Weekly Ketchup
I robbed readers of a day last week – as the news was written on Saturday morning ahead of a trip north to Chester – so we will begin this week on Saturday afternoon which didn’t quite go to plan.
We were in Chester with Dino Bellagio who was running in the 2m handicap that closed the card. He had not been enjoying the good to firm ground over the last few months, and the first rain to fall in Chester in weeks in the run up to Saturday was very welcome. Dino has been in great form at home, on Good ground, and drawn in stall 2, we were all hopeful of a nice run, he may not quite win it, with a couple of unexposed 3yr olds receiving a chunk of weight at the foot of the handicap, but he should put on a good show for a good bunch of his owners who would be there. DB looked great in the paddock, and it was good to see Paul Mulrennan reunited with him. Paul would keep things simple - buck out of stall 2, get to the front and set his own fractions. Dino jumped well, and there was a race on to the front, although slightly squeezed he toughed his way through and got to the rail. Unfortunately, as had happened earlier in the season in Nottingham, he was then taken on for the lead by an outsider, who raced up on his outside. As before, Dino then over raced, and the early fractions were off the scale! There was no way they were going to keep that up, so Paul eased back and settled for second spot – which would have been no problem had the winner then not dropped to a crawl and almost stopped as they passed the winning post on the first circuit. This race was turning into a right muddle – Paul went to go round the leader who then sped up once again, after getting a slap down the shoulder. As they turned out the back Paul had to get busy with Dino, and after the early exertions in this mess of a race, he was soon beaten, and he wouldn’t be troubling the judge. The two leaders were soon swallowed up, as they slipped back through the field – it was race over. Paul came back to a disappointed group and was very honest – put a line through the run – the race was a complete mess for him – and he is a lot better that that. He said that, although the ground was Good as described – Dino would prefer it even softer on a track like Chester, he advised us to wait for proper Soft ground with him.
We headed home – not at all cheered up with the football results – West Ham beaten at home by Charlton – quite the day!!
One man that was having a better trip home was Alan King, who had been in York with two runners in the Ebor – the richest handicap in Europe. Alan was replying to over 130 Whatsapp messages of congratulations having scooped the pot with Daquiri Bay. What a win!! When we were in York on the Thursday, and it had rained for the first few hours of racing, I had told anyone willing to listen that it would be great for Daquiri Bay, and that I thought he would win the Ebor -nice to get it right for once! A great result for Alan and the team – and the owners of Daquiri Bay – who have all been involved in the Alan King Racing Club over the past 12 months!
Sunday – and the reason this waffle was written on Saturday last week, is because me and Matt were heading down to the final day of the Cheltenham Cricket Festival and Cheltenham College to enjoy a day of County Championship cricket. Gloucestershire v Worcestershire. A nice way to switch off after a busy few days!
Matt picked me up at 8.00am and we headed down. Now I am not a huge fan of Macdonalds, but a sausage and egg Mcmuffin is a vital part of the day on any early morning trip to a yard – and my route to those yards can be determined by the location of the ‘golden arches’. So, no surprise that I suggested a diversion through a drive-through just before we picked up the M40 between Buckingham and Oxford. Just the two muffins, Matt would take his with tomato ketchup, the lady was generous and gave him two little pots. We pulled up in the car park and ate our breakfast, Matt quicker than I – and we were soon back on the road. I finished my Mcmuffin and cleared up all the spent wrappers, tissues, ketchup pot and receipts, and bundled them all into the bag – I would find a bin later. To avoid any of it spilling out, as I usually do – I screwed the package into a tight ball, so that it would fit into the door pocket. That was when it happened – a (loud enough) POP, and then the sight of my white shirt coated with tomato ketchup!! Not just my shirt, my face, my arms, the headrest and headlining of Matts car – there was ketchup everywhere! As I do not have ketchup with my food, I had not considered that there was an unused pot in the bag – the corner of which had pierced through, and then with as bad a turn of misfortune as could be possible, its contents, under pressure form my squeezing had left the bag through the hole and showered me in red sticky ketchup! I sat there motionless for what seemed like minutes but was in fact only a couple of seconds. My first thought was ‘Matts going to kill me!!’ His first thought was ‘Browny’s been shot!!’ We both remained in silence – I dare not laugh in case that really riled the big man whose car I had just redecorated, it turns out Matt could not say anything as he was going to burst out laughing as well – he vowed to only laugh when I did. It didn’t take long before we were both in fits of giggles!! Matt doing well to keep the car on the M40, me doing well to keep still and not make what was a serious situation any worse!!
By now we were both in hysterics – Matt had taken this well!! Luckily there is a service station not far down the A34, we needed tissues and wet wipes. With ketchup all down a white shirt, in my hair and dripping down my face I entered the service station, to get the ‘clean up gear’. After explaining that things were not as bad as they appeared to the man behind the counter, he silently pointed over to the shelf with the tissues on with a vague look on his face. The small children with the gentleman in the shop may never recover from the sight of what looked like a murderer brazenly strolling into the shop, with a fit of the giggles! Lord knows what they thought! Through recurring uncontrollable waves of laughter, I cleared up my mess, although I did keep finding blobs of ketchup in unexpected places throughout the rest of the trip to Cheltenham. What I needed now was a new shirt. A quick Google search – and we made a plan. A shirt shop, just off a set of traffic lights in Cheltenham would be perfect. Matt could drop me off, and I would not have to trapse through town looking like I’d just lopped someone’s head off! The plan was well executed – I was out of the car and in the shop having only had to pass a handful of people. The shirt buying process is another story – which led to me slightly losing the plot with a shop assistant after he went through the charade of looking through piles of shirts for one in my size, before eventually having to admit that they didn’t even stock shirts in that size!! The gasket finally blew when he reached for his phone and asked, ‘and what was the last email address Sir used when he shopped with us??’ – JUST SELL ME THE FXXKING SHIRT!!!! I left with a 2XL rather than my usual 3XL – it would be snug – but it was better than the one I was wearing!!
The rest of the day was lovely – blue skies – hot weather, an enticing declaration by Gloucestershire, and a comfortable run chase by Worcestershire! What a day – it was very funny and will live long in the memory!
William Butler did call earlier in the day with his weekly update. Penselwood in good order. He is taking his work very well, suggesting that he finds everything very easy at present. At this stage, the team at Heath House are very happy with him.
Monday – with the Goffs UK Premier Sale kicking off in Doncaster tomorrow, we would be heading up around lunchtime, which gave me a few hours to process a large number of enquiries regarding membership of the Alan King Racing Club. There has been huge interest this year – and enquiries kept coming in after the yards Ebor win at the weekend. I got letters written, and info in the post and out on emails. There was lots to do – as I write this there are now just 2 places left in the Club – it is superb value – 4 horses - 12 months – both codes – all year round action for just £275/month! Click the link – it is a great bunch of members who have a great time at the races, win lose or draw!
https://alankingracing.co.uk/racing-club/
A little later than planned we set off for Doncaster. The first yearling sale of the year in the UK – it would be interesting to see how the trade for stock was this year – the breeze up sales in the spring had been difficult – would this trickle through to this years’ crop?
Tuesday – the first day of the sale – and trade very patchy – as usual in a quiet market, the right horses always make the right money, but selling those that were not quite what people were looking for was far more difficult!
The enquiries about AKRC memberships continued to come through – everyone thrilled to see Daquiri Bay win the Ebor!
Fergal O’Brien is still in love with our 3yr old, ‘George’ by Golden Horn – he just keeps telling me how much he likes him, and how much everyone who rides him likes him!
This news great to hear – but also bittersweet – as the previous day I had received a call from Roger Butsons Grandson, Josh to tell me the sad news that Roger had passed away on Sunday. Roger had been an owner with NBR from the very start – having had a share in our very first horse, Outplacement. I had known Roger for a long time through the potato trade long before he became an owner, and he stayed with me all the way through until the end. A few weeks ago, he had agreed to have a share in ‘George’ but will sadly not get to see him run – so sad. Roger had a share in Olney Lad with us and was over at the Punchestown Festival when he won over there in 2006. He always reminisced about that trip – and would always maintain that he couldn’t get off the stands after the win and didn’t make it to the winners enclosure – even though he was in the photographs! Roger was a great supporter and will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with Mavis, Ian, Josh and all the family!!
I was very glad to get the next clip through – Molly’s Lad trotted up sound after a few days on box rest. He had been very lame last week – but nothing had come to light, so a few easy days – and hope that he had just given himself a bang in his box – he can be an arse!
Thankfully he was given the all clear to be ridden and would have a walk and a trot for a few days before resuming cantering.
Dino Bellagio dropped 2lbs to a new mark of 70 – just what we wanted – he can now run in a lower grade!
Kingy sent through a clip of John Harrison – he is waiting for rain!
I’d Go Maniac worked really well up the hill.
There was the usual fun at the sales. A few drinks in the evening – and dinner in Vivos.
Wednesday – the second and final day of the Premier Sale – and the trade continued in the same vein. Sticky! Great to catch up with clients and friends, and it was a nice day in the warm sunshine!
Thursday – an early start – 4.45am leave to get to Barbury Castle ahead of the National Racehorse Week Open Day at the yard. Just under 300 visitors expected – although the weather forecast may deplete that number somewhat. Before they started to arrive at 10.30am – we got to see a couple of lots over on the Sharpridge gallop. Third lot – Nevada Samba looked in great order in his two canters – he has matured into a lovely horse, and will hopefully be going to some very nice places this winter.
Even though I arrived just after 7.00am, Alan had already got one lot out and worked in the rain, so we didn’t get to see any of the AKRC horses sadly. Uhtred Ragnarson is in good form and will be ready to run again in a couple of weeks. I’d Go Maniac is very well and on course for Haydock next week. John Harrison is ticking over and waiting for more cut in the ground, and Ghost Dancing is back in ridden work and building up to full fitness.
After second lot – Alan’s office received the news that the ‘food truck’ that was heading to Barbury to serve teas, coffees and bacon rolls, had got lost, and also lost a wheel! Search parties failed to locate it – and the idea of a breakfast bap was abandoned! Alan paraded 6 horses and cantered 4 on the deep sand. Then everyone had the chance to wander round the yard – see a shoeing demonstration, a physio session and Daquiri Bay in the spa. It was great to see so many smiling faces – especially the children, and everyone had a lovely time!
Time for lunch – we headed to the White Hart in Wroughton for a spot of lunch – always decent. Lunch went on for a few hours – and a 3 ¼ hour journey home made for a long day!
Great to get an update on the ‘family’ at Park Wood Stud from Hanne. Savingforvegas looking really well – she is in foal to Kingston Hill, and you can be part of that journey – there are two 10% shares available in our Breeding Syndicate. Breed your own racehorse – Savingforvegas has a 100% record, and her latest one looks to be very smart as well! Click the link!
https://www.nickbrownracing.co.uk/ForSale/8316/breeding-syndicate
Nev - 2026 colt by Nirvana du Berlais
Nancy - yearlinf filly by Nirvana du Berlais
The Matriach - Savingforvegas
It was also great to see Molly’s Lad back cantering – from where he was last week – this was fantastic news!
Friday – it had been a busy couple of weeks, so Friday was the designated day to get the monthly admin done – bills to pay – and paperwork to sort out.
There were more AKRC membership enquiries to deal with, and Alan sent through a clip of I’d Go Maniac working under Tom Cannon.
Jumps stable jockey, Tom Bellamy will be off games for a few weeks – he suffered multiple injuries in a horror fall in Stratford last Sunday – 11 broken ribs, a fractured sternum and 2 punctured lungs! He still tells me he feels better than he did after our lunch a couple of weeks ago!
I’d Go maniac was entered in his target race in Haydock next Thursday – and amateur riders handicap – he will be ridden by Georgia one again.
Saturday – with the office work done on Friday – I headed down to Fergal O’Briens early on Saturday morning. Birthday Girl, Debbie likes to spend her Birthday with horses – last year she had her photo taken with debut bumper winner, Nevada Samba – this year it was his half-brother, George. Let’s hope he can keep up the family tradition of winning his bumper on debut – the early signs are very good – as mentioned - the trainer loves him!
Happy Birthday Debbie!
We got to see George canter first lot, he does go very well for a baby, he knows his job and is very relaxed in his work – he is also very well balanced and gives his riders a very good feel!
Second lot – Molly’s Lad out for a canter – great to see him – he is very fresh and well!
Ridin Solo is in great order and has been waiting for some rain. He got an entry in Bangor on Dee next Friday – a 3m handicap chase. I am very much looking forward to seeing him out again – the step up in trip will suit very well, and if there is no Good to Firm in the going description - he will run!
While we sheltered from the rain in a barn, Dragos who looked after Greyval, and absolutely adored her, asked how she was – so no time like the present – I called Ireland for an update. Great to hear that she has scanned in foal to Nirvan du Berlais and is settling in well to her new career. Dragos was thrilled.
Also good to hear that Molly Childers is really well – she is in foal to Poets Word, and Yauthym is in great order too, and is in foal to Moises Has. Great to hear that all of our old girls are in rude health and excelling in their new careers.
Alan King sent through a clip of Uhtred Ragnarson working up the Sharpridge hill – he’s in good nick!
Sunday – William Butler called with his weekly update – Penselwood had cantered upsides on the Al Bahatri on Tuesday and Friday and was very comfortable in his work. He went through the stalls yesterday – no pressure, back gates open – but another little lesson ticked off. He did take a little nibble out of the farrier this week and is getting a little bit grumpier as he gets fitter. It would suggest he has a tough streak in him!
We have arranged a stable visit on Friday September 11th – when Penselwood will work under one of the stable jockeys. There will be a couple of spaces available should anyone like to join us – 07909 518902 to book a spot.
Around the remainder – Cloud Dancer is well – he will be got up to near full fitness with Jason before he heads back into training.
Old Blue Eyes is back in walking exercise. The 3yr old Pethers Moon gelding with Donald McCain is progressing very nicely – he too looks ideal for the 3yr old races this autumn.
Jimmy Gatz is building up to full fitness with Olly Murphy. He will start in novice hurdles, on some naturally good ground.
Floyd our homebred 4yur old and our new Blue Bresil 3 yr old are both still in the field at Ivy Lodge Farm.
Well, that was quite the week! This afternoon we are heading off to a party – Happy Birthday Claire! Tomorrow we are very lucky to have been invited to the party to celebrate Daquiri Bay’s win in the Ebor, which should be great fun!
Tuesday I could head into Olly Murphy’s or I may even put in a show at the Fergal O’Brien Golf Day! There is a spot for a team if anyone is free and fancies a free days golf! We would need a team of 4 – let me know if you fancy a fun day out! Thursday and Friday we could have runners, and on Saturday we will get together with friends who are over from Australia!
Fun times! I will keep my eyes out for the ketchup!!
