Chasing Euros, Hopes & Dreams

As 2021 draws to a close, I think it is safe to say that 2021 has been an interesting year to say the least for all connections in racing and we are now looking forward to a much better 2022.  Over the past 12 months, the aim has been to focus on sourcing quality over quantity and the team feel a sense of excitement for what the future holds.  Generally, we have relied on our old stalwarts through 2021, who never let us down and, although we may not have had as many winners as we did the previous year, we’ve still had plenty to shout about.

We have several exciting ventures to look forward to at the start of 2022 with our first runner in Dubai in the shape of Abalone Pearl who will be aimed at the UAE 1000 Guineas and Oaks.  She was the first of our quality buys to make an eye catching debut when finishing second in a maiden at Newmarket in October.  She then put in another strong effort in a Listed race at Saint-Cloud having been slow out of the gates to stay on strongly in the last two furlongs and just missed out on some Black Type.

We also plan to take a small but select team of horses to France for 3 months in order take advantage of their prize money and owner premiums.  Any French bred horse qualifies for a 64% premium, which means for any prizemoney won there will an additional 64% added on top.  We have already been successful with Mr Coalville who won decisively at Deauville under Mikael Barzalona.  I would like to highlight that although it was a claiming race the total race value was approximately £21,000 with a whopping first prize of £10,714.  Obviously, you don’t have to be a genius to work out that this kind of prizemoney is going to tempt more trainers to cross the channel in order to repay their owners. 

We recently launched the Chasing Euros Racing Club which will primarily be aimed at targeting the purposely bought French bred Chateau d’If at similar races as Mr Coalville.  The aim of the Club is to provide an affordable entry into racehorse ownership with the bonus of taking advantage of the French prizemoney along with the owner’s premiums.  It really is a win/win incentive and if you would like more information then please do not hesitate to contact us.

Back home, we have been blessed with our old favourites keeping the show on the road.  Trouser The Cash scored easily for Alan & Pat Braithwaite at Yarmouth back in August.  Renowned for being a tricky lady, the team at home have worked wonders in keeping her on the straight and narrow.  From her regular work rider Libbi to Jemma who manages her stalls work and Callum Shepherd who rides the filly to perfection on the track and, to date, has been on board for all her victories.

Trouser The Cash and owners Alan & Pat Braithwaite

I don’t think there is much left to be said about Mercian Prince that hasn’t already been said.  Every time we feel he is on the brink of retirement he comes back with another heroic performance.  It’s no secret that Kempton is a track where he excels and his win in a Class 3 Handicap Chase was another tear inducing performance.  Carrying top weight, he led the field a merry dance with only Goa Lit, a horse half his age and carrying 11 lbs less, that could try and mount any sort of challenge coming to the last.  As the two horses flashed past the wining line together it was always going to be Prince’s day as he was not going to be denied by the young pretender.

Our Hero - Mercian Prince

Kempton was also the scene of another emotional performance in the shape of Hawthorn Cottage.  Lucy Barry, who recently retired from race riding, had to endure watching her faithful steed from the stands with the reins being handed over to Jack Quinlan.  Lucy has been pivotal in the success of Hawthorn Cottage having purchased her for Melbourne 10 Racing and then riding her to all her victories up until her retirement.  Jack, however, gave the affectionately know Big Momma H an impeccable ride to make all and score by 12 lengths.

Jack Quinlan, Lucy Barry & Melbourne 10 members at Kempton

Thegreatestshowman dutifully gave the Amy Murphy Racing Club members yet another success when scoring at Wolverhampton under Stefano Cherchi.  Showman has always been ultra consistent and regularly provides the Club members with fun and enjoyable days at the races.  Again, this Club is another affordable way of becoming involved in racehorse ownership and it is now flourishing with members.  Although the Club runs on a yearly basis we are always happy to welcome new members at any point and you will find more information on how to join on the website.

Another yard favourite, Angel’s Whisper, bounced back into the winner’s enclosure for Chris Nunn and John Shepherd earlier this month.  Due to a niggling issue behind, Angel’s had missed the majority of the Flat turf season and, thanks to Chris and John’s patience, we were able to give her the time she needed to recover.  She reappeared with a creditable performance at Lingfield in November and it was enough for us think she would go close next time out, however, the race at Kempton looked hot and spicy on paper with a number of nice three year olds posing a serious threat.  Stefano took a valuable 3lbs off her top weight and bravely rode her cold.  Coming into the home straight she cut through the field like a hot knife through butter to win with plenty in hand. 

Angel's Whisper & Part Owner Chris Nunn at Southgate Stables

Kit Gabriel and Golden Mayflower both provided us with striking performances and enhanced our hopes and dreams for next year.  Kit Gabriel is a big powerful individual that we have always liked from day one.  Having taken a few runs to harness his ability he then scored convincingly at Pontefract under an uber confident ride from Kevin Stott.  He was then just touched off in a hot nursery at Wolverhampton before we tried him in Listed company.  He has since been on a well earned holiday and is certainly one to look forward to in 2022.

Kit Gabriel in full flight on Newmarket Heath

Golden Mayflower is another who is currently enjoying a well deserved holiday having scored emphatically on her only start of the year.  She was another who succumbed to a niggling issue mid season, which is common in two year olds, but it was certainly a blessing as it gave her time to grow and develop over the summer.  Owned by Syndicates Racing, she is now giving their members something to look forward to over the winter.  To quote Racing Manager, John Burke, let’s treat her like a good one in the hope that she is a good one.

Golden Mayflower sparkles on her only start in 2021

Finally, as Christmas and New Year approaches, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to the success of Amy Murphy Racing so far.  From my loyal owners and staff to all the supporters out there who regularly send me lovely messages, your support means the world to me.  So let’s raise a glass to each other and here’s to a prosperous New Year. 

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