Desert Fox continued the fine start for the yard in 2018 (3 winners from 4 runners) with a win at Chelmsford last night. Unfortunately he rained on the parade of Spare Parts who has been in tremendous form this winter and was bidding for a 5 timer. Deset Fox had disappointed us last time at Kempton over the 7f trip but this was more like the horse we saw at Wolverhampton and he won well. Shane Kelly, his jockey, got Desert Fox some cover from his draw in stall 10 and he loved the strong pace of the race. Turning for home he looked the winner and once he was pulled out from behind the pack he galloped all the way to the line. Spare Parts put up a valiant effort to get the 2nd placed spot but the 6f was too short for him. We wish him well with his attempt to add another win to his tally which is back at the track on Saturday.
The photo shows "Foxy" in the Winner's Enclosure with delighted Owner-Breeders Bill and Christine Rogerson, his lad Hugo Meunier and jockey, Shane Kelly. Unfortunately his other owners, Bill Lemon, Paul & Michelle Arlotte and Robert Cooper were not there for the race. Robert Cooper did travel to the track but was caught in a traffic jam and missed the race. However, he did get to the hospitality suite to enjoy a glass of champagne and saw a relay of the race. Also, we learnt it was his birthday which made the win even better!

Titan Goddess followed up her win at Kempton last Saturday with a win at Chelmsford last night under a positive ride from Nicola Currie. She broke well and with no pace in the race she quickly made the running and the race was never in doubt. She kicked clear at the home turn and won by 4 lengths from Ted's Brother.
We were all delighted with her run as it came only 5 days after her convincing win at Kempton and despite her appearing well at home there is always the danger of the race coming too soon. However, she performed up to best expectations and she will have a break in the paddock for a few days to help her recovery. This was the mare's 7th win of her career and all the partners are thrilled with their tough mare who continues to have a great attitude to racing.

Titan Goddess got the New Year off to a fantastic start with an emphatic win at Kempton last night. We entered the horse as there were only 9 entries some 5 minutes before the closing at noon on Monday. When we looked at the entries it looked a competitive race but we knew TG was in good form and so we let her take her chance and we were so pleased we did.
We thought the long straight would suit TG and so it proved. A special mention must go to Nicola Currie who followed my instructions to the letter. We thought we might need the 5lbs claim of Nicola as TG was racing off a mark of 71 and was near the peak of her previous handicap mark of 73 but on the night it didn't matter as our horse ran a cracking race. It could be the favourite, Dance Teacher, did not run her race as she appeared to lose her action up the straight but one can't take anything away from the tenacity of our mare.
The photos show Kumbh Singh leading in the successful partnership of Titan Goddess and Nicola Currie followed by TG's owners in the Winner's Enclosure and then enjoying a celebratory drink in the Kempton's new hospitality box for winning connections. John Reid joined us for a drink as he is a jockey coach and has been helping Nicola with her race riding. He is clearly doing a good job!

Left to right: Peter Graham, Dennis Cooper, Titan Goddess, Kumbh Singh, Lindsay and Tony Basing, Ann Graham, Brian Batchelor and Milly & Ronnie Bright.
Photo courtesy of Ann Graham

Titan Goddess ran another fine race on the 21st December but came up against an improving and well handicapped winner in Dellaguista. It looked as though TG had made a winning run up the rail on the inside of the leader, Corked, but the winner was cantering on the outside of that horse and despite TG's best efforts she just ran into one on the night. We were only beaten a neck although the winner was probablr value for more than that. However, the handicapper saw it differently and raised TG 2lbs and the winner 3lbs. We thought a 1lb rise was justified and 2lbs was a bit harsh (Dellaguista won at Newcastle last night which helps frank the form).