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Friday, 15 May 2015 |
"A man is not old as long as he is seeking something."
Jean Rostand.
Band Of Thunder (Joe) and Hold Firm (Reece)
Many apologies that the site is up very late today, but there has been a serious computer malfunction. It started off a bright morning, and although there is a bit of cloud around the temperature has kept up and there's no wind. It's been a very busy morning with several owners calling in to see their horses in training and their brood mares, All the horses have been out cantering on Hamilton Hill where it has all gone very smoothly. We shall be having another batch of visitors tomorrow morning before most of them go to the races here at Newmarket.
Astrowolf (Brian) and Star Commander (Niall)
We have one runner over the weekend. Prayer time runs in the 3.05, the 1m handicap at Thirsk. He is in very good form and although this is a competitive little contest, I expect him to run with credit. I may even leave him in the north of England and run him again on Monday at Redcar. It’s not far to go, just up the A19 and with the cost of travelling, we could get two for one, but I will wait and see how he takes the first race before making up my mind.
Joe taking off Singing Hinnie's boots after exercise
I wouldn't be surprised if we hadn't seen the Deby winner yesterday when Golden Horn smoothly won the Dante, which is usually the best trial for the premier classic. The big problem is that he is not entered and the owner will have to stump up £75,000 to supplement him for the race. These supplements are very expensive and, although there is a calculation for these things, you always want the best horses to run. However a lower figure, albeit a substantial one, would encourage more people to take the gamble,
Theola with her Cape Cross filly
For those of you that can remember Theola when she was in training with us a few years ago, will like the picture above of her with this year's Cape Cross foal. She was a fantastic mare and was very unlucky to pick up a problem after winning the Cesarewitch trial, as she would have had a great chance in the race itself. Only smallish, she had a heart of a lion and could quicken up well. I am sure she will pass these traits on to her offspring. As you can see from the photo, she is happy and well at Des and Mariann’s at Swordstown Little Stud in Ireland.
Where Swilken got his name
I thought I would show you the famous Swilken Bridge at St Andrews Golf Club, which our very own Swilken is named after. There have been many famous golfers over the years, photographed on this bridge and it is one of the great landmarks of world golf. There are many different spellings, especially in Scotland, but I was pleased to see that we had spelt it as the postcode depicts.
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