Yorkshire Racing News

Yorkshire Racing & Breeding News
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Date
27/12/2001	Generally a quiet Christmas period for the Yorkshire trainers, but it was a good day for Tim Easterby at Wetherby today. In the George Gregory Novices Chase stable star Barton continued the good start to his chasing career with a 21 length victory, this time with much better jumping than at Newcastle last time. Barton has now won his last three races by a total of 53 lengths, albeit against inferior opposition, and it seems likely that he will now be stepped up in class. The next race was the £13,500 Castleford Chase Limited Handicap, and that was won by Easterby's Turgeonev, his third win in a row as well.
20/12/2001	Paul Wood, former assistant to the late Alf Smith, has taken over the Beverley yard and will have his first runner tomorrow. Wood, who is 53, was Smith's assistant for the last 3 years, and prior to that was an owner with Smith, his family have previously had horses with Jimmy Fitzgerald and Jimmy Etherington. Wood has been granted and temporary licence and will be renting the yard, which currently houses 10 horses, from Mrs.Smith.
14/12/2001	Two good results at Cheltenham today for Yorkshire trainers. Firstly the Fredy Murphy trained Paddy's Return won the £14,105 Sporting Index Select Handicap Chase (Cross Country) under a strong ride from Paul Carberry. In the next race Les Eyre had one of his most valuable jumping successes to date when Benbyas won the £17,875 C.F.Roberts Electrical Contractors Handicap Hurdle.
06/12/2001	The last day of Tattersall's marathon December Sales today. Whilst mares sent up from Yorkshire studs have been largely led away unsold there have been some Yorkshire successes in the ring, most notably from Tim Easterby's Habton Grange racing yard. On Tuesday the yard sold two of it's best horses for a total of 830,000gns. First up was the five year old mare Hot Tin Roof who has won 5 races and £94,951 including three listed races and she fetched 230,000gns to Newsells Park Stud. Two lots later the stable star Pipalong was led out. This Pips Pride mare has won 10 races and £406,499 including the Haydock Sprint Cup G1, Duke of York S G3 and the Palace House Stakes G3, as well as 2 listed races and being placed second in the Cherry Hinton S G2, Duke of York S G3 and Queen Mary S G3 and third in the July Cup G1, Nunthorpe S G1 and the Prix de l'Abbaye G1. After protracted bidding she eventually fetched 600,000gns, to a new client of Anthony Stroud's, which must be a record for a horse sent to the sales from Yorkshire.
04/12/2001	The popular Beverley trainer Alf Smith has died in hospital, he was 78 years old. Smith, who usually only had around a dozen horses in the yard, sent out over 150 winners in a career which started in 1951, although he did take a break from training for a few years to be Head Groundsman at Beverley racecourse. Amongst his biggest successes were Flying Diplomat (Imperial Cup), Ferriby Hall (1981 Gosforth Park Cup, 3rd.Wokingham Handicap) and Cape Merino, the 1,500gns filly who won the 1993 Redcar Gold Trophy and picked up £88,900 for winning, and a £100,000 bonus for coming from a small yard. Smith leaves and widow and two daughters. He also leaves Beverley, which was once a thriving training establishment, without any resident trainers.
01/12/2001	A good days National Hunt racing on offer and although there was no Yorkshire success in the Hennessy, there were some good results. At Haydock the Ferdy Murphy trained Man on the Hill was successful in the £12,480 One Man Novices' Chase with the Sue Smith trained Errand Boy filling second place. Up at Newcastle the Tim Easterby trained Barton continued his good progress over fences when winning the £6,711 Stanley Racing Novices' Chase and the same trainers Simply Gifted put up a reasonable display to be third in the 'Fighting Fifth' Hurdle, who by Barton last year.
01/12/2001	The Tattersalls December Sales (Yearlings and Foals sections) ended disappointingly for the majority of vendors, and Yorkshire studs fared no better than any others. However the drafts of Theakston Stud, West Moor Stud and especially Hellwood Stud sold reasonably strongly.
21/11/2001	One of Britains longest serving trainers Alf Smith, who is based at Bevereley, was rushed to hospital 10 days ago and is described as 'seriously ill' with an infection. Smith, who took out his licence in 1951, is the only remaining trainer to use the once thriving training facilities at Bevereley, and is best known as the trainer of Cape Merino. His wife Elma is over-seeing the Heath Racing Stables yard at the moment.
18/11/2001	Some good jumps placings today when the Brian Ellison trained Batswing is third in the valuable Rehabilitation of Racehorses Hurdle Showcase Handicap at Cheltenham. Meanwhile over at Haydock the Mick Easterby trained Banker Count continues his fine season with second place in the Edward Hanmer Memorial Chase.
16/11/2001	Some more good national hunt results today when the Brian Ellison trained Latalomne wins the £14,219 Ernest & Julio Gallo Trophy Chase at Cheltenham. Later on the same card the Ferdy Murphy trained Paddy's Return was a respectable third in the Sporting Index Cross Country Chase.
10/11/2001	The last day of the 'proper' season today up at Doncaster and, although there are no major winners for Yorkshire trainers, there are a couple of good results to wind up the action. In the Serlby Stakes L the Mark Johnston trained Akbar finishes a good third and in the last race of the day the Kevin Ryan trained Eastern Purple is his usual consistent self when second in the Wentworth Stakes L.
07/11/2001	Another good end-of-season result for Mark Johnston when Xellance wins the £17,485 Tote Bookmakers Showcase Handicap up at Musselburgh.
03/11/2001	The Mark Johnston trained Riberac capped an excellent season today when winning the Ben Marshall Stakes L at Newmarket. Meanwhile, closer to home at Wetherby, Bankers Count, trained by Mick Easterby, wins the £10,657 Rocom Handicap Chase on his seasonal reappearance.
27/10/2001	With Newbury cancelled and the Breeders Cup not till this evening the action is primarily focussed on Doncaster this afternoon. The Mark Johnston trained Falcon Hill starts things off with a 5 length win in the Doncaster Stakes L, although this may be somewhat flattering given the flying start Kevin Darley was able to obtain after a rare tape start. Later on John Quinn has a good 1-2 in the £10,735 Bubwith Rated Stakes Handicap with Fantasy Believer coming home ahead of Smart Predator.
26/10/2001	Another good winner for James Bethell who's fortunes seem to have improved since his yard move earlier this year, when King Harson (at 3,900gns the cheapest two-year-old in the yard) wins the £19,655 DBS October Yearling Stakes. The colt was purchased for Bethell by leading Yorkshire bloodstock agent James Delahooke.
25/10/2001	Richard Whitaker's incredible season continues when the Scarcroft handler, who has been training since 1977, has his first ver group winner when stable star Captain Rio wins the Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte G2 by an incredible eight lengths. What a way to win your first group race! Even Whitaker was suprised with how well the colt won, and he could now be aimed at next season's 2000 Guineas. This takes the colts winnings, from only 6 races, to over £200,000.
22/10/2001	Leading northern hurdler Data Star, trained by Malcolm Jefferson in Malton, sadly died on the Langton Wold gallops today. The 10 year old gelding is thought to have suffered a heart attack whilst doing a routine canter. Dato Star, off the track all last season, won 10 races and more than £172,000 in prize money including the Pertemps Christmas Hurdle (1999), the Champion Hurdle Trial (1998 and 2000) and the Fighting Fifth Hurdle (1998 and 1999). Better news on the track at Pontefract when the Mark Johnston trained Bandari wins the Tote Bookmakers Silver Tankard Stakes L, with the Tim Easterby trained White Rabbit picking up some more black type by finishing third.
21/10/2001	Old timer Yavana's Pace, trained by Mark Johnston, does it again with a valiant win in the Prix du Conseil de Paris G2 at Longchamp. The horse may well be back in Paris next weekend for the Prix Royal Oak. This victory takes his career win and place earnings well over the £500,000 mark. This was the Kingsley House teams fifth group win of the season, although their best season to date was eight group wins in 1995, although five of those were down to just one horse - Double Trigger. In total Johnston has now won 48 group races. The multiple group winners are: Bijou d'Inde (2), Double Eclipse (3), Double Trigger (12), Fruits Of Love (3), Gothenberg (4), Land Of Dreams (2), Millstream (3), Mister Baileys (3), Royal Rebel (3) and Yavana's Pace (4). There was further good news down in Milan for the Johnston team when Mister Cosmi was a good third in the Gran Criterium G1, for which he got slightly more prize money (£30,844) than Yavana's Pace's win! Incredibly there was yet more good news for the Johnston team as, in a rare trip to Naas, the team won the £29,250 Tote Exacta October Premier Handicap with Celtic Mission.
20/10/2001	'Champions Day' down at Newmarket, and the Yorkshire side was not particularly well represented. However the Mark Johnston trained Royal Rebel put up his best performance since winning the Ascot Gold Cup when he was a fast finishing third in the Jockey Club Cup G3, only a neck behind second placed Invermark.
19/10/2001	The David Nicholls trained Bahamian Pirate managed third in the Bentinck Stakes L at Newmarket today, although it has to be said this is somewhat disappointing compared to his run in the Abbaye last time out.
18/10/2001	Popular Middleham trainer Sally Hall had her first flat winner of the millenium today when Polar Haze won on the all-weather at Southwell. Her last flat winner was Macca Luna at Musselburgh in September 1999 although, under National Hunt rules, Sir Lamb won a bumper at Carlisle in 2000. Down at Newmarket the Mick Easterby trained Esyouffcee put up the best run of her career by winning the Pearl & Coutts Severals Stakes L. It is believed she may race in the states next season.
15/10/2001	The well known Yorkshire racing personaility Lord Westbury died on Friday, aged 79. A former Jockey Club member (for 29 years) he served on the Club's licensing committee from 1983-84, but he was possibly best known as the father of Middleham trainer James Bethell. A one time chairman of the former Stockton racecourse Lord Westbury was also a steward at Pontefract and York. He best horse was probably Precentor, a five-time winner on the Flat between 1989 and 1994, when trained by James. Outside racing he was a holder of the Military Cross and a Deputy Lord Lieutenant, involved with numerous charities he was also awarded the CBE.
13/10/2001	Another excellent weekend for Yorkshire trainers. Pride of place must go to Chris Fairhurst the popular Middleham trainer who scored the biggest success of his career to date when Abbajabba won the £25,496 Coral Eurobet Handicap on the final day of York's season. This is a double success for Yorkshire as the winner was raised at the Hedgeholme Stud and is by their former resident stallion Barry's Gamble (trained by Fairhurst's father and in the same ownership as today's winner). There was another doubling up at York when White Rabbit, trained by Tim Easterby picked up valuable black type when staying on strongly for third place in the Rockingham Stakes L. This Zilzal filly was homebred by her owner, Lord Halifax, at his Garrowby Stud. Down at Ascot is was Mark Johnston leading the way with three significant results. First up Fight Your Corner won the Autumn Stakes L by five lengths in a style which bodes well for next season and, perhaps more importantly, signified the 100th domestic winner of the season for the Kingsley House team. Next the ultra consistent Love Everlasting picked up still more black-type when she was second in the Princess Elizabeth Stakes G3. Finally, in the last race of the day, Johnston's Golden Wells partially made up for some of his earlier disappointments when winning the £12,209 Mitsubishi Electric Rated Handicap.
11/10/2001	Kayo, who could have been claimed for 25,000gns in his last two races, won the £10,517 Sterling Assurance Rated Showcase Handicap at York today for Mark Johnston, who is over at Goffs buying yearlings.
07/10/2001	It was too much to hope for after the events of the last week, but there was almost a famous Yorkshire 1-2-3 in one of the premier races of the season, the Prix de l'Abbaye G1 at Longchamp. As it was first place was filled by the French trained Imperial Beauty, but Bahamian Pirate, trained by David Nicholls, was second, Pipalong, trained by Tim Easterby, was third, and Eastern Purple, trained by Kevin Ryan, was fourth in this important race. Earlier on the card Royal Rebel continued his disappointing recent run when finishing fourth in the Prix du Cadran G1.
06/10/2001	Incredibly, only four days after Sir George Turner's victory, there is yet another massive payday for a Yorkshire trainer when the Richard Whitaker trained Captain Rio wins the £105,908 betabet Two-Year-Old Trophy up at Redcar. As I said on the 12th September, the Whitaker team has certainly been in hot form over the last couple of seasons, with this tough colt leading the way, following his early listed race placing at Ayr and his third in the valuable Doncaster sales race. This is easily the biggest win of Whitakers long and prolific career. Not to do outdone, down at Newmarket Mark Johnston has another good result when Riberac picks up yet more black-type with third place in the Sun Chariot Stakes G2 in soaking conditions.
05/10/2001	Back at Newmarket, and slightly less 'drama' than Tuesday, but the Mark Johnston trained Dramatic Quest continues his gradual improvement, after set backs last season, when he is third in the Godolphin Stakes L.
02/10/2001	Following the disappointing new from Canada on Sunday (Zindabad finished an excellent third, but was disqualified) there was excellent news for Mark Johnston today when the Nashwan colt Sir George Turner won the £200,000 Houghton Sales Race by a neck. Apart from the victory of the Bill Watts trained Teleprompter in the 1985 Arlington Million this is the most valuable race result ever for a Yorkshire trainer. Sir George Turner is now quoted at 33-1 for next years Derby and will not race again this season. There was more good juvenille news for Yorkshire trainers in the very next race when the Tim Easterby trained Clever Girl was a very creditable third in the Cheveley Park Stakes G1, albeit 9 lengths behind the extremely impressive winner Queen's Logic.
30/09/2001	Hopefully ever better to come tonight when Zindabad runs in the Canadian International, but the day got off to a good start for Mark Johnston when Legal Approach won the £12,465 Singapore Turf Club Conditions Stakes by a neck from the David Loder trained 'good thing' Yasey.
29/09/2001	Some good results today, but pride of place must goto David Barron, who has been having a relatively quiet second half of the season, but who's Downland, running off bottom weight under 5 pound claimer David Kinsella, won the £43,500 Tote Trifecta Handicap at Ascot. The colt was sent off at odds of 40-1, or an incredible 129-1 on the Tote! Barron believes the horse has been crying out for the sort of going he got today all season, and after 10 runs with no places at all he certainly made up for it in this race! Also at Ascot theDavid Nicholls trained Bahamian Pirate consolidated his excellent win in the Ayr Gold Cup with third place in the Diadem Stakes G2, with the Tim Easterby Pipalong, showing a glimpse of her old form, in fourth. Up at Haydock meanwhile the Mark Johnston trained Lots of Love won the £14,398 Littlewoods Bet Direct Autumn Handicap.
28/09/2001	John Quinn, who has been having an excellent season, hit the mark today when Fantasy Believer won the £21,320 Betdaq Showcase Handicap on the first day of the Ascot Festival meeting.
23/09/2001	The Mark Johnston trained globe trotter Yavana's Pace was a good second in the Preis von Europa G1 at Cologne today, probably his best run since finishing second in the same race last year, but that Group One win is still proving to be elusive.
22/09/2001	No fewer than six 'major' results today for Yorkshire trained horses and they were spread amongst six different trainers. Pride of place must go to the David Nicholls trained Continent who won the £65,000 Ayr Gold Cup, a race which the stable won last year with Bahamian Pirate. Also at Ayr the Easterby family were unlucky to twice come second to the Marcus Tregoning stable with the Tim Easterby trained Good Girl finishing second in the Firth of Clyde Stakes L and the Mick Easterby trained Esyoueffcee picking up yet more black type for her consistent record by occupying the runner-up slot in the Doonside Cup L. Meanwhile down at Newbury the Mark Johnston trained Albuhera put up yet another game performance to land the £43,500 Courage Best Handicap. At the same track the game Kevin Ryan standard bearer Eastern Purple was second in the Dubai Airport World Trophy L. Finally at Newmarket the Nigel Tinkler trained Henry Hall picked up another good win when wife Kim Tinkler brought him home first in the UAE Equestrian & Racing Federation Sprint Handicap, worth £14,137 to the winner.
21/09/2001	David Nicholls won the £11,635 Ayr Silver Cup Handicap with Tayif. This was a double success for Yorkshire as the colt was bred by the historic Theakston Stud near Masham.
20/09/2001	Richard Whitaker's star two-year-old Captain Rio was on show at Ayr today and put up a reasonable performance by finishing third in the Harry Roseberry Stakes L, he has had a tough few weeks and his form may be better than this run would initially indicate.
14/09/2001	Mark Johnston had a good day at Doncaster today, although perhaps not as good as he might have hoped for! Darasim won the £21, 645 Tote Exacta Mallard Showcase Handicap under an excellent ride from Joe Fanning. This was followed up by Leo's Luckyman showing a bit of justification for his trainers high hopes when he was third in the Champagne Stakes G2, possibly one of the best two-year-old races of the season so far.
13/09/2001	Two good Yorkshire performances up at Doncaster today, and they were both winners. The Tim Easterby trained Bollin Eric confirmed the form of his previous good runs when winning the £18,931 Ralph Raper Memorial Prince of Wales Cup Nursery. This colt, who is a 1/2 brother to former stable star Bollin Joanne, could well pick up some more good prizes next season. Later on Lynda Ramsden yet again showed she has lost non of her magic touch with sprinters when Astonished won the Scarbrough Stakes L.
12/09/2001	A quiet start to the Doncaster St.Leger meeting for Yorkshire trainers, but an excellent result for Richard Whitaker when his Captain Rio picks up £30,360 for finishing 3rd in the £200,000 St.Leger Yearling Stakes. This is yet another indicator that the Whitaker team over the last couple of seasons, is starting to hit the same sort of heights it did in the late eighties and early nineties. The colt may well run in the Harry Roseberry at Ayr next week, won by the stable's Vicious Dancer last season.
09/09/2001	A fairly quiet week for Yorkshire trainers, although not for racing in general, there was quiet a lot of excitement at Leopardstown yesterday! However from the Yorkshire perspective there was an fabulous result today when Mark Johnston's Yavana's Pace showed a turn around in his recent form to win the Prix Gladiateur G3 at Longchamp under a good ride from Joe Fanning. There is a possibility that Yavana's Pace, having re-captured his form, will be out again next weekend, this time for the Irish St.Leger.
01/09/2001	A number of good results today for Yorkshire runners, but pride of place must go to the excellent Flossy, trained by Chris Thornton who finally managed to win a listed race when she hacked up in the Bet Direct On Channel 4 Rated Stakes Showcase Handicap L at Chester. Run over a distance which obviously suits her she was cruising around the sharp bend coming into the straight and Robert Winston must have been extremely confident of a good display, which he got as she won by a strong four lengths. This mare seems to do well later in the year, so lets hope this year is the same! At Ripon there was a very good display by the Richard Whitaker trained Captain Rio, who won the maiden by an excellent six lengths. On the breeding front Bishop Wilton Stud will be pleased that Peaceful Passion returned to something resembling her best form when she was third in the Atalanta Stakes L at Sandown.
31/08/2001	A very promising return to form today for the Mark Johnston trained Bouncing Bowdler when he wins the Fortune Stakes L at Epsom, hopefully this marks the start of a strong Autumn campaign, although the torrential rain may have provided him with an unfair advantage, as he'll be used to that from Middleham High Moor gallops!
27/08/2001	Some useful black type is earned by Yorkshire trained horses today. The Mick Easterby trained Esyoueffcee is third in the betsmart.co.uk Virginia Rated Stakes Handicap L which has regained it's listed status up at Newcastle. Meanwhile closer to home at Ripon the Karl Burke trained Million Percent is a very good second in the Ripon Champion Two Year Old Trophy L , his first listed performance since moving up to Spigot Lodge in Middleham from Lambourn.
26/08/2001	The Tim Easterby trained Hot Tin Roof shows something like her best form when a useful third in the Prix de Meautry Royal Barriere G3 at Deauville today.
25/08/2001	Some good results today, and two trainers dominate from the Yorkshire perspective. The Mark Johnston trained Akbar picks up some more black type for the stable when he is third in the March Stakes L at Goodwood whilst, over at Newmarket, the stable also win the £17,966 Tote Trifecta Nursery Handicap with Falcon Hill. Over at the Curragh it's a good day for David Nicholls when Lord Merlin, confirming that he is the best two year Nicholls has yet trained, picks up a cool £23,000 for finishing third in the Tattersalls Breeders Stakes. Later on the same card Nicholls (and Frannie Norton) have another good result when Bahamian Pirate is third in a blanket finish in the Belgrave Stakes L.
24/08/2001	A quiet day, after the excitement of York, but the Kevin Ryan old servant Eastern Purple has a good run to pick up third in the Hopeful Stakes L down at Newmarket.
23/08/2001	The best performance by a Yorkshire horse at the Ebor Meeting falls to the Lynda Ramsden trained Bishops Court who is an excellent third in the Nunthorpe Stakes G1. Meanwhile Mark Johnston, who has had a disappointing meeting, gets some small consolation when Love Everlasting is third in the Galtres Stakes L.
22/08/2001	Best performance by a Yorkshire trained horse today goes to the Tim Easterby trained Pepperoni who, consistent as ever, wins the Roses Stakes L.
21/08/2001	A quiet start for Yorkshire trainers at the Ebor meeting at York, but James Bethell has another good result after Rich Gift on Sunday when Borders Belle wins the £20,218 Knavesmire Handicap.
19/08/2001	Valuable black type for two Middleham trained fillies when the Chris Fairhurst trained Perfect Peach and the James Bethell trained Rich Gift are second and third respectively in the Slatch Farm Stud Flying Fillies Stakes L at Pontefract today.
15/08/2001	Julie Camacho who, until the 7th of August had only had one winner in this her final season, celebrates when Favoriso wins at Beverley to become her third winner in eight days, and her fourth of the season so far.
12/08/2001	Two very good results today. Pride of place must go to the David Nicholl's trained Bahamian Pirate who wins the Phoenix Sprint Stakes G3 over at Leopardstown under Johnny Murtagh. Meanwhile at Ascot the Mark Johnston team continues it's good run when Riberac wins the Valiant Stakes L.
11/08/2001	Most of the attention centres on the Shergar Cup at Ascot today, where Mark Johnston is unlucky with two runners-up. However the only 'major' result is a somewhat disappointing third in the Rose of Lancaster Stakes G3 at Haydock for Johnston's Down To The Woods.
06/08/2001	It was annouced today by Richard Fahey that his stables smart performer Superior Premium was injured yesterday at Chester, and will not race again. One of the first horses to shoot his trainer to prominence he won 11 races, most notably the Cork & Orrery Stakes G2 in 2000 and the IBM Taby Varsprint L in 1999 as well as the Stewards Cup and Field Marshall Stakes L, he was also placed third in the Ayr Gold Cup and Wokingham Handicaps. He earned over £240,000 in prize money in his 47 race career, and it is now hoped to find a place a stud for this son of Forzando, who only cost 2,800gns as a yearling.
05/08/2001	Two listed wins for Yorkshire trained fillies today. At Chester John Wainwright's game filly Vita Spericolata won the Queensferry Stakes L under a strong ride from Gary Carter. Although this excellent filly has put up lots of good performances over the last three seasons this was her first 'black type' win since July 1999 when she won the Dragon Trophy L at Sandown. Meanwhile down at Newbury Mark Johnston capped an excellent week when Love Everlasting prevailed in the Chalice Stakes L.
04/08/2001	Whilst it was expected that a Yorkshire trained horse would probably win the £55,250 Stewards Cup Handicap today, it was generally accepted that is would be one from the Nicholls yard. In the end however it was the Tim Easterby trained Guinea Hunter who came away with the spoils after yet another good ride from Jamie Spencer, albeit the result was only decided after a long enquiry in the Stewards room. Typically, Tim Easterby was at Thirsk out of the limelight, and owner Martin Burke (who is cutting back his string) was left to do the interviews!
03/08/2001	It was annouced today that Simon Magnier (cousin of John, who is Managing Partner at Coolmore, and part owner of Galileo) is to start training at Martyn Wane's former base at Langdale Hall, near Richmond, with his first runners expected later this month. Having been assistant to John Gosden and Neil Drysdale, Simon then trained in California for three years, before moving on to be private trainer to Prince Faisal in Saudi Arabia. As Magnier trained a few Coolmore owned horses in the States there is a chance we may yet see some in the same ownership based in Yorkshire!
03/08/2001	Another good sprint handicap result at Goodwood today for David Nicholls when Flak Jacket wins the £17,485 Stewards Handicap, the 'consolation' race for the Stewards Cup tomorrow.
02/08/2001	A whole raft of good results for Yorkshire trainers at Goodwood today. Pride of place must go to the Mark Johnston trained Riberac in the £65,000 William Hill Mile Showcase Handicap, who put up an excellent front running performance to win with the Karl Burke trained Little Amin back in third. In the Goodwood Cup G2 the Johnston trained Royal Rebel was disappointing over a trip that is probably too short for him, but the same stables rising three-year-old stayer Double Honor was a good second to Persian Punch. Earlier John Weymes had the first ever 'black type' performance of his short career when stable star Brigadore was third in the Molecomb Stakes G3.
01/08/2001	Whilst stable super-sub Mister Cosmi did the business yesterday, the best two-year-old in the Mark Johnston team, Leo's Luckyman could 'only' manage third today in the Lanson Vintage Stakes G3. However he did seem to run rather freely during the race and will hopefully improve over his next few races if he can be taught to settle. There was another good result for the Johnston team when Tomasino picked up £7,000 for third in the big handicap, and David Nicholls will be hopeful for Saturday's Stewards Cup when Zuhair showed his team are on good form when winning with £9,380 Charlton Handicap.
31/07/2001	At Goodwood today, with the stables Scottish River withdrawn, the Mark Johnston team had to rely on substitute Mister Cosmi in the Richmond Stakes G2, luckily he did the business to provide the stable with it's first group winning juvenille performance of the season. Later in the King George Stakes G3 the Kevin Ryan stalwart Eastern Purple put up a good performance to finish third.
29/07/2001	Not many Yorkshire trained runners this Sunday, but there is another good result for the Mark Johnston team when Albuhera wins the £17, 238 Sainsbury's Rated Stakes Handicap at Newmarket.
28/07/2001	No 'major' result for Yorkshire trained runners today, but some notable results in the last three races on the big 'King George' day at Ascot. Immediately after the big race the Nigel Tinkler trained Cryfield, under Carol Ann Williams won the Mirror of Portugal Diamond Handicap, worth £8,678 to the winner, but also one of the most important Lady Amateur races of the season. In the next race there was a possible glimpse into the future when the Mark Johnston trained Far Pavilions won a decent two-year-old maiden by a neck over a distance that was probably, on breeding anyway, a little short for him. The Johnston team followed up with a second for the ulta-consistent Mana d'Argent in the last race. Meanwhile up at Newcastle Anthony Mon Amour won a valuable sprint handicap for the David Nicholls yard.
26/07/2001	A relatively rare juvenille black-type performance for the Mick Easterby team at Sandown where Sophorific finishes second in the Milcars Star Stakes L. Whilst it has to be said that this decent filly may have been slightly flattered by the way the race was run, this is nonetheless a good performance.
22/07/2001	The most important result of the day today, from a Yorkshire perspective, took place in Dusseldorf where the Mark Johnston trained Yavana's Place put up his best performance of the season to finish third in the WGZ Bank-Deutschland Preis G1 under Joe Fanning. This admirable gelding, who could manage only sixth in this race last year, will now follow the same path that he did last season, and hopefully can go one better in the Irish St.Leger, in which he finished second last year.
21/07/2001	A busy day all around today, but pride of place must go to the Tim Easterby trained Good Girl who won the £78,300 Weatherbys Super Sprint Stakes at Newbury, with stablemate Princess Sofie in fourth place. This was an excellent win for this filly, who disappointed last time out in the Queen Mary Stakes. It is believed she may now be aimed at the prestigous Lowther Stakes at York's Ebor meeting. Also at Newbury the Mark Johnston trained Bouncing Bowlder put up by far his best performance of the season when third in the Ruinart Hackwood Stakes L. Unfortunately he finished lame according to his trainer, and it remains to be seen whether he will be able to scale the heights he did last year. Over at Newmarket there was another good result for Mark Johnston when Love Everlasting picked up some more black type when second is the Aphrodite Stakes L. Back in fourth was the Chris Thornton trained Flossy, who must surely win a listed race sometime this season, especially if there's a bit more cut in the ground, as both filly and trainer certainly deserve the success.
15/07/2001	Another valuable win for the David Nicholls team, who are now starting to build up some steam after a quiet start to the season, when Flak Jacket wins the £11,278 Evening News Handicap at Haydock today.
14/07/2001	Not quite as successful a day for the Yorkshire trainers today, although there were good winners at both Ascot and Nottingham. Performance of the day however came from the Mark Johnston trained Akbar who, having been boxed in for most of the straight, stormed through a gap under skillful handling from Kevin Darley and ran away with the Foster's Silver Cup Handicap L at York.
13/07/2001	Yorkshire trainers dominated proceedings today at York, winning five of the six races on the card. David Nicholls had two winners including a one-two with Peartree House and Hormuz in the £11,798 Hearthstead Homes Handicap. Not to be outdone Mark Johnston also won two races and had a one-two in the £11,126 John West Tuna Rated Showcase Handicap with Love Everlasting and Mana d'Argent. The other Yorkshire winner was supplied by James Bethell. Unfortunately the only race not to fall to Yorkshire trainers was the main race of the day - the Stanley Racing Summer Stakes L, although the John Wainwright trained Vita Spericolata was a good third in this. Meanwhile up at Hamilton the best result of the day was the Richard Fahey trained Pandjojoe winning the £19,175 Tennents Scottish Stewards Cup Handicap. This will provide a big boost for the Fahey yard which, by their usual high standards, is having a quiet season.
12/07/2001	A Yorkshire based horse sets a record at the sales today when Mastermind, trained by Lynda Ramsden fetched 380,000 guineas at the July Sales at Newmarket. This is a new European record for a colt or gelding in training it is believed he won't race again the UK. In total eight horses owned by John Martin and trained by Ramsden were sent to the sales and they made a total of 492,000 guineas. The Ramsden's themselves bought one of the lots, former Lincoln winner John Ferneley for 35,000 guineas, he will now race in the States, as they believe his handicap rating is now too high.
11/07/2001	Another good result for Mark Johnston when Scottish River finished second in the July Stakes G3 at Newmarket. Johnston will now be pondering what could have been, had this Thunder Gulch colt been entered in the Gimcrack Stakes !
08/07/2001	The Mark Johnston trained Desert Deer picked up £26,100 when winning the sandown.co.uk Handicap at Sandown today by an impressive three lengths.
07/07/2001	Alan Swinbank scores his best win since returning to training when his useful Gracilis picks up the £14,430 Theodore Goddard Handicap on the Eclipse Stakes card at Sandown. At the same meeting there is yet another good black-type sprint placing for a Lynda Ramsden trained runner when Astonished is third in the Porcelanosa Sprint Stakes L.
06/07/2001	Always the bridesmaid the Mark Johnston trained Riberac picks up a useful £11,000 for finishing third in the Tote Exacta Showcase Handicap today at Sandown.
01/07/2001	Two good placed results for Thirsk area trainers over the water at The Curragh today. The David Nicholls trained Proud Native finishes third in the Richard H.Faught Memorial Stakes L and the Lynda Ramsden trained Mastermind (soon to be sold) also collecting third spot in the Budweiser Celebration Stakes L. Closer to home the John Quinn trained Smart Predator follows up his good Windsor result earlier in the season to win the £10,450 Bet Tax Free In The Ring Rated Handicap at Doncaster and the Mark Johnston trained Proceed With Care is a good second in the Royal Navy 'On The House' Stakes L at Goodwood.
30/06/2001	Some good results for Yorkshire based trainers today. David Nicholls leads the way with Undeterred winning the £19,500 Tote Exacta Northern Sprint Handicap at Newcastle and, at the same course, the stables good horse Bahamain Bounty finishes second in the Chipchase Stakes G3. Still at Newcastle Les Eyre wins the £14,008 Journal 'Good Morning' Handicap with the useful Amaranth, as that horse starts to slowly come down the handicap after his good results late last year, presumably he'll be back on his way up again now! Meanwhile over at Chester the Mick Easterby trained Bodfari Komaite wins the £14,300 Halliwell Jones BMW Handicap, to give Mick yet another valuable handicap.
23/06/2001	The Mark Johnston black-type bandwgon shows no sign of slowing down as Love Everlasting and Down To The Woods both finish third at Ascot in the Fern Hill Rated Stakes Handicap L and Milcars New Stakes L respectively. However perhaps the most significant result of the day for Johnston is the victory of Leo's Luckyman in the opener at Ayr. This colt, having his first outing, pulled away from his more experienced rivals very impressively. The Channel Four commentary team where perhaps getting a little over-excited, but there is no doubt this is a useful colt in the making. Meanwhile, back at Ascot, David Barron issues a timely reminder that Johnston isn't the only Yorkshire trainer capable of winning the big races when Muja Farewell wins the £18,070 Palan Handicap, this colt should hopefully go on to even greater heights later in the season.
22/06/2001	Not quiet as good as yesterday (what could be!), but a good day for Mark Johnston nevertheless as Zindabad keeps up the Kingsley House team's good record in the Hardwicke Stakes G2 by finishing second by a neck. This good colt will probably now be aimed at the Irish St.Leger, which would appear to be his best chance of a Group One win.
21/06/2001	It had to happen eventually! Mark Johnston today had his first group one winner since October 1997 (Lend A Hand in the Gran Criterium) when Royal Rebel just prevailed over Persian Punch is a vintage renewal of the Ascot Gold Cup G1 at Royal Ascot. In a well run race that was a true test of stamina, thanks to the early lead of Royal Rebel's stablemate Yavana's Pace, this excellent colt finally fulfilled all his promise after a disappointing start to his season. The Johnston team had further good news when Kingsley House inmate Tomasino (owned, like Royal Rebel, by BHB Chairman Peter Savill) was second in the next race, the King George V Handicap. There was a good Royal Ascot result for another Yorkshire trainer when the David Nicholls trained Lord Merlin was third in the Norfolk Stakes G3, this is one of Nicholl's first good two year olds as he has previously tended to specialise in older horses bought out of other yards. Hopefully the strong vein of form for the Johnston team will continue tomorrow on the final day of Royal Ascot, although there is also the 'Heath' meeting on Saturday to look forward to, when the Scotsman is also well represented.
19/06/2001	An excellent start to the Royal Ascot meeting for Yorkshire trainers. Well, for one particular Yorkshire trainer actually. From four runners the Mark Johnston team had two firsts and a second, they were obviously egged on by my 'quiet start' comments below! In the £32,750 Duke of Edinburgh Handicap there was a Kingsley House 1-2 with Takamara Bay coming home just ahead of Akbar in a dramatic photo finish. The following race was the Queen's Vase G3 and here the Johnston trained All Beyond gave the team their first Group win of the season, with stablemate Double Honour back in fifth. All Beyond would appear to be an obvious 'Cup' horse for next year. Let's hope the rest of the meeting goes just as well!
17/06/2001	Mark Johnston, who has been having a quiet start to the season by his own high standards, has his first 'black type' winner of the year when Zindabad wins the Leicester Mercury Stakes L today at Leicester. Zindabad is still on course for Royal Ascot next week. The Chris Thornton trained Flossy is a disappointing fifth in the same race.
16/06/2001	Some good results for Yorkshire trainers at York today. The Mick Easterby trained Pension Fund wins the £17,875 Cadogan Silver Salver Handicap, his second good win in a row, indeed this is Mick's first winner since that last success for Pension Fund on the 8th May. Later young trainer Mark Buckley has one of the biggest results of his career when Armagnac picks up £13,680 for finishing second in the feature William Hill Handicap. Armagnac is owned by Mark's father, who used to have horses with Mark Johnston.
09/06/2001	Lynda Ramsden continues her return to form following the re-commencement of her training career when Bishops Court (formerly trained by Mrs.Ramsden, but with Ian Balding during her two year abscence in France) wins the £58,000 Vodafone Dash Rated Stakes Handicap L on Derby day at Epsom. Financially this is the biggest Yorkshire trained winner of the year so far, although Pipalong's victory in the Duke of York Stakes G3 remains the highlight to date. Meanwhile, up at Haydock, the Tim Easterby trained Hot Tin Roof puts up a good performance to finish second in the Cecil Frail Stakes L. After a slow start to the season the Easterby team is really hitting form now with 6 winners in June already, including three yesterday at Beverley.
08/06/2001	Another big race win for Karl Burke following his move to the Spigot Lodge Stables when Little Amin (formerly trained by James Bethell) wins the £29,000 Vodafone Corporate Handicap on the opening day of the Epsom Derby meeting.
06/06/2001	Another good speedy filly emerged from the Tim Easterby stable tonight when the College Chapel filly Good Girl won the Hilary Needler Trophy L at Beverely by a neck, although it should be said she had a much better draw than the runner up. However she should improve from this and the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot is presumably now on the cards.
04/06/2001	Following a good day at Goodwood earlier in the week, the best results for Yorkshire trainers were again 'down south' today, this time at Windsor. John Wainwright registered the biggest success of his training career to date when Beyond The Clouds came home in front in the £29,000 Royal Windsor Festival Handicap, with the Nigel Tinkler trained Henry Hall having another good race to finish second. Earlier on the same card the Tim Easterby trained filly Hot Tin Roof was a good third in the Tote Scoop6 Leisure Stakes L, her best result of the season, although not yet quite up to the excellent form she showed last season. Meanwhile the Mick Easterby trained Elvington Boy was second in the £17,400 Ductform Handicap at the other end of the country, Musselburgh.
29/05/2001	Border Arrow, bred at Lord Halifax's Garrowby Stud recorded his best win to-date when storming home in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes G3 at Sandown tonight. Earlier this season Border Arrow has won the Magnolia Stakes L and been placed second in Gordon Richards Stakes G3. However his most impressive results remain those he achieved as a three year old when he was third in the 2000 Guineas G1, Dante Stakes G2 and the Epsom Derby G1 as well as achieving 3rd place in the Coronation Cup G1 as a five year old in 2000. He only had one run at four when he was third in the Shergar Cup Classic. Hopefully Border Arrow should achieve a long overdue win in a group one race before the end of the season.
28/05/2001	It was announced today that Malton trainer Julie Camacho will be retiring at the end of this season. Julie took over the licence at Star Cottage stables on the retirement of her father Maurice three years ago. Although the winners have continued to flow under the new regime, Julie, who has a four month old daughter, said the primary reason for her reitrement from training was the financial problems and the long hours involved in the job. Hopes are high that stable star Dancing Brave will provided the Star Cottage team with a big winner to go out on - possibly in the Ebor and/or the Northumberland Plate.
24/05/2001	The Mark Johnston trained Akbar wins the £29,000 Bonusprint Handicap at Goodwood. This is the Middleham trainers biggest success of the year to date. In terms of quality it was been a slow start to the season for the Kingsley House trainer, but the winners are now beginning to flow, as traditionally, they always do for him around this time of year.
17/05/2001	The Tim Easterby team gave confirmation, in the best possible way, that they are now firing on all cylinders after a quiet start to the season when Pipalong narrowly prevailed in the Duke of York Stakes G3 on the last day of the Dante meeting. This was the team's fifth winner in May so far and Pipalong was back to her old form of previous seasons following two disappointing runs earlier on in the year. The Lynda Ramsden trained Astonished was back in third, confirming that the Ramsden team have lost non of their skills either, after two years sabbatical in France. In the valuable Irwins Handicap James Bethell has his first winner of the season when Stretton (bred by the Burton Agnes Stud) prevails in a blanket finish.
16/05/2001	Settrington (near Malton) trainer John Quinn has his first 'major' winner of the season when Smart Predator wins the £19,013 Covergent Systems Avaya Communications Handicap on the second day of the Dante meeting.
15/05/2001	A good start to the York Dante meeting when Saratov, trained by Mark Johnston, wins the £15,399 Newton Investment Management Rated Stakes Handicap, with Chris Fairhurt's King's Welcome (a half brother to the stables listed winner Boldly Goes) finishing in second. A double for the Johnston team when And Beyond wins the next race, The Simon Storage Conditions Stakes, to give him an outside chance in the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot.
13/05/2001	A good foreign performance for David Nicholls (who is not known for his overseas forays) when Proud Native put up a decent performance to finish third in the Prix de Saint-Georges G3 at Longchamp.
12/05/2001	Scarcroft trainer Richard Whitaker achieved the most valuable success of his training career when Vicious Dancer won the £32,500 Tote Scoop6 Showcase Handicap at Lingfield today. The colt, under a forceful ride from Frankie Dettori, just managed to get his nose in front in a blanket finish, having being trapped in the field at the one furlong marker. The victory will be doubly sweet for Whitaker as he bred the colt at his Hellwood Stud. Meanwhile at Hamilton Chris Thornton has his first winner since vacating Spigot Lodge when Give Me A Ring (appropriately owned by Thornton's former landlord Guy Reed) wins the Scottish Racing Classified Stakes.
09/05/2001	Andy Crook had his first winner as a trainer today when Colourful Life triumphed in the Massingberd Audi Novices' Hurdle at Wetherby. This comes just nine days after taking over the business from Micky Hammond (see below for more).
08/05/2001	A reasonable showing today from the Mark Johnston trained Golden Wells when he finished 3rd in the Chester Vase G3. He had a far from trouble free run and it was his first time on quick ground, besides which I'm not sure the pace really suited him. He should continue to progress, although I suspect the Derby is now out of the question.
04/05/2001	Two Yorkshire trainers had their stable stars on show today at the start of the Newmarket Guineas meeting, and both performed well. Flossy, trained by Chris Thornton, started things off when finishing third in the Dahlia Stakes L. This was particularly impressive as it was her first run of the season, the distance was on the short side for her and the ground unsuitable. Hopes remain high that the filly can win a listed race this season. In the next race Sugarfoot, trained by Nigel Tinkler, finished second is the Leicestershire Stakes G3 (re-routed from Leicester last weekend when rain stopped play) to show he is back in form after his slightly disappointing efforts in Dubai. Meanwhile at Musselburgh Nigel's nephew, Andrew Tinkler (son of former jockey and trainer Colin Tinkler, Jnr) has his first ride under rules, and won on Nafith!
28/04/2001	Barton was dissapointing today in the Championship Hurdle (finished fourth), but there was some small consolation for the Tim Easterby team when Scotton Green was third in the Whitbread Handicap Chase, traditionally the grand finale to the jumps season.
25/04/2001	It has been confirmed today that Micky Hammond's head lad for the last 11 years, Andy Crook, will be taking over the operations of Micky Hammond Racing at the Oakwood Stables in Middleham from the start of May, when Hammond retires. Hammond will initally stay on as assistant trainer to aid a smooth transition, possibly for upto a year. Crook, who is 46, has worked in racing all his life, including spells with such stalwarts as Frank Carr and Dick Hern, Steve Nesbitt, George Moore and Neville Crump. Crook has been Hammond's head lad since he started training eleven years ago.
25/04/2001	Mark Johnston's excellent early season form continued when he landed the biggest race of the day, and his first 'major' win of the season, when Roman King triumphed in the historic and valuable City & Suburban Handicap at Epsom under stable apprentice Keith Dalgleish.
25/04/2001	It was announced today that Lord Zetland's bid to takeover Redcar racecourse had failed. However Lord Zetland remains firmly committed to building a new £100m racecourse two miles down the road. Peter Hill-Walker, Chairman of Redcar (who has horses with Patrick Haslam via his Maunby Investment Management business) confirmed that the two parties had been close to an agreement last Autumn, but that this had fallen through when one of the backers pulled out.
21/04/2001	At Newbury today Lynda Ramsden recorded her first win since re-starting her training career. Typically this wasn't in some mediocre seller, but the valuable Spring Cup Handicap where Mastermind franked the Lincoln form (he finished fourth) by winning nicely under stable jockey Robert Winston. Meanwhile, in the first race, Mark Johnston's colt Golden Wells, having only his second outing, enhanced his potential classic hopes with a two and a half length win in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire Conditions Stakes. No one is really sure how good the horse is as he is a lazy home worker, and only seems to do enough to win. Presumably he'll be slowly stepped up in class until his limit is discovered!
17/04/2001	Richard Fahey's top class sprinter Superior Premium, saving his first run since Royal Ascot last year (299 days ago) shows that he will still be a force to be reckoned with in the top sprints when he finishes third in the Abernant Stakes L at Newmarket, giving 10 lb to the winner Primo Valentino.
10/04/2001	A shock today when one of Yorkshire youngest and most successful dual-purpose trainers announces he is planning to retire at the end of the current jumps season. Micky Hammond, 38, who trains at Middleham and will retire on April 28th, said "I've been in racing as a stable lad, jockey, trainer for the last 20 years. I just felt that I'm ready for a change to be perfectly honest". Hammond stated that although finances came into his decision, that was not the main reason. Hammond retired (in similar 'shock' fashion) from riding in 1990, having ridden 231 winners, his most successful partnership being with fellow Middleham trainer George Moore. His best season as a jockey was the 87/88 season when he was in second place in the championship with 63 winners before his season was curtailed with a broken leg. It's possible that Hammond may move into racing media as he has done slots on the Racing Channel, and his wife, Alex, also works on that channel. Currently Hammonds' tally as a trainer stands at 435 winners over jumps and 65 on the flat. He biggest wins have been with Deep Water (Glenlivet Anniversary Hurdle), Rapier on the flat (Cadogan Silver Salver H) and most recently with Heidi (Great Yorkshire Chase). He also trained Sir Peter Lely to finish 4th in the 96 Grand National and Clay County to finish second in the Martell Aintree Chase Handicap.
07/04/2001	Whilst it was almost a Yorkshire winner of the National (trained across the border in Co.Durham) it was still another excellent day for the county at the Aintree Festival. Pride of place must go to the excellent Barton, trained by Tim Easterby, who was back to his best form when winning the £69,600 Martell Aintree Hurdle. In addition the Ferdy Murphy trained Ballinclay King won the previous race, the £43,50 Martell Novices' Chase with the Tim Easterby trained Simply Gifted back in third.
06/04/2001	A major jumps winner for Tim Easterby today at the Aintree Festival when Garruth wins the £29,000 Martell Sefton Novices Hurdle, with the Ferdy Murphy trained Hindiana back in third place.
05/04/2001	A couple of good places in major races for Yorkshire trainers today at the Aintree Festival. Ferdy Murphy (who will be hoping for good things from his two National runners) starts things off when Ichi Beau is placed third in the Red Rum Handicap Chase. This is followed up by a good second place for the Peter Beaumont trained Hunters Tweed in the Barton & Guestier Top Novices Hurdle.
23/03/2001	Another good early season result for a Yorkshire trainer when Mel Brittain wins the £14,560 Spring Mile Showcase Handicap at Doncaster with Melodian, not only also owned by Mel Brittain, but sired by his former stable star Grey Desire.
22/03/2001	The first major result for Karl Burke since he took over the Spigot Lodge yard in Middleham when Pure Coincidence wins the £21,450 Randombet.com Showacase Handicap on the opening day on the turf at Doncaster.
21/01/2001	A devastating blow for the David Nicholls' team when their star sprinter Tayseer has to be put down in Dubai whilst preparing for Saturday's Dubai Golden Shaheen at Nad Al Sheba. Tayseeer, winner of last years Bunbury Cup and Stewards Cup, suffered an irreparable fracture of his right near short pastern-bone during a morning gallop.
17/03/2001	The second major flat result of the year for a Yorkshire trainer, and again it is David Barron who does the honours when Sergeant York wins the Bet Direct Winter Derby L at Lingfield. This is the most important all-weather race of the year and the horse was having only it's third race for Barron.
27/02/2001	It appears the Kate Milligan may be buying Patrick Haslam's Castle Stables at Middleham. Milligan has trained for the last four years down the road at Fell View Stables. Haslam recent moved into the historic Manor House Stables previously occupied by James Bethell.
27/02/2001	Today Silver Socks, trained by Mick Easterby, won the opener on the all-weather at Wolverhampton, having finished second in the last race at Southwell yesterday. This was the colts' sixth race since the 5th of February and his fifth win, an incredible record. Given the current foot and mouth restrictions though it remains to be seen when he will next be able to further enhance his record.
24/02/2001	Tragedy today at Haydock when Ferdy Murphy's ever popular chaser, and leading fancy for the Grand National, Young Kenny was put down after being pulled up with a shattered fetlock in the De Vere Gold Cup Handicap Chase. Young Kenny had won 10 races and over £256,000 in prize money.
17/02/2001	A good day both over the jumps and on the all-weather. There was a Yorkshire one-two in the feature race of the day, the £34,800 Tote Handicap Chase at Newcastle with Narrow Water (trained by Ferdy Murphy) prevailing over Scotton Green (trained by Tim Easterby). Meanwhile on the all-weather at Lingfield David Barron continued his excellent dirt season when White Plains won the £10,842 Club Handicap.
04/02/2001	John Johnson, owner of the Bishop Wilton Stud, who recently retired as stud groom of the Garrowby Stud won the 2000 Thoroughbred Breeders Association's Dominion Award for outstanding service to the bloodstock industry.
03/02/2001	It was announced today that Ferdy Murphy, who is already expanding his West Witton yard, is to use the late Geoff Hubbard's yard is Suffolk as a satellite yard for southern runners. The yard which is at Worlingworth Hall and has 30 boxes was previous home to Murphy when he was Hubbards assistant trainer for ten years in the eighties and nineties to Hubbard.
02/02/2001	The historic Whitewall House training yard in Malton is on the market for £325,000. The yard was formerly occupied by the Carr family and, in the nineteenth century, by legendary trainer John Scott. The property includes a large period house, unused cottage, 30 boxes and the usual ancillary buildings.
27/01/2001	A good day for Yorkshire trainers at Doncaster today when Micky Hammond's Heidi III wins the £31,850 Great Yorkshire Handicap Chase and Tim Easterby's Rum Pointer wins the Grade2, River Don Novices' Hurdle.
19/01/2001	Paul Eddery has been appointed as stable jockey to Les Eyre for the 2001 flat season. In addition the former Southwell trainer Declan Carroll will be joining the historic Hambleton yard as assistant trainer. This is part of a major set of improvements by Eyre which includes building an indoor school and improving both the turf (part of the old Hambleton racecourse) and all-weather gallops. In addition a lot of the older horses in the yard have been sold and a lot more money than usual has been spent on yearlings in an effort to boost the overall quality of the runners.
12/01/2001	A memorable day for two Yorkshire trainers today. Jedd O'Keeffe trained his first ever winner (under either code) when Route Sixty Six won the novice hurdle at Musselburgh. O'Keeffe previously worked for Micky Hammond for nine years and is now based in a modern yard at Middleham, close to Sally Hall's stables. He started to train in July last year. Meanwhile on the flat at Southwell Andy Turnell gained his first winner since moving from Breckbrough House to Highfield Stables. The winning horse was Susan's Dowry in the amateurs race. Coincidentally the winner was ridden by Annie Elsey, an equine vet, who's father Bill was a previous occupant of the yard! Miss Elsey was following up from her win in the first leg of the amateur race as well, to capture her first ever double!
08/01/2001	Daniel Wildenstein who bases all his yearlings at Guy Reed's Copgrove Stud has bought a significant part of the renowned Haras du Bois-Roussel stud farm in Normandy. It is not yet clear how this will effect Copgrove or Sledmere Stud where he boards some of his sixty or so mares.

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