We started in December 2016 with three in training and our first runner, Alan’s Pride, won on his third start. He was quickly followed by Patrick on his first start for us, and the penny dropped with Khabaray in March when he won. We had a hiatus in April but Khabaray was first to get a second win, in late May at Leopardstown.
Tom Dooley joined us in mid-May and Alan’s Pride won his second race in early June at Limerick. After a few placed efforts, Tom Dooley had the gall to edge out Alan’s Pride in a photo finish at Roscommon, but made up for that with two quick victories at Leopardstown and Fairyhouse. Alan’s Pride put him in his place in winning a 30-runner handicap at The Curragh in early August.
In between times, Patrick rediscovered his form with a huge effort to finish third in the historic Rockingham Handicap on Irish Derby weekend, beaten only two necks. Tom Dooley edged ahead of Alan with his fourth win in a claimer at Laytown. We lost him in the subsequent claim afterwards. Mixed emotions.
We have had 10 wins from four horses. Of the others we have run I am hopeful they will have their day in the sun. Excepting our 13-year-old lead horse. He said no more after his last run! We have a few more soldiers to run in the coming weeks but need more. I will be scouring the horses-in-training sales in the coming months to secure likely types for Dundalk and heading into the 2018 turf season. Don’t hesitate to get in touch, come visit, everyone always welcome.