Good Week
It is extremely gratifying when you are able to help a seemingly exposed horse reach its true potential – Bold Perk arrived at the yard as nine year old maiden over both hurdles and fences (he had won a couple of point-to-points - one in Ireland and one in England), but within the space of eleven days he had won three races and finished second in another. He has gone back to his owner Eddie Rice’s farm for a few well deserved weeks rest…the handicapper has already put him up by 20lbs and I am sure that there is a further rise to come. Even so, he is still a novice and could compete in a hurdle under just a single penalty, so there is still plenty to look forward to with him.
I was delighted to have a winner with our first runner for new patron Robin Geffen on the flat at Sandown on Friday afternoon. Robin kindly sent me Beyond earlier in the year and all of the hard work that we have put in with the horse was rewarded when he won the 1m6f handicap in game style under a good ride from Robert Havlin. Beyond had previously won two of his three starts on the level for Jeremy Noseda before showing useful form as a juvenile hurdler for Evan Williams. He is a smashing little horse and could be just the type for the Cesarewitch at
It was a great start to our association with Robin, who puts an awful lot into racing, either through ownership or sponsorship and I hope that Beyond’s success was the first of many for him.
Talking of new owners, you can imagine my surprise when I was contacted out of the blue on Saturday morning by leading owner Malcolm Denmark who was looking to place some horses in training with us. I have long admired many of Malcolm’s horses, most notably his duel Cheltenham Festival winner Monsignor and I am excited and privileged to have the opportunity to train for him.
Last week I promised that I would let you know of our new additions from the Arqana Saint-Cloud sales in
Unsurprisingly (as a full brother to Grands Crus) Gevrey Chambertin was the top lot on the first day reaching €150,000 and if he turns out to be anything like as good as his brother I will be well pleased! Kazlian, who was runner-up in a Saint-Cloud Listed race on the flat, is a nice addition to the yard from the Aga Khan’s consignment. War Singer has won five of his nine starts on the level and the form of his win at Cagnes Sur Mer was franked in no uncertain terms when the third home, Tominator (who was receiving 2kg) went on to win the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle at the end of June. Bladoun is a well made and untried store horse, while Taratata Sivola showed decent form when runner-up in a handicap chase at
I am pleased with all of our purchases and hope that they can continue our fine record from the sales. I am sure that you will be hearing plenty more of them in the future…
