Up-to-date entries; Horses for sale
Colts by Pearl of Love (ex Pussie Willow) and Traditionally (ex Dangle) - both for sale - and Pearl of Love ex Marimar (sold)
Wednesday 19th November
Today has been a quieter morning with horses being kept warm and lightly exercised following their flu booster. The vet came in yesterday evening and gave all of those that are not due to run imminently a flu vaccination.
Call It On earlier in the week
Toparudi
Only a brief news today, as we are putting together videos and DVDs of the yearlings that are already sold as well as those that are for sale.
Tuesday 18th November
Force Tradition at first lot
"I took two up to the Links this morning," said Mark. "Colin Bolger and Matti Bachelor were up there, so it was the perfect excuse to get a couple going. Force Tradition and Sleeping both popped over the logs as a warm-up and then progressed nicely on to the baby hurdles. They did it well and I was delighted with them."
Force Tradition schooling with Sleeping
"Yesterday, Locum ran well in a race that was not run to suit him. He showed me that he stayed well and he is sure to win over that trip this winter. I'm afraid Inchpast ran disappointingly, as did the favourite, and I think it could be because the fibresand at Southwell took too much out of them last time out.
"More horses have been heading off for their holidays up at Garrowby Stud which has meant that we are able to get on with the steam cleaning of the main yard. We are also able to do a lot of maintenance work of the stables as a whole. I'll be putting down new concrete in front of 'Millionnaire's Row', before deciding which horses will be stabled there for 2009!"
Monday 17th November
Just some of first lot
walking in having cantered up Warren Hill this morning
"Nice Time won by a head at Great Leighs giving the Wiggins family a great day out," said Mark. "Derek Thompson then proceeded to interview the whole family on TV - it was like being on the X Factor! I will now be putting her away until next year. Astrobrava's division was run at a complete dawdle - much slower - and consequently she was only getting going at the end. She is a lovely filly that stays well and will win races for us next season.
"Today we have two runners at Wolverhampton. Locum runs in the 3.30pm. This is his first try at a mile and a half. He has always looked that a trip was going to be required. This looks to be a tricky contest, but let's hope things go according to plan!
"Inchpast runs an hour later at 4.30pm. He has to take on Dart again, who beat him last week at Southwell. There is a 6lb turnaround in the weights and Inchpast is a course and distance winner twice on this track, so I am hopeful that we will be much closer to him this time."
From last week...
Weekend 15th & 16th November
Pertemba leading Snoozing and Finger Spin
Moon Lightning wins at Southwell!
"I am really pleased that Moon Lightning ran such a terrific race yesterday," said Mark. "And I am delighted for the Nobletts.
"I have to say that I am very lucky to have some truly fantastic owners - and nothing gives me such a thrill as having winners for them!
Force Tradition leading Benedict Spirit
Azure Mist, Top Tinker and Sleeping
"Today we have two runners at Great Leighs in both divisions of the fillies' mile maiden. Unfortunately I've got to spend a considerable amount of time at Great Leighs this afternoon as we are in the first at 1.20pm and the second horse is in the 4.05pm. There is only so much sausage and mash that one can eat! And it's a bit too cold for jellied eels.
"I jest of course, because the actual track at Great Leighs is quite good - albeit a bit tight. It is just all the other areas like the stands etc. that need improvement.
"Astrobrava runs in the first. She has had two runs to date and ran much better the second time at Brighton. She is a very strong filly full of scope for the future and, whatever she does today, she will be much better next season. But I am hopeful of a good run today, as she has been steadily improving all season.
"Nice Time runs in the 4.05pm. She also has had two runs and the above comments apply exactly to her too. She will make a lovely three-year-old. But let's hope they both run creditably this afternoon.
"On a different subject altogether I would just like to comment on yesterday's whip snatching at Cheltenham, where in the first race the jockey on the winner had dropped his whip earlier in the race and then proceeded to snatch another from a jockey he was going past. Lester Piggott did this years ago and he was banned for 20 days for it and the horse lost the race. In this instance, the stewards banned the jockey for two days, which is a complete waste of time as he is an amateur and let the horse keep the race. I cannot for the life of me see why the stewards came to this decision. It is completely the jockey's responsibility re. his tack, whip etc. As I see it, it is the equivalent of a criminal act, ie. stealing. Instances like this should be stamped on from on high straightaway or else the floodgates will open and everybody will be doing it. The game would then disintegrate in to a circus."
Friday 14th November
Indian Skipper and Moon Lightning yesterday
"Two runners today," said Mark. "The first at Southwell in the 1.10pm, Moon Lightning. He has had two runs so far, the first at Newcastle on Plate day when just as he was challenging he put his foot in a hole and tweaked a muscle. Two and a half months later he ran quite a nice race at Warwick. He is drawn well today – what a miracle! I wonder if Weatherbys have been reading my website! And if he handles this surface, which is completely alien to him, he will run very well as he has been improving steadily at home."
Indian Skipper and Moon Lightning
"Tonight we run Indian Skipper in the 8.50pm at Kempton. He is up in trip to a mile and a half. He shaped very well at Doncaster over a mile and a quarter last time. We have always thought that he should stay and the only run he has had on this surface he was a winner. This is a competitive affair but he is not without a chance if the breaks come in the straight."
More tomorrow.
Thursday 13th November
First lot
First lot did two canters up Long Hill at first light. The Guv'nor said: "It was good strong exercise as these horses need it, especially the ones that are going hurdling soon. After two long canters this morning, they'll eat well and sleep well tonight. Most of the horses at second and third lot are doing less as they are just ticking over nicely to keep them healthy and in a routine."
Graham and the Guv'nor
Today's pearl of wisdom from the chaplain to racing, Graham, is: "I used to complain about my shoes until I met a man with no feet."
Tortola
And, the Guv'nor has two horses that he is hoping to find good homes for. "We've been lucky finding good homes for several horses this year, and I have two more horses. The first is Tortola, a lovely chesnut gelding who needs a good home. He will make a good hack / riding horse or pony club eventer. He is about 15.2 hands high with a good nature.
River Deuce
"The other is River Deuce. He is a winner on the flat and a most lovely big scopey horse, 16.2 hands high, with a tremendous temperament. He would do any job - he has a great jump in him as the photo shows.
"As long as neither of them race again (the forms will be registered at Weatherbys), they would be free to good homes."
Wednesday 12th November
Smokey Oakey and Alan Devonshire - both recently gelded
"Let's start with today's runners," said Mark. "We run Art Discovery this afternoon at Southwell in the 1.5pm. As per normal, we have the worst possible draw - it is quite unbelievable that we have had such bad draws consistently all season - and he would have to be the equivalent of Raven's Pass to win from there! Saying that, he is a big and scopey horse, who will be lovely next year. The experience today will do him the world of good.
"Tonight at Wolverhampton, we were going to have two runners, but unfortunately Derringbay pulled a muscle yesterday at exercise and is therefore a non-runner. Kinsya runs in the 8.20pm. It is a competitive little contest and he is not drawn the best either, but I expect him to put up a sound showing tonight."
Below are just some of the most recent caption entries:
'I remember when drainpipes were in fashion' (Craig Mitchell)
'The Jockey Club inspection was more thorough than Mark had been expecting' (John Grenville-Mathers)
But we are delighted to announce that the Guv'nor has come to his decision on the winner, Andy Agar, whose champagne is ready for collection:
'Come on ........... (insert name of jockey), I know you're down there. Get out immediately and admit that you ignored my riding instructions!'
On more pressing issues, Arsenal beat Manchester United. Triumph reigns. "And the youngsters played brilliantly to beat Wigan," added Mark. "In fact, I commented to Phil this morning that they would hold their own in the premiership with that youth team alone. What a future Arsenal have - oh, that Sheffield Wednesday were like that!"
Tuesday 11th November
Indian Skipper and the Guv'nor, with Moon Lightning behind, at first lot
No runners today, but Inchpast ran well to be second and Top Tiger was fourth at Southwell yesterday.
Some of first lot did faster work up the Al Bahathri at first lot this morning including Indian Skipper, Moon Lightning and Astrobrava.
Astrobrava (out of Nutmeg, pictured below)
At Dullingham Park Stud, the mares were brought in for a visit by the farrier.
Topatoo (half-sister to Top Tiger is in foal for the first time), Trew Class (has her first progeny coming in to training this coming season), Qilin (dam of Drum Dragon, fourth on her second outing last month) and Optimistic (dam of winner Astrolibra)
Group Force (maiden mare)
Topatori and Nutmeg
Duckpond at Dullingham Park Stud
We await the Guv'nor's decision as to the winner of the caption competition, but entries are still coming in:
'Excuse the Swinley Bottom but I'm looking for my Soggy Dollar!' (Jessica Russell)
'Forget all-weather, underground racing is the thing' (Trevor Benton)
'Wow, you're right Mark - we won't need planning permission down there - will you go to the Heath or Exeter Ride?' (Betty Benton)
Monday 10th November
Being dried-off after exercising in the rain this morning
Two runners today, Inchpast and Top Tiger both at Southwell. "Inchpast has had a bit of a break since the Cesarewitch and, if he handles the surface today, he will run well.
"Top Tiger ran very well at Redcar last time but the pace was unsuitable for him, so today hopefully there there will some speed in the race and he can show his true worth.
Top Tiger and Inchpast on Saturday
And the captions have started to come in:
'Surely, Mark, there must be an easier way to check the going!' - Stanley Carr
'Lord Lockey adds another fiver won on the golf course from Jenko to his secret stash' - Clive Barker
'I don't know about "Blimey O'Reilly" - but I think we might have to do some overtime, as Mark wants this finished in time for next year's Melbourne Cup!' - Roy Jelfs
'Mark does Melbourne Cup on the cheap' - Mike Lucas
'Gov, are you sure you dropped 20p down this one!' - David King
'Come on ........... (insert name of jockey), I know you're down there. Get out immediately and admit that you ignored my riding instructions!' (Andy Agar)
'The last time he dropped a penny, he was there three weeks' (Derek Burt)
'It's safe to come out now... the Guvnor's morning rollicking has finished' (Stuart Wickham)
If you are interested in joining a winning team as an owner, or part owner, give us a call. The number is 01638 661434.