News & Results
FORTHCOMING RACE ENTRIES & DECLARATIONS
5 March - BILLBERRY - 7 furlong Handicap at Lingfield Park DECLARED
3.3.2010
SATISFACTORY FIRST RUN FOR THREE YEAR-OLD
Although not quite featuring in the prize money, Chandrayaan gave a reasonable account of himself in this his first run in our colours, and after an absence from the track of 146 days. Drawn wide in stall two, he just seemed in need of this race as he made a respectable effort up the home straight, but finally tiring in the run to the line, just beaten for fourth place, with jockey Sam Hitchcott encouraged by this effort.
The full race record can be seen if you click here.
1.3.2010
ESSEX RACE DAY AT KEMPTON 25TH MARCH
With all seven races at Kempton Park's "Essex Race Day" on 25th March now sponsored,
it is now a case of generating as much support as possible for the evening, and Kempton have arranged an excellent webpage dedicated to the event - click here for details.
The Club will have a Private Box for the evening, and also hope to have at least one runner performing. Anyone wishing to purchase badges and Private Box admission (which includes a meal) should contact Barry Root immediately.
There is still plenty of space available for any businesses interested in displaying their products to the audience that evening.
23.2.2010
CLUB TO SUPPORT COLCHESTER UNITED FC DINNER
Regular supporters and sponsors of Colchester United FC, the Manager and his wife will be hosting a table at this year's Colchester United FC Former Players' Association Dinner and Dance, which is being held at the Weston Homes Community Stadium on Friday 9th April. Tickets cost £40 each and anyone interested in joining the Club table on the evening should contact Barry Root as soon as possible. We shall be promoting our membership opportunities to those attending. Details can be seen if you click here.
22.2.2010
BILLBERRY ONLY JUST BEATEN AT LINGFIELD
Billberry was only a whisker away from a perfect run at Lingfield today under jockey Jack Mitchell, when he had to settle for third place, with only a nose and a neck separating him from winner Prince of Thebes, who had led virtually all the way apart from a brief spell in the last 100 metres when headed by favourite Jake The Snake. With only five runners in this 0 - 85 contest over seven furlongs, our five year-old showed great determination in the home straight and only just failed to make up the ground required after the front-running eventual winner had dictated the pace early on.
The full race result can be seen if you click here.
18.2.2010
SPONSORSHIP SUCCESS FOR CLUB'S KEMPTON RACE EVENING
All seven races at the Club's proposed Essex Race Evening at Kempton Park on 25th March have now been kindly sponsored, and there just remains a number of trade spaces available to anyone interested in promoting their products or services that evening - details from the Manager.
Entrance to the racecourse is only £5 per person for advance ticket purchases - quote reference "KPERC10" when ordering tickets direct.
15.2.2010
HAITI DISASTER APPEAL DONATIONS FROM MEMBERS
A payment totalling £211.68 has today been forwarded to the Haiti Disaster Appeal as a result of the kind offers by some Members for their prize money dividend for 2009 to be donated. This is much appreciated.
10.2.2010
KEMPTON RACE MEETING EXCLUSIVE FOR CLUB AND LOCAL BUSINESSES
Thursday 25th March has been agreed by Kempton Park as an exclusive race evening for Essex Racing Club and local businesses. In an arrangement just finalised, the Club will have exclusive sponsorship rights to all seven races being held on the evening, and will undertake a membership promotional drive to racegoers. Local businesses can also secure their names to races by making a sponsorship payment to the Club, and Private Boxes will also be available at special prices for entertaining clients, guests or staff. Trade stand space is also available for anyone wishing to promote on the evening. The Club will also have a Private Box at the meeting, and there will be a special admission price of £5 per person. Anyone interested in this special evening should contact the Manager as soon as possible.
9.2.2010
NEWMARKET RACE DAYS ON THE AGENDA FOR CLUB
The Newmarket Craven Meeting on 14th and 15th April will feature in the Club's race day packages for the coming season. Having successfully arranged days at racing's headquarters for members and business groups in previous years, Manager Barry Root has again put the Newmarket racecourse's first meeting of the year in the events diary for 2010. (Full list of proposed events is shown on the Events & Hospitality page).
The package includes a morning tour of The National Stud, pre-racing luncheon followed by an afternoon on the Rowley Mile course. Afternoon tea completes the day, full details of which are shown by clicking on the link here.
3.2.2010 SEASONABLE BREAK FOR RED SUEDE SHOES FOLLOWING
LATEST RUN AT LINGFIELD
Trainer Rod Millman will now give Red Suede Shoes some time off following his latest effort at Lingfield Park, when he was unable to capture his form of pre-Christmas, and finished tenth in another effort over one mile. Having been racing non-stop since last June he gave jockey James Millman the impression that he was ready for a well-earned rest, and so our twice-winner will be brought back in the early Spring, when turf track options will also be available.
The race result from Lingfield can be seen if you click here.
27.1.2010
SMILES ALL ROUND AT LINGFIELD AS BILLBERRY IS WINNER
The larger than normal gathering of Members at Lingfield Park today were treated to the perfect result when BILLBERRY ran a superb race to win the seven furlong handicap under another fine ride from Adam Kirby. On board Billberry for his previous win for the Club shortly after being acquired to run in our colours, the jockey kept the horse in an ideal position throughout after a quickish start, and switched left on the home turn to come up the inside rail in fine style and to hold off the efforts of the fast finishing Waterloo Dock and Kyle.
The full race record can be seen if you click here.
27.1.2010
ENCOURAGING DEBUT FOR DREAMACHA AT LINGFIELD
An exciting afternoon of racing for Members kicked off with a more than satisfactory first outing in the Club's colours for DREAMACHA, who although unplaced in her debut race today over 6 furlongs, gave the impression she could soon be competitive. She broke from the stalls like a true professional, and was soon close up on the heels of the leaders, and although still a little "green" in running , completed the race well, eventually beaten only three lengths back in seventh position, with trainer Stuart Williams' other entry in the race, Posy Fossil, finishing third.
There was overall satisfaction expressed by owners Barry and Joan Root and the trainer and jockey at this performance, and the filly will surely come on well for this encouraging start. Click here for the full race result.
17.1.2010
TRIP TO SUFFOLK BREWERY STARTS OFF 2010 EVENTS!
The Club's first social event of 2010 was a most enjoyable trip to the Adnams Brewery at Southwold in Suffolk on Sunday 17th January, where members and friends were given a conducted tour viewing all the brewing facilities, followed by some beer and wine tasting. A hearty traditional Sunday lunch in the town followed, and the day was completed with a brisk walk along the sea front and on to the pier. Sadly to the Manager's disappointment there was no bingo!
13.1.2010
RED SUEDE SHOES UNPLACED AT KEMPTON
A snow covered and almost empty Kempton Park resembled a Christmas card as Red Suede Shoes got his 2010 campaign under way, and the recent lack of serious preparation work due to the conditions underfoot appeared to take its' effect as he finished in ninth position in the one mile handicap . He was settled towards the rear early on, making a forward run on the wide outside as the runners reached the turn, but was unable to quicken to get to the places as he went for the line. The full race record can be seen if you click here.
He will undoubtedly have his rating adjusted for his next race, and should be better for being able to undergo a full period of normal training as the snow disappears from the training gallops.
9.1.2010
FOURTH PLACE FOR BILBERRY AT SNOWY LINGFIELD
It was a case of "piggy in the middle" for Billberry at Lingfield Park today, when sent off as the 11/4 favourite under jockey Jamie Spencer, he had to encounter another slowly-run race and just failed to get amongst the places, running on well and finishing fourth, having been switched to the outside for the last couple of furlongs after travelling well up the rails for much of the race. This result was sandwiched between trainer Stuart Williams' two successes on the day consisting of a third place in the 2.10pm race with The Scorching Wind and a winner with Boogie Waltzer in the last, therefore just missing out on a very successful day for the trainer.
The full result can be seen if you click here and a video of the race can be seen on the www.racingpost.co.uk website.
6.1.2010
SNOW BRINGS ABOUT KEMPTON CANCELLATION
Red Suede Shoes was one of large number of horses unable to get to Kempton today following the huge amounts of snow that had fallen over the past day or so in the South and West, and so the race meeting was abandoned.
21.12.2009
OUTSIDE DRAW DEFEATS BILLBERRY AT KEMPTON
Despite a rallying finish in the closing furlong or so, Billberry, running off an offical handicap mark of 69, was unable to reach the places in a fast-run race from his outside draw in stall 12 at Kempton today, finishing a dead-heat fifth position about four lengths behind the favourite Capone (rated 82). The eventual winner's time was only 0.19 seconds outside a course record!
The full result can be seen if you click here.
19.12.2009
BILLBERRY SHARES POPULAR WITH MEMBERS
Ownership Shares in our recent winner BILLBERRY have been popular with Members over the past couple of weeks and virtually all available shares have now been acquired, ahead of his pre-Christmas attempt to get another win under his belt at Kempton on Monday.
A few shares are still available in RED SUEDE SHOES, now a twice winner for the Club, but these will only be available at current prices up to 31 December. Following his double success, the share costs have been re-valued from 1st January 2010. Chandrayaan, as yet still to race from John Long's yard for the Club, is also available to purchase at original prices.
16.12.2009
RED SUEDE SHOES FOURTH AT KEMPTON
Another solid performance from Red Suede Shoes in a race in which he did not get the ideal run resulted in a fourth place at a miserable Kempton Park this evening. Sleet followed by rain fell throughout the race meeting, and having been drawn on the inside, jockey James Millman had to be content to sit back with virtually no room to move in the early stages. The runners were well inside the home straight before any space opened up for Red Suede Shoes to make a charge, and his noble effort up the inside took him to within a couple of lengths of the eventual winner Mustakmil, but just could not make a third place.
The full race record can be seen if you click here.
9.12.2009
TOUGH STEP UP FOR BILLBERRY
Billberry was unable to follow-up his excellent win at Lingfield last time out when he finished sixth in the 7 furlong contest at Lingfield today, beaten around four lengths by the well-ridden favourite Tiddliwinks. He did not settle early on and although jockey Andrea Atzeni had him positioned just behind the two front runners early on, he could not increase the tempo sufficiently in what was a slowly run race to get into the prizemoney over the slightly longer trip this time around.
He will probably be switched back to 6 furlongs next time, meanwhile you can see the full race result if you click here.
1.12.2009
ANOTHER FINE RUN GETS PLACE FOR RED SUEDE SHOES
Beaten by an 84 rated favourite was no disgrace for Red Suede Shoes at Lingfield this afternoon, as he continued his fine run of form to get another place result for the Club in the one mile handicap. Drawn on the outside, jockey James Millman quickly made progress from the start to sit just behind the leading pair, but with the pace slower than ideal, he was unable to match the fast finish of the evens favourite Mr Willis, and had to settle for third to add to his impressive run of results since becomming a Club horse.
The full race result can be seen if you click here.
25.11.2009
BILLBERRY SECURES WIN ON CLUB DEBUT
A win on his debut for the club - what a start for BILLBERRY! The four year-old gave the Club its' second win in matter of days, following Red Suede Shoes' success last Thursday, with an exciting victory in the 6 furlong handicap at Lingfield Park this afternoon.
Drawn in stall nine on the outside, and sent off at 11/4, the grey was happy to sit towards the back early on under jockey Adam Kirby, but as the runners left the home turn, our jockey swept him forward on the inside, Billberry showing a superb turn of foot to go on and win nicely by half a length, with the hot 6/5 favourite Wake Up Call back in third place.
The full race result can be seen if you click here.
20.11.2009
REPORT & PICTURES OF ANNUAL DINNER
The Club's Annual Dinner at the Marriott Hotel, Waltham Abbey was attended by 40 Members, friends and guests, who enjoyed a video presentation and report from Barry Root of the Club's Review of 2009, as well as after-dinner contributions from guests Racing Post Industry Editor, Howard Wright, and WBX Bet Exchange PR & Sponsorship Manager, Iain Turner. Club trainers Stuart Williams and John Long were also in attendance.
A raffle and stand-up bingo game was held for the benefit of The Lady Taverners (Essex Region) Charity, and a cheque for the proceeds will be handed over to the charity at their Christmas Luncheon on 14th December.
The Club wishes to thank everyone who donated prizes for the raffle, and to Argonaught New Technology for their help in creating the excellent video presentation.
19.11.2009
RED SUEDE SHOES EMPHATIC WIN AT KEMPTON
Red Suede Shoes was the darling of the Club again at Kempton this evening when he secured his second victory at the course in the Club's colours under another fine ride from James Millman. Settled at the rear to begin with, having been drawn right on the outside, he moved nicely into mid division by the time of the home turn and then slid nicely through the opening which appeared, to run on well and go clear in the home straight, holding off the challenge of the well-fancied Bennelong to win by a length.
This was particularly pleasing for the Club members who had shown faith in him by acquiring shares in the last couple of weeks, and no doubt they will all be celebrating today!
The full race record can be seen if you click here.
17.11.2009
BERMACHA UNPLACED AT SOUTHWELL
Bermacha made a belated return to the track at Southwell following her recent problems, but despite appearing to break well from her inside stall, she was soon outpaced and had to settle towards the rear of the field early on. A positive move over the last two furlongs of the home straight saw her make steady progress but insufficient to get into the prize money, finishing in seventh position.
The full race record can be seen if you click here.
14.11.2009
INTEREST SHOWN IN NEW HORSES
There has been some encouraging early support from Members wishing to acquire ownership shares in the Club's recent racehorse purchases, with shares in Billberry, Chandrayaan and Red Suede Shoes all being acquired.
Details of the available shares are shown on the Ownership Shares webpage.
5.11.2009
CLUB ANNOUNCES RACING MEDIA GUEST FOR ANNUAL DINNER
Racing Post Industry Editor Howard Wright is the Club's special guest at the Annual Dinner to be held on Friday 20th November at the Marriott Hotel, Waltham Abbey, Essex.
The event starts at 7.30pm and places are still available if booked with Manager Barry Root NOW.
30.10.2009
RED SUEDE CONTINUES GOOD RUN WITH 3RD PLACE AT WOLVERHAMPTON
Red Suede Shoes once again ran a solid race this evening, on Wolverhampton's all-weather surface for the first time, when he finished third over the extended mile behind the well-fancied Irish raider Alqaahi.
Drawn in stall five, he had been well-backed in the lead up to the race, and set off as 2/1 favourite, but the frantic pace set from the start and the early bends at Wolverhampton meant he was soon well back in the pack, and had to wait until the final turn to make a challenge as the space opened up on the inside. He finished well with a good strong run, but was unable to make up sufficient ground in the short home straight, losing by 3/4 of a length.
Click here for the full race result.
30.10.2009
EARLY RISERS SEE DREAMACHA AT STABLES AND AT WORK
With Newmarket's last week day meeting of the season being held in the afternoon, a few Members took the opportunity to see how our two year-old filly DREAMACHA had progressed by visiting trainer Stuart Williams' stables on Friday morning.
The filly then went on to the Cambridge Road gallops and did a piece of work alongsides another of Stuart's (already raced) two year-olds, still naturally showing some greenness early on, but stretching out nicely over the last furlong of her work. She continues to progress nicely and hopefully could be ready to race in about 5-6 weeks according to our trainer.
29.10.2009
FURTHER NEW HORSES OBTAINED FROM TATTERSALLS SALE
BILLBERRY, a four year-old grey gelding from Stuart Williams' consignment, who has been placed on a number of occasions and has a current BHA rating of 67 was acquired for syndication within the Club, remaining with Stuart, shortly after a former Ed Dunlop trained winning two year-old chestnut gelding named CHANDRAYAAN, with a current rating of 68, had been snapped up for Club trainer John Long and partners on this the final day of the four-day Autumn Sale.
Further details of the horses, including syndication costs, will appear on the website shortly.
24.10.2009
EXCITING NEWS AS RED SUEDE SHOES IS PURCHASED FOR CLUB
With the Lease of Red Suede Shoes coming to an end in a few days time, Manager Barry Root has agreed a deal with the owner of Red Suede Shoes to purchase the horse outright for the club. He will now be available for syndicate share purchase by Members, details of which will be available in a day or so, and will run in the Club's sole name from now onwards.
22.10.2009
ANOTHER GOOD RUN BRINGS 2ND PLACE FOR RED SUEDE SHOES
It took a strong performance by jockey Kieran Fallon on the Luca Cumani trained 5/4 favourite Sham Sheer to prevent RED SUEDE SHOES from notching back-to-back wins at Kempton this evening, when our three year-old ran on to get 2nd place from a difficult draw.
Having to be satisfied withan early position towards the rear, and a slowing-down of the pace half-way round leading to some coming-together of the runners, jockey James Millman made a positive move as they entered the home straight and with a strong drive just failed to reach the favourite on the line. This was another excellent run from a horse who is clearly at home both on the surface and with his cheek-pieces fitted.
You can see the full result if you click here.
12.10.2009
SUCCESS FOR RED SUEDE SHOES AT KEMPTON
Given a fine ride by jockey James Millman, RED SUEDE SHOES got the win he deserved in the One Mile Handicap at Kempton today. Having been knocking on the door in all of his races this season, he took the race in great style by almost a length following an excellent turn of foot in the home straight. Racing in cheek pieces for the first time assisted his concentration when it mattered, and he gave members attending the races the thrill of leading in a WINNER for the first time this season, at 5/1 joint-favourite.
The full race record can be seen if you click here
9.10.2009
PARTNERS DECIDE TO SELL MONTORIA
At the Partners Meeting held at The County Hotel, Chelmsford, a report from the Manager was considered and it was decided to sell MONTORIA and therefore enter her into the February 2010 Sales.
7.10.2009
TOUGH CLAIMER AT KEMPTON TOO MUCH FOR LOCHBROOM
A Claimer in which a high proportion of the horses were rated much higher than normal meant that Lochbroom Sunset was unable to sign off his lease period with any success. After a good break from the stalls, he sat handily in fourth position most of the trip, but was soon at work when the horses hit the home turn, and was unable to quicken to get into the prize money, finishing eventually in ninth position.
The full race record is shown if you click here.
30.9.2009
RED SUEDE SHOES 5TH AT KEMPTON
Having dwelt briefly at the start, Red Suede Shoes got up to finish in fifth place at Kempton in the 1 mile Classified Claiming Stakes race under jockey Tom McLaughlin, and was beaten by four lengths overall.
For the full race record, click here.
26.9.2009
LOCHBROOM SUNSET UNPLACED AT KEMPTON
Drawn on the wide outside of the track in this 7 furlong race, Lochbroom Sunset suffered a double-colllision with other horses as he broke from the stalls attempting to get to the inside, and was never able to get into contention despite making some progress, finishing in tenth position. The full race record can be seen if you click here.
19.9.2009
LOCHBROOM 4TH AT WOLVERHAMPTON
Lochbroom Sunset had a long wait to race after entering the stalls when a loose horse had to be caught before the race could get under way this evening, and despite being drawn in stall 1 in the 7 furlong Selling Stakes, was unable to command the race from the start and after going wide on the last bend before the home straight, ran on well but was pipped for third place.
The full race record can be seen if you click here.
10.9.2009
SEVEN FURLONGS DEFEATS LOCHBROOM AT KEMPTON
With trainer Stuart Williams having struck form during the day with wins at Epsom and in the first race of the evening at Kempton, the market seemed to think that a treble was on the cards as LOCHBROOM SUNSET, who had been given a new handicap rating of 65 from 55 following his last run, was backed down from 7/1 to 9/4 favourite for the seven furlong contest.
However, drawn in stall 11 on the inside of the track, he set off tracking the early pace setters, and although travelling just behind the leaders into the home straight, was unable to respond to the fast finishing horses which came from off the pace, and appeared not to quite make the seven furlong trip, (his recent second place being over six furlongs at Lingfield) and finished ninth of the thirteen runners.
The full race record can be found if you click here
7.9.2009
GREAT LEIGHS FRESH HOPE WITH NEW DEAL
FRESH ownership of the Great Leighs racecourse site, whose operating company went into administration in mid-January, appears to have been secured, although racing is highly unlikely to re-start before 2011.
Business advisory firm Deloitte, whose senior executives have been acting as joint administrators since January 16, is understood to have reached agreement on a deal that will take the Essex County Showground Group (ECSG) and associate companies out of administration.
ECSG had debts of upwards of £24 million when the all-weather track was closed, after the BHA refused to grant a further temporary licence to race following the previous night's fixture.
By far the largest creditor is the Royal Bank of Scotland, which is believed to have taken the biggest short-term hit under the new arrangement hammered out by Deloitte's financial partner Carlton Siddle, one of the joint administrators.
Other significant creditors include the BHA, the Levy Board and SIS. Although only the Levy Board, which is owed £1.4m for a loan for floodlights, is a secured creditor, the rest are expected to be paid up when all details are finalised.
2.9.2009
LOCHBROOM SUNSET JUST PIPPED AT LINGFIELD
It took a photograph to separate the 4/5 favourite Belinsky and our LOCHBROOM SUNSET in a thrilling finish at Lingfield this afternoon, with our two year-old just coming off second-best on the line following a brave effort by jockey Saleem Golam.
Set off at 33/1, Lochbroom sat in a handy position from the start, a few places off the leaders, but a strong run as the horses entered the home straight saw him fight all the way to the line, only to fail by a matter of inches to overhaul a horse which had cost 160,000 gns as a yearling, rated 72.
The full race result can be seen if you click here.
21.8.2009
MINOR PLACE FOR RED SUEDE SHOES ON CLUB DEBUT
Our new three year-old ran a good race on his club debut, continuing his run of steady form without getting to the winner's enclosure, when finishing 4th at Sandown today in a 0 - 80 handicap. As the riders approached the final furlong he looked the likely winner but was beaten in the run-in up the Sandown climb to the line, just failing to get the stiff 1 mile 2 furlong trip. An encouraging start and nice to be in the "winner's enclosure" albeit without any trophy to collect! The race record can be seen if you click here.
19.8.2009
RED SUEDE SHOES TO RACE FOR THE CLUB
The Club has negotiated terms for a Lease of a further horse to run in the Club colours with the three year-old RED SUEDE SHOES, trained by Rod Millman, being added to the Club's list today. The gelding, which has shown a good run of steady form over recent weeks, is by Storming Home, and is currently rated 67, having been placed three times from his eight starts. He makes his debut in the Club's colours at Sandown on Friday.
13.8.2009
BERMACHA UNPLACED AT CHEPSTOW
Once again we were frustrated by the drying-out going at Chepstow on Thursday when after a soft start to the week, the track turned good to firm as our filly attempted to show some form after a slow start to the season. Although Bermacha was unplaced, jockey Richard Thomas felt Bermacha had appeared more committed this time, but did not feel totally at home on the surface, suggesting we should look for soft going or attempt another tilt at the slower all-weather tracks.
3 8.2009
LOCHBROOM SUNSET ADDED TO HORSES LIST
With the Club's new two year-old and three year-old fillies both temporarily sidelined due to injuries, Manager Barry Root has arranged to Lease the two year-old LOCHBROOM SUNSET in the short term, and this colt will run in the Club's colours until further notice. He is trained by Stuart Williams at Newmarket, and has had four runs (unplaced) to date.
14.7.2009
BERMACHA FAILS TO HANDLE DRYING GROUND AT BRIGHTON
Racing conditions went against Bermacha at Brighton today when she tailed in last of the 12 runners in the 1 mile 2 furlongs handicap. Having expected ground of at least good to soft with rain forecast beforehand, she found the drying track and downhill run not to her liking and never settled under jockey Natalia Gemelova, so failed to make any impression following her improved run last time out.
28.6.2009
CHARITY BLACK TIE DINNER AT JOCKEY CLUB A SELL-OUT
The Lord's Taverners Charity Dinner to be held on 10th December 2009 at the Newmarket Jockey Club is already almost a sell-out with only a handful of places left - Essex Racing Club are supporting this special event - and Members are urged to make their reservations NOW if they wish to attend. Special guest speaker for the evening is leading Newmarket trainer Sir Mark Prescott, so this promises to be an excellent evening. Further details can be found on our Events & Hospitality webpage.
27.6.2009
MEMBERS ENJOY NEWMARKET STABLE VISIT
Saturday's Stable Visit for members and guests to Stuart Williams at Diomed Stables, Newmarket was most enjoyable, with the two new Club fillies on parade and Montoria doing some work on the Newmarket Links gallops. A pub lunch at nearby Kentford was followed by an afternoon at Newmarket's July Course race meeting.
22.6.2009
OASIS DREAM IS TOP ROYAL ASCOT BLACK-TYPE PERFORMER
Statistics published in the Racing Post revealed that the stallion Oasis Dream was the most successful sire of black-type finishers at Royal Ascot last week, achieving four successes from his nine runners, Oasis Dream also being the sire of the Club's unraced two year-old filly, Dreamacha.
Everyone hopes that the two year-old, which will be on show at next week's stable visit to Stuart Williams' yard, will follow the route to success like so many other of her sire's produce have done to date.
6.6.2009
BERMACHA HAS IMPROVED RUN WITH 5TH PLACE AT SOUTHWELL
A deluge at Southwell meant the Midlands all-weather track had the appearance of a sloppy American one on Sunday as Bermacha attempted the fibre-sand surface for the first time.
Badly drawn on the wide outsideof the14 runners, she had to work hard under jockey Richard Thomas to get into a reasonable position from the start, and travelled nicely in third or fourth position for most of the one mile contest, eventually finishing in fifth position as the leaders went away in the home straight. This was a much improved performance and without the disadvantage of the wide draw might well have got into the prize money in other circumstances, still running on at the close.
The race result can be see if you click here and a video of the race can be seen on the attheraces website.
30.5.2009
ADMINISTRATORS BACK NEW GREAT LEIGHS OWNERS
Administrators attempting to realise cash for creditors by selling the assets of the Great Leighs Racecourse are backing the new owners, despite the the application for 2010 fixtures being thrown out by the BHA on Friday.
Executives from the business advisory firm Deloitte have agreed a deal with a consortium of Essex-based businessmen headed by property developer and polo club owner Terry Chambers. A statement issue by Deloitte said "Whilst the financial terms and conditions remain confidential, the administrators confirm that a deal includes and 18-month period during which occupation (of the racecourse) would be under the terms of a lease between the administrators and the purchaser. The joint administrators are disappointed that the racing licence application has been rejected, but remain hopeful and supportive of the purchaser in their efforts to secure a racing licence for the early return of racing to Great Leighs."
16.5.2009
NEW FILLIES MAKE PROGRESS
Satisfactory reports have been received from trainer Stuart Williams with regard to the progress of the new Oasis Dream two year-old filly and Montjeu three year-old filly in the recent month or so. Both are now cantering upsides and taking their work well, and there have been no set-backs, so will have their work stepped up in the coming weeks. We keep our fingers crossed for a smooth run-in to their debut races later in the Summer.
24.4.2009
BERMACHA MAKES SEASONABLE DEBUT AT WOLVERHAMPTON
Having pleased trainer John Long in the lead up to this first race of the season for Bermacha, there were hopes that the problems of 2008 had been left behaind and that she would get our season off on a satisfactory note at Wolverhampton today, but an initial reluctance to go into the stalls followed by a delay in getting out at the start meant that we had to settle for a no-place result at the end.
Our filly had to make up six lengths or so at the start and despite a good run in the back straight where she appeared to make progress to within about four lengths of the leaders, she could not sustain her momentum and finished well beaten.
Jockey Richard Thomas explained that she had been slowly away and had to go round the outside to make up any ground, although at one point in the back straight appeared to be moving very well and he had high hopes of getting close, possibly the filly's rustiness had contributed to her lack of progress in the home straight.
The full race record can be seen if you click here
11.4.2009
GUINEAS DINNER CANCELLED
The proposed Guineas Preview Dinner at The Manor of Groves Hotel in Sawbridgeworth on Friday 1st May has been CANCELLED following a disappointing number of requests for tickets, according to Manager Barry Root and Hotel Marketing Manager Nikki Orsini. The event was to be the first of its' kind to be held by the Club in conjuction wit the hotel, and follows the same fate as the Dubai World Cup Preview Dinner due to have been held in March.
4.4.2009
NEW CLUB FILLIES ON SHOW AT DIOMED STABLES
Over twenty Members and guests attended the Club's first event of the season at Stuart Williams' Diomed Stables at Newmarket, when they saw for the first time the new two year-old OASIS DREAM filly (recently named DREAMACHA in the Members naming competition)
and the three year-old MONTJEU filly (named MONTORIA).
After coffee and sausage rolls were served upon arrival, the party were shown around Stuart's stables before the Club's two new horses were paraded, and were then taken to the nearby Racecourse Side gallops to see some gentle canters by both horses, as well as a handful of Stuart's other horsesat work.
Lunch was provided at the National Horseracing Museum Rooms prior to members leaving for home in time to watch the Grand National.
8.3.2009
1000 GUINEAS PREVIEW DINNER TO BE HELD AT MANOR OF GROVES
Arrangements have now been made to hold a 1000 & 2000 Guineas Preview Dinner on Friday 1st May 2009 at the Manor of Groves Hotel in Sawbridgeworth, replacing the cancelled Dubai World Cup Dinner originally planned for 27th March. At The Races Presenter Dave Compton will be the guest speaker for the evening, tickets for which are now on sale (see Events & Hospitality webpage).
24.2.2009
BERMACHA PLEASES TRAINER AS SHE HEADS TOWARDS SEASONAL DEBUT
Trainer John Long reported he was well pleased with the progress Bermacha had made over the past two to three weeks. Despite a short delay in her programme back to fitness caused by the snow and frost on the Surrey trainer's gallops, she has shown good attitude and eagerness to get on with her work as conditions have returned to normal. An increase in her tempo and extended distance work is now in progress and we are hopeful of an early return to the track, John explained today.
3.2.2009
NH RACING OPTION BEING CONSIDERED
Following interest expressed by some members in recent weeks, there is a possibility of NH Racing being added to the club's activities, with an opportunity being offered to become involved with a 4YO Hurdling prospect, in training with Ben Case in Oxfordshire. Details have been placed on the website, and members will shortly receive details of the options available in this share purchase arrangement.
27.1.2009
HRH PRINCESS ROYAL VISITS GREAT LEIGHS
Great Leighs in conjunction with the Animal Health Trust hosted a reception at the racecourse today where HRH Princess Royal was the guest of honour. During her tour to view the racecourse facilities, HRH met representatives from various groups and companies, and was introduced to Club Manager Barry Root and wife Joan, asking questions about the Racing Club. Sadly no Membership Application was at hand at the time!
20.1.2009
DUBAI WORLD CUP PREVIEW DINNER CANCELLED
The Club's Dubai World Cup Preview Dinner, which was to be held on Friday 27 March 2009, and which featured guest celebrities and a preview of the world's richest race to be run on the following day at Nad al Sheba, has been CANCELLED.
20.1.2009
FILLY NAMING COMPETITION APPEALS TO MEMBERS
Naming suggestions from Members for the new Oasis Dream filly are being received daily, and it is hoped there will be a good number in the draw to be made at the end of the month.
All suggested names will be checked at the BHA Weatherbys Office as being suitable prior to being entered in the draw. Ownership shares in the filly, which will be the subject of a stable visit in the coming weeks, are now being sold, details of which are shown on the Ownership Shares page of the website.
19.1.2009
BBC RADIO AND TELEVISION SEEK COMMENTS ABOUT GREAT LEIGHS
Following Friday's announcement about Great Leighs going into Administration, Club Manager Barry Root was asked to give live radio and television interviews to the BBC. The BBC Look East news programme showed the interview three times today, together with trainer Stuart Williams at his stables at Newmarket, whereas the BBC Essex radio station took a live interview, which can be heard if you click here.
17.1.09
BERMACHA SETTLES IN TO HER NEW HOME
Trainer John Long reported that BERMACHA had settled in well at his yard following her transfer from William Muir last week, and was enjoying her first outings in the grassed valleys surrounding his Caterham, Surrey gallops. She had a slight tweak of a muscle prior to leaving Lambourn, which possibly occurred in her last race at Lingfield, and which was treated by massage, resulting in a small gap in her training programme, but is now back into routine. We are quite hopeful that she will not be long in getting onto the racecourse again.
16.1.2009
PROBLEMS AT GREAT LEIGHS AS BHA REFUSE EXTENSION OF LICENCE
The race meeting planned for 22nd January is to be transferred to Kempton following the BHA refusal to grant Great Leighs an extension of their temporary licence, which expired on Thursday at midnight. Within a few hours of this decision, it was announced that Great
Leighs went into Administration - further news if you click here.
The Club's horses are not due to race at Great Leighs in the immediate future, so there will be little or no loss of facility to Members, although naturally our promotional activity at the racecourse will be affected until such time as matters are resolved.
8.1.2009
ANNUAL REPORT OUTLINES PLANS FOR 2009
In the Club's Annual Report, published today, Manager Barry Root reflects on the past year's activities, highlighted by Benhego's fantastic win at Great Leighs at the end of August, and outlines the plans for 2009. You can see a copy if you click here.