Periodical
August
2025
Rhapsody
Winning at YORK
07.09.25
Harry’s Introduction…
What a thrilling month it has been on and off the track. Particular mention to Drama and Rhapsody who secured a double this weekend. It was a dramatic finish for Drama who got up when it mattered to claim the Sprint Series Final title for a second consecutive year. Followed swiftly by an eye-catching performance from Rhapsody returning back to form at York.
Off the track owners have been exploring racing of a different kind with a trip to the historic Palio. Do have a look at Mark Kershaw’s article as by all accounts it is a very colourful event and one that is certainly worth adding to the bucket list.
With the arrival of the long awaited rain we look forward to seeing more of a runners out on the track - starting off with Awaken in the Dick Poole (Gr3) this afternoon!
With my best wishes,
Harry Herbert
Chairman
ON THE TRACK
The highlight from this month has undoubtedly been the return to form of the once Oaks-hopeful 3yo filly Rhapsody. She gave her owners a huge thrill when winning on debut at Yarmouth last October and we put her away for the winter dreaming of Classic glory. Unfortunately, she had a sticky start to the year as she point-blank refused to settle in her races, throwing away countless opportunities without being beaten overly far in a pair of Listed races at Goodwood
High Drama at Kempton
What a fantastic day we all had at Kempton on Saturday with Drama winning the Final Handicap Stakes Class 2 for the second year running by the skin of his teeth coming like a train in the last furlong to win by a nose!
Rhapsody dazzles at York
Rhapsody has had a rather frustrating year. After her wonderful debut last October she had not lived up to her early promise, so it was with a little trepidation and a great deal of hope that we arrived at York for her entry in the Sky Bet Fillies Stakes on the final day of the Sky Bet Sunday Series. York is such a lovely racecourse, and I was very keen to be there to cheer her on despite the 200-mile journey.
HORSE IN FOCUS
One standout two-year-old that has been making headlines in her first season is Awaken, a striking and athletic filly by Mehmas. She made an immediate impression on debut at Yarmouth, finishing a close second—denied victory by just half a length.
Rolf’s Ramblings
Life’s all about priorities but in Highclere we’ve had some tough experiences in the last few weeks that will almost certainly never, in such profusion, happen again.
Taittinger MOMENT
This month’s Taittinger moment goes to Dennis Smith a relatively newcomer to Highclere who has travelled from Switzerland on numerous occasions to see his horses at stable visits and on the race track.
Where ARe they now
‘Max (Mannerism) and Frank (Prankster) are now happily settled in a private home in rural Suffolk. They are enjoying being part of family life - where the young children regularly pop out for pats and cuddles, and lots of yummy treats to share!’