On The Track
by Frances de Haan
Carlenrig lands the Grade 2 Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle 13.12.25
Our National Hunt string may be small in number but we have been making a big impact on the track. Most notably, Carlenrig who followed up his promising debut at Chepstow with a thrilling three-way photo finish, emerging victorious by a short head in the Grade 2 Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham on the 13th of December.
Carlenrig showed real class when stepping up in both grade and trip to land the prize under the experienced guidance of Harry Skelton. A key moment came in the closing stages when Harry switched him to the rail, a decisive and potentially race-winning move that highlighted both the horse and jockey’s professionalism.
It was a nail-biting finish, followed by an agonising wait in the parade ring before confirmation came that we had prevailed by a short head over They Call Me Hugo. As you can imagine, the announcement was met with an eruption of cheers from everyone involved. To top it off, first prize was worth £47,552!
Please click here for a wonderful account of the day from fellow shareholder Pat Treacy.
Overjoyed winning owners of Carlenrig at Cheltenham (Pat Treacy far left) 13.12.25
Looking ahead, the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival is firmly on the agenda — an exciting prospect to even contemplate, let alone have a live chance in. With March still some way off, a prep run at Cheltenham on 24 January remains the plan. Carlenrig was originally purchased with a chasing career in mind, but his ability over hurdles has pleasantly surprised us all. Dan clearly holds him in very high regard, something that was evident after his debut when Harry dismounted and immediately said: “He is a REALLY nice horse!”- We would all be inclined to agree Harry!
Followcato also found the form we always believed he was capable of, producing two impressive victories in quick succession. The first came in mid-December at Ludlow in a handicap chase, where he delivered a superb front-running performance to see it out gamely to the line on testing ground. Kielan Woods was very positive afterwards, praising his attitude and determination.
Delighted Followcato owners at Ludlow 17.12.25
Cato then reinforced his liking for a right-handed track with a dominant success at Exeter three weeks later. Stepping up in both grade and trip posed no issue as he rose to the challenge in professional fashion, quickening clear to score by 3¼ lengths. Kielan Woods was again in the saddle and remains sure there is plenty more to come. I’m inclined to agree, his confidence, jumping, and rhythm continue to improve with every run. With the yard in fine form, there’s no telling how far he can go — watch this space.
On the Flat, it was great to see Angel Gabriel get off the mark in decisive style at the third attempt. Although a touch slow away, Rossa Ryan soon encouraged him to take up the running, where he set a steady tempo over the six furlongs. He saved his best for the closing stages, finding more up the home straight and picking off his rivals one by one.
He crossed the line one and a quarter lengths clear with plenty in hand, so much so that Rossa struggled to pull him up!
Angel Gabriel is now enjoying a well-earned winter break, and it will be exciting to see what next season brings. He should return a stronger, more mature, and much more finished article.
Please click here for a detailed account of the day from fellow shareholder Bill Young.
In Australia Trapalanda has produced two pleasing performances finishing runner up in his last two runs. He has been unlucky not to find the win as he is running well. He has been unfortunate to bump into one on the day each time and Annabel is confident the win will come, perhaps a step up in trip next time out might see him get his head in front.
January can be a quieter period for our Flat horses, but they have now begun to return from their winter breaks and re-enter full training. Our two-year-olds have been thriving, and it is exciting to see them settle into their new surroundings and join the string on the gallops as they learn their trade. Oxbridge has already caught the eye of trainer George Boughey — please see Horse in Focus for more details — but he looks a particularly exciting prospect.