Hazy Manor set off for Shakespeare country on Tuesday for her first run in the new ownership of our own Brough Farm Racing Partnership who have leased the horse for a year, escorted by Danny Brooke (Assistant Trainer) & Kev Traylor (Head Lad).
In a field of ten for the Mares Novice Hurdle over 2m2f, and containing some smart opponents, Danny & Kev were wondering if it was “to be or not to be” for our filly.
Hazy was jumped out prominently by Henry (Brooke) and having settled maybe a bit too well in her hood, she just about managed to stay awake enough (!) to keep tabs on the front two who weren’t hanging around on the fast ground.
Despite being taken along at a pace probably half a stride out of her comfort zone, it wasn’t a “comedy of errors” as the four year old still hurdled smartly.
Even though the front pair drew away at the close, Hazy responded gamely to being ridden two out and kept on well to retain third place at the finish by over three lengths with the 5th horse a further 20 lengths behind – a clear indication of the pace that the race had been run at.
Having returned home a little bit sore for her exertions on the firm ground, she’s now having a few days on the easy list and a visit from our physio Heather Burley although hopefully it will prove to be “much ado about nothing“.
Thereafter the Brough Farm gang can then look forward to her next engagement and “a midsummer night’s dream” of a win maybe?
“All’s well that ends well“…….
NB : There are a small number of shares still available in Hazy Manor from an all inclusive entry level of just £160 per month for 10% – please enquire via jb@juliabrookeracing.com or 07799 894611 (Ali)
21/06/18
Barely Black ran her best race for the stable to date last Thursday at Uttoxeter in the 2m7f , 0-100 Mares Handicap Hurdle and was desperately unlucky not to bag her first win.
Image by kind courtesy of www.nigelkirbyphotography.com
Ridden by Henry Brooke for owner John Sagar, Blackie took a keen hold and raced with much enthusiasm, disputing the lead to the 6th. Henry then let her go on from the 7th and she was still travelling strongly at the business end of the race when many were starting to dig deep to stay with her.
She extended her lead two out & looked all over as if she would be the winner but a slightly awkward jump at the last (in what had otherwise been an impeccable round of hurdling over the previous 11 obstacles) briefly paused her momentum and she found herself in a three-way race for the post on the run-in.
To Blackie’s absolute credit, whilst one horse got the better of her by just over a length, she wasn’t letting the other past and she bravely held on for second by a length at the line, with the remainder of the eleven runners 15+ lengths behind the front three.
Image by kind courtesy of www.nigelkirbyphotography.com
Barely Black is a horse very much with her own views on life & hasn’t necessarily always been the most straightforward to live with (!) but whilst she didn’t quite manage the win, it was nevertheless a proud day for all concerned to see her justify the faith that has long been held in her.
18/06/18