A Graded Update!
Back in the winners enclosure as Surrey Mist stepped up in class to take on French opposition in the Graded Prix Vulcain, a Listed race at Deauville’s beautiful racecourse. Having had his first (and winning run) for Kevin Philappart du Foy at Windsor 2 weeks prior, Mist was in good shape to tackle harder opposition and made the trip over without any issues. Jockey Ioritz Mendizabal was told that Mist would relish the soft ground, that he would stay the 2500 metre distance and to not turn the race into a sprint finish. And so, after a slow start, Ioritz decided to take up the running and let Mist gallop at his own speed. He took a breather before the turn to home and then kicked on opening up a 5 length lead on proven horses including second place Carini whose owner HH Aga Khan had supplemented his horse into the race. Surrey Mist powered on to win readily by 4 lengths in what has to be Surrey Racing’s greatest performance to date and only our second stakes winner. Being French Bred there is an additional 60% of French Premiums added to the prize money so the official winnings were nearly E50k, well worth the additional costs of the trip over!
So what now, well, as we’ve mentioned before, Mist is entered into the Horse in Training sale this week – he is lot 754F and will go through the ring on Tuesday evening. You can watch live on the Tattersalls website or if you wish you feel free to come along to Newmarket and watch. Mist’s hasn’t vetted that well which will put off the big buyers from HK and Australia, but the fact he is sound means he may appeal to the NH owners especially as he looks like he will stay further that 12 furlongs. The other option is to could keep him in training for next year with Group Racing certainly on the agenda but we will talk with all of the owners and set a reserve price where we would feel comfortable selling.
Yesterday we visited Surrey Fortune and Surrey Knight where it was great to meet up with some new owners for the first time. Surrey Fortune looks better and better every time we see him. He’s just started to be ridden so will really start to build muscle and to strengthen up over the coming months. He was a super chilled horse yesterday and we can’t wait to see him on the track which will be bumper racing next spring. Surrey Knight is hanging out in a large field at Culworth Grounds Farm with a group of 8 very friendly geldings just doing what horses do, with Knight the leader of the pack. He’s very happy having the run of the paddock and will stay out as long as the weather stays ok. He does look fit and well which is great although we wont really get a realistic timeframe of his return to Charlie’s until around Christmas time.
Surrey Quest is making good sound jumping progress although he’s yet to school on the grass. Nicky worked him hard yesterday and hopes to have him on the grass this week as the rain has softened the ground although Cheltenham was still on the fast side of good yesterday. He won’t be making his seasonal debut this month but will certainly be out in November as long as he gets soft ground. We have arranged an owners visit on Wednesday 9th to Seven Barrows – if any non owner wishes to come then let me know and we’ll see if numbers permit nearer the time.
Of the rest it’s as you were really, recovering from injury and getting ready for that important debut or a returning to action.
Next week we will bring you news of our successful visit to the sales, plus details of an open day at Langshot Stud where we can celebrate the year with a glass of fizz, see temporary resident Surrey Charm and we will bring the horses along where there are shares available.
Massive Congrats to the Mist owners – winning a Class 1 is up there with the best achievements in racing, fingers crossed whatever happens on Tuesday we are all satisfied with the outcome.
Possible races and events
October
Tuesday 25th Horses in Training Sale – Surrey Mist lot 754F
Saturday 29th KPR Drinks for Mist owners - 16.30
November
Wednesday 9th – Nicky Henderson Stable Visit
Friday 18th – Ascot - Discover Ownership Day
Saturday 19th Ascot - Discover Ownership Day
Wednesday 30th Tattersalls December Mare Sale – Gran Luna lot 2090
December
2023
March
Saturday 25th – Surrey Lord – Newbury – Goffs Bumper