So Far, so Great
Dear Friends,
One month in and we're very pleased with progress so far this season.
20% of the horses at the yard have now won a race, and this season we have an enviable 17% strike rate with wins in the last few weeks from Mr Mafia (twice!), Dr Dunraven, Back On The Lash and Lord Condi. This means there's a bumper set of race reports and replays for you to enjoy - see below.
It's interesting to note that of these four recent winners:
None were here this time last year
Two came from other trainers
Two, it could be claimed, needed a change of routine, gallops and scenery
We're very confident that improvements to the horses coming in to our care come from not only Martin's great expertise, but also the fantastic facilities we have at Condicote and our extremely dedicated team; not to mention our loyal owners who put their faith in us.
And, as ever, give us a call if you'd like to attend a sale, discuss any aspect of ownership, or arrange a visit to view any of the new arrivals.
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More Yard Improvements
We continue to make the yard better and more efficient.
We've recently applied new wax to the gallops and loop, and have begun to use the fantastic new summer turn-out paddocks, and are very grateful to our landlord, Robert Wharton, for the use of them. These paddocks offer superior grazing, and are also near to the yard meaning we can save time and keep a closer eye when looking after the horses whilst they're on their holidays.
Finally we've also invested in a new yard buggy which means the team will be able to be more efficient day-to-day whilst performing their duties.
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are proud yard sponsors of Martin Keighley
Suppliers of advanced surfaces for performance horses
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Lord Condi at home with Mick Deady
Lord Condi off the Mark
WATCH THE REPLAY
The Papal Bull chestnut gelding delighted Martin & connections at Fontwell on 9th May when gamely staying on to win by half a length in a very hot bumper.
Jockey Aidan Coleman sensibly kept him settled in mid division for much of the early stages before pushing for home a furlong out, taking the lead a beautifully timed 100 yards before the post much to the pleasure of all present.
This was a rough race, he fought really bravely and it was encouraging to see he wasn't intimidated by the other horses - demonstrating he's a battler.
Named after Belinda's father - nicknamed by some as Lord Condi - he'll be out again in a bumper trying to defy a 7lb penalty in July.
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'Lash on a High at Ludlow
On 13th May we were absolutely thrilled for owners Mark Boothright, Grahame Lovett and Pete Deffains as Back On The Lash won the Ann Esp Memorial Bumper under Champion Jockey Richard Johnson.
The four-year-old tracked the leaders and, despite looking beaten turning for home when the very short priced favourite loomed upsides and kicked clear with ease, Lash showed a professional attitude to fight back and eventually won cosily by 2 1/2 lengths.
This was his racecourse debut so we're savouring the prospect of some great performances in the future. He's certainly one to watch....and you'll also need to watch his newly acquired half brother, see our report from the sales below.
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The Dr Dun Good
WATCH THE REPLAY
It was great to see so many members of the Martin Keighley Racing Club at Worcester on June 2nd to see Dr Dunraven win the laclothing.co.uk Novices' Handicap Chase.
The 7-yo bay gelding under Andrew Tinkler was soon making his presence felt before taking the lead 3 out, eventually battling on to win 2 1/2 lengths
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Mafia Hits Twice
What a few weeks it's been for owners Peter Boggis and John Abernethy. We're thrilled because these are their first wins for us.
John Abernethy must be one of the most patient owners in racing as he was celebrating his first two winners ever after 47 years of racehorse ownership and, even more special no doubt, it was with a horse he shares with Peter whom he has known for many, many years too.
Mr Mafia and Harry Stock recorded win number one in the Zoe's Place Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle at Stratford on 20th May.
A great ride by Harry who made a race winning decision down the far side to switch around a back-pedalling rival and was strong turning for home when meeting more traffic – Mr Mafia pricked his ears when sent to the front and jumped the last like a fresh horse and the emotions in the Paddock showed what it meant to so many. As it was John’s first winner, it was a day he’ll never ever forget. Harry Stock’s father Chris, who is another massive supporter of our team, has been poorly but was able to come home from hospital so watched at home whilst Harry’s mum Zoe, celebrating her birthday, came just for the race so a perfect birthday present for her and no doubt a tonic of the best sort for the Stock family.
Win number two came on 11 June at Worcester, where Martin currently has a 100% strike rate. Harry Stock took the ride in the Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust Handicap Hurdle. Another great ride from Harry saw him mid division in the early stages before being pushed along to challenge the front runners 3 out, taking the lead and very gamely running on to win by 2 1/2 lengths.
WATCH THE REPLAY
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#FreddieAsks
Young Freddie Keighley continues to ask the questions of some of the biggest names in racing, as he enjoys his first season in Pony Racing.
Whilst this is a lighthearted interlude that doesn't detract from the more serious work at hand, it's important to note that this generates a lot of goodwill and positive PR for the yard, including a mention on ITV Racing.
Keep checking on our website and YouTube channel for more great #FreddieAsks content, and if you have a burning question you'd like Freddie to ask the stars of racing - why not let us know?
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That's My Boy
Young Freddie Keighley on Boston Bell Boy lands his first win in Pony Racing at Haydock Park. Congratulations Freddie - keep 'em coming!
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Recommend a Friend
Don't forget to recommend a friend if you know somebody who would like to enjoy the thrills of ownership - there could be some bubbles in it for you.
It was Jon Hughes' turn to claim some of the fizzy stuff this month after he recommended a friend into ownership at the yard.
Incidentally it was Jon's birthday recently - Many Happy Returns Jon!
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Owners' Barbecue 2018
Thanks to so many of you who attended - it's always fantastic to unwind with some delicious food and marvellous company.
Huge thanks must go to Kay Scriven from Spillers, Vets Ben Brain & Jeremy Swan, Physios Maggie Turner & Hannah Ashton, Farrier Nick Partridge & Anna Goodley & Zoe Wales from Lycetts (pictured, top). All these professionals kindly gave their time for our Owners' to pick their brains
Owners' Day 2018
It seems crazy, but it's not long really until Owner's Day which this year will be on Sunday 16th September. As ever there will be a full programme of horses on show, plus lots of fun and food. Invitation cards will be out shortly, so when you get yours please let us know you can make it this year.
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Ownership Opportunities & New Horses
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FOR SALE
1/6th share in 'Ben Buie' - 4yo by Presenting
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£8,280 + VAT + £340 per month training (all in)
This unraced 4yo store by Presenting is in a partnership being run by Owners for Owners, who as you may know had tremendous success last season with Acey Milan (the top UK bumper horse) and Melekhov. These two have won five races between them in their first season. We’re hoping that “Big Ben” will have a similar start to his campaign. He is an absolutely gorgeous, scopey individual who will need time to develop but could be a real Saturday horse.
His sire, Presenting, needs little introduction, having produced multiple Grade 1 winners e.g. Ballabriggs, Ballycasey, Denman, Dunguib, First Lieutenant, On His Own, War Of Attrition and Yorkhill. He passed away a couple of years ago so his progeny are becoming scarce and are in much demand at the sales.
The dam, Change Of Plan, is by Champion Hurdle winner Alderbrook, himself by ex-Ascot Gold Cup winner Ardross. In this dam line, Fairy Rath won five times, Dato Star ten times while Hoh Invader was a prodigious winner as well. As you can see, this Presenting 4yo is impeccably bred for National Hunt.
Enquiries to Martin on 07767 472547 or Jon Hughes on 01451 850780.
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FOR SALE
"Bay Dude"
3yo gelding by Sulamani out of Sky Calling
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1/4 share available at £4,000 plus 25% of all training fees and ongoing expenses.
Sulamani has to be the ultimate dual purpose sire having bred both a classic winner (Mastery - 2009 St. Leger) and a Grand National winner (Rule the World - 2016) as well as many other flat horses rated 80+ and jumps horses rated 130+. Sadly no longer with us his progeny continue to be much sought after.
Sky Calling spent many seasons with us here at Luckley and was a firm yard favourite. As genuine as they come, she was as tough as nails and gave her all on every visit to the track. She recorded wins on the flat, over hurdles and fences too. Now retired, she is enjoying life as a brood mare in residence at Yorton Farm stud.
“Boysie” is showing plenty of his dam’s attitude on the gallops and takes to his work with great enthusiasm. Not overly big but very well put together he is being aimed at a flat campaign starting around late June to July.
The ownership group will be run by Mark Allen, who has been an owner with us since our Point to Point days. Mark will provide frequent communication and full transparency on costs while encouraging full involvement in all the fun aspects of ownership, not least regular yard visits.
Further details are available from Mark on 07912 672788, mjamja@virginmedia.com
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Investing for the Future: Four New 3yos
Goffs Land Rover Sale, Ireland 12-13 June
We majored on this sale as our #1 target to buy exciting young unraced horses.
Gerry Hogan has been a good friend for many years and is a top-quality agent who had bought horses such as Champion Court, Any Currency, Annacotty and Brillare Momento, amongst many others. Horses only get into this sale if they have been assessed as being of suitable quality. Gerry is one of Goffs’ assessors. By the time we got to see the horses, he had seen over 200 of them. He marked our card, and we ended up buying four.
Two of them are by the up-and-coming sire, Mahler. He produces really tough, game, genuine horses. We bought a 3yo filly with an excellent pedigree. The two offspring of the dam who have raced so far are both multiple winners, rated in the OR 140s. We also bought a 3yo gelding from this sire, really well put together and a strong, durable type.
We bought a 3yo gelding by Morozov with a fantastic dam line full of Group winners on the Flat as well as NH successes. In the dam line are two current NH emerging stars, Indian Hawk (with Nicky Henderson) and Melekhov (with Philip Hobbs). Several of our owners are in Melekhov and they really urged us to buy this horse.
Finally we bought a half-brother to Back On The Lash. The sire is Passing Glance who stands at nearby Batsford Stud, who have generously agreed to send us a mare by Prokoviev.
Of the four horses bought this week, one is definitely already sold and there are strong expressions of interest in some of the others. We’ll be sending out further details and costings shortly, and putting them on the web site. Do get in touch as soon as possible if you’re interested in buying any of these horses or, potentially, joining a syndicate to own them.
Enquiries to Martin on 07767 472547 or Jon Hughes on 01451 850780.
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Bay Filly By Mahler out of Bobset Leader
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Bay Gelding By Mahler out of Silver Set
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Bay Gelding By Morozov out of Barasa
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Bay Gelding By Passing Glance out of Giovanna
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FOR SALE
3yo by Yeats out of Change Of Plan
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3yo By Yeats out of Change Of Plan
A year ago we bought the lovely scopey Ben Buie at Goffs Doncaster and he has done nothing but impress us. So when we had the opportunity to buy his half brother this time around we had to consider it very seriously indeed. As soon as Ben Buie wins he could be a £100k+ horse.
We were delighted when Gerry Hogan also recommended him highly and we snapped him up for a quarter of that price. He's being broken in at the moment and could be in our yard by early July. The first owner to see him will want him as he a physically imposing type by Yeats with a lot of presence. Light on his feet despite his size Martin thinks he could be a serious horse and an exciting prospect.
Come and judge for yourself.
Enquiries to Martin on 07767 472547 or Jon Hughes on 01451 850780.
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Club members on the winners podium at Worcester, 2nd June
Join the Martin Keighley Racing Club
The Racing Club really enjoyed cheering on Dr Dunraven at Worcester and we’re hoping to have a great run through the summer and then into winter racing. He will be out again soon, as will Matravers.
There has never been a better time to join the Racing Club, and we’re starting a new membership year from 1st July, running through to 30th June 2019. This enables racing enthusiasts to join the Club at two points in the year and we’re hoping that this additional flexibility will prove popular.
If you, your family or friends would like to sign up, please
contact Belinda direct on 07979 694866.
If you sign up now you’ll be going racing as an owner within a couple of weeks.
A tremendous amount of fun for only £500 or £42 per Month
#BePartOfIt.
See what existing members say
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Click to watch Martin Keighley Racing TV and see horses working on the gallops last week
#BePartOfIt
We love to like and share your pictures and posts when and wherever possible. Whether you're visiting the yard or at the race track why not use our hashtag #BePartOfIt to join the conversation next time you post on Facebook, tweet or post to Instagram.
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Harley's Big Day for Charity
It's not too late to sponsor Harley Cornock who will be raising money for Racing Welfare during Stable Staff Week on Friday 6th August. Harley rides in the Betfair Racing Staff Week Cup at Newton Abbot.
He's been part of our team for over 5 years and he himself needed the assistance of Racing Welfare in April 2017 when he broke both bones in his lower leg following a fall on our gallops so it couldn't be a better charity for him to raise money for.
We're sure you'd like to support this fantastic cause, and you can by
donating here
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