Winners and Owners!

The most important recent event in the yard was the arrival of Jack Douglas Campbell Ewart.  He was born on 25^th August and is quickly getting used to the workings of a National Hunt yard!  Our very best wishes go to James and Briony – and of course, to Jack.

Hapy La Vie joined the yard last year and has proved to be a fun horse for This Happy Life Syndicate.  Jumping has always been his strength and so his runs over hurdles were a preparation for chasing.   Ed Austin rode him on his chasing debut at Hexham in May this year and he made a very promising start coming second over 2miles 4 furlongs.

Danny McMenamin rode him in his next race at Hexham in June because Ed Austin was sidelined with a broken leg.  This time the distance was 3 miles and jumping for fun, he led from start to finish and won by four lengths.  Back at Hexham in September he and Danny repeated this performance to win again and showed his liking for this course and for another front-running performance.   Still only six, he has made a great start to his chasing career and will be a horse to follow.

Hapy La Vie and Danny Mcmenamin winning at Kelso last month

Happy trainer and happy owners after their win

Owners Day – 17^th September 2023

After the disappointment of a last-minute cancellation of the 2022 Owners Day due to the death of the late Queen Elizabeth II, it was very good to be back together again at the yard for the parade of the horses followed by a delicious lunch generously provided by Neil and Sally and 80 people turned up to enjoy the fun.   However, the ‘Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men Gang Aft A-Gley’!   On the Friday night before the event, a gale destroyed the three-sided marquee which had been erected in the Craig garden and resulted in bent poles and missing canvas.  Quick thinking on the part of the Ewart family secured an alternative venue at Bentpath Village Hall.  This turned out to be a very comfortable and successful solution with a wonderful friendly atmosphere.

Baby Jack had his first public outing and behaved impeccably.

Once again, the horses were turned out to perfection and were a credit to everyone in the yard who work so hard to make all this possible.  They were led up by our amazing staff, all decked out in Fitzdares green complete with guest star David now happily retired.    It was lovely to see the horses so happy and relaxed in their stables after the parade welcoming their admirers and enjoying the attention.

With two winners on the board already, we all look forward to further success in the coming season.

Leah with Hapy La Vie 

Thistle Ask in Jaunty Mood!

James, Briony and Jack together with Briony’s parents enjoyed a different sport last week.   They all went to Netherby Hall for a horse-drawn drive and so Jack’s education continues!  The stables here have recently been restored and the carriage horses are the pride and joy of owner Margo Smith.

https://netherbyhall.co.uk/  

The beautifully restored stables at Netherby Hall

James and Jack in his carry cot waiting for the off!

Ready to go at Netherby Hall