In the first instalment of his new monthly blog, the Betway ambassador recaps an exciting January for his yard and picks out a Cheltenham target for one of his horses.
Welcome to my new monthly blog ‘Inside Greenhills’ which is a behind-the-scenes look at our yard where we celebrate – and hopefully often! – all of the good things that take place as we continue to grow our racing operation.
The month of the President
Everywhere you looked in January, the word ‘President’ wasn’t too far away. That was especially the case in Greenhills, as our very own Lost President got off the mark at Dundalk in good style and then followed up less than two weeks later. He was given a top ride on both occasions by Donagh O’Connor, who is a jockey to keep your eyes on. He’s freelance but is being used by plenty of trainers and we’ll be hoping to continue our good relationship with him this season. It’s always tough for most jockeys who ride out their claim if they’re not attached to a big yard to get continued rides, but Donagh works hard, rides well and is going to be riding plenty of winners this year.
Lost President was a first winner for our syndicate, the Ross O’Sullivan Racing Club, which gave the group some great experiences. I’m sure some of you may have clocked, but for those who want some naming trivia, he was named Lost President as he is by James Garfield, who is one of five presidents to have lost their lives in office.
Welcoming the newcomers
I know we all say that every month is exciting, but the start of the year really is. The flat horses – young and old – come into the yard and start getting used to their routine. Their work routines start following their strength and conditioning stage, which is where we’re at with them now. However, we don’t want to wish the jump season away as we’re hoping for plenty of good days to come.
We’re also very close to finishing the build of six new stables in the yard, which comes off the back of the success of last year – which we’re all excited to try and better this year!
Talking of newcomers, our amazing Grace, who has worked with us for over five years, is on maternity leave after the arrival of baby Evagh! Grace is a well-loved member of the team who is full of good energy and we’re all sending her and her partner Darren the biggest congratulations and warm wishes. I know she’s missing us as she’s been ringing in and checking up on us!
Our fantastic staff keep us going
January wasn’t all plain sailing, mind. Like most of Ireland and England, we were hit with the storm. I can’t thank my staff enough for their hard work and dedication during that time and Itheir love and care for each horse in the yard becomes so apparent in times like this. Everyone clubbed together, helped and made sure the horses were cared for, looked after and not too disrupted by the extreme weather. While much of the business came to a halt, we continued due to the team’s efforts. We cannot function without the staff and I’m so appreciative, thankful and in awe of all of them.
They say everyday is a school day and I have proof! During the storm, we experienced power losses, which you can only plan so much for. I’m not sure it’s an official qualification, but I’m now a ‘qualified’ generator and water pump installer. I think I’ll be sticking to training horses for the short-term, mind!
Boodles Hurdle, here we come!
We were so lucky to have Eagles Reign give us such a brilliant day by finishing second in the Boodles at Cheltenham last year at 100/1. Despite not winning, it was an amazing day and one that we’ll all never forget. His owner Tommy Ward is a brilliant character and his passion for the game is infectious.
It would be some dream if we could go one better this year, though, and that’s the hope with Slurricane, who got off the mark at Punchestown last week. He won the same race that Eagles did last year before going to Cheltenham, so here’s to hoping we can give his wonderful owner Eleanora Kennedy another great day as an owner.
Huge congratulations to Mick Kinane
Katie and I attended the Irish Breeders Awards in January in Leish. We were, like everyone in the room, so proud and incredibly happy to see our friend, owner and one of racing’s all-time greats, Mick Kinane, receive a lifetime achievement award. He was a fantastic jockey who achieved almost everything a jockey could wish to in their career. He’s also been very good to us. having sent us some lovely horses during our time training here. Rocky Sky won a listed race for us before embarking on a career in America and we have a lovely homebred filly, Lady Kai, who won twice for us last year. We’re appreciate for his kindness, and we want to congratulate him on his much-deserved award.
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