Baileys Blog

Plus 5 and dry when driving in.

A dry weekend ahead?

Drumreagh finished second at Uttoxeter yesterday.. yes you know how I hate being second.. well we should have probably finished fourth but for a mistake with two horses at the last which meant that we finished closer… Lucky, but who cares she ran well.

Happy owners .. Important. Their horse ran well and the future is far more positive after yesterday..Drumreagh should jump a fence.

Saturday morning.. Ciaran Gething, Chester Williams and David Bass riding out this morning.. The one armed bandit in..

We jumped Does He Know, Chazza, Inca Rose, Thibault and Doctor Haze.

Paul Smith was here for a tour of the yard and Warren and Vicky Bolton were here third lot to see their KBRP horses Galante de Romay, Donnie Brasco and Balleticon

We have one runner tomorrow at Nottingham. Blazon runs there and for my thoughts please click here.

Did you know..

During labour the pain is so great that a woman can almost imagine what a man feels like when he has a cold.

Have a good weekend and see you on Monday.

Todays non virus video nasty..

Plus 6 and dry when driving in.

The mornings are becoming noticeably colder..and certainly darker..

To comply with the government track and trace guidlines, we now have our very own QR code which will enable all visitors coming to the yard to checkin on their arrival.

If you are visiting the yard, please download the NHS Covid-19 app which will allow you to scan our QR on arrival and checkin.

Peter Bennet-Jones was here third lot to see his horse Prince Llywelyn. Peter also saw his Racing For Maggies horse Another Venture

Julie and David Martin and Dan Hall were here late morning to see their horses. Ajero, Minnella Warrior, Trwyn Du and I Cant Explain.

Dean Jones.. only 59... too young to go...An Aussie who defied the heat to make 210 in India. A great batsman to watch. A great interview..

We have one runner today at Uttoxeter. Drumreagh heads there and for my thoughts on her chances please click here.

It was two years ago yesterday that my daughter was married.. time flies..

American humour

You can't beat the great British sense of humour.

'Christmas saved! Kill the turkey at home and invite 30 round for the funeral'

Todays non virus video nasty

Plus 8 and damp when driving in. A bit of welcome rain (4mm) overnight.

We worked Doctor Haze, Creswell Legend, Dandy Dan, Getaweapon, Gerard Mentor and Inca Rose this morning.

David Bass was over to watch..His promised post card from Italy finally arrived yesterday.. Showing his sense of humour..?

There is much talk about owners going racing and the need for them to be there when their horses run..

Wales, Scotland and England have different plans at the races.

In England at the moment most try to allow up to 6. Much depends on how much space they have .. hence Newton Abbot only allow 2.

Scotland looks like 2 badges per owner..well at todays Perth meeting is anything to go by.

Wales are only allowing 30 owners all day which is not good news.. Not sure how Bangor are going to sort that one next week..

Just not easy.. But as many say, we are racing, and the BHA probably have been playing a blinder to keep us on the move. God I hope that continues..

An interesting fact..

Did you know that more people are attacked by cows than by sharks..

Todays non virus video nasty.

Plus 14 and dry when driving in..A bit of drizzle overnight.

No crowds at Warwick yesterday so those who went on Monday must be thankful they did as they were the lucky ones.. No more crowds on racecourses expected for about 6 months.. which is certainly not good news..

I am not too sure how some racecourse will survive, but it is not only racecourses, it is all outdoor events and stadiums..

Actually anything to do with more than 6 people and you are in trouble..

Shocking news for the whole entertainment industry, pubs and restaurants too.. at least they can serve something to customers and as Mat rightly said last night…that.. he did not fancy being the one kicking everybody out of the pubs by 10pm when Arsenal and Liverpool play on Monday night..

Difficult times and difficult rules.. But...

We must take the advice that our Prime Minster has given us seriously ..

So from immediate effect I will be asking my PA Maddie Webster and my Account supremo Sandie Wilkinson to work from home if that is what they wish to do.. We are all interlinked by Road To Work, so bar the phone I can cope..

I am certainly not going to discourage owners from coming to see their horses.. far from it.. delighted to see them...but if they wish to be driven to the gallops in my 4x4 they will have to wear face masks or take their own vehicles.. Alternatively  a walk in the fresh air will do nobody any harm.. I am sure all will understand.

Social distancing in fresh air, which we have plenty of up here at Thorndale..

Yes difficult times.. Our lives matter as do others, so we must be sensible..

I just hope racings ruling body pushes our case home for being what we are..safer on a racecourse than in a hostpital....

Back to Warwick yesterday..Talk Of Fame wants further and was rather stage struck.. he was the horse to take out of the race..

I called in to see my Bloodstock agent Aiden Murphy on the way home from racing..Aiden is doing OK after his recent op.. good to see him (from a distance) looking well..

This morning..We worked many with Chester Williams and Ciaran Gething here to ride out. Watch each lot here, First Lot, Second Lot, , Third Lot

Paul and Elizabeth Keller were here second lot to see their horse Mon Palois

Mary Dulverton was also here second lot to see her horses Newtide, Happygolucky, True Glory, Talk Of Fame, Sammeo, Sayadam and Inawhilecrocodile.

Panda Christie and Roly Luard were here third lot to see Starvoski

Paul and Sue Baker were here late morning to see their KBRP Design Icon and Voyburg

Sad to read that Michael Oliver has died..He will always be remembered for training West Tip.

KEVIN THE FISHERMAN

The rain was pouring down outside Queens Hotel in Kinsale.....

There standing in front of a big puddle outside the hotel was Kevin Craigen, drenched, holding a stick, with a piece of string dangling in the water.

A passer-by stopped and asked him, "What are you doing?

"Fishing", replied Kevin.

Feeling sorry for the old Kevin, the gent says,"Come in out of the rain and have a drink with me".

In the warm ambiance of the pub, as they sip their whiskies, the gentleman, being a bit of a superior smart ass, cannot resist asking, "So, how many fish have you caught today?"

"You're the 8th", replied Kevin.

Today non virus video nasty

Plus 12 and dry when driving in. Not a breath of wind

What a stunning day it was yesterday, after its very foggy start. Last one today?

Ed Hawkings and Alex Lofts  were here third lot to see their horse Talk Of The Moon.

This weeks mover and shaker in the BHA handicap chart is Rhosneigr down 3 to 117 over hurdles.

Graham Potts was here for his Tuesday vet visit.

Happy members or crowds at Warwick yesterday. They were rewarded with some good racing.

I can’t say I enjoyed listening to the two scientific and medical advisers Sir Patrick Vallance And Professor Chris Whitty.. It made scary listening while driving to the dentist!

We have one runner today at Warwick. Talk Of Fame runs there and for my thoughts please click here.

Ben Thompson from Agricamera is struggling to find a replacement transmitter for the video camera.. the last one broke after two days.. so annoyingly still no gallop camera..??

My new Theault horsebox arrived last night..Supplied by Atacanter

Our 2020/21 season Five to Follow Competition is now live, click here to make your entry.. Exciting first prize too..

Keith Ellis is in France but it did not stop him sending this over..

***BREAKING***

Bale “I never asked for this!?”

Confused Gareth Bale has explained just how his loan move to Spurs came about.

“There I was, deciding on which shot to take on the 5th and my agent said try a smaller club. I thought he meant a 7 iron and next thing I’m on a plane to Spurs?”

Todays non virus video nasty

Plus 12 and dry when driving in.

We were delighted with The Bull Mccabe .. he finished second, putting his shocking race last season well behind him .. This big horse who is very much a chaser, found the track tight enough and the hurdles came up too quick for him, certainly the last two when flat out..he was only beaten a length and a half .

It was a hugely pleasing first run of the season.. yes I hate being second but I have to say I was just delighted to see him run well for his owners John and Laura Garrett.

Mat was at Newton Abbot on Saturday and having walked the course felt the ground was going to be too fast for Red River to run, although it was safe for The Bull Mccabe.. Reason was that nearly 4 hours of wind and sun was always going to dry the ground..

As you know my day was spent at my nieces wedding.. 30 people.. What a delight.. I don’t believe I have enjoyed a wedding as much as Saturday.. bar of course my daughters 2 years ago..and my own..

It was a hugely intimate day and oh such fun..I left wondering why we have to have big weddings when we really all we want is close family.. Patience married Jacko in style surrounded by close family and we all loved it..

I can't say I felt my finest yesterday morning, but we survived.. Lunch with William and Caroline Nunneley and Harry Wallace and Lucy Jackson.. yes 6..

Monday morning and fresh horses..

Panda Christie was here third lot to see her horse Starvoski and I was at the dentist after!

Warwick host a few racegoesrs today.. .. Format for those going

A judge was interviewing a woman regarding her pending divorce, and asked, "What are the grounds for your divorce?"

She replied, "About four acres and a nice little home in the middle of the property with a stream running by."

"No," he said, "I mean what is the foundation of this case?"

"It is made of concrete, brick and mortar," she responded.

"I mean," he continued, "What are your relations like?"

"I have an aunt and uncle living here in town, and so do my husband's parents."

He said, "Do you have a real grudge?"

"No," she replied, "We have a two-car carport and have never really needed one."

"Please," he tried again, "is there any infidelity in your marriage?"

"Yes, both my son and daughter have stereo sets. We don't necessarily like the music, but the answer to your questions is yes."

"Ma'am, does your husband ever beat you up?"

"Yes," she responded, "about twice a week he gets up earlier than I do."

Finally, in frustration, the judge asked, "Lady, why do you want a divorce?"

"Oh, I don't want a divorce," she replied. "I've never wanted a divorce. My husband does. He said he can't communicate with me!"

Todays non virus video nasty

Plus 11 and dry when driving in.

It was dry and windy yesterday.. A clerk of the courses nightmare.. especially when watering..

Talking watering .. we had a power cut locally and that meant nobody could do any work in my office.. Sandie Wilkinsoin who lives near Daventry was here only for a short time. wasted day for her. We had no water for the horses for a while as the pump on the bore hole stopped.. fun.. all back last night thankfully.

Ciaran Gething and Chester Williams were in to ride out this morning .. David Bass was in to watch.. being one armed he was not much use..Still it was good to see his cheery face.. we have misssed his sense of humour.

John Stanley was here second lot to see his KBRP horse Drumreagh

Sandie and Harry Taylor were here third lot to see their KBRP horse Does He Know

I left after second lot to head off to the big wedding.. James 'Jacko' Jackson-Stops and Patience Wootton head down the aisle in Paulerspury this morning.. 30 folk supporting.. Lunch after and then my speech..!!

Mat is racing today .. As both of us are not around for long today our Saturday owner updates will now come on Sunday..

We have two runners today at Newton Abbot.. The Bull Mccabe and Red River and for my thoughts please click here.

Q: Why does a man twist his wedding ring on his finger?

A: He’s trying to figure out the combination.

Todays non virus video nasty.

Plus 8 and dry when driving in.

Indian summer.. for a few more days?

My sister and her daughter Patience will be hoping it lasts for at least another 24 hours as Patience's wedding is tomorrow.. I am preparing my speech!

I am sure you will be pleased to know that the Welsh Government were wrong in their claims that the spike in the Rhondda Cynon Taf region was down to a coach load of folk who visited Doncaster Races last week.. They did not..  Of course if you read further all the rugby clubs deny having been anywhere near Doncaster..

''The Welsh Government has now clarified that incident, saying: “Regarding concerns that a coach party from South Wales attended Doncaster Racecourse over the weekend, we understand that though the original intention of the party was to travel to the Doncaster Racecourse, the party did not enter the racecourse as originally planned.”

Abercynon RFC also issued a statement yesterday in response to social media rumours, stressing the club had not organised any such trip to Doncaster.

WalesOnline understands the outing is not linked to a rugby club.''

It was still mentioned on BBC and ITV news last night that the reason for te spike was because of the trip to Doncaster races.

Sadly it shows that racing is an easy target after the publicity surrounding the Cheltenham Festival.. Racing needs to be stronger in its denial and be prepared to take the flack when Warwick and Newmarket have crowds next week..

There will be spike for sure, but we must make sure we have a strong defence when the blame is posted against our sport especially as Matt Hancock is the MP for Newmarket.. Racing is all too easy a target?..

Thankfully football are about to have crowds this weekend.. who probably won't start a spike!

I love watching my 3 year old youngsters relaxing and last night it was a pleasure to see my 3 babies enjoying their break..

Broken in and ridden, and now a holiday for 3/4 weeks before back to work.. Sir Percy (GB) x Saltpetre .....The Norse Dancer X Aoninch...The Telescope x Fragrante Rose They are all for sale..

Did you know..

Any iPhone can be charged in a microwave oven, 15-25 times faster than the charger that came with it! Try it now..

Step 1. Plug your cable into the iPhone

Step 2. Put your iPhone in the center of the oven and coil the cable around it

Step 3. Set the timer on the oven for 10-20 seconds

Step 4. Now you have a charged iPhone!

This works because the microwaves use the same principle as wireless charging pads, by rearranging the electrons in your iPhone battery, to gather at the negative terminal.. Remember to leave your cable plugged in!”

PS..

Dont believe everything you read..

Todays non virus video nasty

Plus 11 and dry when driving in.

As I know you know.. Thursday is our easy day

I met up with Simon Claisse yesterday to see what Cheltenham are planning for owners and trainers for their October meeting..

Simon is not only clerk of the course but now he has to try and sort the course out for owners and trainers to enjoy their days racing with the current BHA Covid regulations..No easy task.

As we know you are probably safer on a racecourse than you are in a hospital?

The course was looking fabulous and being watered..

Good news re crowds coming back next week at Newmarket.. Lets hope it is third time lucky..Even Warwick next week are allowed a few ..

It is not all good news and the blame game when it comes to racing and crowds has started again..

Archie being back at school means that he now has a raging cold.. nothing else may I say, but no herd immunity built up as he has seen many of his age group over the last few months..I wonder how many people queuing for swab tests just have a cold..

Great game but we lost.. Infact a no ball probably cost England the match. It was great viewing even without crowds. Big thanks to Australia, The West Indies, Pakistan and Ireland and all the other countries for coming over for the summer.. it has made sport more intersting.

I am in a zoom meeting most of the morning.. The RSA

Pat Smullen.. The racing world mourns..This was what Richard Forristal wrote..Pictures..

The 10 Most Irritating Phrases..

At the end of the day

Fairly unique

I personally

At this moment in time

With all due respect

Absolutely

It's a nightmare

Shouldn't of

24/7

It's not rocket science

I have added one..Honestly..

Todays non virus video nasty

Plus 13 and dry when driving in.

It is never a good day when you send two horses all the way to Hexham; both fancied by the Racing Post analyst and both run disappointingly.

Actually it was hard even to put finger to keyboard this morning to explain why.

Rhosneigr was struggling with his breathing and his wind ops have not really done the trick while Rose To Fame made a jumping error at the second last and lost 2 shoes as a result when actually running well.. Ciaran thought she had lost her action and eased her home..

Hexham is a very picturesque racecourse but it is not a good one for our runners.. Perhaps KCB should just avoid making entries there....Funnily enough it was the last racecourse I had a winner on to complete the full house of winners on every jumps racecourse..

Back to today.

Chester Williams was in, Ciaran Gething elsewhere.

Plenty worked this morning and we gave Drumreagh a jump.. - Watch each lot here.... First Lot, Second Lot, Third Lot, Fourth Lot

Gwen Meacham was here third lot to see her horse Yesandno and her KBRP horses Gerard Mentor and Voyburg

Cilla Wills was here to see her KBRP horse Voyburg and Marion Hudson was here to see her KBRP horses Younevercall and Espoir De Romay.

Plenty of action at Goffs Sales yesterday.. Trevor Hemmings sold 56..

Sad.. Poor Pat Smullen.. far too young

Plenty of news in the Racing Post..Uttoxeter having problems as is Phoenix Thorougbreds....no more than 500 people for future crowds in Ireland.

Martin Jones is just about ready to send Tourne Bride back... He is broken in and ridden away.. pleasing.

Remember the days when you used to fly..Delayed again..

Pilot: "Good morning, Frankfurt ground, KLM 242 request start up and push back, please."

Tower: "KLM 242 expect start up in two hours."

Pilot: "Please confirm: two hours delay?"

Tower: "Affirmative"

Pilot: "In that case, cancel the good morning!"

Todays non virus video nasty