NEWMARKET

David Youngman swaps Newmarket for a grand day at Cheltenham

Dave Youngman with all the latest news from HQ

WITH the turf Flat season now finished the Jumps season is in full swing, and how a lot of you love it. Regular Racing Ahead reader Robert Jackson and his friends Simon Hollidge and Fabio Soares enjoyed yet another enjoyable October Cheltenham meeting.

Robert said: “It was the busiest we have ever seen it at the start of the season meeting for Cheltenham, despite the rather inclement weather. We had a fabulous time as always and it's amazing how much atmosphere the course creates, especially considering how vast it is.”

We were happy again to be joined by our Brazilian friend Fabio who flew in especially for the meeting from Costa Rica where he now resides.

Robert and Simon plan to visit Ludlow races soon, it will be their first visit to the course. They also enjoyed a week at the Kilarney Festival earlier this year.

“We love our National Hunt fixtures,” said Simon. “Rob and I have visited many over the years, with many more courses still to visit.”

HERE in Newmarket things are much quieter now the season has finished, most of the work is concentrated on the new yearlings that have been arriving at the various yards. Most trainers like to get them cantering before Christmas then leave them alone until February. Then it is all go getting ready for the new season, and what a season it promises to be with so much as yet unraced talent in our top stables. We look in for a great year in 2019.

AMY Murphy was delighted with the winning debut over fences recently of KALASHNIKOV at Warwick. All he thought about on his return to his stable was eating his dinner, he came out of the race extra well.

His next race could well be at Plumpton early this month, then a decision will be made as to whether he goes to Kempton at Christmas to run in the Wayward Lad Chase. If all goes to plan he will end up at the Cheltenham Festival in the Arkle come March.

I had the great pleasure of attending the Cartier Awards recently at the swanky Dorchester Hotel in London where John Gosden collected five prizes, including Horse Of The Year courtesy of ROARING LION. This horse has now retired to Tweenhills Stud in Gloucestershire and should have a good stud career ahead of him.

Former stable companion CRACKSMAN has settled in well at Dalham Hall Stud here in Newmarket, he will be a welcome addition to the stud owned by Sheikh Mohammed.

FINALLY, a big thank you to all of you for your most wonderful emails during this year saying how much you enjoy the magazine and my contribution.

I wish you all the most wonderful and happy Christmas and look forward to being back with you all in 2019. God Bless. daveyoungman@btinternet.com