February 2010

We seem to have had less runners this month than the previous month. However the team in Cagnes-sur-Mer have continued to earn their keep with Garnica managing a second and third in conditions races and Lost Soldier Three having found a new lease of life while in France, coming second in a conditions events then finishing a very respectable 4th in a Listed race on the last day of the meeting. This made Soldier our highest earner of the meeting with him amassing €29,000 - not bad for 6 weeks work!

Back at home Spin Again had put his best foot forward so far this year when coming second in a 6f claimer at Southwell on his seasonal debutand following up with a win under Andrew Mullen 9 days later in an identical race.

Set Back is another who has enjoyed a good start to the year when breaking his maiden tag in some style on his seasonal debut in a 6f claimer at Southwell. He won in a style which would suggest there is more to come from this horse. Fellow three-year-old Novay Essjay continues in good heart coming third in a 7f handicap at Southwell.

January 2010

The yard has made a good start to 2010 having plenty of winners from only a handful of runners. New recruit Novay Essjay won a 6f handicap at Southwell in nice style under Andrew Mullen and went on to be third in a more competitive handicap over the same trip at Lingfield later on in the month. Fellow 3 year old Il Forno broke his maiden tag when putting up a taking performance in a 6f maiden - he is capable of progressing and looks a nice 3 year old sort.

The majority of our success has come form the horses we have sent to Cagnes-sur-Mer (south coast of France). It is the first time we have had runners at Cagnes-sur-Mer and is proving to be a successful experiment. We have sent six horses out there with the first runner running on the 18th (the opening day of the meeting). We have to date won four races and only had one runner finish out of the first five.

The wins have all come in claiming races with Bonnie Prince Blue taking a 6.5f claimer on the polytrack and Lost Soldier Three winning two claimers - the first over 11f on turf and the second over 12f on Polytrack. Both Bonnie and Soldier were ridden to victory by French Champion jockey Ioritz Mendizabal. Jack Junior also won a claimer over 7.5f but was later claimed by a french trainer - he will therefore be spending the foreseeable future in France.

Jack Junior pulls clear under Bertras in the claimer to record our first win at Cagnes-sur-Mer.

The reason we decided to take the horses over to Cagnes-sur-Mer is due to the prize money - French prize money is over double that of an equivalent race in Britain. We have won €45,500 (just under £40,000) in the 2 weeks we have had our horses there. The track is lovely and the Polytrack is second to none. The meeting ends on the last day of February so there are still plenty more races to run in before the horses have to come home and at this stage it looks sure to be a trip that is repeated next year.

December 2009

We have only had a handful of runners this month but have had a good strike rate with Buy On The Red just hanging on to take a seller down at Lingfield under Fallon and Clear Ice winning a 6f handicap at Southwell under Andrew Mullen. Buy On The Red just failed to complete a double when returing to Lingfield 10 days later to finish second in a handicap again over the minimum trip. Lost Soldier Three appears to be suffering with seconditus - the horses has not run a bad race on the all weather but just keeps failing to get his head in front which is very frustrating!

We have got all the yearlings broken in and all the yearling colts barr one have been gelded this month. The snow is making everything hard work but with 6 horses going to Cagnes-sur-Mer on January 13th for 2 months we have had to keep going and do the best we can to have them fit and well to run. The indoor ride has proved invaluable!

The big news is month is Adele Mulrennan (nee Rothery) had a baby girl - Scarlett Amber. She was born on the 22nd and weighed 7lbs 11oz. Both mother and baby are doing well. We send both Paul and Adele our Congratulations.

November 2009

November is typically a very quiet month for the yard with most (if not all) of the older horses roughed off and enjoying their winter break along with the staff. We have however kept a little busier this year with plenty of yearlings to break in and a small string of older horses to keep going for runs on the all weather.

We started the month with Northern Bolt winning a  5f claimer at Catterick under Adrian. Bolt is not short of ability but has prooved very difficult to win with. Hopefully this win will boost his confidence for the start of next season.

We followed this up with a successful day at Southwell when Andrew Mullen rode all three of our horses. He won on Clear Ice in the 5f Maiden Auction - unfortunately Clear Ice just missed out on a second win when returning to the track six days later to finish second in a 6f handicap. Bonnie Prince Blue ran a game race to finish third in a 6f handicap and Lost Soldier Three was second in a 12f claimer, he was also second later in the month again over 12f under Andrew but this time in a handicap.

October 2009

Layla's Hero has been a real star this month when taking his tally of races won this year up to five by winning two listed events. This would be impressive for an older horse, never mind a two-year-old! He won his first Listed race at York - The Rockingham in emphatic style. The second, the Doncaster Stakes, he won two weeks later carrying a 3lb penalty. He has been exceptionally progressive and looks like he will stay 7f next year.

The doggedly determined Layla's Hero just hangs on to win his fifth race of the year and his second listed race of the month. A nine grand purchase he has now won in excess of 73K.

Fellow two-year-old Tres Amigos rounded off a good year for Dab Hand Racing when taking a 7f maiden at Southwell under Adrian Nicholls. This again was won in taking style - he is another nice prospect for next year along with Tax Free and Inxiles half brother Xilerator who was second first time out at Ayr.

Mujaadel finished the season on a bright note when winning a 7f handicap at Catterick. This was his second win of the year and he was ridden to victory both times by Andrew Mullen. Andrew also steered Rayhani to the winner enclosure at Catterick earlier on in the month when leading form start to finish in a 12f handicap. Rayhani has now gone to his owners native Ireland to try his hand at National Hunt over the winter.

Keys Of Cyprus also finished the year off with another win for the Beasley Gees when taking a 7f handicap at Ayr in very testing conditions - he has been a grand servant!

September 2009

Another successful month despite not winning the Ayr Gold Cup.

The two-year-olds have done well this month with Falasteen hanging on gamely to win a 5f nursery at Chester under Franny Norton. Fellow two-year-old Layla's Hero also recorded his second win of the season when taking a 6f nursery at Haydock. He won with a bit in hand and should go on. The same can said of Mister Manannan who won a 5f Listed event at Ayr only a week after finishing third in the Group 2 Flying Childers at Doncaster.

The tenacious Mister Manannan (hooped cap) finished what has been an admirable season with a Listed win at Ayr - he has a bright future ahead of him.

Amenable, another two-year-old opened up his account when taking a 6f maiden at Southwell under Andrew Mullen. Amenable should be able to build on this result and is capable of more. Another enjoying his first success was Buisness Class who again won at Southwell this time in a mile handicap. The Southwell fibre sand seemed to suit him so we will hopefully be able to find him more suitable races at the course.

Cape Vale won his second race of the year when taking a 6f handicap at Haydock Park - he seems to have found his form and we hope he can continue in this vein of good form. Others who have run well this month include the two-year-olds Clear Ice, Layla's Lexi, George Benjamin, Duke Of Rainford and Johannesgray - all of whom are capable of winning at their level. Of the older horses Royal Power, Lost Soldier Three, Silaah, Northern Bolt, Burnwynd Boy, Strike Up The Band and Something continue to run well.

Regal Parade is undoubtedly the start of the month after winning the Haydock Park Sprint Cup (Group 1). He won in convincing fashion and fulfilled the promise he has always shown when powering away from a feild of top class sprint horses. He has been roughed off for the season and is currently enjoying a well deserved break but he will be back in work early next year with the plan being to take him to Dubai to run at the World Cup meeting.

Regal Parade (far right) powers ahead to become Davids first winner of the Haydock Park Sprint Cup and Adrians first ever Group 1 winner.

August 2009

We finished the Glorious Goodwood meeting on a high when we had a 1,2 in the 6f nursery with Bluie and Layla's Hero respectively. This is the fourth year running that David has won this race. Bencoolen made up for a disappointing run earlier in the week when winning the final race of the meeting - an apprentice race under yard apprentice Nicky Lawes. Evens And Odds also ran a craking race in the Stewards Cup to finish second under William Carson. Having gone up to a mark of 102 he now heads for the Ayr Gold Cup.

Layla's Hero followed up his second place with a win at Haydock, his owners local track, under Philip Makin a week later and Bluie went on to win again 12 days later when taking 6f race at Hamilton when ridden by Adrain. Both these two-year-olds are tough and at this stage look progressive.

Fremen had a double this month when winning an 8f claimer at hamilton and a 7f seller at Musselburgh. Fellow oldie Turnkey also has a double this month when he won a 6f claimer at Ayr and then followed up in another 6f claimer, this time at Carlisle.

Mujaadel enjoyed his first win for us when taking a 7f handicap under an enterprising ride from Andrew Mullen. Hopefully he can build on this. Exceptional Art was another who put in his first win for us. David bought the horse at Tattersalls July Sales and this was his first run for us. He ran over the minimum trip in the listed Beverley Bullet event. It was the first time the horse had been tried over the minimum trip and the first time he had encountered firm ground. He ran an impressive race race coming form last to just get up in the dying strides of the race. This horse should continue to improve and looks a very exciting prospect for Middleham Park Racing.

Others that have won under the ownership of Middleham Park Racing this month are the ever green Royal Dignitary who lead from post to post in a 7f claimer at Beverley and Bonnie Prince Blue won in great style when taking a 6f handicap at Catterick at the end of the month. He should be able to follow up this win with a bit of luck.

Royal Defence followed up his Thirsk victory last month in a 10f handicap at Ripon. He looks to be improving and should hopefully continue in his winning ways.

Mister Manannan continues to run well and finished a neck second to the doggedly determined Star Rover in the competive listed Roses Stakes at York. Regal Parade is another who continues to do the yard proud when running his usual gutsy race to finish second in the Group 2 Hungerford Stakes. Fol Hollow, Silaah, Neva A Mull Moment and Lucayan Dancer also continue to run well and should be rewarded with a turn in the winners enclosure in the not too distant future.

July 2009

The winners have come thick and fast this month. We had a few horses break their maiden tag in Royal Defence who won a mile maiden comfortably at Thirsk under Amhed Ajtebi. This was the horses first run since being gelded and he should go on to win more races. Amhed also had a double for us care of Cape Vale and Sam's Lass at Britains newest racecourse - Ffos Las. Sam's Lass another breaking her maiden status again did it in convincing fashion in the 6f Fillies Maiden. Cape Vale took a 6f handicap - this was his first win since he was a two-year-old.

The two-year-old Bluie also broke his maiden when winning a high class 6f seller at Haydock under Adrian. Fellow two-year-old Layls's Hero also won this month at the Second time of asking when taking a 5f maiden at Hamilton in good style. Both these two should progress further and win more.

The Brazilian bred Hitches Dubai is another who broke his duck in a 5f maiden at Beverley. He put up a taking performance to win well under Sam Hitchcott.

Regal Parade gets his head in front again.

Of the older horses Obe Gold completed a double when winning two claimers both over the minimum trip when ridden by Adrian. He was claimed after winning the second race. We also lost Blue Tomato this month after he won a seller at Hamilton and was bought by another trainer in the following auction.

Both Striking Spirit and Northern Dare recorded their second victories of the year. Striking Spirit followed up his Ascot victory at York again over 6f this time with Micky Fenton doing the steering. Northern Dare took a 5f handicap at Pontefract under Franny Norton - this is the first time this year that the horse has had the ground conditions he really likes - very soft! Prince Namid, another mud lover also took advantage of the unseasonally soft ground to record his first victory since 2006.

Regal Parade won a 7f Listed race at Chester - The City Plate - this is the horses first win at pattern level and there should be more to come. Key Of Cyprus also recorded his first victory of the year under Paul Quinn in a mile handicap at Ripon.

June 2009

We have had a good month with the two-year-olds. Mal And Dave who has proved to be really tough was second twice over the minimum trip before getting his head in front under Adrian when he put up a gutsy performance at Musselburgh again over 5f. Bluie also ran a good race at York to be third in a competetive 6f seller. Falasteen was another to win at York when taking a 5f maiden in some style on his racecourse debut. George Benjamin was another to put up a good debut performance when finishing second at Ripon under our apprentice Nicky Lawes.

The older horse have also put in some good performances with Fol Hollow notching up his third win of the year when returning to 5f at Beverely. Mandurah notched up his seconf win of he year when taking a 5f handicap under Adrain at Haydock. Mandurah seems to really excel when running at Haydock, the course really suits him for some reason.

We have had good luck in claiming and selling races this month too with Turnkey winning a 6f claimer at Ripon, Lucayan Dancer winning a 10f claimer at Redcar, Fremen winning a mile seller at Hamilton and Legal Eagle a taking a 6f claimer gain at Hamilton. Unfortunately Legal Eagle was claimed after this win and is therefore no longer in the yard.

Masta Plasta put up a very good performance in Chantilly to be second in a Listed race over there. Inxile had also done well over seas when winning the 5f Listed Naas Sprint Stakes in Ireland. He returned to Ireland later in the month to finish third in a 5f Group 3 at the Curragh.

Our yard amature - Emma Ramstrom rode her first winner this month when making all in a 5f Ladies Amature Riders Handicap run at Leicester. This was also Buy On The Reds' first win since joining the yard earlier this year.

We had a great day at Epsom on Derby Day when Indian Trail took the famous Epsom 'Dash'. He was ridden by Paul Quinn and looked to have no chance after being settled in the rear with a wall of horses in front of him as he approached the final furlong. However after switching left it was lke the parting of the Red Sea as the gaps appeared just as he needed them. Paul produced him to lead in the last stride nad won by a short head. Strike Up The Band also put in a great perfromance to finish third to Indian Trail. This was a very exciting race to watch and would have to be a candidate for ride of the year.

May 2009

The horses have been holding their form well and we have been lucky enough to plenty of winners and placed again this month.

We have had a couple that have broken their maiden tag this month including Capo Regime whom won a claimer at Southwell over 6f under Silvester and Agent Stone again a 6f winner under Silvester but this time in a Median Auction Maiden at Doncaster.

There have been a number of older horses who have won this month, most at a lowely level but these horse are yard favourites and are doing well to keep their enthusiasum for the game. These include Royal Dignitary - a winner of a mile claimer at Southwell, Guest Connections, a 6f handicap winner at Hamilton, a course he has never been beaten at and Gift Horse who won a 6f claimer up at Ayr, his fist victory since winning the Stewards Cup. Blue Tomato also just got up to win a 5f seller under talented claimer Jamie Kyne. Machinist is another old boy who teamed up with Silvester to take a 6f handicap at Thirsk in taking style. Fellow nine-year-old Lucayan Dancer is who put up a winning performance in a 9f Seller at Musselburgh.

Two horse who ran out easy winners this month in good handicaps are Valery Borzov who won a 6f handicap at Yorks May meeting and Striking Spirit again over 6f at Ascot who was having his first run for us. Both did it the hard way and lead post to post. They have both as a result been hit hard by the handicapper but we are hopeful there is still more to come. Another who won convincingly was Evens and Odds whe taking 6f Heritage handicap at Newmarket. Regal Parade who like Evens And Odds is owned by Dab Hand Racing won a 7f conditions event at York. This horse is just nicely coming to himself and should be able to hold his own in group company. All four of the above are now heading for Royal Ascot.

Evens And Odds powers away from the rest of field in a Heritage Handicap at Newmarket

Others who have run well this month include Parisian Pyramid, Nchike, Fathsta, Legal Eagle, Metroland and Strike Up The Band.

We had a double at Thirsk early on in the month when the gritty Mandurah stormed home to take the 5f handicap and Hysterical Lady followed up in the following race when taking a 5f handicap.

We finished the month with two black type winners abroad. Hindu Kush returned to him native Ireland to land the 1mile 6furlong Saval Beg Listed Stakes at Leopardstown when ridden by Chris Hayes. He now heads for the Gold Cup at Ascot.

Stable star Tax Free ran his trade mark gutsy race to win a 5f Group 2 at Chantilly. There was lengthy stewards enquiry following the race which prooved a painful wait particularly after Tax Frees half brother - Inxile was demoated to third by the stewards after being first past the post earlier in the month in a Group 3 at Longchamp. However Tax Free hung on to his victory, he has been a real credit to the yard and has earned the right to take his chance in Group 1 company at Royal Ascot next month.

April 2009

A lot of the string have made a promising start to the 2009 turf season this month.

New recruits Bencoolen, Buy On The Red and Metroland all made good starts when finishing second in their respective races. These are all nice sorts and should be winning before too long.

Fol Hollow made his seasonal re-apperance a winning one when taking the 5f handicap under yard apprentice Adele Mulrennan. He then followed up three days later when taking another 5f handicap, this time at Naas in Ireland. David sent three runners to Naas this day and Fol was the middle leg of a treble over there. Joseph Henry, a horse who has run consistently well while under Davids' care but never won broke his 'duck' when taking the 7f handicap decisively. Inxile won the big race of the day over at Naas - the 5f Listed race. All the horses were ridden by Adrian - a day that will be tough to repeat.

Other horses who have run well at pattern level this month include Regal Parade - second in a 7f listed event at Leicester, Hindu Kush also second in a 1m 6f listed race at Navan and Tax Free who won the 6f Abernant listed race at Newmarket under a fine ride from Franny Norton.

Tax Free puts in another gutsy performance to take the Abernant.

We also had our first two-year-old winner of the year in the talented Mister Manannan who after running a fine third at Ripon went on and broke his maiden tag when taking a hot Pontefract maiden by an impressive 7 lengths. This horse looks like he could make up into a very useful performer.

Buachaill Dona made a winning return to British racing after doing a stint in Dubai when taking a 5f conditions event down at Kempton. We had another winner at Kempton this month when Something ran out a convincing winner under Paul Quinn in a competitive 7f handicap - this horse is unbeaten on a Pollytrack surface.

Others who have put up a good performance this month include Obe Gold, Peace Offering, Masta Plasta, Hysterical Lady, Blue Tomato, Localiser and Parisian Pyramid.

March 2009

The season has started well. Blue Tomato remains in good heart and has paid his way again this month with a win and a third place in claiming races at Wolverhampton.

Another who has won and has has a third place this month is Fremen. His win came under one of the yard apprentices in Nicky Lawes in an apprentice handicap at Lingfield. This is Nickys second win for us.

Obe Gold also managed to return to winning ways at Lingfield in a 6f handicap under Adrian after running a very creditable second when ridden by Paul Quinn in a 5f handicap at Southwell.

We had a double at Southwell when Hysterical Lady lost her maiden tag when taking the 5f fillies maiden - there should be more to some from this smartly bred filly. In contrast the ever green nine year old Royal Dignitary showed the younger ones how to do it when gamely battling to secure his thirteenth career win in the 7f handicap, he is a credit to the yard.

Other horses who have put in good performances this month and should go on in the coming months are; Evens and Odds, Regal Parade, Business Class, Hindu Kush, Kings Point, Minority Report, Fathsta and Abraham Lincoln.

February 2009

All the horses are back in work and are starting to fitten up nicely. The select all weather string continues to perform well. Calazaghe was third in a seller at Southwell under our apprentice Nicky Lawes and was duely claimed after the race which leaves us with just the two all weather horses. Blue Tomato keeps running well but seems to keep finding one too good, his time will come. Just The Lady finished a good second in a claimer at Southwell under a waiting ride from Jimmy Quinn.

Five of the Dubai horses have returned and they seem to be fine after there time away and journey back. The remaining three will return on the 10th March.

January 2009

We started the year well when the first horse we sent out - Just The Lady won. This filly is tough and gritty and should continue to run well at this level throughout the season. She was indeed third later on in the month too.

We only have a very select band of horses running on the all-weather they have all made the frame. Blue Tomato seems to have seconditus but his turn will come and he keeps paying his way in the mean time.

The Dubai horses are starting to run themselves into form but they were not very fit when they went over. Due to the weather we were stuggling to get the required amount of work into them. However as I say most have had two runs already and are starting to look a lot fitter.

We have been busy over the winter and have built 20 new stables and a new bigger indoor ride which has been well used due to the rain, snow, frost etc. This is always a hard time of year for staff and horses alike with general bad weather, not much racing and the prospect of fairly fresh horses after their winter hols along with aching mucles from the staff due to their decreased fitteness from their winter break. Summer role on!

December 2008

The end of a good season with more winners than last year and over £400,000 more in prize money. December is a time when the majority of the horses and the staff take a well earned break (even the trainer took a break this year)!

Manzila (with Metroland behind) enjoying the snow on their winter break.

We are however busy with our new recuits. All the yearlings have been broken and ridden away and we have had quiet a lot of the colts gelded. We are also busy getting to know our new horses bought at the horses in training sales.

We have had eleven horses accepted to go to Dubai. We are planning to send ten with the first eight flying on the 7th January. Therefore all the intended Dubai runners are now clipped out and back in work.

Thank you to all our owners and supporters for your continued support this year - we cannot do it without you! I hope you have all had a lovely Christmas and best wishes for a healthy, happy and successful new year.

November 2008

November is typically a quiet month for the yard. The majority of the yearling/horses in training sales are over and all but a handful of the horses have been roughed off. We have however been busy with our yearlings, most of which are now broken and cantering on the gallops. There are still a few yearlings left for sale (if your go the 'horses for sale' tab for more information about these).

We will have a small string of all weather horses this year as well. These include Obe Gold, Just the Lady and new recruits Calzaghe and Maqsood. These are clipped and back in work but will probably not be ready for run until early next year. We are also planning to send nine horses to Dubai so they will be coming into work shortly.

October 2008

We are starting to slow down now with a lot of horses on their winter holidays. We have however had three winners this month - Blue Tomato won for the third time this year when taking a 5f claimer at Wolverhampton under 5lb claimer William Carson.

The other two wins both came in 5f listed races which were both won by horses owned by Lady O'Reailly and they too were both recording their third victory of the season. Peace Offering won at Newmarket and Masta Plasta won his listed race at Chantilly - this means Masta Plasta has now won a race in England, Ireland and France this year - some effort!

Peace Offering powers ahead under Adrian Nicholls to take the Rous Listed race at Newmarket.

Other that have run well this month and should be watched out for next year include Fol Hollow, Fremen, Gift Horse and White Deer.

September 2008

The horses have held their form really well this year and September has been no exception. Nchike opened his account this month when winning a 6f seller at Thirsk under Silvester De Sousa and followed up later in the month in a 7f Seller at Musselburgh. He looks like he is improving and he should make up into a nice three-year-old.

Keys Of Cyprus also completed a double this month when winning a 7f handicap at Musselburgh and then winning again three days later at the first day of the Ayr Western meeting. He was ridden by Adrian both times. This kicked off the start of a good meeting for us with Parisian Pyramid running a good third in a 6f Nursery, Joseph Henry also third in the Ayr Silver cup and Kings Point being second in a 7f handicap. Kings Point also won earlier in the month when taking a 7f Handicap at Thirsk under Joe Fanning.

The stars of the month however are Regal Parade and Tajneed who managed a 1-2 in the Ayr Gold Cup. This is a race that David loves to win and it is the fifth time in nine years that he has won it. This victory has made Regal Parade the highest earner in the yard this year having also won the Buckingham Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot earlier in the year. Dab Hand Racing who own Regal Parade, are a group of owners who have always wanted to win the Ayr Gold Cup so mission accoplished. Regal Parade won the race very easily from the game Tajneed who battled to hold on to second place. Regal Parade will now step up in class and will try his hand in Pattern company.

Regal Parade (chestnut 3 from the right in blue and white) powers away from Tajneed (center with blue cap and red star) to take the 2008 Ayr Gold Cup under 5lb claimer William Carson.

Closer to home Lost Soldier Three managed to get his head in front in the feature race at Catterick about 10 minutes after Regal Parade won the Ayr Gold Cup. Soldier won the 12f handicap nicely under Silvester De Sousa. Business Class made a good start to his racing career when finishing third in a 7f Maiden also at Catterick. He is the first of three Brazilian bred horses we have, to run and the future looks promising for them from this result. Other horses, all two-year-olds, who have made promising racecourse debutes include Royal Defence - 2nd in a 7f maiden at Chester and Peaceful Rule whom was also second this time over a mile at Thirsk. Northern Acres also put in a promising debut run even though he was unplaced. All of these horses are bred to get further and will be better with time.

Lost Soldier Three ridden by Silvester De Sousa is an easy winner at Catterick.

Others who have run well this month include Fremen, Van Bossed, Strike Up The Band, Prince Namid, Gift Horse, Iorek Byrnison, Northern Bolt, new recruit Just The Lady and the listed placed Manzila.

Our final winner of the month was Minority Report who got up in the dying stages of a 7f handicap at Musselburgh. He was ridden by owr new apprentice Nicky Lawes who is a 7lb claimer. He will be joining our two other apprentices Adele Rothery (7lb claimer) and Ismael Da Costa (5lb claimer). Let us hope this is the start of a successful relationship with Nicky.

August 2008

We have had another good month with winners coming thick and fast. The 2 year old Parisian Pyramid was our first winner of the month when scoring decisivly in a very fast time in a nursery on the final day of the Glorious Goodwood meeting. He was ridden by Silvester and he looks a smart pospect and confirmed his talent by coming second in a strong conditions race later in the month.

Parisian Pyramid wins in impressive style at Goodwood

Strike Up The Band scored a well deserved win in the Shergar Cup at Ascot after having to settle for the bridesmaides spot on his 2 previous starts (both of which happened to be at Ascot and again over 5f).

Guest Connections recored his third victory this season in a 5f claimer at Catterick under Adrian . Valery Borzov also recorded his third win of the year when taking a 6f handicap at Haydock. He nearly scored for a fourth time a week later in the Great St Wilfrid when again being ridden by Franny Norton but was denied by Tajneed, with only a short head seperating them. This was a winning return from a mid-season break for the mud loving Tajneed. Both Val and Taj now head for the Ayr Gold cup and should have real chances if they get their favoured soft ground.

The ultra consistent Inxile got his head in front for the first time this year when taking a Listed race over 5f at Deauville. He returned to the lovely Deauville later in the month to finish a game second over 6f. He was given a good confident ride by Adrian Nicholls on both occasions and is still improving. He is an exciting horse to be involved with.

Inxile after Listed victory at Deauville.

Mr Toshiwonka got rid of his maiden tag when winning in his first handicap. He won a 7f handicap at Redcar in a taking style and looks like he will get further.

Peace Offering managed to complete the second leg of a double when leading from the stalls to the line in a 5f conditions race at Nottingham - this is the second time he has won this race.

Keys Of Cyprus won at Catterick in a 7f handicap. This horse is a credit to our assistant trainer Ben Beasley. Key Of Cyprus, who is a half brother to Continent, won first time out as a three-year-old and was then injured on his next start. Ben and his wife Sue have nursed this horse back to the racecourse and he has now won again at the age of six after a three year break and on only his forth racecourse appearance - well done Ben!

Other horses who have run well this month without winning include Nchike, Gift Horse, Heywood, Kings Point, White Deer, Ice Planet and Joseph Henry. Our other winners this were Lucayan Dancer who continued his succesful association with our aprrentice Adele Rothery and Royal Power who fulfilled his promise when becoming our first winner at Britains newest racecourse - Great Leighs - let us hope he is the first of many!

July 2008

July took us to over 50 winners for the season so far. We have had a few horses who have won this month who have been struggling to get their head infront. These include Messiah Garvey who was given a peach of a ride by Silvester to win the 7f seller at Beverley and Guest Connections who managed a double at Hamilton on Consecutive days both over the minimum trip.

Varadouro won another race on his prefered surface at Southwell. This came in a 6f claimer under Adrian. He was claimed after the race and has gone to passtures new.

Royal Dignitary has continued in his winning ways this month when compleating the second and third legs of a treble in a 7f claimer at Redcar and a mile seller at Musselburgh. Another old boy who has been running well at claimer level is Lucayan Dancer who won a 10f claimer at Redcar very easily under Adele Rothery. Both Digger and Lucky are capable of keeping their winning form at this level.

Mandurah teamed up with Mark Coumbe again for another win in a 5f apprentice handicap at Haydock. Mandurah then went on and finished third in a higher class of race at Goodwood later on in the month. Mandurah has proved to be a game and tough individual who is a credit to the yard.

Another horse who has been a credit to the yard this year is Masta Plasta. This month he has won the  5f Rockingham Handicap at the Curragh - the richest handicap in Ireland under Chris Hayes and was second in the Gr.3 Audi Stakes at Goodwood. He is the only horse so far this season to have won over £100,000 in prize money and would have to be one of the stars of the yard.

Peace Offering showed he retains his ability and zest for the game when winning a 5f conditions race under a well judged ride from Ted Durcan at Newmarket in good style. He should be capable of winning more races this season on that form. Others who have run well over the month include Capo Regime, Machinist, Iorek Brynison and the ever unlucky Strike Up The Band and Inxile who both keep running well without winning.

The two-year-olds have run well with two individual winners. Fol Liam won under Paul Quinn on debut in a high class seller at Haydock. He gave his owner a good return, being sold for £26,000 after being bought for £4,000 in October. The other two-year-old winner came later in the month at Goodwood when Gower Valentine and Adrian were never headed in the 6f maiden. She looks a smart sort on this form and should provide her owners with lots of fun.

June 2008

We have had fewer winners this month than last month but they have been better quality winners.

Our first winner of the month was Heywood who won in good style at Catterick in a 6f handicap under Silvester De Sousa.

Owners Dab Hand Racing have had a good month with Blue Tomato winning for the second time this year, this time in a 6f handicap at Hamilton and then Regal Parade won the 7f Buckingham Palace Handicap at Royal Ascot. This is Regal Parades first win for us and our second win at Royal Ascot, the first coming back in 2004 when Lafi won the Wokingham. Regal Parade is a nice sort and looks to have the scope to improve further.

Royal Dignitary remains in good form and won another claimer over 7f this time at Redcar. Lucayan Dancer was given a peach of a ride by 3lb claimer Andrew Mullen to also win a claimer over 10f at Lucayan Dancers favourite course Chester. Both these old boys are enjoying their racing and should be capable of following up in similar grade races.

Marning Star has been a very consistent horse for us so far and won nicely when making all at Haydock in an 8f handicap under Martin Dwyer. He was also third later in the month at Windsor again in a 8f handicap.

Kings Point got off the mark for us at only the second time of asking. He came to us from Richard Faheys yard in October last year and won nicely at Musselburgh over 7f in a handicap under 5lb claimer Ahmed Ajtebi. Ahmed has had a good month for us as Kings Point was the third winner he has ridden for us from four rides. His other winners where Royal Dignitary and Regal Parade. Ahmed would appear to be value for his claim!

Tax Free and Adrian have had a great month. They started off the month by winning a 5f Listed race at Naas for the second year runninng. They then returned to Ireland at the end of the month to win the 5f Sapphire Stake - Group 3 at the Curragh on Irish Derby day. Tax Free seems to like the air in Ireland and had become something of a star over there. He is well liked by the Irish race goers even though he keeps bring home their euros!

Northern Dare who also ran at the Curragh on Derby day ran a gallant race in defeet. He was second in the big Scurry Sprint Handicap which was won by Machinist last year. Northern Dare is proving to be ultra consistent - he does not know how to run a bad race. Others who have put in good performances this month include Circuit Dancer  who has been second and third, Minority Report, Inxile who was second in the 5f Listed Scurry Stakes at Sandown, Royal Power third in the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot, Masta Plasta second in the Prix Hampton - a 5f Listed Race at Chantilly, Strike Up the Band and Parisian Pyramid who was third first time out at Newcastle - all of these should be winning soon.

Mike Browne a long term owner with us who is from Gosforth had a great time at his local big meeting when Buachaill Dona, who was partnered by Adrain Nicholls, won the big race on Friday night - the Gosforth Park Cup dispite drifting across the course. This 5f handicap was won by Peace Offering and Vicky Behan two years ago. Peace Offering has gone on to better things since winning this race, let us hope that Buachaill Dona can follow in his foot steps.

May 2008

We have had a very good month with winners coming thick and fast - long may it continue!

We have had two, two-year old winner, both first time out. Daisy Moses won a 5f maiden at Doncaster at the start of the month and Chicago Cop won a 6f maiden at York impressivly at the end of the month. Both were riden by Silvester De Sousa who won two more big races this month. The first coming at York again when Silvest teamed up with Tournedos to take a valuable 5f handicap at the May meeting. The second came at out local track, Thirsk when Manzila won another valuable 5f handicap. This French recruit is new to our yard and looks sure to progress. She will now be aimed at pattern races.

Three other new recruits to the yard have found winning form this month with our other new French recruit - Garnica leading the way by winning the 7f Group 3 Prix Du Palais-Royal at Longchamp under French champion jockey S Pasquier. The other two - Obe Gold an easy winner of a 6f handicap at Haydock and Marning Star winner of a mile maiden at Musselburgh were both formerly trained by Mick Channon and were ridden to victory by Adrian Nicholls.

Royal Dignitary racked up a double under Adrian when taking the 8f claimer at Southwell and then a seller at Musselburgh over the same trip. Valery Borzov also completed the second leg of a double this month again uder Adrian when winning stylishly at Thirsk.

Old timer Funfair Wane won over the minimum trip in a seller at Musselburgh in good fashion as did Crocodile Bay over a mile at Beverley in a handicap.

Mandurah made the most of his favorite firm ground in an apprentice handicap at his owners local track - Haydock. Other horse that have put in good performances this month and should not be far off a win include - Royal Power, Heywood, Kunte Kinteh, Gower Valentine, Kabis Amigos, Regal Parade, Hysterical Lady and Joseph Henry - so there is still plenty to look forward to! 

Star of the month has to be Adele Rothery who won on Our Sunnie in a 6f apprentice claiming race (which David has won for the last three years) on the first day of the month, she then went on to win on an outside ride later in the month. Her biggest victory to date however came on the last day of the month at her local course - York. Adele partnered Masta Plasta to victory in Lady O Reillys colours in the valuable Scottish Sprint Heritage Handicap. This is Masta Plastas first victory since he was a two-year-old. He made all and ran out a convincing winner, the next stop for the partnership is the Dash on Derby day. This was Adeles ninth winning ride and has caused much excitment in the yard - well done Adele!

April 2008

The horses all seem to be generally on good form. Tencendur started the month off well with a win at Catterick in a 7f handicap and was 2nd later on in the month under Adrian in another 7f handicap at Southwell (turf).

Fire Up The Band managed yet another win in a 5f claimer at Wolverhampton and also a 3rd in a Southwell claimer where Hamaasy beat him to win. New recruit Dushstorm kept our good record in all weather claimers up by winning a 10f claimer at Kempton and then coming second in a 12f claimer at Lingfield. All three of our claimer winners have now gone to passtures new.

Van Bossed has been a star this month, scoring twice in good style in 6f Handicaps at Ripon after being second by a nose at Kempton. Tajneed also scored in fine style at Ripon again in a 6f handicap after finishing third on his seasonal reapperance under Olive Gaule at Doncaster.

Northern Fling ran a cracking race on his seasonal debut to win a strong 5f handicap at Doncaster. The form of the race has since worked out well and he will be heading for the big Heretage Handicaps and black type races for the rest of the season.

Shot To Fame finally managed to get his head in front this month. This has been long over due, he does not know how to run a bad race but has stuggled to win. He was second in a seller at Southwell before his win in a 7f seller at Lingfield . Varadouro is another one who at long last managed to win. He won a 6f handicap at Southwell a shade cheeckily - maybe the Southwell sand is the key to this Brazilian import?

Valery Borzov won at Kempton over 6f in a handicap, he is another who was second in a race just before his win.

Our apprentice Adele Rothery has also had a good month with a second and a third on Lucayan Dancer both at Pontefract over 10f. She also won at Pontefract in a 6f handicap - the feature race of the day, on Turnkey.

Tax Free ran a very creditable second under a penelty at Naas in a 5f listed race and his half brother Inxile has run run well in both his starts this year. He was second in a 6f conditions race at Leicester before coming a creditable third in a Listed race in France. Keep up the good work!

March 2008

It is here again - the start of the turf season. We have managed to get a number of horses out early and from what we have seen so far they seem to have wintered well and on the whole are fit, healthy and ready to go.

Our first winner of 2008 was a new recruit to the yard - Blue Tomato. He scored in fine style over 5f at Musselburgh. This was a really good effort as the horse has never managed to get his head in front over such a short trip. Our other two winners this month were old faithfuls in Fire Up The Band who won over 5f at Southwell and Lucayan Dancer who took a 9f race at Wolverhampton.

There have also been a number of horses who have put up promising seasonal debutes including Pure Imagiantion and Kabis Amigos - second and third respectivly in the same race at Musselburgh, Maia - 3rd at Redcar and Northern Dare who was third in a strong handicap at the Curragh, all of them should go on and have a good season ahead of them.

The Dubai horses made it back safe and sound. Fremen - 8th in the Lincoln and Machinist - 3rd at Kempton have been the only 2 from the Dubai string to run since returning home and have both put in solid performances, let us hope the others follow suit!

February 2008

The horses in Dubai have put up some good performance this month with Buachaill Dona managing to pick up some prize money in both the turf races he has contested in while being in Dubai. He was fifth in a 6.5f race and a very creditable third in a more suitable 6f race where he beat Indian Trail into fourth.

The star of the Dubai show this year though has to be Machinist who was second by just 3/4 of a length to the inform Mutamarres. Machinist seems to enjoy the time he spends in Dubai and has run well over there both this year and last year. He has as a result been entered in the Dubai International Racing Carnival Sales which are due to take place on the 4th March so he could be taking up perminant residence in Dubai with another trainer.

The horses in england are all on good form and are starting to fitten up nicely. We all are looking forward to the start of the turf season and should have few horses out early.

January 2008

A busy month in the yard with all the horses coming back into work and starting to get fit again for the start of the new season. This job has not been made easy by the weather. However the indoor ride has proved once again to be a great asset. We did manage to start using the gallops at the end of the month, when the horses test their riders stickablity to the max!

All five horses made it to Dubai with no problems and they have all had at least one run and Fremen has run twice. He ran very creditably on his second start finishing fourth in a mile handicap on the turf. Machinist and Indian Trail also picked up some prize money on their first start and Something ran well but finished just out of the money. So all in all we have a good start to the Dubai Interantional Racing Carnival. Let us hope that the horses can continue to build on the good start they have made out there.

December 2007

Typically a very quiet month with most horses and staff enjoying a bit of time off. There are however plenty of two-year-olds (twenty, five more than last year and we had considerably more two-year-olds last year than we had ever had before) who are being broken in/ridden away and the five horses who are going to Dubai to race at the Dubai International Racing Carnival are in work too. The horses that are flying to Duabi on 10th January are Buachaill Dona, Fremen, Indian Trail, Machinist and Something. Let us hope that they and their owners have an enjoyable and successful time out there - I will keep you posted.

November 2007

Most of the horses are now roughed off and enjoying their winter breaks along with a few members of staff. However Pieter Brueghel ran in his usual consistent manner to be second in both a 6f handicap at Ayr and a 5f seller at Musselburgh. Crocodile Bay also finished the season well when coming third in a mile handicap at Musselburgh. Spirit Of Conistent continued his good record with us by finishing second in a 5f handicap at Wolverhampton.

All the above horses were ridden by Jamie Spencer to try and aid him in his Champion Jockey bid. This is something that turned out to be a highlight of the flat season for all flat race followers and we must congratulate both Jamie and Seb Sanders for their gallant efforts and for the entertainment they provided while chasing their dreams to become Champion Jockey. All the staff where enthralled even though it did not involve horses from our yard!

October 2007

We are starting to slow down now with a number of horses already roughed off for the winter. However Tax Free managed to finish the season by coming third with a group winners penelty in a 5f listed sprint at Newmarket. He has been a model of consistency this year and has done the yard proud.

Crocodile Bay won a handicap for us at Goodwood. David bought him in July and he has run consistenly well since joining the yard but this was his first win for us. He was also second twice later on in the month.

Another recent recruit to the yard - Spirit Of Coniston has made a great start, coming second at Catterick on his debute run for us then completing a double later in the month when he won in good style at Kempton and followed up less than 24 hours later at Catterick.

Umpa Loompa broke his maiden at Newcastle when given a good ride by our second jockey - Silvester De Sousa. Choreography has also run well in the month of October recording two seconds.

September 2007

We started the month in fine style with a treble on the 1st. Chicken George broke his maiden at Musselburgh over a mile. Buachaill Dona also won the feature race at this meeting. Indian Trail won a 5f Handicap at Sandown and went ot complete a double 8 days later under Frankie at Haydock.

The 2 year olds continue to race well with Inxile (Tax Frees' half brother) winning in good fashion over 5f at Haydock first time out. Boy Blue was 2nd at Haydock over 7f before impressivly breaking his maiden over the same trip at the third time of asking later in the month at Ayr. Northern Bolt also broke his maiden at the same meeting making all in the 6f maiden. Cape Vale retains his unbeaten record going into the winter after he too won at Ayr in a 6f handicap. Ivestar contiues to show promise when 2nd in an 8f Nursery again at Ayr, his turn in the winners enclosure will come. Fremen finished a good Ayr Western meeting for us after Northern Dares 2nd in the Ayr Silver Cup he won decisively in a mile handicap and now heads for the Cambridgeshire.

David also set a record this month when sending the first British trained runner, Quai du Roi, to Laytown (a race meeting in Ireland on the beech). Quai du Roi managed to win the race as well. We also had another winner in Ireland later on in the month with Tournedos at the Curragh.

Tax Free managed another Group 3 win this month at Longchamp and the ever consistent Moss Vale had a 2nd and 3rd in 2 Group 3 races in Ireland. Peace Offering was also second in a Listed event at Doncaster.

Circuit Dancer showed vast improvemnet to win at Chester. Others that appear to be improving and have run consistently this month include Guest Connections and Mr Rooney.

August 2007

August has been a good month for the yard. We started the month while Glorious Goodwood was in full follow. This is a meeting David loves and aims a lot of his horses at. Tax Free put in another good performance coming third under a penelty here in the 5f Group 3 Audi Stakes. Peace Offering also put his best foot forward this month to come third in the 5f Listed Beverley Bullet. Others that won at Goodwood include the old boy Continent who has a very good record when ridden by Paul Hanagan as he was on this day. Fol Hollow also won a competitive 6f Handicap a race that David won last year with Northern Fling who also won this month, a 5f Handicap at the York Ebor meeting.

Kabis Amigos conitues in good heart when posting his fourth victory of the year in a Lady amature riders Handicap. Funfair Wane is another who is holding his form well this year and managed another win over 5f in the hands of Adrian Nicholls.

We had a couple of horses who got fo the mark for us this month including Tencendur who won in some style at Carlisle over 7f as did Coeur Courageux over the same trip and in a similar fashion on the all weather at Wolverhampton. Danish Blues was another who won for the first time for us when winning a 5f seller at Musselburgh.

We have had a good month with the 2 year-olds. Cape Vale won on his race course debut in the style of a real pro. Van Bossed also broken his maiden tag when obliging at the fourth time of asking. He won very nicely over the minimum trip around Catterick. The ever consistent Fol Hollow gave the members of the Dandy Nicholls Racing Club their second victory of the month when following up his Goodwood win with a convincing win in a 5f Conditions race at Ripon.

July 2007

The horses have been on good form this month with plenty of winners and placed horses. Kunte Kinteh got off the mark in a 7f Maiden at Catterick and Fol Hollow put in his first win as well at Musselburgh over the minimum trip.

Machinist won a 6f premiere handicap over at the Curragh in some style which has resulted in a big hike up in the handicap. Turnkey got his head in front at Pontefract in the feature race and followed up with a good second in a top class handicap at York, both under our resident apprentice Adele Rothery. Tax Free continues to run well and produced a 2nd at the Curragh in a listed race.

Kenmore managed to win for the first time in 2 years although he had to drop to claiming class to do it and was claimed afterwards. Lucayan Dancer recorded an easy win around the turns of Chester in a 10f Handicap. This is a course he loves and he put up a convincing performance. Funfair Wane seems to have recaptured some of his form when winning a Selling Stakes at Hamilton and followed up with a 2nd is a 6f handicap at Ayr and a third in a 5f handicap at Beverly. Maia did a repeat performance of her 6f Catterick win in May when putting up a gutsy performance and just getting up on the line in a rough race.

Mandurah managed yet another win, his third this year. He really is a star along with Northern Dare who also took his tally of wins up to three for the season when winning at Ayr over 5f and then again, a shade cheekily, at York in a strong 6f handicap. He is proving to be a very progressive horse. Fremen is another who has hit form and completed a double with a win over 8f at Musselburgh and then over the same trip on the first day of the Glorious Goodwood meeting. He won both times at a big price, hope you had your money on!

June 2007

We had our first 2 year-old winner this month when Caught In Paradise won a calimer at Haydock over 5f. A number of our 2 year-olds have put in good performances this month with Our Sunnie recording a second at Ripon, Binario Uno being third twice at Hamilton and Fol Hollow continues in good heart having run into a second and a third place.

The older horses have enjoyed a good month too. Royal Dignitary won at Ripon and then went on to finish third at Musselburgh a couple of days later. Machinist recorded a good win in a competive handicap at Hamilton and Continent won for the first time in nearly three years at our local track - Thirsk. He was also fifth in another competive handicap a week later at Redcar to Ice Planet who had not seen the winners enclosure for just under two years.

La Vecchia Scuola got off the mark this month as well when she won a seller in fine style, such fine style that she was bought by another trainer. Aperitif also ran a fine race over hurdles to finish second at Uttoxeter, a great result as it is a number of years since we have had a runner over jumps.

We have enjoyed a good run in black type races with Tax Free winning a Listed race at Naas and Peace Offering and Moss Vale finishing second and third respectively in a Group 2 at Chantilly.

May 2007

This month has been a slightly quieter month in the winners encloser than some of the previous months however many of the horses continue to be in good form and have been placed on more than one occasion this month, including Bahamian Pirate, Mandurah and Handsome Cross.

We have also had some good results in pattern races this month. Moss Vale was second in both the Greenlands (Group 3) and the Temple Stakes (Group 2). We had a 1 - 2 on 1000 Guineas day at Newmarket in the Group 3 Palace House Stakes with Tax Free and Peace Offering respectively in a very exciting finish! Peace Offering went on win a Group 3 in his own right at Longchamp a week later.

At a lower level Just James nearly completed a hatrick at the start of the month scoring two wins and a second. Blackheath also continues to be in good heart at the age of 11 managing a win and a couple of places. Oranmore Castle produced a suprise win at our local track Thirsk in a 5f Handicap and Maia got off the mark when winning at Catterick later in the month.

April 2007

We have enjoyed a successful month dispite the unseasonal firm ground which it not the prefered going for most of our horses. Sawwaah completed the final leg of his hatrick at Catterick but was unfortuately claimed after his run at Musselburgh. Mandurah also managed two wins this month, one at Southwell (on turf) and the other at Haydock (his owners local track) and was second at Catterick.

Tax Free made a winning return after his stint in Dubai when he won a conditions race in good style at our local track - Thirsk. Fire Up The Band also made a good seasonal debut when he won a conditions race at Musselburgh.

Another good seasonal debut was made by Valery Borzov, who won at Musselburgh after winning his only start last year. Northern Fling who won twice last year returned to the track at Leicester, coming third is a hot conditions race and then went on to win a hot handicap at Ripon at the end of the month.

Our new apprentice Adele Rothery has been a bit of a star this month. She came to us having only ridden one winner and this month has been second on Mr Rooney at Ripon and won with Nothern Dare at Thirsk and Danzig River (whom she also looks after) at Leicester. Let us hope she continues on this upward curve.

March 2007

Kabis Amigos has been a star this month having complete his hatrick at Wolverhampton on the 24th. We had a double that night when Sawwaah found his form and returned to winning ways. He also won later on in the month in a similar race at Lingfield.

Ninetyninetreble made a very promising racecourse debut having lead the whole race to get pipped at the post in a photo finish. Mandurah also made a good start of season debut coming third from a wide draw a Wolverhampton.

All the horses that were in Dubai have return home and seem to have enjoyed their time in the sun. Strike Up The Band made a good return to British racing coming third in a listed race at Lingfield.

Merlins Dancers won a class 2 race in good style at Lingfield on the first day of the flat season. We also had a good day at Newcastle with lots of horses being placed including Fol Hollow who came second in the Brocklesby - Davids first runner in this race. Let us hope that the horses continue to be on good form and can build on the good start they have made.

February 2007

This seems to have been a month for the old boys with Bahamian Pirate winning and Blackheath finishing a good second on his seasonal debut. Both Pirate and Blackheath are 12 years old now.

Bahamian Pirate managed to get his head in front in a class 2 race at Southwell over 6f. This is the first time he has won since winning the Nunthorpe back in 2004. As you might imagine this was a very popular win as Pirate is a yard favourite! Hamaasy continued his winning ways this month when obliging in another 6f race at Southwell in some style.

The string in Dubai have enjoyed mixed fortunes this month. Machinist ran a fast finishing fourth over 5f on the dirt, a surface that would not be in his favour.

All the horses are now back in work including 15 two year-olds (the most we have ever had). We are starting to have more runners on the all weather in preperation for the start of the turf season. All we need now is for the rain to stop.

Bahamian Pirate after his last win in the 2004 Nunthorpe.

January 2007

We got off to a good start in 2007 with Just James and Hamaasy winning and Pieter Brueghel running a fine second on New Years Day. Trinculo also came a good third in a claimer later in the month and was unfortunately claimed. Kabis Amigos made a good seasonal debut at the end of the month finishing a very close second in a Handicap at Southwell suggesting there is more to come from him.

We have got five horse over in Dubai for the carnival who have all run over there and have put in creditable performances without winning. Tax Free was fouth in a 6f Group 3 on the dirt and Lost Soldier Three was 5th on his first run for David over a distance which was sharp for him. 

Most of the horses are back in work after their winter holidays and are on great form, they are all cantering and coming on nicely, roll on the flat season!  

January 2006

New years day brings us our first winner of the year at Southwell. With Sonic Anthem and City of Manchester finishing 1st and 3rd in the Apprentice race both owned by Middleham Park Racing. There was plenty of celebration in the winners enclosure!!
The rest of our All-Weather string have been running very well with plenty of places.

December 2005

December was a very quiet month. Most of the horses enjoyed their winter breaks and so did the staff!!

November 2005

With only a very small string for the all-weather our attentions have turned to getting the yearlings going. They are all going extremely nicely and are looking good for the 2006 season.

October 2005

Things are starting to slow down now but Fire Up The Band made the long trip to Lonchamp worth while. He made most of the running in the Prix L'Abbaye until he just got caught close home to finish 3rd. A very pleasing performance.

After Machinist's excellent run in the Silver Cup he followed up with a gallant effort to finish 2nd in the Coral Sprint at York.

September 2005

September brings Davids favourite meeting, the Ayr Western. The Portland Handicap at Doncaster falls the week before the Ayr Gold Cup and can often be a good pointer to the Gold Cup winner. Pieter Breughel and Continent were very unlucky not to win, in a blanklet  finish to be second and third.

Hopes were high going to Ayr and the meeting started well with Sawwaah winning for the second time this month and Pax and La Vie Est Belle finishing close seconds. The second day is Silver Cup Day and Machinist steals the show with a superb win. He took up the running 2 furlongs out and never looked like getting beat.

No Gold this year but after such a good season we don't mind lending it out just this once.

August 2005

The yards' fantastic form continues when winning two more major handicaps. Ice Planet and Pieter Brueghel make it a 1-2 in the Great St Wilfrid at Ripon. Both horses are owned by David Faulkner. Tax Free does us proud again by taken the William Hill Trophy at York. After some discussions over the ground, he went on to battle all the way up the straight to win by a head.

Johannes was out to make his mark this month by taking the richest 2 year old maiden of the year at York and then just got beat in a listed race at Ripon. This is the first horse his connections have owned and he has done them proud.

July 2005

Rudi's Pet found a new lease of life this season at the age of ten. has has already won two races and gave our apprentice Victoria Behan her first ever winner at Musselburgh.
Tax Free continues his winning ways by running away with a very competitive handicap at Newmarket.

Glorious Goodwood is always the highlight of the year for the yard. And this year was no exception. Strike Up The Band started the week well by winning the Molecombe Stakes. He came from a very bad draw to win very comfortably. Fire Up The Band gets the better of The Tatling in the Audi Stakes. It was the horses first group success after two listed wins. Adrian Nicholls rode both Strike up and Fire Up which gave him his first group winners. Two in a week isn't bad!
The very well fancied Gift Horse raised the roof on the last day by winning the Steward Cup under Kieren Fallon. He showed an excellent turn of foot and brought the curtain down on a very special week for the yard. 

June 2005

The Derby Meeting starts off a very fruitful month for the yard, having 17 winners in total. Fire Up The Band and Peace Offering finish first and second in the Vodafone Dash and Gift Horse finishes off an excellent day by winning the last race on the card under Kieren Fallon.
Royal Ascot moved to York this year. Strike Up The Band flew the Nicholls Flag with two seconds in the Norfolk Stakes and the Windsor Castle Stakes.

Gift Horse

May 2005

An excellent month for our 2 year olds. She's Our Beauty and Capital Lass both win their races in good style, and Buachaill Dona just got touched off on his debut at Ripon. Strike Up The Band continues to go up the ladder. He was unlucky in running when when narrowly defeated at Chester but put in an excellent effort to take a hotly contested listed race at Goodwood. He now goes to Royal York with a serious chance in the Norfolk Stakes.

Fire Up The Band and Gift Horse were very impressive on there seasonal debuts. Fire Up The Band won a Listed race at Chester and Gift Horse bolted up at Doncaster. Both horse are looking to be very exciting prospects for the summer. 
Adrian Nicholls favourite horse American Cousin won on his 101st run at Beverley. He has won every year for the yard.

Strike Up The Band

April 2005

A lot of our horses made very pleasing seasonal re-appearances this month, with 3 winners and 20 places. Straffan won her 3rd race of the year when she took an Apprentice race at Redcar, but was unfortunately claimed shortly after the race. Tax Free was a shock winner of a 7 furlong maiden at Thirsk, but you cannot fault his attitude as he battled all the way to the line and won by half a length.

Performance of the month must go to Strike Up The Band, who was well backed at 3-1 and won by 8 lengths going away. He is half brother to Fire Up The Band and looks a real star for the future. 

March 2005

We have made a cracking start to the grass season with two winners and two seconds in the 1st week. Merlins Dancer was a very impressive pillar to post winner of the valuable 6f handicap at Doncaster under Adrian Nicholls. A noteable training performance was when Hamaasy stole the 7f maiden at Musselburgh at an amazing 33/1. Lafi and Continent also made their seasonal debut at Doncaster both running great races and showing loads of promise for the coming season .