Bailey's Blog

Plus 18 and dry when driving in.

My brother in law is on Mull and say he has never seen such awful weather .. heavy rain and winds.. he has been there nearly a week and it has been like that most of the time!

That was some days play at Edgbaston yesterday. Jamie Smith and Harry Brook produced a stunning England fightback with a partnership of 303 but even their hard work still leaves India well in command..Unless…?

England's Womens team held their nerve to keep the T20 series alive with a thrilling last-ball victory by five runs against India at The Oval.

Talking cricket.. this is bonkers!

Over at Wimbledon Cameron Norrie was brilliant to beat Italian Matteo Bellucci.

Sonay Kartal powered her way into the fourth round of Wimbledon for the first time on Friday, winning nine games in a row on her way to a 6-4 6-2 victory over France's Diane Parry.

So, two Brits through to the 4th round.. Emma Raducanu played superb tennis but the world’s number one Aryna Sabalenka, wore her down.. She did well..

Saturday morning and Tom Bellamy and Ciaran Gethings were in to ride out.

One of the best flat races of the year takes place at Sandown the Coral Eclipse.. always a good race and this year is no different.

The British Grand Prix this weekend at Silverstone.. It will be packed and I believe the cheapest ticket is well over £200 which makes complaining about  the price of Cheltenham tickets look a bit far fetched.

It was 1988. A couple lived near the ocean and used to walk the beach a lot. One summer, they noticed a girl who was at the beach pretty much every day.

She wasn’t unusual, nor was the travel bag she carried—except for one thing. She would approach people who were sitting on the beach, glance around, then speak to them.

Generally, the people would respond negatively, and she would wander off. But occasionally, someone would nod, and there would be a quick exchange of money for something she carried in her bag. The couple assumed she was selling drugs and debated calling the cops, but since they didn’t know for sure, they just continued to watch her.

After a couple of weeks, the wife asked, “Honey, have you ever noticed that she only goes up to people with boom boxes and other electronic devices?”

He hadn’t, and he said so. Then she said, “Tomorrow I want you to get a towel and our big radio and go lie out on the beach. Then we can find out what she’s really doing.”

Well, the plan went off without a hitch, and the wife was almost hopping up and down with anticipation when she saw the girl talk to her husband and then leave. The man walked up the beach and met his wife at the road.

“Well, is she selling drugs?” she asked excitedly.

“No, she’s not,” he said, enjoying this probably more than he should have.

“Well, what is it, then?” his wife fairly shrieked.

The man grinned and said, “Her name is Sheena, but she prefers to be called ‘Shee,’ and she’s selling batteries.”

“Batteries?” cried the wife.

“Yes,” he replied. “Shee sells C cells by the seashore.”

To finish.. Happy birthday to our conditional jockey, Nathan Andrews

Have a great weekend and see you on Monday..

Plus 13 and dry when driving in.

I promised myself I wouldn’t mark every sad loss here, but this one can’t pass unmentioned. Yesterday Nicola Solomons rang to say her father Tony Solomons (1930-2025) had died.

Tony was my longest-serving owner. In only my second season he sent me a horse called Le Metier—and from that moment until his last flag-bearer First Flow he had at least one jumper with me every single year.

Away from the racecourse Tony was chairman of Singer & Friedlander and the very model of integrity. In racing he showed the same loyalty. I was the only trainer he trusted with his jumpers (though he kept a few on the Flat elsewhere), and training for him was a privilege.

One story sums him up. Years ago I bought a horse for Tony in France; before he’d even seen or paid for it, the poor creature was killed in a thunderstorm. Tony’s reaction? “Oh how awful Kim.. but you must replace him.” The “replacement” turned out to be Harry Topper, and many of you will remember the days he gave us including the Denman Chase at Newbury

Our biggest shared high came when First Flow took the Grade 1 Clarence House at Ascot..but, cruelly, it was during COVID. We celebrated as best we could later, but I wish he’d been in the winner’s enclosure that day.

There are few like Tony Solomons: loyal, straight-dealing, unfailingly good company, and a genuine lover of National Hunt racing. On behalf of everyone at Thorndale, I send our deepest sympathies to his daughter Nicola... We will all miss Tony hugely

Yesterday wasn’t one to remember for English sports fans.

At Edgbaston, the cricket made for harrowing viewing..India piled on the runs, and England, in reply, lost three quick wickets before close. A long road back from here.

Over at Wimbledon, things weren’t much brighter. Jack Draper, our number one, went out, and several other Brits followed suit. Not much to cheer about on the lawns either.

So now all eyes turn to Emma Raducanu, who takes on one of the very best in the world today...she faces Aryna Sabalenka the world number one and favourite to win Wimbledon  A huge task ahead of her, but fingers firmly crossed.

Our in-house 5  to follow competition finished at the end of June and I am pleased to announce that the winner is 1st Garry Betley... 2nd was Nick Cook..3rd was Rosemary Ellis. Garry will be receiving a vouchure for his prize.. A three-course meal for 2 and bottle of wine at The Frogmill.. This years competition will start in October. 

Andrews Bowens diggers left last night.. gallop and track to the gallop all replaced and new..AB do a great job..

Plus 10 and dry when driving in.

I saw my first combine harvester on the move yesterday, in a country that resembles the Australian outback it is so bare and dry!

It was a slow but steady day at Edgbaston yesterday. India batted well, England bowled well, but there was no movement and not much hope for the bowlers on a very flat pitch. Big crowd, great atmosphere. We were in the stand next to all the Hollies, so we certainly weren’t short of noise. Edgbaston’s always a fun day out..whatever the cricket’s doing. A fun day catching up with an old mate.. MF-G..

Big prices came thick and fast during the evening stanza of the Arqana Summer Sale in Deauville last night… This two  day sale is always featured big prices.. mostly heading to the UK or Ireland..

Wimbledon.... Emma Raducanu was at her best...Sonay Kartal stormed into round three but Katie Boulter was beaten in the second round. A gutsy Cameron Norrie produced one of the best performances of his career as he fought back to beat Frances Tiafore

The Golfer and the Leprechaun:

A man had just finished a putt and reached in the hole to get his ball, but pulled out a leprechaun

"Sure, and ye have me." Cried the leprechaun. "And if ye let me go, for yer tribble, I'll give ye three wishes!"

"Thank you." Said the man. "I don't really need anything, so I'll pass on the wishes."

He let the leprechaun go, and went off to finish his game.

The leprechaun was dumbfounded. Who had ever heard of such a thing?

He sat on a pebble and thought to himself. "Such a man as that deserves three wishes! I'll give 'em to 'im in spite of 'imself! Now what!!! Why money,of course! Everyone wants money. So, for his first wish he wants to be a Millionaire! And second-let's make him a great golfer! And last-ah! Let him have a wonderful sex life."

A month went by and the leprechaun spotted the man playing on the course again. He jumped out of a hole and yelled up to the man: "How ye be doing?"

The man smiled and said. "Hello, little friend. I be doing just fine."

The leprechaun smiled back and said. "And how's yer money situation, if ye don't mind my asking?"

"It's funny you should ask." Replied the man.

"An uncle of mine passed away and left me a fortune!"

"Hah! Is that so? And how's ya golf game now?"

"It's an amazing thing." Said the man. "For the past few weeks I can't do worse than two under par!"

"Sure and that's wonderful!" With a sly look, the leprechaun asked. "And how's yer sex life?"

The man, obviously embarrassed, looked away and coughed. "Well, it's fine. Two or three times a month."

The leprechaun was aghast. "Two or three times a month? That's horrible!"

The man looked up and said. "Actually, it's not bad for a priest in a small parish."

Plus 15 and chilly when driving in.!

Change in the weather.. jerseys back out!

We had a good turnout from the KBRS.. Second Chancers syndicate last night at Stratford to see Shantou Express in action, and he didn’t let them down. He ran an absolute blinder, finishing a close third in a competitive race.

He jumped beautifully, travelled strongly, and did everything right, just beaten by two younger rivals on the night. A really honest and likeable performance from a horse who continues to give his all.

Wimbledon and day of shocks but another good day for the Brits and an even bigger one today for Ollie Tarvet who takes on Carlos Alcaraz..

Poor England womens performance sees India take 2-0 lead

Martin F-G and I headed to Edgbaston early this morning for the first day of the second Test against India.. 

More cricket. I thought I would draw you attention to the upcoming Cheltenham Cricket Festival.. always a cracking event and one of the most popular cricketing festivals in the country.

Anyway Mark Blackford who runs Venatour sporting Tours has set one day aside, Tuesday 5th Aug, to use a marquee as a base for horse racing connections and watch Gloucestershire v Derbyshire Falcons Metro Bank One Day Cup.

Marc has asked to put it out to racing fans, trainers, owners etc... Book away..£30.00 per person.. Mat will be there if that is any help!!

Tom Bellamy was in this morning to ride out..

An attractive young lady was on a plane arriving from Ireland. She found herself seated next to an elderly priest whom she asked: "Excuse me Father, could I ask a favor?"

"Of course my child, What can I do for you?"

"Here is the problem.I bought myself a new sophisticated vibrating hair remover for which I paid an enormous sum of money. I have really gone over the declaration limits and I am worried that they will confiscate it at customs. Do you think you could hide it under your cassock?"

"Of course I could, my child, but you must realize that I cannot lie."

"You have such an honest face Father, I am sure they will not ask you any questions", and she gave him the worrisome personal gadget.

The aircraft arrived at its destination.

When the priest presented himself to customs he was asked, "Father, do you have anything to declare?"

"From the top of my head to my sash, I have nothing to declare, my son", he replied.

Finding his reply strange, the customs officer asked, "And from the sash down, what do you have?"

The priest replied, "I have there a marvelous little instrument destined for use by women, but which has never been used."

Breaking out in laughter, the customs officer said, "Go ahead Father. Next!"

Plus 19 and dry when driving in.

A new month.. Pleased to say that nobody has died.. so no more obituaries!

Our vet Tuesday vet visit was an early one to avoid the heat

I spent yesterday afternoon at Sophia Gardens watching Archie play cricket..my first time at the ground, and what a fantastic spot it is. Tucked away beside the river, it looked especially good in the sunshine!

Rather expectedly, I bumped into Chris Coley, who, as many will know, is a devoted Gloucestershire supporter, so there was plenty of good-natured chat on the boundary.

Archie had a day to remember. Batting at number 11, he helped steady things with a record last-wicket partnership, finishing not out on 19. Then, just for good measure, he came on to take a couple of wickets too. All in all, a fun and memorable afternoon in the heat.

More records tumbled yesterday..Surrey scored 820 against Durham.. imagine being a bowler or fielder in that heat!

Wimbledon..Great day for English players

Paul and Eileen Martin was here mid morning to see his KBRS horses Percy Veering, Moon Rocket and Phantom Getaway.

Norman Carter called in late morning.. He and I are having lunch..

We have a runner tonight at Stratford. Shantou Express heads there and for our thoughts please click here.

A woman was in a jewellers admiring a big diamond ring.

As she leans down for a closer look a little farts slips out. Hoping nobody noticed she asks, "How much is that one?"

The jeweller says, "Madam, if you farted looking at it, you'll shit yourself when I tell you the price!"

Plus 18 and dry when driving in. Hottest day of the year today?

The great racehorse trainer Barry Hills died over the weekend, aged 88. There will be loads of wonderful tributes in all the papers.. And rightly so.

Barry was the most remarkable man..completely and utterly self-made. He started out as a stable lad and began training after a big successful punt, carving out a career that became the stuff of legend.

Barry was an extraordinary man to talk to, to spend time with. He was sharp, engaging, always immaculately dressed..he wouldn’t be seen without a tie. That kind of old-school elegance and discipline has influenced a generation of horsemen.

Those who worked for him learned an enormous amount. He was fun, he was driven, and he left a mark on the sport that won’t be forgotten. Barry trained over 3000 winners..

Our deepest thoughts and sympathies are with all his family.

US training legend D Wayne Lukas has died at the age of 89, less than a week after ending his phenomenal career due to a serious illness.

Further sad news, but in cricket.. Wayne Larkins has died.. What a player.. in every sense of the word..

Talking cricket.. England's womens team were well trounsed as India inflicted England's heaviest T20 defeat  with a comprehensive 97-run triumph at Trent Bridge.

The British and Irish Lions are up and running; eight tries scored, more than 50 points notched, some outstanding attacking rugby, and a satisfying, if imperfect, victory in Perth.

Lambourn achieves back to back Derby's.

80 years old and still rocking.. Rod Stewart..Thankfully it was not all about politics!

Monday morning brings a visit from David Shuttle and his brother in law David (From New Zealand) were here to see David's KBRS horses Does He Know, So You Know, Moon Rocket, Gatineau Park and Marsiac.

Wimbledon starts today.. sadly I failed in the ticket ballot! But thankfully it will be on TV..and today cooler ..

To finish.. Happy birthday to one of our most prolic KBRS supporters in John Lee.

I cannot believe so many people eat SPAM and still don't know what it stands for!

Old fashioned humour.

Plus 19 and dry when driving in.

Stunning evening at Sezincote.. Charity (Kate’s Home Nursing and the St. Vincent de Paul Society.) Committee Chairman was Gerard Nock and the evening was hosted and organised by Asad and Nicky Noorani, Stephen Lambert, Amanda Amies, Camilla Peake, Cathy Twiston-Davies and Richard Phillips who auctioned off some impressive lots.. All in all a fun night.

Tom Bellamy and Ciaran Gethings were in this morning.

Derek Eaton was here to see his KBRS horse Campaign Trail.

Lions against Western Force..Talking Australia.. Their cricketers beat the West Indies..In the first Test..

Time really does fly..hard to believe it's already been a year since Harry and India's wedding at St Enodoc Church.

A beautiful day in a beautiful setting, and one that feels like it only just happened. And now, as if the calendar wasn't busy enough, it's Archie's birthday too..so double celebrations are certainly in order!

An Irishman sees a job advert published on a building site, 'handyman wanted apply within'. So he does and speaks to the foreman.

Foreman: Can you drive a forklift truck?

Irishman: No

Foreman: Can you plaster?

Irishman: No

Foreman: Can you brick lay?

Irishman: No

Foreman: If you don't mind me asking, what's handy about you?

Irishman: I only live five minutes down the road.

Have a great weekend and see you on Monday..Wimbledon..

Plus 13 and dry when driving in.. we did have 3mm of rain overnight.

The Derby Sale certainly did not disappoint.. great trade.... and records broken.. again!  a staggering 38 horses made over 100k. 

Part 2 of the sale is today.. 

Mat was clearly out of bed early yesterday morning and wasted no time in striking early with Lot 226. A Poet’s Word Gelding out of Jezuki.. Bloodstock agent Kevin Ross helped Mat find this great looker who moves like a dream.. and the good news is that he’s been bought for an existing owner.. Exciting.

Later on in the day..Peter was gutted not to return with the half brother to the useful Moon Rocket.. He was always probably going to be too high a price..Peter tried but gave way before it hit the 180K mark..

30 Irish farmers called in this morning for a visit of Thorndale..Field Farm Tours..They might have hoped to see some horses but horses are few and far between just now as most are out at grass...

Irish farmers are never short of a tale or two themselves, so between our stories and theirs, the coffee was accompanied by plenty of laughter. A bit of good-natured Anglo-Irish racing banter, a walk around the yard and up the hill and a tale or two about heroic point-to-pointers or Cheltenham raids.

They were certainly good fun and I hope they enjoyed their jolly..and perhaps they’ll even go home with dreams of owning a future Festival winner trained at Thorndale.

Sam Liptrott and Ruth Bishop from Dodson and Horrell here late morning to discuss feed, sponsorship etc..

A first.. I have had to start feeding the horses out at grass as it has just not kept growing.. Sadly I am not alone as most trainers I have talked to are in the same boat.

Too soon? I am heading to Edgbaston on Wednesday.. will I see him.. probably not ..

Bruce Urquhart sent this one over..

Two Irish hunters from Belfast hired a pilot to fly them to Canada to hunt moose.

They bagged six.

As they started loading the plane for the return trip home, the pilot tells them the plane can take only three moose.

The two Irishmen objected strongly, stating, "Last year we shot six moose, and the pilot let us put them all on board and he had the same plane as yours."

Reluctantly, the pilot gave in and all six were loaded. Unfortunately, even on full power, the little plane couldn't handle the load and went down a few minutes after take-off.

Climbing out of the wreck, Paddy asked Mick, "Any idea where we are?"

Mick replied, "I think we're pretty close to where we crashed last year." 

To finish.. Happy birthday to my daughter Pandora.. As usual a busy day ahead for her!

Plus 17 and drizzling when driving in.

Day one of the Tattersalls Derby Sale, Day two today..

Willie Mullins was yesterdays big spender..

Mat and Peter are over at The Derby Sales....

Mat is like a child in a sweet shop when it comes to the sales..eyes wide, heart racing, and seemingly intent on buying every lot in sight. If you haven’t had a phone call from him trying to persuade you to invest in the next big thing, then frankly, you’re in a lucky minority.

The real joy, though, of heading over to Ireland for the sales is the remarkable hospitality/service laid on by Charles O’Neill and the team at the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Department. From the moment you land, they take charge..airport pickups, hotel bookings, ferrying you to and from the sales grounds—it’s all done with seamless efficiency and the sort of good humour the Irish do better than anyone.

It’s an outstanding service, run by a team who genuinely seem to enjoy every moment of it. Everything works, everyone smiles, and somehow it all feels like fun.

More sad news..

Very sad news reached us this week: Gillian Clough, one of the KBR syndicate members in Does He Know, has died suddenly.

Gillian has been with Does He Know from the very beginning.. a passionate supporter, a great enthusiast, and someone who absolutely loved her racing. Although she had a home in Cheltenham, she spent most of her time in Florida, she would cross the Atlantic whenever she possibly could to see him run. Nothing made her happier than being at the races, cheering him on with the rest of the team.

She was a much-loved part of our syndicate family..always positive, always smiling, and always asking after the horses. Her sudden loss has come as a real shock to us all, and she’ll be very sorely missed.

Our thoughts go out to her son Michael and daughter Sarah, and to those in the syndicate who knew her well. Gillian’s warmth and enthusiasm were infectious, and we’ll certainly be raising a glass to her next time Does He Know runs.

This is a staggering interview with BBC racing commentator John Hunt... John has spoken for the first time since the murder of his wife and two daughters, in July last year. It is a must read and watch.

Plus 17 and dry when driving in.

No jockeys in today.. not sure what their excuse is, although they did have a long lunch with John and Penny Perriss a couple of days ago!

Yesterdays visit to Sandra Steer-Fowler.. 'Young Blood, Flies, and a Fighter'....brought one of those quietly rewarding days..

First stop: the youngsters. Honestly, you couldn’t ask for a better quartet of stallions to sire a group of fillies ..two-year-olds and yearlings.. by Logician, Blue Bresil, Nathaniel, and Golden Horn. A cracking lineup, and it’ll be fascinating to watch how they develop.

The fields were alive, quite literally. The horses including English Willow were out grazing, doing battle with horseflies (par for the course at this time of year), but there was also the unexpected sight of a hornet harassing them.. nasty piece of work, and a first for me. Not something you want to see when you’re aiming for peaceful turnout!

And then came the moment that really mattered: seeing Trelawne at Molland Ridge Stud....After everything he’s been through, it was a genuine relief to see him on his feet, bright-eyed and perky.

It’s easy to forget that fields aren’t always the safe havens we like to imagine — Trelawne did his level best to seriously harm himself. Resulting in two weeks of intensive care in the local vets hospital.. he was in a real mess.. it was touch and go for a while, and now thankfully he is slowly but surely on the mend under the watchful eye of his adoring owner breeder Sandra and MRS's Jess Westwood..

There’s still a long road ahead, but the light is very much back at the end of the tunnel. Good to see. Really good.

Really sad news filtered through yesterday afternoon from Martin F-G that my good friend Charlie Dingwall had died. The dreaded C finally caught him.

Only a couple of weeks ago, I picked Charlie up and took him to John Kotler’s funeral. We spent some proper time together that day...talking, laughing, reminiscing. You’d never have thought it would be our last.

I’ve known Charlie a long time. In fact, I bought my first training yard in East Ilsley from him. That was the start of it. We’ve stayed firm friends ever since. He was a larger than life character in every sense, kind, always fun, and had a raucous laugh of somebody who just loved life and people. . A proper gentleman and in his day a good trainer. Charlie was also a farmer who was passionate about conservation and bizarrely loved black powder shooting..He always served good claret!

All our thoughts are very much with his family. I know how much he meant to them..and to so many of us in racing.

Headingley Magic... England at Their Best..

Well, I’ll be the first to admit it.. I got it all wrong. After the first day of that Headingley Test, I couldn’t see any way England were going to pull off a win. But cricket, as ever, has a glorious way of making fools of us all..and thank goodness for that.

What an extraordinary performance it turned out to be. England, under pressure, with their backs against the wall, turned it into one of the most thrilling and unlikely victories you’ll ever see. Test cricket at its absolute best.. full of drama, resilience, and good old-fashioned grit.

Now, it’s true that India dropping about 20 catches (give or take) did help just a touch.. but honestly, who cares? We’ll take it! That’s cricket: you ride your luck when it comes your way, and England did exactly that.

A great result, a great Test match, and proof once again that English cricket, when it clicks, is simply sensational. Roll on Edgbaston next week.. round 2..