Thrilling Month

What a terrific month we have had, our strike rate has been phenomenal and it would be somewhat nice if we could keep it at the 40% we are currently standing at. However, I believe that is a very tough task, but god loves a trier! Since our last news article, Mercian Prince was given a lovely ride by Jack Quinlan to win at Southwell. He was unlucky to bump into one who he had to give 11lbs to when finishing second at Uttoxeter the previous week. I'm delighted to get my first win under our belt for my father, who also bred Mercian Prince. He is out of the tough race mare Bongo Fury.

A couple of days later we had our third winner, the first on the Flat, for new owner to the yard Jefferson Melo. It was also his first winner as an owner, so that was fantastic. Shan Dun Na Ngall, who was only purchased last month at the Ascot sale, won at Chelmsford. Things didn't quite go to plan early on in the race, but he was given a brilliant waiting ride by Lemos De Souza. Having been boxed in for most of the race, he managed to find a gap with a furlong to go, showing a strong turn of foot to get up and win quite cosily.

We have some exciting runners coming up over the next few days, firstly Mercian King today at Warwick. Unfortunately there is little around for him over two miles, which was the trip he won over on his last start, and as a result we are trying a step up to two and a half miles. Both jockeys that have ridden him seem to think the step up won't be a problem so fingers crossed.

It was extremely frustrating to lose the Carlisle card due to abandonment, where Kalane was declared to run in the Listed mares contest. I am disappointed they weren't able to reschedule this valuable prize elsewhere. Having lost this race it has left us with no black-type mares races around to suit till the end of December and as a result she is going to have to take her chance in a handicap. She is entered at Doncaster over two miles three furlongs and also over two miles seven furlongs at Lingfield Park. I am leaning towards Doncaster with her at this stage, but we will see later in the week.

Having bounced out of his race well, Shan Dun Na Ngall is going to try and back up his Chelmsford win at Newcastle on Saturday afternoon over two miles and I think the step up in trip will only play to his strengths.

We have Arthur’s Legend entered at various tracks over the coming weeks and he will take his chance wherever looks the most suitable opportunity.

On another note, our three yearling fillies have just gone out on their Christmas holidays for a month. They have been broken in, ridden away and having done plenty of cantering we have sent them out for some well-deserved grass. They will come back in the first week of January to prepare for their juvenile campaigns.

I am thrilled to continue to welcome new owners to join our ever-expanding team at Hamilton Stables. Paul Foster has taken a share in the promising Thaqaffa, a handsome gelding brought from the Shadwell draft at the Horses in Training Sale at Tattersalls. We are hoping to run him in the New Year on the all-weather and he is coming along well. We have also recently received a very attractive filly by Arabian Gleam out of King’s Guest from Mrs Anja Cantillon. I couldn't be more pleased and grateful for the continued support we are receiving.

Finally, I would just like to thank all of my staff for all of there continued hard work, I couldn't do it without each and every one of them.

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