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Racing Stable Daily Life Stories In June

Racing Stable Daily Life Stories In June: Greetings from Sunny Menorca!

The Mares Resting

Good morning from a gloriously sunny – if rather windy – Menorca! Yes, I'm actually on holiday, sitting here with a coffee trying to type this while the breeze threatens to blow my laptop off the table. But I couldn't resist checking in to tell you all about what's been happening back at the yard.

The week kicked off with a really special moment – the debut of the New Otterburn Racing Club's first runner, Rogers Dream. She's got the most beautiful pedigree, though I'll be honest, she's not the biggest filly you've ever seen. Conor Murtagh gave her a brilliant educational run – she was slow to start (typical first-timer nerves), but once she got the hang of things, she was running on strongly at the finish.

What really pleased me was how she handled everything else: the travelling, the saddling, being led up – all the things that can overwhelm a young horse on debut. She's done herself proud, and depending on how she works this week, she might go again on Saturday at Catterick.

Next up was Infinite Honour, one of the horses we bought for Castleview (Daryl and Shaun) as a yearling. He finished second and was still staying on at the line, which tells me he'll definitely want further in time.

That's three runs this season now – a third and two seconds. Not bad at all! Dan Muscutt came all the way up from Newmarket to ride him, and he'll also be on Clear Angel at Wetherby on Monday evening, which I'm really looking forward to.

Now, about Apache Angel – remember I left you all wondering how he'd get on over hurdles? Well, he jumped well and came home with some prize money, which is always nice. But here's the thing – he finished fourth out of four, and Nathan reported quite bluntly that he simply didn't stay the trip.

So it's back to the flat for him, but if he shows nothing there, he may well need to find himself a different career entirely. Not every horse is cut out for racing, and that's okay.

Apache Angel

Farewells And Welcomes

Back at the yard, the team are working brilliantly. They're riding the few horses that aren't on their summer holidays yet, and in between, they're cleaning and painting the yard to make everything spick and span. Several of them are taking their own holidays too, which they've well and truly earned.

We're losing Jenna, which is sad but completely understandable – the commute from Selkirk via Hawick to see her horses and then to work was proving just too much. The good news is she's been accepted on a course to become a veterinary nurse, which is fantastic for her!

Replacing her, we've got a lovely young lady called Isa from Wooler who's doing a course with the British Racing School. We're still on the hunt for more staff though – we'll need at least six riders come August when all the horses are back in.

This is the time of year when I assess the entire string, working out what we need and what we possibly don't need. It's never easy making those decisions, but it's part of the job. The two horses we bought at the sales recently are looking really good – they've settled in beautifully and will both have a run at the end of June so we can see what they're made of before they go out in the field for a proper break.

Sunset Hill, the grey mare, has only had two runs in point-to-points so far, while 'Dancer' has won one and been in the top four in five out of six runs. He's an absolute monster of a horse at 17.3 hands high – you need a ladder to get on him!

Sunset Hill – taking well to her work

This week's racing looks exciting: Monday sees Clear Angel at Wetherby where he's got a good chance, though we've drawn badly, which is frustrating. Saturday might bring Rogers Dream back to Catterick if she's ready.

Then on Sunday, it's the debut of our new boy Kilmore Rock at Perth for the brand new partnership of Payne, Bell, Severs, Moffatt & Corbett in the 2.40 novice hurdle. Remember him? Love at first sight!

These are genuinely exciting times. All our older horses are doing really well, and the new and young horses are just starting to show what they can do. The future's looking bright from where I'm sitting.

But speaking of sitting, I really should get back to the tapas and the beach bar! There's a sangria with my name on it, and after the whirlwind of the last few weeks, I think I've earned it.

Though I have to tell you, there's been a phone call... something about an artist on his way to the yard; all very intriguing - I should  have more to tell  next week - Susan

Back from Holiday and Straight into the Action!

Well, I'm back from Menorca – sunburnt, relaxed, and ready to dive straight back into the madness! Though I have to say, the yard looks absolutely brilliant. Another week of Jamie and Josh making their CVs ever longer – they've been making doors, fixing roofs, and generally doing everything except their actual jobs!

Meanwhile, Codey, Amanda, and our yard jockeys Nathan and Edward have been doing sterling work riding the horses while I've been away.

Nathan – proving his worth as yard Jockey

We only had two runners this week. Clear Angel wasn't disgraced at York, finishing fifth under Cam Hardie – a solid run in decent company. But poor Les's Legacy had breathing difficulties during his race at Hexham, so he's straight onto the vet's list for tomorrow. These things happen, but it's always frustrating when a horse can't show their true ability because of a physical issue.

Now, remember that mysterious phone call I mentioned about an artist coming to the yard? Well, the big reveal – we welcomed Jay Kirkman to practise his art with us, and honestly, he is absolutely excellent!

Jay Kirkman sets up his easel

Look at his drawing of Sunset Hill – it took him just minutes to create something truly special. Real talent, that lad. We're even thinking of getting a print made to auction at our upcoming Open Day for Owners.

Check Out Some Amazing Auction Prizes

Speaking of which, Les Waugh has been working absolute wonders organizing unique auction prizes. He's already secured signed breeches from the Dante Meeting, Cheltenham, the Derby, and the Two Thousand Guineas – amazing work!

They'll all be beautifully framed, and not forgetting the football fans, we've got a signed Middlesbrough shirt too. If anyone has any other items they'd like to donate for the auction or raffle, that would be brilliant.

This year our chosen charities are:

- Zoe's Place – a Children's Hospice

- Cancer Research

- Injured Jockeys Fund (Graham Lee)

Mark your calendars: **OPEN DAY & AUCTION – 4TH AUGUST!**

Looking ahead to racing, we've got quite a busy week coming up. Catterick on the 18th at 5:25 sees Infinite Honour running, and he should go well. There's a query about whether the mile and four furlongs suits him better than the mile and two, and Catterick as a track isn't ideal for him, but he's an improving horse so we'll see what happens.

Ripon on the 19th at 6:35 brings Rogers Dream's second-ever run – nothing expected, just building for future potential. She showed enough on debut to make me think there's something there to work with.

Haydock on the 22nd has Apache Angel provisionally entered in a maiden – we'll see if that goes ahead. Then it's a massive day at Hexham on the 23rd with three debut runners, all of which are firmly in the "best watched" category!

Sunset Hill makes her debut in the bumper – exciting to see what our bargain purchase can do. Kilmore Rock finally gets his chance in the 2:40 maiden – I've been waiting for this! And Buddy goes over two miles seven furlongs for the first time. Yes, you guessed it, best watched!

Here's Looking At You Sunset Hill

We've also got horses due in from Ireland, so there's plenty to see and think about if anyone fancies a yard visit or is interested in getting involved with a share. Just get in touch!

Not bad for a "quiet summer period," is it?

But here's something that's got me properly excited –the upcoming arrival of the horses coming from Ireland. I just hope and pray they arrive safely!  Watch this space...

More Racing Stable Daily Life Stories In June

What a Week at Hexham!

What a brilliant start to the week! We came away from Hexham with a second, a first, and a sixth – I'll take that any day of the week!

Buddy's race was heart-in-mouth stuff. He had a mid-air collision with the eventual winner and was incredibly lucky to finish the race, never mind come home second! He's such a brave horse – a lesser character would have called it a day after that, but not our Buddy. He dug deep and battled on.

Buddy – unlucky to be 2nd after a mid air collision.

Then came the moment I've been waiting for – Kilmore Rock finally got Ron over the line! After his disappointing time with Ask My Heather, who we retired, this win meant the world.

Sheila, along with new owners Andy and Mike, completed the partnership, and what a way to celebrate their first runner together. Kilmore will have some time out now – just for a few weeks to recharge his batteries – along with Sunset Hill.

Speaking of Sunset Hill, she finished sixth in what was a very hot bumper. Not bad at all for a three-mile chaser in the making! She's shown me exactly what I needed to see. There's still 25% available in this exciting new mare if anyone's interested in getting involved.

It was lovely to see Lewis Duffy back on a break from Australia, where he works as a stallion man for Godolphin. He started his racing life here at Girsonfield – well, a few times actually! His brother Josh is our head lad, and both lads are from Otterburn. It's always special when our former team members come back to visit

Kilmore Rock – with Lewis – Josh bro back for a holiday

Most of the horses are turned out for their summer holidays now, including Clear Angel, who didn't do himself justice at Newcastle. But don't write him off – he'll have his day when the ground goes soft again, mark my words!

We kick off properly on 29th July with the whole yard back in work. The foals came in for their big day of foot trimming and vaccinations – they were absolutely delighted, as you can imagine! Not. But they were all very good, bless them.

New staff are starting over the next few weeks, so we'll be fully staffed and ready to go from the 29th. We've also got a few new horses arriving from Ireland – some have already arrived, actually - cue sigh of relief! Long stories there, which I'll save for another time!

OPEN DAY – 4TH AUGUST AT 2:00PM

Could you RSVP if you're able to come? Just drop me an email. We'll be welcoming all our owners with a parade of horses for next season, followed by tea and our Charity Auction and Raffle. It's going to be a great afternoon!

Racing this week is nice and simple:

• Monday at Pontefract – Apache Angel goes back on the flat. Best watched, as always with him!
• Friday at Beverley – Infinite Honour after his recent win, and we've got top jockey Pat Cosgrave in the saddle. Very exciting!

Susan

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