Weekend_Millionair_Schooling_Selwyn_web

We have three runners at Taunton this afternoon, Bathwick Brave and Weekend Millionair who are ridden by Johnny Farrelly and Northern Jem who will be partnered by Tom Scudamore.  Weekend Millionair makes his debut for the yard this afternoon and he has had plenty of practice over his hurdles as you can see from the picture taken earlier in the week by Bill Selwyn.  It was a glorious day yesterday and obviously there hasn't been much in the way of rainfall in the Westcountry of late as Taunton describe their ground as good (good/firm in places).  Racing gets underway at 2.10pm

Read more...

Shallow_Bay_Dan_Breen_2_Selwyn_web

We were recently paid a visit by racing photographers Bill Selwyn and Ed Whittaker who joined us to take some pictures for their respective publications.  Of course, being something of an expert on the subject of photography, I was pleased to offer the lads the benefit of my experience and as you can see, Bill obviously listened well judged by the beautiful picture of Shallow Bay and Dan Breen in action on the gallops!  Of course, I am only joking, both Bill and Edward are wonderful photographers and we are particularly grateful to Bill who has offered a number of his images to share with you.

Read more...

our_father_press_day_2012_web

There are jump meetings at Catterick and Leicester this afternoon, but the stable does not have any runners today.  I could barely believe it when I saw the official going description for Leicester as good (good/firm in places) and I would imagine that is largely the reason why the meeting has only attracted a total thirty-six runners...many of the trainers must have been frightened off.

Read more...

Dream_Esteem_Chepstow

It's a shame that Cheltenham is not this week with the stable in such good form, we recorded another double courtesy of Laflammedeglorie and Dream Esteem, while all eight of our runners on Saturday made it into the first four.  Laflammedeglorie received a good ride from Conor O'Farrell to score by four lengths at Chepstow.  He was runner-up behind subsequent Listed winner Shutthefrontdoor on his debut returned to that sort of form here -he is a great big horse and looks one to look forward to, especially when sent over fences.

Read more...

 

Lough_Derg1_Fontwell_220209

We have three runners this afternoon at Fontwell and they look to have a good competitive card with the feature being the National Spirit Hurdle, a race that David won twice in the past with the now retired hero Lough Derg.  Lough Derg will be parading before the big one and I'm sure that racegoers will be delighted to see him...none more so I suspect than former partner Tom Scudamore - keep an eye out for any tears!  Hopefully his eyes will have cleared in time to ride our three runners, African Broadway, Battle Group and Bamboleo.  African Broadway runs in the Lough Derg novices' hurdle - a fitting tribute to this fine stayer.

Read more...

Consigliere_Wincanton090112

It looks like being an exciting weekend's action and the stable is well represented by eight runners this afternoon (five at Chepstow and three at Kempton) and another three at Fontwell tomorrow.  Laflammedeglorie, Wings Of Icarus, Shallow Bay, Dream Esteem and Bladoun do battle for us at Chepstow, while Arrayan, Consigliere and Ashbrittle compete at Kempton.  The Racing Plus Chase at Kempton looks to be a cracker (and so it should be for £100,000!) - it is a competitive day's racing, but we look to have several with decent chances so let's hope for a winner or two.

Read more...

The stable only had a couple of runners at Lingfield yesterday afternoon and I thought that Martial Law ran a cracker to finish fourth in what looked to be a decent novices' hurdle, just ahead of well backed favourite Joseph Lister.  The first time cheekpieces seemed to bring about some improvement and he looks to be capable of picking up a race or two on this evidence.  We have no runners today, although there are good cards over the sticks at Sandown and Warwick and it will be interesting to see how the champion trainer's horses get on.

Read more...