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Peter Kerr...

It is always difficult to know what to write without sounding a bit like Victor Meldrew having a rant. It so easy to complain about things but much harder to come up with solutions as Keir Starmer is now finding out. Not a pleasant welcome for him at Doncaster.

 

Looks like summer weather has finally arrived! Don’t know about you but this summer has simply passed me by, gone all too quickly. On the plus side it does mean the majority of our horses are all stepping up their training and will hopefully be appearing on the racecourse soon.

 

Another plus,  Slow Horses is back for another series, no it is not a series on our equine friends! It is well worth subscribing to Apple TV to watch, you will not be disappointed. Christmas is on the way with Strictly back on, some very funny lines from celebrities Chris McCausland and Wynne Evans in their introductory show.

 

As many of you know I run the in house syndicates at Kim Bailey Racing and have been running syndicates now for a good 30 years, originally on the flat with Peter Harris before joining up with Kim and Mat about 15 years ago.

 

During this time I have seen many changes within the industry the majority being positive, especially facilities for owners at the racecourse. I can remember the days when owners bars were probably the most dingy and smallest rooms at the course, where you were lucky enough to get a drink let alone something to eat! However, in recent years there has been a huge improvement with many courses understanding the need to make the experience for owners a good one, whether individual or part of a syndicate. One additional initiative that happens at some racecourses, that should apply to all, is a celebratory drink for placed horses not just the winners of the race, this is a very welcome feature.

 

Within racing there have been some excellent initiatives to promote racing and racehorse ownership. Racehorse Week being one that has been a huge success in attracting new owners and giving an insight on how our horses are looked after. On promoting racing I do think that perhaps too much emphasis is spent on trying to attract a younger audience. Yes it is important to appeal to the younger generation but not to the detriment of the demographic that are more likely to buy a horse or a share. I do worry that by trying to appeal to a younger audience by literally busing them into the racecourse for a massive “piss up”, though good for racecourse revenue, could drive away the demographic that are more likely to be racehorse owners.

 

Like many others I was drawn into racing at a young age through my parents and grandparents, whether watching on TV or attending trotting races, unfortunately Ffos Las wasn’t around when I was growing up otherwise I’m sure we would have attended. One of my fondest memories is sitting outside a bookies listening to the tannoy (no TV’s in those days) whilst my grandfather placed his bets.

So if we can make racing appealing to the more senior of us then they will bring the younger generation along. We need to reach out to parents to encourage them to bring their children racing, as many do not realise it is free for them.

 

We also need to stop the demonisation of gambling, so many companies now do not want to be associated with racing because of the negativity surrounding betting. The overwhelming majority of people who have a bet do not have an addiction problem. ITV are doing their best trying to appeal to a wider audience. However it seems the BBC have abandoned racing. I could not believe on Saturday night they did not mention the St Leger during their sports round up.

 

As I mentioned I am responsible for running the in house syndicates so it would be remiss of me not to promote our next horse that we are are syndicating called Name Me Nicely.

 

This attractive grey gelding is by Kingston Hill, winner of the St Leger and runner up in The Derby. One of the leading sires of 4 year old Irish Point winners. He is out of a Presenting mare, who has already produced a winner.

 

Name Me Nicely finished third on his only point run, looking very green when they quickened up but finished very strongly once the penny dropped and looks the type who will improve.

 

 At KBR we try and make your experience of ownership as easy and hassle free as possible, we take care of all the administration (of which there is much!) so you can just concentrate on your horse.There is no greater feeling than cheering your horse home, the adrenaline rush is simply overwhelming.

 

There have been many syndicate successes during my time with KBR starting with the very first horse I syndicated with Kim, Midnight Haze, who won 4 times and gave his owners an unbelievable day out at Aintree when he ran and completed the Grand National, he also finished sixth at the Cheltenham Festival.

 

I still to this day can’t believe Grade 2 winner and Grade 1 placed Vinndication didn’t win there when in front jumping the last, it was a huge effort under top weight. Younevercall won 2 Grade 2 races at Sandown and if it wasn’t for Covid would have made it 3, he also ran a great race in the World Hurdle at Cheltenham. Does He Know has been an absolute star to be involved with, yes he has his quirks and can’t go round the parade ring but on the track he is a legend. He has won 4 times at Cheltenham and has earned enough prize money each year to more than cover his training fees every season. 

 

So if you like the idea of being involved in our new syndicate then please give me a call now on 07901763643 or email peter@kimbaileyracing for further information on this exciting prospect.

 

To finish, we have one runner today at Newton Abbot.Lady Gwen heads there an for our thoughts please click here