Our Club has been in existence since March and it’s been a great year overall. Danehill Quest was the flag bearer for us finishing second on four occasions during the summer. He was very unlucky not to get his head in front when beaten by a whisker in Killarney. He was running in 45-65 Handicaps, but it might as well have been the Epsom Derby, with the thrill that he gave our members on several occasions.
As the Season went on, many of our members got to know each other well and formed friendship’s, with the common goal of having a bit of craic (fun, for any American readers) at the races and attempting to pick out a few winners. It was nice to see the members interact in this way and it made for a friendly, feel good atmosphere. Horse Racing is a tough industry and it is important to be able to see the silver lining when things aren’t going according to plan. It was also interesting for us to get to know the members, there’s some great people from all walks of life involved in the Club.
Although we didn’t get the elusive first winner, we came very close on several occasions, had some great days out and learned a great deal about the game.
Our Members have expressed how much they appreciate the time that the trainers take to speak with them and explain things about a horses form or an upcoming race. They are treated as Owners and not just Members of a Club.
We held an open morning during the Summer at Shiela Lavery’s and the members in attendance were fascinated as Sheila spoke openly and honestly about her training methods and how she got started in the industry, who she looks to for advice etc.
We then had some breakfast, before heading off to meet Dermot McLoughlin at Lee Valley Training center. Dermot was equally as good to us and took a good chunk of time out of his morning to have a chat with us all.
We had a nice 4yo Mare in training with him called Tommy Hilfilly, but unfortunately she had a nasty accident, on her second start, at Roscommon, where she collided with a horse that had fallen in front of her. Initially we feared the worst, the screens went up around her and it looked like she had broken her shoulder, but we took her home to assess. It was an almighty bang to the shoulder, but the x-rays were clear.
It later transpired to be nerve damage, which can sometimes repair but her case it hasn’t. She has severe muscle wastage and the suprasacular nerve which runs across the shoulder is most likely severed. A condition known as Sweeney Shoulder. She is not fit to race again and it’s a pity as she was an honest Mare who was definitely capable of winning some races. Her regular work partner was Freewheelin Dylan. Who has won 2 valuable chases already this season and is being aimed at the Irish Grand National.
Her pedigree is probably a little bit light to breed from her in a commercial way for Racing, but we may send her to something like Elusive Pimpernel, to give her a purpose in life.
We are lucky to have a nice bunch of Horses that are capable of winning races. There may not be any Superstars among them, but anything that we keep in training has promise. We removed Golden Chance from the Club as she was not performing as we had hoped.
Danehill Quest
Our stalwart, gave us some great days out during the Summer. The plan was to go Jumping with him, but unfortunately he picked up a tendon injury during his last start at Navan. He is currently on box rest but will be back for the Flat Season.
Ivaquestion
A strong Colt who had a couple of really good runs in hot Maidens. He was mentally very immature at 2 and has since been gelded and let off for the winter. He has been given a rating of 77 and the best is yet to be seen of him.
Jazzelle
Jazzelle is a filly that we like but she kept growing and growing all season and ended up looking very tall and lean. She ran with some promise at 2, but the best will be seen of her next summer when she’s furnished out a bit and steps up in distance.
Cosmic Jazz
Cosmic Jazz failed to win on the flat from 11 starts but she ran with credit on a few occasions. She jumps remarkably well. We recently ran her in a pair of juvenile hurdles on ground that she doesn’t handle. She will be campaigned over hurdles during the Summer.
Worthadd X Summer Spice
A forward going and likable Filly who was picked up inexpensively at the Goffs Autumn yearling Sales. She is by an unfashionable stallion but her Dam has bred plenty of winners, by low profile stallions. She has recently been broken and has improved physically since the sale. We are in the process of naming her and invited our club members to come up with names. One of our favourites was inspired by the L’oreal Ad, Becozurworthadd .
We have plenty to look forward to in 2020. We are a small Club that prides itself in being run in a clear and transparent manner, providing an affordable way for members of the public to be involved in both Flat and National Hunt racing, to visit behind the scenes and become part of a racing community with a passion for horse racing.
Many thanks to all of our Members and Trainers for their support throughout the year.
Happy new year to you all, may 2020 be a happy and prosperous one!
To celebrate the start of a new decade we have a 10 % discount on membership fee’s. Valid for the month of January only. Please use the coupon code Jan2020 at checkout.
We are always on the lookout for new members and the more members we get, the better the service we can provide. If you know of anyone who might enjoy our club, please send them our way and earn yourself a referral bonus in the process.
Photo Cred – Jamie Keane
