Mamma Mia!

Last week was a relatively quite one for the yard with only a couple of runners, one at Perth on Thursday and another at Market Rasen on Saturday.  Unfortunately we did not experience the best of luck with either as The Tracey Shuffle fell at the second fence on his chasing debut after overjumping, while Qulinton twisted a shoe during the race and was never happy thereafter.

At least I was able to watch a bit of the golf over the weekend and what a performance it was from Europe to win the Ryder Cup from the Americans when it had seemed all but over.  Such a massive deficit has only been overcome once before so this was some amazing performance and congratulations must go to the whole European team for not giving up when all seemed lost.  It was real edge of the seat stuff, but it did mean that I had a bit of a late night!

The late nights obviously proved too much for young conditional jockey Kieron Edgar last week when he didn’t show up for work on time on Sunday.  When I called him into my office to “discuss” the matter,  it transpired that he had set his alarm clock for pm rather than am and as such did not wake up in time to help feed the horses.  I pointed out to him that this is not the behaviour of a professional sportsman, and then what happens?…Rory McIlroy does the same thing during the Ryder Cup and has to get a police escort to the golf course!  Perhaps I owe Kieron an apology?!

My mother and father had a late night last Friday when they attended a birthday party for Angie Malde.  Angie and husband George have been friends and supporters of the yard for many years and had dual Welsh National and Racing Post Chase hero Bonanza Boy with my dad back in the late 80’s and early 90’s.  I believe it was an Abba inspired party…at least I hope that explains their attire (pictured right)!

While I hate to sound like a grumpy old man, I do have some fairly major concerns about the direction in which racing in this country is heading.  I was disappointed to see yet more meetings added to the fixture list for 2013 and while this offers more opportunities for the horses, I cannot help but feel that this just further dilutes our product and is yet another benefit for the bookmakers.   I know that anyone wealthy enough to keep racehorses is very privileged, however there needs to be the prospect of some worthwhile financial reward for winning, otherwise they are competing just for the love of the game and as we all know that doesn’t pay the bills!  Sooner or later the novelty will wear off and owners will look elsewhere where the sport is better funded.

The lion’s share of funding in our sport is derived from the bookmakers’ levy and I can only surmise that these additional fixtures are to appease them and encourage customers into their betting shops rather than for the good of the sport.  We are too far down the road to change things now, but you only have to look at the model of the best funded racing industries in the world (America, Australia and France) to notice one major thing they all have in common – a Tote monopoly and no off-course bookmakers!

Chester racecourse has for the first time trialled the possibility of jumping at the track this morning.   I’m not sure that it is going to work, the course is so tight and is always on the turn but I will be interested to hear the feedback of those that have tried it.

Looking to the week ahead we have a number of entries at Bangor, Hexham, Fontwell, Kelso, Uttoxeter and Huntingdon and we will keep an eye on the weather to find the most suitable opportunities for the horses.  You can find out about the latest running and riding plans by visiting Chester’s Daily Chat.

No matter where I am, I will certainly be keeping an eye on the Arc de Triomphe on Sunday at Longchamp – it is one of my favourite races on the flat as the British runners take on the best of the Europeans over 1m4f.  It will be interesting to see if Camelot can atone for his St Leger reverse or if German wonder filly Danedream can make it back to back successes…

There is also the small matter of the Arc sales as well and there looks to be some very nice potential jumpers catalogued so I will be keeping a close eye on that.  Anyone wishing to make a purchase can contact me via e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by telephoning my office on 01884 840715 for a no obligation chat about your requirements.  Talking of horses for sale, I have some nice prospects that are for sale at the moment including a lovely four year old by King's Theatre and winning hurdler Palace Jester - you can see both of them in action on the gallops by clicking the following links:  Kings Palace For Sale and Palace Jester For Sale