New Fillies

I bought another yearling filly at Deauville – probably my last expensive purchase for a while.  She’s by Sadlers Wells out of Race the Wild Wind – a Grade 1 winner in the states.  She’s a half sister to King Charlemagne and Meshaheer.  I’d say she’s the best bred filly I have.  here’s a picture;  I also bought a 2yo …

Sticky wicket

It was refreshing to read Johnny Murtagh’s comments from the Juddmonte as reported in the Sunday Times.  Far from the usual denials and no comment on accusations of team tactics, Murtagh divulges all.  Explaining the team’s tactics, he goes on to say “it’s what Ballydoyle is all about”, suggesting that these type of tactics are the norm.  Tony Coleman champions the …

Wild West

Another day another very suspect group 1 win for Ballydoyle.  I watched the Juddmonte on Channel 4 – the commentary was revealing; ” … and Duke of Marmalade has had a wonderful passage through… ” Sure he did – a nice gap opened up in front of him at exactly the right time between Red Rock Canyon and the rail.  …

A bad weekend at the office

Ugh.  My hopes and dreams from Friday lie crushed and broken. Marine Boy‘s run was too bad to be true.  He’s a lot better than that – in a sense I’d have been more concerned if he’d been beaten a couple of lengths.  He scoped clean after the race and he trotted up fine – we couldn’t see anything wrong.  …

Bring it on

I travelled up to Newmarket late on Monday night with Mick and we checked into a hotel.  In the morning I went down to watch work with Pete. Winker was out first lot.  He worked extremely well without seeming to extend himself – Pete thought it was there or thereabouts his nicest piece of work this year.  Nicky Nutjob, an …

Tough assignment

A brilliant hatrick for Lilac Moon.  It shows how much pleasure there is to be had in the lower reaches of the racing game – it doesn’t all have to be about shooting for the stars.  Lilac’s hatrick can be put down to a whole host of things;  High on the list is her attitude to racing – puts it all in and finds a little …

I’m going on The Game

Some interesting racing today, including a couple of runners for me.  Lilac Moon goes in the last at Newmarket and Pansy Potter in the 4:25 at Newbury. Tom Dascombe runs a couple of likely types today, and they may both be worth following.  Blakfrankisch runs in the first at Newbury, and is ridden by Michaela Sowerby.  Michaela is a quality pair …

No loss in defeat

The PAs at Betfair had an evening out at Windsor races on Monday night, and they had a £50 kitty for betting on the horses.  Chantelle, my PA, was responsible for investing the kitty, and she decided as follows;  £20 win Hip Hip Hooray, £10 E/W Acclaimed, £10 win Right Stuff.  They won at 14/1, 9/2 and 16/1.  I went …

Cor Tina

Tina Cook, sister to Nick Gifford and daughter of Josh and Althea, won two bronze medals last night – in the individual and the team eventing competitions.  It’s an extraordinary achievement. I barely know Tina – our paths have crossed a few times in the kitchen at Downs stables and at the odd event – but I feel particularly awed …

Horse Pics

Further disappointment with Skid Solo, but some encouragement for Pete as Exceptional Art won at Windsor in fine style.  It was good to see a Chapple-Hyam 2yo winning in the way they were winning last year.  Skid is a really nice horse on the gallops but he won’t do it on the course and it’s pretty frustrating. I’ve recently bought a new …