November Reflections

Hi Everyone

November began for us at Hexham with BELLE LE GRAND running in the 2m Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle. She finished down the field but she is definitely one to look forward to. She is now qualified for the valuable Ladbrokes Herring Queen Series Final at Kelso in March, a race we were lucky enough to win with LELOOPA last season. None of her owners could make the trip north so Lauren represented the team and upgraded six lucky racegoers to a complimentary owners and trainers experience.

​We then headed to Ascot where RUN AWAY JOE ran in the Ascot Round Table National Hunt Flat Race. He was a warm favourite but the race was over almost as soon as they started. The eventual winner grabbed a tidy lead under Brendan Powell and it was always going to be tough to make up the ground off an ordinary pace. Still, it was a beautiful day with our members and the hospitality at Ascot was outstanding.

Next came the Cheltenham November meeting where we ran JACK HYDE. This is one of my favourite meetings of the year and it did not disappoint. Jack ran his heart out to finish a close second in the 2m Valda Energy Novices’ Handicap Hurdle. Nobody likes losing but it was still special to greet our runner from the winner’s enclosure. The weather was dreadful but the rain didn’t dampen our spirits. We headed into Cheltenham with the team after racing and Taylor’s pub kept us going long into the night.

Then it was back to Ascot with SAINT JEANNAIS. I was more nervous than usual as I feel we have something a bit out of the ordinary with him. He was even money favourite after his easy success at Worcester and he ran well to finish a credible fourth. He was only beaten 5 lengths under a 4lb penalty. Racing can bring plenty of deflation but when they come home safe everything else is easier to swallow. The tactics were questioned but I was having none of it. If we want to aim for the Cheltenham Festival Bumper then he needs to be able to win from any position. Unfortunately he has come home with a small injury in the cannon bone which will need some time but I cannot wait to see what the future holds for him.

Next up RUN AWAY JOE ran again, this time in the 2m Racing TV Club Day Maiden Hurdle at Ludlow. It was his first start over hurdles and he was running a promising race, in touch with the leaders, before a mistake at the last saw him unseat Liam Harrison. Both came back safe and they will live to fight another day.

In other news we have purchased RAINBOW TARA, a beautiful five year old mare who ran a great race on her only start in the Junior Jumpers Mares National Hunt Flat Race at Cheltenham earlier in the year. We are very excited about her. She has settled in well at Dan Skelton’s yard and early reports are very positive. As you can see from the video below she's schooling very well. There's one share remaining in her but it won't be around for long!

We have sponsored Tom Broughton and hope to build a long association with him. He has already ridden eleven winners this season and as I have always said he is definitely a jockey to keep an eye on.

As I write this I’m on the train to London for the 59th HWPA Derby Awards. Our podcast Unbridled is nominated for the Content Award. Win or lose I am sure it will be a brilliant day!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas. If you are looking for a memorable gift for a loved one don’t forget I am only a phone call away.
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Paddy and the team

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