I dreamt of owning a racehorse ever since those first vists to Taunton Races at the age of 11. Those dreams came true when my friends and I bought our first horse, a 4 year old mare called Tashlee Grove in training with our friend Brian Forsey when I was 18. She never got to the racecourse but a few horses later I had my first ever winner in my own colours on 14th May 1991, when Lady Primrose won a selling handicap hurdle at Newton Abbot under young jump jockey Carl Llewellyn (who went on to win the Grand National on Party Politics the following spring).

There followed one more winner in my colours (Aldahe at Lingfield Park over hurdles) before grown up things like work, mortgage, marriage and children took up more of my finances. I became a serial Syndicate member with Elite, Full Circle, Henry Ponsonby to name but a few before I took a share in Outset with Mark Kilner Racing. Outset was very successful on both the flat and over jumps and took me to some big racedays which gave me a taste of the life of the owner.

In Autumn 2005, I took the plunge and took a share in a 2 horse syndicate with Highclere Thoroughbred Racing. The 2 horses were Squadron trained by Amanda Perrett and Treat trained by Mick Channon. Treat surpassed all my wildest dreams by finishing 2nd in the Fillies Mile at Ascot as a 2 year old and then 4th in the 1000 Guineas before eventually being sold to Sheik Mohammed to stand at Darley Stud in Japan.

In Jan 2008, I bought into my first horse managed by Middleham Park Racing, Bonnie Prince Blue, quickly followed by my first 2 year old Victoire de Lyphar. I have become very impressed by the syndicate and Nick, Tim and Mike who run it and have got carried away to the extent of now owning shares (generally 5 percent) of 18 different horses in separate syndicates with MPR.

I thought I would share my thoughts and experiences with anyone who might be interested. If you have any interest in racing, I hope that my experiences may tempt you into the wonderful world of racehorse ownership.

I hope you enjoy reading my blog.

Monday, 26 March 2012

Lifetime Ambition - Festival Runner MAD MOOSE

Our brilliant gelding MAD MOOSE ran at the Cheltenham Festival recently. After attending as an Annual Member for over 15 years, I finally had the thrill of having a share in a runner at the famous Cheltenham Festival.
Nigel's original plan was to run Moose in the Novice Handicap but with the 'Good Thing' HUNT BALL in opposition as well as Nigel's strongly fancied ACKERTAK, the decision was made to run Moose in the Byrne Group Plate a handicap over 2m4f.
As Sam was claimed to ride THE COCKNEY MACKEM, it was left to Moose's regular work partner Willie Twiston-Davies to take the ride. MAD MOOSE travelled and jumped really well through the early part of the race and coming down the hill moved up into 6th under strong driving from Will. The winner SALUT FLO had gone and as Moose tired he made a slight mistake at the 2nd last before weakening into 8th place.
This was a great run from a novice in such a competitive handicap. It looked again as if Moose didn't quite get up the hill so we may look to have a run on a flatter track, maybe Aintree!!!

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