BG Racing – Update 09-12-24
Even by my standards over a month between updates is a long gap, but on this occasion, I did have a valid reason for the radio silence.
Bella Cavalla shareholders had communications when she ran and knew that she was going to have a break, so there was not much more to say about her, but I had a lot of uncertainty over Stryder.
I would always want to update Stryder shareholders on what was going on before putting anything out in public and could not do so until I had something definitive to say. I finally was able to communicate with Stryder shareholders last week, so I am able to follow up with a general update.
Bella Cavalla returned to Plumpton on 18th November when the race did not get run to suit her. She still finished 3rd and was only five lengths behind the winner. Things went wrong immediately from the off. It was assumed that the favourite would make the running but he did not and the early pace was pedestrian. With a test of stamina absolutely essential for Bella Cavalla, Harry Cobden felt he had no alternative but to take on the pacemaking which we felt was the right thing to do at the time, but Bella Cavalla was not focused on the job and went left and right at different times. She was still in contention at the 2nd last, but she had not run the finish out of her rivals and could only plug on for 3rd.
Yes, when you think you have a good chance to win, it is disappointing not to do so, but Bella was not beaten far, she picked up more prizemoney and arguably did not run at a level much below her last couple of races despite the race not being run to suit her.
Bella Cavalla is having a break now and we will bring her back in the Spring for another Spring, Summer and Autumn campaign. The obvious thing to do in future will be to run her with a hood to try to get her more focused.
She will also get stronger for some time off and that should also benefit us next year as she can hopefully improve as a result. She has been 2nd, 2nd and 3rd in her last three starts though, so she certainly looks capable of winning when things go her way.
A 2% shareholding of Bella Cavalla to 30th November 2025 is just £754. This is around £65 per month if paid monthly. Please contact me if you would like more information.
Regrettably, I had to confirm to Stryder’s shareholders that he will be retiring from racing.
It is the rigors of racing and training for racing that seem to be the issue and we have been speaking with the vet for several weeks looking at different options. None of these seem the best course of action for the horse’s welfare and if he is limited to hacking and cantering, the vet felt that he would probably be pain-free and stay sound for a long time. Given that information, retirement from racing was clearly the right thing to do.
We have advertised Stryder on the retraining of racehorses website and we are moving him this week to commence his retraining and help us to sell him on.
I was grateful for the support from several shareholders at the Ascot Syndicate Showcase Event at the end of November. Over the two days, I was interviewed in the paddock and for social media. The social media interview can be viewed on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/i/status/1860310921719030151
I partnered with Great British Racing to offer a 5% shareholding of Bella Cavalla as a grand draw prize that was open to all racegoers.
I ran another business networking and racing event at Lingfield on 28th November and this proved to be a good day. We were brilliantly looked after at Lingfield and spent the afternoon watching the racing from the Director’s Box balcony overlooking the track.
I had a group of 10-15 people and we all had a great afternoon and enjoyed each other’s company.
I will try to do another one of these next year.
I try to organise regular social events for shareholders and I am doing so again on 8th February 2025
The weekend will include a morning stable visit to see Bella Cavalla, breakfast, an optional walking tour of Bath and an evening meal along with a few other elements.
If you fancy a weekend in Bath in February, now is the time to buy a share!
We released the December Inside The Rails podcast on the 1st. No guest this month so a full half hour of listening to me and my co-host Simon Double. Hopefully, it is still interesting though!
Please give the podcast a listen using the link below or by searching for Inside The Rails on any podcast app and please tell your friends about Inside The Rails!
https://insidetherails.podbean.com/
I’m On My Way provided Neil Mulholland with another win back on Wednesday 6th November when moving through strongly to take command in the home straight. There was a big scare when she ran down the last and blundered, but she was far enough clear that she could regain momentum and still go on to win.
Another winner arrived on the 8th for Neil as Double Powerful brought up a five-timer with another win at Fontwell.
Michael Attwater had a winner at Chelmsford on the 14th November when My Turn Now went to the front at the furlong pole and held on all the way to the line to record a win at 25-1!
Another winner for Neil and another for Double Powerful this time at Cheltenham on the 15th as he battled all the way up the hill to the line to hold off a late challenge. Neil made it two runners and two winners at the November Cheltenham meeting when Transmission came with a sweeping late run up the stand side rail to hit the front on the hill and win well the following day.
There were only placed efforts from our yards for the rest of November and that carried on into December until the 5th when Kelce won for Neil and it was a double on the day as Jongleur Detoiles continued his progressively better performances, by stepping up to win his race which was a pleasant surprise!
If you are interested in finding out more about racehorse ownership, then please get in touch as I would be delighted to discuss things with you.
Standing order payments can be made to spread the cost of share purchases and shareholders get regular email updates along with the chance to come to the stables with me as well as to the races. There are also shareholder social events during the year.
