Washington’s Naming Day

There’s nothing quite like being around the horses at the stables and it was great to see owners at the stable on Saturday, as Washington Heights was introduced to his horse racing syndicate on his naming day at Kevin Ryan’s Hambleton Lodge base.

With the recent stormy weather giving way to bright, calm conditions owners arrived on what is always a significant occasion – the day their exciting two-year-old’s racing name is confirmed.

There was no mistaking where the main attraction was as a group of owners gathered around their colt’s box before seeing him ridden on Kevin’s historic Hambleton gallops.

Ahead of the action owners took full advantage of the welcome warm drinks and baked treats provided by our regular caterer Rosie from The Drink Stop, who as ever greeted everyone with a warm smile and some delicious treats.

As lattes were sipped and muffins enjoyed owners prepared to leave the yard to watch their soon-to-be-named colt exercise on the gallops, under Kevin’s apprentice jockey Oisin McSweeney.

The son of Washington DC proved the consummate professional throughout the morning and was totally unfazed by his extra audience on the gallops, impressing everyone with the way he strode out as he passed the gallery.

As he cantered back down at a much slower pace, owners got a closer look at their colt as he made his way back down the gallops.

Upon his return to the yard, it was time for owners to get to know their horse a little better, as those all-important complimentary naming day pictures were taken.

Once owners enjoyed the chance to get up close and personal with their colt, who behaved like a gentleman and seemed to love posing for his picture being taken, as our expert photographer, Louise, snapped away to capture the moment.

After owners had enjoyed a good look around the yard, everyone headed off to the nearby award-winning Carpenters Arms for drinks ahead of the naming meal.

As ever, the excellent catering at the Carpenters went down a storm, before Cosmo took to the floor to announce the name Washington Heights as the winner of the naming vote.

Owners toasted Washington Heights on his naming day with champagne while Carol and Peter, owners with Hambleton for nine years, received a prize bottle of champagne for suggesting the successful name.

With the main attraction looking very forward and a likely early type, the naming day for Washington Heights proved a real success with an excellent atmosphere building in the Carpenters Arms as owners relaxed and discussed their horse and what lies ahead.

We’d like to thank all owners who joined us on Saturday for what will hopefully be the first of many memorable days for Washington Heights and his horse racing syndicate.

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