17 July 2003
June was fun! I went to Scotland twice, Russia, Royal Ascot, and
still found time to pay my first visit to the Derby Sale at Fairyhouse
with Bob and Pauline Scott. June is when I take my holidays - normally
salmon-fishing with the family in Scotland. And Ascot, although
exhausting, is more of a pleasure than a duty. I call it my Trade
Fair, which is not original - I think Bob McCreery coined it. A
very apt description for a marvelous gathering of everybody who
is anybody in the world of thoroughbred breeding and racing. And
I mean the world, although we do not need the Aussies taking home
too much of our prize money. Congratulations to them on a marvelous
feat, made even sweeter by leaving Europe with a Coolmore contract
in their pocket.
I do not know who decided to give the Derby Sale its name - I know
it coincides with the Irish Derby, but it is a silly name for a
sale full of 4 y.o. store horses. The facility at Fairyhouse must
have been designed by somebody who had never bought or sold a horse
in their life. Then you remember it is Tattersalls Ireland, and
built by the same people who designed the Wall Boxes at Newmarket.
That explains everything.
Anyway, they had some very nice horses to sell, and we came home
with two nice 4 y.o. geldings by Accordion and Roselier for Richard
Philips to train.
Having purchased several stores, I advised the Scotts that a ready
to run horse would be a good idea so that Richard is not feeling
pressured to get the youngsters into action. Fortunately Michael
Watt decided to sell BARNEY McCALL, a nice 3 y.o. I bought for him
as a yearling. BARNEY has won twice, loves soft ground, and is very
sound, so hopefully he will give Bob and Pauline some fun while
they wait for the "real jumpers"
I paid my first visit to Darley's stallion parade during July week
at Newmarket. A superb brunch preceded the stallion parade, and
both were equally impressive. It was so good I went back the next
day as well!
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