Winning Warfare

   Chemical Warfare Winner at Market Rasen

I didn’t have that many runners during the last week but they all ran well and it was nice to get a first success over hurdles for Chemical Warfare at Market Rasen on Friday.  He was only having his third start for me and had been a little unlucky on his previous outing when coming down at the last fence at Worcester when holding every chance.  Returned to hurdling, he travelled strongly and found lots for pressure when Jack asked him for his effort.  He does have entries in the coming days but he is not likely to go up more than seven pounds and so we will wait a little longer as there are plenty of opportunities coming up.  He loves good or quicker ground and can alternate between hurdles and fences and so there is plenty more fun to be had with him this summer.

Manuelito finished second back on the flat at Carlisle.  He never really looked that happy during the race and perhaps did not handle the undulations of the stiff track.  His wins and good runs for us have been on much flatter tracks at, Wincanton, Ffos Las and Taunton.  I think we also ‘bumped into one’ on the day and while he will win on the flat he will probably be out over hurdles next time.

Oceanline was another to run well on his return to action after a break and he was a very close fourth at Ffos Las on Sunday.  He was only beaten a length and while he got a little outpaced as the runners quickened turning into the home straight he galloped on strongly all the way to the line.  While a little frustrating to run so well and finish so close and only be fourth, it was a good run from our six year old off a mark of 84.  He is capable of winning off this rating and will mix runs on the level with hurdling this summer and I am sure he can be winning under both codes.  

Kintaro improved on his third at Bangor to be runner up to a useful sort at Worcester.  He is now qualified for a handicap mark but we have entered him back at the track on Wednesday in a maiden hurdle.  Only Fools did not get much luck in running in her race and was hampered at a crucial stage and Jack looked after her when her chance had gone.   

This Week

Our first runners of this week will be at Newton Abbot on Tuesday.  Happy Helen will make her stable and hurdling debut in the juvenile race and Mr Tambourine Man runs in the 3m2f handicap hurdle and Jack Tudor rides both.  While Happy Helen's form on the flat is only of a certain level she was purchased on breeding and looks sure to be a better jumper.  We have not had her that long but she has settled in well and taken to jumping nicely so it will be interesting to see how she gets on.  Mr Tambourine Man has won his last two starts and is in terrific form at home.  The handicapper has had his say and this race looks competitive so life will be tougher but on old form he still has a few pounds in hand and he likes the course and so I hope we won't be too far away.  

We have runners at Worcester on Wednesday and Bangor on Friday so keep checking the Daily News on the website for latest information on the stable runners.

Royal Ascot

I had two great days out at Royal Ascot last week, attending with Leanne and friends on Tuesday and then myself and Jack had a boys day out on Thursday.  We surprised him with the news when he got home from school on Wednesday and the pure excitement on his face was a joy to see!  He now has many photos with all the top flat jockeys who played their part and he had a day he will never forget!  While my pockets were a little lighter after trying to back a few winners I thought it was a great week for racing in general.  The weather played its part with glorious sunshine but the atmosphere was electric, there was huge crowds and fantastic racing.  We saw some great performances from horses and jockeys and there were plenty of 'feel good' stories associated with many of the winners.  I thought the racing coverage from both ITV and Sky Sports Racing was excellent and there were a lot of positives for our industry from the entire week.

Derby Sales

The Derby Store Sales take place in Ireland this week and there is some lovely youngsters on offer.  There are some super pedigrees in the catalogue and then there will be plenty that take the eye visually.  It is a sale that has produced plenty of National Hunt Stars so if you would like any more information please do not hesitate to get in touch. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.