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DECEMBER 2016 NEWSLETTER
Dear All
November was a very frustrating month. Far too many seconds and few enough winners.. That's life.
David Bass had a horror of a fall off Dueling Banjos when they raced at Ascot and as a result was kicked in the face. I cant say he looked his best after, but like all jockeys he took it well and was back in the saddle in 2 weeks. Tough breed?
Just a quick note on last weekend two big runners. Charbel was second to Altior at Sandown; Nicky Henderson believes Altior to be the best horse he has trained since the very recently retired Spinter Sacre .. Some compliment and what a lucky chap he is to be able to say that a month after his Champion Racehorse has retired.. Charbel is pretty good too.
The Last Samuri who was second in last seasons Crabbies Grand National ran his heart out again over those fences again when third, beaten a length at Aintree last weekend. What a star little horse, he is only 15.3 and tough as old boots and gave lumps of weight away to the winner and the second. He jumps those fences like a pony jumps cavaletti’s. We now dream about this seasons Randox Health Grand National in April.
Christmas is heading our way. Boxing Day is going to busy again providing we don't have a white Christmas.. unlikely?
Have a good one and we will see you in 2017
Have a very Happy Christmas from all here at Thorndale.
NOVEMBER UPDATE
November started with a good win from Patsys Castle at Newbury. David Bass’s shock tactics prompted a phone call from Gibraltar mid race from PC’s owner Phil Moorby asking what on earth was his horse doing out in front? Surely he cant make all.. He did.
Another fine ride from David Bass who again showed us all that he knew what he was doing.. David rides out here three days a week and it really is a case that he knows his horses and is prepared to do what he believes is right when the tapes go up.
Prize giving was good as not only did the sponsors give the owner, trainer and jockey a prize but they also gave the lad leading up and looking after PC a prize.. Liam Carter who was having his first days racing since he started working for us must now believe that all racecourses look after you like that.. sadly not!
Younevercall followed up at Kempton where he won as he liked. It was the first time that Younevercall has run over further than 2 miles so the step up in trip was good news.
Younevercall is owned by one of out KBR Partnerships and is managed by Peter Kerr. When Aiden Murphy and Kim bought him from Tom Lacey, Peter suggested that we should set up a partnership for him..
Peter did just that and his happy team of owners are John Battershall, Tim Craven, Mark Hudson, Allan Snow, Colin Stewart, Steve Winter and ex cricketers Nick Cook, Steve O’Shaughnessy and Graham Lloyd. Nick was responsible for persuading Steve and Graham to join.
Consistent was what Robin The Raven is, he added a one to his form figures of two seconds.
Delighted for his owners Richard Sheppard and John Webber. Robin was their first ever winner as owners, outside the KBRP horse Un Ace.
David Bass who rode Robin last time at Bangor and blamed himself for not being closer when second at Bangor and persuaded us that Robin would win a bumper.. So on his head be it.. he was proved right.
Aliandy is far from easy as he believes he is the fastest horses in the race but sadly he is not. Riding skills are about persuading your horse to do what you want, not the other way around.
David settled Aliandy right out at the back, and then gradually produced him through the field to win.. by a neck.. Delighted for his owners Andy and Ali Sulin.. sadly they could not be there.
Matt Lambert having his first winner as an owner was certainly a highlight for November.
Matt has been waiting a while for that illusive winner and it finally arrived when Trojan Star dug deep to hold on in a tight finish at Huntingdon under Tom Bellamy.
THE MONTH AHEAD
Cheltenham International Meeting – 9 & 10th December 2016
Even on a cold, crisp day in December, the magic remains with two days of the hottest Jump racing around. The season is in full swing, so The International offers a great opportunity to watch the stars of the sport compete at the Home of Jump racing.On Friday the feature race of the card is the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase, the finale of the Crystal Cup, a series of unique races across Europe which encaptures and celebrates the rich heritage of the sport.
The feature race of the fixture, after which it is named, is the StanJames.com International Hurdle, won last year by Old Guard.
32Red.com Winter Festival – Kempton 26 & 27th December 2016
The 32Red Winter Festival is a must for any jump fans during the festive season. Day one of the two day showpiece, on Boxing Day, features three Grade 1 races including the Festival's flagship race, the 32Red King George VI Chase - won by greats Desert Orchid, Best Mate, Kauto Star and, most recently, Cue Card.Gather friends and family at this festive time and head along for one of the biggest days of racing in the whole calendar with a whole host of star horses set to be on show from both the UK and Ireland.
popular, festive day out for all the family, the second day of the Festival, on 27th December 2016, stars two Grade 2 races and a host of competitive handicaps, always providing key clues for the rest of the National Hunt Season. There’ll also be a variety of free children’s entertainment available.