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Bold Identity has been declared for Sandown on Thursday. As the ground is a bit firm to run him over hurdles we thought we would give him a try on the flat as he has good flat form in Ireland. Ideally I think he would like a bit more cut in the ground and possibly a bit further. We have booked richard Hughes to ride so I'm sure he will be able to tell us a bit about him and whether or not we should pursue a flat racing career.
Feeding the horses in the field looks like the hippo house at a zoo as they are all covered in mud for the first time this year. I bet their feet are feeling less sore as well.
Good to hear Fallon is on Recital, our Derby tip from some weeks ago. Another tip from some weeks ago was that Ronan Park would win Britain 's Got Talent. I witnessed last night's performance and I am confident he will take some beating in the final.
Continued to make entries in the hope this drizzle turns into real rain. Friday I went to the Gentlemens Night Out cheque presentation run by owner Arnie Kaplan. Every December in one evening, Arnie and his gang raise over £250,000 for local worthy causes and each year they get together to present the cheques in person so everyone knows where the money is going. There is no more worthy cause and when you see some of the children present and how brave they are, it puts everything into perspective.
On Saturday lunchtime we had a lunch for the Dozen Dreamers to celebrate the career of Giovanna. Giovanna goes to the sales at Ascot on Wednesday and would make a wonderful broodmare. If you know anyone who is looking for one, please recommend her. She has won us seven races and been placed numerous times. A collection of the partnership got together on Saturday to toast her career. We had great fun reminiscing about her victories and her game runs over many seasons.
My secretary wants me to remind everyone there is still a class available for sponsorship in the Adlestrop Fun Dog Show on Sunday 19 th June. The class is ‘Best Biscuit Catcher,' and it's the only one I would consider entering if was going to be there. The cost of sponsorship is £25 with a proportion of the proceeds for the day going to The Blue Cross animal charity. Please get in touch if you can help.
Despite rain, they are still watering at Uttoxeter so King Jack cannot take up his engagement at Uttoxeter on Sunday. Although some rain is forecast, it will take a lot more to get some proper ease in the ground that so many of our horses really need.
Sean Quinlan was in this morning to school some horses waiting for a run, in the outdoor school. At least the time waiting for the softer ground is being used constructively and hopefully hurdles will not be a problem to them for the coming season.
Good to see Workforce back last night at Sandown. He dug in deep to beat a mud lover and its going to be a fascinating season with him about, its great to see a Derby winner kept in training.
One senses that Andre Fabre thinks he may spoil the party by winning the Derby with Pour Moi. The horse exercised on the course at Epsom yesterday morning and appears to have a great chance on his last racecourse appearance. Delighted the Derby has got the old buzz back again. The Derby and the Grand National are the two most important events in the world.
26th May, 2011 We have entered Fair Breeze on the all weather at Kempton next week as wherever there is a race for her, it is not suitable ground. She along with Bold Identity did some stalls work this morning, whilst Tom Siddall came in to school a few in the outdoor school. Great to see some rain this morning but now the sun is out so at least it will make the grass grow.
That Obama guy can speak. In the space of a few days, the black stuff with black rod and what with being a black President, I loved his opening line about the Pope, the Queen and Nelson Mandela.
News is that Cheryl Cole won't be a judge on the American X Factor anymore. They can't understand what she is saying. Good job they haven't heard her sing. This could be an opportunity for Warren Marston to go to the states, as long as he keeps his teeth in otherwise it could be the same predicament.
Also hear that my mate Jeff Stelling is giving up Countdown. Another opportunity for a new job for Warren , although I think he would prefer a new variation on the theme.
I spent an interesting day at Doncaster Sales yesterday. As ever, everyone was after the same horses and despite valiant attempts, we were not able to fill our two orders.
Sad to hear of the death of Mtoto at the age of 28. A great sire and always a favourite of mine. His offspring could be a bit mad but often quite talented. He had a good life, I can think of worse ways of making a living.
It is reported in the Racing Post today that legendary former trainer Bart Cummings said that British and Irish racing was not worth ‘two bob.' One senses that Mr Cummings comments are in revenge for Coolmore buying superstar So You Think without consulting him last year. He said that British racing was of low quality but amazingly, our handicappers run quite well in the Melbourne Cup.
Hope to have some flat runners next week with Fair Breeze and Bold Identity. Would appreciate some precipitation please, if anyone is listening. Those that are left in worked well this morning, whilst the decision has been made on many for them to go on their holidays and take advantage of the sunny weather.
Now off to spend the twenty quid I won off Gerald Bailey, husband of trainer Caroline Bailey, yesterday at the sales. Alan Hill was relating how we went on holiday with Gerald and played odds or evens on every twenty pound note in his pocket. Apparently the Baileys ate for nothing the whole time they were away thanks to Alan's bad luck. Luckily I had one go with Gerald yesterday, went with odds and the last number on the note ended in seven. So Bailey had to hand over the twenty quid, which as he is a farmer, is the equivalent to two hundred pounds sterling.
Apparently Bailey plays odds and evens on everything, including number of pound coins in his pocket, greyhound races and presumably also with children as Caroline gave birth to twins. He will be paying out for them for some time.
Just a note to say that Paul Duffy, who has a share in Diamond Harry and previously had shares in Another General and Bullfinch with us, is putting himself up for election on the ROA Council. Please vote for him as it will be far less interesting without him.
A busy weekend as ever. We had an excellent Saturday morning with lots of visiting owners seeing their horses go through their paces. Martin and Sue Harvey saw their promising four year old Father Martin work under Tom Siddall. Whilst Keith and Irene Rogers came to view Bold Identity and Thornton Alice. Bold Identity works rather nicely at home and Thornton Alice is now in the field enjoying a summer break.
It was great to have Eustace Theodore over for a few days. Eustace is an anthropologist which reminds me of the story going racing with Warren Marston and Sean Quinlan a couple of years ago. Sean asked what Eustace did for a living, I said he was an anthropologist, to which Sean replied “what's that?” before I could say anything Marston muttered from the back of the car, “its studying rocks and all that s**t.”
Yesterday I was fortunate to show around a potential owner which is always a nice way to spend a Sunday. Whilst last night I was invited by Mike and Mandy Hawley to have supper with Marcos and Mercedes Ayerza. Marcos is an Argentinean International rugby player who plays for Leicester Tigers. Good luck to him on Saturday. Marcos's family breed racehorses in Argentina so he is always interesting company.
Good to see Roderic O'Connor with the Irish 2000 Guineas . As predicted a few weeks ago he is now far shorter for the Epsom Derby and hopefully if he turns up on the day he will have a live outside chance.
Tiger Line ran well considering the trip was on the short side for her. Richard Johnson said she would have been third but for being interfered with on the bend. She has a date at Ascot sales but typically there is a suitable race for her a few days afterwards.
I had a very pleasant day seeing Sue Welch's youngsters at her stud near Basingstoke yesterday. Sue has bred some good horses over the years and at present has the promising chaser Stoney's Treasure. Hopefully we will be having one of Sue's youngsters for this coming season and whatever the result, Sue and I always enjoy the journey.
Eustace Theodore, one of our American owners flew in yesterday in time to buy me supper. It is always great to catch up with Eustace and today we visited his brood mare, What A Vintage's offspring. What A Vintage is producing some very nice stock and let's hope they run as well as they look.
Eustace has not seen Adlestrop at this time of year as he normally visits in the winter. Despite the fact he has seen many great sights throughout the world, this time of year in the Cotswolds takes some beating.
Still no rain so few runners on the horizon, however I did breed a winner yesterday. Tom Dascombe's Lucky Story two year old filly Basantee, which he purchased from David Redvers and I, is a half sister to Gentle Guru and won what looked a moderate maiden at Southwell but seems to have inherited the family's talent. Long may she continue to breed winners.
A busy few days. The Adlestrop Club visit to the House Of Commons was a huge success. Thanks to Laurence Robertson MP, the Club were treated to a fantastic tour followed by a drinks reception and canapés. The latter being paid for thanks to Stop The Show's victory at Plumpton last season. Bumped into a few choice MPs including Prescott, Duncan Smith and the Beast Of Bolsover. A thoroughly enjoyable day.
Popped to Lambourn yesterday to see some horses and had an excellent breakfast thanks to Fanny Kirk. Far better than Fanny Craddock. Bumped into J Osborne at lunchtime who was going for a hair cut, which is a very race occurrence.
Tiger Line runs tonight in the 7.50pm at Worcester . There are not many opportunities for her before she goes to the sales and the trip will probably be on the short side, but let's hope Dicky Johnson gets a good tune out of her.
The rain doesn't seem to come so busy turning a few out this week.
Hopefully you all saw the excellent Warren Marston article in the Racing Post on Sunday. One of Peter Thomas's very best. Shame about the photograph. The Cotswold racing legend has not piped down.
Drussell ran well at Perth yesterday finishing third. He would have been second but Sean Quinlan's stirrup leather broke at the last. He will ultimately get further than two and a half miles and appears to like cut in the ground.
No runners over the weekend due to ground and stiff competition but hopefully there are a few chances next week.
What a huge opportunity racing has now the Queen has the favourite for the Derby . Never mind coronations, weddings and world events. It is guaranteed that victory at Epsom would be the greatest day of the Queen's life. Although she did not breed the colt, it would still be a great day for all concerned.
Peter Jon Carberry got a 40 day ban yesterday for his second offence mistaking the winning post. Mistakes are there to be learned from and I am sure he will. He is a talented rider and we look forward to using him on his return.
Great for racing that the Queen looks as though she has a real chance of winning the Derby - thanks to Carlton House's victory in the Dante Stakes today. Interestingly he won the race without being hit by jockey Ryan Moore. Racing should get as much publicity as it can out of the monarch's potential dream.
An interesting day spent at the Cheltenham sale yesterday. Came home with a nice youngster but as ever the top prices were out of our reach.
Off to the sales today at Cheltenham , so hopefully will come away with some items of interest. It will be interesting to see how the market is.
We have issued details of Ladies Day at Royal Adlestrop on 16 th June. For those of you who have never attended, it is always great fun and is the Adlestrop Club's June event. It is far better value than the real thing and this year's competition will be to wear something pink from a charity shop. This decision has been purely made to keep my secretary happy. If you are interested in attending, please let us know. It is free of charge to Adlestrop Club members and £30 for guests including food and drink for the afternoon.
Jo my secretary has been on Twitter looking at what fellow trainers tweet. Blogging is bad enough and now I am going to be bullied into twittering. By the look of my secretary's research, a number of trainers have very little to do in the mornings.
In the search for some cut in the ground we are sending Amore Mio and Drussell to Perth to run tomorrow and Thursday. Lets hope the rains continue north of the border. Amore should appreciate the three miles while Drussell did not appreciate the ground at Hereford last time out. Sean Quinlan rides them both.
Peter Thomas of the Racing Post came to stay last night. He had the momentous task of interviewing Warren Marston for a Racing Post feature to be published soon.
A
Racing Post photographer is going to see Warren tomorrow to
take a photo of him in his retirement and he is hurriedly looking
around for a pipe and some slippers for the occasion. Bobby Donald probably didn't like being headed on the final circuit at Plumpton yesterday. He would probably prefer an uncontested lead like the one he had at Southwell previously where he can use his excellent jumping technique.
Despite the rain, the ground is still pretty firm in most places and a few will be going on their holidays over the next week or so. We still have a few to run that do go on the better ground.
My Derby tip Recital is now 9-2 following his win at Leopardstown. He has a funny head carriage but so did his sire, Montjeu. Will Fallon onboard he should be there or thereabouts on June 4 th . I think Roderic O'Connor at 25-1 is a big price if you ignore his Guineas form and now the O'Brien team are coming to form, he could be good value each way.
Happy birthday to Michael Caulfield who is 50 today. He celebrated his birthday yesterday with family and friends and was surrounded by so many people, he was disappointed not to have a cash bar.
Bobby Donald has been declared for Plumpton on Sunday. He ran very well at Southwell and hopefully he will put up another good performance despite being out of the handicap.
Crackerjac Boy proved how uncompetitive he is last night at Wincanton. However he would be good in any other sphere so please do come and see him if you would be interested in making an offer.
I should mention Waaheb's excellent run in the bumper at Punchestown on Wednesday. JP McManus has bought this Dermot Weld trained gelding for a fair few quid. Please note that we have for sale the horse the came second to him at Leopardstown on his debut. Crystal Swing is a lovely four year old and potentially a far better chaser than Waaheb. Please come and see him when you can as we may well be syndicating him in the future.
Crackerjac Boy will hopefully put his best foot forward today at Wincanton. I see there might be some rain in Scotland next week so have made entries for Perth .
Apparently I stink as I have been cleaning drains out with my staff this morning, therefore this blog must be quick according to my secretary.
One of my owners, who is quite typical of my clients in that he is right wing and supports Tottenham, would like you all to vote for a ‘no vote' today. He points out that today's vote will cost ninety eight million pounds and 23,750 people have paid National Insurance to pay for today's unnecessary election. I did point out that if you take into account seconds and thirds of preferences, as a racehorse trainer I would be far higher up the table. But as Clegg and Miliband support it, it can't be right.
What a delightful mare Wonder Of Wonders is. Beautifully bred with a beautiful head, she looks an interesting runner in the Oaks.
Overturn once again proved what a great galloper he is. Talk of Kauto Star's retirement is a bit premature I feel as he ran a typical end of season race and appears best fresh. I am sure there is another big run in him before he retires.
Interesting to read Osama Bin Laden had money sewn into his clothes, apparently it was in Luke Harvey's wallet which explains a lot.
We have declared Crackerjac Boy for Wincanton tomorrow. As an American bred, we are hoping the firmer ground will suit him. Peter Carberry will be onboard who rode him to be second at Chepstow and let us hope he can get a tune out of him.
A beautiful morning on the gallops where all those working, were pleasing. It is a lovely place to be at present with sky larks, deer and mating buzzards.
One
of my heroes in life is David Coleman and lots of mates were
texting me last night to make sure I watched the BBC 2 documentary
about him. Once again I was lucky enough to meet him on a few
occasions and even recited some ‘Coleman balls' in front of
him. One of my favourites was when he was commentating on a
rather petite Spanish runner in the Olympics when in his own
inimitable manner he cried into his microphone on the last circuit,
“and the little spaniel has gone for home.”
3rd May, 2011 The sun continues to shine and decisions are being made about turning horses out as there is still no rain forecast. However we are still entering horses that do go on the ground.
My secretary is very pleased because Beanie has had a nice morning chasing rabbits and lying in the sun. Which brings me to tell you that there are still some dog show classes available to be sponsored. It is just £25 to sponsor a class with profits being donated to The Blue Cross animal charity - so please do contact Jo if you can help. I am pleased to say that I will be away for the event.
On a totally different subject we have Pezula for sale. She is an excellent ride, jumper, and an all round good egg with a good pedigree and offers are invited.
Pleased to report I am a father again. Soft Touch has a had a Sleeping Indian colt who apparently very attractive.
I was contemplating putting So You Think in my horses to follow but after his performance yesterday at the Curragh, the ex Aussie colt looks like a machine and a clash with Workforce is much awaited.
Pricewise's tip for the Derby is Sea Moon who is now a 16-1 chance. I was told some time ago that Recital was Ballydoyle's best Derby hope. Despite not being impressive on his seasonal debut, the O'Brien camp seem to be slow to come to hand and hopefully by 4 th June, his 14-1 will look good value.
Thirds have now replaced seconds with Bobby Donald and Stop The Show being placed at Southwell and Fontwell. Bobby appreciated the better ground and a flat track at Southwell and jumped extremely well to lead going towards the second last before being overtaken by the favourite. Surely there will be win from his soon.
Stop The Show proved that he is not a summer jumper at Fontwell on Friday night and will now have a summer break. Whenever showed he needed his first run for a while at Uttoxeter on Saturday but should have a successful summer. Whilst Upper Deck will prefer being held up and may well reappear at Newton Abbot this week.
Frankel proved he is a July Cup winner in the making with an extraordinary performance on Saturday. Watching the race next to renowned stud manager Richard Kent, I was pleased to have a £20 bet on the fact that he would not win a Derby .
I was sad to hear of the death of Sir Henry Cooper. I had the pleasure of sitting next to him once at a charity dinner in London . A charming man, with a heart of gold who famously knocked out a convert to Islam. How ironic to hear the news of Osama Bin Laden.
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Despite
anticipated rain over the weekend, it is predicted to do nothing
other than take the firmness out of the ground, therefore decisions
are being made to put some horses on their holidays. These freak
weather conditions have certainly scuppered the latter part
of the season for us, along with many other stables.  | |
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