BRYNFA BOY WINNING AT WOLVERHAMPTON 11TH DECEMBER
TROPHY BEING RECEIVED BY DARRELL BREESE AND PAUL AND SUE D'ARCY, MEMBERS OF THE GOLF OIL PARTNERSHIP
Posted on 24 Dec 2009
NELSON WINS AGAIN AT YARMOUTH
NELSON'S BOUNTY was a topical winner at Yarmouth on 24th in the county of Norfolk, birthplace of Admiral Lord Nelson. Don't think Lord Nelson would have approved of pirates, more especially Newmarket Pirates, this horse's owners! (see previous win below). The win was celebrated in true pirate-style!
EDINBURGH KNIGHT ran very encouragingly at Kempton on 24th, maybe just not seeing out the trip when looking the likely winner.
Sadly three horses on the sidelines with injuries. BRYNFA BOY, ONGOODFORM and ICE DIVA. All good servants to the yard and a big loss from our string of only 20.
NELSON GETS THE BOUNTY FOR THE PIRATES!
NELSON'S BOUNTY rewards his owners The Newmarket Pirates who comprise Jan and Colin Harris, Tony Burlton and Paul and Sue for their patience when landing a gamble at Lingfield on 10th. He is a huge horse, who we were never able to get on the track as a two year old, due to a never-ending series of niggling problems, due to his immaturity. In the end it was decided to give up the struggle and turn him out in October last year. He went to Sue's sister Tik Saunders in Northamptonshire, who also did all the pre-training on him around the rolling hills. He is still a big baby of a horse.
Incidentally, the Newmarket Pirates name comes from the attire worn by certain people at a very good party held by Tony Burlton for his 70th birthday in 2008 which had a Caribbean theme!
ULTRA-CONSISTENT NIGHT LILY WINS AGAIN
NIGHT LILY won her third race of the season at Bath on 30th. LILY is a fantastic genuine filly, who is a delight to train and a pure professional at the game. Tony Culhane loves riding her, as she gives everything. She scooted round Bath's tight bends like a hare on the rails at greyhound racing and loves the fast ground. Owners Ken and Debbie Snell were once again on hand to greet their filly, who since she joined us, has only been out of the first two once. Wish we had a yard full like her!
BRYNFA BOY WINS AT EPSOM
BRYNFA BOY watched by most of the owners in the Golf Oil Partnership, registers his first win on turf at Epsom on the fastest 5 furlong course in the world on 22nd. BRYNFA BOY has not been having much luck in his races lately, due to the draw and lack of early pace, but he has been running consistently. Epsom's flying five furlongs proved the answer, with blistering early pace, where Tony Culhane was able to tuck him in behind the leaders and produce him up the hill in the final furlong. The partnership were thrilled to be in the hallowed Epsom winner's enclosure and were able to celebrate the win afterwards in the beautiful evening sunshine.
NURAI GALLOPS UP THE HILL TO WIN AT PONTEFRACT
NURAI has finally rewarded the patience of owners Ken and Debbie Snell, when winning at Pontefract on 28th under a fine positive ride from Franny Norton. NURAI has a beautiful pedigree, being by top sire DANEHILL DANCER out of LADY HIGH HAVENS, who we trained to win and be Group placed as a two year old. NURAI looks like her dam, but is twice as big! She has taken a lot of time to get her act together, mentally and physically and let's hope she can improve from here. Ken and Debbie have also been successful with NIGHT LILY this season.
Dual-winning two year old TUPELO has been sold privately to continue her career abroad. EDINBURGH KNIGHT has returned from a break in the paddocks.
TUPELO WINS AGAIN AT YARMOUTH
TUPELO wins her second race at Yarmouth on 10th in the space of 10 days to give Stapleford Racing some fun. TUPELO is tiny, but very game and genuine and survived a slipping saddle and some acrobatics from jockey Kieren Fox to win by four and a half lengths. The only danger to her winning was the jockey falling off, but he managed to correct the sliding saddle and push her out to win. This was 5 lb claimer Kieren's first ride for us and he did very well.
TUPELO WINS AT YARMOUTH
TUPELO is our first two year old winner of the season from only our third runner at Yarmouth on 1st. She is only a tiny filly, but she showed resolution to put her head down near the line for Liam Jones. The horses continue to run well.
CALAHONDA WINS AT WOLVERHAMPTON
CALAHONDA returns to winning form on 27th to follow up NIGHT LILY'S win and FAZBEE'S close second to give us a good week from our small string of 20 horses. Loyal members of Gongolphin & Racing, John Lewis and Paul and Ken Butler were on hand to shout home their filly, who has bounced back from injury sustained last year. Bought for only 6,000 guineas, she has now won 3 times at 2, once at 3 and now again at 4. She would make a fantastic broodmare, as she always battles and has a wonderful temperament.
NIGHT LILY FOLLOWS UP AT THIRSK
NIGHT LILY makes it two in a row with an exciting win at Thirsk on 24th. It has been four years since we have had a runner at Thirsk, but we will be back in North Yorkshire after experiencing some excellent hospitality from the track. Jockey Tony Culhane loves NIGHT LILY, as she gives everything and is as genuine as they come. She is a joy to have in the yard.
ICE DIVA IS THE COOL LADY!
ICE DIVA wins at Nottingham on 18th to make up for her narrow defeat at Yarmouth last month. She was given a confident ride by Tony Culhane to beat some nice fillies in a competitive class 4 handicap. The Diva is a big, scopy filly we have always rated, but she is very highly strung and has taken some love and care to get her to produce her best. She has to go in the stalls with a blanket and her trusty best friend, Head Lad Aubrey Knights and she is now beginning to be a proper racehorse. It was very gratifying to have a winner for Mark and Sue Harniman, as she is the first horse they have had with us.
LADY PATTERN ran a blinder at Newbury on Saturday on her return from serious injury to give the newly-formed Rum Racing partnership a thrill to get into the winner's enclosure in 4th place. Members Jan and Colin Harris and Richard and Toni Lane were thrilled with her. She may run again on Saturday at Newbury. BRYNFA BOY aims to follow up his great run in 2nd at Newmarket on Friday at Yarmouth this coming Friday.
NIGHT LILY BREAKS OWNERS' HOODOO!
NIGHT LILY won at Lingfield on 7th to give Ken and Debbie Snell their first winner when they have been at the races! They have had winners before, but never when they have been able to be there, so it was with great relief and excitement that they watched their filly hold on to win. She was following up from her encouraging second at Doncaster last week on her debut for the yard.
EDINBURGH KNIGHT did not stay a mile in the Craven, so reverts to sprinting at Ascot on 28th in the 6 furlong Listed race. On his pedigree, he should get 1 mile 2 furlongs, but he doesn't seem to know that! Have got runners every day this week, so busy time ahead. New inmate NIGHT LILY will make her debut at Doncaster on Friday and stalwart FAZBEE will hopefully get her favoured fast ground at Folkestone on Thursday. ICE DIVA is stepping up in trip to 1 mile 2 furlongs at Yarmouth on Tuesday and ONGOODFORM will contest another likely cavalry charge in the 6 furlong handicap at Newmarket on Guineas Saturday.
Of the two year olds, one coming along nicely is JONELHA, a smart-looking daughter of KYLLACHY, whose progeny we have done well with in the past, notably KYLAYNE. Also progressing well is PEARL HAVEN, daughter of INDIAN HAVEN and BLACK SEA PEARL, both trained by us. She is owned and bred by Jan and Colin Harris. Two very nice two year olds for later in the year are RUNAWAY TIGER, a gelded son of TIGER HILL and MRS LOVELY, out of CIRCLE OF LIGHT, Lord Derby's filly who we trained to win as a two year old and was Listed placed three times at three
EDINBURGH KNIGHT MAKES IT TWO FROM TWO THIS YEAR.
EDINBURGH KNIGHT follows up his maiden win at Lingfield on 17th February to win a handicap at Wolverhampton on Saturday 13th in great style. I don't think we have ever made any secret of our great regard for this monster of a horse and is now really learning his job. Last year he was talented, but weak, due to his size and after his one run at Newmarket in August, he was put away to mature. He has really grown into his frame and is a very powerful-looking horse now. His temperament is great and he is becoming a proper racehorse. He now goes to Newmarket on 15th April for the Craven and if he aquits himself well, he has entries in the English, Irish and German Guineas. He is also still in the Epsom Derby. Some David and Goliath-type dreams - but we have done it before!!
His sporting owners, Ron Delnevo, Martin Hyson, Peter and John Lupson are getting a great deal of pleasure from this lovely horse. When he won at Lingfield, Ron sponsored the race and entertained 40 people in a box and the amount of noise before, during and after the race, was noted and commented on! On Saturday, Eddie ran in Peter and John Lupson's colours, notably carried in the past by old stalwart EASTERN BREEZE and it was great to see them in the winner's enclosure again. Lots to look forward to!
FAZBEE GIVES US SECOND WIN OF THE WEEK
FAZBEE won at Lingfield on Saturday 23rd, following up her good third the previous week under the same jockey Tony Culhane. Tony seems to have found the key to FAZBEE, who has been knocking at the door without winning. Like many winning two year olds, she found the going tough as a three year old, but has regained the winning thread and hopefully can win again. This was her first win in Tony Burlton's colours, as Faz used to run in the late Dot Burlton's name. Losing Dot left a huge hole in all our lives and she would have been so proud and pleased to see Faz win. We miss her greatly.
BRYNFA BOY FOLLOWS UP AT LINGFIELD
BRYNFA BOY was able to make it back to back wins at Lingfield on 20th under regular pilot Tony Culhane. He was cheered home by rather more of the Golf Oil Partnership than last time, as Lingfield is closer to them than Wolverhampton! Last time's supporter Darrell Breese was joined by Derek Lodge and Ian Mearns and their other halves to receive the trophy.
We are very pleased to see the announcement of William Buick's appointment as first jockey to John Gosden, as we gave William his very first winner on BANK ON BENNY in September 2006! He was always something special right from the start of his career.
DONTUWISHITWERESO gives the Redesdalers a very Happy New Year at Southwell on 2nd January
Paul and Sue and Tik and Toby Saunders were on hand to give 'DONT' a good cheering home at Southwell for a New Year's present to remember when he won the last by 3 lengths under the most fantastic ride by Liam Jones, who was having his first ride of the year. This was our first runner of the year, which makes it extra special. DONT ran a great race at Southwell on Tuesday 29th to finish 4th under Tony Culhane, who told the partnership to run him again and he would win. Unfortunately, he did not have enough weight for Tony to ride him yesterday, but Liam proved an able deputy. He is a very hard ride, as he is always slow away from the stalls and seems to find every bit of trouble going, but not this time! The other members of the partnership were not able to be present this time unfortunately, but are great supporters. James Rumsby, senior and junior; Trish and Bob Deakin and Tony Burlton, along with Tik and Toby and Paul and Sue formed the Redesdalers to run Tik's horse REDESDALE, who unfortunately met with an accident on the gallops in November and had to be put down. Sue's pet and our lead horse DONT was hurriedly brought on as a substitute and has given everybody some tremendous fun.
TROPHY BEING RECEIVED BY DARRELL BREESE AND PAUL AND SUE D'ARCY, MEMBERS OF THE GOLF OIL PARTNERSHIP
BRYNFA BOY wins at Wolverhampton on Friday 11th under a good ride from Tony Culhane for the Golf Oil Partnership. BRYNFA BOY has not run since June, owing to physical problems and he showed a good cruising speed to win his maiden by 3/4 length. Darrell Breese, who is local to Wolverhampton was on hand to receive the trophy for the partnership, alongside Paul and Sue, who are also members of the partnership.
DONTUWISHITWERESO will aim to put an unlucky run at Kempton on Thursday behind him next week. DONT was slow away and when looking likely to run into a place, was hampered. That's apprentice races for you!
YEARLINGS OUT ON THE HEATH
The picture above was taken by Jan Harris and shows some of the yearlings walking back home from their first canter. They are led by Jan's pride and joy HARRY THE HACK! Harry was bought by Jan to ride herself, but proved too much for a novice rider, so came to us last February. He has since proved himself a very good trainer's hack and is well-known on the Heath.
We look to have a few runners this week including DONTUWISHITWERESO, BRYNFA BOY and FAZBEE. We have a new partnership to run DONT, including James Rumsby senior and junior and Trish and Bob Deakin, who are very excited!
We seem to be having a bad case of seconditis just lately with our last three runners finishing second! ONGOODFORM has run very honourably the last twice to be second, but is getting fed up with seeing the blue Godolphin colours in front of him! He will now have a break and come back for next season. He has been a smashing first horse for Jim Kinnear, winning once, placed second three times and third once from his six runs. ICE DIVA ran well yesterday at Wolverhampton to finish second and John Egan echoed previous jockey Darryll Holland's comments that she is still weak. She is a very big scopey filly and will now have a break to strengthen up.
Things are fairly quiet runner-wise, as we wait for several horses to come back from injury or surgery, most notably BRYNFA BOY, who will be running this winter. FAZBEE has just returned from a break, having been turned out at Richard and Jaci Hills' lovely stud. Mark and Sue Harniman's filly ICE DIVA ran a cracking race at Doncaster on 23rd to finish 5th in a very hot fillies maiden and we will be looking to win a race with her in the very near future. Jim Kinnear's ONGOODFORM runs tomorrow (26th) at Lingfield, having finished a good second in a nursery handicap at Warwick. We think Lingfield will be right up his street surface-wise and he is a very nice horse. New horse in the yard is REDESDALE, who we trained as a two year old. He is now in new ownership headed by Sue's sister Tik Saunders and has done all his prep work around the Northamptonshire countryside. He will be racing for a partnership of existing and new owners. He is shaping up very well and we are looking forward to a successful campaign on the all-weather this winter.
We have got some nice yearlings in already including Jan Harris's home-bred pair of fillies. One is by INDIAN HAVEN out of BLACK SEA PEARL and this will be the first time we have had a horse that we have trained both parents! Jan's other filly is by VAL ROYAL out of the super racemare TI ADORA, who unfortunately died of colic in the summer. Both fillies are real chips off the old block and the BLACK SEA PEARL is a right two-year-old type! Others to mention are a TIGER HILL filly out of AKANTA, who was bought for Selena Bailey by her husband Paul as a surprise present! Selena, who has to be one of the most glamourous owners in the sport, is thrilled with her new filly!
ONGOODFORM WINS HANDSOMELY AT YARMOUTH
ONGOODFORM ran away with his maiden on 17th September under Neil Callan to follow up his good third at Kempton previously. Canadian owner Jim Kinnear was not in the country, but was thrilled with his horse's performance.
HORSES RUNNING WELL, BUT NOT QUITE HITTING THE TARGET!
We had a frustrating week last week with our three runners getting placed. FAZBEE, who has struggled with the handicapper all season, runs her best race to be second at Epsom. Tony Burlton, husband of desperately missed Dot, was very cheered at her performance and we hope to go one better very soon. ONGOODFORM ran a great race at Kempton to finish third in a very hot maiden for Canadian owner Jim Kinnear. ONGOODFORM, who suffered from sore shins following his promising debut at Newmarket in July, may run again this week. LADY PATTERN was then third at Wolverhampton in the hottest two year old claimer this year! She is rated 80 and has really struggled in Nurseries since winning her maiden at Newbury. As ever, the handicapper is the biggest problem!
We are eagerly awaiting the debuts of two nice two year olds ICE DIVA and NELSON'S BOUNTY. They are two strapping sorts who should give a good account of themselves on the track.
We have found out today that SUZI'S DECISION is not coming back to the yard and has been sent to Mark Johnston. We are obviously very disappointed to lose a filly that cost 2500 guineas as a yearling that we have made into a filly rated 107 and the winner of two Listed races and over £80,000 in prize money.
As our all our owners were aware, on the way back from Haydock when she won a Listed race at the end of May, Suzi's Decision jumped over the partition of the horsebox and ended up trapped in the groom's compartment. With the help of the Fire Brigade and at considerable risk to himself, Paul got her free and back to Newmarket Equine Hospital for treatment of her superficial injuries. She then returned to Greenstead Hall Stud (home of owner Steven Gay) for recuperation. She was expected to make a full recovery for return to training now. This was an unfortunate unexplained event which happened for no reason whatsover, as she was an experienced traveller and this was confirmed by an independent expert appointed by the insurance company.
The owner of the horse Steven Gay and his son James of Greenstead Hall Racing have not even had the decency to inform us, neither has Mark Johnston had the courtesy to contact us. For the record, Mark Johnston has trained 5 horses from yearlings to race for Steven Gay and they have won prize money of £12,000.
We had great plans to further her career in Group races both here and abroad and unfortunately now will not get the chance. Everyone at the yard wishes the filly well.
CALAHONDA WINS ON GONGOLPHIN & RACING GOLF DAY FOR THE SECOND YEAR RUNNING!
CALAHONDA seems to be at her best when members of the Gongolphin and Racing partnership play golf before she runs! Yesterday after 18 holes on Southwell's tricky golf course in the middle and around the outside of the racecourse, members were celebrating her game win in the last at 12 to 1. Well-ridden by Seb Sanders, she just managed to hold on to her lead to win by a nose. Partnership members Chris Handley and John Lewis had to toss a coin to see who was to get the trophy, as Paul Butler and Brian Day each had a trophy from two of her three wins last year. John won the toss, so Chris will have to wait till next time! Her win was well-celebrated in time-honoured fashion!
Calahonda's win hopefully brings to an end an amazingly frustrating period of time where the horses have been running well, without winning. We have also suffered a lot of injuries this year, with horses such as SUZI'S DECISION, INVASIAN, BRYNFA BOY and EDINBURGH KNIGHT on the sidelines.
INVASIAN REGAINS THE WINNING THREAD AT YARMOUTH
INVASIAN was dropped into a claiming race at Yarmouth on 14th and made the most of the lesser company to win easily. The 8 year old is a madcap old tearaway, as is well known. He is not exactly 'Mr Consistency' on the track, is a complete handful at home and has bad feet, but sometimes makes it look easy! We tried to school him over hurdles last year and he frightened himself and us to death. He has no respect for the hurdles whatsoever and the exercise was swiftly abandoned! He runs again at Leicester on 16th in a similar race. N.B. He won that one too!
LADY PATTERN WINS AT NEWBURY
LADY PATTERN is our first two-year old winner from only two horses to run this year at Newbury on 23rd. She gave her owner Roy Searle a real thrill when battling off all-comers to win over 6 furlongs by 2 and a half lengths. Roy bought the filly himself at Tattersalls December Sales for 9000 guineas. Quite a snip! He also has a very nice Dalakhani filly for later in the season, again bought by him! Eddie Ahern was very taken with LADY PATTERN and thinks she will go on from that.
SUZI'S DECISION PICKS UP WHERE SHE LEFT OFF.
SUZI'S DECISION, who ended last season with a win in a Listed race at Newbury in August, does it again on Saturday 30th at Haydock in the £60,000 EBF Joan Westbrook Pinnacle Stakes. This race had been her target to start the season, as it is the most valuable Listed race in the fixture list and also she escaped a penalty for her previous Listed win under the conditions of the race. This fact had not been picked up by anyone and may have had something to do with her starting price of 11/2 gratefully taken by by connections! We had been worried throughout the week that the ground would not be fast enough, but due to some beautiful sunshine, the ground dried out enough for her to take her chance. Another problem of the jockey arose in mid-week, when it transpired that John Egan, the winning jockey at Newbury last season, would not be available. This led to ringing round of jockeys' agents to find a replacement. As there were three good meetings on Saturday and most top jockeys already committed, we decided to look at the best Ireland had to offer! The Irish jockeys' agents are always a pleasure to deal with and with no hesitation Pat Smullen was booked. Pat gave SUZI D a fantastic confident ride and really brought out the best in her. He has superb hands and had her relaxed out the back until she made her challenge up the straight. Then it was a case of the further she went, the better she went to win by 2 1/2 lengths. James Gay of Greenstead Hall Racing was on hand to receive an impressive trophy to add to her haul!
TWO YEAR OLDS WORKING AT HOME. P D'ARCY UP ON MIDDLE ONE
INVASIAN WINS ON HIS DAY OFF!
Yard lead-horse INVASIAN gallops the opposition into the ground at Newbury on 18th on Dubai Duty Free day to win the last race of the day over a mile and a quarter. The old campaigner has been leading fillies CALAHONDA and FAZBEE in all their work this spring and was spared for the day to go to Newbury! Young Louis Beuzelin, who is apprencticed to Sir Michael Stoute, rode his first winner of the year since returning from work riding in the USA. Louis was third on this horse last year and they seem to have a good understanding. CALAHONDA did not cope with the sticky ground at Newbury and was not given a hard time once her chance had gone. Earlier in the week, FAZBEE had run a massive race to finish 6th in the Nell Gwyn at Newmarket to the delight of the Burlton family.
GONGOLPHIN DAY AT THE YARD.
Friday 27th saw the first get-together of 2009 for the Gongolphin & Racing partnership. Everyone assembled at the yard, then went out on the gallops to see CALAHONDA and DUNWHINNY do their stuff. The winner of three of her starts last year, CALAHONDA will be making her seasonal debut in the Group 3 Fred Darling Stakes at Newbury on 18th April. She has strengthened up from last year and looks in great form. DUNWHINNY is a very nice horse and is coming on well (still some shares available in him). Most of the hardy crew then ventured down to Newmarket's Links Golf Club for a keenly-fought game of golf, won by Jenny Day.
DONTUWISHITWERESO gives us our first winner of 2009 from only our fifth runner at Southwell on 19th. He follows up his promising debut second (see below) to win his maiden in good fashion. Still quite green, Robert Winston gave him a good ride to further his education and hopefully he can score again.
GEARING UP FOR THE NEW SEASON!
Things are hotting up here for the start of the new turf season, which is always an interesting time. We have several nice two year olds coming along, including DUNWHINNY, named after a hole at Gleneagles!, who will be running for the new Gongolphin & Racing Partnership (some shares still available). The three year olds are coming to the boil nicely, including COOPER ISLAND KID and BEAUBRAV, both of whom have benefited from a winter rest. FAZBEE is on target for the Nell Gwyn Stakes at Newmarket on 15th March, to try and emulate KYLAYNE's gallant second last year. KYLAYNE was sold to continue her career in USA.
DONTUWISHITWERESO made a pleasing debut at Southwell on 10th to finish second and make an odds-on hotpot work hard. He should go one better in the near future. SUZI'S DECISION has returned from her owner's stud in good order to continue her upwardly-mobile campaign and gain more valuable black type. She has grown and matured well and is a very powerful big filly. Lots to look forward to!
DOT BURLTON
It is with great sadness that we have to tell you of the death of our lovely owner Dot Burlton. Dot bore her short illness with great courage and fortitude, which was typical of her ebullient personality.
Dot was devoted to her cracking filly FAZBEE and the feeling was mutual. FAZBEE always knew Dot's voice and would be waiting for her carrots as soon as Dot and Tony arrived in the yard. Dot and Tony fell in love with her at first sight and she rewarded them with two wins last year.
Dot was the original party animal and no-one celebrated their winners like Dot did. Everyone who knew her, loved her and we will always miss her. Tony will carry on with our support and love.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Having a quiet time at the moment on the racing front, with only a couple of horses to run on the all-weather, namely RAMPANT RONNIE and INVASIAN. RAMPANT RONNIE, a winner at Warwick last year, has had a break and will run this month.
We have a super bunch of two year olds for the coming season and we are very excited about them. We have some new owners, including Mark and Sue Harniman, who have a lovely grey filly by VERGLAS out of LA COQUETA and Roy and Carol Searle, who have two stunning grey fillies by DALAKHANI out of ROYAL BALLERINA and VERGLAS out of PATTENESS. Ken and Debbie Snell have a lovely big filly by DANEHILL DANCER out of LADY HIGH HAVENS. We trained the dam to win two races as a two year old and 2nd in the Group Two Cherry Hinton and this filly is the spitting image of her dam, but twice the size! We also welcome back Peter and Elvin Lupson, owners of past hero EASTERN BREEZE, who have a share in EDINBURGH KNIGHT, by SELKIRK out of PIPPAS SONG, along with Ron Delnevo and Martin Hyson. EDINBURGH KNIGHT has already been given a Derby 2010 entry. Our sponsors Blue Chip Feeds have sent us a very sharp colt by FRAAM out of SHOUTING THE ODDS. New owners John and Silvija Cleeve have sent us their home-bred filly by RESET out of BE MY TINKER, who is very sharp. We still have available for sale the BAHAMIAN BOUNTY colt out of SANTISIMA TRINIDAD, who will be an early two year old and shares available in Gongolphin and Racing Too in a very nice colt by TOBOUGG out of POSSIBILITY.
Just returned from their holidays at Stanley House Stud are top-class fillies FAZBEE and CALAHONDA. They both look absolutely fantastic and will be adding to their 2008 winning tolls of two and three respectively.
CALAHONDA - WHAT A LITTLE STAR!
CALAHONDA wins her third race of the year at Great Leighs on 15th to cap Gongolphin and Racing's fantastic season! There were scenes of great jubilation in the Winner's Enclosure when this gutsy filly repelled all raiders to win a very keenly-contested Conditions race under a fantastic ride from Robert Winston. This has been a dream come true for partnership members and present on Saturday were long-standing yard supporter John Lewis, new-to-racing Paul Butler and his father Ken. Sadly not able to be present because of golfing committments - Chris Handley and Brian Day! This is her final race of the year and she now has a well-earned break at Lord Derby's Stanley House Stud under the eagle eye of Stud Groom Pat Cronin.
We will shortly be announcing details of a new Gongolphin and Racing Partnership and to register an interest please contact Sue D'Arcy.
KYLAYNE again ran a brilliant race at Ireland's new all-weather track at Dundalk on 14th to finish 2nd in a Listed race under Johnny Murtagh. Total little star KYLIE never gets any credit from the press or pundits, but she is a gem and has had a wonderful year gathering black type! She is entered in the Tattersalls December Sales on 1st December.
We were delighted to finish in the top 100 trainers for the turf season when the statistics were published on 12th. We finished 99th out of 500 trainers winning prize money in Britain with £136,364 total prize money won from 16 winners and 24 placings from only 92 runners. That gives us an amazing strike rate of 17%, which is higher than many trainers in the top 30. Given that we only have around 25 horses, we are thrilled with the results, which shows how hard we work to get owners prize money! Highlights of the turf season were KYLAYNE's gallant second in the Nell Gwyn, SUZI'S DECISON's Listed win and the late-lamented SIR DUKE's five timer. Every single winner has been a great thrill.
We have a small select team for the all-weather to keep us ticking over.
Things are fairly quiet on the racing front with a few exceptions, CALAHONDA finishing second at Goodwood, beaten a nose and BOSUN BREESE a good second at Ascot. The last named was sold at Doncaster Sales yesterday, together with EQUIPE DE NUIT, who was second to subsequent Group 3 Winner ASHRAM, both to make way for new yearlings coming in. The new yearlings are beginning their education now and are on the road to becoming racehorses for next year. It is always nice to see how much they change and of course, each one could be a potential superstar!
Horses to look out for in the future are BRYNFA BOY, half brother to SUZI'S DECISION. He is a big, powerful horse and has not been rushed to get on the track, but the patience will pay off. YANKEE STORM, a new horse to us is pleasing on the gallops too.
CALAHONDA DOES IT AGAIN AT YARMOUTH!
CALAHONDA outbattles the hot favourite to land the 7 furlong nursery handicap on 16th. John Egan took up the running two furlongs out on CALAHONDA and hard as Jamie Spencer tried on the favourite, he could not out-tough our filly. This is the second time she has won at Yarmouth to give the Gongolphin and Racing Partnership a fantastic season. She has only once been out of the first four once when she was knocked into at Kempton. All the partners were present except Chris and Jo Handley and Jenny Day, who had not previously been able to see the filly run, got the prize for the most excited owner on the day. Brian and Jenny Day, John Lewis and Paul and Ken Butler were kindly asked to the sponsors box, Scottish and Newcastle Breweries, to continue the celebrations.
IT'S YEARLING SALES TIME AGAIN!
It is now the time of year when everyone is thinking of next year's winners! With that in mind, Paul has started the trawl through the yearling sales catalogues to find the next stars. He bought a fabulous colt at the Doncaster St Leger Sales by BAHAMIAN BOUNTY out of SANTISIMA TRINIDAD. We love the progeny of BAHAMIAN BOUNTY and have done very well with the likes of BERK THE JERK, TREASURE CAY and BOSUN BREESE. We think this horse is the best of all of these and has all the attributes necessary for a racehorse. He is very mature mentally and physically and has already been backed and ridden away, taking everything in his stride. He is for sale and a photo can be found on this website.
Yesterday was a very sad day for Jan and Colin Harris and all at Charnwood Stables when we lost SIR DUKE at Chester. He suffered a tragic million to one accident when his front foot was at full stretch and he caught the hind foot out equally at full stretch of the horse in front of him which had moved out into his path. He clipped heels and went down in a gut-wrenching fall and sustained a break to his shoulder. Unfortunately, it was not possible to save him.
The loss felt by Jan and Colin and ourselves and staff is very great. Not only are we mourning a fine young horse, who won five races this year, but also a great character in the yard.
The story of Dukey began at the yearling sales in October 2005, when Colin Harris decided that he had to have "A Danehill". As this was his last crop to come on the market and with Danehill being the top sire forever, this was not going to be an easy exercise without very long pockets! Paul dutifully looked all through the offerings at Tattersalls and got it down to a shortlist. One of the horses Paul liked, Colin did not get there in time to see and they bid on some very high priced ones and then along came this gawky bay colt out of a Sadler's Wells mare. They duly bought him for 55,000 guineas and the consensus of opinion was that if he ever grew into his head, he would be a nice horse! Very quickly named SIR DUKE by Colin after the Stevie Wonder song, he proved a real boy to break in and ride and his faithful lad Kipper Stead, who is one of the best riders in Newmarket, was frequently dumped on the Heath. This was something he never really grew out of! Dukey had one run as a two year old at Newmarket when he spent the entire time shouting at the others and came in a very long last! After this, it was decided that he must become a gelding to which Colin reluctantly agreed, seeing his 2008 Derby entry go out of the window. Dukey ran as a three year old, winning two and being placed several times, but he really came into his own this year. He spent time in the winter with Tik Saunders in Northamptonshire, turned out in the field and came back much more the finished article. He won on his first outing at the inaugural Great Leighs meeting, followed by four more wins and two seconds and one third, all his runs this year.
This is an amazing record and makes his loss much harder to bear, as we felt he could have perhaps progressed even further next year. Ironically, it was decided that he would not go jumping, in case something happened to him.
He has been a real flag-bearer for us and a little yard like ours cannot stand such a loss easily. We do not have big battalions from which to draw more ammunition. Besides which, Dukey was a funny horse, full of character and everyone loved him. And no, he never quite grew into that big old head! We will miss you Dukey.
FAZBEE WINS AT GREAT LEIGHS
FAZBEE wins on 26th to give Dot and Tony Burlton a great introduction to the charms of Great Leighs on their first visit to the course. Darryll Holland was oozing confidence on this lovely filly and she cruised into the lead in the straight, then stormed away under hands and heels for a confidence-boosting success. FAZBEE had been unable to use her daisy-cutting action in her last race in the Group 3 Sweet Solera Stakes at Newmarket in the heavy ground, but found no such problems with the polytrack. The management at Great Leighs do a very good job with hospitality for owners.
WOW - WHAT A DAY FOR THE GONGOLPHIN AND RACING PARTNERSHIP!
CALAHONDA steams up the straight at Yarmouth under John Egan to cap a fantastic day for the partnership (previously advertised on this website) to win on 6th. Earlier in the day, the members of the partnership had 18 holes of golf at the nearby Caldecott Hall course at Fritton and rounded off the day with a well-backed win. There was much celebrating at the 19th hole at Yarmouth (otherwise known as the Owners and Trainers Bar!) by jubilant members including John Lewis, Chris Handley, Paul Butler, Brian Day and Paul and Sue D'Arcy.
HOT STREAK CONTINUES WITH SUZI'S DECISION WINNING THE LISTED CHALICE STAKES AT NEWBURY ON 3RD
SUZI'S DECISION vindicates Paul's judgement to up her in trip to a mile and a half and up in class to her first listed race to win at Newbury under John Egan. John, who won on her at Newbury earlier in the season, carried out Paul's orders to the letter to beat some very smart fillies and gain valuable black type for owners Greenstead Hall Racing and their new stud. SUZI D is as honest as the day is long and thoroughly deserved this win, her fourth of the year.
Our strike rate is something in the region of 24%, which is not bad for a little yard!
FAZBEE WINS AT YARMOUTH.
FAZBEE went to Yarmouth on 28th for a confidence-boosting race prior to tackling the Group 3 Sweet Solera Stakes at Newmarket on August 9th. Although the winning margin was not very big, she won comfortably with Alan Munro just having to send her about her business in the final furlong. This was her first try over 7 furlongs and the trip suited her well and she will come on for the race. FAZBEE was supported by owners Dot and Tony Burlton and family and the shower of rain was not enough to dampen spirits!
PROUD OWNER DOT BURLTON WITH FAZBEEE AT YARMOUTH
BOSUN DOES THE BIZZ!
BOSUN BREESE gallops up the Sandown hill under a confident Richard Hughes on 24th to beat the so-called "good thing" by 3 lengths. BOSUN obviously likes Sandown, as his win last year was gained at the same track. His owners definitely do! The win was celebrated in good style by Derek Lodge, Martin Hyson, Ron Delnevo and Darrell Breese and assorted friends and relations. BOSUN will attempt to follow up on Friday 1st at Glorious Goodwood.
A good run by two year old EQUIPE DE NUIT at Lingfield on 23rd to finish 2nd first time out for owners and breeders Anthony and Virginia Phipps. FAZBEE and CALAHONDA to be seen out again in the very near future.
SIR DUKES MAKES IT 5 WINS THIS YEAR.
SIR DUKE has become the epitome of consistency this year, winning five, being second twice and third once from all his runs. His latest win came at Doncaster, where he is two from two on Thursday 17th. DUKEY was dropping back in trip and benefitted from the strong gallop set in the race, to sweep past at the two furlong marker under Philip Robinson, who was the fourth different jockey to win on him this season! If you had a yard full of horses like him, the game would be easy!
KYLAYNE is having a mid-season break, as she has been on the go a while and will return for a September campaign. FAZBEE and CALAHONDA will be running in the near future and superstar SUZI'S DECISION will be again flying the Greenstead Hall Racing flag in the next few weeks.
RED-HOT RUN CONTINUES WITH SUZI'S DECISION.
SUZI'S DECISION maintain's our high strike-rate at Leicester on 5th with a nice win in the fillies handicap under an extremely cool ride from Shane Kelly. SUZI D looked boxed in at the two furlong marker, but Shane did not panic and eased her out to put her in front on the line. She will attempt to follow up under a penalty at Newmarket on Thursday at the July meeting in a valuable handicap.
RONNIE IS VERY RAMPANT AT WARWICK!
RAMPANT RONNIE owned by Ron Delnevo, who named the horse after Cristiano Ronaldo, not himself, lands a serious gamble in the seller on 4th. Eddie Ahern was always in control to win nicely. Ron, dedicated Manchester United fan needless to say, was giving the horse maximum vocal support, as only he can! This was Ron's first win in his red and black colours, although he has had success as part-owner of BOSUN BREESE.
SIR DUKE wins his fourth race this year at Doncaster on 27th in very workmanlike fashion under a competent ride by Eddie Ahern. DUKEY went some way to compensate Jan and Colin Harris for KYLAYNE'S unlucky run the day before in the Eternal Stakes at Warwick. KYLIE exited the stalls very awkwardly, which she has never done in her life, then suffered interference from two other runners in the race and could not get the position in the race John Egan required. She finished an unlucky third, especially as the saddle had slipped when she stumbled out of the stalls!
We were all very impressed with the facilities for owners and trainers at Doncaster - well done to them. A huge improvement on most tracks. DUKEY has been a total star this season and has really rewarded Jan and Colin's patience.
SUZI'S DECISION wins again at Newbury on 24th in a very competitive fillies handicap over a mile and a quarter. SUZI D put her disappointing run at Musselburgh behind her, where things did not go right for her, to wear them down in good fashion down Newbury's long straight. She is a lovely big scopey filly, who hopefully will be the flagbearer for Greenstead Hall Racing's newly-set up stud.
KYLAYNE bids to win the listed Eternal Stakes at Warwick on 26th and is in great form. FAZBEE is having a break to strengthen up, as she has started to grow.
SUZI'S DECISION gallops up the hill at Pontefract to win on Friday 23rd, giving Franny Norton his third winner for us in the space of a week. Franny, deputising for the banned John Egan, had an armchair ride on SUZI D to follow up her promising first outing of the season at Newmarket last week. She is a lovely big filly, who was well bought by owner Su Gay for 2,500 guineas as a yearling. Su thought that if she didn't make a racehorse, she would make her a nice hunter. Some hunter!
SIR DUKE follows up his win at Newmarket in the last at Wolverhampton on 19th and BOSUN BREESE goes down by a short head to foil an across the card last-race double. SIR DUKE was given a vintage Franny Norton ride from the front to capitalise on his being in top form, showing the way home to several well-fancied rivals. BOSUN, under last-minute subsitute jockey Richard Hughes, takes the solitary route up the far rails where Paul thought the fastest ground was to go down very narrowly to the favourite.
SIR DUKE gives Jan and Colin Harris their first winner at Newmarket on 16th. DUKEY has benefitted from the patience shown by Jan and Colin to win twice this season. He was a very backward horse at two and three years and still could improve next year. He bids to follow up tonight at Wolverhampton. Colin and Jan also welcomed the arrival of a beautiful filly foal out of their grand servant TI ADORA. By VAL ROYAL, the filly is the spitting image of her dam.
The horses are running very well, from six runners last week, we had one winner, two seconds and one third. FAZBEE ran very well to be close-up fifth in the Listed fillies race at York over 5 furlongs. CALAHONDA and SUZI'S DECISION both ran very well to be 2nd and hope to go one better next time!
Click below to see pictures of TI ADORA's bay filly and BLACK SEA PEARL's brown filly
FAZBEE ran very well on her debut at Windsor on 28th. Although drawn 1 on the unfavoured side of the course, she gave the winner a fright, taking the lead at the furlong pole and being carried across the course to go down by half a length to a more experienced rival. Owners Dot and Tony Burlton were thrilled at their filly's run and we have some lofty targets in mind for her.
SIR DUKE DELIVERS AT GREAT LEIGHS
SIR DUKE wins at the inaugural meeting at Britain's first new racecourse for 80 years in the last race of the day to cap a great week for Jan and Colin Harris. DUKEY was given a great ride by John Egan to put our names down in the history books! John Holmes and his team at Great Leighs have done a marvellous job and it is going to be a very successful asset to British racing. The facilities for the horses, owners and staff were top-class, although not all finished. We look forward to going again.
KYLAYNE GETS THE JOB DONE IN THE NELL GWYN!
(SEE PREVIOUS ENTRY BELOW)
see Kylie on link below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkLehV8aFM0
KYLAYNE powers up the Rowley Mile to finish 2nd to new 1000 Guineas favourite Infallible, 3 lengths in front of the rest of the highly-touted field in the prestigious Group 3 classic fillies trial. Dismissed by press and tv as a no-hoper, she was allowed to go off at 66-1, with her supporters availing themselves of her generous SP for a place bet punt. Kylie had been laid out for this race all winter and Paul was confident of a good showing. We do get a little tired of the press and tv's preoccupation with the big yards and their tendancy to ignore any horse not from a 'fashionable' yard. Paul confounded them with INDIAN HAVEN, now with KYLAYNE and there will be others.
Kylie in the winner's enclosure below with Jan and Colin Harris, Louise Bevan, travelling head girl and Kipper Stead.
KYLAYNE bids for glory in the Group 3 Nell Gwyn Stakes at Newmarket's Craven meeting on Wednesday 16th.
Jan and Colin Harris are looking forward to an exciting week, which started with the birth of a cracking filly foal to BLACK SEA PEARL. The filly, by our Group 1 Irish 2000 Guineas winner INDIAN HAVEN, was born at Robin Sharp's new stud at Fox Farm, Hundon and is a very nice foal indeed. TI ADORA will foal to VAL ROYAL next month.
KYLAYNE is in top form for her seasonal debut. She has got her summer coat and is well forward. She won first time out as a two year old last year in April. John Egan has been to ride her work and her preparation has gone according to plan. Jan and Colin's SIR DUKE makes his seasonal debut on Sunday at Great Leighs, at the inaugural meeting of the long-awaited new course. He is in great form. BOSUN BREESE has been entered for Thirsk on Saturday and is flying on the gallops.
On a sadder note, BUGSY'S BOY has left the yard to be trained by the owner's son-in-law George Baker. We wish him well.
BUGSY'S BOY gave us a brilliant start to the turf season on 25th at Pontefract, winning the marathon 2 miles 2 furlongs handicap on his turf debut. This was our first runner of the turf season. Robert Winston has struck up a great partnership with this horse, following up their win at Wolverhampton on 29th February. BUGSY was enthusiastically cheered home by his owner/breeders Richard and Libby Seaton Evans.
Some of our other horses to look out for are FAZBEE (Fasliyev-Kelpie) a two year old filly owned by Dot and Tony Burlton. She is working very well and will be making her debut in the near future. BOSUN BREESE, who has wintered very well and will be looking to make his mark in good sprint handicaps this year. KYLAYNE, dual winner last year and put up some excellent performances in Group races. She has developed and grown over the winter. SUZI'S DECISION, winner last year as a two year old, which was a bonus, as she is a very big filly.
WHAT A BUZZ has returned to his owner Derek Beresford for a break, as he is still immature and will be a serious chaser in the future.
As our all-weather team this year has been quite small, we have not had very many runners this winter. WHAT A BUZZ, our promising National Hunt horse, had to miss his engagement at Haydock, as the meeting was abandoned. His next target is the NH Novice Hurdle at Fakenham on 15th.
We have a super bunch of two year olds this year and ones looking very forward at the moment include CHARISMATIC CHARLI (King Charlemagne-Emly Express), owned by Selena Bailey. This is Selena's first racehorse and she is extremely excited about it! The Gongolphin and Racing partnership's filly CALAHONDA (Haafhd-Californie) is also very sharp. Long-standing owner Jan Harris has two very nice two year olds COOPER ISLAND KID (Arch-Raven Quiver) and MUSTANG VALLEY (Fantastic Light-Resourceful). Jan also has SIR DUKE for this season, who has benefited from a winter's rest and will combine flat and hurdles. Jan's cracking filly from last year, KYLAYNE, is being aimed at some nice early season targets. Good two year old sprinter from last year, BOSUN BREESE, is another to have benefited from a winter break, and looks tremendous. We are expecting great things from him this year.
INVASIAN gallops his rivals into the ground at Wolverhampton. Micky Fenton gets on very well with this horse and they built on their partnership by making every yard of the running on Friday 14th to win the £11,000 Class 3 handicap. INVASIAN seems to be improving and will be campaigned in the big handicaps on the all-weather this winter for his owner/breeder Dr Karen Sanderson.
BUGSY'S BOY GALLOPS TO VICTORY AT WOLVERHAMPTON ON 8TH. (see previous news below)
BUGSY'S BOY gave his owner/breeders Libby and Richard Evans something to celebrate last Saturday night, as it was their weddling anniversary and also their first winner! BUGSY made virtually all under Liam Jones to win by 5 lengths at his first attempt at two miles. He is a lovely young horse, with still plenty of maturing to do.
INVASIAN bids to build on his fine 3rd in a Listed race at Kempton on 1st on Friday night at Wolverhampton in a mile and a half handicap.
We were thrilled to bits with WHAT A BUZZ's hurdling debut at Cheltenham, where he finished 3rd in a very hot race. He will probably run again at Ascot, later this month. BUGSY'S BOY gave his owner/breeder Libby Evans a thrill finishing second at Wolverhampton last month and endeavours to go one better on 8th, again at Wolverhampton. Our yearlings are going very well and look an extremely nice bunch. Two are still for sale, please see the website
VALLEMELDEE wins over a mile and a half on 4th for owners Dot and Tony Burlton to give them their second winner this year with this filly. Franny Norton gave the filly a positive ride and she responded very gamely. Hopefully, she will be able to continue to campaign on the all-weather this winter.
OTHER NEWS
KYLAYNE and INVASIAN were retained at the sales, so KYLAYNE has gone for a break at Lord Derby's Stanley Stud in Newmarket under the watchful eye of one of Newmarket's top stud grooms, Pat Cronin. She joins the great OUIJA BOARD, also under Pat's care and due to foal in the spring.
INVASIAN has been schooled over hurdles and will run in due course. He will mix hurdles with flat and is due to run at Wolverhampton on 10th. BANK ON BENNY runs on 8th at Wolverhampton to bid for a double. Of our last four runners at Wolverhampton, three have won and one has been third.
WHAT A BUZZ has been schooling brilliantly over hurdles under retired top jump jockey Steve Smith Eccles and runs at Cheltenham on 18th.
Most horses are enjoying a well-earned break, including SIR DUKE, BOSUN BREESE, ASTANIA, REDESDALE and RAMPANT RONNIE, who ran so well to be 3rd at Wolverhampton last time. The last named is a lovely horse who will make up into a nice dual-purpose horse next year for his owner Ron Delnevo. Greenstead Hall Racing's SUZI'S DECISION, will shortly be going back to their stud for the winter. Her half-brother PIPPA GREENE, is favourite for the Doncaster November Handicap. We also have their yearling half-brother by NAMID, who is very sharp.
YEARLINGS. The Gongolphin and Racing Partnership have a super filly for next year by HAAFHD, from his first crop (see partnership page). Jan and Colin Harris have two nice yearlings, a colt by ARCH and a filly by FANTASTIC LIGHT. We have two yearlings currently for sale, details will be shortly on the horses for sale page.
BANK ON BENNY returned from his summer break to win at Wolverhampton on 19th to give his owners, the Golf Oil Partnership a great thrill.
KYLAYNE gives Jan and Colin Harris their second winner in the space of a couple of days, when winning decisively under John Egan in a very competitive conditions race on 17th. Kylie has run exceptionally well all season in Group and Listed races and deserved the reward for her honesty and toughness. She now goes to the Tattersalls Horses in Training Sales on 29th October.
Jan and Colin Harris' SIR DUKE wins at Wolverhampton on 12th for the second time this season. DUKE will now be given time to furnish his huge frame and develop into a very nice horse for next year. Liam Jones, who is a very good young jockey, gave DUKE a very positive ride to gain the day.
BOSUN BREESE followed up his excellent 9th in the valuable Tattersalls Autumn Auction Stakes at Newmarket, with a gallant second at Bath on 14th. BOSUN had been raised 8lbs by the handicapper for being 9th, went under by a length and a half, giving the winner 4lbs. He has given his owners a lot of fun throughout the season and now will be put away until next year. He is a very talented young sprinter.
BANK ON BENNY returns on Friday 19th at Wolverhampton and WHAT A BUZZ will be making his hurdles debut in November. This fabulous big horse has returned from his summer break at owner Derek Beresford's stud in great shape.
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Karen Sanderson’s home-bred 6 year old gelding INVASIAN makes all on his first try over a mile and a half to win a nice handicap on the July course on 4th. Robert Havlin, having his first ride on the horse, makes it look easy with a nicely judged ride.
INVASIAN only joined our yard three weeks ago, along with another nice horse of Karen’s, the two year old colt AUGMENTATION, by stallion of the moment, DANSILI.
AUGMENTATION holds a Derby entry for 2008 and is looking extremely promising.
BOSUN BREESE runs very well on the same card to dead-heat for third in a hot nursery
over 6 furlongs. He was supported by his enthusiastic owners, including Darrell Breese,
Ron Delnevo and Martin Hyson, who are enjoying their first racehorse.
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What a day – KYLAYNE scoring first time out at Warwick, our first two year old runner of the year, for lucky owner Jan Harris (pictured above), followed by HIGH AMBITION at Yarmouth in the first-time visor. KYLAYNE, (SEE FEB NEWS) bought by Paul at the Tattersalls December Sales for 15,000 guineas enhanced her value with an eye-catching performance under Darryll Holland. We hope she will go on to better things.
HIGH AMBITION, owned and bred by Anthony and Virginia Phipps, was originally sent to us to run in Bumpers, but we were not convinced he got the trip and so it proved when he won over 7 furlongs under a brilliant ride from Seb Sanders. This will have done his confidence the world of good and coupled with the tremendous job done on him by his devoted lass Louise Bevan, we hope he can follow up in due course. He may go summer jumping, as he has already schooled very well over hurdles.
WHAT A BUZZ will hopefully run in the Champion Bumper at Aintree on Grand National day, then will go back to his owner Derek Beresford for a summer break. This horse will go to the top when he goes jumping.
BLACK SEA PEARL is currently in Ireland, to be covered by our star horse INDIAN HAVEN and then return and run in foal. BANK ON BENNY is also having a break out in the field, which will be very beneficial, as he still needs to furnish up to his huge frame. One to watch – TI ADORA is coming to hand very nicely and looks to have improved from last year. She got valuable black type last year and we hope she can add to it.
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