Fruity, Waikiki and Ruby are just three of group’s favourites
Over the years, there have been plenty of horses carrying the syndicate’s colours, but we asked about a few favourites.
And one of their most famous has strong links to Fontwell Park.
“Fruity O’Rooney was amazing – he actually came from Philip Hide,” said Eloise Adamski. “He was riding out for Peter Winkworth. Peter was retiring and Philip gave us the nod and said there was a horse that he’d ridden and schooled – who had won once – and he said, ‘in time – he could be a good syndicate horse for you’.
“He was the definition of the perfect syndicate horse – he was gutsy, tried hard and throughout his racing career he never had an injury. He had a touch of colic, which righted itself in the horsebox on the way to the vets.
“He did just start to go a little bit more to his right, and the moment that happened his regular work-rider Suzi Knapp – who has been with Gary for around 25 years – said she could feel him using himself differently, and that was it. We didn’t go any further, he was just too precious and such a legend.
“We knew then was his body’s way of telling us it was time. He was phenomenal and I don’t think we’ll ever get another horse like him.
“He probably should have won the SkyBet Chase, but his saddle slipped, and he still carried on jumping with his saddle stuck behind.
“In typical Jamie Moore fashion, he didn’t let it faze him, and still finished third.
“Waikiki Waves is similar to Fruity in as much as he tries so hard, but not only is he a superstar who has won a number of races, he is one of those who just loves jumping.
“He is one of the gentlest horses I’ve ever come across – of any breed. He’s that relaxed and calm that I’ve had owners go in and lay down with him on the stable floor.
“If anybody brings their children or grandchildren up and they want to give a pat to a safe horse, I’ll always take them to Waikiki – he’s just something else. He enjoys the care and routine he gets at Cisswood. He has struggled in his past couple of races, and I think the handicapper has done him no favours.
“We thought we’d give it a go, targeting the juicer contests, but I don’t think he’s going to quite manage in that grade. Jamie [Moore], ourselves and Gary are all confident that when he returns to Fontwell – and we lower our sights a bit – he will be back winning.
“He’s quite versatile with regards to the ground, but it has been tricky when we do have horses which do want better ground and we’ve just had to be patient.
“Ruby Yeats is actually similar to Waikiki Waves in as much as she has been leased to Heart Of The South, because the owners in the syndicate had their horse pick up a tendon injury – so most of the owners are also involved in Trafalgar Boy. Gary, being the man he is, felt really bad about it, despite having no need to, and wanted to keep those owners and give them some fun.
“He sourced Ruby Yeats for us on a lease basis. We’re leasing her from a lovely lady, who has bred with Yates, and she is fully involved with the whole experience. It is a relationship which is working for both parties.
“She’s been a revelation since returning to hurdles – it was just a confidence thing with her.”
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