Tuesday 24.07.13

I went to an interesting NTF meeting yesterday at Newbury as I am on the council. The consensus of opinion is that there are a number of trainers in Newmarket in some trouble over the 'Sungate' issue. It will be interesting to see how the BHA handle it.

We had two runners yesterday at Bangor-On-Dee. VICTOR LEUDORUM jumped very well in his first H'cap Chase and finished a very good second to a well H'capped horse of Jonjo O'Neills. Noel Fehily didn't make it in time from Southwell so Nick Scholfield took the ride. I expect him to be winning again soon.

We also ran YAZDI in the Conditional Jockeys Hurdle race. He cost £430,000 as a yearling - I am only glad I did not pay that for him! He finished an okay 3rd. I will be entering him in  the Autumn Horses in Training sales as he doesn't look good enough for us.

The yard is finally coming together, I can now see the light at the end of he tunnel. We haven't got that much left to do and it will certainly be ready for our open day.

We have got most of the horses back now from there summer break, they have all done well for it and they are now hacking away doing some road work.

EXPERIENCED RIDER / STABLE STAFF REQUIRED

We have an opportunity for someone to join our small and friendly team. Experienced and capable rider required, to include stable duties and travelling to race meetings. Please call Charlie or Rose on 01488 73118 or email rose@charliemann.info

Tuesday 16.07.13

I went to Stratford on Sunday with Simon Beccle and Marie Ellis, we had a very nice lunch on the way there in preparation for what we hoped would be a successful day. Unfortunately things did not go to plan, they went to quickly for WESTERN KING, he didn't jump great-seeming to be out of his comfort zone. It wasn't one of his best runs. I think I may try him back over hurdles where he has been successful before.

We fancied SCEPTICISM in the Juvenile Hurdle and thought he would run a big race, I think we would have been in with a shout as the form collapsed half way round but he was brought down at the 5th hurdle when going extremely well. Horse and Jockey are fine, full of beans this morning. He will hopefully go to Newton Abbot on the 3rd August.

We then went to Newton Abbot on Monday - along with every one else going down the M5 to Weston-Super-Mare in the sun. Noel got knocked out in the first race and the ground was much quicker than I anticipated so I withdraw VICTOR LEUDORUM. VAN DIEMENS LAND (USA) ran well to the bend where he faded quickly, it is proving difficult to find his ideal trip.

Today we got 13 horses in, it is nice to see the barn full again. They all look very happy to be in out of the sun and the flies. They were all waiting at the gate with big bellies and are now happy in their stables with their new shoes on.

Saturday 13.07.13

I played in a very good cricket match yesterday - it was the first time I have scored for quite a long time! I bowled 3 overs and I was the last man left in batting. Not quite up to ashes standard but all good fun!

We took four horses up schooling on Thursday only to find the 3 flights of hurdles and one fence had disappeared. I rang up the JC gallop man to complain and the next thing I knew Thames Valley police force turn up as it turns out £17k worth of easy fix jumps had been stolen. It just goes to show nothing is sacred any more.

We have two runners a piece on Sunday and Monday then the plan ahead is to get the rest of the horses in from grass on Tuesday next week.

I am looking forward to SCEPTICISM run on Sunday. I have 2 shares still available in him so watch this space. WESTERN KING runs over fences at Stratford, he is on great form at home tanking up the gallops. VICTOR LEUDORUM and VAN DIEMENS LAND will run at Newton Abbot on Monday. Victor has top weight in the H'Cap Chase but I am hopeful he will run well, showing good signs at home. VDL also has top weight in the H'Cap Hurdle, we have stepped him up in trip since his last run which should suit better.

SCEPTICISM (USA)

FOR SALE
SCEPTICISM (USA)
READY TO RUN. ENTERED AT STRATFORD SUNDAY 14TH JULY

4 SHARES AVAILABLE AT £3,500, please contact for more information.

Monday 8.7.2013

We decided not to run VICTOR LEUDORUM (IRE) on Sunday as the race did not really suit. The H'Capper has since dropped him 1lb so we now have a few more options for him.

SCEPTICISM (USA) worked outstandingly on Saturday in front of some prospective owners, we think a lot of him. I have entered him today at Stratford on Sunday which should hopefully be a nice race for him. Please contact me for information about purchasing a share in him.

We were all thrilled to see Andy Murray win yesterday, on the back of that I have just reserved the name MURRAY'S MOUNT which I think I will name the Trans Island store horse that  I brought from DBS in May.

WESTERN KING (IRE)  enjoying a pick of grass on Friday..

02.07.13

Last Thursday I went to Germany to take a look at some horses for sale, I sat on a lovely horse called Verano who I originally saw back in November. He has won a race since then and reminds me very much of Airforceone. I regularly buy horses from Germany as I think they are better value for money.

I  ran Van Diemens Land (USA)  on Sunday at Uttoxeter, although the trip was to short he ran very flat which wasn't expected. We will draw a line through it and move on.

Noel came in to school 2 horses on Monday morning. The really nice 3yo Scepticism  jumped very well over the hurdles, he is a quick learner and did it easily without a lead. Victor Leudorum schooled over fences, he loves his jumping- absolutely pinging them. He has been dropped a bit in the weights and is entered in a H'Cap at Market Rasen on Sunday. I have only taken a brief look at the entries at this stage although there aren't as many entries as I would have expected it looks a strong enough contest..

I had my annual trip to Wimbledon yesterday, it is always a great day out with a brilliant atmosphere. I thought Andy Murray played very well, I am a big fan of his and hope that he has a win in him this year. Serena on the other hand did not look to be trying very hard!