A Golden Update !

Wow – what a Friday ! Come on, who else had that Friday feeling!

Surrey Gold put up such a strong gutsy performance to win the heritage handicap at York on soft ground over 1 mile 6 furlongs, running on! Heritage handicaps are so hard to win, they are super competitive and it’s rare for any horse to win two in a year, that hasn’t happened to us, yet, but we’ve had two horses win one each this year, both at York!   

Since his Newbury romp, Gold has failed to trouble the scorers but has never really run a bad race despite there being plenty of mitigating factors, which really mainly was the soft ground he really needed. After heavy rain early in the week, and despite the glorious sunshine on the day, the going was soft enough to fill us with confidence for a good run. A slight change in tactics as well with new jockey Sean Levey riding further forward and never really being out of the first three. Coming into the home straight it was left to Surrey Gold and King Power’s Star Caliber to battle it out all the way to the line. Sean Levey worked really hard and put all is his skill and strength to edge Gold in front with 100 yards to go and hold on for a fantastic win! York is a superb racecourse and to have two winners there this year in major handicaps is some achievement and once again the owners had something to shout about - what a memorable day (and evening!!).

Hughie said it was a great staying performance on ground that finally suited, the softer the better and Gold had to put every effort into it. It certainly showed that he had a hard race, the vet reported he suffered from post-race heat stress so we’ll see how he recovers before thinking about the next target but possibly which could aim for the November Handicap. 

We are also so pleased to have just bought another horse by the same sire, Golden Horn, a really strong looking filly who will also be trained by Hughie - shares are available so get in touch to avoid any disappointment ! We have already sold shares in both horses which is great – their details attached for anyone who wants to get involved. Surrey Charm and Surrey Belle are in good spirits, now on the walker and doing some lunge work. We are also looking for a colt to go into training with Charlie this week although because of other commitments we wont be attending the sales so Charlie will be working with Anthony Stroud and Matt Coleman to find us the next Surrey Gold! 

Talking of girls, next up Surrey Princess who will be running this week at either Bath at 17.55 on Wednesday (fillies only over a mile for 0-70 rated horses) or Brighton at 16.30 (0-60 over 1m 2 furlongs) Thursday. The handicapper gave her a very competitive opening mark of 60 which we think is sufficiently low enough to give her every chance this week. George said she has come out of the last race at Lingfield really well, will be sharper for that, and the firming turf will suit. Trevor Whelan has been booked to ride at either course. 

Surrey Knight has recently completed two pieces of work that Charlie described as ‘brilliant’, however he has stiffened up a lot as he does find the harder work physically demanding, which is really only immaturity. He’s going to have a very easy week this week, he’s too good a horse to force and take risks with.  

We will catch up with Nicky next week and see how Gran Luna and Surrey Quest are – it looks like the weather turns from the middle of the month so fingers crossed we can see both out in October. 

Thanks for all the great messages on social media and email this week, I thought Paul’s was especially good, saying watching Surrey Gold and feeling part of the family had made joining so rewarding. It’s so great we all support each others horses and share that joy when it goes well. We have a 29% win rate this year which is incredible but we all know there are some dark days as well which is why its doubly important to enjoy those winning ones. We did see some pictures from the York to London train Friday evening – we’re sure there were some very sore heads on Saturday!! 

Good luck to the Princess owners this week.

Entries and Other Possible Plans/Events 2021/22

October
Wednesday 13th - Surrey Princess – Bath – 17.55
Thursday 14th – Surrey Princess – Brighton -16.30
Sunday 24th – George Baker Owners Lunch
November
Saturday 6th – Surrey Gold – Doncaster (November Handicap)
Sunday 7th – Surrey Racing Yearling Parade 10.00 -12.00 @ Langshot Stud, Chobham, Surrey 
2022
July
10th – Surrey Knight (153rd German Derby, Hamburg)