 |
 | ||||
 |
|
| Richard's
Blog
31st
March, 2010
The morning was so cold that Barnsy didn't pop in but he said he did pop in at 2.20pm and the secretary wasn't there which he couldn't wait to inform me.
Today's horse in focus in Tiger Line. She was bred by Sue and Fred Welch and is by Kayf Tara and is a half sister to a few winners. Following being broken in, she was placed in a couple of bumpers before going hurdling. She has acquitted herself very well for a small mare and was a game second at Chepstow last week. She will now go handicap hurdling over a trip and hopefully the better ground the spring has to offer will be to her advantage.
Her
owners The Tremolos, are made up of some previous owners of
Tremolo, easily one of the laziest horses we have ever had at
Adlestrop. Luckily this one is a lot tougher. She gets her name,
for those of you who don't play golf, from a phrase golfers
use when taking the direct route to the green in the manner
of Tiger Woods. Bloody weather. As I have been stating for a while most of horses don't want very soft ground but that's all that seems to be around at the moment hence the lack of entries. I was joined on the gallops this morning by our local vicar, Reverend Richard Rendall who has ridden out for us in the past. Richard loves his hunting and racing, has hunted with the Heythrop and used to ride out for Peter Cazalet in his younger days. He has great balance on a horse, hence the fact we call him ‘hands of God'. Richard pops in now and again to support the yard and offers up a prayer for all our runners. A fact that tests your faith a bit.
I had an evening in watching television last night. Anyone who knows me well will know I love University Challenge. After which I switched over to the chancellors debate, where to my surprise I saw my brother John in the audience with his daughter Megan. The story being that Megan was turned down to go on Question Time, so she was allowed to attend this debate. Megan is one of my brother's ten children and the only one that is a real Phillips in that she loves politics. Megan, like her uncle would love to be Chancellor of the Exchequer. It is a shame Vince Cable is a Liberal Democrat, it's a bit like Rooney playing for Bournemouth .
The chancellors debate was followed by Crimewatch which I always like watching as it's always nice to see what some of my owners are up to.
Today's horse in focus in Thompson. Thompson was purchased at the Doncaster May sales in 2007. Although by a sprinter in Averti, he is from the family of Giovanna and ideally wants a trip. Following some educational runs he was given a ridiculous handicap mark of 110. A ridiculous decision on a par with anything Gordon Brown has done in the last three years. However, luckily he has now come down in the handicap and over a trip on better ground this spring, should reward his owners Mike and Amanda Hawley. The Hawleys are Warwickshire based and have been very patient with him and the day he gets his head in front, there will be a party worth going to.
Captain Tidds fell at Newbury on Friday which was a big disappointment. It would have been interesting to see how he would have got on had he stood up, but hopefully he will recover from his fall in the not too distant future.
We were hoping to have a winner that day as it was Dorothy Price's funeral. Dorothy, was Adlestrop born and bred and mother of Ralph who runs the village post office. There was a large turn out for ‘Dot' and she was a great supporter of the yard, often waving to the staff as they ride by from the window of her cottage.
As ever Saturday morning was busy with visitors, all there to witness the work morning. We took Bobby Donald and Glad Big out of Stratford due to the very soft ground. This gave me an opportunity to go to the Heythrop point to point where landlord Chris Leigh trained Von Galen to win the members race. The fact that he only had one horse in opposition has been lost on his trainer.
A partnership including myself, Eric Painting, Charlie Allan, Martin and Sue Harvey and equine dentist David Regan share former Adlestrop inmate, Definite Approach. Unfortunately it was not his day and he was unable to win the four miler. He won twice for us last season and I am sure he can do so again before the season is out.
In the evening the partnership had a party to celebrate the previous success with Definite Approach at the Lygon Arms in Campden and a fun night was had by all.
Just in case you were worried, I haven't had a lunch recently but luckily Peter and Pam Deal invited me over yesterday. Also in attendance were Harriet (oracle) Smyly and Di Arbuthnot. It is always nice to catch up with the latest news and find out what has been happening in my old hunting ground.
I read in the paper this morning about the death of popular chaser Vulroy's Clown who has died at the age of thirty two. He was a Doncaster specialist and we have been lucky enough to win the race in his honour in the past. In our first season training, Gnomes Tycoon spoilt the party for Vulroy's Clown by beating him in the race named after him.
The Snatcher is today's horse in focus who has come to us to try his hand at hurdling. Owned by Rachel Ablett who has a share in King Jack, this seven year old has won five times and been placed twenty one times for Richard Hannon. He is a bonny colt who seems to have taken well to jumping and will hopefully be making his hurdling debut in May. He is by Indian Danehill who has done well with several jumpers in the past. He has a great temperament for a colt and will hopefully enjoy the change of scenery here at Adlestrop.
Tiger Line ran a game race to be second at Chepstow this afternoon on ground she would not have liked. She will now have a handicap mark and will go over three miles in future and hopefully she will get her head in front soon.
This morning Rachel and Malcom Ablett visited The Snatcher, who they have sent to us following a flat career with Richard Hannon. He has been sent to us to go hurdling and is a bonny colt who should continue to give them a lot of fun.
A great disappointment re our runner at Chepstow today is that none of our staff fell for the passport line this time and Gordy found it very disappointing.
Today's horse in focus is Temoin. He came to us from Nicky Hendersons following a useful hurdling career, however he had a dose of seconditis at Seven Barrows. Luckily he recovered from this by winning for us at Lingfield last season in a novice chase and also got his head in front at Sandown in December under two fine rides from Wayne Hutchinson. Temoin is not the most straightforward horse at home, however he does have talent and when things go his way, he can be very useful. He jumps very well and ideally likes soft ground and a trip to be shown at his best. He wears blinkers these days and has been entered in the Bet 365 handicap chase at Sandown, where should it rain, the trip should certainly help. As many of you will know, Temoin is French for ‘witness' and his owners Tamsin and Richard Styles should witness more fun from him.
With a fair few entries for the weekend, the horses were put through their paces this morning's work morning and all seems to have gone to plan. The weather is very unpredictable at the moment and our multi entries at Chepstow have ended up with one runner in Tiger Line. Hopefully she will go in the ground tomorrow and put up a good show in the mares hurdle.
I took Bob Johnston racing to Hereford today, the former landlord of the famous Fosse Manor Hotel in Stow on the Wold. He is a recent member of The Adlestrop Club and lives in nearby Evenlode. He is chairman of Stow Rugby Club for his sins and is never short of a funny story or two.
Dickie Valentine disliked the ground today at Hereford and will hopefully be running on some firmer turf in the next couple of weeks.
I have been under pressure to tell Barnsy's celery story. For a man close to obese, amazingly Barnsy's favourite food is celery. Before Cheltenham, he popped to Tescos in Stow on the Wold to see if he could find a stick for his supper. To Barnsy's great disappointment, they did not have any so he headed off to the Tesco Express in Moreton in Marsh who also did not have any. As he was leaving the shop, his great friend Warren Marston rang him on his way back from racing and asked his whereabouts. Warren then suggested that he meet Barnsy in the Black Bear pub opposite the shop.
In the pub Barnsy explained his predicament, “I've got no celery mate, I've been over to Tescos Extra and they haven't got any either.” “No problem I have some in my fridge,” said Wazza. “ Once we have finished this pint we will go back to mine and you can have it.” Barnsy then proceeded to follow Warren to his house in Condicote and relieve him of the only food in his fridge, which happened to be one stick of celery. “What are you doing now then mate?” said Warren to Barnsy, “Nothing,” said the celery lover. “Fancy one in the Plough?” “Don't mind if I do mate,” said Barnsy. Barnsy then proceeded to follow Marston to the Plough at Ford. After a few pints at the pub, Barnsy finally returned some four hours and thirty two miles later to his home. Surely the world's most expensive stick of celery.
Today's horse in focus is Sun Up. She was purchased as a yearling at the Newmarket October yearling sales in 2005. She is a half sister to five winners and by the sire of Giovanna, Orpen. After being broken in as a three year old, she needed time to mature before making a pleasing debut in a bumper at Ludlow this season to finish third. On her next appearance she was found to be in season after a disappointing run when second favourite in a mares only bumper at Huntingdon. Now schooled over hurdles, she will make her hurdling debut shortly
We schooled a fair few horses this morning as we have a quite few entries this week and hopefully if the ground suits we will be running. Sean Quinlan and Tom Siddall did the honours.
Then it was off to Kempton giving Warren Marston a lift, which is always a joy. Luckily what we speak about is not reported anywhere as most of it is libellous. King Jack ran well in the handicap chase, jumping with great panache on the better ground. However going towards the second last, the winner got on top of us and unfortunately Warren was unseated at the last. If the handicapper drops us a few pounds, he still looks competitive and it will be good to get another win into him before the end of the season.
Eastwell Smiles ran well to be fourth at Southwell. He needs an extreme distance and possibly some headgear to get the best out of him.
Today's horse in focus is Stop The Show who was purchased at the Cheltenham Sales in 2004. Showing promise in a bumper at Aintree he went on to be successful twice over hurdles. He has been placed over fences several times but is yet to win, however he is on a handy mark and once over a trip on some ground with juice in it, he should be winning for the Adlestrop Club. He has been leased to the Club by David Mason who has several good horses over the years. Stop The Show is from the family of good chaser, Buck House and although not the biggest is a very neat jumper and hopefully that will be put to good effect this spring.
Well what a week. Cheltenham just gets better and better. I think the Gold Cup was probably the most dramatic race I have ever watched and the Channel 4 pictures which were able to show the jockey's faces in running, make the event.
During our week in the chalet, the blog was mentioned quite regularly and it is amazing how many people read it. I have promised to mention John Donald's friend Blackie in today's blog. His son reads this everyday, which says a lot for the young of today and just to confirm what I told your father, yes Barnsy is a bloke.
There are too many funny stories to mention during the Festival week but a few will come out over the next few days.
Runners wise it has been very quiet due to the fact the ground was too firm at Huntingdon and too soft at Uttoxeter.
We have declared King Jack for Kempton tomorrow and hopefully the flatter track will suit, whilst Eastwell Smiles will hopefully appreciate the better ground at Southwell.
Today's horse in focus is Rich Buddy. He was purchased at the December Breeze Up Sales by Aiden Murphy for Lizzie Prowting. He is a four year old by Kayf Tara out of a mare who bred the useful Dan Silver. He is in stronger work at present and we are looking forward to running him in a bumper in April and he looks a straightforward type who should create a lot of fun for Lizzie. Clova Island gave her a Festival place this week and hopefully Rich Buddy will be a sound and game addition to her string.
Whenever has run a good second in the novice hurdle at Taunton today. We were outrun from the last to be beaten two lengths with the odds on Fix The Rib back in third. Now the ground has firmed up, hopefully Whenever will be able to follow up on his novice hurdle win at Plumpton earlier in the season.
Khumbu finished third in the beginners chase at Chepstow on Saturday and will better once running in a handicap in a bigger field to keep him company. It was a disappointing day at Warwick yesterday and maybe the ground drying out didn't suit our runners.
Saturday night I spent at Newbury Racecourse at the Spring Ball where Francome and I did the auction in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund. Five hundred and thirty people attended and raised money for the excellent cause with many of racing's great and good in attendance. It was great to see Lord and Lady Oaksy there and we all hope Carruthers runs a great race in the Gold Cup should the rains come.
Anyone who knows Gordy Clarkson knows he is a bit of a joker. Before setting off for Chepstow on Saturday, he persuaded Faisal, our only and favourite Pakistani groom, to take his passport with him as Wales was another country. On arriving at the Severn Bridge , just before he was about to pay, Gordy told Faisal to show his passport to the lady in the booth. As he walked up to the booth opening up his passport to the photo page, the lady looked in astonishment at the smiling Pakistani. She quickly looked at Gordon in the cab, who was now in complete hysterics. Faisal, witnessing the lady in the booth looking at Clarkson and shaking her head, turned to Gordy and shouted an expletive which was luckily not English. I am sure this is called bullying in the work place, however I am pleased to say Faisal has seen the funny side and will no doubt get Gordy back somehow.
Today's horse in focus is Rapid Return. Rapid Return was purchased at Doncaster May Sale in 2008 having won a point to point in Ireland . Once handicapped, he won at Worcester to give his owner Simon Rutherford his first winner. Over the winter he has had a wind operation and he has been brought back to run once the ground firms up in May and off his chase handicap mark, he looks sure the be competitive should the operation be successful. Late morning yesterday, our owner Lizzie Prowting came to see her four year old, Rich Buddy. He was purchased at the breeze up sales in December and is coming along nicely and hopefully will be running in a bumper in April.
We then inevitably went on to have lunch at the Fox in Oddington accompanied by Lizzie's groom, Hannah and Gordy. These events are always great fun and there is no greater lover of the National Hunt game than Mrs P and there was much discussion over the prospects of Cheltenham next week. This morning the ground was safe enough to school and Sean Quinlan and Tom Siddall came in to do the honours and all went smoothly.
We declared a few horses for the weekend including Khumbu in the beginners chase at Chepstow tomorrow. Whilst on Sunday, Bobby Donald, Good For Blue and Go All Out are declared at Warwick . We hope the showers continue to keep the ground safe as this time of year is always annoying if the ground goes from heavy to good to firm in only a matter of days. It is always nice to have a winner before Cheltenham so let's hope they run well. There is extra pressure with the fact that it is mothers day as all the owners seem to be bringing anyone that is remotely female with them, so let's hope there is plenty to celebrate.
Today's horse is focus is Pezula. Owned by Claire Smith she was purchased as a yearling from Newmarket by Tom Goff of Blandford Bloodstock. Interestingly Tom Goff was best man to David Cameron. Pezula had one run for experience as a two year old and once handicapped as a three year old, showed stubbornness entering the stalls. We were disappointed that she did not run better as she certainly has some ability so we have run her over hurdles this winter.
Now she is handicapped, we are hoping that on better ground over 2 ½ miles, possibly with some head gear, the penny will drop and she can show on the racecourse what she shows at home.
Dave and Pauline Mason and Ian and Kath Dunbar were at Fontwell and they kindly invited me to stop off at the Pheasant at Lambourn to discuss plans for their young horse.
The pub is run by Johnny The Fish, a real character who had a night off, therefore bar profits were up. This morning we had ITV West who came to film Stop The Show and Annie Adams who is riding the Adlestrop Club horse in the charity race at Cheltenham on Thursday. Annie has raised some seven thousand pounds so far and the race itself will raise over a hundred thousand pounds for cancer research so all in a very good cause.
Looking forward to yet another owners lunch today as no runners and will report back on how it all goes.
Today's horse in focus is Petroupetrov. Petroupetrov was bought from France by Bellflower Racing and began his career in this country by being placed in hurdle races. He has had more seconds than a stop watch and although a lazy type does have ability. He began this season well by finishing third at Sandown over hurdles on his favoured good ground but did not enjoy the rainy winter and is about to run over fences in the next few weeks. He has schooled very well. He has been bought for a bit of fun this season by Rob Brown and partners, to take the place of Phardessa who is having a year off thanks to a tendon injury. Hopefully with some April showers he should have a good spring and finally get his head in front. His nickname at home is Pete, for obvious reasons and is such a strong horse, he has even been ridden by the trainer.
Friday night was the annual Twelve Club dinner at the Turf Club in London . The Twelve Club is a group of a hundred worthy fellows who between them have a competition of twelve horses to follow for the coming flat season. Amongst the group are many owners and it is always a jolly affair. Thanks to driver John ‘The Wheels' Tunley, it was back for first lot Saturday morning to see some home work, then off to Kempton to see Giovanna perform in season.
Saturday evening was the Silks Ball held at the Beaufort Polo Ground in aid of Racing Welfare. I was only too pleased to help out in a Cheltenham preview with amongst others, Philip Hobbs, Richard Johnson and Aiden Coleman. Also in attendance were Tom George, Ian Williams, Sam Thomas and good fun was had by all thanks to organiser, Carey Buckler daughter of Bob.
On Sunday I had ‘man flu.' Obviously not being a hypochondriac I have now recovered from this dangerous disease, just in time to welcome visitors on Monday morning before attending Stratford racecourse to see Joking Aside not put her best foot forward in the mares handicap hurdle. She may well be holding something back and if no problem surfaces, new tactics may be employed.
After a morning schooling yesterday with Warren Marston and Sean Quinlan riding, it was off to Exeter thanks to some Pro Plus, to watch King Jack show his dislike for uphill finishes. On the way home, I popped into the Dormy House Hotel to help St Richards Hospice's Cheltenham Preview. A fun evening was had with Alan King, Paddy Brennan, Luke Harvey and Jim Lewis and if I can't select a winner for Cheltenham now, I need shooting.
Work morning this morning with a fair few entries coming up. It was good to see the string in fine form. Typically all the ground is getting too firm now, why cant we have good to soft ground for a few weeks please God! Off to Fontwell now. Their meeting just over a week ago was nearly called off because of heavy ground, is now good to firm in places. Funny thing, nature.
Today's horse in focus is Penshurst Lad owned by Sue Harvey of Tori Global. He was purchased as a yearling at the Tattersalls October Sales by Allan Bloodlines. He has a useful pedigree being a half brother to a decent miler of Michael Jarvis's. He is by local sprint stallion, Bertolini who has done so well with many of his offspring.
Penshurst Lad did some nice pieces of work last summer before pulling a muscle in his hindquarters in the autumn which prevented him from running. Having been gelded and given a good winters rest, he has strengthened up and will be aiming for a maiden sometime in May. The owner's ideal is flat racing on a summers evening on Mondays at Windsor and hopefully Penshurst Lad will provide lots of opportunities to drink champers this summer.
Supreme Novices Hurdle - back Get Me Out Of Here to beat Dunguib. Arkle - Riverside Theatre each way. William Hill Trophy - The Package each way. Champion Hurdle - Go Native has done nothing wrong in the champion trials. Cross Country - L'Ami to beat Garde Champetre in the Cross Country. Mares Hurdle - Voler La Vedette to beat Quevega. Neptune Novices Hurdle – Finian's Rainbow and Peddlers Cross are value to beat Rite Of Passage. RSA Chase - Long Run to win at 9-2, would be 9-4 if not ridden by his owner. He can get around Aintree so surely he can get around Cheltenham . Queen Mother Chase - Kalahari King at 6-1 looks the bet. Ryanair Chase - Voy Por Ustedes each way with Tranquil Sea to win. Triumph Hurdle – Soldatino Gold Cup - Kauto Star to win from Kauto Star and Kauto Star with Tricky Trickster each way. Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle - Ashkazar Sunnyhillboy in whichever race he runs in.
Don't say you weren't told!
Today's horse in focus is Pak Jack who was purchased following his fine record at Aintree for Philip Hobbs and Richard Barber. He had been third in a Topham and second in a Foxhunters and had shown great aptitude for the Liverpool fences. On his first run for us he was third in the Becher Chase and ran a cracker in the Betfred Gold Cup later that season. Having had time off with a tendon injury, this year he came second in the Grand Sefton Handicap chase at the Aintree November meeting. Entered in the grand National, he is probably too low in the weights to get a run and will probably go for the Topham, a race he was favourite for two years ago but tipped up when unsighted at the Canal Turn.
As a young horse he was second twice to Exotic Dancer in France and is a fine strapping horse standing nearly 16.3hh. The Pak Jack Partnership are headed by Helen Nixseaman who has the majority share in the horse. Helen works for Pricewaterhouse Coopers and was introduced to racing by my old school friend, John Rosbotham who also has a share in him. The horse deserves to win around Aintree and hopefully this will be his year.
Fos is a former Barclays Bank manager, whose long term friends include owners David Johnson and Ray Anderson Green. This lunch has taken place for the last twenty years and is an opportunity to share views and ideas about the coming Cheltenham Festival. I have been lucky enough to attend for the last fifteen, thanks to an invitation from our good friend David Johnson. The whole occasion is always good fun and other regulars include, Hugh McIlvanney and Fulham guru Ray Lewington. We have been graced with the presence of Sir Peter O'Sullevan the last few years but he was not up to coming out on his ninety second birthday, so we ate his cake instead.
Thanks to some frank speaking amongst the guests, I left there knowing a lot more than when I arrived and will pass on the information as soon as I get my bets on.
Thursday is an easy morning for the horses doing two regular canters following yesterday's work day. Owners Les Tomlin and Judith Holt who own Bobby Donald and Harriet Bolt respectively, came to visit on what was a cold sunny morning.
We have declared King Jack for tomorrow at Newbury in the novice handicap chase. It is a competitive race but hopefully he will run well. Whilst today at Ludlow, Dickie Valentine will gain a bit more experience now he is learning to settle in his races.
Today's
horse in focus is Ocheekobee. Owned by Sue and Fred Welch, they
purchased him at Ascot Sales in 2008. This Irish point to point
winner had a wind operation last year and needs three miles
plus on some goodish ground to be seen at his best. Now he is
handicapped, he should be competitive and has been entered at
Fontwell on Wednesday.
There was some stiff opposition in attendance, including John Reid, Clive Cox, Jimmy McCarthy and Tim Thompson-Jones. All old ‘gits,' who if they had a memory, would have been dangerous opposition.
Although there were meant to be teams of four, our team consisted of AP McCoy and Mick Fitzgerald and as they pointed out, as I am twice the size of them, I made up for the missing fourth member. This was emphasised by our team name, ‘Two Skinnys and a Fatty.' However thanks to our anorak knowledge of the racing game, we cruised to victory to beat a team including Steve Taylor and Jamie Osbourn. Steve used to write for the Sporting Life and has a razor sharp memory but despite all his efforts he was not able to wear down the worthy winners. In third place was a team fronted by Stuart Shilston, who you will remember for riding Crimson Embers to victory in the Stayers Hurdle and many other winners for Fulke Walwyn.
A very enjoyable evening all round and there was much amusement during the evening, especially when Brad asked who rode Indefence to win at the Cheltenham Festival. The answer of course was Warren Marston, however those that put down Rodney Farrant were allowed half a point.
To be fair to the champion jockey, I was surprised at his depth of knowledge, especially when it came to flat racing and as they say, ‘they don't fall to the top of a mountain.'
It was great to see Fitzy looking so well following his horrific bout of ill health over the last few months. As Jamie Osbourn asked, “how are you feeling Fitzy, I thought at one stage you were going to die?” To which Fitzy replied, “so did I!” You can't keep a good man down.
Today's horse in focus is Notker. Notker is a big rangy four year old, bred by the Keswicks at Rockcliffe Stud just a few miles outside Stow on the Wold. Out of a mare bred by Khalid Abdullah, from the family of Irish Oaks winner Bolas, he came to us as a two year old and had one quiet run at Leicester in a maiden. Due to immaturity, including a large splint, he was rested as a three year old and is now back in training and about to do some faster work.
Hopefully he will be able to run over hurdles in the spring but looks every inch a chaser and we look forward to everyone's patience being rewarded.
Owner Rob Hill, who specialises in human resources also popped in. Rob is always amazed at my management style which certainly could not be described as text book. However as a joint owner of Giovanna amongst others, we have had a bit of success over the years.
It is always nice to hear of our ex inmates doing well in their semi retirement. I'm pleased to report a great old favourite, Yann's, won a point to point on Sunday for the Wells family. He was purchased to give their daughters their first experience of race riding. He has been hunting all season, has done a bit of show jumping and next week starts a career in dressage at the age of 14. A living legend.
Today's horse in focus is Mr Tingle. He was purchased from the Doncaster May sales in 2008 after winning a point to point in Ireland . Having grown an inch and a half from four to five years old, he made a pleasing bumper debut at Towcester before a hock injury meant an early summer holiday. Very much a chaser in the making, he had some hurdling experience this season on ground he wouldn't have enjoyed. Hopefully his handicap mark of 99 will lead to him being competitive once the ground dries up. A recent neck injury has meant that he has had a few weeks off, however it is hoped that in late spring, he will be back in full flow.
The syndicate was originally set up by James Colling and the main share holders are William and Joanna Brogan-Higgins who met James through his Cheltenham Train hospitality business. This being their first horse, we are sure their patience will be repaid.
I was invited by Richard Styles whose wife Tamsin owns Temoin. The atmosphere was fantastic and probably better than the rugby and as an ex full back I was very frustrated watching it. However as my mother's family come from Wicklow I didn't feel too disappointed leaving the ground.
Yesterday was our yard sponsorship launch. Thanks to our owners Martin and Sue Harvey, their company Tori Global have agreed to sponsor the yard. They put on a presentation in our village hall for the relevant owners. A fun afternoon was had by all thanks to some excellent champagne and food and we look forward to a successful partnership together.
In the evening it was Barnsy's birthday bash at The Fox in Lower Oddington . Now 74 and although looking older, it was a great turn out to celebrate the life of one of the area's great characters. In attendance were many of his racing friends and there was enough food to cater for a thousand.
This morning we had visit from some members of the Yorkshire Racing Club, who had stayed the previous night in The Fox. It is always nice to meet new folk and we give a morning on the gallops as a competition prize to the Club every year.
One of the visitors named Angus, a good old Yorkshire name, had lost a fortune on our horses due to having a grandson called Jack. He remarked he wished his daughter would have named him Alowishus as he would be far richer.
The horse in focus is Mr Mackay. Bred jointly by myself and my great friend David Wike, ex assistant to Martin Pipe. When he was first born his nick name was ‘Special', short for ‘Special Needs'. He was a rather backward type before being named Mr Mackay, due to the fact he shakes his head up and down like the character from Porridge. Showing promise in bumpers and novice hurdles, he was narrowly beaten at Chepstow in a maiden hurdle and has been narrowly beaten in two attempts in handicap company this year. He needs an extreme distance and probably better ground to be shown to best effect and despite rising in the handicap through his consistency, he should be winning for The Adlestrop Club in the future.
|
|
Most of all it was a great week for Barnsy with Paddy Brennan
winning the Gold Cup. As regular readers will know, Paddy pops
into Barnsy's regularly and Barnsy did well not to have a cardiac
following the race. 
Stop The Show did his bit to raise money for charity on the
Thursday of Cheltenham. With Annie Adams riding to instructions
and teeing up Stop The Show for a run over fences soon. It was
great to see so many of the Adlestrop Club in the paddock and
Cheltenham and let's hope we can return one day with a fancied
runner for them. 
With
Cheltenham starting tomorrow, it is a busy week and we will
probably not have time to blog for the rest of the week you
will be pleased to hear. However Adlestrop does have a few representatives
this week including Stop The Show in the charity race on Thursday.
Most importantly Lord Leigh will be riding Master Oats, along
with some other old stagers in front of the grandstand before
tomorrow's opening race. Have witnessed the two at exercise
recently, do not be surprised to see Master Oats jumping the
first in front, before fading rapidly towards the bar. Good
luck to all. 
In
the evening, was The Adlestrop Club's Cheltenham Preview. This
was a huge success with the hall being packed to listen to the
views of John Francome, Richard Pitman and Choc Thornton. We
are so lucky to be supported by so many good people who give
up their time for zilch. Along with regulars Gordon Clarkson
and Rick Allen providing information from Ireland and some fascinating
statistics, the crowd were thoroughly entertained. In the audience
we were privileged to have senior handicapper Phil Smith, who
although he had the night off, was happy to share his wealth
of knowledge. Whilst Racing Post writer Peter Thomas, a regular
to Adlestrop sat on his hands in frustration, knowing that he
couldn't release all information on offer to the outside world.
Thanks to everyone's generosity around £750 was raised
for Cancer Research.  | |
|
|
© Copyright Richard Phillips Racing 2003. All Rights Reserved.