AUGUST 2016

Wednesday 31 August 2016
Here are today’s results for my runners of interest: Southwell: The Tourard Man (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) won the Novices’ Chase (3 ran); Wayne’s 20th winner of the season. Carrigkerry (Jamie Snowden/Stan Sheppard) finished 2nd in the Novices’ Hurdle (5 ran). Wayne also rode Sandgate to victory for trainer Neil Mulholland; so that’s his 21st winner of the season too. The racecourse claimed another victim today, the Colin Tizzard-trained Kingscourt Native. RIP Newton Abbot: Pattara (Noel Williams/Gerard Tumelty) finished 14th in the Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 5 furlongs & 122 yards] (15 ran). Classic Colori (Martin Keighley/Conor Shoemark) was pulled up in the Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (12 ran). There are three runners of interest on the flat tomorrow, all courtesy of AppleTree Stud: Salisbury: 15:10 Tazmania (Clive Cox/Adam Kirby) – Maiden Fillies Stakes Div II [6 furlongs & 212 yards] 16:40 Sam Missile (James Fanshawe/Frederik Tylicki) – Handicap [1 mile 4 furlongs] Chelmsford: 21:10 Dream Dana (Jamie Osborne/Timmy Murphy) – Handicap [6 furlongs] And two over jumps at Sedgefield, both courtesy of EPDS Racing: 15:20 Anti Cool (Robin Dickin/Charlie Poste) – Novices’ Handicap Chase (Series Qualifier) 17:20 Our Reward (Jamie Snowden/William Featherstone) – Conditional Jockeys’ Novices’ Hurdle Mick Fitzgerald has been signed up by ITV to become a member of their new racing team too. I’m sorting myself out ahead of winter, so today I booked an eye test appointment. My employer will pay for a pair of new VDU glasses, fortunately, but I expect to need a new pair of long distance ones and an updated prescription for contact lenses too. It’s proving expensive, as I only updated my prescription in May 2015.
Tuesday 30 August 2016
There was one runner of interest today, at Worcester: Invocation (Alan King/Daryl Jacob) finished 2nd in the Juvenile Maiden Hurdle (9 ran); so that’s now one 3rd and three 2nds for the horse! Four runners of interest tomorrow: Southwell: 14:20 The Tourard Man (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Novices’ Chase 16:20 Carrigkerry (Jamie Snowden/Stan Sheppard) – Novices’ Hurdle Newton Abbot: 18:10 Pattara (Noel Williams/Gerard Tumelty) – Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 5 furlongs & 122 yards] 19:40 Classic Colori (Martin Keighley/Conor Shoemark) – Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle I’m feeling old and creaky today ... as my ribs are still sore; sneezes and coughs have been painful too. The underwire in my bra may have been a contributing factor yesterday too! It’s similar to an injury I suffered not long ago by leaning over the arm of a patio chair! You have to be so careful when you get older. I’ve booked an appointment for my winter flu jab; better safe than sorry ...
Monday 29 August 2016
One result today, from Newcastle: Suspect Package (James Fanshawe/Frederik Tylicki/AppleTree Stud) finished 3rd in the Maiden Stakes for 2-year-olds [7 furlongs & 14 yards] (14 ran). One runner of interest tomorrow, at Worcester: 17:30 Invocation (Alan King/Daryl Jacob) – Juvenile Maiden Hurdle – I wonder if it will be fourth time lucky for him. I’ve found another Apple Tree Stud horse – a 2-year-old filly named Tazmania trained by Clive Cox and due to run shortly. I remember them purchasing the Helmet/Red Fuschia filly at the sales last autumn. Jamie Codd rode the winner of the Amateur Riders’ Derby which took place at Epsom today; it was his first visit to the track. I had four chores to do today ... but my plan failed after three of them. Firstly I went to fill up the car with petrol, then I took mum to visit the graveyard; at which point I stepped on one of the plinths surrounding the family grave and it toppled over. I tried to lift it but it proved too heavy, but I only found this out after I’d squashed and bruised my ribs. Damn! Fortunately my older brother Nick has agreed to sort it out for us; he’s a builder. My third chore was clearing the dead flowers from the wild flower garden; taking care not to aggravate my ribs. The fourth task was to be cleaning my car but, having been indoors and suffered another painful twinge, I decided against risking it. So I spent this afternoon and early evening watching DVDs – the second part of Anna Karenina and Falcón; Santiago Cabrera appears in both of them! J I feel as though I should have accomplished more this weekend, but at least I’ve finished off my diaries and that is the main thing. J And, all being well, I have the visit to Noel Williams’ yard to look forward to next weekend.
Sunday 28 August 2016
Here are the results from last Thursday: Goodwood: Tyrell (Alan King/Willie Twiston-Davies/AppleTree Stud) finished 2nd in the Stakes (Handicap) [2 miles] (6 ran). Hamilton: Jamacho (Brian Ellison/Dale Swift/raised by AppleTree Stud) finished 4th in the Nursery [6 furlongs & 6 yards] (9 ran). There’s one runner of interest tomorrow, at Newcastle: 12:45 Suspect Package (James Fanshawe/Frederik Tylicki/AppleTree Stud) – Maiden Stakes for 2-year-olds [7 furlongs & 14 yards] Menace is fine, although a little sore, following last Wednesday’s race; it’s something which happens after all of his races evidently. The new ITV racing team is taking shape, with RUK’s Oli Bell joining Rishi Persad, Sally Ann Grassick, Hayley Turner, Ed Chamberlin and Francesca Cumani. It’s good news that both Gina Harding and Emma Spencer have been given the boot, along with Graham Cunningham, Nick Luck and Clare Balding. Tanya Stevenson is also to go, along with Tom Lee and, presumably, Alice Plunkett. Hopefully that doesn’t mean that Graham and Nick will return to RUK instead. Oli Bell is one of my favourites, so it’s a shame that he’s transferring; I also like RUK’s Stewart Machin, Tom Stanley and Lydia Hislop. Having posted a scan photo of their new baby on facebook, I presume this is taken at 12 weeks ... that means Jennie and Choc’s new son or daughter will be due in March, around the time of the Cheltenham Festival. Excellent news ... I’ve finally completed my outstanding racing diaries! As a result, I can now relax until ... next weekend when I hope to visit Noel Williams’ yard in Oxfordshire. There are a couple of website chores which have been outstanding since Aintree 2015, so perhaps I will finally get around to sorting those out too.
STOP PRESS
Baby News ... Many Congratulations to Jennie and Choc who have announced that they are expecting their first child together!
Thursday 25 August 2016
There were a number of runners of interest today and this is how they fared: Fontwell Park: Brave Encounter (Jamie Snowden/Brendan Powell) won the Handicap Chase [3 miles 1 furlong & 106 yards] (9 ran); Jamie’s run of ‘seconditis’ has finally come to an end! Bobble Emerald (Martin Keighley/Andrew Tinkler) was pulled up in the Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 3 furlongs & 33 yards] (6 ran). Sedgefield: Magic Music Man (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) won the Maiden Hurdle (6 ran); Wayne 19th winner of the season. Mille Nautique (Alan King/Tom Bellamy) was a non-runner in the Handicap Chase [2 miles 3 furlongs & 65 yards]; sadly Val D’Arc, trained by Rebecca Menzies, suffered a fatal injury during this race. RIP Royal Plaza (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 4th in the Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 3 furlongs & 188 yards] (9 ran). There are two runners of interest tomorrow: Goodwood: 18:40 Tyrell (Alan King/Willie Twiston-Davies/AppleTree Stud) – Stakes (Handicap) [2 miles] Hamilton: 17:20 Jamacho (Brian Ellison/Dale Swift/raised by AppleTree Stud) – Nursery [6 furlongs & 6 yards] The verdict has been announced, with Martin Keighley rightly exonerated of any wrong-doing in the Any Currency case. Unfortunately, despite this, the BHA had no alternative but to uphold their rule and disqualify the horse from its first place in the Cross Country race at this year’s Cheltenham Festival: http://www.racinguk.com/news/article/45302/martin-keighley-vows-to-train-more-festival-winners-after-any-currency-lose Oh dear, it’s just four months until Christmas Day ... you just knew someone had to mention it ... and it might as well be me!!! I’ve already got a couple of ideas for presents, so I may get going on that task soon.
Wednesday 24 August 2016
RIP Kokomo Very sad news this evening, with Kokomo being fatally injured at Stratford. I didn’t see the race, and won’t view it now; the race notes state she was badly hampered by a faller, then stumbled and also fell. Her breeder was still a part-owner, so it must be especially distressing when you’ve been connected with an animal since a foal and, presumably, would have bred from her in the future; she was just five years old. RIP. Anyway, here are today’s results for my runners of interest: Stratford: Sid’s Topper (Martin Keighley/Andrew Tinkler) was pulled up in the Maiden Hurdle (13 ran). Stynes (Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods/EPDS Racing) finished 4th in the Handicap Hurdle [2 miles & 70 yards] (6 ran). Dan and Harry Skelton finished 2nd in this race, the ‘Congratulations on Gold Nick Skelton’ Handicap Hurdle, with dad Nick presenting the prizes to the winning connections! Menace (Noel Williams/James Banks/EPDS Racing) finished 8th and Jeans Lady (Martin Keighley/Conor Shoemark) finished 10th in the Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 6 furlongs & 7 yards] (15 ran); a 100-1 shot won the race!!! Having tired near the end of the race, John of EPDS Racing has confirmed that Menace will be stepped down in trip again! Quantum Of Solace (Martin Keighley/Andrew Tinkler) finished 3rd but, very sadly, Kokomo (Noel Williams/James Banks) was fatally injured during the Mares’ Handicap Hurdle (12 ran). Kempton Park: Dream Dana (Jamie Osborne/Timmy Murphy/AppleTree Stud) finished 2nd in the 3-year-old Handicap [6 furlongs] (9 ran). There are a number of runners of interest tomorrow: Fontwell Park: 14:50 Brave Encounter (Jamie Snowden/Brendan Powell) - Handicap Chase [3 miles 1 furlong & 106 yards] 17:25 Bobble Emerald (Martin Keighley/Andrew Tinkler) – Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 3 furlongs & 33 yards] Sedgefield: 17:30 Magic Music Man (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Maiden Hurdle 18:00 Mille Nautique (Alan King/Tom Bellamy) – Handicap Chase [2 miles 3 furlongs & 65 yards] 19:30 Royal Plaza (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 3 furlongs & 188 yards] I was very surprised to see that Alan is sending horses to Sedgefield ... but perhaps there is another HIT (Horses in Training) sale on the horizon and he’s thinking that, in order to get a win and boost their saleability, the opposition might be less strong ‘up north’!
Tuesday 23 August 2016
There are a number of results to report: Southwell: Anti Cool (Robin Dickin/Charlie Poste/EPDS Racing) won the Novices’ Handicap Chase (8 ran). Precision Five (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) won the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (6 ran); Wayne’s 18th winner of the season. Newbury: Amadeus Rox (Alan King/Willie Twiston-Davies) finished last, Kozier (Alan King/Jimmy Fortune) finished 10th and City Dreamer (Alan King/Fergus Sweeney) finished 8th in the Maiden Auction Stakes [1 mile] (11 ran). Ardamir (Alan King/Willie Twiston-Davies/AppleTree Stud) finished 3rd in the Maiden Stakes [1 mile 4 furlongs & 5 yards] (6 ran). Laser Blazer (Alan King/Fergus Sweeney) finished 4th in the Handicap [2 miles] (6 ran). There are a number of runners of interest tomorrow too: Stratford: 17:20 Sid’s Topper (Martin Keighley/Andrew Tinkler) – Maiden Hurdle 18:20 Stynes (Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods/EPDS Racing) – Handicap Hurdle [2 miles & 70 yards] ... it’s the ‘Congratulations on Gold Nick Skelton’ Handicap Hurdle in fact, and not surprisingly Dan Skelton has a runner ridden by brother Harry! 19:20 Menace (Noel Williams/James Banks/EPDS Racing) & Jeans Lady (Martin Keighley/Conor Shoemark) – Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 6 furlongs & 7 yards] 19:50 Quantum Of Solace (Martin Keighley/Andrew Tinkler) & Kokomo (Noel Williams/James Banks) – Mares’ Handicap Hurdle Kempton Park: 20:40 Dream Dana (Jamie Osborne/Timmy Murphy/AppleTree Stud) – 3-year-old Handicap [6 furlongs] The AppleTree Stud filly went through the GoffsUK sales ring at 18:30 this evening and she sold for £50,000. Kodiac’s were popular, with a couple of colts selling for £130,000 and £100,000 respectively. It was a phone bid, and she’s now listed as sold to Ahmad Al-Dowaisan, a Kuwaiti. Not surprisingly, Dark Angels were very expensive! I’ve found another AppleTree stud-owned horse, namely a 2-year-old colt named Suspect Package trained by James Fanshawe. He’s been added to my ATR tracker. This evening it was announced that racing journalist and RUK presenter Tom O’Ryan has passed away following a short battle with cancer; he was 61. RIP. Tom is pictured below, interviewing Choc at Aintree following the victory of Voy Por Ustedes in the 2009 Grade 1 Melling Chase.
Monday 22 August 2016
There are a number of runners of interest tomorrow: Southwell: 14:45 Anti Cool (Robin Dickin/Charlie Poste/EPDS Racing) – Novices’ Handicap Chase 16:45 Precision Five (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) - Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle Newbury ... I’ve added all of Alan King’s runners at the fixture, just because I saw them listed, along with the AppleTree Stud runner! 16:40 Amadeus Rox (Alan King/Willie Twiston-Davies) & Kozier (Alan King/Jimmy Fortune) & City Dreamer (Alan King/Fergus Sweeney) – Maiden Auction Stakes [1 mile] 15:45 Ardamir (Alan King/Willie Twiston-Davies/AppleTree Stud) – Maiden Stakes [1 mile 4 furlongs & 5 yards] 19:20 Laser Blazer (Alan King/Fergus Sweeney) – Handicap [2 miles] The GoffsUK premier yearling sale starts tomorrow so, hopefully, I’ll have news tomorrow regarding Lot 219. I was thinking about doing some diary proof reading this evening but, having been suffering from neck ache, head pain and occasional dizziness for much of today, I’m going to give it a miss! Damn my cervical spondylosis.
Sunday 21 August 2016
There was just one runner of interest at Newton Abbot yesterday and this is how she fared: Presenting Lisa (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 4th in the Handicap Chase [2 miles & 75 yards] (6 ran). There was sad news from Perth, with veteran Isla Pearl Fisher losing his life as a result of a fall. RIP. There were two runners of interest today, at Worcester: Chato (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 2nd in the Intermediate Open NH Flat Race (10 ran). Authorized Too (Noel Williams/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 4th in the Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 4 furlongs] (6 ran). I’ve not received a notification from my ATR tracker today, so I presume there are no runners of interest tomorrow; there are no National Hunt fixtures either. One of AppleTree Stud’s yearling fillies has arrived in Doncaster ahead of the GoffsUK premier yearling sales this week, as has Choc. She’s by Kodiac, out of Indian Navy; Lot 219. And, if you tune in via the internet on the day, you will be able to watch her and all the other yearlings go through the sales ring. It must be sad though to see youngsters, which you’ve raised, head off to live with someone else! Although probably exciting to follow their career. I would be absolutely no good as a horse-owner, because I could never ever part with any of my animals ... they would all have a forever home. https://mobile.twitter.com/Kirsty_Durham/status/767035193484009473/photo/1 I had been hoping to attend a local bead fair today, held at the University of Hertfordshire, but it has been cancelled. I only discovered this when I checked the internet yesterday, having decided to confirm the opening time! Phew, that was a lucky escape for both my time and my coffers! I always go hoping to spend around £30 and end up spending over £100 – beading is so addictive for a crafter like me! I spent yesterday evening at my friend Lesley’s 60th birthday party, which was held in Dunstable. And, with Mo Farah attempting and successfully defending his 5,000 metres Olympic title, I stayed up for most of the night and I didn’t get to bed until 04:00 this morning! I awoke at 08:00. Needless to say I’ve been suffering today, with aching neck muscles and ‘clampy head’! However, it hasn’t prevented me from proofing and uploading another diary; so I’m now just a Grand National Day away from completion. J It will soon be time to purchase my Cheltenham Festival tickets; the prices thereof increase at midnight on Saturday 22 October. I aim to buy them towards the end of September.
Friday 19 August 2016
One runner of interest today at Bangor-On-Dee and this is how he fared: Our Three Sons (Jamie Snowden/Harry Cobden) finished 2nd in the Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (9 ran); I presume that Page Fuller is recovering from yesterday’s unseat at Stratford, hence the jockey change. There’s just one runner of interest at Newton Abbot tomorrow: 15:10 Presenting Lisa (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Handicap Chase [2 miles & 75 yards] Menace will be taking his chance at Stratford next Wednesday evening, rather than at the Devon track tomorrow. A section of all-weather track will be installed at Fontwell Park during their summer break; evidently there is a reverse camber on the bottom bend, so this will be corrected during the installation. With the steeplechase track’s figure of eight configuration, the bend gets more than its far share of action, in both directions! Having finished all bar my Aintree Ladies Day and Grand National Day diaries, I was going to do some proof reading this evening. However in view of the fact that I spent a lot of time today, including my lunch-break, proof reading much of my backlog at work, I thought better of it. But, regardless of this, I hope to complete my diaries before the end of the Bank Holiday weekend. Ten of the celebrities taking part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing have been announced – Ed Balls, Will Young, Laura Whitmore, Ore Oduba, Melvin Odoom, Louise Rednapp, Danny Mac, Daisy Lowe, Naga Munchetty and Anastasia. Although I’ve never heard of four of them – Laura, Melvin, Danny and Daisy! Presumably the remaining celebs will be announced next week. The ‘introduction’ programme is due to be broadcast on Saturday 03 September. There were two further gold medals won by Team GB earlier today – in the Women’s Hockey and by Nick Skelton in the individual show-jumping; the latter proving there’s life in the old dog yet ... he’s 58 ... and just 6 days older than me!!! He shares his birthday with Choc’s son William, 30 December. And, at least one member of the hockey team is a member of the St Albans hockey club; local yokels.
Thursday 18 August 2016
There were a number of runners of interest today and this is how they fared: Stratford: Jeans Lady (Martin Keighley/Andrew Tinkler) finished 5th and Londonia (Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods/EPDS Racing) finished 2nd in the Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (10 ran). The Kvilleken (Martin Keighley/Miss Clare Hart) finished 2nd in the Amateur Riders’ Handicap Hurdle (10 ran). Fontwell Park: Sid’s Topper (Martin Keighley/Tom Bellamy) was a non-runner in the Novices’ Hurdle Breaking Bits (Jamie Snowden/Micheal Nolan) finished 2nd but Bobble Emerald (Martin Keighley/Andrew Tinkler) was a non-runner in the Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 5 furlongs & 139 yards] (6 ran). Having visited Jamie Snowden’s yard last Saturday, I’ve got one runner of interest tomorrow, at Bangor-On-Dee: 14:45 Our Three Sons (Jamie Snowden/Page Fuller) – Novices’ Handicap Hurdle Menace holds an entry in the 17:30 at Newton Abbot on Saturday but, with quite a lot of rain promised tomorrow, I wonder if he will take his chance at the weekend or not. My niece Kim knows our silver medal-winning trampoline Olympian, Bryony Page; they both studied at Sheffield University. I accompanied my elderly mother to a hospital appointment early this afternoon, so got home in time to see the end of the cycling phase and the entire running phase of the men’s Triathlon. The Brownlee brothers are amazing, although I think that competitors in that particular event must be a little crazy too! Even if I was younger I wouldn’t fancy attempting the event ... besides, my first phase would be called ‘drowning’ because I cannot swim!!!
Wednesday 17 August 2016
Here are today’s results for my runners of interest at Worcester this evening: Right Enough (Jamie Snowden/Charlie Poste) finished 2nd in the Handicap Chase (Class 5) [2 miles 7 furlongs] (8 ran). Gone Too Far (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 3rd in the Handicap Chase (Class 3) [2 miles 7 furlongs] (9 ran). Tengri (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) was a non-runner in the Standard Open NH Flat Race Theatre Goer (Noel Williams/William Featherstone) was a non-runner in the Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 7 furlongs] Carrigkerry (Jamie Snowden/Miss Page Fuller) finished 3rd in the Novices’ Hurdle (4 ran). There are a number of runners of interest tomorrow: Stratford: 15:30 Jeans Lady (Martin Keighley/Andrew Tinkler) & Londonia (Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods/EPDS Racing) – Novices’ Handicap Hurdle 17:45 The Kvilleken (Martin Keighley/Miss Clare Hart) – Amateur Riders’ Handicap Hurdle Fontwell Park: 18:00 Sid’s Topper (Martin Keighley/Tom Bellamy) – Novices’ Hurdle 19:30 Breaking Bits (Jamie Snowden/Micheal Nolan) & Bobble Emerald (Martin Keighley/Andrew Tinkler) – Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 5 furlongs & 139 yards] The favourite Postponed won the Group 1 Juddmonte International Stakes at York today. And there was success for Alan King too, with Oceane winning the Handicap Stakes over a distance of 2 miles and half a furlong; the horse is owned by the McNeill family. Choc was at York today, with his partner Jennie. My work colleague Caroline, who lives in Yorkshire and has a share in Menace too, also attended the fixture. I feel like I need to take a few days leave from work ... I’m exhausted again. Sadly the first few days of each month are difficult so, as the end of August is chock-a-bloc for booked holidays, the end of September appears to be my earliest opportunity for a break. Although I am reluctant to take more than two or three days at a time, apart from the week I’ve booked near the end of November.
Tuesday 16 August 2016
There are five runners of interest tomorrow, at Worcester ... and I have photographs of three of them:
Right Enough	Theatre Goer		Carrigkerry with trainer Jamie Snowden
17:00 Right Enough (Jamie Snowden/Charlie Poste) – Handicap Chase (Class 5) [2 miles 7 furlongs] 17:30 Gone Too Far (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Handicap Chase (Class 3) [2 miles 7 furlongs] 18:00 Tengri (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Standard Open NH Flat Race 19:00 Theatre Goer (Noel Williams/William Featherstone) – Handicap Hurdle [2 miles 7 furlongs] 19:30 Carrigkerry (Jamie Snowden/Miss Page Fuller) – Novices’ Hurdle Sadly, the BBC has decided not to commission a second series of The Living and the Dead ... so we may never know if Nathan Appleby killed his wife, and whether that is his first or second one! However, the series creators have promised to explore other avenues to see if another production company will take it on instead. So, fingers crossed. An amazing Olympian fact is that Mo Farah, Sir Chris Hoy, Jason Kenny and Sir Steve Redgrave were all born on 23 March! So they are all Aries.
Monday 15 August 2016
It transpires there were two runners of interest today, at Windsor: Classic Colori (Martin Keighley/Tom Queally) finished 3rd in the Selling Stakes [1 mile 3 furlongs & 135 yards] (4 ran). Buckle Street (Martin Keighley/Tom Queally) finished 10th in the Maiden Stakes [1 mile 2 furlongs & 7 yards] (11 ran). Apple Tree Stud’s Her Terms has been entered in the 14:00 Maiden Fillies’ Stakes at Ripon tomorrow but is listed as doubtful. Many happy returns of the day to my friend Lesley; she is 60 today! And definitely a glamorous grandmother!
Sunday 14 August 2016
Photos taken at Jamie Snowden’s yard in Lambourn yesterday morning
EPDS Racing’s Wildehearted Woman aka ‘Wilma’		EPDS Racing’s unnamed Flemensfirth gelding aka ‘Flem’ or ‘Colin’
EPDS Racing’s Our Reward		Of the others, I was taken with Kapgarde King
There’s always one ... this is Souriyan practising his gurning techniques		I liked Breaking Bits too
I very much enjoyed my trip to Folly House Stables in Lambourn yesterday; not only was I taken by a number of his horses, Jamie Snowden is lovely too! ;-) And I was amongst a group of us who got to ride in the trainer’s 4x4 up to the gallops! So, if I win very big on the lottery, I will buy four NH racehorses and stable one at Alan King’s, one at Martin Keighley’s, one at Noel Williams’ and one at Jamie Snowden’s! And, of course, buy a small herd of alpacas to live with me on my small-holding ... along with my growing collection of Kipling handbags ... and Hotter boots and shoes!!! Although, by the sound of it, I’ll probably need a large collection of Hunter Wellingtons instead. There are two results to report, from Doncaster yesterday afternoon, and Southwell today: Zabeel Star (Graeme McPherson/Patrick Vaughan) finished 5th in the Apprentice Handicap (10 ran). Celtic Artisan (Rebecca Menzies/Brian Hughes/EPDS Racing) finished 8th in the Handicap Hurdle [1 mile 7 furlongs & 153 yards] There’s no National Hunt racing tomorrow, and I’ve received no notification from my ATR tracker regarding any of my listed flat runners either! I’ve already completed the first draft of my Folly House diary; having begun writing it late yesterday evening whilst keeping half an eye on the Olympics coverage! The sport is so addictive, especially when our lads and lasses are doing so well; although I am tired through lack of night-time sleep.
Thursday 11 August 2016
Here are today’s results for my runners of interest: Worcester: Black Sam (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) finished 2nd in the Mares’ Intermediate Open NH Flat Race (11 ran). Quantum Of Solace (Martin Keighley/Andrew Tinkler) finished 6th in the Mares’ Handicap Hurdle (11 ran). Stratford: Anti Cool (Robin Dickin/Jack Quinlan/EPDS Racing) won the Handicap Chase [2 miles & 213 yards] (9 ran). Samoset (Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods) finished 5th in the Handicap Hurdle [2 miles & 70 yards] (7 ran). That was a good win for Anti Cool, as there were concerns that he’d totally lost his form since bumper days; also, the fact that he’d gone down the ratings due to his indifferent form will have helped today. I also have a vague recollection that he may have suffered from bleeding in the past too. There’s no National Hunt racing tomorrow, and my ATR tracker has not notified me of any runners on the flat either. As it’s the school holidays, an ice cream van visits the local park every day, so I’m now addicted to buying a Mr Whippy ice cream almost every lunch-time! And it only dawned on me today that it’s an expensive addiction; £2 a day - £10 a week - £40 a month!!! Bloomin’ heck! And to think what I could buy with £40 a month ... fortunately I don’t actually buy one 5 times a week, although I have spent £6 so far this week.
Wednesday 10 August 2016
Here are the results for today’s runners of interest at Newton Abbot: Kokomo (Noel Williams/James Banks) finished 9th in the Maiden Hurdle (12 ran). Invocation (Alan King/Daryl Jacob) finished a head 2nd in the Juvenile Hurdle (6 ran) ... so it wasn’t third time lucky after all. There are four runners of interest tomorrow: Worcester: 15:00 Black Sam (Alan King/Wayne Hutchinson) – Mares’ Intermediate Open NH Flat Race 16:00 Quantum Of Solace (Martin Keighley/Andrew Tinkler) – Mares’ Handicap Hurdle Stratford: 19:50 Anti Cool (Robin Dickin/Jack Quinlan/EPDS Racing) – Handicap Chase [2 miles & 213 yards] 20:20 Samoset (Graeme McPherson/Kielan Woods) – Handicap Hurdle [2 miles & 70 yards]; I thought I’d add him to my list, having seen the horse on the gallops a couple of weeks ago. It also marks Kielan’s return to the saddle following injury. Yesterday’s major National Hunt story was an announcement that Paul Carberry has been forced to retire following an injury sustained last September. He fractured his left femur initially and then needed further surgery when he cracked the steel reinforcements in January. He has been told by the doctor that his leg is now too weak to pass him fit to race-ride again. Mind you, Paul’s had a long career; he’s now 42. Paul Carberry having won the 2013 World Hurdle aboard Solwhit Here is an article from Racing UK: http://www.racinguk.com/news/article/44941/paul-carberry-gutted-after-leg-injury-forces-his-retirement The first win that came to mind when searching for a photo was that of Bellvano at the 2012 Festival ... but I couldn’t find one; however, I did have one of Choc and Kumbeshwar who competed in the same race (the Grand Annual) and they finished 3rd ... I have my priorities right!!! I have a provisional date for a visit to Noel Williams’ new yard – namely Saturday 03 September; I’ve put my name down to visit Jamie Snowden’s yard in Lambourn this Saturday too! It’s all go at the moment ... I’m certainly adding to my website, despite having not completed all of last season’s diaries yet. Having spent the past two evenings proof-reading, I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s not a good idea to do so following a workday; I can barely open my eyes the next morning they are so dry! Although it probably doesn’t help that my nights are currently being disturbed by my waking to watch the Olympic swimming finals ...
Tuesday 09 August 2016
National Hunt racing returns tomorrow following its summer break and there are two runners of interest at Newton Abbot: 14:10 Kokomo (Noel Williams/James Banks) – Maiden Hurdle 14:40 Invocation (Alan King/Daryl Jacob) – Juvenile Hurdle; will it be third time lucky for the Munir/Souede-owned horse? And, I’ve finally finished proofing all three of my Cheltenham diaries and they have been uploaded too.
Monday 08 August 2016
There were two runners of interest last Thursday and this is how they fared: Newmarket: Single Estate (Sir Mark Prescott/Rosie Jessop/raised by Apple Tree Stud) finished 5th in the Selling Stakes [7 furlongs] (6 ran.) Musselburgh: Celtic Artisan (Rebecca Menzies/Joe Fanning/EPDS Racing) finished 4th in the Handicap [1 mile] (8 ran). With many of the Potensis Bloodstock horses heading to the sales last week, I wondered what had happened to those trained by Alan King ... they have been sold to other owners in his yard! Messire Des Obeaux is now owned by Simon Munir and Isaac Souede; Cybelle Colombre has been added to David Sewell’s string; finally, Zipple Back has been purchased by Mastersons Holdings. There was an interesting item on ATR yesterday about David Redvers’ Tweenhills Stud in Gloucestershire. http://www.tweenhillsfarmandstud.co.uk/ Ex-jockey and ex-trainer, Graham McCourt is in charge of preparing their youngsters for the sales. Conditional jockey Joe Colliver has been jailed for 10 months for perverting the course of justice; he lied about a car crash in which his friend agreed to take the blame in return for money. Gordon Elliott has issued a positive update regarding Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Don Cossack. Having scanned okay a few weeks ago, the trainer thinks the horse may be back within the month, to commence 8 weeks of roadwork. He’ll then be re-scanned to ensure everything is still okay; if not, he will be retired. If the prognosis is good, then Don Cossack will have just one run before defending his title in the 2017 renewal. At the moment, he’s joint-favourite with Vautour and prospective novice Thistlecrack. I was waiting with high anticipation to learn the identity of the first celebrity to be announced as taking part in this autumn’s Strictly Come Dancing; Chris Evans revealed the secret on his radio show this morning. So you can just imagine my extreme disappointment when it turned out to be the ghastly Ed Balls!!!
Thursday 04 August 2016
Here are today’s results for my runners of interest: Great Yarmouth: Dream Dana (Jamie Osborne/Lucy K Barry) finished 6th in the Maiden Handicap [6 furlongs & 3 yards] (11 ran). Sandown Park: Classic Colori (Martin Keighley/Mr James King) finished last in the Gentleman Amateur Riders’ Handicap (6 ran). Whatalove (Martin Keighley/Louis Steward) finished 5th in the Maiden Stakes [5 furlongs & 6 yards] (6 ran). And, having finally located the Tamayuz/Duo De Choc colt, he’s running tomorrow at Newmarket: 18:05 Single Estate (Sir Mark Prescott/Rosie Jessop) – Selling Stakes [7 furlongs]; I suppose that shouldn’t be a surprise. Oh well, not all thoroughbreds are fast enough to be racehorses, but perhaps he’ll find a nice forever home as a RoR horse in due course; fingers crossed. And, at Musselburgh: 15:00 Celtic Artisan (Rebecca Menzies/Joe Fanning/EPDS Racing) – Handicap [1 mile] Here are links to photographs of this year’s Apple Tree Stud yearlings as mentioned in yesterday’s blog: The Champs Elysees filly: https://twitter.com/Kirsty_Durham/status/760820452784795648 And the Tapit colt: https://twitter.com/Kirsty_Durham/status/760819562526937088 The Cheltenham Festival’s 4-mile National Hunt Chase for Amateur Riders has been upgraded for next year to a Grade 2 event. The Select Hurdle, which is run at Sandown Park on the final day of the season, is also to become a Grade 2. Gaining listed status is the Neptune Novices’ Hurdle run at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day and also Perth’s Future Champions Novices’ Hurdle. Having commemorated Toby Balding and Terry Biddlecombe in the past, I wonder if next year’s renewal of the National Hunt Chase will be named in honour of the late JT McNamara.
Wednesday 03 August 2016
There are three runners of interest tomorrow: Great Yarmouth: 16:10 Dream Dana (Jamie Osborne/Lucy K Barry) – Maiden Handicap [6 furlongs & 3 yards] Sandown Park: 17:35 Classic Colori (Martin Keighley/Mr James King) – Gentleman Amateur Riders’ Handicap 18:10 Whatalove (Martin Keighley/Louis Steward) – Maiden Stakes [5 furlongs & 6 yards] Choc shared a photograph of the two yearlings that the Apple Tree Stud are preparing for the Tattersalls sale; there is a bay filly by Champs Elysees out of Riabouchinska (Book 3), and a grey colt by US superstar stallion Tapit out of Midnight Thoughts (Book 1). That also means he’s returned from his week’s holiday with William and Jennie in Spain. I’ve checked details of the DBS sale that took place in Doncaster today and, firstly, have discovered that Tyrell was withdrawn from sale. Dalavand, which Apple Tree Stud no longer owned anyway, was also withdrawn by his new yard. However, Alan King’s Phantom River was sold for £2,500 to Rennstall Recke GmbH which, of course, is German. Hindon Road went for £7,000 to Paul Drury, and Duke Of Sonning sold for £3,000 to Clumber Park Racing. In addition, Turn Over Sivola was purchased by Gordon Elliott for £15,000; he revitalised Bless The Wings, so has now got both Ned Stark and Turn Over Sivola to work his magic upon! Potensis Bloodstock’s Calipto was sold to Venetia Williams for £24,000. All Yours was purchased by Gary Moore for £46,000. And finally, Activial went to Neil Mulholland for £80,000. Fergal O’Brien also bought one, Global Stage, for £72,000. No, not quite finally; Trillerin Minella did not earn a reprieve after his victory at Market Rasen on Sunday and has been sold for £3,500 to Kevin Hunter. His stable companion Titans Approach went for £6,600 to Ben Clarke Racing. Their former trainer, Graeme McPherson, bought a horse named Follow The Swallow for £9,000. And Nigel Twiston-Davies has bought back at least two of the Raymond Mould horses which were dispersed; one being Astracad for £12,000. I think Nigel is a softie at heart! It appears that the writers of The Musketeers decided that they couldn’t kill off any of the boys due to the support of the very loyal fans throughout the three series ... it just wasn’t worth upsetting all those avid female followers!!! http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/the-musketeers/interviews/a803211/heres-why-the-musketeers-werent-killed-off/?utm_content=buffer5ed75&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=maintwitterpost The good news is that the Kipling handbag sale has now ended ... phew ... but the bad news is that I now have my eye on two full priced items ... and they aren’t cheap, at over £70 each!!! Although I do have a £10 voucher to use.
Tuesday 02 August 2016
Here are the results from yesterday: Ripon: Her Terms (William Haggas/Silvestre de Souza/Apple Tree Stud) was a non-runner in the Maiden Fillies’ Stakes. Ardamir (Alan King/Willie Twiston-Davies/Apple Tree Stud) finished 3rd in the Maiden Stakes [1 mile 4 furlongs & 10 yards] (4 ran). Kempton Park: Schoolboy Error (Jamie Osborne/William Carson/Part-owned Apple Tree Stud) finished 8th in the Handicap [1 mile 4 furlongs] (12 ran); for the record Dalavand finished 10th. Sam Missile was supposed to be a runner at Kempton Park tomorrow, but he’s now listed as doubtful. I’ve found the other colt which Apple Tree Stud sent to the sales last autumn (Tamayuz/Duo De Choc) – he’s been named Single Estate. Sadly he’s proving not to be a very good racehorse, as he’s run twice, both times at Great Yarmouth, but has yet to beat any of his rivals! Tomorrow I should be able to report on the outcomes at the Doncaster sales – in other words, see what happens to Alan King’s horses, to the Potensis horses and, of course, Trillerin Minella! Having seen a Racing Post article, I didn’t realise that Richard Johnson is only just ahead of Sam Twiston-Davies in this season’s Jumps Jockeys’ Championship, with Aidan Coleman not far behind them too. However, no-one is panicking yet, as they reckon Richard will streak away once the season gets into full swing. So what did you think of the ending to The Living and the Dead? Evidently a second series is in the planning, so I presume we will find out if Nathan killed his wife ... but is that his second wife or his first wife I wonder? It was just so clever the way that all the time lines knitted together, especially when you realised that nearly everyone was a ghost! And the Musketeers ... I’m so pleased that all four of them survived to live happily ever after. As you know, I was so worried that Aramis might be killed off, but no; so Queen Anne finally got her man ... we should all be so lucky! I know he scrubs up well, but I do like him in leather!!! I’ve a new outing booked for September – Lesley and I are going to see ‘Keep Dancing’ at Milton Keynes. The show stars Robin Windsor and Anya Garnis along with world-champion Latin and Ballroom dancers plus, that particular week, also Aliona Vilani and Jay McGuiness. That is very fortunate, as at other venues, the guest stars include Lisa Riley, Louis Smith and Chelsee Healey – whom I cannot stand!!!