There’s nothing like the anticipation of the Flat season. Longer days, better weather and lots of hopes and dreams as the season begins. We’ve enjoyed four more naming days in recent weeks as owners came together to name their youngsters ahead of the season getting cracking.
Late March has brought with it some great weather this year, which has been perfect for our days at Archie’s, David’s, Karl’s and Kevin’s stables.
Tropical Dreamer, entered to run at Leicester on Friday, was the first out of the blocks of our latest quartet of named horses, with almost his entire syndicate present at Kevin’s Hambleton Lodge stables.
Despite a misty start to the day in the Hambleton Hills, it proved a great occasion with no fewer than six new owners to Hambleton getting the chance to find out how Hambleton like to do things.
Known as ‘Granny’ by Kevin’s staff, who love him, Tropical Dreamer looked well in the string as he went past the gallops gallery, led up by our two-time winner Ribble River, who’s not far off his first run of the season either.
After some time back in the yard, owners enjoyed the usual great complimentary meal at the Carpenters Arms before Graham received his prize for suggesting the popular name.
There’s certainly not going to be any missing Saxophonist, who’s eye-catching white face means he’ll be easy to spot whilst out and racing.
This lovely colt by Saxon Warrior is a horse trainer David O’Meara really likes. David was on hand with owners on a lovely sunny day at his Willow Farm stables to discuss the colt’s progress and his latest feelings about him.
Exercising on the hill gallop, Saxophonist looked in great order as he cantered. A horse with a lovely pedigree and plenty about him, he’s one to look forward to for later this season.
After a sun-drenched morning at David’s owners headed off for an excellent lunch at Sandburn Hall, where his racing name was announced by our head racing manager, Cosmo.
Another great day was had at Karl Burke’s Spigot Lodge stables, where owners named Strength Of Spirit, our impressive colt by Ulysses on a day blessed with glorious sunshine.
Karl was on hand to chat over this promising colt with owners before he made his way out to Middleham’s High Moor to exercise.
Looking strong and well forward, Strength Of Spirit moved well, impressing his owners, many of whom hold other shares with Hambleton.
After the chance for pictures with a horse who just seemed to love the attention, owners made their way to the 5-star Wenselydale Heifer, for a lovely complimentary lunch and to look back on a most enjoyable morning.
The latest of our four naming days was held at Archie Watson’s in Lambourn.
Once again, the sun shone and there was a buzz in the air as owners gathered ahead of seeing their striking grey two-year-old, now named Fabled Spirit, stride out on the beautiful gallops in Berkshire.
The owners of Fabled Spirit joined Archie and the Hambleton team to name their lad on a day we hope was memorable for all as their horse moved a step closer to the race track.
As on all our naming days, complimentary warm drinks and sweet treats were on offer before heading off to the gallops to watch the action with Archie.
Upon returning to the yard, Fabled Spirit, was washed off and groomed before standing up in front of his owners, oozing presence and quality whilst taking everything well within his stride as the camera snapped away to get those all-important naming day pictures.
Archie was on hand to update owners about Fabled Spirit, who has been pleasing him in his conditioning work so far, before owners made their way to the Queens for an excellent lunch with Davina and Cosmo.
With the turf season now here, and plenty of racing action coming up, it is exciting to see how well our two-year-olds are progressing.
After four more naming days, we can’t wait to start unleashing some of this exciting talent at the races!
