Jumping string starting to reappear at Dodlands

And what a fantastic spell the jumpers have enjoyed at grass. Most were out in the field from May onwards, so we've been bring the early ones back into the yard. Last week Big Bad Dream, Eternally Yours and Keyboard Gangster re-joined, followed by Side of the Road, Paper Promise and Baby Ticker.

We're across the water in Eire this coming week, but as soon as we get back Stainsby Girl, Dali Mail and The Boo Box will be collected.
Which leaves a quartet of Danced Every Dance, Paper Roses and a couple of unraced youngsters to return at the end of the month.

We measure our season as August - July (well, it made sense at some point....), so look out for 2017-18 Review (with some eye catching statistics) and 2018-19 Season Preview articles in the next couple of week. Oh, and our Tatts Ire Sales Review too.

Across the Sea on Monday.......

For our annual pilgrimage to the Tattersalls Ireland NH August Store sales, which this year is to be held over 3 days, Tuesday to Thursday, with 800 lots.

The regular group is joined this year by 4 or 5 more owners from the yard - so there may be sparks flying at the auction should the right horse be available at the right price.
We've done quite well with purchases in recent years, the likes of Paper Promise, Paper Roses, Big Bad Dream and Keyboard Gangster spring to mind. The youngsters acquired last year - a Getaway filly and an Arakan gelding - have also pleased us in the initial work and both will be expected to run towards the end of the year.

So, keep a look out for the returns (via the sales website above) to see how we've done, or if you can't be bothered but still interested then full details (maybe some photos) will be provided next weekend.
And even if your not interested, full details will still be published at this very website next week.

Tatts Ire (2014) sales purchase Keyboard Gangster - dual hurdles winner in 2018

New Maiden Hurdle races

As a trial in the autumn, the BHA are introducing 5 Maiden Auction Hurdle Races.

The principle is to provide an opening for horses that enables them to run without bumping into expensive purchases.
Specifically, these races are eligible for horses which have not run in a Flat race and have been sold at auction (up until 30th October 2018) for a price of £30,000 or less.

Full marks to our local course Kelso, who have planned one of these races (over 2 miles) on their card on 9th December.

We've got a yard full of qualifiers, so we'll see who is the most forward of the bunch come December, and have a go!

Paper Promise & Dali Mail - couple in mind for the new auction hurdles races

And finally......

Now when it comes to post race entertainment, we're firmly in the camp of 'well, that should make clearing the car park easier'.

I mean, the latest boy band, another (yawn) tribute act, Simon what'sface's current marketing tool.................really?

I did sit up upon reading today's RP that Lingfield had been let down by the cancellation of Paloma Faith (okay, better than the norm.....) as the act to complete the Saturday evening at a rare turf fixture at the course tonight.
Apparently though,  the course executive moved swiftly to book a replacement........none other than Nile Rodgers and Chic!

That'll be Nile Rodgers - American record producer, songwriter, musician, composer, arranger and guitarist, as well as Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, receiver of Musical Excellence Award, chairman of the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

A bit like a nomination agreement to Camelot falling though, but getting Galileo for the same price..........

Nile's been a legend since the 1970s, and is a rhythm guitar maestro.

Good Times indeed, now if the Kelso executive could have a word and Nile were to bring along Sister Sledge to the September extravaganza, we'd be there in spades.