Everybody’s story has to start somewhere and this is where mine begins.
I was a 7 year old boy back in 1977, one particular Saturday afternoon I was sat in the living room at home watching television as usual, In those days it was a choice between watching Noel Edmonds on Swap Swap on BBC or Sally James on Tiswas on ITV. It was about 12.00 when BBC’S Grandstand and ITV’s World Of Sport would begin. On most weekends they would show sporting highlights and live some oscure live events, including horse racing. That is where I immediately fell in love with horses and the great sport of racing.
The BBC had Sir Peter O’Sullivan’s masterful commentary and insights, with Julian Wilson, Richard Pitman and Richard Linley adding their expertise at this time, in later years to be replaced by former royal jockey Willie Carson and Clare Balding (who was the daughter of classic winning trainer Ian Balding of Mill Reef fame).
ITV had the former jockey and expert race reader Brough Scott, John Oaksey (AKA The Noble Lord), Derek Thompson, and the extremely knowledgeable Timeform expert Jim McGrath who was one of the pair of people with the same name on the show with the other Jim McGrath being an Australian commentator who went on to work for BBC. Some those same presenters would later transfer to Channel 4 Racing and be joined by the controversial and eccentric betting ring guru John McCririck, with commentator Graham Goode. Things have almost gone almost full circle again since then, with ITV taking over again the racing coverage again from Channel 4.
New, younger presenters have been brought in to freshen it up. Ed Chamberlain is the main front man now, alongside ex jockey’s Mick Fitzgerald and Francesca Cumani (daughter of the great Italian trainer Luca Cumani), Jason Weaver and on the odd occasion AP McCoy or even an aged Brough Scott would turn up on set. The new betting expert is Matt Chapman (just as mad as John McCririck in his own way), and commentator Richard Hoiles.
Anyway I am digressing, lets get back to my story.
It was one Saturday afternoon when on came the racing, at the same time while I was skimming through the newspaper, coincidentally coming across the racing form and tipsters page at the same time. I began to gradually work out that there was a connection between the racing being shown on TV and those written in the paper. I began trying to pick out the winners of each race. I always challenged my brother to see who could select the most winners from that day and we would have a little wager that nobody paid but would roll over to the next weekend. When I learned a bit more about what I was doing I started entering the famous ITV7 (another thing that has now returned) needing to select 7 live race winners to win a large amount of money. As of yet I am still to win anything. That was when I was bitten by the racing bug, but now it is virtually my whole life, since 2012 I have started to edit my own sports betting website, giving my sports tips professionally. I have also recently been taken on by ThoroCap an American based website to give my racing tips for a largely US audience from about 20 plus top British and European tracks.
This blog is inspired purely by the untimely death of my favourite horse Soviet Song. Owned by Elite Racing Club, trained by James Fanshawe, ridden by Oscar Urbina, Jamie Spencer, and Johnny Murtagh to varying degrees of success. She was not just a top filly and mare, but also a 5 time Group 1 winner.
In the upcoming chapters I will be recounting the very best winners of my time as a part owner since it began in the year 2001, the same year as a previously unraced and unknown 2 year old filly to be named Soviet Song was due to appear on the scene and completely change my world for the better.
Later in this blog I will go on to tell you about other syndicates and racing clubs I joined over the last 42 years, such as Axom Ltd, The City Slickers Partnership, Crowd Racing, Owners Group and Richard Fahey Racing Club.
OCTOBER 2001 – During this month I was reading the newspaper when I came across an advert for Elite Racing Club, offering the chance to be part of a horse racing ownership club of up to 20 horses for a very affordable one yearly payment. Obviously I jumped at the opportunity, filled out the form and sent off my details in the post. For about 2 weeks I was eagerly awaiting my reply, when suddenly on 23/10/2001 I received my membership pack consisting of my club number, information and pictures of every horse, and a black and white (club and silks colours) ring binder in which to add the weekly newsletters. This was my dream come true, I was a racehorse owner now.
Below is a full list of races and race reports, race by race, year by year, of all of my high-lights and low-lights from 2001 until now.
Results and highlights of my first year with Elite Racing Club
OCTOBER 23/01 – NOVEMBER 22/01
02/11/2001 – GENEROUS DIANA / Clive Cox / Willie Ryan / Newmarket / 3yo / Fillies Handicap / 1m 4f / finished 3rd / £1,070.00
She carried top weight of 10 stone in this race on soft going, So it was a great effort on her part to concede between 7 and 36 pounds to her rivals, only to beaten by 1 length at the finish line By Bollin Nellie and Alpha Rose.
06/11/2001 – MIRACLE KID / Nicky Henderson / John Kavanagh / Warwick / 4yo+ / Handicap Hurdle / 2m / finished 1ST / £3,339.00
Cardiff Arms set off in front, tracked by Miracle Kid who was soon short of room when the field started to bunch up causing jockey John Kavanagh to be sent flying into the air. Things were put back to rights with a good jump at the next hurdle. Approaching the finish Miracle Kid was again just in behind the pace and still travelling well. At the penultimate jump he quickened clear, before popping over the final obstacle, going on to beat Broke Road by an easy 4 lengths.
08/11/2001 – EMPIRE PARK – Charlie Egerton / Norman Williamson / Towcester / 4-7 / Selling Hurdle / 2m / finished 1ST / 1,946.00
Empire Park loves from run from the front, no change her either, he was jumping well over the first 4 hurdles, stretching 7 lengths clear of the field by the fifth jump. Well clear of everything approaching the finish. Norman Williamson was able to ease him down to win by an easy 27 lengths.
08/11/2001 – GLOBAL SEARCH / Lenny Lungo / Tony Dobbin / Haydock / 4yo+ / Handicap Hurdle / 2m / finished 4th / £0.00
Jumped off slowly, the pace of the race quickened and slowed throughout, as the field bunched up again Global Search was jumping slow and big, despite this he was only 2 lengths away entering the home straight as it turned into a sprint. He started to tire over the final hurdle coming in 4th beaten by 7 lengths
10/11/2001 – KNIGHTED / Tim Easterby / Robert Winston / Doncaster / 3yo+ / Handicap / 2m 1 1/2f / finished unplaced / £0.00
Knighted was soon tracking the pace and stayed in that position for 1m 1/4 furlongs before gradually weakening and being eased by jockey Robert Winston finishing 17th.
10/11/2001 – GENEROUS DIANA / Charlie Egerton / Franny Norton / Doncaster / 3yo+ / Handicap / 1m 4f / finished unplaced / £0.00
Generous Diana was quickly away and travelling well for a mile, ridden along to hold her position before weakening, finishing 23rd, beaten 36 lengths.
10/11/2001 – DANCING BAY / Julie Camacho / Darren Williams / Lingfield / 3yo+ / Handicap / 1m 4f / finished unplaced / £0.00
Meanwhile in the same November Handicap race as Generous Diana Dancing Bay finished 1 place behind her in 24th position. He never settled from his wide draw, eventually beaten by 39 lengths.
10/11/2001 – BARALINKA / Paul Cole / Darren Williams / Lingfield / 2yo / Maiden / 5f / finished 1ST / £3,347.50
Baralinka was slowly away from the stalls but soon recovered to be a couple of lengths off the pace. After Darren Williams began to push her along, she quickened up well to take the lead. Looking a bit inexperienced when hitting the front, she went on to lead by 3 lengths. At the line she was pushed out to take victory by 1 1/2 lengths beating Italian Mist, with hot favourite Alexander Academy in 4th.
17/11/2001 – MIRACLE KID / Nicky Henderson / Michael Foley / Cheltenham / 4yo+ / Handicap Hurdle / finished unplaced / £0.00
Miracle Kid was disputing the lead at the 4th flight, out-jumping Soom Operator. Continuing to jump well and leading until the 3rd last hurdle. The chasing pack took over but Miracle Kid continued to battle on at the same pace finishing 8th, beaten by 24 lengths behind Image De Marque II of Martin Pipe’s stable ridden by AP. McCoy.
WOW! What an amazing start! 3 winners in my first month! it really did seem like a miracle when Miracle kid won in only my 2nd race, 2 days later Empire Park would be a winner too! then Ijust needed to wait another 2 days later for Baralinka to bring up the hat-trick of victories! surely things could only go downhill from here? just how wrong would I be?
MONTHLY RECORD – RUNNERS = 9, WINNERS = 3, 2ND’S = 0, 3RD’S = 1, 4TH’S = 1, UNPLACED = 4
NOVEMBER 23/01 – DECEMBER 22/01
26/11/2001 – SHINING OASIS / Nigel Tinkler / Andrew Tinkler / Southwell / 3yo+ / Handicap / 1m / finished unplaced / £0.00
Drawn wide, off the pace, never made any impression. beaten by 26 lengths behind Mutared.
26/11/2001 – BARALINKA / Paul Cole / Darren Williams / Southwell / 2yo / Novice Stakes / 7f / finished 4th / £265.50
Broke out of the stalls well, restrained behind the lead on the rails, travelled sweetly, made headway 2 furlongs out, challenged for lead at 1 furlong to go marker, weakened and finished 4th, 4 1/2 lengths behind Lapadar.
27/11/2001 – KNIGHTED / Tim Easterby / Richard McGrath / Market Rasen / 4yo+ / Handicap Hurdle / 2m 5f / finished unplaced / £0.00
Settled in midfield, 10 lengths off the pace, made some headway to move into 3rd place, hesitant jump takes him back in the field, starting to feel the pace before being hampered by a faller 3 hurdles from home, fell behind again, staying on again in home straight, moved into 4th, overtaken at last flight, eased down to finish 5th beaten 33 lengths behind Aspirant Dancer.
29/11/2001 – EMPIRE PARK / Charlie Egerton / Norman Williamson / Uttoxeter / 4yo+ / Handicap Hurdle / 2m 6f 110 yrds / finished 2nd / £963.00
Jumped off in 2nd place, jumping well in first half of the race, took the lead from Charming Admiral, went 2 lengths clear, full of running turning into the straight, started to get weary approaching penultimate hurdle, lost the lead at the final flight, stayed on to finish 2nd beaten 4 lengths behind the gambled on Chop N Change.
03/12/2001 – FAVORISIO / Julie Camacho / Nicky Tinkler / Southwell / Classified Stakes / 1m 6f / finished 2nd / £648.00
Slowly away from the stalls, soon back in contention on the outside of the pack, much of the field were being pushed along, but Favorisio was still going well, challenged for 2nd place 2 furlongs from home, began to hang under pressure, dropped back into 3rd spot, got back into 2nd position after Kent hampered African Dawn in front of him, African Dawn’s jockey fell out of the saddle and must be considered very unlucky. Favorisio held on to take 2nd place, 13 lengths be the winner Kent.
15/12/2001 – GLOBAL SEARCH / Lenny Lungo / Tony Dobbin / Haydock / 5yo+ / Handicap Chase / 2m / finished 4th / £696.25
Global Search was settled at the rear, being careful but jumping well, he was hampered at the 7th fence by New Bird who fell, he lost a little bit of ground, quite a way off the pace and unable to close on the leaders, continued to jump safely and going on to finish 4th, 30 lengths behind the winner Carrick Troop
20/12/2001 – SHINING OASIS / Nigel Tinkler / Norman Williamson / Ludlow / Novice Selling Hurdle / 2m / finished unplaced / £0.00
Held up at the rear of the field, novicey jumping over first 6 hurdles, travelling fairly well but still had ground to make up after making mistakes, moved into a slightly closer position 3 from home, soon ridden along by the next flight, unable to make any impression after bad error at final hurdle, finishing 7th 20 lengths behind the winner.
21/12/2001 – FAVORISIO / Julie Camacho / Dean McKeown / Southwell / 3yo+ / Handicap / 1m 4f / finished unplaced / £0.00
Held up, travelled well enough for a mile, came under pressure 1/2 mile from home, finishing 7th, 11 lengths behind the winner China Castle.
Not such a great month bringing just placed performances in 4 of 8 races, still nothing to complain about.
MONTHLY RECORD – RUNNERS = 8, WINNERS = 0, 2ND’S = 2, 3RD’S = 0, 4TH’S =2, UNPLACED = 4
TOTAL YEARLY RECORD SO FAR – RUNNERS = 17, WINNERS = 3, 2ND’S = 2, 3RD’S = 2, 4TH’S = 1, UNPLACED = 8
DECEMBER 23/01 – JANUARY 22/02
29/12/2001 – KNIGHTED / Tim Easterby / Russ Garritty / Southwell / 4yo+ / Handicap Hurdle / 3m 110yrds / finished 3rd / £1,057.50
Held up off the pace, he took a keen hold, jumping well throughout, moved up the field from 4 flights out, going very well entering the straight, could not quicken, finished 3rd, beaten 3 lengths by Corniche.
29/12/2001 – EMPIRE PARK / Charlie Egerton / Frank Windsor-Clive / Newbury / 6yo+ / Handicap Hurdle / 2m 3f / finished 1ST / £3,276.00
Son led, jumping well, increased the tempo down the back stretch, his opponents were already in trouble at this stage, 4 hurdles from home only Lastman was a potential danger, Lastman put Empire Park under pressure turning into the last straight but he battled back to go 3 lengths clear, A blunder and unseated rider cost Lastman all hope, Empire Park went on to win by 12 lengths from River Trix.
02/01/2002 – FAVORISIO / Julie Camacho / Dean McKeown / Southwell / 4yo+ / Handicap / 1m 4f / finished 2nd / 492.00
Favorisio was soon shuffled to the rear of the pack and was quite a way off the lead, Managing to gradually weave his way through the field, he was going well racing into the straight, ridden along 2 furlongs out, looking set for 4th position, but he found a bit extra to close on the leader Property Zone, the gap between those rivals ever diminishing all the way to the line, Property Zone held on to win by a neck, a great effort by Favorisio conceding 2 stone to him.
12/01/2002 – KNIGHTED / Tim Easterby / Russ Garritty / Newcastle / 4yo+ / Handicap Hurdle / 3m / finished unplaced / £0.00
Held up, travelling and jumping well for first circuit of the track, but from 8th flight was not travelling as well and his jumping was less fluent. Ridden along at fourth last hurdle, where he began to lose his position, finished 8th of 18, beaten 40 lengths by the winner A Few Bob Back
14/01/2002 – FAVORISIO / Julie Camacho / Dean McKeown / Wolverhampton / 4yo+ / Handicap / 1m 6f 166yrds / finished 2nd / £945.60
Slow out of the stalls, at rear of the field going at a steady pace, moved up to 5th place down the back straight, moved up again into 3rd position passing the stands, came through to challenge the leader Mickley, Then Mickley began to inject some pace and pulled clear, Favorisio stayed on well to finish 2nd beaten 11 lengths but was 5 lengths clear of 3rd spot.
18/01/2002 – SHINING OASIS / Nigel Tinkler / Norman Williamson / Uttoxeter / 4yo / Juvenile Novice Claiming Hurdle / 2m / finished unplaced / £0.00
Jumped off into a prominent position and was just 2 lengths off the lead, travelling and jumping well over first 6 flights of hurdles, still going very strongly approaching the 3rd from the jump end until blundering and virtually coming to a complete stop, getting very weary in the heavy ground with 2 hurdles to jump, finished 5th, beaten less than 20 lengths by winner Sharpe’s Lady
6 runners over the festive and early new year period, one scoring and 3 in the frame. Happy Christmas everyone.
MONTHLY RECORD – RUNNERS = 6, WINNERS = 1, 2ND’S = 2, 3RD’S = 1, 4TH’S = 0, UNPLACED = 2
TOTAL YEARLY RECORD SO FAR – RUNNERS = 23, WINNERS = 4, 2ND’S = 4, 3RD’S = 2, 4TH’S = 3, UNPLACED = 10
JANUARY 23/02 – FEBRUARY 22/02
23/01/2002 – ALABANG / Clive Cox / Steve Drowne / Lingfield / 4yo+ / Selling Stakes / 2m / finished unplaced /£0.00
Broke from the stalls quickly, held up in 5th position following the steady pace, traveling well, smoothly moving up to to 4th, under pressure in the last 1/2 mile gradually weakening, eased down in final furlong, finished 11th.
26/01/2001 – EMPIRE PARK / Charlie Egerton / Jimmy McCarthy / Doncaster / 4yo+ / Handicap Hurdle / 2m 4f / finished 4th / £432.00
Unable to dominate from the front as usual, chased leader but not fluent over the hurdles, in contention from 3 flights out, ridden along, stayed on same pace to finish 4th, beaten 15 lengths by winner Memsahib Ofesteem.
31/01/2002 – FAVORISIO / Julie Camacho / Dean McKeown / Southwell / 4yo+ / 1m 4f / finished unplaced / £0.00
Left behind in the stalls, pushed along to make up ground, moved up into midfield on inside rails, travelling smoothly to chase leader with 1/2 mile to go, pushed along again entering final straight, carried on to the line at one pace losing a few places, finished 6th, beaten 3 lengths behind winner Kylkenny.
31/01/2002 – GLOBAL SEARCH / Lenny Lungo / Tony Dobbin / Catterick / 5yo+ / Handicap Chase / 2m 3f / finished P/U / £0.00
Close to the pace, jumping fairly well, after a slight mistake at ninth fence began to lose position, became tailed off, Tony Dobbin then decided to pull up before 3rd from home. The winner of the race was Forest Dante.
02/02/2002 – KNIGHTED / Tim Easterby / Russ Garritty / Uttoxeter / 4yo+ / Handicap Hurdle / 2m 6 1/2f / finished 2nd / £3,232.00
Knighted jumped well and in a prominent position just off the lead, he took over in front after the 6th flight, still going well when others were getting tired in testing conditions, after 5th last hurdle it turned into a match between Knighted and the very classy Native Emperor, 3 left to jump when Native Emperor took over and started to pull away into a clear lead, a mistake by Knighted at Penultimate hurdle didn’t help, a very tired Knighted stayed on to finish 2nd behind the Cheltenham Festival bound winner, beaten only 7 lengths, beating others by 16 lengths.
04/02/2002 – EMPIRE PARK / Charlie Egerton / Mick Fitzgerald / Fontwell / 5yo+ / ERC Handicap Hurdle / 2m 2 1/2f / finished P/U / £0.00
Empire Park was never happy in heavy conditions of The Elite Racing Club Hurdle, running next to the rails, soon bustled along, started to drop away before 6th hurdle, soon at the rear of the field, Mick Fitzgerald pulled him up before penultimate hurdle. The winner was Idiome.
14/02/2002 – DANCING BAY / Nicky Henderson / John Kavanagh / Taunton / 4yo+ / Maiden Hurdle / 2m 1f / finished 2nd / £1,095.00
Dancing Bay was settled at the rear of the field early on some 20 lengths off the lead, made ground to be behind main group after a couple of good jumps, he was tracking the hot favourite Londoner from the stable of multi time champion trainer Martin Pipe and ridden by many times champion jockey AP. McCoy, continuing to jump well and track Londoner through the field, the 2 of them pulled clear of the rest including the talented Three Lions, locked together and both travelling strongly, Londoner made the better jump at the 2nd last hurdle, going a length ahead, Dancing Bay battled back as they jumped the last alongside each other, Londoner began to slightly lean across Dancing Bay and this may have been enough to cost Dancing Bay the race, as Londoner won by 1 3/4 lengths.
16/02/2002 – KNIGHTED / Tim Easterby / David O’Meara / Warwick / 4yo+ / Handicap Hurdle / 3m 1f / finished unplaced / £0.00
A murky and foggy afternoon, views were severely restricted, Knighted was held up on the outside in a midfield position, not jumping as fluently as he usually does, pushed along to stay in touch, prominent until the 4th from home, started to lose position, finishing 8th, beaten over 50 lengths by winner Ballysicyos
19/02/2002 – SHINING OASIS / Nigel Tinkler / Andrew Tinkler / Doncaster / 4-6 / Selling Hurdle / 2m 110yrds / finished U/R / £0.00
Held up near the back in early stages, closer after 4th hurdle, travelling quite well, struggling before 3rd flight from the the finish, Unseated her rider at penultimate hurdle. Amerone went on to win the race.
From 9 runners this month, their were no winners to show for it, 3 were placed. Highlight of the month was Dancing Bay making his hurdling debut, after moving from Julie Camacho to Henderson and he came a very respectable 2nd to Martin Pipe’s Londoner who was bought out of Henry Cecil’s stable. After the race Londoner was made favourite to win the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival meeting.
MONTHLY RECORD – RUNNERS = 9, WINNERS = 0, 2ND’S 2, 3RD’S = 0, 4TH’S = 1, UNPLACED = 6
TOTAL YEARLY RECORD SO FAR – RUNNERS = 32, WINNERS = 4, 2ND’S = 6, 3RD’S = 2, 4TH’S =4, UNPLACED = 16
FEBRUARY 23/02 – MARCH 22/02
01/03/2002 – EMPIRE PARK / Charlie Egerton / Jimmy McCarthy / Doncaster / 4yo+ / Claiming Hurdle / 2m 4f / finished 3rd / £345.00
Up with the pace over the first 5 hurdles, took the lead approaching the 6th, travelling well, still leading entering final straight, challenged by Noveau Cheval from 3 flights out, rallied well under pressure, 2 horse duel up to last hurdle, Empire Park ran on at one pace, lost out on 2nd place to fast finishing Prelude To Fame on the run in to come 3rd, beaten 4 lengths behind winner Noveau Cheval.
04/03/2002 – COLONIAL SUNRISE / Tim Easterby / Russ Garritty / Market Rasen / 4yo+ / Novice Hurdle / 2m 1 1/2f / finished 4th / £0.00
Held up towards rear, taking a keen hold, jumping his hurdles big in the early stages. Made some ground up along the back straight, turning for home still plenty to do, stayed on steadily when tired on final straight, finished 4th beaten 20 lengths behind the winner Shemdani.
04/03/2002 – DANCING BAY / Nicky Henderson / Mick Fitzgerald / Fontwell / 4yo+ / Maiden Hurdle / 2m 4f / finished Fell / £0.00
Held up in behind horses, just behind the lead, jumped the first 8 flights very well, making smooth progress to challenge the leader Supreme Catch, ranged alongside entering final straight, Jumped together at penultimate hurdle, no mistake from Dancing Bay with his jump but a couple of strides later he stumbled and fell, quickly getting up, all was fine with him after the fall. Supreme Catch went on to win by 21 lengths.
13/03/2002 – DUNGARVANS CHOICE / Nicky Henderson / John Kavanagh / Cheltenham Festival / 4yo+ / Supreme Novices Hurdle, Grade 1 / 2m 1/2f / finished unplaced / £0.00
First day of this years much anticipated Cheltenham Festival, Dungarvans Choice had been bought especially by Elite Racing Club just to have a runner at such a prestigious event. He was quite keen early on, held up at the rear, jumped the first 2 hurdles well, made some progress on the outside of the pack into midfield, continued to move up through the field, travelling easily, stayed in the same position over next 2 jumps, could not quicken up on the lively ground going downhill. He stayed on at once pace going uphill, made a mistake at the last, finishing 15th behind Like A Butterfly.
16/03/2002 – KNIGHTED / Tim Easterby / Russ Garritty / Uttoxeter / 5yo+ / Handicap Hurdle / 2m 6 1/2f / finished 4th / £815.00
Chased leaders for first 1 1/2 miles, niggled along to keep position before 7th flight, not jumping with usual fluency, under strong pressure 3 jumps out, could not improve position finishing 5th, beaten 30 lengths by winner Vrin.
16/03/2002 – EMPIRE PARK / Charlie Egerton / Marcus Foley / Market Rasen / 4yo+ / Handicap Hurdle / 2m 5 1/2f / finished unplaced / £0.00
On the heels of the leaders, travelling and jumping well, every chance heading out of the back straight, under pressure jumping 2nd last, kept on same pace, finished 5th, beaten 10 lengths behind My Shenandoah.
16/03/2002 – COLONIAL SUNRISE / Tim Easterby / Russ Garritty / Uttoxeter / 4yo+ / NH Novices Hurdle / 2m / finished 3rd / £546.50
They all went a steady gallop from the start in heavy going, Colonial Sunrise took a keen hold settled in midfield, jumping well over first 6 hurdles, the field started to bunch up, he moved up to within 2 lengths of the lead, still travelling well and had every chance with 3 to jump, soon came under pressure, went on to finish 3rd behind Jaybeedee.
Dancing Bay made his 2nd start in a maiden hurdle but fell after jumping the penultimate hurdle just as he was cruising up alongside race winner Supreme Catch. Bad news is he will miss the Cheltenham Festival. Dungarvans Choice was purchased by ERC to have a runner at the Cheltenham Festival in the Supreme Novice Hurdle, Grade 1, Nicky Henderson got him their but he could only trail home in midfield of 28 runners behind winner Like A Butterfly.
MONTHLY RECORD – RUNNERS = 7, 2ND’S 0, 3RD’S = 2, 4TH’S =2, UNPLACED = 3
TOTAL YEARLY RECORD SO FAR – RUNNERS = 39, WINNERS = 4, 2ND’S 6, 3RD’S = 4, 4TH’S = 6, UNPLACED = 19
MARCH 23/02 – APRIL 22/02
25/03/2002 – COLONIAL SUNRISE / Tim Easterby / Russ Garritty / Newcastle / 4yo+ / NH Novice Hurdle / 2m / finished 4th / £0.00
27/03/2002 – IONIAN SPRING / Clive Cox / Pat Eddery / Nottingham / 3yo+ / Handicap / 1m 2f / finished 1ST / £4,582.50
30/03/2002 – EMPIRE PARK / Charlie Egerton / Jimmy McCarthy / Towcester / 4yo+ / Handicap Hurdle / 2m / finished 2nd / £1,592.00
01/04/2002 – SHINING OASIS / Nigel Tinkler / Jim Culloty / Huntingdon / 4yo+ / Selling Handicap Hurdle / 2m 110yrds / finished unplaced / £0.00
01/04/2002 – EMPIRE PARK / Charlie Egerton / Liam Cummins / Uttoxeter / 4yo+ / Handicap Hurdle / 2m 4f 110yrds / finished unplaced / £0.00
08/04/2002 – KASAMBA / Clive Cox / Seb Sanders / Kempton / 3yo+ / Classified Stakes / 1m 1f / finished unplaced / £0.00
10/04/2002 – BARALINKA / Paul Cole / David Kinsella / Warwick / 3yo / Classified Stakes / 6f 21yrds / finished 1ST / £4,214.60
17/04/2002 – SHINING OASIS / Nigel Tinkler / Dean McKeown / Beverley / 3yo+ / Selling Stakes / 1m 100yrds / finished unplaced / £0.00
22/04/2002 – SILVA VENTURE / Lenny Lungo / Willie Dowling / Hexham / 4-6 / Maiden Open NH Flat Race / 2m 110yrds / finished unplaced / £0.00
9 runners, entering the winners enclosure twice, and a couple more placed positions.
MONTHLY RECORD – RUNNERS = 9, WINNERS = 2, 2ND’S =1, 3RD’S = 0, 4TH’S = 1, UNPLACED = 5
TOTAL YEARLY RECORD SO FAR – RUNNERS = 48, WINNERS = 6, 2ND’S = 7, 3RD’S = 4, 4TH’S = 7, UNPLACED = 24
APRIL 23/02 – MAY 22/02
24/04/2002 – IONIAN SPRING / Clive Cox / Pat Eddery / Epsom / 4yo+ / Handicap / 1m 2f 18yrds / finished unplaced / £675.00
25/04/2002 – BAND OF LOVE / Julie Camacho / Tony Culhane / Beverley / 3yo+ / Maiden / 1m 100yrds / finished 3rd / £646.00
25/04/2002 – COLONIAL SUNRISE / Tim Easterby / Robert Winston / Beverley / 3yo+ / Maiden / 1m 100yrds / finished 4th / £323.00
26/04/2002 – KASAMBA / Clive Cox / Pat Eddery / Sandown / 3yo / Esher Cup Handicap / 1m 14yrds / finished 3rd / £2,464.00
01/05/2002 – COLONIAL SUNRISE / Tim Easterby / Russ Garritty / Kelso / 4yo+ / Maiden Hurdle / 2m 1/2f / finished 3rd / £420.00
02/05/2002 – BARALINKA / Paul Cole / Pat Dobbs / Southwell / 3yo / Fillies Handicap / 6f / finished 1ST / £4,043.00
06/05/2002 – SHINING OASIS / Nigel Tinkler / Stephanie Hollinshead / Newcastle / 3yo+ / Apprentice Claiming Stakes / 7f / finished unplaced / £0.00
11/05/2002 – KNIGHTED / Tim Easterby / Robert Winston / Beverley / 4yo+ / Handicap / 2m 35yrds / finished unplaced / £0.00
16/05/2002 – KASAMBA / Clive Cox / Jamie Spencer / York / 4yo+ / Handicap / 1m / finished unplaced / £0.00
16/05/2002 – IONIAN SPRING / Clive Cox / Jamie Spencer / York / 4yo+ / Handicap / 1m 2 1/2f / finished 3rd / £1,807.85
18/05/2002 – MONOLITH / Lenny Lungo / Willie Dowling / Bangor / 4yo+ / Novice Hurdle / 2m 1f / finished unplaced / £0.00
11 runners for the month, just a single winner but 5 in the frame. New club purchase Monolith makes his debut for Lenny Lungo. Veteren ERC horse Lord High Admiral sadly passed away.
MONTHLY RECORD – RUNNERS = 11, WINNERS = 1, 2ND’S = 0, 3RD’S =4, 4TH’S = 1, UNPLACED = 5
TOTAL YEARLY RECORD SO FAR – RUNNERS = 59, WINNERS = 7, 2ND’S = 7, 3RD’S = 8, 4TH’S = 8, UNPLACED = 29
MAY 23/02 – JUNE 22/02
21/05/2002 – BAND OF LOVE / Julie Camacho / Tony Culhane / Beverley / 3yo+ / Fillies Maiden / 1m 2f / finished unplaced / £0.00
25/05/2002 – BARALINKA / Paul Cole / David Kinsella / Newmarket / 3yo / Handicap / 6f / finished 4th / £2,000
29/05/2002 – MONOLITH / Lenny Lungo / Bruce Gibson / Kelso / 4yo+ / Novice Hurdle / 2m 2f / finished unplaced / £0.00
03/06/2002 – KASAMBA / Clive Cox / Willie Supple / Chepstow / 3yo+ / Classified Stakes / 1m 14yrds / finished 4th / £301.50
05/06/2002 – BAND OF LOVE / Julie Camacho / Franny Norton / Beverley / 3yo+ / Fillies Maiden / 7f 100yrds / finished 2nd / £1,105.00
14/06/2002 – DANCING BAY / Nicky Henderson / Paul Eddery / York / 4yo+ / Limited Handicap / 1m 5f 194yrds / finished 3rd / £1,627.50
15/06/2002 – BARALINKA / Paul Cole / David Kinsella / York / 3yo+ / Handicap / 6f / finished unplaced / £0.00
15/06/2002 – BOSTON LODGE / Paul Cole / Darryll Holland / York / 2yo Maiden / 6f / finished unplaced / £0.00
18/06/2002 – BAND OF LOVE / Julie Camacho / Wilie Supple / Thirsk / Maiden / 7f / finished unplaced / £0.00
21/06/2002 – EMPIRE PARK / Charlie Egerton / Richard Hughes / Newmarket / 3yo+ / Handicap / 1m 4f / finished unplaced / £0.00
22/06/2002 – BOSTON LODGE / Paul Cole / Richard Mullen / Ayr / 2yo Maiden / 7f / finished 3rd / £525.00
11 runners this month, not a winner to show, but 5 in places. Another new purchase named Royal Variety joins the growing legions of ERC horses, he will be trained by Lenny Lungo.
MONTHLY RECORD – RUNNERS = 11, WINNERS = 0, 2ND’S = 1, 3RD’S = 2, 4TH’S = 2, UNPLACED = 6
TOTAL YEARLY RECORD SO FAR – RUNNERS = 70, WINNERS = 7, 2ND’S = 8, 3RD’S = 10, 4TH’S = 10, UNPLACED = 35
JUNE 23/02 – JULY 22/02
29/06/2002 – BARALINKA / Paul Cole / Steve Drowne / Newmarket / 3yo / Limited Handicap / 6f / finished unplaced / £0.00
04/07/2002 – EMPIRE PARK / Charlie Egerton / Richard Hughes / Chepstow / 3yo+ / Handicap / 2m 2f / finished unplaced / £0.00
05/07/2002 – BOSTON LODGE / Paul Cole / Jimmy Fortune /Warwick / 2yo / Median Auction Stakes / 5f / finished 3rd / £513.40
10/07/2002 – DANCING BAY / Nicky Henderson / Kieron Fallon / Newmarket / 4yo+ / Limited Handicap / 2m 24yrds / finished 1ST / £10, 634.88
16/07/2002 – BAND OF LOVE / Julie Camacho / Darren Williams / Beverley / 3yo / Claiming Stakes / 7f 100yrds / finished unplaced / £0.00
17/07/2002 – SOVIET SONG / James Fanshawe / Oscar Urbina / Kempton / 2yo / Median Auction Maiden / 6f / finished 1ST / £4,446.00
6 runners, 2 winners, the debut of Soviet Song at Kempton was long awaited and she did not disappoint, beating the supposed hotpot Airwave from Henry Candy’s stable. Dancing Bay returned to flat racing after a couple of hurdle races and duly won with Kieron Fallon in the saddle. Another new addition to the ERC ranks, Natterjack joins the Alan King yard.
MONTHLY RECORD – RUNNERS = 6, WINNERS = 2, 2ND’S = 0, 3RD’S 1, 4TH’S = 0, UNPLACED = 3
TOTAL YEARLY RECORD SO FAR – RUNNERS = 76, WINNERS = 9, 2ND’S = 8, 3RD’S = 11, 4TH’S = 10, UNPLACED = 38
JULY 23/02 – AUGUST 22/02 –
23/07/2002 – BARALINKA / Paul Cole / Richard Quinn / Yarmouth / 3yo / Limited Handicap / 5f 43yrds / finished 2nd / £2,810.06
24/07/2002 – BOSTON LODGE / Paul Cole / Jimmy Fortune / Catterick / 2yo / Handicap / 7f / finished 1ST / £4,498.00
25/07/2002 – EMPIRE PARK / Charlie Egerton / A.P. McCoy / Sedgefield / 4yo+ / Handicap Hurdle / 2m 5f 110yrds / finished 3rd / £565.00
03/08/2002 – KASAMBA / Clive Cox / Dean Corby / Doncaster / 3yo / Fillies Handicap / 1m / finished 2nd / £1,610.00
03/08/2002 – BOSTON LODGE / Paul Cole / Ryan Moore / Goodwood / 2yo / Handicap / 7f / finished unplaced / £0.00
08/08/2002 – BAND OF LOVE / Julie Camacho / Franny Norton / Haydock / 3yo / Maiden / Claiming Stakes / 1m / finished unplaced / £0.00
09/08/2002 – EMPIRE PARK / Charlie Egerton / Polly Gundry / Worcester / 4yo+ / Claiming Hurdle / 2m 4f / finished 1ST / £2,268.00
10/08/2002 – SOVIET SONG / James Fanshawe / Oscar Urbina / Newmarket / 2yo / Fillies Listed / 7f / finished 1ST / £13,595.20
10/08/2002 – KASAMBA / Clive Cox / Jamie Spencer / Newmarket / 3yo+ / Fillies Handicap / 1m / finished unplaced / £0.00
15/08/2002 – BOSTON LODGE / Paul Cole / Darren Williams / Beverley / 2yo / Handicap / 7f 100yrds / finished 4th / £349.25
10 runners, 3 winners, 4 placed, the main headlines again go to Soviet Song for winning the Listed Sweet Solera Stakes at Newmarket in very wet and murky conditions. Oscar Urbina was up again as ‘Sove’ impressively saw off Summitville. She is now starting to get bookmakers quotes of 25-1 to win next seasons 1000 Guineas classic race. We will soon know just how good she is when she next runs at Royal Ascot in the prestigious Fillies Mile.
MONTHLY RECORD – RUNNERS = 10, WINNERS = 3, 2ND’S = 2, 3RD’S = 1, 4TH’S =1, UNPLACED = 3
TOTAL YEARLY RECORD SO FAR – RUNNERS = 86, WINNERS = 12, 2ND’S = 10, 3RD’S = 12, 4TH’S = 11, UNPLACED = 41
AUGUST 23/02 – SEPTEMBER 22/02
26/08/2002 – BOSTON LODGE / Paul Cole / Dean Corby / Epsom / 2yo / Handicap / 7f / finished 1ST / £7,972.25
26/08/2002 – EMPIRE PARK / Charlie Egerton / Polly Gundry / Southwell / 4yo+ / Claiming Hurdle / 3m 2f / finished 1ST / £2,541.00
29/08/2002 – BARALINKA / Paul Cole / Dean Corby / Chester / 3yo+ / Handicap / 6f 18yrds / finished 1ST / £10.871.25
Only 3 runners but 3 winners, including 2 for Paul Cole and Dean Corby.
MONTHLY RECORD – RUNNERS = 3, WINNERS = 3, 2ND’S = 0, 3RD’S = 0, 4TH’S = 0, UNPLACED = 0
TOTAL YEARLY RECORD SO FAR – RUNNERS = 89, WINNERS = 15, 2ND’S 10, 3RD’S = 12, 4TH’S = 11, UNPLACED = 41
SEPTEMBER 23/02 – OCTOBER 22/02
12/09/2002 – KASAMBA / Clive Cox / Dane O’Neill / Chepstow / 3yo / Handicap / finished unplaced / £0.00
21/09/2002 – NEW SEEKER / Clive Cox / Jamie Spencer / Newbury / 2yo / Maiden / finished unplaced / £0.00
21/09/2002 – IONIAN SPRING / Clive Cox / Jamie Spencer / Newbury / 3yo+ / Handicap / finished unplaced / £0.00
28/09/2002 – BARALINKA / Paul Cole / Richard Quinn / Ascot / 3yo / Handicap / 6f / finished unplaced / £0.00
29/09/2002 – SOVIET SONG / James Fanshawe / Oscar Urbina / Royal Ascot / 2yo / Fillies, Group 1 / 1m / finished 1ST / £116.000.00
04/10/2002 – BARALINKA / Paul Cole / Dean Corby / Newmarket / Fillies Handicap / 6f / finished unplaced / £0.00 Just the 1 winner from 6 runners but Soviet Song won the Fillies Mile, Group 1 at Ascot, beating Casual Look impressively by 2 lengths. Soviet Song is now as low as 5-1 joint favourite for the 1000 Guineas next season.
MONTHLY RECORD – RUNNERS = 6, WINNERS = 1, 2ND’S = 0, 3RD’S = 0, 4TH’S = 0, UNPLACED = 0
FINAL TOTAL YEARLY RECORD – RUNNERS = 95, WINNERS = 16, 2ND’S = 10, 3RD’S 12, 4TH’S = 11, UNPLACED = 46
What a remarkable, and so much better than expected first year. Unheard of at the beginning of the season Soviet Song has become the love of my life. I can’t wait to experience my first ever classic runner next year.
mylifeinhorseracing 
Congratulations on taking something positive out of something negative 🙂
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