Yorkshire Racing & Breeding News
2024 ~2023 ~ 2022 ~ 2021 ~ 2020 ~ 2019 ~ 2018 ~ 2017 ~ 2016 ~ 2015 ~ 2014 ~ 2013 ~ 2012
2011 ~2010 ~ 2009 ~ 2008 ~ 2007 ~ 2006 ~ 2005 ~ 2004 ~ 2003 ~ 2002 ~ 2001 ~ 2000 ~ 1999

Date  
17/12/2000 Of the three Yorkshire runners in Hong Kong today the Mark Johnston trained Murghem was the only one to return with any prize money, picking up £15,723 for 6th place in the Hong Kong International Vase G1. The other Yorkshire runners were Eastern Purple (trained by Kevin Ryan) in the Sprint and Sugarfoot (trained by Nigel Tinkler) in the Mile.
09/12/2000 At Haydock today Peter Beaumont strengthened his Grand National hand when his Bobby Grant won the Tommy Whittle Chase. Meanwhile at Cheltenham the Tim Easterby trained Barton could 'only' manage second in the Bula Hurdle behind surprise winner Geos.
27/11/2000 The Hilary Needler Trophy for two year old fillies which is staged at Beverley racecourse is to be given listed status from next season. This is a well deserved success for Beverley where this race is the most valuable is stages. In recent years the Hilary Needler Trophy (first run in 1965) has been a useful stepping stone for Royal Ascot, and especially for the Queen Mary Stakes.
26/11/2000 No luck in Tokyo for Fruits of Love in the Japan Cup. Mark Johnston is still waiting for that Group one winner.....
25/11/2000 Another excellent jumps performance by a Yorkshire trained horse, this time over hurdles, when Barton, trained by Tim Easterby, wins the Fighting Fifth Hurdle ('Dato Star's race'!) at Newcastle under his new regular jockey Tony Dobbin.
18/11/2000 A fantastic, gutsy performance by the Peter Beaumont trained Young Kenny to land the Tote Becher Chase around the National fences at Aintree. This was an extremely emotional victory for Peter as his wife Margaret died earlier this month. Young Kenny battled home to beat the Sue Smith trained Ardent Scout by half a length, with the Ferdy Murphy trained Paddy's Return in third. Coral's now make the winner the 14-1 favourite for the Grand National, although he fell at the tenth fence last year.
10/11/2000 I received my December Sales catalogue today and was shocked to see that Guy Reed is selling Flossy. This admirable mare, winner of the November Handicap last year, and listed placed this year, is the best mare Reed has owned for a number of years and would be an obvious candidate for the paddocks at his wonderful Copgrove Stud. Hopefully this and his selling of Spigot Lodge doesn't signal him winding down his racing operations.
10/11/2000 Reports vary, but it appears that Ferdy Murhpy's star chaser Paris Pike is out of action for the rest of the season. The horse has injured a tendon and the team at West Witton are not inclined to risk him until he makes significant improvement.
09/11/2000 David Cecil former manager of Sledmere Stud and Cliff Stud and previously responsible for the Wildenstein yearlings at Copgrove and Nidd has died of cancer aged 57. Twin brother of Henry Cecil, David had done many jobs in racing including training in Lambourn and his last job was running his Hare & Hounds pub in Lambourn.
04/11/2000 Disappointment abroad today for Mark Johnston (Fruits of Love in the Breeders Cup Turf) and Nigel Tinkler (Sugarfoot in the Prix Perth). However the last turf race of the season, the Wentworth Stakes L at Doncaster, was won by Andreyev (sired by Norton Grove Stud sire Presidium) with David Nicholl's Further Outlook in second and Mark Johnston's Gaelic Storm in third place. More significantly Kevin Darley has become the first Yorkshire based (he lives at Sheriff Hutton) Champion Jockey for many years, and Mark Johnston has finished fourth in the trainers table, 4 places and nearly £650,000 better than last year, although he was also fourth in 1996 (albeit with much less prize money and fewer winners). In terms of number of wins he is top of the training list with 128. He is followed in the prize money list by David Nicholls (11th), Tim Easterby (15th), Richard Fahey (34th) , David Barron (40th) and Mick Easterby (45th).
01/11/2000 Middleham trainer Pat Haslam, who has been having a relatively quiet time recently, won the £13,910 Tote Bookmakers Showcase Handicap at Musselburgh today, his best result for sometime. Follow the recent stable movements in Middleham over the last few months Haslam will be moving into the famous Manor House Stables formerly occupied by James Bethell now that trainer has moved to Tupgill Park on the other side of the Low Moor.
28/10/2000 Well the flat season is drawing to a close, but there's still a week of racing left and today at Leopardstown Mark Johnston's game gelding Gaelic Storm had a rare Irish handicap win for a British horse when coming home in front in the £19,500 Department Of Agriculture Centenary EBF Handicap. Meanwhile at Newmaret the Mick Easterby trained Esyoueffcee (SUFC!) was a good second in the EBF Montrose Fillies Stakes L making up for her poor run last time out and giving her connections something to dream about over the winter months!
27/10/2000 It has been announced today that promising young northern jockey Robert Winston will be retained as first jockey to the re-formed Lynda Ramsden team. Winston was champion apprentice last season and split earlier this year from Richard Fahey. The Ramsden's are widely credited with 'making' such top jockeys as Alan Munro, Kieren Fallon and Jimmy Fortune so it could be an exciting season next year. The Ramsdens are busy assembling a quality team for next year and have already bought John Ferneley from Paul Cole's Whatcombe yard for 130,000gns and Mastermind form the same yard for 100,000gns.
26/10//2000 One of the all time Yorkshire greats Sea Pigeon has died at the age of 30. Originally trained by Jeremy Tree and Gordon Richards the one time classic prospect, now gelded, moved to Peter Easterby's stable in 1977. First time out for his new trainer (and his first run on the flat for 3 years) he won the Chester Cup. The next year he was second in the Champion Hurdle, just ahead of stable mate Night Nurse and won the Scottish Champion Hurdle as well as a second Chester Cup on the flat, later in the season he was second in the St.Simon Stakes G3. Back over hurdles he then won the Fighting Fifth Hurdle before again finishing 2nd in the 1979 Champion Hurdle. Third in the Chester Cup he progressed for a memorable win under Jonjo O'Neil in the Ebor Handicap, when his regular flat partner, Mark Birch, was on another of the stables runners. In 1980 he finally won a Champion Hurdle, following it up with a win in the Welsh Champion Hurdle. Later in the year he won his third Vaux Breweries Gold Tankard and the Doonside Cup L. The following year he won his second Champion Hurdle from Pollardstown. A second win in the Fighting Fifth later that year followed, but really his best days were now behind him and he finally retired to Etchingham Stud in March 1982.
21/10/2000 Lots of winners for Yorkshire stables this week, but otherwise nothing very exciting except for today's second place in the Doncaster Stakes L for the Mark Johnston trained Down To The Woods who failed by a short head to prevail over the winner. This useful colt could develop into a decent sprinter at the highest level next season.
15/10/2000 With Kind Regards (trained by Mark Johnston) a disappointing fourth at Longchamp today it was left to the Nigel Tinkler trained Sugarfoot to fly the Yorkshire flag in France, this he did by running his usual battling race to finish third in the Prix de la Foret G1. Fingers crossed for Murghem......nope, he could only manage sixth unfortunately.
15/10/2000 News through today that leading Yorkshire hurdler Dato Star, trained by Malcolm Jefferson, will not run this season after sustaining an tendon injury in training.Last season Dato Star won the Fighting Fifth Hurdle, the Christmas Hurdle and the Haydock Park Champion Hurdle Trial, and this season he would have been bidding for a third consecutive win in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle.
14/10/2000 I note that a large number of Yorkshire equine racing stars are catalogued in the Tattersalls Autmn Horses in Training sale, including from Tim Easterby; Jemima, from Mark Johnston; Tadeo, Spirit of Love (unplaced in today's Cesarewitch which he won two years ago), St Helensfield, Mardani, High Topper, Tissifer, Celestial Key and Awake, from David Nicholl's; Rudi's Pet, Tayseer and Cryhavoc and from James Bethell's; Mickley. It is the very nature of these sales that a lot of these will be withdrawn, but even so these horses cumulatively have an excellent record from group races to decent handicaps, and would form a good base for any training operation.
14/10/2000 Another second in group company for Mark Johnston today when Royal Rebel fills that position in the Jockey Club Cup G3, some way behind the winner Persian Punch. Hopefully Kind Regards, or better still Murghem, can go better in their respective races abroad tomorrow.
13/10/2000 At Newmarket today the David Nicholl's trained Bahamian Pirate makes the move up from handicap to listed class when he wins the Bentinck S L. Earlier in the day the Mark Johnston trained Littlepacepaddocks was second in the Princess Royal S G3 which was moved from the abandoned Ascot meeting last week. A run run for this filly, who Johnston believes will be much better next season, but neither the winner or third place horses were entered in the original Ascot race, so Johnston must be upset with not getting a group win out of this improving filly.
12/10/2000 Renowned trainer David Chapman, from Stillington, was back at home today after a serious accident on the gallops yesterday. The sixty seven year old trainer of Glencroft and Soba spent the last two nights in hospital after a 'flying hoof' made contact, and left him with a fractured bone above his eye. He know has six stitches and a badly bruised and inflamed eye.
10/10/2000 It was confirmed today Mark Johnston's stable star Fruits of Love, will not make the trip to Woodbine for the Canadian International on Sunday. The star colt has not yet fully recovered from a bout of the metabolic disorder ‘set-fast’ last month. The aim now is for the Breeders Cup Turf or the Japan Cup. Johnston will still be represented in Canada by Murghem, who is taking a bit jump up in class, but could still spring a surprise.
10/10/2000 They're back! It was announced today, as widely speculated, that the Ramsden's, Jack & Lynda, have purchased their former yard Breckenbrough, Thirsk, from Dr.John Hollowood and plan to return to training next season. They aim to run a smaller string of around 35 horses, and to concentrate almost enitrely on the flat, "The winter is for holidays" ! Furthermore it was confirmed that smart sprinters, and former Ramsden stars, Astonished and Nuclear Debate will stay with John Hammond in France and not make the trip to Yorkhire with them. It is only two years since the Ramsdens quit Breckenbrough for France and it is believed that some of the staff that current resident Andy Turnll inherited from the Ramden's may remain in Thirsk when the switch occurs and he moves to Highfield Stables, Malton.
09/10/2000 Chris Thornton, currently based at Spigot Lodge - which has been sold to Karl Burke (see 31/8), has found a new yard in Middleham. It looks like he won't be taking over Manor House Stables (well I can't be right all the time!) but instead will be based at Sharp Hill Farm, the home of Kate Walton who is the daughter of the late Sam Hall, the previous occupier of Spigot Lodge, who Thornton took over from in 1977. He plans to use a large barn on the farm, which could be converted into a 25 box yard. As Thornton currently has around 20 horses this seems to be an ideal solution and Guy Reed has promised to keep some horses with Thornton after the move. All staff will be retained and Thornton, who has trained over 600 winners, including about 370 for Reed, hopes to be up and running from his new location early in the New Year. Sharp Hill Farm is just under the Low Moor Gallops on the dead end road leading out of the village from down by the Key Centre.
08/10/2000 After a frustrating season of near misses, it is again a case of 'oh so close' for the Mark Johnston trained Gaelic Storm when he finishes second in the Grosser Buchmacher Springer Sprint-Preis G3 at Munich.
07/10/2000 Whilst s bomb scare at disrupts racing at Ascot, where there were due to be several Yorkshire trained runners with good chances it is a good day at York when Further Outlook, trained by David Nicholls win the £25,000 Coral Eurobet Sprint Handicap. In addition the Clarendon Racing owned Healey, trained by James Bethell, is third in the Rockingham Stakes L.
06/10/2000 Well the rumours were correct, it has been confirmed today that the Breckenbrough Stables yard, currently occupied by Andy Turnell and owned by Dr.John Hollowood will be sold and that Turnell will be moving to Highfield Stables in Malton the major part of which has been sold to Hollowood for a rumoured one million pounds. Current Highfield incumbent, James Hetherton, whose family bought the yard from Bill Elsey twelve years ago, will be based at a second yard on the property, which was formerly occupied by the Elsey family and was home to many top class horses in the fifties, sixties and seventies including eight classic winners. Meanwhile speculation continues that the Ramsdens will buy back their former yard. Grand National winning trainer Turnell feels that the level gallops at Breckenbrough (near Thirsk) were hindering the training of his jumpers, and that the more undulating Malton gallops will be more suited to his methods and horses.
05/10/2000 Having spent a lot of time developing this site, I've decided to spend some money as well and have registered the domain www.yorkshire-racing.co.uk. Hopefully this will be easier to remember than the old URL and makes things look a little more professional! The internet savy amongst you will realise that the site is still hosted on Demon, and that all pages except the old home page are still in the same location, but this gives me a little more latitude for possibly moving the site to a different ISP at a later date. Please update your bookmarks with the new URL. I plan to contact all those people who are kind enough to have links to this site and ask them to update, but if you came in via an 'old' link please let me know where this was.
01/10/2000 An admirable level of consistency for Yorkshire trainers today at Longchamp on Arc day - they all finish third!! Nigel Tinkler's Sugarfoot kicks of events when third in the Prix du Rond-Point G2 (a race he was second in last year) in unsuitable conditions. Next up is Tim Easterby's Pipalong who is third in the European sprint champion - the Prix de l'Abbaye G1, giving her good grounds for possibly being declared the most consistent sprinter in Europe this year - placed in all four major sprints and winning one of them - Stanley Leisure Sprint Cup. Finally the Mark Johnston trained Royal Rebel is third (obviously!) in the Prix du Cadran G1 under Mick Kinane, so yet again the elusive Group One winner for 2000 fails to materialise for the Kingsley House team.
30/09/2000 Following his valuable nursery win at Newmarket in August the David Barron trained Dim Sums wins the £58,000 Two-Year-Old Trophy at Redcar to give this popular Thirsk trainer his financially most rewarding result ever and the most important since Coastal Bluff's deadheat in the 1997 Nunthorpe Stakes. As the trainer also has the group placed two year old Media Mogul things are looking good for next year.
29/09/2000 Compared to the excitement in the Houghton Sales ring it's a fairly quiet day at Newmarket, but Mark Johnston's useful filly Hiddnah is third in the Godolphin Stakes L her third black type placing for owner Jaber Abdullah.
27/090/2000 A bay colt by Sadler's Wells out of Ocean View sent up from the Cliff Stud fetches 400,000gns at the Houghton Sales at Newmarket - the highest price ever obtained by a yearling sent up from a Yorkshire stud.
24/09/2000 Yet another second for the Mark Johnston trained Yavana's Pace when he is beaten by a nose in the Preis von Europa G1 at Cologne. There is better news at Ascot for the Johnston team when Kind Regards wins the £45,500 Coral Eurobet Handicap (with Chris Thornton's Flossy back in third) by eight lengths. The Johnston runners in Switzerland also reaped rewards when Akbar won the £18,800 Grand Prix Jockey Club. Also at Ascot Tayseer, trained by David Nicholls, makes an extremely encouraging leap into group company when he is second in the Diadem Stakes G2.
23/09/2000 Although not winning any of the big races it was a good first day at the Ascot Festival for Mark Johnston with Riberac winning the Rosemary Rated Stakes Handicap L and Happy Change finishing a good second in the Cumberland Lodge Stakes G3. Meanwhile, at Haydock, Richard Fahey's Dakota Sioux put up his best performance to date when winning the £14,300 Bet Direct Autumn Handicap. In this mornings Racing Post Mark Johnston revealed that stable star Fruits of Love was on the sick list again. Following an earlier foot abscess he had become 'set-fast' on the 17th. Johnston reckons the horses chances of competing in the Canadian International are remote.
19/09/2000 The historic Hurgill Lodge yard at Richmond looks to have a bleak future. The 70 box yard is the former home of Bill Watts (who trained Waterloo to win the 1000 Guineas from here, and Teleprompter the Arlington Million) from 1970 to 1997 and, more recently, Ann Duffield who left twelve months ago to move to her new property near Middleham. Since then the yard has been vacant and Lord Ronaldshay, the landlord via Zetland Estates, believes the yard is too big to fill easily. This marks another sad break from racing tradition for the Zetland family, who's stud is now defunct although they stillown Whitcliffe Grange, occupied by Mark Johnston, although a long way removed from it's high profile when occupied by Peter Calver.
17/09/2000 Down To The Woods could only managed fourth in the National Stakes G1 at the Curragh for Mark Johnston's team although Happy Change put up a good performance to claim third place in the Blandford Stakes G3 at the same course. Meanwhile it has been announced that former Johnston star Mister Baileys is to move back from Vinery in Kentucky to Whitsbury Manor Stud in Hampshire, where his dam is now based in her retirement.
16/09/2000 An excellent day at a variety of tracks for Yorkshire runners today. Pride of place must go to Yavana's Pace, trained by Mark Johnston, who just failed to land a group one race for the Kingsley House team when second in the Irish St.Leger G1 at the Curragh, for the second year running. Hopefully Down To The Woods can go one better in the National Stakes tomorrow! Meanwhile a winner for the Johnston team when the ultra consistent Bouncing Bowdler wins the Mill Reef Stakes G2 at Newbury, this colt should be a force to be reckoned with in the top sprints next season. Meanwhile at Ayr Yorkshire trainers get the first four home in the £100,000 Ayr Gold Cup with David Nicholl's Bahamian Bounty leading the way, followed by: Lago di Varano (another good result for Richard Whitaker), Guinea Hunter (Tim Easterby) and Gaelic Storm (Mark Johnston). In the previous race Richard Fahey's progressive colt Vintage Premium obtained his first bit of black type when third in the Doonside Cup L.
15/09/2000 No major races at Ayr today, but a good run by Kevin Ryan's Eastern Purple sees him land second place in the Dubai Airport World Trophy L at Newbury.
14/09/2000 The best result for a number of years for Scarcroft trainer Richard Whitaker when Vicious Dancer wins the Harry Roseberry Stakes L to give Yorkshire a good start to the Ayr meeting. Whitaker, whose horses often go well at Ayr, will be doubly pleased as the colt was bred at his very successful Hellwood Stud.
09/09/2000 A very unsuccesful Doncaster St.Leger week for Yorkshire trainers. In fact they've been more successful at far off Chepstow and Goodwood than they have at Town Moor !! The best result this week came today when David Nicholls' Zuhair won the £14,600 Phillips Auctioneers Handicap at Goodwood. Littlepacepaddocks made no real impact on the St.Leger.
04/09/2000 Finally! Double Honour wins at humble Hamilton for Mark Johnston to provide him with his 1,000th domestic win, in only 13 years as a trainer, and thus he becomes the fastest person ever to reach this remarkable total. Now for the illusive group one winner, Johnston has proclaimed himself very happy with Fruits of Love's run yesterday and he will now be aimed at the Rothmans International in Canada, although hopefully Littlepacepaddocks will provide a group one winner before then in the St.Leger on Saturday! She has come in from 20-1 to 13-2 in the ante post market today.
03/09/2000 Whilst Mark Johnston may have been waiting all week for the elusive 1,000th career winner there was relatively good news today. Firstly at Baden Baden Fruits of Love, in unsuitable going, managed third place in the Mercedes Benz Grosser Preis von Baden G1 (part of the Dubai World Series). It is to be hoped the old boy manages to one day get his head in front in a group one race, preferably this season! Meanwhile closer to home Proceed With Care was a good second in the Sirenia Stakes L at Kempton. Meanwhile Cool Investments victory in the Swiss St.Leger doesn't count towards the 1,000 as that target is domestic winners!
02/09/2000 After losing his two stable jockeys in two days there is an excellent result at Haydock Park for Tim Easterby (and Yorkshire racing as a whole) when the gutsy Pipalong triumphs in the Stanley Leisure Sprint Cup G1 to provide her trainer with his first group one win, and indeed the first Yorkshire group one win since Lend A Hand in the 1997 Gran Criterium. Typically, Easterby is at Thirsk and it is left to his father Peter Easterby to face the Balding and Carson inquisition live on BBC1! Tim Easterby, who only trained his first group winner two years ago (Bollin Joanne) now joins the small band of current Yorkshire trainers (Mark Johnston, Mick Easterby, Steve Norton, David Barron and David Nicholls) to have trained a group one winner.
01/09/2000 Lorcan Wyer, national hunt stable jockey to Peter and Tim Easterby, has announced his retirement from racing at the age of 35 to take up a position with the Irish Turf Club. Frequently in the wars through injury the brave Irishman's best season was 1995-96 when he rode 66 winners. His major winners over the years include Barton (numerous including 1999 Royal & Sun Alliance Novices' Hurdle), Canute Express (Racing Post Hurdle 1986), Dato Star (numerous inc. Fighting Fifth Hurdle 1998 and 99), Kildimo (Beechers Chase 1993), Nohalmdun (Martell Aintree Chase 1990) and Scotton Banks (Martell Cup Chase 1996). He has been stable jockey to the Easterby's since Jonjo O'Neill's retirement in 1986.
31/08/2000 As predicted Karl Burke and his backers have purchased the Spigot Lodge stables in Middleham from Guy Reed. The trainer and his backers are rumoured to have paid around £1m for the beautifully equipped yard high up on the moors, which has been the base of Chris Thornton since 1977 when he took over from his former governor the late Sam Hall. Burke, 37, is one of Britain's up and coming young trainers and should be a valuable addition to the ranks of Yorkshire trainers. Thornton, 51, has trained over 600 winners from the yard, including around 370 for Reed and is now looking for a new yard before the end of the year, when Burke moves in. There must be a strong chance that Thornton will end up at the Manor House stables recently vacated by James Bethell. Spigot Lodge has over 70 boxes and Thornton is looking for a yard with room for a string of about 30. It is believed that Reed will continue to have some horses in training with Thornton. During the late seventies and early eighties the Reed/Thornton combination was one of the most important in the country, notching up numerous winners, at lot of them by Reed's long serving sire Warpath. Amongst Thornton's best winners to date are Apace (1989 Fred Archer S, 1988 Godolphin S, 1988 Chesterfield Cup, 2nd.Geoffrey Freer Stakes 1989), Shotgun (1981 Heathorn S, 2nd.Mecca Dante S, 4th.Derby), April (1977 Peter Hastings H, 2nd.Prix de Flore), Flossy (1999 November Handicap), Path of Peace (1980 November Handicap), Give Me Ring and Secret Service.
31/08/2000 Lindsay Charnock, flat stable jockey to Peter and Tim Easterby, has been forced to quit race riding at the age of 45 due to a circulation problem which has kept him out of the saddle all season. His career spanned 29 years and he rode over 600 winners, many for the Easterbys and also for Mary Reveley. His major race successes include the Ayr Gold Cup (Last Tango 1976), Cesarewitch (Old Red 1995 and Turnpole 1997), Lowther Stakes (Jemima 1999), Windsor Castle Stakes (Flanders 1998), William Hill Trophy (Mallia 1996), Northumberland Plate (Treasure Hunter 1984), Great St.Wilfrid Handicap (Pipalong 1999) and the Scarbrough Stakes (Flanders 1999) as well as many others. He hopes to stay involved in racing, starting with riding out for Tim Easterby again, once he is fit enough.
28/08/2000 A good result in the Virginia Rated Stakes Handicap L at Newcastle where Mark Johnston's Kind Regards beats Chris Thornton's Flossy into second place. Both these fillies have now picked up valuable black-type which will improve their desirability at stud. It's an especially good result for the embattled Chris Thornton, struggling with a much reduced string.
26/08/2000 The best result today by a Yorkshire trainer comes from Richard Fahey when Surprised wins the £22,718 Ladbrokes Showcase Handicap at Goodwood.
25/08/2000 Ferdy Murphy has received the required planning permission to expand his Wynbury yard to 110 boxes following the non-stop success he has enjoyed over the last few years. Meanwhile he has also appointed Bob Hodges as Head Lad.
24/08/2000 Following a successful York meeting Mark Johnston has now leapt up to an incredible second place in the trainers rankings. He is currently on winnings of £1,322,031 and 99 UK wins. He has overtaken John Dunlop (£1.26m) and Saeed Bin Suroor (£1.19m) in the last week. Although he is a massive £789,000 behind Sir Michael Stoute this is an incredible achievement and must be the best ranking by a Yorkshire trainer since the days of Bill Elsey. It is especially impressive given the relatively poor start to the season by the Kingsley House trainer. The next highest Yorkshire tainer is David Nicholls in twelth place with winnings of £570,448 and 65 domestic wins. With a Yorkshire based jockey, Kevin Darley, at the head of the jockey's table these are halcyon days for Yorkshire racing !
24/08/2000 The final day of the York Ebor meeting sees David Nicholls' Peartree House triumph in the £27,898 Bradford & Bingley Rated Handicap. Meanwhile Tim Easterby's good sprinter Pipalong is again third in a group one race - this time the Nunthorpe Stakes G1. Hiddnah, trained by Mark Johnston picks up valuable black type when third in the Galtres Stakes L. Meanwhile at Musselburgh John Weymes has his first winner since taking over from his father Ernie when White Star Lady wins the seller after a nail-biting stewards enquiry!
23/08/2000 Another good day at York for Mark Johnston with star two year old Bouncing Bowlder winning the Roses Stakes L and Virgin Soldier picking up £17,500 for finishing third in the Ebor Handicap.
22/08/2000 The start of the Ebor meeting also brings a rumour out that Karl Burke could be moving to Spigot Lodge, owned by Guy Reed (who also owns the Copgrove Stud) where Chris Thornton currently trains. Currently based in Newmarket, Burke has deined these rumours, but there is no doubt that Spigot Lodge, one of the best appointed yards in the North, is currently under-utilised. Thornton has only had fourteen runners on the flat this season, and the yard will easily accomodate over seventy horses. Burke's lease on his current High Havens yard expires at the end of the year.
22/08/2000 A good start to the York Ebor meeting (The Ascot of The North!) with Mark Johnston's Royal Rebel confirming his reputation by winning the Lonsdale Stakes G3. The same trainer has Saratov third in the opening race, the Acomb Stakes L and Richard Fahey's Night Flight wins the £17,290 Harewood Handicap later in the day.
20/08/2000 A fairly quiet day for Yorkshire trainers, although Tim Easterby's Jemima returns to form when third in the Flying Fillies' Stakes L at Pontefract.
19/08/2000 Lot's of Yorkshire winners today, including another two for James Bethell at Ripon where Mick Easterby's William's Well held on to land the £24,000 Great St.Wilfrid Handicap. However the major result of the day was at Newbury where Murghem, trained by Mark Johnston, battled on strongly in his usual style to take the Geoffrey Freer Stakes G2, his first group win, and his fifth win in the last six runs.
14/08/2000 It is announced today that Middleham trainer James Bethell is to vacant Lennie Peacocks' Manor House Stables and move to the other side of Middleham Low Moor to the Tupgill Park establishment formerly occupied by Micky Hammond. This follows eight years at the historic Manor House yard and also his recent return to form on the track with three winners in quick succession, following 12 months with no wins. It is also possible that later on Bethell will move the short distance to share Ashgill (like Tupgill also owned by Colin Armstrong) with current tenant John Weymes, who has yet to have a winner since taking over from father Ernie. Bethell's lease on Manor House expires at the end of August and he will move into Tupgill as the extra facilities at Ashgill are not yet complete, although if all goes well he may stay put at Tupgill!
13/08/2000 Many disappointments today for the likes of Yavana's Pace, but a good result at Leopardstown when Eastern Purple, trained by Kevin Ryan, wins the Phoenix Sprint Stakes G3 under Basil Marcus.
12/08/2000 Today was Shergar Cup Day at Ascot (moved from Goodwood last year). Boy, what a day for Mark Johnston. Spirit of Love was second in the Stayers Handicap, Littlepacepaddocks was second in the Oaks and Murghem was erm.......second in the Classic, oh Awake finished fourth in the Sprint! In addition John Wainwright's Vita Spericolata finished a good third in the Sprint. Meanwhile at Haydock Tim Easterby's French Fellow was a good third in the Rose of Lancaster Stakes G3.
11/08/2000 Dr.John Hollowood, who owns the Breckenbrough House yard (formerly owned by Lynda Ramsden) occupied by Grand National winning trainer Andy Turnell has announced that he is considering selling the Thirk yard and relocating to somewhere with steeper gradiants! Following some poor results (only 2 winners last jumps season) they are looking for a better dual purpose yard with more gallops on steeper gradiants, as the circular gallop at Breckenbrough is virtually completely flat. It is believed at least one offer has already been recieved for the yard, rumours abound that the Ramsden's could be the leading runners in this particular race!
05/08/2000 David Nicholls grabs his share of the Goodwood limelight again (and continues his domination of the sprint handicaps) when the consistent Tayseer wins the £55,250 Stewards' Cup Handicap, one of the premier sprint handicaps of the season. Meanwhile at Newmarket Dim Sums, trained by David Barrons wins the £19,500 Scoop6 Nursery Handicap, providing Frankie Dettori with a second winner from two rides on his 'comeback' day, following his horrific plane crash. Meanwhile, closer to home, Gralmano trained by Kevin Ryan, wins the £15,080 Weatherbys Summer Cup Handicap at Doncaster.
04/08/2000 The real payout of today though occured in a £3,000 handicap at Ayr when Westage Run trained by Richard Fahey for Mark Leatham and his father George, won her fifth race of the season. She is thus the first horse from sales vendor Ted Voute's 1998 draft to win five races and as such she picks up a £150,000 bonus. The offer excluded all-weather races, claimers or sellers, but despite not winning at two Westgate Run has been campaigned this season with the bonus in mind. The filly cost 25,000gns at the Doncaster St.Leger Sales.
04/08/2000 Yet another excellent day at Goodwood for Mark Johnston as Murghem wins the Glorious Tioman Island Handicap L and Happy Diamond wins the £32,500 Volvo Truck Globetrotter Handicap. The younger inmates of Kingsley House do not disappoint either when Bouncing Bowdler is second in the Molecomb Stakes G3. The last race of the day is the £17,290 Stewards Sprint Handicap and is won by David Nicholls' Flak Jacket, with the same stables Referendum in the runner-up slot.
03/08/2000 Mark Johnston wins the Goodwood Cup G2 for the fourth time in six years, but this time it's the progressive Royal Rebel who battles to victory under Mick Kinane. The Peter Savill owned horse could now be aimed at the Melbourne Cup, despite major dissapointments for previous Johnston raiders Double Trigger, Yavana's Pace and Quick Ransom, all of whom were well fancied and didn't make a place between them.
02/08/2000 No 'major' winners for Yorkshire trainers at Goodwood today, however the last race, the £9,555 Charlton Handicap is notable in that David Nicholls trains the first three home:- Zuhair, Sihafi and Pure Elegancia. Meanwhile at humble Carlisle the Middleham trainer James Bethell lands his second winner in seven days when City Flyer wins the seven furlong handicap. This follows Mickley's victory at Thirsk on the 28th July, which was the trainers first win since the 15th July 1999, so an excellent return to form for this small, but historic, yard.
01/08/2000 On to Glorious Goodwood and it's an excellent start for the Yorkshire yards when Eastern Purple (trained by Kevin Ryan) and Rudi's Pet (trained by David Nicholls) finish second and third in the King George Stakes G3. The next race on the card, the £32,500 Bet Direct Summer Handicap, is then won by Mark Johnston's Sharp Play, owned by long-time patron Mrs.I.Bird. Meanwhile Johnston confirms that the injury to Fruits of Love is more serious than initially thought and it could be weeks, rather than days, before he is match fit again.
30/07/2000 More success at the Ascot 'mini festival' for the Mark Johnston yard when Saratov wins the £15,000 Hong Kong Auction Stakes.
29/07/2000 After the disappointment of Fruits of Love's withdrawl from the King George there is some small compensation for the Mark Johnston team when Happy Diamond wins one of the supporting events - the £15,300 Millennium Star Diamond H. Meanwhile David Nicholls Tayseer picks up £16,500 on the same card for finishing third in the Tote International Handicap.
22/07/2000 In the Weatherbys Super Sprint at Newbury the supposed sure thing Romantic Myth, trained by Tim Easterby is disappointing finishing in the chasing pack after fretting in the stalls, however stable companion Up Tempo picks up £10,000 for dead-heating for third place. Meanwhile over the Irish Sea, Royal Rebel, trained by Mark Johnston, is second in the Challenge Stakes L
19/07/2000 It was announced in the Racing Post today that Ferdy Murphy's stables, based just outside Middleham will soon become the second biggest jumping string in the north, behind Mary Reveley. Plans have been submitted for a new 34 box barn (plus canteen), which will bring the capacity at Wynbury up to 110.
16/07/2000 Another Classic placing for Yorkshire! In the Irish Oaks G1 at the Curragh, In For A Penny trained by Richard Fahey reverses Newbury form with Littlepacepaddocks trained by Mark Johnston when the pair finish third and fourth. This is a marvellous result for Fahey - a placing with his first ever classic runner and his policy of campaigning this filly at the highest levels to enhance her stud value certainly seems to be working!
15/07/2000 Stable star Sugarfoot does it again for Malton trainer Nigel Tinkler when winning the Michael Page Stakes L at Ascot. Nigel revealed that there is now a stud offer in Ireland for this tough son of Thatching, but he hopes to win a group race with him first! Meanwhile the Mark Johnston trained High Topper wins the Chlor Chemicals O'Hare Handicap at Chester.
14/07/2000 A day for the Easterby's at York. Hot Tin Roof wins her third listed race of the season for Tim Easterby by triumphing in the Stanley Racing Stakes L, she may now go for the Prix Maurice de Gheest, over what would probably be her ideal distance of six and a half furlongs. Meanwhile Uncle Mick Easterby wins the £11,000 Hearthstead Homes Handicap with Sporting Gesture.
13/07/2000 Successful trainer Brian Ellison, currently based in Durham, plans to move back to Malton in the next few months following his purchase of Bill Haigh's old yard, Spring Cottage Stables. Having spent six years away from Malton he hopes to be up and running by Open Day - 10th September.
13/07/2000 Pipalong, trained by Tim Easterby runs the race of her life to finish in third place in the July Cup G1 only two short heads behind the winner. She may now head for the Haydock Sprint Cup or the Prix de Abbaye, but her trainer says she will only run where it's soft. Meanwhile Tayseer, trained by David Nicholls wins the Bunbury Cup Handicap.
12/07/2000 Media Mogul, trained near Thirsk by David Barron looks unlucky when a short head second in the July Stakes G3 having been switched in the straight to get a run. He may now go for the Gimcrack Stakes.
11/07/2000 It was announced today that ones of Yorkshire youngest and most promising trainers is to quit after only three years. Mark Peill, formerly travelling head lad to Lynda Ramsden, is yet another trainer blaming financial pressures for his decision. Peill who trains smart novice hurdler Barney Knows, received a £1250 fine for 'schooling in public' less than a month ago, and this may have had some bearing on his decision. Peill was based at the historic Whitewall Stables in Malton.
11/07/2000 That grand old campaigner Yavana's Pace, trained at Middleham by Mark Johnston finishes second in the Princess of Wales's Stakes G2 at Newmarket. He may now be aimed at Group 1 races in Germany before tackling the Irish St.Leger.
05/07/2000 Having lost Lend A Hand to Godolphin a few years ago Mark Johnston has now lost a non arab owned horse to the same operation following the news that Godolpin have bought Celtic Silence. This fine big colt by Celtic Swing, winner of both his races so far including the Chesham Stakes L at Royal Ascot, has been sold by BHB Chairman Peter Savill and will now move to David Loders Evry yard. The colt will be aimed at the UAE Derby next year.
05/07/2000 Doncaster have announced plans to create a new stable complex. Currently the stables are on the opposite side of a busy road to the racecourse. There will be a new sales ring for Doncaster Bloodstock Sales, stabling for 600 horses, restaurants and a bar.
03/07/2000 A brand new trainer for Middleham! Jed O'Keefe has been granted a dual purpose licence by the Jockey Club, and is leasing a new 30 box yard adjoining Sally Hall's yard at Brecongill on the Tupgill Park Estate. O'Keefe, 31, is the son of former Wetherby trainer and jockey Eddie O'Keefe and a former assistant trainer to Micky Hammond. He hopes to have his first runners by the end of the month - and good luck to him!
02/07/2000 Kim Tinkler, the star on Friday, has another good result when McGillycuddy Reeks, trained at Middleham by Enrico Incisa, wins the £10,481 L.J.Monks Handicap at Doncaster, the biggest win of Don Enrico's long training career. This excellent nine your old mare, owned by the trainer, has been a grand servant to the stable and one surely one day be granted a place in the paddocks at the beautifully apppointed Thorngill Stables, (part of the Tupgill Park complex) where training is combined with breeding. This was her thirteenth win (including two over hurdles) and her tenth for the Incisa/Tinkler combination. Hopefully she will now take her place in the John Smith's Handicap on the 15th. The race was not without controversy however as Happy Diamond, trained by Mark Johnston was cruising in the lead from the 3f pole, until jockey Royston Ffrench eased him down, for which he has picked up a 14 day ban.
01/07/2000 Another Mark Johnston day, and this time the good news is spread over three tracks!! Murghem wins his second black-type race in a row when lifting the Fred Archer Stakes L from stable companion Double Eclipse, who was having his first run since October 1997, having been retired to stud in Wales. Unfortunately Double Eclipse is later found to be lame, putting his participation in the Goodwood Cup in doubt. At the Curragh another Johnston inmate Royal Rebel finishes second in the Curragh Cup G3. Finally at Newcastle David Abell's Kayo wins the £14,170 Journal Good Morning Handicap to cap an excellent day for Johnston who incidentally had 31 wins in June including a Group Two, and four listed races.
30/06/2000 Henry Hall, trained by Nigel Tinkler from Malton, and ridden by his wife Kim Tinkler wins the £17,875 Gosforth Park Cup at Newcastle. This is an excellent return to form for this good four year old sprinter who is now coming back to something like the form he showed as a two-year-old.
23/06/2000 Just when you thought it couldn't get any better.........!! Today was definately Mark Johnston day! The allegedly terminally injured Fruits of Love and the allegedly "just a stayer" Yavana's Pace finished first and second in the Hardwicke Stakes G2, a race won by Johnston last year, again with Fruits of Love. The winner will now be aimed at the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (in which he finished third last year) with the runner going for the Irish St.Leger (second last year). A good day for Johnston was capped with a decent third for Spirit of Love in the Queen Alexandra Stakes.
22/06/2000 Whilst not quite reaching the heights of yesterday, this was another good day at Royal Ascot for Yorkshire trainers. This time the lead was taken by Tim Easterby's brother-in-law Richard Fahey who was saddling his first Royal Ascot winner (indeed his first group winner) when 20-1 shot Superior Premium won the Cork and Orrery Stakes G2, with the alleged Godolphin 'good thing', Lend A Hand, back in third. Mark Johnston had another good day when 14-1 shot Bouncing Bowdler belied his 14-1 odds with a second place in the Norfolk Stakes G3. Compton Ace, bred at the Garrowby Stud by Lord Halifax was third in the Ascot Gold Cup G1.
21/06/2000 Whilst yesterday at Royal Ascot was a non-event as far as Yorkshire trainers go, today was a great improvement. Romantic Myth, trained by Tim Easterby, was an extremely impressive winner of the Queen Mary Stakes G3 by two and a half lengths. Her trainer believes this game filly should prove to be more than just an precocious two-year-old and should train on next year. A bit later on the card Celtic Silence trained by Mark Johnston won the Chesham Stakes L by a length and a quarter having battled on bravely in the last furlong. Mark Johnston says this Celtic Swing colt will probably only have one more run this season - in either the Racing Post Trophy or the Royal Lodge Stakes.
18/06/2000 The Mark Johnston bandwagon continues as Murghem chalks up his first bit of black-type by winning the Leicester Mercury Stakes L at Leicester. Johnston 'only' had 4 turf wins in April and 8 in May, but has now managed 15 so far in June.
17/06/2000 A second good day for Yorkshire trainers (who won 3 races the previous day) at York as Ice, trained by Mark Johnston wins the valuable Cadogan Silver Salver Handicap for long time owner David Abell, whos best horse was that good, but ill-fated, filly Branston Abby.
15/06/2000 Littlepacepaddocks, a sister to Yavana's Pace, continued her progression through the ranks by winning the Ballymacoll Stud Stakes L at Newbury for trainer Mark Johnston. She is obviously highly thought off as her next target could be the Irish Oaks.
10/06/2000 There were no Yorkshire runners in the big one on Derby day, but there were a number of good results for Yorkshire stables non-the-less. Pipalong continued Tim Easterby's good run in winning the Cecil Frail Stakes L at Haydock. In the next race the same stables' Hot Tin Roof was third in the Halliwell Landau Stakes L. Meanwhile at Epsom the Mark Johnston trained Murghem won the £29,000 Vodafone Rated Handicap. Also at Epsom David Nicholls was second with Proud Native in the Vodafone Dash L and also second with Further Outlook in the valuable Vodafone Data Networks Handicap. Indeed there was almost a 'Yorkshire' 1-2-3 in the Dash as the winner was owned and bred in Yorkshire by David Brotherton, Proud Native was second, and the John Wainwright trained Vita Spericolata was fourth, only narrowly eged out of third in a photo.
06/06/2000 Former Yorkshire owner and breeder Lord Zetland who stepped down as Chairman of Redcar racecourse last week, is behind a new company called Seahorse which plans to buy the Teeside track and build a new £100m 'supercourse' two miles away on land owned by the Zetland family for over 100 years. Lord Zetland still owns 20% of Redcar, which his family has been involved with ever since it moved to it's current site from Saltburn in 1872.
06/06/2000 The Racing Post reports serious flooding in the racing town of Middleham. Trainer Patrick Haslam was the first to raise the alarm when six horses including Micky Hammond trained Sir Peter Lely (fourth in the 96 Grand National) were close to being trapped in pasture by the River Ure, which burst it's banks after three days of non-stop rain. Haslam and staff and locals rescued the horses at the same time as farmers were out in canoes saving cattle and sheep. Meanwhile former Middleham trainer Alan Harrison was lucky to escape when a four foot dry stone wall collapsed under the pressure of water, and fell onto his car just outside the Yorkshire Racing Centre.
05/06/2000 Following injury in Dubai, Proud Native, trained nr.Thirk by David Nicholls, makes a belated seasonal debut when winning the Ballyogan Stakes G3 at Leopardstown. Stable mate Pepperdine is a disappointing 5th.
03/06/2000 Hot Tin Roof, trained by Tim Easterby, can't quite make it three in a row in listed races when she finshes second in the Leisure Stakes L at Lingfield.
30/05/2000 A new entry in my database as Taras Emperor wins the National Stakes L at Sandown by an impressive margin and becomes the first 'major' performer for Settrington (nr.Malton) trainer John (JJ) Quinn.
29/05/2000 The best result of Bank Holiday Monday is provided by Proud Native, trained nr.Thirsk by David Nicholls, who returns to something approaching his best form by finishing second in the Temple Stakes G2 at Sandown.
27/05/2000 Atlantic Rhapsody, trained by Mark Johnston wins the £43,000 Tote Silver Bowl Handicap at Haydock, showing the improvement this horse has made since being gelded. It would appear the Johnston stable is finally hitting form, having identifed a potential potassium deficency in some of the string, although Johnston is loath to attribute this as the sole reason for the poor start to the season. Vintage Premium, trained by Richard Fahey picks up £13,500 for finishing second in the same race. Meanwhile at Kempton Vita Spericolata trained nr.Malton by John Wainwright is an excellent second in the Achilles Stakes L.This filly who won a listed race at Newbury last year is an excellent advert for her trainer, one of the less well known in Yorkshire.
24/05/2000 Royal Rebel, trained by Mark Johnston wins the Saval Beg Stakes L at Leopardstown under Mick Kinane. This is only Johnston's second black type win of the season, but he now appears to be catching up with trail blazer Tim Easterby, whom he already leads in prize money terms. At Goodwood Inforapenny trained by Richard Fahey puts up another stud value enhancing performance in an Oaks trial by finishing third in the Lupe Stakes L.
21/05/2000 Yavana's Pace, trained by Mark Johnston, manages 3rd place in the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier G2 at Longchamp. This was his fifth race of the season and he will now have a short rest, before building up to the Irish St.Leger.
20/05/2000 And so it continues! Another listed winner for Tim Easterby when Hot Tin Roof wins for the second successive Saturday. This time she was successful at Nottingham in the Kilvington Fillies' S L. Meanwhile at Newbury the excellent Sugarfoot could only manage fifth in the Lockinge S G1
18/05/2000 The Best result for Yorkshire trainers at the York Dante meeting was Tim Easterby's Pipalong finishing second in the Duke of York S G3.
16/05/2000 Richard Fahey's Inchalong was the winner of the £11,960 Yorkshire Life Magazine Handicap at the York Dante meeting.
15/05/2000 An article in the Racing Post states that the Thornton Stud nr Thirsk is now under new management. Rita Myatt of the Evelyn Stud (at Hutton Wandesley, Nr York) is moving her whole operation to the historic stud. She will act as resident manager. In addition the 'Thornton Stud Partnership' will be set up with Myatt, Thornton owners Trevor and Pauline Nicholson and the TBA's Northern area chairman John Wills. Not only will the partnership be selling their own produce they will also be taking in boarders and offering facilities for breaking and resting racehorses. This will be both a flat and NH operation will will utilise 44 of the studs boxes and 115 acres of the paddocks. The stud has been leased for the last five years to Sheikh Mohammed's Darley Stud Management, whose leave expired in February.
13/05/2000 Yet another good weekend for Tim Easterby with Hot Tin Roof (on only her second appearance for the trainer) winning the Chartwell Fillies's S L at Lingfield and Flanders the East Riding Conditions Stakes closer to home at Beverley. With the stable also housing Pipalong and Pipadash this trainer has some tough entry decisions to make for these top sprinting fillies! Meanwhile, also at Lingfield, a 2-3 in the valuable Tote Scoop6 Sprint Handicap for Mark Johnston with Awake and Eastways, perhaps the start of a return to form for the Middleham trainer?
10/05/2000 Inforapenny, having only her second run for Richard Fahey, is second in the Cheshire Oaks L. Previously trained in Ireland this Deploy filly only lost her maiden tag a month ago and sprung a major suprise here. Whilst she will now be difficult to place in handicaps, connections reckon this will be more than offset by the increase in her paddock value - with some black type in a recognised classic trial.
08/05/2000 The Racing Post reports that Mark Johnston has now taken over the former yard of Peter Calver. The yard at Whitcliffe Grange Farm near Ripon is owned by Lord Zetland and was previously leased to Calver until has retirement last year. Johnston will use the yard for housing horses out of training and for isolation purposes. Operations there will be overseen by former trainer Brian McMath. The property has 34 boxes, a one and a half mile grass gallop, weighing machine and starting stalls, as well as seventy acres of paddocks. The yard already has eight residents.
06/05/2000 Some compensation for the Tim Easterby team following the disappointing run of French Fellow in the 2000 Guineas G1 when Pipalong triumphed in the Palace House Stakes G3, this was Tim's third group winner following Bollin Joanne's victory in the Duke of York Stakes G3 of 1998 and Jemima's in the 1999 Lowther Stakes G2. Interestingly they are all fillies.
03/05/2000 Addington Boy, trained at Middleham by Ferdy Murphy put up an excellent display to finish second in the Grade 1 Heineken Gold Cup Chase at the Punchestown festival.
29/04/2000 Yet another Yorkshire trained group winner when Sugarfoot trained near Malton by Nigel Tinkler builds on his successes of last season when winning the Leicestershire S G3 at Doncaster (moved from Leicester). Meanwhile at Sandown Ferdy Murphy's Paddy's Return is third in the last major jumps race of the season - the Whitbread Gold Cup.
23/04/2000 Former Middleham trainer and ex-jockey Jumbo Wilkinson died today aged 67. He rode over 300 winners in a seventeen year career in the saddle, before taking up training with over 200 winners from a small string, the best of which was probably Hardy Lad, who won the 1986 Scottish Grand National. Jumbo had continued to live at Fell View Stables since handing in his license four years ago, with the stables now occupied by Kate Milligan (who's parents owned Hardy Lad).
22/04/2000 A typically gusty performance from Yavana's Pace (trained by Mark Johnston) led to the first Yorkshire trained group winner of the season when he prevailed in soft/heavy going in the John Porter Stakes G3, relocated to Haydock from last weekends abandoned Newbury card. The Irish St.Leger remains his long term target for the season, a race in which he was second last year. Meanwhile Tim Easterby's Pipadash was second in the Field Marshal S L, with Johnston's Awake back in fourth, both performance bode well for the future.
15/04/2000 Middleham trainer Ferdy Murphy's excellent novice chaser Paris Pike wins the £42,000 Scottish Grand National with fellow Yorkshire runner Young Kenny (trained by Peter Beaumont) finishing third. Meanwhile at Thirsk, in the richest race at that track, French Fellow (trained by Tim Easterby) has a good race to come second in the Thirsk Classic Trial S L.
08/04/2000 Not a bad day for Yorkshire at the National with Niki Dee (trained at Brandsby by Peter Beaumont) picking up £55,000 for third place and old timer Addington Boy finishing 5th for Middleham trainer Ferdy Murphy.
25/03/2000 The Yorkshire challenge in the desert at Nal al Sheba is severely depleted by the withdrawal of both Gaelic Storm (Mark Johnston) and Rudi's Pet (David Nicholls) from the Dubai Golden Shaheen sprint race. The remaining Yorkshire contenders were Mark Johnston's pair Paradise Garden in the UAE Derby who was unplaced, and Yavana's Pace who was prominent until the last two furlongs in the Dubai Sheema Classic. Yorkshire runners in the Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster fare no better.
24/03/2000 Middleham permit holder Kate Walton was badly hurt in a freak accident on Middleham gallops. Kate, daughter of the late Sam Hall, was knocked to the ground along with three times hurdle winner Gemikosix after a three year old filly crashed into them at full pace. The filly was killed instantly, Walton was taken to Middlesbrough Hospital to have her bottom lip sewn back on, she also lost some front teeth in the accident. Gemikosix escaped serious injury.
18/03/2000 Following a disappointing Cheltenham for Yorkshire horses there is an excellent set of results at Uttoxeter for Middleham based trainer Ferdy Murphy when he wins the first three races worth a combined £79,905. All were ridden by stable jockey Adrian Maguire, the most important winner was the last when Ackzo won the £43,500 Midlands National Handicap Chase (with Tim Easterby's Scotton Green back in third). The horse may now go for the Whitbread Gold Cup, although probably not the Aintree Grand National this year as he is only seven years old.
11/03/2000 A new book "Always Trying" following a year in the life of trainer Mark Johnston is out now. Written by John Scanlon it should prove a fascinating insight into Yorkshire's most successful trainer and his methods. Mark will be signing copies at Kingsley House on Middleham Open Day on Good Friday or you can order it direct from Timeform. Or you could try Mark's Race Riders page athttp://www.markjohnstonracing.com/riders/index.html which may be stocking it.
26/02/2000 The Last Fling, trained near Barnsley, by Sue Smith won the £58,000 De Vere Cup Chase at Haydock this afternoon, with fellow Yorkshire trained horses Niki Dee and Tullymurry Toff filling the other places. Young Kenny (see 5/2) finished disappointingly down the field.
19/02/2000 Scotton Green, trained nr.Malton by Tim Easterby won the £29,000 Tote Northern National Handicap Chase over 4m1f at Newcastle.
12/02/2000 Yet another.............Warthill (nr.York) trainer Mel Brittain has launched a web site at www.melbrittain.co.uk
05/02/2000 Brandsby trainer Peter Beaumont won the £34,800 Singer & Friedlander Handicap Chase over 3 1/2 miles at Uttoxeter with Young Kenny, catapulting the horse to the top of the Grand National ante-post betting list.
28/01/2000 Nicky Tinkler who is only 16, become the most recent member of that celebrated Yorkshire racing family to ride a winner under rules when St. Lawrence, owned by his mother Carol and trained by his Uncle Nigel Tinkler, won the amateur riders' handicap at Southwell. Nicky's father was former leading National Hunt jockey Colin Tinkler who was later a successful trainer and now runs the Musley Bank Stud.
22/01/2000 Dato Star, trained at Malton by Malcolm Jefferson, wins the Grade 2 Energising Champion Hurdle Trial at Haydock by 17 lengths from Relkeel and, as a result, climbs higher up the ante-post list for the Champion Hurdle, where he will take on the mighty Istabraq.
12/01/2000 Anne Gillespie, the Glasgow doctor, wins the Small Breeder, Special Merit award at the Thoroughbred Breeders Association awards for the exploits of dual group one winner Dark Moondancer. Dr.Gillespie boards her mares at the Manor House Stud, Middleham.
12/01/2000 Middleham trainer Ferdy Murphy is successful in the £21,500 Grande Course de Haies de Cagnes (Hurdle) at Cagnes-Sur-Mer with Paddy's Return.
10/01/2000 And another one! Patrick Haslam becomes the third Middleham trainer to launch a website. A few inaccuracies at the moment though....! It's at www.patrickhaslamracing.com

2024 ~2023 ~ 2022 ~ 2021 ~ 2020 ~ 2019 ~ 2018 ~ 2017 ~ 2016 ~ 2015 ~ 2014 ~ 2013 ~ 2012
2011 ~2010 ~ 2009 ~ 2008 ~ 2007 ~ 2006 ~ 2005 ~ 2004 ~ 2003 ~ 2002 ~ 2001 ~ 2000 ~ 1999

All information provided on this site is given on a 'best endeavours' basis. No guarantee as to the accuracy of the data is implied nor should it be assumed. For clarification please contact the relevant parties.
If you have any comments, corrections, suggestions, pictures or (most importantly) information please
email me.

Copyright 2000 Stephen George-Powell

If you can't see a toolbar at the top of this page either you have an in-compatible browser of you have accessed
this site via an old link, please use
www.yorkshire-racing.co.uk instead.