NEWS AND UPDATES FOR NOVEMBER 2007 - A REMARKABLE MONTH FOR THE YARD - WITH A FANTASTIC 14 WINNERS !

1st November 2007

A great start to November 2007 for the yard

At Lingfield OPTIMUS got his head back in front under an excellent ride from Richard Quinn to run out a 13/2 winner for his connections. With many placed horses throughout October it was great to see Optimus get his head in front. Congratulations to the winning owner, Mr. Andrew Wyer.

The National Hunt season proper is now upon us which will result in many more of Brendans jumps horses gracing our racecourses.

Here's hoping that November will result in a fair share of winners for the hard working team.

Great to see TENDER THE GREAT in the winner's enclosure at Lingfield yet again under Richard Quinn coming in a respectable third.

Courtesy of The Racing Post:

OPTIMUS had been in good form on turf, but his AW form was not so impressive and he had to prove himself over this longer trip. However, he travelled well under a patient ride, and when finally asked to go after the clear leader, he picked up really well, having no troubleat all with the distance.

3rd November 2007

The start of the month goes off with a bang with the 2nd winner for the yard today.

Congratulations to the connections of GENERAL KNOWLEDGE who won in great style under a superb ride by Seb Sanders at Kempton this evening.

It was great to see Ian Smith in attendance who was not able to stay long after the win as he was off to an evening at The Albert Hall. No doubt, a great start to his evening, and another well deserved win for Seb Sanders who is still in contention for the Jockey's title for 2007.

Bonfire Night certainly goes off with a bang with a 3rd win for Brendan this month!

Monday 5th November 2007

Photos courtesy of Kay Stone

Well, like buses, none come along for a while, and then they all arrive at once. Another win this time with SHOREACRES at Plumpton this afternoon. Many congratulations to the winning owner, Mr David Nash and well done to Mick Fitzgerald.

Courtesy of The Racing Post
SHOREACRES, who had shown some promise over an inadequate 1m4f at Newbury last season, showed the benefit of that experience over this much longer trip, nosing ahead up the inner down the far side and coming clear under pressure in the straight after it had developed into a duel with Winsley Hill.

ISNTSHELOVELY owned by L. Gilbert also ran a great race under Sam Jones to finish 2nd at Warwick in an EBF Mares Only flat race qualifer.
Courtesy of The Racing Post
Isintshelovely also ran with real promise on debut given that her yard do well in this sphere.

Also a mention for The Iron Giant too who also ran at Plumpton owned by Kay Stone. The Iron Giant led most of the way in his race under Charlie Studd and although finishing quite a few lengths back - he did finish unlike some of the horses and earned himself and his very patient owner some prize money.

6th November 2007

No winner today but Optimistic Alfie and his optimistic and enthusiastic owners were in Exeter today where Alfie came 3rd. Tracy Roberts, our friendly photographer of this site sent these photos she took of Alfie post race.

Photos courtesy of Tracy Roberts - Turfpix

Wednesday 8th November 2007

2 more winners at Huntingdon bringing the total of winners this month to 5!

With five horses going to Huntingdon it was a great result for the horses, the owners and the yard with two winners and a second!

It was great to see BIG ROB under Graham Lee get his head back in front winning the race he also won last year. Congratulation to the winning owner, Pat Betts.

Courtesy of The Racing Post:
The race panned out beautifully for BIG ROB who was able to win this memorial race in honour of Macer Gifford for a second year running. He had shown he was coming to his peak when chasing home course specialist Cool Roxy at Fakenham 12 days earlier and, although racing off the pace, came into his own over the final three fences as he stamina came into play.
He stayed on well to lead on the flat and his handler is contemplating the Paddy Power Gold Cup if the ground stays fast and the race cuts upbut his handler may step him up to 3m which would seem the more plausible route.

Owlesbury Dream ran a cracking race under Charlie Studd to win impressively on her debut over the hurdles. Brendan has always thought very highly of this mare and great for the owners, John Studd and David Gamble to see her to win so comfortably.

Courtesy of The Racing Post:
A fetching first effort over hurdles from OWLESBURY DREAM who was different class to these rivals. She had scored on her debut in a bumper at Ludlow last December and was considered good enough to take her chance in the Aintree bumper won by the subsequent Group- class winner Turbo Linn last April and has evidently strengthened up well during the interim.
She was held up in mid-division, jumped well throughout and came through to lead two out. She was always in control thereafter as she skipped over the last to win comfortably. She will stay further and looks sure to win more races at this level with her handler hoping she can prove good enough to take her chance in the mares' final at Newbury in the spring.

More from The Racing Post about both horses:
Big Rob was another making it a happy return when landing the two mile and four and a half furlong handicap chase for a second year running to complete a 32-1 double for Brendan Powell.

Launde had set a good pace in the lead but that ultimately played into the hands of the 7-4 favourite who was forced to the front by Graham Lee close home to score by three quarters of a length from Daldini.

Powell said: “He's in the Paddy Power and if the ground stays really fast and the race cut up he might just nick in the bottom and we may consider giving it a go. He's crying out for three miles now and I said to his owner Mr Betts that at the end of the season I could see him goingfor something like the Scottish National.”

Owlebury Dream had been out with the washing behind subsequent Group winner Turbo Linn when the pair met in the Aintree bumper in April but the previous promise she had shown in that company, when winning at Ludlow and finishing second at Fontwell, was borne out when she made an impressive debut over hurdles in the two mile mares event.
The 11-1 shot was always travelling kindly for Charlie Studd and jumping well held up behind the leaders and when asked the lead two out quickly asserted for an easy three and a half length success from Petrovka.

Trainer Brendan Powell said: “She is a smashing little filly and has strengthened up a hell of a lot since last year. She has got plenty of speed but will stay further and I would like to think she would be good enough for the mares final at Newbury later in the season.”

A mention for BLAZE AHEAD who ran a good race to take second place under Graham Lee and will no doubt give his confidence a boost.

Out of 5 runners, 2 winners a creditable 2nd and the other 2 horses far from disgraced.

With the weather forecast threatening gale force winds and a high probability of rain, the lovely weather we have been enjoying and the firm ground may all be due to change.

Thursday 8th November 2007

CALUSA CALDERA - Another winner at Huntingdon and a double for owner, Peter Luff

Calusa Caldera and Bureaucrat complete 10-1 double for Luff
by Gavin Beech
Courtesy of The Racing Post

WHO'D have thought that? Peter Luff, involved in racehorse ownership for over 30 years and whose blue silks were made famous by the 1986 Grand National win of West Tip, had never had a double in all that time. Until Thursday at Huntingdon, that is.

Luff was on hand to see Calusa Caldera and Bureaucrat complete a 10-1 double for their Wokingham-based owner.

Luff, who works in the construction industry, said: "I've owned horses for more than 30 years and this is fantastic. A win is a win, it doesn't matter where we get one, we get just as excited, and to have two here for my first double is lovely. I am very grateful to Liam Norris, who buys all of my horses."

Calusa Caldera was perhaps more than a little fortunate to land his second course and distance novice event after Lady Pilot, who looked to be going much the better, crashed out at the second-last flight, but trainer Brendan Powell wasn't so sure the result would have been different.

"Our fellow would have battled on and Mick (Fitzgerald) said he was just getting him going at the time the mare fell." said Powell.

"That's it for hurdles now. We will look for a little novice chase for him, probably over three miles, he needs that trip. He's been doing plenty of schooling at home - you could see that here as he was quite big at some of his hurdles."

Quote of the day
"You never know, he might be another West Tip" - Brendan Powell referring to Calusa Caldera, who now goes novice chasing

This will go down as a commanding five-length victory for CALUSA CALDERA but the result could have been very different had hurdling newcomer Lady Pilot not crashed out at the second-last having looked to be travelling like a winner.
Calusa Caldera, penalised for his hard-fought win here last month, was forced to cut out the running. Although he came under pressure before turning for home, he proved last time that he responds well to pressure and he may well have made a good fist of this even if Lady Pilot had stayed on her feet.
That's it for the winner now over hurdles, connections are looking for a novice chase and he will be stepped up to 3m immediately. Still only a five-year-old, he has the scope to make a nice chaser.

Friday 9th November 2007

BRENDAN GETS THE TREBLE AT FONTWELL - TAKING HIS JUMPS CAMPAIGN TOTAL TO 22 WINS TO DATE!

This month just gets better and better for the number of winners and if my memory serves me right it isn't the first time Brendan Powell has had the treble up at Fontwell.

Sam Jones on Big Al. Photo Courtesy of Graham Dench of The Racing Post

The first winner, Big Al was giving an outstanding ride by Sam Jones (not Simon as they called him in The Racing Post's report). The horse certainly jumped particularly well but Sam is really showing what a top class pilot he is becoming and some of those big names should soon be watching their backs! Sam also rode a great race on Methodical and of course the new father (congratulations to Tony McCoy and Chanelle on the birth of their daughter, Eve, Yesterday) winning in impressive style on the classy Ambutilon.

A great day for the trainer, the owners, and of course all of those behind the scenes at the yard who appear to be doing all the right things to get these horses winning.

Coutesy of The Racing Post
In-form Powell upstages Gordon with chase treble
by Graham Dench

BRENDAN POWELL dominated Fontwell's card with a 65-1 chase treble, and in so doing he inadvertently stole the limelight from rookie trainer Chris Gordon, who has succeeded him at Morestead Stables near Twyford and sent out his first winner on the same card.

Powell is enjoying an unbelievable spell at present, and the three-timer with Big Al (pictured), Methodical and Abutilon took his score for the campaign to 22, already virtually halfway towards last season's total of 45.

After the four-year-old Abutilon had cruised home an easy six-length winner from Green Gamble in the concluding 2m2f handicap chase, ridden by Tony McCoy, Powell joked: "I just stay in bed all morning and leave it to the others, but I think that's nine in a week, Flat and jumps. They are all nice horses in their grade and they seem to be going well. I just hope I can keep it up."

Abutilon was a second winner on the card for JP McManus, whose Big Al had jumped well throughout and made all of the running when a similarly impressive winner of theearlier 2m6f handicap chase.

The six-year-old was running for only the second time for Powell who said: "I thought he'd do a lot better at Chepstow, but after travelling well he stopped halfway down the back straight. He jumped well here, but then he'd been at Enda Bolger's and they all jump well when they've been there."

In between Methodical ran out an eight-length winner of the mares novices' chase, competing a double for capable conditional Simon Jones, who had also ridden Big Al.

In running punters must have thought Powell was also going to take the mares bumper, for Fit To Drive, a half-sister to the stable's recently retired smart chaser Colonel Frank, went a good six lengths clear starting up the finishing straight. However, having looked almost certain to win, she was worn down near the finish by Christian Williams on the David Arbuthnot-trained Lavender Track.

Star performance
Brendan Powell, enjoying a red-hot streak

Methodical and Sam Jones returning to the Winners Enclosure

Photo courtesy of Kay Stone

Saturday 10th November 2007

BUBBLE BOY WINS AT SANDOWN TO TAKE THE TOTAL TO 23 (NH) WINS TO DATE and 10 WINS FOR THE YARD IN NOVEMBER!

The run of wins continues with the Newlands Stables absolutely flying this month. Clearly the horses involved and the jockeys play a massive part in the results but a mention had to go to those of you that work at the yard behind the scenes much of the time keeping the horses medically fit, well-schooled and happy! Keep up the good work! Oh, and of course Brendan isn't doing a bad job either!

The winner today was BUBBLE BOY at Sandown ridden by Dominic Elsworth and winning at a very respectable 8/1.

Courtesy of The Racing Post:
The usual small field that Sandown gets for handicap chases at this time of the year, and just the sort of race BUBBLE BOY enjoys, as the fences allow him to make the most of his excellent jumping and he is not hassled too much the lead. A course and distance winner last season and only 3lb higher than for his most recent win, he was hard pressed by Mister Apples rounding the home turn but was back on top again at the last. Brendan Powell, who has his team in unbelievably good form, thinks he might be a Scottish National type on goodish ground like this.

Just a mention for two other important milestones that happened today, firstly Jamie Spencer and Seb Sanders dead heating for the Jockeys Championship title at Doncaster today. A thrilling, often nail biting race for the title which was decided lierally on the last race. Both jockeys conducted themselves very professionally throughout the last few very tiring weeks and hopefully can now enjoy a well earned break to catch up with their families and enjoy some time to relax.

Finally, a mention for Kevin Darley who retired as a jockey today at Doncaster. Kevin's retirement may have been slightly overshadowed by the race for the jockeys title which seemed to have captured everyone's imagination, especially at the Doncaster meeting where kevin rode in his last race.

Wishing Kevin a very long and happy retirement.

Wednesday 14th November 2007

MONEY ORDER WINS AT BANGOR - 11 WINS FOR THE MONTH KEEPING BRENDAN STILL ON THE TRAINER'S "HOT" LIST!

MONEY ORDER owned by JP MCMANUS and ridden by Tony McCoy giving the yard their 11th winner for November.

Courtesy of The Racing Post:
Some promising types in this beginners' chase, none more so than MONEY ORDER, who made such a good impression last season, winning a bumper and a couple of hurdle races. He picked up where he left off here, on his chasing debut and did his job nicely, despite looking a little novicey, especially at the second-last. He has little mileage on the clock and is a horse with plenty of potential. It would come as no surprise to see him making significant strides as this season unfolds.

Brendan Powell may not have made any inroads as a jockey, wearing the JP McManus silks, but, second time round, as a trainer, he is making a vivid impression, which grew further on Wednesday, courtesy of Money Order, who made a winning start over fences to add to his three wins from four starts last season.

After seeing Tony McCoy bring home the five-year-old with three-parts of a length to spare, Powell said: “It's only his fifth-ever race and he's the sort of horse who only just does enough. I can see him stepping up to 3m in time,” said Powell.

Sunday 18th November 2007

COUNT KRISTO WINS AT FONTWELL - 12 WINS FOR THE YARD SO FAR THIS MONTH !

Another winner for the yard, this time with Count Kristo who won by an impressive 16 lengths under Sam Jones. Having met Alan Mills several times, I have a sneaking suspicion that this win would have made his week.... if not his year! Many congratulations Alan and I hope you now have lots of photos of Count Kristo now that he is a winner for you! Best we mention Sam as well seeing that he too played an important part in this win..... nice one, Sam! Let's hope that The Racing Post call you Sam in their write up and not Simon!

Could this photo provide a clue (taken at Fontwell ealier this year) when Alan and Sam Jones where planning to come back to Fontwell in November and win in awesome style wiping the floor with their opponents ?

The lovely looking Count Kristo

Courtesy of The Racing Post

No let-up in the rain but they were still getting through it well, although this modest bunch finished strung out. COUNT KRISTO was believed to need fast ground but coped well with this surface, especially as he has bled on three occasions previously, helping explain this drop into a claimer. He won a shade cosily with his rider exuding confidence even when still some half a dozen lengths behind runaway leader Almanshood.
This was a decent enough claimer, a shade above its class banding, and while this was Count Kristo's first win, he has contested some useful novices and is only rising six.

Friday 23rd November 2007

PSYCHOMODO WINS AT ASCOT - MAKING 13 WINS FOR THE YARD SO FAR THIS MONTH!

Well done to the winning connections, The Arkle Bar Partnership and to Mick Fitzgerald with the win at Ascot Friday afternoon on Psychomodo.

Courtesy of The Racing Post:
PSYCHOMODO had been beaten at 8-13 at Uttoxeter on his last run the previous term, when he was reported to have been unsuited by the fast ground and to have lost a shoe. Racing for the first time since, those excuses looked perfectly plausible, as he travelled prominently, taking over on the final circuit, going best turning in ahead of his main rival and not being hard pressed to score for the first time at the seventh attempt. He was very awkward at the second-last but jumped well enough otherwise and will presumably strip a little fitter for this outing.

Psychomodo and Mick Fitzgerald winning at Ascot
Photo courtesy of Steve Cargill

Saturday 24th November 2007

BLAZE AHEAD WINS AT HUNTINGDON - WIN NUMBER 14 FOR THE YARD THIS MONTH!

Another winner for the yard, this time at the very cold and windy racecourse at Huntingdon. TJ O Brien gave Blaze Ahead a great ride with the added cheekpieces may helping with Blaze's concentration. He won this race in good style and must surely go on to win again after this performance. Many congratulations to the winning owners, Wayne and Sarah Clifford.
Courtesy of The Racing Post:
BLAZE AHEAD looked to respond to the addition of cheekpieces, having tried other headgear. Consistent and versatile, he made all the running and looked there for the taking around the home bend, but he outgalloped his rivals.

NOT ANOTHER WIN BUT A GREAT EFFORT AT LINGFIELD !

A well deserved mention for Kay Stone, owner of Vallasini who put in an excellent effort to come 3rd at 100/1 at Lingfield yesterday. As the winner, Jim Best's Lady Pilot, headed for the winning post another battle took place between two of Brendan's horses, VALLASINI and PRINCESS FLAME ridden by Tom Sidall and Mick Fitzgerald respectively.
Evidently, the staff at the yard were almost as gobsmacked as Kay at this result but a wonderful result for all the connections - especially Kay!

Courtesy of The Racng Post:
Princess Flame left the form of last month's hurdles debut well behind, but after just getting the better of a sustained battle up the straight with her stablemate Valassini she found the favourite too strong for her up the run-in. She can win a similar race. The worry here is the proximity of Valassini, who was beaten in a seller on the Flat a couple of months ago. However, she had run well on her bumper debut and is from a stable in excellent form.