Archie Watson’s Owners Day

Last Thursday saw us enjoy Archie Watson’s Owners’ Day as owners gathered at Archie’s Saxon Gate stables in Lambourn.

On a September morning that could have passed for the very height of summer, owners initially met at the ever-popular Pheasant for drinks and nibbles ahead of heading into Lambourn to see their horses at closer quarters.

Transport was arranged for owners from the Pheasant down to Archie’s yard, where the Hambleton team were on hand to welcome owners, as were our caterers who had some wonderful canapés for everyone to try, along with a very popular and refreshing elderflower fizz – just the tonic on a warm and sunny day.

As owners enjoyed their refreshments they settled into the well-appointed and historic Saxon Gate stables, from where quality winners have been trained since 1960.

As they did so, the hard-working team at Archie’s were preparing their horses to be paraded under the watchful eye of Archie, who despite only starting training in 2016 holds the title of Lambourn’s winning most trainer in a calendar year.

Archie was on hand to take owners through each member of our equine squad, displaying his famous encyclopaedic knowledge of his horses as he explained where each horse is with their progress, and what will be next on the agenda for them.

Owners got to see some of our young horses in the team parade, as well as our more established stars, such as our globe-trotting Group 1 winner Outbox and two-time two-year-old winner Chaturanga, who was keeping everyone around him on their toes as he displayed his customary enthusiasm for life!

Our impressive National Hunt team were also on show, with the likes of Chosen Hero catching the eye for the season ahead.

The immaculately presented Saxon Gate stables proved a wonderful setting to be amongst the horses on one of the nicest days of the year weather wise.

From there, owners moved on to Archie’s sister yard Iveagh, where many of the young horses are stabled.

The chance to move around the stables and see the environment that these beautiful horses are trained and cared for in, and meet the skilled, hard-working staff that work with the horses day in, day out, proved very popular with owners, with many grabbing a picture or two to capture some memories of the day.

From the stables it was back to the Pheasant for lunch, as some old friends caught up with one another and new acquaintances were made after a thoroughly enjoyable morning seeing the horses.

The delicious lunch was much appreciated by all as talk turned to the winners we’ve enjoyed already this year with Archie, and of course the many winners we’re hoping to see in the coming weeks and months!

Archie’s Owners’ Day offered us the chance to show some new owners how Hambleton like to do things and catch up with many existing friends who’ve enjoyed their ownership with us for many years too.

The day proved a really enjoyable social occasion and one that is fast becoming a firm favourite in our social calendar.

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