News

Work steps up for early runners

The turf flat season starts at the end of the month and the yard hopes to have a few horses ready to go in the first couple of weeks.  These should include dual winner Flynn's Boy who worked well this morning with Conciliatory and Mirza on the Cambridge Road polytrack.  In the same lot Gaselee led the unraced Rose of Sarratt a swinging canter and Kalgoolie and Fully Armed took their turn to show off to owners Chris Mills, Derek Willis, Colin Murfitt and Eamonn Duggan.  We have had a few lovely days this week but are crying out for some rain so that we can get on the turf.

Flynn's Boy strikes again

This week has turned out a really good one for the yard with both runners, Storm Tide and Flynn's Boy, returning victorious.  They scored in similar fashion, both coming from behind, but the latter was rather further back in the closing furlongs and showed a great turn of foot to win by half a length, readily.  He is a rather green, inexperienced horse, but not many of those achieve form figures of 311 so all credit to him, he is certainly a trier and it looks like there could be more to come from him.  Robbie Mills did always say he could turn out to be the best horse Colin has bred, let's hope he does.  Well done to Colin, who was represented by sons Daniel and Russell today at Lingfield.

Storm Tide breaks her duck

It was great to see Adrian and Maggie Smith's Storm Tide winning at Kempton this evening under a hands and heels ride from Martin Lane.  Their homebred Tobougg filly had arrived late last year only to be struck down with a bad dose of the flu and therefore unable to run.  Poor little horse ran out of season and so has remained in training during the winter.  After an encouraging debut fourth for the yard at Lingfield, she ran well to finish third at Wolverhampton last week before really finding her stride in the final furlong at Kempton this evening.

Although it did not look the strongest race in the world, she was always travelling well mid field and Martin Lane picked his moment, hit the front just inside the final furlong and won by 3 lengths.  Provided the handicapper does not get carried away she ought to find another similar race within her grasp. Many congratulations to Adrian and Maggie and thank you for giving the yard our second winner of the year.

Update on remaining shares for sale

  • The shares are selling and only the following remain:
  • 50% of the Holy Roman Emperor - Dreams Come True filly at £7,500 + VAT; and
  • 75% (£7,500 + VAT) or shares of 25% or 50% in the Antonius Pius - Gavotte filly. 

    Both are cantering and doing everything nicely.  The Holy Roman Emperor is, as you would expect, looking like a two year old type; and (don't say we never told you) the Antonius Pius is going well.  Come along and have a look on a no obligation basis. To make a time please call Liz on 01638 661508 or Rae on 07711 301095.

    Flynn's Boy is first winner of 2011

    Colin Murfitt's homebred Tobougg gelding Flynn's Boy (named after his grandson) was a first winner of 2011 yesterday on the all weather surface at Southwell over seven furlongs.  Flynn's Boy was a late arrival last year, but has come on consistently, being third on his first start and winning second time up.  The handicapper ought not to be too harsh for this win as several of his opponents looked less than keen, and the horse himself ought to improve for racing.  This is the second winner Rae has trained for Colin out of his Danehill mare Bukhoor after Rescent.  Many congratulations to Colin.