ROGER TEAL RACING VISIT, FAMILY AT THE HEART

The view from gallops at Great Shefford stables

 Nestled just outside Lambourn, in the pleasant village of Great Shefford are the premises of Roger Teal.

 The yard once occupied by Joe Tuite up to about a year ago see’s this honest trainer with approximately 18 horses under both codes of racing.

Both Son, young NH jockey Harry Teal and wife Sue lend a hand to tick the yard over, this could be no more apparent seeing what is possibly my first time witnessing a Mother and son combination work upsides on the gallops.

Sue and Harry Teal work upsides

Horses took to the five and a half furlong uphill woodchip surface well, as certainly seems the trend now with most trainers.

Gone are the days of flat gallops, horses at full throttle on work mornings,horses now have two or three strong canters up hill to stoke their engines, a tendency to work them without them even knowing.

Roger Teal

The trainer, certainly seems a journeyman on his road to becoming the master of Shefford Valley Stables. 

Formally with John Jenkins, then assistant to Epsom Based Phillip Mitchell, Roger has taken his trade by learning from doing the job, rather than being born into it.

‘

An owner was wanting to buy a training yard and back someone financially to do so, so it was a case he knew me and from that I got my break.’ 

And it is apparent he wants the same for son Harry to, riding out for his dad the morning I saw him, but learning his trade with near neighbour Harry Whittington in Lambourn. Something Roger was most adamant he would have to do to continue his career

Harry Teal

The trainer coming up to his ten year anniversary as a trainer, already a group three in the bag courtesy of Steel Tango in 2009’s Darley Stakes.

Roger Teal had his best season prize money wise so far in the last flat campaign, over £30’000 up the previous year’s efforts, the move and knowledge still being gathered certainly showing their worth as the trainer continues in his quest.

Four-year-old Rosie Royal being a big benefactor to the Trainers increase with four wins out of eleven starts, massing just over £19’000 in prize money

Four-year-old Rosie Royal

Nothing fancy in the about 20 box stables, but one thing you can witness in abundance is what you would call good ‘onset’ racing folk

A trainer to keep an eye on, let’s face it with just a £2.50 loss to a £1 stake throughout the flat season, this cannot be bad.

Certainly this family run business is the punters friend as well as the backbone a British horse racing.

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REMEMBER, REMEMBER FONTWELL PARK IN NOVEMBER

Twenty-six runners only on display, on a more than wet afternoons racing at Fontwell. 

Still controversy in the card where runners were short and the going still fast on an afternoon possibly all may agree was best left curled up in front of the fire.

The biggest field of the afternoon was the long-distance handicap hurdle over three miles one furlong.

 Yukon Delta

Gary Moore’s Yukon Delta duly won this contest, off the 5/2 favourite, the nine-year-old third at Fontwell back in October, winning in between a contest at Plumpton with blinkers on seemed to relish the rain soaked ground, 5 mm falling on the Sussex course during the pre-race nubtles.

Beating Nigel Twiston-Davies Guiting Power by eight lengths the race looked all over from two out, beforehand the field racing tightly compact.

Ridden by Joshua Moore this horse looked well in control, with softer ground now possibly on offer. It would be no surprise if you saw this one out locally again soon, dependant on company taken on this horse would be worth a look. Though the handicapper and bookies alike making sure all is done to put this horse to the test.

The next race the two mile five furlongs’ mare’s beginners chase, three runners went to post. 

Dan Skelton sending Ian Popham on Yes I did to post the 10/11 joint favourite.

Fifth here first time out in a very tidy Handicap hurdle, the six-year-old mare certainly showed her turn of foot from five fences out, giving Popham a ‘heart in your mouth’ moment a few times while out on her own.

IAN POPHAM ON Yes I did

33/1shot FrankNFair split the two favourites a part trailing in seven lengths behind, making a race of it to the line with Kayfleur for second spot taking the place by a neck.

The rain still falling Clerk of the course Ed Arkle had no choice but to listen to the weighing room and bring the going back down to good, the ground certainly visible becoming loose on top, but still maintain some zip for the runners ahead.

Fifth here first time out in a very tidy Handicap hurdle, the six-year-old mare certainly showed her turn of foot from five fences out,

The class three mares handicap hurdle over two miles three went to 2/1shot Midtech Valentine from the yard of Ian Williams. 

Ridden by Tom O’Brien the five-year-old off bottom weight seemed to tire a little at the end from being sent to take her race three hurdles out, drifting left the mare managed to stay on to take the race from Mystic Sky the 15/8 favourite by a couple of lengths.

Midtech Valentine 

The mare not out of the top three since March looked the type that deserved to win a higher grade of event.

 Lizzie Kelly looking the challenger two out on Culture De Sivola, but jumping left herself ended the race with a stumble and fall living the winner to the mercy of the race.

‘More like she would have got up even without the horse going two out,’ mentioned the jockey. And certainly, looks the fit type that would go on again surviving a strong pace set by Culture De Sivola two out.

‘More like she would have got up even without the horse going two out,

Innocent girl from the Harry Fry yard took the two miles one handicap chase. 

The 4/6 favourite made short work of his only three contenders making all most of the way around the figure of eight tack, the ground very much apparent loose on top causing horses to falter over the obstacles.

Withy Mills, James Best

The winner no exception to this seemed to disrespect the fences three out, 

'we probably were not going quick enough for him really, which caused him to peck at a few.’ Mentioned the 3lbs claimer Kieron Edgar.

Innocent girl

The seven-year-old mare, surely has speed, the slight give in the ground allowing her to use this to her benefit, 27 lengths splitting the first and second placed horse Fine Resolve.

'we probably were not going quick enough for him really

The two miles three furlongs’ Conditional jockey’s novices hurdle came down to a dual Dan Skelton already on a winner for the afternoon with No Hassle Hoff ridden by the inform Bridget Andrews. 

And Chief  Bottlewasher from the Charlie Mann yard, Tommy Dowling on board.

All the way around the favourite from the Skelton yard looked in a commanding position, going out to the back straight the final time Andrews looking behind her making sure no surprises were in store in the final flings of the race. 

But nothing could have prepared the sister of the twice crowned point to point ladies champion jockey when the four-year-old took his eye off the game at the last, completely uprooting the hurdle giving no chance for the pairing to continue.

No Hassle Hoff ridden by the inform Bridget Andrews. 

This left Dowling and Chief Bottlewasher to go through the gap made by the faller and take the run in on his own. 

‘ I didn’t know what to believe when I saw what happened in front of me, I just aimed for the gap to pop the flattened hurdle.’

   ‘I didn’t know what to believe when I saw what happened in front of me.'

The jockey who the previous year had a crashing fall at the course was delighted with the horse’s victory, the trainer mentioning tongue in cheek a win was never in doubt. 

The five-year olds first win from five starts may look a bit of a false contest, but jumping is the name of the game and that’s exactly what the Moss Vale gelding did.

Both horse and rider came out of their fall unscathed, though I do not think anyone would have got any sort of conversation out of Andrews for the next few hours.

Chief  Bottlewasher 

The final race of the day was a two miles one furlong national hunt flat race for the older horses, four, five and six year olds. 

Five runners to post headed by favourite David Cricket, trained by Alan King and ridden by course specialist Tom Cannon.

The pace again strong saw the favourite well out of sorts by six furlongs out, the eventual winner Markov out of the Ben Pauling yard and ridden by David bass taking up the race as the field turned into the home straight.

Markov

The 5/2 shot on his maiden voyage seemed green towards the end of the race allowing runner up Everybody’s Happy to near steal the race, Bass’s six-year-old showing how hard Irish point to point maiden ‘s can be sticking his head out for a neck victory.

A good looking chasing type by presenting looked the winner, but I must say the placed horses in Everybody’s Happy, David Cricket and Good news (half-brother to Fontwell star, Venetian Lad) would have to be recognised.

 One of the better bumpers at Fontwell this season without a doubt. Fontwell always attracting the nice maiden horses in these types of event.

The 5/2 shot on his maiden voyage seemed green towards the end of the race allowing runner up Everybody’s Happy to near steal the race,

The next meet at Fontwell. Southern national day, more quality jumpers on show, a whole meeting to take the book to.

This and other Fontwell meetings can be see at

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AUTUMNAL BEAUTY AT ROBINS NEST

A depth of knowledge and understanding from the master of Hill farm situated in the beautiful grounds of Alne Park in Warwickshire is gathered in a small, neat and tidy package for all to see.

Trainer Robin Dickin, like myself started in racing straight from leaving school. He working for the likes of masters such and Frenchie and David Nicholson, legends in their fields he rode at both codes, massing total of 115 winners to boot. 

Not only this he ran a livery yard looking after such horses for horsemen and women who know what they like…. And dislike,trainers such as Mercy Rimmel and Capt. Tom Forster.

A riding accident in 1986 at Towcester saw an end to the saddle and the beginning of a new career in the sport of kings and queens, training became Robins passion, first in Gloucester then to Warwickshire where he is now settled since 2012 with his wife Claire and daughter Harriet at Alne park.

‘I’ve been lucky with my time training, and I love every minute of it. I have no ambition of getting large, or being a champion trainer. All I want is to look after my horses and staff and give them the best platform to perform the best they can.’

The morning we went to see ‘Robins nest’ was an idyllic autumn morning, trees golden and weather fair. 

The yard set on a hill side looking out in the direction of Birmingham airport, (no extra runway there) to Stratford upon Avon, Shakespeare country, no chance of horses getting board or restless, after exercise wrapped up each have a relaxing turn out viewing the beautiful countryside in well maintained and well sized paddocks.

The view looking out to the gallops from Hill Farm

The Guv'nor Robin Dickin

‘the gallops are prepared so horses can get on them at any point and we are that self-contained I can see them work and come back to me afterwards, so all the time I can see any niggles any of them have.’ Mentioned the trainer who has a small but loyal string under his care.

It clearly came apparent that the trainer wears his heart on is sleeve and is as honest as the day’s long. 

‘I treat my owners and staff alike as my friends, it’s no good feeding people ‘B.S’ but honesty counts. Owners know how I work, and I know how their horses work and tell them so. The horses once passing the gates are mine to worry about and mine alone.’

The horses on show looked good jumping stock, all looked big, bold and beautiful against the golden-brown backdrop.

Horses before exercise

Each took a turn around the gallops and then a few had a piece of work, one being promising chaser Thomas Crapper, beaten to second place in the Martin Pipe handicap hurdle at the 2014 festival by Don Poli and has shown promise since Novice chasing last year. 

Now handicapping the nine-year-old, one mid placed run in good company at Chepstow in a grade three event sees the horse possibly going to Ascot for the Halloween weekend meeting.

He certainly looked well taking a good hold, and looked a picture also. A noble head on the promising son of Tamure

The rest of the string showed good pace and stride, the trainer happy with what he viewed before him. 

'You know, I have to pinch myself each morning when I come out into the yard to know how lucky I am, this is a superb place to train, all my maintenance is done for me by the landowner Avon Estates, and I’m a hill man and to walk out each morning to this is a dream.

And praise also for his staff, a collective of young riders who showed and talked their game eloquently throughout the visit. 

‘This group of girls are the best I have had, loyal, trustworthy and above all love the industry and the horses, again making my job that much more enjoyable.’

The trainer oozes with respect and appreciation for the industry he works in the enthusiasm is catching and infectious, as one of his owners quoted on national TV. ‘When the horses hurt, so dose Robin,’ and this is so apparent, I should reckon this flows down to the whole team, but I’m sure when he celebrates it goes the other way to.

The yard, small, compact tidy and functional but most important calm and peaceful, all horses interested in what's about, and that in my mind spells happy.

The trainer, well if you were looking for someone who tells you what you need to hear, not what he thinks you need to hear, an honest trainer with knowledge sucked out from years with legends of the game, a trainer probably not over enthused by the modern, shiny racing we are experiencing, but a trainer that knows he must go with the flow, (just ask him about the pace of some races nowadays.) A trainer that would not have been out of place back in the day, and a trainer that is certainly not out of place in the present. Then Robin Dickin is your man.

In my view, and not too sure at first, but as that enthusiasm and passion starts to sink into your veins a definite thumbs up on the scale of things.

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BLOGS AND HORSE RACING FOLDERS

BUMPER FONTWELL CARD AS JUMPING TAKES IT SERIOUS

Again another meeting at the East Sussex track that attracts some prolific runners that we are sure to see throughout the jumping campaign.

 Top horses, trainers and jockeys a like graced the Fontwell turf for a mid-week meeting that oozed class.

Movewiththetimes 

Top trainer Paul Nicholls who is having his best start to a season yet sent J.P McManus’s Movewiththetimes to post the 6/4 favourite, Barry Geraghty on board this impressive Presenting gelding made it two from two in his novice days, the last win being in April at Wincanton.

The four-year-old seemed to take the good to soft jumping ground in his stride winning comfortably by two lengths from Alan Kings Azzerti.

‘We have had to search a little for the better ground for this one, this horse is a nice big sort that jumps well and could be one for the future.’ Mentioned the trainer in residence for the day. 

Nicholls also mentioned that at Fontwell the ground was only just to his liking for his runners and on this type of going horses have to be fit, which this promising type certainly did look, and was no surprise to the team that he got his nose in front.

No firm plans for this good looking McManus gelding yet.

No firm plans for this good looking McManus gelding yet, but with two impressive wins, this time at Fontwell in a good early season Novices hurdle this one is certainly for the note books.

The second Azzerti from the Alan King Yard and third horse Sleep Easy from Neil Mulholland’s yard are also one to take note of.

Paul Nicholls also had success in the two miles three furlongs beginners chase with As De Mee, ridden by Sean Bowen who took the race easy with a pace that was strong throughout.

‘The pace was a strong won, Noel Fehily has tried to take the field on again but my fella has jumped well and the more pressure I got helped as I knew we could out jump everyone.’ 

The jockey also mentioned that he thought the horse was a nice type and still a novice, so would be entitled to take a nice novice events as the season continues.

The trainer mentioned that the horse deserves to win these type of races, and with being a year older and stronger he is in good form at present, but racing over the two miles would be the plan for this six-year-old.

The Ditcheat yard of Paul Nicholls looks serious for this season, the earlier barrages certainly laying the land for what’s to come.

‘The pace was a strong won, Noel Fehily has tried to take the field on again but my fella has jumped well and the more pressure I got helped.'

Colin Tizzard took the only other chase event of the afternoon with Fergal Mael Duin, ridden by Paddy Brennan.

The two-and-a-half-mile handicap chase saw this grey with an impressive story behind him, jump non too fluent to take the race by three lengths from Rothman ridden by Leighton Aspell.

‘I have not ridden him before but today he has had a bit of a slip early on which didn’t help, but he is workman like type of horse and won his race which is the main thing.’

Fergal Mael Duin,

The story as mentioned earlier with this eight-year-old was last seen at a boxing day meet at Market Rasen, the horse fell and was on his side for a good twenty minutes, everyone thinking the worse. 

Even the owners who home bred the horse went to the track thinking they were going to have to say goodbye to a family member as they put it.

But as they were about to do this the horse raised its head got up and walked away, to the full cheers and applause of the Boxing day racegoers and staff alike. 

Now nine months on the horse is in the winner’s enclosure, who says that dreams are not built on National Hunt racing? I think history and time will tell you otherwise.

Even the owners who home bred the horse went to the track thinking they were going to have to say goodbye to a family member as they put it.

Parish Business took the next race the two-and-a-half-mile handicap hurdle. 

Trained by Emma Lavelle and ridden by Leighton Aspell who took on the race from three hurdle out and seemed to take the race comfortably by nine lengths from Alan Kings Board of Trade.

This was a tidy sort of race the team of J.P McManus, Paul Nicholls and Barry Geraghty having a nice novice in Hawkhurst ten lengths back in third.

Aspell mentioning. ‘He has good novice form and is a type that is meant for fences, he has had runs over the bigger obstacles but has frightened himself a bit which has put him back, but he is lower than he should be really on his mark because of the bad few runs he has had.’

Parish Business

The trainer who has moved to a new premises in Marlborough seems to be finding life good at present, this eight-year-old showing that he may be a nice horse as he matures and now with a fresh start could be a useful addition to the Lavelle yard.

‘He has good novice form and is a type that is meant for fences.'

The jockey on four winners in four days also looks to be going well, now the good ground promising is well looking forward to his season.

The conditional jockeys handicap hurdle over two miles three went to the top weight Looksnowlikebrian. Trained by Tim Vaughn and ridden by 10 lbs claimer George Blackwell.

The 3/1 favorite made hard work of the finish, hanging slightly only to beat second place Earls Fort from the Neil Mulholland yard by a neck.

The five-year-old gelding on his first win from seven starts has improved from his unplaced run at Uttoxeter in September and was meant to run last week at Plumpton only to be pulled out after losing a shoe going down to the start, the vet go ahead today at Fontwell surely bared well for the horse.

The five-year-old gelding on his first win from seven starts has improved from his unplaced run at Uttoxeter

The final two races were two divisions of a two mile one national Hunt flat race for mares and fillies, most horses at the beginning of their racing careers.

Don’t Tell Val won the first division giving Paddy Brennan a double for the afternoon, trained by Fergal O’Brien at Cheltenham the 20/1 shot beating 11/8 favourite Peggies Venture by half a length.

‘She’s a tough type and ready to go on really,’ mentioned the jockey.

Division two was taken at a more sedate pace that that of the first Bold Image from the Suzy Smith yard giving Gavin Sheenan a win for the afternoon. 

This time a six length winner from Colin Tizzards Ruby Russet the five-year-old mare by Milan looks the most impressive type out of the two winners in the contest.

Trained on the grounds of the old Lewes racecourse this mare looks the type that is bred for the jumping game.

 All horses in the top four in both divisions are to be watched, but as mentioned early days for these horses. Not forgetting Cue Card won his maiden bumper at this track when he started out.

Don’t Tell Val 

Bold Image

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