We are officially into the final month of the year, and with that comes a bit of time for reflection. With our first ever runner in only April this year, it has been quite the whirlwind since, including; negotiating numerous horse sales on both a buying and selling parameter, visiting the winners enclosure (thankfully) a healthy number of times, welcoming new owners and rewarding old owners for sticking with us, getting the yard up to full capacity, and much more!
For this time of year, we are still incredibly busy, with plenty of intended runners for the all-weather, most of which are new recruits so it is an exciting time as they near their yard debuts. We also have five yearlings on site (2 fillies 3 colts) who are all cantering away nicely on the gallops currently. There's also a few off-site who will come to us when they are ready to go into training in the New Year. We've a few older horses off-site too, either wintering at studs or back with their owner's for the winter. It is nice for them to have a change of scenery, but we do miss them when they go!
[Mostly Cloudy after winning the Brown Jack at Ascot Racecourse under Tom Marquand]
We've enjoyed many highlights as a team this year, including:
Mostly Cloudy winning 5 races on the trot (raising from a handicap mark of 60 to 98), before running commendably in the Group 2 Lonsdale at York Ebor Festival. He received a nomination for the Flat Special Achievement Award at the ROA awards. He was sold to Australia for 150,000 guineas.
Providing Maximum Racing with their very first winner on the flat. We picked up Shahnaz for them cheaply (8000 guineas) last Autumn, she went on to win 3 races and finish 2nd for the syndicate.
Strawman winning for Keith Till at odds of 22/1, a horse I won on myself 3 times as a rider, and a horse that means so much to the Till family.
Two-year-old colt Vondelpark scooting up at Ripon by 8 lengths for the Keep The Faith Partnership. Having first met KTFP as a teenager during my first job in racing, it was extremely satisfying to train them a winner myself, and in great style too!
Elixsoft being our very first winner at Nottingham Racecourse. She was the last horse I rode in a race before retiring from the saddle, and the whole team was very fond of her, so it was wonderful she was the one to break the duck.
Freak Out winning for Grange Park Racing, who have been involved with the yard (when my mother was training) for over a decade, and a syndicate that showed me a lot of support as a rider.
Fomo providing my first two-year-old winner at Musselburgh, a filly we bought as a yearling, broke in and backed ourselves at the yard.
Old boy Twin Appeal rolling back the years for a win at Catterick for the Gemma Tutty Racing Club. He is now residing at the National Horseracing College, where it is reported he is doing wonderfully!
Miss Britain being the first winner in my name and very own colours as a registered owner.
[Strawman and team Till after his Redcar win under Connor Beasley]
There is a lot to look forwards to for next year, with lots of new horses, a strong lineup for the weight-for-age races, and plenty enough 2 year olds for a yard of our size. In replacement of our racing club (many thanks to those of you that supported it), we have also launched our own syndicate under 'Yorkshire Moors Racing', currently offering shares in our Invincible Army filly. There aren't many left now so if you are interested in getting involved I wouldn't hang around! Details are on the YMR tab at the top of the page.
I have a heck of a lot of gratitude to distribute, so here goes:
Firstly, thank you to my amazing group of owners, both old and new. The faith that you've instilled in me has given me the confidence to get on with the job to the best of my ability, and I'm truly grateful for your support.
The hardworking team at home. Your ability to work autonomously, keep the show on the road when I'm at the sales, keep smiling in the worst of weather and put as much thought, care and effort into the horses as I do myself, is really heartening. I am very lucky to have you all.
My family, for stepping in to help out when resources are running short (mainly box drivers!). Whether it's getting up at 5.30am on a Sunday to take 2-year-olds galloping or driving up to Hamilton when we have 3 meetings on the same day, you have me covered.
Here's to a successful 2023 season,
Stay safe,
Gemma
Retired Muqarred leads; Invincible Army filly, Inns Of Court colt & Profitable colt