31st December 2015
The final day of the year and the last runner in Clodianna
She ran a very brave race last time, only to be denied right on the line by a horse that was going nowehere all race. That was her first attempt at 7f, and it seemed to suit her. Today we try without the hood as it can annoy her at home on occasions. She has to carry 2lbs extra for running so well, and the obvious danger is Mostashreqah, who led from the front over 8f, and didn't last home. It is likely that this will make the running, as that has been her run style and is a favoured tactic of that yard, especially now she is back down to 7f.
Its been a wonderful year for the yard with 48 winners and over one million pounds in prize money for the owners for the 5th successive season, which is a great result.
There were some obvious highlights and the return of Al Kazeem for another season, and his magnificient results, were most satisfying for all of us involved here. Having made a remarkable comeback from stud duty last year, finishing second in the Champion Stakes, he started off early in the year winning the G2 Prix D'Harcourt and being second in the Prix Ganay G1. The highlight of his year was the return to Ireland where he beat 3 horses in the Tattersalls Gold Cup G1 that would go on to make major impacts on the racecourse for the rest of year. In beating Postponed (King George and Foy), Fascinating Rock (Champions Stakes) and The Grey Gatsby (2nd Eclipse, 2nd Duty Free, 2nd Prince of Wales) it highlighted that he went out right at the top, and I can't think of a horse that has come back at the same level as before going to Stud and won a G1. He deserves a lot of credit for this feat.
Just when one star was retiring a new kid on the block appeared and made a massive impact at Royal Ascot. A lot had been said before about Time Test and the ability he had from early in his 2yo career. He showed what we had been hoping for in obliterating his opposition in the Tercentenary G3. His time was electric and we look forward to seeing him back on fast ground, which he has had on a very few occasions in his life. It was nice to see him pick up the Nayef Joel Stakes G2 at the end of the year. He is a horse who is maturing all the time and we look forward to taking him back to Royal Ascot next June.
Quest for More made great strides all year, starting on a handicap mark of 90, winning two big handicaps, including the hugely valuable and prestigious Northumberland Plate. The improvement did not stope there, as he went on to be second in the valuable Goodwood Cup G2, before running a valiant race in the Melbourne Cup G1 in Australia, which was a great experience for all involved. He will be back next season and will be aimed at all the obvious staying races. He wants fast ground.
Temptress was well bought at 15k, and has been a great success. Her 1/4 length defeat in the Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot was agonising as she scythed through the other 29 runners from a horrible draw. She did win a big handicap for her owners and she has now been retired to stud.
Star FIre with 4 wins for her owners, made great strides all year, Huntsmans Close produced it on a big day at Windsor, Suffused made wonderful progress and heads to the US to continue her career, whilst Projection and Acolyte were wonderfully consistent all year. McCreery looked hugely progressive could make a big impact in Australia for his new connections.
We had some nice back end 2yo winners, have some potentially nice unraced 2yos to run, and have a lovely looking collection of Yearlings to look forward to.
Here is to hoping that the yard can have another great year in 2016.
Happy New Year