Weekly Diary

Read about our week

DECEMBER 3rd 2012

We have worked the horses at Henry Dalys for th elast couple of weeks on wednesdays and saturdays - last wednesday we also took Cruise Control to work in the loose jumping school - please see U tube and search for Cruise Control schooling, we hav ealso posted videos of 5 of the horses working up the gallops on 1.12.12 on U Tube please search for That's Mine & Wolf Moon and all the videos will come up for you to view - we plan to do the Hunt Certificates this week for Cruise Control, That's Mine, Wolf Moon, Dan's Your Man and Porto Prince and Alcarson - the fillies are working well also and cantering away at home and going for trips to Easthope and Henmore to canter - we will start taking them to Henry's over Christmas - All so far so good they all worked well this weekend and ate up on saturday night - we are hoping to run Dan. Porto Prince and That's Mine if the ground is suitable. Please feel free to come and watch the horses work.

NOVEMBER 10TH 2012
The horses have now completed 8 weeks of work and we are now cantering 4 miles  twice a week on the flat - so last week we started going out to work the horses elsewhere - on wednesday we took Wolf Moon, Dans your Man and Alcarson to Henmore and then to Henry Dalys on saturday - we were really pleased with how they all went, Alcarson has developed a real atttitude and pulled Oli wadlows arms out up Henry's yesterday he has been riding him throughout his training and thinks he feels different again this year! Dan coped well with his first trip up Henry's and is improving all the time, Wolf did not pull as many shapes as he would normally at the bottom of a gallop as he was not sure where he was - Liam rode Wolf for us and thought he felt really well he got stronger each time he went up - they all ate up last night and are in fine fettle today . 
We took Cruise Control (Borat) and Botswana (Poppy) to Henmore yesterday first thing and they had a canter from the bottom to the top and jumped a few jumps on the top of the hill - Borat found the whole experience fairly exciting and Oli did an excellent job holding onto to him, he will have never had the chance of the experience of having a play cantering out in the open instead of on a gallop - he is gradually settling down and accepting all of our routines.
Next week we will take Porto prince, Thats Mine, Dan, Wolf,Cruise Control, Alcarson and Poppy out to Johns again - the plan is to work at John groucotts at Henmore once a week and at Henry Dalys once a week.

Febe the un named filly by fantastic Spain has come in to work now and just completed her second week of work - she is still quite fiesty but glad to get on with whatever she is asked to do - currently she is just going out on the roads and getting 4 weeks of steady road work under her belt.

OCTOBER

Owner's day 6.10.12 12 noon

SEPTEMBER

Horses coming in and starting road work

APRIL, MAY AND JUNE JULY & August

All the horses are now out for the summer and enjoying a well deserved break. 


APRIL WEEK 2 AND 3

Well we have had a could of really successful weeks. Anshantor won his maiden at Sandon under Will Kinsey. It was planned that Will should drop him in and see how he ran but by the second fence he had jumped his way to the front and stayed there to win easily by 15 lengths, without coming out of third gear. Automaticman then came 3rd in the 2.1/2m which we were very pleased with and the Howardian ran well but pulled up on the second circuit. Mean while Mr Melodious came 3rd at Bitterley, so all in all a successful weekend.

Alcarson finished 5th in a maiden at Tabley in the weekend just gone, and Two Euro's who was perhaps a bit too fresh was very naughty and ran out at the open ditch with Oli, but hopefully he will soon get himself back into the good books as he will run again this weekend.

Meanwhile Belligerent did his first Pre-novice with Ali Galliers-Pratt which he loved and flew around the cross country and the dressage and show jumping were not completely disastrous either. 


APRIL WEEK 1

Well we have had a lovely week enjoying the sunshine although not quite so keen about what it is doing to the ground!! On Tuesday Mr Melodious, Alcarson, The Howardian and Botswana all went up for a play on the hill which they all enjoyed and worked quite hard without really realising that they had worked. 

Then on Wednesday we took Anshantor, That's Mine, Two Euro's and Automaticman to Henry Daly's to do a piece of work, and were back there on Saturday with Alcarson, Mr Melodious, The Howardian and Automaticman. We can't wait for the ground to get them out and running.

Febe is working really well at home, she is a really game little mare. We have turned Botswana out for the Spring as although she was going very well she kept having the odd little niggle and as she is such a nice mare we want to give her time to grow.

On another note Belligerent is going very well in his change of career as an eventer and is entered for Sapey Pre-novice on the twelfth of April.

MARCH WEEK 4

The horses are all going extremely well and we are just waiting on some rain so that we can get out and about. On Wednesday we took Anshantor, That's Mine, Automaticman and Two Euro's to John Groucotts to work up Henmoor. They all worked very well, It was That's Mine and Two Euro's first piece of work and it was very encouraging. Anshantor and Automaticman worked up together and were very impressive, Anshantor is turning into a serious machine as we are all looking forward to his next run.

Febe (Fantastic Spain 3 yr old) and Poppy have been working very well at home and are coming on very well, hopefully febe should go to Richard Price's in the next few weeks, and Poppy is looking promising for a spring bumper. 

On Saturday Mr Melodious and Alcarson went back to John's first thing to pop over some of his cross country fences and then do a piece of work which really freshened them up. Automaticman, Anshantor, Two Euro's and That's mine then went over to Henry Daly's to work up the gallop. It did them the world of good and they all worked nicely. We are taking some back on Wednesday so please call Belinda if you would like to come and watch... 

MARCH WEEK 3 

Mr Melodious and Alcarson were fine after there run at Bangor. Alcarson's white blood cell count was a little abnormal which would account for his lack lustre performance at Bangor but he is already feeling much brighter and is hopefully aiming for Tabley in April. 

The other horses have all worked very well this week. On Tuesday Anshantor and Automaticman to work up Henmoor, they were on great form and pulled Jess and Alis' arms out. On Saturday we went back with Automaticman, The Howardian, That's Mine, Two Euro's and Botswana and all five proved that they are in great shape. 

Other than this it has been quite a quiet week with the horses going out around the farm and just having fun. 

Hopefully The Howardian is going to run in a Hunter Chase at Chepstow on Thursday so hopefully there should be a bit more to write about next week!!

MARCH WEEK 1 AND 2

The horses have all been working very well the last couple of weeks. On Saturday 3rd of March we took The Howardian, Mr Melodious and Alcarson to Brecon point to point. Unfortunatley it was not the success we were hoping, The Howardian was running extremely well in the Men's Open with Oli Wadlow when he slipped on landing from a fence and came down, which was a real shame as he was really travelling well. Shortly after The Howardian's race the rain started to come down and by Mr Melodious and Alcarson's races the ground was getting quite tacky and subsequently they both pulled up, so it was rather a subdued drive home but thats part of racing and you have to take the ups with the downs. Luckily all the horses were still in one piece which is the main thing.

The next day we took Mojito Minty and Dodgie to Garnons. They were both in the same maiden division so Oli Wadlow rode Mojito Minty again and Liam took the ride on Dodgie. Dodgie ran really well, Liam jumped him off in front and flew round, he started to run out of puff a few fences from home so Liam pulled him up, but it was a great improvement from Whitwick and we are now really looking forward to his next run. Unfortunately Mojito Minty showed that racing isn't really his cup of tea and so Erica Morgan has very kindly given him to Will Price to hunt with the Ludlow. 

On Sunday we ran Alcarson and Mr Melodious at Bangor point to point. Alcarson ran well but was unfortunately beaten into fifth in a very competitive maiden. Mr Melodious gave Ali Galliers-Pratt a great spin in the ladies open and finished a very close third. It was a great experience for Ali as it was the first time she had been in a competitive finish. It was also her first placing on Mr Melodious who also won best turned out. 



FEBRUARY WEEK 4

On Wednesday we took Mr Melodious, Alcarson and The Howardian up to John Groucott's to use his grass gallop, all three worked really well and are in great shape for Brecon this coming Saturday.

On Friday Dodgie, Mojito Minty, Anshantor and Automaticman went back to John's to work up Henmoor, Anshantor and Automaticman were very happy and excited to be out at last and went very well, and Anshantor got to trot and pop over some of the cross country fences. Mojito Minty and Dodgie proved that they have come on after their run at Whitwick. 

On Saturday Oli and Liam schooled Mojito Minty and Dodgie over our fences, to just give them some more experience before their run at Garnon's on Sunday. 




FEBRUARY WEEK 3

Thankfully the weather has got warmer and we are now back on track for a great spring!! On Saturday we took Mojito Minty and Dodgie to Whitwick Manor to run in their first ever point to points, which was very exciting. When we got to Whitwick it was pouring down with rain but thankfully it cleared up by the time we ran, it did however mean that there was a nice cut in the ground. Mojito Minty was was in the first division of the Maiden with Oli Wadlow on board and ran really well. He pulled up after a circuit and a half but we were very happy with how he jumped and coped with his first point to point. Liam Payter rode Dodgie in the second division. His run was similar to Minty's and he also pulled up after a circuit and a half but it was great experience for him and he will have learned a lot. 

On Thursday Mr Melodious went hunting with the Ludlow which he loved, it was a great outing to freshen him up and give him a change of scenery.

All the others have been working very well at home and we can't wait to get them out and about, we are aiming at Garnon's and Breacon at the beginning of March and Bangor the week after that. 

Check back next week to see what the horses have been up to...  

FEBRUARY WEEK 2

Unfortunately the weather has played havoc with our plans this last week, so there is not much to report. On Wednesday we took The Howardian, Mojito Minty, Dodgie and Botswana to Wolverhampton again to use the all weather. Dodgie and Mojito Minty went exceptionally well and seem to be in top form for their run at Whitwick Manor this coming weekend. Other than this little outing the horses have just been hacking out on the roads as the frozen ground has prevented us from cantering them.

On a technological note we are now on twitter so you can follow us on a day to day basis @MiddletonP2P !!!

Luckily the snow has all but thawed so there should be more to write about next week, including a report from Whitwick Manor. 

FEBRUARY WEEK 1 

The weather has really thwarted our plans this last week and we have been very restricted as to what we have been able to do with the horses.

On Wednesday we made the trek with eight horses to the all weather at Wolverhampton. We took Alcarson, Mr Melodious, Clap de l'Aube, The Howardian, Botswana, Dodgy, Mojito Mint and Febe (a Fantastic Spain 3 yr old Filly). All the horses worked very well and had the time of their lives! After warming up we went three times around the track gradually quicking the pace so that by the final 2 1/2 furlongs we were doing a piece of work. It really freshened up the older horses and was great experience for the youngsters. We were particularly impressed with Febe as this was her first piece of work and the first time she has worked away from home. She worked extremely well and showed great promise. 

Unfortunately this is about all there is to report due to the abysmal weather but we are just about managing to keep them ticking over. Thankfully on Saturday we managed to take Alcason, The Howardian, Dodgy and Mr Melodious to Henry Daly's. We could only hack up three times but at least it got them out of a trot!! We made it just in time as the minute we pulled back into the yard the snow came down in earnest.

Hopefully we will get some warmer weather this week and can get on with the horses. 

Mr Melodious (left) and Alcarson lead The Howardian (left) and Clap de l'Aube up the home straight at Wolverhampton.





JANUARY WEEK 5

All the horses came back from North Carlton safe and sound which is always a relief. On Wednesday we had quite an exciting day as we took Mojito Mint and Clap de l'Aube to work up Henmoor, both horses worked really well and Mojito Mint becomes a more exciting prospect every week as he just keeps improving.

After this little road trip we took full advantage of the hounds meeting just down the road at Monkhopton and took The Howardian and Dodgy. They both had a super day and thoroughly enjoyed themselves on what turned out to be a very busy morning.

The rest of the week has been rather quite, we worked all the horses at home on Saturday and they all worked very well. Let's just hope the cold weather does not hinder our training to plans to much.




The Howardian and Dodgy out hunting with the Wheatland, photos courtesy of Charlotte Reynolds. 


JANUARY WEEK 4 

On Sunday we travelled up to North Carlton with Mr Melodious, Two Euro's and Alcarson. Mr Melodious ran in the ladies open and led for the first two circuits, he dropped back to third on the final half circuit but was still travelling strongly when Ali made an error of judgement going into the fence and got tipped out the front door, Mr Melodious continued the race in flying form and both came home in one piece. 

Oli then had his first ride on Two Euro's in the maiden which went very well, he jumped off in front and led for most of the race but was just passed turning for home the final time, he finished a very credible fourth and was only just of the leaders. We were all extrememly pleased with this result for his first run in a competitive maiden. 

Alcarson ran an absolute blinder for Oli, coming second in the second division of the maiden. He led all the way only just being beaten by a few lengths in the home straight. He jumped like a stag and looked a really class horse, it is only a matter of time before he breaks his duck. This was also Oli's first ride on Alcarson but you could tell he'd done his homework as he rode him with foot perfect precision. 

The rest of the horses are all coming on well at home. Mojito Mint and the Howardian went to Henmoor on Thursday which they thoroughly enjoyed, but other than that it has been a relatively quiet week.

Alcarson at North Carlton

 




JANUARY WEEK 3

Automaticman and Clap de l'Aube are in one piece after thier run at Larkhill and came back into steady work on Wednesday, they had a gentle week but will be back to full work this week. 

On Wednesday we took Mojito Mint, Dodgy, Mr Melodious, Two Euro's, That's Mine, Alcarson and The Howardian to John Groucotts to use his grass gallop. The horses all worked very well. In particular Dodgy and Mojito Mint, both of which are really starting to come into their own and we are looking forward to their first maiden's which will hopefully be at Whitwick Manor on the 18th Feb. 

Wednesday also saw the arrival of Cruise Control, a 6 year old hurdler by Piccolo, who has been trained by Richard Price. He has come to Middleton racing to see whether he would make a nice point to pointer, so we will be watching how he progresses over the next few weeks with interest.

We have finally got our schooling fences out and so on Saturday we schooled most of the horses. Mr Melodious and Alcarson schooled together in the first lot with Cruise Control following them. They certainly showed themselves as true school masters as both of them were foot perfectly and gave Cruise Control a great lead over the fences. In the next lot The Howardian led up over the fences with Mojito Mint and Dodgy schooling upsides behind. They were both a bit green to start with as this was thier first time schooling on grass, however they caught on quickly and were described by Liam as being like 'old handicappers' by the time we'd finished. Two Euros and That's Mine schooled up together last and both were impressive, and are definitly two to watch on thier first outings.

Hopefully thier first runs with come sooner than later as they are both entered in the Maiden at North Carlton this coming Sunday along with Alcarson and Mr Melodious in the Ladies.

Check in next week to get a full report!!





JANUARY WEEK 2

This weekend we made the trek down to Larkhill with Automaticman and Clap de'l Aube to take part in some extremely competitive racing!!


Automaticman went very well, coming a credible 6th in the second division of the Maiden, which was the fastest of all three divisions. As this was his first run since the beginning of March we were very pleased and thought he handled it all fantastically, we are really looking forward to seeing him take on the North West Area later in the season. He was very happy to be out and certainly built up Gina's arm muscles in the paddock.

Clap de l'Aube also ran well in his restricted. He is a big horse and still needs time to mature a little more, however this was certainly a good run to build on. Liam pulled him up two out but we were all impressed with the way he coped with what turned out to be a very fast race in the biggest field he's faced so far with 20 runners. His jumping has also improved no ends over the summer and he is definitley going to be one to watch next time out.

Back home on the yard, Mr Melodious went for a day's hunting with the Ludlow, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Whilst The Howardian, That's Mine, Mojito Mint, Dodgey, Two Euro's and Alcarson all worked at home. The horses have had a fun week this last week as we have tried to do a lot of alternative work to give them a break from artificial surfaces. On Wednesday Alcason, the Howardian and Mr Melodious all went for a good canter up and down the tracks on the Clee Hill, which is great for strengthening them up and mentally freshening them up as they don't realise they are working. The others have just been doing lots of cantering around the farm which they think is great fun, although due to the rain it has meant an awful lot of tack cleaning!!!

Come back next week to find out about our trip to Henmoor and Wolverhampton! ! !


JANUARY WEEK 1

Right, New Year's resolution, we will be updating the website at least once a week! The horses have all come through the Christmas period in flying form and are rearing to go. This week we are focusing on preparing Automaticman and Clap de l'Aube for Larkhill on Saturday. They will just be having a quiet week to make sure that by Saturday they are bursting with energy. Last week certainly blew away the Christmas cobwebs! On Wednesday we took Clap de l' Aube, That's mine, Automaticman, Two Euro's, Mr Melodious and Alcarson to work up Henry Daly's gallop. They all did a great piece of work and seem to be right on track.

Then on Saturday we took The Howardian, Clap de l'Aube, Alcarson and Automaticman to John Groucott's to use his 7 furlong grass gallop, this has always been our measure to see if the horses are racing fit and so we were extremely happy when all four blitzed up. We then went up with Two Euro's, That's Mine and Dodgy, which also all went well. Whilst Mojito Mint went hunting with the Ludlow which he thought was great fun. 

Check back next week to get the low down on Larkhill and find out what else has been going on around the yard!! 



DECEMBER

Finally we're off!! On the 3rd and 4th December we headed down to Barbury for the two day PPORA meeting. Anshantor ran his first race over fences in the 2m4f Maiden. The race was very competitive and he came a pleasing 4th. This was Liam Payter's first ride for Middleton Racing since joining the team. On the Sunday we went back with Mr Melodious in the Novice Riders and Alcarson in the 3m Maiden. Mr Melodious and Alcarson both ran well but unfortunatley neither were in the frame but it is only the start of the season.

After Barbury we have just been working on getting the other horses up to peak fitness ready for there first runs. On boxing day Adam Wadlow took Dodgy and Mojito Mint hunting with the Wheatland. Both were very well behaved. Mojito Mint went hunting again with the Ludlow again on New Year's eve and is taking to it like a duck to water.

NOVEMBER

November was a busy month as we were all working hard to get the horses going to Barbury ready for there first run.

We were lucky enough to go down to Lambourn for a jumping clinic with Yogi Briesner. We took Automaticman, Anshantor, Mr Melodious and Clap de l'Aube. Liam rode Automaticman and Anshantor and Ali rode Mr Melodious and Clap de l'Aube. All the horses jumped brilliantly and it was and incredibly informative day for all and really helped to improve the horses jumping technique and we were given some fantastic tips to practise at home. (Automaticman  and Liam below)