Tragic news about Kempton Closure

13-01-2017

THIS WEEK Shock waves were sent throughout the industry earlier in the week when the news broke out about the closure of Kempton racecourse in the coming years to make way for a large housing development.  If the deal does go through, which we sincerely hope it doesn't as it's been a great local track for us including for racecourse gallops,  we hope that the Jockey Club Racecourse Association reinvest the money in the right places, such as prize money! That coupled with warnings of heaving snow due over the next few days and to top it all off today is Friday the 13th! However on a brighter note since the new year our horses have continued to run well and the new barn is now just over a week off completion... REPORTS Charlemar ran with credit to finish 5th on his step up to Grade 1 company at Sandown on Saturday.  He sat just off the pace in the 6 runner contest and jumped slickly throughout.  The ground became quite testing on the hurdle course and they didn’t get racing until the field landed at the back of the 3rd last.  Charlemar came off the bridle earlier than expected but stayed on well to finish 5th.  The ground was testing enough for him and Aidan felt he would appreciate another half mile.  It was a great run under conditions that were not ideal on just his 3rd start for us and there is a lot more to come from him. Wychwoods Brook was pulled up in the Veterans Final at the same meeting.  He jumped off in midfield, but soon found himself disputing last place after the leaders set a ferocious early gallop.  He jumped more tidily than he had at Kelso and although there was overnight rain, there wasn’t enough to see him at his best.  He’s come out of the race well and will be entered at Newbury next week; hopefully we will get some rain for him, the softer the better. Affaire D’Honneur took a step back in the right direction with a good 3rd at Chepstow on Sunday.  He travelled and jumped far better than he had at any stage this year, under a good ride from James Nixon.  There was a thick fog over the track so it wasn’t possible to watch the action down the back straight.  When the leaders turned into the straight he found lots for pressure eventually coming home in 3rd behind the other 2 market principals.  Although this run was below his form of last year it was a step back in the right direction after Haydock. Limonata finished a well held 9th at Wolverhampton on Monday.  We switched tactics and attempted to make all in 2nd time headgear, but when she was headed she dropped out tamely, eventually finishing 9th.  That was her last run for us and now she heads to Rathbarry Stud, where she will be covered by the sire of her top class brother Tagula. Tutchec finished a much improved 3rd at Hereford on Wednesday.  He was given a positive ride by David Bass in first time cheek pieces and really enjoyed bowling along in front.  He set a good gallop in testing conditions and produced a decent display of jumping.  He came off the bridle down the back straight on the final circuit but fought off most of his rivals to lead over the second last, only to be passed by two rivals on the way to the final flight.  He battled after the last and almost got back up for 2nd on the line.  It was a cracking run and we can’t wait to see him out again in a few weeks. ENTRIES Vinnie Lewis is set to have his first handicap start at Huntingdon today.  He has progressed with every start for the yard and starts handicaps off a mark of 114.  He is sure to appreciate further than 2 1/2 miles in time, but we are starting over this distance to see where we stand with him.  He is versatile with regard to ground and James is able to claim 8lbs which should be very useful.  He is very tough and genuine.  Hopefully he will take another step forward. Kilgeel Hill is set to make his yard debut at Warwick tomorrow.  He has been off the track since an excellent performance in the 2015 EBF Final and goes into the race in excellent form.  He has a great attitude, he’s schooled well and the forecast soft ground will suit.  He needs a few above not to run to get in so if that doesn’t transpire he has other options later in the month. Sunday Royal was declared to run at Leicester yesterday, but unfortunately was balloted out.  He is in good form and holds entries at Exeter, Newbury and Ludlow next week.  He should get a run at one of the venues and a production of his penultimate run at Leicester would see him run well. Until next week...