in Doncaster that afternoon. We had driven down to Wiltshire during the afternoon, and when we had checked in to our Hotel for the night – The George in Longbridge Deveril, it was time for a pint and to catch up on the afternoons racing results. Thankfully we had arrived early enough for me to watch the last from Donny – a 4 yr old bumper – no direct form lines of any consequence, but I was interested to see how FIRST GLANCE would run. Trained by Alan King, this horse had done a lot of recent work with our own NEVADA SAMBA, so it could give us a guage as to the true level of his ability, which would be nice to know, with him having an entry in Wincanton later in the week. FIRST GLANCE showed what he has been showing at home – by winning by a comfortable 9 lengths on his racecourse debut! He looks a very nice horse, and I was quickly on the phone to congratulate Alan. A nice winner for him – and very well timed! Every year Alan has a ‘Dry February’ – he can’t do January like everyone else, as he tells us he is still shooting, and also has a holiday in that month – I think it has more to do with February being a shorter month! Every little helps! He would be able to celebrate First Glance’s win the following day!
The George is a comfortable place to say – nothing flash, but the staff were very good, and the locals very helpful when our Taxi didn’t show to collect us and take us to a party locally. I have to say – the band at the party were fantastic – no idea what they called themselves, but they were very good!
Sunday morning – after the ubiquitous ‘Full English’, it was in the car and off to West Wales – even though we were starting from Wiltshire it would still take us 2 hours 40! In fairness it was a good trip – no hold ups, but we did go through every type of weather imaginable! We were in Ffos Las to see JIMMY GATZ make his second start. Just 4 runners on very testing round. Olly has felt that JG would relish soft ground – I had been less sure based on his pedigree – his sire loved a very quick surface during his career, and having had a few of his progeny, and watched a good many of them run in France – I feel that his stock like better ground too. With just 4 runners, we had to go and find out – you don’t know until you try, and one thing for sure, he had the strength to get through the heavy ground if he could pick his feet up out of it. His strength should give him an advantage, and we were hopeful of a good run. A good team of his owners made the long trip – most arrived by differing routes – some getting stuck halfway up a mountain at one stage and having to turn round and try an alternative route. The welcome when you arrive at the O&T entrance is lovely, but sadly the good news stops there. The staff were unbelievably stingey when it came to dishing out the lunches, one small slice of meat – and what was purported to be pigs in blankets which ended up being a pig, singular, without its blanket – ie a small sausage! You were certainly not getting two!! The set up was so poor, by the time Debbie sat down to lunch they had run out of knives, and she had to eat her roast lunch with a spoon!
The race did nothing to raise spirits either, sadly. JIMMY GATZ looked fantastic in the paddock and on looks alone we felt we were vindicated in coming. Of the other three runners, one looked very green, one looked very weak, and one looked like he was totally star struck by the whole thing.
Kevin Brogan booked to ride; he would keep things simple and use Jimmy’s experience. Sadly, I knew we were struggling from very early on. JG switched his lead a couple of times in the first 3 furlongs – he was not coping at all well on this heavy ground. All we could hope for was that it would take its toll on the other 3 and he could use his strength to see him home. As they turned for home, with one beaten he came under pressure and although he went with them for a short while he was soon floundering and Kevin was not over hard on him, bringing him home in third. The winner looks very decent as he was very babyish in the paddock – and he heads to the sale at the Cheltenham Festival next week. JG was only just behind the well backed second, who, judging by the weight of money that came for that one near the off, had clearly shown them something at home. Although we were beaten, there was a genuine reason for it – and JIMMY GATZ remains a horse with a nice future. We now know that we are better off sticking to decent ground with him, and he is likely to switch to hurdles now. He loves his jumping and we can get a run into him in a Junior National Hunt Hurdle and mind his novice status for next season. Lesson learned re ground – just a long way to go and find out! But we had to!
A long drive home – made even longer by a closure on the M4. Having stopped for a pit stop at Lea Delamere Services (it’s amazing who you run into in there!) when we got back in the car Apple Maps informed us that our arrival time was now 1hr and 20 minutes later than it had been predicting when we pulled up – we hadn’t been in the services that long! It turns out the closure was just after J17, so we darted up across country through Malmesbury to Cirencester and home that way – it was actually a nice drive, and we got home at 10.20pm.
Thanks to Debbie for making the trip down to Ffos Las to take photos for Jimmy’s owners. Her first time back since the track opened in 2009 – her opinions of the place did not alter after having to eat her lunch with a spoon!
Monday –Alan King first out the traps with a video from Jamie Magee. Jamie has the Alan King Racing Club’s, UHTRED RAGNARSON with him at the moment. UR is another one that prefers a sounder surface, so Alan took the decision to give him a break for most of January and February. He will return a fresh horse and have a spring/summer campaign.
Olly Murphy sent through the clip to say that JIMMY GATZ was fine after his run.
Schooling morning in Barbury Castle and Alan King sent through a clip of GHOST DANCING having a pop over hurdles. GD is a small filly, and another that would not have been suited by the ground through the depths of winter. She too was stood down for January and the start of February but has been back in fast work for a few weeks and is getting very close to restarting her season. She too will run on through the spring and summer, and there is plenty of fun to be had with her now that she has a lovely opening mark after two placed runs.
Mid-morning Fergal O’Brien called, like me he had been tracking the entries for a Junior National Hunt hurdle in Carlisle all morning and had spotted that there were very few horses entered. It was looking like it could be an option for MOLLY’S LAD. There was a similar race for him in Taunton the day after – but to me, looking at the horses entered in Carlisle, he had to have an entry at least, we could pop him in Taunton as well and decide where to go when we had seen the entries in both races.
Debbie sent through a lovely video clip of our homebred ‘FLOYD’ at Ivy Lodge Farm the previous week. He is a gorgeous horse – the spitting image of his half-brother NEVADA SAMBA and at this stage he looks equally as athletic. We will take our time with him – he is a horse that is going to need another summer on his back – so we will look to syndicate him in the summer. We think he is very nice – hopefully his big brother would add another winner to an already impressive pedigree later in the week! He will be offered at our summer get together at Ivy Lodge Farm.
Fabulous to get some photos of our ‘Old Boy’ INTREPIDE SUD who was looking very smart having been clipped out for the spring by his new owner who absolutely loves him!
Suddy looking well and enjoying his retirement!
Tuesday – and we made it! NEVADA SAMBA declared to make his debut in Wincanton on Thursday. He would be one of 14 declarations for their concluding bumper, and judging by the form, price tags and the pedigrees of those declared – we could have found him a lot easier assignment first time up! The early March meeting in Wincanton always throws up a very decent winner of the bumper – most of them have gone on to run to official ratings of 130+ - this one looked no different – with horses from Skelton, Nicholls, and Tizzards all declared!
Some impressive winners of the early March bumper in Wincanton.
Alan sent through a video of NEVADA SAMBA’S final piece of work – and once again he looked in great order and was moving really well!
Down with Fergal O’Brien – Sally sent through a video of GREYVAL working nicely – now that the weather seems to have turned for the better, she will hopefully be able to run in the race that she won in Chepstow last season. If the ground was soft, she would bypass it but looking at the forecast, we could just be OK – fingers crossed!
As mentioned, MOLLY’S LAD got his entry in Taunton. We could take a couple of days and decide where he would run – Carlisle or Taunton.
I had a catch up with Jason Maguire in the afternoon. Dan Skelton had declared a nice horse by Jukebox Jury that he had brought for Paul and Claire Rooney for plenty of money as a 3yr old store, in the bumper that NEVADA SAMBA was heading to in Wincanton. Maguire had not spotted that NS was in – and when I pointed out that he would be running against a horse that he has always thought was very good – his response, ‘Shit, I’m taking on Barry?!!’
PENSELWOOD had got a slight swelling around the site of his gelding op, and the vet had put him on a course of antibiotics. Part of the problem had been that Jason had struggled to get him out in the paddock enough due to the horrendous weather. PENSELWOOD had been going on the walker every day, and out when he could get him out – but he just needed to move more and keep the area moving and not filling. To that end he had started to ride him again – just for a short spell in the afternoon – but enough to help keep the swelling in that area down. As a male – I always seem to cross my legs when I write about gelding operations!!
Wednesday – a foggy morning at Barbury Castle – but still good to get a couple of clips of Alan King Racing Club horses, I’D GO MANIAC and GHOST DANCING both working up the hill over at Sharpridge. IGM back in rude health after suffering from a respiratory infection when last seen in Kempton in January. He is ready to run again when there is a suitable race for him. GHOST DANCING in good order, and ready to restart her season. She too will start to get entries very soon.
Fergal called for a chat about the two race options for MOLLY’S LAD. With just 7 entered in Carlisle – it looked the obvious one to go for. Having had both MOLLY’S LAD and JIMMY GATZ running in Junior National Hunt Flat Races and Hurdles through the season – I feel I have a fairly good grip on the form and the merits of the horses that have run in them. I may be wrong (I am sure I will be) but I felt that on all known form, MOLLY’S LAD had the beating of every horse entered in Carlisle, but there were one or two unknown quantities in at Taunton – we decided to head to Carlisle. Another long trip on a Sunday!
I had a catch up with Donald McCain later in the morning. DINO BELLAGIO is ‘turning absolute cartwheels on his way back from exercise every morning.’ Good to know nothing changes!! RIDIN SOLO is back in ridden work and will hopefully be back out in a few weeks. OLD BLUE EYES is also back being ridden after suffering a niggly little sprained joint at completely the wrong time! He is in good form – and I hope to get up to see them all after the Cheltenham Festival.
I got the race report for JIMMY GATZ out to his owners. We dust ourselves off and go again – but not on deep ground!!
Thursday – and the day had finally arrived – NEVADA SAMBA would be making his debut in the concluding bumper in Wincanton. Regular readers will know that he is a horse that we have always held in the highest regard. Ever since Jason Maguire broke him in as a 2yr old, and having schooled him in his outdoor school he pointed down at his ears and said ‘Nick, you have had - and still have some very nice horses – this one can take you to the very top – he’s very nice!!’ We have always dreamed that he could do just that. Jason ‘had a little look under the bonnet’ when he was a 3yr old, and that work did nothing to dissuade him of his opinion, so when he was packed off to big school at Barbury Castle later that year – he went with a glowing report card.
Alan saw exactly what Jason had seen – a very nice horse, with a huge amount of ability. Alan had him 2 weeks off a run last spring – but I gave him two options – if he felt that he would be a 125 rated handicap hurdler, then run him and we could go straight over hurdles in the autumn. If he thought he was better than that, and that he could run in bumpers this season and end up in a nice one – then we would put him away for the summer and aim him down the bumper route in the autumn. It did not take Alan long to decide that he would like to go down the bumper route. His work last spring – in behind the much-missed legend TRUESHAN had shown that NEVADA SAMBA had an abundance of ability, and we would start him off at a low level and progress through the ranks to a nice race in this spring.
You know what they say about plans?! In the autumn – just as he was starting his quicker work, NEVADA SAMBA developed a niggling issue that got worse over the course of a couple of weeks and meant that Alan was unable to train him fully. After a lot of hard work from all the team at Barbury, and referral to a specialist vet – the issue was resolved and Alan could kick on with him – it had just meant we had missed all of the pre-Christmas programme with him – we had hoped to have run him twice by then!
So we made it to Wincanton – a bumper that always throws up nice horses and with runners from some of the very best yards in the country, and some rather large price tags – this was not going to be an easy task on debut – most of those other fancied runners having the benefit of a previous run as well!
Matt popped over and jumped in the car with me, and we headed down to Wincanton. We left early, as we were keen to see Paul’s mare, KAYDENCE make her hurdling debut in the mares’ novice hurdle. She had been held up since running well in a Listed bumper in Huntingdon in December but was back in good form again – and needed to get some hurdling experience. Paul was due to be there, but was a ‘non-runner’ at the last minute, so I would represent him. Two miles around Wincanton on drying ground would not be ideal for KAYDENCE, but it was important to get her going over obstacles – Sean Bowen in the saddle – she was held up in rear – very novicey at the first two – but got progressively better at her hurdles as the race developed and in the end passed a few up the straight to finish 8th. The race had gone as expected, but she had certainly learned plenty from it – and is a mare that will be seen at her best back on a softer surface and up in distance on a more galloping track. She will be a nice one for mares’ novice hurdles next season with this experience under her belt.
Kaydence post race.
Now it was a nervous wait – at least it was dry, sunny and warm! NEVADA SAMBA looked well in the pre parade – more than one of the other connections in the race commented on his athletic walk. A helicopter leaving the track and flying low over the saddling boxes did not help matters for these young horses, and NS got a bit handy with his front feet as they popped the saddle on – other than that he behaved himself impeccably in the prelims. Tom Bellamy in the saddle, would hold him up, possibly go a little wider on him and give him some room, and hopefully come with one run up the straight and win – either way – Alan gave him his usual instructions – no matter what, NS had to enjoy himself – and Tom was only to give him a couple of light taps – win lose or draw.
NEVADA SAMBA was really green going to post – without company he had a long look at the big screen and the vets vehicles on the inside of the track and Tom had to bump him along to get him to go down. With that in mind, as the tapes went up, rather than be on the outer as planned, Tom squeezed him up between horses to teach him about the job at hand. This ended up lighting him up, and although the race was being run at an even pace, he was very keen. He then collided with the rail on the stable bend – and all in all nothing was really going to plan. Still travelling keenly, Tom made ground at the end of the back straight and got into a position to challenge – albeit with a wall of horses in front of him. As the pace quickened, Tom pulled him wide and gave him a squeeze, and in an instant, he laid his ears flat back and got into gear. Despite running green, NEVADA SAMBA made up ground on the outside, and from then on Tom was confident that he was always going to win. NS rolled around in the final half furlong, but was always doing enough, and without Tom having to pick his stick up at all, the pair crossed the line in front for a very cosy win!
Nevada Samba in the pre parade ring
He was very green on his way to post
Ans still pretty green as he cam back - but he was in front!!
The first person to congratulate us was Joe Tizzard – who immediately said he thought that was a decent bumper (he obviously liked his runner who finished 5th). Jason Maguire was soon saying ‘Well Done’ and ‘What had I been worrying about? He had told me he was a nice one!!’ His horse had finished 4th. As I wandered out to greet NS back off the track – Paul Nicholls’ assistant Charlie St Quinten said that NEVADA SAMBA must be a very nice horse as they thought that their runner who he had just beaten into second was a smart prospect. By the time we walked back into the winners’ enclosure – it was clear that NEVADA SAMBA had just won what would turn out to be a well above average bumper, and that he has a very bright future ahead of him.
Some winners generate feelings of ecstasy and euphoria immediately after they cross the line – others just a huge sense of relief – this was the latter – a big blow out of the cheeks – NS had not let us down. My job involves a lot of expectation management – but having seen NS working with the likes of triple Group 1 winner Trueshan last spring and having had everyone that had had anything to do with him tell me what a lovely horse he was – it was difficult not to get excited by him. But he had to do it on the track – and when he did – it was an enormous relief!! He is a very smart horse, and one that will be taking us to some very nice races – just as Jason had predicted when he was just 2 years old!
THIS IS YOUR CHANCE!! – I do have a 10% share available in NEVADA SAMBA. He has now proven that he is a very bright prospect – and is a horse with a huge future. He is a lovely looking horse, with the most athletic walk – and he can clearly gallop. He did everything wrong on his debut, but despite being too keen for over half the race and running very green when sent forward he still beat a big field of decent horses. There is so much more to come from him! He is a horse that could take you to the very top! Get in touch for share details – 07909 518902 or email nickbrownracing@gmail.com
In amongst all this on Thursday the Alan King Racing Club’s, GHOST DANCING got an entry in a handicap hurdle in Huntingdon – I’m not sure what Kingy was thinking? We will all be in Cheltenham – but good to know she is ready to run again!
It was a long trip home – and the first time I have found myself in the position of having to purchase food in order to get a code to use the toilet! They were lucky there wasn’t a puddle on the floor!
Friday – Alan on early to say that NEVADA SAMBA was fine after his run. Aintree would come a bit too soon for him – but there is always the tantalising prospect of a trip to Punchestown. NS will have an easy couple of weeks and then we will make a plan – he could travel over – or stay low key in the UK and get that extra bit of experience. Whichever way he goes, he has the world at his feet!
Having seen NS win in Wincanton, Jason was soon on with a video of his younger brother ‘FLOYD’ who is the spitting image of NS. He will soon be heading off on his summers break – but it was great to see him canter on the sand gallop and then school over hurdles! He’s very good – and Maguire still has it doesn’t he??
MOLLY’S LAD declared in Carlisle as planned. Fern O’Brien would ride. She gets on really well with him! Just the four declared – and I am really looking forward to seeing him run – I think he boasts by far the best form in the race and has a very good chance of breaking his duck! Could he be the second homebred winner in the space of 4 days??
In the afternoon – we headed off to the cinema to see EPiC Elvis Presley in Concert a Baz Luhrmann documentary. A really good film documenting Elvis in Las Vegas in the early 70’s. Well worth the afternoon out – but having three unnamed horses out of a mare called Savingforvegas I did find myself making mental notes about possible racehorse names throughout the film! So, it was all in the name of research!!
Saturday – as I am travelling to Carlisle tomorrow – I have been writing this all morning.
GHOST DANCING got a further entry in a mares’ handicap hurdle in Fakenham on Friday – as I never go to Cheltenham on Gold Cup day – I could head over to Norfolk for that.
Alan sent through a video of I’D GO MANIAC working really well with BARON NOIR, who was having his final piece of work ahead of his tilt at the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle on Tuesday.
IGM in great order!
Around the remainder – CLOUD DANCER is well and continues his path back to full fitness.
AND SHE WAS is still over with Jamie Magee but is nearing a return to Barbury Castle.
Next week we head to the Cotswolds for the best week of the year – and who knows we may just have another little face on the team by this time next week – SAVINGFORVEGAS is due to foal on the 12th, but knowing her she will keep a hold of it for around 2 weeks past her due date – it is what she usually does. She is once again due to NIRVANA Du BERLAIS – so with the yearling filly by him and this one on the way we will be cheering on his son, LULAMBA next week!
Having bred 7 foals in 9 years – and having the first four all win – she has been a fantastic mare for us – and if I am honest after seeing NEVADA SAMBA win and show us all what we thought he was – a very good horse – on Thursday – I now feel a little like Michael Corleone in The Godfather III – ‘Just when I thought I was out – they pull me back in!’ I had seriously considered not breeding from SFV this year – but after seeing all of her first 4 runners now win – I think I have to!
NEVADA SAMBA was bred by a syndicate I put together to breed a foal and see it right through to the racecourse. What a journey it has been – owning winners is very special – to have bred one takes it to a completely different level! If you would like to join me and get involved in breeding the next NEVADA SAMBA let me know – I am willing to lease some shares in SAVINGFORVEGAS for a small group to breed their own racehorse. Obviously, this is a very good pedigree that is only going to get better – DINO BELLAGIO will be winning more races on the flat - we have bumper winner and highly regarded OLD BLUE EYES still to get his career going properly, but when he does, he could well run in pattern company. NEVADA SAMBA – well you know all about him now! – FLOYD is next in line and is the spitting image of NS, and then we have a 3yr old by non other that GOLDEN HORN – who we also think is a bit special, and who we have already earmarked for the Listed Bumper in Cheltenham on New Years Day 2027! The next in line is a lovely yearling filly by NIRVANA Du BERLAIS. So much more to come with all of these horses – anything we breed from SFV this year could well be worth a small fortune by the time it is a yearling and could well be sold for a nice profit or retained to run.
Savingforvegas and Nevada Samba - who wouldn;t want to breed a little star lime this??
Shares will be limited – I intend to keep the majority – but will lease a few 10% shares to anyone interested, for an all inclusive £150/month, which will cover all costs, including the share of the covering fee. Let me know if you fancy breeding your own racehorse and being part of a fantastic journey from the very start – you too could be welcoming a winner you bred back into the winners’ enclosure – just like we did on Thursday!!
07909 518902 0r email nickbrownracing@gmail.com for all the details!
Have a cracking Cheltenham – I will be there for the first three days – feel free to get in touch and I will see you for a pint before racing!!
Next weeks news should be back to it’s original slot on a Sunday!
