In the News
It’s been a busy time in the yard, readying horses for the winter season as the nights are drawing in and the temperatures start to drop. We’re looking forward to the season kicking off properly and there have been some decent jumps meetings already. The start of the season is also often a busy time because the media are looking to get all the news about last season’s talent. On that note, it was great to welcome Paul Ferguson to the yard. Paul is the author of his self-titled book Jumpers to Follow and one of his leading prospects for the season ahead is Dame Rose. We were delighted to show him around and answer a few questions about the season ahead. For more information on the book, you can go to bettrends.co.uk and for an interview with Richard on Dame Rose, you can find him on twitter under @paulfergusonJTF.
Last week’s runners
Surf and Turf ran a couple of weeks ago at Stratford in the two mile six handicap chase. It was his first try over further than two mile four and he travelled very well for most of the race. He fluffed the first, but after that his jumping was good. He looked to be coming with a challenge with plenty of horses still in contention after the first two miles, but he stopped quickly after two out and Jamie Bargary pulled him up before the last. He was fine back at home, so we’ll have to see if we get him out again while the ground is still good enough for him.
We also had Atomik D’Olivate, who we own but is trained in France, come second in a hurdles race in France at Lyon – Parilly. He was closing at the line, but couldn’t quite get back past the leader. It was his third placed effort in as many races in our colours, so he’s certainly earning his way.
This week’s runners
We’ve got a few horses pencilled in to run over the next few days, providing the ground stays right, starting with Alamein. Formerly with Mouse Morris in the colours of Gigginstown House Stud, we bought him out of the Doncaster sales. A lovely seven-year-old gelding by Beneficial, we’re looking forward to seeing him out.We’d entered him at Worcester initially, but the ground was fast enough for him there. Instead, we’re looking to make the long journey up to Kelso, where the ground will be more suitable. His best form has come on ground with plenty of cut in it and hopefully, we’ll find that up in Scotland.
Dame Rose is entered up at Newton Abbot to make her hurdles debut, but will likely give that opportunity a miss. She’s also entered up at Bangor on Wednesday and that seems to be a more likely destination at the minute. She’d have to step up in distance on what she’s shown in bumpers, but she’s stayed on well in those races and we think she’ll be fine with the extra three furlongs. She will have to take on some horses that have already won over obstacles, but she’s had plenty of schooling over hurdles and we’ve been very excited to see her jumping. She’s already beaten some of these (including last time out winner Skewiff) in bumpers, so we’re hoping she can get her hurdling career off to a winning start.
Surf and Turf will also make the long trek North, ground permitting, to Hexham. He’s set to go for a 0-130 handicap hurdle. He fairly bolted up at the track last time he ran here and if he turns up in the same form as that day, he’s got every chance to add another to his tally.
Finally
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