He was making his debut over hurdles but had been jumping well at home so we thought he would run respectably despite worries that the two mile trip might be a bit short for him. In the end, it turned out that the distance was spot on as he travelled smoothly and quickened well to win with a bit in hand. We will give him another low-key race next time to see how he fares before we aim him at some bigger prizes.
We don't have many jumpers (only two this winter) but it is nice to prove that I'm perfectly capable of winning over obstacles and it was great for Number's owners to be back in the winners' enclosure after a frustrating season. I never bet but his finishing odds just go to show that all our horses are at the races to try their best and you can never write off our chances.
Hopefully Number's win is a good omen for Hamble who makes his hurdling debut at Southwell on Sunday. If anything, Hamble has seemed more of a natural at home over the hurdles and is a lot quicker getting from A to B. The only question mark with him is the two mile distance as he runs over a mile on the flat so we will have to see if he can last the trip. If he does, I hope he has a great chance.
Hmable did a nice bit of work yesterday with Avidly on the polytrack. Avidly joined us in October from Juddmonte in France and I'm delighted with how she is coming along. If all goes to plan, she could be out before the end of the month. She'll have to run in a maiden but she might be good enough to win one anyway.
 |
| Hamble (Danny) & Avidly (Graham) |
There have been plenty of new faces coming into the yard over the last month or so and we welcomed another this week after I bought a lovely looking filly called Meddling from Sir Michael Stoute. She has shown some smart form in her five career runs to date and looks likely to keep improving as she develops. Demand has been high for a syndicate horse so you'll have to be quick to get a share in her - ten percent shares are available for £500 with £180 a month training fees. Contact me for more info.
 |
| Meddling |
Along with Avidly, in October we also added Luhaif and Candesta to the string.
Luhaif is a well-known name having been placed in group company as a juvenile and also raced in Dubai last winter. I think we got him for a great price and after a summer break he'll be ready for action on the all-weather. He's rated 95 so winning won't be easy but he has a lot of ability and his front-running style should suit a track like Lingfield.
 |
| Luhaif (Ross) |
Candesta is very much a dark horse having only run once in France before joining us. He is a lovely big horse with a very kind nature and he has taken all his work well. He is quite a late maturer and will need a trip but he is coming along nicely and is one to look forward to.
 |
| Candesta (Leslie) |
Another slow-burner is Sheila's Heart. We managed to get a run into him during the summer but he was very weak and needed time to grow. He spent a good few months at owner Peter Foster's yard and he has returned a much stronger horse. He seems to have grown tall as well as wide and is very enthusiastic in his work. It is still early days yet but he looks nice and could even jump a hurdle in time (if the owner lets me!).
 |
| Sheila's Heart (Reno) |
It is still well over four months before they can run but the yearlings are already going very professionally up the gallops.
The two fillies we bought as yearlings have been ridden for a couple of months now and are looking nice sorts, with Celestine Abbey catching the eye in particular whilst her friend Mercy Me is a live wire and keeps Graham on his toes!
 |
| Amelia George (Reno), Celestine Abbey (Shelley) & Mercy Me (Graham) |
Captain Navarre came back from school a bit later than the two fillies so is going a bit steadier but his attitude is faultless and he even leads the lead horse! He is quite big so has some growing to do but the early signs are pleasing.
 |
Captain Navarre (Danny)There was a great turn-out of owners on Saturday morning and it is always pleasing to see everyone taking pleasure from seeing their horses strutting their stuff. Remember you are free to drop in any time so don't hesitate to come in! |
No comments:
Post a Comment