July 16th Update
A few owners were at Newmarket on Friday where Team Clover had an open social morning before racing, it’s always good to see Surrey Shadow again. He’s looking great and has really grown into a pretty imposing 2 year old.
He’s moving really well with a super demeanour but he’s still growing! That does mean that Tom will have to be a little careful in how quick he’s pushing him forward as too much too soon can lead to longer term injuries. It may mean his debut could be a little later in the Autumn but we don’t mind that, he looks very impressive and there’s still 20% left in him available to purchase.
The other big news is welcome back Surrey Charm! After 11 months battling injuries and illness she’s set to return at Chepstow on Thursday which is absolutely fantastic news. She is one of 16 entered in a class 6 handicap over 10 furlongs, currently the 4.40 race with the wonder lad Billy Loughnane riding and claiming 3 pounds. Chepstow has seen a lot of rain but hopefully that will ease off this week and the ground dries out as Charm is one of our only horses who doesn’t need it soft although that’s not to say she won’t like it, we just wouldn’t want it too heavy. She’s been improving in her work but she’s entitled to need this run after such a long break. It feels like a fresh start for all connections.
Surrey Belle was left alone by the handicapper this week and stays at 64 which is good news especially after her earlier form (Salisbury and Kempton where she had excuses) was franked by a very impressive La Isla Mujeres last night at Salisbury. Belle will improve again next time, she will stick at 10 furlongs for now while she continues learning to settle. There are two potential races for her at the end of July, on the 27th at either Newbury or Sandown if she’s ready to run again by then (plus ground dependant) but if not, then Hughie will look for alternatives at a galloping track in August.
Surrey Noir, who was gelded on July 3rd, is already back working up Warren Hill. It can be as short as three weeks before horses can race again after a gelding operation but normally if all goes well (which is certainly seems to have with Noir) it’s usually at least 4-5 weeks before they return to the track. There are a couple of potentials for him, 31st July on Lingfield’s turf track or on the 8th/9th of August (Ffos Las or Kempton) but we’ll see how his recovery continues over the next week or so.
Surrey Knight is well within himself, he’s still in rehab at Charlie’s, probably for another week and then he’ll be moved, more than likely to Culworth Grounds Farm while we find a suitable and loving home for him.
Surrey Gold was visited by Sharon and Steve recently and he’s happy in Cornwall, being turned out every day, and enjoying the lovely conditions in Saltash. He’s coming to the end of his rehab now and ready to be rehomed, which is over a year since his last run at Royal Ascot. As always we do keep the horses under our ownership until they have fully recovered and make sure that when they are ready we find them the best possible home after racing.
Surrey Quest is also a temporary resident at Jackie’s in Cornwall, and he will start in the sand school in the next week or so where we will have more of an idea as to how much the steroid injection has worked. It’s still early days but so far signs are good.
No new news on the other NH horses, Surrey Fortune and Surrey Lord, who have both finished their summer holidays. Surrey Force is probably a 4-6 weeks away from his debut whilst Surrey Fire, who is doing more on the gallops, is still a slow burner. Surrey Mist is due to have a scan this week so we await news on that and the plan for the next month.
Good luck to the Charm owners this week
Possible races and events
2023
July
Thursday 20th – Surrey Charm – Chepstow 4.40
Thursday 27th – Surrey Belle – Newbury or Sandown
August
September
Saturday 9th – Billy’s Owners Morning