Southwell Super Sunday providing Tommy Dowling first winner on English soils

On Tuesday I went to the Grand National weights lunch at the Royal Opera House. Cedre Bleu was given 10st 4lb which means he should get a run in the race. I think he will have a good each way chance judged on his performance at Aintree in December. It is very exciting for the Tangledupinblue Partnership headed by David Obree to have such a nice runner in the prestigious race. Cedre Bleu will have a racecourse gallop at Newbury on Sunday and will then head to Cheltenham for the Kim Muir with Sam Waley-Cohen as his preparation for the big race.

 

Wednesday turned out to be quite disappointing. We had runners at Doncaster and Ludlow, I headed to Doncaster whilst Foxy went to Ludlow. Superb Story ran a little free becoming lack lustre in the finish, the race didn't really suit him. Noel really liked him and suggested he would want further and  as he develops he will become stronger in a finish. We also ran a young horse called Run To The Rhythm in the bumper there. He managed to get free down at the start after unusually being able to unseat Noel! The race was delayed by fifteen minutes but we still decided to take our chance with him. He ran a poor race after all his pre race antics. We have spent an awful lot of time and effort on breaking this horse in but to no avail it seems! He has been very troublesome, and my patience has worn a bit thin. He has shown plenty of ability at home so I am sure someone will be able to get him to show his full potential.

 

We ran Royal Redemption at Ludlow, I thought he would run a good race and be up there at the finish. I was very surprised to see him pull up. Jason Maguire came back in and told us he had a wind problem. Our vet backed this up when he got home and he has since undergone surgery. He is a very talented young horse so I really hope this has done the trick as I am very surprised he has not won yet.

 

On Friday Andy Pountney came to see his horse Nimbus Gale with his two daughters Lily and Rose. We followed a brisk morning on the gallops with lunch at The George and watched the racing.

My children Tildie and William stayed on Friday night. Nigel and Ros Kempner and their daughter Natasha also came to stay. We all celebrated Williams birthday with a delicious curry cooked by Iffy's wife.

 

On Saturday morning David Bond joined the Kempners to watch the horses out on the gallops for a couple of lots. Cedre Bleu worked nicely with Verano and Murray Mount worked well with Lord of House, all four horses have had a short break but are back fit and working well. Expedite did a nice bit, he works well for a young horse.  Cody Wyoming and Seventh Sky were very impressive on my gallops, you have never seen anything like the way they both work!

 

We had an enormous lunch with John Francome and a few others at the Royal Oak at Bishopstone. On Monday the 2nd of March they are hosting a Charity Cheltenham preview night and myself and Gavin Sheehan are on the panel. If you would like to book a table please get in touch with them directly http://helenbrowningsorganic.co.uk/pub/our-glorious-pub.html

 

We had fourteen people for supper on Saturday night. Ros Kempner had bought a chef for the evening to cook a 4 course dinner during a Charity Auction she had attended at Newbury Racecourse.

We helped choose the menu which included Venison Wellington. It was really delicious and a such great treat. It was very kind of Nigel and Ros to share this with us.

 

A few horses were ridden out on Sunday morning then we had lunch for ten. We ran Sands Cove at Southwell. Tommy Dowling our conditional took ten pounds off his back in a class four handicap chase. We have been trying to win a race with him for two seasons and he has been knocking on the door on numerous occasions so the drop down in class and the weight off his back meant he stormed home to win by eight lengths under a good ride from Tommy. I was very pleased with him giving the horse a nice ride. Part of the winning formula I feel was that neither the trainer or the owners were there which is a first for the horse!

 

 

 

On Monday I rode out for the first time in quite a while. I came back from Cuba with some sort of fever that really knocked me sideways, it really laid me up for a while but I have regained my strength now and managed not to over take the rest of the string on Murray Mount! The Monday Lunch Club ate at The George and I gave Barney Windsor-Clive his trophy from Sands Cove win.

 

The weather has played havoc with our plans recently so we are not now due to have any runners until the weekend. Verano, Seventh Sky, Cody Wyoming and Expedite should all head to Newbury on Saturday along with Lambro in the Charity race. Seventh Sky contests the Greatwood Gold Cup which I have previously won with Fine Parchment. I wanted to run Murray Mount at Lingfield today but as it is abandoned he will head to Doncaster for the conditional jockeys bumper on Saturday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plenty to work with

We ran a very nice young horse at Kempton back on the sixth of February. It was a competitive bumper and Expedite a son of Brian Boru ran a credible fifth. He is sure to improve for it and Noel thought he would be capable of winning one.

 

The next day I was left completely surprised when AP announced his retirement at Newbury live on Channel Four after notching up his two hundredth win of the season. While it was always going to happen at some point it still sent shock waves through the community as it really is the end of an era.

 

On the Monday we ran Seventh Sky for the twelfth time this season, he ran a fair race finishing second. He has been a revelation since turning to fences winning four races and picking up plenty of prize money. He thrives on his racing. I was thinking of the 0-140 novice handicap chase at the Festival for him but it seems he is now out of the handicap, there are still plenty of nice races for him though.

 

On Tuesday we had another second running Bridal Suite at Ffos Las, unfortunately he just found one to good on the day. He is knocking on the door each time and should get there.

 

Libeccio ran at Chepstow on the Wednesday. The ground was a bit soft for him and he could do with a bit further. We will see what they do with his mark this Tuesday as he could step up in trip in a handicap next time out.

 

Watching the horses work on Wednesday morning with Barry Davies a new member of the CMRC.

On Thursday we went to Fontwell with two horses. Attimo jumped well, running a better race than he has previously to finish third. It wasn't an ideal track for him so he should improve for a more galloping track. Miller Of Glanmire blew up three from home after travelling and jumping well, he will come on a lot for the run.

 

Sands Cove set off for Sandown on Friday morning but with it raining all day it was a wasted journey as the ground became very soft and he was declared a non runner. He has an entry at Southwell next week and could well go there.

 

We worked a few horses on Saturday morning. Superb Story worked well with Verano and Portmonarch led the young horse Run To The Rhythm up 'Back of the Hill' gallop. Royal Redemption worked very well on my bank. David and Jane Obree came in to watch Cedre Bleu on the gallops and enjoyed a lovely breakfast cooked by Katya. The weights come out for the Grand National tomorrow, so hopefully he is given a decent chance to get into the race.

 

We had a lot of rain this morning, it seems the ground has gone soft again but with a brighter forecast for the rest of the week hopefully it does not affect our plans to much. Hopefully Superb Story and Run To The Rhythm will go to Doncaster and Royal Redemption to Ludlow on Wednesday.

 

Earlier in the week Equine Productions were doing some filming practice with their drone, they have done some excellent recordings to promote racing. We were lucky enough to be caught on camera during their testing! It really does show what wonderful facilities we have and how fantastic the countryside around here is. Rose leads on Portmonarch followed by Tommy on Verano on the 'back of the hill' gallop.

 

 Follow the link if the video does not appear http://youtu.be/6KFGTrPK8Is

Nicking money from the Scots.

On Saturday morning we had owners and red letter days in to watch work. Run To The Rhythm worked nicely with Expedite. Verano did a nice bit of work and is now on his way back hopefully.

 

We went to Sandown where we had a box to entertain owners who are coming into a new syndicate called The Steeplechasers. We are trying to get twelve people together to buy three horses for next season. Saturday went so well that we have eleven people now and only need one more. The two people behind this are Bill Brindle and Andy Stone, I think it will work well as it means we can buy three nice horses for next season. So if anyone is interested we only have one more share available.

 

I got up very early on Sunday morning and drove to Heathrow airport where I met up with Tony Holt and John Robinson who own Superb Story and flew up to Edinburgh as their horse was running at Musselburgh.

 

We had a nice lunch with my two sisters and brother who I don't see that often. Superb Story ran in a tough race which was a Triumph Hurdle trial and he finished fourth. Initially I was a bit disappointed until the jockey told me he did not go on the ground as it was very dead. We also ran Seventh Sky in a novice chase and he made most of the running and although he jumped out to the left and gave a lot of ground away he managed to win by nineteen lengths. I was hoping to run him in 0-140 novice handicap chase at Cheltenham but unfortunately he more than likely will not qualify for it now so we will probably give Cheltenham a miss. He is an extraordinary horse and has had eleven runs and won four this season and thrives on his work.

 

We also had another owner Mark Hitchcroft and his son George up in Musselburgh and had a very good dinner at my sisters house on the Sunday evening.  The next morning I didn't think it was to cold but unfortunately they called racing off and we were meant to have two runners that day. I managed to get an early flight home and was in Lambourn by two o'clock.

 

This morning we have had about six inches of snow everywhere and it has been difficult to get the horses up to the gallops. The Jockey Club men led by Will Riggall have done a very good job and we have got everything out. I don't know how much racing there will be this week as the forecast is very bad and it doesn't look to good.

Frequent Flyer

Katya and I landed at Gatwick airport at nine twenty this morning having returned from our little January getaway. From looking at the picture on the front cover of the Racing Post my suspicions that it may be rather cold in England were confirmed as soon as I stepped through the arrival doors! We had a wonderful time in hot Cuba, it was our second trip out there and once again we discovered some really beautiful and extraordinary places. The team at home did a great job in my absence, there have not been many runners due to the weather conditions but everything has ticked over nicely which is a credit to my staff.

 

Royal Redemption ran today at Chepstow in the novice hurdle, Noel reported he hated the ground but he finished a respectable third. He looked a picture and jumped exceptionally, he will make a great chaser in time.

 

We are sending four horses up to Musselburgh tomorrow. Two run on Sunday and two should run on Monday. There is a lot of money on offer up there and the ground is the best in the country right now. Superb Story runs on Sunday in the Triumph Hurdle Trial and Seventh Sky runs in the novice chase. On Monday Attimo will run in a handicap chase and Murray Mount in the bumper. So it looks like I am heading back to the airport on Sunday morning but this time I will be seeing the Scottish Isles out of the aeroplane window when I land and not the Caribbean sea!

 

Having only just touched down I apologise for the lack blog but hopefully by the middle of next week I will have plenty to report!

 

 

Cody Wyoming takes centre stage

Apologies for the lack of blog this week but you can expect more at the end of next week.

 

A brief update on some of the goings on at Neardown include our Charlie Mann Racing Club morning on the gallops last Saturday.  We all had a lovely morning, although a tad chilli! Katya cooked fantastic breakfast for everyone before heading up to the gallops to see Cody Wyoming in action. Once back in the warm everyone enjoyed a glass or two of bubbles and some cake made by Rose to celebrate the wins. CMRC members also had a chance to take some photos with Cody, who as it turns out is the perfect model! He didn't move an inch and had his ears pricked for every single picture. We still have more spaces available in the CMRC, if you are interested then please don't hesitate to get in contact as it is not to late to join.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other good news is that we have had a fantastic response to 'The Steeplechasers' as mentioned in last weeks blog. Interested parties have been invited to the launch day in a box at Sandown Park at the end of the month. We hope this will give everyone the chance to get to know each other and discuss the plans for the syndicate. We are really excited about 'The Steeplechasers' and can't wait to put the plans into fruition.

 

Portmonarch and Nimbus Gale run tomorrow at Doncaster. Nimbus Gale makes his handicap debut and although he is possibly well treated I would worry that tomorrow comes a bit soon after his last run. He is in good order at home and is nice young horse. We have plenty of entries over the next week but the weather will play a big part on where the horses run. Seventh Sky is unlikely to take up his entries on Saturday, nor is Royal Redemption on Sunday and Superb Story on Monday unless the ground dries up considerably. There are plenty of opportunities for Champagne N Caviar who could go to Leicester next week and Native Explorer could head to the mares maiden at Towcester.

 

After a lively response from our video last week we have been doing bits of filming for a short film on 'A day at Neardown' to show plenty of behind the scenes footage. Keep an eye out for it  appearing shortly.

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

 We worked a few horse on Wednesday morning, Tony Stapleton came in to see Run To The Rhythm being put through his paces. Seventh Sky roared up the bank and Cedre Bleu did a nice bit. Later that day I went to get my shoulder treated at  Oaksey House by Kate Badger. I think it seems to have done the trick. Oaksey House is an extrodinary place, I think they offer a great service. The jockeys are extremely luckly to have a place they can go to and I am sure it goes a long way to keeping them fit, healthy and on the road.

 

On Thursday morning it really rained! We schooled Native Explorer and Libeccio. Cody Wyoming ran at Catterick, he stayed over night so he was well rested after his journey there. He made most of the running and jumped beautifully, he managed to win by a couple of lengths. Catterick do a good job and the prize money is top notch. Cody Wyoming has been a phenomenon this year, he has been first three times and second in his other three runs. We still have membership in the CMRC available. With a lot of new people to racing in the CMRC they have all had an excellent time being involved with such a fantastic horse.

 

On Friday I rode out for the first time in a while which I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed and my shoulder didn't feel too bad. We ran Seventh Sky at Huntingdon in a chase that on paper looked quite competitive. Apart from trying to demolish the second fence he ran a nice race, he jumped the last upsides a fairly good horse and put seventh lengths in between them when he got to the line. He was very impressive and I hope the handicapper doesn't kill him. He has some constitution as that was his tenth run of the season and he still looks as big as when he came in! I have to say I am glad his mistake at the second wasn't as bad as the one at Newbury below!

 

 

 

We had Andy Stone stay on Friday night and the next morning Bill Brindle came to see the horses work and discuss plans for their new syndicate 'The Steeplechasers'. We had a good meeting and I am proud to endorse this new venture, I am also very excited to be training the horses for the syndicate. Andy and Bill have worked very hard to get this up and running and they have great vision of where they see the syndicate heading. We all believe this new initiative is the way forward to bring higher quality Saturday horses in to the yard. I would be delighted to see some of my owners and some new faces join the syndicate for the 2015-2016 season. To kick start the launch, Andy, Bill and myself are hosting a days racing for interested parties at Sandown Park on the 31st January.

 

'During the past ten years of racehorse ownership I have found the key for me is the fun of watching good quality competitive horses with like minded co-owners. The syndicate will be based on tweleve members of 'The Steeplechasers' syndicate buying in at an upfront cost of £10,000, to be invested initially in three decent horses. It is important to us that all twelve shareholders will be on an equal footing with the involvement of the horse purchases. I am also excited about the use of our own app which will provide a platform for every member to comment and express their views.'

 

Andy Stone & Bill Brindle

If you would like any more information on 'The Steeplechaser' then please do not hesitate to contact the office. 

Libeccio ran at Kempton on Saturday, he finished fourth which I was a tad disappointed with but Noel did report that he would go better with a tongue strap. Katya and I then joined Paul Mott and Jackie at the Butchers Hook before heading to Stamford Bridge to watch Chelsea beat my team Newcastle 2-0. We then had a very good dinner at Kozu and stayed the night in London.

 

 

 

After a very good breakfast Katya and I went to have drinks with Nigel and Ros Kempner in The Heron Tower. We then had the most delicious lunch (including beetroot sorbet!) at the Mondrian Hotel on the bank of the Thames. It was extremely good food as you can see from the pictures below. We drove back to Lambourn later that day after having had a very enjoyable weekend in London.

 

 

 

 

We have a few entries this week but the weather is going to play a large part in where they all head. I rode Superb Story today and I can say he felt very well, he may well go to Ascot on Saturday. Cedre Bleu has entries at Ascot and Haydock next weekend.

On Saturday Rose sat out riding out and came up the gallops to do some filming, she has made a short film with the footage to give you a taste of a Saturday morning on the gallops. I hope you enjoy watching it. If it doesn't appear below follow this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mhij9MIV3VM

 

Superb Story sets the standard for the year

On Wednesday my daughter Tildie got out of bed early to do a work experience day with me. It was good fun and nice to have her around. She did a lot of work with Rose in the office and I think everyone enjoyed themselves. She was great help.

 

We decided at the last minute to declare Superb Story at Musselburgh, we wanted some half decent ground for him as we knew he would not like it too soft. It meant that Iffy left straight after declarations to take him up the night before and enjoy seeing in the New Year in Scotland! As racing was off and I was at a loose end I was taken food shopping with Katya to Waitrose, it certainly was an experience which I hope I don't have to go through again!

 

We had a very good New Years evening at home with John Francome, the McEwen's, Rodney Powell and Alex, the Bowlby's, Evelyn Faber, and Riddles and we had a very fun evening.

 

On New Years day we had a fairly busy morning and Superb Story was running in the first race at Musselburgh. I was expecting him to finish in the first four but I was very pleasantly surprised when he won quite impressively. He jumped really well, seemed to enjoy himself and was given a good ride by Richie McLernon. I hope we may have a decent horse on our hands as he still has plenty of improvement. We then had a very impromptu lunch with fifteen people! I have to say I have had worse starts to the new year than this!

 

Friday was fairly quiet but all back to normal on the yard. Mark Hitchcroft had come to stay over night to see his horses in the morning. He bought his daughter with him who had her first taste of racehorses and had an excellent time.

Paul Mott came to stay on Friday night to see his beloved Sureness who is now back in work. We went up the gallops on Saturday morning to see Bridal Suite work well with Nimbus Gale. Portmonarch led Expedite and Run To The Rhythm up back of the hill gallop in a bit of work, I was very impressed with the baby horses going so well with Portmonarch who is a good consistent work horse. Gowanauthat and Attimo worked well together on the bank.

 

I drove to Wincanton to watch Champagne N Caviar run in appalling conditions. I thought Harry Bannister gave him a nice ride, he jumped okay (which was better than before!)and he finished fifth, I think he is capable of winning a small contest now his mark has dropped to 108.

 

We had a family day on Sunday with all the children and had a very nice lunch without any guests!

 

On Monday I made a big mistake by running two horses at Lingfield on virtually un-raceable ground. Nimbus Gale was never going on it and finished sixth which should now get him a mark. Sands Cove just didn't finish his race and Noel had to pull him up. He was very consistent last year but seems to have lost his way this year. Nothing seems untoward this morning but we will do some further investigation. It wasn't a very good start to the week, however you have to be so careful running horses in ground as bad as this.

 

 We have entries this week at Catterick, Kempton and Warwick. Cody Wyoming may well go up to Catterick again and Libeccio hasn't taken his chance at Ludlow tomorrow as I think the Kempton race may cut up form him.

 

This week Lord of House, Plum Stone, Always Smiling, Sureness and Western King are all back in work, it will be nice to get them back on the race track soon.