News & Results
FORTHCOMING RACE ENTRIES & DECLARATIONS
8 September - RED SUEDE SHOES - 1 Mile Claiming Stakes at Kempton
1.9.2010
BRIGHTON THIRD PLACE FOR DREAMACHA
With a little more luck in running in the early stages of this 6 furlong handicap, Dreamacha may well have got a win under her belt today, but after setting off with the intention of crossing to the stands side, jockey William Carson was forced against the near rail by another horse and despite making the move across on to the better ground and running on well, she was just unable to catch the winner Mushy Peas and runner-up Via Aurelia, eventually being beaten by a length and a half. The filly clearly had improved from the Yarmouth race, and should soon be celebrating success.
The full race record can be seen if you click here
29.8.2010
BILLBERRY FOURTH AT GOODWOOD
Billberry ran yet another solid race but was just unable to reach the places when finishing fourth at a wet and blustery Goodwood on Sunday. He raced towards the rear early on, and possibly given too much daylight, he rallied in the final couple of furlongs to make a strong challenge behind his conqueror last time out at Newmarket, Witchry and the eventual winner The Human League, but had to be content with fourth place. The full result can be seen here.
Jockey Ashley Morgan at Goodwood with the members. Billberry on display at the stables.
23.8.2010
GOOD SUPPORT FOR CLUB DAY AT NEWMARKET
WITH EVENING BARBEQUE
Around 25 Members and guests had an enjoyable race day at Newmarket on Saturday followed by a visit to trainer Stuart Williams' stables after racing.
Club horses BILLBERRY and DREAMACHA were paraded and the group were given a tour of the yard by Stuart, where he explained his training procedures and answered numerous questions. A splendid BBQ at The Cock Inn at Kentford rounded off the day nicely.
Members at Stuart Williams' Diomed Stables check out Dreamacha ahead of their barbeque
14.8.2010
BILLBERRY BATTLES IN MUD FOR EXCELLENT 2ND PLACE IN NEWMARKET'S GREY HORSES RACE
Rain had fallen persistently over the past couple of days at Newmarket and so the official going for Billberry's six furlong handicap for Grey Horses was described as "soft" - but in this step-up in grade, he put in an excellent performance under jockey Cathy Gannon, coming from the back to get to within a head of the winner Witchry in an exciting finish. The run justified trainer Stuart Williams' decision to declare him in this valuable race, in which he had finished third last year. Click here for the full race result.
A good gathering of Members braved the rain to enjoy the day as seen below.
11.8.2010
DREAMACHA PROGRESSES WITH 3RD PLACE AT YARMOUTH
A good number of Members saw DREAMACHA show some encouraging signs of progressing nicely when the filly finished in third place at 7/1 at Yarmouth today, improving on her three previous starts as a Maiden.
Drawn against the rails in the seven furlong handicap, she was given a fine ride by jockey William Carson, and quickened nicely when asked at around the two furlong marker. She was just unable to run on sufficiently to reach the winner and runner-up in the closing stages however, but clearly would benefit from this run, having been out of racecourse action since the end of June.
Click here for the full race record.
7.8.2010
BILLBERRY GOES CLOSE AT LINGFIELD
Back on his favourite all weather surface, BILLBERRY showed much of his old form when finishing 4th only half a length back from the winner in this seven furlong handicap at Lingfield on Saturday. He had stayed in the back trio of horses from the start but in the home straight made a powerful run, choosing to come on the outside, just failing to get into the prizes despite the efforts of jockey George Baker, as the 2nd, 3rd and 4th horses went across the line together. He now heads for the Grey Horses handicap at Newmarket.
The full race record can be seen here.
5.8.2010
YARMOUTH PROMOTIONAL DAY ROUNDS OFF WITH A 2ND PLACE FOR MYMATEERIC
The Norfolk Club's second membership promotional day at Yarmouth racecourse was kindly supported by sponsors in each of the seven races on the day, and after they had enjoyed afternoon tea in the Club hospitality box, Members were able to see their leased horse MYMATEERIC earn a well-deserved second place in the final race of the afternoon. This race was kindly sponsored by club member Keith Loads.
The four year-old was given a fine ride by Richard Mullen, initially settling in sixth place alongside the eventual winner Fuzzypeg, and as the runners hit the final furlong Mymateeric challenged for the lead, only to be just held off by a neck at the finish.
The full race record can be seen if you click here
1.8.2010
CLUB FIRST AS MERCHANDISE SPOTTED AT LADIES PGA
OPEN GOLF AT ROYAL BIRKDALE!
It wasn't only the superb lady golfers that were on show at the Ladies British Open Golf at Royal Birkdale over the weekend, but spotted in the crowd were spectators proudly displaying Club merchandise! Cameras zoomed in to the individuals concerned in front of the leader-board and also alongside the par-three 14th hole at the Lancashire course, the event being won by Taiwan's Yani Tseng. Our North-West reporter was unable, however, to get any comments from the two golfing spectators as to what the Racing Club was all about.
25.7.2010
SUNDAY LUNCH A HIT IN RURAL NORFOLK
A group of 16 Members and friends made the trip to Heydon on Sunday and enjoyed a super roast lunch at the racing-themed Earle Arms. Situated in one of the only "no through-road" villages in the country, this was a lovely venue for a relaxing Sunday afternoon. A presentation was made on the day by Manager Barry Root to Michelle Fernandes for her contribution towards new member recruitment under the Club's "Member for Member Scheme".
Members on camera prior to their Sunday lunch, and Barry Root thanks host Andrew Harrison-Taylor
24.7.2010
MIDDLE EAST BID TO SAVE GREAT LEIGHS RACECOURSE
It is reported that a Middle Eastern consortium were having talks yesterday with a view to lodging a bid to the Royal Bank of Scotland subsidiary, West Register (Realisations) Ltd, who took over the debt-laden racecourse from the Administrators recently. The article, which appeared in an Essex newspaper can be seen if you click here.
15.7.2010
FURTHER REDUCTIONS IN LEVY MEANS PRIZE MONEY HIT
With the Levy Board announcing this week even further reductions of 26% in the amount to be spent on racing in 2011, we can expect even less prize money to be available in the coming year than the present miserable levels.
With the suggestion of a number of fixture reductions too, things do not look good for the racing industry, particularly as the amount of money that racing regards as a reasonable return from betting through the levy, and the sum that bookmakers are looking to pay, growing wider than ever.
The Club will be preparing its' own financial estimates for 2011 soon.
15.7.2010
DIARY DATE FOR CLUB ANNUAL DINNER
This year's Annual Dinner will be held on Saturday 20 November at the Harefield Manor Hotel in Romford, Essex, so make a note of this date so that as soon as final details are published, you can reserve your places! Guests are welcome to this event as usual.
The evening will include a drinks reception in the hotel's "Henry Cecil Bar", a three-course dinner, and a guest racing personality attendance.
7.7.2010
RETURN TO ALL-WEATHER SURFACE DOES NOTHING FOR RED SUEDE SHOES
The return to the track where he enjoyed much success last season was not the answer to improved performance for Red Suede Shoes this time, as he finished last in the mile handicap at Kempton Park.
He started well enough and looked to have been given an ideal ride into a favourable position by jockey Saleem Golan, but tailed off badly in the run to the finish. Trainer Jeff Pearce has arranged to have him checked-out thoroughly back at the stables as this was nothing like the horse we know.
The full result of the race this evening can be seen here.
7.7.2010
FURTHER SOCIAL EVENTS ADDED TO CALENDAR
An active Summer is guaranteed for Members and guests as further events are added to our calendar - a summer BBQ will take place at trainer Stuart Williams Yard (after Newmarket races) on 28th August, and a visit to the Opera Evening at Tattersalls, run by the Animal Health Trust, is planned for Saturday evening, 25th September.
The full list of events can be seen on our "Events & Hospitality" page, which has links to the relevant details. Guests are welcome at all Club events.
7.7.2010
HORSES CARRY SPONSORS LOGOS AT RACES
All three of the horses running in the Club's colours are now kindly sponsored - Billberry and Red Suede Shoes by ladies fashion store Ward-Robes, and Dreamacha by coffee suppliers Team-Barista. Both sponsors are based at Wymondham in Norfolk. Click on the names above to link to their details.
27.6.2010
DREAMACHA HAS THIRD RUN AND QUALIFIES FOR HANDICAPS
A hot afternoon beside the River Thames was an undoubted better option than being in front of the TV watching England's feeble effort in the World Cup, and although Dreamacha was never in contention in this one mile Maiden race, she will have benefitted from this run-out after a short lay-off following her minor surgery, and we can now look forward to her performing in handicaps once she has been given her official handicap rating.
She finished in seventh place but jockey Saleem Golan felt she had given a fair account in the circumstances, stating that she would come on for this race, which was on good to firm ground today.
The full race record can be seen if you click here.
25.6.2010
COLCHESTER UNITED FORMER PLAYERS AT LADIES DAY
Over 40 former players, their friends and families, of Colchester United Football Club will be visiting Newmarket on Ladies Day, Thursday 8th July on a trip organised by Manager Barry Root.
The day will start with a two-course lunch at a local restaurant when the visitors will be given a brief explanation by Barry of the afternoon's racing, betting options etc and details of how Essex Racing Club operates, before an afternoon at the July Course.
Guests enjoy a pre-racing luncheon at Newmarket
25.6.2010
SPONSORS REQUIRED FOR YARMOUTH RACE DAY
Thursday 5th August is the second of the NORFOLK RACING CLUB promotional race days at Yarmouth Racecourse (following the launch day on 21 May), and we need a few more race sponsors to finalise the day. Anyone prepared to support the day for a heavily-discounted sponsorship fee should contact Barry Root as soon as possible. Optional hospitality facilities are also available for all sponsors.
It is hoped that the Club will have a Members hospitality facility as last time.
19.6.2010
ROYAL ASCOT A NO-GO FOR CLUB MEMBERS
This year's Royal Ascot Club Picnic Day was a no-show for Club Members and friends this year, with only the Manager and Events Secretary with their respective partners in attendance at the picnic on the Wednesday this year. This was a real disappointment considering around 40 Members and friends attended in 2008.
Our next club social event is the Greyhound Racing Evening at Romford on 9th July.
17.6.2010
BILLBERRY TURF WIN ELUDES HIM
Only just over a length separated Billberry in sixth place and the winner Piccolo Express, a 16/1 outsider, in today's seven furlong contest at sunny Warwick. Set off at 3/1 favourite after some market support,, jockey George Baker got him nicely settled early on but he was unable to make sufficient progress to get in to the places despite a strong run up the home straight, running on well and only a length short of success at the end.
The full race record can be seen if you click here.
5.6.2010
SOLID RUN GETS BILLBERRY FOURTH PLACE AT LINGFIELD
Another solid performance from Billberry at Lingfield saw him just fail to get into the major places in this seven furlong 0 - 70 handicap on the turf straight on Saturday. He waited patiently in the early stages as For Life set off at a good pace up front and when the horses headed into the last furlong he made his effort on the outside, but the 70 rated joint favourite Space Station showed a good turn of foot to get the opening required up the stand rails to go on and win nicely, with Billberry about five lengths back at the finish.
The full race record can be seen if you click here.
1.6.2010
SOCIAL EVENTS PLANNED FOR SUMMER
Our Norfolk section Events Secretary Michelle Fernandes has wasted no time in getting summer social events planned for Members and their guests, with trips to Greyhound Racing and a Yarmouth Racecourse End of Season Lunch already in the diary. The dates are:
9 July - Greyhound Racing at Romford Stadium (see Events & Hospitality page)
TBA - Greyhound Racing at Yarmouth Stadium
26 Oct - Race Day Lunch at Yarmouth Racecourse (final meeting of the season).
29.5.2010
NO LUCK FOR CHANDRAYAAN IN FINAL RUN
Chandrayaan was unable to improve on his recent encouraging Salisbury run when stepping up to a mile in his last race for the club at Great Yarmouth today, eventually finishing eighth after an untidy race which saw him bumped off his stride when looking to be in a challenging position about a furlong out. He had settled in about fifth place early on from his wide draw appearing to be travelling well, despite a slight stumble at one point early on, but was unable to recover from a collision sufficiently to make an impact on the result and so moved on to his new owner without a win during his time wearing our colours.
29.5.2010 VISIT TO TRAINER JEFF PEARCE AT NEWMARKET
The weather stayed fair for the morning visit to trainer Jeff Pearce's Wroughton House Stables when 22 members and guests enjoyed meeting Jeff and his team, as well as seeing RED SUEDE SHOES at work on Warren Hill. A thoroughly enjoyable morning included a tour of the stables and adjoining facilities, "star" watching on Warren Hill as a host of Newmarket's larger yards' horses did their stuff up the gallops before our four year-old did two pieces of nice work. A lunch at the Horseracing Museum followed, and a few braved it to a rather a wet Rowley Mile racecourse in the afternoon.
26.5.2010
NORFOLK MEMBERS SIGN UP FOLLOWING CLUB LAUNCH
There has been encouraging support for the new NORFOLK RACING CLUB section with twenty new members joining as a result of the launch of the Club at Yarmouth Racecourse on Friday last. There will be further membership promotion at the forthcoming Yarmouth race meetings in June as we strive to get numbers up overall to an acceptable level.
24.5.2010
BILLBERRY FOURTH AT LEICESTER AS TURF WIN ELUDES HIM
Another solid run from Billberry got him a fourth place at Leicester today in a race which threw up a few surprises with the fancied horses, Billberry included, running in the centre of the track, being outpaced by those, including outsiders on paper, running up the stands rail. From his stall four draw, jockey Ryan Clark took Billberry towards the outside of the pack, tracking the favourite Plutocraft early on, but although running on at the finish, he was clearly not up with the faster group standside and so had to be content with a minor place.
The full result can be seen if you click here.
21.5.2010
SECOND AND THIRD FOR CLUB HORSES ON LAUNCH DAY
A sun-drenched Great Yarmouth contributed to a highly successful launch of our NORFOLK RACING CLUB and a second place for WRENINGHAM and third for DAZZLING BEGUM gave our fifty or so members and guests something to cheer about. Wreningham had been well-backed in the run up to the start but could not hold off the fast finishing Solemn, and the Jeff Pearce trained Dazzling Begum finished well to get third place after being stuck behind horses at the crucial time, running on well and almost getting to the winner and runner up.The Club is extremely grateful to the horses' owners for allowing us to lease them on the day, as well as the seven race sponsors who kindly supported the day.
19.5.2010
LEASED HORSES DECLARED TO RUN ON CLUB RACE DAY
Thanks to the co-operation of trainers Jeff Pearce and Stuart Williams, and their respective racehorse owners, we shall have two horses running in the Club colours at Yarmouth on Friday. Handicappers Dazzling Begum and Wreningham will line up in their respective races representing Essex and Norfolk Racing Clubs, adding to the enjoyment of our sponsored and new club launch day, the plans for which have gone extremely well.
A huge amount of work has been put in by Members Michelle Fernandes and Neil Ward and we are hugely grateful to them both for all they have done in making the day a success.
18.5.2010
ALL RACES SPONSORED AT NEW CLUB RACE DAY
Friday's race meeting at Great Yarmouth, where our associate Norfolk Racing Club will officially be launched, has proved a big hit from the race sponsorship point of view, with all seven races quickly sold out. Furthermore around fifty potential new Members and guestsare expected to attend the race meeting, with many taking up the excellent value Hospitality Box package whereby entrance badge and a buffet lunch can be obtained for £15 per person.
Manager Barry Root is still hoping to have a horse running on the day in the Club's colours to add to the excitement, meanwhile plans for a repeat day in August are already under way.
13.5.2010
MUCH IMPROVED CHANDRAYAAN GETS THIRD PLACE AT SALISBURY
Chandrayaan ran a much improved race in a competitive Claimer at Salisbury today, running on well to finish third place at odds of 50/1 behind the favouriteThrust Control, who was rated 78 compared with our three year-old's 59.
The race was run at a decent pace and jockey Sam Hitchcott got a good break to sit in third place against the rails early on but slipped back from this early promising position, appearing to be outpaced, but then rallied strongly in the last furlong showing a good turn of foot to get third place comfortably.
The full race record can be seen if you click here.
8.5.2010
LAUNCH OF NEW NORFOLK RACING CLUB
In an effort to recruit new Members and shareholders from the East Anglia region, Manager Barry Root is launching the NORFOLK RACING CLUB on 21 May at Yarmouth Racecourse.
The new Club will run alongside the existing Club and will share in the interest of the current horses in training. The race day at Yarmouth provides an opportunity for any organisations interested in sponsoring a race on the day to do so at a hugely discounted price, and there will also be Private Box hospitality packages available for Members, sponsors and their guests. ALL RACES ARE NOW SPONSORED.
8.5.2010
NEWMARKET STABLE VISIT PLANNED
Saturday 29th May has been arranged as the date for the Club's visit to the Newmarket yard of trainer Jeff Pearce, where an opportunity will be available to see RED SUEDE SHOES following his recent transfer there. Starting at 9am, Members will meet Jeff and his team and see his facilities, and be able to see Red Suede Shoes at work on the training gallops. A luncheon in Newmarket followed by optional afternoon racing at the Rowley Mile Racecourse will follow.
27.4.2010
CHANDRAYAAN STAYS WITH US A LITTLE LONGER
Running in the Claimer at Lingfield today failed to achieve the desired result for Chandrayaan, who once again didn't have the best of starts coming out of the stalls, eventually finishing fifth out of the seven runners in the seven furlong contest.
He had to settle for running towards the back of the pack early on under jockey Sam Hitchcott, and although running on up the inside rail in the home straight, was unable to give us the result we were looking for, finishing around six lengths behind the winner Novay Essjay.
The full race result can be seen here.
26.4.2010
RED SUEDE SHOES SWITCHES TO NEWMARKET
Red Suede Shoes will be trained at Newmarket by Jeff Pearce following the transfer from Rod Millman today. With new Members from Norfolk joining the Club, it was essential to give as many people as possible the opportunity to feel part of the Club by having their horses reasonably accessible, and so after an amicable arrangement with former trainer Rod Millman, the four year-old has transferred to Jeff's Newmarket town centre yard.
Jeff is well known to many of the Members, and has a good record so far this year, and we hope he will be able to continue the good run of form that Red Suede Shoes showed last year. Members will have the opportunity to visit the new trainer's stables shortly - details available soon.
10.4.2010
BILLBERRY IN CLOSE FINISH AT LINGFIELD
Backed down to 9/4 favourite this afternoon and with jockey Ryan Moore on board, Billberry
only just failed to get to the front in the final fifty yards or so after making strong headway up the inside rail in the home straight at sunny Lingfield Park. From his wide outside draw he was settled at the rear early on and waited until the home turn to make his move, coming with a strong drive which looked as if it would be timed to perfection, but the fast finishing Copperwood had just got the better run and won by a length with our five year-old only a neck away in third place.
The full race record can be seen if you click here.
3.4.2010
RED SUEDE SHOES BACK IN TRAINING AFTER WINTER BREAK
Trainer Rod Millman has brought Red Suede Shoes back into the main yard and commenced training on the four year-old following his recent period of winter relaxation in the paddocks.
On a very wet Saturday morning, the gelding had his first gallop on the trainer's excellent all-weather surface, strutting his stuff behind a couple of Rod's experienced horses, without really breaking into a sweat at this early stage. He will gradually increase the amount and tempo of the work over the coming month or so.
1.4.2010
ENCOURAGING THIRD PLACE FOR DREAMACHA AT FOLKESTONE
On desperately heavy ground at Folkestone this afternoon, DREAMACHA ran a creditable third place from her wide outside draw and gave the impression she has progressed steadily from her debut run.
She was no trouble whatsoever in the stalls this time around, and from the break, jockey William Carson got her into a nice position in fifth place just on the outside and behind the leading horses (there had been a late withdrawn horse reducing the field to seven so thwarting third-place pay-out by the bookmakers). The filly kept a nice straight line as the pace quickened and she ran on well into third position, never likely to catch the experienced and well-backed Caramelita, but showing enough to suggest she will be capable of winning races.
I am sure those Members who decided to take the plunge and become shareholders in the three year-old will be encouraged by this performance and we all look forward to trainer Stuart Williams’ further placement of our filly to good effect in the forthcoming races. Today’s full race result can be seen if you click here .
31.3.2010
CHANDRAYAAN DISAPPOINTS AT KEMPTON
We had reason to anticipate an encouraging run from Chandrayaan following his first two performances, although his wide draw in stall number two was not helpful, but this was a case in which after his pre-race playing up (difficult to saddle and then threw jockey Richard Thomas whilst loading the stalls), he flattered to deceive early on and then finished at the back of the pack.
He was worked into a good position from the start, making progress from the wide outside to get into fifth position and on the home turn was still moving well and looking comfortable, ready to make a challenge,but as the pace quickened he was unable to show any desire to go on, and was left to chase home the rest of the field.
The full race record can be seen if you click here.
25.3.2010
CLUB ENJOYS KEMPTON EXPOSURE
Despite Billberry being unable to put icing on the cake of a fun evening at Kempton by getting into the frame in the club-sponsored handicap race (he finished sixth in a tough handicap in which the race was not run to suit him), a good-size group of Members nevertheless had an enjoyable time on yet another rainy Kempton race evening.
With around 20 Members and guests in our Private Box and another dozen frequenting the Owners & Trainers bar, this was the best turn-out for some considerable time.
With no horse in the race willing to set the pace, it was left to jockey Andrea Atzeni to push Billberry along in front for most of the race, but he was just unable to make it all and slipped to sixth place as the fast-finishing Jake The Snake and Dinner Date fought out the finish in the last half a furlong.
The full race result can be seen if you click here.
23.3.2010
ALL SYSTEMS GO FOR CLUB'S RACE EVENING AT KEMPTON
With all eight races now sponsored, and most of the Private Box's taken up, it is all systems go for the ESSEX RACE NIGHT at Kempton on Thursday. An added bonus to the arrangements for the evening, which will feature an on-course competition for FREE MEMBERSHIP OF THE CLUB, is the declaration of BILLBERRY to run in our own-named race at 7.50pm.
A few places are still available in the Club's Box and contact should be made with Manager Barry Root if interested.
19.3.2010
CHANDRAYAAN HAS RESPECTABLE ATTEMPT IN HANDICAP
A step up to seven furlongs was the test for Chandrayaan in his second run in our colours today, at Lingfield, and only a slightly sluggish start possibly prevented him from getting into the prize money. He had to make up early lost ground and when the runners rounded the final bend, jockey Sam Hitchcott made a bold move up the inside rail and made good progress but was just unable to reach the leaders, with well-fancied winner Mount Juliet looking useful in what was quite a hot little handicap, and finished around three lengths back in sixth place.
The full record can be seen if you click here. We can be optimistic that there is more to come from the three year-old based on this effort.
5.3.2010
LATE BURST JUST FAILS TO GET VICTORY FOR BILLBERRY
Billberry's brave late effort from a wide outside draw at Lingfield today was only a nose away from success when he had to settle for second place after jockey Adam Kirby had brought him from last to virtually first on the line over the seven furlong trip.
The full race result can be seen here.
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.