| The persistent rain that seemed to linger indefinitely is being replaced by broadly warmer temperatures and longer days. Spring is definitely here. Last month, we saw a fabulous four days of competitive action at the Cheltenham Festival. Of course, Willie Mullins, Paul Townend and Rich Ricci took all before them by winning the Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup however it was wonderful to see the British challengers perform with credit winning thirteen of the twenty eight races. March was a busy month, here’s our recap plus a look ahead to a busy Easter period too. |
BARTON STUD VISIT
A group of Stowe Racing enthusiasts enjoyed a visit to Barton Stud on the outskirts of Bury St Edmunds. With over 300 acres of grazing land and the same number of horses on the Stud at any one time, there was so much to take in that the two hour tour flew by but it really was a strong insight into a key element of the horse racing industry.
First up was an introduction to their newly acquired stallion Scorthy Champ, who up until last year had been a top level performer for Joseph O’Brien winning the Group One National Stakes at the Curragh.
The group were reminded about the 4 Ps when choosing a stallion: Pedigree, Performance, Physical and Price. We then were introduced to some of the recently born foals on the Stud including one by the great Frankel and then it was onto see some of the broodmares.
The tour then finished up with an early lunchtime drink at the excellent Folk Café just up the road.
Our thanks to OS Tom Blain (Grenville 06), who is the Stud’s Managing Director, for organising the day for us and we look forward to returning again with another group next year.
BELCAMO SYNDICATE VISIT
Our January winner is currently enjoying some well earned down time out in the field. All Stowe syndicate members are offered a stable visit and lunch at least once a year and Belcamo’s owners enjoyed a beautiful sunny morning at Alex Hales’ stables.
Alex then showed us some of his team working on the gallops followed by viewing some of his homebreds which included some progeny from Bourbon Beauty, one of our former racehorses from a few years ago.
Belcamo looked very well indeed and we are looking forward to plotting his summer campaign which will be a mix of hurdling whilst also exploiting his attractive flat handicap rating.
Image: Karen MacKaness enjoying a moment with Belcamo
GRASSHOPPER ENJOYING A NEW LEASE OF LIFE
Finding safe and suitable homes for our retired racehorses is pivotal to our work. Grasshopper Time, who ran in our colours up until last autumn, has found a wonderful home with Ruth Wollerton in Thame.
He has been lovingly retrained to now really excel at showjumping.
Ruth reflected on his progress, “Grasshopper has been a wonderful addition since coming to my yard. I am aiming him at Addington in August and he is clearing 90cms well.
He makes me unbelievably happy every single day!’’
Our sincere thanks to you Ruth and keep up the excellent work with him.
LAMBOURN OPEN DAY – GOOD FRIDAY
The Lambourn Open Day is a unique opportunity to visit Lambourn Valley’s trainers yards.
It is an annual event not to be missed as you have the chance to come face to face with the horses and trainers along with their staff and jockeys. Over twenty yards are open from 9am until 1pm and this includes of course the likes of Nicky Henderson but also our own Jonathan Portman who is based at Whitcoombe Stables on Maddle Road.
Please do call in to Jonny’s yard and if you do be sure to go and visit our own FOREVER FAITHFULL and SWEET REWARD who was a brilliant horse for us for five seasons until last year.
I would highly recommend anyone attending. More details can be found at www.lambournopenday.com and funds raised from ticket sales, auction and other donations will benefit the Lambourn Valley Housing Trust and Thames Valley Air Ambulance.
GRAND NATIONAL FESTIVAL LOOMING
With the Grand National just a fortnight away, attentions turn to the people’s race.
Despite numerous changes to the course layout, the fences and a reduction in the field size to 34, it remains one of the toughest tests for horse and rider and Nick Rockett is on track to defend his crown.
To add a little interest across our community this year, I will be running a new competition for the great race solely for those of you readers and followers who aren’t a member of one of our syndicates.
Predict the first four home in the correct order (or as close to!) and then you will be in with a chance to win a pair of owner’s badges to the races when we have a runner and £50!
Stay tuned for a further message about this closer to the race.
I hope you have enjoyed reading our news.
Remember there is also our new website to visit www.stoweracing.co.uk which has details on our horses in training, trainers and other useful information.
Wishing you a very Happy Easter!
Best wishes,
Henry Kimbell
Chandos 04
