VISIT TO MANTON, BRIAN MEEHAN AT MANTON HOUSE ESTATE

As you enter into the well-equipped racing office, you would not be mistaken to think you were in a modern, hi tech establishment in the city,Open desk planning, wide screen T. V’s and recent racing publications, in a comfortable break out area receives you and assures you that this establishment is professional and the occupants know what they are about.

Brain Meehan has been a trainer not afraid of taking on the world. Whilst winning group races in the UK, the trainer has taken on, and beaten the best in America and Dubai.

Only settling in at Manton just outside Marlborough in 2015, the county Limerick born Irishman has approximately 70 horse in his charge.

 Asked how the season was looking for him, he mentioned,’ it’s been a quite one, but the horses are coming into themselves now, so fingers crossed we will make up for it on the back end of the season.’

The yard relaxed and spacious gives plenty of room for the horse not to feel hemmed in, this included their stables in the Astor yard. Large and airy, allowing the horse to have their own time if they want.

No mad shouts and yells from the staff, who all go about their business knowing what they have to do, and what the guvnor expects.

The horses on show were about a dozen two year olds  out for a short canter on the gallops that are bred themselves to make champions.

 Four all weather gallops, four grass gallops, and an undercover track all to choose from overlooking wide open spaces made for some tremendous landscape eye candy, but more importantly allowing the horse to work at their best. 

I must say though all of the two year olds, all but two unraced seemed to settle and go about their work in a relaxed manner.

The horses for ones starting out on their racing career looked well. Nice strong sorts that looked fit and eager to race.

Horses by See the Stars, Kodiak and Exceed and excel, all went about their work with great professionalism, all looked well, and horses the trainer would hope give him that stronger end of season he was looking for.

Brian not a trainer continually barking out orders to his staff, which would tell you he trusts in them to do what he is looking for.

 ‘I have a good bunch of staff, so I can get a little annoyed when they do something a little daft, as I know I have staff that are very experienced.’ And from the onset of walking into that racing office, you know you would expect.

The topic of conversation did flow a little about the industries staffing issue, Brain commenting on the pay structure in his yard is good for someone who wants to work in an industry that is exciting and fulfilling, good pay, approx. 18’000 pa, pool monies that can sometimes reach well over £1’000 and free accommodation all wrapped together in a package. To be even thinking of coming into the industry you must already have the love, passion and understanding of equestrianism, so you would be well aware of the downfalls, if not experienced them already, the trainer not offering some magic potion to cure the debate he just knows what he does and it works, and walking around the boxes and chatting to his staff, you can see it does work, all of them as calm, polite and knowledgeable as the trainer himself.

The trainer all too happy to let a group of enthusiasts around his yard, unaccompanied, again showing the trainers faith not only in us but that of his staff ended a visit that was a pleasure to be seen.

Like a good wine, the more you think of it, even after you have drunk it the better it becomes, and as I reflect on the visit days after, the more I felt it was a privileged to meet Brian Meehan and his team.

More images and blogs from yard visits, and racing reports from fat, under rules and Point to point racing can be viewed at

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USA TODAY AT INDEPENDENCE WINDSOR RACES 4-7-16

4^th July celebrations came to the Royal county of Berkshire. Seven races set for Windsor Racecourses usual Monday night racing.

The first race an apprentice race was taken by a raider of the North,trainer Nigel Tinkler sent Etienne Gerard to post at 7/1, on board David Egan on his eleventh ride in public, David being the son of weighing room veteran John Egan.

The four-year-old on his twenty first outing, three of them with visits to the winner’s enclosure took the young seven pound claimer to the front a furlong out and stayed on well to beat Malvia by two lengths.

‘I’m delighted by that,’ mentioned the jockey with a beaming smile on his face. ‘He traveled well, got to the front and hung on. It was great dad is here also and riding on the same card, I grew up watching him, so it makes it extra special. 

I’m leading one up later also, then will probably watch dad in the last, I don’t want the day to end really.’

The trainer was also complimentary on the win mentioning,

'it makes it very special to be able to put John’s lad on board and give him his first winner, this young lad is going to do very well for himself.’

Raider of the North,trainer Nigel Tinkler sent Etienne Gerard to post at 7/1, on board David Egan on his eleventh ride in public.

The master of Woodland stables in Langton Malton, didn’t stop there in his raid of the southern tacks.

 Bashiba came up trumps in a close fought finish with Foxtrot Knight and Luke Morris in the sprint series qualifier later in the evening. This time Andrea Atzeni on board for the northern trainer, he took the lead in the final furlong and held on well to take the race, ‘he loves the fast ground and is a very straight forward type of horse, he was always good enough to win this type of contest.’

 Bashiba

The trainer, delighted with the win celebrated with the owners that the Northern horses could travel and win on the Southern tracks. 

‘I’m delighted for the owners really,’ mentioned the trainer. ‘They have taken a box here tonight and have made a day of it, he is a lovely horse, Silvestre De Sousa told me to buy him at the breeze up sales, and I’m glad I took his advice.’

Asked if it was a major decision to bring horses down to Berkshire for an evening meeting the trainer said, ‘It really makes no difference, it’s the same length of time as it is to go to some Northern tacks, and people don’t seem to make such of a fuss about that, but it’s lovely to come to Windsor though and give the owners a little something different.’

Trainer Nigel Tinkler talks to Jockey Andrea Atzeni

The evening full of doubles over the seven race card, and saw the Jockey Atzeni take in two winners for the evening, the first winner was for  Roger Varian, the jockey bough home Fool to cry, an 8/13fav in the one mile two furlongs claiming race.

The three-year-old in only her eighth contest and first visit to the winners enclosure, led at the furlong pole and held on well to beat Clive Clifton from the David Evans yard by a couple of lengths.

‘On paper she would be a filly very hard to beat, she is very straight forward and honest, the race was also run at the pace that suited her.’

The daughter of Fast Company was claimed after the race by rules trainer Neil Mullholland for £12’000, so is a horse we may come across at Fontwell as the jump season progresses, her toughness and honesty would help her as she progresses.

The evening full of doubles over the seven race card, and saw the Jockey Atzeni take in two winners for the evening, the first winner was for his guvnor Roger Varian, the jockey bough home Fool to cry.

Not to be outdone in the south, Clive Cox, having a successful season so far, put claim in for his double for the evening.

The first one coming in the shape of a very nice maiden by Kodiak, the sire of his stable star Kodi Bear.

Kodilne on only his second trip to the races, the first a second at Bath four weeks back, held on well at the line to beat Richard Hannon’s Majeste by a neck under a well driven ride by Adam Kirby, the rest of the placed horse looking no slouches themselves. 

‘We like this horse a lot,’ mentioned the jockey.’ He has a high cruising speed and a lot of natural ability, he quickens also, so he has a good future in front of him.’

Kodilne on only his second trip to the races

The trainer on the first of his two winners mentioned that he also likes the bay colt,’ we are always happy to have a fast Kodiak horse in the yard, but he is a very nice horse and would be one to watch I feel.’

The second of the Lambourn trainer’s winners came in the shape of Quebee in the one mile handicap. Ridden by Kirby again another jockey on a double who took the thee year old  Martin Collins home bred by Sir Percy home by a length from Hugo Palmer's Banish ridden by James Doyle.

The second of the Lambourn trainer’s winners came in the shape of Quebee in the one mile handicap.

The 15/8 fav on two wins now from five starts, led and held on well from a furlong out. ‘This is a very game, sweet natured little filly. Despite the hike in weights from her previous runs she is a type that will improve and hopefully come on again from the run.’

The trainer mentioned, ‘she is a tidy filly, she won her maiden well, and has come here off a rating of 83 and won a handicap well.’ 

Again it would be fair to mention that all the placed horses in the race should go on to better things, so it makes it all the better for the Clive Cox duo as their careers develop.

Kodilne

Quebee

The penultimate race was taken in fine style by the Godolphin horse Laugh Aloud, a three-year-old by Dubawi,who won as a 4/11 on fav should by seven lengths easily from Sir Michael Stouts Jantina.

On her fourth outing only, her first run only being out of the first two the filly commanded the mile maiden fillies race from the off, drawing well clear at the furlong pole under James Doyle

‘It wasn’t the greatest of races really,’ mentioned the jockey. ‘But she is a nice strong type who has taken the race well, we won’t get too excited yet and see how she progresses, but I’d say she will do well for herself.’ The Godolphin team playing the cards close to the chest with this smart filly. One to watch I believe.

Laugh Aloud

The final race, George Baker and trainer David Lanigan partnered up to take the one mile two furlongs’ handicap for three year olds and up with Athlon.

The gelding by Arakan, sent to post the 11/8 fav was pushed out readily from Adam Kirby’s mount Guns of Leros in the final furlong, Kirby looking for his treble.

George Baker had other ideas and held the onto the race by a couple of lengths in the horses seventh run, and second win of his career.

The trainer on hearing the going of good to firm was going to take the three-year-old out of the race before the meeting started, but a well timed call to Ted Durkin who rode in the first confirmed that the ground was riding well enough for the horse to take his chances.

‘He is a horse that is still improving, he was a late foal and has more developing yet to come, but he is learning with each run which is pleasing. ‘The trainer’s thoughts are that the horse would get a mile and a half in time, the horse liking the softer ground would be the type with an autumn campaign in front to him after a little rest.

The trainer likes this horse and would be certainly one to underline in the form books.

The final race George Baker and trainer David Lanigan, partnered up to take the one mile two furlongs’ handicap for three year olds and up with Athlon.

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Please support P2P and THE IJF

The injured jockey fund was the brainchild of journalist, columnist and television present Lord John Oaksey.

 An amateur jockey himself, twice champion amateur. Mr John Lawrence as he was known came about the fund after devastating injuries to some of his weighing room friends. 

Now the fund has helped under its mission to provide appropriate support, financial or otherwise, in a prompt and sympathetic manner to those jockeys past or present who are injured, unable to ride or in generally in need, have helped over 1000 jockeys and has given up to £18m in charitable assistance.

This includes the jockeys from all areas, under rules flat and point to point

Twelve brave point to point jockeys headed by Sam Davies Thomas wanted to give something back to the sport/industry they love. 

A a few weeks before the end of the season,they came up with the idea to do a tandem skydive from 15’000 ft, and raise funds from the point to point fraternity for the Injured Jockeys Fund.

The aim was to raise about £4’000 at first though, by only a few weekends donations exceeded £7’000.

The aim was to jump the day after the final point to point meeting at Umberleigh, but no one made plans with the weather. Low cloud prevented the jump but the twelve brave souls, 

Zac Baker, (ex) Pete Mann, Johnny Bailey, Leo Mahon, Joe Hill, Sam Davies-Thomas, Fergus Gregory, Jack Andrews, Tom David, James King, Patrick Gerety, John Mathias never gave up and the plan is to jumps again next weekend on the 9^th July.

Late replacement James Tudor has stood in for Joe hill, who will be doing a sky dive on holiday in Australia,.

All need your help as now the funds standing at £9’115.00.

Wouldn’t it be great if Point to point can make £10’000

And with your help this is possible, so if you support your jockeys, love your point to pointing, please give generously.

By the time the boys jump, it would be great to have that figure in the bag

Just go to

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/P2PJump    

    

And don’t forget gift aid

Please support P2P and THE IJF

TRIO OF RACING ENDING IN AN EVENING AT WINDSOR RACECOURSE

With fourteen races already run over the weekend at the Berkshire track, another seven more on offer with Windsor’s usual Monday evening racing.

A good crowd came to see horse racing and music after the last, (a little less said about the football the better) which started off with a two year olds maiden race for fillies over five furlongs.

Richard Hughes had always a close relationships with Windsor whilst in the saddle, he can know add training his first two-year-old winner at the Berkshire track

 Paco’s Angle went to post the 2/1 on fav for the dash, ridden by Shane Kelly. The Paco Boy filly second in her last two outings held on well to beat Cool Echo in the final furlong.

 ‘Richards been very patient with this two-year-old, and on better ground she would have run a lot better, but she is a nice filly.’ The jockey on most of the Hughes string this season seemed pleased with the two-year-olds progression.

The trainer with forty-five two year olds in the yard agreed with the jockey the ground was not the best for the filly, but was pleased for the owners who he persuaded to allow the horse to run.

Building a strong team now the Hughes camp is starting to swing into action and mature as the weeks and months progress.

Paco’s Angle went to post the 2/1 on fav for the dash, ridden by Shane Kelly

A six furlong selling race for three year olds and upwards, saw Sylvester Kirk put in a winner in the shape of Magical daze. 

The 6/5 on fav battled hard in the final furlong under Pat Dobbs to take the race from eleven-year-old Ocean Legend who had won this equivalent race two years on the bounce. Carrying top weight, the veteran even with 7 lbs off his back in claimers Joshua Bryan’s claim could not get his head in front, losing the race by the for mentioned margin.

The jockey mentioned that the ground didn’t really suit the filly as she made quite hard work of the surface towards the end. 

The trainer really wanting to off load the four-year-old did so with a £5’000 price tag, the fillies new owner Dave Penman from Derbyshire racing group obliging, taking the horse off the Lambourn trainers hands.

In similar company the filly looks a type on better ground to win again, but best to watch from a far.

A six furlong selling race for three year olds and upwards, saw Sylvester Kirk put in a winner in the shape of Magical daze. 

Tom Queally steered home Nightingale Valley to win the fillies maiden race over six furlongs for Stuart Kittow. 

The three-year-old on her fourth outing took the race from Henry Candy’s Poole Belle by a length ridden out well in the final furlong.

‘she a green filly really with plenty of improving, she should give the owners a lot of fun,’ mentioned the Irishman. ‘I’d say she would win again easily.’

The trainer hoped the daughter of Compton Place would not be too severely handicapped for her win as she would hopefully be a horse to have some further success with.

‘she a green filly really with plenty of improving, she should give the owners a lot of fun,’

The mile and a quarter three year olds and upwards race went to the bottom weight Third Rock, ridden by three pound claimer Josephine Gordon and trained by Sir Michael Stout, the three-year-old gelding went the hard way round to beat Jenny Powell on Henry Candy’s Perceived by a length.

The 13/8 fav on his ninth visit to a racecourse battled well for the young jockey who mentioned,’ He didn’t really break from the stalls that well, and never seemed to be travelling, the aim was to be handy on him throughout the race, but that didn’t happen. It was fair play to him really as when it came to it he battled on.’

This tough little Hat trick gelding could possibly get a longer trip, and has shown he can win despite the race not going to plan.

Third Rock, ridden by three pound claimer Josephine Gordon and trained by Sir Michael Stout, the three-year-old gelding went the hard way round to beat Jenny Powell on Henry Candy’s Perceived by a length.

Jockey Pat Dobbs took in a double for his evenings work, as the England team were just getting started in France, the Irishman steered home Matidia for Ralph Beckett in the one mile three furlongs Fillies Handicap.

Again another close finish for Dobbs the chestnut filly was strongly pressed by Jim Crowley on Taurian whose 11 lbs disadvantage took effect as the winning distance was only a short head.

‘The trainer mentioned she would stay and she is certainly a tough sort, so it was good to get another winner for the evening,’ mentioned the jockey on a double, being interviewed by an excitable Matt Chapman from at the races as Rooney slotted in a penalty.

The trainer more down to earth said,’ she actually goes to the sales next week, so it was a good advert for her.’  A horse that can stay, is tough and would possibly take an obstacle could be a good prospect for under rules,the owner James Rowsell whose colours were carried by Talent to win the 2013 Oaks, wanting to clear some lines for new stock.

Again another close finish for Dobbs the chestnut filly was strongly pressed by Jim Crowley on Taurian whose 11 lbs disadvantage took effect as the winning distance was only a short head.

Classic winning colours we on hand in the next race, when Godolphins Most Celebrated took the mile’s maidens race beating Lastmanlastround impressively by three lengths. 

The three-year-old colt by New Approach seemed to have the race well in control for most of the way staying on well and commanding the race in the final furlong.

Godolphins Most Celebrated took the mile’s maidens race beating Lastmanlastround impressively by three lengths.

‘He is a horse that seems to be growing up all the time,’ mentioned James Doyle. ‘He stays well and seems to be an improving nice type.’ The colt going off the 4/6 fav would be another Saeed Bin Suroor horse that could pick up a nice race as time goes on.

Most Celebrated 

The twenty first race of three days of racing at the Royal Berkshire course went to a veteran of the track both with trainer and horse.

Eleven-year-old Shifting Star trained in Liphook by John Bridger defied top weight of ten stone to beat Pat Dobbs looking for his treble with a three lengths victory over Dobbs on Aye Aye Skipper.

Jockey William Carson mentioned,’ he needed his run last time out here, but he is such a genuine animal always putting his best out for you. He is so nice to ride.’

The trainer not too sure why the horse dose what he does mentioned that he wished he could have a bit of what the Night shift gelding has got. The horse now on his one hundred and twenty second visit to the races looked a picture and hardly looked to blow after his exertions. 

The ex Walter Swinburn trained horse seems to keep himself fit, the trainer stating that he is not on the gallops every day but keeps enjoying what he does. 

Could we see this horse at Windsor next year as a twelve-year-old, only time will tell, but at present you could say it was a certain as a plane ticket home for the England team.

The twenty first race of three days of racing at the Royal Berkshire course went to a veteran                      of the track both with trainer and horse. Eleven-year-old Shifting Star.

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QUALITY DAY TWO AT WINDSOR RACECOURSE

Billed as a family day, Windsor offered seven races for racegoers coming out for their Sunday rest bite. 

Two very nice class two races on offer, on ground improving from the day before. From soft, heavy in places to good to soft.

The first race a maiden fillies stakes over a mile, local trainer Hughie Morrison sent out three of the eight runners. Champion jockey Silvestre De Sousa in attendance drew favourite money onto his mount Dame Judy.

Young 7 lbs claimer George Wood though took his mount Ejayteekay to the front two furlongs out beating Pat Dobbs mount Excellent sounds, both trained by Morrison by five lengths. 

Young 7 lbs claimer George Wood though took his mount Ejayteekay to the front two furlongs out 

The 2/1 shot seemed to relish the softer ground, taking his first victory in nine starts.

But I feel attention should be bought to the 25/1 second placed horse Excellent sound, owned by Helena Springfield the three-year-old on her second run seems to be an improving sort, and very nicely put together and should be one to be kept a close eye on.

 Not taking away from the winner though who won her race well.

Only five runners for the three year old five furlong handicap, champion jockey De Sousa on good form riding for William Knight on top weight Lady Macapa. 

The 11/4 shot made all in the dash being driven along by the jockey on a roll at present taking the race by a length from favourite This is for you, trained by Andrew Balding.

The nice sized three-year-old never firing as a two-year-old seems to have come into her own with patient training.

The trainer mentioning,’ We looked at this race just really to get her back on track, it seemed a straight forward race, Silvestre giving her a straight forward ride.’

 Champion jockey De Sousa on good form riding for William Knight on top weight Lady Macapa. 

The three-year-old by Equiano with her second win from nine starts seems a type that would want the cut in the ground, and despite a 7 lbs handicap or more from her rivals seems a nice improving type.

The afternoon did not stop there for the duo of Knight and De Sousa. Goodwood Zodiac took the mile and quarter handicap in fine style, beating four others by a length and a half Rockspirit from the Marco Botti yard in second. 

Given a patient ride by the champion jockey the Kodiak gelding seemed to cut through his rivals with ease making it three wins from nine starts for the three-year-old.

Given a patient ride by the champion jockey the Kodiak gelding seemed to cut through his rivals 

Owned by the Goodwood Racehorse owners group, the trainer mentioned, ‘he might be contender at Goodwood for the July Meeting, there is a number of mile and a quarter, or mile and a half races to choose from, we will have to see what’s available, but that is possibly the plan.’

Lady Macapa. 

Goodwood Zodiac

The class two fillies’ conditions race, saw five to post, 4/5 fav Mrs Danvers ridden by Ryan Clark, trained in by Lambourn based Jonathan Portman took the race by two and a half lengths from the Richard Hannon trained Blue Suede.

‘She is very much an improving sort,’ mentioned the jockey. ‘She has won both her her starts now and there is plenty left to improve still.’ 

The grey filly by Hellvelyn seems to be a two-year-old that needs a keen eye on as she develops in herself, and on the track. Not wanting the top of the ground she seems to be a type that could be something very nice for the Lambourn trainer.

Mrs Danvers ridden by Ryan Clark,

The only other class two race of the afternoon went in the way of the ambassador of Windsor racecourse Andrew Balding.

Kingston Kurrajong ridden by Jimmy Quinn took the race by a neck from Sir Michael Stouts Grand inquisitor in a close fought finish from a furlong out.

‘This fella has answered a lot of questions for me in that final furlong, I’ve taken the race up from the junction which is a long way out at Windsor.’ Mentioned the experienced Quinn. ‘He is a nice horse and deserved the win, and shown how good he is today.’

The three-year-old by Authorized with only nine starts to date and two wins, the last one at Chester in August would seem to have a nice race in him for the back end of the season, versatile with the going there are a number of nice mile races for the 7/1 shot to be aimed for, it would not surprise me to see this one at the July Newmarket meeting aiming for a three timer.

Kingston Kurrajong ridden by Jimmy Quinn took the race by a neck from Sir Michael Stouts Grand inquisitor in a close fought finish from a furlong out.

The penultimate race, was another qualifier for the £75’000 prize for the sprint series held at the Berkshire course.

Pat Cosgrove on the Jim Boyle trained Black Bess took the race by a length and a half from Wayward Hoof. The three-year-old by Dick Turpin, stood and delivered in the final furlong and stayed on well for Cosgrove whose last win on the soft at Lingfield seems to prove the horse needs the cut in the ground.

The trainer mentioned, 'The pace of the race probably wasn’t quick enough for him really, he got the six furlongs well but would possibly need seven. 

It’s a nice series to have a crack at and well worth the gamble at the drop in distance.’ 

The filly looking like she will be heading for the final in August,and could be a contender if the ground is on the softer side, the true pace makers at six furlongs not being a worry to the trainer.

Pat Cosgrove on the Jim Boyle trained Black Bess 

The final race of the afternoon, a one mile three furlong handicap went in the way of the royal Ascot winning due of Alan King and William Twiston-Davies.

Fresh from the success with Primitivo in the King George V stakes. William Hunter took the race by a head from the Champion jockeys mount Bazooka in a hard forced finish, the top three horses getting very close to each other prompted a steward’s enquiry but to no reprimand, as the young jockey pinched the race from the champion.

William Hunter took the race by a head from the Champion jockeys mount Bazooka in a hard forced finish

A patient ride from Twiston- Davies, who mentioned,’ he idled a little in front, but he is a horse on the up.’ 

The four-year-old like the jockey switching roles from under rules to the flat seems to approve of the life without jumps, not being out of the first five on his last few starts on the flat.

Clovelly Bay, Bazooka, William Hunter

Part three of the racing festival next, with the usual Monday night racing at Windsor to come.

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