Newmarket
Dave Youngman reports from headquarters
DaveYoungman reports from Racing Club HQ
FIRST, number four ULYSSES, what a great relief that was to me and my Racing Club Members at Sandown when the result of the photo finish was announced after the recent Eclipse, my members all had big bets at 8-1 riding on the result.The many top football players, past and present that are in my club had very big bets on the horse as I told them he had an outstanding chance in the race.
SIR Michael Stoute and the Freemason Lodge team have done a great job with the son of Galileo. Special mention must also go to Radka Hovadova, who looks after Ulysses.She joined the Stoute stable having previously been with trainer Hugo Palmer and is a valuable member of the staff. I hope you like this photo of me with Ulysses at his stable.He could go to York for the Juddmonte International or to Ireland for the Champion Stakes next but will hopefully end up at the Breeder’s Cup in Southern California at the Del Mar Racecourse in November.
GODOLPHIN have appointed James Cummings a their head trainer in Australia and Darren Beadman will be his assistant.James is the grandson of the legendary trainer Bart Cummings and he looks set for much success with so many high class horses under his care. He was recently here in Newmarket and I was lucky enough to get to chat to him on the gallops here at HQ, he is a very positive and impressive young man.
CRACKSMAN ran a fine race in the Irish Derby recently and John Gosden was very satisfied with the son of Frankel. He will in all probability contest the Voltigeur at York next month then be put away until next season. He is still a little immature but will be a stunning four-year-old.
TRAINER George Scott is soon getting married to owner Bill Gredley’s daughter Poppy, as a wedding present Bill Gredley plan to build a new 130-box yard for George to train from in Black Bear Lane here in Newmarket. He is a young trainer going places backed by some very enthusiastic owners. Tim Gredley, son of Bill, recently won the Newmarket Town Plate and is a firm friend of the trainer.
ANOTHER trainer, Martyn Meade, told me recently he plans to give EMINENT a nice break now until the Autumn and wait for some cut in the ground. He is still a little keen and still somewhat immature, he will stay in training next year as a fouryear-old and should be very useful next season.
MEANWHILE, Ed Vaughan was very impressed with the riding of 7lb claiming apprentice Finley Marsh when he won on STAINTON LASS for him recently. Finley is apprenticed to former top jockey Richard Hughes and agent Tony Hind is getting Finley plenty of good rides and he looks a fine riding prospect. Many of our HQ trainers will be putting up in future races.
SIR Mark Prescott was recently away attending the Bullfighting in Spain and told me he had a nice break and enjoyed himself. He has recently had a new office block and tack room built at Heath House Stables.Two horses he is keen to get into the winners enclosure are ANNA MEDICI and EASY WIND, both nice fillies, owned by Chris Jenkins and Neil Greig, both most loyal owners of the Prescott yard.
MUTAKKAYEF came back from his recent win at Ascot with a very swollen leg and has to have it scanned. Trainer William Haggas is hoping it go well but suspects it could be ligament problem around the base of the Sesamoid area of the leg. Hopefully he will make a good recovery.