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MOULIN BOOJ
3rd August 2024
Yard favourite Moulin Booj did not squander a golden opportunity at Windsor under Darragh Keenan. With only four runners, he sat last and moved into the race stylishly to win with a little bit in hand. He’s a model of consistency, with only one slight blip this season. Its incredible how far he’s come, having had so many issues as a young horse. He’s now on a mark of 84 so we may have him on the team in Bahrain this winter.
MADEMOISELLE
3rd August 2024
Mademoiselle looked to be improving and duly got off the mark under Callum Rodriguez, she used her experience; jumping and traveling well and never looking like getting beat. She’s a daughter of Blue Point with plenty of strength, she’s improving both physically and mentally. I’m particularly delighted another winner for Kia’s Amo Racing. I’m hoping Mademoiselle can use this as a stepping stone to the second half of the season.
TOY SOLDIER
2nd August 2024
Toy Soldier got off the mark in Scotland, under another excellent Callum Rodrieguez ride. I have to admit he’s been a labour of love and was not straightforward in his early days, so it was very satisfying to see him get in front, in the style of a useful prospect. He has been given an opening mark of 74, which seems fair. Its likely we could run again in a restricted novice under a penalty, before tackling nurseries. Congratulations to really lovely syndicate, we put together here at Eve Lodge.
BAY CITY ROLLER
31st July 2024
Bay City Roller has always been the apple of my eye. He has the most incredible attitude and has not given us a moment's worry since we bought him for Clive Washbourn. He's by New Bay and out of a listed winner. He made the perfect start at Sandown last night. He jumped and travelled and was probably going too well when he hit the front early, only showing signs of greenness. His future is incredibly bright and there are plenty of options ahead of him. I will discuss this with Clive who has been nothing but a pleasure to train for over the last few months. These are exactly the type of horses we need to keep pushing forward. I'm thrilled he was able to win first time out, such an exciting prospect and I have every confidence in him.
LOVE IS THE LAW
27th July 2024
Love is The Law made a very encouraging debut but more importantly, was able to step forward from that and winning in good style at Lingfield last Saturday. She is owned by a bunch of friends she was roared home on very fast ground and looks to have a bright future. She's enormous and will only continue to improve. She is half-sister to one of my favourite horses in the last few years, Gumais, who did so well in Bahrain. Congratulations to the boys; Fox and Badger Racing. I Look forward to the rest of the season with her and next year
GRISELDA
24th & 26th July 2024
Griselda won twice in 48 hours and looked a filly on the rapid to improve. She's always been a filly that worked well at home and showed a very good attitude. However, things just haven't panned out for her on the track. She jumped and travelled unbelievably well in both races and looked the winner the whole way. I was delighted to give Liam Wright our favourite apprentice another winner. He is a more than competent young rider and will be a huge asset to us moving forward. Griselda went up 20 lbs for her exploits and now runs in a valuable Fillies nursery at Newmarket.
MISSION COMMAND
20th July 2024
Mission Command put everything together on his third start looking like a young horse to follow. He jumped smoothly and found a great position under Oisin Orr. He put the race to bed in the style of a good horse. He has always been a horse that stood out at home, however it took a little time to click. It's possible that he may run at Glorious Goodwood however, we'll take a view a little closer to the time as to which race we go for. He was purchased from the Breeze Ups with a big reputation and I am delighted that he's starting to fulfil that. Congratulations again to HH Shaikh Nasser and Victorious Racing.
PHANTOM FLIGHT
20th July 2024
Phantom Flight made the perfect start for us winning the listed Steventon Stakes at Newbury under the ever-confident Callum Shepherd. Callum had enjoyed getting to know the horse over the past few weeks and he was very positive for a big run. I must say though, it did catch me by surprise the manner in which he travelled through his race. He looks to have a bright future ahead. It's possible he could end up in the Glorious Goodwood Stakes in a couple of weeks. However, in November the main target will be the $1 million Bahrain International. He is a lightly raced horse for his age and has a wonderful temperament now he has been gelded. Phantom Flight is our seventh stakes winner of the year for Callum and Victorious Racing!
GRISELDA
9th July 2024
Griselda won under an excellent Callum Rodriguez ride, on her nursery debut. On an unconventional track, she travelled sweetly and picked up well; admittedly she needed a bit of luck and she got it as her head was down on the line.
She’s an attractive filly who should continue to progress as she learns a little bit more about racing. I intend to keep her busy as she takes her racing well and has a great constitution. As with all these horses she will be sold at some point later in the year.
ISLE OF JURA
22nd June 2024
Isle of Jura stormed to victory in the Hardwicke under an emotional Callum Shepherd. He was perfectly positioned throughout and to be honest, and he never looked like getting beaten. We were very confident he would improve from his run at Goodwood where he looked a little rusty however, we didn’t know how he would stack up against some of the best European horses. He seems to have come out of the race very well and all roads now lead to the King George. An International campaign could well be on the horizon however, we will take it one step at a time. I was delighted to provide Shaikh Nasser and his team with a winner at the Royal meeting and of course, it was our first winner there too. We are lucky to have such a talented horse and I'm very excited to see what the future brings with him.
BAROQUE BUOY
20th June 2024
Baroque Buoy had a deserved victory under stable apprentice Liam Wright at Wolverhampton last week. Things didn’t go to plan but Liam didn’t panic and bought him through for a winning run. He'd been a little unlucky not to win earlier in the year and I expect him to continue a winning thread when the conditions suit. He's a big horse that has needed some patience and therefore I'm grateful to Bluestarr Racing and partners for giving me the time with him. He'll look to move onto the turf at some stage where I’d imagine he will take another step forward.
HETTIE JACK
9th June 2024
Hettie Jack took a nice step forward from her debut at Doncaster winning the £20,000 seller under Darragh Keenan on her second start; in the style of a filly with plenty more to give. She jumped smoothly but found herself on the outside. She was a little green under pressure, but knuckled down and got the job done well. She's an attractive filly with a good way of going and may even get another furlong in time. It's very pleasing for the Trading Partnership to be off to a positive start this year as they have plenty of nice horses to look forward too later in the year.
ISLE OF JURA
24th May 2024
Isle Of Jura, resumed winning ways back in England on his first start since such an amazing campaign in Bahrain. It was always going to be a tactical race and he was running on ground softer than he’d encountered in the last few months, so it was a big test for him. As it turned out there was no pace on, but Callum was happy to anchor at the back of the field. As always, he moved through the race very smoothly before edging in front of the well-respected Mujtaba. We were delighted to see him back up his new rating and with plenty of options for him moving forward it’s most likely we’ll see him at Royal Ascot in the
Hardwicke. However, it’s a dream of mine and Shaikh Nasser’s to run in the Melbourne Cup in November. Many congratulations to everyone at home and to the team in Bahrain who did such a good job over the winter. He’s a flag bearer for the yard and it’s likely he’s only just getting started.
SEVEN QUESTIONS
4th May 2024
Seven Questions was first down to post in the Group 3 Palace House, and he was first back under an excellent Callum Shepherd ride. He broke cleanly and travelled smoothly on the outside, before getting a nice position just behind the pace. There were plenty of chances at the two pole but he was able to dive on the line to win by a head from my old ally and friend Charlie Fellows.
He has always been a horse with a serious amount of ability and was arguably unlucky last year at times, especially in the Mill Reef. It was an impressive performance from a young horse taking on older sprinters and you have to imagine that he will continue to improve as strengthens up. Many congratulations to Victorious and Fawzi Nass, who’s famous red and white silks seem to be going from strength to strength.
PRYDWEN
28th April 2024
Prydwen put in another awesome weight carrying performance at Southwell under the excellent Callum Shepherd. The plan was to jump and go forward however, he found himself a couple of slots further back than we wanted. Callum was able to improve his position going past the stands for the first time, a move that arguably won him the race. Turning in he never looked like being beaten and was a commanding winner on the line; giving plenty of weight away to improving young horses. The handicapper will now have his say and therefore it’s likely he will move into stakes company on his next start. He has been given an imaginative Gold Cup entry, a race that would be a dream for all of us however, he has to pass the test in the meantime. Many thanks and congratulation to BlueStarr Racing who continue to be so patient with him.
GOLDEN PARADISE
15th April 2024
Golden Paradise got her career off to the perfect start at Windsor on Monday. She was our first two-year-old runner of the year, so we were a little uncertain how she might run; but she looked in command of the race from an early stage. Jumping cleanly, she got herself into a good position under Callum Shepherd, going away to win by two and a half lengths. She is an athletic filly with a bright future. I’m delighted to train a winner for the Bronte team, they’ve been so successful, especially in this department over the last couple of years. It's likely she will run once more in a novice company before heading to Royal Ascot.
PIZ NAIR
8th April 2024
Piz Nair showed he’d improved both physically and mentally for a winter off. He put in a career best performance winning under an excellent Callum Shepherd ride. He jumped cleanly and was able to take a perfect position in a steadily run race, travelling smoothly throughout. Turning in Callum allowed him to get balanced, there was never any doubt he was going to win. I’m confident that he will be able to step up in trip in due course, but for the time being he is showing enough speed to stay at 6f. He’s a lovely big horse with a good attitude and I have every confidence that he can continue to be progressive throughout the year. Many congratulations to his owner breeders, The Niarchos Family. They’ve been incredibly loyal to me throughout my career and it’s always a privilege to train a winner in such famous silks.
SHELBOURNE
3rd April 2024
Shelbourne took a huge step forward from his seasonal debut winning at Catterick under Callum Rodriguez. It was always the plan to get him on some soft ground as he’s a big strong horse who seems to handle it well. He jumped a little slowly which was to his benefit, as they went very fast. There was only a brief moment halfway up the home straight when he looked under pressure; but stayed on powerfully to win in good style. It's possible he could return to the track to take advantage of similar conditions at Leicester on Friday. I’m hopeful this is a springboard for a progressive season for him. Huge congratulations to a great friend of the yard Keith Breen, who’s been very patient with this horse.
PRYDWEN
29th March 2024
Prydwen ran them ragged in the £150,000 All- Weather Championship, Marathon Final at Newcastle. Super-sub Daniel Tudhope gave him an inspired ride, sitting in second the whole way, where he controlled the pace. He got into a lovely rhythm and turning in it was clear that plenty were struggling. Danny gave him a click and it was all over. He registered a career-best at the ripe old age of six. Two miles is a relatively new trip for him and opens plenty of doors moving forward. It's particularly satisfying to win a race of this nature for Blue Starr Racing and Mike Lilley, who have been tremendous supporters of the yard. Their patience has been more than rewarded on this occasion.
MOULIN BOOJ
12th March 2024
Moulin Booj took a step forward from his first run of the year, winning in good style at Southwell last week. They went hard allowing Callum to get a lovely position behind the leaders. When asked for his efforts he picked up smartly. He’s had his issues in the past but they’re well behind him now. I’ve often thought he’d be up to racing on a Saturday, so he took a decent step forward in that direction. We must try and avoid soft ground, other than that he’s versatile, tough, and has a good attitude. Congratulations to his owners Charlie, Roy, Jack, Freddie, Mark and Julian.
ISLE OF JURA
8th March 2024
Isle of Jura completed a famous victory in the King's Cup to secure the Bahrain Triple Crown. He made history and it was a particularly satisfying way to end a brilliant winter in Bahrain. The Triple Crown consists of the Crown Prince’s Cup, the Shaikh Nasser Cup and the King’s Cup.
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It was a messy race into the bend, so Callum did well to hold his position. Turning in he didn’t show his customary dash but showed plenty of class and determination to win going away at the line. Jura has now earned a well-deserved rest and returns to Newmarket early this week. He could next be seen at Royal Ascot however, plans remain fluid. He’s bred to be a very good horse and all he’s done is improve so we’re optimistic about his future. If he stays sound, he should have a long and exciting career which could lead to races all over the world.
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Huge thanks must go to the girls who have looked after him Rosie, Cheryl and Poppy. Their local knowledge and diligence were undoubtedly the reasons we were able to complete such a historic treble. Huge congratulations go to Shaikh Nasser.
WATCH MY TRACER
7th March 2024
Watch My Tracer made a perfect seasonal reappearance as he came with a well-timed run under Callum Shepherd to win the three-year-old Spring Cup. He's a horse we’ve always held in very high regard, however it's been a matter of him filling out in his frame over the winter and maturing mentally.
We are now working back from the Jersey at Royal Ascot, a 7f Group 3 on fast ground, which should be ideal for him. In the meantime, he might run at Newmarket. Many congratulations to Victorious Racing and Fawzi Nass.
ISLE OF JURA
16th February 2024
Isle of Jura looked better than ever when winning the H.H Sh. Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa Cup. He jumped and relaxed into a nice rhythm. A shake of the reins at the top of the straight saw him move to the front with consummate ease under Callum Shepherd; the race was over in a matter of strides.
It was the first time stepping up to a mile and three furlongs, but that posed no problems. He’s now booked for the Kings Cup, which would be a historic achievement given no other horse has completed the “Cup Treble “in Bahrain.
Isle of Jura has thrived over the winter in Bahrain, they have great training facilities and the girls looking after him have done an excellent job.
Many congratulations to his owner Shaikh Nasser.
PRINCE MAXI
9th February 2024
Prince Maxi arrived in the yard looking like a horse with plenty of ability and he certainly didn’t let us down on Friday under a confident Rossa Ryan. He broke a little slowly after being in the gate for a long time. He was learning on the job but put the race to bed in good style winning by four lengths. He was running over his minimum trip, and I expect him to step up over a mile and a quarter and even a mile and a half in time. I would imagine we will run him in another Novice, before making more lofty plans.
Congratulations to Amo Racing, we’re delighted to be a small part of a very exciting operation.
ISLE OF JURA
2nd February 2024
Isle of Jura continued his remarkable season in Bahrain, winning the Crown Prince’s Cup; looking like a horse that’s on the significant improve. He was caught a little further back than planned, but made smooth progress under a confident Callum Shepherd, doing his best work on the line. Phil Smith who is now the handicapper in Bahrain has given him a rating of 110, quite an achievement considering he started life off 71.
It’s now likely he will run in the H.H Sh. Nasser Cup, before finishing his Bahrain season in the Kings Cup. These are two hugely important races in Bahrain, we are hoping to play a significant part in both.
BILLY WEBSTER
5th January 2024
Billy Webster made it three wins from only four career starts when cruising to victory under Callum Shepherd. By design, he was held up and never looked like getting beaten. Visually he’s a horse that is improving at home and whilst he will not be able to maintain such a strike rate, I’m confident he’s a Saturday performer. Congratulations to his owner Redha Munfaredi, who’s had to be particularly patient.
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