Mike Murphy Racing

Sunset Kitty a Winner

2012-01-12T13:48:00.000-08:00

Sunset Kitty followed the script tonight to win her first race of
2012. Following her last race, when she lost 5lengths at the start,
there were no mistakes tonight as Shane Kelly rode exactly to
instruction and brought Kitty home by the smallest of margins from
Shifting Star. The photo shows the winning Kitty and her owners,The
Cool Cats, who were thrilled to see her back to winning ways.

Rock Anthem Winner

2011-12-30T11:24:00.001-08:00

Keiran O'Neil rode to instructions and brought Rockie home by 1 1/4
lengths at Wolverhampton tonight. We were so pleased as Rockie has won
every season for us and was unlucky last week at Kempton. The photo
shows Rockie with his owner Milly Bright and his Jockey.

Rock Anthem 2nd Kempton

2011-12-23T09:26:00.000-08:00

Rock Anthem was a close 2nd in the Apprentice Handicap on Wednesday evening. Unfortunately Rockie broke too well and was doing all the donkey work upfront and was only overtaken in the last furlong by the winner. He is in good heart and having come out of the race well we will look for another opportunity in the near future.

Sunset Kitty 3rd Kempton

2011-12-23T09:20:00.001-08:00

Sunset Kitty ran an outstanding race at Kempton on Wednesday evening to finish 3rd. She was slow out of the stalls as the jockey, Adam Kirby, had trouble getting the hood off her. She lost at least 5 lengths at the start but was able to make it up easily as there was only a moderate pace. She was still in last place at the 2f pole from when she started to mow down the opposition but the post came too soon for her. We were delighted for her and her owners, the Cool Cats, who are a delight to train for. She has come out of the race well and we will look to return to Kempton in January, all being well!

Ducal 4th

2011-12-11T23:55:00.000-08:00

Ducal ran a fine race from draw 12 on Saturday night at Wolverhampton.
Unfortunately he was always 3 or 4 wide and had used up all his energy
by the time he put his head in front at the furlong marker. We were
delighted with his first run for us and he got plenty of support from
his owners after the race as shown in the photo with, from left to
right, Kathy, Andrea, James and Sheila.

Love Your Looks 2nd

2011-11-23T03:04:00.001-08:00

Love Your Looks ran very well at Kempton last Friday to be 2nd to Spanish Plume, beaten 1/2 length. The 1m2f proved a bit sharp for her but we were forced to go for this race, as opposed to the 1m3f race later on the card where she had been balloted out. This was only her 6th race and we are pleased with the way she is progressing. She appears to have come out of the race well and we will look for other opportunities in a few weeks time.

Love Your Looks - a WINNER

2011-10-31T04:53:00.000-07:00

Love Your Looks appreciated the step up in trip to record a win at
Wolverhampton on Friday night. She was always travelling well within
herself, towards the rear, and was able to make a winning move
approacing the 3f marker. She stayed on well up the straight to win by
2 & 3/4 lengths from the favourite, Pinotage.

The photograph shows the good looking filly with Heidi and two of her breeders (Thorsten and Susan Feddern).

Greensward and Ducal join the yard

2011-10-27T04:35:00.000-07:00

We have been busy at the Newmarket Horses In Training sales this week purchasing two horses for syndication. The first horse is Greeensward, bought out of Brian Meehan's yard, who is a 5yo by Green Desert. He has won 4 of his 17 starts and has been placed 2nd and 3rd twice. That makes his win and place strike rate an above average 47%. He is a horse who needs time between his races but it looks as though he can remain competitive and win further good class races at 7f.
We have cantered him at home and he is a very good mover and straightforward. We will post details of shares in him on our website in the near future. We already have a race in mind for him!

Ducal is a 3yo gelding by Iceman. He did not race at 2 due to being big and backward. However, he has started to come to himself recently with 3212 from figures in his last four runs. We believe he can improve again in 2012.

Chapter And Verse 3rd btn a nose and a head

2011-10-27T04:16:00.000-07:00

Chapter And Verse ran very well at Nottingham yesterday to be third, beaten a nose and a head. The ground was officially given as Good to Firm but it was loose on top and would not have suited our horse as he likes genuine quick ground. However, he battled on and just got touched off in the final furlong. The horse has been campaigned at high levels this year and he hasn't had the ground or the luck in running. However, we are confident there is a big race in him again were the ground is quick and the pace is good.

Horses cantering on the gallops

2011-10-26T00:51:00.000-07:00

The video below is of Heidi (with the headcam on) riding Love Your Looks , Lois on Halfpenny and James on Rock Anthem. Many thanks to Toby Connors who produced it for us and has done a great job.

http://youtu.be/mpaVaSOMohU

Rock Anthem 3rd at Windsor

2011-10-26T00:40:00.001-07:00

The photograph below shows Rock Anthem who was third at Windsor on
17th October. Always travelling well under Keiron Fallon he did not
have the kick of the first two in ground which was a bit easier than
ideal for him. He runs tonight back on the Kempton Polytrack and we
are hopeful he will give a good account of himself.

Lutine Bell at Ascot

2011-10-18T00:09:00.000-07:00

Lutine Bell returned to Ascot on Saturday for the apprentice race. His
jockey, David Kenny, followed instructions but the horse was not able
to pick up at the 3f pole. We feel the race came too quickly after his
run at Tork the previous Saturday.
The photograph below shows Lutine with owners Fred and Chris Carr and
Bill and Chris Rogerson. Unfortunately we have managed to only get
half of Bill in the photo!

Love Your Looks 2nd Kempton

2011-10-17T23:51:00.001-07:00

Love Your Looks came 2nd last Thursday at Kempton. She was a bit green
and was a little further back than ideal at the beginning of the race.
However, she picked up in the straight but the winner had a turn of
foot and she lost by a couple of lengths. We were happy with her
progress and we shall try again over a similar trip.

Chapter and Verse - 3rd Newmarket

2011-09-23T07:35:00.000-07:00

In the race following La Fortunata we though we would have a quickfire double with Chapter And Verse. However, although everything went right for the filly it did not go according to plan with Chapter and Verse who found trouble in running at a cruical point in the race and was beaten less than the two lengths it probaly cost him. Again the ground was ideal for him and we shall look for another race in the near future as he has come out of the race really well.

Video of horses on the gallops

2011-09-23T07:11:00.000-07:00

We thought it might be interesting for owners and other racing enthusiasts to get a feel of what it is like to ride a horse on the gallops. The video shows Heidi legging-up other riders and then getting on Servoca, walking down to the gallops, cantering him around our 2 furlong canter track and up the straight gallop.
Please click on the link below to see video clips of Servoca on the gallops and returning home to have a pick of grass and a roll.

http://www.youtube.com/user/tctobywong23

La Fortunata Newmarket Winner

2011-09-23T01:45:00.001-07:00

La Fortunata relished her favourite ground to gained a well deserved success at Newmarket yesterday. All season the ground has been no better than good for La Fortunata who ideaaly needs godd to firm conditions. Having come last on Monday at Leicester, when the ground again went against her, she showed her true ability on the good to firm ground at Newmarket. Andrea Atzeni, the jockey, followed instructions to the letter taking advantage of her normal lightening start, getting across to the rail and getting a small breather into her before maintaining the effort up the Newmarket hill. Although she has lightning speed for 5f she stayed this 6f well as the team at home have done a fantastic job of getting her to relax and great credit must go to them.

She has come out of the race well and we will look for other races over either 5f or 6f providing the ground is on the quick side of good.

Red's Revenge

2011-09-19T23:49:00.000-07:00

Red Somerset responded to the criticism of his last run by finishing
4th at Kempton yesterday. The tv and press comments following his run
last time, when he was slow out of the stalls, were a travesty. The
poor horse had been virtually strangled by his jockey and he couldn't
gallop! Under a professional jockey, Fergus Sweeney, he broke and ran
well. Memo to commentaors: take a closer look at a race before casting
aspertions!!!. Enough said

Two new horses join the yard

2011-09-12T10:33:00.001-07:00

We are delighted to welcome Hurricane Lady and Starclass to the yard. They join us from Walter Swinburn who is ceasing to train. We picked them up yesterday and they have settled into their new stables. With some horses a change of scenery/routine can bring about some improvement so we are hopeful for them and their owners, Stuart Moir and Mario Borgatti.

Lutine Bell 2nd again

2011-09-12T10:23:00.001-07:00

Lutine Bell was in the winner's enclosure again on Friday, at Doncaster, achieving a 2nd place. Under a supremely confident ride by Richard Hughes he was cantering with 2 furlongs to go but the winner got first run on him and he was not able to peg him back and went down by 1.75 lengths. He was unfortunate to come up against a well handicapped and improving 3yo. However, he is in good form, has come out of the race well and we hope to find a good handicap for him to win!

Love Your Looks 3rd Kempton

2011-09-04T10:45:00.001-07:00

Love Your Looks stayed on really well to take 3rd place in a Maiden at
Kempton last Thursday. She was a bit green again in only her second
race but gradually got the hang of racing in the final straight. We
are pleased with the way she has improved from her first run and she
has recovered well from the race. The photograph shows the filly with
two members of her breeders, Thorsten and Susan Feddern, who were
there to see her run.

Chapter and Verse - 5th London Mile Final

2011-09-04T10:32:00.000-07:00

Chapter And Verse ran a fine race to come 5th in the final of the London Mile. Unfortuantely he met trouble in the first two furlongs which hampered his chances. He was able to make ground up the straight and was staying on but the leaders had got first run on him. Last year everything fell right for him and he won the race but this year he did not have the same luck. However, that is racing and we will look for races back on turf as he has come out of the race well.

Red Somerset - no back number

2011-09-02T11:45:00.001-07:00

Red Somerset was unfairly treated by Racing UK commentators this evening. They suggested the horse did not want to race having been very slowly away. However, to the informed eye, it is clear the horse was strangled at the start by his jockey who not wanting to let Red run away with him grossly overdid the restraining tactics by having his reins far too short. I would challenge the racing presenters to run any distance at all while being strangled!

La Fortunata 4th Epsom

2011-08-30T09:42:00.000-07:00

La Fortunata ran another fine race at Epsom yesterday to come 4th in
the 5f sprint. She had both a poor draw and ground conditions which
were softer than ideal. However, she once again very genuine and was
beaten less than two lengths despite being squeezed out with a furlong
to go. She has come out of the race well and we will look to race
again in the next few weeks. Some dry weather would be a big help to
her.

Red Somerset a WINNER

2011-08-22T10:05:00.001-07:00

Red Somerset won at Kempton today under Neil Callan. Although he was wrong at the weights he does love Kempton and Neil gave him a great ride to win with a little bit in hand. Providing he comes out of the race ok he will go for the London Mile Final on September 3rd back at Kempton. He was 2nd in the race last year to stablemate Chapter And Verse.

Il Pazzo 3rd at Leicester

2011-08-22T10:00:00.001-07:00

IL Pazzo ran a very encouraging race on his third start at Leicester on Sunday. He travelled well for the first 5f having gradually got the hang of racing. Also the quicker ground will have helped him. He has cone out of the race well and future plans will depend on the handicapper and the yearling bonus races.

Love Your Looks- Maiden debut at Sandown

2011-08-18T22:51:00.000-07:00

Love Your Looks makes her debut at Sandown today. She is a big filly and is a half sister to a number of winners including Press The Button, Priere, Tamada and Port Natal. Not surprisingly, she did not run as a 2yo as she was big and backward. All the offspring, with one exception, did not run as 2yo but did well as 3yo. Interestingly, two of the winners achieved their success in August as 3 year olds and we are hopeful the filly will give a good account of herself. It is not the most competitive maiden for Sandown, at least on paper, and it would be good to get into the frame.

Mitie Mouse 2nd

2011-08-05T10:08:00.001-07:00

Mitie Mouse ran second at Thirsk last Saturday. He looked like the winner with half a furlong to go but Guru Girl's jockey had the benefit of the rail with our lad a bit green still. It was a good performance from Mitie Mouse and we will look to go one better next time.

La Fortunata 2nd at Goodwood

2011-07-26T11:49:00.000-07:00

La Fortunata ran an outstanding race to be 2nd at Goodwood today. She
had a poor draw in stall 1 but kept on gamely to take 2nd position.
Following a heavy shower earlier in the day the ground was a riding in
the dead side of good which didn't suit. However, as always, she gave
her best. The photo shows her lad, James, and proud owners, Pat and
Jim Patton.

Chapter And Verse

2011-07-26T11:40:00.001-07:00

Chapter And Verse ran an excellent race at Goodwood to come 8th. He was always going to struggle from his wide draw which probably cost him as much as he was beaten.

IL PAZZO runs at Leicester today

2011-07-26T11:37:00.001-07:00

IL Pazzo runs today at Leicester in the 7f maiden. He is partly owned by Mario Borgatti who suggested the name as it is the Italian word for nut. Mario's ancestors are Italian and Nut is the name of the dam so that is why he got his name. Ironically he is anything but a "nut". He is the most laid back of individuals and he has the size and scope to be a very nice horse with time. We expect him to learn a little bit more than last time out at Salisbury where he was slow away in a small field.

Benandonner 2nd Newmarket

2011-07-19T22:03:00.001-07:00

Benandonner ran a gallant 2nd to Namecheck on Saturday. As always with this horse he gave his very best on ground that was softer than ideal for him. He ate up on saturday night and was keen to get out on Sunday morning to his paddock. He has come out of the race well and we were looking to go to Goodwood with him. However, the handicapper has raised him 3lbs for his efforts and his next engagement will be the Shergar Cup mile race at Ascot on 6th August.

Lutine Bell 2nd again

2011-07-10T23:48:00.000-07:00

Lutine Bell achieved another 2nd position on Saturday following a similar placing seven days earlier. This time it was in the more valuable £50,000 Totesport Handicap at Ascot. Lutine broke well and was comfortable travelling off the pace. He picked everything up, bar the winner which had got first run, and he failed by 3/4 length. He has come out of the race well and his next race is likely to be the Steward's Cup at Glorious Goodwood.

La Fortunata 5th Newmarket

2011-07-10T23:19:00.000-07:00

La Fortunata ran a respectable 5th at Newmarket last thursday, beaten 6.25 lengths. Unfortunately the ground had gone against her, as it was just on the easy side of good, and she really needs quick ground to be seen at her best. Newmarket got a very heavy shower late morning which did the damage as far as we are concerned. When travelling to the course it was bone dry until one mile west of Newmarket where the ground was then damp. We were surpised to see so many large puddles close to the course but the earlier downpour had left its mark. She has come out of the race well and we will look for another 5f race in a few weeks time with the 5f Goodwood our preferred option.

Lilli Palmer 2nd

2011-06-23T10:10:00.000-07:00

Lilli Palmer was agonisingly close to winning last night at Kempton.
Unfortunately there was not the pace in the race we expected which
left Lilli with a little more to do than we would have liked. However
she made good ground up the straight but failed by a neck to win. She
has cone out of the race well and we will look for another opportunity
in a couple of weeks time.

Red Somerset 4th Newmarket

2011-06-21T23:25:00.000-07:00

Red Somerset returned to turf on Friday night in the apprentice race
at Newmarket. The jockey, Matthew Lawson, followed instructions to
hold "Red" up off a likely strong pace. He made his move at the 3f
marker but didn't quite get up as the ground was a bit too lively for
him and he didn't let himself down on it. He is a big horse and feels
the quick ground. The rain we were expecting arrived as the race
finished. He is entered up on Sunday, at Salisbury, were the ground
should be good.

Chapter And Verse 9th in the Royal Hunt Cup

2011-06-17T14:18:00.000-07:00

Chapter And Verse ran a very good race in the Royal Hunt Cup to come
9th. He was close enough at the 3f marker but could not stay on as
strongly as normal given the end to end gallop. It was a good
performance in probably the season's toughest 1mile handicap.

Mitie Mouse Royal Ascot

2011-06-14T10:27:00.001-07:00

Mitie Mouse ran well from his very poor draw. No.1 was a killer draw and Neil Callan did the sensible thing and saved him for another day.

Mitie Mouse entered for Royal Ascot

2011-06-09T11:26:00.001-07:00

Mitie Mouse heads for the Windsor Castle at Royal Ascot on Tuesday following his debut win at Kempton last week.

Mitie Mouse entered in the Windsor Castle

2011-06-09T11:16:00.001-07:00

La Fortunata 3rd in the "Dash"- but could have won !!

2011-06-06T13:17:00.000-07:00

La Fortunata ran an outstanding race to be 3rd in the "Dash" at Epsom. However, while delighted to be in the frame we were also bitterly disappointed she did not win as she gave away more than the half length she was beaten, by drifting half way across the track. Everything had gone according to plan since her Wolverhampton comeback for the season nearly six weeks previously. The team at home had worked very hard to get her to the race in A1 condition and primed to win a big handicap she deserves.
She broke well, she got the rail from draw 10 and she did not get into a battle with Captain Dunne who took the rail position. She was switched from the behind the leader to renew her challenge and was gaining ground in the last half furlong but was drifting down the hill. At this point she needed a strong left hand drive to keep her straight and tight against the leader. Unfortunately most jockeys, like most people, are right-handed (only 10% of the population is left-handed) and in the heat of battle the jockey kept his whip in his right hand! However, sprints are sprints (Lutine Bell should have won two weeks earlier but did not break well) and maybe we will get the good luck another time.
Congratulations must go to Captain Dunne who was first past the post, that's racing.

Benandonner - 12th at Epsom

2011-06-06T13:13:00.000-07:00

Benandonner was beaten by the draw at Epsom on Friday. He could not get a handy position and was always posted wider than ideal. As such he used up to much energy trying to hold a handy position and also struggled a little to handle the track. Therefore we can forget his running and we will look for another race for him in the next few weeks. Also, having won at Newmarket and being raised 3lbs by thehandicapper he is likely to struggle of his current mark of 90.

Mitie Mouse - Winner

2011-06-01T22:03:00.000-07:00

Mitie Mouse won first time out at Kempton yesterday. This good looking
colt, by Exceed And Excell, showed good speed and won by a neck. We
took him to Kempton as he had been purchased there at the breeze-up
sales and would be familiar with the place. We will see how he comes
out of the race before making any further plans.

Lutine Bell 4th Goodwood - unlucky

2011-05-22T22:42:00.000-07:00

Lutine Bell was very unlucky on Saturday as he lost about 3 lengths at
the start. Martyn Dwyer, the jockey, said the starter hesitated for a
split second before opening the stalls which resulted in Martyn taking
the hood off the horse a fraction early. The horse hit the gate and
bounced back onto his hocks just as the gate opened. The rest of the
field were away and he was behind. However, they didn't go a great
pace and he got back into the race. With half a furlong to go he got
into top gear and was mowing the rest of the field down and failed by
about 1.5 lengths to get his head in front. We were both thrilled with
his run but disappointed as with a clear run he would have won. We
have to be philosophical as with sprints you can run them 6 times and
get 6 different winners.
The photograph shows Lutine with his lass Heidi. As you can see he
looks an absolute picture.

Benandonner - WINNER at newmarket

2011-05-17T13:36:00.001-07:00

Michael Smithson sent us this excellent photograph of Benandonner winning at Newmarket on saturday. By double clicking on the image you get a real perspective of the close finish.

Benandonner - WINNER

2011-05-15T05:03:00.000-07:00

Benandonner ran an oustanding race at Newmarket yesterday to win the
Stobart Biomass Handicap. He was always up there with the pace and at
the furlong marker it looked as though he was going to get swallowed
up by his rival. However, he is nothing if not tough and under an
excellent ride from Martin Lane he battled back to get his head in
front where it counts. He ate up last night, was bouncing around the
paddock this morning and we will look for another race in 2-3 weeks
time.

Lutine Bell - 21st in the Victoria Cup

2011-05-08T13:04:00.001-07:00

Lutine Bell came 21st in the Victoria Cup and if one considers the draw and the ground then it is no more than could be expected. We were worried by the draw as only 1 winner out of the last 15 runnning of the race has been drawn higher than 20. Despite this poor statisitc we went to take our chance. However, the overnight rain did nothing to help his cause. I spoke to one of the top jockeys after the first two races who told me the going was on the easier side of good. It was clear the going was not the good to firm in the official going as the horses were kicking up divots in the first two races. He didn't like the ground from the off and would have been better-off leaving him at home. We will look for another race and pray for quick ground the horse needs!

Chapter And Verse 6th

2011-05-02T10:59:00.000-07:00

Chapter And Verse ran very well at Newmarket on Saturday in the
opening handicap of the Guineas meeting. As we expected it was a tough
handicap and at the 2f marker we thought he was making a winning move.
However, he was outstayed up the hill but lost nothing in defeat. He
gave his best and the photograph shows him in the paddock having a
well deserved rest. Lutine Bell is looking on and we hope he can
maintain the good runs in the big Saturday handicaps as he is entered
in the Victoria Cup this Saturday.

La Fortunata 8th

2011-05-02T10:50:00.000-07:00

La Fortunata came 8th on her first race back for the 2011 season. She
retained her quick break, and speed, and led for 3f but then blew up.
She gives so much in her races and it takes time for her to recover so
it will be a few weeks before she is out again. The photograph shows
her in her box
waiting for her tea!

Benandonner 5th

2011-05-02T10:43:00.000-07:00

Benandonner ran an excellent race at Sandown on 23rd April beaten 1.5
lengths by Wannabe King. He was very game, staying on having been
passed at the furlong marker. He came out the race very well and is
enjoying a few quiet days in the paddock with his mate, Red Somerset.
The photograph shows the two boys in the paddock with Benandonner on
the right.

Multiplex Colt For Sale

2011-04-20T23:45:00.000-07:00

We purchased a good looking Colt at yesterday's Doncaster Breeze-Up Sales. He is a big strong imposing individual by 1st season sire Multiplex (useful multiple 7-8f winner at 2-4 from an excellent family). He looks a 2yo and is For Sale. Please contact me on 07770496103 if you are interested in viewing him. A video of him breezing is attached.

http://www.sirecam.eu/s_detail.php?pass=3|124

Lilli Palmer 2nd

2011-04-16T07:36:00.000-07:00

Lilli Palmer was beaten a neck at Brighton yesterday. She was a bit keen early on as there was no pace but Martin Lane, her jockey, got some cover. She looked the winner with 2f to go but she did not quite get enough daylight between herself and the winner and went down by a neck to the very game Polly Holder. The winner was given an excellent ride by her jockey Amey Baker.

Olney Lass 4th

2011-04-16T07:28:00.000-07:00

Olney Lass ran another creditable race at Kempton on wednesday evening
achieving a 4th place position. She was always up with the pace and
could have done with a slightly faster gallop. Jake Payne, her
apprentice jockey, followed instructions and we were happy with the
ride he gave her. However, she did not gave the finishing kick of the
winner.

Benandonner - 2nd

2011-04-07T01:45:00.000-07:00

Benandonner came second yesterday evening at Kempton. At the weights he had the beating of the field but unfortunately he came up against Ivory Jazz who had been off the track for over 600 days. Ivory Jazz easily won the race which must have come as a shock to his connections as he went off at 25/1. The issue now is what the handicapper does to our horse as we believe his mark is too high to be competitive in handicaps.

Lutine Bell 4th at Doncaster

2011-04-03T10:54:00.000-07:00

Lutine Bell (pictued above being led into the winners enclose by
Heidi) ran an excellent race at Doncaster over 6f. He jumped quickly
from the stalls and was travelling well but just couldn't get to the
leaders who had a little more toe. We will see how he comes out of the
race tomorrow and look for a stiffer 6f for him.

Red Somerset 4th

2011-04-03T04:16:00.000-07:00

Red Somerset ran 4th in the William Hill London Mile Qualifier at
Kempton yesterday. We were expecting him to do better but he did not
travel as well as we had hoped and he was always having to be niggled
along. As such he was not able to pick up down the long straight he
normally likes. He ate up last night and appears ok this morning so we
will look for another race in a few weeks.

Chapter And Verse

2011-04-03T04:11:00.000-07:00

Chapter and Verse ran in the Magnolia Stakes at Kempton yesterday.
Unfortunately there was not enough pace in the race for him and he was
never able to land a blow. He has come out of the race well and we
will look for another opportunity in a few weeks time.

Lilli Palmer a WINNER

2011-03-31T14:23:00.000-07:00

Lilli Palmer lost her maiden tag in emphatic style at Wolverhampton tonight. We are so pleased for her as she is a very honest and straightforward horse and deserves this win. Credit must go to the team at home, particularly James her rider, who have always had faith in the horse's ability to win a little race. Great credit also to Martin Lane, the jockey, who saw they had gone off too quick and just waited with her and avoided the trouble on his inside. As such she was able to pick off the opposition in the last furlong. We hope the Handicapper (fine chaps they are who do a very difficult job) do not take the 6 lengths winning margin too literally as this was a selling class type race and was much less competitive than her previous race at Kempton 3 weeks earlier. We will not be running under a penalty as she is not an improver and it would likely bottom the horse. We will wait until she tells us she is ready to go back into battle.

Benandonner - A WINNER

2011-03-30T12:31:00.000-07:00

Benandonner ran out a comfortable 4 lengths winner at Wolverhampton on Monday. With only 4 runners it could have been a tactical race but Alpha Tauri set a decent pace and Benandonner was able to pick him off just over a furlong from home and draw away from the rest of the field. He has come out of the race well and we will look for similar opportunities.

Olney Lass 3rd again

2011-03-25T13:27:00.000-07:00

Olney Lass once again ran a very game race at Wolverhampton to finish
3rd. Prominant from the start she did not have the finishing kick but
ran on up the straight. She has now been placed third three times in
her last four runs and hopefully we can find a winning opportunity.

Benandonner 4th

2011-03-13T04:22:00.000-07:00

Benandonner ran very well yesterday to take 4th place in a competitive
renewal of the Lincoln Trial at Wolverhampton. Although drawn 9 he was
able to get a handy position in second due to his good break. He is a
horse that breaks well although he was not helped by problems in the
stalls with Nazreef. He was up with the pace for most of the race but
did not have the class of the winner, Lowther. We were pleased with
his run and hopefully we can find a less competive race for him. He is
out in the paddock today with his mate, Red Somerset, for a well
deserved day off!

Lilli Palmer 3rd at Kempton

2011-03-10T13:37:00.000-08:00

"Lillie" ran very well at Kempton last night to take 3rd place. She
had come on from the Southwell race but this was more competitive and
we were pleased with her run. We will look for another race for her in
a few weeks time.

Red Somerset - 3rd at Wolverhampton

2011-02-13T06:01:00.000-08:00

Red Somerset ran as well as expected at Wolverhampton on Monday. He had been off for 4 months as we wanted him to have a good break. The race was not run to suit as there was no pace and he had to go and make the running. He has come out of the race well and we will look for other races for him in the next few weeks.

Lilli Palmer 2nd at Southwell

2011-02-13T05:42:00.000-08:00

Lilli Palmer came 2nd, in her first race for us, at Southwell on Thursday. Surprisingly she was a little green out of the stalls and Martin Lane needed to get her racing. However, she picked up the bit and made ground and only failed by less thgan 2 lengths to get to the winner. Although she had no form before joining us she looks capable of winning races.

Adoyen Spice - 1st Winner of 2011

2011-01-24T10:57:00.000-08:00

Adoyen Spice had to contend with a bit of trouble in running before
getting her head in front in the fillies handicap at Kempton. She was
well going into the race and we were very pleased she got us our first
win of the year. Her owners, Ron and Milly Bright, are pictured with
"Spice" together with Heidi.

Benandonner

2011-01-24T10:50:00.000-08:00

Benandonner had his first race of the new season running a respectable
5th. He appears to have retained his enthusiasm for the game and
hopefully he can have another campaign in decent handicaps. The
photograph shows his owner, Phil Woods, and his lass, Heidi Cullinan,
who had him looking really smart in the ring.

If You Whisper 2nd Lingfield

2011-01-09T08:56:00.000-08:00

If You Whisper ran a fine race to be second at Lingfield yesterday. The pace of the race did not suit as the likely pacemaker was withdrawn at the start and the race became a bit of a dash for home. However, he acquitted himself well and as he is a big horse we are hopeful he will continue to show improvement as a 3yo.

The picture shows his owner, Phil Woods, along with stable lass Jessica Godleman and jockey Martin Lane.

Adoyen Spice 3rd Wolverhampton

2010-12-29T12:15:00.000-08:00

Adoyen Spice came 3rd at Wolverhampton today, just failing to get to
the front. In another 25yds she would have won. We were delighted with
her run and her owners, Ron and Milly Bright, are pictured above with
"Spice".

Winter Wonderland!

2010-12-19T12:36:00.000-08:00

The winter weather has not stopped us turning out the horses. They like the snow and we make sure they are well rugged-up and turn them out for 2-3 hours. We give them haylage in the field but they still like to search for grass beneath the snow.
The pictures show Benandonner and Red Somerset (both of which came back into work at the beginning of the month).

IF YOU WHISPER WINS at Southwell

2010-12-16T09:25:00.001-08:00

If You Whisper lost his maiden tag at Southwell today under a good ride from Martin Lane. Although slow out of the stalls he made good ground to the bend. He was a little green when he hit the front but found more once the second placed horse came to him. He is a big scopey individual who should make up into a nice 3yo. We are delighted for his owner, Phil Woods, who has been very patient.

Lutine Bell 3rd at Kempton "NO FLUKE"

2010-12-05T06:43:00.000-08:00

Lutine Bell with two of his owners, Bill and Chris Rogerson

We were very pleased with Lutine Bell's run at Kempton and he can be regarded as unlucky. He was stopped twice in his run in the final two furlongs having been shuffled further back at the start of the race. He will be put away for the winter now and we are excited by his prospects for next season.

Lutine Bell bolted up on the first run for us having left Sir Mark Prescott who was gracious enough to send us a fax to congratulate us on the horse's "impressive win". On his next run for us he was well beaten at Lingfield but was drawn wide and saw too much daylight. This was obvious to close followers of horseracing. The handicapper was impressed by the win at Wolverhampton and raised the horse 12lb to 92. He took little notice of the Lingfield race and dropped him a notional 1lb.

Nick Luck of Racing UK felt we had a chance in his pre-race comments. However, his co-presenter, Lydia Hislop, dismissed his win at Wolverhampton "as a fluke". While everyone is entitled to their opinions (though I prefer to back mine up with facts or at least a little substance) there was no mention after the race of the fine run of Lutine Bell. Maybe the presenter in question was too embarassed to say she had dismissed the horse's chances and what a great race he had run. A little humility would not go amiss especially given th recent negatice publicity the Racing UK team has attracted.

Ebraam WINS at Lingfield

2010-12-05T06:26:00.001-08:00

Ebraam was given an excellent ride by Julie Burke on tuesday to win at Lingfield. He had been off since May, when we claimed him, as we saw him as an AW horse who was entitled to a break given the amount of racing he add. We had this race in mind for some time and we were delighted with his performance but sad to see him claimed. However, there are very few races for him so it will be interesting to see where the new connections place him.

Photograph courtesy of hoycubedphotography.com

If You Whisper - 2nd at Kempton

2010-11-29T10:52:00.000-08:00

If You Whisper came 2nd in his Maiden at Kempton yesterday. We felt he
was a bit unlucky as he had the ideal draw in stall 10 but the jockey
was not able to make as much use as we would have liked. It turned
into a sprint and he could not match the winner for toe.
He is an imposing son of Iffraaj who should be better at 3 and his
owner, Phil Woods, has a lovely racehorse in the making.
The photo shows Phil and Michelle with the horse who is known as
"porky" in the yard due to his voracious appetite!!

Chapter And Verse 4th in a Listed Race

2010-11-29T10:41:00.000-08:00

Chapter And Verse ran an outstanding race to come 4th in the Listed
Hyde Stakes on Saturday. He was beaten less than 2 lengths and
although he ran well we feel he might have been closer if he could
have got first run on the turn for home at the 3 furlong marker. It
looks as though his handicap mark will go to 100 now making him our
highest rated horse in the yard. This mark is some 20lbs above the 80
level he was on when we bought him at last year's HIT sale.
He is a credit to the hard working team on the yard. He shall have a
break now and will come back for a turf campaign next year.
The photo shows his "lad", Michelle, who rides him out every day and
gives him lots of TLC! Also in the photo are Denise (Mrs Murphy),
David Ellis (owner) and Jerry (the "brains") who has had great faith
in this horse from the beginning.

Bidruma - WINS her first race

2010-11-19T03:20:00.000-08:00

Bidruma finally got her act together and won at Kempton on wednesday afternoon. She has been knocking on the door for a while but has not quite seen out the 6f. On wednesday she was given an excellent ride by Neil Callan who managed to get the filly's head in front on the line. We are so pleased for her owner, The Chalfont Partnership run by Ian Stephenson (aka Rocket), who have been extremely patient with the horse. We will look to find another 5f race for the horse as she has come out of the racee well.

Lutine Bell - An Impressive winner

2010-11-15T12:54:00.001-08:00

Lutine Bell ran out a very impressive winner of the 7f handicap at Wolverhampton on Thursday night. It was his first run for us after we bought him out of Sir Mark Prescott's yard at the HIT sales at Tatersalls. Unfortunately his win was so impressive the handicapper has raised him 12lbs. However, given his size believe there is scope for further improvement.

Chapter And Verse

2010-11-15T12:47:00.000-08:00

Chapter And Verse ran an outstanding race to be 3rd at Wolverhampton on friday night. He was drawn 13 of 13 and had to be dropped out which with only a moderate pace counted against him. He made good progress in the back straight but was always wider than ideal and ran on strongly to be third. We have another race in mind back at Wolverhampton in two weeks time and lets hope we have better luck!

3rd at Wolverhampton

Olney Lass

2010-11-02T11:48:00.000-07:00

Olney Lass ran an excellent first race for us last Friday. Owned by
Tom Rossiter, who I hope won't mind me revealing is a sprightly 93
years of age, she was a little out-paced in the middle of the race but
ran on well to take 5th place. She should progress for the run and we
will look for a race for her at Southwell as the turf season finishes
this Saturday and she needs soft ground.

Winding Down

2010-10-24T11:41:00.000-07:00

The yard is winding down for the winter break. We will have a few horses on the All Weather over the winter but most of this season's good performers are enjoying a well-earned break.
La Fortunata has gone to Upperwoood Stud to have a complete break. She joined us from Greg Parsons stud back in February and following a stunning campaign she has gone away to put on some pounds in the paddock in preparation for next year! Her half-sister, Lady Valtas, was with us this year but she was too big and weak and we look forward to her return to us in February next year.
Benandonner and Red Somerset are out in the paddocks at home and they will be resting until January when they will start their 2011 campaigns.

Rock Anthem

2010-09-26T02:11:00.000-07:00

Jordan Taylor gives "Rocky" a canter before his race at Kempton tomorrow.

Sweet Gale 1st again!!!!

2010-09-23T10:17:00.000-07:00

Sweet Gale quickly followed up her success at Wolverhampton on
Saturday with a win at Kempton last night. Hats off again to Jimmy
Quinn who had the mare in a perfect position on the rails. They went a
bit quick up front and Jimmy was able to sit at the back and make his
move up the straight. "Sweetie" idled a bit in front and the second
horse came back but she lasted by 1/2 length. We will look for a race
for her was she is re-assesssed.
The photo, courteousy of my i-phone, is of the owner, Maureen
Bartlett, together with the lass who looks after her, Michelle Allen, and the victorious jockey. Smiles all round!

Sweet Gale wins at last!

2010-09-19T10:13:00.000-07:00

Sweet Gale won at Wolverhampton yesterday evening under a very canny ride from Jimmy Quinn. Having been drawn 9 of 10 it was difficult to get a handy position so Jimmy had to hold her up out the back. He sat patiently until the home bend and found the gap up the rail. Once she saw daylight Jimmy drove her to the front where she battled on to the line. Now she has found her form we shall have her out again and she is entered for Kempton on Wednesday with Jimmy Quinn back on board.

Chapter and Verse 2nd at Newmarket

2010-09-19T03:40:00.000-07:00

Chapter and Verse was a very unlucky second at Newmarket yesterday. He was drawn 10 of 12 and the jockey was caught on the rails which hindered his path. The winner got first run and 2 legths on Chapter and Verse who was closing all the time but the winning post came too soon.

The picture above shows him after the race in his box with owner David Ellis and his lass Michelle Allen.

Rocky knocks them out again-1st

2010-09-11T05:15:00.000-07:00

Rocky winning at Sandown
photo courtesy of overthepage.co.uk

above left: the winners enclosure, above right: the winning line

Rock Anthem won at Sandown yesterday, following on from his success in
the same race last year. This horse loves a battle and the jockey,
Russ Kennemore, dropped him out as planned and found a gap for "rocky"
to fight through. The photograph above shows Rocky with owner Ronnie
Bright in the winner's enclosure. It was Ron and Milly Bright's second win of the week following the success of Adoyen Spice on Wednesday.

Adoyen Spice 1st at Kempton

2010-09-09T08:11:00.000-07:00

The photograph shows Adoyen Spice winning at Kempton last night. She won by 7 lengths with the step up in trip and the return to Polytrack the keys to her success. In earlier races she had been a bit free and had not settled so the instructions to Martin Lane were to drop her out, let her settle and bring her for her run around the outside. We knew she had ability, and she comes from a good family, so we are hopeful she can progress from here. We are thrilled for her owners, Ron and Milly Bright, who have been big supporters of the yard since we set up over 3 years ago.

Red Somerset - Happy with 2nd place!!

2010-09-05T09:45:00.000-07:00

Red Somerset came second in the London Mile at Kempton but we did not mind as his stablemate Chapter and Verse won the race. Red ran another outstanding ride under competent apprentice Emmett McNamara who impressed us with his riding skills. He looked to have the race won before Chapter and Verse swooped and we absoultely thrilled for the horse. He loves the Kempton surface and we will look for other races there.

A dream 1-2 in the London Mile Final

2010-09-05T00:46:00.000-07:00

You dream of a 1st and 2nd in a decent handicap but to achieve it is
something else! We were absolutely delighted with the runs of Chapter
and Verse and Red Somerset in the London Mile Final. Both jockeys
followed orders to the letter and had their mounts in rear as we
thought there would be plenty of pace. However, both got the breaks in
the straight and I thought Red had won with half a furlong to go but
Chapter and Verse,who had a little more trouble in running, weaved his
way through and stormed clear. We were absolutely delighted for David
Ellis, his owner, who has had four seconds with him before yesterday
but bagged the big prize!
As always in racing it's down to a team effort and the lads and lasses
in the yard have done a fantastic job.

Rock Anthem 2nd Kempton

2010-09-05T00:28:00.000-07:00

'Rocky' ran an excellent race under Russ Kennemore to grab a dead-
heating 2nd place in the Apprentice RIders race at Kempton. We were
worried about a lack of pace in the race and although they didn't
crawl Rocky would have liked a slightly stronger pace. He remains in
good heart and he is entered for a race at Sandown on Friday.

La Fortunata - a valiant 2nd - again!

2010-09-01T08:50:00.000-07:00

The "pocket rocket" ran another outstanding race at Epsom on monday.
We knew she would handle the track and drawn one off the rail she had
a great chance to get her head in front. However, Cape Royal had the
advantage of the rail which we believe was the single most important
factor and our filly could not get to the winner. She remains in good
heart, has come out of the race well and we will look for other races
over 5f.
The picture shows the delighted Patton family (from right to left: Jim, Carly, Esther and Pat) who bred and own the "pocket rocket" and Michelle who rides the filly has been part of the team responsible for her improvement this year.

Red Somerset 2nd at Kempton

2010-08-21T01:26:00.000-07:00

La Fortunata - outstanding 2nd at the York Ebor meeting

2010-08-21T01:01:00.000-07:00

La Fortunata once again ran her heart out on thursday to be narrowly beaten by Monsiour Joe. She was 1lb out of the handicap but we felt we had to go and have a crack as she has so much speed and it is an easy 5f. Also, there are very few 5f races for three year olds only with the last race for her this Wednesday at Brighton. The owners, Jim and Pat Patton, and their friends had a great day out and they were gallant "losers". That, however, is the point as being placed in a Class 2 handicap is testimony to the progress she has made this year and the skill of the team and the filly's big heart. Anything now is a bonus!

Red Somerset - Another 2nd place!!

2010-08-16T12:36:00.000-07:00

Red Somerset returned to his favourite course today to record an excellent 2nd place beaten by the shortest of margins (a pixel). He travelled well throughout the race, with Andrea Atzeni having him in the prime position just behind the pace, and narrowly failed to get his head in front. All being well we will come back for the final of the London Mile series on 4th September.

Benandonner 3rd at Ascot

2010-08-16T12:33:00.000-07:00

Benandonner ran a great race under a fine ride from Pat Smullen to
grab 3rd place in the Ascot Shergar Cup Mile race. His run was even
more creditable given the ground conditions were more towards the
heavy side, rather than the good ground officially given.

His owner, Phil Woods, was over the moon with the horse who reamins in good heart.

La Fortunata Wins again

2010-08-08T07:56:00.000-07:00

Following her success last week at Doncaster, La Fortunata followed up
with another win yesterday at Lingfield. Trying 6f for the first time,
and having risen 7lb in the handicap for her previous win, she was
given an outstanding ride by Tony Culhane who dominated proceedings
and brought her home by just over 1 length. As we have stated before
she is only little bit she does have an engine and we are so pleased
for her owners Jim and Pat and her breeder Carly Patton who is the
daughter of the owners.

WINNER - La Fortunata

2010-08-02T10:08:00.000-07:00

La Fortunata won at Doncaster on saturday and we were absolutely over the moon. As we have stated before she must be one of the smallest horses in training weighing in at 370kg but she has heart and an engine hence we refer to her as the "pocket rocket". We were thrilled for her owner/breeders Jim and Pat Patton who have been so unlucky in one way as the filly had run 12 times before saturday and had been runner up on 4 occassions and destined to be the bridesmaid! With form figures of 33345322-77221 she has been admirably consistent but kept finding one too well handicapped but she now has that elusive first place.
Credit must go to all of the lads in the yard who have worked the oracle and found the extra bit of improvement.

Sweet Gale 4th Windsor

2010-07-28T07:42:00.000-07:00

Sweet Gale came 4th at Windsor on Monday evening. We felt she was no long shot as the betting in the morning implied at 20/1 and we were not surprised to see her odds shorten to 7/1 as she had run much better than the bare form suggested in her two previous starts. All went according to plan and she travelled well, just behind the pace. However, she was not able to run on as strongly as hoped over the last furlong and was a slightly disappointing 4th. She has come out of the race ok and we will look for another 6f handicap for her.

Benandonner - 4th - Outstanding run again

2010-07-28T07:04:00.000-07:00

Beanandonner ran an outstanding race at Goodwood to come 4th. Drawn 11 he was just in the favourable half of the draw but despite jumping well could not get a prominent position and was shuffled back and wide. John Fahy rode a patient race and having failed with Plan A proceeded with Plan B. Unfortunately he couldn't get in as much as possible and was always a little wider than ideal. Turning into the straight he only had a couple of horses behind him and was able to make an uninterrupted run down the outside. With a furlong to go he still had more horses in front than behind but stayed on strongly to snatch 4th on the line and we are convinced he would have been 2nd with another 30yds. However, at least we avoided the trouble on the inside and got some place money!
He ate up last night and we will look at the Shergar Cup mile for his next assignment.

La Fortunata 2nd again

2010-07-26T09:17:00.000-07:00

La Fortunata ran a great race last thusday at Epsom but once again
found one horse better than her on the day. We were convinced the fast
5f would suit her and so it did but she came up against a horse which
was 2lb well in and it made all the difference. We were pleased with
the way she battled and she will now head to Doncaster this Saturday.

A Winner -Benandonner

2010-07-14T09:41:00.000-07:00

Benandonner won today at Lingfield running a cracking race under Andrea Atzeni. He thouroughly deserved his success having been 2nd on his last two runs. He is such a tough individual and we are particularly pleased for his owner, Phil Woods, who has seen his colours carried to victory for the first time!
A special thanks must go to the staff who have endured a frustrating few months with a number of 2nd positions. Let's hope it is the start of a good run as we have lots of good horses, owners and staff who deserve more wins.

Entries: Red Somerset -Ascot 9th July

2010-07-08T13:24:00.000-07:00

Red Somerset runs at Ascot in the 1 mile handicap over the round course. He ran very well recently at Kempton and has come out of the race well. We think he is a better horse on the AW but providing the ground is not too quick we are hopeful he will give a good acccount of himself.

Bidruma runs at Doncaster on Friday

2010-07-01T15:26:00.000-07:00

Uma, as she is k own in the yard, runs at Donnie in a Maiden and we expect her to give a good account of herself. She was due to run at Windsor on monday evening but unfortunately she bruised her foot having been a bit fresh on her way to the horsewalker. We feel the ground may have been a bit firmer than ideal at Warwick last time so we are hopeful she runs well.