The good thing with this job is that there is always something to do! So although lots of holiday makers now, with Thomas Crapper and Atherstone Hill joining those already out, plenty of running around and general 'stuff' to get on with!
The weather still not great as although dry, its still very cold, and they are all still having rugs on to start their break - ridiculous considering its nearly June! On the plus side there is lots of grass so they are all looking well.
A few to the vets on Monday for some end of season/beginning of season jobs - all good and all back home again now. Plus Graham here the same day for some of the same! Its also flu jab time - can't afford to get those wrong!
Russian Romance to Towcester for her first run over fences - two miles a bit short for her but she jumped well to finish fifth.
Unforgettable went home to John Rogers on Tuesday for his summer hols - still smiling about his Huntingdon win!
An early call to Towcester on Tuesday with Kitegen and Pie Poudre, both went well, and a good effort from Richards Whiteheads' niece, Claire and Robert Cockerall, both of whom were there to watch the action.
Thursday saw 6 away to gallop, Nicks Power, Dans Martha, Cydonia, Pie Poudre,Kitegen and Lady Valtas, all went well and the ride in the lorry doing the buzzier ones a lot of good.
Young Lou to Newbury on Friday, a very big question for her in a listed race, and although last to finish she ran well and is now handicapped. She will win her races and is an exciting prospect to go hurdling.
Pie Poudre's owners here to see him on Saturday morning. Robert Cockerall has been part of the team for several years now, but Tony and Simon Wadley and David Busby are new members so we welcome them and hope to have lots of luck for them. Charlie schooled him and he looks to be making the transition to a NH horse well, coping with everything asked of him.
A particular big thank you to farrier Spud Allison who helped us out with a replacement shoe on Saturday morning - (Arlo away, and horses do pick their moments to pull a shoe off just as owners about to walk into the yard!)
A quiet weekend which made a nice change - AS levels in full flow so eventing on hold and no runners, so time for domesticity - hope it doesn't last too long!
Laidback Leo just picked up for his summer break by Nat Jameson in her very smart new lorry - travelling in style!
Some of the troops on holiday this week. Darren having a well earned week off, and Casey also away.
Fred had his first rides in point to points this week - and by all accounts LOVED it!
Towcester tomorrow evening with virtually everything we have in - its going to be a busy night!
Apologies for the next paragraph, which I have to include here, for reasons that will become apparent as I go on!
A rather sad anonymous letter tendering some general abuse arrived in the post today. Personally I think if someone has something to say it would be rather better to come out and say it face to face rather than send a frankly, libellous letter. So if the person who sent it would like to contact me my number is 07979518594 - I suspect my phone won't ring!
Monday, 21 May 2012
Thursday, 10 May 2012
EXCITING NEWS!
A NEW RACING PARTNERSHIP
We are setting up what will be an exciting new racing partnership & hope that you may be interested in joining, or could pass the word onto any friends who might like to get involved.
We currently have two partnerships that are looking for a new horse and have decided to amalgamate the two and to run the partnership in a slightly different way.
The new partnership will involve a new horse, a new name and new colours, and has room for a few new partners.
The following will give you an outline into the way we see things running.
We are looking for about 20 members (just a few spaces left) - each member paying £2,000 for the year giving the partnership £40,000 to start the ball rolling.
The horse will be purchased by Robin spending no more than the amount agreed by the partnership (to a maximum of £25,000 ) it will be a quality horse that will be preferably proven, either from running in point to points or on the flat, or possibly a forward type that will be ready to run within a couple of months.
The remaining money will cover the years fully inclusive training fee (as we do currently with the monthly payment) At the end of the agreed period, (1or 2 years or whatever the new partnership agree on) the horse will be sold at the sales unless, 80% of the members of the partnership agree to keep the horse for another period.
The following years training fee would be agreed on prior to the start of the partnership, but would be dependant on whether the horse was sold or not and how many member are in the group.
Prize money will be divided between members at the end of the year, as will any surplus funds.
One badge per share on racedays.
Yard visits at any time by prior arrangement
If you are interested, we would like you to be fully involved in the setting up of this new partnership & would welcome any input, ideas or requests that you might have. So that we can get up and going quickly, there will be an informal meeting at the Bell Alderminister next Tuesday evening the 15th May at 7.30pm meeting to start at 8pm.
Do feel free to give us a call with any questions or points that you might to want to raise. Claire is on 07979518594 or email claire@robindickinracing.org.uk
Wednesday, 9 May 2012
As you can see from the photos last week, (see diary page on website!) it has been a tad wet, and the week kicked off with an evacuation from the meadow as the river looked as if was about to burst its banks! Eight horses down there all pretending they had gone feral was quite entertaining as we tried to avoid getting flattened & then they tried to break the land speed record when we let them go in the park! Fun Fun Fun!!
The river duly flooded in the night so it was just as well they were on higher ground!
Graylyn Amber home to Graham & Lynne Knights' for the summer at the beginning of the week, and plenty of flood water in evidence on the way there. We swapped Amber with Graylyn Ruby who has been at home recovering from a leg injury picked up at Taunton eighteen months ago. Lovely to have him back and all credit to Graham, as all the TLC has hopefully paid off, and the leg looking good.
Atherstone Hill running at Southwell - very slowly! Not sure what was going on - soft ground? something brewing? Finished fourth but beaten a long way.
Lady Valtas to Lingfield on Thursday and although last to finish ran OK & behaved very well, which was a big step forward as she has had 'issues' with the stalls in the past.
Graham Potts here to do his weekly visit on Thursday, and doing a bit more than Darren who was laid low with a horrible bug. Think the water had reached places that it was not wanted! Either than or he had looked at the weather forecast!
After over 7 months in his box it was great - although rather nerve wracking - to finally get Ballyhooley Boy into the field. He is chuffed to be out, although not deadly impressed with the weather. The other holiday makers have all got rugs on, which is unbelievable for May. Restless Harry can't understand why he's not running in it!
A new face in the yard yesterday with Pie Poudre arriving for a new partnership who all live fairly locally. Welcome to them and hope that we can have plenty of luck for them, although we are going to spend a bit of time assessing the horse before he will be seen on a track.
The usual summer jobs slightly on hold as you can't paint wet fences, and stables all full of faces waiting to go on holiday, but not fancying the cold & wet! Summer will arrive in due course & no doubt we will all be moaning about hose pipe bans again.
The river duly flooded in the night so it was just as well they were on higher ground!
Graylyn Amber home to Graham & Lynne Knights' for the summer at the beginning of the week, and plenty of flood water in evidence on the way there. We swapped Amber with Graylyn Ruby who has been at home recovering from a leg injury picked up at Taunton eighteen months ago. Lovely to have him back and all credit to Graham, as all the TLC has hopefully paid off, and the leg looking good.
Atherstone Hill running at Southwell - very slowly! Not sure what was going on - soft ground? something brewing? Finished fourth but beaten a long way.
Lady Valtas to Lingfield on Thursday and although last to finish ran OK & behaved very well, which was a big step forward as she has had 'issues' with the stalls in the past.
Graham Potts here to do his weekly visit on Thursday, and doing a bit more than Darren who was laid low with a horrible bug. Think the water had reached places that it was not wanted! Either than or he had looked at the weather forecast!
After over 7 months in his box it was great - although rather nerve wracking - to finally get Ballyhooley Boy into the field. He is chuffed to be out, although not deadly impressed with the weather. The other holiday makers have all got rugs on, which is unbelievable for May. Restless Harry can't understand why he's not running in it!
A new face in the yard yesterday with Pie Poudre arriving for a new partnership who all live fairly locally. Welcome to them and hope that we can have plenty of luck for them, although we are going to spend a bit of time assessing the horse before he will be seen on a track.
The usual summer jobs slightly on hold as you can't paint wet fences, and stables all full of faces waiting to go on holiday, but not fancying the cold & wet! Summer will arrive in due course & no doubt we will all be moaning about hose pipe bans again.
Thursday, 3 May 2012
Tuesday, 1 May 2012
The End of Another Season
Brace yourselves as this could be a long one!
2011/2012 - another season over.
This was always going to be a tricky season for us as we had a lot of youngsters to introduce to the game and several of our 'big guns' out of action for various reasons. Although not much sub zero weather we had many plans thwarted with firm ground in February & March (sounds mad doesn't it?)
However we ended up with some pretty good stats!
12 winners jumping, 3 on the flat - (in my book that's 15 for the season!) 15 seconds (it felt like more), 20 thirds, 10 fourths. Including the flat prize money we won over £100,000 in prize money for our wonderful owners. All in all not at all a bad tally.
Plenty of highlights & plenty of frustrations & also a few really low moments, but when you look at the big picture a good year. We welcomed several
new owners to the team and also saw the return of some old friends - great to
have so much support.
Jacarado starting the ball rolling at Towcester right at the beginning of the season, when he won his last race - retiring on a big high.
Restless Harry the star of the big stage winning two grade two hurdles - the Rendlesham showing what grit he is made of when battling out a hard fought victory in heavy ground. Autumm Spirit the top girl with two great wins which would have been three without a landing gear malfunction at the last at Kempton when going for her hat trick.
Cydonia stormed home to win a bumper at Huntingdon, Atherstone Hill had
a great victory at Warwick, Drom won two races in three days, Raphiell came back from injury to win at Southwell, Nicks Power & Unforgettable gave us a great two days with back to back victories all making plenty of people very happy. The Absent Mare proved to be a revelation with three visits to the number one spot (it should have been more with two dubious seconds due to jockey malfunction!) proving we can do it under both codes!
Dance for Livvy ran some great races to be second as did Playing With Fire, and Thomas Crapper making me smile just thinking about him! Valrene finishing third at 200/1 (no one backed her!) Old Kathleens Pride gave us
much pleasure in finishing third and fourth after nursing him back to health. All part of the story of the season.
Plenty of babies now handicapped and plenty to look forward to in horses such as Laidback Leo, Gannaway Bay, Scarlett O'Tara, Lady Valtas, Dans Martha, Ripoff, Kaduna & the like.
Young Lou & Graylyn Valentino have been revelations on the flat & will sustain us through the summer months, along with Guns Of Love who has missed a fair chunk of the winter.
The downs always hand in hand with the ups. Tom O'Tara frustratingly missing most of the action with a series of niggles, Rothres back to the fray full of promise only to go wrong again. The really bad bits were losing Go On Paddy Jo in his first run. Roxane Bruer ( star in every run without getting her nose in front) lost her life to colic & Top Rose who died after an accident in the field.
However plenty of blessings to count, with the likes of Ballyhooley Boy who although not able to run after a life threatening injury,but who is now fully recovered and an exciting horse for next season. Apologies if I have missed anyone out! Not intentional!
We could not do it all without our wonderful team, and an interesting take on their good & bad bits - Darren's favourite moment was riding in the charity
race & raising so much money for the air ambulance (thank you again for all the cheques!).
Aarons' predictably, was having his first ride on Guns Of Love. Fred said he just enjoyed the whole thing (although I suspect that Thomas Crapper proving to be a star in the making was right up there!). Holly being Harry's right hand woman was an easy choice, & Badger was pretty thrilled with Atherstone Hill at Warwick! Casey was miffed that Jack led up a winner before him, & Rachel said it was an easy choice and it was seeing her broken ones get better (the worst was getting anything to replace them!) Lou forgave Young Lou for breaking her shoulder when she ran so well at Newbury!
On a personal level all the winners were fantastic ( apologies for being so embarrassing when they are coming up the run in!) as were many of the seconds, (even though I whinge about them) and every horse getting back safely! But probably the best moment was not having a dead husband! Robin is well on the way to making a full recovery so we have much to be thankful for in that department, and thank everyone for their support through a particularly difficult couple of months.
We are all looking forward to the coming season although our attempts at runners so far have been drowned! Plenty of the big guns will be back in action next winter & we have a strong looking team for the season. We have some exciting plans afoot - more of which at a later date.
We would like to thank you all for all of your support, encouragement and mostly for sending us your lovely horses to train.
Bring on the new season!
Thursday, 26 April 2012
Not the best week we've ever had - but highlighted by the arrival of two new horses after the Cheltenham sales on Wednesday.
The sale was an amazing affair with no signs of recession during the bidding and horses making serious money. The top lot making £310,000 had us all sitting firmly on our hands! Richard Whitehead & nephew-in -law Martin, joined by Jo Stainer & Chris & Liz Whithead & Team Dickin at a table courtesy of Brightwells - thank you Matt Mitchell - excellent dinner.
Our hopes of finding a special but affordable horse were fast disappearing with every mouthful, but happily when we got to lot 49 that changed and the hammer went down on a very nice 6 year old by Milan - a half brother to Cydonia. He was followed by a completely different but equally nice Kings Theatre 5 year old.
They both came home that night (having taken the chance of going in the lorry) and were very glad to get into their beds at eleven thirty! We were still buzzing and it was hard to get to sleep even though pretty exhausted!
The high of the sale was tempered the next day by a very sad loss to the team. Poor Roxane Bruer twisted a gut and despite an emergency trip to the vets and everyones' best efforts we were unable to save her. A tragic loss of a filly we were all very fond of and who although no world beater always gave her all and was rarely out of the first four. Our condolences to Reg & Denise and the rest of the Spike Jones partnership. Thanks to all the team at Three Counties for their efforts.
Dance For Livvy at Kempton last Tuesday & not really facing up to the blinkers & running no sort of race for her. Home fine so a 'drawing board' moment for her! Nothing insurmountable & she will be better next time.
Newbury & Southwell on Friday. Young Lou in a hot maiden & there for the experience - we thought! Much to everyone's delight she ran a blinder to finish fifth only beaten six lengths - brilliant for Cliff, Brian & their team as they bred YL - her mum is Wanna Shout who won several races for us, and her dad is Kadastrof so a really family affair all round. Thrilled with her. The Absent Mare hating the soft conditions.
Southwell also suffering from a deluge & Ripoff, although running well for a long way, also getting bogged down! It must be summer as the ground is heavy! The same story at Nottingham on Saturday night for Graylyn Valentino who also ran very well but found the conditions too testing as did Raphiell at Stratford.
Drom ran OK to finish fourth last night at Towcester, although he continues to play 'fence football' with some of the obstacles! He shot up the handicap after his last win, and has found things a bit tougher so a drop of a few pounds would not hurt.
All home safely and no doubt it will dry out again soon although the weather forecast for the next few days also has a lots of rain drops on it!
We have delayed turning out some of the holiday makers as its so foul, with the exception of old Jacarado who has gone off to join Henry the hunter who refuses to stay in a field on his own. Large rug instead of bucket & spade this year, but he looks very happy to be out!
Ballyhooley Boy back to the yard after a month or so in a big barn at Brick Kiln Stud. As soon as conditions allow he is heading for the field which is both pleasing and a bit nerve wracking after his life threatening injury. Its eight months now & touch wood all looking OK. He looks rather tubby after his enforced rest but very well and can't wait to get him back into action next season!
The end of this season on Saturday (can't believe it) and the start of the new on Sunday - no time to pause for breath! A good season for us in many ways, but also some frustrations - a trawl through the highlights next week!
The sale was an amazing affair with no signs of recession during the bidding and horses making serious money. The top lot making £310,000 had us all sitting firmly on our hands! Richard Whitehead & nephew-in -law Martin, joined by Jo Stainer & Chris & Liz Whithead & Team Dickin at a table courtesy of Brightwells - thank you Matt Mitchell - excellent dinner.
Our hopes of finding a special but affordable horse were fast disappearing with every mouthful, but happily when we got to lot 49 that changed and the hammer went down on a very nice 6 year old by Milan - a half brother to Cydonia. He was followed by a completely different but equally nice Kings Theatre 5 year old.
They both came home that night (having taken the chance of going in the lorry) and were very glad to get into their beds at eleven thirty! We were still buzzing and it was hard to get to sleep even though pretty exhausted!
The high of the sale was tempered the next day by a very sad loss to the team. Poor Roxane Bruer twisted a gut and despite an emergency trip to the vets and everyones' best efforts we were unable to save her. A tragic loss of a filly we were all very fond of and who although no world beater always gave her all and was rarely out of the first four. Our condolences to Reg & Denise and the rest of the Spike Jones partnership. Thanks to all the team at Three Counties for their efforts.
Dance For Livvy at Kempton last Tuesday & not really facing up to the blinkers & running no sort of race for her. Home fine so a 'drawing board' moment for her! Nothing insurmountable & she will be better next time.
Newbury & Southwell on Friday. Young Lou in a hot maiden & there for the experience - we thought! Much to everyone's delight she ran a blinder to finish fifth only beaten six lengths - brilliant for Cliff, Brian & their team as they bred YL - her mum is Wanna Shout who won several races for us, and her dad is Kadastrof so a really family affair all round. Thrilled with her. The Absent Mare hating the soft conditions.
Southwell also suffering from a deluge & Ripoff, although running well for a long way, also getting bogged down! It must be summer as the ground is heavy! The same story at Nottingham on Saturday night for Graylyn Valentino who also ran very well but found the conditions too testing as did Raphiell at Stratford.
Drom ran OK to finish fourth last night at Towcester, although he continues to play 'fence football' with some of the obstacles! He shot up the handicap after his last win, and has found things a bit tougher so a drop of a few pounds would not hurt.
All home safely and no doubt it will dry out again soon although the weather forecast for the next few days also has a lots of rain drops on it!
We have delayed turning out some of the holiday makers as its so foul, with the exception of old Jacarado who has gone off to join Henry the hunter who refuses to stay in a field on his own. Large rug instead of bucket & spade this year, but he looks very happy to be out!
Ballyhooley Boy back to the yard after a month or so in a big barn at Brick Kiln Stud. As soon as conditions allow he is heading for the field which is both pleasing and a bit nerve wracking after his life threatening injury. Its eight months now & touch wood all looking OK. He looks rather tubby after his enforced rest but very well and can't wait to get him back into action next season!
The end of this season on Saturday (can't believe it) and the start of the new on Sunday - no time to pause for breath! A good season for us in many ways, but also some frustrations - a trawl through the highlights next week!
Sunday, 15 April 2012
Sadly not another second to add to our tally on Thursday. Harry coping with the buzz at Aintree in commendable fashion, arriving to music & helicopters overhead did not fill Holly & myself with confidence, but a nice quiet corner of the stable yard helped a lot. He looked fantastic and behaved impeccably in the preliminaries - the plan in the race to stalk Big Bucks. All went according to plan until going down the back second time when Harry made a rare error and took off a bit far from the hurdle, clipped the top rail and hit the deck - hard. A few minutes of nightmare followed as we could not see whether either he or Charlie had got up.
Happily, after us ageing about ten years in as many seconds, Harry was spotted galloping up the national track. A shout from Holly resulted in a quick 9o degree turn and he came straight to us! Relief. A lot of green stains showed us what a battering he had taken, but thankfully looked none the worse for wear.
Charlie eventually came hobbling back looking as if he too had taken quite a kicking, but walking wounded, so much to be thankful for!
Both pretty sore the next day but arnica & ice are a wonderful help, and both looking happier after the weekend.
The National meeting once again full of controversy after the loss of Synchronised & Accordingtopete. Our sympathies to connections of both horses & of course congratulations to Paul for an exciting victory which sealed the championship for him as well. Some marvellous racing as well which should not be forgotten in the fallout from the big race itself. More change probably afoot - personally think its a no brainer - not so much the fences as far too many runners, if the field size was reduced to thirty & the run to the first shorter it would help enormously. Less runners would reduce the nonsense at the start with jockeys wanting to get out of the gate first so that they can actually see the first fence and the early break neck speed would be reduced.
Chepstow on Saturday with Gannaway Bay having his second run in the bumper. He travelled well for a long way, just got a bit tired up the straight. He is still on the weak side but is a lovely type and will be a fun horse for the future. You could do a lot worse than a share in him if you are thinking of getting involved. Details on the horses for sale section of the website.
A lovely sunny morning today but cold. Happily some rain forecast over the next few days.
Happily, after us ageing about ten years in as many seconds, Harry was spotted galloping up the national track. A shout from Holly resulted in a quick 9o degree turn and he came straight to us! Relief. A lot of green stains showed us what a battering he had taken, but thankfully looked none the worse for wear.
Charlie eventually came hobbling back looking as if he too had taken quite a kicking, but walking wounded, so much to be thankful for!
Both pretty sore the next day but arnica & ice are a wonderful help, and both looking happier after the weekend.
The National meeting once again full of controversy after the loss of Synchronised & Accordingtopete. Our sympathies to connections of both horses & of course congratulations to Paul for an exciting victory which sealed the championship for him as well. Some marvellous racing as well which should not be forgotten in the fallout from the big race itself. More change probably afoot - personally think its a no brainer - not so much the fences as far too many runners, if the field size was reduced to thirty & the run to the first shorter it would help enormously. Less runners would reduce the nonsense at the start with jockeys wanting to get out of the gate first so that they can actually see the first fence and the early break neck speed would be reduced.
Chepstow on Saturday with Gannaway Bay having his second run in the bumper. He travelled well for a long way, just got a bit tired up the straight. He is still on the weak side but is a lovely type and will be a fun horse for the future. You could do a lot worse than a share in him if you are thinking of getting involved. Details on the horses for sale section of the website.
A lovely sunny morning today but cold. Happily some rain forecast over the next few days.
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