Recent E-mail Testimonials

Dear Stephen,

Thanks for another terrific day at the races - Lin and I have hardly been out of the winner’s enclosure all year with Kinkeel, Arthur’s Dream and now Lordship. Our fellow is showing great cruising speed and a very genuine attitude; our tactics were spot on and with a touch more luck in running we would have taken all the beating. We have a really smart improving type on our hands who I think is only just beginning to show what he’s capable of. The pick of the paddock too.

It’s been fascinating to witness the training on of Lordship. He’s been getting a lot of attention and it’s obvious to see they think highly of him at Cropthorne (it’s always good to see the head lad riding work on our horses). I know Tony believes Lordship will take us all the way to Cheltenham and the Triumph Hurdle next year, now that would take some beating!

He certainly relishes some cut and handled the severe undulations of Brighton with ease. We can’t wait to watch him being schooled by Mattie next week; with Kingmambo & Unfuwain bloodlines he certainly should take a hurdle – lets not forget Kingmambo was responsible for Detroit City! He’s a credit to the Club at 3, but there’s no doubt in my mind he’ll be an even better horse at 4.

Thanks again and see you next week.

Best wishes,

Mark & Lin

Stephen

It was a great day at Hereford yesterday! My father and I are still talking about it and have watched the replays countless times. Mattie had a good day of it - 2 winners and a third I think - not bad for a days work. A good find Stephen plus he seems a nice guy too - has a laugh and joke and provides good feedback. As for Arthur well yes he did do us proud but to be honest I did keep the faith as well because he hasnt run a bad race yet (and I include Southwell - not really his fault - missing break, carried very very wide on final turn etc).

Have sent you a couple of pics. Not brilliant Im afraid. Will take some pics in the summer - already have a few nice ones of horses from the yard. Will take some serious stuff of our horses in action in the summer break.

Would like to get a couple of copies of the photo of us all with Arthur in the winners enclosure. What is the best way of doing this and do you have any ideas of cost.

Many thanks again Stephen - yesterday was obviously a highlight but it really has been a thoroughly enjoyable and eventful first year with the club for me. Im now really looking forward to Lordship and then Gouranga later on. It cant be bad!!

From one who never lost faith

Simon

Hi Stephen

What a difference a day and a jockey makes!!!!

A great perfromance by Arthur, couldn't have won much easier, very impressive and as normal Mattie gave him a superb ride.

Regards

Andrea Ford

Hi Stephen

Just a quick thanks for our visit to the yard last week,we both really enjoyed both days. Shame about Kinky Monday, one day soon. Please pass on our regards to Tony and thank him and all the staff for looking after us and making us feel at home. We hope to return soon and hope for an early visit to the winners enclosure. Thanks again Stephen for all your dedication and hard work,and will see you soon.

Kind regards Andy & Tina

Hi Stephen

What a great performance Kinkeel put up yesterday, he really deserved to win the race. As normal his jumping was spectacular, shame about the second last fence being missed, this could have made the difference between second and first, look forward to his next race!!

Regards Andrea

Just back and saw the horses in a bookies in St Albans. What a great performance by Kinkeel and Matty. Your faith has been vindicated.

cheers for now
BT

Dear Stephen,

Many congratulations to the club on the purchase of Lordship who is such a well-bred horse. I think we are all excited at how progressive the family is on all sides from 3 to 4. I think what we have here is an almost certain improver, ready to win off an extremely useful handicap mark. On paper this has to be one of the most exciting horses we've had in a while.

Bravo Group One!

Best wishes,

Mark VN

Great start, she didn't jump as well as I thought ( having watched the replays) and would have been much closer to the 3rd.
This is proper racing!

Pete

Stephen,

Fantastic performance by the filly today. She rallied twice after jumping a couple very slowly down the back straight. Must have lost 6 or 7 lengths.The jumping will improve but it was great to see a battling attitude. Mattie reckoned she will stay and stay so 2.5 miles could be an option when she is older.

Good turnout of 25+ 'Group One-ers' in paddock made for good atmosphere.

All in all a great day.

I am coming down the gallops this Friday so catch up with you then if you are down there.

Cheers.

John

Hi Stephen

One for the gallery...not the best but might help interim.



Excellent debut, I think everyone was very pleased. Mattie B did a great job in the saddle, coaxed her round and kept her in the hunt for a place without placing her under any undue pressure...I should think the perfect ride at this stage. I do like him and he's good and chatty with the members. She jumped OK, picked her way round, no speed over the flights but neat enough and careful (which is good!), seemed to be settling better towards the end. She was slowest over the flights on the back straight which was very wet (the wettest part of the course I'd say) and slightly downhill so she was most hesitant there. Plus it was very windy.

If she's come through OK I would consider getting her out ASAP for another confidence boosting/training run while it's all still fresh in her mind. She certainly got the trip and looks to have a little more up her sleeve distance-wise even at this stage.

Good luck Monday, speak soon

Mark

Picked up the email today. As you know visited the stables on Friday and as ever was given a warm welcome -thank you Titch and to the young lady who took us to visit our new addition.

Gouranga looked in great condition and appeared really at ease with her new surroundings. I hope she runs as well as she looks!

My father Ken really enjoyed the time looking around the yard and we took time to see all the horses. He would like to join the club. Can he take advantage of a reduced joining fee - if not no problem.

Thank you again Stephen for your help I have really enjoyed the club membership so far and it looks like getting even better. I would like to think that I can bring in a few more members over the coming years and to buy a few more horses!

Cheers

Simon

Andy Gough, May 9th 2006

Group 1 Racing Club

Hi Stephen,

Just a belated thank you to yourself, Tony & all stable staff for a wonderful day.
Hope to see you all again very soon.
All the best Andy&Tina.
p.s fingers crossed for kinkeel.

Simon W, April 21 2006

Re: Group 1 Racing 2006 Club

Cheers Stephen

Thank you for the tour this morning - it is a really nice set up.

Great to be able to get a real insight into how a yard works.

Speak to you soon



Simon

Mark VN, January 18 2006

Subject: Thanks & Pix

Hi Stephen,

Thanks for an excellent trip yesterday. What a great set-up you have there! Hope we get to meet up at Tony's again sometime soon.

I saw Prettilini romped in at 5/1. Must get the Betfair phone number programmed into my mobile!

Didn't get much in the way of pics, so I'll bring my trusty tripod up another time and do a better job.

There are a couple that may be of use:

(1) Pips assertive way, Unknown, Dark Society, Kinkeel on the gallops
(2) Kinkeel
(3) Dark Society

I've down sized them to webpage friendly file sizes. I'll send the full files over in a minute (they're not very big due to grey sky and cropping). Thanks for the club bumpf & email for mailing list/Kinkeel.

I have Feb 10th down for Dark Society - if you get any other likely dates please let me know.

Speak soon.

All the best,

Mark VN

Steven Ashton, April 25 2005

Subject: Be Wise Girl

Dear Stephen,

Thanks for the great result on Saturday, its paid for my membership and
also many thanks to the trainer and of course 'Be wise girl'. I was away for
the weekend but managed to listen to the race.

Hopefully next time, I can make it to the track

Steve

John Blakey, November 28 2004

Subject: Christmas Party

Hello Stephen,

Congratulations on Dark Society's win at Bangor ! Cruised home under hands and heels.

The Solihull Group 1 contingent are all up for the Xmas party. With partners that will be eight of us. When do you want the money?

Finally, am planning to come down the gallops next Saturday - would be good
if you could let me know what time she is likely to be taken for a spin.

Cheers.

John

Norman Davies, November 26 2004

Subject: Re: Friday's InsideInfo

Stephen, I was impressed last time when the jockey stated that he did not have to move on the horse when it won at Kempton. Today, when watching he had to do a bit more. can you advise members or atleast me, what the jockey said in terms of how he travelled and if he won easily or not. You will see the racing Post stated that the horse doesn't find much off the bridle and I expected him to quicken away a bit today. Perhaps I am looking for too much but I would appreciate hearing the jockey's comments. I know I could phone you but I don't want to pester you when we are going through a successful run. I know that patience is a wonderfull thing and wonder how many members appreciate the way that you run the club and that your stewardship is beyond question.

Regards

Norman Davies

Stew Rowley, November 30 2004

stephen,

exciting times !

how do i order badges for donny please

thanks

stew

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