HAPPY SUNDAY SPORTSFANS!!
We were blessed with our first UK flat winner in Ascending Star at Lingfield on Tuesday 26th May, he won his Novice with impressive form for his owners – we’re looking forward to seeing him out again in the near future.
Kells Bells meets Kells Bay – owners Kelly and Richard are welcomed to Hagg Hill to meet their horse.
Trainers are decided for the latest syndicate purchases… shares available!
Be careful out there – a near miss in the parade ring.
The Fehilys return to the UK after an incredible holiday in Barbados.
FIRST UK FLAT WINNER
Owners of ASCENDING STAR celebrating their win at Lingfield
What a great night we had at Lingfield on Tuesday 26th May courtesy of Ascending Star winning his Novice impressively.
Drawn 1 of 5 Ascending Star was furthest from the stands rail but broke so smartly that Daniel Muscutt was able to bring him across with ease. He settled well in front, despite the undulations he got in a lovely rhythm and when challenged by long ‘odds on’ shot Waffaag always looked to have a bit left up his sleeve.
Daniel said he was a lovely big powerful horse who like many of Starman’s offspring had done well from two to three. He added that Ascending Star would get a mile, should progress throughout the summer and that the ground (Good with G/Firm patches) was as quick as he would want.
David and ASCENDING STAR owner, Edwina Welch
This win was due reward for his owners remaining patient after injury curtailed his 2-y-o season but in hindsight it was a blessing in disguise. He’s such a ‘big boy’ the time to mature has served him well. It was lovely to have such a large team of owners present on the night. I’m hearing they had the bookmakers running for cover – Great work team!
David and ASCENDING STAR's Trainer, Owen Burrows
I would also like to give trainer Owen Burrows a pat on the back. This was his first runner for us but I’m quietly confident it won’t be the last. Owen has four NFRS horses in his yard, he is a trainer we admire greatly.
Press play on the video to watch ASCENDING STAR winning at Lingfield
KELLS BELLS MEETS KELLS BAY
Kells and Richard with KELLS BAY
On Tuesday morning (26th May) I drove to Hagg Hill to film an ‘Owners Update’ on each horse summering in the field. I’d not been to Noel’s for a month so it was exciting to see the team enjoying themselves in the sunshine. Pleasingly they all look in top shape so I’m already revved about having them back in training.
One of the other important reasons for the visit was to meet Richard & Kelly Forbes who have purchased their first ‘Noel Fehily share’ in Kells Bay.
I’ve met Richard & Kelly on numerous occasions over the last six years, we’ve discussed many horses but buying a share hadn’t happened. Fate played its part as I always greet Kelly with ‘Hello Kells Bells’ so when ‘Kells Bay’ came on the market it was the perfect fit.
Press play to watch the video of Kells meeting KELLS BAY
Kelly told me “this horse is ideal” as she loved the name. Everyone at NFR wishes Richard & Kelly the best of luck with their impressive Monksgrange Point winner. We were thinking of a pub lunch but after walking around the fields in 35 degrees we changed plans. An ice cream & air con in the car seemed best.
CROOKHAVEN – CHOOSING THE TRAINER
Another important task on Tuesday morning was to decide who would train our latest purchase Crookhaven. We always try to match the ideal trainer with every horse we buy. It’s a vital part of the job to match the pair.
The previous Saturday Noel had a sit on Crookhaven, he formed his opinion and bar saying “I’m happy” he kept the rest to himself. It was then left to myself to form my own opinion on Tuesday.
As I’m still under orders to keep both feet firmly on the floor I had young Freddie Fletcher pop Crookhaven over some hurdles. It all went smoothly, he’s a lovely big strong 16.3 gelding who jumped very well and looked to use himself properly around the school. A chaser in the making for sure.
A call was then made to Mr Fehily who was sunning himself on the other side of the world. On the count of three we both said “Olly Murphy” so that was perfect symmetry.
Crookhaven looks the sort who could start in a bumper before quickly switching to hurdles but his longer term future is definitely over a fence. Olly will suit him down to the ground.
Press play to watch the video on CROOKHAVEN
IT IS DANGEROUS OUT THERE – BE CAREFUL
Standing in the Parade Ring can be a precarious business. Whilst safety is always paramount there will occasionally be an unwelcome incident. The short video attached from Redcar Racecourse is ‘X Rated’ but remarkably Chloe Briody (Travelling Head Girl to Richard Fahey) was able to walk away with just a few bruises. It proves that even the best trained can take a nasty blow. But I still think my wife kicks harder.
A warning to be careful in the parade ring
FEHILYS IN BARBADOS
Noel, Tash, Niamh & Michael Fehily headed to Barbados for a holiday last week. They had a great time and the weather was stunning. So much so I believe Noel got his feet burnt out there. 
Niamh had her Daddy out jet skiing some of the days but it was Michael who had the time of his life as he got friendly with a boy called Arlo who happened to be the England goal keeper Jordan Pickford’s son. Michael is a massive football fan so as Jordon was catching a very rays en route to The World Cup he got to meet him which he hasn’t stopped talking about it since.
Michael with Jordan Pickford (England goal keeper)
In the racing game it’s a small world and Noel ended up bumping into one of our owners Kirk Williams who was out there at the same time as him so they were able to catch up whilst having a few drinks.
Noel with owner, Kirk Williams
Poor Noel's feet got a taste of sunburn!
All in all they had a magical holiday and well deserved as it’s been a long season. But batteries recharged so it’s all good now again for the Fehilys.
FAIRYHOUSE SALES
On Wednesday 27th May I had an early flight to Dublin to attend the Tattersalls (Ireland) Horses In Training Sale at Fairyhouse. As you’ll see below it was a busy sale but also very successful.
There were 90 horses entered, preliminary work with Noel eliminated +60 and then my job was to view the remainder on Wednesday to make the list even shorter. The shopping list was then cut down to 11 horses long.
That evening I was invited to a ‘Wet The Babies Head’ party by one of my best mates Peter ‘Tommy’ Carberry. If you know the Carberry Family you’ll know that any party can be dangerous, some attendees may never be seen again, your liver will be damaged and anything can happen. Therefore I politely declined and stayed in the hotel to watch race videos and read pedigrees. My middle name is ‘dedication’.
On Thursday morning I had 2nd viewings at my short list and in the end had just six horses vetted. It was then off to the sales ring to do some serious business.
Three horses were purchased starting with GALANT JEWEL who really caught the eye when winning her point. She had a €60,000 reserve but was unsold for €58,000 so I quickly found owner James Kenny to begin some haggling. We agreed on €55,000 so that was a good start to the day as we (Noel and I) thought she would sell for a good bit more.
On debut she was dropped out in rear, was a bit gassy but still ran a nice race running on into 5th place. She reappeared just seven days later which shows toughness for a 4-y-o filly and this time she was allowed to ‘make all’ to win impressively. She jumped super and showed a good attitude.
We got all three new horses back to Hagg Hill last weekend but as Noel was on his summer holiday we didn’t sit on them until Thursday 4th. Having seen Galant Jewel jump around the school and Noel had a canter on her we decided Olly Murphy would be asked to train. An ideal fit, the pair should gel nicely.
SHARES NOW AVAILABLE
Press play to watch the video of GALANT JEWEL
Our second purchase was POWER STEERING who was bought for €100,000 from Sean Doyle’s prolific yard. He ran a mighty race on bumper debut when beaten a nose at Ballinrobe by a Gavin Cromwell inmate who had the benefit of a previous run and crucially had the benefit of the rail. Going around the paint is always the shortest route but even more so at Ballinrobe as the bends are so tight, outside runners can be thrown wide and getting ‘first run’ there is vital.
Power Steering travelled very well, showed a willing attitude and looks a winner in waiting to happen. It’s to our advantage he was beaten as we can win a bumper and then allow him time to mature before going over obstacles. He’s a half brother to Grade One Chase winner Battleoverdoyen and other fine chasers so longer term his future lay over a fence.
He went nicely around the paddock at Hagg Hill, very impressed. He’ll be trained by Harry Fry from his base in Dorset. Again it’s an ideal fit for this yard. Hopefully lightening will strike twice as the last horse we bought from a Ballinrobe bumper was multiple winner Hansard.
SHARES NOW AVAILABLE
Press play to watch the video of POWER STEERING
The last buy of a long day was Lot 84 HARZWOOD who produced an extremely impressive display when winning comfortably by six and a half lengths at Ballindenisk. This is our first horse by the Aga Khan’s Irish Derby winner Harzand but he’s a sire we really like and one that has seen a lot of success.
This €100,000 purchase was always travelling strongly and jumping soundly at the head of affairs. In the latter stages Harzwood’s sharp turn of foot proved decisive as it allowed him to stylishly quicken clear of his rivals from two out. It was a performance that created a striking impression so we were keen to make a purchase. There is no doubt Harzwood has all the attributes needed to have a very successful career under rules. A horse we adore and one that looks to be a gorgeous staying chaser longer term.
Having seen and learned more about him at Hagg Hill we think Gary Moore is the perfect match to train.
SHARES NOW AVAILABLE
Press play to watch the video of HARZWOOD
LAFFER CURVE AT WORCESTER
She had been a little underwhelming in her bumper and novice hurdles last season. The ability is there but she wasn’t finishing her races properly, wasn’t running through the line so we gave her a full examination with no stone left unturned. The diagnosis was to have a ‘Full Monty’ wind operation and then plan to bring her back in for summer jumping.
Laffer Curve has plenty of scope so we gave her a chase debut at Worcester on Saturday with Harry Skelton is the saddle. She went through the race nicely and moved up menacingly 3 out but made a holler at the ditch when gave away our winning chance but to her credit she regained her composure and rallied to push the odds on favourite to the line.
This was a much more promising run and she will be winning before too long and 🤞🤞🤞 picking up a GBB Bonus for her owners.
LAFFER CURVE's owners at Worcester
Next week…
Tomorrow morning wanted it up for The Noel Fehily Golf Day Trophy at Newbury & Crookham Golf Course. This should be a fiercely competitive but thoroughly enjoyable day spent in the company of many trainers and jockeys. A chance to meet socially, have some fun and discuss next season over a drink.
Noel Fehily Racing Syndicate Golf Day - 2025
Sun 14th – One of the best days of the year – Summer Owners Morning at Hagg Hill. This is a unique opportunity to view all the horses in a very relaxed environment whilst they are on holiday.
Take a walk around the paddocks, get up close with your horse, meet some newly born foals, share a few drinks and have lovely day with us. It’s not to be missed so please come along, be great to see you.
Diary Dates
Owners Golf Day at Newbury | 8th June
Owners Day at Hagg Hill | 1st AugustNOEL FEHILY BRANDED CLOTHING:
https://www.michaelhope.co.uk/products/club-shops/noel-fehily/noel-fehily