First up a small apology from your editor, the June newsletter never materialised. I blame too much good sport and the shock of the summer holidays meaning the ‘parentometer’ has gone into overdrive!
However, I am pleased to bring you a bumper July edition with news on our three horses, further success for our OS trainers, a reflection on some top flat racing and the return of the excellent Sir Bobcast series.
Find a shady spot and read on!
OUR TRAINERS ARE HITTING THE TARGET
Jack Langley teamed up with leading apprentice jockey, Jack Callan, to win well at Lingfield at the end of June. Having already performed with credit on his debut at Ripon to finish third, the two Jacks stalked the leaders and then pounced with a furlong to go to win by four lengths giving trainer Charlie Clover (Chatham 14) a first winner in the Stowe colours from just his second runner.
After the race, the Sky Sports Racing cameras were frantically searching for Robert ‘’Sir Bob’’ Cooper (Cobham 68 and long-standing presenter on the channel) in whose name the syndicate is named after however he was a notable absentee. We did however have representation from two OS syndicate members in David Lugg and Peter Williams and our thanks again to Charlie and his top team!
Jack Langley is being readied for a race at Newmarket on 8th August.
Jack Langley and Callan powering clear to win at Lingfield
GRASSHOPPER TIME ENJOYING HIS NEW LIFE
As I have reported in past newsletters, ensuring our horses have new careers after their racing careers are behind them is important.
I am thrilled to report that Grasshopper Time, who retired from racing last summer, has qualified for the following Showjumping classes under the expert and loving care of Ruth Wollerton.
1st/2nd August – KBIS Championship at Addington Equestrian, Buckinghamshire
7th and 9th August – Retraining of Racehorse class at the National Showjumping Championships at Stoneleigh Park, Kennilworth.
If you are planning to attend either of those events, then please look out and cheer on Ruth and Grasshopper!
RUMSTAR SHINES FOR PORTMAN AT SANDOWN
The admirable Rumstar has been the apple of Jonny Portman’s (Chatham 83) eye for the past few seasons. At the beginning of July he became the first horse to successfully defend his crown by winning the Coral Charge – a Group 3 sprint over 5 furlongs at Sandown.
This victory, a seventh, for the durable six year old has taken his earnings to £330,000 – what a testament to Jonny, Rob Hornby his regular rider and all the team.
Many congratulations!
Rumstar also has been declared in the Group 2 King George Qatar Stakes at Glorious Goodwood on Friday – our best wishes to the team again.
SIMON COX NAMED AS NEW BHA CHAIR
After the ignominy of Lord Allen’s short tenure as Chair of the British Horse Racing Authority, there is much anticipation around the recent appointment of Simon Cox.
Cox has been a racehorse owner for more than 15 years, with four horses currently in training with Tom George and Ian Williams. He has more recently become involved as a thoroughbred breeder, with ten broodmares stationed at Shade Oak Stud, which is also home to the stallion Logician, in whom he has shares.
His past roles within the sport include being a member of the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (TBA) board of trustees since November 2021. He chairs the BHA’s Jump Pattern Committee and is a member of the industry’s High Quality Horse group.
Cox said: “I enjoyed a long and fulfilling career in the brewing and beverage sector, but horseracing has always been my passion. I have been extremely fortunate to be involved in this wonderful sport for many years, during which I have learned a great deal – and contributed a fair amount too, I hope.
“It’s no secret that we face significant challenges and my focus will be on ensuring racing works together to address these, with a particular emphasis on growing participation in the sport, our customer base and, critically, our income streams.
“There is really good work already under way in so many areas, but there is also much to do to set our industry up to thrive for generations to come.”
We wish Simon the very best of luck!
SIRBOBCAST SERIES RETURNS!
Robert ‘’Sir Bob’’ Cooper (OS) returns for another series of his excellent series where he interviews an eclectic mix of racing personalities.
Past interviewees have included former BBC Racing Correspondent Cornelius Lysaght, Constitution Hill’s former jockey Nico de Boinville to less well known racing cogs such as jockey’s agent, Gordon Clarkson.
To listen back to any of his interviews plus his latest victim, former trainer and England footballer, Mick Channon, please click here.
GLORIOUS GOODWOOD IN FULL SWING!
The Qatar Goodwood Festival will be in full swing by the time this lands in your inbox and no doubt a good number of you will have gone racing. It really is one of the best racecourses in the country and the views across the Sussex Downs are heavenly!
The Stowe Racing team have been fortunate to have had a runner there every year since 2021 where Sweet Reward finished second in one of 1m 2f handicaps.
Unbelievably he is a planned runner there in the same race on Saturday aged 9. Sadly, not in our colours but we will be cheering him on.
UPCOMING ENTRIES
JACK LANGLEY – 8th August at Newmarket
News on our other Stowe Racing horses:
BELCAMO
Alex Hales
Belcamo has raced twice since his spring break finishing sixth on both occasions. He hasn’t been travelling or racing as well as we had hoped in his races, and he is currently undergoing some treatment in the hope we can get the old Belcamo back.
He should be back ready to run again at the end of August.
FOREVER FAITHFULL
Jonny Portman
This two year old filly, a new addition to our team this year, has had a torrid time. After making her debut at Goodwood where she missed the break and trailed home a distant seventh, she subsequently was very stiff in her joints and had to have some time on box rest and out of training.
Her owners have been very patient, and I am pleased to report she is back in training now with a view to race some time during August.
She will be worth the wait.