Like London Buses
They are a bit like London buses! You wait an age for a runner – and then you get two in one day! Both for the same trainer too! At least he declared them in two races 3 hours apart, with just a 75 minute drive in between! Saturday was a fun day – earlier in the week – there were some lovely pieces of homework – an astonishing trade for 3yr olds in Ireland, with some very interesting results regarding the youngstock that we have on the team and now that applications for places at our Open Day have closed – we start to crack on with organising, what looks like being a fantastic afternoon at Ivy Lodge Farm.
Monday. A quiet start to the week. Dino Bellagio ready to run again – already entered in Catterick on Thursday evening, Donald entered him in a 2m handicap in Chester on Saturday afternoon. Dino has been working well at home, and improved hugely for his seasonal debut in Nottingham, where he finished a distant third after having his race ruined when he was taken on for the lead and over raced for the first mile and a quarter. He had a good blow after that, and we were all looking forward to seeing him out again. Another Saturday in Chester would be fun! We would look at the two races, keep an eye on the weather and the ground, and decide where he went on Tuesday morning.
Not satisfied with one entry on a Monday morning, Donald gave Ridin Solo his first engagement for 7 months – entering him in a handicap chase in Uttoxeter – you guessed it! Saturday evening! Fantastic to see Solo get an entry – he has been held up by a couple of niggly little problems over the winter – nothing serious, just badly timed – just as he was getting over the first one – he went and got another little injury, which meant that he had not seen a racecourse for 7 months. Donald has been very pleased with his recent work, and the plan was to run in Uttoxeter. We could have two on the same day – and a quick check showed that it was possible to do both if Dino went to Chester in the afternoon.
Some sad news – over the previous weekend, Debbie sadly lost her best mate – her dog Mouse. It is always such a tough time when we lose our pets – they are such a big part of our lives, and none more so than Mouse in Debbies. Many of you will have met Mouse at our yard visits and gallops mornings – she had a huge personality, and I know that she will leave a big hole in Debbies world!
Tuesday, a work morning at Barbury Castle, first lot – Alan King sent through a video of Uhtred Ragnarson working well up the hill over at Sharpridge. We had fancied him to run a big race last time out in Aintree only to see him hang violently left-handed as he turned for home, throwing away any chance he had of being involved in the finish. He had been checked over by the vets after that race, and although nothing major was found, he did have a couple of joints medicated to help him along. He remains a horse that is very much on a winnable mark – so hopefully he will be able to show that next time out.
Second lot – John Harrison once again worked very nicely, giving a lead to some expensive 2yr olds recruited from the recent breeze up sales. A new addition to the Alan King Racing Club – John Harrison is a horse that will have benefitted hugely from being gelded in the winter and is one that Alan believes Club members will have plenty of fun with through the summer!
With declarations for Dino Bellagio’s race in Catterick closing at 10.00am – it was decision time. Doanld over at the sales in Ireland – but we had a chat and discussed that entry and the one Dino held in Chester. At one stage it looked like there would be a very small field in Catterick. The Clerk of the Course had said the ground there would be on the soft side of Good – so that was fine – we agreed to chat again at 9.50am – 10 minutes before decs closed and make our decision. As I tracked the decs, the runners started to dribble in, and it was not going to be a small field – given the forecast rain in Chester later in the week – we decided to not declare in Catterick and head to Chester on Saturday.
As declarations closed – the sales kicked off in Ireland. The Goffs Arkle sale – a sale that has made great strides in the last 10 years and is now regarded by many as the best National Hunt store sale in Britain and Ireland. The sale of 2yr old flat breeze up horses earlier in the year had seen a very sticky trade indeed. With many of the Middle Eastern buyers not active in that market – there had been significant dips in the returns for vendors. The National Hunt market, being less reliant on Middle Eastern money – would be less influenced by their absence, but everyone was very nervous going into the first store sale of the year in Doncaster a few weeks ago. That sale went well – the metrics were up across the board, and although the trade was slightly ‘picky’ there was a good clearance rate, and most left happy, even though they had expected the worse. Even those early signs of a solid trade could not have prepared anybody for the fireworks we saw over two days of trading at Part 1 of the Arkle Sale on Tuesday and Wednesday – it was jaw dropping! Don’t get me wrong, there were some very nice horses there, with fantastic pedigrees, but it was still compulsive viewing, just watching horse after horse break the 100,000 barrier! As always there was plenty of interest for us – horses from the same families as a few of ours and plenty by some of the stallions that we are big fans of and whose stock we have on the team. Lot 89 was a full brother to two horses that we have had through our hands, and a half brother to two more. We purchased the first 4 foals out of the mare, La Pelodette, selling the first three as 3 yr olds and retaining the 4th. Lot 89 is a full brother to Off The Jury and our lovely little mare Rockola who won 3 of her 12 starts for us and who we sadly lost far to early – he is also a half-brother to black type performer Au Fleuron who we sold at 3, and Coachman who was also sold as a store at 3yrs old. Lot 89 was a lovely son of Jukebox Jury who was eventually sold for 130,000 Euros! Lot 194 was from the same family as Savingforvegas and this son of Santiago went to the Doyle brothers who gave 82,000 Euros for him. This is a family the Doyles know well – I had purchased Savingforvegas from Cormac Doyle after she had won her point to point in Tralee – you never know - we might be bidding for this lad in a few months time! It is always interesting to see what the market makes of the stallions that you have used – so I was keeping a keen eye on how the progeny of Golden Horn and Nirvana du Berlais were selling. It seems like the judges love both stallions – their stock made massive money. Across the two day sale – 10 3yr olds by Golden Horn were offered – all 10 sold for an average of 88,700 Euros with a top price of 200,000 Euros. Horses by Nirvana du Berlais were equally sought after – 13 offered – 10 sold for an average of 89.778 Euros and a top price of 195,000 Euros. We currently have ‘George’ our 3yr old by Golden Horn, ‘Nancy’ our yearling filly by Nirvana du Berlais and ‘Nev’ our colt foal also by Nirvana du Berlais – so we have three young homebreds by two of the hottest stallions around – not a bad place to be!!
One thing is for sure – with the Golden Horns averaging 88,700 – it makes ‘George’ look outstanding value – with 10% shares just £4,000 each. Those that have taken a share have got an absolute bargain based on the figures from this week’s sale. ‘George’ has a fine pedigree as we all know – he is also a lovely physical model, and in addition – we have all seen him gallop and school – I had kept him back and not syndicated him earlier, as I had hoped that he would slot straight in as a replacement for Greyval – and had priced him, basically at cost – to help keep that group of owners together. Sadly things didn’t go quite to plan, and I would have been far better off putting him through the sales – but of course it is lovely to keep him on the team – and the way things have panned out is a bonus for everyone else, as you get the chance to own a share in this cracking 3 yr old – at basically half price! After a busy week, in which we have welcomed some new faces to NBR and welcomed back one former member to the fold, there are only a couple of shares left in him now – click the link, look at all of his details and get in touch – I can’t tell you what outstanding value this horse is.
https://www.nickbrownracing.co.uk/ForSale/8330/golden-horn-x-savingforvegas
Wednesday – as the sales continued in Ireland – it suddenly struck me that I hadn’t checked a result from Italy at the weekend – where Blarney – the 4yr old half brother to our own Penselwood had contested a Listed Race in San Siro. Having won 4 of his 5 starts in 2026, Blarney has been on a steep upward trajectory, and he ran another fine race – in what looked like very testing conditions to finish 3rd and add some valuable black type to the pedigree. Another super update – which gives us more and more confidence that in Penselwood we have secured another nice horse who looks very well bought.
Alan King sent through a video of AKRC’s I’d Go Maniac working very well in a nice group of 4. Nothing went right for him last time out – but as a result he was dropped 1lb in the handicap and given a clear run next time out he should go very well.
The rest of the day was spent finalising the accounts for The Oakley Partnership who owned Greyval. The final statement will be sent out next week – and the accounts settled.
Thursday. Declaration day – Dino Bellagio declared in Chester, and Ridin Solo in Uttoxeter. A busy day of flat meetings – and with none of our usual jockeys in Chester, Donald booked the best available – David Probert. With the track getting plenty of rain – with more due later that day – the ground was ideal, and we looked in good shape for a big run – that was until 10.30am when the BHA published the draw – stall 10 of 11. Gutted – it is very tough to win from that far out around the tight turns of Chester, and even more tough when you are a front runner and are best suited by getting to the front and setting the fractions. With a couple of others in the field that like to be up with the pace – both drawn inside of Dino – it looked like an impossible task to get him up to his favoured position.
Great to see Ridin Solo declared in Uttoxeter – Thoe Gillard in the saddle. After 7 months off he would be sure to improve for the run – and would possibly appreciate a bit further on this summer ground – but this was a nice race to start him back in.
Two declared on the same day – races 3 hours apart – with a 75 minute drive in between – we could do both – had the makings of a fun day!
Alan King sent through a video of Uhtred Ragnarson schooling over hurdles under Tom Bellamy. He is nearing a return to the track.
As mentioned earlier – it was great to welcome Andy back into the NBR fold. Andy had shares in a couple of horses with us a few years ago – and has followed what we have been up to since. He was quick to spot the great value in the shares in ‘George’ and was quick to buy one! We wish him the best of luck with his latest NBR purchase!
With most of the shares sold in ‘George’ it was time to set up the syndicate Whatsapp group – and the first video his owners got was of a lovely piece of swinging work by ‘George’ at Martin Keighleys gallop in Condicote. This was the first time young ‘George’ had been over to this gallop, and he was understandably very green in his work, but he did it very well, and Jason was very happy with him – ‘He did it well and was still going well at the top of the hill’
‘George’ was upsides Cloud Dancer who was having his final piece of swinging work before a short break. Everything has gone to plan with his rehab – and it has all gone smoothly and without any setbacks. His schedule was carefully designed by the vets, Jason and myself, with the aim of getting him back to the track in the autumn. He is a talented performer, placed in 8 of his 11 starts, and a winner of 2 – he was being aimed at a tilt at the Challenger Hurdle Final in Haydock Park when injury struck. On his last start, Brian Hughes felt that he would run a massive race in the final off of his mark – but would be even better when switched to fences – so that is the reason we have spent so much time, money and effort in giving him the very best chance of a return to the track and a long career thereafter. Nothing is guaranteed, but thus far – everything has gone to plan!
Friday. Badges organised for those heading to the races on Saturday. A good crowd going to Chester and Uttoxeter.
With the deadline for applications for places at our Open Day at Ivy Lodge Farm on Friday – Debbie headed over to Jason’s to get some photographs of the team there, some of which will be used in the brochure she is putting together for the afternoon.
Nevada Samba
The handsome Penselwood
Cloud Dancer
Gorgeous George
There has been a fantastic response to the invitation to the Open Day and we are expecting well over 100 people to be there. With the numbers finalised, the work now begins to get it all together and provide a fantastic afternoon for everyone attending. There will be a buffet lunch – a drop of fizz, plenty of wine and beer, and a few horses to see. We will be parading some of the horses on the team and hear from their trainers who will be there too. It will have the feel of a summer garden party, and we are hoping to have a couple of surprises as well. I am really looking forward to seeing everyone and keeping everything crossed that we are lucky with the weather!
It was good to see John Harrison have a spin around the Round Gallop at Barbury Castle on turf. Again, with a nice group of 2 yr olds, he is in fine form and is going very well.
Timmy Murphy sent through a snap of Molly’s Lad who is summering with him at his place in Chedworth. ML looking great and doing very well for his summers break. He will be parading at the Open Day – and I can’t wait to get cracking with him in the autumn. He will be on a handy mark on his return – as he will benefit hugely from a step up in trip and he is sure to give his owners plenty of fun over the winter.
Molly's Lad
Saturday. The road trip! Two runners at two different tracks. After swinging by Huntingdon to pick up Tom who has a share in both Dino Bellagio and Ridin Solo we hit the road up to Chester. A bright, breezy afternoon – with drying and slightly holding ground. Drawn 10 of 11 we already knew our fate – as mentioned it would be tough to get to the lead around the tight turns, and you definitely don’t want to be posted wide – so, having talked about a change of tactics after his last race in Nottingham, it made perfect sense to hold him up this time and try to pick up the pieces late on. The race went pretty much as expected, although David did find himself a little farther back than he would have liked and was the backmarker for much of the first circuit. But this did mean that Dino settled and was not taking anybody on and over racing. The pair made up ground as they reached the home bend, but were unable to pick up the front runners, and in the end finished fifth. DB ran right through the line, and this was a satisfactory run from a very unfavourable draw. He thoroughly enjoyed himself – he pulled Ella all the way back to the stables and certainly didn’t blow for long afterwards. He could well be out again in a couple of weeks.
We were soon back in the car and an hour and a quarter later we were in Uttoxeter. Plenty of time to grab a bite to eat and a quick pint before Ridin Solo’s race. RS looked fantastic in the paddock – a little’ too well’ judging by the remarks of his trainer – he definitely felt he would improve for the run.
This would be his first run for 7 months, he and would possibly appreciate a little further too – but this was the right race to start him off in. Theo planned to jump off behind the pace, get RS into a good rhythm and finish as close as he could – the 1-2 Fav looked hard to beat. The early pace was brisk – but Theo got him in a great spot, and Solo was jumping superbly. He was travelling sweetly, and as they turned for home, he was bang there with a chance. A massive leap 3 out kept him in the hunt and by the time they got to the next he was upsides in front. We thought he had a chance, but the favourite had a bit in hand and galloped away for a cosy success. Even so, this was a fabulous run from Ridin Solo on his return. He was given a great ride by Theo and jumped superbly – he will be lots of fun through the summer!
Donald had a very positive update on the other horse we have there, Old Blue Eyes, who had worked really well on Friday morning, and is getting close to a return to the track. He could run in the next couple of weeks, but Donald has planned to give him a racecourse gallop in around 10 day’s time and then head to the track for his return with that vital piece of work under his belt.
Donald reiterated that his work had been very good, and we are all looking forward to getting this talented horse back on track.
Happy Birthday Donald!!
Sunday. Both Dino Bellagio and Ridin Solo seem fine after their run. Both a little stiff – holding ground for Dino and a first run in 7 months for Solo. Both will have a few easy days now.
Around the remainder – Nevada Samba is summering well at Ivy Lodge Farm – as is Jimmy Gatz – who already looks like he has been out for months - he’s a good doer! Penselwood is in good order, when I spoke to William Butler this week, he informed me that he would like to have him back at Heath House on the 23/24th June. He has a group of 2yr olds returning on those days and he will slot right in with them. ‘Floyd’ our homebred 4 yr old is very well and on a break before a return in the autumn. He has grown over the spring – and we feel that this growth spurt is why he was so weak earlier this year. He has grown into a fine horse now – and we are hopeful that he will return our patience. Not sure of a path forward with him yet – we will see if he continues to improve through into the autumn.
Next week looks a little quieter. I will try to get to a yard or two and there are always things to do in the office, as plans for the Open Day ramp up a notch.
Pop by next week to see what we have been up to!
