Passing Of Michael Jarvis

It was another sad day for racing yesterday as another legendary trainer, Michael Jarvis passed away at the age of 73.  Michael was a truly great trainer and I spent many happy times chatting with him at the Newmarket sales.  Whenever we were looking to buy horses from the flat to go jumping we would always ask Michael about his horses and he would always offer his own truthful opinion.  He had many great horses down the years, but the ones that stood out for me were Arc winner Carroll House and the brilliant but quirky Rakti - he did an amazing job to get this one to win four Group One races.  I don't know of anyone with a bad word to say about Michael Jarvis and he will be sadly missed.

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As many of you will know, we were delighted to be sent a number of horses from one of racing's biggest supporters, Malcolm Denmark recently and while I was watching the gallops the other day I was able to get some pictures of a couple of them.  Below you will see Mr Chow and Clever Dick in action - they are both lightly raced and unexposed geldings having only had six lifetime starts between them.  They are nice additions to the team and we are grateful to Mr Denmark for sending them to us.

  
Above left: Mr Chow and right: Clever Dick on the Pond House gallops

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Can you believe that A P McCoy was heckled at Newton Abbot yesterday when he pulled up Cullahill.  It was by a group of young lads that obviously knew nothing about horse racing.  Any casual spectator could see that Cullahill was never travelling and nothing McCoy could do would have made the blindest bit of difference.  A P obviously (and quite rightly) took exception to this and went back and had a few words with the lads - fortunately for them he was not a French footballer (a la Cantona) otherwise he may have jumped over the rails to have a word!

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It is six times champion owner David Johnson's birthday today.  I won't tell you how old he is as DJ is a good egg and a West Ham supporter to boot!  David has had some wonderful horses down the years with Martin and David and enjoyed perhaps his finest moment when Comply Or Die won the Grand National for him in 2008.  Many happy returns DJ!