Double Up At Fontwell

Arab League was a recent purchase by Stuart Mercer who has had horses with us for many years and has had some cracking horses in that time – you may recall Lemon’s Mill and Indian Jockey to name a couple. Stuart also has exciting second season chaser Dan Breen to look forward to this season. I would be more than happy if Arab League can match his predecessors success and the early signs are good that he is going to make a decent recruit to the hurdling division.

I have already mentioned on more than one occasion about how unlucky I felt Vertige Dore had been to date and was delighted for his patient owners that they were rewarded with a victory in the beginners chase. He dug really deep and now that he has managed to get his head in front over fences, hopefully he will be able to build on this.

Sadly I was not on hand to see the races in person as I was on my way to France to take in the Arc sales with my partner Leanne. Some of the consignments made vast amounts of money, in particular the top lot Glorious Sight, a three year old Listed winning filly that was knocked down for €1.7 million. We did not make any purchases on this occasion, although there will be plenty more opportunities in the coming weeks especially with the Tattersalls Newmarket Horses In Training Sales taking place this month.

We stayed around for the Arc on Sunday and were stunned by the performance of German trained filly Danedream. She absolutely demolished her rivals and there appeared to be no semblance of fluke about the result although some of the main market protagonists clearly ran below form or did not receive the most positive of rides.

While I was in France, David Johnson had been to visit Timmy Murphy and some old friends. I am of course talking about some of his great warriors, including 2008 Grand National winner Comply Or Die and dual Champion Chase runner-up Well Chief. As you can see from the pictures they are both looking well and are clearly enjoying a happy retirement together on Timmy’s farm. Our retired horses page is a great favourite with readers and I am pleased to be able to bring you this heart warming update.

  
Above left: 2008 Grand National hero Comply Or Die enjoying his retirement
 Above right: Comply together with his great friend Well Chief at Timmy Murphy's

I have this morning (Monday) been to Wincanton to help promote an initiative to make the racing experience more accessible to their annual members. A number of south-west based trainers supported the morning by parading some of their horses and talking with the assembled members and media about hopes for the season ahead. We took promising bumper performer Bathwick Brave along, as well as dual Cheltenham Festival winner Buena Vista (pictured below left). It was an enjoyable morning and I hope that those present gained from the experience.

  
Above left: Buena Vista parades at Wincanton
Right: Me with WIncanton Clerk of the Course Barry Johnson (left) and Head Groundsman Nigel Payne (right)

Looking ahead to the weekend, we have confirmed Big Occasion, Beyond and Tasheba for the Cesarewitch that takes place at Newmarket on Saturday.  Joseph O'Brien has been booked for the mount aboard Big Occasion, William Buick will ride Beyond and Richard Hannon's apprentice Kieran O'Neill has been booked for Tasheba.  We have twice finished in the frame with Mamlook and it would be fantastic if one of our runners could lift the prize and help me emulate my father who won the great handicap with Heros Fatal and Miss Fara. Incidentally, Miss Fara was also ridden by one of Richard Hannon's apprentices - a certain Ryan Moore claiming 5lbs - wouldn't it be amazing if lightning could strike twice?!  For the latest news on our other runners and all the , check back daily with Chester’s Chat...