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Sun Dancer Girl racked up win no 4 with three of those wins now at Lingfield and all four under jockey Callum Hutchinson. Our daughter of Dabirsim made light work of the opposition and had clearly benefitted from her last run at Southwell after a summer break. Given a patient ride by Callum she was produced to lead in the home straight and and quickly asserted to win by a length and a half from the even money fav Glimmer of Light. Off a mark of 69 there is no doubt more to come and she could prove a real money spinner on the Aw over the coming winter months.
The future is bright for Ollie Sangster after Glamis Road gave the trainer more reason to dream ahead of next season when winning at Saint-Cloud on Sunday.
Now he has added another member to his crack team of fillies thanks to the Nick Bradley Racing-owned youngster, who made up for a luckless trip to Chantilly when fourth in the Prix Miesque by winning the Listed Prix Herod in the Paris suburbs.
With the handler blessed with a yard stacked with talent to fire at next year’s early-season Classic trials, and having shown a liking for racing on the continent, Sangster envisages a return to France for Glamis Road in 2025, with hopes high she can continue heading in the right direction following her season-ending success.
Sangster said: “She won well and we thought she was maybe a bit unlucky the last day in the Prix Miesque. She’s been in good form since, so we were happy to have another go and try and win a stakes race with her.
Our prize money is over the £1,000,000 mark for 2024!
That’s the quickest we’ve ever got to the milestone in a calendar year and we have a great chance of surpassing our best ever year.
A big thank you to all of our trainers, jockeys, stable staff and most importantly our owners.
Nick Bradley Racing / Cliff Stud Open Day 2024
Sunday 10th November
10:30am
Cliff Stud, Helmsley, YO62 5HG
If you'd like to join us for our joint open day, please register your interest here
We are offering you a COMPLIMENTARY Nick Bradley Racing Silk Tie or Ladies Silk Neck Scarf, if you buy a share in October.
Our yearling open day at Glebe Farm was a huge success, with plenty of feedback stating it was the best yet!
A big thank you to everyone who came along and support the day, It was our strongest crowd which was brilliant to see and I hope we can take another step forward next year.
We will shortly be announcing our open day at Cliff Stud near Helmsley, the former base for Sir Henry Cecil where so many of our yearlings are currently starting their breaking in process with George Chaloner and his team.
This will be on the 10th November.
Al Qareem went back to back in the Group 3 Cumberland Lodge at Ascot in turn taking his career earnings to over £450,000 and gaining win no 8 under regular pilot Clifford Lee. A horse that has brought so much joy to his owners and connections doesn't know how to run a bad race and with Cliff giving him his customary front running tactics he was always going to be difficult to peg back and so it proved. Despite the late attempt of second favourite Al Aasy to get to "Alan" the 11/10 fav held on for a comfortable 2 length victory. A trip to Saint Cloud for the Prix Royal Oak may be next on the agenda for our admirable Awtaad gelding.
Trainer Grant Tuer, jockey Sam James and owners Nick Bradley Racing combined to win their second valuable handicap in as many days as Sophia’s Starlight (13/2) showed a game attitude to land the British Stallion Studs EBF Premier Fillies’ Handicap to add to their big winner at Goodwood on Wednesday with Love Talk.
The forward-going four-year-old held off the closing pack with real fighting spirit to return to the scoresheet for the first time since last season’s Great St Wilfrid.
James said: “She has had a few niggly issues throughout the year, but Grant, to be fair to him, thought she was in good form coming here today and she loves that bit of juice in the ground which helps. She was tough today and did it well.
“She’s had a little freshen up and I don’t think she’s the easiest filly to keep right and they do a very good job with her at home. She likes this soft ground and hopefully now they can have a bit of fun with her.
The highly-rated Love Talk (Ten Sovereigns – Lovelocks, by High Chaparral) secured a valuable prize in the British EBF £100,000 Fillies’ Series Final at Goodwood.
The Grant Tuer-trained filly emerged as a smart type when making a winning debut in May and went on to finish fourth in two Group races in France. Reunited with Sam James on Wednesday, the 93-rated filly raced prominently throughout the seven furlong contest and was travelling well with two furlongs left to race. She ran on gamely when ridden approaching the final furlong and went on to beat the favourite by a length and three quarters, going away.
Bred by Glenvale Stud and Edgeridge Ltd, the second crop daughter of Ten Sovereigns is a half-sister to another highly-rated type in Nellie Leylax (Calyx), who is two from two this season.
Nala Star collected her second win of the year with a gutsy win in the restricted novice at Beverley under PJ Mcdonald. Showing prominently over the 5f trip PJ found himself in front plenty early enough but with the cheekpieces applied she knuckled down to the task and kept on well to score by 3/4 of a length from a 100/1 shot of Tim Easterby's in second. Our Cotai Glory filly is likely to remain competitive over the min trip off a mark of 77 and continues our good run of form with the 2yo's at Ollie Sangsters.
Our homebred daughter of Sergei Prokofiev had moved a touch frustrating for her owners so far this season, Ed and his team have been very positive about this filly from the get go but she had yet to deliver on the track despite showing some minor promise in the valuable Somerville sales race the last day. Dropping into handicap company and switching to the tapeta surface saw this filly in a different light and she looked a much improved animal both physically and mentally. She pulled many lengths clear with the short priced favourite and showed a very willing attitude to get her head in front at the line. We will see what the handicapper does before making any decisions but she looks another candidate for the first period of the ARC aw bonus which carries £20,000 in prize money. We do expect her to improve into her 3yo campaign and will be mindful of that when managing her programme this side of the new year.
Well done to all the team at Ed's, our frst winner with the yard!
Turned out under a penalty for her win at Newcastle, this looked a good opportunity for our daughter of Saxon Warrior to back up her victory earlier in the week. Sent off even money favourite, she had us biting our nails at one point and it was evident that she wasn’t in love with the ground or the track and she was in a disadvantaged track position off a slow pace. She was on top where it mattered though and Harrison felt she was always in control in the final furlong. She has options now and could be one we target the ARC all weather bonus with in the early stages before we give her some time off as she’s expected to improve again between two and three. A handy pick up from Eddie Linehan to add to Love Talk! Well done to all the team at Grants once again.
Al Qareem landed the listed 1m 4f Stand Cup stakes for the second year running at Chester under an excellent front running ride from Pierre Louis Jamin. Sent off a heavily backed 4/5 fav Pierre sent Al Qareem straight to the front and setting a steady tempo was able to dictate the race. Increasing the tempo at the 3f pole he soon had the rest of the field in trouble and kept on well inside the final furlong to win unchallenged by just under 3 lengths. With over £400k now earnt and seven victories to his name Alan as he is affectionately known is a credit to Karl and the team back home and a firm favourite with his loyal band of owners.
Shielas Well broke her maiden tag in emphatic fashion when running out a comfortable winner of the 1m nursery at Newcastle in turn landing some nice bets for her owners having been sent off as 5/4 fav. Silvestre De Sousa was at his imperious best, dropping our Saxon Warrior out and taking cover on an evening with a strong headwind. Despite hitting the front plenty soon enough she galloped on relentlessly to put four lengths between her and the second horse at the line. Theres plenty more to come from the Grant Tuer filly and it looks like a fruitful AW campaign may be in store for a sire who's progeny appear to go well on the surface.
Obelix repaid trainers Steve Brown & Julie Camacho faith when running out a convincing winner of the 1m handicap at Haydock under an inspired ride from Clifford Lee. Despite some concern over the slow ground Obelix was waited with throughout the race but found himself in some trouble from the 2f pole down with Cliff patiently waiting for a gap. They appeared just under the 1f pole and he quickened up in the style of a useful horse to put 1 length and a quarter between him and the second who is highly regarded by the Grant Tuer team. Plenty of jubilant owners were on track to welcome the son of Sea the Stars back to the winners enclosure and on decent ground he could well be a force to be reckoned with in nice 1m handicaps and beyond.
Invincible Annice just managed to last home in the 5f novice at Hamilton giving Karl Burke a 1,2,3 and NBR a 1,3 with Larchill Lass back in third. Our Invincible Spirit filly travelled sweetly for Shane Gray and despite edging left when given the office inside the final furlong she managed to prevail by a neck for win no 2 of the season. Larchill Lass was only a length and 3/4 behind in third and will benefit from an extra furlong going forward.
Evening Story produced a power packed finish to get up close home to give trainer Grant Tuer his fourth winner with the last five runners and jockey Ollie Stammers his first of the year after an enforced absence. Despite having previous winning form at Newcastle the drop back in trip was dependant on there been plenty of pace in the race and with the leaders going slow our New Bay filly has done well to be successful. In fairness it was a well judged ride by stable jockey Ollie Stammers whose delight was for all to see in the winners enclosure. Congratulations to all connections and I'm sure she will be an excellent buy for someone as she heads to the September Online sale.
Nala Star is a maiden no more after an authoritative win in the 2yo maiden at Catterick under PJ Mcdonald. Despite missing the break PJ was able to take a nice position in behind the leaders and with a nice gap appearing at the 1f pole she was able to put her experience to good use and quicken through for a comfortable 1 3/4 length victory. Off a mark of 71 before been reassessed she is sure to be competitive in nurseries this coming Autumn and should be plenty more fun for her lucky owners.
Nick Bradley Racing owners can avail of this superb offer from Tote/World Pool by scanning the QR code above.
Petra Celera gained her second win since been transferred to Roger Fell & Sean Murray with a cosy victory in the 7f handicap under a well timed ride by Ethan Jones. Steadied at the start from a mid draw, Ethan rode our filly to the letter, waiting until hitting the straight for her effort and travelling through horses to be delivered in front half a furlong from home. 7f and left handed certainly look to be her optimum conditions and as an improving 3yo filly at this time of year there may well be more victories to come.
Greek Gift was an authoritative winner of the 7 1/2f nursery handicap at Beverley winning eased down by 3 lengths under a tidy Sam James ride. Sent off as the 9/4f and the more fancied of the Nick Bradley pair Sam always had Magna Grecia filly well positioned and given the office at the 1f pole she quickly put the race to bed. I'm sure there is further improvement to come and with a step up in trip also likely to benefit she looks sure to win more races. Well done to Karl and the team and breeders Castletown Stud.
Je Ne Sais Quoi opened her account for the Nick Bradley Racing team with an authorative victory in the 5f fillies handicap at Ripon under Sam James. Showing plenty of zip from the gate Je Ne Sais Quoi was able to take a handy position and a lead from the Tim Easterby horse. With a gap appearing against the rail at the 1f pole Sam needed no second invitation and the race was quickly put to bed. There is a nice 5f fillies handicap at the York Ebor meeting and it may well be where our progressive filly next appears.
Sun Dancer Girl recorded back to back victories and took her seasonal tally to three victories after coming home in front at Southwell yesterday afternoon.
This was arguable her most impressive run to date and she clearly benefitted for the step up in trip.
Callum Hutchinson was equally impressive in the saddle and the two have partnered up for all of her wins to date.
Its hard to envisage that she has finished improving and she remain competitive when she returns to the track.
Well done to the team at Kingsclere and her patient owners!
Blufferonthebus continued her upwards trajectory with a comfortable victory on the Westwood on Tuesday.
Sam James delivered her to perfection to edge past course specialist Uno Gregory late in the day.
The front two pulled over three lengths clear of the third placed horse and this looked another career best from our Ribchester filly.
She has now finished out of the prize money on just one occasion from ten starts this season, including three victories and she looks like she will remain competitive especially if turning up at a course with a stiff finish.
Sun Dancer Girl made it win no 2 as a 3yo with a comfortable victory in the Lingfield seller with the added bonus of returning back to Kingsclere after no bids were received. Callum Hutchinson has now ridden our Dabirsim filly to both her victories, one on the grass at Lingfield and the other on the all weather. She is versatile trip wise with the dam out of Teofilo and placed up to 1m 6f herself. I'm sure there's more to come off a reasonable looking mark of 61. Well done to Andrew Balding and the team who's yard are currently in rude health
J Street opened her account at the fourth time of asking with an authorative victory in the maiden fillies at Catterick in turn earning her lucky owners over 20k in prize money including a GBB bonus. Shane Gray always had our Washington DC to the fore and despite not fully appreciating the soft underfoot conditions was able to come home a clear cut winner looking like there will be more to come on a better surface. She looks a good buy at 17,000 guineas from Goffs and off a mark of 75 there may well be more to come.
Classy Boy returned to form after his recent wind op with an all the way success under Brandon Wilkie in the 1m hcp at Carlisle. Given an enterprising front running ride by Brandon he kicked on Classy at the bottom of the hill and despite facing a number of challengers all the way up the straight he kept on well to win by 3/4 of a length. Lets hope he has more to offer off this kind of mark as he's been a generally consistent horse for connections.
Greek Gift opened her account as a 2yo with a hard fought success at Carlisle in the first 7f nursery of the season. Given a patient ride by Shane Gray she started to make relentless progress up the Carlisle hill but it wasn't until the final 50 yards that she was able to get on top and prevail by a neck. We did think a mark of 56 was always workable and I'm sure there will be more progress as the season continues and the 1m + nurseries come into play. Congratulations to all connections and Castletown Stud who bred our Magna Grecia filly.
Petra Celera got back on the winning trail under the guidance of Roger Fell & Sean Murray with a cosy success at Thirsk in the 7f hcp. Given a considerate ride by Danny Tudhope, Petra dwelt at the start and was nursed into the race by Danny at the two pole. Leading at the distance she quickened nicely and was 3/4 length in front at the line to the delight of over a dozen owners on track. Assuming the handicapper doesn't go overboard with this win there still looks to be plenty of meat in her mark of 65.
Glamis Road made a successful start to her racing career with an authoritative victory in the restricted fillies maiden at Doncaster and in turn earning herself a tilt at the listed Prix Roland Chambure in Deauville next weekend.
Given a confident ride by Kevin Stott our Kodiac breeze up filly tracked the pace before making her move at the furlong pole. Showing little inexperience she was asked to quicken through horses and did say in taking fashion quickly putting the race to bed. She has stamina on the dams side and on this showing is more than capable of holding her own in better company.
We still have five horses in the Weatherbys Super Sprint after todays latest stage, which see’s just 60 horses remain in the race.
Lift Lady, Invincible Annice, Kilteel, Hardlass and Larchill Lass remain in the race, the former has an eye catching RPR in addition to bottom weight in the £250k sales race.
We will be looking for several runners in the race with good prize money paid all the way down to tenth place.
Invincible Annice put her slightly disappointing York effort behind her with a narrow win over the Richard Fahey trained Up The Clarets in the seller on Edinburgh Gold Cup day at Musselburgh. Annice under Sam James was given a nice lead into the race by the fav Combat Soldier and leading 1f out she was able to keep the Fahey trained second fav at bay with the two pulling four lengths clear of the third horse. Invincible Annice was subsequently bought back for £40,000 guineas and looks one to make further progress.
At the sixth attempt Dusk Dame is no longer a maiden as she made all at Catterick to score by a neck and in turn give NBR and Alice Haynes their first winner together. Sent off a well backed 4/1 shot Connor Beasley soon had the filly to the fore and despite facing a strong challenge from the second fav Rapido Girl she held on by a neck. First winner for the dam Sweet & Dandy and our Twilight son filly could have more to offer back over her preferred trip of 6f.
Teej A and Clifford lee followed up their Chester success with an equally impressive performance in the Woodcote at Epsom on Oaks day. Beautifully positioned throughout by Cliff, Teej A missed out on all the scrimmaging behind and was sent to the front at the 2f pole. Cliff quickly had matters under control and despite the Ralph Beckett filly keeping on well our
Mehmas filly held on by a length and a quarter. Talk of Royal Ascot was not immediate and a trip to France could be on the cards for our rapidly improving filly
Our £4,500 Territories filly Larchill Lass more than recouped her purchase price when dominating the maiden fillies at Carlisle under Pierre Louis Jamin. Sent off a well backed 6/4 fav Larchill was sent to the front at the 1f pole and surged clear for a comfortable 3 1/4 length victory. The Hilary Needler at Beverley looks the obvious next step.
Indication Court finally fulfilled his debut promise when running out a comfortable six lengths winner of the 7f claimer at Leicester. Travelling strongly throughout under jockey Kieran O Neil our Inns of Court gelding went clear at the distance and rewarded backers at the very generous odds of 40/1! He was subsequently claimed by Deborah Faulkner for £5,000 and we wish new connections all the best with him.
Love Talk put up a mightily impressive debut performance at Redcar running out a comfortable winner of the maiden fillies stakes leaving her owners dreaming of potential bigger targets in the not too distant future. Sent off at 9/2 our E25,000 Ten Sovereigns filly was always well positioned by Sam James and making headway on the outside at the 2f pole she quickened up nicely and was firmly on top at the end with 2 1/2 lengths back to the second. Sam James recommended the filly having sat on her at Eddie Linehearn and his decision looks like its fully vindicated.
Blufferonthebus was an impressive winner of the finale on the card at Carlisle, running out an easy 3 1/4 length winner of the 1m C6 Hcp in turn doubling her winning tally for the year. Under 5lb claimer Will Pyle she was confidently ridden and leading a furlong out soon went clear to give the impression she still remains a well hcp filly. At E11,500 the daughter of Ribchester looks a shrewd acquisition for connections and has now proved her versatility over a variety of trips with wins at 6f and now a mile.
Sun Dancer Girl recorded her first success at Lingfield over 12f and we were left with the feeling there’s plenty more to come!
Having disappointed the last day on her first start on the grass, she bounced back to her earlier solid handicap form under a fine Callum Hutchinson ride. The daughter of Dabirsim still looks pretty raw and you’d expect her to continue improving as the season progresses, eventually over slightly further. It was our first winner with Andrew Balding and we’ll be hoping it’s the first of many!
After impressing in her two recent starts up in trip, the NBR camp has plenty of optimism heading into the valuable filly’s mile handicap at Ascot and our tough Mehmas filly duly obliged. Sean Dylan Bowen gave her a beautiful ride, making his way over to the far side to mount his challenge. He had to be patient but the response was imminent and after recording her fifth career victory, she’s booked herself a tilt at the Listed Seely Stakes at York’s Dante meeting. Well done to the team at Grant’s once again!
TEEJ A put up a mighty impressive performance on Day 2 of the Chester May meeting when a ready made winner of the 6f Maiden and in turn also landing a welcome E10,000 IRE incentive bonus for her lucky owners. Breaking from the plum draw in Stall 1 Cliff was able to take a nice lead into the race and with Chester positioning the cut away in the home straight Cliff was able to manoeuvre to the inside and quicken away smartly for a 2 & a 1/4 length victory at the line. Plenty of happy owners on track to welcome her back to the winners enclosure and a trip to the Woodcote at Epsom on Oaks day firmly in the reckoning.
Princess Alex made it two wins in the space of just over a week with another pillar to post victory under a masterful Clifford Lee ride. Clearly appreciating the give on the Westwood and raised only 5lb for her 2 3/4 length victory at Haydock previously she set out to make all and despite facing any number of challengers at the 1f pole hung on in determined style by 3/4 of a length at the line. If we can rely on the UK weather to give us some further summer showers then in this kind of form it's not difficult to envisage a hatrick!!
After her G3 Prix Penelope victory, Making Dreams was catalogued to sell in a boutique Arqana sale, with entries in the G2 St.Alary and the Epsom Oaks against her name.
After four parties showed their interest, it was Yoshida's Northern Farm that came up trumps with their bid of €750,000.
This presented her owners with a huge ROI after she was purchased for just 33,000gns.
Not bad considering she ran in two sellers last year!
Body parts continued the good form of trainer Gemma Tutty and the NBR horses when landing her second career victory at Southwell under regular pilot Joanna Mason. Despite been sent off at the generous price of 9/1 there was no fluke with this effort and clearly appreciating the step back down to 7f she ran out a comfortable 2 3/4 length winner. The dam was a winner on the all weather and clearly Body Parts is following the family trait.
Princess Alex was given a masterful front running ride from Pierre Louis Jamin to land the 7f handicap at Haydock at the rewarding odds of 11/1. Making every yard of the running the Dark Angel filly supplemented her 2yo victory with a convincing 2 3/4 length victory on the rain softened ground. She certainly seemed to appreciate the extra furlong and in this kind of form with conditions to suit she seems sure to follow up if the handicapper doesn't punish her too hard.
After impressing in her two recent starts up in trip, the NBR camp has plenty of optimism heading into the valuable filly’s mile handicap at Ascot and our tough Mehmas filly duly obliged. Sean Dylan Bowen gave her a beautiful ride, making his way over to the far side to mount his challenge. He had to be patient but the response was imminent and after recording her fifth career victory, she’s booked herself a tilt at the Listed Seely Stakes at York’s Dante meeting. Well done to the team at Grant’s once again!
A Nick Bradley Racing Owners Day at Beverley and a one/two in the feature race on the card. What a day on The Westwood!! Classy Boy ridden by Clifford lee edging out Bellarchi ridden by Brandon Wilkie by the narrowest of margins. Two gutsy NBR horses who both gave their all and it's a shame the judge never called a dead heat! In truth Clifford Lee gave Classy Boy a masterful ride from the front and the horse was rewarded for a string of consistent efforts as a 2yo. Bellarchi never ceases to amaze and she backed up her Southwell win with another sterling effort. All smiles on owners day :)
On a wet and overcast Pontefract Monday Blufferonthebus gained her first success with a tenacious display in the 6f handicap landing the spoils by a neck under Sam James. With NBR trainer Craig Lidster saddling two it was the outsider of the pair who delivered for our £11,500 Ribchester filly who had threatened to produce a performance like this with an eye catching run at Southwell previously. The time was nearly 9 seconds under standard which gives some indication as to how the soft the ground was but with our filly proving her effectiveness on turf and AW there remains plenty to look forward to.
Ollie Sangster landed his first 2yo winner of 2024 for NBR when our 32,000 Showcasing filly Fondest Dream came from last to first in a remarkable victory at Brighton also landing a £10k GBB bonus for her lucky owners. Despite been sent off at 11/1 and making a tardy start Nicola Currie got the filly into a nice rhythm and with the leaders going off at a rate of knots she was able to pull Fondest Dream to the outside at the 2f pole and making relentless progress stayed on well to land the spoils by half a length. A great start for the Sangster 2yo's and the promise of plenty more to come.
Kingmont delivered an eye catching performance at Kempton in the 1m 3f maiden coming from last to first to pounce on the 11/8 fav Reyaadah Star and prevail by a neck. Despite Pierre finding himself too far back than ideal the panic button was never pressed and the Calyx filly was able to settle and hunt up the leaders. Making her move in the home straight she quickened up in eye catching fashion and in truth never looked like been beaten. I'm sure there is plenty more to come from the filly after only two starts and she is one that will give her owners more good days on the racecourse.
Mersea gained win no 4 of her career and a first on the AW as she saw off the 11/8 fav Rodborough in a tight four runner C5 at Southwell. Despite ducking left at the start Sam James was able to take her forward and that's where she stayed until getting headed at the distance. Our filly lacks nothing in tenacity and under a strong James drive she was able to get back up at the line and prevail by a neck. Adaptable over a variety of trips and grounds she will continue to be a fun horse for connections going forward.
Bellarchi took her career earnings to over £43k with a typical determined success on her first start on an AW surface at Southwell. Despite been sent off as one of the outsiders at 11/1 the daughter of Mehmas proved she had trained on with a gutsy display under 5lb claimer Brandon Wilkie running out a snug winner with 4 1/2 lengths back to the third horse. The handicapper had dropped Bellarchi 2lb after her season opening third at Pontefract and he may well need to reassess after this performance with the filly now proving her effectiveness over different trips and now on different surfaces.
Making Dreams is our first group winner of 2024 after a successful trip to Saint Cloud for the Group 3 Prix Penelope. As the day developed, we were confident we could gain some valuable lengths with a clear plan to sit in second off the rail and head to the stand sides rail at our earliest opportunity. This plan was executed to perfection by Alexis Pouchin, a name I’m sure we will hear move off moving forward. Full credit has to go to the team at Spigot Lodge, the filly looked in great shape for her seasonal debut and once again they made it a successful channel crossing. Dreams of the Oaks and further Group One’s in France are now on the lips of owners and the racing media, not bad considering she ran in two sellers in 2023!
A fantastic purchase once again at just £33,000…
Look Back Smiling delivered on a plan devised last October when running out a comfortable winner of the Spring Mile at Doncaster on the opening day of the turf flat season. Ridden as he was when victorious back in October, again here at Doncaster, by apprentice Brandon Wilkie, Leo as he is affectionately known by Gemma and the team, had been targeted for the race given the track, ground and distance likely to play to his strengths and that's exactly what happened. Despite having to survive a stewards enquiry Leo made it win number 5 in his career and added an extra £40k to his earnt prize money. A real credit to his connections and a smashing horse for his owners ( including our very own Lewis ) to enjoy.
The following fillies have been given an entry in the Weatherbys Super Sprint which is held at Newbury on the 20th July 2024.
Arizona Indi - Alice Haynes
Hardlass - Grant Tuer
Kilteel - Ed Dunlop
Bigfield Dreams - Alice Haynes
Indication Ember - Grant Tuer
Lift Lady - Kevin Philippart De Foy
J Street - Craig Lidster
Lucent - Craig Lidster
Magic Topissima - Grant Tuer
Wayward Daughter - Craig Lidster
Larchill - Karl Burke
Teejay - Karl Burke
Invincible Dancer - Karl Burke
Body Parts recorded our first win of 2024 with Joanna Mason giving her a peach of a ride around Dunstan Park.
Fancied to run well on handicap debut back at the end of January at Newcastle, nothing went right for her that day and she was allowed to go off a big race in what looked a fairly weak race on paper.
Purchased for just €6,000, she looks well upto backing up that effort and we'll be hopeful she can improve with her racing throughout the spring.
Another winner for Gemma Tutty, Gemma has done well with all of our horses in her care and we'll be hopeful she can have a similiar affect on Signora Bellissima who has also made the move.
Tattersalls Somerville Auction Stakes - August 24th 2024 - 6f 100k (Somerville Only)
Tattersalls October Auction Stakes - October 5th 2024 - 6f 150k (Somerville + Book 3/4)
The following horses have been entered in the valuable sales races:
Sergei Prokofiev x Anwar - Both
Expert Eye x Shaloushka - October Stakes
Showcasing x La Puntalina - Both
Invinciblie Spirit x Just Wait - October Stakes
Invincible Spirit x Mokhtarah - October Stakes
Mehmas x Mild Illusion - Both
Fastnet Rock x Danzonette - Both
Ribchester x Furlong Factor - Both
Mehmas x Spectralight - Both
Kodi Bear x Nuala Tagula - Both
Samphire Green has moved to pastures new after been purchased privately by Australian Bloodstock through Sam Haggas. After a mightily impressive debut performance where he finished 2nd at Newcastle, going down a neck to the beautiful bred Lautrec who cost £600k as a yearling, he has been bought as a racing prospect. Had he been a filly, we would have probably kept hold of him but given the decreasing prize money in the UK and the fact we may not get a chance to sell him again for such a profitable figure we felt we made the right decision. We will him all the best for his new connections.
Despite been the outsider of all four Nick Bradley Racing runners it was Petra Celera under Pierre Louis Jamin who came home in front at the rewarding odds of 40/1. Without the cheekpieces worn when well beaten at Newcastle previously Pierre settled Petra in the rear of a frantic early pace over the turning 6f at Wolves. Making headway against the far rail in the home straight she was pulled out at the distance and quickly put the race to bed to win going away by a length. She still has an entry in the Tatts Online sale next week and would prove a shrewd buy for someone if we decide to let her go.
Trabajo Detecho is quickly establishing himself as a 6f Newcastle specialist after bring up win no 3 under an inspired ride by amateur Miss Amy Collier. After winning off 54 at the start of the year Trabajo signalled his progression with a win here off 71 and the team at Roger & Sean don't believe he's stopped improving yet. Looking to have plenty to do at the furlong pole Amy timed her run to perfection having a short head to spare at the line. A wonderful horse for all those connected with him.
Amateur Jockey Miss Pippa Brown who is attached to the Craig Lidster yard won't enjoy many better Friday nights after giving stable star Dickieburd an enterprising ride to steal the 6f hcp at rather generous odds of 8/1. Making all under the favoured stands side rails at Newcastle Pippa rarely looked in any danger and despite tiring towards the finish was able to hold on by 3/4 of a length. Potentially still well handicapped Dickieburd has now proved his effectiveness at a variety of sprint trips and has cemented his position as favourite at trainers Lidsters yard.
Evening Story made an eye catching debut for new connections with a cosy victory in the 1m 4f handicap at Newcastle and has already gone a long way in repaying the faith in her purchase from the Tatts HIT sales. Given a patient ride by stable jockey Oli Stammers, evening Story was put to sleep out the back off a pedestrian early pace. Making relentless progress up the home straight Oli was able to find a nice gap up the stand rail and come home a cosy one length winner. Suffice to say any shares available in our new purchase have now long gone and on the back of this run she looks a shrewd buy for Nick Bradley Racing owners.
Sam James has been riding well for a long time this year and he was seen to best effect when giving Vitarli a smart ride to land the 5f Nursery at Newcastle. Showing plenty of gate speed Sam soon had Vitarli to the fore and gradually winding the pace up then made the decisive race winning move at the 2f pole. There was only a neck in it at the line and you have to think it was the quality of the ride that made the difference today. Delighted for all the team at Craig Lidster and we edge closer to the One Million prize money mark for the year!
Call him what you like but Look Back Smiling can be very good on his day and yesterday at Doncaster was certainly one of those. With the bottomless ground and straight track playing to his strengths 7lb apprentice Brandon Wilkie was able to break reasonably and tuck in behind the field in his customary position. Despite been switched several times LBS was able to come between horses at the distance and comfortably picked up the 16/5 fav Astral Spirit to win a shade comfortably by just under two lengths. A credit to Gemma Tutty and the team for managing our character who at £10,000 from the Newmarket HIT must be one of the buys of the season. ( Let's not forget Shandy Star who ran a race full of encouragement in fourth :)
Al Qareem took his career tally to three stakes wins with another gutsy display to land the G3 Jim Barry Cumberland Lodge Stakes at ascot. After returning in a blaze of glory at Chester hopes were high that Al Qareem could go close again and so it proved. Reunited with regular pilot Clifford Lee, Al Qareem sat handy to the pace before been asked to go win his race in the Ascot home straight. Despite been headed and passed by by the John Gosden trained Israr Al Qareem was in no mood to lie down and rallied in determined fashion to get back up and win going away by 3/4 of a length. What a servent to connections and perhaps that elusive G1 victory may now be within his grasp.
Ollie Sangster and Nick Bradley Racing are officially up and running after Really Darn Hot fulfilled the potential she had shown previously with a comfortable win under late replacement David Allan at Beverley.
Despite finding plenty of trouble in the race and having to make her challenge wide of the pack at the bottom of the hill, our Too Darn Hot filly lacks nothing in stamina and galloped on resolutely up the Westwood to record a comfortable 1 3/4 length win from the Charlie Johnston trained Middlesex thus upholding the Wolverhampton form from earlier in the season. Plenty of owners had travelled a long way to be there for the run and will have left the course dreaming of further success with our filly who has the size/scope to be an even better 3yo.
Wave Machine racked up her first victory as a 3yo when a cosy winner of the Coors 5f Hcp at Down Royal under Ben Cohen for Jonny Murtagh. Appreciating the heavy underfoot conditions Wave Machine was towards the rear early but started to make headway 2f out. Ridden to lead at the 1f pole she ran on well in the closing stages to win a shade cosily. Having amassed over £45k in prize money our Shalaa daughter has proved to be a shrewd purchase and well handled by Jonny and his team in Ireland.
Al Qareem stormed home at Chester to land the listed Flat Turf under a power packed Sam James ride. In a remarkable training performance by Karl Burke and the team at Spigot Lodge Al Qareem was delivered in A1 shape and despite racing over a trip that would be short of his best he still had the tenacity and will to win. Having now amassed over a quarter of a million pounds in prize money he has one again proved an exceptional buy having been purchased at the Newmarket HIT sales in 2021 for 27,000 gns. Well done to all his jubilant owners who were on course to cheer him home.
Bazball proved again what a shrewd purchase she has been when winning for the third time at Chester and in the process making her sales price of E10,000 look excellent value. Given an uncomplicated ride by David Egan Baz tracked the pace and was ridden to lead inside the final furlong before holding the late thrust of the John Quinn fav, Due for Luck. Bazball's full sister was Italian listed place and if she continues her elder siblings progression then over the minimum trip she looks a force to be reckoned with. Congratulations to all connections and our sponsor Cumbria Stonework.
It took ten attempts but Zaphea lost her maiden tag in no uncertain terms when a decisive winner of the 2yo Nursery at Musselburgh under 5lb claimer Will Pyle. The 11/2 shot has a string of consistent efforts to her name this season yet was still able to race off a competitive mark of 51 and she duly exploited the handicappers leniancy with a comfortable 1 1/2 length victory. Congratulations to all her owners, the team at Roger & Sean's and not forgetting the man doing the steering, Will Pyle!!!
Winner no 45 for the season came at Thirsk with Making Dreams running out a comfortable winner in 1m Nursery Hcp under 7lb claimer Brandon Wilkie. Looking to appreciate the step up to a mile and with the course applying plenty of irrigation prior to racing Making Dreams appeared to have plenty in her favour. Despite been forced to race three wide for the early part of the race Brandon didn't panic and switched the filly off before starting to make significant progress in the home straight. Drifting slightly left she was soon corrected and stayed on in fine style all the way to the line giving the feeling another furlong wouldn't be out of her range. Plenty of NBR were on hand to welcome her back to the winners enclosure and a trip to France may be next on the agenda.
Bellarchi continues to go from strength to strength and quickly followed up her recent Carlisle win with an even more convincing display in the 6f Nursery Final at Hamilton. With NBR runners comprising half the field there was some level of optimism that one might hit the bullseye and the 7/4 fav duly obliged in a comfortable manner under the expert guidance of Sam James. It's testament to the Grant Tuer team for the way they've handled the filly and I don't think we've reached the ceiling of her ability yet. Let's hope the handicapper doesn't agree!!!
Our Mehmas filly Bellarchi had to dig deep on her nursery debut to edge out the Ed Dunlop trained favourite Mini Magna and prevail by a head at Carlisle. Under regular pilot Sam James who won on her at Catterick Bellarchi was sent straight to the front and maintained that position until challenged and headed at the furlong pole. Our filly lacks nothing in courage and tenacity and under a strong James ride was able to get the filly back up and hold on by a head. Off 71 with a small rise likely more wins could be imminent.
Craig Lidster has made an excellent start to his training career with NBR and the team excelled on the big stage with an all the way success for Buttercross Flyer on Racing League night at Newcastle. Our imposing Inns of court filly appreciated the slower surface at Newcastle and under a canny front running ride from Jimmy Sullivan the result was never in doubt. She looks a shrewd purchase by connections and with plenty of winners in the pedigree I'm sure more success awaits.
Signora Bellissima returned to winning ways at Navan under a power packed ride from Ben Cohen. Despite been dismissed by the market at 18/1 Signora appreciated the drop back to a mile and the application of first time blinkers. Ben was all out at the finish to hang on by a nose but win he did and in turn brought up victory 41 for the NBR season. Well done to Jonny and all the team back home.
Dickieburd put up a remarkable performance at Catterick to defy his odds and spring a surprise in the Yorks Dales Distillery 5f Hcp. All looked lost when Dickie uncharacteristically missed the break and Sam was soon shuffled to the back of the field. Pulled to the outside approaching the 2f pole Dickie began to make relentless progress and it was clear at the distance that was staying on best of all. The winning distance was 2 1/4 lengths at the line and with his ears pricked he looked like he could go round again. Well done to team Lidstar and Steve/Wendy Burdett who bred Dickie at home. Winner No 40 for NBR!
Chumbaa must be one of the hardiest 2yo's in training as despite having her 13th start of the year she recorded win no 2 in her typical determined fashion at Ripon. Ridden by ususl pilot Jonny Peate who gets a great tune out of the filly she used her experience to good use by breaking smartly and using the stands rail to dominate proceedings. Still on the bridle at the 2f pole Jonny asked her to go win the race and despite facing challenges late on she held the fast finishing fav by half a length. Having now amassed nearly £24,000 in prize money she has proved the ideal syndicate horse and given her owners much joy along the way.
Mersea got back on the winning trail for the first time since her 2yo days with a well judged ride by man of the moment Sam James. Looking to appreciate the faster underfoot conditions having got bogged down in the soft at Doncaster previously, Mersea dictated from the front and was always doing enough up the Carlisle hill to repel all challengers. 3/4 length was the winning distance at the line and off her current mark with a small penalty I'm sure she's up to winning further races this season.
Sophia's Starlight claimed win no 5 for the season and arguably her most important to date with a thrilling win in the Ripon Great St Wilfrid Hcp. With regular pilot Oli unable to ride it was left to Sam James to do the steering and he carried off the instructions to the tee. Quickly away from stall six Sam made a beeline for the far rail and dominated the race from start to finish. Despite fav Summerghand closing hand over fist at the finish Sophia's held on by a head to become only the second 3yo in the last 25 years to claim the Ripon feature.
Bazball gained win no 2 for the season when leading home a one two for NBR at Wolverhampton and in the process helping Pierre Louis Jamin lose his claim. Breaking from an ideal inside draw over the Wolverhampton 5f Bazball was soon in a prominent position and travelling sweetly under Pierre. Given the office at the 3f pole she engaged in a dual with the other NBR runner, Fifty Grand Slater, and despite the efforts of the runner up Bazball was able to hold on for a 1 1/4 length victory. Delighted for the sponsors Cumbria Stonework and all connections. We're pretty sure both horses will be up to winning again soon.
There can't be a 2yo more consistent than our Belardo filly Chumbaa and she finally gained just reward for a string of consistent efforts when losing her maiden tag at Hamilton under a determined Jonny Peate ride. Sent off second fav behind the NBR other runner, Emu war, Chumbaa made full use of her experience and quickly made her way to the front of the field. Kicking at the 2f pole Jonny quickly had the rest of the field in trouble and she saw the trip out well up the stiff Hamilton finish. Great news for the Roger Fell & Sean Murray camp and equally so for her overjoyed owners. More of the same please Chumbaa!!
Our E175k purchase from the Arqana breeze up's quickly went some way to repaying her lofty price tag with an authorative victory in a reasonable looking maiden at HQ on Friday night. Given another confident ride by Karl Burke's No 1 Clifford Lee always had our filly well positioned tracking the pace down the stands side. Asked to go and win the race at the 2f pole Air Force Indi responded in fine style and despite some greenness she ran all the way to the line for a 3/4 length victory. We think there could be a lot more to come from the filly and bigger targets await later in the year. She's an exciting horse for her Nick Bradley Racing owners.
Brandon Wilkie produced another fine ride in the NBR silks to give Making Dreams her second win of the season with the hope there is much more to come once she hits a stiffer track and/or up in trip. She was tidy away from the gates without being quick and she found herself midpack but crucially against the rail from her draw. Travelling strongly throughout, Brandon thought he was the winner the full way round and she’s probably worth more than the official winning margin, her time stacks up well to Valadero who ran in the novice and is rated significantly higher. On everything we have seen, their looks to be more improvement to follow when we hit a straight track and furthermore when we step up to a mile.
Indication Spirit continued her improvement to land the hat trick in the wet conditions at Leicester. Going into the race there was a suspicion she wouldn’t handle the soft underfoot conditions but if anything, she produced her best display yet to land the spoils under a tidy ride from Brandon Wilkie. Our product of Innishannon came highly recommended and we don’t have a bad record when purchasing from them considering we bought Marshman last year and Buttercross Flyer looks like she’ll win a maiden now problem. It will be interesting to see how the handicapper reacts next Tuesday and our targets will now undoubtedly be raised, she is another contender for some blacktype over in France at the end of the season.
Look Back Smiling atoned for an unlucky defeat at Beverley previously when running out a comfortable winner under a tidy ride by regular pilot Laura Coughlan. With the ground coming in LBS's favour it was left to Laura navigate the small field and straight 7f and she did it to perfection on a horse that can need his own way. The 2/1 fav quickened up nicely at the 1f pole and the winning margin was 2 lengths at the line. Don't bet against a quick follow up!!!
After two poor results, Princess Alex took a major step forward at Pontefract to record a decisive winner and take home over £7,500 in prize money as well as a GB Bonus, not a bad day at the office! Despite her poor first two runs there where credible excuses for both as a major track bias let us down at Haydock and on debut at Hamilton she showed lots of promise but had a tough passage through the race. In truth, the result at Pontefract never really looked in danger under a strong Kevin Stott ride and she came home a 3l winner at odds of 14/1. The short term will see her aimed at further GBB races looking to pick up some more prize money before a tilt at blacktype company later in the season, this may well be in France given she prefers some juice in the ground.
Making dreams ran out a comfortable winner of the 7f maiden at Catterick giving Bradley, Burke and lee a double on the day. Nick Bradley Racing also filled the runner up spot with Buttercross Flyer who ran a race full of promise for the future. £33,000 gns purchase Making Dreams was given a patient ride by Cliff and turning in was delivered down the middle of the track to make her effort. She stayed on in dogged style to win going away and giving every impression she will be suited by another furlong and more conventional track in due course.
Petra Celera had to dig deep to see off the determined challenge of Ed Dunlop's Mini Magna and land the opener on Catterick's card under a power packed Cliff lee drive. The front two pulled over six lengths clear of the third horse at the line and it was the 15,000 gns Inns of Court filly who prevailed by the smallest of margins. Petra had signalled a win was near after an unlucky effort at Ayr previously but she was not to be denied infront of a large following of owners. We're sure there's more improvement to come!!
Indication Spirit and Clifford lee collected their second win of the season at Musselburgh in an almost replica run of her earlier victory at the beginning of July. Despite facing a potentially awkward low draw Cliff was able to jump and take a nice lead through the race. Sent on at the 2 pole our Magna Grecia filly faced a handful of challengers but she was not for catching and stayed on determindly for a neck victory. You wouldn't bet against seeing Spirit back up at Musselburgh again for the treble!! Well done to all connections.
Trabajo Detecho displayed his usual tenacity and courage to deny the 11/10 fav Happier and give jockey/horse combo Jason Hart their third win of the season. " Joey " as he is affectionately known at Roger's never knows how to run a bad race and in Jason Hart we have a jockey who knows how to get the best out of him. As a Bated Breath Joey seems to be improving as the season goes on and don't rule out another victory or two off his current mark. Well done to all connections.
Bellarchi gained just reward for a string of respectable efforts when making virtually all under Sam James to gain a well overdue first victory at Catterick. Using her experience to good effect Sam soon had our filly in a prominant position from a mediocre draw and despite eding over to the far rail in the final furlong she held off the well backed fav by a length. 5 and 6f both come alike to our Mehmas filly and with her versatility on all grounds she remains one for our owners to have a lot of fun with. Well done to Grant and the team for their expert care and guidance
On the first day of the fourth test it was inevitable that Bazball would be a topical winner of the opening nursery on Bath's card and so it proved with Clifford Lee guiding our Estidhkaar filly to her first success. Making virtually all Cliff soon had matters under control and kicking at the two pole soon put the race to bed. Two lengths was the official winning margin at the end and we'd be hopeful that Bazball can make further progress given her optimum conditions.
On Borrowed Time quickly made up for her disappointing run at Chester when delivering a power packed finish on the Westwood to give Ollie Pears & Nick Bradley their first winner together. In a race where NBR had the winner and third, On Borrowed Time appreciated the soft underfoot conditions and uphill finish. Cam Hardie dropped OBT out the back early and despite finding some trouble in running was able to extradite and come with a sustained run up the centre of the track. I'm sure there will be more improvement to come when the 1m nurseries start in the near future.
Our remarkable filly Sophia's Starlight recorded win no 4 for the season with another scintillating front running display at Carlisle. Despite encountering good to soft ground for the first time this year Sophia looked to relish the underfoot conditions and under a confident Oli Stammers ride the result was never in doubt. Three and a quarter lengths was the official winning margin at the end and Sophia will look to continue her upward projectory with another run before a date at Glorious Goodwood.
Indication Spirit came home in front at Musselburgh at the second time of asking under a tactical ride from Clifford Lee. He sat on the girth of the long time leader, Chumbaa ( who once again ran her heart out in 3rd) before showing a stylish turn of pace to go a length up on the field, she had one final challenger up the centre of the course but afterwards Clifford said she was always holding the well backed newcomer. Indication Spirit, a filly purchased privately from Innishannon Stud who we bought Marshman off, recommended this filly highly and we thank them for this recommendation. She is another winner for first season sire, Magna Grecia and we'll now look to pick up a novice with a penalty before hatching a plan to move forward with. Her time was less than 1 second slower than the 0-85 handicap on the card so theres every chance she could work out a very canny buy!
Our amazing filly Sophia's Starlight continued her incredible progression when comfortably accounting for nine rivals despite dropping down in trip at the July course in Newmarket. Displaying her trademark gate speed Oli soon had her at the head of the affairs and at the two pole the rest of the field were in trouble. Running all the way to the line she eventually prevailed by a cosy 1 3/4 length margin. Fantastic training performance by the master Grant Tuer and a polished performance in the saddle from Oli Stammers.
Catena supplied Nick Bradley & Craig Lidster with their second 2yo winner of the season when Catena showed a willing attitude to get up late on under a canny ride from stable apprentice Will Pyle. Carrying out his riding instructions to the tea, Will was able to get out and bag the favoured inside rail and with plenty of rain turning the ground soft on the Westwood, the race turned into a stamina test up the Beverley hill. Our Cable bay filly was not to be denied and plenty of owners were on track to welcome her back to the winner's enclosure.
Sophia's Starlight doubled her tally for the season when following up her Wolverhampton win with another fine front running performance under a masterful Ollie Stammers ride.
With her stall aversion firmly behind her, Sophia pinged the gates and was given an uncontested lead over the 7f trip. Winding up the pace from 3 1/2f out Ollie quickly had all the field in trouble behind and she stayed on resolutely to the line to win by 3/4 of a length.
In her current mood i'm sure further success awaits. A special mention to Ollie who has now ridden his first winner since losing his claim.
Sophia's Starlight overcame a 7 month absence to shed her maiden tag in convincing fashion when leading from pillar to post under Grant Tuer stable jockey Ollie Stammers. Much credit goes to the trainer and his team who have ironed out Sophia's aversion to the stalls and the happy owners were rewarded with their patience with the promise of more to come.
Indication Call quickly made up for a narrow defeat last time when displaying a determined attitude to hold off the Charlie Johnston newcomer and register his first success for Karl Burke & Pierre Louis Jamin. With a visor fitted after hanging across the track at Pontefract last time Indication kept a straighter track and having been sent off 11/8 fav was in no mood to be denied and held on by a neck. York is a possibility now Indication has shed his maiden tag
Vitarli displayed a tenacious and determined attitude to give NBR their first 2yo winner of the turf campaign under a power packed Sam James ride at Beverley. With Craig Lidsters 2yo's in flying form and Vitarli showing up well a good run was expected and she didn't disappoint. York and the Dante meeting now await her exhuberant owners.
Marshman got his 3yo career off to the perfect start with a convincing victory in the G3 Priz Zigy at Chantilly. With regular pilot Cliffird Lee in the saddle Marshman showed his customary early speed from the gate and settled into a nice rhythm. Asked to quicken at the 2f pole the response was immediate and the race put to bed. Despite tiring in the final 100 yards Marshman was well on top and looks set for a stellar season in 2023.
Signora Bellissima gave Jonny Murtagh his first winner of 2023 and in turn Jamie Powell's first as a jockey when winning the 1m 2f 3yo handicap on a Sunday card at a soft Leopardstown. Under a very astute ride from the front Jamie bounced Signors out from the gate and made every post a winning to hold a determined challenge from the Qatar racing owned Valiant King who went off 9/4f under Joseph O Brien. The win was vindication for Nick who bought the Elzaam filly at the Goffs Sportsmen sale with a 10/10 physical rating score. There will be more to come from this striking daughter of Signora Lina whose sire was the Derby winner High Chaparral.
Our very first Cheltenham Festival runner didn’t quiet go to plan after Coltor was pulled up before the last by Kevin Brogan. In a very steadily run 3m handicap hurdle, we found ourselves in a great early position but as the pace quickened up off the bend down the back straight, we immediately found ourselves shuffled towards the back of the field, with no response forthcoming. The way the race was ran wouldn’t of suited us but that would not be the sole reason behind our poor run. We have plenty of options in the pipeline and we will discuss over the next fortnight what our next step will be whether we stay over hurdles or revert to the flat.
Trabajo Detecho appreciated the return to a straight track, when he landed the 6f handicap in great fashion. The Son of Bated Breath has had a busy six months but its as a 3yo that his form has really picked up. He travelled very strongly for Jason Hart throughout the race and we think there is still more to come, just like plenty of Bated Breaths who improve with age. He’ll now be given a few weeks rest before returning towards the end of April at Doncaster.
Please hit the link below, to hear Nick’s latest audio update. He discusses all of the below:
Monthly Payments
November to February Accounts
Newbury Supersprint
2yo Updates
Open Days - G Tuer 4th March, C Lidster 11th March, Newmarket 18th March
Breeze Ups on the Horizon
After being handed a tricky draw, the race for the lead proved to me a little too much for our lad on his seasonsal debut. Ryan took the decision to drop him in rather than be ¾ wide, just after this the pace notably slowed down and we had a wall of horses in our periphery. Approaching the final bemd the pace was picked up again and the response from Al Qareem wasn’t instant, before we knew it the bird and flown and Ryan gave him a hand and heels ride home, As Karl said it’s a long way for a prep run but it turned into the perfect one. Our owners, Jackie and Ian Smith, who had the privilege of travelling out for the race, were blown away by the reception and experience. We will have plenty to look forward to with our lad as the season develops.
Cite D’or lines up in the Jumeriah Fillies Guineas this afternoon, with a sizeable pot up for grabs. She returns to the turf after a shade disappointing effort on the dirt, after been handed a poor draw, she was always up against it the last day. Today see’s a higher calibre of opposition line up, with the two Godolphin fillies leading the way. Cite D’or has enjoyed some winter sun and looks in terrific order, full credit must go to Harry’s team, mainly Lolly Pike for all her work. To come home in the top three today would be seen as a success.
Nawton in Helmsley, North Yorkshire was the next venue on the road for Nick Bradley Racing 2023 Open Morning show and with nine horses currently stationed up at Roger Fell's many owners arrived in anticipation of seeing their favourites. As always the staff up at Arthington Stables are incredibly accommodating and always willing to give freely of their time. Sean & Lewis were on hand to guide the owners through the string before the obligatory photos were captured by the visitors. Shandy, Large, Maggie and Tosh to name but a few all displayed their well being and we look set for a successful 2023 with Fell & Bradley.
After a fine effort at Kempton on his yard debut just a week ago, it was decided a step up to 3miles would be necessary action should we be targeting a Cheltenham handicap. To qualify for the Pertemps final, he would need to finish at least 4th in a qualifier, this posed plenty of questions given he hadnt been tried over 3miles since been pulled up at Leopardstown, and the forecast good ground would be plenty quick enough foe him. Despite been shuffled back early on due to the fight for the lead, Colin had a race full of promise, just going down a length into second. He'll be one to watch at the Festival with plenty more in his favour!
The weather may be chilly outside but Nick Bradley Racing is on fire in January and Trabajo Detecho was winner no 10 trained by Roger Fell & ridden by Jason Hart. Sent off 15/8 fav Trabajo was quick from gate and given the 6f trip was a min Jason was keen to make the race a true test. At the distance Trabajo was given the office and quickly put the race to bed scoring by a length and a half for a comfortable victory. Territorial Waters ran on into third to give Roger & NBR a 1st and 3rd. We don't want Jan to end!!!
Glorious Angel catapulted herself to the top of the ARC Jan horse of the month competition with her third win in under 12 days at Newcastle on Fri night. This time ridden by man of the moment " Billy the kid " aka Loughnane Glorious displayed her usual gate speed and tenacity in the finish to hold off all challengers by half a length. A remarkable training performance by the team at Grant Tuer and lets hope she rightly claims top spot in an inspired run of Jan victories.
Pierre Louis Jamin gave our filly a calm ride from the front to give her a much deserved first victory. You'd imagine she'd come on a great deal for coming home in front after just fading close home at Newcastle just a few days prior. It was another great placement from Nick as she faced just 2 other rivals at Souhtwell. We will look to get her back out fairly soon to hopefully go on a nice run of results.
Glorious Angel once again showed her tenacious qualities to go back to back at Southwell within a week. Again ridden by Sam James Glorious was very keen in the early stages and despite facing many challengers in the home straight she once again stuck her neck out and was not to be denied. She currently sits third in Arena Racing's leaderboard for Jan and the plan would be to hit the summit before the end of the month is out. I wouldnt bet on her not doing it!!!
Glorious Angel capped a memorable week for Nick Bradley Racing when going pillar to post and winning a shade comfortably under Sam James. Despite drawn widest in 6 Sam had Glorious out early and having got across she managed to dictate from the front and control her own fractions. Grant had given our filly a favourable mention at his Open day on the Sat and this proved spot on for our versatile performer. We'd imagine Glorious may be out again soon in a bid to go back to back whilst in rude health.
Some horses struggle to win two races in a lifetime so for our girl to win 2 in under 24hours is some feat! Full credit to all the team at Craig's for getting her spot on for her exertions. The drop back in trip was certainly a question mark, Hollie was keen to jump and get out and make this as much of a test as possible.... There were nervous moments at the bottom of the home straight when David Probert came which what looked to be a horse full of running. Our girl stuck to her task well and recorded a winning length of 2l.
The amazing run of form for the team continued when Tollerton Forest opened her account under a power packed ride from man of the moment Clifford Lee. Sent off a warm favourite Tolly was asked to make her own running and despite facing several challengers down the home straight prevailed by half length. She will now head to Kempton tomorrow where Hollie Doyle will ride in an attempt of a quick follow up. Congratulations to Craig and all the team at Eboracum stables.
Cariad Angel scooted clear under a perfect ride from Clifford Lee to continue the great form of the Nick Bradley team. Our filly clearly benefitted from the drop back to 5f and looked well worth the official winning distance of a length. Cliff pinged the gate on Cariad and go the perfect tow round from Wakai Umi, on the bend he snuck up the inside and went clear with minimum persuasion. On reflection she looks a good bet to follow up!
Ladywantaway was an impressive winner in the lucky last at Newcastle giving Roger Fell & Nick Bradley Racing a double in as many days. Always travelling sweetly under the imperious Jonny Peate she swept to the front over a furlong out and never looked in danger running out a comfortable winner on a sharp winters evening at Gosforth Park. Two lengths was the official winning distance and on this showing I'm sure the lady will be well up to winning another event under similar conditions.
End of Year Sales Review
I've spent the last 3 weeks at the sales and whilst the long hours and lows were very tough to take, there were positives to arise from the sales. The sales in France were particularly strong, they were buoyed by Yulong purchasing around 50 mares from the sales and spending millions. I am sure that will not happen at every sale going forward but what was encouraging was the price achieved by the Stakes winning fillies.
If you look at the list of fillies below who all sold for at least 7 figures the results are staggering.
Malavath 3.2million Euros Group 2 and Group 3 winner
Sweet Lady 2.05 million Euros Group 1, 2 and 3 winner
Burgarita 1.7million Euros Listed Winner
Hello You 1.55million Euros Group 2 Winner
Times Square 1.25 million Euros Listed Winner, Group 1 placed
Thunder Drum 1.1 million Euros Group 3 winner
Oscula 1 million Euros Group 3 winner, Group 1 placed
These results are hugely encouraging for our model of buying yearling fillies year on year and the great results we have had in 2021 and 2022 should be further strengthened in years to come. We retained Fast Response and Secret Angel for the 2023 season who were both Stakes winners in 2022 and who are both hugely valuable horses to add to the bottom line in 2023.
Sales receipts from 2021 returned just short of £2million from three Stakes winners and 2022 where five fillies grossed just short of £1.6million.
We have spent less than £750k at the yearling sales and secured 29 horses to run at two next year. With the average spend being less than £26,000 per horse it really is a game of darts at a board with one bullseye amongst them likely to return receipts to cover the other 28!
This gives me alot of confidence in the model and it should do you the investor/owner but the advice as always is to spread the risk and get as many darts at the board as you can!
We are trying to have a couple of weeks down time before Christmas, after that we will be ready to go around again starting off with open days in January.
At the start of the year I set myself 3 targets for the season.
They were 50 winners, £1,000,000 in prize money earned and 10 big days on the racecourse in 2022. At the time of writing we have 40 winners on the board so are on par for the target with 3 months remaining. If we get the ten winners then we will surely break the £1,000,000 prize money barrier given we are just over £60,000 away.
I thought now would be a good time to review the year to date, and see have we achieved the target of ten big results on the track.
13th May York
Winners at York are very hard to achieve but Al Qareem recorded our first of three victories on the Knavesmire in 2022. The race looked strong enough with Charlie Appleby running two well handicapped horses but Al Qareem outclassed the field to win with plenty in hand.
10th June York
I've often bored owners by telling them the number of times I had finished 2nd at York so to win two races in less than a month gave me a huge thrill. Mersea cost just 5,000 Euros at the sales and is probably the only 2yo who cost so little to ever win at York.
18th June Ayr
Guilded had been unlucky at 2 not to win a Stakes race and she rectified that at Ayr when leading home a 1,3, 4 for Nick Bradley Racing with Hellomydarlin and Sophie's Star also placing.
22nd June Carlisle
We sent both Oscula and Honey Sweet up to Carlisle for the Listed Eternal Stakes over 7 furlongs. Oscula looked the one to beat and duly obliged to score with ease. It was great to see Honey Sweet chase her home and achieve the 1-2 for Nick Bradley Racing.
27th June Pontefract
The Pontefract Spindrifter has been won by some very good horses over the years and the Conditions race is always very competitive. I targeted the race with both Shandy Star and Secret Angel and was delighted to see the former relish the underfoot conditions and come home infront.
27th July Goodwood
Oscula had been unlucky at Ascot the previous weekend by going down by the smallest of margins in a Group 3 and we reversed that luck by winning the Oak Tree, Group 3, by a similar margin. William sat in a great early position and our filly loves a scrap and got the better of the leader to get up inside the final 50 yards.
15th August Deauville
Oscula recorded her third Stakes win for the season and second Group 3 at Deauville. Ryan Moore took over in the saddle and gave our filly a peach of a ride tracking the pace and then like at Goodwood asking her to go get the leader in the short run in.
15th September Newcastle
I aren't a huge fan of the Racing League but that thinking changed when Raising Sand returned to winning ways and win the £50,000 race. Raising Sand would go on to win at Ascot on his next start where he was an absolute certainty given his handicap mark and underfoot conditions.
1st October Longchamp
Al Qareem had been off the track since Goodwood in July and was stepping up to Group 2 level on the rain softened ground. Under a great ride from Ryan Moore, the exuberant Al Qareem toughed it out to win and pick up over £100,000 in prize money.
That's nine huge days without mentioning Secret Angel winning at York, either of Marshman's facilie victories or ten other Stakes placed efforts from our 3yo string.
Let's leave it at nine for now, as I am sure that October has more to offer the Nick Bradley Racing owners!!!
Clifford Lee is riding out of his skin. Nick Bradley Racing have had four winners in as many days whilst Craig Lidster carries on his good work from 2022. All the ingredients for a successful partnership and so it proved with a decisive success for our Oasis Dream filly at Dunstall Park. Breaking smartly Tollerton was quickly sent forward and with no one else willing to take the lead we were left to dictate under Cliff from the front. Turning in we were faced with challengers down the inside but under a power packed drive we hit the line 1/2l clear with perhaps a little in hand. As we speak Tolly heads to Kempton where despite dropping down two furlongs we hope she can carry on where she left off at Wolverhampton.
Ladywantaway was an impressive winner in the lucky last at Newcastle giving Roger Fell & Nick Bradley Racing a double in as many days. Always travelling sweetly under the imperious Jonny Peate she swept to the front over a furlong out and never looked in danger running out a comfortable winner on a sharp winters evening at Gosforth Park. Two lengths was the official winning distance and on this showing I'm sure the lady will be well up to winning another event under similar conditions.
Large Action looked a natural over fences, as he ran out a very impressive winner up at Musselburgh. The son of Iffraaj attacked every fence with purpose and clearly enjoyed his first outing over the larger obstacles. Full credit must go to Amy and the team at Roger's for all their work schooling him. All owner's managed to land a nice bet after the morning's email went out, we will look to follow up again at the weekend down at Chepstow.
We do have shares available in him!!
I headed off to Deauville for the Arqana Sale, where Oscula was selling. Going into the ring, she only had one vet on her which left us with a bit of doubt in our minds as to what she may achieve. This was tempered somewhat when Baroda, who consigned her, sold a horse for €1,700,000 just a few lots before, this was significantly more than they were expecting. Ted Voute was the buyer, on behalf of Prince Faisal, who confirmed afterwards she would be retired to stud to cover Mishriff. We always thought we could get the million and we were over the moon when both Prince Faisal and Shadai Farm were the two interested parties.
She will be treated like a queen at her new home and rightly so after all of her exertions on the track for us. Owners gave some outstanding accounts and memories, that demonstrated just how much she meant to everyone involved with her.
Hellomydarlin sold for £100,000, I thought she may have reached £30/40K more on a good day. Yeomanstown bought her and looking back on the sale, they probably got a bargain.
Honey Sweet made £280,000 which we thought was a great price and we were very happy with that, a fine markup given we only paid £50,000 a couple of years ago.
Guilded was another I thought went well, she was bought for £17,000 and she sold for £230,000. We actually agreed a private sale for £200,000 a few months ago but this sale fell through which in hindsight was a good outcome.
Corazon made £82,000 and her pedigree probably let her down, in my eyes she was the most talented out of the four but with injuries and setbacks we never saw her at her best.
Bedazzling put last weeks disappointment behind her in no uncertain terms with an authorative victory in the Nursery at Chelmsford. Held up in mid division by man of the moment Kevin Stott our filly was angled out approaching the home straight and once Kevin pressed the button she scooted clear for an impressive victory. Plenty of Nick Bradley owners were on hand to witness the victory and it would be no surprise if she went on and added to that victory in the coming weeks under similar conditions.
To finish the weekend in style, Wave Machine gave Yurdish Gerdharry his first ever winner under rules on just his fourth ride. We'll be catching up with Yurdish in our next newsletter so be sure to keep your eye out! Nick was certain the far rail was going to be advantageous today and our filly toughed it out under a very well-judged ride from Yurdish to land the valuable Birdcatcher nursery. The 6f on heavy going was potentially a major stumbling bloke for our filly but she was very effective through the testing conditions and opens upo many avenues for next season. She will be put away for the winter now before appearing early as a 3yo for some early stakes races, potentially over in France looking to collect some valuable blacktype.
A damp and overcast Nov morning was met by an eager set of Nick Bradley Racing owners at Eboracum stables just north of York, the home to Craig Lidster. With nine horses in training with Craig a large crowd was anticipated, and the owners arrived in their droves many looking forward to seeing their new yearlings for the first time.
Yearlings by Adaay, Ribchester, Outstrip, Highland Reel and Cable Bay with their respective work riders entertained the crowd with clockwise, anti-clockwise and figure of eight movement patterns. The youngsters were then set too, and all owners rushed in for a cuddle or two. Behaviour for one’s so young was impeccable. A full tour was then given by the on form Craig Lidster before we closed with some much-needed refreshments in the owners lounge.
Our only runner on Saturday, Fast Response, stepped up in both distance and class for the Listed Wentworth Stakes at Doncaster. She was greeted with her optimum conditions that have seen her collect two valuable handicap pots in the past few weeks. Clifford delivered her to perfection as the early pace fell away in the testing conditions, by no means a poor standard listed race, she beat some very useful rivals on her way to gaining some crucial black type. Her revised mark will likely be in the 100's so she'll be campaigned accordingly, starting again at Doncaster in the Cammidge Trophy. After been purchased for just £13,000 at the Guineas Breeze up, she's gone on to win almost £100,000 in prize money as well as holding a strong hand should she make her way to the sales.
Khahira prevailed in the Prix De Deauville claimer with Millie Coralie Pacaut on board. Our filly broke well and sat handy before picking up nicely in the straight to go clear and comfortably win by two lengths. Khahira backed up her early promise to land her first race of her short career, she has had a very stop start campaign with illness and small niggles blighting her progress. This would be Khahira's last run in our colours after been sold privately prior to the race.
Fast Response made it back to back wins with a convincing win on the ITV card at Doncaster. Given her optimum conditions and with Clifford Lee in the saddle again confidence was high of a good run and Fast Response did not disappoint. Held up behind leaders Cliff asked Fast for a response at the 2f pole and she quickened through the gap to settle the race quickly. 15 owners were on hand to join in the celebrations and there were further joyous scenes when it was revealed she has been taken out of the HIT sales. A nice progressive filly who given her optimum conditions will continue to progress at four and is more than capable of gaining some black type.
Fast Response lived up to her name and gained the first win of her 3yo career when getting up close home to defeat Lord Riddiford and fav Fantasy Master in the 5f hcp at Nottingham. Confidence was high given First had her optimum conditions and under a masterful Clifford Lee ride she duly obliged to give her owners, who had made the long trip, plenty to cheer about. A bargain buy at 13k that was her fourth victory and took her career earnings over the 47k mark.
On an autumnal Sunday afternoon at Southwell we filled the runners up spot twice in one day as both Kodi Dancer & Bellshill Beauty finished second. Kodi Dancer, back at the scene of her win, did everything right but just bumped into one of George Boughey's who had a few lbs up their sleeves. Bellshill Beauty recorded her best effort for some time finishing second to Gold Standard with Clifford Lee on board. Both horses will now head to the Tattersall Horse in Training sales.
Shandy Star makes it two from two at Pontefract under a power packed ride from Abbaye winning jockey Hollie Doyle. Jumping well and taking Hollie was happy to sit in behind the leaders before making her challenge two out. Despite been challenged on both sides in the final furlong, Shandy stuck her head out determinedly and won going away. A great training performance from Roger Fell & the team and this win edges Nick Bradley Racing closer to the One Million pound prize money in 2023.
After a smooth journey over to France, Al Qareem showed plenty of exuberance and signs of freshness early doors in what was his first outing for two months. Upon settling for the final mile, Ryan Moore who was outstanding in the saddle slowly began to reel in the early pacemaker and make his way for home. In very testing conditions he battled all the way through the line for jubilant connections who had made the trip over. This victory takes his total prize money for us to over £170k and more importantly opens up so many different options for both the rest of the season and next. Who knows, there may be one more big day to come this season.
Raising Sand raised the roof at his beloved Ascot when following up his Newcastle victory a fortnight earlier in equally determined fashion under a power packed Saffie Osborne ride. With plenty of rain falling during the course of the afternoon conditions turned into Raising’s favour and having moved to the front early on in the race never looked like been headed to reward backers at a juicy 14/1. Raising is held in high affection by all his owners and in equal measure by his trainer, Jamie Osborne and jockey, Saffie who’ve worked wonders with the old boy to get him competitive again at the tender age of ten. Can he complete the treble? You wouldn’t bet against him.
After breaking from Stall one, Pierre was happy to take a lead from Mythical World until the turn for home, when initially the response from Cite D’or wasn’t imminent and therefore they found themselves having to come around the small field for some racing room. The stiff uphill finish and a very strong drive from Pierre saw us doing our best work late on and just getting on top on the line. The logical step would be to move up in trip and potentially grade for a lower race weight, there’s still plenty of racing in her as the ground moves to softer conditions and she’ll train on again for next year.
10yo Raising Sand rolled back the years with his first victory since 2019 when making all at Newcastle on the last night of the inaugural Racing League competition. Despite been sent off at 40/1 Saffie Osborne, daughter of Welsh/West captain Jamie, was in no mood to be denied and despite facing a no of challengers at the furlong pole Raising pulled out a bit more for the victory.
A great night on the Toon as Saffie went on to ride a 12,000/1 treble and Jamie lifted the league trophy for the Welsh/West team.
Zebra star returned to the seen of her best novice run to win on her first run in handicap company. Despite been keen early on William Buick looked very comfortable all race and didn’t have to ask too many questions. The good to soft ground was right in our favour and well now look to go up in grade on the back of how easily she did it, she’s been working well with higher rated horses so we’d be confident she can run well again
A distance of a neck stopped Nick Bradley Racing from recording a first ever 1-2-3. All three were prominent throughout and Jason Hart, on Twilight Lady played a smart early race move to get to the front and the rail from a wide draw. It was fillies second victory of the season in what has been a busy 2yo season for her. The Daughter of Twilight son relished the return to softer conditions and a slight easing in grade to register a comfortable success by a length.
Only 3 weeks ago Al Qareem was at Royal Ascot racing in the Group 2 Queen’s Vase. Displaying another emphatic front running performance he finished a mighty 4th against almighty opposition. He returned to group company in Newmarket in the Group 3 Bahrain Trophy Stakes. In another spectacular front running performance he finished 2nd overturning the form from Ascot beating Zechariah.
Cliff set the pace as planned and took them along at a good gallop. He got four lengths up on the field at one point but then they closed up on him as they approached the final 3 furlongs. The winner leaned on us when it hit the front and then Al Qareem battled back and would have got his head back in front if we'd had another 100 yards before he hit the line.
Al Qareem ran another career best and we were unfortunate not to be the victor. We will now look towards Goodwood on 28th July for the Group 3,£200k Gordon Stakes!
Marshman makes a striking winning debut at Ayr on Sunday. After fluffing the start he showed true speed and talent to pick off the competition with ease winning comfortably under a nice ride by Cliff.
A significant 20th winner for NBR and also for Karl with his 60th of the season. He was a recent purchase from the Goff’s Breeze Up, by the first crop sire Harry Angel. Adding another firs crop juvenile winner for Harry Angel, a sire certainly making his mark!
Our boy certainly still has a lot to learn but has shown some true honest speed & talent, another one we are getting excited about! Great to see another of our breeze up purchases firing! In 2021 Nick purchased Eldirckjones from the same sale, lightening certainly can strike twice!
Our girl is in absolutely flying form! Finishing 2nd in the Distaff (listed) at Sandown beating the Royal Ascot winner Heredia. That makes it back-back-back black type performances after winning the Eternal Stakes (listed) last time out and before that coming 2nd in the Surrey Stakes (listed).
We decided to look to sit wherever we were happy and hope to get the fancied two horses keen in the early stages, by creating a race, as slowly run as possible. That didn't quite pan out as we would have liked in the early stages, as we were as keen as anything in the race. We did however turn the race into a bit of a sprint up the straight, which was to our advantage as we started the sprint from pole position.
A memorable placing as it took us across £400,000 in prize money for 2022. A memorable day all round, certainly many more to come in 2022 for our owners!
The breeze-up circuit saw us pick up a load of value and hopefully some future stars.
Earlier this week we saw Shandy Star win the Spindrifter Conditions Stakes!!! She was only a 39,000gns purchase from the Tattersalls Guineas Breeze Up Sale back in April.
Nick has gone over to Deauville for the Arqana Summer Sale which gets started today;
Wednesday June 29, 1 p.m. - Breeze Thursday June 30, 11 a.m.
- Sale Lots 1 to 93: 2-year flat
Lots 94 to 236: Blinds
Friday July 1, 11 a.m.
- Sale Lots 237 to 345: Breeding section
Lots 346 to 518: Horses on 'coaching
Please find the link to the online sales catalogue if you wish the follow the sales as it unfolds this week;
There are 100 flat horses breezing and then later on in the week on Friday there are some form horses selling. Nick has been through the catalogue and got a short list of 23 which he will be inspecting in the morning.
We are hoping to add a couple of new horses to the roster by the end of the week. Last year Nick purchased Raydoun for €7,500 and underbid Fearless Angel which went for €44,000 and is now rated 100. These were the only two he bid on last year!
Keep your eyes peeled for some possible new additions to our share page later this week;
Shandy Star gets the job done on her 4th start and wins the feature race at Pontefract, the Spindrifter Conditions Stakes!!! Beating a very well fancied & bred Dubawi colt from Godolphin.
Another black type success in such a short time, its great to see our 2yos firing alongside our 2yos. Shandy Star was a 38,000gns Cotai Glory breeze up purchase. Addding to the list of success Nick has had with Cotai Glory purchases, joining the ranks of Eldrickjones & Sophie's Star.
Recent Black Type Winnners;
SHANDY STAR - Spindrifter Stakes
OSCULA - Eternal Stakes (listed)
GUILDED - Land O Burns (listed)
We head to Sandown next to build upon some more black type success for the NBR cohort!
As easy as 1-2...
Only 3 days since our 1-2-4 in the Land O'Burns Fillies' Stakes (Listed Race). We have had another dominant performance in listed company. We headed to Carlisle for the Eternal Stakes (listed) with Oscula & Honey Sweet.
Sam James got his filly out very quick and she was probably doing too much in front in the early stages which was great news for us as Ben was able to sit and be patient. When Ben did pull out Oscula she soon put daylight between herself and the field. Ben said he won with plenty in hand and that's how it looked watching it.
In the last 3 days that makes it 2 stakes winner & 5 black type placings!!!
A day to remember at Ayr! We sent 5 runners & over 20 NBR owners up for the action and it certainly did not disappoint...
We ran Guilded, Hellomydarlin & Sophie’s Star in the feature race of the day, the Land O'Burns Fillies' Stakes (Listed Race). Guilded getting up impressively to secure her first black type win. A 17,000gns purchase from Tattersalls Yearling Book 2 sale and now 97 rated with over £94,000 prize money secured. We didn’t stop there and the squad was out in form, as she was closely followed behind with Hellomydarlin in 3rd & Sophie’s Star in 4th.
So great to see so many of our 3yos out in form, an exciting few months ahead for our NBR owners!
The pinnacle of flat racing returned, and in unusual fashion graced us with particularly glorious weather!
This year we only had 1 runner go to the royal meeting, Al Qareem, lined up for the Queen's Vase (Gr.2). A competitive field with Eldar Eldarov leading the betting and ultimately justifying support after a dwelt start came through with a strong late surge to get up to win in the final strides.
Al Qareem ran a solid race at Ascot under Clifford Lee. Cliff found it quite easy to get to the front and set a good pace in the first half of the race. We had a good lead turning in but the Meader horse closed us down quickly. Al Qareem battled on to the line and finished a solid 4th position. At the time it looked like Cliff possibly went too quick but looking at the sectionals, Al Qareem was quickening himself up the straight but not at the same rate as the others in the field.
Big entries to come for this one!
WHAT A DAY!
We headed to York with 30 NBR owners and 2 from our 2yo cohort. With high hopes for Mersea after getting off the mark at Carlisle last time out she defied a 6lb penalty to get back-to-back wins! Another brilliant ride by Sam and a fantastic team effort from Grant and the team. In the same race we also ran Poppy Carrew who provided us with an encouraging run.
We then headed to Goodwood with True Jem who got back to winning ways with her first win on turf! A fantastic day all round and great to see so many runners getting in to form as we head to Royal Ascot next week. We should have around 6-8 runners and hopefully provide some more very memorable days for our owners!
In a week of racing steeped in history with the Epsom Derby going back 243 years and finishing with the Prix De Jockey Club(the French Derby). Although as we reflect on one of the oldest races established in the world we look back at previous renewals and a name keeps popping up. ..That of the great Lestor Piggot who we sadly lost a few days before the Derby was due to take place. A true great of the sport who won the Derby a record breaking 9 times.
During the week we had runners in UK,IRE & FR. We saw the return to form of Sophie's Star, who in her 1st run with Roger Fell managed to get up to win. Thanks to a brilliant ride by Jonny and and prep from Amy Collier has done all of the work with her at home and deserves the credit for today's performance. We also saw Oscula get back to form with a 2nd in the Surrey Stakes (Listed Race), Epsom. Our two French raiders Guilded & HMD fought nobably but ultimately was not their days at Chantilly. An action packed week with certainly a lot more to come as Royal Ascot fast approaches.
This week we have gone from elation to devastation. From the highs of seeing Mas Poder breaking her maiden after a long period of being injured. An absolute testament to the team at Glebe Farm who got her back in training & Kevin and his team for getting her back to strengths!
We headed the next day to Carlisle on the 26th May with 3 runners in CL4 5f 2yo only race. Which ultimately saw Mersea break her maiden on her 4th start, securing our 2nd 2yo winner of the season and Grant's 1st. The celebration were however shortlived as the immediate concern was for Sideways Shift who pulled up quite suddenly during the race.
The vets inspected her and diagnosed her with a fractured pelvic. She spent the night at the racecourse but when she was moved the next day the fracture must have slipped and we very sadly lost Sideways Shift.
A horribly sad and painful thing for all involved, our thoughts and prayers go out to all involved with this very much loved and promising member of the NBR team.
Nick headed to Ireland this week for the penultimate breeze up in the calendar and Ireland's only breeze up sale in the calendar.
The sale has historically always ben quite good value while also producing some serious talent, certainly one that Nick was not going to miss. Last year the sale gave us Stone Age, one of this years leading Derby favourites!
Nick managed to secure 3 exciting prospects:
LOT 52 - DARK ANGEL X PLAGIARISM
LOT 63 - THE LAST LION X SALLY IS THE BOSS
LOT 126 - GUTAIFAN X AMALLNA
Al Qareem wins at the final day of the Dante Festival at York. With over 80 owners in attendance made it a truly memorable day and certainly a memorable festival. 8 runners in total, costing less than £200,000, and the only syndiacte to win and place all week, including a 2nd in the Westow Stakes)(listed race) very much a happy bunch, I am sure a few sore heads this morning...
We discussed the potential pace battle infront with Cliff and gave him licence to lead but to ensure he wasn't going too hard in the early stages. As it worked out everyone looked at the race and felt that the pace would be strong and therefore took their time with their horses. This suited us it as it allowed Cliff to set his own fractions infront and control the race. Al Qareem didn't hit a flat spot in the race and won with plenty in hand. He took an age to pull up and is clearly a horse who is improving as we step him up in trip.
Nick picked up Al Qareem for only 17,000gns last year, the average cost of the runners in her race was over £130,000...
The Dante festival holds a special place in Nick's heart, often referred to as 'The Royal Ascotof the North'. Nick had a record of 30 placings and no winners before Al Qareem made light work of her opposition. Clearly no Friday 13th superstition hanging over us this festival :)
He will now go for the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot on June 16th where we expect him to go there with a massive chance.
Guilded bolsters her page further with a 2nd in the Westow Stakes (Listed Race) at York! Adding to the considerable record of placings in big races at the meeting for Nick, taking it to around 30 placings without a winner! A streak we hopefully be putting to bed on Friday as we send a very strong cohort of 2yos and some of our more familiar faces to get involved in the action!
A dominant front running performance by Clifford. Picking up well, Guilded kept on well in to the final furlong. In the end just coming up short against Karl's other runner in the race Last Crusader.
What is becoming very evident recently is that Karl's yard is in top form ...2yo's or his more familiar faces, they are all flying! This bodes very well as we have 13 2yos with him this season with some big race entries looming...
Mersea ran a career best this afternoon at York under a brilliant ride from Sam. She broke well from the gates and tracked Danny who took them along down the stands rail. Our filly travelled strongly and was one of the last horses off the bridle. She battled hard to get infront of the Keatley horse but was then collared for 2nd late on by the Adrian Nicholls horse who was staying on from off the pace.
We purchased her for only €5,000 at the Osarus sales last year. She was the least expensive purchase in the race and another great example of how Nicks shrewd moneyball approach can find talent without having to break the bank!
Lucia Joy breaks her maiden on the 4th time of asking at Thirsk with a dominant front running performance!
She was given a brilliant ride from Sam and never looked in too much danger of losing. Sam set steady enough fractions in the middle of the race which ensured she had plenty of juice left in the tank inside the final furlong.
We also picked up a £20,000 GBB bonus, a bonus scheme given out to British bred fillies & mares in certain eligible races.
We now look towards what the handicapper will do as we plan her next immediate targets, with the medium target being the Sandringham Stakes at Royal Ascot!
Honey Sweet set a good pace and ran all the way to the line to retain her second placed position crossing the line. It was probably a career best today and certainly a run we can be proud of.
The winner was 2nd in the Jean Luc Lagadere Group 1 last year and returned to his best form today. To put things in context he was a 1.1million Euro yearling purchase.
Eldrickjones finished a creditable 4th amongst tough competition beating the well fancied Ribhi.
Honey Sweet & Eldrickjones over in lsited company today helped bring us over £110,000 in prize money for the year!
Nick came to Newmarket with the intention of coming back with a 'lorry load of fillies!'
Unfortunately, this was not to be the case, with prices quickly going up and parties all competing for the same lots raising the prices to levels that Nick deemed too far a stretch from his Moneyball approach!
Nick has loved being shadowed by a number of NBR owners this week. Very much taking him back to his classroom roots as he walked them through the smoke and mirrors landscape of the sales!
Last year Nick purchased Fast Response 88OR for only 13,000GNS which was the 9th highest rated horse to come out of the sale!
This year Nick has purchased two new recruits, both of which will be going to Roger Fell;
LOT 162 - BRAZEN BEAU X RIMRAAM
LOT 187 - COTAI GLORY X NOUVELLE NOVA
An eventful week that began with Nick having a car crash when arriving in Newmarket...Nick was hopeful of securing at least 4 today, at the end of the sales he returns with two quality types with real potential and importantly purchased at great prices which was difficult task to do with prices going sky high towards the end.
Overall very much a successful stop on the breeze up circuit & to add to the positive results Nick's daughter secured her first wicket in cricket today!
We head back to Newmarket this week for the Tattersalls Guineas Breeze Up Sale. This is Nick's favourite sale in the breeze up circuit and heads down with the intention of adding a number of fillies to our 2yo squad!
With 192 lots and 73 fillies Nick is confident on continuing his success at the sales...
Last year Nick purchased Fast Response 88OR for only 13,000GNS which was the 9th highest rated horse to come out of the sale!
This year we have ropened the doors in to the world of breeze up sales to NBR owners and Nick is excited to be joined on each of the days of the sale by owners.
To hear about our latest purchases first - SIGN UP HERE!
We got the important first 2yo winner on the board at Ripon on Saturday with a thrilling performance from The Twilight Lady
under an expertly timed ride by Ben Curtis.
Ben said our filly was wary of the starter again who was positioned next to her stall as he was at Musselburgh. Our filly broke better than she did at Musselburgh but was still a bit green and outpaced in the first couple of furlongs. Ben said she came back on the bridle around halfway and at that point he knew she was going to run a big race. He switched her to the outside and gave her a slap and she took off and circled the field to win nicely!
We will look to go for the Lily Agnes at Chester next on May 4th and then to the Listed Marygate on 13th May.
After three days of inspecting 180 lots going through Doncaster Nick highlighted 60 lots which had potential. With the sales proven track record of producing Royal Ascot winners and Nick's successful Cotai Glory colt purchase last year, Eldrickjones we were determined to to get involved in 2022!
We are excited to announce that we have secured 3 new purchases ...
LOT 9 - BATED BREATH X GRAND DEPART
LOT 121 - HARRY ANGEL X WHITE ROSA
LOT 159 - CAMACHO X DARK SEDUCTRESS
Next week we return to Newmarket for the Tattersalls Guineas Breeze Up Sale. Last year Nick purchased Fast Response for only 13,000gns
To hear about our latest purchases first - SIGN UP HERE!
Our 2nd stop on our 2022 breeze up circuit kicks off in Doncaster this week!
The sale has an excellent track record of producing Ascot winners, within the last 6 years it has produced the likes of;
Perfect Power
A'Ali
Quiet Reflection
My Dream Boat
Prince of Lir
Ardad
Last year Nick purchased ELDRICKJONES OR104 from the sales for only £26,000. Who finished 2nd in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot on his 2nd start!
Eldrickjones turned out to be the 5th highest rated to come out of the sale. The average cost of a 100+ rated horse from the sale last year was over 5x this at £146,000!
Nick heads down this week so if you want to hear about his latest Royal Ascot hopeful purchases first please sign up HERE
While we are waiting for our 2yos to get in to their groove our 3yos have been flying!
The flat season is well and truelly under way and we have had some very exciting black type performances this week...
Notable Performances Include:
HONEY SWEET - 4TH - bet365 European Free Handicap (LISTED RACE)
HELLOMYDARLIN - 2ND - Lansdown Stakes (LISTED RACE)
The Craven has produced some real talent in recent years. This week we saw Cachet winning the Nell Gwyn Gr.3 & Native Trail winning the Gr.3 Craven Stakes. With Nick's only bid in the ring last year on Cachet it is always good to see we are on the right tack in terms of what to look for!
Tally-Ho had a dominant sales with the two fastest breezers and probably the best cohort at the sales which gives confidence to our recent addition Bojink!
Overall there were some very smart prospects and definitely some that will be taking some to Royal Ascot this year and potentially stallion prospects. After day 2 Nick had not purchased but had two offers on the table for a Bungle Inthejungle and Havana Grey filly that we didn't secure in the end. Compared to last year we saw an increase in the mean price of 35% to 115,917gns!
Nick's Moneyball methodology will head to Doncaster next week as we look to secure a few additions to the roster!
Kaboo completed his hattrick at Kempton (24/01/22) and remains unbeaten on the all-weather. The step up to 6f proved no issue, he raced prominently tracking the leader until around 2f out when Clifford asked and Kaboo delivered, soon going clear. Kaboo won comfortably, keeping on well inside the final furlong. Looking at the time data for the track, Kaboo provided the best performance of the day.
The race was a fast track qualifier for the All-Weather Championships, which guarantees Kaboo a place in Finals day at Newcastle on April 15th. We will aim to run again before heading to Newcastle in April in preparation for Finals day, preferably giving him some more experience of the course at Newcastle.
Cliff and Karl are extremely happy and think Kaboo has the making of a group horse! Certainly, a lot more is to be seen as he rises up the all-weather ladder!
Our maiden Furlong Factor gave birth to our first foal of the season on the 20th January 2021.
Furlong factor won 1 race at 2 years, 2020 and £10,264 and placed 3 times including second in Marygate Stakes, York,
She was covered by Ribchester the two time European Champion Miler and still holder of the Ascot straight mile record!
We cant wait to see what awaits for this gorgeous filly and the other 37 foals we have left to foal!
True Jem gets off the mark on her 5th start at Southwell tonight(18th Jan). She hasn't had the best of luck in her previous starts but today she was finally fit enough to do herself justice. A brilliant ride as always from Clifford Lee and expertly prepared by Karl Burke!
Nick purchased her at the Arqana Select Sale in September 2020. She was outstanding physically and in Nick's opinion this filly was the best daughter of Dabirsim he had seen since Different League.
We can't wait to see what holds for True Jem over the season and what lies in store for our other Dabirsim filly who will be making her debut later in the year.
The first of many for 2022!
The competition this year was incredibly competitive with 42 of you getting involved.
There has been a lot of moving in the top positions, but in the end Tom Haigh stayed strong and has continued to lead since our last update in September.
We can't wait to see all of you get involved next year and who you will all pick from our new recruits!
AL QAREEM got his first career win on Tuesday afternoon at Newcastle, where he stayed on impressively to win over 7f.
In his three starts so far he has showed some impressive form with a 2nd to Sound Angela in his first start who went on to win again at Lingfield on 15/12/21.
Sam James has been booked to ride on all three starts and we look forward to what holds for them in the future!
This year we have had had some incredibly talented 2yo's at our disposal. With 25 winners so far this year we have shown that it is very possible to make a return on your investment in racehorse ownership in the UK.
Notable performances include:
OSCULA winning the Prix Six Perfections (Group 3) in Deauville
ELDRICKJONES coming 2nd in the (Group 2) Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot
HONEY SWEET winning the Prix Zeddaan with our HELLOMYDARLIN coming 2nd in Deauville.
CORAZON winning the (Group 3) Prix d'Arenberg at Longchamp
Its been great to share the successes with our very loyal owners and also with our newer members who are experiencing racehorse ownership for the 1st time!
They have been competing at the very top level throughout the year!
Notable performances include:
MYSTERY ANGEL winning the Listed Pretty Polly Stakes in Newmarket and also coming 2nd to SNOWFALL in the (Group 1) Oaks
DANDALLA winning the Arran Scottish Sprint EBF Fillies' Stakes in Ayr
FEV ROVER coming 3rd in the 1,000 Guineas and 2nd in the (Group 2) Boomerang Mile at Leopardstown.
KABOO was incredibly impressive last night at Newcastle Racecourse. He ran prominently throughout by Clifford Lee and when asked 2 furlongs out, he comfortably went on from Olivia’s Choice.
Last night’s win makes it consecutive wins on the all-weather from this promising youngster, trained by Karl Burke. What made it even more memorable is that Kaboo makes up our 24th winner for our 2-year olds and our 30th overall winner for 2021…bringing us over the £900,000 mark in prize money for the year!
With more entries next week, we are far from closing the curtain on what has been a momentous year!
We recently saw some great results at the December Mares sale at Newmarket. Three fillies that have brought us great fun over the last few years went on to bring in nearly 2,000,000gns between them. With an average costing of £20,000 each, its been great to see some brilliant returns for our members. DANDALLA (pictured above) who won the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2020 was sold to Japanese interests for 750,000gns, she will go travel to Katsumi Yoshida’s Northern Farm. FEV ROVER was sold for 695,000gns scoring in the Group 2 Prix du Calvados and 3rd in the 1,000 Guineas, her career is far from over and will remain in training in the US. MYSTERY ANGEL who won the Listed Pretty Polly Stakes and runner-up to Snowfall in the Oaks was sold for 500,000gns.
Nick has been busy trying to again find great value from the yearling sales throughout this year and has bought some really exciting prospects. Please go to our available shares to get involved!
Nick continues as always to scour the sales to find value and the recent Horses In Training sale in Newmarket has been no different. Three new exciting prospects have joined the Nick Bradley Racing team; AL QAREEM, SHURUT and UNIQUE CUT. All three of these purchases have finished 2nd on their sole run since the sales back in October. All three have entries in the following week, with 6 figure offers already in discussion…
Don’t miss another opportunity, go to our available shares to get involved before it’s too late!
SHOULDAVBEENMORE was running in Black Type company in the height of the Summer and she returned to winning ways at Chelmsford on Monday night. We found a suitable opportunity to gain her first win. Returning from a break at this time of year suggests she could be one for Meydan, where they have enhanced the 3yo programme for the 2022 carnival.
She will head to the sales next week in Newmarket.
HONEY SWEET got her head in front for the first time since May at Nottingham when she made all to win the Prix Zeddaan from fellow NBR rival HELLOMYDARLIN.
It was a brilliant day for Nick Bradley Racing owners securing a 1-2 in another stakes race. The 1-2 today we have gone past £500,000 in prize money for our 2yo's in 2021. 36 2yo's have run in our colours this year, 15 have won at 42% wins/runners. 13 of our 2yo's have run in Black Type races with 7 of the 2yo's earning Black Type meaning 20% of our 2yo's have earned Black Type.
Both our horses went to the front on the rain softened ground at Deauville on Tuesday afternoon and perhaps the stand side rail aided Honey Sweet a touch more than Hellomydarlin which meant that Honey Sweet was able to repel the challenge in the dying stages to pull away by a length.