Remembrance Sunday
No runners this week but plenty of news to update on.
It was a good week for relations of our horses, with Surrey Gold’s half brother Sheraz running a blinder at 150-1 to finish 3rd in the Melbourne Cup. We try to buy well bred horses (within our budget restrictions) and it’s great when that breeding line is then enhanced, but frustrating that injury has retired the likes of Gold, and Surrey Knight who is uncle to Paddington. Surrey Force’s cousin, Allegorie de Vasay won more black type over fences this week, whilst Surrey Fortune’s uncle, Knappers Hill easily won a Grade 2 yesterday. Surrey Quest’s brother, East India Express, makes his debut over hurdles tomorrow at Kempton, and we still have high hopes that Stromberg will enhance his half sister Surrey Charm’s value next season.
Unfortunately it wasn’t such a good week for Surrey Lord’s syndicate owners and connections, as he was scanned again this week and after much deliberation, the vets at the Sussex Equine Hospital have recommended that Lord be given a further 12 -14 weeks rest to ensure that his injury heals properly. The situation is not clear cut and the vets have admitted they have never seen an injury like this before. However, on balance, the feeling is that there is probably some very minor damage to the fibres at the edge of the tendon. It is not showing on the scan but if it was just bruising or fluid it should have cleared by now. The timing is obviously unfortunate as it effectively rules out Lord for the remainder of the season but by resting him now, it ensures a full recovery. Toby’s fear is that if we push ahead and there is damage to the tendon we risk it developing into a proper tendon injury, which would not only rule him out for this season but next season as well. He will be scanned again at the end of December and there is a very small chance that if the scan was completely clear we could reassess the situation. However, it would still be April/May before he was race fit and we would have to consider the wisdom of risking it for the sake of one Bumper run when the ground is drying out.
Surrey Quest had a successful soft palate procedure this week and is now back recuperating with Toby. He’s pretty fit already so it should only be 6 weeks before we start planning his next race. The handicapper was impressed with his win at Huntingdon, raising him 8 pounds to a new rating of 128. Surrey Belle had her rating hiked 3 pounds for her win at Wolves, to a new rating of 66. She and Surrey Charm have joined Surrey Noir at Culworth Grounds Farm for a winter break.
Surrey Shadow has had a successful gelding operation, the wound is healing nicely and hopefully stays that way until fully healed. Infection is the biggest risk with these type if minor ops. Surrey Fortune has had his latest cold water treatments, with one more session next week. He looks great and is still working on the deep sand in between his trips to the spar. We’ll catch up with Billy this week and get an idea of when he will be ready to make his debut.
Surrey Force isn’t ready to run at Kempton next week but will be entered into two races in early December, one mile novice races at either Lingfield or Kempton. He’s been a bit of a handful this week so Kevin has been riding him, reminding him who is boss and increasing his workload !
Finally, we are at Ascot for two days of great racing in the Owners Village in 2 weeks time so if you are there come and say hello. It’s worth noting that on the Friday 24th, entry is free (£1 booking fee which goes to charity) so it makes for a great atmosphere and must be one of the best value days out anywhere. There’s a decent card with three class 2s and you get to see us!
Have a super week
Possible races and events
2023
November
Friday 24th – Surrey Racing participating in Ascot’s Ownership Day – FREE ENTRY
Saturday 25th - Surrey Racing participating in Ascot’s Ownership Day
December
Tuesday 5th - Surrey Force - Lingfield
Wednesday 6th – Surrey Force - Kempton