Limerick edges us ahead

I said last week that I hoped we could grab another winner before the year was out to better last year's tally and we did it sooner than I though after Limerick Lord got things right and won at Southwell. He had been struggling over sprint distances so he looked worth a try over a bit further. The course is ideal for horses who have early speed so his sprinting experience meant he could get a good early position and it was just a case of whether he would stay the mile trip. Luckily he did and won with a bit in hand. He is unexposed at this kind of distance so you'd hope he could have more success this winter.

Limerick Lord (Shelley Birkett) win at Southwell

Hopefully we can get another winner on the board before 2015 draws to a close and this week sees some good chances, starting Monday at Wolverhampton with Automotive. Nothing went right for him last time but he won over course and distance the time before so a reproduction of that effort should see him go close, if getting the luck in running he needs.

Automotive winning last month

The following day we are at Kempton as Vastly tries to make a winning mark after an encouraging return to action. He hasn't had the rub of the green recently but has still ran well and it will only require a change in fortune to see him get his head in front.

Vastly (Adam)

The end of the week sees our recent purchases hit the track for the first time for us.
At Chelmsford on Thursday, Teputina sees a racecourse for the first time. She was bought very cheaply from Clive Brittain's dispersal sale in October and she has done nothing wrong since joining us. Her homework has been to a good standard and she is very well behaved in the stalls so I hope she can run a respectable race and show something to build on for the future.
Also at Chelmsford that night is Star Of The Stage. He has had no luck since joining us, being draw in the widest stall on all three runs for the yard. He needs to make the running so a good draw is crucial. He is well at home so it's just a case of keeping our fingers crossed that he gets a good draw!

Kemsing (Ross), Teputina (Caitlin) & Star Of The Stage (Nick)

Rounding off a busy week is new boy Kemsing on Friday. It's hard to believe he is only a two-year old as he is so well-grown and mentally mature you would think he is an older horse. He is going well at home and I think a track like Southwell will be ideal for him as he is a strong traveller. He didn't show much form in four runs for his last trainer but that means he is very well handicapped now and I hope he can make a quick impact.

Dakota City is fit and well and, after having a good chat with his jockey Adam, we feel it is worth trying him over two miles as his rapid acceleration could be lethal over that kind of trip and he settles so well in his races that he should save his energy over the longer distance. There isn't an ideal race until the new year so he will be kept for that assignment.

Dakota City (Mark)

The jumps season is now in full swing and, with that in mind, Ross is planning an owners' day trip to the Cheltenham Festival. The date pencilled in is Thursday 17th March - St Patrick's Day of The Festival which hosts the World Hurdle and Ryanair Chase. The cost of the trip will include racecourse tickets and bus transfers from Newmarket and back. At this stage Ross just wants an idea of numbers so please can you register your interest by emailing rbirkett1989@hotmail.co.uk
This trip is open to anyone so feel free to invite your friends if you think they would be interested.