The worst way to lose?

Everything goes perfectly. Smartly out of the gate (the favourite and main danger put out of the race immediately in a mess behind) moves to the lead after 500 metres and accelerates clear down the back (the other danger galloping in the attempt to keep up), six lengths clear into the straight and under no pressure ('you can put away your glasses'), then... catastrophe!.. without warning he gallops. No real idea why. Not fatigue because he would hardly blow out a candle out after the race. He has done it before last year with Marion so there is something to be worked out for next time... at Amiens on Bastille Day probably. I'll be there with Kurt!

PORTO third at Croise Laroche

A comfortable third after starting well from 4 and leading most of way... might have been first, but third left him with 49,070 in winnings and therefore eligible for a nice race at Lisieux on Friday (2100m autostart, apprentis, 10,000 to winner, up to 50,000 winnings). Raurelia (Coktail Jet-Belga D'Avignere) won her race very impressively. Marion took the gamble of racing her inside to reduce her pulling. It looked as if the bet was not going to pay off at the turn into the straight, but the horse on the outside broke just when needed and she was able to get clear and utilise her explosive 200m sprint. Much more to come from this one

Here's the very nice pro pic of Porto and DMH winning at Chalons

The day the music died

21 June 2007
The day of Hilary's accident...

One of countless wonderful moments - Versailles Hall of Mirrors Dinner World Trotting Conference 1993

1.14.7 : the dream begins

Orlando was the star at Grosbois this morning, requalifying at a km rate of 1.14.7 (just under 2 minutes mile rate) without being pushed and on a track that was one second off according to experts! So at the end of a difficult week settling up, clearing and and vacating La Grande Metairie; we finally allowed ourselves a small dream about his future (well lubricated by champagnne and 'Remy Rouge'). Tomorrow to Enghien with Prince Djo and Monday to La Croise Laroche near Lille where Porto has drawn 4 ..... from whence I will Eurotunnel home late that evening.

PORTO and DMH win again

The leading French driver for some is JMB (gee-em-bay) Jean-Michel Bazire, but for me it is the up and coming DMH (day-em-arsh), David-Marion Hue, who followed up his easy win at Chalons behind Porto with another success at Vire. According to reports he had to ask Porto to work in the straight after being briefly headed, but the response was quick and effective. A big congratulations to David for his driving and preparation. June 23 at La Croise Laroche could be his next race. Winning definitely isn't everything but it sure is nice!!!

Unfortunately the switch to Vire on Monday meant I couldn't see the victory but a fabulous weekend , built around Marion's sister Brigitte's 50th birthday party - merci beaucoup Teresa and others for all the gorgeous food - included seeing Orlando have a serious workout on the track. He looks great and is obviously enjoying his dual role. There are four more mares awaiting his favours in the coming days because Bernard and Marion have decided to put all their mares to him. It's a repeat of last years's big gamble, but he has all the qualities one would want in a stallion so all we can do is hope they can perform like him. Sadly, one of his nicest (out of Naomi des Baux by Coktail Jet) died of an infection (snake bite??) just before the weekend, but the others are looking great (to my eye). My two by Modern Jazz have grown quickly and look much more impressive now. And Festina and Polina have both scanned in foal to Gros Grain.

PORTO wins ORLANDO requalifies

No dry eyes!

Almost unbelievable but truly wonderful. Vicki's first two runners as trainer were Torias Secret (top) and Uroc Amy at Timaru. And both won! And they won in similar fashion, coming to snatch victory on the line in very close finishes. See a writeup of this happy sad occasion here.

PORTO's super re-entry

Off the track for over 8 months Porto produced a wonderful performance to be second to the hot favourite and impressive last start winner. He started very well from 2 on the gate and led into the straight. Well done David - I hope he give us all lots more fun and success in the coming months.

Taking Stock

First runner in 2008 will be Porto at La Capelle on Thursday 8 May. David is to drive from position 2 in a 2700m autostart.

It's time to take stock of the ecurie, since I keep being asked how many horses I have an interest in and I don't know the exact answer myself any more!

Broodmares
Festina des Baux (Hetre Vert-Quortina-Borgia III)
Moonlight des Baux (Big Prestige-Festina des Baux) not being bred again
Polina des Baux (Jasmine de Flore-Festina des Baux)

In training
Orlando des Baux (6yo m. Ideal de l'Iton-Festina des Baux)
Porto de Bootz (5yo h. Caballio in Blue-Star de la Chaise-Janus de Crille)
Perfect Dream (5yo m. I am the Best-Java Dream-Blue Dream) [(with Bill Green]
Sierra des Baux (2yo f. Lutin Malin-Festina des Baux)
Snowball des Baux (2yo h. Eclat de la Crau-Moonlight des Baux)
Dutchess (2yo f. Monarchy-Sunvette-Sundon) [in New Zealand]

In field
Tina des Baux (1yo f. Ideal de l'Iton-Festina des Baux)
Twilight des Baux (1yo f. Ideal de l'Iton-Moonlight des Baux)
U........ des Baux (f. Modern Jazz-Festina des Baux)
United des Baux (m. Modern Jazz-Moonlight des Baux)
U........ des Baux (m. Orlando des Baux-Milady des Baux)

'In preparation'
........... (Love You-La Grande Duchesse-Sundon) [in New Zealand, due Nov]
........... (Love You-Gwen-Gee Whiz II) [in New Zealand, due Nov]
V........ des Baux (Gros Grain-Festina des Baux)
V........ des baux (Gros Grain-Polina des Baux)

Post script (for those who are wondering about the Qs and Rs.)
Quick d'Avignere (qualified, sold). Quiwi (qualified, but developed a deformed foot), Rosa (lacked ability), and Rosko (couldn't qualify) all 3 went 'elsewhere'.

Festina's 7th girl

Smallish, like Moonlight's colt also by Modern Jazz, but plenty of life. Festina and Polina will be served by Gros Grain this year... a tough performer representing a Speedy Crown-Nevele Pride cross