News

Tuesday 2nd June 2009

As you have all probably seen in the paper's today, Warren is leaving in July to take over from C Llewellyn at Weathercock House. Warren has been an integral part of our operation over the last 6 years and will be greatly missed. These jobs do not come around very often and it is a huge opportunity for him and we wish him all the luck for the future.
Warren will be assisting Oliver with a replacement over the next month.

In the yard all the painting and decorating is nearly finished and most of the lads are on a well deserved holiday. We do have a handful of horses still in, who can hopefully pick up some prize money over the summer months.

Last week at Doncaster Store Sales, Oliver and Tess bought 2 fillies. One is by Flemensfirth and she is a lovely natured filly who will be broken shortly. The other filly is by Beneficial and she is much smaller and precocious. Oliver has bought her with D Minton and Tess. They will break her and then train her for a bumper in the Autumn.

Thursday 21st May 2009

Tomorrow, Strong Coffee runs at Stratford in the 3m4f Handicap Chase. He seems in good form at home but he did run below par last time. We may have found out what the problem was but won't know until he runs.

Oliver and Tessa bough a new recruit on Tuesday from Doncaster Sales. He is called Arkose, a five year old by Luso who won a bumper at Killarney the other day. He is a chasing type who has been bought for a new owner.

We had 3 selling yesterday. Quel Bruere was sold for £17,000 to go pointing. The other two, Lyes Green and Parazar didn't make their reserves so have returned to Rhonehurst.

Friday 15th May 2009

Tomorrow, we have 3 runners at Bangor. Roscrea runs in the first. He has come on for his run at Perth and seems to be progressing slowly. Pacco then runs in the Handicap Chase. The ground will not be soft enough but he should run well. Finally, Alverstone runs in the bumper. She is an old fashioned chasing type who is still on the weak side. She will benefit for the experience.

Wednesday 13th May 2009

Prince Zafonic runs today at Fontwell with L Aspell on board. He is in fine form and should run well. The only concern is the trip might be slightly on the short side. Fontwell can ride on the stiffish side with the uphill finish, so it could play into his hands.

Monday 11th May 2009

Even though we had 5 runners over the weekend, the yard is getting quieter by the day. Most of the horses have been turned out for the summer and the lads are enjoying mucking out all the empty boxes so that they can be steam cleaned and painted ready for the new season.

Ali Douglas had a ball in the charity race at Uttoxeter yesterday. This was her first experience on a racecourse and she enjoyed it immensely. It might not be the last we see of her on a racecourse as she now has the racing bug!

Friday 8th May 2009

On Sunday, Prince Zafonic runs in the Amateur Handicap Hurdle at Plumpton. He won well last time and has trained well since. This does not look a great race on paper so let's hope he can give Joe his first winner. Celebrity Call also runs at Plumpton. He seems to like it around there and Leighton gets on well with him so we are hoping for a good run.
At Uttoxeter, Inge It Is runs in the 3m Novice Hurdle. She is in good form and this track will be much more suitable than previously. Moscow Jewel runs in the bumper. She ran well on her first run and then got stuck in the mud at Cheltenham when the ground was atrocious. She is fit and well, so should run well.
We also have a runner in the charity race. Global Strategy runs with Ali Douglas on board. Ali works for Setanta sports and has been riding out for a few months. She should have a good ride and we wish her all the luck in the world.

Friday 1st May 2009

We had our first winner of the season on Tuesday at Southwell. Double Expresso won the bumper on his racecourse. Although very green he quickened up nicely to win by 8 lengths. He will now go out in the field and could make up into quite a good Novice Hurdler after the summer.

On a much sadder note, we lost Caribou yesterday in a very sudden moment. He has been off all season with a slight tendon strain. He had been in the field for a couple of weeks here at Rhonehurst and was then moved yesterday to Fawley House Stud for his summer break with Black Ven. They were let out in the field and put their heads straight down. Half an hour later Caribou collapsed suddenly and after being checked over by the vet was put down shortly after.
This is a huge blow as he definitely still had the world at his feet. We would like to send our condolences to Martin Pope and the rest of It Wasn't Us Partnership. They truly loved this horse and were very much looking forward to his return next winter.

Today, Sprosser runs at Fontwell in the 2m6f Handicap Chase. He has had a small break as he tends to run well fresh. We have put cheekpieces on him just to help him concentrate and he should run well.

At Bangor, Circus of Dreams runs in the 2m Handicap Hurdle. He has run some good races this year being placed on a couple of occasions and winning one. This is his first run in a handicap and so we shall find out how he fairs. He will go chasing after his summer break but it would be great if he can win today first. Rouge et Blanc runs in the 2m Novice Hurdle. He was very disappointing at Perth last week but we feel sure he not like the tongue tie, so we are leaving it off. Before that run he had quite a progressive profile. This race does not look that hot and we hope he can get his head infront.

Tomorrow, Artic Pride runs in the bumper at Uttoxeter. He is a lovely big horse who has a very laid back attitude, so whether he will be sharp enough for a bumper we shall have to see tomorrow.

Tuesday 28th April 2009

Unfortunately, all our runners dislike the soft going at Towcester yesterday. Celebrity Call was never travelling at any stage and AP uncharacteristically fell off him at the 2nd last. He needs quicker ground. Shahbash travelled too well and then made a noise when he came under pressure. He will need a wind operation. Finally, Superrollercoaster never travelled and this could be a combination of ground, and one run too many as he has had a busy season.

Tomorrow, Widely Accepted runs in the 2m Handicap Hurdle at Southwell, as long as they get the expected rain. He is in good form and deserves to win a race, let's hope tomorrow is his big day. Double Expresso runs in the first division of the bumper. He is a lovely horse for the future, who is still a little weak but this will be good education for him. Gratification runs in the second division of the bumper. He produced two good efforts in his first couple of runs before getting bogged down in soft ground at Fontwell. He is a lovely horse who will make a smashing hurdler next season but hopefully he can win this before going out to grass.

Monday 27th April 2009

Today we have got 3 runners at Towcester all with A P McCoy on board. Celebrity Call runs in the claiming hurdle. He ran well last time but did not quite get the trip, this trip should suit and he should run well. Shahbash runs in the Novice Hurdle. He ran well to a point for us last time at Plumpton in a bumper but needs to relax as he tends to hold his breath and therefore runs out of steam. We will ride him from the front today which hopefully will help him.
Finally, Superrollercoaster runs again at Towcester. He was unlucky to be beaten last time out and is still in good form. AP should suit him and he will no doubt be in the shake up again this afternoon.

Warren and Tessa both completed the London Marathon yesterday but definitely didn't pull out sound this morning! They have raised over £8000 for Racing Welfare and deserve a big pat on the back.

Friday 24th April 2009

Ballygalley Bob runs in the long distance chase up at Perth today. He was unlucky at Haydock last time when he nearly got knocked over by a loose horse. He is in really good form and the trip will be right up his street, so we are expecting a big run.

We are sending two horses up to Bangor this evening. Lunar Rock runs in his first chase. We found a small problem after his last run so that has been corrected. He has schooled well and we have put blinkers on to help him concentrate. This looks a poor race so we are expecting to see an improvement from him. Palmerin ran really well at Huntingdon last time and is progressing all the time. This looks competitive but he should be thereabouts if he improved again.

On Sunday Warren and Tessa are running in the London Marathon. They have trained hard and are really looking forward to it (being all over)! If anyone would like to support them then please go to www.justgiving.com/lambournrunners. We wish them the best of luck and hope they make it back in time for first lot on Monday!

Thursday 23rd April 2009

Jaunty Flight did us proud yesterday winning the valuable Novice Chase at Perth. The ground was against her and we shall be praying that she is ok over the next 24 hours but she jumped well apart from the last and won by a good margin. She will now go on holiday and could be very exciting next season.

Today, Eric's Charm tries to retain his success of last year. Unfortunately, this race is no longer a handicap which is not ideal. He is in great form and goes for this race rather than the Bet365 at Sandown on Saturday. He would appreciate rain to make it more of a stamina test. Let's hope he can finish a good season with another win.
Rouge et Blanc runs in the 2m4f Novice Hurdle and he too will appreciate a bit more give in the ground. He is in great nick and has improved physically since his only run for us. We feel he is well handicapped and should put in a good performance.

Tuesday 21st April 2009

We have two runners at Perth tomorrow, if the ground is safe enough. Jaunty Flight should take a lot of beating in the 3m Novice Chase. She is in good form and this will be her last run of the season. If she does not run then she may go to Punchestown next week. Roscrea runs in the Amateur Hurdle. He has taken time to learn to relax in his races but is going the right way now.

We had some very exciting news over the weekend in that Warren and Tessa have got engaged. We are all delighted for them and wish them all the best for the future.

Friday 17th April 2009

Unfortunately, mother nature beat us at Cheltenham yesterday. From the moment racing started the heavens opened and did not relent all afternoon. With both of our runners needing good ground this was not ideal. Argento Luna really did not like it and finished quite tired. She has had a long season and needs a break now. She has been a revelation this season and owes her owner nothing. We are sure she will improve again over the summer and could be very exciting next season.
Moscow Jewel needed armbands in the bumper and plainly hated conditions. AP was very easy on her and said we could run her in a week if we wanted.

We have no runners tomorrow but Roscrea may run on Sunday ground dependant. He has come on since his Newbury run and should run ok.

Wednesday 15th April 2009

Tomorrow, Argento Luna runs in the Mares Handicap Hurdle. She has been running well all season and infact has improved with every race. She won nicely at Newbury last time beating the track record on the way. She has been put up 6lbs which is quite fair. This race looks competitive but we want to see if she handles Cheltenham and is the right race to finish off her season.
Moscow Jewel runs in the Mares bumper. She ran well last time to finish 2nd at Southwell, where the winner has gone on to finish 5th in a listed bumper at Aintree. All she seemed to do was stay in her first run so the hill at Cheltenham should suit her. She is owned by Tessa and is for sale so to win or be placed would be very nice.

Tuesday 14th April 2009

We have had a quite a busy Bank Holiday Weekend with runners all over the place but sadly no winners!

Ballygalley Bob was very unfortunate to be knocked over mid race but luckily he has returned unscathed. Dominic has taken two weeks off with a recurring shoulder problem.

On Sunday, Superrollercoaster ran a very brave race but was denied a 2nd victory close home. He has really found his form now and hopefully can win again before the season is over. Circus of Dreams ran well to finish 3rd. He may have one more run over hurdles this season before Novice Chasing next season.

Yesterday, Palmerin showed a bundle of improvement to finish 4th at Huntingdon. He jumped and travelled much better and will progress from this. He can win a race soon.
Celebrity Call put up his best effort of the season so far to finish 2nd at Plumpton. He jumped really well and was just unable to pick up over the last couple of furlongs. We hope he can get his head infront very soon. Finally, Shahbash finished 5th in the bumper at Plumpton. His main problem is that he needs to learn to relax. We feel he has been set alight whilst being trained in Ireland and until he settles will struggle in races. We may run him in a hurdle to see if that makes a difference.

Cnoc Moy runs today at Market Rasen. He has disappointed this season. AP rode him last time and suggested putting blinkers on him to make him concentrate. We have schooled him in them and they seem to have had the desired effect. He is now on a favourable mark and this race looks well within his capabilities. The trip, track and ground should suit. We would be very disappointed if he is not bang there at the finish.

Friday 10th April 2009

We have 6 runners over the weekend but this all depends on the weather as all of them will need some rain.

Tomorrow, Rouge et Blanc runs in the Brush Hurdle Final. He has had niggling problems since his last run at Warwick. The problem has been sorted now and we are hopeful of a big run. He finished 2nd on his only start for us behind a horse called Trenchant who is now rated 140+. Our fellow is rated 118 so he is favourably handicapped. The step up in trip should also benefit him.
Ballygalley Bob won well last time at Warwick and has progressed nicely since then. He should be thereabouts in the 3m4f handicap chase.
On Sunday we have 4 runners at Towcester. Rockandahardplace runs in the maiden hurdle. He finished 2nd at Fontwell in his last run but was probably flattered as there was only 4 runners in the race and the favourite fell. The track will suit
Superrollercoaster won well here last time. He is definitely thriving at the moment and seems in rude health. Conditions will suit and we are hopeful of another good run. Circus of Dreams runs in the 2m Novice Hurdle. We hold this fellow in quite high regard but his efforts this season have been a little below par. The ground was against him at Sandown last time and was probably outclassed at this stage. This race is more suitable and he should be thereabouts.
Finally, Artic Pride runs in the bumper. He is an old fashioned chasing type who has progressed well in his training. Towcester will definitely suit him and we could see him running well.

Wednesday 1st April 2009

We have 3 runners at Exeter today. Cnoc Moy runs in the 2m3f Handicap Hurdle. He ran well last time at Newbury but we feel that he needs a step up in trip. He will like the ground and has run well a the course before.
Quel Bruere runs in the Novice Hurdle. He has been disappointing so far this season but we have ironed out a few problems with him. The race is not very good on paper so we are expecting a better performance.
Finally, Prince Zafonic runs in the 2m5f Handicap Hurdle. He ran ok at Ludlow last time but the track probably did not suit. This should be much more to his liking and with AP on board he is sure to run well.

Monday 30th March 2009

In contrast to last weekend we had a very disappointing one this weekend. Little Al at Fontwell tended to run in snatches and then was outpaced from two out. He was not beaten that far and will probably benefit from some headgear to help him concentrate.

Shinnecock Bay fell when beated at Lingfield. Again he ran in snatches and will go to the vets tomorrow for tests. Finally, Strong Coffee travelled well for two circuits and then completely lost touch. A.P. thought he may have bled but we got the vet to check him at the racecourse and they found him to have an irregular heartbeat. He has shown no signs of this before but we shall check him over thoroughly before deciding what to do next.

Friday 27th March 2009

It was fantastic to see Superrollercoaster win yesterday at Towcester. He has had his problems but has run himself into form and won in pleasing fashion. Wayne Hutchinson gave him a lovely ride and hopefully he can go on from here.

Today, Little Al takes his chance at Fontwell in the Maiden Hurdle. He has been a little disappointing of late as we thought he could develop into quite a progressive horse this season. We have sorted out a few niggling problems which should help him. The trip and track should suit and in a race that does not look that strong we are hoping for a better performance.

Shinnecock Bay runs at Lingfield tomorrow. He is taking his time to get the hang of jumping and so we are putting cheekpieces on him just to sharpen him up. He does have ability so hopfully should start showing something soon.

On Sunday, Strong Coffee run at Newton Abbot in the Novice Chase. He has had a break over the winter as he prefers fast ground. He is in great form and should run a good race.

Wednesday 25th March 2009

Today, Global Strategy and Inge It Is run at Towcester. Global runs in the conditional jockeys hurdle, he is in good form but is fairly limited. However, he could well run into a place in a race like this. Inge has been disappointing all season but hopefully she will show us more today on a track which should suit her much better.

Tomorrow, Palmerin runs at Hereford in a Novice Hurdle. He ran on the flat for R Hannon with some success. He has ability but has taken time to get his jumping together. Superrollercoaster runs at Towcester as long as they have overnight rain. He ran ok last time but this does look more competitive. He could run into a place if in the right mood.

Monday 23rd March 2009

A fantastic weekend for everyone connected to Rhonehurst, with two televised winners.

Lyes Green travelled well and jumped brilliantly to win by a length in end. This was great for him as he has always showed ability. The ground definitely helped him and we also feel bigger galloping tracks suit him. The Scottish National could be his next port of call.
His sister, Argento Luna, obviously felt she did not want to be overshadowed by her older brother. She not only won the Mares Hurdle Final but broke the track record in doing so. She has an incredible amount of ability and should be even better next year. We may look at a valuable race at Punchestown at the end of April before turning her out to grass for the summer. We are so thrilled for Paul Gardner who bred both horses and he has more in the paddock at home out of the same mare.

Friday 20th March 2009

It was great to see Ballygalley Bob win at Warwick on Wednesday. The change of tactics suited him and although the ground was a little too quick for him he handled it. Let's hope that his confidence has grown now and he can win a few more before the end of the season.

Cnoc Moy runs today at Newbury in the last. He has found it difficult this season to find his form but at Ludlow last time he showed a little more. Newbury will suit him much better than Ludlow and with his handicap mark dropping to a realistic mark we are hoping he can go and win before long.

Tomorrow, we have four runners at our local track, Newbury. Jaunty Flight goes for the Mares Chase Final and we are hoping she can follow up after her win in the Mares Hurdle Final at the end of last season. She has performed admirably in her first season over fences and this has been the objective all season. We feel she is on a handy mark and should take all the beating. Argento Luna will be bidding to follow in Jaunty Flight's steps as she runs in the Mares Hurdle Final. She has run consistantly all season and won well last time at Doncaster. She should stay the extra few furlongs and does have a good turn of foot. Fingers crossed that she can be in the shake up.
Lyes Green runs in the race won by Caribou last year. He ran well at Doncaster before disappointing at Folkestone. We feel he is definitely suited by a galloping track, where he has more time at his fences. Both his last two runs have been over extreme distances but this drop back to 3m should not inconvenience him.
Finally, Roscrea runs in the Novice Hurdle. As we have said before this chap is very hard to train as he is so fragile. We feel that a lot of the problems were growing pains and he seems to be in great form at the moment. He can be quite buzzy so this race will be very much channeled in getting the fizz out of him and then we can campaign him for the rest of the season.

Wednesday 18th March 2009

Today, at Warwick we run Ballygalley Bob and Brumous in the 3m5f race. Bob has been frustrating this season but we still have faith in him. We are not sure weather the ground will be too lively for him as he has never run on it, so there is a slight question mark. He seems in good form though and he will be ridden handily. Brumous has also been disappointing this season but we hope the step up in trip will help him and we see an improved performance.

Tomorrw Prince Zafonic runs at Ludlow. He ran ok on his first run for us at Folkestone but we are still learning about him. Hopefully he can put in a bold show on ground that he should appreciate.

Monday 16th March 2009

Our runners yesterday nearly all ran well. The 3 up at Carlisle were all placed, which was good but it was a little frustrating that we couldn't bring back a winner. At Southwell, Moscow Jewel ran very well in the Mares bumper finishing 2nd to one of A King. AP liked her and said she is sure to win some races. She is for sale so if anyone is interested then please contact the office or Tessa Clark on 07976 751151.

Saturday 14th March 2009

We hope you had a lovely Cheltenham and all alive to tell the tale. As you will have seen we had no runners there which slightly disappointing but we have a lot of youngsters who are not really up to it yet.
We have 5 runners tomorrow, 3 go up to Carlisle all with chances. Mount Sandel runs in the Novice Chase, he has won his last two and is improving all the time and should take all the beating with conditions in his favour. Pacco runs in the handicap chase, it looks competitive but he is in great form and he should be thereabouts. Finally, Superrollercoaster runs in the 3m Handicap Chase, he ran well there last time and seems in good form.
We also have two runners at Southwell. Inge It Is runs in the 3m Maiden Hurdle. She has been a little disappointing so far but has been going better at home so we hope for an improved performance. Moscow Jewel makes her racecourse debut in the mares bumper. She goes well at home and we are expecting her to run a nice race.

Friday 6th March 2009

Jaunty Flight won well yesterday at Carlisle. Ok it was not a great race but she jumped accurately and won without breaking sweat. This should put her spot on for the mares final in two weeks time.
Superrollercoaster ran a much better race than he has all season to finish 3rd. Hopefullly we have turned the corner with him and he can run more good races for the rest of the season.
The only slight disappointment was Ballygalley Bob who ran lazily. We will ride him prominantly next time and maybe with headgear as that could make a big difference.
Tomorrow, Finney and Circus of Dreams run in the EBF Final at Sandown. Finney has run consistantly all season and deserves to take his chance. He is in good form but the worry would be that we feel he is harshly rated and therefore may just struggle. Circus has also run well all season apart from running a bit keen last time at Fontwell. That run can be forgotten as he was just too fresh. He would be of similar ability but is rated 8lbs lower, which would give him a good chance. He would prefer the ground softer but should handle good ground.

Thursday 5th March 2009

We have taken 3 horses up to Carlilse today. It has been touch and go as the whether the meeting would go ahead as they had a hard frost last night but it has thawed and racing goes ahead. Jaunty Flight runs in the 3m Novice Chase. She was due to run at the beginning of last week but had a touch of colic at the races. She seems fine now and this looks a great opportunity with only 4 runners. Superrollercoaster runs in the 3m Handicap Chase. He has been disappointing this season but we hope that he can recapture his old form as he has been out hunting a few times to brighten him up and along with wearing a visor we are hoping for a better run.
Finally, Ballygalley Bob runs in the 3m2f Handicap Chase. He has taken a long time to come to himself this season and his runs before Christmas can be forgotten as we found he was just not right. He seems a different horse now and like SRC has been out hunting for something different to look at. He didn't come to himself until this time last year so fingers crossed that he runs well. We still feel he is well handicapped.

Tuesday 3rd March 2009

We have another busy day tomorrow with three runners at Fontwell. Fassaroe runs in the Maiden Hurdle over 2m3f. He has run well so far this season without getting his head infront. We are putting cheekpieces on to help him concentrate and this looks a fair opportunity to get his first win over hurdles.
Global Strategy runs in the Hands and Heels race with Jack Sherwood. He ran well to finish 3rd for Jack on his last run over hurdles and has since had a spin on the flat to sharpen him up. So we hope he can give Jack his 2nd winner under rules.
Our final runner is Gratification in the bumper. He ran a blinder last time at Hereford and has progressed nicely since. He is growing up all the time and should run a good race.

Monday 2nd March 2009

Last weekend the yard were all in good spirits on Monday morning after our double on Sunday. However, this morning was a different story as we lost two horses at Doncaster on Saturday. Firstly, Grandage had to be put down after falling and breaking a shoulder. Then later on Arrayou had to be put down after he broke a foreleg on the flat. Our commiserations go out to the owners concerned and also the lads, Chris Jerdin and Chris Rourke. Fortunately, this sort of thing doesn't happen too often but when it does it can be very hard to take.

On a slightly happier note we did have a winner at Doncaster on Friday. Argento Luna got back up to win on the line after making a mistake at the last. She is really growing up and is taking everything in her stride now. Dom rode her very calmly and she showed a great turn of foot to win.
Our runners at Kempton on Saturday ran a little below par. Six Day War did not stay 3m and needed softer ground. Erin's Own ran another disappointing race and we think there is definitely something amiss as he cannot turn into a bad horse overnight. We will give him a through check up and make sure we find out what the problem is.

We have no runners today or tomorrow but a few have entries later in the week. They all seem in good order so hopefully there are more winners just around the corner.

Friday 27th February 2009

We have busy weekend ahead with 9 runners. Firstly, today Inge It Is runs at Fakenham in the Mares Maiden Hurdle. She disappointed on her first run for us but subsequently we found a few problems with her. She is in good form now and we hope that she can run a confident race.
Argento Luna runs at Doncaster this afternoon and we hope she can get her head infront as she has now been 2nd three times. The track and ground should suit so she should take all the beating.
At Newbury we have Lunar Rock, who has taken time to come to hand but the penny is finally dropping and he is reasonably handicapped. The trip, track and ground are all in his favour, so we are expecting a good run.
Tomorrow, we have 3 runners at Doncaster. Grandage has top weight in the 2m Handicap Hurdle. He disappointed last time on fast ground but is in really good order now. He will be ridden handy and should run well in what looks not a great handicap.
Fassaroe is due to run in the 2m3f Novice Hurdle but won't run if the ground is too quick. Everyone knows that Arrayou has a mind of his own but if he is feeling in the right mood tomorrow then he has a good chance in the 3m Handicap Hurdle.
At Kempton, Six Day War runs in the 3m Handicap Hurdle. He missed the break last time at Sandown and tends to sulk in behind. So he will be ridden positively and should get 3m on better ground. If he gets the trip he will run a huge race.
Erins Own ran no sort of race at Folkestone last time on bottomless ground. He is a lovely horse, who goes well at home and with only 5 runners he should run a much better race.
Finally, Simply Sunshine runs at Huntingdon on Sunday. She ran at the beginning of the season on soft ground and didn't get home. Possibly she was't as well as she could have been at that stage. She is in terrific form now and a faster track on quicker ground should suit.

Wednesday 25th February 2009

Celebrity Call runs in the seller at Ludlow on Thursday with J Quintin on board. He has lost his way a little but his last run was not too bad. He is in good form at home and this looks a poor race. Shinnecock Bay runs at Taunton in the Novice Hurdle. He is getting better with experience and has come out of his last run well, so we feel the more education he gets the better, hence him running on a week after his last run.
Unfortunately, Jaunty Flight has a touch of colic at the races yesterday and although it was not that bad we did not want to risk running her. She seems fine this morning and we hope to run her next week sometime.

Tuesday 24th February 2009

Tomorrow Prince Zafonic has his first run for us at Folkestone. He joined us a couple of months ago from D. Ivory. He has won a few races on the flat and has had a couple of runs over hurdles, where on one occasion he finished 6th behind Katchit (beaten 30 lengths). He is a lovely big horse who has taken a while to settle down and put some condition on but he is ready for a run now and this will be very much a learning curve for us all.
Lyes Green runs in the Kent National. He was due to run in the Eider last Saturday but unfortunately the ground did not dry up as we would have liked so we have waited for this race. He definitely improved for the step up in trip and Folkestone should suit him. He is not over big and does have top weight which is a bit of a worry but if he can manage the weight he should have a great chance.

Monday 23rd February 2009

We had a fantastic day yesterday with two winners. Mount Sandel won the valuable Novice Chase at Fontwell. He jumped boldly and looked the winner from start to finish, putting two decent horses in their place. Pacco won well at Towcester and jumped beautifully throughout the race. He is one of those horses who only does just enough, which is great as you never really get to the bottom of him.

Tomorrow we have two runners at Leicester. Brumous runs in the Handicap Chase. He ran much better last time to finish 2nd. He seems in good form at home, so let's hope he can go one better.
Jaunty Flight ran well last time at Chepstow to finish 3rd in a race that was too short for her. That race seems to have brought her on as she is in terrific nick at the moment. The trip of 2m7f+ should be ideal for her. We are quite excited about seeing her over this distance as we feel she will improve markedly for it. There are a couple of nice horses in the race but with a bit of luck she should be bang there.

Friday 20th February 2009

On Sunday we have three runners a two different meetings.
Pacco runs at Towcester in the 2m3f Handicap Chase. This looks an ideal race for him. It is the right sort of grade, unlike his last race at Chepstow which was a little too competitive at this stage of his career. Also, he has won at Towcester previously, which is positive as not all horses handle the track. The trip and ground are all to his liking aswell so we are expecting a big run from him.
At Fontwell, Little Al runs in the Novice Hurdle. He ran ok at Doncaster last time in his first run since a wind operation. He did run that day as if he was expecting his wind to go wrong but when he realised everything was ok he ran on well again in a race where the form has turned out well. He needs a lot of confidence so will be ridden that way by being held up. Mount Sandel runs in the valuable Novice Chase. There are only 3 runners but one is Kicks For Free, who will go off a short priced favourite. Fontwell is a specialist track and having form around there is a big help. He has come back really well after his win around there and is full of confidence. He is no mug on his day and if the favourite has an off day he could surprise some people. Even if that is not the case there is good place prize money available.

Thursday 19th February 2009

Shinnecock Bay runs at Sandown tomorrow in the Novice Hurdle. The penny is dropping slowly with him but it is going to take time. He tends to be a bit too careful in the jumping department but has plenty of ability. Widely Accepted runs in the 2m4f Handicap Hurdle. He ran well last time to finish 2nd around Fontwell where the track did not suit him. This looks competitive but he definitely has a live chance.

Tuesday 17th February 2009

Our two runners over the weekend ran a little below par but both had their reasons. Eric's Charm probably had one run too many in a short space of time. He was never really travelling and the writing was on the wall early on. Also, the fact that he really does not like going left handed. He will have a short break now before trying to win a race in the spring.
Abey M'Boy ran well before getting tired up the home straight. Aiden said he ran with the choke out a little which then made him tire in the closing stages. He will probably have one more run in a month or so and will be ridden conservatively so that he learns to settle. He will then go out to grass for the summer and come back to go hurdling next season.
Yesterday, we had a new arrival in Abey M'Boy's sister. She has not been broken long but will stay here for a couple of months to be educated and then will go out to grass before returning next season. Let's hope she is as nice as he is.

Tomorrow we have two runners at Ludlow. Quel Bruere runs in the 3m Novice Hurdle. He disappointed last time at Fontwell so we are applying cheekpieces to help him concentrate and he is stepping up in trip to 3m so he can travel better. The better ground will also suit. This horse goes well at home and has solid form in France, we just have to find the key to him. Hopefully it will be tomorrow.
Cnoc Moy runs in the 2m Handicap Hurdle. He ran well on the flat just over a week ago at Kempton, which should have knocked the cobwebs away. We are putting cheekpieces on him as he can hit flat spots during his races. He has quite a lot of ability and should be winning before long.

Today was the first time since the snow we were able to work on the grass. The horses definitely enjoyed themselves and they generally worked well. Let's just hope the weather remains good so we can start having runners and more importantly winners.

Friday 13th February 2009

Tomorrow Eric's Charm is back out on the racecourse again at Haydock in the big chase. He has come out of his Sandown race really well so we feel it is important to keep striking while the iron is hot. Sam Jones rides which is good; the only big reservation is that it is left handed which we have stressed is a negative as he does prefer to go right handed but there are limited opportunities for him so we don't really have a choice.

Abey M'Boy runs in the bumper at Ascot tomorrow with A Coleman. He is in good form and the ground and track should suit him better than Hereford where he has run on both other occasions. He has a lot of weight but Aiden takes 3lbs off which is a help.

Jaunty Flight came back fine yesterday from Chepstow. She jumped well but as we thought the trip was on the short side and she was done for speed in the final couple of furlongs. We will find another race for her in a couple of weeks over a longer trip.

Thursday 12th February 2009

Chepstow has survived the frost last night and racing goes ahead thankfully, as Jaunty Flight runs in the 2m Novice Chase. She has progressed nicely since her win at Newbury and luckily we managed to school her yesterday on the allweather. Chepstow should suit her but the only slight concern is the trip, which is definitely on the short side. However, the ground will be atrocious which will make the trip feel longer. We had to run her here in case all the racing was off at the weekend.

Tuesday 10th February 2009

The last week has been absolutely horrific with the snow but we are still alive and kicking! Fortunately, the gallop men have been doing a fantastic job working through the night several times to keep the gallops in use. So, the horses have only missed one day, which under the circumstances is not the end of the world. All the staff have been superb and very patient as we have had to change our routine in order to get the horses out.

We had 3 runners last Friday at Fontwell. Mount Sandel made all to win in fine style. He jumped beautifully and this will give him so much confidence for the future. Lee Horner, our conditional had his first ride over hurdles and finished 2nd on Rockandahardplace. He got the horse jumping nicely but will have to tidy up a little, this should come with experience. Our other runner Quel Bruere finished 3rd but we were disappointed as he was beaten a long way. The ground was probably not to his liking but still he was beaten a long way from home. We will ride him from the front next time to keep him interested and see what happens.

We will have runners over the weekend but the prospects don't look very good for any of the courses. We shall have to wait and see what the weather brings in the next few days.

Friday 30th January 2009

We have a busy weekend ahead with 8 runners at three different meetings.

Fassaroe runs in the 2m Novice Hurdle at Doncaster. He is in good form and has run well in all three of his races over hurdles so far without getting his head infront. We are putting cheekpieces on him just to help him concentrate. There are a couple of useful horses in the race but he should run well.
Lyes Green runs in the 4m Handicap Chase. He is attempting 4m for the first time but we feel he will get the trip. This may be a little too competitive for him at the moment.
Little Al runs in the Maiden Hurdle, also at Doncaster. He has run well over hurdles so far and we are stepping him up to 3m, which we feel will suit him and he should run a good race.

We have 2 runners at Sandown. Firstly, Six Day War runs in the 2m6f Handicap Hurdle. He ran well at Hereford last time but did not stay the 3m2f. The trip tomorrow will suit him well and we are expecting a good run. Eric's Charm makes a quick reappearance after his trip to Ireland. He seems in great form and has been swimming this week to freshen him up. A.P. rides and he should run another big race.

On Sunday we have 3 runners at Fontwell. Circus of Dreams runs in the 2m2f Novice Hurdle. He is in fine form and has been waiting to run for a while now. He is progressing well and we hope he can win this on his way to better things.
Widely Accepted runs in the 2m2f Handicap Hurdle. We were disappointed with his last run as we expected him to go close, but he came back fine and has trained well since.
Finally, Parazar runs in the bumper. He is a lovely horse who works well at home. He will learn a lot from the experience and will improve for this race.

Tuesday 27th January 2009

Today Silver Accord runs at Taunton in the bumper. He is a half brother to Claymore, who was such a good servant for us a few years ago. Oliver bought him at Doncaster last May from Tom Tate. He had 3 runs in bumpers but sustained an injury and therefore had to have a year off. He is a lovely horse who has developed since he has been with us and will appreciate the soft ground. We are hoping for a good run.

Tomorrow Quel Bruere runs at Exeter. He ran well enough on his first run for us at Warwick. He got a little outpaced but ran on well at the end. He seems on great form and should be in the shake up.

Eric's Charm has returned in fine form from his Irish trip. He ran a great race in what can only be described as atrocious conditions. We have entered him again on Saturday at Sandown.

Another horse who ran well last week was Rouge et Blanc. It was his first run for us and he ran a lovely race to finish 2nd. He looked the winner after the last but was just worried out of it by a flat horse. He is sure to win very soon and is a horse for the future. Last Monday, Brumous ran very well to finish 2nd at Hereford and could go back there next week. Six Day War also ran well at Hereford to finish 4th. He travelled well but probably did not get home over the longer trip. He could run at Sandown this weekend over 2m6f which should suit him nicely.

Monday 19th January 2009

Today we have two runners at Hereford. Six Day War is stepping up in trip and class in his bid to win his 3rd race at Hereford. He has been very progressive so far this season and seems to be in great form. The step up in trip will really help him so hopefully he can keep on an upward curve.
Brumous runs in the 3m1f Handicap Chase. He has been hitting the crossbar so far without winning. He seems in good form so hopefully he can get his head infront before too long.

Later this afternoon Warren and Tess leave for Ireland with Eric's Charm, who runs in the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park on Thursday. The conditions should be ideal for him over there. He is in great form and with the style of which Irish racing is run he should be able to dominate in his usual manner. Fingers crossed as he really does deserve to win a big race.

Friday 16th January 2009

Tomorrow, Finney runs at Haydock in quite a competitive Novice Hurdle. He has progressed with every run this season and is developing into a bright prospect. He is in great form at present and this race should give us an idea of how good he is.

On Sunday, Circus of Dreams runs in the 2m Novice Hurdle at Towcester. He won well last time and seems to be going the right way. This race is well within his capabilities and hopefully he can win before being stepped up to better races.

Thursday 15th January 2009

We were very satisfied with Jaunty Flight's first run over fences. You are always a little nervous when you have a potentially very good horse making its debut, so yesterday's win was great. Olly gave her a great ride; she jumped well and battled on when asked to. They should both progress well together.

We have sent up a couple of runners to Catterick tomorrow. Firstly, Mount Sandel runs in the Novice Chase. He ran well in his last race to finish 2nd at Leicester. He slipped early on in the race that day and it took him a while to get back into the race, so he probably ran better than the bare form. He has progressed since then and has also changed ownership from Trevor Hemmings to Steve Dartnell. He should run well.
Our other runner is Argento Luna in the handicap hurdle over 2m3f. She ran well last time to finish 2nd, although she was badly hampered and lost a lot of ground. The conditions should suit her and with a bit of luck she will take all the beating.

Our final runner is Pacco at Chepstow. He is in good form and the step up to 3m will definitely help. The race looks competitive but he is a progressive type who should be thereabouts.

Wednesday 14th January 2009

Jaunty Flight makes her chasing debut today at Newbury. She has been quite frustrating this season with silly little niggling problems but she is in fine fettle now. She has schooled well but is not fully wound up for this race and will improve for the run. However, we feel she will take all the beating.

Monday 12th January 2009

Finally, after a week or more of no racing the big freeze up has thawed and we have sent a couple of runners to Fakenham today. Shinnecock Bay runs in the 2m novice hurdle. He should have won his first start in a bumper at Fontwell but veered violently right up the run in and gave the race away as a result. He then ran again at Fontwell but wasn't right that day and could only finish 6th. We are expecting him to run a promising race.
Sprosser runs in the 3m handicap chase. He is in good form at home and ran a much better race to finish 3rd at Exeter last time out. He has won over course and distance so should go well.

Wednesday 7th January 2009

We hope that you are all coping with the freezing temperatures better than us. Although working outside has many advantages; when the weather is like this there are plenty of other places we would rather be in. In Dubai would be a start!

Thankfully the horses are not too bothered and while the freeze up is here we have given the whole yard their 2nd EHV Injections. We do this every year and it is an ideal time when there is no racing as they do need a couple of easy days. They were done on Monday and so far there doesn't appear to be any ill effects as all the horses have been very fresh and well.

We have a couple of new horses who have recently joined us. Firstly, Prince Zafonic has come from D Ivory, he is a 5 year old who is rated 69 on the flat. He is a huge individual, who has been tried over hurdles and finished 3rd and 5th behind Katchit. We will give him a quiet week and do our usual checks on him and then start schooling him in a week or so.
The other horse is Palmerin, who has been sent to us from R Hannon to go hurdling. He has won a few flat races. He is not very big but is full of enthusiasm and looks really tough. We have schooled him and he has taken to it well. He could be running in a couple of weeks.

Friday 2nd January 2009

Erin's Own runs today at Folkestone. It will be his first run for us, having previously been with Don Cantillon. We bought him in May and he has been working nicely of late. He has won a Point to Point so the trip shouldn't be a problem, although he is not that slow. We are expecting a good run.

All the best,

Oliver & the Team