It was fantastic to get our first winner on the board with our first runner when Global Warning won the 6f handicap at Newcastle on Monday night. I was delighted for Dr Hon as he has invested a lot into this new project and it is important he gets enjoyment out of it. Global Warning's win was a good boost for Dr Hon and all of the team at Albert House Stables.
Anyone who works or has worked in a racing yard will know that a lot of work goes into getting a horse to the racecourse. Whether it is a big race or small a lot of money and time has been spent. Before Global Warning's run it was no different. Everyone in the yard has ridden him at some stage and made a contribution towards him getting to Newcastle in good heart. His bridle was fitted by two different people the day before, so keen was everyone to ensure everything was just so. Chris mapped out his preparation perfectly and he was spot on come the day. We joked with him afterwards it must have been good to get off the cold list, given it had been 774 days after his last winner. Marco 'smiley' Ghiani gave him a lovely ride and followed instructions to the letter.
A special thanks must go to Highfields Bloodstock in Saxon Street who freshened him up before he arrived. Dr Hon was very keen for him to win for Mr Dunlop before the venture started, he was unlucky to be second to a thrown in Tranchee and then was second from a bad draw at Kempton where he finished like a train, it just did not quite happen. He then ran flat mentally after having a lot of races in a short timeframe but he would not have had as many runs if the new venture was not starting. We were lucky to therefore get a well handicapped horse who had been freshened up to perfection by James and Ellie and turned up there in very good condition.
We are looking like having a busy week next week with three runners. Global Warning is likely to turn out again at Kempton under a penalty all being well as it looks like the handicapper is not going to be kind. Capla Crusader and London Eye are also pencilled in to make their first starts for us.
It is great to see Kevin Philippart De Foy start so well. Having worked for a top trainer such as Mr Fanshawe it is no surprise and both of his winners at Newcastle look like they will win again. I spent the first twenty years of my life at Machell Place where he is based. It is a lovely old yard in a great location and I have a lot of affection for it. I was not the most popular person in the yard during my youth as I used to pull a prank every April Fools day. One year I switched two bay horses who looked very similar and another I decided to hide the key to the tackroom door, the mornings often ended with me getting dropped into the muckheap. Machell Place has a great history being linked back to Captain Machell who was a fantastic character by all accounts. He will be delighted to know that it is in good hands.