GOOD MORNING TEAM!
It has been a rollercoaster of a week at HQ …I sampled the hospital food at Bath whilst Laffer Curve and Jasmine Bliss took runs at Newton Abbot and Market Rasen.
We had a great morning unwrapping the ‘new purchases’
A superb visit to Clive Cox’s yard was had in Lambourn on Friday, where we were joined by ‘local legend’ John Francome.
Big thanks must go to Mark Ball for travelling to Hereford on Thursday and Ayr on Friday, representing both myself and Noel for Insurrection and Hidden History.
I THOUGHT THESE DAYS WERE BEHIND ME
On Tuesday morning I was at Noel’s really early. The plan was to ride our two new horses, decide who will train and take some video footage before heading to Newton Abbot.
However Noel asked me to first jump on a young 3-y-o which was fine until he spooked, reared up and I fell off like a sack of spuds on to my back. Instantly I knew it was bad. I tried to get up but knew I couldn’t.
Noel came straight over and was laughing telling me to “Get up you soft @&%$” & then asking me “Are you dead?”
Press play to watch Noel carrying out his 'first-aid' training
Next over was Tash, no pain relief required when she’s around as her Mickey Taking had me in stitches and that’s better than any medicine.
Press play on the video to watch Tash providing the best form of pain relief
After a short Ambulance drive to Bath Hospital I was sent straight in for a CT Scan which revealed I had a L4 compression fracture through 2 columns. The bit they were worried about was the 3rd column and if it was stable or not. An unstable fracture would result in an operation so I had everything ‘Crossed’
DONT READ THIS IF YOUR ENJOYING YOUR SUNDAY BREAKFAST
One thing they had to do was a rectal examination. It’s crucial when assessing an L4 fracture to rule out nerve damage and some other side effects that would ruin a good marriage. If you get my meaning !!
Rebecca was with me as the Doctor explained the procedure & slipping on a large rubber glove. In my head he was going in as far as his elbow 😖 so to say I was bricking myself was an understatement. Luckily I needn’t have worried as it was all straight forward and was A-Ok.
Thankfully the fracture was stable, no operation needed, so I was sent home on Wednesday afternoon which was a huge relief.
All this is not ideal with so much going on. I’m completely flat out (no pun) with work but I’ve been here many times so we’ll “crack on” as it could have been much worse.
Lily Williams
Lily Williams, ‘David’s girlfriend’ (pictured above) and daughter of Craig and Victoria Williams made a visit to Hagg Hill and showed David how it is done, she has now taken on the job as ‘Top Jockey’!
TAHMURAS
After the euphoria of having two winners at the Aintree Festival we were quickly brought crashing down to earth on Sunday morning. It was desperately sad to be told by Paul Nicholls that Tahmuras had passed away over night. Whilst we can’t be 100% sure the likely cause was a bout of colic. Everyone at NFRS feels for his owners at this difficult time.
Tahmuras had a fine career and was wonderful servant to his owners. He ran 19 times, won 5 races including the Grade 1 Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown and was placed on another 6 occasions. Purchased for £68,000 in May 2021 at Tattersalls (Cheltenham) he won his syndicate over £112,000 in five seasons.
Tam would come into training every summer time and he was always a bit of a Denis The Menace. Noel or Freddie would be the only two able to ride him as he would be sharp as a razor.
Last summer I will never forget. Freddie was having difficulty riding him and ended up falling off. Noel shouted at Freddie “Bring him over here, I’m getting on him!!!”. One lap of Noel’s sand gallop and as everyone was pulling up Tam ducked and left Noel sat on his backside
. You could imagine Freddie had a smile on his face!!!
Tahmuras was a very talented & tricky character who will be very sadly missed by everyone associated with him.
Press play to watch the wonderful memories of Tahmuras
MOVIDDY
On Monday Moviddy travelled to Fakenham, a track where she had previously run well but not today. Jack Hogan was never happy as Moviddy got low at a few fences before making a jolting mistake at the 8th which saw her completely lose position. Jack sensibly pulled her up a few hundred yards later as the race was already lost.
Even when winning Moviddy has ‘rubbed a fence’ but this display was way below anything we had seen prior. Maybe she didn’t face the first time blinkers or it was just a bad day at the office. We’ll give her one more try possibly over a hurdle before she will head to the sales at the end of the season.
MOVIDDY's owners at Fakenham
LAFFER CURVE
On Tuesday at Newton Abbot we were confident Laffer Curve would be competitive in a Mares Maiden Hurdle but that wasn’t to be the case. She jumped well, travelled nicely but when Harry Skelton asked for some effort turning for home the response was minimal. She finished well beaten in 4th place.
Everyone was disappointed but Harry suggested her wind was checked as she ‘made a noise’ when asked to quicken. We have therefore made an appointment with Dr Ben Brain so he can assess what needs doing. She has run well all season but hopefully if this has the desired effect she will finish her races off better.
LAFFER CURVE's owners at Newton Abbot
JASMINE BLISS
Jasmine had her last run of the season on Tuesday at Market Rasen in a Mares Handicap Chase. On paper it looked a competitive race, she carried top weight so it was no easy task but on the day she ran below her normal very consistent level. Paul O’Brien said he got a good start, had a lovely position and was jumping fine but not as exuberantly as usual. Paul added that Jasmine found it hard work and got very tired entering the home straight so he wasn’t hard on her at all. Clearly a below par run.
Jasmine Bliss had a terrific season, she won a 50K Listed Chase at Huntingdon whilst netting a 30K GBB Bonus and she also finished 2nd in a Grade 2 Chase against the boys. Perhaps those exertions may have left a mark. She can now have a well deserved holiday, fill the tank and come back next season to do it all again.
JASMINE BLISS' owners at Market Rasen
NEW PURCHASES
WHISKEYONTHEROCKS and KELLS BAY
Due to my spill it was left to Noel and young Freddie Fletcher to ride our two new horses.
The £70,000 purchase Whiskeyontherocks was impressive in her point and looked like a mare full of stamina. Noel was absolutely delighted with her, she jumped beautifully and had a very willing attitude.
We’ve decided HARRY FRY would be the ideal fit to train. He has done seriously well with the mates we have sent him previously. We’re thrilled to have ‘Whiskey’ on the team and very excited by her and will start her off in a bumper in the autumn time.
Press play to watch the video on WHISKEYONTHEROCKS
Kells Bay was more expensive at £120,000 but the runner up went for double the money so we may have grabbed some value. She didn’t really break sweat to win her point & her jockey never had to ask a serious question. She moved really well and gave a serious feel when ridden.
We’re very happy to have asked Lambourn based Ex top jockey NICK SCHOLFIELD to train the mare. Nick was a good mate in the weighing room but sentiment does not play any part in this appointment as he’s doing an amazing job in his first season as a trainer. Nick’s already had a Listed winner in St Irene and won a £100,000 Kelso handicap with another mare in Queenie St Clair.
Press play to watch the video on KELLS BAY
CHELTENHAM SALES
On Wednesday my injury ruled me out of a trip to Tattersall’s Sale at Cheltenham. It was therefore left to Noel to view all 53 lots entered into Thursday’s sale. Reading the catalogue left us unimpressed, Noel was even less impressed when doing the viewing. His short list was a very short list of two horses.
Next day Noel was back more in hope than expectation. Our first pick had a ‘reserve’ of £150k and sold for £180k which was too much for us whilst the second pick was sold for telephone numbers. Nothing bought !
The hardest part of our job is to find new stock but we’ll try again soon. The next opportunity is at Punchestown on Thursday 30th April, thinking back to 2025 we bought five at that sale. Hopefully 2026 will be just as productive.
INSURRECTION
Insurrection ran at Hereford on Thursday evening with the top class Harry Cobden on board. Post race Harry said he was pleased enough but the combination of 2m5f on good ground and sharp track wasn’t a stiff enough test. In his view Insurrection lacked the necessary gears and felt flat out before staying on into third.
Positively Harry was pleased with Insurrection’s attitude and was sure more races would come his way when his mark came down a few pounds.
INSURRECTION at Hereford
OWNERS GALLOPS MORNING AT CLIVE COX’s YARD
On Friday morning both Noel and I were really pleased to host a good team of owners at Clive Cox’s yard in Lambourn. Clive trains 3-y-o Go On My Son and our 2-y-o Invincible Star.
We were lucky with the weather, Clive was in superb form as always and better still we were joined by the great John Francome who is a hero to many. He’s always got a story to make you laugh.
John Francome came to join the owners on the gallops at Clive Cox's, here his is with Mark Warner and Shaun Gale
GO ON MY SON had two runs last season before picking up an injury but after a period of recuperation he’s back looking really well.
He’s come in his summer coat, did some nice work and we’re delighted where we are. He’ll have a pipe opener which will qualify him for a handicap mark in about 4-6 weeks time, then it’s hoped he’ll be placed to advantage and have a good summer and reward his owners for their patience.
Press play to watch GO ON MY SON's gallop morning video
INVINCIBLE STAR has only been in training with Clive for a fortnight but has settled in very well. Clive loves her at this stage and is showing a lovely attitude.
On Friday morning she did a half speed which is the quickest she has ever been and pleased all of us. She will learn and come together plenty over the coming months and then all being well he’ll debut in June.
Clive suggested making two long range entries …. in July for the Weatherbys Super Sprint at Newbury and at Redcar in October for the 2-y-o Trophy. Time will tell if she reaches those heights but you have to buy a ticket to win a raffle. Exciting.
Press play to watch INVINCIBLE STAR's gallop morning video
HIDDEN HISTORY
Mark Ball headed north representing the team at Ayr on Friday where we had Hidden History running the 3m Handicap Hurdle.
With cheekpieces on for the first time after a laboured effort last time at Uttoxeter Hidden travelled and jumped reasonably well for the first half of the race but have way down the back straight last time around it was like someone had switched the engine off. Harry pulled him up in the end and he came back in absolutely knackered and a bit distressed. This happened before at Lingfield earlier in the year so we’re not entirely sure what is going on. He will again get a full once over before deciding what the plan going forward is.
HIDDEN HISTORY at Ayr
Next week…
Wednesday 22nd April
Delta Blues Belle, Perth
Thursday 23rd April
Major Fortune, Perth
Adonedeal, Perth
Casual Observer, Perth
Claim Du Brizais, Warwick
Friday 24th April
Casual Observer, Perth
Star Walking, Chepstow
Casual Observer, Fontwell
On Wednesday we welcome the owners of ROCK SENSATION to Nick Scholfield’s yard where Noel and I will be be hosting. Then on Friday we are also really looking forward to our first Owners Morning at Ed Walkers where we have our 2y old filly GRINANBEARIT.
Next Saturday then is the last day of the season and we will then be getting excited for our end of season party at The Punchestown Festival 
Diary Dates
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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