October 15, 2024 by Mike Madden

The Brightest Star

A Neverending Story

We have finally finished the kitchen, or not quite! I’m not sure it will ever really be finished, it just seems to have neared conclusion and then spawned a load of extra jobs. The hall floor is next on the list, followed by a new garden shed to store the garden furniture in. We’ve never needed that before, but now that the garden furniture is majestically on view through the bi-fold doors, it is a constant reminder that they will need putting away for the winter.

A combination of tradesmen put down screed in the play room, with instructions not to stand on it for several hours as it would take quite a while to dry. Unfortunately, no one told the cats. 

We managed to get the carpet laid in the play room, but the radiator remains detached. This is because we need to wait for the hall floor to be laid so that the radiator can be replaced there at the same time as the one in the play room. Then the decorators will arrive.

It has also been an opportunity to clear out the garage, the office, several bedrooms, probably some of next door too. I am on first name terms with most of the lads at Waterswallows recycling centre, and can now advise what needs to go into which recycling container.

Let Them Eat Focaccia

On the plus side, I unearthed all of my pizza flour and discovered that it was about to go out of date, so I experimented with Focaccia and breadsticks. The Focaccia was a big hit, so I then decided to try Focaccia pizza. This was like a deep pan pizza, but I could not get the crust crispy enough. I will be trying different techniques to get this right, although it does not seem to affect the consumption of the pizza.

I may have overproved the focaccia dough!

Breadsticks

Focaccia pizza

There were also a couple of old favourites, Fig & Raspberry crumble cake, and chocolate lava cakes. They did not last long!

Fig & Raspberry crumble cake

Northern Boys Love Gravy

Meanwhile, at York racecourse Zac had to ask if we had gone north or south. His question arose because the gravy was decidedly thin, and he thought that the further north you went the thicker it should get. As it turned out the watery gravy was to his advantage when he spilt some on his tie. It dried shortly afterwards leaving no trace!

Brambling

I went blackberry picking for the first time in a couple of years, and I forgot just how irritating it can be. Blackberries grow when nettles are at their worst, and of course blackberries have prickles of their own. Add to that the endless swarms of flies, and its not a pleasant experience at all. However, the fruity jam, or bramble jelly, makes it all worthwhile!

Age Concern

I could write a whole Blog just on the subject of “You know you’re getting old when…” but for now here are just a couple of examples.

Sally was sunning herself in Majorca whilst Zac had gone to Centre Parcs with some friends. Ole had a new job at Sky so he was not about much, meaning I had the whole house to myself. Cannot really remember when that last happened for more than a couple of hours.

So, did I make hay whilst the sun shone? Not exactly, I cleared the garden of ragwort, and then went up to the cricket ground to do the same!

When it was time to go on our lads trip there was a very early start. We were flying to Limoges from East Midlands, and met at the pub at 7am. By 10pm I was absolutely knackered and took myself off to bed. The following morning tales of 4am finishes sent shivers down my spine. However, I did manage to stay up until 11pm (10pm UK time) on Saturday night! Incidentally, my schoolboy French, learnt more than 45 years ago, came in very handy. Some of it was even understood by the French people.

University Challenges

Zac has started a Computer Science course at Sheffield University, and he came home one day explaining that he had been coding Assembly language. I told him that I began my career doing this in 1978, and he was quite impressed that I still remembered it all. I actually taught the language around 2008, so I was puzzled as to how old his teacher was to still be proficient in the computing equivalent of Latin.

“Oh she’s quite old,” Zac said. “She must be in her early thirties.”

I quickly changed the subject!

A week or so into his course he messaged me. “I’ve lost my car key somewhere in Sheffield so can you pick me up from Chinley station?” I agreed, but asked him if I should just bring his spare key. He replied that it was “a bit lost”, by which he meant he had had it recently and it was probably in his bedroom. So, I drove to Chinley, and there was Zac, waiting for his lift. “Have you checked around your car to see if you dropped the key there?” I asked. “No, but there’s a chance I might have left it in the car.” We drove round to his car, and there, sticking out of the door handle, was his key. Hats off to the people of Chinley for either failing to see the opportunity, or for being too honest to nick his car!

Cats At Home

The cats are not quite inseparable just yet, and we caused a bit of a problem when Fiona bought a cat gingerbread house. Yes, such things exist!

Don’t be fooled by their proximity

Both of them quite like it – but they could not and would not go in it together. So, we ordered another one, and now they have their own street. I will let you know how the neighbours get along.

Our house….

They Think Its All Over

My Dutch VAT nightmare looks to be finally over! I went through a Dutch tax adviser after my attempts to use the “foreign entrepreneur” route failed.

It took a while, but I was finally issued with a Dutch VAT number. Then I noticed that it had my UK address, so it could not be used. It took another couple of weeks, but eventually the address changed to my Dutch address, and everything started to fall into place.

It has taken approximately five months, and its not something that I would advise anyone to embark upon.

Super Star

Those of you who read the previous edition will recall that Star Of Lady M missed her engagement at Glorious Goodwood with a poisoned foot. We wanted to get a run into her before the Ebor festival at York, and the valuable prizes on offer with the Racing League were a tempting opportunity. We registered for the meeting at Chepstow, and having been selected by manager Kevin Blake we set off early for the South Wales course.

International Athlete

All was going well until we were a few miles from the motorway exit. Glancing across to the hard shoulder we saw the David O’Meara racing wagon apparently broken down. It was 2.30pm, our race was not until 7pm, and so there was little cause for concern. We arrived at our hotel, a friendly pub called The Bowl, and I called the yard to ensure everything was ok. The emergency services had been called, and no problems were expected in getting all six of David’s horses to the course.

We were surprised to learn that Uber operated in that part of the country, so we ordered one and made our way to the course. The driver told us to book another Uber when we were ready to return, but more of that later.

It was 4pm, and still no reported issues with the O’Meara team. I called the yard again, and they were still on the hard shoulder. A short time later, their runner in the first became a non runner.

When In Wales

The first race was delayed because a flock of sheep meandered onto the track, well what else would we expect in Wales? We then saw Richard Kent, part owner of Radio Goo Goo who was also in our race. Sally surprised him, knowing that he would not have a clue who she was, and she was right! A red-faced Richard asked if she had a runner – and he was very relieved when she explained who she was!

Muscika, another of David’s runners, was withdrawn from the third race, but at that stage there was still a chance that we would get there. It was a “quick fix” or so we were told, then David called to give us the bad news.

Everything Happens For A Reason

There was a fault with the sensor, and the wagon would simply have to turn around and go home. In a way that was one of the things that led to the title of the sequel to From Tattersalls To Triumphs. Everything Happens For A Reason we thought as we decided to head for a late lunch. We joined the lovely Leonna Mayor and her friend on a table, and then a chap from Chepstow and Racing League appeared. When he heard of our journey and the absence of our horse he showered us with free drinks and gifts. Sally asked him for a Team Ireland Racing League Gilet, and he happily obliged.

As it turned out the ground was very soft. Star Of Lady M would have hated it. Radio Goo Goo ran a gallant race, finishing second to the mud loving Manila Scouse.

We said hello to team manager Kevin Blake, and promised we would turn up with a horse later in the season. The Racing League is a very team oriented event, but the dreadful weather put paid to any high spirits or banter.

Waiting For Uber

We headed to the exit and tried for an Uber. Such things did not cross the bridge to Chepstow, so we tried numerous local taxi firms. We eventually got one, but she could only pick us up an hour later. It was our only option so we waited in a busy reception area.

One of the Chepstow security staff offered to take us to Newport to get a taxi, but that was even farther away from our destination, so we sat tight.

As I sat watching the minutes tick by, whilst Sally bagged sweets from the security staff, Jockey Danny Sheehy rushed over to reception to ask about a taxi. He had been detained in the Stewards room after the last race, and was in danger of missing his flight to Dublin. His flight was at 10.55pm, the airport was at least 40 minutes away, and at 9.40pm he was still waiting!

Our taxi finally arrived and we took an expensive ride across the bridge back to The Bowl. The female taxi driver was extremely chatty, matching Sally word for word and breath for breath for the entire journey. I don’t think I managed more than two words.

Breakfast In Bristol

The following morning at breakfast we met the owners of Maywake who had fallen in the last. Sporting Life said the horse had stumbled, but the owners were adamant that it was Danny Sheehy who caused their horse to fall. He got a ten day ban for careless riding, but they were convinced it should have been much longer for dangerous riding. We still don’t know if Mr Sheehy managed to get his taxi and his flight.

A Grey Decision

Our aim of getting a run into Star Of Lady M was not going well, and I had resigned myself to going straight for the fillies only handicap at the Ebor. David had other ideas in the sense of giving her options. She was entered into the grey horse race at Newmarket. This was just four days before the Ebor, and so it was an either / or, she certainly could not run in both.

Newmarket No – York Yes

David called when it was declarations time for Newmarket. He was concerned that the anticipated fast ground might not be suitable, especially over the five furlongs at York which is sharp enough anyway. “Do you think she will handle it?” he asked. “We’ll find out,” I replied, “York has been the target all along so let’s go for it”. David did not disagree, and we did not declare for Newmarket. At York there were 15 runners, and we were closer to favourite than outsider.

There were lots of requests for badges for York, but there were already four of us confirmed and I gave two to the yard. I was delighted that Aaron Bateman got to use these for his mum and dad, on what turned out to be a momentous day.

Keep Your Enemies Closer

We got stuck in some Leeds festival traffic, but we arrived in plenty of time. Past experience told us that the Owners & Trainers would be busy, so we opted for an early lunch. Nerves were already starting to fray as I bumped in to James McHale from Weatherbys. He had an interest in Profitable Edge, also in our race.

Later on in the day we met Vinny and Kenny from Middleham Park Racing. Their Got To Love A Grey was another up against us, and we made a pact that if either of our horses won we would all go for champagne.

Draw Bias

The first race of the day was another sprint, and it would be interesting to see whether the expected draw bias would be in our favour. Simon Chappell had One Night Stand entered, but he did not feature. Instead, JM Jungle triumphed in a race dominated by low draws. We were drawn in 4 so that suited us perfectly.

However, there was a long time to go! My nerves usually get worse as the day wears on, and as we were in race 6 I was nervous about getting nervous.

We watched City Of Troy dominate in the Juddmonte International, but there was still more than an hour to go. I went for a walk, with Irish ballads playing through my headphones as a distraction. It worked for a while, as did a photographer coming up to ask if he could take a picture of my shoes!

Driven To Distraction

Race time approached and I downed plenty of water. Outside the Owners & Trainers bar I met Christine and Trevor, friends who we met a couple of years earlier. Their horse Dare To Hope had won the Great St Wilfrid at Ripon, and they kept me distracted for a good couple of minutes. By then we were into the swing of things and we entered the pre-parade ring. Star Of Lady M came out, and in the five weeks since she had last raced she seemed to have grown. We were not even sure it was her until we saw the O’Meara livery.

In the parade ring David thought she had a good chance, and that her missed work would not affect her. Danny Tudhope thought the draw was in our favour, and we should lie up with the pace and strike late. Plans were set, and it was now in the lap of the gods.

Positive vibes in the parade ring

Harvanna bolted at the edge of the parade ring, and Star Of Lady M was just two horses behind. She was a little on edge, but Danny soon settled her as they made their way to the start.

I Love It When A Plan Comes Together

The predictable pace of Alcazan, Profitable Edge and Got To Love A Grey came to the fore, and we tucked in alongside Profitable Edge. Two furlongs from home the high numbers were beaten, and we went to the front. Profitable Edge was soon well behind, and as Danny pushed the button Star Of Lady M shot clear. She won by 4 1/4 lengths, and was just 1 length off Battaash’s course record.

Star of the show

Nick Luck announced, “Well you’ll not see many five furlong handicaps won like that.” There were similar comments from Jane Mangan and others. It was a remarkable effort and no one could quite believe it. The draw bias and the tailwind certainly played a part, but Star Of Lady M was the Star. Danny said that he could feel that she had a big performance in her when they were down at the start. He was cantering at the three furlong pole. David wondered where the improvement came from ,and speculated that the handicapper knew her well and might not overreact.

Danny knew that something special was about to happen

Fairytale Of Old York

There were endless photographs, and eventually our filly had had enough. She stamped her feet and was duly led away. The McHales joined us for champagne, as did Vinny and Kenny. Tash, Star Of Lady M’s work rider was there, as were Aaron, Gabi, Char-Lee and David. Her groom had a beaming smile.

Champagne awaits

As we discussed how mating plans might have changed, Tash confided that she was a real madam at home, and “good luck to the stallion that tries to mount her!” There was a conversation to be had after such an emphatic victory. At Newmarket, to win on her 40th start was a fairytale. To gain her 10th win at York was a dream come true!

Star Spangled Cushions

Pictures and videos were available on a QR code, as ever York leads the way! We got her Irish Thoroughbred Marketing rug which was turned into cushions, and we caught up with the many congratulatory phone calls and messages.

Luke was first, of course, but there were also messages from Ted Voute and Simon Chappell. Twitter exploded, and Star Of Lady M became one of the most searched for horses on the Racing Post website. Richard Kent said that she ran like a gazelle, and that we would be mad not to race her next season. James Denley, our insurance broker, wanted to know if her insurance coverage should increase.

Cheers!

Oisin Murphy congratulated us on her win, and of course he was a major part of her renaissance in late 2023 and early 2024.

We returned to the traditional beers in the Drum & Monkey, and continued through the messages from well-wishers.

Champagne And Camilla

Two days later we were back for the Friday of the Ebor meeting, this time with friends Neil and Michelle in the Melrose Club Lounge. We checked in to Middlethorpe Hall, and we were delighted to be upgraded to the White Rose Suite.

At the course, lots of people now knew us through the exploits of Star Of Lady M. We met Luke on our way to the champagne bar, and as we basked in the sunshine the Queen paid a visit to the course. There was great excitement as the crowd gathered around the entrance, and Camilla gracefully made her way through to wherever she was headed to watch her horse. Unconfirmed rumours suggest that she asked, “where is Lady M?” as she surveyed her subjects.

Has anyone seen Lady M?

Love Is In The Ayr

Back at the hotel we met Susie Hartley who has an interest in Holkham Bay. We had met her previously, and she was impressed that I knew the rating of her horse (97).

We discussed the Ayr Gold Cup, and as we were on;y rated 87 we would struggle to get in, whereas Holkham would certainly qualify. However, that would not be too much of a problem for us, as I already had my eyes on the fillies only Listed race at the same course the day before the Ayr Gold Cup.

The following Tuesday we had been raised to 97 by the handicapper. We were now level with Holkham Bay, and we had leapfrogged many of our regular challengers. The next race was a no-brainer, it would be the Racing League at Southwell. This was only 8 days after York, but the conditions meant that she would carry just a 5lb penalty rather than the full 10lbs.

The Best Laid Plans

Later that day I met Luke at the Doncaster sales. We had agreed to meet up to discuss breeding plans, but with her latest exploits there was a possibility that they might be put on hold. The next couple of races would be critical, as she had now won a Class 2 handicap and was not too far off the magical 100 mark in the official ratings.

Jerry Horan, Sam Hoskins and Richard Kent were three of the many other people that came over and congratulated me, and over fish and chips Luke introduced me to Mark Johnston, the legendary trainer. It was a star studded day, but all eyes were focused on Southwell later that week.

A Bump In The Road

Southwell was all about the prize money, but for her broodmare career we looked at potential future Class 1 targets. There were options at Newcastle and Doncaster, but the standout was the aforementioned race at Ayr. The Listed Arran Stakes was five and a half furlongs, and as long as the ground was not too soft that should be our next target.

We went to Southwell and had a fun evening with my cousin Liz, but the race probably came too soon for Star Of Lady M. Although Southwell is an all weather track, it was actually riding quite deep, and she was certainly not at ease on the surface. She finished 8th, but jockey Cieren Fallon was more than happy with her. He said she would win more big races this year, and that the Ayr Gold Cup would be perfect for her. We were not too disappointed with the result, and she now had just over three weeks until her next contest in Scotland.

Maybe Star Of Lady M did not like the Team Ireland colours at Southwell?

A Class Above

I scoured the continent for other Listed races, and although there were matches at the Curragh and Chantilly, the one in Milan was more interesting. However, with the drying weather it looked like we would get our preferred ground at Ayr.

Percy’s Preparation

MMM Racing had been together for more than ten months and there were questions asked about when Percy’s Daydream would finally see the racetrack. She had been out on the gallops, but it was still too firm to get her on grass. David looked towards late September or early October, and I pencilled in a race at Leicester that would be suitable.

We visited the yard in mid September, and both of our horses were in fine form. Star Of Lady M’s work rider Tash told us that the filly had been flat after York and before the Southwell race, but she was now flying again. She would certainly be ready for Ayr. Percy’s Daydream looked a picture, but then she has done ever since we first saw her at the sales.

Tempted By Tebay

It was a long drive up to the Scottish course, and Sally insisted that we stopped at Tebay Services on the way. Tebay is nice as far as service stations go, certainly better than Roadchef or Moto, or one of the many other chains that service our motorways. However, the pleasant ambience is just an excuse to be able to overcharge for all manner of things in their “farm shop”. Ridiculous prices could be found everywhere, and although the coffee was ok, they could certainly learn a thing or two from Greggs about making sausage rolls.

Ayr By The Sea

We continued on our way and reached our destination after around four hours. It was a pleasant guest house not far from the sea, so we took a stroll along the beach and settled in for a beer at a sheltered cafe. The sun was beating down, and it was actually quite hot in the little garden. However, the sea breeze certainly brought the temperature down.

Racing Day

The following morning I received a message from Terry, our driver at Middlethorpe. Star Of Lady M was the headline act of the Sun’s racing pullout. We headed in to town and bought three copies. Sally contrived to take a picture of me buying the paper, already open at the correct page.

Our taxi arrived on time, and we picked up another couple who had been left stranded when their trainer forgot to declare their horse. A short time later we pulled in to Ayr racecourse, and the build up began.

The owners bar was busy, but we found some comfortable chairs in a side room. Our race was fourth on the card, and we decided that we would wait until afterwards for the legendary Ayr hospitality. I contented myself with a chocolate bar to keep my blood sugar up, and there were plenty of people to talk to in the build up to the race.

Star Time

Nerves were kept at bay as race time ticked around. We headed out to the pre-parade ring where David and Char-Lee were waiting for us.

It was good to see Tash walking our horse round, and it was quite a relaxed atmosphere when we met David Nolan, our jockey. David had ridden her twice before without too much luck, but he was having a fine season. Instructions were simple, lead if you have to or follow whatever does lead, and we headed to the stands. James Callow, owner of multiple racehorses, stood next to us. We chatted about the day at Musselburgh where we had first met. He unfortunately informed us that the lunch service finished at 3pm, and so we missed out on the top rated racecourse lunch. We contented ourselves that we could get fish and chips on the beach near our guest house, and settled down for the race.

Tactics were quickly settled at Ayr

Leading From The Front

Star Of Lady M was drawn 5 of 13, and she broke well. After a furlong or so she was in the lead, being hotly pursued by the field that contained several 100+ rated fillies. With two furlongs to go she was still going well, and those behind were hard at work. She quickened again and went two lengths clear. The race was quickly over as she was eased down to win by one and a half lengths, breaking the track record in the process.

Her biggest win to date

Our Cup Runneth Over

Tash was proud as punch as she led her back in, and the usual round of photographs followed. The prize included the Arran Scottish Sprint Trophy. This magnificent cup will sadly have to be handed back next year. Perhaps we will get our Ayr lunch when we return it.

Tash leads in the winner

The Arran Scottish Sprint Trophy

As we were led to the winners’ lounge, ex Love Island competitor and now racing pundit Frankie Foster intercepted Sally and got more than he bargained for. Champagne flowed, and even the couple that we had given a lift to got involved.

Mary, Quite Contrary

The girls serving the champagne included Mary, from Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, who had presented the prizes at York. She didn’t seem to mind that we were still there after the fifth and sixth races. After the seventh she invited us to the on site hotel where we were entertained by Goffs Ireland. It was getting later, and we had still not eaten, so it was a relief when Joey, the Goffs Marketing Director, told me he had sorted a taxi for us. Fish and chips beckoned, but it was not to be. The taxi took us north to Troon, and a restaurant overlooking the marina. We dined well, chatting about music, horse racing, and all things in between.

Eventually we headed back in a taxi. Thankfully our next stop was a bar just around the corner from the shop where we had purchased the newspapers that morning. That seemed like a lifetime ago, and after a couple of drinks we bade farewell. Back at the guest house it was a chance to catch up on social media, I looked at the clock and was amazed to see that it was 1am. We had forgotten to book breakfast for the following day, but there was always Tebay services on the way home.

The World At Her Feet

Suddenly things had changed. Where would Star Of Lady M go next? David suggested that I look at the path taken by Highfield Princess. This was the Breeders Cup and the Hong Kong Sprint at Sha Tin. A bit of a leap having just won a Listed race. Luke was optimistic that we would reach 100 in the ratings. We had gone down 2lbs after Southwell, but an extra 5lbs was reasonable after such a comfortable win. I thought we would go up 6 to 101.

There were more than a few suggestions that we should pay the £26,000 supplement for the Prix De L’Abbaye. I was not in favour of this as it can be a bit of a lottery with the draw. The ground would almost certainly be against her as well. There was a Group 3 contest at Dundalk, and not much else right across Europe.

One Hundred And Ten

On Tuesday I checked the updated BHA ratings. One Hundred And Ten! She had gone up 15lbs. Based on ratings she would not only be competitive at Group level, she would be highest rated in many of the contests. It was almost certainly the end of her handicap career, she was just too highly rated. Her short term future was also decided. She would race on so that we could see just how far she could go.

A career high

Daydream Debut

Percy’s Daydream was certainly taking her time to come to hand, but she finally got an entry at Wolverhampton. Turf courses were getting heavier with the rain, but this was an all weather race. It was a Friday evening, and I was away so left Sally in charge. There was great excitement with the syndicate, but she was drawn out wide in stall 10 of the 11 runners.

Percy’s Daydream preparing for her debut

Stable apprentice Mark Winn took the ride. It was clear from the parade ring that the experience was a little bit overwhelming for her. She relaxed on the way to the start, and walked into the stalls without a murmur. Unfortunately, another of the horses played up and eventually refused to go in. This stressed our filly even more, and when the gates opened she missed the kick. She settled in last place, and got blocked off at the first bend. Down the back straight she effortlessly made ground and passed several of the field. She was still wide coming into the straight, but she continued to run on.

A gallant 4th

A Good Start

Her finishing position of fourth was as good as we could have expected given the circumstances. She was very close to third, and she finished ahead of the odds on favourite. Her RPR of 64 was pleasing, significantly more than Emerald Duchess on her debut.

Relaxing after the race

She was fine afterwards, but as we prepared for her next race she got an infection in her hind leg which set her back a bit. It may be that we put her away until next year, when she could really be something quite special.

Lovely Ladies

We visited the yard again in October, and Percy’s Daydream was happy enough in her stable. She has a very sweet nature, and didn’t mind the attention at all. However, the main reason for our visit was to deliver pumpkins and to discuss the future for Star Of Lady M.

The pumpkins were a problem. Middlethorpe Hall had promised us a giant pumpkin, but none had been grown. We managed to find some extra large ones at Aldi, and these were sufficient for the various children at the yard.

Dreaming Of Dundalk

Star Of Lady M was still on track for Dundalk at the end of October. She is then likely to be given a rest until the start of the next turf season. Next year she will have some significant targets, possibly starting with the Palace House Stakes at Newmarket in May. After that, we will plot a path through the fixtures that will get us to the Nunthorpe at York in August. Will dreams come true again?

You can view the previous edition here

Penelope Pitstop