Lewes racecourse closed it's doors to the public in the early 60's. The road that still bears the entrance name to the age old horseshoe shaped course, now has a new life. Still involved in the sport of kings the grounds that once saw the likes of Jockeys Jeff Lewis and Bobby Elliot, Royalty in the then prince of wales,later King George IV, who seldom missed a Lewes meeting,and horses who were in preparation for the classics, now sees the new wave of racehorse go about their paces with three sets of training establishments within it's grounds.
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| A view from County Stables over the old Lewes racecourse |
One of those trainers, Suzy Smith, born within the sounds of Epsom racecourse has twenty horses in her charge. A qualified riding instructor, and holding a diploma from the National Stud, Suzy took over the reins of County Stables when she was twenty five. Assisted by her partner Sergio Gordon-Watson, the stables, part of them within the old Tote building from the old course.
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| The old Tote building |
has a light and airy feel to them. The boxes are big and comfortable, and the chalk based gallops and endless Sussex downs riding is an ideal place to train young tearaways, and to put the racehorses minds on their games.
Horses such as.
Jenniefer Eccles
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| Jennifer Eccles last win at Fontwell |
A winner last time out at Fontwell, this 5 yo mare by Midnight Legend, is held in great steed by her trainer. Yet to race over obstacles this mare is one to put in the note books as an improving sort.
Laughton Park
The ten year old by Karinga Bay holds an entry at Fontwell on Wednesday. Looking for cut in the ground Suzy was very complimentary about this chestnut gelding, and having sixteen starts on the racecourse, three of them with trips to the winners enclosure, this horse could be one to watch in the near future.
Red Devil Star
A five year old ex point to pointer with only five runs under his belt under rules. A good looking chasing sort that needs to be watched and also holds an entry at Fontwell on Wednesday. Only time will tell with this one.
General Bux
A four year old Luciano gelding, without a run and learning his trade, and no better place than this peaceful but well equipped stable.
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| Trainer Suzy Smith looks at a picture of the old course with members of the West Berkshire racing club |
With facilities and experience Suzy Smith is certainly a trainer to take note of. The stables are set for getting the horse to have a healthy heart, as well as a healthy mind, the trainer mentioned she dose not want the vast amounts of horse of those in the top tier of the national hunt game, and is happy with what she has.
And what she has.... Is a lot and one to look for in seasons to come.
