This is written after race 3, so a lot of hindsight might be spotted, but hopefully this is a fair representation of Rocky's second race. Importantly, Rocky came out of his first run in good condition and stepped back into full training without too much of a worry. He continued to show decent work at home, and we could start planning his next run. The two key things that were ringing in our ears were Liam Harrison's words about Chepstow, he wouldn't like it too heavy and he might have an issue with his breathing. The yard had a plan for the second, firstly telling us not to worry too much, they put him a noseband on to keep his mouth closed. He wasn't a fan of this at home, and decided he could be more awkward as a result, but it was the dedication of Kaitlin his regular rider that allowed him to learn how to run in the noseband and how to settle down at home. The ground though, it was a right royal pain, we had hit winter now, and a very wet winter it is. We had planned to run at Market Rasen, only for that to be called off. One of the only options was to go to Uttoxeter for a race that was likely to be run on heavy ground. We purchased Rocky as a winter horse, and I felt we had to give him chance to see if he could perform on heavy ground, before we could switch plans and adapt. In my mind if he ran poorly on heavy it would at least help get him a handicap mark. My only worry was not finishing and or the hurdles. Fortunately they managed to get Uttoxeter on, and two of the other syndicate members made the journey, and I managed to invite my dad along for the day. Arriving at the course we were shown to the Owners & Trainers section, and well looked after by the team, and then Charlie turned up. Charlie is the new assistant trainer at Ravenswell, and he certainly fits into the mantra of hospitality and looking after the owners. He spoke candidly about what the yard expectations were and made sure we were happy with riding instructions for the race. Luckily we were the first race on the card, so they would be running on fresh ground, and that should help Rocky. Into the pre-parade we wandered, where Kaitlin was preparing Rocky for the race please log in to view this image This was the first time a few of the syndicate had seen him at a racecourse, and they were all blown away by how well he looked and how calm and settled he was. An ideal state for a racehorse! Soon Jack Hogan had joined us in the parade ring, where we had a chat about what our expectations were and what we wanted from his ride. The plan was to run prominently and see where we ended, I reminded him that placings weren't the be all for the day, it was another education for Rocky. Well, as the horses went to post, we took a standing position near the rail, with the Foxtrot Racing owners in the box behind us. I've known Dan at Foxtrot for a while, and he and the syndicate deserved the win, but we were delighted with Rocky, whilst also being left with a case of the "what ifs". Rocky was tricky at the start, and was wide early. He then lost his place and settled at the rear. As they turned the taps on in front, he was stuck behind horses and had lost possibly 10 lengths on the front pair. Turning in, he was 5th, and then it was quickly into a remote enough 3rd. He then closed down on the second at the last hurdle, and despite all of the shouting, the line came too soon as he closed to within 4 lengths of the winner. He had run a mighty race, a race where things didn't go to plan, but the joy on the faces of the others in the syndicate made up for the mixture of emotions I felt. I was proud that he had shown himself as a racehorse, but "what if"? A chat with Jack confirmed a few of my thoughts... please log in to view this image As you can see, I wasn't particularly happy!! However, Jack looked after Rocky, and that was important to what happened next. We knew he had ability, and after talking to Dan at Foxtrot, I knew we had finished behind a pretty decent horse. So once more, if we got the video in the morning that showed him fit and well, we could start planning again. We also found out two key points... his breathing was better and he didn't mind the ground. A few more doors opened as a result. So now with his ability coming to the fore, we had to go and try and win a maiden. Where would we go? The debate had started....
Well, Uttoxeter went well, Rocky came out of the race in fine form, and we could start planning for his next run. The result had forced us into dreaming of him winning his maiden, or perhaps a novice, and then going from that point. So I shared the Racing Calendar with our man in Spain, and we plotted where we would like to go. It could have been one of a few races... please log in to view this image We had already run well at Chepstow, and the heavy ground didn't seem an issue, and we also had options of going up in trip as well. However one race stood out for our man in Spain, and when he mentioned it, I was both surprised but also delighted. Hexham, their last meeting of the year and a decent enough pot for a maiden hurdle. I went away and looked at the data on previous renewals of the race, and the other races in the calendar, and it made obvious appeal. The meeting had been abandoned the previous year, but prior to that they'd had a six runner field, with a southern raider winning in Feival for the good doctor. That horse turned into a mid 110s - low 120s handicapper, and we had ambitions of Rocky being able to run up to that level. Similarly James Moffatt had won it the year previous, in a small field, with few finishers. We knew Rocky was fit and well, and this trip should be ideal on likely testing ground. So that was two of the syndicate who were in on the idea of a long trek northwards. I then floated the idea past the others, with all seeming a little surprised but they all saw the logic and that it was an ideal target. Probably knowing how our previous targets of Bangor, Market Rasen etc etc etc had all fallen to the wayside along the way. I was then up at Ravenswell with Jason in the syndicate, who I asked to announce the location of our plan to Sally and the yard, all of whom surprisingly said positive things. Albeit mainly about how good Hexham racecourse was!! Rather than the plan of taking a horse on the 5 1/2 hour journey north. Sally looked at the card with their race planner, and suggested that Warwick on the 14th was also an ideal location, so we got Rocky added to both fields. I fully expected this all to fall apart with the weather, horses etc. However, we got to entry stage and Rocky was working well, and we saw the cards at Hexham and Warwick. We also added in Exeter for a meeting that had been arranged at shorter notice. We had three races, but he could only go to one. Hexham looked a decent race, we had an Irish raider, a horse who had run 6th in a listed bumper at Cheltenham and we had a Dan Skelton raider. My thought at the time was that I didn't want to see the bumper horse declared, but the others weren't scaring me too much. A few others from Lucinda Russell yard were entered as well, and they also concerned me. At Warwick we had Henderson, Skelton, Nicholls and a whole host of others... nearly 50 horses entered! So I quickly scrubbed that idea off the board. Then we had Exeter, where again we had Henderson and Nicholls horses, and one horse from each yard worried me. Nicholls had a 150k purchase from a good family, and Henderson had a 125+ horse he has from France. So I set my stall out, it was Exeter or Hexham. Depending on declarations. As the declarations started playing out, we saw Skelton was sending his horse to Hexham, and another from James Moffatt was declared. The irish horse was also in, and it looked a competitive enough field, but weak in numbers. Similar was the story at Exeter where we had few runners, but the Nicholls 150k horse was in, as was a weaker looking Henderson horse, and an expected second string for Nicholls. The phone rang, it was time to make the choice. As most owners do, I presume, I asked for stable advice and it came with the line I didn't really want to hear. Exeter was their preference, it looked the ideal race in their opinion and they feared the Irish raider and Skelton horse at Hexham. Jack was also at Exeter so could ride. I stated that I disagreed, but it was probably best to listen to the experts, but Sally and Fergal clearly knew I wasn't convinced. They gave me space to think, and I asked what I thought was the key question. "What do you think is the best handicap mark he could be competitive from?" After a moment or two, the answer came that they thought he would be doing very well to be winning from 110 on what he has shown. This honesty is why I like the yard, but again I didn't agree, and to be honest I thought that if he was to run to 110 then the best place of getting a result was Hexham. Given the space, I had now come up with a decision, and I truly thank the yard for letting me think. We were to go to Hexham... Then I was told, the two jockeys that had ridden for us before weren't available. So we had a choice between Connor Brace or Daire Davis. Now racing is a game of opinions, and many of us have strong opinions on jockeys. So we went with Daire, who claims a very useful 7lbs. I think most of the syndicate were expecting us to be going elsewhere, but if they did have disappointment in the decision, they didn't say so.
So we got past declarations, so it was all go for Hexham... After asking who would like tickets, it was time to book a hotel near my parents. Unsurprisingly no one from the syndicate was planning to make the journey, but our man in Spain suggested that he has a couple of friends (who knew) who were currently in the area who would like to come. So it was four tickets sorted, once again I would be taking my dad, but with the opportunity of him being the designated driver!! So... what possibly could go wrong? Well, this is racing, and these are horses. My WhatsApp pops up with a message from the yard, and the last time this happened, it was the dreaded nail!! This time it was a photo of Rocky with a drop of blood coming from his nose, with the message that he had worked nicely that morning but the blood had been found at lunchtime. The suggestion was to do a trach wash on the Tuesday morning, rather than pulling him out on the spot. I agreed, and pondered about going to Hexham anyway. It isn't a course I had been to, and it would be good to cross number 26 off the list. It was a waiting game, and if nothing else, this whole experience has taught me that its a great skill to have, patience!! I will find some of it, some time in the future! So Tuesday came around, and we got to lunch time, and another photo pinged into my WhatsApp, I was dreading this... please log in to view this image The wash contained blood, but importantly it didn't seem to have any mucus, so apparently (I am no Vet!) we needed to see if it contained any neutrofils, so we could either call the run off now, or we could wait for the results. Patience and all of that!! Now I may not have told the syndicate about the option of pulling him out, so apologies for that, but I made the call, lets wait for the results and trust the process. This made for a very late call on participation, it was at 07:00 on the day of the race that we got confirmation that he was completely fine to run and that he was on his way. We set off shortly afterwards. Hexham, oh Hexham, what a place... on arrival I knew this was going to be a different experience, from the quick chat with Mike Cattermole in the car park, to the helpful stewards outside the course (albeit sent us the wrong way), it was a delight from start to finish. For those who haven't been to Hexham, it is a bit like stepping back into time, from the bar in a shed (apparently used to be the best place to stand and watch horses being saddled), to the long walk up the steps to the Owners room. It was all a bit 1940s... but that is part of the charm. Once those steps have been climbed, you come to a long owners room, with tote, bar and food facilities. Being early to the course we went for a coffee, which was being looked after by about five members of the facilities team. "Can I get two coffees please?" "Sure, the coffee is already in the cups, just add water" I couldn't help but laugh, but then we found a table and the view... please log in to view this image Hexham is set in a natural amphitheater, and with the sun shining it felt like a delight. After a quick flick through the card we were joined by Mac and Linda. I am not sure how they are friends with our man in Spain, because they were a delight. After a couple of Guinness' (thanks Mac) it was lunch time. Now anyone who knows me, knows my fondness for rating Owners & Trainers lunches, and whilst this wasn't Ludlow levels, it wasn't half bad, and once again there was a moment that made me feel right at home at Hexham. Beef Bourgignon was on the menu, with plenty of roast potatoes and veg... but it wasn't that, it was the offering of "Extra gravy with that". I am only still slightly upset that I didn't take a cob for mopping up the plate! please log in to view this image So lunch finished, it was almost time for our race, but not before I got to shout home a grey, with Juge Et Parti winning the 13:15. Such shouting perhaps was the reason why I was then asked "what do you like in the next?" I mentioned that I really liked Event Of Sivola. So as the runners went to post for the 13:45 I decided it was time to relieve the bladder and then head down to the parade ring. Nerves... Event Of Sivola was turning for home as I wandered towards the parade ring, and as he passed the horse I remembered that my bank balance was looking healthier. However, that didn't matter, it was time for Rocky... how did he look? How would he run? Was this a trip too far? Kaitlin and Rocky entered the parade ring, and after a quick word, I was happy. He looked awesome and he had slept most of the way from Ravenswell. Soon the four of us were in the parade ring, and were joined by Katie the second travelling lass from the yard. Katie answered questions about the horse from our guests and made everyone feel really welcome. Robert the manager of the course came across and introduced himself. A very friendly chap who clearly is passionate about his racing and making his racecourse welcoming. It was great to say hello! Then Daire joined us and spoke about how he was going to ride Rocky, and whether we were happy with the orders. I mentioned that he can be tricky, but Daire obviously had heard Kaitlin talk all the way up about this!! Soon it was time to watch the race, Daire got legged up, and then Rocky did such a Rocky thing, and nearly tripped himself up leaving the parade ring. Right next to the vet!! Who was straight on the radio to colleagues at the start. So as I rushed to take up a viewing position, I was even more nervous. Not about expectations, but would he get to run? Would he have issues after the bloody nose? Thankfully he lined up, behaved beautifully and jumped off upsides. We could now concentrate on watching and learning. Ping, Ping, Ping. He was jumping beautifully, slightly behind the Skelton half brother of Crambo. The Irish horse on his outside, and after a slow start, they started to speed up as they went past the post on the first circuit. Ping, Ping, Ping. He was still travelling well, similar position as before, but now the outsiders were feeling the pressure. It looked like a top 3 finish. Then three in a line coming to two out, and once more Ping. He took half a length out of the Skelton horse, and his nose was in front. This was a long way from home though, and he still had the hill, the Skelton horse and the Irish horse. The picture soon changed on the turn, as Crambo's half dropped a length back, and then out of the picture completely. The front two!! Rocky was travelling still, but so was the Irish horse. As they turned in, Rocky was headed, but one thing I know about Rocky is that he tries, so with his head down and with Daire pushing along, he got to the last on terms with the Irish horse. Once more he jumped beautifully, and then he kept straight and ran strongly all the way to the line, he was going to win!! My throat was hurting, from shouting on Rocky, with terms such as "Get him off the bridle" causing confusion to those stood near to us. Frankly I am not sure how many expletives may have been used. Hugs all around!!! To the parade ring to cheer him back, and to see how he was. Not a bother, he looked fresh enough, albeit tired. The debrief was as you would expect, then it was photos and prizes time. https://x.com/FOBRacing/status/1734946164288434299?s=20 We then went for champagne in the directors box. The nicest portakabin in the world!! My phone begins to ring, it was Fergal. Who sent his congratulations and asked if I was at the course, and that I made the right call to go to Hexham. He needn't have said this, but it was great to hear, after all the stress, conversations and calls, we had got Rocky a win, and one he deserved so much. Another call with Sally followed, who said exactly the same and that we should celebrate it! So only one thing for it, and a rare sight as all who will read will know, it was my turn for buying a round!! Off we went to the shed, for a pint to celebrate!! Then as the Nicky Martin horse crossed the line in the last, my dad mentioned he had 6 out of the 7 winners on the card... It really should have been his round! Off to the car, and who was stood next to us? Mike Cattermole again, who gave us hearty congratulations. Time for the long drive, and a Chinese takeaway with the parents, what more could you ask! An early start the next day, off home to watch my sons Nativity. He was the most serious king in the world, but he did let me into a secret... his Frankincense box was empty. As was his dad, absolutely gone after a spellbinding performance, and Rocky as well!
Brilliant read Nass - thank you. I know you are canny and won’t want to be giving away any secrets but what are your thoughts on next steps?
Whatever the man in Spain wants us to do!! Tomorrow is the big day, see what handicap mark he gets, then we can decide if we go handicapping, or go for novice races.
Super read, Nass, very interesting and often heartwarming. Great to hear about Hexham, seems it's run by some very fine people. Man, that lunch looked terrific! Really good to hear that you made it all the way up there after the last-minute health problems with Rock Danse. He does make life exciting, to put it mildly!.
What handicap mark are you expecting Nass. This must be a very difficult decision coming up. This is the bit where I wouldn't know what to do. Obviously an objective assessment of his potential as a hurdler and/or chaser would be a great help in terms of strategic thinking. For example I would probably be thinking, if I take him down the novice route and he does very well, does he have the potential to go further or will he be restricted to handicaps, conditionals etc (possibly having been clobbered by the handicapper)? If, for example I decided to go the handicap route, do I earmark a valuable race and then "run" in a few races to get a winning mark, or plan to pull off the occasional coup. I would find this very difficult to evaluate
I have a number in my mind, but others are thinking of a number that is higher. I will be disappointed tomorrow as I doubt we will get a number lower than 115, which would put him as the best horse i've owned. I think we all have different opinions on how good he could be as a hurdler, and whether he would make a better chaser. Similarly whether a step up in trip would suit. I think the key for us though is to see if he can find that ceiling of his ability. If we are already at that, then fair enough, but if not, its going to be a heck of a ride. We are fortunate that the yard have a good conditional, so if we go for a novice, or a conditionals race, we would get 7lbs off his back, which could be invaluable. However, should we try and go for bigger pots in handicaps? Perhaps. I think though, the key bit is being flexible and doing what is right for the horse, and we will know more when he is back on the gallops and has that handicap mark.
It’s not an unusual story,ask Ron. Lots of things can go wrong with horses and lots never even make a racetrack. The one thing you did right was give him time. They normally let you know when they’re ready. From what I’ve seen he looks a nice prospect. Good luck to all involved.
I dont think we need to be secretive about him but if you have high hopes then sometimes you should keep them in check in case they bite you in the ass. Nass and I disagree on the plan going forward and we need to keep in mind that he is a chaser rather than a hurdler and we purchased him to be a winter jumper. There is no way I can see his season going on beyond the end of March and we will be governed to a large extent by the reports of his wellbeing from his regular work rider who we have a lot of faith in. I want to run in another novice hurdle to see if he can win with a penalty. There is a race at Chepstow in early January and he would be stepping up to 3m, I can see he improving again for the extra distance but we could come up against some smart sorts. The advantage of this over going into handicaps is that you are really not showing your hand. You could win and only get a couple of pounds, you could place and stay where you are. If you go and win a handicap the handicapper has all the benchmarks therein to guage his ability. If he were to win a handicap handsomely his mark is blown completely. Should he show some more smart form on his next run and a liking for three miles then I would fancy taking him to on February 11th to Exeter for the Pertemps Qualifier. They are not always the most competitive affairs and he could pick up some nice prize money. We might then have a real conundrum as to whether or not to take him to the Festival. There would be a very good case for saving him for novice chasing the following season. Either way he would surely be due a holiday and a chance to mature even more. If we shared our thoughts with the yard they would probably laugh at us but he has already proved himself better than they thought and his formlines are really pretty outstanding. He is on the slow side and that always makes it difficult to show his worth on the gallops. Hopefully he will continue to improve and prove himself on the racetrack.
Don't worry, I've already told the yard you are all mad thinking about the Pertemps!! As Stick says, I disagree with going up in trip and going for a novice, so the next few weeks will be fun. I expect the yard will want to go novice and stay over the 2 1/2 mile trip. Personally, I want to go to a handicap, over the 2 1/2 mile and see what we have got in handicaps. It also helps that we have the options of handicaps that are worth much more than the standard novice races. I also don't agree that running in novices isn't showing your hand, if you run in a novice against a Nicholls/Henderson etc horse who has a handicap mark, or fancy breeding and you run well, the handicapper can be really harsh. Given the upward trajectory so far, you could easily go up for finishing second or third in a competitive novice, when carrying a penalty. In handicaps, you might show your hand, but if we are canny, we won't mind showing our hand!
.................. or, if you go in a handicap and somehow manage to get unplaced you could get the handicap adjusted in your favour and get into a valuable handicap with a few pounds in hand
118 isnt getting him into decent handicaps. He needs to go up around 7lbs to get in the handicap in some decent races so meanwhile we might as well go and try to win another race. Very few horses with handicap marks tend to run in novice hurdles so Nass' argument holds very little water.
What like the 119 and 120 horses in the second novice at Ayr today, or the 120 horse in the first novice? There has been 1003 runners in novice hurdles in the UK and Ireland in 2023 with handicap marks. Similar to the three years previous. Before that it was over 1200.
