January & February 2010 Newsletter

 

 

 

2010 arrived in a flurry of snowflakes which was swiftly followed by freezing temperatures and the odd burst pipe! Despite the cold conditions the team at Windsor House did a tremendous job in keeping the yard in working order and the horses have not missed a day’s exercise. The roads were unusable but luckily we could use our large paddock opposite the main entrance and Harry was able to canter them daily on the snow.

 

 

SUMMARY OF 2009

 

It was another record breaking year for Windsor House Stables.  For the third year running there has been an increase in the number of winners and which has also meant an increase in the amount of prize-money.  

 

 

There were some outstanding performances during the season. THREE MOONS created enormous excitement with a gallant 2^nd in the Pretty Polly Listed Stakes at Newmarket on Guineas weekend. This earnt her a place in the line up for the Investec Oaks (Grp1). Hopes were cruelly dashed only days from the race when she pulled out lame. This was a devastating blow for the entire team and especially for her owner/breeder. It was even harder to accept when Midday went down by a head to finish 2^nd especially knowing Three Moons had finished 2^nd to Midday as a 2yo. The good news is Three Moons is back in training and is looking as good as ever.  A review of 2009 cannot be complete without FESTOSO who battled back from injury to win a Listed race and then was placed 3^rd in a highly competitive Listed race at Newbury. She was then sold at Tattersalls for 460,000guineas. ARRIVEDERLA provided owner Will Armitage with two fine wins. Finally PRACTITIONER provided Here Come the Boys with much excitement and was never out of the top 3 in all his starts. There is no doubt that 2009 really was a roller coaster year!

 

 

THE NEW SEASON

 

There has been a change to the trainer’s Flat championship. Before winners were only included if they were scored during the Turf season. Now the All Weather has come of age and the new season is already under way. It will now run from 6^th November 2009 – 6^th November 2010. The Five to Follow Competition will continue to run between the Turf season dates. To date from a handful of runners Harry has already chalked up 2 wins with ORDER ORDER and SOUNDS OF THUNDER.

 

 

STAFF CHRISTMAS BOX

 

On behalf of the team here at Windsor House Stables, Phil Wright the Head Lad would like to thank all the owners and supporters who very generously contributed to the 2009 Staff Christmas Box. This was a wonderful gesture from you all and thoroughly appreciated and enjoyed.

 

 

DRESSAGE RIDER OF THE YEAR!

 

Our secretary Sarah Scott riding Saddam, a former show jumping stallion, was crowned Dressage Rider of the Year at Hall Place Equestrian Centre. The winner was chosen based on their performances throughout 2009. This was a fabulous achievement as Sarah has to fit her training in around running the office and running her own yard.

 

 

MARATHON

 

One of our owners James Armstrong is running this year’s London Marathon in aid of Spinal Injuries Association. He is also Clerk of the Course at Newcastle and has been training hard at High Gosforth Park. A good friend of ours Camilla Milbank suffered a bad fall whilst work riding for Luca Cumani and is currently paralysed. We would like to help raise as much money as possible. Anyone interested in supporting James please go to www.virginmoneygiving.com/giving or send a donation to the office made payable to Spinal Injuries Associates.

 

 

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

 

Lambourn Open Day – Good Friday 2^nd April 2010, more information to follow in March newsletter.

 

 

We would like to wish you all a very Healthy, Happy and hopefully Winning 2010