Horses Return To Training In New Surroundings
The 23/24 season was certainly a challenging one for us. Managing 8 winners, a frustrating 16 seconds but with our best prize money tally of over £115,000. In November we knew we had a few horses who weren’t quite right and this theme continued throughout the season. Blood tests showing a viral challenge was lingering in the yard and we had some horses who couldn’t quite shake off snotty noses. In all honesty from February my focus was already starting to turn to how we were going to make up for a frustrating season by making the 24/25 season our best to date. Even with countless frustrations we did have some terrific days with Ooh Betty finishing 3rd in a grade 2, finishing 2nd in a Cheltenham listed novice hurdle and Endless Escape finishing 3rd in a £50k Cheltenham handicap.
The last 9 weeks has been somewhat of a whirlwind. An opportunity to train from a purpose built training establishment just 15 minutes from Littlewindsor Farm came about and I knew this was exactly what we needed at the perfect time. With 30 boxes in a large American barn we have the room to grow our business and offer the horses first class accommodation. With 2 superb gallops, a large outdoor ménage ( all with exceptional surfaces), covered horse walker and extensive off road tracks, we have everything at our disposal to provide first class training for our equine athletes.
Most of the team are back cantering with a few a little further behind having had wind surgery. We have a few new additions to the team. Firstly an unraced 4 year Sholokhov mare who will be running in the colours of a new racing club to be formed shortly. A 5 year old Jetaway mare who was runner up on her sole start in an Irish ptp, (4 shares remaining) she will make her debut for us at the end of October. Also a stunning 3 year old Getaway gelding out of 147 race mare Drinks Interval, he ticks a lot of boxes and we like him a lot, a few shares are available in him.
Our first runners from Crockermoor will likely be mid October. For now, the horses are slowly building up their level of work week by week and we are enjoying the challenge that new facilities present. I have no doubt this is a hugely positive move for us, our horses and our owners. We are excited to see what the 24/25 season has in store for us.