Dancing Again

   Order of the Dance - Winner at Ffos Las

Order of the Dance made a winning stable debut at Ffos Las last week under a well-judged front running ride from Jack Tudor.  He jumped very well, gradually wound things up from three out and went nicely clear of his rivals. This was his first ever win, having finishing runner up in Ireland three times when trained by the late Edward O’Grady.

Purple owl also made a very pleasing return to action at Uttoxeter on Friday. He was making his hurdling debut and he finished second to a well-regarded rival, so it was a nice run. He had just one run for us in a bumper at Taunton last season where he was disappointing having won a point to point in Ireland before this. He was never really right at home last season but has had a good summer and this was much more like what we knew he could do. He probably will want further in time, but this was an encouraging start and he can build on this going forwards.

Lock Out was our only runner over the weekend, and the glad to report that he is not too bad, all things considered, following his fall on the flat at Newton Abbot on Saturday. He just lost his position slightly as the pace quickened turning for home but he was staying on for pressure when the horse in front of him seemed to come off the rail a little, we clipped heels and both he and Rian ended up on the deck. It was a nasty incident, but I was pleased both they got to their feet. Both are a little battered and bruised, Ryan went to hospital as a precaution and had a few stitches in a cut but thankfully, his scans were clear.  He will have a few easy days before returning to the saddle while Lock Out is stiff and sore but has not left a nut since!

This Week

It will be a quiet start to this week on the runner’s front but Oder of the Dance and Harry Junior both run at Worcester on Wednesday in separate divisions of the 2m4f handicap hurdle on the card.  Order of the Dance runs with seven-pound penalty for his win at Ffos Las the other day and we have booked Callum Prichard to ride to take off a valuable five pounds from top weight while Jack Tudor will be on Harry Junior who makes his handicap debut. 

Later in the week, Bashful Boy is entered on the flat at Nottingham on Thursday, he holds two entries, he is entered in the 1m6f and 2 mile handicaps. These races represent a drop in grade from the Cesarwitch in which he ran well and the plan is for Rob Hornby to ride.  Rob was on board for his last victories on the level and we just felt it would be good to have a professional on board this time, rather than am apprentice this time.   American Sniper is entered in the 2m3f handicap hurdle at Cheltenham on Friday and he is likely to run.  The ground is currently being called good at Cheltenham and they have been watering since August so they cannot do anymore but all likeness it will be quick enough which is why we have limited entries.  Keep checking the Daily News on the website for all the latest news on any stable runners.

Plenty of Sales

Leanne, Jack and Gemma will be at Doncaster sales on Tuesday.  There are a few interesting lots being sold by owner Roger Brookhouse which we will be keeping an eye on. Later in the week, we have the dispersal sale of David Maxwell horses after racing at Cheltenham on Friday. I shall be going to have a look at these and there are some nice horses amongst the 17 lots on offer. There is then a Thoroughbid Online sale on Friday, Newmarket Horses in Training sales for four days next week plus another Tattersalls Online sale coming up.  The catalogues are providing me with plenty of bedtime reading, there are plenty of nice horses on the market and I am hoping to add to our team, for more information please do get in touch.

October Hill

We have two shares remaining in October Hill who has joined us from Ireland having finished placed in her last four hurdles starts. A quarter share is £10,000 plus VAT to include all training fees up until the end of April 2026 (end of the season).  Please do get in touch if you would like to know more information.

Mixed Family Fortunes

While poor Rian Corcoran had his bad luck racing at Newton Abbot on Saturday, his younger sister Niamh was not too many miles away at Bicton college competing and she had a brilliant day!  She rode our former inmate Itacare doing some show jumping and won some prizes.  When you are involved with horses there are always so many ups and downs! 

Teeth Time

Our equine dentists will be here later this week to give our horses their six-month check-up.  Like with humans, if your teeth are not looked after properly they can become sharp, affect eating and be painful.  Our dentists are based in Scotland but come down twice a year to do all the horses and it is always interesting to hear their feedback on horses that are new to the yard, whether they have been done before, if they are good or bad etc.

Gearoid Harney – Luck on Sunday

Our former conditional jockey Gearoid Harney spoke well on Luck on Sunday over the weekend.  He told of his story from when his fall at Fakenham left him with a head injury that forced his retirement from the saddle and how he is coping with his career ending injury.  You can watch the video clip here; https://www.racingtv.com/watch/on-demand/luck-on-sunday/998790