Richard's Blog

31st August, 2011

A busy morning with Sean Quinlan coming in to ride work. We are increasing the cantering with a lot of the jumpers and soon they will be doing some faster work. The string look in great nick and long may it continue with last week's runners having come out of their races very well.

Off to see Sharron Murgatroyd today. I could not make her 20 th anniversary party and promised to go and see her, so it will be great to catch up. Sharron is always an inspiration. Travelling on the A14 always takes time, however I manage to catch up on lots of phone calls on my car journeys so that is useful.

Sad that Jason Maguire will not be riding for a while. As you will know I am a big fan of his. Just goes to show what a dangerous job they have. Going to Oaksey House in Lambourn yesterday proved the point, therefore looking forward to buying my Injured Jockeys Fund diary.

30th August, 2011

Last night I had the pleasure of supper with our Buckinghamshire owner gang, including the Marzouks, Lansburys, Harveys and Prowtings. Everyone was in great form and we are looking forward to regular get togethers in the area to celebrate each of the owners winners as the season progresses.

Whilst I was in the area, I went to follow the progress of Walid and Paula Marzouk's hurdlers Amore Mio and Drussell as they get fit for the season with local point to point trainer Rory Lowther. Looking forward to them joining the rest of the string soon.

This afternoon I attended Doreen Rackham's funeral in Lambourn. I can't think of anyone who would have such an amazing turnout in the world of horseracing other than the remarkable Doreen. Francome made his usual amusing address whilst six hundred packed the church and surrounding area to celebrate the life of the ‘angel of Lambourn.'

It was back to Oaksey House for an afternoon of laughter and happy memories which was a last request from Doreen Rose Rackham. It was great to see so many past and present friends and colleagues who all enjoyed the memory of a fine woman who honestly never came across an enemy in her busy life.

29th August, 2011

A busy weekend as ever. Saturday morning our owner Eustace Theodore over from America along with his friend Dan White, watched their young horse Bluegrass Bid go through his paces. Sean Quinlan also came in to work Whichever who has been entered for the mares bumper at Fontwell on Sunday.

We decided against running Whenever with a penalty at Folkestone on Wednesday and he will probably head to Kempton on the 10 th September.

Saturday evening I was kindly invited to Jenny Triers for supper. Jenny was one of our original owners and had a share in Time Won't Wait among others. Peter and Pam Deal had bought dinner for ten at Jennys at an Old Berks auction of promises. Thanks to the presence of Eve Johnson-Houghton, Jonathan Portman, Harry Dunlop, Charlie Vigors and others, it was a very entertaining evening highlighted by Jenny's fantastic food and Pam's entertaining quiz.

Yesterday I took Eustace and Dan racing at Goodwood. Eustace had not been for some thirty years and was most impressed along with Dan by the Sussex course. It is easily one of the best courses in the world and thanks to a visit to the Arundel Festival in the morning and some winning bets in the afternoon, we had a great day. Good to see Amour Propre win in Ireland for old boss H. Candy and thankfully our money was down.

26th August, 2011

We have made an entry for Whenever and Fair Breeze next week and we will see how they come out of the races and what the handicapper does before making plans.

We schooled Father Martin over baby fences this morning and if he doesn't win a hurdle he might win Badminton. We had a visit from Sam Martin of the BHA to check on our grad, Catch. Sam is a lively character and it's always good to catch up, pardon the pun.

As ever a busy morning. I note that I am the ‘tweet of the day' in the Racing Post. A fair achievement as I can't even work it and don't really understand what it is.

25th August, 2011

Delighted to have another winner yesterday with Whenever winning well at Chepstow. Given a fine ride by Fergus Sweeney, he made headway into the straight to take the front two furlongs out and win convincingly. Hopefully if the handicapper does not punish him too much, he should have an interesting autumn on the flat.

With the horses in fine form, we have received so many text messages and emails - its amazing so many people follow our runners. We are lucky to have such a large supporters club and I am sure there are a lot more winners to come. This week's runners have come out of their races well and we look forward to following up with them soon.

The main jumping string are progressing well and are looking in great shape and confidence is high for a great season at Adlestrop.

Amanda Langdale popped in this morning to see her youngster Bluegrass Bid cantering up the gallops. Amanda has been looking after him since we bought him in Keeneland some three years ago and he looks a fine young prospect.

I had a text this morning from Richard Johnson which said, “well done you are on a roll, just don't eat it.” Looking forward to seeing what he looks like when he is nearly forty eight.

24th August, 2011

All at Adlestrop were delighted to see Fair Breeze win last night. Robert Havlin gave her a great ride, which made up for the fact he thought she needed seven furlongs when he last rode her. She also appreciated the better ground now that her long term problem with sore shins has settled down.

Having bred her out of Soft Touch along with David Redvers, (no I did not breed David Redvers) every one of Soft Touch's off spring have now won. She is taking after her mother who ended up wanting two and a half miles over hurdles.

Whenever runs today in the 4.30pm at Chepstow. Good to see the ground has dried out for him. It will be interesting to see how he gets on on his first run on the flat for two years.

I was sad to hear of the death of Jenny Matthey yesterday. Jenny was a great character and much loved. She owned Kayf Keel with us a few seasons ago and was the daughter of Brigadier Roscoe Harvey who owned Relkeel. They don't make them like that anymore and she will be sadly missed.

23rd August, 2011

All the horses ran very well yesterday. Mick's Dancer showed a liking for the all weather whilst Tiger Line and Upper Deck were second and third in the handicap hurdle at Hereford. Tiger Line needed further as we suspected, whilst Upper Deck would prefer to come a bit later. However they both ran crackers along with Sun Up who was only beaten a length in the bumper.

Sean Quinlan thought Sun Up would come on for the experience and she looks a decent mare in the making. I must point out she is for sale, so please let me know if you are interested.

A busy morning as ever exercising the horses and getting a few of the youngsters going. Father Martin showed a liking for jumping this morning so we will run him over hurdles to see if that sparks any enthusiasm.

Fair Breeze runs tonight at Warwick, whilst Whenever runs at Chepstow tomorrow where thankfully the ground has dried out a bit.

22nd August, 2011

We have four runners today. Mick's Dancer tries his luck on the all weather at Kempton whilst Upper Deck and Tiger Line both run in the 7.30pm at Hereford . Hopefully Tiger Line will have a chance on the best of her form. Sun Up also runs at Hereford in the mares bumper. This is a difficult race to weigh up but she has been working well and if she settles, she should run a tidy race.

We have declared Fair Breeze for Warwick tomorrow trying a mile and a quarter for the first time. Whilst Whenever runs at Chepstow on Wednesday - his first run on the flat for a couple of years. He appears in good form and it will be interesting to see how he gets on.

It is with great sadness that we heard of the death of Doreen Rackham at the weekend. There have been some great tributes in the Racing Post today. As many of you will know, she was a great friend of mine and millions of others and she only sent me a card the other day to say how pleased she was that I had also won a Pride Of Racing Award. The ‘angel of Lambourn' will have landed by now and the other angels in heaven will never have had such competition. May she rest in peace.

19th August, 2011

Deciding against running Tiger Line at Newton Abbot tomorrow and will give her a few more days to get over the knee she banged in her last race. We have a few entries for next week including Whenever on the flat at Chepstow on Wednesday and Fair Breeze over a longer trip at Warwick on Tuesday.

I had an enjoyable day at York yesterday – many owners were in attendance and it was good to catch up with them. Delighted for Ata Boy's owner Bunny Roberts, with the family's filly Best Terms winning the Lowther.

Popped into the Murdochs on the way home today to see a young five year old that will hopefully be coming our way shortly.

Good for racing that Hayley Turner rode yet another Group One winner at York today. My each way bet yesterday Moustache, disappointed yesterday and obviously needs cutting – or do I mean trimming.

18th August, 2011

On my way to York for the annual pilgrimage. Luckily the nap won yesterday but the O'Brien team must have had air sickness. Another great days racing today and I fancy Moustache each way in the first.

I had an enjoyable afternoon and evening yesterday when I was kindly invited to a school reunion golf match. Looking back I was lucky to have gone to such an entertaining school and it was great to see our old teachers again and a few pupils that I had not seen for many years.

Also in attendance were owners and fellow school mates John Rosbotham and Jon Dadswell and it is always amusing reminiscing about school days. We lost at golf, partly due to being up against Mark Davis. He was a year below me at school but was in my tennis team and now plays scratch golf. Mark beat Andrew Castle in the Surrey School Boys tennis tournament which I am sure I could have done had I not served like John Hickman. I do hope that today's pupils still have fond memories of their school days thirty years on and go out for a curry with their former teachers.

17th August, 2011

According to Robert Havlin, Father Martin would not have passed a chair last night. The blinkers did not seem to have any effect for the better and it looks like he will be off to do something different with his life.

A busy morning with Sean Quinlan coming in to ride Sun Up before her bumper run at Hereford on Monday. She appears in good form and we are hopeful of a good run.

We also schooled Tiger Line in case she takes up her engagement at Newton Abbot at the weekend.

Caught up with Robin Trevor-Jones last night at Kempton. He is travelling head man to Ed Dunlop and he and I worked together at Graham Thorners a long time ago. You would have seen Robin standing beside Ouija Board and Snow Fairy when they travelled the world. Although we only worked together for one season, we all have happy memories of those days and we always have a good giggle reminiscing.

I'm off to York tomorrow thanks to a kind invitation from an owner. The Ebor meeting is always a great one and today's card is very interesting. Seville is a short price to win the Voltigeur and really shouldn't beaten. Whilst Await The Dawn only has Midday to beat in the Juddmonte. However my bet of the day would be Entifaadha in the Acomb. I was at Newmarket when he won his maiden and he looks a very promising type.

16th August, 2011

Off to Kempton to saddle Father Martin in the 6.20pm. We have entered a few horses for Monday - Mick's Dancer at Kempton and Sun Up, Upper Deck and Tiger Line at Hereford . We got a few new inmates up and running in the last couple of days with Captain Tidds and Mister Newby back after their summer break on Sunday. Mister Newby was a promising second on his bumper debut and hopefully will be adding to our score this season. Whilst Captain Tidds is well handicapped for three mile handicap chases and has a good prize in him.

We had Lizzie Prowting's birthday lunch this afternoon. Lizzie came to see her promising five year old Rich Buddy. He was unlucky not to win at Fontwell when nearly being brought down by a loose horse. I am sure he will be giving us some fun this season. Lizzie always comes to visit near to her birthday and her birthday lunch is always fun with Johnson, Thornton and Clarkson in attendance this year.

More reaction to the Grand National in today's Racing Post. I think its time racing made a stand otherwise this sport will be banned.

I agree with Michael Parkinson in the Sunday Times this week. Having been pro the London Olympics, I think the nine million pounds would have been better spent on sports grounds around Britain and then nature would take its course and young people would be in teams instead of gangs.

Part of the reason there were riots was because they didn't have a football, tennis ball, golf ball, cricket ball in the vicinity. The only balls the young see today are the shadow chancellor so what hope have we got.

15th August, 2011

Father Martin has been declared for Kempton tomorrow in the one mile three maiden maiden. Hopefully the blinkers and cross nose band will help.

Tiger Line has bee entered at Newton Abbot on Saturday. Hopefully she will have more luck in running this time should we decide to run there.

A busy weekend as ever with a visit from Fred Cooke and family. Fred has had shares in horses with us for quite a few years and many will know him as our bookmaker in the Cheltenham tent. Fred and his daughter Sunny wished to go for a ride whilst visiting so I joined them on a hack around the Cotswolds.

Very sad to hear the news of the death of Robert Robinson. If you haven't heard of him, you have had a very disadvantaged life. As host of Ask The Family, Call My Bluff and Brain Of Britain, he has been part of our lives for many years.

Anyone who watched The Proms on Friday night on BBC 2 containing themes from some of our favourite films, would have had a very entertaining time.  The theme music to Murder On The Orient Express, is certainly in my top five and they were lucky promenaders to be there. 

The front page of the Racing Post today is that the Aintree fences are to be modified in a national safety review.  All I will say is the end of the world is nigh and we are going down a very dangerous road.  Thanks to new Labour, we have become a socialist state with the BBC and teaching professions full of people lacking courage and character.  I am the last person on earth that wants to see a horse injured or killed in a National, along with many others who understand the great challenge that it is.  Luckily for myself and Red Rum, we were born in the right era.

12th August, 2011

We have Father Martin entered at Kempton on Tuesday and blinkers and a cross noseband will be applied. The way he worked on Wednesday, he must have some ability.

I attended a speed awareness course last night – it lasted four hours and could easily be done in half an hour but I suppose that is part of the punishment. I had to go on it as I've collected more points than Man United did in the last month of the Premiership.

I don't seem to get to play golf too often these days but did this afternoon with owners Dave Mason, Ian Dunbar and John Cantrill. We played at the Welcombe near Stratford as they bought the day as an auction item at Royal Adlestrop. Luckily Mason and Phillips beat Dunbar and Cantrill and took the money.

Many people have asked my opinion on the riots. As for rubber bullets and water cannons, what's wrong with real ones. If you think these riots are bad, wait until Ed Milliband becomes Prime Minister and you will find the Cotswolds rioting in Hackney.

11th August, 2011

We have had a couple of new arrivals at Adlestrop Stables in the last 24 hours. Two youngsters owned by the Murdoch's and Sue Welch respectively have arrived and we are looking forward to testing their engines this autumn. Some of the string have started steady cantering and all appear in good form.

I was kindly invited to Ted and Gaynor Voutes for supper last night for our annual dinner party, welcoming Martin Mitchell. ‘Mitch' is the soon to be retiring managing director of Tattersalls in Newmarket and is one of racing's greats.

Also in attendance was trainer and former Currah Bloodstock Agency rep, Paul Webber who is always good company. We were reminiscing about the time I used to write in the Newbury Weekly News. On one occasion he was playing cricket on Henry Candy's ground and whilst batting, got hit with a bouncer splitting his lower lip. Fortunately, fielding was vet Bobby McKeown who proceeded to anaesthetise Webber with a bottle of whisky and sowed up the said cut. Describing this event in the Newbury Weekly News, I pointed out this was not the first time a Lambourn vet had stitched up a Newmarket bloodstock agent.

10th August, 2011

Tiger Line was travelling very well until the fourth last at Newton Abbot yesterday - when she seemed to go through a hurdle which stopped her momentum according to Richard Johnson. Staying on up the straight, Richard is convinced she would have been thereabouts without this error. Having run well all summer, she has not been the luckiest and hopefully she will get luck on her side soon.

Fair Breeze's owner Ian Brown has been on his annual visit. Ian has had some good horses over the years including Averted View and Gentle Guru. The former being a listed winner for us whilst Gentle Guru won five. Hopefully Fair Breeze will improve for stepping up in distance soon.

I have sent a card this morning to Charlie Hills , wishing him luck for taking over from his father. Barry is a legend who has been at the top of his game for forty years and he deserves a long happy retirement – although I bet he will be giving out a rollicking or two.

Charlie as a young boy was a left winger in our Lambourn football side The Commitments. Luckily he has his mothers temperament and I am sure will carry on the family tradition.

Must mention the HEROS Masked Ball on 17 th September. HEROS – The Homing of Ex Racehorses Organisation Scheme is a great cause and I am a patron. This promises to be an excellent evening and if you interested in attending, details can be found on www.heroscharity.org .

9th August, 2011

Hopefully Tiger Line will run well today at Newton Abbot in the 4.15pm. Hopefully she will be as successful as our cricket team yesterday against Adlestrop.

A memorable day with many highlights, including Barnsy the umpire falling over trying to avoid a ball and an impressive innings from nephew Sebastian, thanks to him not having three pints of cider this year for lunch.

All in all, thanks to a memorable stand between nephew and Adrian Powell at last the Phillips XI beat the locals with three overs to spare.

Other notable mentions in despatches include Marcus ‘Fluffy' Armytage who looked good in the field but not as good as his son Artie, aged 7 who showed no fear. I can only put this down to the fact it must come from his mother's side.

Colin Smith did a brilliant job as an umpire according to Colin Smith. Whilst it's always good to see Warren Marston's face when one of his team members misfields

off his bowling.

You can see why Ireland win very few test matches witnessing Sean Quinlan's innings. Having got out first ball, he looked much relieved as he had left his lager in the sun.

8th August, 2011

Tiger Line has been declared for Newton Abbot tomorrow. It is a competitive race but at least the trip will suit.

A busy morning of fresh horses which is always good to see. We are now preparing for this afternoons Adlestrop Club cricket match.

We had a visit from mother this weekend which is always entertaining. I took her to Tescos and Daylesford – luckily I got the Tesco bill. She needs her pension topped up and hopes that someone hacks her phone. Sounds like a good idea, wish I'd have thought of that.

5th August, 2011

According to the Louis Philippe-Beuzelin, Fair Breeze needs further than seven furlongs. Her sire Trade Fair, does breed horses that win over various distances so we have entered her over a mile and a quarter next week.

A hot day in the Cotswolds which has caused the horses to sweat which is a good thing when it comes to those who are overweight from the field.

A nice busy morning with Bob Johnston popping in. Bob was landlord of the famous Fosse Manor Hotel in Stow . Now retired he has a share in Thornton Alice and came to view his mare. Bob is a famous local character and we are both looking forward to a successful season with her.

Controversy this morning as I was wearing a pink shirt. Despite my dislike of the colour, I do point out it looks quite dashing on me.

Preparing ourselves for the state visit of my mother this weekend. Have bought some Battenberg from Tescos, as it was on offer of two for one.

4th August, 2011

Off to Chepstow later to saddle Fair Breeze. Hopefully the ground has come right for her. A rainy morning in Adlestrop which has made the place look greener if nothing else.

Our BHA grad has the worrying tendency to like the colour pink, like my secretary. Apparently nice people like pink, as I point out, I hate pink which says a lot about me.

We have entered Tiger Line for next week. She seems in good form and hopefully we can find a race she can finally get her head in front in.

I had my annual golf match with Jim Old yesterday. Jim runs a charity day every year but unfortunately we have our cricket match on the same day. Its always good to catch up with him. We are both big Marx Brothers fans and my nickname for him is Groucho, whilst his name for me is Chico . Jim is a top man who has now been training some forty years but has a face that looks as though he has been doing it a lot longer.

One of our favourite Groucho one liners is the last line of A Day At The Races, when he turns to his leading lady as Doctor Hackenbush, the renowned horse doctor and says “ if you promise to marry me, I promise never to look at another horse.” Groucho was probably the greatest and sadly many of the young of today have never heard of him.

3rd August, 2011

A good work morning with our vet Tom Campbell popping in for some routine work. Owner Tot Calver came in to do the office flowers and it was good to catch up and talk about Monday's Million In Mind lunch.

Had a good afternoon yesterday with our BHA ‘Catch' Bissett. As you know we are the first training establishment to have a BHA graduate and we have given Catch a marketing brief. She has some great ideas and I look forward to sharing them with our owners.

I am putting the finishing touches to my cricket team for next Monday for the Adlestrop Club. It doesn't look as though I have any time for a net between now and then but I don't expect I will be in for long anyway when I do bat. Let's hope our ringers are on form.

2nd August, 2011

Fair Breeze has been declared for the 7.30pm at Chepstow on Thursday. Cheek pieces have been applied and Louis-Philippe Beuzelin has been booked to ride who won on her half sister, Gentle Guru for us. Let's hope he can do so again on Thursday.

Following their summer holidays, the horses are now building up their trotting exercise and will hopefully start steady cantering in the not too distant future.

My prediction of backing Ryan Moore for the jockeys championship has gone askew with his injury but De Souza seems to be in unbelievable form and looks like being the champion this year.

Pricewise in the Racing Post this morning has gone through the St Leger. He has gone for Namibian who won at Goodwood last week but for me it will be a poor race if he wins it. For me Fiorente of Stoute's will beat him in the Leger but I still don't think he is probably good enough. As ever the O'Brien camp probably have the answer with Seville being the favourite. I think Memphis Tennessee at 10-1 looks a better bet following his excellent runs in the Epsom and Irish Derbys.

I had an enjoyable afternoon yesterday at the Million In Mind 20 th Anniversary lunch at Ludlow racecourse. Ant asked me to conduct the auction in aid of Isabel Tompsett who was sadly badly inured at Fakenham earlier this year. A jolly time was had by all. Quite a few Million In Mind members are connected with Adlestrop Stables and it was good to see many of them in attendance.

Phil Smith the senior handicapper gave a very interesting lecture on handicapping horses but was not impressed by question of, “when are you going to retire?”

1st August, 2011

Very few runners at present but Fair Breeze has been entered on Thursday at Chepstow and hopefully cheek pieces will make a difference to her attitude.

Four new arrivals this morning and the yard is filling up nicely and most of them have had a shampoo and set.

I had a busy weekend in Jersey and Scotland , including a visit to owner Bunny Roberts. I had a walk around the race track in Jersey which is certainly on the sharp side but it's a great part of the world and I look forward to returning with a runner one day.

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