(Image Merchant storms home to win the Sky Bet Handicap (0-95) over 1m4f at York 15.05.25)

James Ferguson continued to deliver in the winners enclosure this month, this time it was Drama in the limelight. He returned to winning ways in what can only be described as ‘high drama’ at Kempton earlier this month. It was Hollie Doyle, Tom Marquand’s wife, who was in the driving seat on this occasion. Unsurprisingly they have both earned the reputation as flat racings ‘power couple’ in the weighing room, as they produce consistent results time and again.

Kempton was no different and Hollie put in a professional performance keeping her cool when Drama left his best for the final yards. He swooped through to clinch the victory by a comfortable one and a half lengths. James consistently seems to train the best out of his horses and it is fantastic to see his hard work pay off and continue to reap the rewards. There could be some exciting entries on the horizon for this four-year-old sprinter who has brought plenty of success and fun for his owners across his 2YO, 3YO and now 4YO campaign.

(Image: Drama gets up to win the Try Unibet's New Improved Acca Boosts Handicap (0-85) over 6f 15.05.25

First off the mark for our 2YO’s was our cracking Dandy Man filly Nifty. Aptly named she followed up her impressive debut at Salisbury with a classy win at Chelmsford last week, which saw her finish two lengths clear of the rest of the field! Hats off to Richard Hughes who brought this filly to our attention, he and his team have done a phenomenal job, she has showed true professionalism throughout her two appearances on the track. Fingers crossed this filly will continue to go from strength to strength and bring plenty more excitement this season!

(Image: Nifty gets off the mark in style in the bet365 EBF Restricted Maiden Fillies' Stakes (Band D) 2yos over 6f at Chelmsford (05.06.25)

Another two-year-old performance of note was by our Mehmas filly Awaken, she put in an eye-catching debut at Great Yarmouth in May. She finished in second, denied only by half a length and beating some very expensive fillies in the process, including the John & Thady trained Nandita who was purchased from Tattersalls Book 1 as a yearling for 725,000gns. Awaken now heads to Royal Ascot for the Albany (G3), a significant step up but one George Boughey, who trains her, has confidence she can handle.

One more that deserves a mention is Defiance who made a pleasing comeback when running at Epsom on Oaks day, he finished fourth in the hands of Silvestre De Sousa. Despite a long absence Defiance showed experience putting his best work in at the end. Roger Varian had hoped for a better result, but there is no question that Defiance is back and he will no doubt come on for the run with lots more action on the track to come.

(Image: Trapalanda powers home to land the spoils in the Hawaii Five Oh @ Vinery Stud Handicap at Warwick Farm Australia 04.06.25

Success on the track has not been restricted to the northern hemisphere as Trapalanda cruised to victory in a valuable handicap at Warwick Farm in Australia. He proved too strong for his rivals and hit the line in front aided by great ride from Zac Lloyd. A beautifully relaxed performance turning on the engine when it mattered to deny Rattle And Hum by half a length securing the prize of $28,400.00!

With the season in full swing it has been extremely rewarding to see our horses produce good results across both hemispheres. Of course, all eyes now turn to Royal Ascot next week. Please do take a look at my article where I go into detail about each of our hopefuls carrying the Highclere silks during the 2025 renewal of the Royal Meeting.