Our First Runner & Pleasing Progress
Hi All,
A somewhat memorable week!
We start the week at Charlock Stud, where we popped over to see the youngsters, all of whom continue to progress really well.
Emma, our Tirwanako filly, is developing beautifully. With several horses having recently headed off to trainers and sales, there are currently only three youngsters left in their huge field, but they are certainly making the most of the space. Her winter coat is coming through now, making her wonderfully fluffy, and she thoroughly enjoyed all the attention, in fact, she almost demanded it! She is a lovely filly that we think very highly of.
Her paddock companion and absolute best friend, Pam, is also relishing the space and, as you can see, thoroughly enjoys bath time! She is still growing and is going to make quite an imposing horse. She's a big, strong filly with plenty of bone and is very well put together. Conformationally, she is an excellent specimen, and her temperament is first class. We couldn't be happier with where she is in her development.
Paul is growing into a really big, muscular horse. He now stands at 15.3hh and has started to fill out, perhaps in preparation for another growth spurt! He has continued enjoying time in his stable, where he has struck up a good friendship with the colt next door, while also making the most of his time out in the field, which he's clearly a fan of. We'll give him another few months to mature and strengthen further before he is gelded and begins the breaking-in process.
Over at Kingwood House Stables, Maisie, our Blue Bresil filly, has been enjoying the final stages of her break. Katie sent some photographs across for members during the week and she looks absolutely fantastic. She is due to begin pre-training shortly, and we'll take our time to ensure she is given every opportunity to develop correctly. The plan is for her to spend some time at Lew House Stables for her introduction to jumping before eventually heading to Seven Barrows to join Nicky Henderson OBE. Our aim is to have at least one run into her toward the latter part of the season.
At Ravenswell Farm, Ellie has continued to impress with how well she has taken to resuming cantering work. We gave her a short break recently to allow her more time to strengthen up, and that decision now appears to be paying dividends. She is back cantering on the round gallop, completing five laps comfortably, and the team are extremely pleased with her progress.
We will continue to take our time and not overdo things, but hopefully it won't be too long before we see her on a racecourse.
Most of the action this week has centred around Cottage Field Stables, where Tom Lacey gave Freya her first two race entries.
The original plan had always been to start over two miles, with a view to stepping up in trip later in the season. However, we entered her in races over both distances as the unusually warm weather has resulted in several highly regarded two-mile hurdlers remaining in training longer than normal, making the novice hurdles particularly competitive. With no significant rain forecast in the near future, we felt it was important to take our chance while conditions suited.
The Southwell race looked exceptionally competitive, so we decided to swerve that option and deviate slightly from our original plan by opting for the 2m4½f Maiden Hurdle at Plumpton on Monday. There are three horses in the field that are very highly regarded, but we're hopeful Freya will enjoy her Rules debut in a smaller field and, most importantly, come home safe and sound.
Needless to say, tomorrow is a huge day for everyone connected with Emris Racing, as our colours will be carried on a racecourse for the very first time.
I'm travelling down to Plumpton this evening and have a hotel booked nearby, although I'm almost certain I won't manage a wink of sleep! It's a moment we've all been looking forward to for a very long time.
Looking ahead, along with Plumpton we are hoping to visit both Maisie and Ellie next week and we look forward to bringing you another update next week!
Until next time!
