January 2009 Newsletter

With many horses away on holiday December was probably the quietest month of 2008.  Horses are now beginning to return to the yard to start their exercise. The two year olds are all going well and some are going particularly nicely for this time of year. Despite the atrocious weather the all weather gallops have remained open and accessible. Much credit must go to the Jockey Club Estates led by Tom Lovell- Stagg and his gallops team.

 

 

WANDERING MINSTRAL has been working and schooling well but had his second run over hurdles thwarted by the deep frosts we have been incurring. He holds a number of entries and will run as soon as NH racing re-starts. 

 

 

DARK CAMELLIA was all set to run at Wolverhampton and even arrived at the track when they had to cancel racing as too much snow had settled and the track had frozen. So much for “All Weather”! She also holds a number of entries.

 

 

CHRISTMAS BOX

 

Everyone at Windsor House Stables would like to thank you for your very kind and generous donations to the Staff Christmas box. It was hugely appreciated especially during these hard economic times.

 

 

STAFF CHRISTMAS PARTY & AWARDS

 

This year the staff Christmas party was held at Newbury Racecourse. Looking extremely glamorous dressed in tuxedos and cocktail dresses the Windsor House Stables team joined a number of other companies for “Showtime”, a night of songs from the West End followed by dinner and dancing.

 

 

On Christmas Eve there was champagne and chocolate brownies in the Tackroom followed by the annual awards ceremony.

 

 

Best Turned out - Chloe Horner - consistently turning out horses to a high standard

 

Highest number of falls in 2008 - Vitor Santos and Phil Donnelley were joint winners on 5 a piece

 

Unsung Hero - Paul Gaspar for staying with the horsebox when it broke down on the M25 in torrential rain

 

 

“AA LANDLADY OF THE YEAR” B&B available for Cheltenham week

 

Whilst living in Kelso, Liz Gradidge was awarded the AA “Landlady of the Year 2005”. She and her husband have now moved to Hannington (10mins from Lechlade). Located only 35mins from Cheltenham this luxurious house has 2 double bedrooms available for Cheltenham week. Prices range from £40 - £70 pn. www.bedfornight.co.uk or 01793 765 474.

 

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone! Let’s hope that 2009 brings plenty of happiness and winners for us all.