08/03/2010

MEDIA FATIGUE!!

Only three runners this week, Dancing Daffodil finished sixth at Hereford, not beaten too far, at her first attempt at an extended trip. The ground was very tacky which probably did not help her cause, but at only 5 years old and still weak we are still confidant that there are better things to come.

Saturday saw The Quantum Kid having his first run over hurdles after being off the track for 629 days! I think that it would be fair to say that he was a bit of a ‘lad’ when in training on the flat, and came here with his own ideas about how to carry on! Darren pointed out to him that we do things a little differently here and eventually he decided that Darren was right!! We were thrilled with his run, although pulling very hard early he jumped well and finished a very commendable fourth. Even the Racing Post managed to be polite about him and we are very excited about his future.

Jacarado ran in the three mile chase in which the field set off at a stupid gallop! Poor ‘Spike’ was foot to the boards from the word go, but game as ever – even though away from his favourite Towcester – he stayed on brilliantly to finish a super second! We were chuffed to bits with him - nearly as good as a win!!

Cheltenham fever continues to build, and today we had the Racing UK crew here to do some filming! Charlie and Wayne were here to make sure they got caught on camera, Oli Bell was doing the interviewing and after much chat and lots of filming went away with lots of material! Hot on his heels was Alan Lee from the Times who is doing a piece that should be in on Wednesday! All good publicity, just hope that after all the hype we will get a run, as the ground is drying out fast and any mention of the F (firm!) word and he will not run.

The RUK piece will run on Gold Cup day, but they are sending copies and if I am feeling really clever will try and send it out – or it will eventually get onto the new website!! Don’t hold your breath for that bit though as I may not manage it!!

Badger had a birthday last Thursday, and several of the troops looked a bit jaded after a weekend of heavy celebrating! Hard to believe that she is now 23 as she came to work for us at the tender age of 16!! Where does the time go?

Minus 6 here this morning and every tap on the place was frozen solid again, along with several sets of hands and feet!

No runners until Saturday when we have entries at Sandown and Chepstow.

02/03/2010

TOM O'TARA FOLLOWS UP!

We had just about come down to earth from Tom O’Tara’s super win at Warwick when Raphiell very nearly sent us back into shock when running at Southwell last week! Having been well beaten in his earlier races over shorter trips, a step up in distance really worked and he finished third – only beaten six lengths at 150/1!! He is a proper long distance chaser in the making so a great run like that over hurdles is very exciting to see. Entertain Me ran on the same day (they must be getting attached -last time it was in the same race!!) and finished sixth in what was a pretty hot contest – pleased with her too.

Next outing was back to Warwick, with Playing with Fire & Tom O’Tara. PWF was running quickly after her outing to Sandown the previous week but was so vile after her run when she was nearly brought down on the flat, that Robin & Darren thought the best thing was to run her! She finished a really gallant third in disgusting ground, to two very good horses. We were thrilled with her run, and she now heads to Sandown for the EBF final just before Cheltenham!

Tom set off pulling very hard in his race and by the time they got to the top of the hill had a clear lead. I think it fair to say that many of us thought that he would not last home pulling like that, and were not that confident of a repeat of the previous week. He was headed turning for home and looked as if he would be third – but he fought back and going to the last it was a battle between him and the favourite. It was nearly a repeat performance of his previous win, and he held on to win by a neck! Fantastic!! This left the whole team with more sore throats – and big grins!! He has lots of developing to do as he is still very gangly (not sure if that is a proper word!!) and weak so the future looks very bright for him with two wins under his belt already!

Rothres ran at Chepstow on Saturday and finished fourth, (beaten a nose for third!!). the ground was again pretty awful and Robin ran her over a shorter trip because of it, but she will be much happier on better ground over a longer trip.

The Quantum Kid was due to make his hurdling debut at Towcester on Sunday, but it was sadly abandoned as the ground was waterlogged.

All have come home safe & sound, and pleased to report Varekai back in work after a big scare the previous week with a bruised foot.

You may have seen in the press this week the odd mention of the trainer and Restless Harry!! A nice article in the Sunday Telegraph by Marcus Armitage, and a double page in yesterdays Racing Post!! Both well written with excellent comments about how bloody good we are, but then you all already know that bit which is why we have your horses!! Just make sure you mention it to JP next time you see him!!

If you have missed either article let us know and will endeavour to send you a copy!
I would put onto the website, but my IT skills are limited and hopefully the new site - which will be much more trainers wife friendly - should be up by next week and they will be on there!!

Ian Piper was here again taking pics for the new and improved website, he has some great shots, which we are looking forward to showing you. Will let you know the minute it goes live!

Despite all the pre Cheltenham furore life actually ticks along as normal. At last the sun is shining although it’s very frosty this morning and the mud has now turned to concrete! Hey ho just like farmers, trainers are never happy!! Although 13 winners and a 20% strike rate are helping to keep a smile on his face!!

The rest of the week looks pretty quiet, with entries at Ludlow & Kempton, all very ground dependant!

23/02/2010

A Quiet Week

A relatively quiet week after all the excitement of the previous Saturday!

No runners until Friday when Playing With Fire ran at Sandown. She behaved immaculately (its becoming a habit!) and travelled and jumped really well and was right in contention going to the second last, when every other jockey around her decided that they wanted to be on the same piece of turf as her! Poor girl was absolutely carved up and brought to virtual stand still, going from about fifth to bang last in about four strides, and was lucky not to have been brought down. She ran on to be seventh and not beaten out of sight but had absolutely no chance once that had happened.

The stewards appeared not to notice these goings on, and nothing was done, - nothing would have changed the result as the winner was mighty impressive, but on a track the size of Sandown I cannot see an excuse for such careless riding and it should have been pointed out to the offenders that it is not acceptable riding!

Luckily PWF has come home in one piece, but it could easily have been another story.

Varekai ran at Uttoxeter on Saturday and unfortunately came in off the track very lame. The racecourse vet thinks he has damaged a foot, and further tests are underway.

The hounds met at Alscot on Saturday morning, which meant a change of routine for us, as everything had to be exercised before the hoards arrived! Saturday also saw a very early start for Harriet & I as we set of for Shrewsbury at five am for a pony trials training weekend! A night in the lorry resulted in only mild hypothermia and we then woke up to two inches of snow on Sunday morning!! A good two days with some very intensive training from the team trainer – all good experience but glad to get back to some heating last night!!

Not long until Cheltenham now, and everyone seems to be on the phone wanting to talk about Restless Harry! Lee Mottershead came yesterday, some one from the Times later in the week, and Marcus Armatage wants a picture of him out with the deer! (remember Robin’s quote after he ran?). Personally would rather sneak off there quietly, win the race and then do the interviews!! BUT its all good publicity lets just hope it all goes according to plan on the day!

With perfect timing a friend asked me to Dubai that week – costs flight only!! With Sandown, Cheltenham & two Pony trials that week I think it would be safe to say my popularity rating might drop rapidly if I accept!! But gosh it’s tempting!!

Snowing again yesterday, not deep but very cold and forecast for rest of the week looks dire – still it will keep Cheltenham nice and soft!! Two declared at Southwell today but there is an 8 am inspection.

15/02/2010

SHOCK RESULT AT WARWICK!

A fairly quiet week, Daffodil ran a blinder at Southwell at on Monday to finish sixth running on well. She will be handicapped now and a step up in trip will see her not far away.

Nothing else until Saturday when Tom O’Tara ran at Warwick. Tom has been quite a project for us all, as mentally and physically he had problems when he arrived. He is a nice character but a bad back and a tendency to go on hunger strike made it difficult to get him how we wanted him. Never a team to be put off by a challenge and supported by Graham and Lynne Knight’s patience, we set about rebuilding him! A first run at Ludlow was OK, with him just not getting an extended trip, but the weather and then balloting had stopped us from getting him out until last week - however the frustration of not being able to run was probably a blessing in disguise! Having only his second run for us, we hoped he would finish in the middle somewhere. However, we all stood and watched in amazement as, having travelled and jumped well through the race Tom stormed up the run in to win by three quarters of a length at odds of 50/1!!!

The office roof nearly came off as the ‘at home’ team cheered him on and I pity anyone standing near Robin or Graham as the horses ran from the last to the line!! Many congratulations to Graham, Lynne and partners who have been so patient with Tom and given him the time he clearly needed – a thoroughly deserved success for them. Just wish we had all got stuck in a bit more at those odds!!

Tom has come home in good order and no sign of a hunger strike! It will be interesting to see what the handicapper makes of his performance!

Darren completed his first aid course last week and much to our relief did manage to pass it! It was not doing his sense of humour any good spending days in a class room!!

Half term this week, so we have Harriet in harness as well- in between a lot of pony commitments.

We were to do a photographic session for the website today but a gloomy morning has put paid to that until tomorrow, when hopefully the sun will shine! Probably better than the ‘Monday morning after a winner’ look that was evident on a few faces this morning!!
Although there is also a spring in everyone’s step as we reach twelve winners with a 20% strike rate! Long may it last!!

08/02/2010

WINNER NUMBER ELEVEN!

After coming down to earth after the excitement of Cheltenham it was off to Towcester with Raphiell and Entertain Me on Thursday. In very heavy conditions both ran quite satisfactorily, with Entertain Me finishing fourth and Raphiell sixth.

Bangor beckoned on Friday with Rothres (with Toby in tow!) & Playing With Fire. Rothres could not improve on her seconds in a trappy race and was caught out by the new track at the course. The hurdle races were run on the point to point course on the inside of the course which turned out to be very sharp – more like Fakenham, which really did not suit her – she would need three miles if we went back there with her. She finished a respectable sixth staying on well at the end.

All the form said that Playing With Fire could not possibly beat Alan King’s horse, and half way along the back second time we agreed – but as is usual with PWF she had other ideas! Under Wayne’s urgings she gradually caught the leading pair, and managed to nip between them coming round the last bend. Once in front there was no stopping her and she went on to win by a comfortable eight lengths – despite being a bit sloppy over the last two hurdles. Very pleasing to follow up her Leicester win, and an extra treat for Darren on his birthday! Although looked after by Katie, Darren always leads up PWF as she is such a handful at the races! Poor Katie had to cheer her on from the warmth of the office!

Darren was off on Thursday renewing his first aid certificate in Leamington when his horse Raphiell ran, so I suppose there was some justice there somewhere!

Well done to Mrs Merry who sadly missed both her runners as she was confined to barracks with a chest infection. Hopefully another winner will have provided a tonic to help the antibiotics along!

We are about to rebuild our website which is very exciting – the photographer is due to come as soon as we have a sunny day so watch out for a new and improved version in the near future!

The weather is set to get colder again this week – hopefully no where near as bad as in the New Year, and hopefully not cold enough to interrupt racing.

Dancing Daffodil runs at Southwell today – no expectations just having her third run to get her handicapped. Later in the week we have entries at Ludlow, Kempton & Warwick.

01/02/2010

RESTLESS HARRY INDUCES HEADACHES AT ALSCOT!

Wow what a week! After Playing With Fire’s super win earlier in the week, the team headed nervously off to Cheltenham on Saturday with Restless Harry for the Festival trials meeting. I think it would be accurate to say that the trainer, head lad and Harry’s lass had been walking their boxes all night – the horse however was quite calm! With the long suffering Toby in tow, we were asking him a huge question in the grade 2, two and a half mile novice hurdle.

Tensions did not improve after reading the Racing Post where the champion trainer described his runner as the best novice he has in the yard! However, we really did not need to fret, as Harry had things firmly under control! Sent straight to the front by Henry he made every inch of the running and powered up the hill to win by an easy eight lengths accompanied by much encouragement from both the stands and from assorted sofas around the country!

What a feeling! Safe to say he returned to the winners’ enclosure to a fantastic welcome from the crowd, and all connections walking on air!

Many congratulations to Richard and Lenny who are still giving the Cheshire cat a run for his money! It was ‘party on’ in the evening and a few resulting headaches were evident yesterday morning! Luckily it was Darren’s day off as I don’t think he was capable of movement until teatime(and then only slowly!!)

Thanks to everyone who has taken the trouble to leave messages, sent emails & phoned, it means so much to know that you are all there rooting for Team Dickin!

Festival here we come!!

Although back to earth today with a covering of snow to greet us at six am - we are buoyed up with getting our winners into double figures for the season so far!

With rain forecast for the rest of the week we have entries for Leicester, Towcester & Bangor in the week and Fontwell next Sunday but balloting and the weather could play havoc with all of them!

29/01/2010

LESS THERMAL UNDERWEAR & WINNER NUMBER NINE!

At last a return to some sort of normality weather-wise!!

We were all very relieved to see the back of the ice & snow and to be able to venture out in a few less layers of thermal underwear!

Having rather dreaded turning the horses out after a month confined to their stables it was all rather an anti-climax! Everyone was very anxious to have a good wallow in some cold wet mud, but amazingly after expecting the charge of the light brigade around the park, nothing really went mad except Playing With Fire who is normally very good out there!

PWF was obviously setting herself up for Leicester last Tuesday when she pulled out all the stops to a) behave herself and b) (most importantly) WIN very convincingly under Wayne Kavanagh!

She must have got out of bed on the right side as we had a very uneventful day with her! She is a young lady who generally has her own very definite views on life, but she got onto the lorry with no fuss (unusual!), was good to lead up (unusual!) was a bit of a handful to get on (usual!). and then was nearly wiped out at the first! However, somehow she and Wayne managed to get through a pile up caused by a horse running down the hurdle and taking out the favorite. Quickly back into the action, she took up the running going to the last and won by a convincing six lengths with the third horse a further eight lengths away!

Congratulations to Mrs. Louise Merry who also bred PWF, and to Darren, Chris & Charlie who put up with a lot from her at home!

This puts us onto 9 winners for the season so far, and also 9 seconds!!

Rothres ran another super race to finish second (again!) at Towcester last Sunday under Chris Ward. It can't be long before those 2s in front of her name turn into numbers ones! After struggling so badly last season she really is turning into a model of consistency! She did nothing wrong and was just beaten by a better horse on the day on ground that was far from ideal for her!

There are a couple of shares available in her, so now would be a good time to buy one!

Weekend runners are Restless Harry at Cheltenham & Tom O’Tara at Hereford on Sunday

15/01/2010

THE THAW HAS BEGUN!

After ten days of snow at last things are beginning to drip here today! We got up to pouring rain – very unpleasant and hazardous on top of packed snow! Health & Safety would have some thing to say about current conditions!!

At long last we have managed to get to the gallop and the horses did their first bit of fast work today for quite a while! They have all been out everyday – last week was easy when it was so cold, as the snow was very powdery and not balling up in their feet – harder this week as it has been sticky and getting packed as they are being exercised!

We have taken advantage of a couple of local indoor schools when it has been at its worst. David at Willicote Equestrian Centre (www.willicoteequestriancentre) has been particularly helpful. He is a farmer who has diversified and has converted his cattle yards into an indoor school and livery yard. Only down the road, but Brian & Claire spent the whole morning behind the wheel ferrying loads of horses backwards and forwards! However at least everything had a good work out which has meant that we have been able to kick on as soon as the snow has come off the gallop!

The staff will be glad to get some work into everything as less work, and no turn out has been making for some interesting acrobatics! Really hope we can get them turned out next week – can’t remember the last time they were in for so long!

Charlie Poste has been in regularly through the bad weather & Nick Schofield got quite a few brownie points by driving all the way from Devon last Tuesday! Good effort on his part! Both making a lot more effort than one jockey who was reported in the Racing Post moaning that he had no rides but saying that of course he had to go to the gym as he had not been riding out! Who does he think keeps the horses exercised and ready for him to ride!!!! ‘Must try harder’ on his school report!!

The place looks like a tip now with thawing snow on our vital muck trails looking a real mess – can’t wait to get cleared up and back to a normal routine!

Quite a few possible entries for next week – fingers crossed the thaw continues!

30/12/2009

SO NEARLY THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS PRESSIE!

After a very quiet Christmas with racing off at most venues, excitement levels reached fever pitch at Alscot while watching the 2.05 at Newbury yesterday!

Having won last time out Restless Harry was given a rating of 125, which seriously limited our options of whereto run him next! Despite an interrupted preparation due to the ice, we sent him off to Newbury yesterday to run in the Grade One Challow hurdle. It would be fair to say that we were more than a little nervous as Henry sent him off straight to the front and despite jumping a little right at his hurdles, that was where he still was as they turned for home! After that we could not believe what we were seeing as he was still there going to the last! After this none of us heard any of the commentary as we were too busy screaming him home! The favourite came to head him up the run in, but Harry fought back only to be collared by Reve de Sivola on the line!

We did not know whether to laugh or cry!! If someone had told us before the race that he would be in the first four we would have been organising a party, but to be so close was SO frustrating!!! Having said that we are of course absolutely thrilled with Harry’s performance and excited to have such a good horse in the yard!

It’s very quiet today as no one has a voice left!

Many Congratulations to Richard & Lenny who are still grinning this morning, and to Darren and the team for battling the elements all over Christmas to keep the show on the road!

The expected snow has not materialised but the ice has been horrendous – a foot of snow would be easier to cope with! We have had to muck out onto the yard so that we can get everyone out of their stables and now have the yellow s**t road all around the yard!

We had an ambulance moment earlier in the week when poor Badger got dumped off a very fresh Rothres! Not really the mare’s fault – everyone was having a bit of a ‘moment’ which had a domino effect along the string with Badger at the end of it! Luckily no broken bones involved, but she is nursing some good bruises at home for a few days! The only other casualties have been jockeys! Wayne Kavanagh & Charlie Poste both got bucked off horses that our staff sit tight on everyday! Only dented pride involved there!

Nothing else this week – Varekai was balloted out at Chepstow last Monday. Next week looks busy but will again be very weather dependant as the forecast does not look too promising!

We would like to wish you all a Very Happy & Prosperous New Year with plenty of visits to the winner’s enclosure!

17/12/2009

Nearly the Perfect Start!

A busy week saw us covering a large mileage between us all!

Claire & Darren went off to Newmarket last Tuesday to attend a 'Medication Control' seminar put on by the NTF at the new state of the art equine hospital. Withdrawal times are obviously am important aspect of medication, and it was interesting to listen to the BHA's take on that, and some heated debate about the fine line between what is 'performance enhancing' and what is horse welfare! The use of different drugs to treat stomach ulcers was a case in point - it will be interesting to see what develops - if anything - from the meeting.

We did the journey to Newmarket in the lorry, as straight after the seminar we had to wend our way round the back streets of Newmarket to pick up a new horse! Graham Knight (Tom O'Tara) has kindly sent us Grayling Ruby who has won a couple on the flat. It’s a whole different world down there with yards where you expect gardens to houses to be - making for interesting manoeuvres in a 7.5 tonne lorry! It’s a good job it’s got a decent lock on the steering!!

Thursday saw three runners and Toby off to Ludlow, Rothres can't cope without the pony, so it meant a two lorry run!! Dancing Daffodil had her first run over hurdles - ridden well by Mark Goldstein she jumped and travelled well and was in the first two until they quickened up in the straight when she just stayed on one paced. She will probably want further eventually but we will get her handicapped first.

It was a day of first timers as Tom O’Tara had his first run for us he travelled and jumped really well – but found the 2m5f just a bit too far - a great confidence booster for him though and he is sure to come on for the run.

Also on a first was Chris Ward our amateur who was having his first ever ride in public. The Law and Disorder group kindly agreed to let him ride Rothres who was having her second run of the season a having finished a good second at Warwick previously. I think it would be fair to say there were a few butterflies fluttering before the race - from owners, trainer and especially the jockey! Rothres always likes to be up with the action in a race and was sent off in the first two by Chris - she jumped like a bunny all the way and the pair turned in a couple of lengths clear, and were still in front two strides from the line - frustratingly the favourite just collared them right on the line! What a great start for Chris who did a really good job – (his Mum had driven all the way from Canterbury to watch him ride so thank goodness he did not fall off at the first!!) and thanks to the owners for giving him the opportunity. Another super run from the mare who now really deserves to get her nose in front!

Friday saw Claire & Darren off to Cheltenham with Autumn Spirit having her third run over hurdles - a hot race but only a few runners and she was far from disgraced, and now has a handicap mark. Robin & Chris headed north to Doncaster with Playing With Fire & Toby - the filly ran no sort of a race at all and we were very disappointed with her - however she gave a couple of coughs after the race and showed a slightly dirty throat on scoping her this week.

No more runners until Boxing Day now - the forecast is not great and everywhere is very soggy! The horses have been confined to barracks for a couple of days as its just been too foul to turn them out - they don’t like it though and are all longing to get out there to top up their mud packs!!

30/11/2009

EIGHT & COUNTING!!

Winner number eight for the season on Saturday at Towcester when Restless Harry trotted up in the 2m5f hurdle race! Ridden by Henry Oliver, Harry took up the running as they turned into the back straight and the result was never in doubt from there!

A slightly 'guessy' jump at the third last caused a sharp intake of breath all round, but having then negotiated the last two hurdles with no problems, he went away to win by 13 lengths! A big thrill for Richard & Lenny, who bought the horse at Cheltenham back in the spring.

Chasing will be his long term aim, but he is now qualified for the EBF final at Sandown in March, and at only five, there is certainly no rush with him. It will be interesting to see what the handicapper makes of him tomorrow – current betting favours around the 120 mark!

No wonder Richard likes Towcester – three winners from three runners this season can’t be bad!

Due to a glitch with the website I am afraid that we have got rather behind with our news this month – however that is now sorted (I hope) and weekly updates should follow!

Playing with Fire has run a couple of very pleasing races – finishing second at Huntingdon & then a very creditable sixth at Cheltenham. She has an entry at Sandown on Friday.

Rothres put some dire form at the end of last season behind her and ran a super race to finish second at Warwick, she jumped the last in front but made a small error over that hurdle which broke her momentum, although it would be hard to say that it cost her the race as the winner did look quite comfortable!

Autumn Spirit (half sister to the legendary Arctic Spirit) made a very pleasing racecourse debut at Towcester, and then finished seventh at Lingfield. Still a big baby in lots of ways we were delighted with her efforts & she will be a lovely long term prospect.

Intense Suspense ran at Hereford and jumped a travelled well but found the pace over two miles just too sharp for him. He will step up to three miles now and how he jumps & travels will find that trip much more to his liking. Sadly the partnership who have only owned him for a month, have not the patience to see it through with him, so we have bought him back off them as we are sure that he will win for us. We are looking for some partners to form a small partnership in him, so if you are looking for a special Christmas present give Robin a call!! (07979518593!)

Other entries this week are Vareki at Sandown on Saturday & Warwick on Sunday.

A couple of new faces have arrived recently in the form of Raphiell who came from the last Cheltenham sale – by Turtle Island, he has won a point to point in Ireland, and will be out wearing Richard Whiteheads’ colours before too long.

An unbroken four year old of Mrs Merry’ by Moscow Society also arrived last week from Ireland.

We have just backed a nice Karinga Bay two year old for new client Peter Hepworth. She is going to have some time out now as she still has some growing to do, but has been a pleasure to have and a very willing student!

The weather continues to throw plenty of the wet stuff at us – we all expect to get wet in this job – but everyday for what seems like weeks can be tedious! The river has teetered at the top of the banks a few times but has stayed put. Unlike in Cumbria where those poor souls have had up to eight feet of water & worse in their houses – horrible!

27/10/2009

ANOTHER WIN FOR JACORADO!

Winner number seven for the yard yesterday!

Jacorado won his second race of the season at Towcester on Sunday! This time over two miles three - his regular pilot Henry Oliver was sidelined with broken ribs picked up at Aintree the day before, so Charlie Poste took the ride. ‘Spike’ jumped really well again and took up the running entering the back straight and really, winning was never in doubt, although the second horse did give us a run for our money going to the line. Charlie did not even have to use his whip and the horse stayed on really gamely to win. A great effort from him at his favourite track, and a super result for Richard who lives a stone’s throw away from the course!

The other runners on the day did not fare quite so well, but lots of positives to take home from two horses having their first runs for the yard – Varekai ran a good race until slipping up about five strides after the third last hurdle and getting rid of Charlie, and Intense Suspense jumped like a buck until getting tired three out. Both will learn from the experience and be out again shortly.

The weather continues to be mild and relatively dry – we will be glad to see some proper rain as most of it seems to have by-passed this part of Warwickshire. Although wet was the order of the day yesterday when Guns of Love decided to test out his swimming skills in the river Stour! Three fire engines and their crews, a four by four and two boats later he decided that the swimming was fine but the getting out was a little more tricky!! He is out with Atherstone Hill as they both recover from injuries, and is pretty mean to him in the field so we think that it was a case of Atherstone Hill giving him a sneaky push! Thanks to the fire boys and our great staff ‘Jim’ emerged from his dip none the worse for wear, although the rest of us did look as if we had been bog snorkelling!!

Harriet & Claire had two nights in the lorry in darkest Shropshire at the weekend with her ponies, at a pony eventing team training weekend. A great opportunity for her to train with the team trainer and very informative, but slightly scary in the level the children are expected to ride at now! Don’t think I even knew what ‘shoulder in’ was when I was their age!!

Entries for the rest of the week are at Uttoxeter on Friday, Dancing Daffodil & Junior Jimble although both have ballot marks. Sunday is Huntingdon for Mister Trixter & Playing with Fire although that will require some rain

19/10/2009

ANOTHER CLOSE SHAVE & A COCK UP BY THE BHA!

Playing With Fire made her seasonal reappearance at Uttoxeter last week. A lady with plenty to say for herself, she is difficult to handle and everything hinges on keeping her calm!

Having saddled her in the stables Robin and Darren were congratulating themselves on how well things were going, when a call went out over the loudspeaker to go and untack her and return to the weighing room! Not Good!!!

Apparently having let him weigh out, the powers that be then decided that Wayne Kavanagh (who was returning from injury) had not got the necessary paperwork allowing him to ride - UNBELIEVABLE!! He had in fact passed the Doctor at Weatherbys the previous week!

Luckily Aiden Coleman was languishing waiting to ride in the following race and stepped into the breach at the last minute! Luckily Playing With Fire decided to co-operate in letting a very frustrated trainer get the replacement tack on without too much fuss!

Aiden gave her a cracking ride to finish a good second to a decent horse of Nigel Twiston- Davies's. However, the whole thing left a bad taste after all our careful preparation and Wayne’s efforts in driving all the way to Weatherby to see the Dr, was wasted by someone else’s ineptitude!

We were pleased with the run, but somewhat "gob-smacked" with the powers that be! Any mess-ups like that from our end would result in a big fine, seems to be a very one-sided system!! And very tough on poor Wayne who was then told that in fact he could ride – just as the runners went past the post!!

Still let’s hope they all keep running this well!! Chepstow and Towcester on Saturday and Sunday, although several have ballot marks and may not get a run.

09/10/2009

JACORADO SHOWS HE IS NO BACK NUMBER!

Following a long lay off having sustained an injury to his pelvis in April, Jacorado showed that he is far from claiming his pension when winning the 3 mile feature handicap chase at Towcester on Wednesday.

Pleased to be back in action, he was sent to the front by Henry Oliver with a circuit to run, he gave a fine display of jumping and his opponents could never get near him up the final gruelling hill. It would be fair to say that connections found the hill nearly as gruelling as the horse! Henry was always travelling with confidence and even found time to give us a wave three out!! With plenty of vocal encouragement from owner Richard Whitehead and the rest or the team ‘Spike’ stayed on strongly to win by four and a half lengths!

The horse has come home in good order, and will be out again in due course – mostly likely back to his favourite course!!

This win puts us on 6 so far for the season –twice last years tally already! It was so nearly 7 when the gallant Miss Ladybird just missed out on her hat trick at Worcester the previous week. In front nearly all the way she jumped really well and was still in front with two strides to go and was just caught on the line! SO frustrating!! She was trying to give the second horse 12lbs, and could really have done with another hurdle up the very long run in! She will be back to get her revenge shortly!

It’s a very busy time for us at the moment, with everything nearly ready to run! We have taken several of them away to work for a change of scene over the last couple of weeks. Jacorado, Playing with Fire, Rothres & Junior Jimble have enjoyed Robert Waley-Cohen’s hospitality at Upton, and PWF, Junior Jimble & Varekai went to Towcester on Thursday morning. It is good for the horses to have a change of scene and especially good for the more fizzy ones to go on the lorry without getting to the races at the other end.

Charlie Poste & Chris Ward were joined at Towcester by a very happy Wayne Kavanagh who has just been passed fit after sustaining a horrible pelvic injury last season. It was good to have him back.

07/09/2009

Another Winner!

A quick dash from Birmingham airport to Hereford racecourse was well worthwhile for Robin last Wednesday! After few days away in Portugal Darren scooped Robin up and they arrived at the races in torrential rain in time to see Miss Ladybird defy a staggering 16lb hike in the weights to make all and win by a length and a half under Aiden Coleman.

A change in tactics from Uttoxeter and some superb jumping produced a decisive win and some memorable celebrating in the rain from part owner Elllie Wright in front of the grandstand!

Both Ellie & Ladybird have come home fine from the experience - although it is rumoured that Ellie needed more recovery time than the mare!!

We are waiting with baited breathe to see what the handicapper gets up to on tuesday before deciding what her next engagment will be!

25/08/2009

The Wanderer Returns!

Many of you will remember Darren Swanton (pictured right)who was with us for ten years before venturing out into the wider world!

After a spell with Robert Whaley-Cohen, Darren was head lad to Kim Bailey for two seasons. Then, feeling a little disillusioned with racing and wanting to try something different Darren then worked in a shoe shop for a short time before moving on to Pet Plan for a year!

However they do say that once its in your blood you are addicted to racing and sure enough the lure of the big city has worn off and we are very pleased to welcome Darren home!

He has come to head up a very strong team of staff for this season. Kelly & Badger have been holding the fort all summer and have done a great job, they are now supprted by new recruits Katie Frisby & Chris Ward and along with Miranda, Neil, Rachel and Clifff as yard man we have a really talented team to look after our equally strong team of horses.

Its has been no secret that as a yard we have had a difficult couple of seasons, but it is also no secret that we mean business for this year!

With four winners already, we have some really exciting new recruits to run this time and will be out there doing battle with the best of them!

02/07/2009

The Simple Things in Life!"

The yard continues its great start to the new season with another victory for Simple Glory at Aintree on Friday evening!

Up 5lbs for her previous win and a much stiffer race the race required a career best effort from Simple Glory. Ridden again by Nick Schofield, she moved up to challenge in the back straight and after a protracted battle from the last showed great tenacity to get up by the narrowest of margins. The mare jumped superbly and was always travelling well and collared the long time leader on the line.This is the second win for this horse and jockey combination, the pair won over course and distance in a conditionals' race a month ago.

Owned by yard sponsor and long time supporters Cliff Beech & Brian Wilkinson, the mare is paying back her owners patience after a year off due to a leg injury. This was a £10,000 race so well worth the long trek up to Aintree. Cliff and Brian were on hand to cheer her home, and left with bigs smiles and very sore throats after a nerve racking finish!

This is our fourth winner of the season and we have started as we mean to go on!

Dancing Daffodil had her first run last Tuesday at Southwell. Ridden by Charlie Poste she was upsides second at the furlong pole and stayed on to finish a gallant sixth. A home bred filly by Kadastrof we were very excited by this run as she is still only four and very weak - she is now on holiday but is an exciting prospect and one to look out for next season.

Most of the horses are now on holiday and enjoying a summer break. the grass is very good after recent rain and all are looking very fat and happy. The lads & girls are busy with their least favourite job of disinfecting, painting and decorating the yard!

Entries for the rest of the week include Simple Glory at Ffos Las on Thursday and Entertain Me at Hereford next Sunday.

06/06/2009

MISS LADYBIRD SPREADS HER WINGS - AND FLIES HOME AT 20/1!

On Friday evening Miss Ladybird cruised to an impressive victory in the John Smiths Extra Smooth Mares' Handicap Hurdle over 2m at Uttoxeter. Having had time out as a brood mare the 8 year old came to the yard via Ellie Wright of Brick Kiln Stud who owns the mare in partnership with Bill Wyatt

With Aidan Coleman on board Ladybird travelled well throughout allowing the jockey to manoeuvre through the pack early to avoid some hairy jumping by a number of the others. She tracked the leaders and put in a faultless round of jumping. As they turned for home Aidan sat on the heels of the front two alongside the second favourite ridden by Richard Johnson and being tracked by the favourite ‘Bundle Up’. As they skirted around the fenced off last hurdle both came to make their challenge but she quickened well to win cosily by 3 lengths.

Well done to owners Bill Wyatt and Ellie Wright! Miss Ladybird will be looking to follow up in two to three weeks time!


As the yard continues its return to form with its third winner of the new season, current entries include Rothres at Southwell on Tuesday, where Admiral Troy and Dancing Daffodil are also entered.