My First Winner as a Fully-Fledged Trainer
It seems like many hundreds of years ago that I rode my first winner at Hereford on a funny, old, bad tempered friend of mine called Assured. On 14th October 2024, Hereford was the scene of another heartwarming first, when we sent out our first winner since I was granted a full public trainer’s licence a few weeks ago.
Smugglers Haven, who we spotted at the Cheltenham sale because of her similarities to the late, great Plaid Maid (mother of Carruthers, Coneygree and Flintham) came to us in the summer of 2023. She has needed extra care and attention because she was immature when she won her maiden point to point at four, and it has taken her some time and lots of TLC, to get over that exertion.
Although she still has some filling out to do, she has recently flourished, and with Lily having put the finishing touches to her jumping, she was able to gallop and jump the others into submission beating the heavily fancied favourite in the latest mares handicap hurdle at Hereford. Nico de Boinville, who rides our horses so well, gave her a great ride and agrees that we should have plenty to look forward to over fences as she strengthens and grows into her angular frame.
An Exciting Season
We have very few horses in the yard at the moment, but they all count. More can be expected from Batsman and we are excited about Mr Vango, Smugglers Haven and a new four year old called Kalipso His, whose syndicate you can find out about on our Mark Bradstock Racing Club page. We also have for sale, a stunning, well-bred four year old close relation of Champion hurdle winner Flakey Dove by Soldier of Fortune who has been given time to mature and has limitless potential. Please get in touch if you’d like to know more.
The quirky but talented Southfield Lily, our old friend Southfield Theatre (aged 17 in January) and Myth Buster in the point to point part of the yard, have won an incredible 27 races for us in recent seasons and should continue to win, although the old boy Southfield Theatre aka King Kev will be raced sparingly.
We are keenly looking to fill the empty boxes in both parts of the yard. Our gallops are second to none and our attention to detail has been proven to be effective at the highest level so please do enquire about having a horse in either yard. You will be made welcome at any time, and your horse will be looked after and trained with care, expertise and time that means that we can assure you that every athlete will get the chance to fulfil their potential.
National Hunt fans may like to know our old heroes, Coneygree, Step Back and Southfield Theatre are also on hand to offer the younger members of the herd their valuable advice!
