A great week for the team both in the sales ring and on the track.
I was delighted to join up with our buying team of Richard (Spencer) and Anthony (Bromley) at Tattersalls on Tuesday for The Somerville Yearling sale – a rare opportunity to attend in person. Always a fun experience and we were delighted to come away with a further six colts and one filly to add to the Class of ‘26. Already up with Adam and Megan Kirby and the team at Vicarage Farm we’ll post some progress updates in a couple of weeks. At the time of writing we look to be fielding a team of circa 20 x two year olds for next season, which I believe would be our highest number to date.
On the track we kicked off September with a fantastic winner in the shape of Rappers Delight in the 5 Furlong Novice at Southwell. A comfortable 4 1/2 length victor in a very fast time under another fantastic ride from Saffie Osborne, he looks an exciting prospect.
Other notable performances saw Candy bounce back to some of his old form with a credible fourth (George Wood) at Ascot and Mwaki almost getting on the scoresheet via a career best second at Wolverhampton under a strong ride from Kieran O’Neill.
This week we start today at Windsor with 2 year old debutant Poison Arrow in the 6 furlong Novice, Saffie Osborne takes the ride. Fingers crossed for a good run although the favourite looks difficult to beat.
Tomorrow Ice Cube and George Wood head to Ffos Llas for the 7 1/2 furlong maiden. Slightly disappointing on his debut run at York, we’ll be hoping for an improved performance.
With forecast soft ground at Doncaster and more rain on the way our squad for the Leger festival looks likely to be depleted.
You Sexy Thing looks the only runner on Thursday although whether he heads to the 7 furlong or One Mile Nursery is currently undecided.
Somebody and Born Slippy hold entries in the confined Nursery on Friday. Shallow, Yah Mo Be There and RightHere RightNow are unlikely travellers at this stage.
Romeo Montague could make a reappearance at Lingfield on Saturday.
We should however be sending a strong team to Ayr the following weekend for the Gold Cup Meeting.
Elsewhere, Project Dubai continues to take shape. With over 100 applicants to our latest advert for work riders I’m delighted that so many wish to share our adventure. I’d also like to thank the amount of trainers , jockeys and well-wishers that have also offered their support – it really is appreciated.
