MORNING SPORTSFANS!!!
Ben Chapman makes us proud with his interview at Cheltenham
Double The Dance shows another solid performance at Plumpton whilst golfers take over Portugal for the NFRS annual ‘post Cheltenham’ golf trip!!
Crossey draws the short straw with his choice of trousers
A new purchase for the syndicate – Gidge is her name, a half sister to Crambo
BEN CHAPMAN LEADS THE WAY AT CHELTENHAM
Ben Chapman did the whole team proud last week with his interview at Cheltenham ahead of Baron Noir’s run in the Supreme.
Ben gave a great account of the horse’s preparation and the effort that has gone in behind the scenes. It was a proud moment to see him showcase not just Baron Noir’s potential but also the passion and dedication of everyone involved.
Play the video to watch Ben Chapman's Interview
DOUBLE THE DANCE 2ND AT PLUMPTON
On Tuesday Noel headed to Plumpton where we had Double the Dance running in his third bumper. He produced another very solid performance, travelling strongly through the race and once again showing a very good attitude.
While it was a little frustrating to see him finish second for the third time, he really did nothing wrong. It was interesting to hear Caoilin Quinn’s thoughts after the race. He felt the horse is probably still just a little weak, so a good summer strengthening up should really help him progress. Encouragingly, he also mentioned how professionally he travels through his races and how straightforward he is to ride and feels he could develop into a lovely hurdler next season.
He has been nothing but consistent for us throughout the season and once again left nothing out on the track. Myself, Noel and Gary will sit down over the coming week to discuss the plan for him going forward.
DOUBLE THE DANCE's tight finish!
OWNERS GOLF TRIP TO VILLAMOURA 
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The new 'Noel Fehily' merchandise
That evening we all went out for dinner but sadly Robin Penfold received some bad news as his father aged 101 had passed away. We did our best to lift his spirits before he caught a flight home early the next morning.
On day three we were a Robin down but we carried on and there was more good golf. Ronny stayed out in front and even earned another reduction in his handicap, but creeping up from the back was “the vulture” Howard Johnstone who produced a huge 39-point round to move into second place. Ronny also had a moment to remember at Quinta do Lago with a tee shot that landed short of the green and rolled all the way in for a hole in one. It was great to witness.
Press play to watch Ron's hole in one celebration
Going into the final day it was a bit colder and I only had shorts, so I borrowed a pair of pants from Bill Hutchins. He’s a bit shorter than me so they fit fine around the waist but the length left a lot to be desired and sat just below my knees .
Crossey in Bill Hutchins' trousers
It was a tight competition going into the final round with Ronnie six points clear of Howard, but Howard was charging and still looked the favourite. Both players produced brilliant rounds on the last day and it ended in a tie, with both finishing on 131 points after four days, so the prize money was split between them.
Ronnie and Howard
Kev Stratford secured third place with 119 points and £200. There was a three-way tie for fourth on 110 points between Jason Smith, Jason Wynne and Ed Barton, who each took £33.
Press play to watch highlights from our golf trip to Portugal
GIDGE – NEW TO THE SYNDICATE
On Thursday, after getting back late from Vilamoura, it was straight down to Noel’s the next morning as we had a new horse called ‘Gidge’ to sit on.
She is a filly we never thought we would get the opportunity to buy from Jarad Sullivan so when the chance came up we moved quickly.
Fergal had schooled her over hurdles at his place before, but this was her first morning jumping at Noel’s.
I always like to get a feel for them myself and she didn’t disappoint — she moved very well and jumped brilliantly operating both in front and over her obstacles, I was very pleased.
With her being 50% GBB-registered and importantly a half-sister to Crambo, her residual value made it a bit of a no-brainer.
We’re delighted to have her on the team and are looking forward to getting her over hurdles next season.
2 SHARES REMAINING
Press play to watch the video of Gidge
HELNWEIN AT NEWBURY
Friday saw Helnwein head to Newbury and Noel was there looking after the owners.
A picture soon arrived in the owners group chat of Noel Fehily and Craig Williams who both attended wearing the same jacket, where obviously neither of them read the memo, banter starting flowing in the group chat – the photo reminded me of Doctor Evil and Mini-Me with Noel being the Mini-Me!
Helnwein looked an absolute picture and well up for his run in the parade ring.
The race was going nicely, the plan was always to have one go just after the last and commit from there. Unfortunately there wasn’t a strong early pace which wasn’t ideal but we were coping with the situation we were dealt, he was tracking the leader and travelling well two out – sadly the leader fell leaving us out in front.
As we know, as time has proved, when this fella hits the front he goes for half a furlong to a furlong and then pulls himself up.
So when he landed in front two and a half furlongs out, despite looking like he was travelling very well, we pretty much knew our game was numbered – he did pull himself up and finished second by a neck.
All in all with twelve stone two, it was still a mighty run but we all know we need everything to drop absolutely right for this horse in order for him to get his head in front. He’s finished second more times now than he has actually won.
In spite of this, it was a good run and we have plenty of spring targets for him in more valuable races going forward so hopefully we’ll get his head in front before too long.
HELNWEIN's Owners at Newbury
Noel Fehily and Craig Williams (Doctor Evil & Mini-Me!)
A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY, NOT TO BE MISSED!
A date for everyone’s diary and a date not to be missed is the Lambourn Open Day which takes place on Friday 3rd April – Good Friday. Myself and my family will be attending.
This is an incredible opportunity for you to visit all of the Trainer’s yards and meet the incredible horses, staff and jockeys in the Lambourn Valley.
There will be some great festivities going on in the afternoon, including the Shetland Pony Grand National, a parade of equine heroes, celebrity showjumping, derby hoppers, a dog show and much more!
Yards open from 09.00am until 1.00pm.
If anyone is at a lose end, come down and bring your family, it would be great to catch up with as many of you as we can.
STAR WALKING AT KELSO
On Saturday we had two runners spread over two countries, first up was Star Walking at Kelso then we had Queenofthejukebox at Newbury.
Star Walking was supported by a great team of owners who had made a huge effort to travel to Scotland for the meeting at Kelso.
She looked an absolute picture in the paddock and was ready to take on the field in this class 1 Listed race.
She cantered down to the start all god but from the moment she jumped off she never took her Jockey Bryan Carver forward. So much so , he pulled her up after going 6 furlongs and reported she made a noise which is unusual so early in a race. Post race after some tests if was found that she had a grade 3 bleed which again is unusual. Clearly something not right despite her training well leading into the race. We will get her right and regroup.
Much to our dismay this was not the case, unfortunately Bryan had to pull Star Walking up fairly briefly after jumping the third hurdle. He reported that as soon as she landed after the first her wind started to make a bit of a noise, he took a hold of her the whole way down the home straight just to encourage her to relax, take a breath and fill her lungs. Despite Bryan’s effort Star Walking clearly wasn’t able to do so, therefore Brian’s decision was made up for him.
This is very unusual for Star Walking, upon returning to the stable yard she was taken to the course vet for tests to highlight any issues which challenged her performance.
STAR WALKING's Owners
QUEENOFTHEJUKEBOX AT NEWBURY
Next up was Queenofthejukebox on a glorious spring afternoon at Newbury. Noel was there to host all the owners & we had a big team attend in support.
Sean gave Queen a really good ride and got an excellent slot all the way through the race – she was jumping the best we had ever seen her.
Everything was going to plan and the race was unfolding in our favour, turning in, it looked like she was going to win. However two from home her wind unfortunately hindered her, despite showing plenty of class and potential to compete at this level, the aggressive pace caught her wind.
Queenofthejukebox had her wind done just before she raced at Kempton, so the two Noels and myself will have a chat over the next few days to discuss a further plan.
Things haven’t been at all straightforward for The Queen this season with a few issues but once it all clicks she will be back.
QUEENOFTHEJUKEBOX getting saddled at Newbury on Saturday
Next week…
Monday 23rd March
Moviddy, Wincanton
Wednesday 25th March
Casual Observer, Hexham
Thursday 26th March
Claim Du Brizais, Warwick
Hurricane Pat, Warwick
Sunday 29th March
Kamsinas, Ascot
Diary Dates
Lambourn Open Day | 3rd April
Punchestown Festival Owners’ Trip – 27th April–1st May Owners Golf Day at Newbury | 8th June Owners Day at Hagg Hill | 1st AugustPUNCHESTOWN FESTIVAL TRIP DETAILS
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