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MUJAADEL HOPES STILL HIGH
Mujaadel has seen a lot of York racecourse of late with 3 of his last 4 runs being there. Following a fast finishing 4th in a big field in June, Mujaadel ran twice in two days at the recent BIG John Smiths meeting. Travelling well on the first day he looked a real threat with two furlongs to go but could never get past the hugely impressive winner, Avenueandalleyways. The race was run in a very fast time and perhpas took its toll the next day when Mujaadel again ran with credit, finishing 7th to the highly regarded Capponi in the Class 2 John Smiths Stakes, a race again run in really fast time. Both jockeys reported that he wasn't suited by the fast ground.
The latest York races were over 7 and 8 furlongs and there is currently much debate as to what is Mujaadel's best trip. Until the first York race it was thought 7-8 furlongs suited him best but his strong finishing run over 9 at York suggests that possibly further might suit him nowadays.
Tipped in the David Nicholls Stable Tour in the Racing Post as one of the four horses to follow in the yard, David has not lost faith in the horse and remains confident that his time will come. Hopefully his pre-season prediction that Mujaadel would win a big race will still prove to be correct.
TOMBELLINI ON TRACK
After waiting for the easier ground that never came, Tombellini recently made his racecourse debut at Beverley, losing all chance when swerving at the start from his outside draw and losing many, many lengths. Following up, again on too fast ground at Doncaster, he still ran very green and his jockey reported that he was unbalanced all the way and there should be a great deal of improvement to come. He now needs one more run to be eligible for handicaps and hopefully his owners can look forward to some fun during the second half of the season.
KINGS POINTING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
A much more encouraging run from Kings Point this afternoon (5.6.10) at Musselburgh when finishing a highly creditable third to Fremen who was completely an impressive 6-timer. Still struggling to shake off his persistent sinus problmes, Elvis lost nothing in defeat against a bang in-form rival over a trip probably beyond his best and the run augurs well for the summer ahead. He should hopefully give his owners lots of fun in the months ahead.
GOLAN WINS IN STYLE
A fine preformance by Golan Way at Wincanton today (26.12.09)when winning the valuable Pertemps Hurdle by one and a half lengths from Bouggler with last year's Festival winner, Andytown, 12 lengths back in third and some good horses a lomg way adrift. Leading all the way and still travelling well turning for home, Golan had most of the opposition in trouble a long way out and he stayed on well for a most impressive success.
THRILLING START FOR GOLAN
A highly encouraging seasonal debut for Golan Way today at Chepstow (24.10.09) in the prestigious Silver Trophy when finishing a good second to the well backed Mr Thriller in what looked a high quality race. The well regarded Alfie Sherrin was a couple of lengths back in third with some very decent horses left trailing in their wake.
He seems to have come out of the race in fine form with Ascot in November and Cheltenham in December possible targets for his next run.
MUJAADEL ROUNDS OFF IN STYLE
A fine end to the season for Mujaadel today (17.10.09) with a terrific win at Catterick. Tracking the leader early he took it up turning for home and strode clear for an impressive success. At only 4 years old he is a horse with undoubted potential and should be one to really look forward to for next season.
MUJO IMPRESSIVE
A great win today (8.8.09) at Redcar for Mujaadel under a fine ride from Andrew Mullen. Always travelling well, Andrew kicked on two furlongs out and Mujaadel impressively quickened clear, never looking like being caught from thereon in. It was a welcome change in fortunes for Mujaadel and should hopefully be a nice confidence booster for him.
MUJAADEL ON WAY BACK
A highly encouraging run by Mujaadel today at Redcar (23.6.09) when beaten less than 3 lengths in a blanket finish. The run augurs well for the future and hopefully his owners can now look forward to a lot of fun with him in the next few months after things not quite going right for him in the early months of the season.
LATE SURGES DENY LUNA
After leading throughout the race and battling on tenaciously throughout the last half mile, Luna Landing was just denied in the final furlong today at Pontefract (22.6.09) by the late surges of Mr Crystal and Markington. A terrific finish to a very hot and competitive race for the track. Luna lost nothing in defeat and seemed to stay the 2 mile 2 furlong well on his first try at the distance.
ROYAL PERFORMANCE FROM KINGS
A terrific run from Kings Point today (17.6.09) at Royal Ascot where he finished a very creditable seventh in the prestigious £100,000 Royal Hunt Cup, despite not getting the best of runs.
PENALTY KICK FOR MOONWALKING
Following his recent easy Wetherby win, Moonwalking successfully defied a penalty to win another novice hurdle at Hexham (9.5.09). Having looked the winner from some way out he had to battle in the last 100 yards to hold the very late challenge of the well backed Always Bold but held on well. No cakewalk this time but another good and well deserved success for a lovely horse.
ITSAJUMPER
We were delighted today (28.4.09) with a most encouraging return to hurdles for Itsawindup, finishing a promising 7th in a hot novice hurdle at Wincanton under a nice ride from Mark Bradburne. Picked out by Racing UK as the one to take out of the race in a close up review of him afterwards, hopefully he will give his owners plenty of fun in the months ahead.
HEALTH CHECKS
No great surprise but both Luna Landing and Flashy Max were found to be suffering from problems after their recent defeats. Luna had tweaked something in his neck, which would have caused him a lot of pain in the race and its amazing he ran as well as he did really, and Flashy had a lung infection. Both have been treated and are now fine and should be back in action again soon.
CAKEWALKING
An outstanding win for Moonwalking in a Novice Hurdle at Wetherby this afternoon (26.4.09), winning hard held by 16 lengths on his first step up to two and a half miles under a lovely ride from Graham Lee. Always travelling well he took it up turning for home and just went further and further clear to win in impressive style. Graham Lee reported that he jumped brilliantly and considered him a very nice prospect.
A SPRING IN MUJAADEL'S STEP
Our new horse with David Nicholls, for which we all have such high hopes this year, Mujaadel, is now expected to make his season reappearance in the £50,000 Spring Mile at Doncaster next Saturday, 18 March. Whatever he does there he should be a lovely fun horse for everyone for the season ahead.
A POINTER FOR THE LINCOLN ?
With the new flat season now only a few days away we are delighted to be expecting a runner in the first big race, the £120,000 Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster on Saturday, 28 March, with the David Nicholls trained Kings Point being an intended runner at this stage.
EMERALD STILL ON COURSE FOR AINTREE
Despite a disappointing seasonal debut recently, Emerald Destiny remains on course for the big Foxhunters Chase over the National fences at Aintree on April 2. Lucy Horner, who missed the ride in his recent run through a fall earlier in the afternoon, is fully recovered and expected to take the ride. Unfortunately Lucy's replacement last time out, Oliver Greenall, took a nasty fall himself at the Cheltenham Festival the next day and will be out for a little while - we all wish him a speedy recovery.
TOUGH AT THE TOP
It was always going to be tough but a bad mistake at the fourth when leading put paid to Golan Way's chances today in the Supreme Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham. It was a bad mistake and he gave himself a really nasty rap returning a little sore an bruised - unfortunately you can't get away with a mistake like that in a championship race at the Festival. His earlier form was certainly frnaked though with impressive runs from American Trilogy, Medermit and Over Sixty, it just wasn't to be our day I'm afraid.
Nevertheless it was a great thrill to have another runner at the Festibval and I hope all the many owners and their guests had a fantastic day. Golan should continue to be a lovely horse for his owners and may well go novice chasing next season.
ITSAWINDUP GAINS DESERVED SUCCESS
Itsawindup held on in a thrilling finish today (15.1.09) to hold off the late challenge of Hatch a Plan. Given a great ride by Greg Fairley this was a well deserved success - he had bravely gone for home and looked the winner from some way out and would not have deserved to be caught on the line.
LUNA IMPRESSIVE
A well deserved success for Luna Landing today at Musselburgh (8.12.08), winning by a comfortable 12 lengths. Enjoying at last getting some decent ground and appreciating the step up in trip, which we have long felt would suit, he looked well in command turning for home and galloped on strongly up the home straight for an impressive win.
GOLAN RETURNS IN STYLE
We were delighted to see Golan Way return to action in such impressive fashion with a fantastic win in the Group 2 Sharp Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham (14.11.08). Making all under a great ride from Jamie Goldstein, Golan stayed on strongly up the straight to repel the challenges of the highly regarded American Trilogy and Over Sixty despite a mistake at the last to maintain his unbeaten record.
Jamie reported that he would come on for that run and would prefer better ground and he remains an outstanding prospect.
He now has a rating of 142 and his next intended run is currently planned to be at Kempton on Dec 19 in the Mitie Kennel Gate Novice Hurdle.
GROUNDS FOR FRUSTRATION
The continuing soft ground, and also changes in the ground between declaration time and race time, have continued to make things very difficult for a number of horses. This has particularly affected Luna Landing and Flashy Max, both of whom are good ground horses.
Luna Landing was again the sufferer on Saturday at Musselburgh (11.10.08) when the forecast good ground changed on the day of the race to good to soft, soft in places despite a dry, sunny and windy day! As in his previous race at Catterick it was just too soft for him.
Its a real shame for Luna who we have felt has been ready to win on the flat for many weeks now, but with few opportunities left he will now switch to hurdling where he remains an outstanding prospect.
GOOD RUN FROM LUNA
After being frustrated by the continuing spell of soft ground in recent weeks, Luna finally returned to action today at Catterick (20.9.08). Unfortunately the ground didn't dry up as we had all hoped and still rode pretty soft but nevertheless Luna put up a good performance finishing third on ground that didn't suit to two useful horses, Lost Soldier Three and the well regarded, Another Moment. His turn should surely not be far away if it ever dries up!
KINGS DENIED BUT DAVID RULES AGAIN!
Kings Point was just denied a follow up success today on Gold Cup Day at Ayr (20.9.08) when run out of it in the final furlong by the well handicapped, heavy ground specialist Game Lad. His trainer though, David Nicholls, enjoyed his fifth Ayr Gold Cup success with Regal Parade, also saddling the second, Tajneed and congratulations to all concerned.
KINGS RULES AGAIN
After two highly creditable efforts from very wide draws, Kings Point had a much deserved success today at Thirsk (7.9.08) Concerns in advance that it might be slightly too soft for him proved groundless as he ran out a comfortable winner under a good ride from Joe Fanning.
EYES UPDATE
Eyes Like a Hawk has come down with a virus and will therefore be given a short break to recover before returning to the track. The plan now would be a maiden in September.
LUNA ALSO HITS TROUBLE
Following Kings Point's traffic problems at Goodwood, Luna Landing unfortunately encountered similar troubles today at Pontefract (6.8.08). Held up at the rear after missing the break, there was just never a path through for him and in the end he had to come right round the whole field, with just too much to do, finishing like a train to be fourth.
NO LUCK FOR KINGS
Kings Point looked in top form at Goodwood today (29.7.08) when seemingly travelling like a winner throughout, only to be pinned on he rail and denied any run whatsoever throughout the last two furlongs. Hopefully compensation awaits and at least the run reinforced that he remains a horse of considerable ability. The Ebor meeting at York could be his next run.
EYES ON GROUP RACE
Eyes Like a Hawk, our exciting 2-y-o filly with Tom Dascombe, has been entered for the GROUP 1 Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket in October. Regarded a a lovely prospect, we are all looking forward to her debut soon.
NO FLASH IN THE PAN !
Another impressive win for Flashy Max today at Hamilton (17.7.08) proving his success at Beverley just two days ago to be no flash in the pan. Taking up the running 3 out he repelled all challengers to win by 3/4 length from previous winner Hasty Lady.
FLASHY FLASHES HOME
A fine win today (15.7.08) for Flashy Max at Beverley, where Flashy made every yard and maintained his advantage in determined fashion up the hill for a length and a half success, despite hanging all the way left to the outside rail in the closing stages.
GROUP SUCCESS FOR TOM DASCOMBE
Many congratulations to Tom Dascombe who enjoyed his first Group successes with 2 winners at Newmarket's July meeting with the 2-y-o's Classic Blade and Firth of Fifth. As last year Tom is proving a fine judge of value with his yearlings with both horse relatively cheap purchases.
KINGS IN CHARGE
A fine success for Kings Point today at Musselburgh (30.6.08), where he opened his account for David Nicholls in impressive style with a decisive win in a £10,000 handicap under a good ride from young Ahmed Ajtebi, who is starting to make quite a name for himself.
GOLAN AGAIN SHOWS THE WAY
Another outstanding front running performance from Golan Way today (15.6.08) saw him eased down to win by 29 lengths at Stratford in another valuable hurdle. He showed great agility to overcome a heart in the mouth blunder at the fifth and again had the measure of old rival Sendani when he came down at the last.
KINGS POINTING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
A highly encouraging return for Kings Point at Chester tonight (10.6.08) saw him finish a close fourth in a £13,000 7 furlong race at Chester run in a very fast time. Given a nice ride by up and coming Ahmed Ajtebi he looked dangerous turning for home before just tiring in the last furlong. An outstanding horse his turn should not be far away and hopefully he will give his owners a lot of fun in the months ahead in decent races at leading tracks.
MOON STILL NOT WALKING RIGHT
After having initially appeared to have made good progress, Moowalking unfortunately seems to have relapsed somewhat and now appears to be quite sore again after giving himself a nasty knock, and being very lame, after his encouraging hurdling debut at Cartmel and so plans remain on hold.
GOLAN WAY AHEAD
A great night at Stratford as Golan Way came home a very impressive 6 lengths clear of the highly regarded Paul Nicholls novice Sendani in a valuable novice hurdle. Fire and Rain, not beaten far in the St Leger 2 years ago, was 27 lengths back in third and Haddaaf, who had won his two previous hurdles in fine style, a further 2 back in fourth.
The night was made even better with so many of the owners able to attend and a fantastic evening was had by all!
It looked a very hot race beforehand and looked to have been a very hot race afterwards and it was therefore a terrific achievement by Golan, who looks an outstanding hurdling recruit. The handicapper has allotted him a mark of 134.
ON THE POINT OF HIS DEBUT
The highly regarded Kings Point, a Group winner who has run in 25 Group or listed races, is now about ready to make his eagerly awaited seasonal debut for David Nicholls.
MORE TO COME FROM MAX
A very pleasing seasonal debut for Flashy Max at Beverley (7.5.08) where he finished a commendable close fourth despite being considered by the yard to need the run. Likely to come on for that we are hoping he will go close next time.
GOLAN HEADS FOR STRATFORD
Following his very promising debut win over hurdles, Golan Way now heads for the £10,000 Jewson Qualifier at Stratford on May 23.
GOLAN WAY IMPRESSES ON DEBUT
A fantastic debut over hurdles for Golan Way at Huntingdon tonight (1.5.08) where he was a 10 length winner from the very useful pair Fairyland and Noticeable. Leading from the start he was always travelling well for Jamie Goldstein and won very impressively without being asked a serious question. Highly regarded at home he looks a useful recruit to the hurdling ranks.
YARDS IN FORM
Both Tom Dascombe and Sheena West have started the new flat season in good form with plenty of winners and high strike rates, Tom's current strike rate of 40% being particularly impressive. Chris Grant's yard has also been in fine form over jumps of late.
2-Y-O'S PROGRESSING NICELY
We are delighted to report that both the Deportivo 2-y-o with David Nicholls and the Diktat 2-y-o with Tom Dascombe continue to progress nicely. Both will still be another few weeks before they are ready to run but we are looking forward to their debuts in due course.
DESTINY AINTREE ?
Another fine performance from Emerald Destiny today at Newcastle (26.3.08) saw him just fail to defy a 13 pound rise in the handicap when finishing a gallant third to Ryminster in a very fast time for the day. Jumping brilliantly throughout he lost nothing in defeat and Denis O'Regan reported afterwards that he thought the horse would be really suited by Aintree.
EMERALD WINS IN STYLE
Congratulations to Emerald Destiny and the syndicate on a fine win today (15.3.08) at Newcastle under a lovely ride from Brian Hughes. Jumping magnificently throughout, he came right back to form with a hugely impressive 10 length success. On St Patricks Day weekend and with the race sponsored by Guinness he was a pretty appropriate winner on the day!
LUNA JUST DENIED AGAIN!
Another fine run over hurdles for Luna Landing today at Market Rasen (2.3.08) saw him just denied in a thrilling finish by the all the way leader Quillan Hill. Luna again jumped well and Denis O'Regan was very positive about him after the race, feeling that we had been beaten by a decent horse. Poor old Luna has now had a hat-trick of seconds but again lost nothing in defeat and will now have a well deserved rest until the summer. He remains a novice for next jumps season and an exciting prospect.
ITS A WIN FOR ITSAWINDUP
Congratulations to all the syndicate on the impressive win of Itsawindup tonight (27.2.08) at Kempton. Always travelling well he made smooth progress to lead 2 out and quickly settled the issue when asked by James Doyle, winning comfortably by 2 and a half lengths and 3 and a half in the fastest time of the night.
A terrific training performance from Sheena West in the few weeks that she has had the horse and Itsawindup now looks an improving type and Sheena is confident further opportunities lie ahead.
GOLAN WAY
We are delighted to announce our new syndicate with Sheena West in a lovely 4-y-o gelding called Golan Way. A decent winner on the flat Golan Way will go novice hurdling next season, possibly having his first run in early May. He looks a very nice hurdling prospect.
LUNA IMPRESSES
After not being right on his hurdling debut, Luna Landing ran a fine race today (29.12.07) when second to the very highly regarded Kalahari King in a very valuable £20,000 hurdle at Mussellburgh, live on CHANNEL 4, with a number of good horses in arrears. It was fine performances which marks him down as an outstanding hurdling prospect for the season ahead.
SIGNS OF A SHIFTY REVIVAL
Shifty delighted his owners today (11.12.07) at Southwell with an improved performace suggesting that he may well be back on the winning trail again before too long. Just run out of it by the improved Meeting of Minds he nevertheless was a comfortabel second and hopefully compensation awaits soon. It was really nice to see him back after a year that's gone all wrong for him.
FLASHY MAX SHOWS PLENTY
A much improved reformance from Flashy Max today (3.12.07) saw him most unlucky to be just denied in the final strides by the in-form Wisemans Diamond. He deserved to hold on after making all the running but nevertheless it was a performance that augurs really well for next season and, with the first 3 clear of what looked a decent enough field for the grade, the form looks pretty solid. It has taken Flashy quite a long time to get the hang of what was required on the track but now that the penny has finally dropped he should make into a really nice handicapper for 2008.
SNOW BUNTING WINS 9th RACE
Snow Bunting put some of the misfortunes that have dogged his season behind him with an impressive win at Wolverhampton today (22.10.07) under a great ride from Paul Hanagan. Held up as usual, Paul patiently waited for a gap to open and then pounced late to settle the issue in a matter of strides.
EMERALD NEARS COURSE RECORD
Emerald Destiny returned from his break with a terrific second at Sedgefield (10.8.07) in a time very close to the Course Record. Unable to dominate as he prefers he nevertheless put up a brave display only giving best in the final furlong. Given a great ride by Tony McCoy who made it a special day for the owners at the track.
LUNA JUST DENIED AT CHESTER
Luna Landing was denied close home by the fast finishing Rhaam in a terrific race at Chester today (5.8.07). Taking over the lead from the pace setting, Dove Cottage, 3 furlongs out, he looked all over the winner before being denied by the improving Rhaam in the final stride. Another fine performance by Luna who was unlucky not to add another success to his fine record.
LUNA SHINES AT THIRSK
Luna Landing bounced back to form tonight (4.6.07) at Thirsk with an emphatic win in a £12,000 Class 3 race under a superb front running ride from Paul Mulrennan. Leading from the start, he was happy bowling along in front, gradually picking up the pace and setting sail for home round the final turn to win by a length and a quarter and the same from Clueless and Tcherina.
All the owners were at the track and it was a fantastic night. Congratulations to everyone involved.
MOONWALKING IMPRESSES AT YORK
After being hampered early, Moonwalking made eyecatching progress up the straight to look the winner a furlong out before just being run out of it by the highly regarded Filios in the last 100 yards. Enjoying the slightly easer ground this was a terrific run from Moonwalking who should be winning again soon and remains a lovely prospect for the season ahead and could make into a useful hurdler in the future.
MOONWALKING SHAPES WELL
Trying a mile and a half for the first time today at Pontefract (2.5.07) Moonwalking finished a highly encouraging third to useful prospects Sonara and My Secrets. He now heads for York on 18 May and should prove a useful middle distance prospect this season.
LUNA RETURN
Luna Landing returned to action today (1.5.07) with a very pleasing, fast finishing fifth at Wolverhampton. The race should have sharpened him up nicely for his intended next run at York in the middle of the month where he will return to a one mile four trip.
EMERALD NEARLY DEFIES CONDITIONS
Despite everything going against him on the day, with the ground becoming very soft and an amazing 8 of the 16 fences omitted, Emerald Destiny put up a fine effort in defeat to be only caught close home at Musselburgh today (19.1.07) after looking the likely winner when leading at the last. It was a brave effort and surely on better ground or with more fences he would have gone one better and followed up his recent success. He remains a fine chasing prospect and hopefully compensation soon awaits.
EMERALD SPARKLES IN SUCCESS
A fantastic day (28.12.06) for the Emerald Destiny syndicate as Emerald led from start to finish to win well in only his second ever start over fences in a handicap chase at Catterick.
Not unsupported in the market he was backed down to 25-1 and translated his impressive schooling at home to the track with a terrific display of jumping. Clear at the second last he stayed on nicely on the run in for a well deserved success. Not many 4 years old win a handicap chase and he looks like he could now make up into a lovely chaser.
LUNA LANDS THE GAMBLE
Luna Landing was a hugely impressive winner today (3.10.06) of a valuable handicap at Catterick, stretching clear in the straight for an eased down 6 lengths success. Backed down to 7-2 favourtie he never gave his supporters an anxious moment and this improving horse should be a lovely prospect for next season.
MOONWALKING ECLIPSED
Moonwalking was today (16.9.06) unlucky to be squeezed out when coming through on the rails in the valuable £20,000 nursery at Ayr. Although he would probably not have beaten the impressive winner, Smokey Oakey, he would certainly have been a very creditable second in a very decent race.
BUNTING FLIES HIGH
Snow Bunting came with a fantastic late run under and inspired ride from Micky Fenton to win today (24.8.06) at Musselburgh. Coming from a seemingly hopeless position behing a wall of horses, Bunting weaved his way through, showing a terrific turn of foot to quickly settle the issue once getting a run. He has now won 8 races for his owners.
LUNA ROCKS
Putting a disappointing run last time firmly behind him, we are pleased to report that Luna Landing bounced right back to form at Pontefract this afternoon with a fine win in the £10,000 Graham Rock Memerial Race.
Given a great ride by Dale Gibson he got up close home to beat Bin Rahy in a thrilling finish and returned home to a terrific reception from all the owners present. A good day was had by all!
SAD LOSS OFF KALMINI
We are very sad to report that Kalmini, thought by many to be one of the brightest future stars over hurdles, has today been sadly put down after a bone infection caused by an injury at Cheltenham failed to respond to treatment, despite all the efforts of vets during the last few weeks.
It is a tough day for all concerned and it is so sad to lose such a bright prospect and such an unfulfilled talent at such an early stage of her career. It is a devastating loss for the yard, the owners and ourselves.
She will be sadly missed by all.
LYGETON LAD RETIRES
After bursting a blood vessel in her father's memorial race this afternoon at Lingfield, Gay Kelleway has taken the decision to retire her fine old servant Lygeton Lad, the winner of 13 races and over £100,000 in an outstanding career. We wish him a very happy retirement.
BUNTING MAKES IT A DOUBLE
Following the earlier success of Moonwalking this afternoon (23.6.06), Snow Bunting made it a double for both WRB and Jedd O'Keeffe, when easily taking the six furlong handicap under a good ride from Paul Hanagan.
MOONWALKING FLIES
Moonwalking today (23.6.06) had his debut success in a competitive maiden at Ayr, on only his second ever run, coming with a late rattle to win a little cosily in the end from Persian Peril.
He has always been highly regarded in the yard and should continue to progress and give his owners a lot of fun in the future.
NO DALLYING FOR DILI
The exploits of Don't Dili Dali this season augur well for the prospects of Luna Landing, not beaten far by her last season when giving her weight at Yarmouth. So far this year Don't Dili Dali has finished 3rd in the UAE Oaks and won the listed Masaka Stakes at Kempton. Luna is going well at home and should be ready to reappear in early May.
DANCER TO BE NAMED
Our exciting Danehill Dancer 2-y-o colt with Jedd O'Keeffe is nearly ready to run and is about to be named. He is expected to make his debut towards the end of April and remains highly regarded at home. The long term plan remains the £300,000 St Leger Sales race in September for which he has been entered.
EMERALD TO SHINE
Emerald Destiny continues to progress nicely at home and his impressive schooling over fences suggests that is where his long term future could lie, maybe even as soon as this autumn. In the meantime his homework suggest a big run could be on the cards next time out over hurdles but plans are currently being frustrated by the prevailing soft ground.
KALMINI ON THE MEND
We are delighted to report that Kalmini is slowly on the mend follwing the nasty cut she suffered at Cheltenham caused by a piece of birch puncturing her leg. The wound was pretty deep and is taking a while to heal so she will now be given a nice break until next season. Given the nasty injury wnd the unsuitable ground it makes her run at Cheltenham all the more creditable.
SHIFTY TO RETURN
We are pleased to report that Shifty continues to impress at home and is on schedule to reappear at either Nottingham on April 12 or Thirsk on April 21. He seems to be up to all his old tricks and we'd like to think that another successful season lies ahead.
KYKENNY MAKES IT 20
Kylkenny produced another fantastic performance today (16.2.06) with a comfortable success over Mi Odds at Southwell which took his career wins to 20 and his track wins to 13. What a star he is and a what a fantastic servant and credit he has been to Hughie Morrison and the yard. Despite being entered at a price way above any realistic valuation for him, we are deeply saddened to say he was surprisingly claimed afterwards.
Nisr comes across a fine wine
Nisr finished a good second today (15.2.06) to the impressive winner, Linning Wine, after encountering plenty of trouble in running, although it made no difference to the result. It was another encouraging run from Nisr and he remains in good form.
TWICE AS NICE FOR NISR
Another impressive win for Nisr today at Lingfield (4.2.06) under an inspired ride from Jamie Spencer made it two wins in 12 days. Winning a shade cosily in the end he remains in good form at present and could well add to his recent successes.
Unlucky Focus
After having been second three times on the trot in January poor old Soft Focus missed out on what would have been a well deserved win today (1.2.06) at Lingfield when denied a clear run throughout the final furlong when surely travelling like the winner. Eddie Ahern was forced to sit and suffer until it was too late and she must be counted a most unlucky loser.
NICER FOR NISR
After being unlucky in running last time, fortune favoured Nisr today (23.1.06) when coming out on top in a tight finish, coming late to win by a short head and two heads. A horse with plenty of ability hopefully this will prove to be a nice confidence booster for him.
Soft Focus makes it 3 out of 3 !
Once again today at Wolverhampton (21.1.06) Soft Focus was perhaps unfortunate to come across a well handicapped horse returning to form and has now finished 2nd three times on the trot, once at each of the all weather tracks. Adaptable and in good form, hopefully her turn will not be far away.
SOFT FOCUS BEATEN IN PHOTO !
Had to happen didn't it - Soft Focus in a photo finish! Unfortunately, the result went the wrong way and, after looking the winner througout the final furlong, Soft Focus was just caught in the last stride by the fast finishing, Hollow Jo (3.1.06). Nevertheless it's great to see her back to form and hopefully she can go one better soon.
ANOTHER BIG WIN FOR KALMINI
Kalmini confirmed the promise of her Huntingdon debut with a terrific win today (9.1.06)at Taunton, beating Paul Nicholl's highly regarded ex-French Opera Mundi a length, and with Nicky Henderson's Group 1 flat horse, Tarlet, thought to be an outstanding prospect by his yard, 5 lengths back in third. Other Group 1 horses on the flat, Shannon Springs and Barjou, and the Group 3, Sakenos, were all further back. Kalmini now heads to Cheltenham on the 28th, with the Triumph Hurdle at the Festival, next on the agenda.
Quinn holds hands up!
Unfortunately it all went wrong for Nisr today (29.12.05) at Lingfield, where he was travelling extremely well but was just unable to get a run until it was too late, in the race won by Turners Touch. Jimmy Quinn held his hands up after the race and said he should have won - Jimmy said he followed the wrong horse, losing ground and position at a crucial stage of the race and just had too much ground to make up in too little time. However, on the positive side, he said the horse stayed the trip and hopefully will enjoy better luck next time.
KYLKENNY TAKES IT TO 19
Just a week after his last win, and with Travis Block again in the saddle, Kylkenny has won again - his 7th win of the year, his 12th at Southwell and his 19th overall, and taking his total prizemoney to £113,000. What a horse !
18 FOR KYLKENNY
Kylkenny today (20.12.05) notched his 6th win of the year, his 11th win at Southwell and 18th overall with another fine display, overturning the favourite, Danelor. All being well, he is likely to re-appear under a penalty next week.
BUNTING WINS IN SNOW !
Snow Bunting was the extremely topical winner at Wolverhampton today (28.11.05) of a race run in blizzard conditions. In fact it was the last race that took place before the meeting was abandoned ! Under a good ride from Tom Queally, Bunting was always going nicely and came with a well timed challenge in the final furlong to win comfortably.
KALMINI WINS £20,000 HURDLE
Kalmini today (19.11.05) won the £20,000 Totepool Hurdle at Huntingdon in hugely impressive style by 6 lengths from Kanpai, looking a very useful recruit to hurdling. The Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival would seem a realistic target at this stage.
Exciting New Novice Hurdler
We are pleased to announce a new horse for syndication - Kalmini in training with Sheena West in Sussex. Kalmini was a decent horse on the flat with Mick Channon and is delighting Sheena with the quality of his work at home. She should make an exciting novice hurdle prospect and has the size and scope to make a chaser in time.
Danehill Dancer Colt
WRB are delighted to announce a new horse available for syndication - a lovely Danehill Dancer yearling, who is a half brother to Luna Landing. Danehill Dancer was the leading sire of 2-y-o's in 2005 and is one of the most sought after stallions in the world, being the sire of Choisir amongst a host of top class offspring. His progeny averaged nearly £80,000 at the recent yearling sales. This colt should be an exciting prospect as a 2-y-o next season and is available at just £881 per 5% share.
KYLKENNY WINS AGAIN
Congratulations to Kylkenny, who today (26.9.05) won his 5th race of 2005 and his 17th in all. What a fantastic servant he has been, having given Nick Bazeley a winner on his first ever ride in April and Gemma Gracey-Davison a wonderful present, a winner on her 18th birthday in July.
ATRIFFIC WIN AT FOLKESTONE
A fantastic performace by Atriffic Story today (12.8.05) when winning easily at Folkestone. Well fancied, he annihilated the opoosition and is just starting to mature into his big frame. A fine prospect for the future.
SHIFTY WINS 4 ON THE TROT
Shifty today (23.5.05) won his fourth race on the trot in hugely impressive fashion at Carlisle, and his 5th of the year. Danielle McCreery, who rode her first ever winner on him recently, was again in the saddle making it 2 from 2.
GLORY QUEST RETIRES
Following the ruptured tendon injury suffered in his last race at Southwell, Glory Quest has been retired to a good home. The winner of 8 of his 78 races, and placed an addiitonal 35 times, he has been a fantastic servant for his owners. We all hope he can look forward to a long and happy retirement in his new home.
WRB Racing's 1,000th Runner
WRB Racing had its 1,000th runner in Britain on Sunday 31 October 2004 when Toque, trained by Hughie Morrison and ridden by Stephen Drowne, ran at Lingfield.