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Wednesday
11 June 2008. Cyd seems to have come out of her race
in grand order. She suffered a bit of a cut during the
race, but that has been dealt with, and she has been relaxing
in the paddock today.Matty is declared to run at Uttoxeter
tomorrow night, there is a full field of 18, but plenty
of dead wood in the contest, and if he shows up like he
has been at home he will run a very pleasing race. Sam
takes the ride, and who knows it may be the second winner
for him and the yard this week!! |
Tuesday
10 May 2008. WELL DONE CYD!! Nicole and Dales game
mare was the winner of the 8.30 at Southwell tonight.In
what turned out to be more akin to the Queen Alexandra
Stakes at Royal Ascot next week with only 5 hurdles jumped
during the 2miles 5 furlong trip, she had to be a bit
lucky after the last when her two main dangers conspired
to collide and gift her the race. Fortunate maybe, but
she had been unlucky earlier on in the summer when Jamie
had fallen off of her at the first at Ludlow, and Sam
said if she had jumped the second last with more fluency,she
would have taken a deal of beating anyway. It was a shame
that all of the hurdles were omitted as this certainly
did not play to her main strength which is her jumping,
but she battled on to prevail.Once again well done to
all, and who knows we may have another winner on Thursday
with Matty, as he is working well with Cyd at home. Fingers
crossed!! |
Saturday
7 June 2008. A beautiful morning on the gallops, where
we saw Mattaking go well with Cyd Charisse. Both have
entries next week - Cyd should go to Southwell, and Matty
will go to Uttoxeter or Fontwell on Thursday. Both are
in fine form, and good runs are expected from both. I
popped over to Ann and Colin Garratts to see Bobby Gee
and Kikos who have become good mates, and have settled
in well in their field. They both seem in fantastic shape,
and will be enjoying the sun on their backs. |
Thursday
5 June 2008. As Kikos enjoys himself out in the sunshine
with Bobby Gee, his form took another boost yesterday.
Kim Baileys Double Mead who finished third, one place
in front of our new boy at Bangor, won a handicap chase
off of her revised mark of 105 by 11 lengths!! This is
the third significant form boost to come from Kikos' last
run. A look at the revised handicap ratings for the three
horses who finished in front of him show that the winner
is 10 lbs higher, the second is 7 lbs higher and the third
is also 7 lbs higher, and will go up again for winning
so easily yesterday. All in all it shows that his last
run was a really good effort against some well handicapped
opposition, and we firmly believe he will improve for
fences. Roll on the new season!! |
Tuesday
4 June 2008. Having spent the last couple of months
chilling out in the field, it is back to work for Important
Business and Ogee. This week they are back on the walker,
and also back on a bit of hard feed. This is the start
of the long process to get them back up to peak condition
and ready to race in the late summer (if we ever get one)!
Both look really well and have let themselves down well,
they have put on a few pounds which can now be turned
into muscle through careful conditioning work, followed
by a steady increase in the frequency and speed of their
work and they should be ready. Both will appreciate better
ground and being rated 110 and 118 they should not find
it hard to pick up a few races before the big guns come
out in October. Can't wait!! |
Saturday 31 May 2008
It was good to see Kevin and Jo Hornby, along with Geoff
Bridgford over at Fences Farm this morning to see their
new horse Kikos before he left with Bobby Gee to spend
the next month at Ann and Colin Garratts, Ringtail Farm.
It is always nice to get the horses somewhere new as it
gets them off of the premises where they do all their
work and they can switch off and relax fully before coming
back into work. Kikos will be back in a month, and Bobby
will be a little after that as he will want the soft ground,
and therefore will not need to be ready until November.
Nicole and Dale were also over to see their mare Cyd Charisse
do a nice piece of work with Matty - both will have entries
in the next couple of weeks,Matty continues to improve.
After dropping Bobby and Kikos off at Anns we hot footed
it to Dingley to the point to point there, and had a really
enjoyable afternoons social in the sunshine. Although
Kikos has moved, anyone that is still interested in joining
the club ( only 2 places left) is still more than welcome
to come and see him. |
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Thursday
29 May 2008 Another couple of good reasons to watch
the racing last night - two pieces of form that related
to our horses! (That's my excuse - and I'm sticking to
it)!!! Firstly Go West from the Heather Dalton yard hacked
up in a beginners chase, this horse had been beaten 14
lengths by Bobby Gee over hurdles at Uttoxeter, so it
just goes to show that Bobby's form is as solid as we
all think. And in the concluding handicap hurdle Apollo
Creed won again - this horse, trained by Nigel Twiston-Davis
was the winner of Mattys last race at Uttoxeter, so, it
can be seen that his win was no fluke and he was good
enough to win off a higher mark which suggests he was
as well handicapped as we thought.I am thrilled that there
are winners coming out of Mattys last race, it is giving
the form a very solid look, and suggesting that it was
a competitive heat that he contested. |
Wednesday
28 May 2008. I have just discovered something very
interesting and really quite exciting!! As I have mentioned
I saw Kikos run in a bumper at Towcester and fell in love
with him there, but I did not really know how well bred
he was. Looking into his pedigree this afternoon I discovered
that he is bred along exactly the same lines as the Champion
Chaser (and best horse in training) Master Minded. Both
are by Nikos out of a Garde Royale mare. Lets hope that
our chap improves over fences like Master Minded!! |
Tuesday
27 May 2008 Another form boost for one of our horses!
Tonight, Sherriff Hutton from the Tim Walford yard won
a novices handicap hurdle at Hexham by 9 lengths, previously
the same horse had been 7 3/4 lengths behind Mattaking
in a handicap at Uttoxeter receiving a couple of pounds
as well, so it looks like the form of Mattys last race
is working out OK. Mrs Robeson rang today to say that
Matty had worked well and came swinging off the top of
the gallop with bundles of enthusiasm, so things are looking
good for a good run next time!! |
Saturday
24 May 2008 It was good to take advantage of the good
weather on Saturday, and nice to welcome a few members
of the Racing Club over to Fences Farm to have a look
at their new horse Kikos. He has settled in really well
and after his new owners had cast their eye over him,
he was turned out in the pen in the field to start and
relax and enjoy his holiday. His bumps and grazes are
healing really well, and it will not be long before he
joins his new pals. The pen is used to help horses adjust
to being turned out, without having them gallop around
like twits and risk injuring themselves, it is a really
useful stepping stone. Mattaking and Cyd Charisse did
nice pieces of work second lot, both quickening well off
the top, Mattys next engagement should be Uttoxeter on
the 12 June, I know all of his owners are looking forward
to seeing if he can keep on improving. To join the Racing
Club, call me on 07909 518902, only limited spaces remain.
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Thursday 22 May 2007
We have only had Kikos at home for a matter of hours and
his form takes a boost!!! Isaac Newton who finished 13
lengths behind our new boy in his last race at Bangor
was a winner at Wetherby this afternoon. So you can see
that Kikos could well be a winner waiting to happen, so
ring me and join the Club, what more fun could you have
with £20 per week??!! |
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 Wednesday
21 May 2008. Stuart and I have spent the last couple
of days at the Doncaster May Sales. DBS earlier this year,
closed their old site and moved to a new purpose built
facility alongside the home straight of the racecourse.
It really is a superb place, with everything made easy
for both human and horse.Yesterday was pretty disappointing,
I was underbidder on a couple of lots, and when a lovely
horse by Pierre was led out unsold I did think there would
be a chance of snaffling him up, but the vendor would
not budge from his reserve price, which was unfortunately
just above our budget.Today started off in much the same
way, underbidder on two early lots,and some just making
more money than expected, other potential purchases were
found to be lame, or not quite what we were looking for.Our
moment came with the sale of the draft from Sir Robert
Ogden. I had gone through the catalogue and found two
horses which really caught my eye, one was just over budget
on Tuesday, and the other was a horse from Alan Kings,
owned by Sir Robert, called Kikos. We had seen him at
the races and really admired this big strapping son of
Nikos, and in fairness he has disappointed on the track,
Alan King and others assured us he was 100% sound and
he moved beautifully.Fortunately he failed to make his
reserve through the ring and I was able to negotiate a
deal with Barry Simpson, Sir Roberts racing manager, and
we have brought him home. He will be a great addition
to the team, and I am sure the Racing Club members will
have a great deal of fun with him throughout the forthcoming
season. He really is a horse you would be proud to own,
and he will get some really admiring looks on the course.
If anyone is interested in joining the club then please
get in touch as there are a limited number of spaces left,
and I think this fellow will give you a great deal of
fun next season, there is an initial capital outlay of
£300 which buys your share, with a further £20/week
to cover all costs, and all prizemoney won is retained
in full by the club and distributed equally at the end
of the season. There are very few other Racing Clubs that
offer that kind of deal!! A photo of Kikos will follow
shortly. |
Monday 19 May 2008.
It will be a busy week. I, along with Stuart will be up
at Doncaster this week for the Doncaster Bloodstock Sales
Horses in Training Sale. This is usually a five day marathon,
but this year for the first time they have split the sale
into two parts, with the horses in training selling this
week and the untried stores next week. We will be up there
to purchase a horse to run for the Nick Brown Racing Club,
which incidentally still has a few spaces, so if you want
to become an owner for very little - get in touch.While
there I will be looking at other horses, so if you fancy
owning a whole horse and would like me to help in the
purchase then let me know. |
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Saturday
17 May 2008. Quiet times now, with only a handful
of horses actually left in work time on the gallops is
at a minimum, but the yard remains busy with a number
of 2 year olds coming in from the stud and being broken
before going back to continue to enjoy the rest of the
summer. Although they will only remain at Fences Farm
for a short space of time, the experience they have is
all important to their future development and essential
to producing a well mannered horse for future years.
Tonight we were guests of Roy and Ann Mason in their box
at Uttoxeter. Roy and Ann are co-owners of Mattaking and
have been members of The Ravenstone Partnership since
December.They are both very keen on their racing, and
it was very nice of them to ask us to join them and their
friends.I have never been in a box at Uttoxeter before,
and I have to say that the facilities are superb, a great
night was had by all.It was Uttoxeters annual James Bond
theme night, and Roy took his 1965 Aston Martin DB 5 to
the course as a centre piece for their evening, it went
down a storm, and the Steward that was charged with overseeing
it was grateful as he said he managed to get the number
of a couple of girls who thought the car was his!! Thanks
again to Roy and Ann for the invitation.
|
Thursday 15 May 2008
Anyone interested in having a winner, and possibly
two by the Autumn should definitely read on!! Due to unforeseen
circumstances a 1/16 share has become available in Important
Business. As you know he is a firm favourite, and we think
a winner waiting to happen. He is currently enjoying his
summer holiday at Fences Farm, but before he was turned
out he had a full MOT (including scans) and was given
a clean bill of health by Brett the vet. Currently rated
110 he has only had one try in a handicap where everything
went wrong for the poor chap and we were very disappointed
to be beaten, I am sure he will be winning off of this
mark. He will be back in training in the middle of June
with the intention of getting him back on the track in
the late summer to pick up a couple of wins. If you are
interested and would like to come and see him, then please
get in touch, but be quick as I do not think that this
opportunity will be around long. |
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Tuesday 13 May 2008. Matty seems to have come out
of his race well, he put his head straight in his manger
when he got home, and spent yesterday resting up in the
paddock. Apart from one slight knock on his shin he has
not got a mark on him, and he should be out again in about
3 weeks. Important Business, Bobby Gee and Rousing Rob
are all looking fabulous in the field at the back of the
farm and will be moved up to the summer field some time
this week. There are still shares available in Rousing
Rob , and Bobby Gee will be sold in 8 shares in the Autumn.
If anyone is interested in joining a any of these exciting
Partnerships then please get in touch. The Nick Brown
Racing Club has only a few places left, so if you would
like to have the fun of ownership at a fraction of the
cost, £300 + £90/month (all inclusive, and
all prize money back) then again give me a call, the club
horse will be purchased at the forthcoming Horses In Training
Sale at Doncaster.
Important Business is really enjoying his time out in
the field, and is very very relaxed, he will come back
in and begin pre-training in the middle of June, a couple
of weeks earlier than most of the others, and be prepared
for a late summer/early autumn hurdling campaign where
he will hopefully run up a little sequence of wins.
Rousing Rob will return to training in early July,
and be aimed at an Autumn bumper, and from there he
has the option of staying in another couple of bumpers
or going over hurdles, he has shown us plenty at home
and we think he is the very nice horse that his pedigree
suggests it is, he is a lot to look forward to.
Bobby Gee will stay out for a bit longer this year
and come in about a month after the main group as he
really does have to have softer ground and he will not
need to be back on the track until we get his favoured
conditions in November, so he will have a nice long
break. The plan at the moment is to run in another Handicap
Hurdle as we think he still may be well handicapped
off of 122 before we go Novice Chasing with him when
we have reached the top of his rating and we feel he
can no longer win off of his rating over hurdles.He
is absolutely made for chasing and I cannot wait to
see him jumping the big ones and do believe could be
top class over fences. I have already had thoughts about
the 2009 Hennesey Gold Cup, but this game is all about
dreams!!!
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Sunday 11 May 2008
Matty thankfully showed us that he can do it today, when
he finished fourth of sixteen on his first try in handicap
company. This was really pleasing, and the members of
The Ravenstone Partnership that made it to Uttoxeter had
a lovely time in the sunshine!! Matty seems to be growing
in confidence and now that he is running against horses
of a similar ability showed us that he should be winning
soon. He travelled and jumped well throughout, and actually
battled all the way to the line to keep hold of fourth
in a bunched finish for the minor honours. I have said
that he has turned a corner at home in his work, and he
hopefully seems to be translating a bit of it to the track.
Well done Matty! |
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Friday
9 May 2008 Mattaking is declared to run at Uttoxeter
on Sunday. The weather looks to be set fair, and the ground
should be on the quick side which he will relish. I hope
that he will put up a better show for his loyal owners
- The Ravenstone Partnership, many of who will be at the
races to see their fellow make his handicap debut. I think
that now that he has been assessed and can run on a 'more
level playing field' we should see him in a better light.
His confidence continues to grow at home and I hope he
transfers that to the track. Cyd Charisse runs at Aintree
tonight, and although it is her first run for a while,
she should go well, good luck to Nicole and Dale. |
Thursday
8 May 2008. I blame it on the Bank Holiday - they
always manage to put us a day out somewhere, and this
one was no exception!! Matty would be a certainty to get
in his race at Uttoxeter on Saturday and is sure to run
very well, because if we took him there he would be on
his own, as the meeting is actually on Sunday!! Slight
cock up at this end, but as I say I am blaming it on the
Bank Holiday!!
We had a terrific evening yesterday as guests of Michael
and Fiona Kehoe in 'their' box at the Hunter Chase Meeting
at Cheltenham. This meeting has a real end of term feel
about it, and it is so good to catch up with friends for
a good social in the spring sunshine. Thanks very much
to Michael and Fo for their generous hospitality.
The Nick Brown Racing Club is proving to be very popular,
and spaces are now limited, anyone interested in joining
should register their interest as soon as possible!!
I have been through the sales catalogues and spoken
to various trainers, and found some really likely types
that should give us a lot of fun throughout next season.
The main thing is to make sure that the horses that
we are interested in are sound in wind and limb, and
have no other nasty traits such as breaking blood vessels,
and I am currently sounding out the respective handlers
on these issues, and will be going to the sales with
a good shopping list!!
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Thursday
8 May 2008. I blame it on the Bank Holiday - they
always manage to put us a day out somewhere, and this
one was no exception!! Matty would be a certainty to get
in his race at Uttoxeter on Saturday and is sure to run
very well, because if we took him there he would be on
his own, as the meeting is actually on Sunday!! Slight
cock up at this end, but as I say I am blaming it on the
Bank Holiday!!
We had a terrific evening yesterday as guests of Michael
and Fiona Kehoe in 'their' box at the Hunter Chase Meeting
at Cheltenham. This meeting has a real end of term feel
about it, and it is so good to catch up with friends
for a good social in the spring sunshine. Thanks very
much to Michael and Fo for their generous hospitality.
The Nick Brown Racing Club is proving to be very popular,
and spaces are now limited, anyone interested in joining
should register their interest as soon as possible!!
I have been through the sales catalogues and spoken
to various trainers, and found some really likely types
that should give us a lot of fun throughout next season.
The main thing is to make sure that the horses that
we are interested in are sound in wind and limb, and
have no other nasty traits such as breaking blood vessels,
and I am currently sounding out the respective handlers
on these issues, and will be going to the sales with
a good shopping list!!
|
Tuesday
6 May 2008. Some beautiful weather today, certainely
the sort of weather that that the horses in the paddock
enjoy. Mattaking has an entry at Uttoxeter on Saturday
and we hope and pray that he shows something off of his
mark of 87. There are plenty of entries and it is a bit
touch and go as to wether he gets in or not, but if he
does and the ground dries up it will be right up his street.
|
Tuesday
29 April 2008 Daurica seems fine after yesterdays
efforts. Matty has been given a handicap mark of 87, and
so is now qualified for handicaps, this will be more of
a level playing field and we may see him in a better light.
Monday 28 April 2008 Cyd Charisse appears
to be fine after her bid for liberty yesterday. Today
Daurica began her racing career at Towcester. She is a
nice filly, but still very weak and will be a much better
mare next season. The TV pictures of her run do not do
her justice as she was really green for most of the race
but when the penny dropped she really stayed on up the
hill and was flying at the death.She will be put away
now to strengthen up. |
Sunday 27 April We
made the tedious cross country trek to Ludlow today with
Cyd Charisse. It was her first run back after a mid winter
break and we were all looking forward to seeing her run
well on her favoured better ground. Unfortunately not
all went to plan, as Jamie Moore was unseated at the first
and she had a good gallop round without her pilot. A long
way to go for a very disappointing outcome, but the good
news is that she appears to be fine after her loose school
and does not have a mark on her. Her owners were understandably
disappointed but we are all relieved that she is OK and
will fight another day. Ludlow is a bind for us to get
to, but when you get there it really is a quaint little
track with heaps of charm, and a very unique type of crowd.
The paddock is in the middle of the track and not one
but two roads actually cross the track at either end.
For those that have not been it is well worth a visit.
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Saturday
26 April 2008 A beautiful morning on the gallops,
College Ace has come out of his recent spin really well,
and was out first lot with Daurica, Tish Too, and Cyd
Charisse who breezed well ahead of her run tomorrow at
Ludlow. Meanwhile quite a few of the yards stars are now
enjoying their summer hols and it was nice to be able
to get their rugs off for them to enjoy the sunshine.
Ogee, Bobby and Important Business were in their element
catching a few rays this morning. Not a great morning
elsewhere though as poor Fiona Kehoe suffered a bit of
a mishap out at exercise back at her yard and ended up
being airlifted to Stoke Mandeville with a fractured upper
leg, we all wish her a very speedy recovery. |
Friday
25 April 2008 Mattaking seems to be fine after his
run on Wednesday, he is now qualified for handicaps, so
we will be playing off a bit more of a level playing field
from now on, and that may lead to a bit of imprivement.
The Nick Brown Racing Club will resume games in the summer,
and this year may be the chance to actually own their
own horse. The May sales at Doncaster, have one or two
nice types that would be great fun for a club, so I will
be looking to buy something there. The cost of joining
the club will be £300 with a further £25/week
to cover all costs. Anyone interested should get in touch
via the Contacts Page, but be quick as spaces will be
limited !!! |
Thursday
24 April 2007. Having taken 2 to Worcester last night,
unfortunately only one could run as the ground around
the home turn and all the way up the home straight was
very testing and was not suitable for Heebie Jeebie, so
it was left to Matty to provide the sport. As planned
Sam settled him in rear and although he started to think
about things after making a mistake down the far side
he soon bucked up with a couple of sharp reminders and
actually ran to the line. Sam was a little happier with
him, and he is now qualified for handicaps, so we will
be on a bit more of a level playing field, lets hope the
low grade handicaps will suit him better and he can get
competitive. |
Tuesday
22 April 2008 Mattaking is declared to run at Worcester
tomorrow evening, he needs this run to qualify for handicaps,
the visors that lit him up so much last time have been
removed, and Sam will try to hold him up and get him to
run through horses. Also declared on the card is Heebie
Jeebie who is working very well at home, and if she settles
over this extended trip she will run a big race. Let's
hope we have 2 good runs and both return safe and sound,
it will be a late night!! |
Friday18
April 2008. Mattaking is entered to run at Worcester
on Wednesday evening. These evening meetings can be really
good fun, and it will be good to have Worcester on the
roster again after the floods of last summer. Worcester
is the kind of place that you either love or hate, and
it would be a really good track if they looked after their
Owners a little better, the facilities for those that
supply the horses for the sport are really bad, and although
we do not expect the red carpet,l just to have a nice
bar with a decent tea and coffee would be nice!! Let's
hope that all the work done to get the track back into
shape has taken this into consideration!! The card is
an all hurdle card as the chase course is still unfit
due to a lack of grass cover after being under water for
so long, but they do say that the chase course is not
for off being fit. |
14 April
2008 As we all know, owning and racing horses can
provide the most thrilling fun and enjoyment there is,
but it can also be absolutely heartbreaking. Unfortunately
Saturday went down in the latter category, when during
a routine piece of work at home on the gallop, Pleasurable
fractured a hind leg and had to be humanely destroyed.
This was a great shock to all, as this was the first unfortunate
incident of this kind that had occurred at Fences Farm,
but a local vet was very quickly on the scene and the
situation was dealt with very professionally.Although
a bit of a madam(she was handy with both her teeth and
hind feet) she was tough and genuine and well capable
of winning races on her favoured quick ground. We will
all miss her. Later on Tish Too made her debut at Uttoxeter
and ran very green but with promise in the concluding
bumper, she will be put away and resume her career next
season.Mattaking seems OK after his run and should be
out again towards the end of the month. |
Friday
11 April 2008 We were going to declare Important Business
for Uttoxeter but the ground has gone Good to Soft, Soft
in places so he will not be going. This is very disappointing,
as he is in fine form and judging by the entries would
have stood a great chance of getting his first win. Never
mind, these things are sent to try us, and he will now
be put away for the Summer and resume his duties in the
Autumn. |
Monday
7 April 2008 No snow at Southwell, well not until
we were on our way out of the gates anyway!! The heavens
really closed in then and we had some tricky conditions
for the first few miles, infact they must have been really
bad as Stuart nearly got us lost!! Matty sported a first
time visor yesterday, and it was pretty much counter productive.
The application of the heagear really lit him up and Sam
had real job holding him. The idea was to settle in third
or fourth but he jumped his way to a share of the lead
over the first and then there was no stopping him, he
was still taking a good grip coming past the stands a
second time. He basically ran his race back to front,
pulling far to hard early on and then having no energy
left for the finish. This allied with the fact that he
may not have stayed the 2 1/2 miles resulted in him getting
well beaten, but we have not given up on him, and the
next step will be to step him back in trip, take the visors
off, and hold him up to try to get him to finish a race.The
good news is that he seems fine this morning, and we will
look to run him at the end of the month. |
Sunday 5 April
2007. Mattaking goes to Southwell today, or at least
that was the plan!! But awoke this morning and thought
that we may be staying at home, SNOW!! I know it was
forecast and as I said yesterday it did feel like it
was on it's way but it was still not good to see! The
good news is that as I write Southwell seems to have
missed the horrible stuff and after a look at 6.45am
the Clerk of the course gives the ground as Good, Good
to Firm in places with no inspections. It will be cold
but hopefully an enjoyable day out!
What a race yesterday!! And what a result!! I have
always been a huge fan of Timmy Murphy, and anyone that
has read his biography will know what hell he has been
through throughout his career, culminating in a brief
spell at Her Majestys pleasure!! I know that it was
nearly all self induced and for that reason it is hard
to be overly sympathetic, but the way he has turned
his career around in just a few years is testament to
the mans character and immense ability in the saddle.
I can really recommend his book as a first class read,
and very thought provoking!! Well done to to David Pipe,
who after only a couple of years in the job after taking
over from the legend that is his father, has saddled
his first National winner along with a whole host of
other big race victors. It must be a great pressure
taking over the reins of an outfit like that and all
credit to him as he has done a first class job!! I do
not know David personally although he did try to run
me over in the horsebox park at Punchestown, but he
seems to be a really likeable chap and very easy with
the press, which his father was sometimes not too good
at, although they couldn't shut him up yesterday!! Congratulations
to all involved.
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Saturday 5 April. A beautiful morning at Fences
Farm, but there was a distinctly chilly feeling and
it could be that the forecast snow is on the way, lets
hope it does not get to Aintree before 4.15. Todays
Grand National looks to be one of the best ever seen,
the quality of horses is amazing, and I can see it being
a really competitive affair, although I do think that
the changes made to the course and the quality of horses
running has meant that big priced upsets are going to
be a real rarity from now on. It was good to see Pettifour
win the Sefton Novices hurdle at Aintree yesterday as
this once again boosts the form of our chap Important
Business,l as we beat him in a bumper at Uttoxeter in
November. IB's form is really rock solid, apart from
his last run, and he will be entered at Ascot and Uttoxeter
next weekend, but if the conditions are not right he
will be put away for his summer holidays, as although
he needs quicker ground he has been in for a really
long time and we feel he needs a break. He will come
back a bigger and stronger horse next autumn.He is in
great form after his little break, and worked really
well this morning.
Mattaking is in great form as well, in fact when I
went in to adjust his rugs mid morning he tried to bite
me so he is certainly feeling well!! His race at Southwell
tomorrow looks quite hot but we will be sporting visors
for the first time to help him concentrate so hopefully
we can take another step forward. He certainly breezed
well today.
Bobby has a pal in his pen at the moment. Boulevard
Bay has been suffering with a bruised heel so he has
been brought in from the field for a few days, I'm not
sure that Bobby appreciates the company as 'Bully' is
living right up to his stable name!! Bobs looks really
well though and when the weather warms up he will go
out in the field to enjoy the summer. Anyone who has
been following Bobby Gees' career since he joined us,
and would like to become involved, may like to know
that a new Partnership will be formed in the summer
to take over ownership of him, spaces are very limited
and if you would like to know further details then please
get in touch.
Rousing Rob is being a really good patient as he recovers
from his set-back, but Stuart tells me he is starting
to get a little grumpy being locked in his stable. Not
too long now before he can go out in the field and enjoy
the summer, in the mean time he can watch his close
relative Cape Tribulation who runs in the Champion Bumper
at Aintree, this horse looks very exciting and is favourite
so lets hope he can keep up the family tradition of
gaining some black type.
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Wednesday
2 April 2008. Mattaking has entries at both Chepstow
on Saturday and Southwell on Sunday, and at the moment
the preferred option is Southwell on Sunday. The ground
will be to his liking, and he has been going really well
at home, so we are all looking forward to a good day out.
We may try him in some form of headgear, just to see if
we can get him to concentrate a bit, and give whoever
rides him a bit of assistance. The stable will have a
busy day as Mrs Robeson has two fillies entered in the
bumper at Market Rasen, and if the ground dries up they
may both take their chances.It was the ground that was
the undoing of Pleasurable on Saturday at Newbury, it
really was the most miserable day and the ground was described
by a few of the jockeys as disgusting. Pleasurable did
not like it at all, and we look forward to seeing her
out again soon on some better ground. Important Business
has started a bit stronger work again after having had
a few days off, and appears to be in good form with himself.
The trouble is there are not many races for him now, and
we will soon have to make a decision as to wether to run
him again this year and run the risk of losing his Novice
status, or putting him away for the season, and look forward
to having him back in again later in the summer for an
Autumn campaign, it will be a tricky decision, but it
would be nice to turn him away sound, and have something
really exciting to look forward to. Bobby will soon be
out in the field enjoying his summer hols, as will Rob
who will have an X Ray on his forearm before he goes out. |
Friday
28 March 2008 Matty will be staying at home this weekend
as the ground has gone against him. He really needs good
ground, and with all the rain about it was decided to
wait until things dry up a bit. He still has an entry
at Wetherby on Tuesday, and we will continue to monitor
things between then and now. |
Tuesday
25 March 2008. What an awful weekend for weather,
at least we had some top quality sport to enjoy!! After
all the rain and snow etc. I hope that we get a little
spell of drier weather so we can at least run Matty. He
continues to go the right way at home and is entered at
Wincanton on Sunday. It is a very warm affair with horses
in there rated 135, but we will go and have a run as a
stepping stone to getting a handicap mark, as long as
the ground does not get too soft, at least it never gets
too testing there. Important Business will be taking life
easy for a little while, I feel he has just run up very
light, and a rest will do him the power of good, he should
be out and about on the quicker ground in about a month.
Rousing Rob is recovering well, an X-ray of his forearm
will be taken in the next couple of weeks and all being
well he will be able to go out in the field when the weather
warms up a bit. Bobby is in grand form and I cannot wait
to get him back for next season. |
Wednesday
19 March 2008. Rory and Karen Lawther were up
yesterday morning and brought a home bred Gildoran mare
for us to have a look at with a view to having her to
run for the racing club. although a really nice mare,she
was a little way off a run and so we decided to pass on
her and try to get something that is a little bit closer
to getting on to the course.There is a Doncaster sale
in a couple of weeks and there are a few potential types
entered, I may have to pay a visit with my cheque book.
Mattaking did a really striking piece of work and
seems to have improved since his last run. He is entered
at Towcester on Easter Sunday, but I would think it
would take near Sahara type conditions to dry out the
track enough to let us take our chance. We will be patient
as he is another who needs a bit of decent ground.
The ground will be drying up at Haydock for Important
Business, but it seems as though we are due to get a
lot of rain tomorrow, and possibly a few snow flurries
by Saturday, so his participation is still very much
in the balance.
|
Monday
17 March 2007 Happy Paddys Day!! We were at Uttoxeter
on Saturday, and it was packed to the gunnells with people
again. They really do come to this meeting in their droves,
and most seem intent on having a really good time, which
usually involves drinking a fair amount of the sponsors
product!! Ogee ran in the Novices Hurdle and ran probably
his best hurdle race to date. He jumped better today and
although he found various traffic problems throughout
the race it seemed to really get his dander up and he
finished really well to be second, beaten 8 lengths by
a very very good horse from Nicky Hendersons. I think
that Punchestowns could be a serious horse and is definitely
one to keep the right side of in the future.
Also at Uttoxeter, we were interested in the Malcolm
Jefferson trained Cape Tribulation in the bumper, as
he is a Hernando half brother to the dam of our latest
purchase Rousing Rob. We were not disappointed as he
fair bolted up under a penalty, to add to his Market
Rasen victory earlier in the month, so it looks as though
the pedigree of our horse has another significant member,
and has taken a real boost. Our chap has already shown
us heaps at home, and anyone interested in either of
the shares left in him for next season should give me
a call, or send an email.
I am really pleased that we did not declare foe Weatherby
on Saturday as the ground up there was really quick
and a little rough. Sam who had 2 rides and managed
a winner for Richard Guest says that we would not have
run if we had gone, so the right decision was made.
We would not have been alone, as there were 8 and 9
non runners in some races. I do not think there is much
firm ground left about now after the deluge on Saturday
night, so we will have to see what we do with Important
Business for now. He will have an entry for Haydock
on Saturday in the hope that the ground dries up, but
if it does not we will ease off of him for a couple
of weeks and get going again when we get some decent
proper spring ground. |
Friday
14 March 2007. It has arrived!! The clash that
all jump fans have been waiting for - Kauto Star v Denman.
Paul Nicholls is without doubt a master of his art but
even he must pinch himself to have the best horse he has
ever trained as favourite for the Gold Cup, AND have a
horse in the next door stable that really could be anything,
and that could actually make the rest of the field, Kauto
included , look like a bunch of handicappers!! Just for
the record, I think Kauto will win, but really I will
be backing Knowhere to place and enjoying the spectacle
of these two great chasers locking horns.
I hope that you were on my tips yesterday, a few winners
in there including Our Vic who reminded me so much of
our Olney Lad, made all in first time blinkers!
Back In Line advised Each Way - 3rd, Albertas Run -
1st, Our Vic - 1st, Inglis Drever 1st.
What a thrilling days racing it was, and we saw 2 great
performances in Master Minded who looks like the best
horse I have ever seen, and dear old 'Uncle ' Inglis
Drever who won his third Stayers Crown. I simply adore
this horse as he is so tough and genuine, and a real
star to come back from injury the way he has, it nearly
brought a tear to my eye.
Tips for today: 12.30 Theatre Girl + Sweet Kiln .
1.05 Aigle D'Or + Group Captain. 1.40 County Zen + Junior
ew 2.15 Franchoek + Five Dream ew. 2.50 Lodge Lane +
Tother One ew. 3.30 Between the big 2 , but have Knowhere
to place at 4/1.4.05 Lou Du Moulin Mas 4.40 Take Nicky
Hendersons Mare My Petra to win the race named in honour
of his father.5.20 If you have any cash left then there
are 3 in the last to have a look at , I'msingingtheblues
, Mon Michel and Mountain. Good Luck and enjoy the clash
of the titans!!
Unfortunately the ground at Wetherby has gone too
quick believe it or not. The Clerk of the course is
giving it as Good To Firm with a going stick reading
of 9.5 which is getting to be plenty quick enough even
for us, so Important Business will just have to wait
for a few days. Frustrating, but we do not want to do
any damage to him at this stage of his career. |
Thursday
13 March 2008 No Cheltenham yesterday, and what
a brave decision it was to call it off! Although I was
not in the area yesterday, I do know that it was really
blowing a gale as one trainer that I spoke to, who is
not far away decided to give his horses a day off instead
of trying to exercise them! With the strict health and
safety rules that have got this country by the balls it
really was a no brainer on the part of Cheltenhams Edward
Gillespie to postpone the days sport. It does of course
mean that the next 2 days are the best that a racing fan
can wish for. I put up 2 seconds on the first day, and
that is a reflection of how the whole day went really,
and today there are even more opportunities to do your
money!! I will give you a few for today, just for a bit
of fun 12.30 Back On Line ew. 1.05 Albertas Run and Air
Force One. 1.40 Boomshakalaka ew. 2.20 Voy Por Ustedes.
2.55 Our Vic+ L'Antartique 3.30 Ingles Drever+ My Way
De Solzen ew.4.05 Crozan + IL Duce.4.40 Good Luck Sam.
5.15 Noir Et Vert + Beat The Boys. 5.50 Anybodys guess!!
Now at least you know the ones to avoid!!!
The ground remains Good to Firm, Good in Places at
Wetherby, which will suit Important Business, so it
looks as though he will be taking his chance at their
meeting in Saturday, just as long as his co-owner and
assistant trainer have recovered from their antics at
the Festival!!
Matty has been ticking over since his last run , and
he will do a bit of work on Saturday and all being well
be entered up during the next week.
There are developments on going with regards to a replacement
for Bobby Gee and I am very hopeful that by the middle
of next week Nick Brown Racing will be able to announce
the arrival of an exciting mare that will be ready to
run in about 3 weeks. I will keep you all posted.
Rousing Rob is recovering well.
|
Monday
10 March 2008. With gales and wind hitting oiur
shores today it is definitely a day to stay inside, but
unfortunately you just can't do that with the horses so
thoughts go out to all stable staff who had to ride out
this morning. Saturday was entirely different, and it
was good to see Kate, Michael and Evie on the gallops
for second lot. They saw their horse Mattaking do his
first canter since his Huntingdon run, and were also able
to see Ogee and Important Business do a really good piece
of work together. Ogee will be entered for Uttoxeter on
Saturday and Important Business is likely to go to Wetherby
on the same day, though he will also have an entry at
Uttoxeter on Saturday and Lingfield on Monday. They are
both in really good form and I am looking forward to them
both running. Bobby is still well and as soon as the weather
warms up he will go out in the field, and Rob is recovering
well from his hiccup and is moving as if nothing is wrong
now.
Cheltenham this week, and hopefully we get the weeks
sport that it promises to be. Everyone keeps asking
me Kauto or Denman, and I have to say that I think Kauto
will win, always go with proven form, and the form of
all his races this year has been superior to that of
Denman in any case.Osana is my fancy for the Champion
Hurdle, and I think that Pipe Jnr will be very close
to winning the Sunderlands bonus again this year as
I think that Saturdays winner Askhazar will take a deal
of beating in the Fred Winter, they say he has come
out of the race well, and should emulate his stable-mate
Gaspara, who won the bonus for David Pipe last year.
Good luck to all, and have a fantastic festival if you
are going. Hope to see you there!!
|
Monday
3 March 2008 A reasonable day at Huntingdon yesterday.
It was pleasing to see Pleasurable come back to form,
she ran really well on a track that would have been too
sharp for her and over a trip that was definitely too
short. The experiment was to see if she handled the ground
and she seemed to do that, so upped in trip on a stiffer
track and she should not be long in winning. I hope you
all managed to get on each way!! Mattaking, was really
the pick of the paddock, and well done to Alice who came
on her day off and picked up the best turned out award,
she is now level with Rachel with 3 apiece, this competition
could go right down to the wire. Matty ran a sound race
for his first effort over hurdles. It was a weak affair
and as predicted Ollie Sherwoods mare fairly carted up.
Matty is a bit of a riddle wrapped in an enigma - he has
a bundle of ability but seems to be far more happy to
keep it to himself, he jumped adequately on his debut
and will no doubt benefit from the experience but his
tendency to lug in behind the winner was slightly concerning,
we will have to try and find a way of getting him to put
his best foot forward.
Important Business has been entered for the EBF Final
at Sandown on Saturday, but off his current mark I would
doubt if he will get a run. We will continue to look
for races for him as he is really well and continues
to really impress at home. When we see it on the racecourse
he will take some stopping!!
Rousing Rob has had his debut put on hold as he has
suffered a bit of a set back, he will now spend the
spring and summer in the field and come back into training
in July. A bit frustrating , but being in training this
winter will have stood him in good stead for next year
and he has certainly shown us enough to keep us all
on our toes and dreaming of winners over the summer!!
Bobby is 100% now and enjoying his rest and relaxation.
When he is in work he can be a little aloof in his box,
and not really want anything to do with anyone, but
now that he has adjusted to being off games he really
craves a bit of attention. He will soon, sadly be joined
in his pen by Rock Wren who has injured a tendon and
will be on th easy list for a bit longer than Bobs. |
Saturday 1
March 2008 Never a dull moment in a racing
yard and today was certainly no exception. First lot
saw Matty and Pleasurable have a little refresher in
the jumps field and then head off to the gallop to to
a nice canter before their intended runs at Huntingdon
tomorrow. Both schooled beautifully, and with only 5
runners in Mattys race I really do hope that we think
the ground is safe, as it would be a lovely introduction
to hurdling for him.Jamie Moore takes the ride, he is
a really good strong jockey, and is in the form of his
life at the moment so with him in the plate and the
better ground sure to suit we think that our Matty should
show vastly improved form. I think it will be tough
for him to win as Ollie Sherwoods mare looks hard to
beat, but anything could happen!! Pleasurable runs in
the opener and if we leave the form of her last run
behind I think she would have a good each way chance
as she is in really good form.
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Friday
29 February 2008. I had a walk around Huntingdon
yesterday, and to be quite honest I did not like what
I saw one bit. The ground is in awful condition! The Clerk
of the course is currently giving the ground as good/
good to firm in places and on paper this would be ideal
for Mattaking (although Pleasurable would not run on it),
but in truth the ground is SO rough with some very bare
patches that we actually need some rain to make it a bit
safer.I think we will declare Matty,as there is a bit
of rain forecast, but will have a close look at the state
of the ground on Sunday before we make the final decision
if to run or not. This is a far from ideal scenario, as
many of the members of The Ravenstone Partnership will
be changing their plans for Mothers Day to get to the
course, and if their horse does not run it will all have
been for nothing, but I am sure they would all agree that
the safety of their man is all important.
The vote for the name of the Selkirk was held last
night, and it was a really close run thing! We originally
had a tie with Counting Pennies and Rousing Rob each
receiving 2 votes, but the casting vote went the way
of Rousing Rob so Mrs Robeson will begin the naming
process and The Chicheley Partnership will have their
first runner, hopefully at Uttoxeter on March 15, Midlands
National Day.
|
Wednesday
27 February 2008. Matty is entered at Huntingdon
on Sunday, and has a ballot of 29 so should get a run.
He continues to school very very well. Important Business
has come out of his Sandown race in good form, and we
will look for a race in about 3 weeks for him. I am just
waiting for 1more suggestion for a name of the Selkirk
horse and then we can crack on and get him named. As soon
as this is done he will be running. |
Sunday
23 February 2008 Sorry for the delay in the update,
but it has taken an extra day to get over the disappointment
of Friday. We really thought that we would have a winner
with Important Business but it was not to be. On reflection
we feel there was a number of factors that added up to
getting us beaten. He got a bit worked up in the prelims,
the race was run at a crawl for the first mile and we
were forced to make the pace, it turns out that our chap
needs to go left handed, and the ground was no where near
the good that they gave, and the racing posts time based
ground figures give it as being soft which certainly did
not help!! All in all a bitter disappointment, but we
know that he is better than that and we will regroup and
fight an other day. He came home and ate up and was sound
yesterday morning, so that is all good.
Matty was scoped after work this morning, as he gave
a couple of coughs after his Kempton run, and he was
clean today, so he will be entered for Huntingdon an
March 2.we want quicker ground, but he will not run
if the ground is rough which it was when we were there
on Thursday.
The Selkirk gelding went really well and will have
a run, as soon as he has been named.
|
Friday
22 February 2008 Ogee ran a really good race
in the Sidney Banks Memorial novices hurdle at Huntingdon
yesterday. Usually a race that is used as a stepping stone
to the festival by many of the trainers of the best novices
in the country, and yesterdays renewal was no exception!
A quality field and a really good race, just watching
these good horses you can tell that they are going so
much faster than noirmal. Ogee finished 6 beaten 15 lengths
off the front, so he ran right up to his mark, jumped
a lot better, and we learned a little more about him today.
His turn will not be far away now, despite what Mr Neesom
thinks in RUK!!
Today is the turn of our own fellow Important Business
at Sandown today. Good to have Sam back in the plate,
not that Jamie did anyhting wrong last time!! It is
his handicap debut and I think he will run a nice race.
Lets hope both come back safe and sound (and first)!!
There will be a full report and photos tomorrow. |
Thursday
21 February 2008 Important Business is declared
at Sandown tomorrow. He will face 18 other rivals on his
handicap debut, and if all goes well he should run a nice
race. He is in the rudest of health and has been working
well. Matty continues to impress with his jumping and
is a real natural, so much so that he will be entered
to make his hurdling debut at Ludlow next Thursday. The
ground at the Shropshire track should be it's usual good
or quicker and I think this will certainly suit as I am
not totally sure that he enjoyed the soft at Kempton last
time.I am sure he will leave his bumper form behind. |
Monday
18 February 2008. Brett the vet was in this morning
to do a few little jobs, he scoped Important Business
and he was clean, bloods were taken and the results this
afternoon showed that all was well with him. The Selkirk
gelding was fully vetted, and I mean fully vetted!! The
examination included both a scope and scans and I am pleased
to say that he passed with flying colours. I have agreed
his purchase, and he is now the property of The Chicheley
Partnership for who he should be running in the next couple
of weeks, just as soon as a name has been agreed, he has
been putting in some really tasty pieces of work on the
gallops so we are very much looking forward to his debut. |
Saturday
16 February 2008. A really lovely morning on
the hill, although we could have done with a bit of heat
in the sun!! Everywhere was pretty much frozen, so all
horses used the all weather, what a bonus it is to have
this gallop, it really makes you wonder how things were
done before the days of woodchip and poly track. Mattaking
has only been on light exercise since his debut run at
Kempton, and Stuart has taken the opportunity to start
him jumping, and touch wood, he seems to have taken to
it really well, he has schooled alone and upsides, so
his first run over hurdles will not be far away. Important
Business is still in good form, although a really minor
hitch saw him miss his last canter this morning, but he
still remains firmly on course for his handicap debut
at Sandown next Friday. Unfortunately the treatment that
Bobby has been having has not fully worked, so the only
cure for him is time. This means that he has run his last
race of the season which is a huge shame for the Club.
They have had only a couple of runs out of their man this
winter, but what a thrill they have had, finishing second
at Warwick and then winning at Uttoxeter where the sound
of the celebrations is still reverberating around the
course!! The good news is that Bobby will be staying at
Fences Farm for the remainder of his career, so we have
plenty to look forward to!! I will be on the lookout for
a replacement for Bobby so that the Club can have a bit
more fun for the remainder of the season and beyond.The
Selkirk gelding will be vetted next week and all being
well he will then be the property of The Chicheley Partnership
and should be running as soon as he is named.
|
Tuesday
12 February 2008 Important Business' handicap
mark remains unchanged, even though the form of the horses
that have finished around him in all of his races just
keeps getting better and better, it was a fear that the
handicapper may have looked at his races and raised him.
Mattaking and the Selkirk gelding have both had their
first pop over an obstacle this morning and both took
to it well. The Selkirk will be vetted in the next few
days and as long as all is well he will soon be running
for the newly formed Chicheley Partnership. Cettis Warbler
has now left Fences and gone to be readied for her broodmare
career at Southcourt, I hope all goes well and she produces
some lovely foals who like her go on to win plenty of
races.Bobby is Ok this morning so hopefully we have turned
a corner with him.We could do with some rain by the end
of the week for Rock Wren if he is to run at Fakenham
although he does have a fall back entry at Uttoxeter.
The drying ground should suit both Palila and Dareyna
who have entries.Cyd Charisse has arrived back at Fences
to resume her season, she looks really well and the spell
at Michael and Fionas and will now be got ready for a
spring campaign. |
Monday
11 February 2008. Busy weekend so the update
is a little late. Back on Friday we sent 2 to Kempton
Park. Ogee was a good second in the 2m 5f novices hurdle,
his jumping still left a little bit to be desired, but
was adequate and he stayed on well behind the decent King
Jack. Although he certainly has the talent to win a novice,
he may well go down the handicap route. I cannot understand
why the press are always so rude about his attitude, we
do not think that he is in anyway holding anything back,it's
just that he is a lazy horse and does nothing in a hurry,
he will be winning soon! Mattaking ran a sound race in
the bumper although his finishing position does certainly
not tell the whole story. He has been a big green baby
at home, so the instructions were to get him in the hurly
burly of the race and make a man of him.He travelled through
the race far better than expected, and was actually fourth
as they turned into the straight, but at this point the
rest of the field drifted off the rail and left him slightly
isolated, and being a bit green he wandered about and
didn't quite know what was expected of him. Rodi was very
kind on him and let him coast home in his own time, he
will be a lot better next time when he will be jumping
a few hurdles over a more appropriate trip. Both runners
have come out of their races in good order.
On Sunday it was off to Hereford. Pleasurable was upped
in trip in the Mares Only Novice Hurdle. A real disappointment,
she was really flat and was pulled up when tailed off
before the last. She was scoped at the races , but no
problems were found so it's back to the drawing board
with her. A little break may be the answer as she has
been on the go for a long time, and may be feeling it
a bit.
Bobby continues to have little niggles, but has cantered
away today and all seems to be well again with him,but
it is a bit of a day to day thing.
Important Business is in the form of his life and was
bucking and kicking on his way back from exercise on
Saturday. He has matured and put on a bit of weight,
and we are looking forward to his next run! |
Thursday
7 February 2008 Two go to Kempton. And a bit
like an Enid Blyton tale it could be quite an adventure.
Ogee is declared in the 2m 5 furlong Novices Hurdle, and
with a little less emphasis on speed he should jump better
and run a nice race. Mattaking is declared for the concluding
bumper, and although lots of things are against him it
will be a valuable part of his education. I hope he enjoys
his day at the races and learns what he is all about.
|
Tuesday
5 February 2008. Bobby has resumed full exercise,
and was ridden around the farm today. His problems appear
to be well behind him, and now it is time to kick on and
try to get a second win out of him, and off his current
mark who says that can't happen.No rock Wren at Market
Rasen today as the ground is decribed as simply awful.
It's a sure sign things are not great with the going when
the Clerk Of The Course is actually trying to put you
off running. There will be other days for Rocky, he is
well. I saw Cyd Charisse last weekend when I went to see
Michael and Fiona Kehoe, Cyd looks really well seems to
be enjoying her mid season holiday, she should be back
at Fences Farm in the next week or so. Heebie Jeebie is
also having a break down at Southcourt Stud and will return
to run on the better ground in the spring. Nothing ever
came to light regarding the really poor run of Dareyna
at Huntingdon, it could only have been the awful ground.
She has schooled really well and will be entered up in
the next few days.Ogee has been intensively schooled and
his technique has definitely improved at home, let's hope
he can carry that through to the racecourse. |
Saturday
2 February 2008. No snow! And a really good morning
on the gallops. Crisp first thing, and you would not have
gone on the grass today,but all the horses seem in good
form, and that always keeps the cold out! First lot saw
Ogee and Rock Wren both work well ahead of their intended
races next week, Rocky is in at Market Rasen, and Ogee
will go to either Kempton on Friday, or Newbury on Saturday.
It was nice to welcome Michael Dunkley over to Fences
Farm for second lot. Michael is a new member of The
Ravenstone Partnership and he seemed to really enjoy
seeing his new horse Mattaking work well, although he
did look a little chilly! Mattaking did work well, and
a change of tack that Stuart thought may do the trick
does seem to have worked, so it is all systems go with
him and he was entered for a Kempton bumper on Friday.
I think the track and trip will be on the short side
for him, but he just needs to go to the races and learn
that he is a racehorse.
Also out in the second lot was the Selkirk gelding
who showed up really well, and did a particularly eyecatching
piece of work. Charlie Brandon who rode him was very
impressed and reported that he seems to have plenty
of gears. Geoff Bridgford who was in the Sherington
Partnership, and had such bad luck with Paix Eternelle
was up the hill, and he was suitably impressed to buy
a share in him on the spot. There are only 2 shares
remaining, and I think they will be snapped up pretty
quickly so get in touch if you want to be part of the
fun - you will not be waiting long as he will be running
in about 3 weeks. He is being vetted on Wednesday to
confirm his wellbeing and after that it is all systems
go. His pedigree is outstanding, with lots and lots
of Black Type, and so many winners that only 2 generations
can fit on the page!! (Click here
to view Pedigree).
Important Business went out third lot, and Stuart said
he felt in really good order - he said he was like trying
to ride a slippery eel. It is the intention to run him
in the EBF Final but with his current rating he may
not get in, so his next race may be at Sandown in a
0-120 handicap, which will be a good trial for the Final
a fortnight later.I hope you were all on Fresh Winter
on Friday, as I said, on my handicap he was well in,
but I did not expect him to bolt up by 17 lengths!!
Bobby Gee was on the walker today as he continues to
recover from his little niggle, he should be cantering
again next week, and be running mid to late Feb.
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Friday
1 February 2008 Pretty dire ground at Towcester
yesterday, and it was this that just found out Cettis
Warbler. The blinkers had the desired effect and seemed
to sharpen her up, but the really soft ground just caught
her out a bit. Not sure what happens to her now, but if
her racing days are over she would make the most wonderful
broodmare. Being a Mares Only Chase Final winner I should
think that the stallion men will be falling over themselves
to get Mrs Robeson to use their horses, it could be fun
trying to find her a 'husband'. John Mackies Fresh Winter
that finished fifth behind Important Business at Doncaster
last Friday runs again today, and if our rating is anything
to go by he should win, albeit the grond is very different
from last week. He is upped in trip but bred to get this
far so I can see him being well handicapped. Incidently
the winner of last weeks race Lease Lend is declared to
run at Weatherby tomorrow if they escape the weather,
and it will be interesting to see how he runs. Two horses
to very much keep the right side of. No runners this weekend,
so a busy day on the hill tomorrow, I hope there is no
snow! |
Thursday
31 January 2008 Not at Towcester today due to
company audits, but Stuart reports that the ground is
really bad. It will certainly not be to the liking of
Matty, who will now stay at home tomorrow rather than
going there to gallop. We want him to enjoy his experience,
and pulling him about on that grond will only be counter-productive.
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Wednesday
30 January 2008. Last night Paix Eternelle went
through the ring at Doncaster. It was a really poor night
and due to the massive overproduction of foals in the
bloodstock industry at the moment the value of mares,
particularly National Hunt mares, is at rock bottom, and
in the end we were really lucky to get a bid on our girl
and she was led out at the minimum bid of 600 guineas.
She will be coming back to our area, and will be put in
foal. A really sad end to a venture that started off with
all before it. I was quoted in the local press as saying
that this season was to be 'Paix' back time and we would
make hay with the mare this year with the new mares only
series at the forefront of our minds. It was not to be
with her although I am pleased to say that most of the
members of the Sherington Partnership have been accomodated
into new ventures and were, although disappointed by their
experiences with Nellie, not totally put off racehorse
ownership.I hope we can give them all some decent sport
with their new charges. I suppose there is always a silver
lining to a cloud, and in this case it is Bobby Gee who
came to us as a replacement for Nellie, and we all know
what he has achieved this season, would have been nice
to have both though!! |
Saturday 26 January
2008. Important Business seems to have come out
of his race in fine form, he got back and could not wait
to get his head in his feed, and was literally bucking
and kicking when he was led out this morning, even so
he will still have an easy couple of weeks and we will
see on Tuesday what the handicapper does and then plans
can be made from there. Getting him to the final on a
stiffer track with a low weight would be ideal!!
On the gallops this morning the Selkirk gelding went
really well and gave Stuart good feel so he should be
staying in the yard. There are only 2 shares left in
him so anyone interested should get in touch quickly.He
is only about 3 weeks off a run so you will not have
to wait very long to see your horse on the course.
Matty is now officially named Mattaking and was yesterday
entered in a Wincanton bumper on Thursday. He has been
working really well, but typically today when a few
of his owners turned out to see their new boy he decided
to behave like a real baby, and worked so green that
any plans to run on Thursday had to be scrapped. They
race at Towcester on Thursday and if they will let us
we may take him for a racecourse gallop either after
racing or on Friday morning, he just needs to grow up.
Young horses are often this way, he has been going really
well and pulling his way up the gallops for the past
couple of weeks but just today he took it upon himself
to look around, not concentrate and curl up under his
rider. He certainly has the ability, he now has to learn
how to use it!
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Friday 25 January
2008 Another second!! How unlucky is our little
chap Important Business, this is the third time he has
run into a good one! Saying that, what a brave and gutsy
performance it was. With Sam at Newbury and Jimmy suspended
it was down to Jamie Moore to do the steering and he rode
a peach of a race. Always in the front rank he looked
to be travelling really well of the home turn, only to
be swallowed up and go a couple of lengths down, but he
our lad battled back and was just in front landing over
the last and it looked as though he would go on to win
but yet again he was to go a lengths down but amazingly
battled back near the line to reduce the final margin
to 1/2 a length. Jamie was chuffed with him and thought
that having to switch up the home straight may have cost
him, but he was really complimentary about our horse and
said he will be winning in the very near future.Although
I was really pleased with the performance and it was a
definite step up for Important Business, it was gutting
to finish second once again, especially as the money was
down!! IB has now finished second three times and in those
runs has been beaten a total of 3 lengths, how unlucky
is that!!! Th form figures for all of our horses this
season now read, 1 win 3 seconds a fourth and a fifth.
Not bad so far but I think there is better to come.
Cettis Warbler seems fine after her run yesterday,
and Rock Wren is entered for Leicester and Chepstow
next week.
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Thursday
24 January 2008 Important Business goes to Donny
tomorrow. Jamie Moore takes the ride as Sam has to be
at Newbury for his boss Brendan Powell, and Jimmy is suspended.
Jamie is a really good lad and a great little jockey,
if he gives our boy a ride like the one he gave Cyd Charisse
to win at Uttoxeter earlier in the season then we should
be in for some fun!! IB is really well and has come out
of his Huntingdon race bucking and kicking, there are
a few decent types in the race but I think that we will
improve a bundle for the step up in trip so a good run
is expected. It will be good to go and see the modifications
they have made to the course as although a really good
galloping track- it was a barn of a place, and I hope
that the upgrade has been succesful. Fingers crossed for
a good run and we get round safe and sound. |
Wednesday
23 January 2008 Bobby Gee will unfortunately
miss his intended targets at the end of this month, but
has suffered only a minor niggle and should be back on
the course in about 3 weeks. we still hope to qualify
him for the EBF Final at Sandown but we may have to drop
in trip slightly to do so. Ogee runs today at Huntingdon.
This represents a far easier option than that he faced
on debut and he should run well, he is quite lazy and
was not quite match fit at Newbury, so he will improve
from that and could go close. Important Business' blood
test results came in last night and are perfect, the vets
have confirmed Stuarts view that the horse is in the form
of his life, so with him facing a slightly increased test
of stamina on Friday, I think we can be hopeful of a good
run. 'Mattaking' is coming along really well and did a
good piece of work yesterday, he will not be far off running,
and all being well should make his debut in a bumper in
early February. |
Tuesday
22 January 2008. Just when I pray for a bit of
drier weather in Yorkshire they go and get some really
dire stuff and the place is flooded - typical!!! All seems
to be well at home, Bobby has met with a really minor
hiccup, and it will be a bit of a race against time to
get him ready for the qualifiers at the end of the month,
and as they are getting few and far between it would be
a real shame if he were to miss out. All that can be done
will be done to get him to the races on either of the
2 days, it really is frustrating when these things happen,
but thats racing! Important Business continues to thrive
and worked well this morning and although the floods are
out up north I think we will still take our chance and
try to get him qualified as well if the meeting survives.
Doncaster is very free draining so things are hopeful
on that score. Our new Breeze Up horse is progressing
well and moving really nicely on the gallops. Before I
went away, a vote was undertaken by the members of The
Ravenstone Partnership, and the name that came out on
top was Mattaking which was the first choice of Roger
and Mavis Butson who have been in all of the syndicates
that I have formed, well done to them both. The naming
process was put in progress by Mrs Robeson in my absence,
and subject to the name passing the necessary checks it
should be confirmed in the next few days and we can look
at getting him entered. It looks like a busy spell for
the syndicate horses so keep up with events here. |
Monday
21 January 2008 I pick up the racing post today
and see a lovely picture of Important Business on page
7. He is pictured behind Anthony Bromley and Peter Thomas
as they stand beside the paddock at Huntingdon. It shows
him off quite well, but I wish he didn't have his tongue
out!! As I mentioned we were away for a few days, and
I must thank Nick and Jane Walton for inviting us to spend
a lovely week with them at their property in Antigua.
Nick has been a member of The Tyringham Partnership from
the start, well actually more precisely Jane has, as he
purchased his share in Olney Lad for her as a wedding
present!!Antigua is a lovely island, and I can recommend
it to anyone, we even managed to see Shirley Heights and
Mill Reef, which was a pretty good effort to see these
two legends of the turf on one small island!! It was lovely
to get away, and I'm sure I will feel the benefits as
soon as the jet lag wears off!! The entries for Doncaster
look pretty strong but at least all three of the stables
entries should get a run, lets hope we don't get too much
rain. |
Monday
21 January 2008 Sorry for the recent lack of
updates, but as some of you know I have been away for
the last week, and by the looks of things I could not
have chosen a better week to get away as there was a distinct
lack of racing during the past seven days. So we must
go back in time to Friday January 11 when the yard had
3 runners at Huntingdon. The Cambridgeshire track is usually
associated with good ground but even that had to change
as it rained all morning and the ground changed from good
to soft to heavy in the matter of a few hours, unfortunately
this was not going to suit all of the days runners. Firstly
our boy Important Business ran in the 2m Novices Hurdle
and ran a blinder in a really hot contest. The rain soften
ground was a real worry before the race as all of his
family have wanted a decent surface and as he has such
a lovely action we thought that he would be no exception.
One thing was for sure though, he would not lack for courage
as he really is a tough little fellow! As it transpired
he acted well enough on the ground and ran really well
to finish fifth, unfortunately not in the first four to
qualify for the final but a really good race in what was
a very warm heat. In hindsight I think if Sam had committed
for home before turning out of the back straight he could
have burnt off some of the speed of the 2 milers and we
would have finished a bit closer but still a really good
run all the same and it does at least prove that he acts
on the ground. Unfortunately this was not the case for
the yards other 2 runners who both ran poorly, it seems
the ground found out Heebie Jeebie and she will now have
a bit of a break and wait for better ground, and Dareynas
run was too bad to be true, and I am sure something will
come to light.Important Business returned sound and well
and will be entered for a race at Doncaster on 25 January.
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Thursday
10 January 2008 As planned Important Business is declared
to run at Huntingdon tomorrow. The race looks like a hot
affair, and our boy will have to be at his very best to
lower the colours of some of these over this trip, but
at least he will be running on some of the best ground
in the country at the moment, and this is the reason for
running. Heebie Jeebie also runs in the Mares Only Handicap
and has been in good form, and should run her usual honest
race. Dareyna is declared in the Bumper and I am confident
she will leave her debut running well behind. Good luck
to them all! |
Monday
7 January 2007. We are now praying for a dryer week,
as we have Important Business in a Novices Hurdle at Huntingdon
on Friday. We all think that he needs a decent bit of
ground so we are hoping that there is not a lot more rain
this week and that the ground will remain around Good
to Soft. He did a really nice piece of work on Saturday
and definitely seems to have come on for his hurdling
debut as so many do, and although the trip is on the short
side he should run well.
Mrs Robeson has entrered Cettis Warbler at Carlisle, so
there seems to be a long drive for Stuart in th offing.
The track should suit and the trip seems ideal so hopefully
she will come back to a bit of form, if not it will be
a bl**dy long drive home!!
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Saturday 5 January
2007. What a beautiful morning! You could be forgiven
for thinking that it was spring this morning, it was lovely.
It was slightly less busy for me as well today, Ian and
Mary Burchell were due in to see their new horse, 'Matty'
but Mary has got this rotten cold that is doing the rounds
and so wisely chose to stay at home in the warm. We wish
her a speedy recovery, and look forward to showing her
her new 'baby' in the near future. It was good to see
Alan Gibson today,and I think he left thinking it was
good to see us, as his horse Important Business did a
fantastic piece of work, and really looked exciting. I
think he left with a rather large smile on his face!!
Bobby had one canter, and all seems well after his win
last Monday,and Matty went really well and is learning
his job all the time, he really does look the part and
is the most fabulous mover. He will be named shortly which
is always an exciting time for new owners, and I am getting
a few of their suggestions back through the post now,
They really have been putting in a great deal of effort
and I am sure that our chap will get a name befitting
of his looks and athleticism.
If anyone is interested in joining a new 8 person Partnership
then please get in touch, as there are only a couple of
places left. We have a horse for sale in the yard, and
we think he is worth having, so get in touch for further
details.
Important Business is entered up a few times this week,
but the state of the ground and quality of opposition
will determine where he runs. At the moment Huntingdon
on Friday looks favourite. |
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Wednesday
2 January 2008 The good news to start the year is
that Bobby Gee seems to have come out of his race in good
order. He will spend a few days in the field and then
come back into work at the end of the week, but at this
stage all looks well and he appears to be enjoying his
time out in the field with Sukie.In fact all of the runners
from the past week appear to be A1 after their races,
although Pleasurable did have a bit of an infection in
a hind leg, but that seems to be all clear now. Important
Business continues to surprise us in that he had a pretty
hard race at Bangor but after a few days doing very little
he is bucking and kicking and in really good form with
himself, so the plans of running him at the end of the
month have had to be re-drawn and he will now have a spin
in the next couple of weeks, as it is just like sitting
on an electric eel when they ride him at the moment. He
is already entered in a maiden hurdle at Ludlow but it
is unlikely that he will go there, the more likely option
is an EBF qualifier at Huntingdon on January 11. |
Monday 31 December
2007. WELL DONE BOBBY GEE!! What a way to end the
year, good old Bobs does the business at Uttoxeter. I
have always found the holiday period between Christmas
and New Year the ideal time to run horses. Firstly a bigger
percentage of partneship members are usally free to go
racing, and with the greater volume of meetings scheduled,
it usually means that the races are often a little easier
to win. Bobby Gee had been ready to run for a couple of
weeks, but I advised the club members that we would wait
until this period for a run to try and get a win out of
our boy. Their patience was well rewarded, as after being
entered in a few Novice and Maiden Hurdles but getting
a really low ballot, we plumped for a Class 3 Handicap
Hurdle with a prize fund of £8,500 that cut up to
just 8 runners, and it looked to be a perfect opportunity
for our man to get off the mark. And so it prooved, travelling
well on the soft ground he quickened away turning in and
under a great ride from Sam, strode away to win by 13
lengths, something that Sam apologised for, but in fairness
I don't think you can start thinking of easing down on
soft ground as that is when those horrible episodes occur
when something can come up and do you on the line. This
was a very special winner for Sam as it was his first
winner for Uncle Stuart and Mrs Robeson. He was all smiles
afterwards as it has been a bit of a while coming, but
I was thrilled that it happened on one of ours. Sam really
is a super lad and I am sure that he will go on to some
really big things as a Jump Jockey. There was a massive
turn out to see Bobby win, 28 club members made the trip,
along with a number of friends of the yard, it all made
it a really good day, I have never seen so many smiling
faces, it certainly makes all the hard work put in by
all involved so worthwhile!! Thanks to everyone for their
messages of thanks and congratulations, we will now have
a sit down and plan Bobbys next run which will probably
be an EBF qualifier at the end of January or the beginning
of February. Meanwhile Bobby will have a well earned few
days off in the paddock, and come back to work at the
end of the week. Once again congratulations to all involved!!
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By Permission Of Alan Wright of Official Photographers
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Sunday
30 December 2007 Bobby is declared to run at Uttoxeter
tomorrow. It was at this meeting 8 years ago that we had
our first runner, Outplacement, so it is great that we
get to go back, although I hope Bobby does a bit better
than Wiz did on that day. Since then of course we have
had some really great days at the Midlands track, Olney
Lad won twice, Cettis Warbler won the Listed Mares Olnly
Chase Final along with countless other triumphs, and it
really is a place that we all love to go to.Bobby makes
his handicap debut tomorrow, and as is often the case
between Christmas and New Year the race has cut up to
only 8 runners. This will be ideal and I am hopeful that
Bobby will run really well, I think he probably deserves
to be favourite. I will apologise now for the report of
the day being late as I can see us having a bit of a party
on News Years Eve, a double celebration I think!! |
Saturday 29 December 2007. Newbury today, Pleasurable
in the Juvenile Hurdle with only the matter of a classic
contender to beat, and the mystery horse that was mentioned
on here a few weeks ago, Ogee, running in a really hot
introductory hurdle. Pleasurable is another tough youngster
and ran really well in a race full of some really classy
types. Jimmy had thought she may pick up a place before
the race which would have been a really amazing result
considering her opposition, but as it was she was flat
out for most of the way and finished a creditable ninth
in the circumstances. Ogee was the mystery horse and one
that everyone has been looking forward to. He is a 93
rated stayer on the flat for Sir Michael Stoute, and if
he took to hurdles he could be more than a bit useful.
The race was restricted to horses who have only run in
a maximum of 1 hurdle race, so they are nearly all at
the same stage of their career, and it was an ideal starting
point.Ogee had schooled well at home, in fact he jumps
the chase fences better than the hurdles so we were hopeful
that all would be well in that department, he had been
a bit lazy but his work had improved lately so actually
getting to the end of his race was a bit of a worry, and
as it was this is exactly what happened, he jumped OK
travelled well until between the last two flights where
his lack of match fitness caught up with him and he finished
a really good sixth. Plenty to like about the run and
all at Fences Farm hope that he can go on to bigger and
better things. |
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Friday 28 December
2007 A busy time of things between Christmas and New
Year, and today it was the turn of Rock Wren to go to
the races at Leicester. Rocky had some decent bumper form
but up until now had not shown too much over hurdles.
It has been his jumping that had let him down, he is such
a tough little so and so that he has no respect for his
obstacles and tends to just try and run through them.
The plan was to get him settled and jumping and do his
best. Sam did this to perfection and Rocky really made
a mockery of his 100/1 odds by finishing a very fast finishing
second to a mare of Paul Webbers that they hold in very
high regard. This was very out of the blue but really
enjoyable , although I fear the handicap mark has gone
out of the window a bit!! It was great to see Roy Bowring
at Leicester today, for those thsat have read the site
you will know that Roy was our first trainer and it was
good to catch up with him, he has still got that old charm!!
Well done Rocky, its off to Newbury tomorrow! |
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Wednesday
26 December 2007 What better way to get rid of those
Christmas excesses, than to have a bright and breezy day
out at Market Rasen! Palila was the runner and was expected
to run well on her handicap debut. As is usual on Boxing
day, the jockey situation is manic so with Sam at Huntingdon
for 7 rides,(1 winner) it fell to local lad Tom Messenger
to do the steering. Getting to the course was a bit of
a nightmare though, it was an easy run all the way until
we reached the outskirts of Market Rasen from where it
took us a further hour to get on to the course. Had to
feel a bit sorry for James Ewart who had made the long
treck from Scotland only to be caught in the same jam.
He made it on to the course after some pretty daring driving
on the wrong side of the road with only minutes to spare
before his first runner, who looked like he would rather
have been back in the traffic, but his other runner was
going really well and upsides th eventual winner 2 out
when his jockey fell off, so a really frustrating day
for them!! It was much the same for us, as Palila travelled
really well but just did not pick up as the taps were
turned on and finished a rather poor seventh, lets hope
a reason comes to light. |
Friday 21 December 2007 They say that weight stops trains,
and unfortunately this was the case with Nicole and Dales
own little express Cyd Charisse yesterday. She ran in
the Mares Only Qualifier at Ludlow where although the
conditions overhead were horrible with freezing fog resulting
in really poor viewing the racing surface was perfect
for the mare. She was burdened with a double penalty,
and found this just a bit too much for her, the welter
burden just taking its toll between the back of the second
last and the line, resulting in her just being run out
of things in a bunched finish and finishing fourth. She
has run with real credit and right up to form, and has
qualified for the final in March. She will now have a
little holiday while the worst of the weather is about
through the depths of winter, and return on her favoured
quicker ground in the spring. Another placed effort for
the yard, I just wish they could be winners instead of
places, but I'm sure that the winners are only just around
the corner. Who knows it may be today, when Cettis Warbler
returns to her happy hunting ground of Uttoxeter. She
has come on for her run at Sandown, and really loves this
place so hopefully she will put up an improved performance. |
Wednesday 19
December 2007. Important Business runs at Bangor
on Dee today. This will be his first effort over hurdles,
but judging by the way he schools at home it should not
be a problem to him. The biggest factor may be the trip,
which at 2 miles and 1 furlong may be a bit on the short
side. Sam takes the ride.
The journey was a long one, as due to a lorry fire
on the M1 at Northampton, and that roads subsequent
closure, we were forced across country to pick up the
M40 and make our way to Bangor that way. This added
about 40 minutes to the trip but we still managed to
get to the course in good time, so that Yorkie could
relax.
He came across to the course from the stables 40 minutes
before his race time and was led around the pre-parade
ring, this was to be the first time that he had been
saddled in the pre-parade and not in the stables so
it was good to see him take it all so well. Bangor is
a lovely track to introduce a novice as all the facilities
are first class, a fact that was made all the more clear
when you look at the previous winners of this Novices
Hurdle, which included My Way De Solzen and Garde Cahmpetre,
it is strange how top trainers seem to run their good
horses in the same races year after year. Important
Business took all the prelims really well, was superbly
turned out by his lass Rebecca (Alice to her friends,
and anyone that has seen The Vicar Of Dibley will know
why). In fact she did such a good job she picked up
the best turned out award, and is now level pegging
with Rachel with whom she is battling to get the most
number of best turned out awards during this season,
Important Business really looked a picture.
Race time, and Sam jumped our man off in third place
with enough width to get a good sight of his first hurdle,
he jumped it well and settled into a good rhythm. In
the main he jumped really well, but found himself outpaced
along the back, but this tough little chap responded
to Sams urgings and stayed on to finish fourth only
beaten 8 lengths. This was a really good performance
in a very hot little race over a clearly inadequate
trip. I was thrilled with the run, and the way he jumped
really put down a firm foundation for his future. He
had a pretty hard race today, and is still only young
at 4 so he will have a decent little break now and come
back again in about a month if we can find some decent
ground.
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Tuesday
18 December 2007. Important Business has been
declared to run at Bangor tomorrow. Unfortunately the
two horses that we would have ideally liked to have missed
are declared to run as well, but I still feel that our
little chap will more than hold his own and a placed finish
is certainly on the cards. The way things are going form
him and the rest of the yards runners it will no doubt
be second!! |
Sunday
16 December 2007 Sunday morning and Sam was up
to school a couple. First to have a pop was Important
Business who went well, and then it was the turn of the
mystery horse who also took to the job well.Important
Business is entered for three races on Wednesday, but
his likely engagement will be at Bangor in a 2m 1f National
Hunt Novices Hurdle. There are a few decent sorts entered
so we must hope that these bypass the race and go elsewhere
leaving a nice opportunity for our boy to have a pop round
and pick up a few quid.Thr ground will suit, and although
he will stay further in time, the trip should be OK as
well. |
Saturday 15 December
2007 No Rest for the wicked!! After a long day
and night yesterday it was an early morning this morning.
Matty the new horse travelled home well, and settled in
his stable for the night. He will be kept in one of two
isolation boxes to avoid the possibility of him giving
any bug that he may have to the horses already in the
yard, the other isolation box is home to the Selkirk gelding
that came home with him from the sales, so at least they
can keep each other company, and possibly exchange tales
of their time at Cheltenham!! First lot saw Cettis Warbler
work with Pleasurable and both went well, a few youngsters
cantered in behind. Second lot, Important Business and
Bobby Gee both did a strong piece of work together, Palila
and worked well, as did Cyd Charisse who worked with a
horse that has been in the yard for a few weeks, and could
be a very exciting recruit. I will keep you guessing about
his identity until he has an entry, but he could be very
exciting!!
Third lot was the turn of the new boys to stretch their
legs! Matty and Rob (the Selkirk) both went for a walk
and trot around the farm and then did a little canter
up the all weather to stretch their legs. Rachel had
the pleasure of being the first to sit on Matty, we
thought this was only right as her Mum is one of his
owners,and so she could report back, judging by the
smile on her face when she walked back all went well,
so Mum should be pleased. Andrew and Sarah Mathewman
who were with us yesterday popped in on their way home
to see how their new charge had settled in, and Mr &
Mrs Roy Mason were up, they have been interested in
joining a syndicate for some time, and a chance conversation
in the pub a week ago, and a timely phone call from
Roy on Friday meant they could come up and see the new
horse and I am pleased to say they quickly snapped up
the remaining share. Good Luck to everyone!! |
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Friday 14 December
2007 An early start today as we pulled out of
the yard at 6.30am for the trip to Cheltenham. We wanted
to get to the course early to see the horses that were
breezing this morning go down to the collecting area,
as you can get a really good idea of temperament by just
looking at the way they are handling proceedings prior
to their work. Andrew and Sarah Mathewman, new to ownership,
and members of The Ravenstone Partnership for whom we
were buying today were also up early and we managed to
grab a quick cup of warming tea before going out on to
the course. Two words can describe the breezes, bloody
freezing!! Poor Sarah looked frozen, but we toughed it
out and watched every lot go through its paces. After
the horses had done their bit, it was time for a very
welcome cooked breakfast, and then the hard work of looking
at all the selections we had made by pedigree and breeze.
I must say that the quality of horse on offer this year
was excellent, and there really were some quality models
on show. One really taking grey by April Night caught
our eye, but it also seemed to be quite a favourite of
Michael O'Leary the owner and chief executive of Ryan
Air, so it was soon clear that he would be out of our
budget.After looking at all of the horses we needed to,
there was just time to catch a few races, and see Sam
ride a peach of a race on Brendan Powells Which Pocket
to take the Conditional Jockeys Chase. This was a really
good way to come back from his recent injury, and he did
a really good interview after the win as well, a good
young professional.When racing was done it was time to
check the vet certificates of our selections, to make
sure that there had been no problems detected by the veterinary
panel, and a good opportunity to grab a quick glass of
something and catch up with a few friends. The sale began
at 5.30 and we were invited to join Brendan Powell on
his table and enjoy the proceedings from there (Thanks
Brendan). It was soon clear that it was going to be a
very brisk trade, and that we were going to have to be
very sharp to get the sort of horse that we were after.
Lot 13 saw me make my opening gambit, she was the most
gorgeous looking half sister to Le Volfoni, a smart chaser
of Paul Nicholls. She was produced by leading consignors
Mill House Stud, which is run by David Minton of Highflyer
Bloodstock and his wife Julliette. Unfortunately I found
myself the under bidder at 32,000 Guineas and lost out
to Nicky Henderson. I think we will see a fair bit from
this mare on the racecourse before she goes to stud. As
the evening went on the prices just got higher and higher
and it was clear that we would have to make a small compromise
as to the sort of horse we would get as the ones that
we felt would be suitable in terms of looks, pedigree
and breeze were going to be way beyond our pockets. We
felt that the best way forward was to buy a really nice
model that had breezed really well, but had perhaps not
got the strongest of pedigrees, as Stuart says 'I can't
train a page!!' Luckily for us we managed to secure lot
54 for 28,000 Guineas. He was consigned from Aiden Kennedy's
Rectory Stables in Ireland, and is a four year old by
Mister Mat the sire of a number of good National Hunt
Horses including Mr Banjo, and had done what we thought
was one of the three best breezes in the morning, so at
least we know he can gallop!! When we were inspecting
the horses after the breezes he really caught Stuart,
Trish and my eyes so hopefully not all of us can be wrong!!
He really is the most stunning big dark bay gelding, a
real old fashioned chasing type and one that I hope can
go on to some pretty good things in the near future.We
found ourselves taking two home, as a horse that did not
make its reserve came back tom Fences Farm with us for
Mrs Robeson to train. He is for sale and there will be
more to come about this fellow in the future.By the time
we had paid our bills and loaded up it was getting on
and it was 10.30 before we got home, a really long day
and hard work but it will all be worth it if this new
fellow manages to find his way into the winners enclosure!!
The fun starts here!!
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Thursday
13 December 2007 Frosty and cold, and that is
just the reception that Fiona Needham received from trainers
and jockeys when they arrived at Huntingdon to find that
a course that was deemed raceable at 10.30am was suddenly
unfit at midday. I can fully appreciate what a difficult
job being a Clerk of the course may be, but as I am only
20 minutes from the track I can safely say there was no
hope of racing going ahead today, and the meeting really
should have been abandoned at 9.30am, thus saving owners
and trainers all the time, trouble, and expence of heading
off to the races. From an owners point of view travelling
horses is very very costly, and if the right decision
had been made at the first inspection then a lot of money
could have been saved.
Fortunately racing went ahead at Ludlow and Heebie
Jeebie ran really well to finish second in the Mares
Handicap. She was beaten by a rapidly improving sort
from the David Pipe yard that we thought may have just
been got by the handicapper. How wrong can you be!!!
Never mind, another second for the Robeson yard, hopefully
this will soon change to a few in the number one spot.
Important Business will not go to Doncaster this weekend,
but will instead be aimed at a National Hunt Novice
at Bangor or Newbury in the middle of next week. |
Wednesday
12 December 2007 Those of you who enjoy reading
the trials and tribulations, and the fun and heartache
that is all part and parcel of our wonderful sport via
this page of our site, may like to nominate us for a small
award. This is a small competition run by the Racing Post
through its Net Prophet feature, and the name of anyone
that votes in the competition will be automatically placed
in a draw to receive a fee bet with Victor Chandler. I
will endeavour to provide some really good information
should one of our nominees win, so it could turn into
a very profitable exercise. Anyone that would like to
cast their vote in our favour should email netprophet@racingpost.co.uk
and vote for us by typing Nickbrownracing.co.uk for either
the Best Racing Industry Site, or if you feel inclined,
the Website Of The Year categories.Thanks.
On Friday we go to the Breeze Up Sales at Cheltenham.
This is a fantastic day out , and I am pleased to say
that a couple of the new members are taking a moment
out their hectic London lives and coming down to Celtenham
early to enjoy the breezes and get involved in the selection
of their new horse, this should be great fun and we
look forward to having them on board. There is still
one place left in this Partnership if anyone is interested,
if you are then please give me a call.I will take the
camera with me on Friday and put up a blog about the
whole day sometime over the weekend.
Important Business is entered to run at Doncaster on
Saturday. The race looks quite a hot affair with a Johnson/Wylie
horse entered called Scriptwriter that was third in
the Ebor at York, so you could say that it has a bit
of ability!! We will monitor the situation and probably
give or horse entries at Newbury and Bangor in the middle
of next week.
Heebie Jeebie is in grand form and is entered to run
at Ludlow tomorrow, she could run very well, if declared. |
Saturday
8 December 2007. A thoroughly filthy day on the
gallops this morning, but it was worth being out as Important
Business did his final preparations for his hurdling debut
next Saturday at Doncaster. He went really well and is
ready to run for his life. Bobby did a swinging piece
and went well, and will run again between Christmas and
New Year. Cettis Warbler and Pleasurable seem to have
come out of their races in good form and both will be
out again in the near future. Mrs Robeson has found the
ideal race for Cettis back at her beloved Uttoxeter in
a couple of weeks, so lets hope she can run as well as
usual at her favourite track. |
Friday
7m December 2007 At last big Cettis Warbler got
to go to the party. the rain softened ground at Sandown
was deemed to be ideal and she lined up in The Sun Page
3 Handicap Chase (perhaps she should have been Chesty
Warbler for the day)!! The one thing that the big mare
is good at is galloping and jumping, but she finds it
hard to give weight away to better horses, she is far
better at giving weight to slightly inferior opposition,
so our hopes were tempered on that front. She did jump
really well and put in some spectacular leaps, but in
the end was just not fast enough to go with them, Jimmy
jumped her round and completed the course as he was enjoying
himself so much (although he claimed he needed the practice)
and it did the old girl the world of good. She will be
a lot better next time. After having a bit of a pop at
various courses over the months here I must say how much
I enjoy going to Sandown. We all know about the natural
amphitheatre and the fantastic atmosphere, but the day
is made so special by all the employees of the course
who always find the time to have a laugh and a joke and
are not oppresive in any way but get the job done so well.
I cannot wait to go back!! |
Thursday 6 December 2007 Pleasurable ran a blinder
today to finish third in the Juvenile Fillies Hurdle at
Leicester. She just pecked on landing after the last flight
out the back, just when the rest of the field were quickening.
Jimmy was patient and let her regain her balance an she
stayed on really well to finish in the frame at 100/1!!
There was a bit of 40/1 for the place on the exchanges,
I know, I had it!!! Cettis Warbler is declared to run
at Sandown tomorrow. |
Wednesday
5 December 2007 Sam continues to recover, and
should be back riding in about 10 days. Rocky seems to
be fine after his slog around the Towcester mud on Saturday,
and all seems well back at Fences Farm. Stuart has taken
advantage of the wet weather, which has resulted in perfect
underfoot conditions for schooling, so nearly all of the
horses have had a jump this morning, and I'm pleased to
report that all schooled really well. Pleasurable is declared
to run in the Juvenile Fillies Novice Hurdle at Leicester
tomorrow with Jimmy doing the steering.This looks quite
competetive for a race of this nature, and a good clear
round will be a sound starting point for her hurdling
career. The wet weather does at least mean that Cettis
Warbler should get a day out on Friday at Sandown.Anyone
wishing to come and see the horses on Saturday morning
is more than welcome, just get in touch (numbers on contacts
page). Non owners welcome, as it is always a pleasure
to see new faces. |
Saturday
1 December 2007. A brisk wind on top of the gallops
this morning, but still a good mornings work. Cettis Warbler
worked with Pleasurable first up, and both went well,
both have entries for the end of next week, as the ground
has not come for Cettis at Leicester, there will be more
news on the pair during the week. Bobby and Important
Business did swinging pieces and went really well,Important
Business continues to school very well. and is a very
neat and economical jumper so he should be OK for his
debut which looks as though it could be at Doncaster in
a couple of weeks (all being well). Bobby continues to
thrive and he will tell us when he is ready to go again.
After second lot it was off to Towcester, where Rocky
was running in the Novices Hurdle. Rodi Greene was in
the plate as Sam was to ride one for Brendan Powell
(his boss) in the race, and Jimmy was at Newbury. To
deal with Rocky first, he travelled OK to the bottom
of the hill, but just got tired in the very testing
conditions and was pulled up. He is a tough little chap,
but these conditions were just too much for him.
As things transpired it was a really bad day all round,
as Trish had to take Sam to Milton keynes General Hospital
after he suffered a horrific fall in a really dramatic
first race. It all started badly at the first fence,
which over 3 miles at Towcester is downhill off of a
short run and can often catch a few out.On this occasion
it didn't just catch out one, but an incredible 4 went.
All horses and Jocks were up OK by the time the remaining
runners reached the second where Romney Marsh who had
been badly hampered in the first fence melee was very
slow and pulled up straight after jumping it. This left
six in the race with two loose horses preceeding them
up the home straight for the first time. The field managed
to negotiate the first two in the straight but there
was more drama to come at the one at the top of the
hill. The loose horses ran along the rail and when they
got to the fence there was nowhere to go and they turned
right across the front of the field. there was chaos!
The leader managed to jump the fence, but four of the
five behind were brought down, fell or refused. Unfortunately
Sam was on a faller, his horse tried valiantly to jump
one of the loose horses in front of the fence and the
fence as well, but it all went wrong, and the horse
ended up vertical and firing the unfortunate SP straight
into the dirt. He knew immediately that he had broken
his collar bone, although it could have been a lot worse
if the horse had not knuckled over to its right, if
it had gone straight over, or to its left it would have
landed straight on Sam. Sam walked to the medical room
where he was checked over, and then it was off for Xrays.
These proved inconclusive, but SP was sure it was broken,
so he called 'The Galloping Doctor', Dr Phillip Pritchard
who manages to cram being a Trainer and Jockey into
his busy life as a GP, and Dr Pritchard agreed to see
him that evening at his surgery near Bristol. So after
another long treck it was confirmed that Sam had broken
his collar bone, but it had not displaced and he should
be fit to ride out again in about ten days.We all wish
him a speedy recovery. To add insult to the injury,
his other ride for Sue Nock went and won so he missed
a winner as well, nothing a young jockey hates more!!
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Friday 30 November
2007 After three runs in hurdle races Bobby Gee
has now been assessed by the Handicapper,and has been
given a rating of 110, which is exactly where I had him.
I think this is a fair mark, and would be quite hopeful
that he could win a novice off this mark, and it also
opens up the opportunity to run in some nice handicaps
if we decide to go down that route.
Important Business continues his preparaions for his
hudling debut,and despite a slight hiccup earlier in
the week, he continues to do it well, He even loose
schoolsm himself!!! He is very careful and clever at
his obstacles and if he continues to learn his trade
at this rate, he should be out in a Novices Hurdle in
a couple of weeks, at one of the better tracks. Looking
back on his last run at Uttoxeter, I think it was a
really good performance and we may have just run into
another really good horse, who incidentally is another
graduate from a breeze up sale.
Possible entries this weekend are; Rock Wren at Towcester
on Saturday, and if the rain arrives, Cettis Warbler
may go to Leicester on Sunday. |
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Tuesday 27 November
2007 The Robeson horses still seem to be in rude
health. Today Heebie Jeebie ran at Kempton and put in
a really good performance. She is a really buzzy filly
and pulled very hard for the opening half mile of the
contest, but settled to her job and actually took up the
running turning in, only to have her exertions early in
the race take their toll going to two out. To her credit
she did pick up again after the last and finished well.
The race was run in a very quick time and I think the
first and second are clearly useful so this represents
a really good run, and when she learns to settle, a good
deal of fun can be had with her. |
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Monday
26 November 2007 Two runners from the yard left
early this morning for the awkward trip over to Ludlow.
Palila was engaged in the Novices Hurdle, and ran really
well to finish sixth, not beaten far, she is another that
is not without ability and will be a lot more competitive
now handicapping. Hylia went in the concluding handicap
hurdle, and although she travelled a lot better today
she still lacked that spark that she has thrived on in
the past. She may be heading along the winding road of
retirement. Orchids Silver seems none the worse for her
efforts yesterday. Heebie Jeebie runs at Kempton today,
and if a few of her problems have been ironed out she
should run well of this sort of mark. Cettis Warbler should
be off to Lingfield tomorrow, she is also entered at Wetherby
where the race is far more suitable but their ground is
still Good to Firm around the home turn and up the length
of the home straight and this is far too quick for this
big girl! |
Sunday
25 November 2007 Having spent a really enjoyable
evening with Nick and Jayne Walton, who are members of
The Tyringham Partnership, at their home in Surrey, it
was off to Towcester to see Orchids Silver run over hurdles
for the first time. She finished up sixth, beaten a fair
way but considering her jumping was far from perfect,
which was a surprise as she jumps so well at home, she
ran well. Although no superstar she is a nice mare and
will only improve with time.Palila and Hylia are declared
to run at Ludlow tomorrow. |
Saturday
24 November 2007 A beautiful crisp morning, and
although the grass gallops and canters were all frozen
this morning, the horses were all still able to work on
the all weather. Cettis Warbler went well first lot with
Pleasurable and a couple of youngsters did their first
canters in behind. Second lot cantered and third lot went
to the jumps field to school, but after popping Orchids
Silver up the hurdles once it was decided that even at
gone 11 o'clock the ground was still a little to firm
with frost and the remainder just went and cantered. |
Friday
23 November 2007 There is now ONLY 1 PLACE REMAINING
in the new Partnership. I've been through the catalogue
with a fine toothed comb and found a few likely candidates,
so if anyone is interested in joining us, then please
get in touch quickly as I cannot see this place remaining
unfilled for very long. The cost of the remaining share
in this new 8 person partnership is £4000 + VAT
(which I will claim back on behalf of the purchaser and
refund in March) plus a further £175 / month to
cover all costs. I think this represents great value,
and having met the people already involved, it will be
a great deal of fun!! |
Thursday 22 November
2007 All seems well this morning, as is normal
Bobby has been rugged up and turned out in the field this
morning to recover from the exertions of yesterday. Because
he put so much effort in yesterday we may well spoil him
and give him a few more days off if the weather stays
dry. The good news is that he is sound and well and we
have a lot too look forward to in the months to come.
Having watched a recording of the race on Racing UK they
really were complimentary about the way that Bobby looked,
and when Cyd Charisse won at Uttoxeter the other day the
TV pundits could not get over how fit and well she looked,
so it just goes to show that the horses really are in
the form of their lives and being primed to the second
by Mrs Robeson and her team.
Having had a couple hit the cross bar in the past few
days it got me thinking about how many horses that have
run in the 'red,black and white' have finished out of
the first five, and the results are astounding. From
32 runners only 9 times have they finshed out of the
first 5, and if you take Outplacement out of the equation
who did win, but was out the back in his other runs,
the figures read 27 runners with only 5 finishing out
of the first 5, and one of these was when Olney Lad
fell at Newcastle.So a remarkable 72% of Nick Brown
Racing horses in the last 5 years have finished in the
first 5!! It just goes to show that all the hard work
I put into finding the right horses, and the efforts
of Mrs Robeson, Stuart and all at Fences Farm really
gets results.
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Wednesday 21
November 2007 Second Again!!!! It is probably
THE worst position to finish in, and we have done it twice
in 5 days.Bobby Gee was fantastic at Warwick today, and
considering it was touch and go as to wether he would
actually take part, his performance is even more meritorious.
We have had so much rain at home that the horses are squelching
around the farm, yet at Warwick the course had actually
dried up after the weekends downpours and was Good ground.Having
said that Bobby needs soft we were initially reluctant
to risk him on this faster surface, but we held judgement
until after the first race to assess things and ask a
few of the lads that had rides in the first what they
made of the ground. So as Stuart looked at the ground
to see what sort of print they were making I asked a few
jockeys what they made of it, and all reported it to be
perfect ground, just on the soft side of good, so we took
the decision to run. Sam once again took the ride and
gave him a peach!! Being a bit keen early his instructions
were to get a bit of cover, and then just come through
and ride a race.S P did it perfectly, although he was
so nearly carried out approaching the fourth hurdle when
a horse on his outside unfortunately broke down and had
to pull up sharply. Bobs was stopped in his tracks, and
Sam did well to get him back between the wings and jump
the hurdle, but he did not panic and just picked his way
through the field.Jumping really well Bobs hit the front
going over the last down the back and quickly went four
lengths clear and looked to have gained a winning advantage
only to be run out it on the run in. In the circumstances
it was a great run, and those club members that managed
to get to Warwick had a really great day. For quite a
few it was their first experience of ownership and it
so nearly started off in the best possible way. It is
certainly a run to build on. They were very complimentary
about Bobbys well being on the TV and he really was turned
out superbly, he looked in the peak of condition, and
was a credit to Mrs Robeson and her team. Well done to
all. |
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Tuesday
20 November 2007 At Last!! Some wet weather,
so Bobby Gee has been declared to run at Warwick tomorrow.
There is more rain forecast so the going could go even
softer than the good to soft they have at the moment,
and this can only be a help. He is really well and although
he has not had a run for some time I think he will put
up a really good show tomorrow. Quite a few of the club
will be there to see him run, and I hope they all have
a really good day! |
Monday 19 November
2007 There is a whole load of good news today!!
Firstly Important Business seems to have come out of his
race on Saturday in fine form.He came home and ate up
well and spent yesterday morning relaxing in his paddock
before the rains came. He will now be schooled, and his
next engagement should be over hurdles. As mentioned it
rained yesterday, fortunately it rained a lot more at
Warwick, and their good to firm ground has now gone to
good to soft so this means that Bobby can at last make
his seasonal debut on Wednesday, something that the members
of the Nick Brown Racing Club have been waiting for for
some time now. Hopefully we will get a good turn out of
members and he runs well for them. The ground will certainly
suit as we are forecast rain and I think he will really
relish the battle. |
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Saturday 17 November
2007 So near!! Important Business ran a blinder
at Uttoxeter today coming from a mile back to be second
in the concluding bumper. A crisp morning saw the lorry
pull out with Rock Wren and Important on board for their
trip to the Staffordshire venue. The journey is really
easy and both travelled well. The ground was superb, a
great covering of grass and the minimal amount of rain
that had fallen on the course in the preceeding seven
days had allowed the going to remain Good, a description
that would suit both runners. Rocky was first to go in
the opener and although a bit fresh to begin with, resulting
in him running into the bottom of the first couple of
flights he settled to his task well and was in touch leaving
the back straight where he lost his hind quarters after
jumping the last on that side and Sam, realising that
all balance and momentum was lost simply popped him home
to ensure he enjoyed his first experience over hurdles
on the racecourse proper. We then settled back and enjoyed
a good afternoons sport, both at Uttoxeter and at Cheltenham
via the TV, and I must say how sorry we all feel for Paul
Nicholls and the connections of both the horses he sadly
lost. It is a stark reminder of how tough this sport is,
but it is through these adversities that National Hunt
folk gain their spirit, and sense of camaraderie, which
makes it such a wonderful sport to be involved in. Important
Business was third favourite for the bumper and looked
a million dollars in he paddock. His lass Rebecca had
also led up Rocky and won the turn out prize with him
and she certainly deserved another for the way that 'Yorkie'
looked in the prelims'.He was really well behaved and
got to the start with no fuss. As the tapes went up Sam
found himself shuffled towards the rear of the 18 runners
and with no pace on he was sort of stranded there and
turning out of the back straight was actually second last
when we wanted to be in third or fourth!! But the game
horse battled and ran on well to make his challenge about
1 furlong out, only to find that the exertions of coming
from nearly last into second place had emptied his tank
and he could not quite get past the eventual winner, a
horse that is evidently held in very high regard John
Jo O'Neill.Initially disappointed with being beaten, we
soon realised that Yorkie had run a really good race from
where he came from, and although Sam will not be exactly
thrilled with the ride he gave him he said he was a lovely
horse and will win plenty of races, he also suggested
that by the time the race was run the ground was a bit
cut up and rode quite dead, and that he would prefer better
ground.So touch wood all is well with him over the next
few days and we can build on another promising effort
and now go hurdling with a lot to look forward to!! |
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Friday
16 November 2007 We're off to Uttoxeter tomorrow
with Important Business. He runs in the bumper, and if
the form of his debut is anything to go by he will dot
up, as I have just seen the winner that day, that was
all out to beat him by 1 1/2 lengths win the Grade 2 Novices
hurdle at Cheltenham. This was easily the best Novice
Hurdle run this year and he beat some really good horses,
so all looks well for our Yorkie!!! Rocky runs in the
first and he stands a bit of a squeek as well. What price
a Robeson double???!!!! |
Thursday
15 November 2007 A nice run from Palila yesterday,
although the opposition was hot. The eventual winner won
a bumper at Hereford about 12 months ago, and I know that
when they pulled up the trainer asked the jockey if the
horse had made any sort of noise, meaning did it have
a breathing problem, and the jockey replied the only noise
it made was when the turbo kicked in!!! The second is
a lovely horse and one that we would have liked to buy
at the breeze ups last year but he went a bit beyond our
budget at 75,000 guineas!! So all in all it was a good
run, she jumped well was only run out of it as they turned
for home, but stayed on again and is now qualified for
handicaps, so if she gets a nice mark she should be a
lot more competitive from now on. The good thing was that
she took the day much better this time, she was very much
more well behaved and this is a good progression from
her last outing, when she left her race in the paddock.
She appears fit and well this morning. Jo, who was Important
Business' work rider for all of last season, but has not
been riding since the birth of her and Pauls first child,
Niamh a couple of months ago, sat on him for the first
time yesterday and was astonished by how much he had changed
since she last rode him in the Spring, she said he has
really grown into a nice horse now, so that bodes well
for the future. As I write he is still on course for his
second racecourse appearance at Uttoxeter on Saturday.
Unfortunately it looks as though the lack of rain will
once again thwart us with Bobby as the ground is still
only Good and there is no rain forecast until Saturday
afternoon, I think we will have to remain patient. He
will be entered up at Warwick next week in the hope that
any rain we get over the weekend is sufficient to change
the ground to his favoured soft. |
Monday 12
November 2007 Well done Sam!! A very good weekend
for the young man, with a double at Fontwell on Friday
for Brendan Powell, and another winner at Hereford on
Sunday. His season is really starting to pick up, and
hopefully he can put in a really good challenge for
the conditional jockeys title. On the home front, Geoff
Bridgford was over to see his horse Bobby Gee do a really
nice piece of work with Rock Wren. Both will be entered
for a novice hurdle at Uttoxeter on Saturday, but as
usual Bobby will not go unless the ground is Good To
Soft all round. Important Business just cantered and
will have an entry in the bumper on the same Uttoxeter
card, but unlike Bobby he will run on Good ground so
long as there is no Firm in it. All things considered
it looks as though we should have at least one runner
this coming weekend!!
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Friday
10 November 2007. I will be attending the up
and coming Breeze Up Sales held by Doncaster Bloodstock
Services at Cheltenham Racecourse in the middle of December.
This is a really good sale, and a fabulous source of quality
horses. Recent graduates from the sale have included Crocodiles
Rock, Otto des Pictons and of course our very own Important
Business who I bought last year.The horses are cantered/galloped
up the straight on the racecourse in the morning, then
Stuart and I spend the rest of the day examining the ones
that have caught our eye, and hopefully end up buying
one. With this format of sale at least you can see the
horses move in their quicker paces, and get a better idea
of what they may be capable of on the racecourse, rather
than buying a backward store that is unbroken and can
only be trotted up on a head collar.Having been prepared
for the sale they are of course that much further forward,
and so purchasers do not have to wait so long to see their
horses on the track. I have a couple of places left in
a new partnership I am putting together so if anyone is
interested then please get in touch. |
Thursday
8 November 2007 A pretty rough old afternoon
at Towcester. Luckily I managed to miss the worst of the
weather as I was late getting to the course, but races
were delayed and things were being blown over and down
everwhere for a few moments as a storm streaked across
the course. Luckily it had passed by the time the little
three year olds took their chances in the juvenile bumper.
As you can see from the photos of the track when we walked
it a couple of weeks ago, the place is a real test for
a youngster in the best of weather so at least the worst
of the wind and rain had died down by the time the last
was run. Pleasurable ran a very respectable race, and
the experience will certainly bring her on. She took it
all very well, and is one to look forward to. |
Tuesday
6 November 2007. Another beautiful day!! But
really not what we want. The ground for tomorrows meeting
at Chepstow is given as Good, Good to Soft on the stable
bend. This is not quite soft enough for Bobby Gee and
yet again the members of the Racing Club will have to
be patient and wait for rain. It is better to be a little
patient and wait for rain in the next couple of weeks,
than run, and have to be very patient and wait for a leg
injury to heal which will take 12 months! Important Business
was scoped after work this morning and all looks well
ahead of his intended seasonal debut at either Sandown
or Wincanton on Saturday. Bobbys next entry will be for
Uttoxeter on Saturday week, and I ask all readers of this
diary to go out and do rain dances,( but only after one
member has finished drilling their winter wheat today),
so that we may at last get Bobs to the course!! |
Friday 2 November
2007 What a day at Uttoxeter today!! Congratulations
to Dale and Nicole, their horse Cyd Charisse was the very
very game and tough winner of the Mares Only Novices Hurdle.
She had to shoulder top weight of 11 stone 12 lbs around
the 2 3/4 mile course and just would not be beaten. It
was nip and tuck all the way up the home straight with
Full Of Zest , a mare from the Alison Thorpe yard, to
whom Cyd was giving 15lbs. Full Of Zest seemed to be going
the better but made a hash of the last giving the advantage
to Cyd, but she bravely battled back to give Cyd a real
battle, with Dale and Nicoles brave Kayf Tara mare coming
out on top in the photo by the shortest of margins. You
cannot imagine how tough this mare is and she is a real
credit, Jamie Moore who was in the plate said he has never
ridden a horse before that is like a giraffe in the finish,
he swears her neck grew longer and longer so that she
got her head infront on the line, she just did not want
to be beaten. Well done to all, especially Dale and Nicole,
who are both great sports, and have been so lucky with
Cyd who is the first foal they have bred. To get your
first foal to the racecourse is a real achievement but
to have one that wins two and finishes second twice in
her last four appearances is nothing short of a miracle!!!
I'd better mention Stuart as well as it was his him that
found the race about a month ago and it was a well worked
plan by himself and Mrs Robeson to pull off the win! His
race planning is getting a lot better !! |
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Thursday
1 November 2007 Patience is a virtue, and all
in the Nick Brown Racing Club will have to have their
fair share of it over the next couple of weeks if the
weather forecast is anything to go by. As you will be
aware Bobby Gee really needs to get his toe in the ground,
and with the recent bout of drying weather most of the
courses, English ones anyway, are currently good to firm,
and this will definitely not suit our fellow. Because
of this he has not been declared for Uttoxeter tomorrow,
and we will give him an entry for Chepstow next Wednesday.
Let's hope we get some rain!! Although looking at the
long range forecast this seems unlikely.Cyd Charisse on
the other hand seems to love the quicker ground and does
run in the Mares Only Handicap, and should go well with
conditions to suit. |
Sunday
28 October 2007. It's always the way!! You spend
all morning indoors pottering about until it is time to
go to the races, and it's a lovely day outside. The moment
you step out of the door it starts to pee it down!! Today
was no exception, Heebie and Cetti at Towcester, at least
the bad weather kept the usually massive crowds down to
a reasonable figure, and one could get about the racecourse
without the usual cross between a rugby scrum and a game
of sardines.Unfortunately the rain did not come in time
to get into the ground for Cetti. The ground had actually
dried up a bit from yesterdays march round and she is
such a big girl it was deemed not worth risking her on
ground that although definitely softer along the back
was genuinely good from the bottom of the hill to the
winning post, it is early in the season and there will
be plenty of other chances for her this winter.They say
there is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate
clothing, and I say it never rains in bars, so although
the heavens decided to open half way through the afternoon
it was a really enjoyable time. Heebie ran really well,
she was left in front after 3 furlongs after a very nasty
accident to Valley Hall from the Charlie Mann yard, who
broke down in front of the stands and our sympathies go
out to her owners and everyone at Charlies, and this meant
that once again she made the running and set the race
uo for those in behind. She led until the bottom of the
hill, was passed and plugged on up the hill to finish
a game fifth. This built on her performance at Bangor
and although the steps are small they are still in the
right direction. Bobbys race at Uttoxeter looks pretty
hot, and we will need rain for him to run so watch this
space. |
Saturday 27 October 2007. A great
day on the gallops today. I was there early as usual
and watched first lot work. Heebie and Cetti did nothing
too tough before their races tomorrow, and Dareyna and
Pleasurable went well in behind.After breakfast we had
an influx of owners and the yard was a hive of activity.
Everyone picked a good morning to come over as they
saw their horse Bobby Gee to a good piece of work upsides
Important Business who continues to impress.Bobby did
enough to show us his well being and earned himself
an entry in a National Hunt Novice Hurdle at Uttoxeter
on Friday, and the plan is for Sam to ride.Also out
in second lot were Cyd Charisse and Orchids Silver who
both worked really well, these two will also be entered
at the same meeting on Friday.The afternoon was an ideal
opportunity for Stuart , Myself and Harriet to nip over
to Towcester to see if the ground was suitable for Cettis
to take her chance tomorrow. We walked all around both
the Chase course and the Hurdle course, and found the
ground to be good up the home straight and slightly
softer along the back straight. I must say the ground
was in really good order, but we felt that it would
need the forecast rain to arrive early for the ground
to ease enough for Cettis to take her chance, it is
not worth risking her at this stage of the season.Towcester
is a really good course these days and a real test for
a National Hunt Horse, I tried to capture the extent
of the straight from the bottom of the hill as we walked
around but I don't think you can appreciate what the
finish is like even from the photos, it really does
look like a bloody long way to the lollipop from the
bottom of the hill.Heebie will run tomorrow and hopefully
she can build on her previous run at Bangor.As we were
walking the course we got a phone call to tell us that
Souffleur from the Peter Bowen yard had just won at
Aintree.This was the good news, Cyd Charisse had pushed
this horse all the way to the line in her last race
at Bangor, so it was good to see Souffleur win as this
well and truly frank the form. The bad news was that
it absolutely bolted in by 8 lengths and between the
last two flights it looked as if it had only just joined
in, it was going so easily!! This means that it is sure
to take a massive hike in the weights as this was it's
first effort in a handicap, and will more than likely
force the handicapper to look at Cyd and put her up
a few pounds as well!! There is nothing worse than getting
a horse put up for standing in it's stable but at least
Cyd has an entry in a handicap on Friday and the weights
will be published by the time the ratings are reassessed
on Tuesday so she could be 'well in' by the time she
runs! |
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Thursday
18 October 2007 The welcome deluge of rain that
fell on Tuesday night meant that some of the soft ground
horses could at last be schooled on turf safely. Cettis
Warbler was in tremendous form over the chase fences and
Bobby Gee went up the hurdles a couple of times and was
in great form. If we continue to get rain and underfoot
conditions remain on the soft side then Bobby will not
be far off running. The plan is to remain over hurdles,
and probably start off over 2m 4f to 2m 6f and progress
from there. Important Business is swinging along in some
style, and his preparations are bang on track. |
Saturday
13 October 2007 Slightly misty this morning for
first lot, and the 'new' gallops vehicle was a little
more reluctant to get going!! Still we made it up to the
top and saw first lot going through their paces. There
were quite a few out early as it was a busy day for the
yard at Bangor where three runners were taking their chances.
Bobby, Important Business and Palila all did strong canters,
this was the firtst time that IB had gone a little quicker
and he just floated along and really seemed to enjoy himself,
Bobby always enjoys himself, he just loves his work and
when we get any apprecaible rain he will be on the go.
This was Palilas first canter back after her run at Uttoxeter
earlier in the month. Hylia worked with Pleasurable and
both went well, all seems to be OK with Hylia so hopefully
her last run was just a little blip and best forgotten.
After breakfast it was off to Bangor with Cyd Charisse,
Heebie Jeebie and Dareyna. All travelled well and we
arrived in good time. Cyd was first to run in the 2m
4f Novice Hurdle, which on paper looked a reasonably
hot heat, with expensive winners in the field and a
whole host of what I call sleepers, ie horses that could
potentially find all manner of improvemnt. Cyd ran really
well staying on strongly to finish second, I think she
ran right up to her mark and will improve for a bit
further. Heebie ran a more promising race, as there
was no pace Sam decided to make the running and probably
set the race up for the horses behind but she ran well
and this is a building block for the future, keep your
eyes on the form of this race as I think it was decent
and will throw up a few winners. Dareyna ran OK for
her debut in what I think was a good mares only bumper,
she will imorove no-end for the experience.
Managed to get all the way home avoiding the rugby
score as I had it recording at home, although Harriet
did her best to blab when we got back to the yard.And
what a result!! Well done England, now just the Final!!
All in all a really enjoyable day and so different to
Market Rasen, Bangor is a really lovely track and one
that I would recommend to any racing fan. There are
no stands but you get a really good view of the racing,
the gound is always in tip top order and the atmosphere
is simply great. Go on make the treck to Wales, as you
really will have a lovely time the day you go to Bangor!!! |
9 October 2007
Hylia seems to be fine after her non event at Huntingdon,
and it seems that the enthusiasm needs to be re-lit so
a pair of blinkers may be the order of the day. I hope
they work as I have a soft spot for her. A great weekend
for Sam with a winner on both Saturday and Sunday. Fontwell
on Sarturday saw him win on L'Oiseau for Johnny Portman,
Sam and the horse have become a good combination and a
change of tactics that was suggested by the jockey paid
off in some style with a really easy win. On Sunday Sam
started off at Huntingdon before shooting over to Uttoxeter
for two rides later on on their card. It was Huntingdon
that saw Sam at his best on Sunley Shines (see photo),
another horse with which he has struck up a really good,
succesful partnership. Sam quickened the pace down the
back and had all his rivals in trouble turning for home
as the big daughter of Komaite jumped her rivals into
the ground for an easy success.Well done Sam, this will
be a good kick start after his unfortunate break early
in the summer. |
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7
October 2007 Hylia ran at Huntingdon today, but
I use the term 'ran' in the loosest possible way as she
didn't seem to go a yard and Jimmy reported that she was
never travelling at any stage. It was really disappointing
to say the least, 'Hilda' is no superstar but she is really
game and always does her best, it was thought that she
would need the race after being off for so long and having
the burden of top weight (she is very small) but she was
expected to run a race, which she just did not. So tests
will be done tomorrow and Tuesday to see if there is a
problem, and if nothing comes to light then it is back
to the drawing board. She may even have lost interest
in the game totally and if that is the case it may be
a struggle with her.Let's hope that something turns up. |
4 October 2007
I must be getting old!! As you know from the latest instalment
fron Fences Farm, on Saturday we took Orchid's Silver
to Market Rasen. Rasen is a beautiful course that is set
out well, the young Clerk of the course does a wonderful
job with the ground despite the fact that he has two soil
types, and races there all year round, the enclosures
are well laid out, and the viewing areas give you a good
sight of the entire course, but there is one thing that
really makes me mad, and that is drunk, loud, boys, girls,men
and women.I have nothing against going out and having
a good time, and few have gone out as much as me and had
quite as good a time as me in the past, but I strongly
feel that there is a time and a place for getting plastered,
and in my opinion it is not on the racecourse.On our last
vist to the course in the early summer when we sadly lost
Coralbrook, the jockeys were even having abuse hurled
at them from the crowd as they walked into the paddock
- people should remember that if it were not for these
brave lads there would be no racing at Market Rasen at
all, and a friend of mine was verbally abused while just
watching the horses in the pre-parade ring. I do not know
what it is about the North Lincs venue that attracts these
sorts, we arrived at 2.45 with the horse and as we walked
over to the stables there were two men, both in their
middle age who were trying to get a cab away from the
course, these fellows were so drunk they could barely
stand up and had no idea that their taxi had arrived and
pulled up right in front of them, they must have really
enjoyed the first two races!! On the way out, when in
fairness you can expect to see a few worse for wear Stuart
was prodded and poked whilst being on the phone to the
owners of the horse, and was shouted at about being a
jockey just because he was carrying the colours bag. I
really do not want to sound like a kill joy, but this
sort of behaviour, although widespread on racecourses,
seems to be at least twice as bad at Rasen, and it really
is off putting to go there. Perhaps the management could
have a look int the proliferation of people walking about
with cans of alcohol, not something you see on most courses.
I have probably gone on about this for far too long but
I just needed to get it off my chest. Sorry. |
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4 October 2007
On a slightly lighter note than the last post, I have
what may be a major scoop. Whilst looking through the
results in the Racing Post I see that the winner of the
4.05 at Auteil yesterday was won by a 23 year old called
Patriote, trained by a certain M C Pipe!! Has the great
man quietly come out of retirement in France and managed
the near impossible feat of training a 23 year old to
win a £14,000 hurdle - he really has reached a God
like status and surely a Knighthood is only a matter of
course!! On the other hand is it a sad reflection on the
new editor of the trade paper, that he and his team have
missed this massive news - or is it just a mis-print?
I'll let you decide!! |
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