A roman emperor takes Thirsk & a deal is struck at Catterick

As they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day (well the Colosseum part of it at any rate which his namesake was responsible for completing….) and our own Flavius Titus has also taken his time to once again rule the racecourses of North Yorkshire – but rule them he did with a brilliant victory over 6f at Thirsk recently.

The eight year old was partnered by apprentice Sam Feilden for the first time and he went into battle with a very willing soldier against their 14 opponents.

Sam kept a cool & confident head, dropping Flav out at the back before switching him to the right 2f out. Then as soon as he was asked to go, Flav picked up well to lead inside the final furlong and kept on well to go clear in the final 110yds and claim a decisive victory by over two lengths.

 

The pair then marched south to Nottinghamshire just 11 days later in a bid to conquer Southwell. Racing once again over 6f, but this time on the all-weather, similar tactics were deployed and it so very nearly came off when they found just one of the field of 10 in their way at the line, going down by only 3/4 of a length.

It’s been a brilliant month for Flav’s owners, Simon & Alison Foster and friends, who have supported their horse all the way.

Three days ago it was Dream Deal’s turn as he headed to Catterick for a 0-65 over 6f. This lovely four year old has been partnered in all but his two year old run by Jack Garritty, and being a big horse it’s taken him time to work out how to engage his legs to best effect. Like Flavis Titus, Dream Deal is lucky to have owners who understand it doesn’t happen overnight and he has just continued to improve.

Not only was this a convincing win under a very positive ride from Jack, going from over 2f out and holding the lead comfortably right through the line, but it was also a first victory as owners for David & Samantha Barker – so it really was cause for celebration all round!

We are fortunate to have some lovely horses in the yard, but we also couldn’t do it without the support & understanding of their owners and our hardworking staff – so this is a big thank you to all the team.

 

On we go……

 

End

23/08/23