One of my favourite horses, 10 year old ‘Jawaab’ got his head back in front yesterday with a typically battling performance at Hexham, Adam not giving up on him when he was headed and grinding it out to an eventual 19 length victory. Hopefully the handicapper will not take this selling hurdle form too literally and he will get the chance to get his head in front again. He will also be back on the flat over marathon trips this summer. We had had four other good runs, the newcomer Indalo Returns showing plenty of promise with a good 2nd in the first race on the card, Embsay Crag running a close 3rd at Pontefract, Noir Girl improving on her first hurdles start for 3rd in the 2nd division of the novice hurdle, with Hail the Brave staying on in 4th just behind her on his hurdling debut.
Jawaab and Adam Nicol lead in by Corben, in winning form at Hexham – photo by Keith Foster
This is our second winner in just 2 days and after a quiet spell the horses seem to be coming back to themselves, Sleeping Apache ridden by Connor Beasley got the ball back rolling at Redcar on saturday for a 2 1/2 length success in the maiden for Geoff and Sandra Turnbull. He has been progressive in all his 3 starts now and this was a very pleasing win for connections
We have two runners this evening at Thirsk – Herenowandwhy (Blackie) for Jolly Beggars Racing and Oly’roccs for the Grech family, both have decent chances and good luck to all involved.
Ex racer and broodmare News:
Broodmares Pickworth and Helen Wood are now out at Middleham with their foals ‘Ruby’ and ‘Sherbet’ . We are pleased to say that all mares are scanned BACK in foal:
Lady Chapp – Robin des Champs
Lady Chloe – Shirocco
Pickworth – Scorpion
Helen Wood – Sulamaani
Helen Wood with her filly foal, Ruby
Royalty – Andorn (yes, Andorn!! our 7 time winner)
Royalty at stud
Epicurean – Passing Glance (to join us in September – next years foal will be a full sister or brother to Avidity)
Epicurean and her 2014 filly foal
We will also have our Josr Algarhoud colt foal (Show Potential) and Equiano filly foal (Hulla Ballew) joining us at weaning time.
Show Potential with her foal we have called Joss
* * * *
There has been lots of recent lovely Ex racer stories to update you with.
Word of Warning has taken to his showing really well and i am very proud of him, he was recently champion at Lanchester Show. His next big show is in 2 weeks time although there were 48 in his latest class, its very tough to get to Horse of the Year Show with an ex racer, just 12 places available throughout the country.
Word of Warning – Smokey
Eslepth’s Boy has gone to a wonderful new home with Shirley Errington, he had his first trip out accompanying her grandchildren at Pony Club yesterday and he is being trained to take a side saddle as well! Shirley adores him and he has been nicknamed ‘Elvis”.
It is a continuing struggle finding good homes for our retired ones (but when we get our updates it makes it all so worthwhile!). We currently have TWO to re-home, a super looking 6 year old bay gelding, 16.2hh that is a forward but not stupid ride and jumps well – he will be a great all rounder for someone. Photo below.
And also a very quiet steady hack that is looking for a quiet life and lots of attention – a very handsome 16.3hh gelding with a wonderful nature.