Following a dominant return to the track in May, where he was beaten ½ length on the all-weather at Kempton, we were delighted to celebrate three-year-old Monty Bay’s first winning success with a very impressive performance on the turf over seven furlongs in the Novice Stakes at Chepstow (2nd June). He ran on in a compelling finish that showcased his natural aptitude for speed in closing stages, along with a competitive and confident attitude that achieved a comfortable ¾ length lead over the line. A commendable ride from John Fahy and delighted for his owners, Paul & Clare Rooney.
Later that week, we were very pleased to welcome a two-year-old win with Jasour, owned by Al Mohamediya Racing, who ran in the 5f Maiden Stakes at Nottingham (4th June). This was only the colt's second outing and it was a prevalent start to finish lead that nicely showcased his sprinting capabilities, as he crossed the line with a 1/2 length advantage. This experience will place him in good stead for his next opportunity.
After five previous starts, with a couple of unlucky finishes, it was wonderful to see three-year-old Starlight Nation finally get his head in front a couple of days later with a comfortable success in the 7f Handicap at Leicester (6th June). Following an unlucky finish in his last outing where he was placed fourth, beaten only a length, it was wonderful to see him stride out in front winning comfortably with a length in hand. We’re delighted for the horse, as well as his owner Mrs C J Black, and now look ahead to our next entry at Ffos Las on Sunday, where he hopefully has even more to offer with an extended distance of 7 ½ furlongs.
On the 13th June, success continued and the Beechdown team were pleased to celebrate a back-to-back victory with a thrilling juvenile double in the 6f Novice Divisions at Salisbury with our promising two-year-olds colts, Sky Wizard and Dragon Leader.
Narrowly place in third during his encouraging debut at Windsor, Sky Wizard was first to land the win, with Richard Kingscote at the helm, as he went head-to-head in closing stages with the Andrew Balding trained Equity Law. Perseverance and a professional attitude on the day prevailed, as he mastered his competition and ran clear over the line by two lengths. He will be an exciting prospect to move forwards with, with further winning potential for his owners Julie Deadman and Steven Barrow.
Shortly followed in Division 2 was first-time out Dragon Leader, ridden by John Fahy, who showcased himself impeccably in his winning debut. Making up ground with two furlongs to go, he chased down the leader with impeccable style and crossed the line easily to win by 1 3/4 lengths. A very exciting outcome for his owning connections, Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds III, and we now look ahead to a hopeful season with his next entry in the Yearling Stakes at York in August.
As the team's winning streak continued, this time at Bath, we were pleased to land another success with our two-year-old filly, Unbreak My Heart, who stormed to victory second time out in the Novice Stakes over 5f on 17th June.
Following her debut in the Condition Stakes at Salisbury two weeks prior, we were delighted to see her finish in front as she approached closing stages with a strong spectacle of speed and capability. Those that are familiar with her bloodline, and our previous form with this family, will know she is a full sister to our listed placed filly, Heartwarming, and out of the same dam as our Group 2 Royal Ascot winning, Heartache, so her pedigree shapes her to hold much promise. An exciting prospect for her owner, Chris Harper, and her breeders Whitsbury Manor Stud.
Elsewhere this month, we had an exciting entry with our talented four-year-old filly, Get Ahead, in the Group 2 Prix du Gros-Chene at Chantilly. Following her classy listed success at Haydock two weeks beforehand, we went to France with great anticipation and she did not disappoint. Surging up the rail in the colours of the Hot to Trot syndicate, with Richard Kingscote in the saddle, she narrowly missed out on the title beaten by only a short head, but ran a remarkable run over the five furlong track.