Julia Feilden Racing

It is often said that 'horses aren't machines' and this is no truer than when buying a new horse. Unlike a car, you can't take it on a test drive to see if is any good as you have to wait and get the horse to a high level of fitness after you've bought him before letting him loose and seeing how good he really is. This has been the case with our two latest recruits, Kemsing and Teputina, who I bought last month. Kemsing had been showing good signs during his slower paces and I'm delighted to say there seems to be a big engine underneath the bonnet. He hasn't shown much form for his previous trainer in a few runs but he has blossomed since coming to ours and I can see him doing well this winter on the all weather. There are still a few shares left in him at £1200 per 10% plus £200 per month training fees. He is set to run early next month so get in before he is in high demand! Email me on juliafeilden@aol.com for more info.

Kemsing (front)

Before Kemsing runs though, we have a few runners this week who will be looking to show off their maximum horsepower.
Vastly has been running into some form lately and is definitely a better horse on the all-weather. I'm desperate to run him at Wolverhampton, the track he won at, but there just is never an ideal race so he goes to Kempton on Monday and I hope he can run well again there, like he has done before.

Vastly

Accompanying him to Sunbury Park will be Serendib's Glory. She is only two-year old and had some time off in the summer to strengthen up. She has come back from the break very well and is now ready to make her debut. She is likely to need the experience and it looks a competitive race so I'll be happy is she can just enjoy her first taste of racing.

Serendib's Glory

After the horrendous weather we had last Saturday, it was a delight to be greeted with sunshine and clear blue skies this time around and the good weather brought out a great bunch of owners. As I always say, our yard is open to owners any day of the week and you are more than welcome to pop in. Saturday is a popular day to come as we usually have a good few horses galloping and it obviously suits most people's working hours.

Team Feilden out in force on the gallops

The crowds were out to see Star of the Stage go through his final workout before heading to Lingfield on Wednesday. He has been drawn widest of all on his two runs for us so hopefully it'll be third time lucky and we won't be starting from the car park! He ideally needs to make the running so a good draw will help this and it will see him to better effect.

Star of the Stage (Adam), Maison Brillet, Teputina (Caitlin)

Then on Friday Dissertation goes to Wolverhampton in a bid to show us the ability we know she has. She has been disappointing the last twice but I think she needs to make the running too as she doesn't enjoy being amongst horses. I'm toying with the idea of putting some headgear on her again but whatever happens, she should be winning in this low grade if putting her mind to it.

Dissertation (Mark; front)

Limerick Lord was given a month or so off just to freshen up a bit and he has come out of the break in great form. He won't take much to get ready again so I expect him to be back on track in the next fortnight.

It is a bit of a shock how quickly the year has flown by as we enter December. The yard is still full to the brim and, after taking into account the horses who are on a break, we have around a dozen to campaign over the winter. Winners-wise, we are on the same number as last year so it would be great to nick another one before the year is out to just edge ahead.

The quest goes to Chelmsford on Monday with Attain. He has had a great year with three wins on the board but has been a bit high in the weights since. However, he is now back down to a rating of 60 which means he can race in the grade he is usually competitive in. The favourite was a winner last time and might be hard to beat but Attain maintains his form and is always surprising us.

Attain

The horsebox gets a breather until Saturday then when Limerick Lord has his first run back after a short break. He was banging his head against a brick wall over sprint distances during the summer so we're taking the decision to step him right up in trip and try him over a mile. He is a keen horse at home which gives you the impression he is a sprinter but he just cannot find a turn of foot over this short trip. Mark Rimmer has done a great job to get him settled and relaxed at home so hopefully now he won't pull hard in his race and can stay the extra trip. The surface at Southwell will be an unknown too but he does look the type who would be able to handle it.

Teputina (Caitlin) & Limerick Lord (Mark)

New boy Kemsing continues to please me as he builds up to his run on the 18th December. I worked him with a good yard stick in Automotive over seven furlongs to get a good gauge of his ability and it seems that there is plenty there. You'd have to think that he would be able to win off a rating of just 50. A handful of 10% shares are still available in him for just £1200 each. Contact me on juliafeilden@aol.com for more details.

Automotive (Ross) & Kemsing (Nick)

Our six yearlings are all doing great as they begin their careers as racehorses. The two boys are both in regular cantering exercise on the Heath whilst the Sakhee's Secret and Bahamian Bounty fillies both returned to the yard on Saturday after a spell in pre-training. They will have their first sight of the Heath tomorrow and I can't wait to train them!

Big Bang (Sam)

I said last week that I hoped we could grab another winner before the year was out to better last year's tally and we did it sooner than I though after Limerick Lord got things right and won at Southwell. He had been struggling over sprint distances so he looked worth a try over a bit further. The course is ideal for horses who have early speed so his sprinting experience meant he could get a good early position and it was just a case of whether he would stay the mile trip. Luckily he did and won with a bit in hand. He is unexposed at this kind of distance so you'd hope he could have more success this winter.

Limerick Lord (Shelley Birkett) win at Southwell

Hopefully we can get another winner on the board before 2015 draws to a close and this week sees some good chances, starting Monday at Wolverhampton with Automotive. Nothing went right for him last time but he won over course and distance the time before so a reproduction of that effort should see him go close, if getting the luck in running he needs.

Automotive winning last month

The following day we are at Kempton as Vastly tries to make a winning mark after an encouraging return to action. He hasn't had the rub of the green recently but has still ran well and it will only require a change in fortune to see him get his head in front.

Vastly (Adam)

The end of the week sees our recent purchases hit the track for the first time for us.
At Chelmsford on Thursday, Teputina sees a racecourse for the first time. She was bought very cheaply from Clive Brittain's dispersal sale in October and she has done nothing wrong since joining us. Her homework has been to a good standard and she is very well behaved in the stalls so I hope she can run a respectable race and show something to build on for the future.
Also at Chelmsford that night is Star Of The Stage. He has had no luck since joining us, being draw in the widest stall on all three runs for the yard. He needs to make the running so a good draw is crucial. He is well at home so it's just a case of keeping our fingers crossed that he gets a good draw!

Kemsing (Ross), Teputina (Caitlin) & Star Of The Stage (Nick)

Rounding off a busy week is new boy Kemsing on Friday. It's hard to believe he is only a two-year old as he is so well-grown and mentally mature you would think he is an older horse. He is going well at home and I think a track like Southwell will be ideal for him as he is a strong traveller. He didn't show much form in four runs for his last trainer but that means he is very well handicapped now and I hope he can make a quick impact.

Dakota City is fit and well and, after having a good chat with his jockey Adam, we feel it is worth trying him over two miles as his rapid acceleration could be lethal over that kind of trip and he settles so well in his races that he should save his energy over the longer distance. There isn't an ideal race until the new year so he will be kept for that assignment.

Dakota City (Mark)

The jumps season is now in full swing and, with that in mind, Ross is planning an owners' day trip to the Cheltenham Festival. The date pencilled in is Thursday 17th March - St Patrick's Day of The Festival which hosts the World Hurdle and Ryanair Chase. The cost of the trip will include racecourse tickets and bus transfers from Newmarket and back. At this stage Ross just wants an idea of numbers so please can you register your interest by emailing rbirkett1989@hotmail.co.uk
This trip is open to anyone so feel free to invite your friends if you think they would be interested.

A couple of weeks ago I said it would be great if we could nick one more winner before the year was out to beat last year's winner's tally so I'm even happier to have now gone two ahead thanks to Kemsing's great win at Southwell on Friday. Regular readers of the blog will know I've been banging on about him for a while now so it was fantastic to win with him on his first run for the yard after we bought him at the October Tattersalls sales. Personally, it is very satisfying to win with a horse fresh from another trainer's yard as it goes to show that we must be doing something right here at Harraton Stud.
As well as saying how well he goes, I've also been trying to sell shares in him as only 20% had been sold so I thought the best way to advertise his abilities would be to prove how fast he can run! This win is just the start of what could be a profitable winter for him and £1200 for a 10% share (with £200 per month all-inclusive training fees) could look very cheap by the spring. Thankfully there has already been immediate interest but if you would like to join the syndicate or want more details, please email me on juliafeilden@aol.com

Kemsing returns to the winner's enclosure

We seem to have hit a rich vein of form at Southwell with our last two runners there winning and I hope Dark Diamond can bring up the hat-trick on Tuesday. He looked for all the world like needing further when third at the track over a mile last time so the step up in trip should be ideal. He is still a maiden but certainly deserves to win a race and it should be this winter.

Dark Diamond

Racing takes a break for a few days before the Christmas period and, after enjoying some turkey on the 25th and watching some top-class jumps racing on Boxing Day, we'll be heading to Chelmsford on Sunday with Attain. He was unlucky not to win there last time after getting boxed in and showed that he is still fresh and well after a long season. He unfortunately bruised his foot at the weekend but he has recovered well from it and we will see over the course of the week what kind of shape he is in before deciding whether to run or not.

Attain winning earlier in the year

Four of our six yearlings are back at our yard from pre-training now and I'm very happy with them all. I bought Secret Ballerina with the hope that she would be a razor-sharp juvenile and the early signs are good as she goes about her steady work in a great manner. The two-year old races don't start until next April so we will take things slowly with her, building up her preparation along the way.

Secret Ballerina (Adam)

Mungo Madness (Ross)

I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has very kindly brought presents to the yard over the last few weeks. Myself and John will certainly be kept merry over the Christmas period with all the wine and even the dogs are well catered for with all the biscuits that have been brought in.
There's no chance of getting fat at ours with the horses all still needing to be looked after over the weekend, although they will be having easy days on Friday and Saturday before getting back into the routine.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and I hope you enjoy spending time with your families and, if you complain that the weather is too mild to be Christmas, remember it won't be long before we're back to scenes like this!

Emma's Gift winning in the snow at Wolverhampton

I hope you all had a great Christmas weekend and enjoyed spending time with your families. It is a lovely time of the year but with horses to look after, things never really stop here at Harraton Stud and I'll be happy when the working world returns back to some normality! With jumps racing taking centre stage over the weekend, it was great to sit back and relax whilst watching some top-class jumps action. Cue Card's King George win has to go down as one of the classics whilst it was a joy to watch two greats like Sprinter Sacre and Sire De Grugy battle it out the following day.

It's back to business now though and we kick off with Art Beat at Southwell tomorrow. She has shown some promise in maidens and has been given a low rating by the handicapper but I suspect the six furlong trip might be a bit sharp for her against some more experienced rivals.

Then on Wednesday we head to Lingfield with a pair of raiders. Teputina ran a blinder to finish second on her debut at Chelmsford last time and the run has really woken her up at home. She should be a lot more street-wise this time and I hope she can grab a place in what isn't a too strong maiden race.

Teputina (Caitlin)

Also at Lingfield is Star Of The Stage. He hasn't had much luck since joining us but his last run was a step in the right direction and I feel he is now coming down to a rating he can be competitive off. We are still learning about him but I wouldn't be surprised if he ran well.

Star Of The Stage (Mark)

There's not a lot on then until Saturday when Dissertation goes to Southwell. She looked a much better proposition over a long trip last time and I think two miles at this kind of track will be ideal. She always works like a horse with plenty of ability at home and we just need to find a way of unlocking it!

Dissertation (Ross)

Dakota City continues to train exceptionally well ahead of his try over two miles next week. He will have one more gallop before then and that should put him spot on for the new assignment.

Dakota City (Mark) & Candesta (Sarah)

Veeraya (Sam)

I'm delighted to report that stable star Sabre Rock is now back in light exercise as he begins his recuperation from injury. He kept us all warm last winter by winning all five of his race for us and I still think he is a horse with plenty more improvement to come. We will take things slowly with him but the aim is to have him back by April. He has come back looking like a tank and was delighted to be out on the Heath again!

I hope you all had a good time over the New Year celebrations, mine was lovely a meal round a friend's house in the village which ended with John and I both asleep by 10.30pm! The horses keep you out of trouble as they always needs attention everyday of the year. I'll be glad when the rest of the country gets back to work so things can finally get done!

Reflecting on last year, it was another consistent season and a good end to the campaign saw us finish with 16 winners, three more than in 2014 which means we are improving! We had an identical number of 2nds (19) than 12 months ago too so it must mean we had a few horses who were better at winning than before. None of this would be possible without the support of my lovely owners and I can honestly say there isn't one who I would not call a friend and it makes the job a hell of a lot easier when you are training racehorses for lovely people. Thank you all and let's hope 2016 can bring more winners and wine!

Dissertation was our first runner of the new year on Saturday and she did well to finish 3rd. All she does is stay so I think she should win a race over two miles before the spring is here.

Hoping to get the first score on the board is Vastly at Southwell on Tuesday. He's stepping right up to 1m4f but it's a trick which worked for Dark Diamond when he won at the track last month so I hope lightning can strike twice. Vastly is in great form and is now down to a good handicap mark so everything looks in place for a good run.

Dakota City (Ross) & Vastly (Adam) working up Long Hill

Cooling off after exercise

Also at Southwell on Tuesday is Artbeat. She ran a career best when a narrow second at the track last time and the turnaround in the weights gives her a great chance. It remains to be seen whether she can take another run just a week after the last but we had to make the most of her handicap mark before it is reassessed the following day.

On Wednesday, Attain goes to Chelmsford. He bruised his foot a couple of weeks ago but has recovered from that fine and is well in himself on the gallops. He is down to a good handicap mark and probably would have won last time with a clear run. He has been on the go a long time but it would be wonderful if he could add to his three wins from last year.

Attain (right) back when there was less mud in the world!

Rounding off the week is Dark Diamond at Southwell on Sunday. He bolted up over the course and distance last time but the handicapper wasn't taking any chances and upped him seven pounds in the weights. It means he has to race in a higher grade now but he looked like he loved the track's unique surface last time so we will see how he goes.

Dark Diamond

All the horses who were on their winter holidays are now back in exercise on the horse walker and it will be a few more weeks before they are ready to canter again. There are some really exciting individuals among them as well as some old favourites so they are something to look forward to so watch this space!

The wet weather shows no signs of stopping and, although we have to deal with a lot of mud in the yard at the minute, my heart goes out to all of those in the north who are battling daily with flood water in their homes. A few years ago we had a pipe burst underground which flooded the hay barn area and caused a fair bit of work to get rid of all the sodden stuff so I can’t imagine what it’s like to have water in your home. Although we do not have any jumpers at the minute, I still watch the jumps action daily and it looks pretty tough at the moment with the bottomless ground around the country but I suppose it may be a blessing for some as it could just be the perfect ground for their particular horse.

York racecourse under water

All-weather racing has its critics but at least you can go to the races with the peace of mind that the ground will be roughly as it always is. So many times during the summer we have traveled to the races only to find the going is not at all like the Clerk of the Course’s description and had a fruitless day as a result.

On Wednesday, Dakota City heads to Kempton. I had been planning to run him over two miles but there just isn’t a suitable race around for him at the minute so we will stick to the distance he usually runs over until the right opportunity arises. He is working well at home and seems in good health but I do feel the handicapper has him in his grip at the moment.

Automotive (Nick) & Dakota City (Adam)

I’m sure you all know that Automotive is one of the more ‘characterful’ horses in the yard and one of his pet hates is the dentist. I like the horses to have regular dental check-ups as bad teeth can affect their appetite and also their comfort when ridden. However, Automotive will not go near a dentist and had gone a long time without seeing one as he seemed none the worse for it. Dodging the dentist eventually caught up with him this last week though as he wasn’t eating as much as usual and further inspection revealed he had some nasty ulcers in his mouth. Horse’s teeth are not like human’s – they continually grow, hence the term ‘long in the tooth’. Horses have to have their teeth painlessly rasped regularly to ensure the teeth do not get too long and start digging into the gum line. This is the stage Automotive had got to so action had to be taken – he was sedated by the vet and then could have his teeth sorted out. Since then he has been much happier and eating as well as ever. We’ll see if he’s feeling better this week as he goes to Chelmsford on Thursday and it will be interesting to see how he goes at a track he has never run on before.

Limerick Lord (Mark) & Kemsing (Ross)

Serendib's Glory (Chloe)

Veeraya (Sam) & Candesta (Caitlin)

Attain never really fired at Chelmsford last week but it was a race run at a muddling gallop which would not have suited him. He has come out of the race in good health so I’ve given him an entry at Lingfield on Saturday. I’ll have to see how he takes the next few days and if he is feeling fresh enough we will take our chance.

I was happy enough to get the first winner of 2016 on the board when Dakota City won at Kempton on Wednesday but to double up with Attain at Lingfield on Saturday was even better. It was only last week on the way back from Chelmsford after Attain had run a stinker that myself and Poppy were wondering where our next winner would come from but these two boys put in near career-bests to finish in front.
I probably frustrated a few people with Dakota after saying I was going to run him over a longer trip but then reverted back to his usual distance. This was only because there were no suitable races for him over two miles and luckily he showed his well being by winning over his usual distance. I am still keen to try him over further but it needs to be at the right time.

Dakota City & Adam Beschizza win at Kempton

Attain is a credit to himself and notched his fourth win in 12 months. He handicaps himself and only wins when he is back down to 60-rated grade. It is likely he will go up a few pounds for this win, have to race in a higher grade and then only get competitive again when he eventually falls down again but he seems to love his routine and is a great, fun horse for the N.E.T. Racing Club which you can join for just £200 a year.

Attain and Shelley Birkett score for the N.E.T. Racing Club

Hopefully we have some other good chances this week.
On Tuesday at Southwell we have a trio of raiders, starting with Candesta. He finally got his head in front at Kempton a few weeks back and has been training well since. He seems to go best when a bit fresh so the short break isn't a worry and he has shown form at the course before. After waiting so long for his first success, it's hard to be confident but he should be competitive.
Star Of The Stage is unproven at the course but I think it is somewhere he will handle. He is coming back down to a grade where he can win at and, although it is a competitive race, he could be in the shake-up.

Star Of The Stage (Adam) & Candesta (Liam)

Completing the trio is Kemsing. He won on his first run for us since being bought at the sales over the course and distance last month. He has come on great guns for that win and, although we wanted to try him over a mile, this looked another good opportunity so hopefully he can continue his good run.

Limerick Lord (Mark) & Kemsing (Ross)

We're back to Southwell on Thursday but with just the one runner as Limerick Lord looks to follow up his recent win there. The success did his confidence the world of good and his regular rider Mark has been very happy with the horse's form. He will need to raise his game after going up in the weights but the horse does seem a lot more happy and relaxed now so fingers crossed he can improve.

Kemsing and Limerick Lord cool down

I will give Teputina an entry in a maiden at Chelmsford on Sunday and, depending on how she gallops on Tuesday, she could take her chance. She only needs one more run to qualify for handicaps and then she will find life a lot easier.

Serendib's Glory has been going great guns lately and her debut run late last year really brought her on and she will be ready to visit the track again soon. Her owner's other horse, Veeraya, is making his way back to full fitness after a break and he too is in good order. He is well handicapped now so I hope we can nick a race with him before the all-weather season comes to an end.

Serendib's Glory (Liam) & Veeraya (Ross)

Even after 40 years working in horse racing, I am always learning and trying new things. This was shown no better last week than with Kemsing. He ran on Tuesday and looked an unlucky loser when beaten two heads into third place. Shelley came in afterwards annoyed that she had committed the horse too early. I had declared him for the following Thursday just in case he won easily but, after getting beaten, this looked like a bad move. However, Kemsing came out of the race so well the following day - he had eaten all of his dinner and breakfast and was kicking the door down - I decided to let him take his chance again, just two days after running. If my memory is correct, this is the first time I have let a horse run that soon after a previous race but luckily it all paid off as Shelley bided her time and Kemsing scored an easy win by over three lengths!
I still can't believe I own 60% of this horse - selling shares hasn't been easy and I can't understand why; this is a horse on the upgrade fast and he is still a long way from reaching his peak. 10% shares are available for the price they have always been - £1200 a share plus £200 per month all-inclusive training fees. If he wins again I might have to start putting the price up! Email me on juliafeilden@aol.com for more details.

Kemsing returns victorious

I'm delighted to report that the horses seem to be in great form with three winners on the board already this new year. Hopefully the ball can keep rolling and we can have a record-breaking year.
Already a winner in 2016 is Dakota City and he finally gets a chance to run over a long trip at Chelmsford on Thursday. I've been wanting to run him over further for a while and his win last time over his usual distance was a bonus. He settles very well so I think he has every chance of getting 1m6f and his turn of foot could be lethal against slower horses. Chelmsford do a great job and the prize money there is probably the best in the country - Dakota's class 5 race is worth £8000. We are taking a gamble with him but I hope it's one that pays dividends.

Dakota City (Caitlin)

Dark Diamond ran very flat last time after winning at Southwell before that and I think he just struggles with the rise in grade that comes after winning. He will need to drop a few pounds in the weights again and he can only do that by running so he heads to Lingfield on Friday. He is usually a reliable horse so hopefully he can bounce back and get competitive again.

Dark Diamond (Nick)

I was going to run Vastly this week but his usual jockey Adam advised against it as he felt last time that the horse didn't stay the 1m4f trip so he has to wait another week or two before there's a suitable race. He will probably try claiming company as he can get in off a good weight and there should be a smallish field which seems to suit him.
Architech is coming along nicely and isn't far off making his debut for the N.E.T. Racing Club. He has needed time to mature but looks a nice, strong gelding now and a run will do him the world of good.

Vastly (Mark) & Architech (Liam)

Our six juveniles are coming along very well and going about their canters with great professionalism. Obviously, the two-year old races do not start until April so there's plenty of learning for them to do yet but the early signs are promising and I definitely think they are the best bunch of babies we have had in a good few years. I just hope I'm right!

Secret Ballerina (Chloe)

Champagne Reef (Liam)

I'll give you an early warning that the hugely popular 'Three To Follow' competition will be back again this year with the start date penciled in to be March 1st. More details will follow in the coming weeks but you can get some early form research done to find those points scorers!

I can sleep very well at night now that I know just outside my bedroom window is a yard full of horses, all of which are capable of doing themselves proud this year - as some have done already. The yard is in a very healthy position numerically with a horse poking out of every stable door but all these horses need to be given the best care and attention so finding the right staff is always difficult, as many yards are currently experiencing with the nationwide staff shortage. Luckily things haven't been too bad here at Harraton Stud and we were fortunate enough to have a pair of great riders join us earlier in the year, both of whom you may have already met working away in the yard.
Liam is a lovely, quiet rider and has had masses of experience at some of the best yards in the country, as well as gaining experience in Dubai and New Zealand. He has now decided the time is right to race ride and I'm delighted to have him as my 7lb apprentice. He will be a valuable asset in the apprentice-only races and we're just waiting for the BHA to issue his licence before he can show the world what he has got!

Liam

Chloe has joined us fresh from the British Racing School in Newmarket and she is already far above the usual standard of their graduates. She goes about her job very professionally and has fitted into the team very well. Alongside Caitlin, Ross, Mark, Poppy, John and the rest of the staff, I feel I have a great mix of riders and personalities who should bring out the best in the horses. Now you've been introduced, don't be afraid to say hello!

Chloe

Unfortunately we couldn't make it a winning week again last week with Dark Diamond missing his race with an infection and Dakota City not having the race run to suit him at Lingfield on Saturday. Undeterred, we look ahead to this coming week with a handful of runners.
Starting on Thursday at Chelmsford, Serendib's Glory visits a racetrack again after her debut late last year. I haven't rushed her along as she has needed time to fill her chunky frame but her homework is improving nicely. She will need this experience again but she is one to bear in mind for handicaps later in the season.

Serendib's Glory (Adam) & Veeraya (Ross)

Also on Thursday, Limerick Lord goes back to Southwell. He raced too keenly last time and had little left at the finish so we will try to ride him a bit more patiently this time and save his energy for the end. He is still on a mark I think he can win off and we know he likes the track.
Incidentally, a 10% share has now become available in Limerick Lord. If you are looking for a good, fun horse who will give you plenty of days out and excitement over the course of the year then look no further. If you are interested and would like to find out more, please email on juliafeilden@aol.com

Limerick Lord

Anyone who says that claiming races are for bad horses has clearly been asleep for the past 10 years as nowadays they are extremely competitive and you need a talented horse to win one. It is not uncommon to see horse rated in the high 80s running in a claimer and because they are usually of a veteran age, connections can put them in for a low price safe in the knowledge no one will buy the horse yet it is weighted to win. I've had Vastly entered in a couple of these races but there is always a couple of highly-rated horses in there who, at the weights, you have no chance beating. He is entered at Wolverhampton on Friday and I might have to run him just because there are no other suitable races.

Vastly (Tess)

Rounding off the week will be Veeraya at Lingfield on Saturday. He usually runs his best when fresh so the recent break has done him no harm and he is actually galloping very well at home. He is hard to predict and doesn't win very often but it wouldn't surprise me if he was in the prize money.

Our Three To Follow competition is always very popular and provides plenty of banter throughout the year as well as a cash prize to the winner. This year's edition will be the longest yet with a start date of March 1st and running up until December 1st.
The rules are simple: pick three horses from the two pools and watch them collect points throughout the season - 10 points for a win, 5 for 2nd, 3 for 3rd and (new for this year) your horse will get one point every time it runs and isn't placed. So choose wisely and look for tough and consistent horses who will be prolific points scorers!

POOL A (Two and three-year olds) PICK ONE HORSE
Mungo Madness 2 year old (by Sir Percy)
Our Cilla 2yo (Sixties Icon)
My Name Is Jeff 2yo (Mount Nelson)
Kemsing 3yo (Footstepsinthesand)
Champagne Reef 2yo (Literato)
Secret Ballerina 2yo (Sakhee's Secret)
Sunset Bounty 2yo (Bahamian Bounty)
Serendib's Glory 3yo (Holy Roman Emperor)
Architech 3yo (Archipenko)
Little Orchid 3yo (Observatory)
Go On Gal 3yo (Approve)
Big Bang 3yo (Observatory)

POOL B (Older horses) PICK TWO HORSES
Silver Alliance
Dark Diamond
Vastly
Dissertation
Limerick Lord
Veeraya
Star Of The Stage
Sabre Rock
Candesta
Dakota City
Automotive
Attain
The Ducking Stool
Handheld
Harry Bosch
Moment To Dream
Duke Of Diamonds

Once you have made your mind up, email your three to rbirkett1989@hotmail.co.uk
Points will be collected from March 1st so don't wait too long!

It's not often that I head to the races thinking we have next to no chance as I always try and give my horses the best possible opportunity to win. However, travelling to Wolverhampton on Friday night I thought we had no chance of winning with Vastly and was only running him to keep him in peak fitness as there aren't many races about for him. The reason for my pessimism was because he was running in a claimer and had a lot to find at the weights against some highly rated horses. However, these old horses are in claimers for a reason and that became apparent when two furlongs from home Vastly had quickened away from the field and everyone else was struggling! Adam gave him a lovely ride to make all the running and the horse loved being out in front.. I'm chuffed for the owners as this horse has had quite a few setbacks so this win definitely rewards their patience.

Vastly and Adam on the gallops

Vastly's win made it four winners for 2016 already and it would be nice to get another one soon as we have some good chances.
On Tuesday at Southwell, Dark Diamond will try to bounce back after a poor run last time. He came back that day with a cut in behind so that may have been an excuse but he seems very well at home and should have a chance. Both Shelley and Adam aren't available to ride so we've got champion all-weather jockey Luke Morris booked and he will suit Diamond who can be a bit lazy.

Dissertation (Liam) & Dark Diamond (Mark)

We're back to Southwell the following day with a pair of runners and I hope Dissertation can finally start to show the ability I know she has got. All she does is stay so the two miles at the track will suit her ideally and her last two runs have been promising. I've been keen for the jockeys to not be too hard on her with the whip as she needs to learn to like racing and that has shown the last twice as she galloped all the way to the line. Hopefully she can put her new-found enthusiasm to good use.
Also on the fibresand will be Artbeat. She flopped after a good run at the track but those runs were only a week apart so I think it all came too soon. She has been freshened up again now and can hopefully go the right way again.

Artbeat (Adam) & Automotive (Ross)

We're set for a busy night on Saturday with three entered for Wolverhampton.
If he is ok, Vastly could take his chance again because he needs to run before the handicapper reassess him and puts him out of the 0-60 rated grade. He doesn't win very often so it remain to be seen whether he can string two good efforts together!
Another out again quickly will be Dakota City. Adam will tell you himself he probably didn't give him the best of rides last time so this is his chance to make amends, providing the horse acts on the track which he has never tried before.
Completing the trio is Automotive. He is a law unto himself and has been taking life a bit too easy recently so we'll put some cheekpieces on him just to wake him up a bit. He is well handicapped now and capable of winning if on a going day.

Candesta (Caitlin)

The two-year olds are coming along very nicely and have started doing a bit of work upsides now. They aren't galloping at full speed yet as it's too early to be testing them to the max but I'm very happy with how they're going.

The two-year olds sit upsides

Finally, I hope you will join me in wishing my sister Poppy and her fiance Trevor all the best on their wedding this Tuesday. It's just a low-key affair but they are making up for it with a spectacular honeymoon in Dubai and The Maldives. Trevor is part of the syndicate who owns Vastly so I told them his win was their wedding present!

John managed to find enough romance in himself to buy me a dozen red roses today but the best Valentine's Day gift I could have asked for was another winner and thankfully that came on Saturday night.
We were all a bit disappointed with Dakota City's defeat at Lingfield last time and felt he could have done better so Adam made amends and gave him a super, patient ride to use the horse's lethal burst of speed at the right time. Dakota is so laid back but he is turning into a progressive and exciting horse on the all-weather. It's always great to get a winner but it's even better when all the owners are there to share in the victory and thankfully we had a big bunch of happy faces present!

Dakota City and Adam win at Wolverhampton

Happy owners receiving their trophy

The yard has made a great start to the year and it would be fantastic to get a load of winners under the belt before our usual quieter period in the spring.
Looking to notch his second win of 2016 this week is Kemsing. He has really flourished since we bought him and made it 2/3 at Southwell when winning there last time. He returns to the track again on Tuesday and faces some of the same horses but with adjusted weights this time. He will need to improve to defy the weight rise but I still think there is more left in the tank.

Kemsing (Ross) & Star Of The Stage (Adam)

The following day Candesta goes to Kempton and I think he will appreciate the drop in grade after having to race in some classier company following his win at the track late last year. He is in great form at home and seems very happy so I hope he can regain some form again if in the mood.

Candesta (Caitlin)

Then we finish the week of runners off on Thursday with a couple at Chelmsford.
Limerick Lord won at Southwell in December but has looked a bit sick of the place in two runs since then so I'm hoping the change of track will help perk him up. He enjoys following a strong pace so hopefully he will get that here.

Limerick Lord

Also at Chelmsford is Serendib's Glory. She will be having her third run and will qualify for handicaps next time. She is improving with every run and will be one to watch later on in the year.

Serendib''s Glory (Chloe)

Thank you for all your Three To Follow entries that are already pouring in. If you haven't entered yet, don't hang around as points start getting collected from March 1st so don't miss out.
Here is a reminder of how to enter:
Our Three To Follow competition is always very popular and provides plenty of banter throughout the year as well as a cash prize to the winner. This year's edition will be the longest yet with a start date of March 1st and running up until December 1st.
The rules are simple: pick three horses from the two pools and watch them collect points throughout the season - 10 points for a win, 5 for 2nd, 3 for 3rd and (new for this year) your horse will get one point every time it runs and isn't placed. So choose wisely and look for tough and consistent horses who will be prolific points scorers!

POOL A (Two and three-year olds) PICK ONE HORSE
Mungo Madness 2 year old (by Sir Percy)
Our Cilla 2yo (Sixties Icon)
My Name Is Jeff 2yo (Mount Nelson)
Kemsing 3yo (Footstepsinthesand)
Champagne Reef 2yo (Literato)
Secret Ballerina 2yo (Sakhee's Secret)
Sunset Bounty 2yo (Bahamian Bounty)
Serendib's Glory 3yo (Holy Roman Emperor)
Architech 3yo (Archipenko)
Little Orchid 3yo (Observatory)
Go On Gal 3yo (Approve)
Big Bang 3yo (Observatory)

POOL B (Older horses) PICK TWO HORSES
Silver Alliance
Dark Diamond
Vastly
Dissertation
Limerick Lord
Veeraya
Star Of The Stage
Sabre Rock
Candesta
Dakota City
Automotive
Attain
The Ducking Stool
Handheld
Harry Bosch
Moment To Dream
Duke Of Diamonds

Once you have made your mind up, email your three to rbirkett1989@hotmail.co.uk
Points will be collected from March 1st so don't wait too long!

It has been a busy week at the yard with loads happening on the gallops, at the racetrack and even in the breeding shed!
I'm sure you'll agree though that one of the best sights is seeing our stable star, Sabre Rock, back in action after a long time off through injury. He has been a revelation since we bought him as a five-year old who had never won a race back in October 2014 for just 8,000gns. He quickly found his feet and won his first five races for us, narrowly missing out on the all-weather horse of the year prize on count-back. After this 5th win, he tweaked a tendon and was given plenty of time off. A year on, he is now steadily building back up to full fitness and I pray that he can stay in one piece and continue his rapid rise through the ranks.

Sabre Rock (Mark)

Along with Sabre, plenty of the other old favourites are making their way back to race fitness ahead of the new turf season. The Ducking Stool, Silver Alliance and Harry Bosch always win a race every year and they seem as happy as ever to be doing a bit of faster work now.

The Ducking Stool (Nick) & Silver Alliance (Caitlin)

Harry Bosch (Tess)

Moment To Dream and Little Orchid have both had a few runs for experience but have needed time to strengthen up and they both seem to have done very well for the winter break. They too are coming back to fighting fitness and will be ready for the new season.

Moment To Dream (Chloe)

Little Orchid (Sam)

I was delighted and somewhat relieved that Kemsing could continue our flying start to the year and make it six wins for the yard in 2016 with another Southwell success. I never enjoy having a horse who is a short-priced favourite as there always seems to be extra pressure but Shelley gave him another perfect ride to put his nose in front where it mattered. Kemsing has been another winter success story for us after we bought him for just 8,000gns in October having shown very little form for his previous trainer. This was his third win in four runs for us but it may be a bit harder next time for him as there aren't many more opportunities for him at Southwell so he will have to prove his form elsewhere.

Kemsing and Shelley record their 3rd victory this winter

Kemsing will be given an entry for Lingfield on Friday but we will wait and see how the handicapper reacts as it may not be worth running him under a penalty if he doesn't rise much in the handicap ratings.

Before that, we have a busy day on Monday with three runners. Starting at Wolverhampton, Dissertation bids to finally show the ability we know she has got. She has shown a much calmer attitude at home when wearing a hood so she will run in one this time and we will try to keep her away from the rest of the field as I get the feeling she is a bit claustrophobic. Luckily she has been drawn wide so this should be quite manageable. Along with her will be Vastly. He won at the course last time but he is hardly a regular winner so I couldn't guarantee he'll do it again even though he seems in great form at home.
Completing the trio is Attain at Lingfield. This was a rescheduled meeting after the jumps action was called off so it has been a bit of a hasty arrangement but he has always been in full work and is more than ready to run at a course he loves.

The two-year olds haven't put a foot wrong since starting their racehorse lives and they stepped it up another notch this weekend with a faster piece of work.
Secret Ballerina is bred to be precocious and she certainly looks it after going about her work very easily and showing lots of speed. The two-year old races don't start until April but she is likely to be our first representative. The others aren't far behind her though and have all been showing great attitudes.

Our Cilla (Adam), My Name Is Jeff (Caitlin) & Sunset Bounty (Liam)

Secret Ballerina (Chloe) & Mungo Madness (Ross)

Finally, I had some great news after a rather disappointing evening at Chelmsford on Thursday when Northmore Stud in the village rang me to say that our old mare Bavarica had had her foal. After two boys, I was delighted to hear she had a filly this time and we went to see them both the following day. One-day old foals all look nice to me but the stud hands said this one was a lot bigger than the previous two so hopefully she can run quicker!

Bavarica and her one day old Cityscape filly

Thank you for all your Three To Follow entries that are already pouring in. If you haven't entered yet, don't hang around as points start getting collected from March 1st so don't miss out.
Here is a reminder of how to enter:
Our Three To Follow competition is always very popular and provides plenty of banter throughout the year as well as a cash prize to the winner. This year's edition will be the longest yet with a start date of March 1st and running up until December 1st.
The rules are simple: pick three horses from the two pools and watch them collect points throughout the season - 10 points for a win, 5 for 2nd, 3 for 3rd and (new for this year) your horse will get one point every time it runs and isn't placed. So choose wisely and look for tough and consistent horses who will be prolific points scorers!

POOL A (Two and three-year olds) PICK ONE HORSE
Mungo Madness 2 year old (by Sir Percy)
Our Cilla 2yo (Sixties Icon)
My Name Is Jeff 2yo (Mount Nelson)
Kemsing 3yo (Footstepsinthesand)
Champagne Reef 2yo (Literato)
Secret Ballerina 2yo (Sakhee's Secret)
Sunset Bounty 2yo (Bahamian Bounty)
Serendib's Glory 3yo (Holy Roman Emperor)
Architech 3yo (Archipenko)
Little Orchid 3yo (Observatory)
Go On Gal 3yo (Approve)
Big Bang 3yo (Observatory)

POOL B (Older horses) PICK TWO HORSES
Silver Alliance
Dark Diamond
Vastly
Dissertation
Limerick Lord
Veeraya
Star Of The Stage
Sabre Rock
Candesta
Dakota City
Automotive
Attain
The Ducking Stool
Handheld
Harry Bosch
Moment To Dream
Duke Of Diamonds
Artbeat

Once you have made your mind up, email your three to rbirkett1989@hotmail.co.uk
Points will be collected from March 1st so don't wait too long!

When you look after and see the horses day in, day out, they do become almost like close friends as you get to know their individual personalities and appreciate the effort they go to just to please us humans. When we feel we have seen the best of one of our horses, if they have no potential to further their racing career, we always try to find them the best home to live a happy second career after racing. These new careers can vary from just being a pony to someone or learning a new trade such as polo or dressage. I was chuffed to be able to catch up this week with one of my best horses - Spirit of Sharjah - who is now living a happy retirement with the British Racing School's jockey coach Richard Perham. Richard used to ride Spirit out when he was in training and the pair formed a great bond and Richard was more than happy to take Spirit on when injury forced his retirement. As you can see, they have both done well with age(!) and were enjoying a day's hunting when I caught up with them.

Spirit of Sharjah and Richard

It seems appropriate to mention the retirement this week of one of our longest-serving residents as Automotive bows out. He has been exhilarating and frustrating in equal measures since we bought him five years ago but his quirks were worth putting up with when he was on a going day at the races. My favourite memory of him was the day when he bolted up in a valuable handicap at Goodwood 15 minutes after Honeymoon Express won at Yarmouth. I think the crowd at Goodwood could hear us cheering from the other track! He retires uninjured but a great home became available for him and it was too good a place to miss. He will be moving to Tuddenham tomorrow and will live the rest of his life very happily as a riding horse.

Automotive winning at Goodwood

I do feel we did really well with Automotive throughout his career and got him to win races that other people would not have been able to. That's what we try to do with every horse and it's what we'll be hoping to do with this week's runners.
On Tuesday. Candesta goes to Lingfield. The one mile trip is a bit short for him but it is a very low grade apprentice race and it was too weak a race to miss. He may struggle for speed early on but hopefully he can stay on at the finish.
Then on Friday, we have another couple of runners at Lingfield. Vastly seems better in claimers than handicaps nowadays as the smaller fields mean he can get in front and lead. He is as well as ever and has some good course form.
Serendib's Glory will find things a lot easier in handicaps now and hopefully she can start to get competitive.

There have been plenty of photos of the two-year olds but one which has escaped the camera so far is Sunset Bounty. She is coming along well with the others and looks the type to hit the course from summer onwards.

Sunset Bounty (Liam)

Two babies who I hope will be hitting the track early are Secret Ballerina and Mungo Madness. They both look the types to be sharp and precocious and, although still a bit immature, they are showing good speed on the gallops.

Secret Ballerina (Adam) & Mungo Madness (Liam)

This is the first year where we have had two separate all-weather and turf squads to keep us busy and, after a great winter with the all-weather horses, it is now the turn of the turf team to take up the mantle and they are gradually getting back to peak fitness. Here are a few of the them stretching their legs on the Cambridge Road polytrack yesterday:

Silver Alliance (Ross) & Moment To Dream (Nick)

Star of the Stage (Liam) & Dakota City (Adam)

Sabre Rock (Mark)

Go On Gal (Chloe)

Duke of Diamonds (Caitlin) & Little Orchid (Sam)

Thanks you for all the Three To Follow entries, Ross says we already have more than last year which is great to hear. The competition starts on Tuesday so this is your last reminder to get those selections in to earn maximum points! Here is a reminder of the entry process:

Our Three To Follow competition is always very popular and provides plenty of banter throughout the year as well as a cash prize to the winner. This year's edition will be the longest yet with a start date of March 1st and running up until December 1st.
The rules are simple: pick three horses from the two pools and watch them collect points throughout the season - 10 points for a win, 5 for 2nd, 3 for 3rd and (new for this year) your horse will get one point every time it runs and isn't placed. So choose wisely and look for tough and consistent horses who will be prolific points scorers!

POOL A (Two and three-year olds) PICK ONE HORSE
Mungo Madness 2 year old (by Sir Percy)
Our Cilla 2yo (Sixties Icon)
My Name Is Jeff 2yo (Mount Nelson)
Kemsing 3yo (Footstepsinthesand)
Champagne Reef 2yo (Literato)
Secret Ballerina 2yo (Sakhee's Secret)
Sunset Bounty 2yo (Bahamian Bounty)
Serendib's Glory 3yo (Holy Roman Emperor)
Architech 3yo (Archipenko)
Little Orchid 3yo (Observatory)
Go On Gal 3yo (Approve)
Big Bang 3yo (Observatory)

POOL B (Older horses) PICK TWO HORSES
Silver Alliance
Dark Diamond
Vastly
Limerick Lord
Veeraya
Star Of The Stage
Sabre Rock
Candesta
Dakota City
Attain
The Ducking Stool
Handheld
Harry Bosch
Moment To Dream
Duke Of Diamonds
Artbeat

Once you have made your mind up, email your three to rbirkett1989@hotmail.co.uk
Points will be collected from March 1st so don't wait too long!

Happy mother's day to every hard-working mum out there and enjoy the only day of the year where you can feel appreciated! We housed three expectant mothers on the stud over the winter and, with only Bavarica giving birth to her filly a fortnight ago, we are still waiting for two new arrivals. Emma's Gift was due a week ago but the foal seems reluctant to come into the world and, after the weather this week, I don't blame him/her! The third mare we have is Dick Creese's Bushy Dell who isn't due until May after taking three covers to get pregnant last spring.

There's no twiddling of the thumbs waiting around in the yard though as we have plenty to keep us busy with the horses in training.
We just had a couple of runners last week and I thought Serendib's Glory ran a great race to be beaten only two and a half lengths at Lingfield on Friday but she still finished last! It was a very tight finish between the whole field and the handicapper will be proud of that as it means he has actually done his job well for once.
Candesta ran well too earlier in the week to finish third and he is entered again on Wednesday at Kempton but will only run if the race divides as he prefers smaller field sizes. I have given young apprentice Milly Naseb a couple of rides recently after her boss Stuart Williams recommended her. She gave Candesta a great ride last time and rode perfectly to orders so it is only right that she keeps the ride and claims a handy seven pound allowance. It is useful to have a good apprentice at our services whilst our claimer Liam waits for the BHA to grant his licence.

Candesta (Shelley)

Entered the following day is Star Of The Stage at Southwell. It will be a first try at the track for him but I get the impression he should act there and he is now coming down to a handicap mark which he should be competitive off.

Star Of The Stage (Adam) & Veeraya (Sam)

As you can see from the photos taken on Saturday morning, spring has officially begun but no-one has told the weather! The Ducking Stool doesn't usually come into form until the sun is on her back but she has been more forward than usual this year. I have her entered at Chelmsford on Thursday but it is a very speculative entry and she will only run if there are few runners. She usually needs a couple of runs to get fully fit so it is a starting point.
Dakota City will round off the week at Wolverhampton on Saturday and I hope he can continue his improvement this winter. It is good to dream so if he is successful here we will seriously think about having a run in the marathon race on Good Friday at the all-weather Championships. He has done nothing but improve all winter and, now that we have figured out how to ride him, there could be more to come over longer distances.

Dakota City (Mark) & The Ducking Stool (Ross)

The two-year olds are stepping up their workload all the time and the one who stands out way above the others at the minute as an early-season type is Secret Ballerina. She is leaving the others in her wake and I'll be keen to get her going as soon as the juvenile races commence next month. There is still 20% available for syndication in her at a very low price and if you want to join a great bunch of people who could have an exciting filly on their hands, drop me an email at juliafeilden@aol.com for more info.

Mungo Madness (Liam) & Secret Ballerina (Ross)

Sunset Bounty (Caitlin) & Our Cilla (Chloe)

As I've said before, we have a healthy-sized and good-looking squad for the upcoming turf season and they are building up to making a return to the track. Duke Of Diamonds is a very lightly-raced four-year old and he has done very well physically over the winter. He is still immature mentally but there seems to be ability in him and he should appreciate the soft ground in the Spring.
Dark Diamond is a horse for all seasons and I gave him a few weeks off just to freshen up after some quick races. He is in good order again now and I'll send him to Southwell in a few weeks' time as that's where he won before.

Duke Of Diamonds (Caitlin) & Dark Diamond (Tess)

Others getting ready for the turf include old boys Silver Alliance and Handheld who seem as enthusiastic as ever and can be relied upon to supply us with a winner or two throughout the year. Another lightly-raced type is Moment To Dream and she too has filled her frame really well over the winter.

Silver Alliance (Nick), Moment To Dream (Chloe) & Handheld (Liam)

THREE TO FOLLOW UPDATE

We may only be a week into the competition but some people have made a quick start after Candesta's placing during the week.

Current standings:

Nick Feilden	3
Mason Brown	3
Clare Peacock	3
David Smyth	1
Pauline Kennedy	1
Dominic Lisle	1
Liz Moore	1
Dave Morris	1
Shelley Birkett	1
Sam Feilden	1
Trevor Fuller	1
Linda Wright	1
Dave Barnett	1
Martyn Clark	1
Jonathan Kinge	1

PLUS 79 others on zero points

The build-up seems to have gone on forever but The Cheltenham Festival is finally here. Although we deal with flat horses 99% of the time, I still love to watch the jumps racing and will be glued to the TV when time allows. You can't beat the atmosphere at Prestbury Park during the coming four days and every racegoer is there as they love racing and not just for the drinking or some pop band playing after racing. I do hate it when a horse gets injured jumping though so I can only wish all involved next week the best of luck and hope all horses and riders come home safe and sound.

Sadly I won't be able to watch the tapes fly up for the opening race at the Festival as we have a busy day with two runners at two different meetings.
Limerick Lord has been a bit disappointing since winning late last year but he drops into claiming company this time at Southwell and I hope he can find a bit of form again at a track he has won at before.

Limerick Lord (Ross)

Veeraya is another who is hard to predict but he too could go well at Wolverhampton the same day. He has dropped down to a good handicap mark now and the seven furlong trip looks well within his compass.

Veeraya at the beach

Most of the horses who have had a winter break had their first proper stretch of the legs this week and I'm happy to report that they all came out of their first gallops in great health.
Moment To Dream went very nicely, so much so that I gave her a preliminary entry at Lingfield on Friday. I doubt she will run but there weren't many entries and it could be a good starting point if looking like a weak contest.

Duke Of Diamonds (Caitlin) & Moment To Dream (Sam)

Sabre Rock continues to steamroll through his comeback and he stepped it up another notch this week when striding out alongside Handheld over seven furlongs. Due to his history of leg trouble, we are in no rush to get Sabre back but he still seems to have all his old ability, if not more. Mark, who rides him everyday, does a great job to keep him safe and hopefully his hard work can be rewarded when Sabre returns to the track.
Handheld is another with lots of ability and I hope to have him ready for the Lincoln meeting at Doncaster next month. He loves soft ground so early season would be his time to strike, you would think.

Sabre Rock (Mark) & Handheld (Liam)

The Ducking Stool looks as good as ever too and she could make her seasonal reappearance in a couple of weeks. It will be on the all-weather, a surface she has shown little form on, but she usually needs a couple of runs to get back race-sharp so it will be a good starting point.

Dark Diamond (Ross) & The Ducking Stool (Nick)

Silver Alliance (Chloe)

Big Bang (Chloe) & Architech (Liam)

Go On Gal and Little Orchid were both a little weak last year as two-year olds but seem to have strengthened up over the winter and have been doing their work very lively. Orchid needs one more maiden run to get handicapped but Go On Gal is good to go now and I'll try to find an ideal race for her as she should be winning off her current handicap mark.

Go On Gal (Adam) & Little Orchid (Caitlin)

THREE TO FOLLOW POINTS UPDATE

Nick Feilden	3
Mason Brown	3
Clare Peacock	3
Pauline Kennedy	2
Jonathan Kinge	2
Dave Morris	2
Linda Wright	2
Dave Barnett	2
Dudley Lever	2

PLUS 37 others on 1 point

PLUS 43 others on 0 points

With the Cheltenham Festival out of the way, it's not long now until the turf season kicks off again and I can't wait. As I've said before, this is the first time we have had two designated winter and summer squads so it is a great feeling to know we are heading into a new campaign with fresh (and hopefully well-handicapped) horses. The all-weather team did themselves proud by notching plenty of winners and giving us a healthy strike-rate, let's hope the turf team can keep up the good work.

Before that though, there are still a few weeks to wait until Doncaster opens the season on April 2nd. After a quiet fortnight or so with only a trickle of runners, we will be busy at Southwell on Wednesday with four horses entered.
Dark Diamond kicks things off and I hope the step up to 1m6f can show him up well as he looked like he needed further last time. He is in off a low weight and it just depends if there is something better than him on the day.
Limerick Lord bounced right back to form with a second place at the course last week and I've put him in again over the the same course and distance this time. He has come out of the run well and I don't see why he shouldn't fare well again.

Handheld (Liam) & Dark Diamond (Nick)

Another coming back into form is Star Of The Stage who showed he likes Southwell's unique surface with a placing there last time. On that run, one mile should be perfect for him and I hope he can back up that solid debut.
Completing the quartet is Candesta. He is least likely to run however as he had an abscess on his cheek pop this week and it has been a bit sore, even though he has been doing all his exercise with plenty of enthusiasm. We will have to wait and see how he fares before declaring.

Sunday could see the return of yard favourite Silver Alliance as he kicks off another campaign at Kempton. You can always rely on him to win a race and he has managed to get his head in front six times since we bought him. He usually hits peak form in the summer so I expect him to need the run.
Also there will be Veeraya. He is becoming well handicapped now and showed that to be true with a close third at Wolverhampton last time. He usually needs a long break between his races so that is a concern but he has been fresh and well at home since that run last week.

Silver Alliance (Tess) & Vastly (Mark)

I couldn't be happier with how stable star Sabre Rock's return to full fitness has been going and he got through another gallop in style this weekend. All being well, I think we could see him out again at Doncaster on April 3rd. He is an unbeaten 5 from 5 for us but I still think he is very unexposed as all his wins were at Lingfield - a track I don't think even suits him!
It is likely that The Ducking Stool will be accompanying him to Doncaster for her comeback too as there is another race for her there.

The Ducking Stool (Ross) & Sabre Rock (Mark)

Duke Of Diamonds (Caitlin) & Little Orchid (Sam)

Go On Gal has taken all her work well and looks set to return to action very soon. She has a great attitude and that counts for a lot in racehorses as, when the going gets tough, you need a horse who is willing to stick their neck out, dig deep and win races.
Kemsing has been freshened up after a busy and successful spell. He seems to be a much better horse at Southwell than anywhere else so I'll save him for a race there at the end of the month.

Kemsing (Ross) & Go On Gal (Chloe)

Secret Ballerina remains on course to be our first two-year old runner of the year at Windsor on April 18th. She is getting sharper with every gallop she does and I hope she can give her syndicate of owners plenty of fun this year.

Secret Ballerina (Adam) & Harry Bosch (Mark)

My Name Is Jeff (Ross) & Star Of The Stage (Caitlin)

THREE TO FOLLOW UPDATE

Michael Buckley	6
Jane Shirran	5
Dee Clarke	5
George Hall	5
Paul Matthews	5
Nick Feilden	3
Mason Brown	3
Clare Peacock	3
Pauline Kennedy	2
Jonathan Kinge	2
Dave Morris	2
Linda Wright	2
Dave Barnett	2
Dudley Lever	2

PLUS 36 others on 1 point

PLUS 39 others on 0 points

The strange thing about horse racing, and life in general, is that you wake up each morning and you do not have a clue what the day is going to bring. Lady luck could shine on you or misfortune could hang over you like a cloud.
Monday was one of those days. My Norfolk Terrier Oscar had been a part of the furniture here at Harraton Stud for all of his 13 years. He had reached a ripe old age yet still seemed in fine health and hadn't suffered any of the usual ailments veterans of his breed usual do. He had got a bit slow on his legs though and unfortunately he got in the way of a car when the staff were leaving last Monday. I took him to the vets straight away and scans revealed he had broken his leg but also that he had a big tumour in his abdomen. The vet was amazed that Oscar hadn't been ill at all but, probably due to the shock, he passed away on the vet's table. Considering I had bought Roy the rat catcher as Oscar's replacement and Roy is almost two years old, he didn't do too badly!

Oscar grafting as usual

Like the horses, the dogs are part of the family so, naturally, I was a bit down in the dumps. However, just a couple of hours later, Sue from Northmore Stud rang me to say Emma's Gift had just had her foal, three weeks overdue! It seemed very appropriate and it didn't take too much imagination to name the foal Oscar!

Emma's Gift and her colt foal 'Oscar'

Whilst checking out the new arrival, I popped in to see how Bavarica was getting on with her filly. Both have blossomed since the birth three weeks ago and will be back with us soon.

Bavarica and her Cityscape filly

On the track there was plenty to cheer me up too as Southwell on Wednesday saw us have a magnificent double.
Dark Diamond started odds-on favourite for a claimer and duly won like one...by a whopping 22 lengths! Unsurprisingly, others were impressed and he was bought after the race. It was a shame to lose him as he was a lovely, kind character but the money for him was good and we had got the best out of him with two wins this winter.
Completing the double was Star Of The Stage. He has taken a while to come to the boil but Adam gave him a lovely ride to fend off his rivals. Owner George Bhatti has had to be patient but I'm glad he could be there to cheer on his winner.

Dark Diamond & Star Of The Stage victorious at Southwell

The double made it eight winners for the year so far - the best start to a year we've ever made. It would be fantastic to keep the momentum going although spring time is usually a bit quieter for us.
Wednesday will be a busy one with four runners at two different meetings.
Over at Southwell, Kemsing will be trying to make his brilliant winter even better by adding a fourth win to his CV. He is up in grade now and needs to prove himself but he has come out of his short break in rude health and I hope he can continue his progression back at his favourite course.

Kemsing (Ross) & Go On Gal (Chloe)

One horse I'm sure everyone will be glad to see back in action is The Ducking Stool. She too goes to Southwell on Wednesday but her record at the track isn't very good and she usually needs a run or two to get back race-fit so it is likely that she will improve for the run.

Attain (Mark) & The Ducking Stool (Nick)

Over at Southwell, we have Serendib's Glory bidding to lose her maiden tag. She ran well last time and drops into 0-60 grade for the first time so I think she should be thereabouts with Milly Naseb claiming a useful 7lbs.

Serendib's Glory (Tess)

Accompanying her will be Little Orchid. She was weak last year and has needed time to strengthen up. This will be her third run to qualify for handicaps but I think the distance will suit her and I hope she can run respectably.

Duke Of Diamonds (Caitlin) & Little Orchid (Sam)

Sunday sees the return of out highest rated horse, Sabre Rock, at Doncaster. He has had well over a year off through injury but has come back stronger than before and I can't wait to get him back, providing the ground isn't too soft. He isn't fully wound up as it was more important to keep him sound than fully fit first time but I hope he can show us he still has that spark which saw him win all his five races for us last winter.

Handheld (Liam) & Sabre Rock (Shelley)

I know many of you enjoy reading the blog and it is a great way to keep everyone updated on all the week's events. However, Ross has started to put together a monthly newsletter which will give you a good look behind the scenes of life here at Harraton Stud. It should be in all owners' inboxes on Tuesday but, with over 1200 email addresses in my contacts, he may have missed some of you so, if you don't receive one, let him know on rbirkett1989@hotmail.co.uk
The newsletter is available to anyone, so if you're not an owner but would like a copy, let him know.

THREE TO FOLLOW UPDATE

The plaudits this week go to Annette Hall who was also cheering on Wednesday as both her selections won and she now moves into the lead.

Annette Hall	21
Paul Matthews	16
Pauline Kennedy	12
Jonathan Kinge	12
Dudley Lever	12
Jean Allen	12
Sam Feilden	11
Ivan Gibbs	11
Barbara Walton	11
David Haddrell	11
John Chalkin	10
Michael Buckley	7
Jane Shirran	6
Dee Clarke	6
George Hall	6
Nick Feilden	3
Mason Brown	3
Clare Peacock	3
Gordon Hill	3
Kelly O'Boyle	3
Finley Lawson	3
Dave Morris	2
Linda Wright	2
Dave Barnett	2
Dominic Lisle	2
Trevor Fuller	2
Margaret Buckley	2

PLUS 38 on 1 point

PLUS 25 on 0 points

They say one swallow doesn't make a summer but hopefully the return of the yard birds from their winter holiday in Africa means that the better weather is on its way. It certainly needs to as the turf season got off to a wet start this weekend, despite sunny conditions, the ground looked very soft and tiring at Doncaster so we couldn't get stable star Sabre Rock back in action. He has had leg troubles so it was not worth the risk on dodgy ground. There's a long year ahead of him so we'll just have to wait until conditions improve.

The first swallow of spring

Soft ground isn't a bad thing though as there are plenty of horses who like those conditions, including Handheld. He had to miss most of last turf season and I didn't run him on the all-weather as he doesn't like it so he has been kept fresh for this coming campaign. He goes to Pontefract on Tuesday and, despite needing the run after so long off, I hope he can get off to a good start and make the most of his preferred ground.

Silver Alliance and Handheld

It looked last week as though the handicapper has caught up with Kemsing after his successful winter but, with opportunities drying up at his favourite course of Southwell, I'm going to step him up in trip to see if we can squeeze some more improvement out of him on Thursday. All he does is gallop so, providing he can settle early on, I think 1m4f should be within his compass.

Kemsing and Limerick Lord

With some better weather this week, the horses' coats have suddenly started to shine and I'm really happy with the health of the string.
Go On Gal has come out of her winter holiday in great order and I'm looking forward to getting her back in action in the coming weeks. She is well handicapped so I'm waiting to find the perfect race for her.
Duke Of Diamonds is another who has done well over the winter and his homework has got better every week. He is still quite immature but he is learning all the time and won't be far off running.
Attain is a reliable yardstick and he heads back to his favourite course of Lingfield on Saturday. He has had a little break but it has freshened him up and he seems well in himself.

Go On Gal (Chloe), Duke Of Diamonds (Liam) & Attain (Ross)
Photo: Thoroughbred Sports Photography - jason.bax@btopenworld.com

Dakota City had a successful winter with a couple of wins and, with all-weather opportunities becoming rarer this time of year, he is having a small break until the next suitable race in June. I think he deserves a rest and he was a bit stiff after his last run so the holiday will do him good.
Vastly was another winner this winter and he is off to the sales later this month. We have had a good time with him but have done as well as we can and it is the best time to sell him on as he could have a future over hurdles for anyone interested.

Dakota City, Vastly and Silver Alliance

Harry Bosch has been enjoying life leading the two-year olds recently and it seems to have kept him very happy. He galloped this weekend and seems in great order. He's likely to be out again this month and he always wins one a year but guessing when is very difficult!
Moment To Dream went on a bit of a hunger strike when her workload was stepped up but she seems to be eating again fine now and it means we can start looking for a race with her. She is unexposed and has more to come.

Moment To Dream (Nick) & Harry Bosch (Tess)

Architech (Mark)

Secret Ballerina continues to do all her work nicely and looks the sharpest of our juveniles at this point. We will probably pass her through the stalls this week and it will be another step on the way to making her racecourse debut.

Star Of The Stage (Mark) & Secret Ballerina (Liam)

Eight-legged Sunset Bounty! (with the help of Our Cilla)

Candesta (Sam)

THREE TO FOLLOW UPDATE

Annette Hall	21
Paul Matthews	16
Pauline Kennedy	15
Jonathan Kinge	15
Sam Feilden	14
Jean Allen	13
Dudley Lever	12
David Haddrell	12
Ivan Gibbs	11
Barbara Walton	11
John Chalkin	11
Michael Buckley	7
Dee Clarke	7
Jane Shirran	6
George Hall	6
Dave Morris	6
Linda Wright	6
Dave Barnett	6
Dominic Lisle	6
Trevor Fuller	5
David Smyth	5

PLUS: 6 on 4 points, 6 on 3 points, 20 on 2 points, 26 on 1 point & 10 on 0 points.

Our best start to a year just keeps getting better as Attain brought up our 10th winner of 2016 with an emphatic success at Lingfield on Saturday. After going 21 runs before his first win, the boy has now won five races in just over the past year. He loves Lingfield and seems to thrive on the routine at our yard - he is banging the door down on a Sunday morning because he knows he will be going out in the field for a run around with his mates.

Attain and Shelley score at Lingfield

Earlier in the week, Kemsing continued his rapid improvement by notching his fourth win since we bought him as a maiden in October for just 6,000gns. He is another who has fallen in love with his surroundings and he showed his love for Southwell by taking his record there to 4 wins from 6 runs. He was stepping right up in trip to 1m4f but seemed to have more than enough stamina as he ran away with the race. He will have a few weeks break now as there aren't any races for him at his favourite track.

Kemsing chilling the day after his win

We usually hit a bit of a winner slump this time of year but we still have lots of fresh horses to run so hopefully we can kick on through it and continue our great year.
On Wednesday, Duke Of Diamonds makes his comeback after a winter break. He has strengthened right up and matured mentally as well. His work has been great but he is quite a tubby horse so will likely improve for the run. He is lightly raced and I hope he can improve throughout the year.

Moment To Dream (Chloe) & Duke Of Diamonds (Liam)

Also at Kempton that day will be Veeraya. He has found some great form recently and was very unlucky not to win last time. It remains to be seen whether he can string three good runs together as he usually can't mange two but he is in fine fettle at home.

Star Of The Stage (Tess) & Veeraya (Ross)

Our third runner of the week will probably be Handheld at Wolverhampton on Saturday night. He was a bit ring rusty at Pontefract last week but that run should have brought him forward. He is probably better on the turf than all-weather but it's an ideal race for him and I hope he can show a bit of form again.

I went to the Tattersalls Ascot Breeze Up Sales on Wednesday and came away with two lovely looking colts. The Breeze Ups are a bit different to normal sales as you get to see the youngsters galloping over two furlongs before they are sold in the afternoon. This gives you a great look into the horse's attitude and action. as well as obviously giving you an insight into its ability. It's unusual that I pick a horse before the sale, like it when it gallops, like it even more when I inspect them after and then, finally, can afford them but this just happened twice in one day!
The first purchase is a lovely bay colt by first season sire Elzaam. He is really athletic-looking but seems sure to grow a bit more into a nice horse.
The second buy is a strapping colt by Group 1 sprinter Mayson. He is a bit smaller but looks like he will be an early type, ready to win this spring.

Elzaam colt (Adam) & Mayson colt (Liam)

The Mayson colt will run in the colours of my longest-standing owner, Dick Creese, whilst I had bought the Elzaam to syndicate - it looks as though he too has been bought whole by a new owner. So it looks like I'll be heading to the Tattersalls Newmarket Breeze Up at the end of the month to buy another for those interested in a syndicate horse.

Before these two new boys run, it looks likely that we will have had a juvenile runner as Secret Ballerina continues to impress. She has taken every step of her racehorse journey very well and this week she went through the stalls for the first time with no bother. She will do it again this week and gallop once more before hopefully hitting the track next Monday.

Little Orchid (Sam), Secret Ballerina (Liam) & Silver Alliance (Mark)

The ground was way too soft for Sabre Rock to make his comeback at Doncaster last weekend so we've decided just to give him a few weeks more to get him fully fit for his return. He did a nice piece of work on Saturday with Harry Bosch who has come out of his winter break as well as ever and will be back racing again this month.

Harry Bosch (Ross) & Sabre Rock (Mark)

Go On Gal is another who we have just given a couple of weeks more to get fully fit and she is now just about there. She is handicapped to do well straight away so I hope she can give her syndicate of owners a lot of fun this year.

Go On Gal (Mark) & Candesta (Sam)

Ross would like some of your best racing photographs from the past month for the newsletter 'Photo of the Month'. The winner will receive two free badges to any Newmarket Racecourse fixture of your choice (excluding music nights). To enter, send your photos to rbirkett1989@hotmail.co.uk

THREE TO FOLLOW UPDATE

Wins from Attain and Kemsing have given the rankings a real shake-up and it is now very tight at the top.

David Haddrell	22
Phil Gunning	22
Sophie Feilden	22
Eileen Turner	22
Matt Bisogno	22
Maureen Case	22
Anthea Telford	22
Annette Hall	21
Barbara Walton	21
Chris Shirran	21
Gay Chalkin	21
Dee Clarke	17
Paul Matthews	16
Pauline Kennedy	15
Jonathan Kinge	15
Sam Feilden	14
Liz Moore	14

PLUS: 3 on 13 points, 8 on 12 points, 6 on 11 points, 5 on 10 points, 1 on 7 points, 5 on 6 points, 2 on 5 points, 5 on 4 points, 3 on 3 points, 8 on 2 points, 19 on 1 point & 5 on 0 points.

Full throttle for Kemsing

Time ticking away

Limerick edges us ahead

Kemsing...the perfect present!

A Cracking Christmas

Kicking into the new year!

Rising waters

Double cheer in the new year!

Learning plenty after Kemsing's win

The team keeps expanding

The Three To Follow Returns!

Plenty of love for Dakota!

The Rock returns, Kemsing rolls and Rita foals!

The best care on the track and off it

Cheers to all the mothers!

Festival Fever

Raring to go!

Double delight in a week of mixed emotions

One swallow does make a summer!

The boys still doing us proud