Richard's Blog
Pride Of Racing Award
To view the footage of Richard and Adlestrop Stables for his
Pride Of Racing Award, please click this link:
Richard
Phillips - Pride Of Racing 2011
A
good work morning where Wayne Hutchinson came in to ride some
work. Bold Identity will not be going to Leicester tomorrow
as the ground is still good to firm there despite the rain.
Yesterday
I was fortunate enough to be invited by Fred Hutsby to go shooting
at the Hutsby farm in Warwickshire. The Hutsbys have provided
us with haylage for many years and are a great family. Also
invited were Alan King, Fergal O'Brien, Richard Burton, Chris
Gordon and co. A thoroughly good day thanks to the excellent
advice of Tim Spencer (a shooting legend). My membership of
the RSPB is still valid as I have a left eye dominance, which
means that I can only hit the right hand side of the barn door.
With
Finian's Rainbow not running in the Tingle Creek, my anti post
is down the plug hole, however I still think he could win the
Queen Mother.
Just
Benny could have been one that got away yesterday. He finished
fourth not beaten far by the winner and circumstances and lack
of luck meant that he was placed without a win once again. I
am sure a more galloping track will suit.
Phardessa
did not give Sean Quinlan the same feel as normal but she appears
fine this morning and we will try and get to the bottom of the
problem.
I
am sending a letter to Tim Morris, the Chief Veterinary Officer
at the BHA, concerning Upper Deck's withdrawal at the start
at Ludlow last week. The vet withdrew him at the start as he
had blood in his mouth having bitten his tongue. However Carruthers
and Titeuf De Tierce both ran on Saturday having done the same
thing, with of course Carruthers winning the Hennessey. All
very disappointing as it appeared to be a winning opportunity
for Upper Deck and the rule needs clarification.
The
Tingle Creek is shaping up into a really good race on Saturday
where I expect Finian's Rainbow to run a cracker, in the race
named after one of the most exciting chasers of my childhood.
We have Saticon entered in the Pertemps qualifier there however
hopefully, I will be at Aintree with Pak Jack in the Becher
Chase.
Note
that the handicapper has put Tiger Line up three pounds for
coming second the other day. It appears handicap racing is just
like life, the harder you try the worse off you are. Yet if
you don't try hard you get all the benefits. Communism never
works. Let's hope Tiger Line proves the handicapper right.
On
my way to Folkestone to saddle Just Benny in the 2.35pm. Looks
as though the McManus horse is the one to beat. Just Benny would
probably prefer further, however he appears in good form and
we are hopeful of a nice run.
Phardessa
goes to Ffos Las for the 2.20pm. She has her trip and ground
and hopefully will settle and jump well and come on for her
Chepstow run.
We
took some horses away to work on the grass at Compton yesterday
morning. Marcus Armytage led the work in front of Peter Carberry
and Sean Quinlan. Fluffy has lost nothing of his style which
is a shame.
We
have made entries for the weekend including Pak Jack in the
Becher Chase and the Grand Sefton at Aintree, which are races
he has been placed in for us before.
Saturday's
Hennessy result was one of racing's greatest days. Lord Oaksey
has been part of our lives since our childhood. It is always
satisfying when such an influential man is a greater one once
you have met him. Struck down with that damn disease, thankfully
loyalty shown for the irrepressible Mattie Batchelor was rewarded.
Only jump racing can produce sport like that.
No
runners this weekend as the ground is not soft enough for Phardessa.
Looking forward to working some horses both Saturday and Sunday
in preparation for their runs next week - including taking some
away on Sunday for a change of scenery.
Had
an entertaining drink at the Dorchester yesterday following
the Sir Peter O'Sullevan lunch. Anyone who has bought a round
here will know that you don't want to return to the bar twice.
I was a guest of SIS, who included characters George Irvine
and David Bradshaw, whilst it was nice to reminisce with Alan
Brazil about the days of Bobby Robson and Ipswich .
Looking
forward to the Hennessy tomorrow. It will be interesting to
see if Great Endeavour gets the trip. Ever since I saw Aiteenthirtythree
I thought there was a big race in him, perhaps it is tomorrow.
Tiger
Line ran a cracker once again at Fontwell yesterday. Under a
good ride by Wayne Hutchinson, she looked as though she had
slipped the field two out but just got ran out of it up the
running. As I pointed out to Sue Welch, her owner and breeder,
if they were all like her you would like to go racing every
day.
Great
Hero ran a fine race at Uttoxeter this afternoon finishing fourth
in a competitive handicap hurdle. Timmy Murphy liked him a lot
and I am sure he will be getting his head in front for his owners,
John and Pat Cantrill very soon.
I
was kindly invited by SIS to the Sir Peter O'Sullevan Awards
lunch today. Many of the great and good of racing are here and
the lunch has raised over three million pounds for charity over
the years.
Ralph
Beckett has just informed me he only does a blog once a month,
sounds like a good idea to me. He is carrying a very nice bag
- I hope it is his wife's.
The
recipient of the Award was JP McManus who gave a very funny
speech in his own dry Limerick way. We were also treated to
some very funny lines from Sir Terry Wogan, the guest speaker
and I have written a few of them down for future use.
On
my way to Fontwell to saddle Tiger Line. She has had a long
hard summer but hopefully she will go on the softer ground as
she has run very well over course and distance in the past.
Thankfully
this mornings work went well. We have declared Great Hero for
Uttoxeter tomorrow in the 2.35pm. As ever, he has plenty of
weight but the ground and trip should suit and Timmy Murphy
rides.
Captain
Tidds jumped and ran with great zest at Lingfield yesterday
before getting tired in the straight. He always needs his first
run of the season and often runs very well on his second, so
here's hoping.
I
was able to join owner Rick Allen's team in a quiz at Chipping
Norton Golf Club last night. Despite our team's inability to
add up the neighbour's score correctly, we were victorious for
the third week running. We narrowly beat owner Brian Kay's team.
Brian is not used to losing being John Francome's accountant.
Better luck next time Brian.
Our
luck must change. It is fair to say that the last week or two
have not gone to plan.
Sadly,
on Saturday morning Sun Up fractured a hind leg on the gallops
and had to be put down. We had just leased her to the Dozen
Dreamers and she had been working and schooling very well. I
purchased her as a yearling and Henry Cecil was the under bidder.
We had had her a long time and she had shown promise in bumpers
and we were really looking forward to the winter with her. The
only good thing was the vet was on the premises in no time and
she did not suffer. I'm afraid its part of the game and is inevitable
from time to time and in a way, I'm amazed it does not happen
more often when you consider the pressure racehorses are under.
Crystal
Swing was not given the best ride in the world, at the admittance
of Sean Quinlan on Saturday. I am sure he will be fine once
he gets into his stride and has a bit more space in his race.
Yesterday
Amore Mio found that the ground was not soft enough for him
at Kempton. Whilst Upper Deck was fancied in the conditional
jockeys handicap hurdle at Ludlow , only to be withdrawn at
the start by the vet as he had bitten his tongue. The vet said
it was because of public perception. Unofficially, his colleagues
were amazed at his decision and I will have words with him when
I see him. Upper Deck has had no luck, he was kicked at the
start last time out and hopefully a win is only around the corner.
Tomorrow
Tiger Line goes to Fontwell running in the new colours of her
breeder, Sue Welch. Sue will breed from her in the New Year
but hopefully she can continue to win prize money and run consistently
despite the ground being on the easier side tomorrow. Wayne
Hutchinson rides as he has had success in Sue's colours before.
The
Adlestrop Club Quiz on Friday night proved a great success with
Rick Allen's team narrowly beating yours truly by two points.
I had much stick for getting ten out of ten in the racing round,
whilst others struggled.
I
am off to Lingfield today to saddle Captain Tidds in the three
mile chase where I am sure he will come on for the experience.
Crystal
Swing is declared for the bumper at Ascot tomorrow. He appears
to have come out of his previous race very well but as ever
it's a competitive race and we take on the winner again, this
time receiving seven pounds. Hopefully it will be more of a
test of stamina this time and Sean Quinlan rides.
Whichever
ran pleasingly at Hereford yesterday in a race that may well
produce a fair few winners. She was beaten nine lengths by the
winner and will run in one more bumper before going hurdling.
Preparing
for tonight's Adlestrop Club quiz with a crowd of eighty coming
and fish and chips being supplied by Greedy's. It will be interesting
to see how Charlie Allan gets on as first time quiz master.
As many will know, Charlie wins most quizzes but at least tonight,
he will not be going back with the prize.
17th November, 2011
Just
setting off for Hereford where Whichever runs in the mares bumper.
She showed great promise at Fontwell and hopefully she will
do so again for new owners Upthorpe Racing. Drussell ran with
credit yesterday at Warwick . He would ideally want softer ground
and I am sure he will be winning for us at some stage.
A
busy morning of schooling horses at Adlestrop as we have just
had about enough rain on the schooling ground to get them jumping
over hurdles and fences. Sean Quinlan and Zack Davidson did
the honours with a little help from the master of the Heythrop
Hunt, Nessie Lambert.
I
caught up on office jobs last night and then popped to the shops
to prepare for tomorrow night's Adlestrop Club quiz. What an
ideal gift for Christmas a membership of the Adlestrop Club
would be!
Popped
into the Horse and Groom on the way home and had a lovely chat
with Eustace and Carol Theodore who are over from America to
visit this week.
Had
an email from my eldest brother this morning, having had conversation
with my nearly 90 year old mother. The conversation went as
follows:
Mum. "You
know that Boyance person"
Brother: “Um. Sort of.”
Mum: "Anyway, she's having a child."
Brother: "So what!"
Mum: "It's been fathered by Donna Sperm".
Brother: "Who's he?"
16th November, 2011
 At
Warwick today where Drussell ran a very satisfactory race in
the first. He should definitely come on for the run and I'm
sure he will be winning for us this season. Warwick is a very
social racecourse and its great to see so many friends in attendance.
A
good work morning which was followed by the Heythrop Hunt meeting
in Adlestrop at Hillside Farm. Pak Jack went out for a jolly
ridden by Zack Davidson and enjoyed himself immensely. Hopefully
this will perk him up to run a cracking race in the Becher on
3 rd December.
Eustace
and Carol Theodore came to view their bumper horse Bluegrass
Bid this morning. We purchased him in Keeneland as his name
would suggest and he pleased all connections with his effort
this morning.
Looking
forward to a jumping morning tomorrow and we are hoping that
the schooling ground is riding on the safe side.
I
saw Alan King with his new moustache today which of course he
is growing for Movember, a very good cause. Looks a combination
between Magnum and Magnus Pike – I might even sponsor him.
15th November, 2011
Action
packed times at Adlestrop. Saturday did not go to plan with
Bold Identity losing confidence having been unsighted at the
third. Mr Tingle was running very well and then cut his hind
leg on the final hurdle and Ata Boy travelled very well until
finding the sticky ground against him.
On
Sunday Stop The Show came out in sympathy with Pak Jack, pointing
out he doesn't like to go too fast too early in his races. However,
luckily there are a few entries this week that should bring
a smile to our faces including Crystal Swing at Ascot on Saturday.
Went
to Cheltenham on Friday and Sunday and it is great to see so
many potentially good horses on show. Glad I got Grand Crus
in my horses to follow list and both Al Ferof and Fingal Bay
were also very impressive. Note with interest from Ruby Walsh's
win on Rangitoto that he is beginning to change his style. Having
pushed his mount using hands and heels to the last, he then
used his persuader seven times up the run in - in a power packed
finish that was within the rules. This I predict will be the
way forward.
Delighted
to have had so many visitors to Adlestrop Stables over the last
few days. All were commenting on the well being of many of our
horses. However the string have been starved of apples for the
last twenty four hours due to the fact Barnsy has gone to Cornwall
with Gordy. Pleased to report that Pak Jack looks fitter already.
11th November, 2011
Three
runners at Uttoxeter tomorrow with Bold Identity, Mr Tingle
and Ata Boy. Bold Identity's third behind Brampour is looking
good form and hopefully he will continue his progress in the
12.25pm. Mr Tingle is in a competitive handicap, requires three
miles and will come on for the race. However he has talent and
we are looking forward to the season ahead with him.
Ata
Boy is a full brother to What A Charm and Australia Day and
it will be disappointing if he does not show ability on his
first run as he is a fine stamp of a horse.
On
Sunday Stop The Show goes to Fontwell in the conditional jockeys
handicap chase with Peter Carberry onboard. Like the rest of
the string, he will come on for his first run and lets hope
things go his way.
After
a morning of schooling I have spent the day at Cheltenham where
the buzz is as good as ever. The season is really beginning
to get going now and there is so much to look forward to. As
ever, the crowds were out in force at Cheltenham and there is
always an amazing atmosphere.
Just
done my ten to follow and Grand Cruz has got us off to a good
start. Here's hoping for good to soft ground all winter.
As
always, a busy morning in Adlestrop with the clippers going
full pelt. An easyish morning for most horses, preparing hopefully
for a few runners at Uttoxeter on Saturday.
We
have made entries for Warwick on Wednesday and we are looking
forward to getting some of the horses off the ground on the
grass tomorrow morning.
Returned
from my visit in Guernsey and Jersey where I was able to meet
up with owners bunny Roberts and Steven Smith along with Andy
Stewart - who were all present at the gala dinner in aid of
the Animal Health Trust and Prostate cancer.
Met
up with a guy in Guernsey who has a hotel in Thailand . His
boat is called The Thai Tanic whilst he has just opened up a
bar called Amy's Winehouse.
Note
with interest that I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here has some
interesting inmates this year and I look forward to The Daily
Star headline of ‘Freddie Starr eats Willie Carson.'
Today
I am in Guernsey with owner Bunny Roberts for a charity gala
evening. It is in aid of the Animal Health Trust and prostate
cancer, two thoroughly deserving causes.
The
Animal Health Trust contains many friends and I am always pleased
to help them as much as possible as no doubt I will be calling
on them one day. The Princess Royal is here to support and she
appears in great form. If only everyone had her work ethic,
the world would be a better place.
Hoping
the ground is going to be on the easy side at Uttoxeter on Saturday
so that we can run our entries.
I
am entering various ten to follow competitions and am finalising
my lists. Spirit Son is my nap and I'm looking forward to seeing
him this year.
Interesting
item in tonight's auction is a scaled model of a Mercedes sports
car which would make an ideal Christmas gift for your child.
Or come to think of it, if you have a very small girlfriend.
7th November, 2011
Amore
Mio ran a sound race at Sandown on Saturday. He was baulked
on the bend but stayed on well in the straight. I am sure he
will be getting his head in front for us this season.
Pak
Jack had a nice day out at Sandown. He thought the early pace
was far too fast for him and didn't play a part. He has come
back in fine form and we are blaming his performance on Barnsy
as he was not running in front of him with a Blenheim apple.
He will now probably go straight for the Becher Chase where
hopefully the ground will be on the soft side and they will
go more his pace and we may try him in cheek pieces.
Have
made entries for Uttoxeter at the weekend with Ata Boy, Bold
Identity and Mr Tingle, whilst Stop The Show is entered at Fontwell
on Sunday. The string continue to run well but are just needing
their first run of the season.
Thornton
Alice proved our point at Fontwell on Friday when nearly getting
up in the final few yards to be beaten under a length by the
winner. Relishing the heavy ground, she took a breath turning
for home before staying on well and I am sure there will be
races to be won with her this season. The ground proved far
too heavy for Rich Buddy who came fifth in the bumper. Although
he had run on similar ground at Warwick on his debut, they went
a real pace this time and as he proved at Fontwell last season,
he travels well on good, good to soft ground so he will now
go hurdling.
A
mention for Sandown on Saturday who look after owners and trainers
very well. The food was plentiful and Barnsy was particularly
keen on the soup that was named after him, ‘chunky vegetable.'
4th, November, 2011
Pak
Jack and Amore Mio are declared for Sandown tomorrow as they
have had a fair bit of rain over night.
Pak
Jack appears in good form but tends to need his first run of
the season. This should put him spot on for the Becher Chase
at Aintree on the 3 rd December. Mark Bradburne, who rode him
in a piece of work at Compton on Monday, takes the ride and
should suit him.
Amore
Mio hasn't been back with us that long but appears in good form
and as the rains have come, we will let him take his chance
in the conditional jockeys handicap hurdle. I am sure he will
come on for the run and he needs three miles to be seen at his
best. John Kington has been booked to ride – I am so old, I
went to his christening. John is based with Donald McCain and
is an excellent rider like his father Robert, who used to ride
for Fred Winter.
On
my way to Fontwell where King Jack is a non runner thanks to
the heavy ground and an infected leg. Hopefully Thornton Alice
and Rich Buddy will cope with the going. No such problems with
the surface at Wolverhampton , where Fair Breeze runs in the
7.10pm. It's about the only good reason to have all weather
racing.
I
attended the Animal health Trust Awards in London last night
as a guest of Bunny Roberts. Bunny was a worthy recipient of
an award for all her hard work raising money for the trust over
the years. It is always an entertaining evening and our morning
on the gallops at Adlestrop was purchased by Phillip Mitchell
who is General Manager of Juddmonte Farms. Phillip is brilliant
at his job and I very much look forward to him visiting.
3rd November, 2011
Busy times at Adlestrop. Three runners tomorrow at Fontwell
with King Jack, Thornton Alice and Rich Buddy, all of which
should run well but will benefit from their first race. Fair
Breeze runs at Wolverhampton tomorrow night and hopefully will
run well again having been unlucky on her last visit to the
track.
Phardessa
ran a fine race until the straight at Chepstow yesterday before
getting tired. She always pulls hard in her first race and we
would have preferred to have gone over two and half first time
but there was nothing about for her on her favoured soft ground.
This outing will have taken the fizz out of her and hopefully
we can find a chase for her in a few weeks time.
An
industrious morning with lots of owners and visitors and thankfully
an opportunity to finally get the horses over hurdles on the
grass thanks to over night rain.
A
great result in the Melbourne Cup for Dunaden. The horse was
purchased by David Redvers with whom I share our mare, Soft
Touch with.
Redvers
is a unique character with great enthusiasm and the greatest
gift you could be born with, completely jammy. I imagine he
had a great time in Australia , especially as our great friend
Geoffrey Faber would be advising him on all concerned.
Hard
luck to Ed Dunlop who nearly won the race with his first runner.
Redvers, Faber, Dunlop and I all go back a long way and its
always interesting to follow their fortunes.
Today's
horse in focus is Drussell. Drussell recently returned to us
following an autumn prep with point to point trainer, Rory Lowther
in Buckinghamshire. Purchased last year at Doncaster May sales,
he is a fairly laid back horse at home who jumps well and showed
good form at Perth over two and half miles with some cut in
the ground.
He
should be on the course in a few weeks time and with conditions
in his favour, should give his owners Paula and Walid Marzouk,
some fun this winter. He is named after Irish jump jockey, Davey
Russell and is by Giovanna's sire, Orpen who appears to breed
some very tough siblings.
2nd November, 2011
Just
setting off to Chepstow to saddle Phardessa in the 3.30pm. Hopefully
she will run a good race. We have declared Fair Breeze for Wolverhampton
in the 7.10pm on Friday evening. Hopefully she can go one better
than her last visit there as she appears in great form.
A
busy work morning with work riders including Peterjon Carberry
and Camilla Henderson. Camilla Murdoch came third lot to watch
her string in action and was disappointed to see the jammy dodgers
had disappeared from the Family Circle tin.
I
had two very entertaining conversations with David Gandolfo
and Graham Thorner over the whip issue. Graham was my first
boss and has always been passionate about most subjects, especially
this one. Whilst David Gandolfo has always entertained with
his views and insight into racing.
Today's
horse in focus is Whichever. She was purchased as a yearling
at Newmarket and is out of a decent flat mare. A very athletic
type who showed great promise on her debut run at Fontwell finishing
third to a well bred mare of Jonjo O'Neill's.
She
has been purchased by a syndicate headed by Jeremy Brown. She
is a very neat and confident jumper and she will run in at least
one more bumper before going hurdling. She looks a mare of great
promise who will probably stay beyond two miles.
1st November, 2011
With
the ground heavy at Chepstow we can only run Phardessa tomorrow
in the 3.30pm. The ground will suit her and hopefully she will
be fit enough to run a good race as long as she settles in the
early stages.
Typically
the ground is either one thing or the other at the moment and
some nice good to soft ground would be welcome.
We
had a visit from birthday girls yesterday in Tot Calver and
Lyn Blackman. They both came to see Sun Up go through her paces.
Sun Up is at present being syndicated amongst the Dozen Dreamers
and will replace Giovanna this season. Both Tot and Lyn were
involved with Giovanna and had great fun with her, and I am
sure they will with Sun Up.
This
morning owner Brian Duckett brought a few of his work colleagues
onto the gallops to watch first and second lot. Once again they
emphasised what a lovely life I have - I must make it look very
easy!
Laurence
Robertson MP had invited me to speak to the All Party Racing
Committee tonight, but thanks to the BHA and PJA dropping out,
it has been cancelled. We were going to discuss the new whip
rules and as everyone knows, I am a very frustrated Prime Minster
so I was very much looking forward to it.
The
news of today's referendum, perhaps they should make a new film
called ‘ Greece - Euro the one that I want.'
Today's
horse in focus is Whenever. Whenever was purchased as a yearling
in Newmarket and won a three year old maiden at Goodwood before
going on to be an impressive winner of a handicap at Doncaster
at the end of that season. He showed very decent flat form at
four, running in some quality handicaps.
He
then took on a hurdling career and won on his debut at Plumpton
and has since shown some commendable form in handicap hurdles.
Returning to the flat this summer, he won at Chepstow and was
third on the all weather and is now ready to be campaigned over
hurdles this winter. He is a decent staying handicap hurdler
and I am sure there will be some winning days with him over
the next few months. He has the size and scope to jump a chase
fence and is at present for sale at a very reasonable £10,000
plus vat. Don't miss out, ask for details.
Click
below to view previous months blogs:
NOVEMBER 2011
SEPTEMBER 2011
AUGUST 2011
JULY 2011
JUNE 2011
MAY 2011
APRIL 2011
MARCH 2011
FEBRUARY 2011
JANUARY 2011
DECEMBER 2010
NOVEMBER 2010
OCTOBER 2010
SEPTEMBER 2010
AUGUST 2010
JULY 2010
JUNE
2010
MAY 2010
APRIL 2010
MARCH 2010
FEBRUARY 2010
JANUARY 2010
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