Saborido and Sierra Alpha Provide Warwick Double

Sierra Alpha provided us with our first 2yo winner of the year when landing division 2 of the EBF Maiden Stakes at Warwick on Monday afternoon.  The son of Dansili was making his first racecourse start, and, as entitled to be, was green early on before getting the hang of things and staying on really well to win by 1/2l. Our 2yo’s invariably improve a good deal for their first outing therefore this was very pleasing, and hopefully there is more to come.

 

Sierra Alpha’s win continues the superb recent record of the Juddmonte stallion Dansili, who sired both the first 2 in the last weekends Celebration Mile and recent Sandown winner Strawberrydaiquiri who landed a hat-trick of listed successes.  

 

An hour later Saborido defied a 3lb rise for his recent Salisbury success when giving the Cotton, James, Slade, Tracey partnership a great thrill by battling back to win the Syd Mercer Memorial handicap by a short head.  He showed a really willing attitude and can hopefully go close in a bid for a hat trick next time.

 

Tomorrow Green Earth heads to Brighton for his third start, as well as Driven who appears to like the track having won there earlier in the year and finished 3rd in his latest start there. Later in the evening Pagan Force heads to Kempton for his first start following a break. Thursday Atakora, Red Intrigue and Blue Sparkle all look to head to Salisbury while Blue Dynasty and Blue Tango could provide us with our first jumping runners of the year at Fontwell on Sunday.

 

Posted on 01 Sep 2009
2yo’s looking to have their first run.

 

After several placed efforts last week, ATTAINABLE can hopefully get us back to winning ways at Kempton this afternoon. The daughter of Kalanisi who is out of a half sister to the great Dancing Brave, can hopefully go one better than her second there on her final start at two.

 

Later in the week several 2yo’s are looking to have their first starts including CAT HUNTER for new owner Mr Cohen at Lingfield on Thursday. On Friday we will hopefully be running ATAKORA, TAMTARA and BEST SHOW at Newmarket. Best Show is a breeze up purchase made earlier in the year.

 

Following the success of the Breeze up Bonus there is now a Yearling Bonus attached to the majority of the lots sold in England and Ireland at the forthcoming yearling sales, which start at Doncaster tomorrow (Tuesday 25th August). The yearling bonus enables registered lots to be qualified for a £10,000 bonus after winning select maidens spread out over the 2yo and 3yo careers. With up to 300 bonuses being available in 2010/11, -  25% of maiden races in UK and Ireland will carry a bonus, approximately five every week! I will be attending the majority of the sales and if anyone would like to speak to me about purchasing a yearling then please don’t hesitate to contact me. 

 

Posted on 24 Aug 2009
Saborido Storms to Success

 

Saborido proved he stayed every yard of the 1m6f trip when landing the Pat Boakes Memorial handicap at Salisbury on Thursday, for the Cotton, James, Slade, Tracey partnership. Providing them with a great thrill he was always up with the pace before staying on gamely to win going away by 1 ¾L.  He holds an entry at Nottingham on Tuesday and back at Salisbury next Friday, both of which are possibilities before a likely try at 2m later in the year.  Saborido provided us with our 5th winner at Salisbury of the year, a total that will hopefully rise further with Count Of Tuscany, Cry For The Moon, and Theologist all also in there on Friday.

 

The horses have ran well this week led by Curacao who ran another great race when coming from off the pace to grab third late on in the 1m6f Isinglass handicap at Sandown, staying on really well in the closing stages he would have in all likelihood got there with another 100yards. Wilfred Pickles ran his best race of the year when 2nd in the Goldring Security Services Pembroke Cup, only finding Marching Time too good in the later stages, whom is a horse who is highly thought of and who contested a Group 1 at two. Silent Act ran a very encouraging race when finishing fastest of all when 4th at Salisbury. As did Green Earth who was having his first racecourse experience and getting the hang of things late on.

 

This week is looking to be very busy. Monday Blue Sparkle heads to Windsor for her second start in the EBF maiden fillies stakes, while King’s La Mont heads for the sportingbet.com handicap. We plan to send a select team to York with Camps Bay heading to the Ebor on Wednesday and Glorious Goodwood winner Classic Vintage to the Melrose Stakes on Friday, although like Sea The Stars we wouldn’t want to see to much rain. Elsewhere Driven is in at Epsom on Thursday before Count Of Tuscany, Cry For The Moon, Saborido, Theologist, Green Earth, and Tudor Key all in on Friday.

 

 

Posted on 15 Aug 2009
Crest Gives Spence Weekend To Remember

 

Dubai Crest ran out a 1/2L winner of the Sportingbet.com Handicap at Windsor yesterday afternoon.  Held up, he was always travelling well in behind but needed gaps to appear. Once they did he stayed on well to get up inside the last ½ furlong for a convincing win.  His win caped a weekend to remember for owner Alan Spence, following Jukebox Jury’s win in the Group 3 Rose of Lancaster St at Haydock on Saturday (a horse he also owns) and Chelsea’s win in the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday, a club he is vice president of.  

 

Night Crescendo ran a gallant race in defeat at the Shergar Cup meeting at Ascot on Saturday. Disappointing earlier in the week at Pontefract, this return to his favourite track produced a much improved effort as he finished a fast finishing second. Also on Saturday Count Of Tuscany, ran well when finishing 2nd in the Royal British Legion Poppy Maiden Stakes at Newmarket, however, was no match for his owner Prince Khalid Abdullah’s first string Manifest who was a mighty impressive winner.

 

The end of this week is looking to be busy with Curacao biding for a hat trick on Wednesday at Sandown, along with Wilfred Pickles and Silent Act at Salisbury. Thursday, could see Green Earth have his first racecourse experience, as well as Saborido who is stepping back up in trip later in the afternoon. Friday Dimensional, Tudor Key, Jazacosta and Spanish Cygnet are all possibles.

 

Posted on 10 Aug 2009
Vintage Cruises to Success At Goodwood.

 

Classic Vintage was the highlight of the last weeks Glorious Goodwood, when landing the Racing UK Heritage Handicap on Wednesday. Given a great ride by Jim Crowley to get a good position early on, he always travelled with the utmost of ease he was sent to the front a full 2f from home before forging clear to win by nearly 3L.  

 

 

PICTURE: Mark Cranham

 

It was a thoroughly enjoyable day for all and provided his owners, Mr & Mrs Scott, Mr & Mrs Powell and Mrs Brody their first Glorious Goodwood success. As well as giving dad great pleasure, as he was his pick at the yearling sales. He is now a possible for the Melrose Stakes at York and will hopefully continue to progress into a decent stayer for the future.

 

Later that day Tottie also ran a great race in the Country Life Magazine European Breeders' Fund Fillies' And Mares' Stakes. Dropping back to 9F for the first time this year she made a bold bid for home 2f out and only just got caught in the final few strides, still somehow managing to only finish 4th despite only being beaten a neck and two short heads.

 

Earlier in the week we had our Goodwood owners lunch on the Tuesday, and hope that everyone who attended had an enjoyable time. That afternoon Camps Bay ran a solid race in the 1m6f handicap only being beaten 5L.

 

Monday and Tuesday this week are quiet but the remainder of the week looks to be very busy. Driven heads to Brighton on Wednesday for a handicap worth £26,000 this is a great effort on Brighton’s behalf and them and the race sponsor John Smith’s should be applauded. Jazacosta also heads to Brighton, while Night Crescendo heads up to Pontefract, for a race that is a step down in grade to the competitive heritage handicaps he has been running in so far this year.

 

Thursday, Rio Royale at Brighton, Admiral Sandhoe at Folkestone, and King’s La Mont at Sandown are all possibilities. Friday Wilfred Pickles, Blue Tango and Silent Act all hold entries. While at the weekend Tungsten Strike, Camps Bay, Night Crescendo, Admiral Sandhoe, Count Of Tuscany, Dubai Crest and Dimensional are all in.

 

Posted on 03 Aug 2009
Look at the Weekend & A Glorious Week Ahead

A busy week gets underway on Saturday with Tudor Key, Tottie and Curacao all set to run. Tudor Key, is looking to follow up his recent win at Lingfield, in The Emirates NBD Cup Heritage Handicap at Ascot.  It looks on paper to be a very competitive handicap but he ran well there when drawn on the wrong side in the Britannia at Royal Ascot and hopefully can continue his good recent form.  Tottie heads up to York for the Skybet.com EBF Fillies Handicap, a filly who only two runs ago was contesting the Group 1 Oaks at Epsom and who was Listed placed earlier in the year. She can hopefully take advantage of this drop in class and provide owners             Julian & Sarah Richmond Watson with a memorable day, as they also have their Oaks winning filly Look Here running in the King George the VI later in the afternoon.  The evening concludes with Curacao who heads back to the site of his recent win, when lining up for the Oliver Grub Handicap Stakes at Salisbury. Staying on well when winning there last time he steps up a further 2f here.

 

Sunday sees Night Crescendo head back to Ascot where he has a great record of 3 wins from 5 starts.  He ran well there last time in the Duke of Edinburgh at Royal Ascot following an interrupted preparation and being 2lb lower here and with a better run into the race he can hopefully go close.

 

Glorious Goodwood gets underway on Tuesday and owners are reminded that our Goodwood lunch party begins with drinks at 11.30. If you would like to come and see your horses out at exercise beforehand then please hesitate to do so.  That day we have Camps Bay and Classic Vintage both in the Detica Summer Handicap Stakes over 1m 6f.  Classic Vintage also has an entry there on Wednesday in the Racing UK Heritage Handicap Stakes.

 

Tungsten Strike bids to go one better than last year in Coutts Goodwood Cup on Thursday, he ran a great race when 2nd in the race last year to the great Yeats, and always appears to up his game at his beloved Goodwood.

 

Friday is looking to be a rest day before Dubai Crest on Saturday. He has been running well in competitive handicaps at Royal Ascot and at Epsom on Derby day. Although this is likely to be as competitive it will be a drop in grade.  Warning Song is also a possible for the nursery handicap.

 

Posted on 24 Jul 2009
Tudor Key All Out Win at Lingfield

Tudor Key got back to winning ways on Wednesday afternoon to win the EBF Paul Kellaway Memorial Classified St, for the Coombelands Racing Syndicate I, a short head in what was a tightly fought battle up the home straight. Given a good ride under Jim Crowley, who used his initiative and sat close to the pace in what was a slowly run affair, Tudor Key and Film Set locked horns all of 2f out, with Tudor Key just getting up at the right time. Providing the handicapper doesn’t over react to this success he may now go to Newmarket or Goodwood later in the month.

 

Earlier in the week, Pagan Flight and Blue Tango both finished third, and hold entries early next week. Our remaining runner for this week is Saborido at Pontefract on Friday evening for the Cotton, James, Slade, Tracey partnership, and will hopefully continue the run of form we have had during the past week. 

 

 

Posted on 16 Jul 2009
Curacao Win Makes Saturday Double For Bourbonella:
Curacao ran out a 1 1/2L winner of the Picardo Chevrolet Handicap at Salisbury on Saturday evening. Coming across to the stands side on the rain softened ground he stayed on well to win going away at the finish. It meant a double on the day for his dam Bourbonella, after his half brother Aqlaam won the Gr2 Summer Mile earlier in the day. There remains a 50% share available in Curacao, for further information please see the 'Horses For Sale' section. 
 
Classic Vintage ran a great race in defeat at Newmarket on Friday, finishing third in the Egerton House Stables Handicap. Staying on well from the back of the field he did the best of those whom had been held up in the race. He is likely to have one more run before the Melrose St at York's Ebor meeting. 
 
Runners for this week include, Pagan Flight at Windsor tonight, Blue Tango at Southwell on Tuesday and Tudor Key at Lingfield on Wednesday as well as possibly Saborido and Cry For The Moon on Friday.
 
 
Posted on 14 Jul 2009
Classic Vintage and Future Runners

Classic Vintage heads to Newmarket today for the final race of their prestigious July meeting. A recent winner at Salisbury, he can hopefully continue his upward curve this afternoon, before possibly heading to Glorious Goodwood later in the month.  Other possible runners in week ahead include, Curacao in the Picador Chevrolet Handicap St at Salisbury late on Saturday evening. Having had a short break following his latest start at Goodwood, this half brother to Aqlaam, can hopefully appreciate the slight drop in grade and go close. Pagan Flight and Blue Tango both hold entries early next week, the later unsuited from having to try and come from off the pace in a slowly run race at Haydock last time. Meanwhile Tudor Key is a possible at Lingfield on Wednesday.

 

In other news it was great to see stable jockey Jim Crowley record his first Group 1 win aboard Lord Shanakill in Chantilly last Sunday. It will no doubt be the first of many and there are not many jockeys that can claim to be a Group 1 winning jockey and to have ridden in the Grand National! Jim is continuing to have another great year having ridden 59 winners all ready.

 

Looking at the updated pick-10 standings, Alison Swayne is the current leader in what is a closely fought contest, the current top 10 placing are:

 

1- Alison Swayne                 54

2- Charlene Stevens             48

=3 Dean Angell                    44

=3 Kris Vasileva                   44

5- Stephen Harwood             40

6- Valerie Slade                   38

7- Nigel Dunger                   36

=8 Andrew Brooke                34

=8 Mark Tracey                   34

=8 Michael Gibbs                 34

 

 

Posted on 10 Jul 2009
TOTTIE HOPES

This afternoon we are all very excited about TOTTIE running in the Group 1 Investec Oaks at Epsom.  She may have been beaten 6L by the more fancied Midday on her seasonal reappearance in the Lingfield Oaks trial however, she was only 1/2l behind her in a Nemarket listed race at two, and appears to have come on well from her seasonal reappearance.  Tottie has already won around Brighton and again handled the undulations of Lingfield well last time.  She doesn’t know that she is 100-1 and we are all hopeful she can run a big race for Mr and Mrs Richmond-Watson, who also were the owner-breeders of last years winner Look Here.

 

In other news WARNING SONG again ran another good race last night once again finishing 3rd in the 5f ‘June Maiden Auction St’ at Sandown, his second placing within a week.  Up with the pace all the way, he was just denied in the final 50 yards, the front three pulling 7l clear of the remainder.  The winner is now heading to Royal Ascot and if you too would like a Royal Ascot runner then this colt that is still FOR SALE! is a possible for the Windsor Castle St, for further information, please see the Horses For Sale section.
Posted on 05 Jun 2009
Horses For Sale

There are several updates on the horses we currently have for sale.

Rio Royale won The Begbies Traynor Handicap at Salisbury on 14th May over 6f.  He is due to run again this coming week.

Warning Song ran for the first time on the same day in a 5f maiden for two year olds and was a fast finishing 4th, ridden by Adam Kirby, he reported that the horse would benefit from the step up in trip to 6f and should win next time out.

Curacao has been placed in two runs to date this season and is due to run at Goodwood tomorrow.

All of the above can be viewed on the website and I would be delighted to show them to you on the gallops or at the races.

Amanda

 

 

 

Posted on 20 May 2009
Dubai Crest at Beverely

Mark and I were delighted to have our first turf winner  of the season with our first turf runner of 2009. Dubai Crest won going away at Beverley on Wednesday for Alan Spence and  was well ridden by Neil Callan on his first ride for us.

Tudor Key ran a good race in defeat at Newmarket under top weight after pulling a bit too hard in the early stages of the race and Truism was beaten less than three lengths in a competitive handicap at Newbury on Friday.

This week we look to Windsor on Monday with Kings La Mont and Blue Tango, Bath on Tuesday with Saborido, Kempton on Wednesday with Curacao and later in the week, Wilfred Pickles, Silken Act and Classic Vintage having their first runs of the season.

Ride Of The Year 2008

 

Jim Crowley won ride of the year 2008 at last weeks “Lesters” awards. The award sponsored by the Racing Post and determined on readers votes, was awarded to Jim  for his riding of Bulwark in the Totesport.com Chester Cup. He beat Darryl Holland for his ride on Tungsten Strike at Goodwood, Richard Hughes and Royston French. Well done Jim.

 

£10,000 bonus for Craven and Guineas Breeze Up Sale at Newmarket


This weeks Craven Breeze Up Sale took place at Tattersalls on 14th-16th April.  There were 183 two year olds catalogued and for the first time at breeze up sales, this year the vendors and sales company are offering a £10,000 bonus to each 2yo sold if they win a 2yo maiden, conditions, Group or Listed race before December 2009.  Similarly they will pay £5,000 to a 2yo that wins a selling, claiming or nursery handicap by December 2009. The bonus is paid out on the first win for the respective 2yo. Each horse can win no more than one bonus payment.

 

The prices held up well and it was hard to buy,  I will however return for the Guineas Breeze Up Sale on on 30th April to 1st May where the same bonus will be on offer. I would be delighted if anyone would like to come to the sales with me or would be interested in purchasing a 2yo with a chance of winning the £10,000 bonus.

 

 

 

Posted on 18 Apr 2009
Chasca
Chasca won her first race at Lingfield today over 6f. By Namid, winner of the Prix de L'Abbaye Group 1 and out of Daganya a Listed winner over 6f, this filly won going away from her field after travelling well and being very professional in her first ever start.  She won't mind a cut in the ground and we were delighted for Lady Clague, her family and stud Groom Pat Murtagh who bred and produced her at Newberry Stud in Ireland. Roll on the start of the turf season.
Posted on 14 Mar 2009
Cheltenham week

Wednesday of Cheltenham week and what a wonderful weeks racing so far.  Mastermind is just being tacked up for the Queen Mother Champion Chase and so much more to look forward to.  Although Cheltenham is the pinnacle of the National Hunt Season, it also signals the return of the Flat Racing Season proper with only 17 days to the start of the Turf Racing Season at Doncaster. Our team are coming on nicely and we had our first proper work morning of the year last Saturday. 

Every year we run a pick a ten competition where you pick five two year olds and five older horses from the yard.  It is only £10 to enter. When the details are finalised I will publish the competition and details of horses in training on the website for you to download if you wish to take part.

John Terry runs tonight at Kempton and is only 1lbs higher in the hanidcap for a good 2nd there recently.  Rio Royale run on Friday at Lingfield and we have Chasca having her first run at Lingfield on Saturday and possibly Blue Tango there as well.

 

 

Posted on 11 Mar 2009
Inquest just misses out at Lingfield

Inquest finished second beaten only a neck yesterday at Lingfield having looked the likely winner when Jim Crowely took the quickest route round the final turn into the straight.  He was just caught on the line by the fast finishing Bombardier Wells.  He now has a chance next Wednesday to register his first win, again at Lingfield.

The day started very sadly for us all at Coombelands as Dimander, who won at Lingfield for us on 31st January, died as a result of colic while being treated at The Newmarket Equine Centre.  Ian Wright and his team of vets had cared for him for a fortnight but in the end were unable to save him. He was a big but very kind horse and we were looking forward to running him on the turf this season as a three year old.  Our thoughs are with Lady Clague who bred and owned him together with her son Jonathan and daughter Penny.

Rio Royale has his first run of 2009 tomorrow at Lingfield. This colt is for sale and his details can be found on our website.  He is trying a mile for the first time and is well drawn in stall one.

Posted on 12 Feb 2009
Rocoppelia romps home

30th January 2009

Rocoppelia recorded his first win at Lingfield today for his owners John and OdileConnolly. This also gave us at Coombelands our first winner of 2009. Ridden by our in form Jockey, Jim Crowley, Rocoppelia was wearing blinkers for the first time on the racecourse.  He broke well from the stalls and travelled nicely, quickening up well in the home straight to win by one and a quarter lengths.  A very satisfying result for us all.

We now look forward to John Terry, who runs tomorrow at Lingfield.

Posted on 30 Jan 2009
Horse for Sale

Rio Royale - for more details see our Horses for sale section

Posted on 14 Jan 2009
New Season

With the turn of the year, it is time to reflect on our results for the 2008 season.  Two hundred and ninety four runners have yielded thirty four winners and one hundred and eight placed runners.

 

Our older horses did us proud.  Tungsten Strike won The March Listed Stakes for the second year running at Goodwood and was a very gallant 2nd in the Goodwood Cup to Yeats.  Night Crescendo found his winning form in September and won two valuable handicaps at the end of the season.  Camps Bay and Bandama were placed in Heritage Handicaps before Bandama gained a well deserved win at Newmarket and John Terry won in a very good time at Lingfield and was placed on many occasions. Chocolate Caramel also won two races in the first half of the season before being sold.

 

 Of the three year olds, Midships just missed out in several big handicaps at the start of the season before winning his handicap at Newmarket. He was placed behind subsequent Royal Ascot winner Colony and in front of subsequent Breeders Cup winner Conduit. He has now joined Bobby Frankel in America to continue his racing career for Mr Abdullah and we wish him every success.  Benedetto was most consistent winning three times and placed on five occasions. Other winners included dual winner Colourways, Riverscape, Celtic Dragon, Dancing Dik, Flash Of Colour and Regal Best.

 

The most encouraging statistic for me was the fact that we had more two year old winners, than three year olds and 56% of our two year old runners finished in the first four places. They are something to really look forward to in 2009.

 

Winning colts Blue Dynasty, Blue Tango, Classic Vintage, Dimander, Dubai Crest, Hurakan, Jazacosta, Supernoverre, Tudor Key and Truism will hopefully continue to improve with another winter and more time to mature further.  Winning fillies Dialect, Sampi, Spanish Cygent and Tottie will be running to collect some valuable black type to enhance their breeding value.

 

On the jockey front, I would like to congratulate Jim Crowley who rode the majority of our winners this season.  Jim finished 10th in the flat jockey’s championship this year and rode over 100 winners collecting over 1 million in prize money for his connections. We are delighted that we will have his services for the 2009 season.

 

We currently have 74 horses on our horses in training for 2009, details of which can be found on the horses in training section of this website.  Also on the horses for sale section is  a selection of two and three year olds that there are shares available for purchase. Please do take time to view this section as we have a particularly nice group of horses for sale.

 

Looking forward to racing this year.

Posted on 14 Jan 2009
Sales
The principle European sales are fast approaching us and will provide you with the best opportunity of purchasing a future Classic winner. I will once again be attending all of these sales and have attached a short PowerPoint display to the Horses For Sale section of the website detailing each of the sales. If you would be interested in joining me at any of the sales or would like to have a horse in training here at Coombelands then please do not hesitate to contact me on 01798 873011 or 07803 088713 or e-mail aperrett@coombelands-stables.com.

Posted on 14 Aug 2008
Flying

The horses have been in great form recently with three of our last five runners winning. Dancing Dik, who had been unlucky in running the time before at Goodwood had no such problems this time when landing the RAB Capital Handicap at Windsor. The son of Diktat was in command in the final furlong pulling away to win by 3L. He will now hopefully defy a 6lb penalty gained for that success when he reappears at Kempton on Wednesday.

 

The following day Colourways was a taking winner of a 12F fillies maiden at Newbury. Very green on debut the good looking daughter of Singspiel had learnt a lot from her previous outing and produced a very professional display to win by 1 ½L. She is now likely to be upped to Listed class to try gain some all important black type.

 

The good run continued yesterday with Rio Royale, who ran on gamely to land the European Breeders' Fund Median Auction Maiden Stakes. It was nice for the son of Captain Rio to get his head in front having been narrowly second on two of his four previous starts. A consistent performer who is taking his racing well, he is currently for sale for £50,000 +VAT and would be a fun horse for someone to have.

 

Earlier this month Tudor Key ran a great race on only his second start finishing 4th in the Listed Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot. Short of room during the closing stages, which didn’t help his cause, he stayed on well to finish only 3L behind Free agent who is now as short as 25-1 for next years Derby. There remains two 10% shares available in this son of Key Of Luck which can be purchased for £3,000 + VAT.

 

There has recently been a major pedigree update for the Sakhee ex Bourbonella, as he is a ½ brother to the Aqlaam, who was an impressive winner of the Group 3 Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot. He may be purchased for £72,000 +VAT.

Posted on 28 Jun 2008
A first at Great Leighs.

Chocolate Caramel became our 5th winner of the year by landing the High Easter Handicap Stakes at the newly opened Great Leighs on Thursday evening.  Held up in touch, by stable jockey Jim Crowley, he travelled well before taking command inside the final furlong to win easily by 3L.

 

It is an exciting time, with many of the older horses having their first outing of the year. Along with some of the more forward 2yo’s who are approaching their first run, we currently plan to have runners at Goodwood and Newmarket next weekend. With Rio Royale, Jazacosta and Inside Knowledge likely to be heading somewhere within the next 7-10 days. 
Posted on 26 Apr 2008
Flash Of Colour Continues Our Good Recent Run

Flash Of Colour became our 3rd winner of the year last Saturday when losing his maiden tag in the ‘Digibet Maiden Stakes’ at Kempton Park. He travelled with the utmost ease, and quickened up nicely in the home straight to win by an eased down 4L. This was a decent performance from the son of Averti, who was following up his short-head defeat at Lingfield a week earlier.

 

Prior to this Bendetto followed up his win at Lingfield with another good run there. After having a troubled passage throughout the race, he stayed on well to finish third. The yard is currently in great form, with 27% of runners winning and 73% of them finishing in the first four.

Posted on 08 Apr 2008
A RECORD BREAKING WAY TO START THE YEAR

John Terry became our first winner of 2008 when landing the Book Online @ lingfieldpark.co.uk Handicap at Lingfield Park on Saturday 2nd February. He battled on gamely taking the contest by a neck from the improving handicapper Wicked Daze. Who, has gone on to frank the form by winning next time. This success was made all the more impressive by the time; 2m 28.19s meant that John Terry had broken the previous track record, which had stood for 15months.

 

 

On Saturday 15th March we will be holding an owners champagne breakfast morning. If anyone would like to come and view our facilities and see the horses we have for sale, please contact the office on 01798 873011.
Posted on 01 Mar 2008
Ventura in Listed Success

Last night Ventura ran out a wide margined winner of the Listed Hyde stakes, run at Kempton Park. Returning to the all weather for the first time since her debut as a 2yo, Ventura was always travelling with the upmost of ease before quickening up well under jockey Jim Crowley to win by an eased down 2 ½ L. This was a highly impressive performance from the daughter of Chester House, who was not only taking on the colts for the first time, but she was also the only 3yo in the field.

 

This success capped off a great season for Ventura, which has seen her win 3 of her 7 starts and only ever finish out of the first 2 on one occasion. She will now continue her training career with Bobby Frankel in America where I hope she will run at Group Level. At the end of her training career, she will become a valuable broodmare prospect for Prince Kahlid Abdulla’s Juddmonte Farms.

Posted on 30 Nov 2007
Intiquilla off to France

Intiquilla is declared for the Listed Prix Belle De Nuit at Fontainebleau on Monday 26th November, a race that is run over 1m4f. After progressing well through the summer, and an encouraging performance in the Gillies Stakes last time, we are hopeful of a big run as well as picking up some valuable black type.   

Posted on 23 Nov 2007
Tungsten Ready To Strike

Mark flew out to Australia last Sunday in order to ride Tungsten Strike in his final workout, before the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday.

 

Working over 7f at Flemington’s Racetrack, it was the strongest Tungsten had worked since his Listed success at Goodwood earlier this year; he did so in a manner, which left Mark very happy with the horse.  

 

It has also become apparent that Mark is not the only person pleased with the horse, as Tungsten has begun to attract the attention of the Australian media. With 4 separate articles appearing in the national press in as many days. 

With the final declaration stage, and the arrival of Tungsten’s jockey Darryll Holland both set for this weekend, we now eagerly await the race, which is set to be run at 4a.m GMT.

 

Mark pictured riding Tungsten in an Australian National Newspaper

Posted on 02 Nov 2007
Tungsten Arrives Safely:

After a 33hour door to door journey Tungsten Strike arrived in Melbourne early this morning (2nd October) ahead of his engagement in the Melbourne Cup on the 6th November.  Tungsten has spent the last 2weeks in quarantine prior to being allowed to travel to Australia. Fortunately the facilities we have on offer ensured that it could be done here at Coombelands.  Now there he will be based at Sandown’s quarantine facility located near to Melbourne, along with the Luca Cumani trained Purple Moon.

 

Tungsten Strike all set for his travels along with his groom Alan Morris and Owners John Connolly & Odile Griffith

Posted on 04 Oct 2007
Yearling Sales Starting Strongly

We have recently had a very busy time purchasing yearlings at the sales in both Doncaster and Keeneland. So far we have purchased 14 horses, 4 from the Doncaster St Leger Yearling Sale and 10 from the Keeneland September Yearling sale, all by a variety of top class stallions. Please find below details of yearlings we have for sale.

 

Doncaster Purchases:

 

  1. c. Key of Luck ex. Anne Boleyn

 

An April 18th colt by Key of luck out of Anne Boleyn. Key of Luck won six races over trips varying from 5f – 1m2f which, included the Prix d’Arenberg Gr.3 as well as being placed in the Gr1 Pimlico Special H’cap. He is the sire of 295 winners to date including the Classic winning Alamshar.  The dam Anne Boleyn is a half sister to Annus Mirabilis who is a multiple Group winning filly. This colt is available to be purchased either for £25,000 +VAT or in shares priced accordingly. He is qualified for the £300,000 St Leger Yearling race, to be run at York’s Ebor Meeting in 2008.

 

 

  1. c. Cadeaux Genereux ex. Living Daylights

 

A March 23rd Colt by Cadeaux Genereux out Living Daylights. Cadeaux Genereux was a multiple Gr1 winner from 5-7f, winning both the Gr1 July Cup and the Gr1 Sprint Championship. He is the sire of Bahamian Bounty and Major Cadeaux as well as 1366 winners to date.  The dam Living Daylights won 2 races. This colt can be purchased for £36,000 +VAT or in shares priced accordingly, and is also eligible to run in the £300,000 St Leger Yearling race.

 

Keeneland Purchases:

 

  1. c. Silver Deputy ex Starry Ferrari

 

An April 13th colt by Silver Deputy out of Starry Ferrari. Silver Deputy, by Deputy Minister has been a leading sire of 16 crops of racing age 529 winners including 70 stakes winners and 7champions, as well as the Breeders Cup winner Silverbulletday. The dam Starry Ferrari has a Timeform rating of 83 and has had 4 winners from 4runners to date, including the Stakes winner and Gr1 placed Musique Toujours. A 1/3 share is available in this colt for £24,500 +VAT this price includes all sales costs and transporting the horse back to Coombelands.

 

  1. c. Dixieland Band ex Dance With Del

 

A February 14th colt by Dixieland Band out of Dance With Del. Dixieland Band, by Northern Dancer has been a leading sire with 20crops of racing age 710 winners including 109 Stakes winners. The dam Dance with Del had a timeform rating of 106 and has had 5winners from 5 horses to race, the most notable being the Stakes placed Dyna Del.  This Colt can be purchased for £91,000 +VAT or is also available in parts. This price includes all sales costs and transporting the horse back to Coombelands.

 

If you are interested in any of the above horses, or you would like Amanda to purchase on your behalf at the forthcoming yearling sales then do not hesitate to contact us on:

 

Tel: 01798 873011 Fax: 01798 875163 E-mail: aperrett@coombelands-stables.com
Posted on 21 Sep 2007
Tungsten Strikes Again and Earns Trip to Melbourne

Last Saturday Tungsten Strike defied a 5lb penalty that he had earned for his previous Group 2 and 3 successes, to take the Listed March Stakes at Goodwood by 6L. With this increasing his total prize fund to just under £218,000.

He now will be heading out to Australia for the prestigious Melbourne Cup, while we eagerly await the weights to come out. For a race that stops a nation.

Posted on 31 Aug 2007
Coasting to Success at Glorious Goodwood

After all the wet weather of this summer, last week we were treated to a splendid spell of sunshine and a great weeks racing at Glorious Goodwood.

 

The highlight of the week for Mark and I was Coasting's 4L success in the Royal & SunAlliance Nursery.  Ridden by Jim Crowley in what was his first success at Glorious Goodwood since converting to the flat from the national hunt.  It also proved to be a first success there for Coasting's owners Sir John Ritblat and Sir David and Jennifer Sieff, whom were all in attendance for the great win.  Coasting will now head for the Shergar Cup Juvenile Nursery this Saturday.

 
Above Coasting Wins the Nursery Handicap.


Along with this success, Camps , for owners Bob and Pauline Scott was narrowly touched off into second place in the BCG heritage handicap just being unable to defy the 8lb rise from the handicapper for his success at Windsor ealier in July.  As well as this Pagan Sword ran into a good second in the final race of the week at Goodwood the Bluesquare.com Apprentice stakes, for the Gap partnership.  Given a good ride by the late replacement Kevin May, after Luke Morris's nasty fall in the race before.

We are now coming up to a busy time of year, with runners nearly every day along with the yearling sales which, will be starting shortly.

Posted on 11 Aug 2007
7th June 2007

Mark and I are delighted that our horses are running so well at present.  Seven wins in May, including our first two year old winner of the season in Coasting at Newbury, together with some decent placed efforts, made for a very pleasing month. 

Our two runners in The Henry II Stakes at Sandown last week did not enjoy the soft ground. Bulwark faired best with a very respectable third placing and Tungsten Strike not far behind in fifth. They have both come out of the race well and are on target for some faster ground at Ascot in The Gold Cup.

June started well with a big handicap win at Epsom on Derby day for Nosferatu, ridden by my brother in law, Jim Crowley. Nosferatu now heads for The Northumberland Plate at the end of June and Jim continues to ride in fine form with 11 winners in the last ten days, including a Group winner and two doubles. Owner Lady Clague who bred Nosferatu at Newberry Stud in Ireland has five horses with us. Nosferatu has now won both his starts this season, as has Intiquilla, a half sister to Bandama, who has been placed twice and now heads to the Duke Of Edinburgh Handicap at Royal Ascot. Many congratulations to her, her family and stud manager Pat Murtagh for their winners to date.

We are coming up to a busy weekend, three runners today, four tomorrow at Goodwood and ten runners on Saturday.There is a small respite on Monday and Tuesday next week before another busy end to the week and then straight into Royal Ascot week.  Our confirmed runners for Ascot are as follows, with hopefully some to join the team after their runs this week:

Tuesday: The Coventry Stakes - Coasting

Wednesday: The Hunt Cup - Night Crescendo

Thursday: The Gold Cup - Bulwark and Tungsten Strike, The King George V Handicap - Intiquilla, The Brittania Handicap - Jo'burg

Friday: The Wolferton Stakes - Bandama

Saturday: The Duke Of Edinburgh Handicap - Bandama and John Terry

Posted on 07 Jun 2007
24th May 2007

Our horses have been in great form on the racetrack in the last four weeks. Seven winners including The Group 3 Sagaro Stakes at Ascot with Tungsten Strike. Our first two year old winner at Newbury with Coasting. Three fillies breaking their maidens, enhancing their broodmare potential and Nosferatu continuing to build on his reputation as a decent staying prospect for the season.  We have also had ten placed runners including Bulwark's personal best effort to date in finishing a close up third to Sergent Cecil in the Group 2 Yorkshire Cup at York.

Next week we look foward to the Henry II Stakes at Sandown in which we have both Tungsten Strike and Bulwark entered and several two year old runners making their debuts as well at The Vodafone Derby meeting at Epsom.

Posted on 24 May 2007
Tungsten Strike wins the Group 3 Woodcote Stud Sagaro Stakes

 
Owners John Connolly & Odile Griffith

 

Tungsten Strike led from start to finish to win the Woodcote Stud Sagaro Stakes at Ascot. The son of Smart Strike out of Bathilde, bred by Willie Carson, never looked like relinquishing the lead.

Amanda Perrett said: "Maybe a year on and stronger he will come back and get the Gold Cup trip this year. Last year he was not quite strong enough to get home. He has done nothing but improve as he was rated 66 when he started his three-year-old career."

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on 03 May 2007
New Web Site
It gives me great pleasure to launch our website. There have been numerous people involved in collecting all of the information and pictures and I hope you will visit our site on many occasions.

Coombelands Stables is a wonderful place to train racehorses. As you will see from our facilities page we have every conceivable facility on offer for each horse. Mark and I would urge you to come and visit our training establishment first hand, as my Father Guy has created something quite unique at Coombelands over the years.

With the turf season only two weeks away, the horses are just starting to do some stronger work towards their first races of the year. Surrey Spinner supplied us with our first winner at Lingfield last week and we are looking forward to many more as the season progresses.
Posted on 15 Mar 2007