Diamond Geezer
Gone But Not Forgotten
- Joined
- May 2, 2003
- Messages
- 13,884
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Stable Tours 18/19
- Thread starter granger
- Start date
Diamond Geezer
Gone But Not Forgotten
- Joined
- May 2, 2003
- Messages
- 13,884
Diamond Geezer
Gone But Not Forgotten
- Joined
- May 2, 2003
- Messages
- 13,884
granger
Senior Jockey
PFN on Danny Kirwan -
[FONT="]He will go novice hurdling next month. He is a nice horse but is really a big chasing horse who will want a bit of time.
[/FONT] Translation - he is slow and cost us a fkn fortune - Hopefully the owners will settle for a staying handicap chaser in time
[FONT="]He will go novice hurdling next month. He is a nice horse but is really a big chasing horse who will want a bit of time.
[/FONT] Translation - he is slow and cost us a fkn fortune - Hopefully the owners will settle for a staying handicap chaser in time
granger
Senior Jockey
Cruised past Pym pretty comfortably on debut. He says that with just about every horse he's got, they're all bought to be chasers.
Gordon Elliott
Getting chinned by Willie Mullins in the trainers' championship should not define what Gordon Elliott achieved last season.
The campaign may have ended in heartache for Elliott once again but there was no shortage of success stories to console him.
There were the eight Cheltenham Festival winners, the joint-highest in the history of the March meeting. Or how about the 13 Grade 1s in all. And how could you forget the pint-sized Tiger Roll leaping his way to Grand National glory at Aintree. General Principle mopped up the Irish Grand National for him too and we haven't even got to the exploits of Samcro yet.
You sense Samcro is the horse who has given Elliott most pleasure in the last 12 months. There was intense pressure heading into the Cheltenham Festival and the fact Elliott had drawn a blank on the opening day intensified that tension.
Samcro lived up to the hype by bagging the Ballymore and he now looks to be Ireland's leading Champion Hurdle contender, unless of course connections decide to send him over fences.
Whatever decision is made, Samcro is sure to be one of the most talked about horses of the season.
"Last season was brilliant. To have eight winners at Cheltenham was incredible really. Our whole season is about Cheltenham. Everything I do centres around Cheltenham so to have eight winners there was magic," Elliott says.
He adds: "We have an exciting team of horses this season but we wouldn't mind a bit of rain so we can get them all started. Down Royal early next month is the meeting where I like to start a lot of my good horses so hopefully we get a bit of rain before then."
There was an unusually slow start to the campaign. So often he is like a rocket out of the blocks and it is Mullins playing catch-up but this time around the roles are reversed after a bout of summer sickness descended on the camp.
"I missed six weeks. The horses were not right and we took a pull. I needed to do the best by the horses but by shutting up shop for two weeks we lost six weeks as the horses did absolutely nothing for a fortnight and then it took a few weeks to get them back to where they were at. It was the right thing to do, though, and they are back firing on all cylinders now," he said.
Has the dream of becoming Ireland's champion trainer for the first time been dashed already?
"It won't happen this year but I am 40 years of age and it might happen some year. We are getting better quality animals into the yard and that is what matters," comes the reply.
There is quality everywhere you look in Cullentra House. Samcro might be the star striker on the team but there are potential goalscorers in every stable. Exciting times these.
Stable profile
Yard Cullentra House Stables
Where Longwood, County Meath
Started training June 2006
Horses in yard 200
Members of staff 50
Head lad Simon McGonigle
Assistant trainers Ian Ammond, Davy Condon, Keith Donoghue
Feed man and head work-rider Shane McCann
Barn leaders Katie Young, Eleri Apps, Cossie McGivern, Georgie Benson, Seainin Mahon, Catriona Bolger, Jack Madden, Bobby McNally
Travelling head lass Camilla Sharples
Assistant travelling heads Mary Nugent, Barney Flood
Secretaries Alex Hutter, Leanne Halton, Lisa O’Neill
Account manager Conor McCafferty
Jockeys Davy Russell, Jack Kennedy, Keith Donoghue, Mark Enright
Conditionals Conor Orr, Liam McKenna
Amateurs Lisa O’Neill, Jamie Codd, Kevin Brogan
Stable sponsor Betfair
WINNERS IN IRELAND
2017-18 210
2016-17 193
2015-16 123
2014-15 92
2013-14 56
PROFIT/LOSS TO A £1 STAKE
2017-18 -£287.03
2016-17 -£285.47
2015-16 -£285.93
2014-15 -£126.35
2013-14 -£102.86
PRIZE-MONEY 2017-18
€5,158,751
A Toi Phil
Eight-year-old gelding
Day Flight (sire) - Lucidrile (dam)
Owner: Gigginstown House Stud
Form figures: 21423-6
Racing Post Rating 162c, 152h Official Rating: 156c, 146h
He always gets himself out of trouble by winning one or two every year. He's probably not a Grade 1 horse but he'll mop up a few Grade 2s and 3s as he's always done. He's paid his way for the last few years and I'd imagine he'll do that again. He's a good, fun horse to have about the place.
Abacadabras
4g Davidoff - Cadoubelle Des As
Gigginstown House Stud
Unraced
He's a half-brother to a winner in France. He's been working nicely and will be ready to start off in a bumper in the next few weeks.
Allee Bleue
8g Mount Nelson - Murrieta
Adrew Cohen
773326-
RPR 141h, 124c OR 126h, 116c
He's arrived from Philip Hobbs and he looks like he could be well handicapped to me. We're just waiting for a bit of rain to get him going and I've been very pleased with what he's showing me so far.
Alpha Des Obeaux
8g Saddler Maker - Omega Des Obeaux
Gigginstown House Stud
4646F-5
RPR 170h, 161c OR 151h, 154c
He could end up in the Grand National. Mouse [Morris] did a wonderful job with him and the horse probably just wanted a change of scenery more than anything. I was pleased with his run in the Munster National and all roads will hopefully lead to Aintree.
Ange D'Or Javilex
8g Puit D'Or - Ixia De Menil
Thomas R Coleman
3P6/07/0/
RPR 124h, OR 109h
He hasn't been the easiest to train and he's been off for a long time but he's actually been doing one or two nice bits of work lately.
Anytime Now
6g Beneficial - Rag's Lady
Allan Snow
423375
RPR 123h OR 112h
He won his bumper by a wide margin at Kilbeggan and has been a bit frustrating since. He's definitely up to winning a maiden hurdle before the winter horses come out.
Apple's Jade
6m Saddler Maker - Apple's For Ever
Gigginstown House Stud
1/11133-
RPR 162h OR 158h
She'll go an identical route to the one she took last year. She'll start off in the Lismullen Hurdle at Navan and then on to Fairyhouse for the Hatton's Grace, a race she won so impressively last year. She kept coming into season during the second half of last season but we think we've rectified that issue now. She's absolutely bombing at home at the moment and the OLBG Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham is once again the ultimate aim.
Authorizo
3g Authorized - Street Lightning
Gigginstown House Stud
34-13 (Flat form)
Handled deep ground when he won at Cagnes-Sur-Mer in January. He's schooled nicely and will go for a juvenile hurdle once we get a bit of rain.
Baby Twig
7m Network - Natty Twigy
Philip J Reynolds
1/
RPR 115b
She got a leg after she won her bumper by a wide margin in Punchestown around this time two years ago. She's back now and working away nicely. She's a nice mare and jumps particularly well.
Ball D'Arc
7g Network - Pretty Moon
Gigginstown House Stud
33/31U5-
RPR 149h, 162c OR 140h, 157c
Has thrived since we sent him over fences but hurt himself when favourite at Naas in February and it will probably be Christmas by the time we get him out. He always pays his way.
Ballydunblaze
4f Arcadio - Classy Conflict
John Lane
1
RPR 96b
We'll look for a winners' bumper for her in the coming week. She got the job done nicely at Navan and has come on for it too.
Baltazar D'Allier
7g Malinas - Kinoise D'Allier
JP McManus
12F/
RPR 144h OR 140h
We're looking forward to getting this fella back out. He won his maiden hurdle at Naas like a nice horse and was second in the Challow at Newbury on New Year's Eve. He then fell at Navan and has had time off since.
Battleoverdoyen
5g Doyen - Battle Over
Gigginstown House Stud
1/ (point form)
A lovely, big horse who won his point-to-point at Loughanmore with a bit up his sleeve. He had a little setback last season and we never got to run him but he's ready to rock in a bumper as soon as we get a bit of soft ground.
Batts Rock
5g Fastnet Rock - Be My Queen
Noel Moran/Mrs Valerie Moran
2
A useful stayer on the Flat who was a bit unlucky at Punchestown last Wednesday as the winner ran right across him at the last. Should have little difficulty picking up a maiden hurdle on nice ground.
Ben Dundee
6g Beneficial - Miss Dundee
C Jones
162000-
RPR 140h OR 133h
He's a bit better than his form. He's been a bit unlucky. He's going over fences and you'll see him sooner rather than later.
Best Of Dubai
6m Dubai Destination - Second Best
Lucky Shoe Part Three Syndicate
3422-31
RPR 103b
She won a bumper the other day at Galway and has never run a bad race for us. She'll head for a maiden hurdle now in the next few weeks.
Black Tears
4f Jeremy - Our Girl Salley
Mrs Caren Walsh & John Lightfoot
2122-
RPR 110b
This filly is nice. She got a bit of a cut after Punchestown in April but she's back cantering now and hopefully you will see her this side of Christmas. She already has black type.
Bless The Wings
13g Winged Love - Silva Venture
Adrian Butler/S P O'Connor
P1FP34-
RPR 133h, 152c OR 120h, 137c
He's been some servant. He was third in the Grand National and hopefully he might end up back there next April. We'll take the cross-country route with him again and I have the Pardubicka at the back of my mind for him.
Blow By Blow
7g Robin Des Champs - Shean Rose
Gigginstown House Stud
161147-
RPR 152h OR 150h
He's ready to go and it will be novice chasing for him. He looks like a big winter horse who should relish deep ground but arguably his best form is on better ground. The RSA or National Hunt Chase is where we would like him to end up.
Boot Camp
5g Milan - Derravaragh Native
Gigginstown House Stud
274181
RPR 134h, 129c OR 130h
I liked the way he got the job done at Limerick. That was his first start over fences and we'll look for a winner of one for him now.
Brelade
6g Presenting - Polivalente
DP Sharkey
243725-
RPR 145h, 143c OR 139h, 139c
He got a bad cut in the Scottish Champion Hurdle and it has taken a while to get him back. He doesn't have enough confidence over fences so we're going to aim him at the Greatwood at Cheltenham's November meeting.
Campeador
6g Gris De Gris - Royale Video
JP McManus
4F/F/1F3-
RPR 154h OR 150h
He has a hell of a lot of ability and shows us an awful lot at home. He had a couple of silly falls to his name which didn't help his confidence. He is back cantering away now and always works well.
Carter McKay
7g Martaline - Saxona
Pearl Bloodstock Ltd
06/1330-
RPR 140h OR 138h
We have had him about six weeks or so. If you look at some of his best form you would imagine he will develop into a nice, staying novice chaser.
Cats For Cash
4g Mahler - Harvard Girl
Liam J Clancy
2
RPR 89b
Should come on for his debut second in a Down Royal bumper and we'll look for something similar soon.
Champagne Classic
7g Stowaway - Classical Rachel
Gigginstown House Stud
321311/
RPR 153h OR 151h
He's got some very, very good form. He's certainly surprised us. He shows us nothing at home. You would like to think that chasing will bring out the best in him and he's ready to go over fences now. I'm very happy with where he is at the moment.
Chief Justice
3g Acclamation - Freedom Pass
Cheveley Park Stud
2111
RPR 120h
He's done nothing but improve since arriving here. He was impressive at Listowel and Gowran Park. He only does what he has to do. We'll put him away for the thick of winter when the ground gets too deep and maybe have a go at the Fred Winter.
Race in focus
I was watching the Pardubicka the other day on the television and I thought to myself 'that's a race I would love to have a good at next year.' Maybe something like Tiger Roll or Bless The Wings might be suited to it. It would be some buzz to have a runner in that.
Coeur Sublime
3g Elusive Pimpernel - Love Knot
Chris Jones
1 (Flat form)
I'd say this fella is a fair horse. He beat Southern France in a Navan maiden last April and that form doesn't look too bad now, does it? He'll start off in a juvenile hurdle as soon as we get a bit of rain. I can't wait for that.
Column Of Fire
4g Robin Des Champs - Ghillie's Bay
Gigginstown House Stud
2-
RPR 119b
He chased home Commander Of Fleet in the Land Rover Bumper at Punchestown. He's got very strong over the summer and will start off in a bumper in a week or two.
Dark horse
Commander Of Fleet
4g Fame And Glory - Coonagh Cross
Gigginstown House Stud
1-
RPR 132b
You'd have to love the way he won the Land Rover Bumper at Punchestown. He's strengthened up a lot over the summer and the plan has always been for him to start off in a maiden hurdle at Down Royal early next month.
Commentariolus
4g Frankel - Apsara
M Booth & Miss Rachael Evans
13-5
RPR 120h OR 124h
A son of Frankel who hasn't been the easiest to train. He shows us plenty in his homework. We will be on the lookout for a winners of one hurdle race for him over the next few weeks.
Cool Getaway
6g Getaway - Coolnacarriga
JP McManus
1/ (Point form)
Won a point at Tattersalls for Stuart Crawford back in November 2016 and the form of that has worked out very well. He'll start off in a maiden hurdle soon and seems nice.
Count Simon
4g Rip Van Winkle - Wedding Cake
Mrs P Sloan
214225
RPR 128h OR 124h
He wasn't a bad juvenile and he'll probably head to Down Royal for the valuable 2m handicap hurdle.
Cracking Smart
6g Great Pretender - Maya Du Frene
Gigginstown House Stud
21/1122-
RPR 153h OR 150h
This is a smart horse. He could be a proper 3m staying chaser. He got a little chip which kept him out of Cheltenham but he's back cantering now and you'll hopefully see him this side of Christmas. He's a horse we like a lot here.
Creadan Belle
5m Vinnie Roe - Aliceaneileen
James W Power
642
RPR 88b
She's not the biggest mare you'd ever see but she's got a massive heart and she tries hard. Hopefully she can pick up a bumper.
Cubomania
5g Halling - Surrealism
Cubomania Syndicate
52-16113
RPR 117h, 139c OR 114h, 132c
A cracking syndicate horse, a real money-spinner. He's a model of consistency, is versatile and we'll continue to vary it with him.
Dakota Moirette
5g Voix Du Nord - Rahana Moirette
Gigginstown House Stud
700/337-
RPR 114h, 126c OR 122h
Might be better than his form suggests and you'll see him in a beginners' chase in the coming weeks.
Daylight Katie
5m Bonbon Rose - Sirani
David Dunsdon
F/1- (point form)
She won a Lisronagh point for Aidan Fitzgerald and has been showing me decent things at home. She'll be ready to go in a bumper in about three weeks.
De Plotting Shed
8g Beneficial - Lady Willmurt
Ives Ashley Vasey Partnership
2P-F444
RPR 153h, 140c OR 143h, 140c
He shows a lot more at home than he's been showing on the track of late. He's frustrating. We're thinking of sticking to hurdles for the time being anyway and there's a handicap hurdle at Navan next month that we're thinking of for him.
Defi Bleu
5g Saddler Maker - Glycine Bleue
Gigginstown House Stud
18-
RPR 119h
A nice horse who won a Navan bumper before we threw him in at the deep end in a Grade 2 hurdle at Naas in February. A maiden hurdle at Down Royal early next month is on his agenda now.
Star quality
Delta Work
5g Network - Robbe
Gigginstown House Stud
324312-
RPR 150h OR 152h
I'm really looking forward to seeing this fella over a fence. He could be a lovely staying novice and it was always in my head to start him off in a beginners' chase at Down Royal early next moth but we will need some rain for that to happen.
Destin D'Ajonc
5g Martaline - Fleur D'Ajonc
JP McManus
1/6360-
RPR 135h OR 133c
He has bits and pieces of form but was disappointing at Fairyhouse in April and needs to bounce back from that.
Diamond Cauchois
7g Crillon - Diamond Turtle
Danny & Eamon Partnership
313126-
RPR 155h OR 150h
He brings home a cheque every day he runs and I love that about horses. We will keep him over hurdles and you could see him end up in the Boyne Hurdle later in the season, he won that nicely last year and seems to love Navan.
Diamond Turf
5g Diamond Boy - Lovely Turf
Gigginstown House Stud
31-
RPR 114b
A big staying chaser in the making. He made big improvement from Limerick to win by a long way at Navan and the plan is to start him off in a maiden hurdle very soon once the rain finally arrives.
Dinaria Des Obeaux
5m Saddler Maker - Indiana Jaune
Gigginstown House Stud
461325-
RPR 134h, 139c OR 131h, 140c
She has a smashing season last term. She won three times over fences and really took to it. Mares chases will be her bread and butter.
Dinons
5g Balko - Beni Abbes
T O'Driscoll
3F1111
RPR 145h OR 135h
Needs a trip and nice ground. He won four on the bounce over the last few months and we're bringing him over to Cheltenham this week for a novice hurdle.
Doctor Phoenix
10g Dr Massini - Lowroad Cross
Nick Bradley Racing Club
0112F5-
RPR 131h, 166c OR 133h, 156c
He's probably not quite a Grade 1 horse so we will aim him at Grade 2s and 3s over two miles. If he has as good a season as he had last year then we would be thrilled.
Don Poli
9g Poliglote - Dalamine
Gigginstown House Stud
32/3P23/
RPR 153h, 168c OR 152h, 161c
Back in mighty form. He was absolutely flying before the Gold Cup in 2017 and unfortunately got a leg. He's back bouncing now and we're heading to Down Royal for the JNwine.com Champion Chase.
Dona Katharina
4f Stowaway - Western Whisper
Edward M Walsh
532
RPR 90b
She has a good pedigree. She's a sister to Outlander and should be up to winning a bumper in the coming months.
Dortmund Park
5g Great Pretender - Qena
Gigginstown House Stud
611481-
RPR 152h OR 148h
We haven't made up our minds whether to go chasing or stay over hurdles with him for another year. He's only five but is every inch a chaser when you look at him. He finished last year on a high and has summered well.
Dounikos
7g Smadoun - Baby Sitter
Gigginstown House Stud
114PPP-
RPR 124h, 155c OR 121h, 150c
He could tailor-made for the Troytown at Navan next month. His form fell apart in the second half of last season but he is still a Grade 2 winner over fences and is a lot better than his form says.
Duca De Thaix
5g Voix Du Nord - Nouca De Thaix
Gigginstown House Stud
16090-2
RPR 142h, 129c OR 132h
He works like a very, very good horse at home but he's disappointed us. I was happy with the way he jumped at Punchestown on Tuesday and he'll come on for that.
Edene D'Arc
4f Meresca Sorrento
Kenneth Alexander
13-
RPR 112b
A nice mare who we're waiting on a bit of soft ground for to run her in a maiden hurdle. She won a bumper at Gowran which worked out well.
Elwood
4g Martaline - Robbie
Gigginstown House Stud
644-1
He's a brother to Delta Work who came from France and works nicely. He's nice and just needs a bit of rain.
Empire Burleque
6g Cape Cross - Mowazana
Gigginstown House Stud
1/9-
RPR 117b
We decided to take him out of a maiden hurdle at Punchestown on Wednesday as we felt the ground was a shade too quick for him. He's working well.
Dark horse
Envoi Allen
4g Muhtathir - Reaction
Cheveley Park Stud
1- (point form)
A gorgeous horse we like. He looked good when he won his point at Ballinaboola. He's doing everything right at home and he'll start off in a bumper as soon as the ground comes right.
Enzani
7g Cape Cross - Eytarna
Shane Reville
72/2/11-7
RPR 119h OR 116h
A good, fun horse who will pay his way over hurdles in the coming months.
Everybreathyoutake
4g September Storm - Ashdale Lark
Neville Reid
P2
RPR 96b
Improved at Roscommon and is up to winning a bumper. Doesn't want real deep, winter ground.
Falak
5g Teofilo - Family
Bredan Scully
52S-013
RPR 124h OR 122h
He's having a break at the moment but will be back for the spring festivals.
Farclas
4g Jukebox Jury - Floriana
Gigginstown House Stud
2215-
RPR 149h OR 152h
I know he won the Triumph Hurdle last year but I think he needs a trip and we'll be trying him over further than two miles this season. He's had a wind operation and we hope to start him off this side of Christmas, but I'm convinced he wants a trip.
Feel My Pulse
4g Stowaway - Zenaide
Gigginstown House Stud
1- (point form)
Won his point at Lismore by a long way and looks a nice prospect. We'll start him off in a maiden hurdle sooner rather than later. He's ready to go.
Dark horse
Felix Desjy
5g Maresca Sorrento - Lamadoun
Gigginstown House Stud
1165-
RPR 135b
He qualifies for some of the valuable novice hurdles and we could aim him for the final of that. He's a very nice horse and could develop into a Supreme Novices' contender once he learns to settle.
Final List
4g Doyen - Lady Goldilocks
Gigginstown House Stud
5-
RPR 101b
He was fifth in a Punchestown bumper but he's got very strong over the summer and is a nice horse going forward.
Flat To The Max
3g Maxios - Another Name
Gigginstown House Stud
U
A three-year-old we got off Ger Lyons. He unseated Jack [Kennedy] at the first at Ballinrobe but that was out of character as he jumps very well at home.
Flawless Escape
5g Sagamix - Sainte Kadette
T O'Driscoll
12130-
RPR 138h OR 133h
This guy has got seriously strong over the summer. I like him. We're going to go novice chasing with him and he should do well at that game. He'll probably start off over 2m4f but will get 3m no problem.
Folsom Blue
11g Old Vic - Spirit Leader
Core Partnership
144140-
RPR 154h, 148c OR 128h, 145c
He was very unlucky in the Irish Grand National and the plan is to run him in what used to be the Fixed Brush Hurdle at Haydock on Betfair Chase day.
Fury Road
4g Stowaway - Molly Duffy
Gigginstown House Stud
41 (point form)
Won his point at the second time of asking quite easily at Dromahane and he's another ready to run in a bumper once the rain arrives.
General Principle
9g Gold Well - How Provincial
Gigginstown House Stud
470461-
RPR 142h, 146c OR 132h, 144c
Irish Grand National winner who is going to be very hard to place now. I suppose we'll aim him at the Grand National in Aintree this time and he could start off in the Troytown at Navan and run in all those valuable staying chases along the way to Aintree.
Getaway John
5g Getaway - Present Your Own
John F Doyle
3/2110-
RPR 136b
He wasn't right at Punchestown but he was very good at Fairyhouse when he won a proper bumper. He's been schooling nicely and you'll see him in a maiden hurdle soon. He's nice.
Glenloe
7g Kayf Tara - Mandys Native
JP McManus
5/22325-
RPR 146h OR 142h
Went very close in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham. He could develop into a nice staying chaser this season.
Grand Mogul
4g Presenting - Oligarch Society
John Lightfoot
4-
RPR 106b
He'll be up to winning a bumper as soon as we get a bit of rain. He's come forward since finishing fourth in a bumper at Punchestown.
Great Vizier
3g Sir Percy - Special Green
Simon Munir & Issac Souede
629- (Flat form)
Schooling well and doing everything I have asked of him. He will go for a juvenile maiden hurdle once we get rain.
Grotesque
7g Kayf Tara - Princess Timon
Gigginstown House Stud
21/60/33-
RPR 121h OR 116h
I would say he's well enough treated to win a few handicap hurdles before going chasing.
Hardline
6g Arcadio - Hidden Reserve
Gigginstown House Stud
31138-1
RPR 140h, 139c OR 140h
I loved the way he won at Fairyhouse. The second is a good horse. He could be even better over fences than he was over hurdles and we'll have to step him up in class now.
High Expectations
7g High Rock - Tashifiya
MJ Wasylocha
1P-4521
RPR 133h OR 128h
Has a good strike-rate and always wins the races he should be winning, as he showed when getting up late to score at Sedgefield. He'll mix and match between Flat and hurdles. He's a good, fun horse to have around the place. You can bring him anywhere.
Holy Motivation
5m Kalanisi - Teffia Rose
Pioneer Racing
796322
RPR 105h OR 95h
She's been placed on her last couple of runs and hopefully she'll get off the mark sooner rather than later.
Invincible Cave
5g Court Cave - Bespoke Baby
Gigginstown House Stud
14-
RPR 116b
Bit disappointing at Naas having won his bumper at Navan but I do think he's a nice horse and will appear in a maiden hurdle soon.
Isle Of Destiny
5m Gold Well - Young Amelie
John F Doyle
-533318
RPR 115h OR 105h
You would have to be a little disappointed with the way she ran at Cork on Sunday, but she's better than that. I loved her attitude at Hexham when she won the time before and I'm sure we will find a suitable race for her, perhaps on the other side of the water.
Its All Guesswork
6g Mahler - La Lambertine
Philip J Reynolds
4-3221F
RPR 128h, 131c OR 124h, 130c
He would have been placed in the Munster National only for coming down at the last. He was a bit sore after it so we'll give him a bit of time to recover. He could pick up one of those nice staying handicap chases, maybe something like the Troytown at Navan would suit. He won his beginners chase there.
Jury Duty
7g Well Chosen - Swan Heart
Sideways Syndicate
U3-3721
RPR 150h, 157c OR 147h, 152c
We couldn't have asked much more from him on Saturday night. We thought he would be the ideal type for the American Grand National and he proved just that. He was a high-class hurdler but he has progressed into an even better chaser and hopefully someday he might be the sort of horse who would suit an Aintree National.
Kuiper Belt
4g Elusive Quality - Youre So Sweet
Melissa Margolis
211216
RPR 122h OR 123h
Was a little disappointing at Punchestown on Wednesday but he's had some summer and won loads of races. He won't race through the winter but could go for a handicap at Cheltenham if he gets in.
Kuraka
4g Cacique - Puzzling
Susan Frost & Mrs Caren Walsh
23316-6
RPR 115h OR 119h
He's won two for us. He got a little setback in the summer but he's back working now and we'll find a little hurdle for him somewhere.
Lackaneen Leader
6m Oscar - Shandora
Mrs Caren Walsh & Grant Mercer
21112P-
RPR 137h OR 133h
Didn't do a whole lot wrong last year and she's going over fences now. She has the size and scope to do well chasing.
Larquebuse
4f Saddler Maker - Sirene Du Rheu
Cheveley Park Stud
1 (point form)
Won her point at Durrow nicely for Colin Bowe. She is a big, strong mare we like and you'll see her in a bumper this side of Christmas.
Last Minute Man
6g Yeats - Ella Watson
Paul & Clare Rooney
1/22-0
RPR 121h
A nice horse and you can forget his run at Clonmel in the summer when he wasn't right. He's a nice horse who's up to winning a maiden hurdle.
Lethal Steps
3g Lethal Force - Tanda Tula
Cheveley Park Stud
54-45040 (Flat form)
A nice juvenile to go hurdling with, he's rated 102 on the Flat. He jumps really, really well and we like what we've seen from him so far.
Rival to watch
Willie Mullins. He has caught me late for the last two seasons but we had a slow start this season so I have no chance of winning the title. What can you say about the man? He is a legend.
Make My Heart Fly
6m Stowaway - Poppy Maroon
Twenty Syndicate
111124
RPR 130h, 114c OR 130h
A star through the summer. She won four in a row and acquitted herself very well in a Listed event at Gowran. She'll mix it between chases and hurdles.
Dark horse
Malone Road
4g Kalanisi - Zaffarella
Cheveley Park Stud
1 (point form)
There was a lot to like about the way he won his point at Loughanmore for Stuart Crawford. This fella could be a seriously nice horse. We like him a lot.
Master Of Tara
5g Kayf Tara - Ryme Bere
Gigginstown House Stud
61-
RPR 127b
An imposing individual we like. He'll start off in a maiden hurdle very soon and I'm looking forward to it.
Star quality
Mengli Khan
5g Lope De Vega - Danielli
Gigginstown House Stud
11RO233-
RPR 151h OR 150h
He was one of our leading novice hurdlers last season and he goes chasing now. I like what I've seen of him schooling so far. He's not slow so we'll probably keep him to two miles with the Arkle being the ultimate aim next March.
Minellafordollars
6g King's Theatre - Another Dollar
JP McManus
1/31-
RPR 136h
He's back cantering away and is a nice horse to be heading into the winter months with as he handles deep ground really well.
Miss Aloud
4f Azamour - Key Stage
Oghill House Stud Limited
62233
RPR 102b
You cannot fault her consistency in bumpers and surely one will come her way in the coming weeks.
Missy Tata
6m Astarabad - Queen Running
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
4/11111/
RPR 144h OR 145h
She's back cantering away and it's great to have her back around the place. She's a classy mare who will head over fences once we get a bit of rain. She gives you everything.
Mitchouka
4g Creachadoir - Minaloushe
Gigginstown House Stud
1P26-F5
RPR 140h, 123c OR 140h
He had jumped brilliantly before he fell at Gowran Park, which was an awful pity. That seemed to affect his confidence at Punchestown but hopefully we can get him back on track.
Monbeg Notorious
7g Milan - Borleagh Princess
Gigginstown House Stud
211182-
RPR 138h, 155c OR 132h, 151c
He looks an ideal type for the Grand National at Aintree. He won the Thyestes in real heavy ground at Gowran and loves those testing conditions.
Monbeg Worldwide
6g Lucarno - Molly Duffy
Gigginstown House Stud
111/23-5
RPR 128h
He got incredibly tired at Tipperary last week and he'll come on a ton for that. It goes without saying he's better than the bare form of that and you should see a different horse next time.
Monkshood
6g Stowaway - Flirthing Around
Gigginstown House Stud
1/1145U
RPR 136h OR 136h
He's better than you have seen so far. He had an operation on his back for kissing spines but he's back cantering away now and we're looking forward to sending him over fences.
Moonlight Escape
5m Court Cave - Festival Leader
F Donnelly
1U9-015
RPR 122h, 125c OR 118h
She's a grand, honest mare who should do better over fences than she did over hurdles.
HORSE TO FOLLOW
Dortmund Park
Winner of both his bumpers and a three-time winner over hurdles last season, this five-year-old ended his campaign with a ten-length win in a Grade 1 novice over 2m4f at the Punchestown festival. There was an element of good fortune involved, to the margin of victory if not the result, as two of the leading contenders were knocked out of the race two out. However, the son of Great Pretender looks the type who should take well to fences and should enjoy a successful campaign in staying novice chases this season.
Tony O'Hehir
Ned Stark
10g Wolfe Tone - Last Moon
Noel Moran/Mrs Valerie Moran
68P52/0-
RPR 119h, 147c OR 124h, 130c
He's been a long time off the track but he's got a big engine and could be well handicapped. He's on the teamsheet for the Troytown at Navan.
Noble Endeavor
9g Flemensfirth - Old Moon
C Jones
P54136/
RPR 151h, 160c OR 145h, 154c
The long-term plan for him is the Grand National at Aintree. He hasn't run since the Irish National in 2017 as he chipped a bone but he's back now and will tip away in handicap chases this season. He's got some really good form.
Ocean Voyage
3f Most Improved - Minshar
Arion Racing Club
142-06 (Flat form)
A nice dual-purpose filly who we'll go juvenile hurdling with soon.
Our Father
12g Shantou - Rosepan
Ives & Johnsons Partnership
59U/92/0
RPR 147h, 154c OR 130c
He never let himself down on the ground at Limerick in the Munster National. He works well at home so we'll have another go at one of those nice staying handicap chases.
Out Sam
9g Multiplex - Tintera
D Charlesworth
9/06P33-
RPR 140h, 151c OR 127h, 132c
We have him pencilled in for the Cork National so that's where he'll go. He has some good back form and might not be badly treated if we can get him back to his old self.
Outlander
10g Stowaway - Western Whisper
Gigginstown House Stud
32PP8-2
RPR 147h, 170c OR 145h, 161c
He owes us nothing. He's won ten times and I was thrilled with his run in the Grade 3 at Punchestown the other day. He is entered in the JNwine.com Champion Chase, a race he beat Road To Respect in last year, so he deserves a shot in that.
Pallasator
9g Motivator - Ela Athena
Qatar Racing Limited
54115-
RPR 151h OR 147h
He did nothing but improve last season and won the Grade 2 at Fairyhouse over Easter. He seems in great nick and we might even try him over fences.
Penny Jane
6m King's Theatre - Shannon Rose
Paul & Clare Rooney
2231-11
RPR 118h, 122c OR 124c
I was absolutely thrilled with her win at Cork and Denis [O’Regan] gave her a terrific ride. That's the way she likes to be ridden. She has taken really well to fences and she should continue to progress. Hopefully we can find something for her at the spring festivals.
Poli Roi
6g Poliglote - Belle Du Roi
Gigginstown House
215P85-
RPR 136h OR 133c
He didn't really live up to expectations after winning his maiden hurdle at Down Royal around this time last year. We're sending him over fences and hopefully that will spark a revival.
Poormans Hill
7g Stowaway - Sharps Express
Vincent Caldwell & Mrs Kathleen Caldwell
161P7-4
RPR 124h, 133c OR 119h, 130c
He's won eight races for us now and kept improving all last season. We've had the Cork National in mind for him for quite a while so it's all systems go for that now.
Portnablagh
5m Well Chosen - Countess Trifaldi
Gigginstown House Stud
10-
RPR 104b
She's a great big galloping mare who loves soft ground. We're looking forward to her going over the hurdles and winter conditions will really suit.
Prince Of Scars
8g Flemensfirth - Spirit Leader
Gigginstown House Stud
3/236P3/
RPR 163h, 139c OR 150h, 139c
He is a dual Grade 1 winner who has had plenty of problems. He is back cantering away and is ready to return this side of Christmas. He likes winter ground and we'll look for a nice chase for him somewhere.
Rakhine State
5g Arakan - Oiselina
Armagh Bhoys Partnership
32464-
RPR 118h
He has been placed in a few bumpers and hopefully we can spot a nice opportunity for him somewhere in a maiden hurdle.
Rogue Angel
10g Presenting - Carrigeen Kohleria
Gigginstown House Stud
PP2-136
RPR 135h, 150c OR 135c
He tanked through the Kerry National and they probably didn't go quick enough for him at Limerick and it didn't really turn into a test. Hopefully he can land a big pot at some stage this season.
Star quality
Samcro
6g Germany - Dun Dun
Gigginstown House Stud
1/1111F-
RPR 159h OR 160c
We're really looking forward to getting him started. He's got a lot stronger over the summer and will definitely return at Down Royal – whether that's in the WKD Hurdle or the beginners chase over 2m4f I'm not 100 per cent sure yet. I'll have a chat with Michael and Eddie [O'Leary] over the next few days and we'll make a decision together. He didn't do much wrong last year, his only blip came at Punchestown and that could happen to any horse. Everyone knows what I think of him and hopefully he can continue to show everyone how good he is.
Santana Plessis
4g Saint Des Saints - La Passeroie
D Charlesworth
3-
RPR 115b
Third to Commander Of Fleet – one of ours – in a Punchestown bumper. He's a nice type who looks up to winning a bumper.
Star quality
Shattered Love
7m Yeats - Tracker
Gigginstown House Stud
RPR 141h, 159c OR 136h, 153c
We knew she would do better over fences than she did over hurdles but I suppose we never thought she would win two Grade 1s and be a Cheltenham Festival winner. In saying that, I did really fancy her for the JLT and I actually put her up at a few Cheltenham preview nights I was on. We'll start her off in the chase for second-season novices at Down Royal next month and what she does there will probably decide what path we take with her. She probably needs to improve a bit to be a Cheltenham Gold Cup contender but it's not out of the question.
Silver Star
5g Silver Frost - Suerte
Royal's & Blue Syndicate
Silver Star
RPR 126h OR 119h
Really consistent sort who will hold his own in his own grade.
Sire Du Berlais
6g Poliglote - Royale Athenia
JP McManus
130/248-
RPR 144h OR 142h
The best of his form is quite useful. He was fourth in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham and he's not a bad sort.
Smiling Eliza
3f Rock Of Gilbraltar - Gift Dancer
Gordon Elliott Racing Club
22121
RPR 112h
She keeps winning. The plan is to go to Aintree with her now for a mares' Listed hurdle and try pick up some black type.
Soldier At War
4g Soldier Hollow - Sag Sun
Gigginstown House Stud
2- (point form)
Second to Malone Road in a Loughanmore point and looks suite useful. He's ready to start off in a bumper soon and has had a wind operation.
Sometime Soon
5g Shantou - Back Log
Gigginstown House Stud
1345-2
RPR 119h
His jumping was a bit novicey at Fairyhouse last time and it might not be the worst thing in the world that he was beaten as we would have had to go straight for a graded race.
Space Cadet
8g Flemensfirth - Shuil A Hocht
C Jones
9342PP-
RPR 134h, 136c OR 122h, 135c
There could be a big day in this fella and he'll run in all those valuable staying handicap chases.
Squouateur
7g Martaline - Samansonnienne
JP McManus
6303BP-
RPR 141h, 141c OR 141h, 138c
It hasn't happened for him so far but it will happen for him some day. He's been frustrating but his luck has to change. There's a nice pot in him.
Star Maker
4g Mastercraftsman - Snoqualmie Star
Thomond Racing Syndicate
43-6619
RPR 116h OR 117h
He's coming along nicely and I think he can win again before the real winter stuff starts.
Stooshie
5g Fracas - Misty Native
Mrs Caren Walsh & John F Doyle
2513-32
RPR 130h OR 128h
I thought he ran well the other day at Punchestown and there will hopefully be a nice handicap in him somewhere along the way.
Sunsetstorise
10g Millenary - Otorum
Mrs Finola Murphy & Mrs Ann Marie McManus & Mrs Tahnee Grant
4P1/125-
RPR 128c, 120h OR 124c, 102h
We took him out of a race at Cork on Sunday because the ground was a little on the quick side. I have no doubt he will pay his way in 2m Handicap chases when there is a bit more cut in the ground.
Sutton Place
7g Mahler - Glebe Beauty
JP McManus
1/11P/1P-
RPR 161h, 141c OR 158h
He has missed a bit of time but we are looking forward to getting him back on the right road. He is a nice horse and we have yet to decide what route we are going to take with him.
Swingbridge
10g Milan - Creative Approach
Noel Gerard Moran
F-041361
RPR 118h, 133c OR 109h, 124c
A very consistent sort who might go to Cheltenham at the end of the week for a handicap chase.
Synopsis
6m Azamour - Censored
David Spratt & Kevin McMunigal & Mary Hopkins
70123-6
RPR 126h, 120c OR 124h, 123c
A useful enough mare who did well over hurdles and didn't take long to win over fences. She will probably mix and match between handicap hurdles and chases.
Takeittothelimits
6m Stowaway - A Plus Ma Puce
JP McManus
112/
RPR 107b
She is ready to in in a maiden hurdle once we get a bit of rain. She won her first two bumpers and was second in a Listed bumper at Gowran but she has had her fair share of problems since. It'll be good to get her back.
Thatsy
4g Martaline - Rainallday
Gigginstown House Stud
12- (point form)
A big, strong, staying sort who won his point at Lingstown for Donnacha Doyle. We'll pop him into a bumper as soon as we get a bit of rain.
The Big Lense
5g Court Cave - Megans Joy
JP McManus
63-816
RPR 121h OR 117h
He got the job done nicely in a maiden hurdle at Bellewstown and hopefully there is more to come. He won a point at Cragmore a few years ago so he could develop into a nice chaser.
The Storyteller
7g Shantou - Bally Bolshoi
Mrs P Sloan
137151-
RPR 148h, 161c OR 142h, 155c
Did us proud last year, winning at Cheltenham and then landing a Grade 1 at Punchestown, although I think we all know he was very lucky there given what happened to Al Boum Photo. He could be tricky enough to place this year but he'll definitely start off in the chase for second-season novices at Down Royal next month and we'll take it from there
Thisonesforollie
6m Scorpion - Toniberoli
B Mannion & Brendan O'Grady
69-4811
RPR 100h OR 90h
I've got a great kick out of her winning her last few races. I still think she's quite well handicapped and could win a few more. She's improving fast.
Tiger Roll
8g Authorized - Swiss Roll
Gigginstown House Stud
P/2P511-
RPR 150h, 160c OR 140h, 159c
He's absolutely bouncing, you wouldn't believe how well he is in himself. He's loving life. It takes some horse to win at three Cheltenham Festivals and then a Grand National. I suppose we'll go down a similar route to last year. We'll keep him to cross-country races. He's still only eight and we could get a couple more years out of him doing that job if we mind him.
Timber House
6g Golden Lariat
Gigginstown House Stud
4F1 (point form)
A nice type of horse who won his point at Ballysteen in April and will start off in a bumper very soon.
Timiyan
7g Ghostzapper - Timarwa
John P McManus
F-61D07
RPR 139h, 143c OR 132h, 132c
He was unlucky to be disqualified at Kilbeggan during the summer. He lost his confidence after an early mistake at Limerick last time. Hopefully we can get him right for the Troytown at Navan.
Tintangle
5m Yeats - Connaught Hall
Gigginstown House Stud
4113-
RPR 116b
She's a grand mare who we're looking forward to running in a maiden hurdle. She should have a good season ahead. She has ability and should have a good season ahead.
Tombstone
8g Robin Des Champs - Connaught Hall
Gigginstown House Stud
3626-51
RPR 153h, 153c OR 143h, 144c
We thought the world of him early on and he has been a bit frustrating as we all know what he's capable of. It was great to see him get his head back in front the other day at Limerick and that will do his confidence the world of good. We'll mix and match it between hurdles and fences.
Ucello Conti
10g Martaline - Gazelle Lulu
Simon Munir & Issac Souede
24U/2PU-
RPR 127h, 153c OR 139h, 147c
He'll go hunter chasing and run in cross-country races. He should be a good, fun horse. It's unbelievable that he has yet to win a race for us.
Viscount Wilson
3g Lethal Force - Highland Starlight
J A Mooney & Raymond Moore Jnr & Raymond C Moore
4
RPR 97h
Not a bad sort on the Flat for Ger Lyons and he will come on for his first start for us over hurdles at Down Royal.
Vision D'honneur
4g Vision D'Etat - Hembra
Gigginstown House Stud
1
He won in France and he looks like he could be a proper horse. We like the look of what we've seen so far.
Western Honour
6g Westerer - Cailins Honour
Cheveley Park Stud
844-4
RPR 113h OR 112h
Arrived from Jimmy Moffatt's and hopefully there will be a handicap hurdle in him off his mark. They will have plenty of fun with him.
Westland Row
6g Oscar - Presenting Proform
Mrs Caren Walsh & John F Doyle
221010-
RPR 133h OR 129h
He might jump a fence sooner rather than later but he'll pay his way over hurdles too.
Woods Well
7g Fleetwood - Millbrook Marble
Gigginstown House Stud
5P5P6-1
RPR 136h, 139c OR 134h, 133c
He showed a good attitude to win at Galway the other day and he will be part of my Troytown team.
Getting chinned by Willie Mullins in the trainers' championship should not define what Gordon Elliott achieved last season.
The campaign may have ended in heartache for Elliott once again but there was no shortage of success stories to console him.
There were the eight Cheltenham Festival winners, the joint-highest in the history of the March meeting. Or how about the 13 Grade 1s in all. And how could you forget the pint-sized Tiger Roll leaping his way to Grand National glory at Aintree. General Principle mopped up the Irish Grand National for him too and we haven't even got to the exploits of Samcro yet.
You sense Samcro is the horse who has given Elliott most pleasure in the last 12 months. There was intense pressure heading into the Cheltenham Festival and the fact Elliott had drawn a blank on the opening day intensified that tension.
Samcro lived up to the hype by bagging the Ballymore and he now looks to be Ireland's leading Champion Hurdle contender, unless of course connections decide to send him over fences.
Whatever decision is made, Samcro is sure to be one of the most talked about horses of the season.
"Last season was brilliant. To have eight winners at Cheltenham was incredible really. Our whole season is about Cheltenham. Everything I do centres around Cheltenham so to have eight winners there was magic," Elliott says.
He adds: "We have an exciting team of horses this season but we wouldn't mind a bit of rain so we can get them all started. Down Royal early next month is the meeting where I like to start a lot of my good horses so hopefully we get a bit of rain before then."
There was an unusually slow start to the campaign. So often he is like a rocket out of the blocks and it is Mullins playing catch-up but this time around the roles are reversed after a bout of summer sickness descended on the camp.
"I missed six weeks. The horses were not right and we took a pull. I needed to do the best by the horses but by shutting up shop for two weeks we lost six weeks as the horses did absolutely nothing for a fortnight and then it took a few weeks to get them back to where they were at. It was the right thing to do, though, and they are back firing on all cylinders now," he said.
Has the dream of becoming Ireland's champion trainer for the first time been dashed already?
"It won't happen this year but I am 40 years of age and it might happen some year. We are getting better quality animals into the yard and that is what matters," comes the reply.
There is quality everywhere you look in Cullentra House. Samcro might be the star striker on the team but there are potential goalscorers in every stable. Exciting times these.
Stable profile
Yard Cullentra House Stables
Where Longwood, County Meath
Started training June 2006
Horses in yard 200
Members of staff 50
Head lad Simon McGonigle
Assistant trainers Ian Ammond, Davy Condon, Keith Donoghue
Feed man and head work-rider Shane McCann
Barn leaders Katie Young, Eleri Apps, Cossie McGivern, Georgie Benson, Seainin Mahon, Catriona Bolger, Jack Madden, Bobby McNally
Travelling head lass Camilla Sharples
Assistant travelling heads Mary Nugent, Barney Flood
Secretaries Alex Hutter, Leanne Halton, Lisa O’Neill
Account manager Conor McCafferty
Jockeys Davy Russell, Jack Kennedy, Keith Donoghue, Mark Enright
Conditionals Conor Orr, Liam McKenna
Amateurs Lisa O’Neill, Jamie Codd, Kevin Brogan
Stable sponsor Betfair
WINNERS IN IRELAND
2017-18 210
2016-17 193
2015-16 123
2014-15 92
2013-14 56
PROFIT/LOSS TO A £1 STAKE
2017-18 -£287.03
2016-17 -£285.47
2015-16 -£285.93
2014-15 -£126.35
2013-14 -£102.86
PRIZE-MONEY 2017-18
€5,158,751
A Toi Phil
Eight-year-old gelding
Day Flight (sire) - Lucidrile (dam)
Owner: Gigginstown House Stud
Form figures: 21423-6
Racing Post Rating 162c, 152h Official Rating: 156c, 146h
He always gets himself out of trouble by winning one or two every year. He's probably not a Grade 1 horse but he'll mop up a few Grade 2s and 3s as he's always done. He's paid his way for the last few years and I'd imagine he'll do that again. He's a good, fun horse to have about the place.
Abacadabras
4g Davidoff - Cadoubelle Des As
Gigginstown House Stud
Unraced
He's a half-brother to a winner in France. He's been working nicely and will be ready to start off in a bumper in the next few weeks.
Allee Bleue
8g Mount Nelson - Murrieta
Adrew Cohen
773326-
RPR 141h, 124c OR 126h, 116c
He's arrived from Philip Hobbs and he looks like he could be well handicapped to me. We're just waiting for a bit of rain to get him going and I've been very pleased with what he's showing me so far.
Alpha Des Obeaux
8g Saddler Maker - Omega Des Obeaux
Gigginstown House Stud
4646F-5
RPR 170h, 161c OR 151h, 154c
He could end up in the Grand National. Mouse [Morris] did a wonderful job with him and the horse probably just wanted a change of scenery more than anything. I was pleased with his run in the Munster National and all roads will hopefully lead to Aintree.
Ange D'Or Javilex
8g Puit D'Or - Ixia De Menil
Thomas R Coleman
3P6/07/0/
RPR 124h, OR 109h
He hasn't been the easiest to train and he's been off for a long time but he's actually been doing one or two nice bits of work lately.
Anytime Now
6g Beneficial - Rag's Lady
Allan Snow
423375
RPR 123h OR 112h
He won his bumper by a wide margin at Kilbeggan and has been a bit frustrating since. He's definitely up to winning a maiden hurdle before the winter horses come out.
Apple's Jade
6m Saddler Maker - Apple's For Ever
Gigginstown House Stud
1/11133-
RPR 162h OR 158h
She'll go an identical route to the one she took last year. She'll start off in the Lismullen Hurdle at Navan and then on to Fairyhouse for the Hatton's Grace, a race she won so impressively last year. She kept coming into season during the second half of last season but we think we've rectified that issue now. She's absolutely bombing at home at the moment and the OLBG Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham is once again the ultimate aim.
Authorizo
3g Authorized - Street Lightning
Gigginstown House Stud
34-13 (Flat form)
Handled deep ground when he won at Cagnes-Sur-Mer in January. He's schooled nicely and will go for a juvenile hurdle once we get a bit of rain.
Baby Twig
7m Network - Natty Twigy
Philip J Reynolds
1/
RPR 115b
She got a leg after she won her bumper by a wide margin in Punchestown around this time two years ago. She's back now and working away nicely. She's a nice mare and jumps particularly well.
Ball D'Arc
7g Network - Pretty Moon
Gigginstown House Stud
33/31U5-
RPR 149h, 162c OR 140h, 157c
Has thrived since we sent him over fences but hurt himself when favourite at Naas in February and it will probably be Christmas by the time we get him out. He always pays his way.
Ballydunblaze
4f Arcadio - Classy Conflict
John Lane
1
RPR 96b
We'll look for a winners' bumper for her in the coming week. She got the job done nicely at Navan and has come on for it too.
Baltazar D'Allier
7g Malinas - Kinoise D'Allier
JP McManus
12F/
RPR 144h OR 140h
We're looking forward to getting this fella back out. He won his maiden hurdle at Naas like a nice horse and was second in the Challow at Newbury on New Year's Eve. He then fell at Navan and has had time off since.
Battleoverdoyen
5g Doyen - Battle Over
Gigginstown House Stud
1/ (point form)
A lovely, big horse who won his point-to-point at Loughanmore with a bit up his sleeve. He had a little setback last season and we never got to run him but he's ready to rock in a bumper as soon as we get a bit of soft ground.
Batts Rock
5g Fastnet Rock - Be My Queen
Noel Moran/Mrs Valerie Moran
2
A useful stayer on the Flat who was a bit unlucky at Punchestown last Wednesday as the winner ran right across him at the last. Should have little difficulty picking up a maiden hurdle on nice ground.
Ben Dundee
6g Beneficial - Miss Dundee
C Jones
162000-
RPR 140h OR 133h
He's a bit better than his form. He's been a bit unlucky. He's going over fences and you'll see him sooner rather than later.
Best Of Dubai
6m Dubai Destination - Second Best
Lucky Shoe Part Three Syndicate
3422-31
RPR 103b
She won a bumper the other day at Galway and has never run a bad race for us. She'll head for a maiden hurdle now in the next few weeks.
Black Tears
4f Jeremy - Our Girl Salley
Mrs Caren Walsh & John Lightfoot
2122-
RPR 110b
This filly is nice. She got a bit of a cut after Punchestown in April but she's back cantering now and hopefully you will see her this side of Christmas. She already has black type.
Bless The Wings
13g Winged Love - Silva Venture
Adrian Butler/S P O'Connor
P1FP34-
RPR 133h, 152c OR 120h, 137c
He's been some servant. He was third in the Grand National and hopefully he might end up back there next April. We'll take the cross-country route with him again and I have the Pardubicka at the back of my mind for him.
Blow By Blow
7g Robin Des Champs - Shean Rose
Gigginstown House Stud
161147-
RPR 152h OR 150h
He's ready to go and it will be novice chasing for him. He looks like a big winter horse who should relish deep ground but arguably his best form is on better ground. The RSA or National Hunt Chase is where we would like him to end up.
Boot Camp
5g Milan - Derravaragh Native
Gigginstown House Stud
274181
RPR 134h, 129c OR 130h
I liked the way he got the job done at Limerick. That was his first start over fences and we'll look for a winner of one for him now.
Brelade
6g Presenting - Polivalente
DP Sharkey
243725-
RPR 145h, 143c OR 139h, 139c
He got a bad cut in the Scottish Champion Hurdle and it has taken a while to get him back. He doesn't have enough confidence over fences so we're going to aim him at the Greatwood at Cheltenham's November meeting.
Campeador
6g Gris De Gris - Royale Video
JP McManus
4F/F/1F3-
RPR 154h OR 150h
He has a hell of a lot of ability and shows us an awful lot at home. He had a couple of silly falls to his name which didn't help his confidence. He is back cantering away now and always works well.
Carter McKay
7g Martaline - Saxona
Pearl Bloodstock Ltd
06/1330-
RPR 140h OR 138h
We have had him about six weeks or so. If you look at some of his best form you would imagine he will develop into a nice, staying novice chaser.
Cats For Cash
4g Mahler - Harvard Girl
Liam J Clancy
2
RPR 89b
Should come on for his debut second in a Down Royal bumper and we'll look for something similar soon.
Champagne Classic
7g Stowaway - Classical Rachel
Gigginstown House Stud
321311/
RPR 153h OR 151h
He's got some very, very good form. He's certainly surprised us. He shows us nothing at home. You would like to think that chasing will bring out the best in him and he's ready to go over fences now. I'm very happy with where he is at the moment.
Chief Justice
3g Acclamation - Freedom Pass
Cheveley Park Stud
2111
RPR 120h
He's done nothing but improve since arriving here. He was impressive at Listowel and Gowran Park. He only does what he has to do. We'll put him away for the thick of winter when the ground gets too deep and maybe have a go at the Fred Winter.
Race in focus
I was watching the Pardubicka the other day on the television and I thought to myself 'that's a race I would love to have a good at next year.' Maybe something like Tiger Roll or Bless The Wings might be suited to it. It would be some buzz to have a runner in that.
Coeur Sublime
3g Elusive Pimpernel - Love Knot
Chris Jones
1 (Flat form)
I'd say this fella is a fair horse. He beat Southern France in a Navan maiden last April and that form doesn't look too bad now, does it? He'll start off in a juvenile hurdle as soon as we get a bit of rain. I can't wait for that.
Column Of Fire
4g Robin Des Champs - Ghillie's Bay
Gigginstown House Stud
2-
RPR 119b
He chased home Commander Of Fleet in the Land Rover Bumper at Punchestown. He's got very strong over the summer and will start off in a bumper in a week or two.
Dark horse
Commander Of Fleet
4g Fame And Glory - Coonagh Cross
Gigginstown House Stud
1-
RPR 132b
You'd have to love the way he won the Land Rover Bumper at Punchestown. He's strengthened up a lot over the summer and the plan has always been for him to start off in a maiden hurdle at Down Royal early next month.
Commentariolus
4g Frankel - Apsara
M Booth & Miss Rachael Evans
13-5
RPR 120h OR 124h
A son of Frankel who hasn't been the easiest to train. He shows us plenty in his homework. We will be on the lookout for a winners of one hurdle race for him over the next few weeks.
Cool Getaway
6g Getaway - Coolnacarriga
JP McManus
1/ (Point form)
Won a point at Tattersalls for Stuart Crawford back in November 2016 and the form of that has worked out very well. He'll start off in a maiden hurdle soon and seems nice.
Count Simon
4g Rip Van Winkle - Wedding Cake
Mrs P Sloan
214225
RPR 128h OR 124h
He wasn't a bad juvenile and he'll probably head to Down Royal for the valuable 2m handicap hurdle.
Cracking Smart
6g Great Pretender - Maya Du Frene
Gigginstown House Stud
21/1122-
RPR 153h OR 150h
This is a smart horse. He could be a proper 3m staying chaser. He got a little chip which kept him out of Cheltenham but he's back cantering now and you'll hopefully see him this side of Christmas. He's a horse we like a lot here.
Creadan Belle
5m Vinnie Roe - Aliceaneileen
James W Power
642
RPR 88b
She's not the biggest mare you'd ever see but she's got a massive heart and she tries hard. Hopefully she can pick up a bumper.
Cubomania
5g Halling - Surrealism
Cubomania Syndicate
52-16113
RPR 117h, 139c OR 114h, 132c
A cracking syndicate horse, a real money-spinner. He's a model of consistency, is versatile and we'll continue to vary it with him.
Dakota Moirette
5g Voix Du Nord - Rahana Moirette
Gigginstown House Stud
700/337-
RPR 114h, 126c OR 122h
Might be better than his form suggests and you'll see him in a beginners' chase in the coming weeks.
Daylight Katie
5m Bonbon Rose - Sirani
David Dunsdon
F/1- (point form)
She won a Lisronagh point for Aidan Fitzgerald and has been showing me decent things at home. She'll be ready to go in a bumper in about three weeks.
De Plotting Shed
8g Beneficial - Lady Willmurt
Ives Ashley Vasey Partnership
2P-F444
RPR 153h, 140c OR 143h, 140c
He shows a lot more at home than he's been showing on the track of late. He's frustrating. We're thinking of sticking to hurdles for the time being anyway and there's a handicap hurdle at Navan next month that we're thinking of for him.
Defi Bleu
5g Saddler Maker - Glycine Bleue
Gigginstown House Stud
18-
RPR 119h
A nice horse who won a Navan bumper before we threw him in at the deep end in a Grade 2 hurdle at Naas in February. A maiden hurdle at Down Royal early next month is on his agenda now.
Star quality
Delta Work
5g Network - Robbe
Gigginstown House Stud
324312-
RPR 150h OR 152h
I'm really looking forward to seeing this fella over a fence. He could be a lovely staying novice and it was always in my head to start him off in a beginners' chase at Down Royal early next moth but we will need some rain for that to happen.
Destin D'Ajonc
5g Martaline - Fleur D'Ajonc
JP McManus
1/6360-
RPR 135h OR 133c
He has bits and pieces of form but was disappointing at Fairyhouse in April and needs to bounce back from that.
Diamond Cauchois
7g Crillon - Diamond Turtle
Danny & Eamon Partnership
313126-
RPR 155h OR 150h
He brings home a cheque every day he runs and I love that about horses. We will keep him over hurdles and you could see him end up in the Boyne Hurdle later in the season, he won that nicely last year and seems to love Navan.
Diamond Turf
5g Diamond Boy - Lovely Turf
Gigginstown House Stud
31-
RPR 114b
A big staying chaser in the making. He made big improvement from Limerick to win by a long way at Navan and the plan is to start him off in a maiden hurdle very soon once the rain finally arrives.
Dinaria Des Obeaux
5m Saddler Maker - Indiana Jaune
Gigginstown House Stud
461325-
RPR 134h, 139c OR 131h, 140c
She has a smashing season last term. She won three times over fences and really took to it. Mares chases will be her bread and butter.
Dinons
5g Balko - Beni Abbes
T O'Driscoll
3F1111
RPR 145h OR 135h
Needs a trip and nice ground. He won four on the bounce over the last few months and we're bringing him over to Cheltenham this week for a novice hurdle.
Doctor Phoenix
10g Dr Massini - Lowroad Cross
Nick Bradley Racing Club
0112F5-
RPR 131h, 166c OR 133h, 156c
He's probably not quite a Grade 1 horse so we will aim him at Grade 2s and 3s over two miles. If he has as good a season as he had last year then we would be thrilled.
Don Poli
9g Poliglote - Dalamine
Gigginstown House Stud
32/3P23/
RPR 153h, 168c OR 152h, 161c
Back in mighty form. He was absolutely flying before the Gold Cup in 2017 and unfortunately got a leg. He's back bouncing now and we're heading to Down Royal for the JNwine.com Champion Chase.
Dona Katharina
4f Stowaway - Western Whisper
Edward M Walsh
532
RPR 90b
She has a good pedigree. She's a sister to Outlander and should be up to winning a bumper in the coming months.
Dortmund Park
5g Great Pretender - Qena
Gigginstown House Stud
611481-
RPR 152h OR 148h
We haven't made up our minds whether to go chasing or stay over hurdles with him for another year. He's only five but is every inch a chaser when you look at him. He finished last year on a high and has summered well.
Dounikos
7g Smadoun - Baby Sitter
Gigginstown House Stud
114PPP-
RPR 124h, 155c OR 121h, 150c
He could tailor-made for the Troytown at Navan next month. His form fell apart in the second half of last season but he is still a Grade 2 winner over fences and is a lot better than his form says.
Duca De Thaix
5g Voix Du Nord - Nouca De Thaix
Gigginstown House Stud
16090-2
RPR 142h, 129c OR 132h
He works like a very, very good horse at home but he's disappointed us. I was happy with the way he jumped at Punchestown on Tuesday and he'll come on for that.
Edene D'Arc
4f Meresca Sorrento
Kenneth Alexander
13-
RPR 112b
A nice mare who we're waiting on a bit of soft ground for to run her in a maiden hurdle. She won a bumper at Gowran which worked out well.
Elwood
4g Martaline - Robbie
Gigginstown House Stud
644-1
He's a brother to Delta Work who came from France and works nicely. He's nice and just needs a bit of rain.
Empire Burleque
6g Cape Cross - Mowazana
Gigginstown House Stud
1/9-
RPR 117b
We decided to take him out of a maiden hurdle at Punchestown on Wednesday as we felt the ground was a shade too quick for him. He's working well.
Dark horse
Envoi Allen
4g Muhtathir - Reaction
Cheveley Park Stud
1- (point form)
A gorgeous horse we like. He looked good when he won his point at Ballinaboola. He's doing everything right at home and he'll start off in a bumper as soon as the ground comes right.
Enzani
7g Cape Cross - Eytarna
Shane Reville
72/2/11-7
RPR 119h OR 116h
A good, fun horse who will pay his way over hurdles in the coming months.
Everybreathyoutake
4g September Storm - Ashdale Lark
Neville Reid
P2
RPR 96b
Improved at Roscommon and is up to winning a bumper. Doesn't want real deep, winter ground.
Falak
5g Teofilo - Family
Bredan Scully
52S-013
RPR 124h OR 122h
He's having a break at the moment but will be back for the spring festivals.
Farclas
4g Jukebox Jury - Floriana
Gigginstown House Stud
2215-
RPR 149h OR 152h
I know he won the Triumph Hurdle last year but I think he needs a trip and we'll be trying him over further than two miles this season. He's had a wind operation and we hope to start him off this side of Christmas, but I'm convinced he wants a trip.
Feel My Pulse
4g Stowaway - Zenaide
Gigginstown House Stud
1- (point form)
Won his point at Lismore by a long way and looks a nice prospect. We'll start him off in a maiden hurdle sooner rather than later. He's ready to go.
Dark horse
Felix Desjy
5g Maresca Sorrento - Lamadoun
Gigginstown House Stud
1165-
RPR 135b
He qualifies for some of the valuable novice hurdles and we could aim him for the final of that. He's a very nice horse and could develop into a Supreme Novices' contender once he learns to settle.
Final List
4g Doyen - Lady Goldilocks
Gigginstown House Stud
5-
RPR 101b
He was fifth in a Punchestown bumper but he's got very strong over the summer and is a nice horse going forward.
Flat To The Max
3g Maxios - Another Name
Gigginstown House Stud
U
A three-year-old we got off Ger Lyons. He unseated Jack [Kennedy] at the first at Ballinrobe but that was out of character as he jumps very well at home.
Flawless Escape
5g Sagamix - Sainte Kadette
T O'Driscoll
12130-
RPR 138h OR 133h
This guy has got seriously strong over the summer. I like him. We're going to go novice chasing with him and he should do well at that game. He'll probably start off over 2m4f but will get 3m no problem.
Folsom Blue
11g Old Vic - Spirit Leader
Core Partnership
144140-
RPR 154h, 148c OR 128h, 145c
He was very unlucky in the Irish Grand National and the plan is to run him in what used to be the Fixed Brush Hurdle at Haydock on Betfair Chase day.
Fury Road
4g Stowaway - Molly Duffy
Gigginstown House Stud
41 (point form)
Won his point at the second time of asking quite easily at Dromahane and he's another ready to run in a bumper once the rain arrives.
General Principle
9g Gold Well - How Provincial
Gigginstown House Stud
470461-
RPR 142h, 146c OR 132h, 144c
Irish Grand National winner who is going to be very hard to place now. I suppose we'll aim him at the Grand National in Aintree this time and he could start off in the Troytown at Navan and run in all those valuable staying chases along the way to Aintree.
Getaway John
5g Getaway - Present Your Own
John F Doyle
3/2110-
RPR 136b
He wasn't right at Punchestown but he was very good at Fairyhouse when he won a proper bumper. He's been schooling nicely and you'll see him in a maiden hurdle soon. He's nice.
Glenloe
7g Kayf Tara - Mandys Native
JP McManus
5/22325-
RPR 146h OR 142h
Went very close in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham. He could develop into a nice staying chaser this season.
Grand Mogul
4g Presenting - Oligarch Society
John Lightfoot
4-
RPR 106b
He'll be up to winning a bumper as soon as we get a bit of rain. He's come forward since finishing fourth in a bumper at Punchestown.
Great Vizier
3g Sir Percy - Special Green
Simon Munir & Issac Souede
629- (Flat form)
Schooling well and doing everything I have asked of him. He will go for a juvenile maiden hurdle once we get rain.
Grotesque
7g Kayf Tara - Princess Timon
Gigginstown House Stud
21/60/33-
RPR 121h OR 116h
I would say he's well enough treated to win a few handicap hurdles before going chasing.
Hardline
6g Arcadio - Hidden Reserve
Gigginstown House Stud
31138-1
RPR 140h, 139c OR 140h
I loved the way he won at Fairyhouse. The second is a good horse. He could be even better over fences than he was over hurdles and we'll have to step him up in class now.
High Expectations
7g High Rock - Tashifiya
MJ Wasylocha
1P-4521
RPR 133h OR 128h
Has a good strike-rate and always wins the races he should be winning, as he showed when getting up late to score at Sedgefield. He'll mix and match between Flat and hurdles. He's a good, fun horse to have around the place. You can bring him anywhere.
Holy Motivation
5m Kalanisi - Teffia Rose
Pioneer Racing
796322
RPR 105h OR 95h
She's been placed on her last couple of runs and hopefully she'll get off the mark sooner rather than later.
Invincible Cave
5g Court Cave - Bespoke Baby
Gigginstown House Stud
14-
RPR 116b
Bit disappointing at Naas having won his bumper at Navan but I do think he's a nice horse and will appear in a maiden hurdle soon.
Isle Of Destiny
5m Gold Well - Young Amelie
John F Doyle
-533318
RPR 115h OR 105h
You would have to be a little disappointed with the way she ran at Cork on Sunday, but she's better than that. I loved her attitude at Hexham when she won the time before and I'm sure we will find a suitable race for her, perhaps on the other side of the water.
Its All Guesswork
6g Mahler - La Lambertine
Philip J Reynolds
4-3221F
RPR 128h, 131c OR 124h, 130c
He would have been placed in the Munster National only for coming down at the last. He was a bit sore after it so we'll give him a bit of time to recover. He could pick up one of those nice staying handicap chases, maybe something like the Troytown at Navan would suit. He won his beginners chase there.
Jury Duty
7g Well Chosen - Swan Heart
Sideways Syndicate
U3-3721
RPR 150h, 157c OR 147h, 152c
We couldn't have asked much more from him on Saturday night. We thought he would be the ideal type for the American Grand National and he proved just that. He was a high-class hurdler but he has progressed into an even better chaser and hopefully someday he might be the sort of horse who would suit an Aintree National.
Kuiper Belt
4g Elusive Quality - Youre So Sweet
Melissa Margolis
211216
RPR 122h OR 123h
Was a little disappointing at Punchestown on Wednesday but he's had some summer and won loads of races. He won't race through the winter but could go for a handicap at Cheltenham if he gets in.
Kuraka
4g Cacique - Puzzling
Susan Frost & Mrs Caren Walsh
23316-6
RPR 115h OR 119h
He's won two for us. He got a little setback in the summer but he's back working now and we'll find a little hurdle for him somewhere.
Lackaneen Leader
6m Oscar - Shandora
Mrs Caren Walsh & Grant Mercer
21112P-
RPR 137h OR 133h
Didn't do a whole lot wrong last year and she's going over fences now. She has the size and scope to do well chasing.
Larquebuse
4f Saddler Maker - Sirene Du Rheu
Cheveley Park Stud
1 (point form)
Won her point at Durrow nicely for Colin Bowe. She is a big, strong mare we like and you'll see her in a bumper this side of Christmas.
Last Minute Man
6g Yeats - Ella Watson
Paul & Clare Rooney
1/22-0
RPR 121h
A nice horse and you can forget his run at Clonmel in the summer when he wasn't right. He's a nice horse who's up to winning a maiden hurdle.
Lethal Steps
3g Lethal Force - Tanda Tula
Cheveley Park Stud
54-45040 (Flat form)
A nice juvenile to go hurdling with, he's rated 102 on the Flat. He jumps really, really well and we like what we've seen from him so far.
Rival to watch
Willie Mullins. He has caught me late for the last two seasons but we had a slow start this season so I have no chance of winning the title. What can you say about the man? He is a legend.
Make My Heart Fly
6m Stowaway - Poppy Maroon
Twenty Syndicate
111124
RPR 130h, 114c OR 130h
A star through the summer. She won four in a row and acquitted herself very well in a Listed event at Gowran. She'll mix it between chases and hurdles.
Dark horse
Malone Road
4g Kalanisi - Zaffarella
Cheveley Park Stud
1 (point form)
There was a lot to like about the way he won his point at Loughanmore for Stuart Crawford. This fella could be a seriously nice horse. We like him a lot.
Master Of Tara
5g Kayf Tara - Ryme Bere
Gigginstown House Stud
61-
RPR 127b
An imposing individual we like. He'll start off in a maiden hurdle very soon and I'm looking forward to it.
Star quality
Mengli Khan
5g Lope De Vega - Danielli
Gigginstown House Stud
11RO233-
RPR 151h OR 150h
He was one of our leading novice hurdlers last season and he goes chasing now. I like what I've seen of him schooling so far. He's not slow so we'll probably keep him to two miles with the Arkle being the ultimate aim next March.
Minellafordollars
6g King's Theatre - Another Dollar
JP McManus
1/31-
RPR 136h
He's back cantering away and is a nice horse to be heading into the winter months with as he handles deep ground really well.
Miss Aloud
4f Azamour - Key Stage
Oghill House Stud Limited
62233
RPR 102b
You cannot fault her consistency in bumpers and surely one will come her way in the coming weeks.
Missy Tata
6m Astarabad - Queen Running
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
4/11111/
RPR 144h OR 145h
She's back cantering away and it's great to have her back around the place. She's a classy mare who will head over fences once we get a bit of rain. She gives you everything.
Mitchouka
4g Creachadoir - Minaloushe
Gigginstown House Stud
1P26-F5
RPR 140h, 123c OR 140h
He had jumped brilliantly before he fell at Gowran Park, which was an awful pity. That seemed to affect his confidence at Punchestown but hopefully we can get him back on track.
Monbeg Notorious
7g Milan - Borleagh Princess
Gigginstown House Stud
211182-
RPR 138h, 155c OR 132h, 151c
He looks an ideal type for the Grand National at Aintree. He won the Thyestes in real heavy ground at Gowran and loves those testing conditions.
Monbeg Worldwide
6g Lucarno - Molly Duffy
Gigginstown House Stud
111/23-5
RPR 128h
He got incredibly tired at Tipperary last week and he'll come on a ton for that. It goes without saying he's better than the bare form of that and you should see a different horse next time.
Monkshood
6g Stowaway - Flirthing Around
Gigginstown House Stud
1/1145U
RPR 136h OR 136h
He's better than you have seen so far. He had an operation on his back for kissing spines but he's back cantering away now and we're looking forward to sending him over fences.
Moonlight Escape
5m Court Cave - Festival Leader
F Donnelly
1U9-015
RPR 122h, 125c OR 118h
She's a grand, honest mare who should do better over fences than she did over hurdles.
HORSE TO FOLLOW
Dortmund Park
Winner of both his bumpers and a three-time winner over hurdles last season, this five-year-old ended his campaign with a ten-length win in a Grade 1 novice over 2m4f at the Punchestown festival. There was an element of good fortune involved, to the margin of victory if not the result, as two of the leading contenders were knocked out of the race two out. However, the son of Great Pretender looks the type who should take well to fences and should enjoy a successful campaign in staying novice chases this season.
Tony O'Hehir
Ned Stark
10g Wolfe Tone - Last Moon
Noel Moran/Mrs Valerie Moran
68P52/0-
RPR 119h, 147c OR 124h, 130c
He's been a long time off the track but he's got a big engine and could be well handicapped. He's on the teamsheet for the Troytown at Navan.
Noble Endeavor
9g Flemensfirth - Old Moon
C Jones
P54136/
RPR 151h, 160c OR 145h, 154c
The long-term plan for him is the Grand National at Aintree. He hasn't run since the Irish National in 2017 as he chipped a bone but he's back now and will tip away in handicap chases this season. He's got some really good form.
Ocean Voyage
3f Most Improved - Minshar
Arion Racing Club
142-06 (Flat form)
A nice dual-purpose filly who we'll go juvenile hurdling with soon.
Our Father
12g Shantou - Rosepan
Ives & Johnsons Partnership
59U/92/0
RPR 147h, 154c OR 130c
He never let himself down on the ground at Limerick in the Munster National. He works well at home so we'll have another go at one of those nice staying handicap chases.
Out Sam
9g Multiplex - Tintera
D Charlesworth
9/06P33-
RPR 140h, 151c OR 127h, 132c
We have him pencilled in for the Cork National so that's where he'll go. He has some good back form and might not be badly treated if we can get him back to his old self.
Outlander
10g Stowaway - Western Whisper
Gigginstown House Stud
32PP8-2
RPR 147h, 170c OR 145h, 161c
He owes us nothing. He's won ten times and I was thrilled with his run in the Grade 3 at Punchestown the other day. He is entered in the JNwine.com Champion Chase, a race he beat Road To Respect in last year, so he deserves a shot in that.
Pallasator
9g Motivator - Ela Athena
Qatar Racing Limited
54115-
RPR 151h OR 147h
He did nothing but improve last season and won the Grade 2 at Fairyhouse over Easter. He seems in great nick and we might even try him over fences.
Penny Jane
6m King's Theatre - Shannon Rose
Paul & Clare Rooney
2231-11
RPR 118h, 122c OR 124c
I was absolutely thrilled with her win at Cork and Denis [O’Regan] gave her a terrific ride. That's the way she likes to be ridden. She has taken really well to fences and she should continue to progress. Hopefully we can find something for her at the spring festivals.
Poli Roi
6g Poliglote - Belle Du Roi
Gigginstown House
215P85-
RPR 136h OR 133c
He didn't really live up to expectations after winning his maiden hurdle at Down Royal around this time last year. We're sending him over fences and hopefully that will spark a revival.
Poormans Hill
7g Stowaway - Sharps Express
Vincent Caldwell & Mrs Kathleen Caldwell
161P7-4
RPR 124h, 133c OR 119h, 130c
He's won eight races for us now and kept improving all last season. We've had the Cork National in mind for him for quite a while so it's all systems go for that now.
Portnablagh
5m Well Chosen - Countess Trifaldi
Gigginstown House Stud
10-
RPR 104b
She's a great big galloping mare who loves soft ground. We're looking forward to her going over the hurdles and winter conditions will really suit.
Prince Of Scars
8g Flemensfirth - Spirit Leader
Gigginstown House Stud
3/236P3/
RPR 163h, 139c OR 150h, 139c
He is a dual Grade 1 winner who has had plenty of problems. He is back cantering away and is ready to return this side of Christmas. He likes winter ground and we'll look for a nice chase for him somewhere.
Rakhine State
5g Arakan - Oiselina
Armagh Bhoys Partnership
32464-
RPR 118h
He has been placed in a few bumpers and hopefully we can spot a nice opportunity for him somewhere in a maiden hurdle.
Rogue Angel
10g Presenting - Carrigeen Kohleria
Gigginstown House Stud
PP2-136
RPR 135h, 150c OR 135c
He tanked through the Kerry National and they probably didn't go quick enough for him at Limerick and it didn't really turn into a test. Hopefully he can land a big pot at some stage this season.
Star quality
Samcro
6g Germany - Dun Dun
Gigginstown House Stud
1/1111F-
RPR 159h OR 160c
We're really looking forward to getting him started. He's got a lot stronger over the summer and will definitely return at Down Royal – whether that's in the WKD Hurdle or the beginners chase over 2m4f I'm not 100 per cent sure yet. I'll have a chat with Michael and Eddie [O'Leary] over the next few days and we'll make a decision together. He didn't do much wrong last year, his only blip came at Punchestown and that could happen to any horse. Everyone knows what I think of him and hopefully he can continue to show everyone how good he is.
Santana Plessis
4g Saint Des Saints - La Passeroie
D Charlesworth
3-
RPR 115b
Third to Commander Of Fleet – one of ours – in a Punchestown bumper. He's a nice type who looks up to winning a bumper.
Star quality
Shattered Love
7m Yeats - Tracker
Gigginstown House Stud
RPR 141h, 159c OR 136h, 153c
We knew she would do better over fences than she did over hurdles but I suppose we never thought she would win two Grade 1s and be a Cheltenham Festival winner. In saying that, I did really fancy her for the JLT and I actually put her up at a few Cheltenham preview nights I was on. We'll start her off in the chase for second-season novices at Down Royal next month and what she does there will probably decide what path we take with her. She probably needs to improve a bit to be a Cheltenham Gold Cup contender but it's not out of the question.
Silver Star
5g Silver Frost - Suerte
Royal's & Blue Syndicate
Silver Star
RPR 126h OR 119h
Really consistent sort who will hold his own in his own grade.
Sire Du Berlais
6g Poliglote - Royale Athenia
JP McManus
130/248-
RPR 144h OR 142h
The best of his form is quite useful. He was fourth in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham and he's not a bad sort.
Smiling Eliza
3f Rock Of Gilbraltar - Gift Dancer
Gordon Elliott Racing Club
22121
RPR 112h
She keeps winning. The plan is to go to Aintree with her now for a mares' Listed hurdle and try pick up some black type.
Soldier At War
4g Soldier Hollow - Sag Sun
Gigginstown House Stud
2- (point form)
Second to Malone Road in a Loughanmore point and looks suite useful. He's ready to start off in a bumper soon and has had a wind operation.
Sometime Soon
5g Shantou - Back Log
Gigginstown House Stud
1345-2
RPR 119h
His jumping was a bit novicey at Fairyhouse last time and it might not be the worst thing in the world that he was beaten as we would have had to go straight for a graded race.
Space Cadet
8g Flemensfirth - Shuil A Hocht
C Jones
9342PP-
RPR 134h, 136c OR 122h, 135c
There could be a big day in this fella and he'll run in all those valuable staying handicap chases.
Squouateur
7g Martaline - Samansonnienne
JP McManus
6303BP-
RPR 141h, 141c OR 141h, 138c
It hasn't happened for him so far but it will happen for him some day. He's been frustrating but his luck has to change. There's a nice pot in him.
Star Maker
4g Mastercraftsman - Snoqualmie Star
Thomond Racing Syndicate
43-6619
RPR 116h OR 117h
He's coming along nicely and I think he can win again before the real winter stuff starts.
Stooshie
5g Fracas - Misty Native
Mrs Caren Walsh & John F Doyle
2513-32
RPR 130h OR 128h
I thought he ran well the other day at Punchestown and there will hopefully be a nice handicap in him somewhere along the way.
Sunsetstorise
10g Millenary - Otorum
Mrs Finola Murphy & Mrs Ann Marie McManus & Mrs Tahnee Grant
4P1/125-
RPR 128c, 120h OR 124c, 102h
We took him out of a race at Cork on Sunday because the ground was a little on the quick side. I have no doubt he will pay his way in 2m Handicap chases when there is a bit more cut in the ground.
Sutton Place
7g Mahler - Glebe Beauty
JP McManus
1/11P/1P-
RPR 161h, 141c OR 158h
He has missed a bit of time but we are looking forward to getting him back on the right road. He is a nice horse and we have yet to decide what route we are going to take with him.
Swingbridge
10g Milan - Creative Approach
Noel Gerard Moran
F-041361
RPR 118h, 133c OR 109h, 124c
A very consistent sort who might go to Cheltenham at the end of the week for a handicap chase.
Synopsis
6m Azamour - Censored
David Spratt & Kevin McMunigal & Mary Hopkins
70123-6
RPR 126h, 120c OR 124h, 123c
A useful enough mare who did well over hurdles and didn't take long to win over fences. She will probably mix and match between handicap hurdles and chases.
Takeittothelimits
6m Stowaway - A Plus Ma Puce
JP McManus
112/
RPR 107b
She is ready to in in a maiden hurdle once we get a bit of rain. She won her first two bumpers and was second in a Listed bumper at Gowran but she has had her fair share of problems since. It'll be good to get her back.
Thatsy
4g Martaline - Rainallday
Gigginstown House Stud
12- (point form)
A big, strong, staying sort who won his point at Lingstown for Donnacha Doyle. We'll pop him into a bumper as soon as we get a bit of rain.
The Big Lense
5g Court Cave - Megans Joy
JP McManus
63-816
RPR 121h OR 117h
He got the job done nicely in a maiden hurdle at Bellewstown and hopefully there is more to come. He won a point at Cragmore a few years ago so he could develop into a nice chaser.
The Storyteller
7g Shantou - Bally Bolshoi
Mrs P Sloan
137151-
RPR 148h, 161c OR 142h, 155c
Did us proud last year, winning at Cheltenham and then landing a Grade 1 at Punchestown, although I think we all know he was very lucky there given what happened to Al Boum Photo. He could be tricky enough to place this year but he'll definitely start off in the chase for second-season novices at Down Royal next month and we'll take it from there
Thisonesforollie
6m Scorpion - Toniberoli
B Mannion & Brendan O'Grady
69-4811
RPR 100h OR 90h
I've got a great kick out of her winning her last few races. I still think she's quite well handicapped and could win a few more. She's improving fast.
Tiger Roll
8g Authorized - Swiss Roll
Gigginstown House Stud
P/2P511-
RPR 150h, 160c OR 140h, 159c
He's absolutely bouncing, you wouldn't believe how well he is in himself. He's loving life. It takes some horse to win at three Cheltenham Festivals and then a Grand National. I suppose we'll go down a similar route to last year. We'll keep him to cross-country races. He's still only eight and we could get a couple more years out of him doing that job if we mind him.
Timber House
6g Golden Lariat
Gigginstown House Stud
4F1 (point form)
A nice type of horse who won his point at Ballysteen in April and will start off in a bumper very soon.
Timiyan
7g Ghostzapper - Timarwa
John P McManus
F-61D07
RPR 139h, 143c OR 132h, 132c
He was unlucky to be disqualified at Kilbeggan during the summer. He lost his confidence after an early mistake at Limerick last time. Hopefully we can get him right for the Troytown at Navan.
Tintangle
5m Yeats - Connaught Hall
Gigginstown House Stud
4113-
RPR 116b
She's a grand mare who we're looking forward to running in a maiden hurdle. She should have a good season ahead. She has ability and should have a good season ahead.
Tombstone
8g Robin Des Champs - Connaught Hall
Gigginstown House Stud
3626-51
RPR 153h, 153c OR 143h, 144c
We thought the world of him early on and he has been a bit frustrating as we all know what he's capable of. It was great to see him get his head back in front the other day at Limerick and that will do his confidence the world of good. We'll mix and match it between hurdles and fences.
Ucello Conti
10g Martaline - Gazelle Lulu
Simon Munir & Issac Souede
24U/2PU-
RPR 127h, 153c OR 139h, 147c
He'll go hunter chasing and run in cross-country races. He should be a good, fun horse. It's unbelievable that he has yet to win a race for us.
Viscount Wilson
3g Lethal Force - Highland Starlight
J A Mooney & Raymond Moore Jnr & Raymond C Moore
4
RPR 97h
Not a bad sort on the Flat for Ger Lyons and he will come on for his first start for us over hurdles at Down Royal.
Vision D'honneur
4g Vision D'Etat - Hembra
Gigginstown House Stud
1
He won in France and he looks like he could be a proper horse. We like the look of what we've seen so far.
Western Honour
6g Westerer - Cailins Honour
Cheveley Park Stud
844-4
RPR 113h OR 112h
Arrived from Jimmy Moffatt's and hopefully there will be a handicap hurdle in him off his mark. They will have plenty of fun with him.
Westland Row
6g Oscar - Presenting Proform
Mrs Caren Walsh & John F Doyle
221010-
RPR 133h OR 129h
He might jump a fence sooner rather than later but he'll pay his way over hurdles too.
Woods Well
7g Fleetwood - Millbrook Marble
Gigginstown House Stud
5P5P6-1
RPR 136h, 139c OR 134h, 133c
He showed a good attitude to win at Galway the other day and he will be part of my Troytown team.
Diamond Geezer
Gone But Not Forgotten
- Joined
- May 2, 2003
- Messages
- 13,884
He also has a promising youngster called Fidji Emery amongst a few others
G-G
Dormant account
And hopefully another one in Ferocious, who was the smallest, weediest (new word in English language 
) foal ever when he sold at Goffs. Bought for €100k last October.
) foal ever when he sold at Goffs. Bought for €100k last October.
Perpetual
Senior Jockey
Where's that stable tour from wilsonl?
granger
Senior Jockey
Didn't realise that he has Carter McKay
Racing Post
Perpetual
Senior Jockey
Thanks and feel free to post any more up
Granger - I've got a couple of photos from the Closutton visit (including Faugheen), but I've had IT issues last few weeks and will upload when i'm sorted!
Donald McCain
The days of Peddlers Cross, Overturn, Ballabriggs, Whiteoak and Cinders And Ashes may be in the past, but a new dawn is lighting up Bankhouse Stables.
After a period of rebuilding and restocking necessitated by the break-up with owners Paul and Clare Rooney almost exactly three years ago, Donald McCain’s star is once again in the ascendancy.
There might not be a horse in the stable the calibre of Peddlers Cross just yet, but McCain has high hopes for a team which includes the very useful chaser Cloudy Dream plus a horse he is conspicuously sweet on, Uppertown Prince, who could take high rank in the novice chase division.
McCain is strengthening all the time. Only last week he took charge of the Elite Racing-owned Constancio, an 85-rated middle-distance handicapper on the Flat for Jim Bolger, and juvenile hurdle prospect Liva, his first horse for Simon Munir and Isaac Souede.
Expect to see him have plenty of runners – and winners – on deep ground at Haydock this winter once again, and keep an eye on two of his juvenile hurdlers, Breakfast and Ormesher, who are likely to continue their progress after making excellent starts to their new careers.
The appointment of Brian Hughes as stable jockey has already paid dividends – as McCain says, “he’s been the standout jockey in the north over the last few years, and to have him on-side can only be good for us” – and, while the yard is highly unlikely to get near its best ever tally of 153 winners recorded during the 2011-12 campaign, a first century since 2013-14 would surely signal a complete recovery from the 2015 bombshell in impressively quick time.
Beach Break
Four-year-old gelding
Cacique (sire) - Wemyss Bay (dam)
Owner: G E Fitzpatrick
Form figures: 211134
Racing Post Rating: 127 (hurdles); official rating 126 (hurdles)
When I bought him off the Flat he had a bit of a reputation, but he’s done his job and gone out and won three races over hurdles. He’s got an unorthodox head carriage – that’s just the make and shape of him – but his jumping is so much slicker now and he's improved. He ran another solid race at Wetherby the other day and hopefully there’s more to come.
Black Key
6g Authorized - Pentatonic
Mr D Owens
326-131
RPR 135h OR 130h
He was a cheap purchase last month considering he won a handicap hurdle at the big Galway meeting in August. He has his aches and pains, but clearly has an engine.
Chti Balko
6g Balko - Ina Scoop
D G Carrington
415392-
RPR 147h OR 142h
He’s a great little horse who never runs a bad race. We’ve toyed with the idea of going chasing, but are going to stay handicapping in two-mile soft-ground hurdles. He’s particularly effective at Haydock on deep ground.
Star quality
Cloudy Dream
8g Cloudings - Run Away Dream
Trevor Hemmings
222235-
RPR 162c 140h OR 157c 137h
We’re still learning about him. He’s a high-quality chaser who we’ll start off in the Old Roan at Aintree. His work has been great and it’s nice to have him. He finished second to Altior in the Racing Post Arkle at Cheltenham a couple of seasons ago and is obviously a lovely horse to have around the place. Mr Hemmings has always been a big supporter of mine and we’ll make a plan with Mick Meagher as we go along.
Dear Sire
6g Al Namix - Polismith
Green Day Racing
2-01F31
RPR 141c OR 142c
He has won nine races in less than two years. I took a chance with him over a longer trip on a couple of occasions at Cartmel in the summer. He won the first and would have won the second as well but for hitting a patch of false ground at the second-last. I think he’ll improve in two-mile handicap chases with the hood left off.
Race in focus
Danceintothelight loves Catterick, and I'm hoping the handicapper drops him enough so that he can get into a suitable race there this winter. Look out for him over 2m3f round there with my daughter Abbie on board.
Federici
9g Overbury - Vado Via
M4 Properties Ltd
14553P-
RPR 137c 128h OR 130c 119h
He had a little knock after the Cross Country at Cheltenham in March and it’s taken us time to get him back. He’ll go straight for the Becher or Grand Sefton at Aintree. Hopefully there's a big day in him.
Fin And Game
6g Oscar - Miss Cilla
T G Leslie
4/1114-6
RPR 133h OR 129h
He didn’t do a lot wrong on his first start novice chasing last Thursday at Carlisle. He jumped really well, and was just a bit fresh after getting lit up in the stables. I still get the impression that he’s playing at the job. The race we ran him in at Ayr in April probably wasn’t suitable. He’s definitely got an engine but maybe he doesn’t know it himself just yet. I hope the penny will drop.
Dark horse
Gaelik Coast
4g Coastal Path - Gaelika
T G Leslie
1-
RPR 91
He’s not a big horse, which is probably why he didn’t make huge money at the sales, but has grown over the summer. He was very impressive when winning his point-to-point in Ireland, and he’s sharp enough to be started off in a bumper. He’s one for the future.
Katachenko
9g Kutub - Karalee
Trevor Hemmings
U/26F-44
RPR 139c 131h OR 132c 128h
He was a bit unlucky last season. At Aintree in December he was spooked when the flagman dropped his flag, and he lost 15 lengths at the start before being beaten a nose by Play The Ace. He was travelling very sweetly when he fell five out at Ayr later on, and will hopefully enjoy better fortune this term. We may consider putting some headgear on in the future.
Kelka
6m Exit To Nowhere - Scarvagh Diamond
D & D Armstrong Ltd
514/239-
RPR 129h 121c OR 127h 123c
She hasn’t been with me long. There are lots of opportunities to sneak a bit of black type in mares’ novice chases throughout the season and that’s the route she’ll go down. She’s the first horse I’ve trained for David Armstrong.
Knock House
9g Old Vic - Lady’s Gesture
T G Leslie
P/62-857
RPR 151c 131h OR 130c 129h
He’s had plenty of problems with his back. He ran a nice race over hurdles at Carlisle last season when second to My Old Gold. It will be a case of finding the right race on the right day with him – over hurdles or fences. He reappeared at Carlisle last Thursday, and travelled beautifully in a 3m handicap chase for a long way. In the short-term we’ll go back to a flat track and hurdles.
Knockrobin
7g Robin Des Pres - Tudor Style
Deva Racing Knockrobin Partnership
42312P-
RPR 129h OR 130h
He should have won more races than he has, but he’s been a little immature and just plays at the job a bit. I see him as a 3m staying novice chaser for races in the north. He’s been crying out for a fence.
Lastbutnotleast
8m Flemensfirth - Lakil Princess
Sarah Leslie and Beryl McCain
11/P135-
RPR 141c 135h OR 132c 132h
She left her season at Haydock in December. It was the first race of the day on very bad ground and she and Jonniesofa took each other on for two miles; it was brutal up the straight. She went on to nick some black type at Leicester, but wasn’t herself. She’ll go back chasing and can hopefully win a decent staying handicap.
Lofgren
7g Multiplex - Sherry Darling
Mrs C P Lees-Jones
232171
RPR 136c 134h OR 137c 122h
He’s doing his job really well and stays further than I thought he would. He was very tough at Cartmel and then improved again to win at Bangor. He doesn’t want deep ground.
Mount Mews
7g Presenting - Kneeland Lass
Trevor Hemmings
361230-
RPR 150h 145c OR 140h 139c
He’s a nice horse who arrived in the summer. He had a ‘nearly’ season last year and appears fairly treated as a result. He’s grand, and will go chasing. I’m very happy with him. If we can get him switched off in staying handicap chases he should do well.
Rival to watch
Altior. The art of being very good at something is the ability to make it look simple. You just know this horse always has everything covered.
Mr McGo
7g Touch Of Land - La Principal
Jon Glews
/91179/
RPR 135h OR 135h
He’s a pretty useful horse. We sent him for a Grade 3 handicap hurdle at Aintree to make him grow up a bit more – we did something similar with The Last Samurai. He missed last season but is cantering away and looks great. He's every inch a chaser.
Mr Monochrome
7g Indian Danehill - Our Ethel
Mr and Mrs G Calder and P M Warren
23123/4-
RPR 129h 122c OR 127h 122c
He’s been off the course quite a while and didn’t jump particularly well in his only race over fences at Perth last September behind Ballyandy. He’s a very attractive horse and his work of late has been quite solid. He should find an opening or two in novice handicap chases up north.
Noah And The Ark
4g Vinnie Roe - Well Water
Bart Ryan-Beswick
-65511
RPR 117h OR -
I was quite upset when I got into trouble over the way he was ridden at Bangor. My job as a trainer is to find a way for a horse to run its best race. We rode him differently that day, and I got fined and the horse banned basically for just doing my job. I think we’ve subsequently proved that’s the way to ride him as he came from well off the pace to win at Stratford and Kelso. They were both bad races, but he was quite impressive and is clearly going the right way.
Pogue
5g Stowaway - Night Palm
Mr J Turner
21 (point form)
RPR 90
He’s slightly different to Gaelik Coast in that he is 17 hands – a tall, lean, striking grey. He won a point-to-point a couple of weeks after he narrowly got beat on his debut. An intriguing horse who looks every inch a staying chaser, he is a nice prospect to have. Young recruits like him and Gaelik Coast are the future.
Pougne Bobbi
7g Protektor - Amicus
Straightline Bloodstock
57/4517-
RPR 144c 139h OR 139c 128h
I bought him at the sales with no aspirations of trying to improve one of Nicky Henderson’s, but because I think he can do well on deep-ground in the north. There is good prize-money available for this type of horse at the likes of Newcastle, Ayr and Wetherby. He’s a great big horse with a round action.
Raise A Spark
8g Multiplex - Reem Two
R Pattison and R Kent
6-41123
RPR 140c 127h OR 134c 127h
He’s a fun horse who we bred – a little bit wild, but as tough as nails. He probably wants 2m on slow ground, and we’ll take our time and regroup after he ran a bit flat at Perth last time. He has a bit more ability than some give him credit for.
Robbing The Prey
7g Robin Des Pres - Derravarra Lady
The Bells Steakhouse Ltd
F/2163-1
RPR 140c 115h OR 135c 118h
I’ve seen him plenty of times in the north of England. He put up a really good display of jumping and galloping when he won at Haydock in May. He’s a grand, strong horse, and there should be some good opportunities for him back at Haydock this season.
Same Circus
7m Brian Boru - Curragh Orpen
Penketh and Sankey Jech Racing Club 1
34114-5
RPR 134c 123h OR 127c 120h
She had a good season last year, winning at Catterick and Bangor, even though she didn’t quite get the ground she wanted. While there are plenty of chases for mares there aren't many mares’ handicaps. Her big day was supposed to be at Cheltenham in April, but the mares’ chase was one of the races to be abandoned owing to the very high temperatures at that time of year.
Sonic
5g Vinnie Roe - Bella’s Bury
Special Piping Materials Ltd
F21214
RPR 126h OR 125h
He’s only tiny, but hard as nails. He can be too brave for his own good and has taken a couple of falls, but has won two of his last four starts – minor events at Uttoxeter and Sedgefield. He’ll get 3m and will jump a fence at some stage.
Tawseef
10g Monsun - Sahool
Donald McCain
123121-
RPR 137h OR 137h
I bought him in the summer of last year for my daughters Abbie and Ella to ride, and never expected him to achieve the rating he now has. He’s an old horse with a high rating – which probably isn’t justified – so he’ll be hard to place. He’s only a pony, but has given everyone here great fun, and is a pleasure to have around.
Testify
7g Witness Box - Tanya Thyne
Trevor Hemmings
9/1110P-
RPR 150c 134h OR 145c 134h
I trained his full-brother Wymott, who won a Grade 2 staying hurdle at Haydock, so I know the family and they do have days when they disappoint a bit. Testify is very effective in small fields on bad ground as he showed at Haydock last winter. He was below his best in the Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase at Cheltenham after making an early mistake. We’ve had his wind operated on and will be focusing on staying handicap chases at Haydock. He’s undoubtedly a useful horse – his brother finished sixth to Carruthers in the Hennessy – but I’m still trying to work him out.
Uppertown Prince
6g Strategic Prince - Tarrawarra
T G Leslie
12214-
RPR 142h OR 140h
I’m very fond of this horse, and he’s arguably my best prospect. I bought him because of the way he jumped throughout when winning his point-to-point and I’m really looking forward to sending him chasing this winter. He ran a really nice race when fourth to Santini in the Grade 1 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree, and also finished runner-up in a Haydock Grade 2 on heavy ground before winning as he liked at Ayr. He’s one to be excited about.
William Of Orange
7g Duke Of Marmalade - Critical Acclaim
T W Johnson and G Maxwell
P-16155
RPR 135h OR 134h
There are two Williams – he has his good days and his bad days. He’s been quite busy over the summer and is best dropped right out in his races before being produced with a late challenge. He also stays better now than we thought he would at one stage. He’s always likely to pop up during the course of the season but you wouldn’t necessarily know when that day will be.
Horse to follow
Lastbutnotleast
Donald McCain was really excited about this chasing mare around this time last year but she broke a blood vessel when pulled up in a Listed contest at Carlisle in December before walking home in an absolute slog to beat two rivals at Haydock. She ran two poor races after that and I wouldn't be surprised if she was back to her best this year, which would mean she is a threat to all in the top northern staying chases.
Tom Collins
The days of Peddlers Cross, Overturn, Ballabriggs, Whiteoak and Cinders And Ashes may be in the past, but a new dawn is lighting up Bankhouse Stables.
After a period of rebuilding and restocking necessitated by the break-up with owners Paul and Clare Rooney almost exactly three years ago, Donald McCain’s star is once again in the ascendancy.
There might not be a horse in the stable the calibre of Peddlers Cross just yet, but McCain has high hopes for a team which includes the very useful chaser Cloudy Dream plus a horse he is conspicuously sweet on, Uppertown Prince, who could take high rank in the novice chase division.
McCain is strengthening all the time. Only last week he took charge of the Elite Racing-owned Constancio, an 85-rated middle-distance handicapper on the Flat for Jim Bolger, and juvenile hurdle prospect Liva, his first horse for Simon Munir and Isaac Souede.
Expect to see him have plenty of runners – and winners – on deep ground at Haydock this winter once again, and keep an eye on two of his juvenile hurdlers, Breakfast and Ormesher, who are likely to continue their progress after making excellent starts to their new careers.
The appointment of Brian Hughes as stable jockey has already paid dividends – as McCain says, “he’s been the standout jockey in the north over the last few years, and to have him on-side can only be good for us” – and, while the yard is highly unlikely to get near its best ever tally of 153 winners recorded during the 2011-12 campaign, a first century since 2013-14 would surely signal a complete recovery from the 2015 bombshell in impressively quick time.
Beach Break
Four-year-old gelding
Cacique (sire) - Wemyss Bay (dam)
Owner: G E Fitzpatrick
Form figures: 211134
Racing Post Rating: 127 (hurdles); official rating 126 (hurdles)
When I bought him off the Flat he had a bit of a reputation, but he’s done his job and gone out and won three races over hurdles. He’s got an unorthodox head carriage – that’s just the make and shape of him – but his jumping is so much slicker now and he's improved. He ran another solid race at Wetherby the other day and hopefully there’s more to come.
Black Key
6g Authorized - Pentatonic
Mr D Owens
326-131
RPR 135h OR 130h
He was a cheap purchase last month considering he won a handicap hurdle at the big Galway meeting in August. He has his aches and pains, but clearly has an engine.
Chti Balko
6g Balko - Ina Scoop
D G Carrington
415392-
RPR 147h OR 142h
He’s a great little horse who never runs a bad race. We’ve toyed with the idea of going chasing, but are going to stay handicapping in two-mile soft-ground hurdles. He’s particularly effective at Haydock on deep ground.
Star quality
Cloudy Dream
8g Cloudings - Run Away Dream
Trevor Hemmings
222235-
RPR 162c 140h OR 157c 137h
We’re still learning about him. He’s a high-quality chaser who we’ll start off in the Old Roan at Aintree. His work has been great and it’s nice to have him. He finished second to Altior in the Racing Post Arkle at Cheltenham a couple of seasons ago and is obviously a lovely horse to have around the place. Mr Hemmings has always been a big supporter of mine and we’ll make a plan with Mick Meagher as we go along.
Dear Sire
6g Al Namix - Polismith
Green Day Racing
2-01F31
RPR 141c OR 142c
He has won nine races in less than two years. I took a chance with him over a longer trip on a couple of occasions at Cartmel in the summer. He won the first and would have won the second as well but for hitting a patch of false ground at the second-last. I think he’ll improve in two-mile handicap chases with the hood left off.
Race in focus
Danceintothelight loves Catterick, and I'm hoping the handicapper drops him enough so that he can get into a suitable race there this winter. Look out for him over 2m3f round there with my daughter Abbie on board.
Federici
9g Overbury - Vado Via
M4 Properties Ltd
14553P-
RPR 137c 128h OR 130c 119h
He had a little knock after the Cross Country at Cheltenham in March and it’s taken us time to get him back. He’ll go straight for the Becher or Grand Sefton at Aintree. Hopefully there's a big day in him.
Fin And Game
6g Oscar - Miss Cilla
T G Leslie
4/1114-6
RPR 133h OR 129h
He didn’t do a lot wrong on his first start novice chasing last Thursday at Carlisle. He jumped really well, and was just a bit fresh after getting lit up in the stables. I still get the impression that he’s playing at the job. The race we ran him in at Ayr in April probably wasn’t suitable. He’s definitely got an engine but maybe he doesn’t know it himself just yet. I hope the penny will drop.
Dark horse
Gaelik Coast
4g Coastal Path - Gaelika
T G Leslie
1-
RPR 91
He’s not a big horse, which is probably why he didn’t make huge money at the sales, but has grown over the summer. He was very impressive when winning his point-to-point in Ireland, and he’s sharp enough to be started off in a bumper. He’s one for the future.
Katachenko
9g Kutub - Karalee
Trevor Hemmings
U/26F-44
RPR 139c 131h OR 132c 128h
He was a bit unlucky last season. At Aintree in December he was spooked when the flagman dropped his flag, and he lost 15 lengths at the start before being beaten a nose by Play The Ace. He was travelling very sweetly when he fell five out at Ayr later on, and will hopefully enjoy better fortune this term. We may consider putting some headgear on in the future.
Kelka
6m Exit To Nowhere - Scarvagh Diamond
D & D Armstrong Ltd
514/239-
RPR 129h 121c OR 127h 123c
She hasn’t been with me long. There are lots of opportunities to sneak a bit of black type in mares’ novice chases throughout the season and that’s the route she’ll go down. She’s the first horse I’ve trained for David Armstrong.
Knock House
9g Old Vic - Lady’s Gesture
T G Leslie
P/62-857
RPR 151c 131h OR 130c 129h
He’s had plenty of problems with his back. He ran a nice race over hurdles at Carlisle last season when second to My Old Gold. It will be a case of finding the right race on the right day with him – over hurdles or fences. He reappeared at Carlisle last Thursday, and travelled beautifully in a 3m handicap chase for a long way. In the short-term we’ll go back to a flat track and hurdles.
Knockrobin
7g Robin Des Pres - Tudor Style
Deva Racing Knockrobin Partnership
42312P-
RPR 129h OR 130h
He should have won more races than he has, but he’s been a little immature and just plays at the job a bit. I see him as a 3m staying novice chaser for races in the north. He’s been crying out for a fence.
Lastbutnotleast
8m Flemensfirth - Lakil Princess
Sarah Leslie and Beryl McCain
11/P135-
RPR 141c 135h OR 132c 132h
She left her season at Haydock in December. It was the first race of the day on very bad ground and she and Jonniesofa took each other on for two miles; it was brutal up the straight. She went on to nick some black type at Leicester, but wasn’t herself. She’ll go back chasing and can hopefully win a decent staying handicap.
Lofgren
7g Multiplex - Sherry Darling
Mrs C P Lees-Jones
232171
RPR 136c 134h OR 137c 122h
He’s doing his job really well and stays further than I thought he would. He was very tough at Cartmel and then improved again to win at Bangor. He doesn’t want deep ground.
Mount Mews
7g Presenting - Kneeland Lass
Trevor Hemmings
361230-
RPR 150h 145c OR 140h 139c
He’s a nice horse who arrived in the summer. He had a ‘nearly’ season last year and appears fairly treated as a result. He’s grand, and will go chasing. I’m very happy with him. If we can get him switched off in staying handicap chases he should do well.
Rival to watch
Altior. The art of being very good at something is the ability to make it look simple. You just know this horse always has everything covered.
Mr McGo
7g Touch Of Land - La Principal
Jon Glews
/91179/
RPR 135h OR 135h
He’s a pretty useful horse. We sent him for a Grade 3 handicap hurdle at Aintree to make him grow up a bit more – we did something similar with The Last Samurai. He missed last season but is cantering away and looks great. He's every inch a chaser.
Mr Monochrome
7g Indian Danehill - Our Ethel
Mr and Mrs G Calder and P M Warren
23123/4-
RPR 129h 122c OR 127h 122c
He’s been off the course quite a while and didn’t jump particularly well in his only race over fences at Perth last September behind Ballyandy. He’s a very attractive horse and his work of late has been quite solid. He should find an opening or two in novice handicap chases up north.
Noah And The Ark
4g Vinnie Roe - Well Water
Bart Ryan-Beswick
-65511
RPR 117h OR -
I was quite upset when I got into trouble over the way he was ridden at Bangor. My job as a trainer is to find a way for a horse to run its best race. We rode him differently that day, and I got fined and the horse banned basically for just doing my job. I think we’ve subsequently proved that’s the way to ride him as he came from well off the pace to win at Stratford and Kelso. They were both bad races, but he was quite impressive and is clearly going the right way.
Pogue
5g Stowaway - Night Palm
Mr J Turner
21 (point form)
RPR 90
He’s slightly different to Gaelik Coast in that he is 17 hands – a tall, lean, striking grey. He won a point-to-point a couple of weeks after he narrowly got beat on his debut. An intriguing horse who looks every inch a staying chaser, he is a nice prospect to have. Young recruits like him and Gaelik Coast are the future.
Pougne Bobbi
7g Protektor - Amicus
Straightline Bloodstock
57/4517-
RPR 144c 139h OR 139c 128h
I bought him at the sales with no aspirations of trying to improve one of Nicky Henderson’s, but because I think he can do well on deep-ground in the north. There is good prize-money available for this type of horse at the likes of Newcastle, Ayr and Wetherby. He’s a great big horse with a round action.
Raise A Spark
8g Multiplex - Reem Two
R Pattison and R Kent
6-41123
RPR 140c 127h OR 134c 127h
He’s a fun horse who we bred – a little bit wild, but as tough as nails. He probably wants 2m on slow ground, and we’ll take our time and regroup after he ran a bit flat at Perth last time. He has a bit more ability than some give him credit for.
Robbing The Prey
7g Robin Des Pres - Derravarra Lady
The Bells Steakhouse Ltd
F/2163-1
RPR 140c 115h OR 135c 118h
I’ve seen him plenty of times in the north of England. He put up a really good display of jumping and galloping when he won at Haydock in May. He’s a grand, strong horse, and there should be some good opportunities for him back at Haydock this season.
Same Circus
7m Brian Boru - Curragh Orpen
Penketh and Sankey Jech Racing Club 1
34114-5
RPR 134c 123h OR 127c 120h
She had a good season last year, winning at Catterick and Bangor, even though she didn’t quite get the ground she wanted. While there are plenty of chases for mares there aren't many mares’ handicaps. Her big day was supposed to be at Cheltenham in April, but the mares’ chase was one of the races to be abandoned owing to the very high temperatures at that time of year.
Sonic
5g Vinnie Roe - Bella’s Bury
Special Piping Materials Ltd
F21214
RPR 126h OR 125h
He’s only tiny, but hard as nails. He can be too brave for his own good and has taken a couple of falls, but has won two of his last four starts – minor events at Uttoxeter and Sedgefield. He’ll get 3m and will jump a fence at some stage.
Tawseef
10g Monsun - Sahool
Donald McCain
123121-
RPR 137h OR 137h
I bought him in the summer of last year for my daughters Abbie and Ella to ride, and never expected him to achieve the rating he now has. He’s an old horse with a high rating – which probably isn’t justified – so he’ll be hard to place. He’s only a pony, but has given everyone here great fun, and is a pleasure to have around.
Testify
7g Witness Box - Tanya Thyne
Trevor Hemmings
9/1110P-
RPR 150c 134h OR 145c 134h
I trained his full-brother Wymott, who won a Grade 2 staying hurdle at Haydock, so I know the family and they do have days when they disappoint a bit. Testify is very effective in small fields on bad ground as he showed at Haydock last winter. He was below his best in the Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase at Cheltenham after making an early mistake. We’ve had his wind operated on and will be focusing on staying handicap chases at Haydock. He’s undoubtedly a useful horse – his brother finished sixth to Carruthers in the Hennessy – but I’m still trying to work him out.
Uppertown Prince
6g Strategic Prince - Tarrawarra
T G Leslie
12214-
RPR 142h OR 140h
I’m very fond of this horse, and he’s arguably my best prospect. I bought him because of the way he jumped throughout when winning his point-to-point and I’m really looking forward to sending him chasing this winter. He ran a really nice race when fourth to Santini in the Grade 1 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree, and also finished runner-up in a Haydock Grade 2 on heavy ground before winning as he liked at Ayr. He’s one to be excited about.
William Of Orange
7g Duke Of Marmalade - Critical Acclaim
T W Johnson and G Maxwell
P-16155
RPR 135h OR 134h
There are two Williams – he has his good days and his bad days. He’s been quite busy over the summer and is best dropped right out in his races before being produced with a late challenge. He also stays better now than we thought he would at one stage. He’s always likely to pop up during the course of the season but you wouldn’t necessarily know when that day will be.
Horse to follow
Lastbutnotleast
Donald McCain was really excited about this chasing mare around this time last year but she broke a blood vessel when pulled up in a Listed contest at Carlisle in December before walking home in an absolute slog to beat two rivals at Haydock. She ran two poor races after that and I wouldn't be surprised if she was back to her best this year, which would mean she is a threat to all in the top northern staying chases.
Tom Collins
Diamond Geezer
Gone But Not Forgotten
- Joined
- May 2, 2003
- Messages
- 13,884
Philip Hobbs
Last season wasn't plain sailing at Sandhill Stables, with health issues contributing to the lowest seasonal total in many years, but Philip Hobbs, as befits his many years of experience, remains unperturbed by the blip and quietly optimistic for the future.
"We had 60-odd winners but for us it was a little bit slow, because a lot of our horses were affected by a bug that we couldn't really get rid of," he explains.
"It's frustrating because you never know quite what you're dealing with. It's the same as you or me having a cold – there are so many different viruses around that it's impossible to say what it is you've got, so you just have to give them antibiotics and plenty of time. They're good and healthy again now though, and we're looking forward to a good season.
"Defi Du Seuil was among those affected and obviously it was a big disappointment for him to be beaten on his only two starts, but he's back in good nick again and we're looking forward to an exciting novice chase campaign for him.
"We've had a good summer with very few horses on the go. Leapaway and Imperial Presence both stepped up and won us plenty of races and plenty of prize-money to keep us ticking over, which is always a great help around the yard.
"Apart from the obvious stars, we've got nothing that has proved themselves to be very good but plenty with the potential to be very good and lots of youngsters who'll be capable of winning races. I'd like to think it's in the younger division that our strengths lie because I can see plenty of untapped talent out there."
Awake At Midnight
Six-year-old gelding Midnight Legend (sire) - Wakeful (dam)
Owner: Mrs Charles Lloyd-Baker
Form figures: 23237-1
Racing Post Rating: 121 (hurdles); Official BHA rating: 121
Won well at Worcester last time after being placed several times last season. He's the type to make a chaser sooner rather than later and I'd expect him to improve, although he wouldn't want the ground too firm.
Ballotin
7g Enrique - Orphee De Vonnas
David Maxwell Racing
0/3152P-
RPR 147c OR 141c
Won last year's Bobby Renton at Wetherby. He wouldn't want very soft ground but 2m4f is his trip and he'll go hunter chasing for his owner to ride as soon as the season starts. He may go up to 3m at some stage.
Ballygown Bay
5g Flemensfirth - Star Shuil
Mrs Joanna Peppiatt
33/33P-4
RPR 112h OR 116h
Ran some decent races last season, seems to be maturing now and I hope he'd improve this year over 2m4f in novice hurdles.
Barbrook Star
6g Getaway - Fille de Robin
Mrs B Hitchcock
0/3006-4
RPR 115h OR 114h
Placed last season over hurdles and looks as though he should do better over fences, but he may run in a handicap hurdle first because I think he could win one over 2m4f.
Beau Du Brizais
6g Kapgarde - Belle Du Brizais
Mrs R J Skan
F22P-63
RPR 127c OR 124c
Ran a good race at Ludlow last time and has been coping with fast ground very well, although I don't think he needs it. He'll go to Exeter today and should give a good account.
Bradford Bridge
6g Milan - Isis Du Berlais
Brocade Racing
2PP-621
RPR 119h OR 112h
Lost his confidence over fences when he slipped very badly going to the first in his novice chase debut at Fontwell. He was an eight-length winner of a handicap hurdle on good ground at Worcester this month, but chasing will be his job, he's very well in himself and his confidence seems to have come back. He probably doesn't want it very soft but is on the up.
Casterly Rock
6g King’s Theatre - Alderbrook Girl
The Juwireya Partnership
4/523-82
RPR 119h OR 118h
Pleased me on his reappearance in a handicap hurdle at Bangor but will go chasing very soon. I may give him one more run over hurdles and he'd go on any ground.
Cedar Valley
4f Flemensfirth - Lunar Path
Mrs Caren Walsh and Mrs Kathleen Quinn
19-3
RPR 106b OR -
A nice mare who won well first time at Taunton, ran a good race in the Grade 2 bumper at Aintree, then showed up well on her seasonal reappearance at Carlisle, all with plenty of give in the ground. She ran extremely well the last day, going on strongly at the finish, and I'd say she'll definitely want 2m4f when she goes over hurdles, but she may go for a Listed mares' bumper at Cheltenham on November 17 in the meantime. She has a really good attitude and looks a progressive type for mares' races.
Chef D'Equipe
6g Presenting - Millesimee
David Maxwell Racing
136517-
RPR 137c OR 132c
A handicap chaser who will go hunter chasing eventually. He copes well with soft ground but doesn't have to have it. I'd say 2m4f is his trip at the moment.
Come On Charlie
6g Anzillero - End Of Spring
Martin St Quinton
903-P1
RPR 103h OR 106h
Won well at Stratford over 2m2f last time and will run in another handicap hurdle before going chasing fairly soon. I'd think he'll want 2m4f at least and will cope with soft ground as the winter goes on.
Cotswold Way
5g Stowaway - Rosies All The Way
Miss I D Du Pre
5372 -1
RPR 126h OR 123h
Did it nicely last week at Huntingdon and looked to be an improved performer. He's very much a potential chaser but will probably stay over hurdles for this campaign. He can be a bit keen and 2m4f is probably his trip for now.
Crooks Peak
5g Arcadio - Ballcrina Girl
Andy Tilley
110-4
RPR 123b OR -
Looked an exciting horse when scoring at Newton Abbot and Cheltenham on his first two runs but was disappointing in the Champion Bumper and again on his first hurdling effort, over 2m1f at Newton Abbot this month. He seemed fine afterwards and in his defence the ground was bad that day and he lost a lot of momentum at the second-last with a poor jump, so he deserves another chance.
Dancingatdunraven
5g Mahler - My Kit
Let’s Get Ready To Rumble Partnership
1- (point form)
RPR 90 OR -
Won his only point-to-point in Ireland, stays very well and may go straight over hurdles. He's a 3m chasing type and will want at least 2m4f over hurdles.
Dark Episode
4g Getaway - No Moore Bills
Louisville Syndicate Elite
3
RPR 101b OR -
Ran fine in his first bumper at Newton Abbot, even though the ground was awful and the pace wasn't strong enough. Will improve for better conditions and a faster gallop in bumpers, but he'll be a chaser in time.
Star quality
Defi Du Seuil
5g Voix Du Nord - Quarvine Du Seuil
JP McManus
1111/47-
RPR 150h OR 157h
He's in good nick, will go straight novice chasing this season and would be ready to go fairly soon, but we'll need more rain for that to happen. Only ran twice last year, was disappointing when odds-on for the Coral Hurdle at Ascot, then again in the Irish Champion Hurdle, so it was sensible for him to go home and have the summer off. A lot of our horses were under a cloud last season and there are plenty of reasons why he should improve over fences, so we're very hopeful. He's bright and well.
Deise Aba
5g Mahler - Kit Massini
Trevor Hemmings
1 (point form)
RPR 90 OR -
Won a point in Ireland and looks a stayer who will probably start in a 2m4f novice hurdle. He's a big, strong horse with a very good temperament.
Demopolis
4g Poliglote - Princess Demut
JP McManus
1-
RPR 124h OR -
Won his only race in France, a hurdle at Auteuil, and will go handicap hurdling to start with, although I have no idea what kind of mark he'll get. We'll file him under 'could be anything'.
Diplomate Sivola
5g Noroit - None De Sivola
David Maxwell Racing
76F43-3
RPR 115c OR 117c
Joined us from France in the spring and got off the mark at Fontwell this month over just short of 2m4f. He may improve for going a bit further.
Dostal Phil
5g Coastal Path - Quiphile
JP McManus
1/4-2
RPR 117h OR -
Came from the Arqana Sale in November 2016, having won over 1m4f on the Flat at Deauville. We had high hopes of him and were a little disappointed when he finished only fourth at odds-on in his novice hurdle at Bangor on his first run for us, but we decided he may have found the track and trip a little on the sharp side. He wasn't at his peak after that so we put him away for the year to retain his novice status for this season, and he pleased us on his reappearance when second over 2m at Uttoxeter. He ran too keen early on, something he hadn't done last season, but he was probably just a little fresh and well and it was a performance that suggested he'll be winning soon.
Duke Des Champs
8g Robin Des Champs - Ballycowan Lady
Diana Whateley and Tim Syder
2136/23-
RPR 142h OR 139h
Ran two good races in handicap chases at Newbury last year but is still a novice. He'll want some rain before he runs but will be out in the autumn on soft going over 3m plus.
Earth Moor
4g Ask - Merrylas
Mrs Catherine Penny
4-221
RPR 105b OR -
Showed a lot of promise last season and won his bumper well at Fontwell this month. He'll go to Exeter today over 2m2½f and I'd expect him to stay well.
Ebony Gale
4g Shirocco - Glenora Gale
Mrs Judith Luff
61-
RPR 104b OR -
A bumper winner at Wincanton last season, he'll go straight over hurdles, either over 2m4f or 2m at a stiff track, but we'll wait for a bit of rain first.
Ecu De La Noverie
4g Linda's Lad - Quat'Sous D'Or
David Maxwell Racing
52F451-
RPR - OR -
A big, strong horse who won a 2m3f chase on soft ground in Pau and will run in a novice hurdle before going back chasing at some stage. We'll start him at 2m and go from there.
Dark horse
Evidence De Thaix
4f Network - Nacre De Thaix
JP McManus
211-
RPR - OR -
Twice a winner on the Flat in France up to 1m5f on good to soft, she's a lovely strong filly who looks a good prospect for mares' races. She has a good pedigree and lots of potential.
Festival Dawn
6m Kayf Tara - Keel Road
British Racing Club
2-2
RPR 117h OR -
Ran well on her reappearance at Chepstow on good ground and you'd hope she was up to winning a mares' novice hurdle fairly soon, although she has the scope to go chasing at some stage.
Flinck
4g Fame And Glory - Princess Supreme
Ronnie Bartlett
5- (point form)
RPR 67 OR -
Showed promise in an Irish point-to-point and looks a nice type who should do very well, either in a hurdle or a bumper, when he runs for the first time in two or three weeks.
For Good Measure
7g King's Theatre - Afdala
JP McManus
5290/43-
RPR 138h OR 137h
A full-brother to Balthazar King, he showed up well over fences last season – finishing third in the Grade 2 Pendil Novices' Chase over 2m 4½f at Kempton, after which we put him away to preserve his novice status – and should make an impression in long-distance chases this campaign. He'd want good ground and will be out in a fortnight or so.
From The Heart
4g Jeremy - Zephyr Lilly
Zoe Moore-Williams
80-3
RPR 86b OR -
Third place in his first hurdle race at Market Rasen on Saturday – leading for a long way and only being run out of second late on after a mistake at the last – was a big step up on his bumper form and hopefully he'll be winning before too long.
Garde La Victoire
9g Kapgarde - Next Victory
Diana Whateley
18/240-4
RPR 162c OR 149c
Wasn't a healthy horse in the second-half of last season and needed the run on his reappearance at Chepstow, so he'll improve on that. He's a high-class handicap chaser who could go 2m or 2m4f, so we have the option. The Haldon Gold Cup is a possibility after his fourth in the race last season and the handicapper seems to have given him a chance.
Gosheven
5g Presenting - Fair Choice
The Grocer Syndicate
535-3
RPR 128h OR -
Ran well when third in the Persian War at Chepstow on his reappearance – an unusual race for us to run a horse in before he's won a novice hurdle – and I'd like to win an ordinary novice with him before we up our sights again. One with lots of promise.
Gumball
4g No Risk At All - Good Time Girl
Terry Warner
122P21-
RPR 139h OR 148h
Won three times for us last season after arriving from France, his best effort coming when he finished second in the Grade 1 juvenile hurdle at Aintree over 2m1f. That sort of horse becomes more difficult to place as a four-year-old as he's now high in the handicap, but he'll start off at Cheltenham this weekend in a four-year-old conditions hurdle and he seems in good nick at home. He seems to be a horse that likes better ground, nothing too soft.
I'm A Game Changer
6g Arcadio - Drinadaly
Paul and Clare Rooney
6519-22
RPR 142h OR 138h
Ran very well in a 2m hurdle at Chepstow after his break and may well go novice chasing before too long. He's got a decent level of form but he'll be better when he settles better – he can be a bit keen, but he seems to be learning.
Jerrysback
6g Jeremy - Get A Few Bob Back
JP McManus
11/-
RPR 129h OR 139h
Won his only two hurdle races for us very well after winning his fourth Irish point-to-point, but he was never sparkling in his work last season and although there was nothing wrong with him, I wasn't happy and he didn't run. He should do well as a novice chaser but could win a good handicap hurdle if we decided to go down that route. We're looking forward to seeing him on the track again.
Kayf Adventure
7g Kayf Tara - My Adventure
Louisville Syndicate
312372-
RPR 144c OR 137c
Did very well in 2m4f chases last year and while his ideal conditions at the moment may be that trip on heavy ground, he'll be wanting 3m at some stage. We'll wait for buckets of rain before we start thinking about where to go first.
Kensukes Kingdom
5g Stowaway - Hamalata
Tim Syder and Martin St Quinton
41-1 (point form)
RPR 94 OR -
Won two Irish points, which is unusual, is going very well at this stage and will start in a bumper very soon.
Larkbarrow Lad
5g Kayf Tara - Follow My Leader
The Englands and Heywoods
332-
RPR 107b OR -
Placed in three bumpers and ought to win one before he goes novice hurdling. He's ready to go but is a big, tall horse who will improve with time and will want 2m4f over hurdles.
Leapaway
6g Stowaway - Gisela
Dr V M G Ferguson
111113
RPR 134h OR 137h
Had a fantastic summer, winning five hurdles and helping us get the season off to a flying start, but his effort at Kempton on Sunday showed he's now in need of a break. He'll have the winter off and be back in the spring.
Little Miss Poet
6m Yeats - R De Rien Sivola
Michael and Mrs Norma Tuckey
1/543-31
RPR 130h OR 130h
Did well in handicap hurdles last season and may reappear in a valuable 2m5f open mares' handicap hurdle at Wincanton on November 10. She'll go novice chasing at some stage.
Lord Duveen
5g Doyen - Afdala
Field, Cognet, Sigler and Walsh
52-6
RPR 121h OR -
Looked a very nice horse when second at Kempton on his final run last season but was a bit disappointing on his reappearance at Chepstow. I'm sure that was just a blip, though, and he's one who should do well this year.
Louis' Vac Pouch
6g Oscar - Coming Home
The Vacuum Pouch Company Ltd
1/6100-0
RPR 147h OR 141h
Below par in the spring, he ran respectably last time in the Silver Trophy at Chepstow, which was just to get him to settle as he's a bit keen at the best of times. With that under his belt he'll very likely go novice chasing and looks promising.
Majestic Touch
7g Kalanisi - Alexander Divine
N Sutton
0/62/1-14
RPR 125h OR 123h
Wasn't a healthy horse last season and wasn't seen on the racecourse. Won well in a handicap hurdle at Newton Abbot on his first run back but disappointed at Fontwell last time when there was no pace and he was extremely keen. He'll probably go novice chasing and wouldn't mind any ground apart from very soft.
McNamaras Band
5g Getaway - Katies Pet
Frank Jarvey
1-
RPR 102 OR -
Really nice young horse who won his only bumper for us a year ago. Back in training now, ready to run and for sale, he'll go for a 2m4f novice hurdle to start with, on decent ground, but he's very much a chaser and has plenty of potential.
Melekhov
4g Sholokhov - Yorkshire Girl
Owners For Owners
211-4
RPR 113b OR -
Won two bumpers last season but disappointed when only fourth at Bangor last time. I'm sure that was only a blip and hopefully he'll be back on track soon.
Mendip Express
12g King's Theatre - Mulberry
David Maxwell
52/441-5
RPR 154c OR 127c
A fantastic old horse with some very good form in big chases, he's well capable of winning again for his owner/rider, hopefully starting next weekend at Cheltenham in the amateurs' chase.
Ninth Wave
4g September Storm - Royale Pearl
Trevor Hemmings
1-4
RPR - OR -
Easily won a point-to-point bumper at Bitterley in April and made a very pleasing debut at Ffos Las at the weekend, travelling well throughout and shaping very encouragingly for the future in fourth place. I'm not sure yet if he'll run in another bumper or move straight to hurdles.
No Comment
7g Kayf Tara - Dizzy Frizzy
JP McManus
722/36-5
RPR 137c OR 139c
Had some decent form over hurdles before transferring his ability to fences when third in the Scilly Isles Novices' Chase. He didn't enjoy the best of health last season and his only other run was when not staying the trip in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham, but he's been dropped 6lb by the handicapper, is well treated over fences compared to his hurdling mark, and I think he's one to follow in 3m novice chases. It was a very hot race he reappeared in at Ffos Las on Saturday and he was a little bit rusty, but after a few early mistakes he ran on well and it was a satisfactory first run back
Oakley
5g Oscar - Tirolean Dance
Tim Syder
35-
RPR 112b OR -
Showed up well in his bumpers without quite getting home, and will start over hurdles at 2m, as he has plenty of pace. I think he'll improve.
Ozzie The Oscar
7g Oscar - Private Official
Bradley Partnership
1321-13
RPR 157c, 140h OR 151c, 145h
A big improver last season, winning three from five over fences, he returned with an excellent effort when third in the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las on Saturday, looking as though he was going to win at one stage. I was delighted with that and it should set him up nicely for a tilt at the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter on November 6, as long as the ground's not too firm.
Pineapple Rush
5m Kayf Tara - Celtic Native
Bradley Partnership
3211-50
RPR 111h OR 120h
She disappointed us a little when unplaced in a 2m4f handicap hurdle at Carlisle last week, travelling very well until after the third last but not really getting home, so at this stage we're a little bit stumped, but we'll see how she is in the next week and plan from there. She may go over fences in time.
Perform
9g King's Theatre - Famous Lady
Merry Old Souls
5/1/64/F4-
RPR 136h OR 132h
Has been in training for four years and won just the one race from six starts [at Aintree three years ago], but he's had no end of minor hiccups and we've never had a clear run with him. He's still with us because we think we can still win with him, probably in 3m handicap or novice handicap chases.
Reikers Island
5g Yeats - Moricana
James Drummond
F15-
RPR 123h OR 124h
Did very well to win a 2m5f novice hurdle at Fontwell in March before disappointing slightly over 3m at Kempton, but I think he was just in need of a break. He'll go novice chasing, starting fairly soon, and I think 3m will be no problem.
Rock The Kasbah
8g Shirocco - Impudent
Diana Whateley
26/1P2-6
RPR 155c OR 147c
Ran well for a long way at Chepstow this month and remains a top-class 3m handicap chaser. It's hard to start making plans until we get some rain, but we have plenty of options, with the Ladbrokes Trophy and the Grand National at the back of our minds.
Rolling Dylan
7g Indian River - Easter Saturday
Mrs I D Du Pre
1P2312-
RPR 149c OR 142c
Did well novice chasing last season but will find things harder this term off a high mark. He'll start wherever the ground's safe – not necessarily soft, just decent – and I think 3m will be his trip. He can continue to progress.
Roll The Dough
9g Definite Article - High Dough
The Kingpins
63-2114
RPR 123c OR 117c
Has won two handicap chases already this season and the first next option is on November 1 at Stratford in a 2m6f handicap chase. I don't think he'd want it too soft but on decent ground he'd go there with a real chance.
Royal Regatta
10g King's Theatre - Friendly Craic
Lesley Field and Eileen Murphy
1P3P/PP-
RPR 161c OR 150c
A Grade 2 winner in his pomp, he's been a great servant to us for a long time and with the handicapper ready to drop him to 145, he'll go to Ascot for a 0-145 at Ascot at the end of November. He was pulled up in both starts early last term but we identified a breathing problem that we hope we've sorted out. I'd love to see him win again.
Samburu Shujaa
5g Poliglote - Girelle
Robert and Janet Gibbs
02/3334-
RPR 126h OR 125h
In reasonable form over novice hurdles last season, he's a lovely strong horse who'll start in a 2m4f maiden hurdle, probably on a left-handed track, because he can hang a bit. He has the size to jump a fence in time.
Show On The Road
7g Flemensfirth - Roses Of Picardy
Roger and Catherine Penny
12318-4
RPR 128h OR 126h
Twice a winner over hurdles at Exeter last season on heavy ground I thought he'd hate, he looks the type to go over fences before too long but stayed on well in fourth place over hurdles at Market Rasen on Saturday for what was a very respectable comeback.
Springtown Lake
6g Gamut - Sprightly Girl
Tim Syder
1F2310-
RPR 138h OR 137h
Very decent novice hurdler last season – twice a winner and runner-up in a Sandown Grade 2 – who we hope will do very well over fences this year, although he may run in a handicap hurdle first. He had a good summer, came back in looking very well and I'd see him as a decent novice chaser over 2m4f and beyond.
Steely Addition
6g Craigsteel - Blond's Addition
Step By Step
34/F118-
RPR 136h OR 137h
A very thorough stayer who won a good handicap hurdle at Chepstow over just shy of 3m in soft ground last November. He'll go novice chasing over 3m and will be suited by plenty of give.
Sternrubin
7g Authorized - Sworn Mum
Terry Warner
0/2203-0
RPR 148h OR 137h
Won twice on the Flat last year and has the option to stay handicap hurdling after a good third at Aintree on Grand National day, but he's quite high in the handicap and I could see him going back novice chasing after a couple of decent placed efforts last term. He needs to go right-handed over fences.
That's A Given
4g Great Pretender - Aulne River
Andrew Cohen
10-
RPR 104b OR -
Won a bumper well at Huntingdon last season so we took him to Punchestown but the race didn't go to suit and I'm sure he's capable of more than he produced that day. He has plenty of speed and will go novice hurdling over 2m.
Thyme Hill
4g Kayf Tara - Rosita Bay
The Englands and Heywoods
1
RPR 110b OR -
Won on debut at Worcester this month but we won't be in any hurry to run him again. I think he'll need a bit of time to get over that, maybe go for another bumper or step into 2m4f novice hurdles – we'll let him tell us when he's ready and we'll decide nearer the time.
Tidal Flow
5g Black Sam Bellamy - Mrs Philip
Brocade Racing
14-
RPR 115b OR -
Bred by Richard Johnson and my wife Sarah, he won his bumper well at Newbury but then disappointed under a penalty at Wincanton in the spring. I think he's better than he showed there and he'll start in 2m4f novice hurdles.
Truckin Away
5g Getaway - Simons Girl
Brocade Racing
3- (point form)
RPR 87 OR -
Ran well in his only Irish point-to-point and looks one to start in novice hurdles at 2m4f or upwards.
Umndeni
4g Balko - Marie Royale
St Quinton, D L Whateley and Syder
1-4
RPR 111h OR -
A half-brother to Vision Des Flos, he's always shown plenty at home and won his bumper last season at Warwick. A bit disappointing at Warwick on his reappearance but he hadn't schooled on grass since the spring and he made mistakes, looking hesitant and jumping left. He should benefit for the experience and is a very nice prospect.
Waiheke
5m Black Sam Bellamy - Its Meant To Be
Mrs Sally White
51424-
RPR 111h OR 117h
Scored second time out last season at Exeter and ran some good races in defeat, despite showing a tendency to hang left, which we've tried to correct. She looks one to start in a handicap hurdle off a fair mark, but she'll run in mares' novice chases later on.
War Sound
9g Kayf Tara - Come The Dawn
The Englands and Heywoods
234222-
RPR 140c OR 136c
Won the Swinton Hurdle back in 2015 but has been placed eight times in chases without winning. You'd have thought he'll be landing a handicap chase or novice chase before too long, because he has the ability. I think 2m4f is his trip.
Westend Story
7g Westerner - Sarahall
Mick Fitzgerald Racing Club
2B/4121-
RPR 138h OR 137h
Has had his jumping issues but won well on his last two runs of last season, looks one to improve a fair bit and may go to Cheltenham at the weekend before beginning a novice chase career. He'd go on anything but quick ground.
Who's My Jockey
5g Yeats - Skandisk
Paul and Clare Rooney
1231-43
RPR 134h OR 136h
A good third at Stratford recently on a track that was probably too tight for him. I'd say he wants 3m on a more galloping track – we tried him over the trip at Aintree on his final start of last season but I think he was over the top by then, so I'd be happy to try again. He could go novice chasing before too long.
Zanza
4g Arcadio - What A Bleu
Louisville Syndicate Elite
6
RPR - OR -
Ran a very respectable race on his debut in a Ffos Las bumper last Saturday, looking like he had a chance three furlongs out but just running a bit green in the closing stages. It was a run full of promise.
Last season wasn't plain sailing at Sandhill Stables, with health issues contributing to the lowest seasonal total in many years, but Philip Hobbs, as befits his many years of experience, remains unperturbed by the blip and quietly optimistic for the future.
"We had 60-odd winners but for us it was a little bit slow, because a lot of our horses were affected by a bug that we couldn't really get rid of," he explains.
"It's frustrating because you never know quite what you're dealing with. It's the same as you or me having a cold – there are so many different viruses around that it's impossible to say what it is you've got, so you just have to give them antibiotics and plenty of time. They're good and healthy again now though, and we're looking forward to a good season.
"Defi Du Seuil was among those affected and obviously it was a big disappointment for him to be beaten on his only two starts, but he's back in good nick again and we're looking forward to an exciting novice chase campaign for him.
"We've had a good summer with very few horses on the go. Leapaway and Imperial Presence both stepped up and won us plenty of races and plenty of prize-money to keep us ticking over, which is always a great help around the yard.
"Apart from the obvious stars, we've got nothing that has proved themselves to be very good but plenty with the potential to be very good and lots of youngsters who'll be capable of winning races. I'd like to think it's in the younger division that our strengths lie because I can see plenty of untapped talent out there."
Awake At Midnight
Six-year-old gelding Midnight Legend (sire) - Wakeful (dam)
Owner: Mrs Charles Lloyd-Baker
Form figures: 23237-1
Racing Post Rating: 121 (hurdles); Official BHA rating: 121
Won well at Worcester last time after being placed several times last season. He's the type to make a chaser sooner rather than later and I'd expect him to improve, although he wouldn't want the ground too firm.
Ballotin
7g Enrique - Orphee De Vonnas
David Maxwell Racing
0/3152P-
RPR 147c OR 141c
Won last year's Bobby Renton at Wetherby. He wouldn't want very soft ground but 2m4f is his trip and he'll go hunter chasing for his owner to ride as soon as the season starts. He may go up to 3m at some stage.
Ballygown Bay
5g Flemensfirth - Star Shuil
Mrs Joanna Peppiatt
33/33P-4
RPR 112h OR 116h
Ran some decent races last season, seems to be maturing now and I hope he'd improve this year over 2m4f in novice hurdles.
Barbrook Star
6g Getaway - Fille de Robin
Mrs B Hitchcock
0/3006-4
RPR 115h OR 114h
Placed last season over hurdles and looks as though he should do better over fences, but he may run in a handicap hurdle first because I think he could win one over 2m4f.
Beau Du Brizais
6g Kapgarde - Belle Du Brizais
Mrs R J Skan
F22P-63
RPR 127c OR 124c
Ran a good race at Ludlow last time and has been coping with fast ground very well, although I don't think he needs it. He'll go to Exeter today and should give a good account.
Bradford Bridge
6g Milan - Isis Du Berlais
Brocade Racing
2PP-621
RPR 119h OR 112h
Lost his confidence over fences when he slipped very badly going to the first in his novice chase debut at Fontwell. He was an eight-length winner of a handicap hurdle on good ground at Worcester this month, but chasing will be his job, he's very well in himself and his confidence seems to have come back. He probably doesn't want it very soft but is on the up.
Casterly Rock
6g King’s Theatre - Alderbrook Girl
The Juwireya Partnership
4/523-82
RPR 119h OR 118h
Pleased me on his reappearance in a handicap hurdle at Bangor but will go chasing very soon. I may give him one more run over hurdles and he'd go on any ground.
Cedar Valley
4f Flemensfirth - Lunar Path
Mrs Caren Walsh and Mrs Kathleen Quinn
19-3
RPR 106b OR -
A nice mare who won well first time at Taunton, ran a good race in the Grade 2 bumper at Aintree, then showed up well on her seasonal reappearance at Carlisle, all with plenty of give in the ground. She ran extremely well the last day, going on strongly at the finish, and I'd say she'll definitely want 2m4f when she goes over hurdles, but she may go for a Listed mares' bumper at Cheltenham on November 17 in the meantime. She has a really good attitude and looks a progressive type for mares' races.
Chef D'Equipe
6g Presenting - Millesimee
David Maxwell Racing
136517-
RPR 137c OR 132c
A handicap chaser who will go hunter chasing eventually. He copes well with soft ground but doesn't have to have it. I'd say 2m4f is his trip at the moment.
Come On Charlie
6g Anzillero - End Of Spring
Martin St Quinton
903-P1
RPR 103h OR 106h
Won well at Stratford over 2m2f last time and will run in another handicap hurdle before going chasing fairly soon. I'd think he'll want 2m4f at least and will cope with soft ground as the winter goes on.
Cotswold Way
5g Stowaway - Rosies All The Way
Miss I D Du Pre
5372 -1
RPR 126h OR 123h
Did it nicely last week at Huntingdon and looked to be an improved performer. He's very much a potential chaser but will probably stay over hurdles for this campaign. He can be a bit keen and 2m4f is probably his trip for now.
Crooks Peak
5g Arcadio - Ballcrina Girl
Andy Tilley
110-4
RPR 123b OR -
Looked an exciting horse when scoring at Newton Abbot and Cheltenham on his first two runs but was disappointing in the Champion Bumper and again on his first hurdling effort, over 2m1f at Newton Abbot this month. He seemed fine afterwards and in his defence the ground was bad that day and he lost a lot of momentum at the second-last with a poor jump, so he deserves another chance.
Dancingatdunraven
5g Mahler - My Kit
Let’s Get Ready To Rumble Partnership
1- (point form)
RPR 90 OR -
Won his only point-to-point in Ireland, stays very well and may go straight over hurdles. He's a 3m chasing type and will want at least 2m4f over hurdles.
Dark Episode
4g Getaway - No Moore Bills
Louisville Syndicate Elite
3
RPR 101b OR -
Ran fine in his first bumper at Newton Abbot, even though the ground was awful and the pace wasn't strong enough. Will improve for better conditions and a faster gallop in bumpers, but he'll be a chaser in time.
Star quality
Defi Du Seuil
5g Voix Du Nord - Quarvine Du Seuil
JP McManus
1111/47-
RPR 150h OR 157h
He's in good nick, will go straight novice chasing this season and would be ready to go fairly soon, but we'll need more rain for that to happen. Only ran twice last year, was disappointing when odds-on for the Coral Hurdle at Ascot, then again in the Irish Champion Hurdle, so it was sensible for him to go home and have the summer off. A lot of our horses were under a cloud last season and there are plenty of reasons why he should improve over fences, so we're very hopeful. He's bright and well.
Deise Aba
5g Mahler - Kit Massini
Trevor Hemmings
1 (point form)
RPR 90 OR -
Won a point in Ireland and looks a stayer who will probably start in a 2m4f novice hurdle. He's a big, strong horse with a very good temperament.
Demopolis
4g Poliglote - Princess Demut
JP McManus
1-
RPR 124h OR -
Won his only race in France, a hurdle at Auteuil, and will go handicap hurdling to start with, although I have no idea what kind of mark he'll get. We'll file him under 'could be anything'.
Diplomate Sivola
5g Noroit - None De Sivola
David Maxwell Racing
76F43-3
RPR 115c OR 117c
Joined us from France in the spring and got off the mark at Fontwell this month over just short of 2m4f. He may improve for going a bit further.
Dostal Phil
5g Coastal Path - Quiphile
JP McManus
1/4-2
RPR 117h OR -
Came from the Arqana Sale in November 2016, having won over 1m4f on the Flat at Deauville. We had high hopes of him and were a little disappointed when he finished only fourth at odds-on in his novice hurdle at Bangor on his first run for us, but we decided he may have found the track and trip a little on the sharp side. He wasn't at his peak after that so we put him away for the year to retain his novice status for this season, and he pleased us on his reappearance when second over 2m at Uttoxeter. He ran too keen early on, something he hadn't done last season, but he was probably just a little fresh and well and it was a performance that suggested he'll be winning soon.
Duke Des Champs
8g Robin Des Champs - Ballycowan Lady
Diana Whateley and Tim Syder
2136/23-
RPR 142h OR 139h
Ran two good races in handicap chases at Newbury last year but is still a novice. He'll want some rain before he runs but will be out in the autumn on soft going over 3m plus.
Earth Moor
4g Ask - Merrylas
Mrs Catherine Penny
4-221
RPR 105b OR -
Showed a lot of promise last season and won his bumper well at Fontwell this month. He'll go to Exeter today over 2m2½f and I'd expect him to stay well.
Ebony Gale
4g Shirocco - Glenora Gale
Mrs Judith Luff
61-
RPR 104b OR -
A bumper winner at Wincanton last season, he'll go straight over hurdles, either over 2m4f or 2m at a stiff track, but we'll wait for a bit of rain first.
Ecu De La Noverie
4g Linda's Lad - Quat'Sous D'Or
David Maxwell Racing
52F451-
RPR - OR -
A big, strong horse who won a 2m3f chase on soft ground in Pau and will run in a novice hurdle before going back chasing at some stage. We'll start him at 2m and go from there.
Dark horse
Evidence De Thaix
4f Network - Nacre De Thaix
JP McManus
211-
RPR - OR -
Twice a winner on the Flat in France up to 1m5f on good to soft, she's a lovely strong filly who looks a good prospect for mares' races. She has a good pedigree and lots of potential.
Festival Dawn
6m Kayf Tara - Keel Road
British Racing Club
2-2
RPR 117h OR -
Ran well on her reappearance at Chepstow on good ground and you'd hope she was up to winning a mares' novice hurdle fairly soon, although she has the scope to go chasing at some stage.
Flinck
4g Fame And Glory - Princess Supreme
Ronnie Bartlett
5- (point form)
RPR 67 OR -
Showed promise in an Irish point-to-point and looks a nice type who should do very well, either in a hurdle or a bumper, when he runs for the first time in two or three weeks.
For Good Measure
7g King's Theatre - Afdala
JP McManus
5290/43-
RPR 138h OR 137h
A full-brother to Balthazar King, he showed up well over fences last season – finishing third in the Grade 2 Pendil Novices' Chase over 2m 4½f at Kempton, after which we put him away to preserve his novice status – and should make an impression in long-distance chases this campaign. He'd want good ground and will be out in a fortnight or so.
From The Heart
4g Jeremy - Zephyr Lilly
Zoe Moore-Williams
80-3
RPR 86b OR -
Third place in his first hurdle race at Market Rasen on Saturday – leading for a long way and only being run out of second late on after a mistake at the last – was a big step up on his bumper form and hopefully he'll be winning before too long.
Garde La Victoire
9g Kapgarde - Next Victory
Diana Whateley
18/240-4
RPR 162c OR 149c
Wasn't a healthy horse in the second-half of last season and needed the run on his reappearance at Chepstow, so he'll improve on that. He's a high-class handicap chaser who could go 2m or 2m4f, so we have the option. The Haldon Gold Cup is a possibility after his fourth in the race last season and the handicapper seems to have given him a chance.
Gosheven
5g Presenting - Fair Choice
The Grocer Syndicate
535-3
RPR 128h OR -
Ran well when third in the Persian War at Chepstow on his reappearance – an unusual race for us to run a horse in before he's won a novice hurdle – and I'd like to win an ordinary novice with him before we up our sights again. One with lots of promise.
Gumball
4g No Risk At All - Good Time Girl
Terry Warner
122P21-
RPR 139h OR 148h
Won three times for us last season after arriving from France, his best effort coming when he finished second in the Grade 1 juvenile hurdle at Aintree over 2m1f. That sort of horse becomes more difficult to place as a four-year-old as he's now high in the handicap, but he'll start off at Cheltenham this weekend in a four-year-old conditions hurdle and he seems in good nick at home. He seems to be a horse that likes better ground, nothing too soft.
I'm A Game Changer
6g Arcadio - Drinadaly
Paul and Clare Rooney
6519-22
RPR 142h OR 138h
Ran very well in a 2m hurdle at Chepstow after his break and may well go novice chasing before too long. He's got a decent level of form but he'll be better when he settles better – he can be a bit keen, but he seems to be learning.
Jerrysback
6g Jeremy - Get A Few Bob Back
JP McManus
11/-
RPR 129h OR 139h
Won his only two hurdle races for us very well after winning his fourth Irish point-to-point, but he was never sparkling in his work last season and although there was nothing wrong with him, I wasn't happy and he didn't run. He should do well as a novice chaser but could win a good handicap hurdle if we decided to go down that route. We're looking forward to seeing him on the track again.
Kayf Adventure
7g Kayf Tara - My Adventure
Louisville Syndicate
312372-
RPR 144c OR 137c
Did very well in 2m4f chases last year and while his ideal conditions at the moment may be that trip on heavy ground, he'll be wanting 3m at some stage. We'll wait for buckets of rain before we start thinking about where to go first.
Kensukes Kingdom
5g Stowaway - Hamalata
Tim Syder and Martin St Quinton
41-1 (point form)
RPR 94 OR -
Won two Irish points, which is unusual, is going very well at this stage and will start in a bumper very soon.
Larkbarrow Lad
5g Kayf Tara - Follow My Leader
The Englands and Heywoods
332-
RPR 107b OR -
Placed in three bumpers and ought to win one before he goes novice hurdling. He's ready to go but is a big, tall horse who will improve with time and will want 2m4f over hurdles.
Leapaway
6g Stowaway - Gisela
Dr V M G Ferguson
111113
RPR 134h OR 137h
Had a fantastic summer, winning five hurdles and helping us get the season off to a flying start, but his effort at Kempton on Sunday showed he's now in need of a break. He'll have the winter off and be back in the spring.
Little Miss Poet
6m Yeats - R De Rien Sivola
Michael and Mrs Norma Tuckey
1/543-31
RPR 130h OR 130h
Did well in handicap hurdles last season and may reappear in a valuable 2m5f open mares' handicap hurdle at Wincanton on November 10. She'll go novice chasing at some stage.
Lord Duveen
5g Doyen - Afdala
Field, Cognet, Sigler and Walsh
52-6
RPR 121h OR -
Looked a very nice horse when second at Kempton on his final run last season but was a bit disappointing on his reappearance at Chepstow. I'm sure that was just a blip, though, and he's one who should do well this year.
Louis' Vac Pouch
6g Oscar - Coming Home
The Vacuum Pouch Company Ltd
1/6100-0
RPR 147h OR 141h
Below par in the spring, he ran respectably last time in the Silver Trophy at Chepstow, which was just to get him to settle as he's a bit keen at the best of times. With that under his belt he'll very likely go novice chasing and looks promising.
Majestic Touch
7g Kalanisi - Alexander Divine
N Sutton
0/62/1-14
RPR 125h OR 123h
Wasn't a healthy horse last season and wasn't seen on the racecourse. Won well in a handicap hurdle at Newton Abbot on his first run back but disappointed at Fontwell last time when there was no pace and he was extremely keen. He'll probably go novice chasing and wouldn't mind any ground apart from very soft.
McNamaras Band
5g Getaway - Katies Pet
Frank Jarvey
1-
RPR 102 OR -
Really nice young horse who won his only bumper for us a year ago. Back in training now, ready to run and for sale, he'll go for a 2m4f novice hurdle to start with, on decent ground, but he's very much a chaser and has plenty of potential.
Melekhov
4g Sholokhov - Yorkshire Girl
Owners For Owners
211-4
RPR 113b OR -
Won two bumpers last season but disappointed when only fourth at Bangor last time. I'm sure that was only a blip and hopefully he'll be back on track soon.
Mendip Express
12g King's Theatre - Mulberry
David Maxwell
52/441-5
RPR 154c OR 127c
A fantastic old horse with some very good form in big chases, he's well capable of winning again for his owner/rider, hopefully starting next weekend at Cheltenham in the amateurs' chase.
Ninth Wave
4g September Storm - Royale Pearl
Trevor Hemmings
1-4
RPR - OR -
Easily won a point-to-point bumper at Bitterley in April and made a very pleasing debut at Ffos Las at the weekend, travelling well throughout and shaping very encouragingly for the future in fourth place. I'm not sure yet if he'll run in another bumper or move straight to hurdles.
No Comment
7g Kayf Tara - Dizzy Frizzy
JP McManus
722/36-5
RPR 137c OR 139c
Had some decent form over hurdles before transferring his ability to fences when third in the Scilly Isles Novices' Chase. He didn't enjoy the best of health last season and his only other run was when not staying the trip in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham, but he's been dropped 6lb by the handicapper, is well treated over fences compared to his hurdling mark, and I think he's one to follow in 3m novice chases. It was a very hot race he reappeared in at Ffos Las on Saturday and he was a little bit rusty, but after a few early mistakes he ran on well and it was a satisfactory first run back
Oakley
5g Oscar - Tirolean Dance
Tim Syder
35-
RPR 112b OR -
Showed up well in his bumpers without quite getting home, and will start over hurdles at 2m, as he has plenty of pace. I think he'll improve.
Ozzie The Oscar
7g Oscar - Private Official
Bradley Partnership
1321-13
RPR 157c, 140h OR 151c, 145h
A big improver last season, winning three from five over fences, he returned with an excellent effort when third in the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las on Saturday, looking as though he was going to win at one stage. I was delighted with that and it should set him up nicely for a tilt at the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter on November 6, as long as the ground's not too firm.
Pineapple Rush
5m Kayf Tara - Celtic Native
Bradley Partnership
3211-50
RPR 111h OR 120h
She disappointed us a little when unplaced in a 2m4f handicap hurdle at Carlisle last week, travelling very well until after the third last but not really getting home, so at this stage we're a little bit stumped, but we'll see how she is in the next week and plan from there. She may go over fences in time.
Perform
9g King's Theatre - Famous Lady
Merry Old Souls
5/1/64/F4-
RPR 136h OR 132h
Has been in training for four years and won just the one race from six starts [at Aintree three years ago], but he's had no end of minor hiccups and we've never had a clear run with him. He's still with us because we think we can still win with him, probably in 3m handicap or novice handicap chases.
Reikers Island
5g Yeats - Moricana
James Drummond
F15-
RPR 123h OR 124h
Did very well to win a 2m5f novice hurdle at Fontwell in March before disappointing slightly over 3m at Kempton, but I think he was just in need of a break. He'll go novice chasing, starting fairly soon, and I think 3m will be no problem.
Rock The Kasbah
8g Shirocco - Impudent
Diana Whateley
26/1P2-6
RPR 155c OR 147c
Ran well for a long way at Chepstow this month and remains a top-class 3m handicap chaser. It's hard to start making plans until we get some rain, but we have plenty of options, with the Ladbrokes Trophy and the Grand National at the back of our minds.
Rolling Dylan
7g Indian River - Easter Saturday
Mrs I D Du Pre
1P2312-
RPR 149c OR 142c
Did well novice chasing last season but will find things harder this term off a high mark. He'll start wherever the ground's safe – not necessarily soft, just decent – and I think 3m will be his trip. He can continue to progress.
Roll The Dough
9g Definite Article - High Dough
The Kingpins
63-2114
RPR 123c OR 117c
Has won two handicap chases already this season and the first next option is on November 1 at Stratford in a 2m6f handicap chase. I don't think he'd want it too soft but on decent ground he'd go there with a real chance.
Royal Regatta
10g King's Theatre - Friendly Craic
Lesley Field and Eileen Murphy
1P3P/PP-
RPR 161c OR 150c
A Grade 2 winner in his pomp, he's been a great servant to us for a long time and with the handicapper ready to drop him to 145, he'll go to Ascot for a 0-145 at Ascot at the end of November. He was pulled up in both starts early last term but we identified a breathing problem that we hope we've sorted out. I'd love to see him win again.
Samburu Shujaa
5g Poliglote - Girelle
Robert and Janet Gibbs
02/3334-
RPR 126h OR 125h
In reasonable form over novice hurdles last season, he's a lovely strong horse who'll start in a 2m4f maiden hurdle, probably on a left-handed track, because he can hang a bit. He has the size to jump a fence in time.
Show On The Road
7g Flemensfirth - Roses Of Picardy
Roger and Catherine Penny
12318-4
RPR 128h OR 126h
Twice a winner over hurdles at Exeter last season on heavy ground I thought he'd hate, he looks the type to go over fences before too long but stayed on well in fourth place over hurdles at Market Rasen on Saturday for what was a very respectable comeback.
Springtown Lake
6g Gamut - Sprightly Girl
Tim Syder
1F2310-
RPR 138h OR 137h
Very decent novice hurdler last season – twice a winner and runner-up in a Sandown Grade 2 – who we hope will do very well over fences this year, although he may run in a handicap hurdle first. He had a good summer, came back in looking very well and I'd see him as a decent novice chaser over 2m4f and beyond.
Steely Addition
6g Craigsteel - Blond's Addition
Step By Step
34/F118-
RPR 136h OR 137h
A very thorough stayer who won a good handicap hurdle at Chepstow over just shy of 3m in soft ground last November. He'll go novice chasing over 3m and will be suited by plenty of give.
Sternrubin
7g Authorized - Sworn Mum
Terry Warner
0/2203-0
RPR 148h OR 137h
Won twice on the Flat last year and has the option to stay handicap hurdling after a good third at Aintree on Grand National day, but he's quite high in the handicap and I could see him going back novice chasing after a couple of decent placed efforts last term. He needs to go right-handed over fences.
That's A Given
4g Great Pretender - Aulne River
Andrew Cohen
10-
RPR 104b OR -
Won a bumper well at Huntingdon last season so we took him to Punchestown but the race didn't go to suit and I'm sure he's capable of more than he produced that day. He has plenty of speed and will go novice hurdling over 2m.
Thyme Hill
4g Kayf Tara - Rosita Bay
The Englands and Heywoods
1
RPR 110b OR -
Won on debut at Worcester this month but we won't be in any hurry to run him again. I think he'll need a bit of time to get over that, maybe go for another bumper or step into 2m4f novice hurdles – we'll let him tell us when he's ready and we'll decide nearer the time.
Tidal Flow
5g Black Sam Bellamy - Mrs Philip
Brocade Racing
14-
RPR 115b OR -
Bred by Richard Johnson and my wife Sarah, he won his bumper well at Newbury but then disappointed under a penalty at Wincanton in the spring. I think he's better than he showed there and he'll start in 2m4f novice hurdles.
Truckin Away
5g Getaway - Simons Girl
Brocade Racing
3- (point form)
RPR 87 OR -
Ran well in his only Irish point-to-point and looks one to start in novice hurdles at 2m4f or upwards.
Umndeni
4g Balko - Marie Royale
St Quinton, D L Whateley and Syder
1-4
RPR 111h OR -
A half-brother to Vision Des Flos, he's always shown plenty at home and won his bumper last season at Warwick. A bit disappointing at Warwick on his reappearance but he hadn't schooled on grass since the spring and he made mistakes, looking hesitant and jumping left. He should benefit for the experience and is a very nice prospect.
Waiheke
5m Black Sam Bellamy - Its Meant To Be
Mrs Sally White
51424-
RPR 111h OR 117h
Scored second time out last season at Exeter and ran some good races in defeat, despite showing a tendency to hang left, which we've tried to correct. She looks one to start in a handicap hurdle off a fair mark, but she'll run in mares' novice chases later on.
War Sound
9g Kayf Tara - Come The Dawn
The Englands and Heywoods
234222-
RPR 140c OR 136c
Won the Swinton Hurdle back in 2015 but has been placed eight times in chases without winning. You'd have thought he'll be landing a handicap chase or novice chase before too long, because he has the ability. I think 2m4f is his trip.
Westend Story
7g Westerner - Sarahall
Mick Fitzgerald Racing Club
2B/4121-
RPR 138h OR 137h
Has had his jumping issues but won well on his last two runs of last season, looks one to improve a fair bit and may go to Cheltenham at the weekend before beginning a novice chase career. He'd go on anything but quick ground.
Who's My Jockey
5g Yeats - Skandisk
Paul and Clare Rooney
1231-43
RPR 134h OR 136h
A good third at Stratford recently on a track that was probably too tight for him. I'd say he wants 3m on a more galloping track – we tried him over the trip at Aintree on his final start of last season but I think he was over the top by then, so I'd be happy to try again. He could go novice chasing before too long.
Zanza
4g Arcadio - What A Bleu
Louisville Syndicate Elite
6
RPR - OR -
Ran a very respectable race on his debut in a Ffos Las bumper last Saturday, looking like he had a chance three furlongs out but just running a bit green in the closing stages. It was a run full of promise.
Warren Greatrex
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your training methods...
I started out with The Duke (David Nicholson) and had a brief career in the saddle before becoming head lad for Bryan Smart. I then joined Oliver Sherwood for nine years and picked up some experience during a spell with Guillaume Macaire in France.
I was private trainer to Malcolm Denmark for three seasons just over at Weathercock House – where Richard Hughes is now - before starting out here at Uplands with around a dozen horses in 2012. It’s a brilliant yard and steeped in history, made famous by Fred Winter. We’ve added all the names of his big-race winners to the boxes, as well as our own, but I’ve got some catching up to do!
We're lucky here in Lambourn as we have the most amazing facilities on the Jockey Club Estate Training Grounds, it's a shared gallop setup but it’s now predominantly Flat horses being trained here which means through the winter we have all this acreage and all the facilities with relatively few horses around. There’s around six miles of all-weather gallop and about 15 turf gallops so there are plenty of options.
I like to training horses to their individual needs and to treat them on a day-to-day basis. You just want to build up a profile of every horse.
We all know that sometimes we don’t want to get out of bed on the odd occasion and it’s the same with racehorses, so I don’t stick to a strict regime.
Some don’t like being trained on the hill, some don’t like being worked in a string, and others do. You’ve got to factor in these small things too. We try and mix it up and we’re lucky we have the staff.
How many have you got in at Uplands currently and what are your hopes and ambitions for the season?
We’ve 80 horses in at the moment and I’d be delighted to have another 50 winners this season. It’s a number we’ve become used to hitting but I don’t really set targets based on numbers as what we’re trying to achieve is to have more runners in the biggest races and to compete in the best races.
I don’t think I’ll ever be one who wants 150 horses as it becomes a bit of a numbers game. But I think we’ve proved in the last four or five years, with a Cheltenham and Aintree winner last year, a Punchestown winner, plenty of other Graded winner, that we’re aspiring to compete with the best.
Every year we’ve been getting stronger and stronger as we’ve gone through buying youngsters and they’ve come forward and this year the novice chase division will be as strong as I’ve had.
I would still have the bumper and the novice hurdle horses coming through but this is the first year that I’d have a fair amount of novice chasers which is what they were bought for after all.
Where do you stand on the Cheltenham Festival domination in the National Hunt season?
Well I don’t think it’s right really but it just seems to be getting bigger and bigger by the year. We try to play it down a bit but it keeps growing. And with the super-powers of Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott targeting it they’ve got so many options for each race.
Here you’ve got Nicky Henderson and Paul Nicholls so it’s hard for everybody and when you’ve got an 80-horse string and able to compete I think everyone deserves a pat on the back.
Out of all the major Festivals, Cheltenham and the pressure that comes with it is huge. So when you have one (winner), you know you’re doing something right and it’s like a drug, you want more and more.
Which courses suit your horses best?
I maintain that in terms of configuration there isn’t a better track than Newbury. The probably is you take a promising young horse to Newbury and some old fella from over the hill goes there with a world-beater and you end up fifth after running really well!
I like Wetherby a lot, there are no excuses and it’s a great, galloping track. Doncaster is similar but I do find they get racing really early on for some reason at Doncaster and that can rip the guts out of a young horse. They’re also really competitive novice hurdles there too.
Stable Tour – Horse-by-horse guide
MISSED APPROACH
His season will be geared around the Grand National. It was the plan to go there last year but he didn’t get into the race and he’d probably had enough by the time Sandown came around.
We could start him off at Aintree in the Becher Chase and he’ll probably only have two or three runs before the National weights are published in February. He’ll then have a prep run before Aintree and hopefully he’ll give us all a fantastic day out. He’s all about stamina and he likes to get a good sight of his fences so he looks the ideal type for the National.
I’ve had two runners in the race in the past – Tranquil Sea (2015) and Dolatulo – and they finished seventh and 19th so I’ve a 100 per cent completion rate to maintain!
He won the four-miler at Cheltenham in March and it was a proud day. Ireland had won every race that day and it was the last race of the day with Patrick Mullins and Jamie Codd looming up alongside you - you think here we go. But to be honest from three out I felt he’d win. I think if Mall Dini has headed us we would have weakened but the mistake they made was holding onto him and that just spurred Missed Approach on. I’m thankful they didn’t go past.
LA BAGUE AU ROI
She’ll go chasing this season and with a mark of 152 over hurdles I’d like to think she can go a long way. She’s grown again and has always looked a chaser in the making so she’s pretty exciting.
She’s tended to lose her way after Christmas, which might just be her, but we’ll start off in a novice chase and hopefully get a couple of wins on the board before raising her sights.
She loves deep ground but I wouldn’t say it was a necessity. She’ll mix between two and a half and three miles with a pretty nice programme for mares these days.
When she ran in Ireland in April she was the only one that could live with Faugheen early and I think if she’d been ridden for a place should would have been. She still ran well and if she takes to fences then she could be better than she was over hurdles. I trained her half-brother Kayserberg and he jumped well so I see no reason why not.
WESTERN RYDER
I think his bumper season let a little bit of a mark on him to be honest. He ran in Listed bumpers at Ascot and Newbury and then went to Cheltenham and Aintree which for a young horse is tough.
He also had a little eye issue before the start of last season. But he did well, beating Lalor and Summerville Boy at Cheltenham early in the season and I thought he ran quite well when sixth in the Sky Bet Supreme at the Festival. I just felt he’s better than that and he didn’t quite get home at Aintree on the soft ground.
He will stay two and a half in time but he’s not short of pace and I’d be looking to start him out in the Greatwood Hurdle. From a mark of 145 I hope he can be really competitive as I think he’s a Graded horse in the making still. He’s adaptable in terms of the ground but wouldn’t want extremes.
EMITOM
He won his only outing in a Warwick bumper back in April. It didn’t come as a huge shock to us as he’d been showing all the right signs at home and he travelled really well.
The form isn’t much to write home about but he won pretty well and if we’ve got a novice hurdler that could go to the top then it might just be him.
Put it this way, he’s in Cole Harden’s box so he’s obviously got a lot to live up to! He works well anyway and we’re hoping to get him out in the next couple of weeks to see what he can do over hurdles on the track.
KEEPER HILL
He was a good staying novice chaser last season but it ended with disappointment as he fell at Musselburgh and Cheltenham before being pulled up at the end of the season at Ayr.
His rating has come down a bit as a result and I think he can wins races but his jumping will need to have improved. He’s very talented on his day. At Cheltenham he only got over a few fences and we probably should have gone for a smaller race as opposed to going to Ayr to get his confidence back. He had a kissing spine and was operated on over the summer, but he is back in now.
He will start over hurdles and will go to Wetherby for the West Yorkshire Hurdle. I still think there is a bit he could do over hurdles.
THEATRE TERRITORY
She’s had a little wind operation recently and hopefully that will help her find that extra bit of improvement.
I still can’t believe she wasn’t quite able to win a race last season but she barely put a foot wrong all year and kept running incredibly well in defeat.
She’s another who could go down the Grand National route although she’d have to go up a fair bit in the weights if she’s to get into the race. The Becher is an early-season option but she’s not short of potential targets and I still think she’s quite well handicapped.
MULCAHYS HILL
He came to us after winning his point-to-point over three miles in Ireland so we knew he could motor after he was able to win a bumper for us over two miles.
He won his maiden at Ffos Las and then went down by a short-head to Poetic Rhythm in the Grade One Challow Hurdle at Newbury which was a fantastic effort in defeat.
There was no fluke about it in my view and although things didn’t go his well in two starts earlier this year, we’ve got high hopes for him. He will go chasing and will be better over fences. He is one of my favourite horses in training. I don’t think he would be far off winning a Grade One in bottomless ground, he handles soft very well and he's a good jumper.
LOVENORMONEY
He’s very good in the mud and will be useful in the winter months. He’s going novice chasing and was rated 140 over hurdles so should progress nicely if taking to it.
CARNSPINDLE
She’s a 129-rated mare who will go novice chasing this year. Hopefully she can step up again as her form plateaued over hurdles a bit. She should be a better chaser and has schooled well.
PETTICOAT TAILS
Similarly to Western Ryder, I think the previous year’s bumper campaign took a lot out of her but she did manage to win a couple of times in novice hurdles. She'll stay over the smaller obstacles and I think she's up to Listed level.
YOUNG LIEUTENANT
He was just a little sorry for himself for a day after his jabs a couple of weeks ago but has picked up very nicely now.
He’s a nice novice hurdler and could definitely be a horse to follow. I think he’ll start over two miles but will get further as he goes on.
EVRON
It’s hard to get a gauge on the French imports as they’re trained a little bit differently over there and he was unfortunately unplaced at Carlisle last week. I'm sure he'll have learnt plenty from that and I think the inside track there probably caught him out as it's tight on the bends. He might go up a little bit in distance as we go along and will appreciate a drop of rain too, but I think his mark will be workable in time.
ROCK MY STYLE
He's one for the winter months and is a strong stayer. He doesn’t do much at home but he’s tough. He’s built for chasing and hopefully he can make his mark in staying division.
JAMMIN MASTERS
He likes soft ground and wants a trip. Three miles on soft ground could see him develop into a good horse.
GANGSTER
He is a Grade Three winner and a proper Saturday horse. He is still a novice and could develop into a nice staying chaser.
BEGBIE
He got a slight stress fracture behind, but he is fine now. He has had a long time out, but I think he is up there with my best novice hurdlers.
ANOTHER EMOTION
Max McNeil has purchased half of him with Terry Warner. He was second at Chepstow and won at Ffos Las. He will stay over hurdles as he has only had two runs in points. He is a nice chasing type.
ARTICLE FIFTY
I should have put him away after winning a bumper at Uttoxeter. He got stuck in the mud at Bangor and Kempton and ran really well to finish second at Newbury. He is exciting for this season over timber.
DRUMLEE WATAR
He was bought after winning his three mile point-to-point in Ireland back in May and has done everything right so far. He's got a couple of entries this week and will likely start off over two and a half miles.
PORTRUSH TED
He’s unfortunately ruled out for the season which is a real pity as he looked a nice staying prospect for novice hurdles. I’m sure he’ll be back at some stage but it’s not been straightforward with him and sadly he won’t be seen this year.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your training methods...
I started out with The Duke (David Nicholson) and had a brief career in the saddle before becoming head lad for Bryan Smart. I then joined Oliver Sherwood for nine years and picked up some experience during a spell with Guillaume Macaire in France.
I was private trainer to Malcolm Denmark for three seasons just over at Weathercock House – where Richard Hughes is now - before starting out here at Uplands with around a dozen horses in 2012. It’s a brilliant yard and steeped in history, made famous by Fred Winter. We’ve added all the names of his big-race winners to the boxes, as well as our own, but I’ve got some catching up to do!
We're lucky here in Lambourn as we have the most amazing facilities on the Jockey Club Estate Training Grounds, it's a shared gallop setup but it’s now predominantly Flat horses being trained here which means through the winter we have all this acreage and all the facilities with relatively few horses around. There’s around six miles of all-weather gallop and about 15 turf gallops so there are plenty of options.
I like to training horses to their individual needs and to treat them on a day-to-day basis. You just want to build up a profile of every horse.
We all know that sometimes we don’t want to get out of bed on the odd occasion and it’s the same with racehorses, so I don’t stick to a strict regime.
Some don’t like being trained on the hill, some don’t like being worked in a string, and others do. You’ve got to factor in these small things too. We try and mix it up and we’re lucky we have the staff.
How many have you got in at Uplands currently and what are your hopes and ambitions for the season?
We’ve 80 horses in at the moment and I’d be delighted to have another 50 winners this season. It’s a number we’ve become used to hitting but I don’t really set targets based on numbers as what we’re trying to achieve is to have more runners in the biggest races and to compete in the best races.
I don’t think I’ll ever be one who wants 150 horses as it becomes a bit of a numbers game. But I think we’ve proved in the last four or five years, with a Cheltenham and Aintree winner last year, a Punchestown winner, plenty of other Graded winner, that we’re aspiring to compete with the best.
Every year we’ve been getting stronger and stronger as we’ve gone through buying youngsters and they’ve come forward and this year the novice chase division will be as strong as I’ve had.
I would still have the bumper and the novice hurdle horses coming through but this is the first year that I’d have a fair amount of novice chasers which is what they were bought for after all.
Where do you stand on the Cheltenham Festival domination in the National Hunt season?
Well I don’t think it’s right really but it just seems to be getting bigger and bigger by the year. We try to play it down a bit but it keeps growing. And with the super-powers of Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott targeting it they’ve got so many options for each race.
Here you’ve got Nicky Henderson and Paul Nicholls so it’s hard for everybody and when you’ve got an 80-horse string and able to compete I think everyone deserves a pat on the back.
Out of all the major Festivals, Cheltenham and the pressure that comes with it is huge. So when you have one (winner), you know you’re doing something right and it’s like a drug, you want more and more.
Which courses suit your horses best?
I maintain that in terms of configuration there isn’t a better track than Newbury. The probably is you take a promising young horse to Newbury and some old fella from over the hill goes there with a world-beater and you end up fifth after running really well!
I like Wetherby a lot, there are no excuses and it’s a great, galloping track. Doncaster is similar but I do find they get racing really early on for some reason at Doncaster and that can rip the guts out of a young horse. They’re also really competitive novice hurdles there too.
Stable Tour – Horse-by-horse guide
MISSED APPROACH
His season will be geared around the Grand National. It was the plan to go there last year but he didn’t get into the race and he’d probably had enough by the time Sandown came around.
We could start him off at Aintree in the Becher Chase and he’ll probably only have two or three runs before the National weights are published in February. He’ll then have a prep run before Aintree and hopefully he’ll give us all a fantastic day out. He’s all about stamina and he likes to get a good sight of his fences so he looks the ideal type for the National.
I’ve had two runners in the race in the past – Tranquil Sea (2015) and Dolatulo – and they finished seventh and 19th so I’ve a 100 per cent completion rate to maintain!
He won the four-miler at Cheltenham in March and it was a proud day. Ireland had won every race that day and it was the last race of the day with Patrick Mullins and Jamie Codd looming up alongside you - you think here we go. But to be honest from three out I felt he’d win. I think if Mall Dini has headed us we would have weakened but the mistake they made was holding onto him and that just spurred Missed Approach on. I’m thankful they didn’t go past.
LA BAGUE AU ROI
She’ll go chasing this season and with a mark of 152 over hurdles I’d like to think she can go a long way. She’s grown again and has always looked a chaser in the making so she’s pretty exciting.
She’s tended to lose her way after Christmas, which might just be her, but we’ll start off in a novice chase and hopefully get a couple of wins on the board before raising her sights.
She loves deep ground but I wouldn’t say it was a necessity. She’ll mix between two and a half and three miles with a pretty nice programme for mares these days.
When she ran in Ireland in April she was the only one that could live with Faugheen early and I think if she’d been ridden for a place should would have been. She still ran well and if she takes to fences then she could be better than she was over hurdles. I trained her half-brother Kayserberg and he jumped well so I see no reason why not.
WESTERN RYDER
I think his bumper season let a little bit of a mark on him to be honest. He ran in Listed bumpers at Ascot and Newbury and then went to Cheltenham and Aintree which for a young horse is tough.
He also had a little eye issue before the start of last season. But he did well, beating Lalor and Summerville Boy at Cheltenham early in the season and I thought he ran quite well when sixth in the Sky Bet Supreme at the Festival. I just felt he’s better than that and he didn’t quite get home at Aintree on the soft ground.
He will stay two and a half in time but he’s not short of pace and I’d be looking to start him out in the Greatwood Hurdle. From a mark of 145 I hope he can be really competitive as I think he’s a Graded horse in the making still. He’s adaptable in terms of the ground but wouldn’t want extremes.
EMITOM
He won his only outing in a Warwick bumper back in April. It didn’t come as a huge shock to us as he’d been showing all the right signs at home and he travelled really well.
The form isn’t much to write home about but he won pretty well and if we’ve got a novice hurdler that could go to the top then it might just be him.
Put it this way, he’s in Cole Harden’s box so he’s obviously got a lot to live up to! He works well anyway and we’re hoping to get him out in the next couple of weeks to see what he can do over hurdles on the track.
KEEPER HILL
He was a good staying novice chaser last season but it ended with disappointment as he fell at Musselburgh and Cheltenham before being pulled up at the end of the season at Ayr.
His rating has come down a bit as a result and I think he can wins races but his jumping will need to have improved. He’s very talented on his day. At Cheltenham he only got over a few fences and we probably should have gone for a smaller race as opposed to going to Ayr to get his confidence back. He had a kissing spine and was operated on over the summer, but he is back in now.
He will start over hurdles and will go to Wetherby for the West Yorkshire Hurdle. I still think there is a bit he could do over hurdles.
THEATRE TERRITORY
She’s had a little wind operation recently and hopefully that will help her find that extra bit of improvement.
I still can’t believe she wasn’t quite able to win a race last season but she barely put a foot wrong all year and kept running incredibly well in defeat.
She’s another who could go down the Grand National route although she’d have to go up a fair bit in the weights if she’s to get into the race. The Becher is an early-season option but she’s not short of potential targets and I still think she’s quite well handicapped.
MULCAHYS HILL
He came to us after winning his point-to-point over three miles in Ireland so we knew he could motor after he was able to win a bumper for us over two miles.
He won his maiden at Ffos Las and then went down by a short-head to Poetic Rhythm in the Grade One Challow Hurdle at Newbury which was a fantastic effort in defeat.
There was no fluke about it in my view and although things didn’t go his well in two starts earlier this year, we’ve got high hopes for him. He will go chasing and will be better over fences. He is one of my favourite horses in training. I don’t think he would be far off winning a Grade One in bottomless ground, he handles soft very well and he's a good jumper.
LOVENORMONEY
He’s very good in the mud and will be useful in the winter months. He’s going novice chasing and was rated 140 over hurdles so should progress nicely if taking to it.
CARNSPINDLE
She’s a 129-rated mare who will go novice chasing this year. Hopefully she can step up again as her form plateaued over hurdles a bit. She should be a better chaser and has schooled well.
PETTICOAT TAILS
Similarly to Western Ryder, I think the previous year’s bumper campaign took a lot out of her but she did manage to win a couple of times in novice hurdles. She'll stay over the smaller obstacles and I think she's up to Listed level.
YOUNG LIEUTENANT
He was just a little sorry for himself for a day after his jabs a couple of weeks ago but has picked up very nicely now.
He’s a nice novice hurdler and could definitely be a horse to follow. I think he’ll start over two miles but will get further as he goes on.
EVRON
It’s hard to get a gauge on the French imports as they’re trained a little bit differently over there and he was unfortunately unplaced at Carlisle last week. I'm sure he'll have learnt plenty from that and I think the inside track there probably caught him out as it's tight on the bends. He might go up a little bit in distance as we go along and will appreciate a drop of rain too, but I think his mark will be workable in time.
ROCK MY STYLE
He's one for the winter months and is a strong stayer. He doesn’t do much at home but he’s tough. He’s built for chasing and hopefully he can make his mark in staying division.
JAMMIN MASTERS
He likes soft ground and wants a trip. Three miles on soft ground could see him develop into a good horse.
GANGSTER
He is a Grade Three winner and a proper Saturday horse. He is still a novice and could develop into a nice staying chaser.
BEGBIE
He got a slight stress fracture behind, but he is fine now. He has had a long time out, but I think he is up there with my best novice hurdlers.
ANOTHER EMOTION
Max McNeil has purchased half of him with Terry Warner. He was second at Chepstow and won at Ffos Las. He will stay over hurdles as he has only had two runs in points. He is a nice chasing type.
ARTICLE FIFTY
I should have put him away after winning a bumper at Uttoxeter. He got stuck in the mud at Bangor and Kempton and ran really well to finish second at Newbury. He is exciting for this season over timber.
DRUMLEE WATAR
He was bought after winning his three mile point-to-point in Ireland back in May and has done everything right so far. He's got a couple of entries this week and will likely start off over two and a half miles.
PORTRUSH TED
He’s unfortunately ruled out for the season which is a real pity as he looked a nice staying prospect for novice hurdles. I’m sure he’ll be back at some stage but it’s not been straightforward with him and sadly he won’t be seen this year.
G-G
Dormant account
A friend who works at Greatrex' says they are looking to build more boxes as they are full and have a large number of extra horses to take in.
granger
Senior Jockey
Anyone see anything from the Meade stable yet?
swedish chef
Dormant account
No but if your interested in following any horses from his stable, they have set this up. http://www.noelmeade.com/ourhorses.html
Brian Ellison stable tour
APTERIX
He’s been out this season and won at Sedgefield and just got beat the next time. He’ll have another go over fences at some stage. He had a bad back last year and we took him over to Ger Kelly and he’s done a great job with him. He’ll go to Wetherby at the end of the month.
ARCHIVE
We bought him from Gigginstown and he came out and won a £20,000 chase. We decided to run him on the Flat this summer and he won at Carlisle and ran fourth at Galway. He’s won a bumper, flat, hurdles and a chase. He isn’t the biggest but tries hard.
BALLYCRISTAL
He won is novice chase lat season but has been a bit disappointing in two starts this year. When you run him over three miles he looks like he wants two-and-half, run him over two-and-a-half and he looks like he wants three. We'll keep trying with him and he’s won a bumper, hurdle and chase for us. He'll win again.
BALLYVIC BORU
He’s won over hurdles and fences but is a little prone to injury and you have to treat him with kid gloves. He has a lot of talent and will be alight.
BARRYS JACK
He won three for us last year having got him from Ireland. He loves heavy ground and while he isn’t the biggest he’s come in fresh and well and will hopefully win a race or two.
BORDEAUX BILL
He's a horse I like. We took him to Ger Kelly because he had back issues but he’s in great fettle now and ready to run. He looks ready to roll and we’ll kick on with him. He’ll win.
CONTRE TOUS
He likes going right-handed and wants an easy track and returned at Ludlow last week. He’s capable when conditions are right.
DEFINITLY RED
He's a star and a horse who loves his work. He’ll return at Wetherby in either the Charlie Hall or three-mile hurdle. I’ll talk to Phil Martin and we’ll decide what to do. We’ll see what season we have but the Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup would be on our mind. He handles soft ground but it was too testing for him in it last season. He could go there again though. He’s improved ten pounds each year and is rated 167 now. We space his runs out, he’ll have four or five again, and has come back looking great. We’ll go to Wetherby and plan from there.
FAIR LOCH
He's the owner's pet and we didn’t pay a lot for him. He’s won a fair few races for us and runs on the flat, over hurdles and fences. He's a grand old horse.
FOREST BIHAN
He’s a horse with a lot of ability and I still think he’s better than he's shown so far. We're going to give him a spin on the flat soon and see how good he is at that. He's a good horse and takes some working with, he’s a proper work horse. There are some good pots around on the Flat nowadays but he's a horse who could go anywhere over hurdles and fences too.
INSTANT REPLAY
He ran in a few hurdle races and disappointed us so we put him over fences and he was a different horse. He won a couple but the handicapper hammered him. He started off over hurdles but will go chasing again.
LUCKY ROBIN
We got him from Ireland where he didn’t have much form but he’s won a couple for us. He was second at Sedgefield last time and is a handy sort who can go on the flat or over fences.
NIETSCHE
A good flat horse, he had a great juvenile season over hurdles, finishing third in the Fred Winter. He suffered a bit last year as they often do from four to five. He’s come in looking great and will go over fences.
PISTOL PARK
His owners love him and every year he wins. He wants soft ground and has come in looking great. He’ll win again when conditions are right.
RAVENHILL ROAD
He's pleased me with his schooling and he’s class over a fence. He’ll start out in novice chases and should be winning races. He’s a very good horse. I’m lucky to have Phil and Julie Martin in the yard as they buy good ones – and this fellow is one of them.
APTERIX
He’s been out this season and won at Sedgefield and just got beat the next time. He’ll have another go over fences at some stage. He had a bad back last year and we took him over to Ger Kelly and he’s done a great job with him. He’ll go to Wetherby at the end of the month.
ARCHIVE
We bought him from Gigginstown and he came out and won a £20,000 chase. We decided to run him on the Flat this summer and he won at Carlisle and ran fourth at Galway. He’s won a bumper, flat, hurdles and a chase. He isn’t the biggest but tries hard.
BALLYCRISTAL
He won is novice chase lat season but has been a bit disappointing in two starts this year. When you run him over three miles he looks like he wants two-and-half, run him over two-and-a-half and he looks like he wants three. We'll keep trying with him and he’s won a bumper, hurdle and chase for us. He'll win again.
BALLYVIC BORU
He’s won over hurdles and fences but is a little prone to injury and you have to treat him with kid gloves. He has a lot of talent and will be alight.
BARRYS JACK
He won three for us last year having got him from Ireland. He loves heavy ground and while he isn’t the biggest he’s come in fresh and well and will hopefully win a race or two.
BORDEAUX BILL
He's a horse I like. We took him to Ger Kelly because he had back issues but he’s in great fettle now and ready to run. He looks ready to roll and we’ll kick on with him. He’ll win.
CONTRE TOUS
He likes going right-handed and wants an easy track and returned at Ludlow last week. He’s capable when conditions are right.
DEFINITLY RED
He's a star and a horse who loves his work. He’ll return at Wetherby in either the Charlie Hall or three-mile hurdle. I’ll talk to Phil Martin and we’ll decide what to do. We’ll see what season we have but the Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup would be on our mind. He handles soft ground but it was too testing for him in it last season. He could go there again though. He’s improved ten pounds each year and is rated 167 now. We space his runs out, he’ll have four or five again, and has come back looking great. We’ll go to Wetherby and plan from there.
FAIR LOCH
He's the owner's pet and we didn’t pay a lot for him. He’s won a fair few races for us and runs on the flat, over hurdles and fences. He's a grand old horse.
FOREST BIHAN
He’s a horse with a lot of ability and I still think he’s better than he's shown so far. We're going to give him a spin on the flat soon and see how good he is at that. He's a good horse and takes some working with, he’s a proper work horse. There are some good pots around on the Flat nowadays but he's a horse who could go anywhere over hurdles and fences too.
INSTANT REPLAY
He ran in a few hurdle races and disappointed us so we put him over fences and he was a different horse. He won a couple but the handicapper hammered him. He started off over hurdles but will go chasing again.
LUCKY ROBIN
We got him from Ireland where he didn’t have much form but he’s won a couple for us. He was second at Sedgefield last time and is a handy sort who can go on the flat or over fences.
NIETSCHE
A good flat horse, he had a great juvenile season over hurdles, finishing third in the Fred Winter. He suffered a bit last year as they often do from four to five. He’s come in looking great and will go over fences.
PISTOL PARK
His owners love him and every year he wins. He wants soft ground and has come in looking great. He’ll win again when conditions are right.
RAVENHILL ROAD
He's pleased me with his schooling and he’s class over a fence. He’ll start out in novice chases and should be winning races. He’s a very good horse. I’m lucky to have Phil and Julie Martin in the yard as they buy good ones – and this fellow is one of them.
granger
Senior Jockey
Diamond Geezer
Gone But Not Forgotten
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Brian Ellison stable tour
NIETSCHE
"A good flat horse, he had a great juvenile season over hurdles, finishing third in the Fred Winter. He suffered a bit last year as they often do from four to five. He has come in looking great and will go over fences."
NIETSCHE
"A good flat horse, he had a great juvenile season over hurdles, finishing third in the Fred Winter. He suffered a bit last year as they often do from four to five. He has come in looking great and will go over fences."
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