Friday 20 May 2016

WEST BERKSIRE RACING CLUBS VISIT TO SUMMERDOWN HOME OF HUGHIE MORRISON

Hughie Morrison master of Summerdown stables
As horses were beginning to pull out for exercise, I'm introduced to the master of Summerdown, Hughie Morrison mentioned’ great, you can come up to the gallops with me, and have the pleasure of seeing the horses pull out, it’s were the real action is.’
Hughie started to point out horses breeding and racing history as he was legging up the lads and lasses, giving instructions as he got into the Landover. 
Not full of his own self-importance but actually showing an interest in what others had to say. 
You could genuinely felt  that the trainer was interested in your opinions, then made his observations and the conversation continued.

Having worked a few years back in East Ilsley with Kim Bailey myself, many moons ago I mentioned to the Governor that I knew the area when the late Roddy Armytage used to train from the village.
 ‘Ah yes, it’s the same area, same gallops just a different surface, the yard I’m in used to be a barn in those days, Oliver Sherwood building the yard when he started, You’ll probably know the grass gallops they haven't changed, they are proper turf gallops and very good.’


We were going to watch some of Hughie’s two-year-olds work out, some setting foot on the historic turf for the first time. ‘We are lucky to have these facilities; a lot of National hunt trainers ask to use these gallops in the winter.’
The trainer watching and commenting with enthusiasm as his young charges went about their work, each of them known by name by the trainer,who also was fluent in the breeding of his young stock.

The trainer not only showed enthusiasm for his horses but for his work force also. They got great praise and recognition. 
Hughie Morrison  has always spoken highly of the lads and lasses that do the work calling them backbone of racing, and as shown on the journey up to the gallops you could actually see the trainer take interest in what the lads had to say about their rides, 
‘should I run him?’ ‘Am i working her hard enough?’’ where should I run that on next?’  Were all questions Hughie Morrison had to ask his staff, he actually made you feel his yard was a team, and  that the lads and lasses had a hand in training the horses they care for.
Three two year old do a piece of work on the grass gallops
Pre-work up the one mile wood chip surface

‘I’m really lucky than others with staff, it helps being in a village environment, but our ratio of horses to lads or lasses is very good compared to other trainers. It’s very important within the industry.
The former assistant trainer to Paul Cole had plenty to talk about racecourses he likes to send runners to, and ones he is not so happy to travel to. 
‘ I like the July course at Newmarket, but the Rowley mile is just a little too bumpy for my liking,they seem to have overwork it a little too much. Windsor and Newbury for the maidens are nice and they are local, but Salisbury racecourse I just cannot get on with.’ These are all subject to opinion, but it must be noted the trainer knows what he likes and dislikes and is well worth listening to.

A tour around  Summerdown stables showed that it consisted of two yards, the upper yard being the homes for the newer arrivals to go under the trainers eye.


The horses all seemed content and relaxed. The staff worked with efficiency and professionalism  which showed this establishment was as professional as all other trainers.

Horses are put in he horse walker before the gallops to stretch

But I feel the last word should go in pictures to the staff of Summerdown whose leader relies and respects what they do so much.























More stable visit blogs and Images can be seen at