Runners Roundup

Just when we thought that spring was approaching we’ve been hit with another cold snap.  Thankfully this time there were no frozen taps and it was safe to keep using the gallops.  It was frustrating when racing was abandoned as we had horses rearing to get a day out but our patience has paid off.

We’ve had 12 runners in the last two weeks and lots of nice results.
On the 27th of February Fly By Milan, Gale Force One and President Scottie went up to Ayr.
Fly By had his first run over hurdles so we were all happy with his round of jumping.
It was Gale Force One’s first run back after having a long time off the track.  She was pulled up but she’s home safe and sound so she was just in need of the run.
Scottie made a start to his racing career, he showed signs of greenness so we’re looking forward to his progression.  Some of you may have heard what Nicky said on Racing Tv on Saturday, he only brings his nice bumper horses to Ayr!

President Scottie

Everyday Champagne ran on the 3rd of March at Doncaster.  He ran a brilliant race to finish second.  I don’t know about you, but my heart was in my mouth when he made a bad mistake at the 7th fence!  He hit it very hard and Sean Quinlan did an amazing job at staying on board and keeping champagne going.

The next day, we took Castle Rushen and Nells Son to Kelso.
Castle Rushen had a safe round of jumping which we were all happy about as he’s had a tricky start to his chasing career.
Nells Son took a hard fall at the third last hurdle when he was travelling exceptionally well under Danny McMenamin.  Thankfully himself and Danny are both fine and they have been schooling like pros at home since.

We had a brilliant day at Wetherby on the 6th with Famous Bridge getting off the mark over fences.  He was given a great ride by Brian Hughes,  they make a wonderful pair.

Brian Famous Bridge and Harry

On the 10th we went back to Ayr with No Regrets.  He chased the winner home and stayed on really well to finish second.  It was definitely his best run over fences to date.

We were back at Ayr again the next day with Headscarf Lil and Coniston George.  We’re back to the drawing board with Lil but but we absolutely need a moment of appreciation for George!  The whole yard knew he was capable of winning and he showed us just what he’s made of when he cruised past the winning post in front with his ears pricked.

Danny and George winning at Ayr

We had another winner yesterday and Market Rasen.  Universal Folly tackled some sticky ground and did us all proud.
Big Bad Bear also ran yesterday but the ground didn’t suit him as much, all that matters is that he’s home safe so we’re happy.

Conor Rabbitt riding Universal Folly to victory

I think it’s only right this week that I introduce Coniston George! He’s a 5 year old gelding by Flemensfirth.  We all knew that George would make a strong and hardy racehorse as he was a very cheeky boy when he first got to the yard.  He’s put a few of us on our backsides while he was showing us how athletic he could be but thankfully he’s matured really well and is a much loved character in the yard.  It’s a trait of many horses by Flemensfirth to have a quirky or cheeky side to them so George definitely fits the brief there!  His first run at Haydock showed just how tough he could be when he galloped through a tight gap between two horses, chased the leader home and pulled 14 lengths clear of the rest of the field! Even though he finished second he couldn’t have been happier.  His win on Saturday was no surprise to us at the yard and we’re all excited to see what else he has in store.

George and word rider Rueben Smith on the gallops