Off the mark

I am delighted to be able to say we have had our first winner in Mercian King at Fakenham, he got off the mark in the Collect Totepool Winnings At Betfred Shops Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Chase. Given a beautiful ride by Graham Watters, the son of Robin Des Pres was taken to the lead after the seventh flight and never looked in doubt, as well as putting in a fantastic round of jumping to match. It was also his owners (The thoroughbred Club) first winner which I couldn't be happier to be able to provide for them. We all had a glass or two of Champagne to celebrate on our return that evening. It was great for my Father also who bred Mercian King, being out of the high class Race mare in Mariah Rollins and by Robin Des Pres, I wouldn't be standing where I am today without his and all my families support.

The past month we have welcomed some fantastic new owners to the yard, I am very grateful that David Redvers has supported me so early on in my career with taking a half share in Gwendolyn. David has been a long-time family friend, having been responsible for buying my father’s early runners. Another new owner is Jefferson Melo, who I sourced Shan Dun Na Ngall from Ascot for. This is his first National Hunt horse he has in training however he also has a workable mark on the all-weather so you may well see him switching between the two codes. I am hoping we will be able to be lucky for Jefferson as he is still seeking his first winner as an owner.

Kalane made her first start for is in the new Listed contest at Market Rasen. This was her first start over three miles and while her jumping could have been better, she pleased me enormously. Due to the lack of rain in the area, I had not been able to get her on the grass so I knew she would improve for the run. Thankfully the rain has now come and we will be able to use the grass gallops. She could possibly run at Carlisle next week back down at two and a half miles. The following day Mariah’s Legend ran at Warwick. Faster ground would not have been ideal and it was touch and go whether to run her, having walked the track I was happy enough to let her take her chance. She travelled extremely well and it was a good run, in what is usually one of the better mare’s bumpers run in the season outside of black type company. We may possibly have a tilt at the Listed mare’s bumper in the first week of December at Huntingdon before she will be campaigned over hurdles in the New Year.

Looking ahead we have declared Mercian Prince for Uttoxeter Sunday, this is a horse I'm really looking forward to getting onto a track. He's been pleasing us in his work at home and Jack Quinlan has been very happy with his schooling. I've also entered Merician King at Hereford on Wednesday, I will see how he is over the next few days before deciding whether he will take that entry up or not.

Before I sign off, I cannot finish without talking about Freddy Tylicki, the past few weeks have been enormously difficult for both Freddy and all those closest to him. He is an extremely positive person and I have no doubt he will keep his head high and come back fighting. It is so heart-warming to see the way the racing community has pulled together in support of him.  

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